Bark hut store, Gulgong area, 1870s
Source: SLNSW
Detail: Dr Lewis... here daily...
Source: SLNSW
BACKGROUND
FREDERICK LEWIS was born in WORCESTERSHIRE England in about 1835. His father, also named Frederick Lewis, was a clerk of holy orders. Lewis must have trained as a doctor in England. He was married at the age of 20. He arrived in Australia in around 1871-2 and set up as a medical practitioner servicing the goldfields area of Gulgong and Home Rule.
Dr Lewis died at Home Rule on 31 December 1874 from "peritonitis" of 14 days duration (NSW BDM 7852/1875). He was 39 years old. The informant was the inn keeper, William H Sawbridge.
NEWS ITEMS
1871 - [ADVERTISEMENT]Dr. Fred. Lewis L.F.R.S.L.A.C.L.M.
May be consulted daily at Mr. Souter’s, 2 doors down from Rossiter’s Hotel, Queen Street.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 21, 8 July 1871
1871 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
Dr Fred Lewis L.F.P.S.L.A.C.L.M
May be consulted daily at Mr. Souter from Rossiter’s Hotel, Queen Street. two doors from Rossiter’s Hotel, Queen Street.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 22, 15 July 1871
1871 - POLICE COURT
Ramsay v Lewis, Dr. Belinfante for Dr. Ramsay, Dr. Lewis conducting his own case.
Dr. Ramsay stated that he was called by a preservative of the Mudgee Hospital Committee, Mr. Tarrant,
to see a patient lying at Tattersall’s Hotel, at about 10pm defendant called me a d—–d blackguard and a
d——d scoundrel, in the bar and in Herbert Street.
Sgt O’Donnell gave evidence to the fact, he said, when Dr. Ramsay went into the room where the patient was lying he told Dr. Lewis and an other man to clear out of the room.
The defendant called D. Kelly, who did not appear, then stated, he denied as a man of honour and on his oath he did not used the word ‘damn’. When ordered to leave the room he said, ‘it was a blackguardly proceeding.’ He was duly qualified and could produce his diploma. The patient was a man called Goodwin, who had been injured by riding into a tree, he had been taken first to Mrs. Willoughby’s eating house. Dr. Ramsay had the patient transferred to the hotel. Dr. Lewis was fined £5, which was immediately paid and Dr. Lewis requested a copy of the depositions.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 31, 16 September 1871
Mr. Peter Anderson, publican at Three Mile Rush, child has died. Clare Harriet Anderson, 9 months. Doctor Lewis gave her mixture of 7 and ¼ drops of silver poppies and some grey powder and ipecacuanha. The child became composed after she had the mixture from bottle. Shortly after when a powder was given the child went black in the face and died some hours after. Dr. Ramsay made a postmortem examination, and found the lungs and other organs healthy. The liver and brain was congested, the bottle of medicine contain a preparation of opium, which was dangerous to administer to young children, and caused congestion of the brain. Dr. Belinfante who was called for advice, stated his belief that 7 and ¼ drops was not too much, although syrup of poppies was uncertain in strength. After some consideration the jury brought in a verdict of death by natural causes.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 32, 23 September 1871Maltreatment – Dr. Frederick Lewis was charged with having caused the death of John Gordon at Gulgong, by administering certain drugs to him, which accelerated his death. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Sergeant O’Donnell made the arrest and produced two bottles of medicine the deceased had been taking.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 45, 23 December 1871
1871 - Police Court
Maltreatment – Dr. Frederick Lewis was charged with having caused the death of John Gordon at Gulgong, by administering certain drugs to him, which accelerated his death. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Sergeant O’Donnell made the arrest and produced two bottles of medicine the deceased had been taking.
George Washington stated: the deceased was his mate and they had been working on the new Court House on Saturday. He gave up work and returned on Monday. He complained of being ill, had great pains in his chest, deceased had hurt himself while lifting a heavy beam. He went to Dr. Lewis three different times to my knowledge and each time Dr. Lewis prescribed medicine for him.
Frederick Clutton stated: had been taking care of deceased while he was ill, lived near his tent. The night he died he was in great pain. All he could say was, ‘That wretch of a doctor has ruined me.’ He did not mention the doctor’s name.
Dr. Ramsay: I am a legally qualified medical practitioner. I was called to John Gordon but when I got there he was dead. I gave two bottles of medicine to Sgt. O’Donnell. The post mortem revealed that the heart and other organs were in excellent condition, except the left lung. The immediate cause of death was pulmonary apoplexy. There was no trace of external treatment having taken place. Dr. Bennett assisted with the examination. I believe Dr. Lewis treatment accelerated the cause of death.
Reginald Henry Kemp Bennett stated: Ammonia is a common remedy for heart disease, I cannot say for certain Dr. Lewis contributed to the cause of death or not.
Evidence conflicting, discharged.
[Note the P.M. was held at the Hit and Miss Hotel in Herbert Street]
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 45, 23 December 1871
1872 - HOME RULE
Dr Lewis, and Souter the chemist, have erected a snug branch, where all "ills that flesh is heir to," will
doubtless be cured at a moderate figure.
1872 - HOME RULE
Dr Lewis, and Souter the chemist, have erected a snug branch, where all "ills that flesh is heir to," will
doubtless be cured at a moderate figure.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 88, 19 June 1872
Three men outside J. Souter's Chemist and Druggist shop, Home Rule
with signs for Dr O'Connor and Dr. Kelly
with signs for Dr O'Connor and Dr. Kelly
Source: SLNSW
1872 - Home Rule Miners Literary Association
Meeting held at the Miner’s Home Hotel, Home Rule. The object of the Society is for the mutual improvement and literary recreation, consisting of lectures, debates, penny readings, musical entertainment etc.
Those mentioned were: Messrs. C.S. Stewart, Ludovick Blattmann, C. R. Dwyer, McDonald, Dr. T. Lewis [sic], P. Dwyer.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 88, 19 June 1872
1872 - Two More Mining Accidents
Our Home Rule correspondent writes:- An accident happened here today to a man named Shepherd, who whilst working down the shaft was struck by a hook falling from the top, inflicting a severe wound an inch in length and one and a half inches deep, penetrating nearly to the kidney besides causing a severe contusion. Dr. Lewis and Mr. Dale were quickly on the spot and under their skillful treatment the man is doing well.
Hardly was the ink dry when the above was written, when a report came in that another serious accident had occurred at No 20, Lowe's Paddock, It appears that a man who had only been a week at work in the claim was driving when a large quantity of earth caved in upon him. He was quickly extricated, and the medical gentlemen above mentioned sent for. They found on examination that he had sustained severe contusion and was also suffering from concussion of the spine but we are glad to learn that hopes are entertained of his recovery.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 117, 28 September 1872
1872 - Accident
A serious mishap occurred at the Home Rule on Sunday evening, through the upsetting of a spring cart. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson who reside near Chappell’s machine were returning home late, accompanied by their children, when the off wheel came in contact with a stump, the occupants were thrown out. Miss Robertson was severely injured, sustaining a lacerated wound over the temple and is suffering from concussion of the brain. Mrs. Robertson has severe contusions to the shoulder, the rest of the family were uninjured. Dr. Lewis and Mr. Dale were sent for and the family are on the way to recovery.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 120, 9 October 1872
1872 - HOME RULE
There were several serious accidents keeping Messrs. Lewis and Dale busy through most of the day attending to patients. First a man was thrown from a spring cart the wheel passing over his back which injured him internally, he will be laid up for a long time. Next a fine boy about six years old the son of Mr. Stewart of the Lily May was drowned in the creek just behind the booths. It seems that he with two other children, slipped away from those in charge of them and while playing at the edge of the water the deceased fell into a deep hole and though assistance was promptly on hand he was dead before he was got out. Another mishap happened to the rider of “Birmingham” who was thrown while the running off the dead heat with “Gratis“, the poor lad broke his wrist and sustaining other injuries. The fourth and last of the more serious casualties was the effect of the senseless flash riding always indulged in at bush races and which was rampant at this meeting. A man and a boy were riding at top speed in one direction when they were cannoned against by a horseman also riding at full speed, who was riding at right angles to the others. The result was, two horses killed, one man’s collar bone broken, and the other three severely hurt. This flash brandy riding is most reprehensible, no language can be too strong in condemnation of it, and the stewards should have the power of stopping it.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 143, 28 December 1872
Occurred at Home Rule last Saturday night to a young fellow named Kearns, who broke his leg while sky-larking. He was attended by Dr. Lewis and Mr. Dale.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 193, 21 June 1873
1873 - Miraculous Escape
A few days since a boy about fifteen years, named Lepscombe, accompanied by his little sister, was driving a dray at the Shallow Rush, Home Rule, when passing along a sideling made soft by the late rains, the wheel on the lower side cut in so deeply that the dray capsized, turning completely over and thereby boxing up the little girl but fortunately doing her no injury. The boy was not so lucky as he was caught on the chest by the guard-iron and pinned to the ground; but assistance was at hand and he was liberated just in time to save his life. The patient was promptly attended to by Messrs. Lewis and Dale who reported serious contusions but no danger.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 197, 5 July 1873
1874 - [ACCIDENTS]
Two or three accidents have happened, but none fatal, the most serious that I have heard of having happened to a man named Waylen, whose horse came down with him in Lowe's paddock and broke its leg in two places. He is doing well under the care of Dr. Lewis.
On Sunday last a boy named Coyle, about eleven years of age, was drowned whilst bathing in Mr. Stott's dam at the Canadian. It would appear that the youth with some of his acquaintances went into the water, and got out of his depth, from which it seems that he was not recovered for some time afterwards. On the arrival of Dr. Lewis and his assistant Mr. Dale, they applied Dr. Marshall Halls system for resuscitation, which proved ineffectual, and there were no systems of vitality. It is the opinion of the Doctor that the boy had been quite dead about one and a half hours previous. A Coroners' inquest was held yesterday, but I have not heard the verdict of the jury.
1874 - ANOTHER ACCIDENT.
Just as I am closing my report. Dr. Lewis informs me that a man named Armstrong of the prospector claim, Lilly May, had a quantity of earth fall on him this afternoon, causing dislocation of the spine.
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 7 Mar 1874 Page 34
1874 - Mining Accident
A miner named Mortimer, was seriously injured yesterday by the falling of rotten ground while he was at work in No. 10 claim Lowe’s paddock. Three ribs were broken and he is otherwise much hurt, but by last accounts hopes of his recovery were entertained. Messrs. Lewis and Dale are in attendance on the sufferer.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 1 September 1874
1874 - A man Struck by Lightning
The Coroner held an inquest at Sawbridges Hotel, Home Rule, into the death Joseph Whicher.
Evidence was taken from William Foster, Police Constable at Home Rule, who stated he was called to Spring Creek about 8 miles from Home Rule, went to a tree that was apparently newly struck by lightning, a short distance away I saw Joseph Hayes and other man with the body of the deceased in a cart. We took the body to the Shamrock Hotel, Home Rule. There was a gold nugget, some money in his pocket and a miner’s right in the name of George Whelan.
Joseph Hayes told of how he knew the deceased about three weeks and only as George; and how they had got caught in a storm and took shelter under different trees. There was a tremendous peal of thunder and a ball of fire seem to come down about a yard from me.
Alfred Dale, assistant surgeon to Dr. Lewis also gave evidence, as did William Morgan, carter, residing at Red Lead, Home Rule.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 17 November 1874
1874 - Inquest
The Coroner held an inquest at the Star Hotel at Home Rule, into the death of John Fitzgerald, who died suddenly while working his claim on blocks 4 and 5 Home Rule Lead. The verdict of the jury was that the deceased was suffocated by foul air. Drs Lewis and Ewington medical examiners, were of the opinion that the deceased was suffering from a heart disease and the foul air accelerated his death.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 8 December 1874
1874 - Coroner’s Inquest
Coroner’s Inquest in to the death of John Fitzgerald, a miner, aged 45, at Home Rule. Jury was Henry Brophy, James McAdam, John Collins, Thomas Deans and David Hepperlen.
William Osborne stated they had lowered a candle into the shaft, it went out after the deceased was removed. William Schurtz, John Standen, Dr. Lewis and Dr. Ewington all gave evidence. Verdict was the deceased death was caused by foul air.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 10 December 1874
1874 - Dr Lewis
1874 - Dr Lewis
This gentleman who has done good service at the Home Rule as an active, intelligent and most skilful physician, expired after a short illness. The funeral was announced for today. He will be greatly missed and we trust that his end is peace.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 31 December 18741874 - Dr Lewis
With the old year [says our Home Rule correspondent] has departed one who has filled a place at Home Rule since the first days of the rush. Dr Lewis died in the early hours of Thursday last, and was borne to his long home on the evening of the same day. We shall see him no more and may therefore, without risking the charge of flattery record the good word that is spoken of him in every tongue. He will be missed. Unlike some members of his profession he did not stay to enquire whether his remuneration was secure. His first thought on receiving a summons to a sick bed was to afford relief from pain as soon as possible. The same treatment was given whether you could afford it or not.
Note he is buried in the Gulgong Cemetery in an unmarked grave.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 2 January 1875
1875 - [DEATH]
Another who has long been a resident among us has been borne to his last resting place. Dr. Frederick Lewis, of Home Rule, died on the last day of the old year. He will be missed by many who were relieved by his skilful treatment, often given without remuneration, for he was kind-hearted to a fault. Peace be with him.
