Ursula

I’ve been trying to think of something nice to write on the blog, and this is as close as I’ve got so far. It’s still keeping to the generally sad theme of the blog, but with a little twist.

In the early 20^th century, the Destitute Asylum housed two groups of people – young (generally unmarried) mothers and elderly people. There was one exception – Ursula Curran, aged 18.

Ursula Curran was born at the Destitute Asylum in 1886. Her mother, Mary, was unmarried. On 25 April 1887, Mary was brought before the Magistrates’ Court and fined 10s for drunkenness. She appeared in court with a babe-in-arms, Ursula, who was deemed neglected and sentenced to the Industrial School until she reached eighteen. Mary was not unknown to the Magistrates and had spent a month in gaol whilst pregnant with Ursula for stealing.  

On 19 September 1904, an article appeared in The Advertiser:

A LEGLESS GIRL IN DISTRESS

A girl who has lost both legs is at present residing at the Destitute Asylum, and her case is a sad one. The unfortunate girl is Ursula Curran, aged 18. She had been under the care of the State Children’s Department since infancy, and as she could not be boarded out to domestic service in the ordinary way, she was passed over to the care of the Destitute Asylum, where she will remain for the rest of her days unless some charitably-disposed persons come to her assistance. When the girl lost her legs, through disease rendering amputation imperative, she was 11 years of age, and lately wooden legs have been supplied to her. As these are jointless she cannot get about with any degree of comfort. It has been suggested that a fund might be raised to provide her with jointed artificial limbs, and with a sewing machine. She is fond of dewing and fancy work, and with the suggested artificial limbs, she could get about fairly well, and could do light housework. Possibly some kindly-disposed household might find room for her if she were provided with the conveniences mentioned. It seems hard that a bright young girl should be compelled to consort with very old people for the rest of her life when a few pounds would assist her to leave the Destitute Asylum. Subscriptions sent to The Advertiser office will be acknowledged.

The Advertiser aimed to raise £40 for the Ursula Curran Fund, which was meant to cover the cost of her artificial legs, a sewing machine and a new outfit. “When these objects are attained steps will be taken by The Advertiser to secure a comfortable home, where Miss Curran could reside and provide for her maintenance by doing the family sewing.” Within a week, F. Dietrich provided Ursula with a set of artificial legs at cost and gave his profit to the Fund. The following day, a representative of The Advertiser went to Mr. Hugo Wertheim’s sewing machine and piano establishment to enquire into costs for a sewing machine. The manager, Mr. Phillips, “without a moment’s hesitation”, donated a latest model Wertheim machine in an act of “spontaneous charity”.

One other particularly sweet donation was from ‘Jessie’ of Modbury. She wrote: “To the Editor.

“Sir – Please, I am forwarding to you 10/ that I have collected to help our poor crippled friend, Ursula Curran. I hoped to have got more, but I am not old enough to go far, as I am only 10 years, but I think all us little ones who have two legs ought to help a poor girl who has none. I am, &c.

“Your little sympathiser, Jessie. Modbury. October 4, 1904.”

A ‘comfortable home’ for Ursula was organised by Archbishop O’Reily and she left the Destitute Asylum on 8 October 1904. An Advertiser representative drove her to her new home in the suburbs. At the time, the Fund had raised £28, 2/9. Leaving the Destitute Asylum, Ursula said: This is the happiest day of my life. I shall never be able sufficiently to thank those who have helped me leave the Destitute Asylum. I should not like to live there all my life.

Concerts and school fundraising events were held to raise money for Ursula and by March 1905, the Fund had raised 62 8/11 and a Savings Bank account was made in Ursula’s name with 40 17/11 (the other money being used to buy her clothes).

Fourteen years later, in January 1919, another Ursula Curran Fund was established to replace her artificial limbs as the ones she was using at the time were too heavy and hurt her shoulders (I assume she had to use crutches). It was instigated by Bertha Owen, late matron of the Convalescent Hospital, Semaphore. They needed 40 for the new limbs and the amount was raised by March 1919. The new limbs were made by Mr. Ferris of Gouger Street.

And that’s all I know about Ursula. In 1919, she was thirty-three years old. I haven’t been able to find a death notice for her, so she could have lived beyond 1954 (the latest the newspapers are available online). Her story is by no means happy, but I think it’s rather sweet how many people helped her to live her own life away from the Asylum.

The Advertiser, 29 January 1885 – 10 March 1919