Robert Waters Moore facts for kids

Robert Waters Moore (born 1819, died 6 December 1884) was an important surgeon and doctor. He was born in Cork, Ireland. He worked in the early days of the South Australia colony. He became the main doctor for the government, called the Colonial Surgeon. He took over this job from Dr. William Gosse.

Early Life and Career

Robert Waters Moore's father came from a well-known family in County Limerick, Ireland. His father also studied at Trinity College, Dublin. Robert started studying medicine in Cork in 1835. In 1840, he began working at the Charing Cross Hospital in London. Two years later, he became a Demonstrator of Anatomy there. This meant he helped teach students about the human body.

In 1842, he joined the Royal College of Surgeons. He also gained experience at the Westminster Ophthalmic Hospital, which specialized in eye care. In 1845, he earned his degree as a Doctor of Medicine.

In 1846, Dr. Moore moved to New South Wales, Australia. He worked as a medical assistant for a businessman named Benjamin Boyd. While working with Boyd, Dr. Moore met Oswald Brierly, an artist. Brierly later traveled with the Duke of Edinburgh when he visited South Australia in 1867.

Dr. Moore moved to South Australia in 1847. He started his own medical practice in Burra. He also became the doctor for the mines there. He held this job for about three years.

Important Roles in South Australia

In 1851, Dr. Moore married Luduvine Dutton. She was the daughter of William Hampden Dutton and the niece of Francis Stacker Dutton. Francis Dutton later became a special representative for South Australia in London.

Around this time, many people left South Australia for the gold rush in Victoria. About 1,500 men left, and businesses slowed down. Dr. Moore was one of the people who stayed in South Australia.

In 1858, the government chose him to be the Colonial Surgeon. This was a very important role as the chief doctor for the colony. He also became the Superintendent of the Lunatic Asylum (a hospital for mental health) and the President of the Medical Board. He was also a member of the Vaccine Board, which dealt with vaccinations.

He was soon relieved of his duties at the Lunatic Asylum. A full-time resident officer was appointed to manage it. In 1869, Dr. Moore left his job as Colonial Surgeon. Dr. Paterson took over from him. Dr. Moore then started his own private medical practice.

However, he continued to be the President of the Medical Board. He also remained an official visitor at the Lunatic Asylum. He was involved with the Orphan Home from when it first started, helping as a consulting physician. He was also a Governor of St. Peters College. He was an Honorary Surgeon at the Female Refuge and a member of the Linnæan Society. He even acted as a judge at flower and garden shows.

Dr. Moore was very educated and had one of the best libraries in the colony. He had a large medical practice and was well-liked, especially by people who were not wealthy. He was always very kind and thoughtful towards them.

His Family

Robert Waters Moore married Luduvine Charlotte Jane Dutton on 3 December 1851. She passed away on 14 May 1868. They had several children:

• Robert Garret Moore (born 1852, died 1890) became a solicitor, which is a type of lawyer.
• William Frederick Moore (born 1854, died 1913) became a doctor in New Zealand.
• Arthur Kingston Moore (born 1857) became a sheep farmer in Port Lincoln. He married Sophia Charlotte Cameron in 1878.
• Louisa Moore (born 1859, died 1940) married Dr. William F. Gardner in 1880.
• Henry Percival Moore (born 1860, died 1936) managed a bank branch. He married Eleanor Formby in 1885.
• Edwin Canton Moore (born 1862, died 1890) also became a solicitor.
• Anna Theresa Moore (born 1866) married Harry Dove Young in 1904.

Later Life and Legacy

Dr. Moore's health began to decline in his last few years. He sought advice from doctors in Melbourne and Sydney, but it did not help. In his final weeks, he was cared for by Dr. Ellison, Dr. Phillips, and an old friend, Dr. Graham.

His funeral was very well attended. Many important people came, including the Governor, Sir W. C. F. Robinson. Other notable attendees included Chief Justice Samuel Way, Sir Henry Ayers, and Sir William Milne. He was buried next to his wife at the North Road cemetery.

Images for kids

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  This image shows the coat of arms for Robert Waters Moore.