Books Bundaberg's Beginnings Chapter 26

Part Six Descendants of Walter and Mary Adams of Bundaberg

Chapter 26

The Homemaker

Maria Emily, the fourth daughter of Walter and Mary, known to her own generation as “Rix” and later generations as “Aunty Sis”, never married.

Maria was a pupil and later a dedicated supporter of the Sisters of St. Joseph and no doubt a tower of strength in Walter’s efforts to retain the Sisters as educators in the Bundaberg district. An indication of this ongoing connection was the preservation, in the family album, of a card from one of the St. Joseph Sisters to Maria. (Appendix B8) There are also copies of other correspondence between the family and the Sisters.

NEWNHAM - at 116 George Street, Bundaberg Where family and domestic affairs were managed in her later life by Maria (Rix or Aunty Sis) following the death of Mary Adams
NEWNHAM - at 116 George Street, Bundaberg Where family and domestic affairs were managed in her later life by Maria (Rix or Aunty Sis) following the death of Mary Adams
Maria and Ellen Adams
Maria and Ellen Adams

By 1890, Maria had assumed the domestic and financial management of Walter’s residence, Summerville House, at 118 George Street. Her dedication to the household was specifically rewarded in Mary’s will by the first mention, “I give my daughter Maria Emily Adams my household furniture including my books, pictures, ornaments, piano, utensils and tools – also my buggy with its fittings and my buggy mare Jenny for her sole use and benefit.” In addition she received an equal share, with other beneficiaries, of the residual estate.

After the death of Walter and Mary, Maria was to assume the management of Newnham at 116 George Street. (Walter and Mary’s last residence was on the aforementioned, adjoining 118 George Street.) Newnham belonged to her younger sister, Ellen Elizabeth, and her husband, Richard Walter. Their children affirmed that Aunty Sis had a greater maternal influence on their upbringing than had their mother. It has also been claimed that Aunty Sis, though by no means a large lady, ruled the household with an iron rod.