William Mayhew (doctor) facts for kids

William Mayhew (born 1821, died 17 May 1905) was a doctor who worked in the Toodyay area of Western Australia. He became the official doctor for Toodyay in 1872. Before becoming a doctor, William Mayhew was a teacher. He and his wife, Alicia, moved to Western Australia to work as teachers. It is thought that he had already studied medicine in England before he arrived in Western Australia in 1867.

Early Life and Moving to Australia

William Mayhew was born in 1821 in Colchester, England. His parents were William and Sophia Mayhew. In 1846, he married Alicia Coloughley (1823–1892).

The couple decided to become teachers in Western Australia. They were offered a combined salary of £200 per year. They arrived in Fremantle on a ship called the Palestine on 11 August 1867. However, William Mayhew chose to become a doctor instead of a teacher.

Becoming a Doctor

In 1868, William Mayhew worked as a medical officer in Port Walcott. By 1870, he was officially registered as a doctor. The next year, he was appointed as an assistant colonial surgeon in Albany. In August 1872, he took over from Dr. Growse as Toodyay's main doctor.

Mayhew's Work in Toodyay

William Mayhew was very interested in education. In 1874, he joined the Toodyay District's Board of Education. Other important people on the board included Samuel Pole Phillips and Daniel Connor.

Moving and Returning

In 1876, Dr. Mayhew was moved to Pinjarra to be the district medical officer for a year. He returned to Toodyay in 1877 and continued his work as the district doctor. Even after he officially retired from this role, he kept living and working as a doctor in Toodyay. He helped both settlers and Aboriginal people. This was especially important during a serious measles outbreak in 1883-84.

Living in Toodyay

For some years, the Mayhews lived in a rented cottage in town. Around 1885, they moved into a different house. This house used to be lived in by Dr. Growse. It was owned by Dr. Waylen. The house needed repairs, which were done by Joseph Ablett Wroth.

It seems that some people in the town were happy about the Mayhews moving to the edge of town. Dr. Mayhew was well-liked and good at his job. However, his wife was known to be a difficult neighbor. She had many pets that caused problems for the townspeople. Her dogs barked a lot, and her pet goat caused trouble at Monger's store. The shop assistant even killed the goat because it was such a nuisance. After Mrs. Mayhew got very angry at the shop assistant, legal action was taken against her. So, it seems both the townspeople and Dr. Mayhew were pleased about the move to a new home.

Later Years and Legacy

In February 1892, William Mayhew's wife, Alicia, passed away. Their adopted daughter, Beatrice Alice Princess Eugene, who they adopted in 1875, then took over running the household. A few years later, in 1895, Dr. Mayhew was seriously injured. He was thrown out of a sulky (a light two-wheeled carriage) while going to visit a patient. He had to stay in bed for some time, and his daughter took care of him.

Dr. Mayhew continued to work. In 1902, the new Newcastle Hospital in Duke Street had to be reopened. It had been closed because it was too expensive to run and did not have enough patients. An agreement was made for Dr. Mayhew and his daughter to live in the hospital. His daughter was appointed as an acting nurse. They provided emergency medical services. Dr. Mayhew received a yearly payment, and Beatrice was paid £1 a week. They also received money for each patient's meals. This arrangement lasted until 1904. Then, Dr. Mayhew moved to Pinjarra to live with his daughter and her husband.

William Mayhew died in Northam on 17 May 1905.