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Amy Gawler May (1841–1922)

A link between the past and present of South Australia has just been broken by the passing of Mrs. Amy May, aged 80, widow of Charles W. May, a much-loved master of St. Peter's College in its early days (writes a correspondent). Mr. May was formerly assistant to Mr. Bewjeus, of North Adelaide, and was appointed third master of the college in 1850. He lies in the Brighton Cemetery. Mrs. May was a daughter of Sir John and Lady Morphett, of Cummins, near Glenelg. Lady Morphett lived to a great age. Her sister, Miss Marianne Fisher, is still living at Glenelg. She came out in the Buffalo. Lady Morphett used to attend St. Peter's, Glenelg, and it was a pretty sight after the service to see her daughters and grand children surrounding the beautiful white haired old lady in her landau with its fine pair of spanking horses drawn up at the south door of the church. Her daughters at that period were all widows — Mrs. May, Mrs. Mair, Mrs. Henderson, and Mrs. Cobb. Sir John Morphett promised to give a peal of bells to the first St. Peter's Church, Glenelg, if they would build a tower to house them. As they never did this the promise was not claimed. Lady Morphett before marriage bore the well-known name of Fisher. Sir James Hurtle Fisher was first Mayor of Adelaide under the Bill of Incorporation established by the Act of Council, 41 Victoria, No. 1. The allowance provided under the Act was £300 per annum. The band always struck up "A fine old English gentleman" when ever Sir James Fisher appeared on the scenes, his portly figure and snow-white hair so exactly coincided with the song. George Fisher was drowned in the Admella. C. B. Fisher owned Hill River Station, and began the planting of Pine avenue along the road from Clare, five miles long, which was afterwards continued by Mr. Angas. C. B. Fisher also owned Murtho Park, on the Murray.

Original publication

Citation details

'May, Amy Gawler (1841–1922)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/may-amy-gawler-19198/text30736, accessed 19 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Alternative Names
  • Morphett, Amy Gawler
Birth

13 August, 1841
Morphettville, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Death

16 May, 1922 (aged 80)
Gawler, South Australia, Australia