George Mayo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids George Mayo
Born	8 January 1807 North Nibley, Gloucestershire, England
Died	16 December 1894 (aged 87)
Occupation	surgeon, medical administrator
Spouse(s)	Maria Gandy (1811–1847) and Ellen Anne Russell (1817–1901)
Parent(s)	Rev. Joshua (or Joseph Mayo) M.A.

George Mayo was an important doctor in early South Australia. He was born in England in 1807 and lived until 1894. He helped set up medical services in the new colony.

A Doctor's Journey

George Mayo was born in England. His father was Reverend Joseph Mayo. George studied medicine in London at Middlesex Hospital. He became a qualified surgeon in 1829.

He worked as a doctor in England for a few years. Then, he decided to move to South Australia. He arrived there in December 1837 on a ship called the Lady Emma. He went back to England briefly but returned to South Australia in 1839. He also visited England again in 1851.

Helping Adelaide Hospital

Dr. Mayo was a key figure at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. In 1853, he became an honorary medical officer. Later, he became the President of the Medical Board. This board helped manage medical services in the colony. He also joined the Central Vaccine Board in 1857. In 1868, he joined the hospital's management board. By 1876, he was made an Honorary Consulting Surgeon. This meant he gave expert advice to the hospital.

Beyond Medicine

George Mayo was also active in other parts of colonial life.

Defence Force Leader

He was very keen on the South Australia's Voluntary Defence Force. This was a group of citizens who trained to protect the colony. In 1859, he was a captain in the West Adelaide Rifles. By 1863, he had become a lieutenant-colonel.

Community and Church

Dr. Mayo was one of the first trustees of Trinity Church in Adelaide. He even helped lay the foundation stone for the church's schoolroom in 1887. This shows he cared about the community and education.

A Unique Character

George Mayo was known for being a bit unusual. He didn't like being in the public eye. There's only one known photograph of him, taken in a group. He loved staying active and was a very keen cyclist. In his later years, he rode a three-wheeled bicycle. He would often cycle long distances to places like Glenelg or North Adelaide. He was also a vice-president for several cycling clubs.

His Family Life

George Mayo was the nephew of Dr. George Smith Gibbes.

First Marriage

He married Maria Gandy in 1840. Maria had been a close companion and housekeeper to William Light. William Light was very important in planning the city of Adelaide. Maria nursed him in his final days and inherited everything from his will. The Mayos lived for a time at Light's old home, "Thebarton Cottage."

In 2011, a special memorial was put up in Thebarton to honor Maria Gandy. It celebrates her roles as a pioneer, settler, carer, and mother.

George and Maria had several children:

• Mary Jane Mayo (1841–1934): She married Reverend Richardson Reid.
• Kate Mayo (1843–1834): She married Dr. Alexander Stewart Paterson.
• George Gibbes Mayo (1845–1921): He was part of an expedition to the Northern Territory. He inherited a valuable self-portrait painting by Colonel Light. This painting was later given to the Art Gallery of South Australia.
  • George Gibbes Mayo married Henrietta Mary Donaldson. Their children included:
    • Dr. Helen Mary Mayo (1878–1967): A pioneer in women's health.
    • (George) Elton Mayo (1880–1949): A famous psychologist.
    • Sir Herbert Mayo (1885–1972): A well-known judge.

Second Marriage

George Mayo married again in London in 1852. His second wife was Ellen Anne Russell.

• Ellen Stuart Mayo (c. 1853–1946): She married Arthur George de la Poer Beresford.