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The deadly journey to Australia wasn't just about surviving treacherous seas—it was about escaping invisible killers that stalked passengers in the cramped confines of sailing ships.  Dr. George Mayo's diary from his second voyage records the heartbreaking reality: "Friday March 15th, aged two years three months, dead."

We're joined by a medical expert who unpacks the devastating diseases that claimed so many lives on these early voyages.  Measles, often mistakenly considered benign today, killed millions annually before vaccination, with mortality rates reaching alarming heights in young children.  The characteristic fever, rash, and respiratory symptoms proved fatal for many youngsters trapped in the close quarters of migrant ships.

Our discussion clarifies the crucial difference between measles and German measles (rubella)—the latter being particularly catastrophic for pregnant women.  We learn about Australian ophthalmologist Norman Gregg's groundbreaking 1941 discovery linking rubella in pregnancy to congenital defects, a finding that would eventually save countless unborn children.

The conversation turns to whooping cough, aptly named the "100-day cough" for its persistent, violent spasms that could fracture ribs or cause bleeding in the eyes.  Without modern antibiotics, this bacterial infection was especially lethal for infants.  We also explore "the itch" (scabies), a non-fatal but miserable skin condition that spread rapidly in shipboard environments and was treated with remedies as dangerous as mercury compounds.

This episode provides remarkable perspective on our medical progress.  Diseases that once decimated populations on voyages to Australia have been largely conquered through vaccination campaigns and antibiotics, though they remain threats when preventive measures falter.  The suffering of early migrants reminds us how fortunate we are to live in an age where these once-inevitable killers can be prevented with a simple injection.

Ready to learn more about the medical challenges faced by Australia's early settlers? Subscribe now and join us next episode as we continue our exploration of 19th-century diseases.

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Deadly epidemics swept through 19th-century cities with terrifying regularity, leaving medical practitioners like Drs. Watts and Mayo powerless against invisible killers they couldn't understand. 

What made these diseases so devastating, and how did we finally conquer them?  Our medical expert takes us through the horrifying reality of cholera – nicknamed "the blue death" for the distinctive colour it turned victims' skin.  The disease could kill within hours as patients lost up to 20 litres of fluid daily.  During London's 1854 Soho outbreak, over 600 people died in a small neighbourhood within days.

The prevailing "miasma" theory blamed disease on foul air, until pioneering physician Dr John Snow meticulously mapped cholera cases around a contaminated water pump.  His groundbreaking work effectively birthed modern epidemiology, proving disease spread through water rather than air – though the actual cholera bacterium wouldn't be discovered until decades later by Robert Koch.

We also explore the devastating impact of smallpox, which killed 30% of those infected and left survivors permanently scarred.  The disease proved particularly catastrophic when introduced to populations with no previous exposure – like Australia's First Nations peoples, who suffered up to 70% mortality after the 1789 Sydney outbreak.  The controversial origins of this epidemic raise difficult questions about early colonial history.

The podcast reveals fascinating stories behind smallpox vaccination – how Chinese and Islamic practitioners performed early forms of inoculation centuries before Edward Jenner, and how the famous "milkmaid story" about Jenner's discovery was actually fabricated by his biographer.  Even more surprising, we discover that vaccine hesitancy isn't new – cartoons from 1802 show the same concerns we see in modern debates.

Join us for this eye-opening journey through medical history that shows how far we've come in disease understanding and treatment, while highlighting the crucial public health measures – like clean water systems – that save countless lives today.  Next episode, we'll examine specific diseases encountered during Dr Mayo's 1836 voyage to Australia.

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In the unforgiving landscape of 1840s South Australia, economic disaster struck with devastating consequences. 

This deeply researched episode unveils the human story behind colonial financial collapse through the experiences of 22-year-old John Watts, who arrived in 1842 with £500 and dreams of prosperity, only to find himself destitute within a year.  The narrative takes us to Echunga Springs, where the once-prosperous Hack brothers had established impressive vineyards, wheat fields, and a profitable dairy.  Through John's firsthand account, we witness his initial optimism as he works the land, milking sixteen cows per hour and watching as dray loads of melons, fruits and vegetables were sent to market. But beneath this productive surface, financial disaster loomed.

South Australia's economic fabric was unraveling rapidly.  With communication to England taking eighteen months round-trip, immigrants had no way of knowing they were sailing into financial catastrophe.  By December 1842, one-third of Adelaide's houses stood empty, Governor Gray's drafts on the British Treasury were dishonoured, and only seven merchants remained solvent out of thirty.

The most heart-wrenching moment comes when bailiffs strip everything from the home of Stephen Hack's wife, who had given birth just three days earlier. "Two men took hold of the mattress Mother and I were lying on, lifted us off the bedstead onto the floor and carried that away also," wrote Stephen's son years later.  This callous act caused a permanent rift between the Hack brothers.

Through primary sources including letters, diaries and court records, we piece together the manipulated auction that saw valuable assets sold for a fraction of their worth, and how Jacob Hagen, supposedly a friend and fellow Quaker, orchestrated proceedings to acquire the Hack property at far below market value.

Join us for this remarkable journey into Australia's colonial past that reveals not just economic history, but the resilience of settlers like John Watts who, despite losing everything, found work cutting wood at two shillings per load and began saving for passage home.  Their stories continue to resonate as powerful reminders of Australia's challenging early years, and the determination required to survive them.

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A young man's rejection of medical destiny leads to an epic sea journey and colonial adventure in this fascinating exploration of early South Australian settlement.

When John Watts turned away from following his surgeon father's footsteps, he made a decision that would take him across multiple oceans, through terrifying storms, and into a colony teetering on economic collapse. This extraordinary tale of ambition, preparation, and perseverance reveals the complex web of connections that facilitated migration to Australia in the 1840s.

Through John's remarkable personal reminiscences, written at age 80 and preserved by his family for over a century, we gain intimate insights into how colonial dreams were both constructed and challenged. The story begins with a fateful meeting between Dr. Mayo and John's father in Gloucestershire, sparking the idea of sending John to South Australia. Rather than pursuing medicine like his brother, John pragmatically prepares for colonial life by learning farming, butchery, and blacksmithing – essential skills for frontier survival.

The six-month voyage aboard the Guiana proves both arduous and tragic. While crossing the turbulent seas near the Cape of Good Hope, all ten donkeys destined for the Hack family farm are lost overboard during violent storms – a poignant reminder of the perils facing colonial enterprises. Meanwhile, a young bride meets her new husband in Adelaide only to die at sea months later, highlighting the precariousness of colonial life.

What makes this episode particularly compelling is the economic context of John's arrival.  Landing in March 1842, he steps into a colony experiencing financial meltdown, with unemployed labourers, failing merchants, and British intervention to save South Australia from bankruptcy.  Through personal stories and historical context, we witness how individual ambitions intersected with imperial policies and economic cycles to shape Australia's early development.

Want to understand how ordinary people navigated the extraordinary challenges of colonial settlement?  This episode offers a rare window into one man's journey from reluctant doctor's son to Australian pioneer. Subscribe now to follow John's next adventures as he confronts the harsh realities of colonial life during South Australia's worst economic depression.

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Dr George Mayo's private diary from 1839 opens a rare window into the social world of a migrant ship bound for Australia. 

As ship surgeon aboard the Asia, Mayo moved freely between social classes—something no other passenger could do—and recorded his unfiltered observations about everyone from the captain to the stewards.

His candid entries reveal the fascinating dynamics of shipboard life across a five-month journey.  The cabin passengers maintained strict hierarchies, with Mrs Duff (described as "rather vain" with "an awful talking" habit) and Mrs Garrett locked in an ongoing feud over perceived slights, nursemaids showing insufficient respect, and mysterious family histories.  Mayo records their dramatic reconciliation with bemused detachment, noting how they became "sworn friends" after months of conflict.

Below decks, steerage passengers managed their own cooking and living arrangements while occasionally being brought before the captain for disciplinary issues.  The traditional "crossing the line" ceremony at the equator nearly erupted into violence when reluctant participants threatened sailors with pistols and wooden legs rather than submit to Neptune's rituals.

Most alarming were Mayo's entries about Captain Freeman, repeatedly described as fond of "brandy and water."  Near journey's end, the intoxicated captain nearly steered the Asia onto rocks at Cape Borda.  Only the intervention of Captain Duff, himself a passenger but experienced sea captain, saved the vessel from disaster.  While Freeman slept off his drinking, Duff remained "up all night" navigating the ship to safety.

These stories remind us that colonial settlement journeys were fraught with danger—not just from pirates and storms, but sometimes from the very people entrusted with passengers' safety.  Through Mayo's critical eye, we gain unprecedented insights into the complex human reality behind Australia's maritime migration history.

Explore our episode archives for more stories about early colonial Australia and the voyages that brought settlers to these shores.

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Embark on a journey back to 1839 as we unravel the remarkable tale of Dr. George Mayo aboard the migrant ship Asia. 

This episode reveals a gripping narrative filled with adventure, health struggles, and even threats of piracy during a time of mass migration to Australia.  As a ship's surgeon, Mayo faced dire circumstances—gunfire and rampant diseases among the passengers.  His diary offers a raw and intimate glimpse into the emotional resilience and tenacity required to survive such a perilous journey.

We explore the labyrinth of human stories intertwined with Mayo's account, revealing a community of immigrants confronting fear, loss, and the unknown.  The gripping accounts not only highlight Mayo's efforts to treat sick children afflicted by measles but also the unique interactions amongst a diverse group on board.  As he successfully navigated the challenges, Mayo's tale transitions into his legacy within a growing nation, contributing to the early days of Australian medicine.

Prepare for touching moments and riveting accounts as we dive deep into the daily lives of those aboard the Asia.  What lessons can we glean from their experiences?  Join us and reflect on the sacrifices and hopes of a bygone era, and stay tuned for the next episode as we continue to explore the profound narratives from Dr. Mayo's journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share your thoughts!

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Curious about your family's past? 

Discover the fascinating story of the Watts family crest, featuring a greyhound and a golden arrow—a symbol born from a dramatic saga involving survival and colonial legacy.  This episode dives deep into the history of family crests, untangling their significance in linking individuals to their lineage and societal standing during the Victorian era.

Our hosts unpack the difference between a family crest and a coat of arms while sharing the intertwined stories of ancestral identity and social ambition.  The discussion navigates through the life of William Watts, illustrating the complexities of colonial influence and personal enrichment.  The episode further explores the philosophy behind the Watts family motto, revealing insightful reflections on generosity and community spirit.

Listeners will also encounter quirky Victorian customs that underscore the era's fascination with status and reputation.  Each story adds depth to the conversation about how identities are crafted, sustained, and sometimes fabricated through symbols like family crests.  Join us as we draw connections between intrinsic family values and the ever-evolving concept of social climbing.

Whether you’re familiar with your ancestry or just curious about the oddities of history, this episode offers thought-provoking insights along with a sprinkle of amusement.  Tune in, share your family stories, and let’s connect as we celebrate the rich tapestry of our past!  Subscribe now and join our journey through time. 

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What if the legacy of a kind-hearted village doctor could inspire generations and spark dreams of adventure across continents? 

Join us as we explore the captivating story of the Watts family, where Thomas Watts defied the Dickensian stereotype of a struggling doctor and rose as a prosperous figure within England's burgeoning middle class.  Discover how his remarkable choice to divide his estate equally among his children, regardless of gender, set the stage for his son John’s daring journey to the colonies.

In a vibrant ceremony back in 1839, Thomas Watts was celebrated by his community in Frampton-on-Severn, leaving a lasting footprint of gratitude and respect.  The heartfelt event, marked by music and banners, saw the esteemed doctor honoured with a beautifully engraved silver tea kettle, symbolizing the profound impact of his dedicated service. This legacy extended beyond his lifetime, contributing to the education of young medical minds through the Watts Science Prize, all while shaping the future of medicine in England.

As we conclude, we reflect on John's aspirations and the potential influence of his family's standing in the village on his dreams of adventure in South Australia.  With minimal class barriers and the supportive backdrop of his family's legacy, John embarks on a journey that we are eager to unfold in future episodes.  Stay tuned as we continue to uncover these fascinating stories from our past, including the intriguing involvement of the Hack family and Dr. George Mayo, which will further illuminate John's decision to move to South Australia. 

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Unearth the captivating story of John Barton Hack, a pioneering figure whose journey from England to South Australia was fuelled by ambition and adventure. 

What if your investments could shape a new world?  Discover how Hack's Quaker roots, career as a currier, and ties to the Wakefield family propelled him toward the opportunities of a lifetime in the burgeoning colony.  Through gripping anecdotes, we follow his fateful voyages, encounters with notable figures like Captain Lipson, and his decisive move to sell everything and stake his future on South Australian soil.

Step into the vibrant life of the early settlers as we recount Barton's entrepreneurial spirit and relentless drive that helped lay the foundations of Adelaide.  Despite the trials of lost livestock and harsh conditions, Hack's ventures initially flourished, cementing his influence in the community.  From building bridges to pioneering agricultural innovations, including the first grapevines in the region, Barton's legacy is one of resilience and ingenuity.  Join us as we paint a vivid narrative of colonial life, sharing Barton's heartfelt letters and the indelible mark he and his brother Stephen left on South Australia's frontier.

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