George May Lee

Hunter Valley Medical Practitioner

George May Lee was born in Bristol, Somersetshire in November 1809. He trained at the University of Glasgow. [1]

West Maitland

In 1842 he was fortunately on hand in West Maitland when the child of a labouring man fell into a tank behind the Steam Mills while gathering pumpkin flowers. The dangerous reservoir was eight feet deep and often contained water up to 120 Fahrenheit, although on this occasion it was not so high. Cries of 'a child in the water' brought prompt assistance by Dr. Lee and others and the child was saved and returned to its parents. [2]
At this time (1842) he was in partnership with Frederick Beardmore in High Street West Maitland.[1]

In 1844 he occupied premises in High Street West Maitland between the Stores of Messrs. L. Potts and Co., and Owen and Co.. The premises were later occupied by saddler George Randell[3].

Family

His wife Helen gave birth to a daughter Helen Susannah at Maitland in August 1843.[4]

His daughter Emily Maria married George, the second son of Beresford Hudson of Newcastle at Lochinvar on 13 August 1879[5]

George May Lee's youngest daughter Annie H., Lee, died on 11 December 1913 at Halesville, Mansfield Street, Glebe Point. [6]

Death

George May Lee died on 21st May 1870 age 58 years at his residence at Lochinvar. He was buried at the Lochinvar Anglican Cemetery.

George Lee's widow Helen Lee died at Castlereagh Street Redfern in August 1899.

References

[1] Hunter River Gazette 1 January 1842

[2] Hunter River Gazette 9 April 1842

[3] Maitland Mercury 6 April 1844

[4] Family Search.com

[5] Maitland Mercury 4 October 1879

[6] The Sydney Morning Herald 25 December 1913

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