S/Nurse Edith Twelvetrees Q.A.I.M.N.S.R.

[BarbaraG]

Edith was born in Russia in 1880 the daughter of eminent geologist William Harper Twelvetrees and his first wife.

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/803609

She married George Adams and remained in Nottingham after his death.

 

[frev]

A little extra info on Edith from my file:

 

TWELVETREES, Edith – Staff Nurse, QAIMNSR

[Brit MC, Edith Twelvetress – Staff Nurse, Gen Hosp & QAIMNSR / Brit MC, Edith Adams – Staff Nurse, Gen Hosp & QAIMNSR / SR, Edith Adams WO 399/18 – correspondence 1920s]

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C10792740

 

Edith was born on the 7^th of June 1880 in Voskresensky, Russia – the daughter of William Harper TWELVETREES and Mary Adelaide AUSTIN.  William and Mary, both born in England, married in Hackney in 1875.  William was employed at the Voskresensky copper mines 1871-1880, living Hackney, London in 1881 – then the Lidjessi silver-lead mines in Asia Minor 1882-1891 – arrived in Australia in 1891 – appointed Government Geologist in Tasmania in 1899

Mary died on the 11/7/1899 at their home “Kismet” in Launceston, Tas, aged 45

William re-married in 1901 to Sarah Albina GENDERS – he died on the 7/11/1919 also at the family home, “Kismet”, aged 71, and is buried in the Anglican Cemetery, Elphin, Tas

 

Edith was educated at Launceston Ladies College, Tasmania

 

She trained in Nursing at the Devon Hospital, Latrobe, Tas, from 1903 until passing their examination in 1906 – and later passing her exam for the Australian Trained Nurses Association in 1909

Registered as an obstetric nurse at the Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW, 1907

Matron of Aubrey Villa Private Hospital, Moree, NSW, in Sept, Oct 1909

Head nurse at the Cobar Hospital January 1910 – 1/3/1910

Head Nurse, Wellington Hospital, NSW, March 1910 – resigned July 1910

Appointed Matron of New Norfolk Cottage Hospital, Tasmania, in October 1910 – resigned in January 1911

Bush Nursing– she was the first Bush Nurse in NSW, stationed at Jindabyne from August 1911 to Jan 1912

Private hospital, Adaminaby, NSW, Jan 1912

 

Member of the Victoria League

1914 Electoral Roll: Nurse – 81 Elphin Rd, Launceston East (with her parents)

 

WW1 Service:

Having been accepted as a Staff Nurse with a contingent of 36 Australian nurses being sent to join Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve (QAIMNSR), she embarked on the Mooltan on the 15/5/1915

The nurses were disembarked in Egypt on the 15/6/1915 and posted for duty straight away

Edith was at the 15^th General Hospital in Alexandria in September 1915 when she wrote to the mother of Private Harold Eastoe, who was suffering from pneumonia, advising her he was doing well (Harold survived the war and returned to Tasmania at the end of 1919)

 

She served with the QAs until the 17/3/1917

Returned to Australia

Embarked Sydney 20/7/1918 on the SS Suevic for Durban, Sth Africa (Nurse, 37)

Embarked Natal, Sth Africa on the Llanstephan Castle, and arrived London 22/2/1919 (Hosp nurse, age 37)

Served with the QAs again from 8/3/1919 to 6/6/1919

 

[Note: Her service record mostly contains correspondence from the 1920s – details of war service having been destroyed.]

 

Married George Joseph ADAMS in the Oct-Dec Qtr 1919 at Lewisham, London

George died on the 4/8/1920 in Nottingham, England after a severe attack of malaria

 

Nursing at “Ellerslie House” Home for Paralysed Soldiers and Sailors, Gregory Boulevard Nottingham 1923

Added to the UK Nursing Register 18/5/1923

 

Residence from December 1926 until her death: “Kismet” 79 Sneinton Dale, Nottingham (named for her family home in Australia)

 

Listed on the roll of QAIMNS Permanent Reserve December 1925 until March 1930 (removed due to ill health)

Private nursing until March 1928

 

Edith died on the 31^st of May 1953 at the General Hospital in Nottingham, a week before her 73^rd Birthday

 

 

Examiner (Launceston, Tas), Sat 7 Mar 1903 (p.6):

A TRIP TO THE ISLANDS

Miss E. Twelvetrees, daughter of Mr W.H. Twelvetrees, Government Geologist, who has been on an extended visit to the South Sea Islands for the benefit of her health, returned home on Thursday evening, arriving from Sydney by the steamer Flora.

Miss Twelvetrees has been away for over 12 months, 10 of which were spent in the island of Nuknalofa, the capital of the Friendly Islands.  She states that she had a most pleasant holiday, and quite regretted having to leave.  During her stay in Nuknalofa she made many friends, and could not speak too highly of the kindness shown to her.  The climate, although rather hot, was very healthy, and for an invalid could not be bettered.  Her trip through the islands she will long remember.  The various beauty spots could hardly be excelled.

She embarked on the Union S.S. Company’s steamer Hauroto at Nuknalofa on January 20, and later in the day reached Haabal.  …………………………………………….

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/35537096

 

The North Western Advocate……(Tas), Thur 10 Sept 1903 (p.4):

Devon Hospital

The hon manager reported that, as Miss Marshall of Westbury only stayed a week, they had secured the services of Miss Twelvetrees as a probationer, and hoped that she would suit their requirements.  The board approved.

 

The North Western Advocate……(Tas), Thur 14 Jun 1906 (p.3):

Devon Hospital

Dr Payne wrote informing the board that Nurse Twelvetrees had passed a satisfactory examination, and was entitled to a certificate at the end of her term.

 

The North West Post (Formby, Tas), Wed 21 Nov 1906 (p.3):

DEVON HOSPITAL

Registration with the A.T.N.A.

A lengthy communication was read from Nurse Twelvetrees, drawing attention to the fact that the hospital was not registered with the Australian Trained Nurses’ Association.

 

Examiner (Launceston, Tas), Tue 30 Apr 1907 (p.4):

CURRENT TOPICS

A Successful Tasmanian – The many friends of Nurse Twelvetrees, daughter of Mr W.H. Twelvetrees, Government Geologist, will be pleased to learn of her success.  She received her training at the Devon Hospital, and word has now been received that she has passed her final examination at the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney, and received the certificate of the institution.  Miss Twelvetrees is at present enjoying a holiday at Tonga, in the South Sea Islands.

 

The North West Post (Formby, Tas), Wed 20 Nov 1907 (p.3):

DEVON HOSPITAL

The Chairman reported on a suggested agreement between the hospital and Miss Edith Twelvetrees, a qualified nurse, whereby the latter would stop at the hospital and help in the nursing ward in the intervals of her going out to cases.  She would also be available when the matron and nurses wanted their holdiays.  The chairman stated it would be a saving to the institution, as at present they had to pay a relieving nurse £2 2s per week.  Mr Rudge did not think it a business proposition.  He considered it rather an irregular proceeding, and Mr Simmons agreed with him, contending that they should advertise if they had a vacancy, which he questioned whether they had.  Mr Simmons said Dr Stewart had advised leaving the matter over for the present year – Mr Rudge moved, and Mr Simmons seconded, that no action be taken.  The motion was agreed to.

 

Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas), Thur 25 Jun 1908 (p.3):

LATROBE

The Devon Hospital…………..

The Matron, Miss Oberlin-Harris, has just departed for her well-earned annual holiday, and her place is being filled by Nurse Twelvetrees, who is just the right person in the right place.

 

The North West Post (Formby, Tas), Wed 19 Aug 1908 (p.3):

DEVON HOSPITAL

A BATH HEATER

Nurse Twelvetrees wrote, giving £3 to be used towards purchasing a bath heater for the nurses’ home. – On Mr Murray’s motion, it was decided to acknowledge receipt of the donation with thanks.

Mr Murray said it showed Nurse Twelvetrees had the welfare of the nurses at heart.

 

The North Western Advocate……(Tas), Thur 22 Jul 1909 (p.2):

Personal

Nurse Twelvetrees, who received her training at the Devon Hospital, has passed her final examination underthe Australian Trained Nurses’ Association, and has received her certificate from the body.  Miss Twelvetrees is a daughter of Mr W.H. Twelvetrees, the Government Geologist.

 

Examiner (Launceston, Tas), Sat 24 Jul 1909 (p.7):

ABOUT PEOPLE

Nurse Twelvetrees, late of the Latrobe Hospital, who recently obtained her certificate under the Australasian Trained Nurses’ Association, has left for Sydney, where she has obtained an important post in a large institution.

 

The Cobar Herald (NSW), Fri 21 Jan 1910 (p.4):

Cobar District Hospital

The appointment of Nurse Twelvetrees as head nuse was ratified.

 

The Cobar Herald (NSW), Fri 18 Feb 1910 (p.4):

Cobar District Hospital

Nurse Twelvetrees’ resignation was received and accepted, to date from the 1^st March.

 

Wellington Times (NSW), Thur 16 Jun 1910 (p.5):

WELLINGTON HOSPITAL COMMITTEE

RESIGNATION OF HEAD NURSE

The matron forwarded the resignation of Nurse Twelvetrees as head nurs, which stated that she wished to be relieved on the 13^th July.

 

The Mercury (Hobart, Tas), Sat 8 Oct 1910 (p.4):

PERSONAL

Miss Edith Twelvetrees has been appointed matron of New Norfolk Cottage Hospital.

 

The Mercury (Hobart, Tas), Mon 16 Jan 1911 (p.3):

NEW NORFOLK COTTAGE HOSPITAL

Miss Twelvetrees, had resigned her appointment, and Miss Moodie, of South Australia, had been appointed matron at a salary of £80 per annum.  Miss Twelvetrees had kindly consented to hold her position until Miss Moodie’s arrival next week.

 

The North West Post (Formby, Tas), Tue 8 Aug 1911 (p.4):

PIONEER BUSH NURSE

The bush-nursing scheme has at last been launched into being in New South Wales, and Nurse Twelvetrees has the distinction of being the pioneer bush nurse.  She left Sydney on July 21 for Cooma, and will be attached to the Jindabyne centre, which, thanks to the energy of Sir Joseph Carruthers and other local residents, has been first in the field with the necessary guarantees for nursing salary and equipment.  According to the “Sydney Morning Herald,” Matron Gould, a member of the New South Wales Bush Nursing Association, made the announcement of Nurse Twelvetrees’ departure at the annual meeting of the Australasian Trained Nurses’ Association, the fact being hailed with considerable enthusiasm.  The matron stated that she had just been seeing Nurse Twelvetrees off in the train, and drew a humorous picture of the plethora of bundles that she had taken with her.  “The bundles covered the nurses’ berth,” she remarked amid laughter, “and I puzzled me to know where she was going to sleep.”  But the matron at once relieved any anxiety on the part of the audience on this point by saying that she knew Nurse Twelvetrees was an experienced traveller, and the impediments in the shape of so many bundles would probably not prove so much in the way after all.  Matron Gould paid a tribute to Nurse Twelvetrees’ abilities as an obstetric nurse, and felt pleased that the practical initiation of the scheme had been entrusted to such capable hands.

“And in a few weeks,” added Matron Gould, “I expect a second bush nurse will be sent out.  (Applause)  There will be others wanted to go out, and if any nurse wants to go I would ask her to send her name in early.” (Renewed applause)

Miss Edith Twelvetrees, the first nurse actively to begin the work of the Bush Nursing Association, is of British extraction, but was trained at the Devon Hospital in Tasmania.  She was head nurse at the Cobar Hospital, and also at a private hospital at Taree, while for some time she was matron at the New Norfolk Cottage Hospital, Tasmania.  Miss Twelvetrees, in addition to her other qualifications, is registered as an obstetric nurse at the Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney.  According to Miss Gould, formerly matron of the Sydney Hospital, Miss Twelvetrees will proceed to Cooma by train, and travel the remaining 60 miles to Jindabyne by motor coach.  At Jindabyne she will be lodged as close to the police station as possible, so as to enjoy in equal measure the vicinity of the telephone and the paternal care of the law.

 

Northern Star (Lismore, NSW), Sat 19 Aug 1911 (p.12):

THE BUSH NURSE

Miss Twelvetrees, the first bush nurse in New South Wales, tells the following story in a letter from Jindabyne: – “I went to a case in the town – or may I call it village, please Jindabynites, it sounds so much fresher and brighter – to see a patient.  Whilst talking to the good lady in whose care the patient was, I learnt that her little daughter, hearing her father and mother talking of the ‘bush nurse,’ said, “Oh, daddy, I saw her yesterday, and she hadn’t any bushes over her!”  The poor wee mite was severely scolded, and told she must not call me such a name, I was only called the ‘bush nurse’ because I was in the bush!  But I am proud of my title of ‘bush nurse’ – the first one in New South Wales – and I wish the next one all prosperity, and if she meets with as much kindness as I have done she need not be afraid to set out.  She will find the poverty and the earthen floors that I have found, and she will find plenty of hard work; but the hearts are good.”

 

The Twofold Bay Magnet and………….(NSW), Mon 15 Jan 1912 (p.8):

ADAMINABY

Nurse Twelvetrees, late of the Jindabyne Bush Nursing Association, has taken up her residence in Adaminaby.

 

Clarence and Richmond Examiner (Grafton, NSW), Sat 3 Feb 1912 (p.3):

Bush Nursing

……………………………..

Nurse Twelvetrees, has resigned her position in order to take up private work in a neighbouring township, ………………….

 

Lithgow Mercury (NSW), Fri 13 Dec 1912 (p.3):

EX-JUDD’S CREEK TEACHER

The many friends of Mr A.E. Bunfield, one-time teacher at Judd’s Creek, ………………….

They now have a baby daughter – Flor Edith.  She is partly named after Nurse Edith Twelvetrees, and was the first child nursed by the first bush nurse sent out in N.S.W.  The child is locally known as “Nurse’s Baby.”

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/218741946

 

Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas), Fri 15 Oct 1915 (p.6):

TASMANIAN CASUALTIES

Mrs Eastoe, Evandale, is in receipt of a letter kindly sent by Nurse Twelvetrees, dated September 9, in forming her that her son, Private Harold Eastoe,  was doing well in No. 15 General Hospital, Alexandria, …………

 

Advocate (Burnie, Tas), Tue 18 Mar 1919:

NORTH-WESTERN NEWS

LATROBE

Devon Hospital Honor Roll – There has been placed in the hospital board-room the honor roll of nurses whose services were accepted for work abroad during the war of 1914 to 1918.  The names of the thirteen nurses are as follows: - Edith Twelvetrees, ……………………………………..

 

Examiner (Launceston, Tas), Fri 24 Sept 1920 (p.1):

DEATHS

ADAMS – On the 4^th August, at the residence of his brother, Nottingham, George, the dearly beloved husband of Edith, daughter of the late W.H. Twelvetrees, Launceston, Tasmania, after a severe attack of malaria.

 

England and Wales Probate Calendar:

ADAMS Edith of Kismet 79 Sneinton Dale Nottingham widow died 31 May 1953 at The General Hospital Nottingham

Probate Nottingham 22 August to the reverend John Goulton clerk and Harry Jackson drapers traveller.

Effects £1448 15s 9d.

 

 

Notes:

Father’s Obit 1919: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51060638

 

[BarbaraG]

Sincere thanks frev for ‘a little extra information’ which has been more than helpful and interesting.

I had wondered about the Ellerslie House Connection. Will take some time to read through all your notes and learn more about Edith. 

Barbara

[Marilyne]

Thanks for sharing this, ladies!! 

It's really interesting ! 

M.

[Matlock1418]

To link = there is now a thread for her husband

 M