Arthur Edwardes Growse facts for kids

Arthur Edwardes Growse (sometimes spelled Edwards) was a much-loved and respected doctor. He worked in the Toodyay area of Western Australia for many years. Dr. Growse served the community from 1856 to 1872, and then again from 1876 to 1877. He was the second doctor to work in Toodyay.

Dr. Growse's Early Life and Training

Arthur Edwardes Growse was born on December 26, 1831, in London, England. He came from an old family in Suffolk. He studied medicine at St Guy's Hospital in London. After finishing his training, he moved to Western Australia in the early 1850s.

Starting His Medical Career

Dr. Growse first worked as a doctor in Guildford around 1855-1856. In 1856, he was appointed to Toodyay. He took over from the previous doctor, Alfred Green, and began his long service to the Toodyay community.

Family Life in Australia

In 1858, Dr. Growse married Phoebe Henrietta Postlethwaite. Phoebe was a governess, which means she taught children in a private home. She had arrived in Australia in 1843 and had even lived for a time at Government House with Mrs. Fitzgerald, the wife of Governor Charles Fitzgerald.

A Large Family Home

Arthur and Phoebe Growse had a large family with nine children. Seven of their children were born in Toodyay. The other two were born in Williams, where Dr. Growse worked for a while before returning to Toodyay. Because they had so many children, people wondered if their large, two-storey home, known as "The Ship," was built specifically for their big family. This house later became the property of the Sisters of Mercy.

Facing Health Challenges in the Community

Besides treating common illnesses, Dr. Growse also had to deal with big health challenges. In 1861, a measles epidemic spread through the region. This illness greatly affected the Aboriginal people living there.

The Measles Epidemic of 1861

It was believed that the epidemic started from a passenger ship that arrived in King George Sound in 1860. The disease then traveled north, causing illness and deaths among both settlers and Aboriginal people. Dr. Growse worked hard to help. Twelve Aboriginal people were brought to the Newcastle Depot infirmary for treatment. A special hut was built for them. However, when one person died, the others were scared. They thought the doctor's medicine was poison and the hut was a place of death, so they refused to stay.

Dr. Growse's Community Involvement

Dr. Growse was not just a doctor; he was also an active member of the Toodyay community. He cared deeply about the well-being of the people.

Working for the Town's Water Supply

In 1868, he signed a petition to restart work on the town's water reservoir. Having enough clean drinking water was a big problem during dry periods, especially when the main well was in danger of drying up. Dr. Growse understood how important this was for everyone.

Serving on the Road Board

In 1871, Dr. Growse briefly served as the chairman of the first Toodyay Road Board. This board helped manage the roads and other local services. His time as chairman was short because he was transferred in 1872. He moved to Guildford, and then to Williams. In Williams, he worked as a resident magistrate (a type of judge) for a short time, as well as being the district medical officer. William Mayhew took his place in Toodyay.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1876, Dr. Growse returned to Newcastle (Toodyay) after Dr. Mayhew moved to Pinjarra. However, Dr. Growse's return to Toodyay was short-lived.

Difficult Times and Final Days

It seems he was facing financial difficulties during this period. In May 1877, he was declared bankrupt. Despite these challenges, he remained a dedicated and hard-working doctor. In November of that year, after attending to two patients on a wet, rainy night, he caught pneumonia. Sadly, he passed away.

A Beloved Doctor Remembered

An obituary, which is a notice about someone's death, in the Eastern Districts Chronicle newspaper spoke highly of him. It mentioned his "kindliness of heart" and the "assiduous manner in which he performed his duties." This meant he was very kind and worked very hard, which made him a favorite among the people. Dr. Growse was buried in Toodyay's Nardie Cemetery.