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Robert Valentine Phelps 1905
Of Dunolly, Victoria, Australia
From the Dunolly and Betbetshire Express and County of Gladstone Advertiser
Death of Mr. R.V. Phelps
Friday, 13th January, 1905
After a long illness Mr. Robert Valentine Phelps (1820-1905) the veteran solicitor and one of the first pioneers of this district [Dunolly, Victoria, Australia] passed away on Tuesday evening at about nine o’clock. As our readers are aware Mr. Phelps had a stroke of paralysis some months ago, and his condition since that time, although fluctuating had been such as to preclude all hope of recovery. At times it almost appeared as if any moment would be his last, and again, time after time, there would be a wonderful rally. All the time, however, the sufferer was gradually getting weaker, but his frequent rallies after such a severe shock were proof of his remarkable vitality. His advanced age must also be taken into consideration. Had he lived till the 14th February next, he would have been 86 years of age. For the past three months the deceased gentleman had never been able to leave his bed, and during all that time his condition was such that he had to be watched night and day, and Mrs. Phelps and members of the family have most devotedly attended to him, and seen to his every possible comfort. Not a single thing was omitted that might add to the ease and peace of his last days. And the sufferer himself, although all his life long as active and energetic, bore his enforced retirement with extraordinary patience and cheerfulness. There was never a murmur from him. Indeed, it was pathetic, when the rallies took place, to see with what pleasure he called the attention by signs of those around him to a slight access of power in the ability to lift his arm and move his fingers. From first to last his devoted attendants were rewarded by the appreciation the patience showed of their affectionate ministrations. Although unable to speak connectedly he was conscious towards the last, and knew his wife and children, and uttered fragments of sentences meant to cheer them. The end came, if a little suddenly, quite peacefully. No doubt the continued intense heat hastened it. It is five years since the deceased sustained his first stroke, but he recovered from that.
Mr. Phelps may well be regarded as having been one of Dunolly's most notable residents and in the record of the pioneers of the district and of the state, his name must occupy a prominent place. He had many and varied experiences in a new country, and his vigor, energy, and strength of character were noticeable even in those early strenuous days when the vigor and ardor of youth were manifest amid strange surroundings, demanding incessant watchfulness in a time full of adventure, and characterised by constant change. It was a strange romantic period, and comparatively few are left who engaged in its struggles and these are rapidly passing from amongst us. Mr. Phelps was one of the first white men to settle in this district. He arrived in 1851, some five years before the diggings here opened - having come across country with cattle at that time from Mt. Alexander. We understand he was associated for a time with the late Mr. Henry Norman Simpson in grazing pursuits, the run extending from about Maryborough to McIntyres. Mr. Phelps was an excellent raconteur when he chose, and his stories of those early times in Victoria, and in this locality, held his hearers breathless, although it was seldom, and too comparatively few, that he gave the pleasure of his reminiscences. Could these have been collected and arranged they would have formed a book of uncommon interest. For Victoria in those early days had much that was romantic and there was constant excitement. Mr. Phelps was one of the very first, if not the first, practising solicitors here, and maintained his connection with the courts of the district till some seven or eight years ago, practising in Dunolly, Tarnagulla, Avoca, Maryborough, and other places. His name was familiar over a wide extent of country, and he was known as an exceptionally clever and able lawyer. Indeed, his reputation as a lawyer extended throughout the state. His court stories of the “fifties” were always interesting, and very often amusing, when judge or magistrate sat in a rickety wooden building under which the pigs might be rooting and raising the flooring boards while cases were being heard. He could tell of his own experiences in the primitive “court houses”, at North Broadway, Dunolly, and elsewhere. Mr. Phelps thoroughly identified himself with his clients, and fought their cases as if they had been absolutely his own. He had an extensive legal knowledge, and point by point, inch by inch, he contested his ground. In his strong desire to do his utmost for his clients, he was at times impulsive, and always earnest and persistent, and occasionally came into collision with the bench, but his determination and ability were recognised, and also his entire devotion to his clients interests. All these latter knew that Mr. Phelps would leave no stone unturned to secure success. He was associated with some of the most important cases ever heard in this district - cases which created widespread interest. He was a man of strong individuality and unflinching courage, and, holding his views, he would always maintain them in face of any opposition. Withal he was of a most genial, kindly, and generous disposition, and, however one might differ from him, one could always do justice to his strong character and exceptional intelligence and . None could know him intimately without liking him, and admiring him for his kindness, for his energy, for his determination and pluck. He acquired land in the vicinity of his residence in North Broadway, and in his spare time it was his delight to attend to the cultivation of his allotments, which are now planted as orchards, and in excellent order. On his retirement from court work he devoted himself entirely to his property, and even up till the time of his last seizure and when he was hampered by increasing feebleness, he was never weary of attending personally to the work of cultivation.
There are some particulars which it will be interesting for our readers to know. His was the first marriage celebrated in this locality taking place in Old Dunolly, where he then resided, about fifty years ago. In fact, had he lived till the beginning of March next Mr. and Mrs. Phelps would have observed their golden wedding. At that time religious ministrations were not so regular as now, and the clergyman - the Rev. Mr. Cheyne, of the Church of England - drove all the way from Castlemaine to officiate at the wedding, for which Mr. Phelps paid him a fee of fifty pounds. A more painful and pathetic event of those early days took place subsequently, which still further illustrates the long association of Mr. and Mrs. Phelps with Dunolly. The very first internment that took place in what was then the new cemetery here, was that of a little son of Mr. and Mrs. Phelps, who, sad to relate, met his death by drowning in the creek which traverses Mr. Phelps’ property at the rear of the house. Deep and general sympathy is felt for the widow in the severing of such a long and affectionate association. She must feel the bereavement sadly. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps brought up a large family here, of whom ten are now living, some settled well at a distance, others residing still in Dunolly. The family consists of two sons and eight daughters - Messrs Robert and Edward, and Misses Harriet, Catherine, Effie, and Amy, and Mrs Manning, Mrs Rouse, Mrs Bernstein and Mrs Sharman. It can safely be said that no family in the district has ever enjoyed greater respect and regard than that of Mr. and Mrs. Phelps. Assuredly the members of it are a credit to their parents, to the district, and to Victoria, and are looked up to and esteemed by the entire community. Mrs. Phelps and family have the sympathy of the people. Both sons reside in New South Wales, and were unable to reach Dunolly in time for the funeral.
Mr. Robert Valentine Phelps, solicitor, the deceased, was born in Ledbury, Herefordshire, England, and was a son of the late Mr. Robert Phelps, solicitor, of Tewkesbury, England. He was admitted as a solicitor, at Westminister on the 9th May, 1842. He left England, and landed in Wellington New Zealand, in 1846, where he resided for some years, arriving in Dunolly, as stated, in 1851. He was admitted to the Victorian bar in 1856 - the year the rush broke out at Dunolly - and thereafter practiced his profession steadily, and with success - being engaged in some great cases - until the infirmities of age gradually creeping over him compelled retirement from active practice some eight years ago.
The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, a large number being present to pay the last token of respect to such an old and respected resident. The coffin was covered with wreaths and crosses, sent by loving friends, and the family also received a very large number of telegrams, letters, and other tokens of sympathy. The pall bearers were - Cr Woodham (Mayor), Rev. W.J. Chambers, ex-Sergeant Coyne, and Messrs Skelton, O’Grady, and H.J. Nolan. The Rev. W. Puttock (St. John’s Church) conducted the service at the grave.
Courtesy of Wendy Herne of Austrailia.