E12 – Bound for South Australia –The Tale of Doctor Mayo

03/22/25 • 38 min

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!

Send us a text

Previous Episode

E11 – The Watts Family Crest

Send us a text

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.

Next Episode

E13 – Bound for South Australia –The Tattle Tales of Doctor Mayo

Send us a text

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.

Today's Stories from our Past - E12 – Bound for South Australia –The Tale of Doctor Mayo

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.621

There was great alarm occasioned on board our vessel this evening just after sunset on account of a report of a gun and a shot falling close to our quarter .

Speaker 100:00:11.680

No vessel till then was seen and immediately two more shots were fired .

Speaker 100:00:18.900

A brig was then on our starboard bow two miles .