Dr Alfred Oke Edye
- Born: 19 Dec 1806, Exeter, Devon England
- Christened: 1 Apr 1807, Bow Meeting (now mint) or Georges Meeting House, Presbyterian, Exeter, Devonshire England
- Marriage (1): Frances Thomas in 1838
- Died: 16 May 1856, Maitland, NSW Australia at age 49
- Buried: St Peters, East Maitland, NSW Australia
Noted events in his life were:
• source. Mary-Ann Cook who writes:
On 3rd February 1847 the Governor Sir Charles Fitzroy accompanied by the Honorable CD Riddell, G Fitzroy, Lieutenant Masters, Captain Moriarty, Major Innes and James Reid alighted from the steamer `Tamar` at the Hunter River Company`s Wharf at Morpeth. He had brought his horses with him on the steamer and he and his party mounted to proceed on their journey without delay. He was accompanied by about fifty gentlemen from the district who fell behind forming an escort as he rode to Maitland.
Perhaps Dr Edye was part of this escort. He may have attended Major Innes after he was thrown from his horse when a heavy shower drenched the party half way to Maitland. He was certainly present later that day at the levee held at George Yeomans` Northumberland Hotel. He was presented to the Governor along with other gentlemen such as Messrs. Turner, Rogerson, McDouall, Parker, Dunlop, Hungerford, Doyle, Close, McClelland, Biddulph, Close, Sloan, Gill, Dangar, Kingsmill, Geddes, Parnell, Capper and Walthall. He had taken part in meetings months before to make arrangements for the reception of the Governor so he was probably present also at the dinner that followed later that evening where speeches were made and the toasts raised with loud cheers.
Dr Edye was perhaps too generous with his employees. In 1847 he employed James Duff. After a fortnight Duff requested an advance of wages and Dr. Edye gave him 12/- (8/- more than was due) and Duff promptly absconded and spent the money on alcohol. Duff ended up in Newcastle gaol for fourteen days but it is unlikely that Dr. Edye recovered his money.
In 1848 Dr Edye witnessed the accident that caused the death of infant Jane Campbell. He was instantly in attendance and assisted the injured along with Dr Brown who also witnessed the accident. There was nothing they could do to save the infant however who later died from a fractured skull and brain injury.
Dr Edye died aged 49 on 16th May 1856 and was buried in the St Peter`s Cemetery at East Maitland.
Alfred married Frances Thomas in 1838. (Frances Thomas was born circa 1820.)
|
