George Bridge Mullins was the only son of
Mary and Daniel Mullins, surgeon of London. In 1841 when George was 14, the
family lived together at 10 Bouverie Street, Whitefriars London. Their
neighbours included a coal merchant, solicitor and clergyman.
George became involved in the Chartist movement and was
arrested for his activities as an agitator. It seems his parents tried
desperately to save him, however he was arrested for conspiring to levy war
against the Queen and her Government and sent for trial along with other
Chartists. Read about his arrest and trial
here. He was convicted of the crime and sentenced to transportation for
life.
George Bridge Mullins arrived as a convict on the
Adelaide
in 1849. His father and
possibly his mother made arrangements to follow him to Australia soon afterwards.
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Find out more about George Mullins' activities as a Chartist at
Chartist Ancestors.
George received a ticket of leave in June 1850.
Soon after this a practice was commenced by Daniel Mullins in Dieckman's cottage opposite the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Mullins gave his advice gratis to those purchasing medicine. In his
advertisements he stated that he
was late surgeon to the Hospital for Secret Diseases and West London Dispensary
for Treatment of Rheumatism, Diseases of Joints etc. He had been employed by the
firm of Messrs Cooper and Co of London for over 18 years. He offered to refund
money if a cure was not effected and to correspond with patients from the bush
who forwarded details of their cases, until their recovery.
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In January 1851
George Bridge Mullins
was elected (by a large majority) to be resident medical officer at the
Maitland
Hospital. He thanked his supporters and promised to 'endeavour by diligence and
a careful exercise of his abilities to promote the interests of the Institution'.
On
the 27th April 1851 George Mullins married Isabella Caroline, the
youngest daughter of Lieut. James Y. Jones, of Gurteen, County Kildare at St.
John's Church, West Maitland
In
November 1852 a Special meeting held at Maitland Hospital to investigate the
circumstances of William Rigby making a Will in favour of George Mullins.
Mullins was exonerated from any charge of using unfair or improper means of
inducing Rigby to make the Will however he resigned from his position at
Maitland Hospital soon after 'owing to the many annoyances after the Will of
Rigby was left in his favour.' He announced to would commence private practise
in Mr. Lockart's Cottage. The following notice was then placed in the Maitland
Mercury the next week:
'Mr.
Mullins, Senr., M.R.C.S.L., begs to inform the public generally that he has
resumed the Practice of his Profession, at his residence, opposite Mr. Solomon's
Stores, West Maitland, assisted by his son Mr. G.B. Mullins, late Resident
Medical Office to the Maitland Hospital.'
George Bridge Mullins died in 1863
For more information see
Australian Pioneer Medical Index
