Dillon, Jane
Family background
Jane 'Jennie' Dillon was born in the Sofala district in 1865, one of eight children to dairyman James Dillon and Jane nee Wilson. Shortly after her birth the family settled at Broughton Vale in the Shoalhaven district, her father soon joining other residents in successfully advocating for a school. After completing her education, Jane 'passed an examination preparatory to her acceptance by the Council of Education' [Kiama Independent, and Shoalhaven Advertiser, 4 March 1879, p. 4].
Toolejooa Public School
In July 1880, aged 15, Jane was appointed Pupil Teacher at Toolejooa west of Gerroa, her employment unfortunately coinciding with the destruction of the Dillon's home and dairy by fire ['Broughton Creek Mail', 29 July 1880, p. 3]. Despite this event, after four months her principal teacher reported she showed 'a taste for teaching' and seemed 'anxious to improve herself'.
Broughton Creek Public School
In July 1881 Jane was transferred to the school at Broughton Creek, more convenient to her home, and was promoted to the next grade of Pupil Teacher. A year later she failed her next examination, which she attributed to dislocating her shoulder a month earlier, and although allowed to repeat the exam, she was again unsuccessful. The following year her mother died, which no doubt also affected her studies, so it was not until 1884 that she attained the next grade in her training.
Shellharbour Public School
In late 1884, now aged 20, Jane was moved to Shellharbour Public to continue her training but six months later gave notice of her intention to resign effective 30 June 1885, due to her persistent anxiety over examinations.
Beaumont Provisional School
Although Jane resigned as Pupil Teacher, she was still eligible to teach a small school, and in August 1886 was appointed to Beaumont, in the Cambewarra Range near Nowra. A year later, this school was upgraded and her annual salary increased, although her appointment reverted to temporary as she was an unclassified teacher. Later that year she attempted a classification examination and while not successful, she was allowed to remain in situ, her tenure at Beaumont ultimately lasting three years. In that time, she sought extra furniture to accommodate the school's increased enrolment, as well as securing a school tank, the children previously carrying drinking water a considerable distance. She experienced difficulty in collecting school fees from some parents - a fairly typical situation in bush schools. While in two cases she recommended the debts be cancelled due to economic circumstances - she recommended prosecution in another and was subsequently summoned to court as a witness. Meanwhile, like many teachers, she experienced challenges with her accommodation and health, which eventually led her to apply for removal, 'unable to bear the fatigue' of a long daily walk 'through the bush and swamps'.
Sassafras Provisional School
In August 1889 Jane was appointed to Sassafras, south-west of Nowra, and soon attempted another classification exam, but again without success. As with her previous school, her appointment reverted to temporary as Sassafras was upgraded. After a year she requested removal due to 'unpleasantness caused by one of the parents' who insulted her and interfered with 'scholastic duties'. While the local inspector was sympathetic, stating that the parent was known 'as a meddlesome and objectionably officious person', Jane was nonetheless compelled to remain another eighteen months. In February 1891 she requested sick leave, supported by a medical certificate, which ultimately lasted ten weeks. After returning to duty, she reiterated her application for removal, requesting a situation where she would have access to medical treatment.
Yerriyong Public School
In July 1891, Jane received temporary charge of Yerriyong, bringing her closer to Nowra's medical services. Her health continued to be problematic, however, and after some months she took leave for 'pleurodynia attended with great nervous debility', her condition exacerbated by a two-and-half mile walk between lodgings and school, often through a swamp. While her leave was approved, she was also informed that if she required additional time 'she should resign and apply for reappointment' when her health was restored. Fortunately, she was able to avoid this course of action, and over the ensuing four years reiterated her request for removal from Yerriyong, even offering to accept a position at lower salary. While the local inspector described her as a 'painstaking conscientious teacher', she was told there was 'no chance at present of a suitable vacancy' as her circumstances were 'similar to those of dozens of other teachers, no better and no worse'. Despite the challenges, Jane's endeavours were appreciated by the local community, her organisation of a school concert earning particular credit ['Shoalhaven News and South Coast Districts Advertiser', 28 October 1893, p. 2]. Ultimately, it was the closure of Yerriyong in April 1895 that gained Jane an alternate position.
Her next two appointments were Assistant teacher positions at large metropolitan schools: firstly, Sutherland Public, where she taught for one year; then Erskineville Public, where she required leave after only a week as her health seemed 'to have given way entirely'. Her doctor suggested that a 'country school away from the sea' would be beneficial, and in mid-1896 she received successive short-term rural appointments: firstly Milbang (near Collector), then Yass, followed by a three-month appointment to Toual.
Nowra district schools
In 1897 Jane returned to the Nowra district with appointment to Budjong Vale, but before long required leave for severe neuralgia. Her condition, 'aggravated by the bad food she had been forced to eat', according to the local inspector, was resolved by having all teeth extracted! Lodgings were an additional problem so after eighteen months she was given a temporary position at Nowra Public.
In December 1898 she was appointed substitute at nearby Worragee (Worrigee) Public while the incumbent was in hospital, then as he was moved to a larger school after recovering, Jane continued at Worragee, the school expected to soon close due to insufficient enrolment.
As it turned out, Jane remained at Worragee almost three years, and under her charge the school's enrolment greatly improved. Her efficient management also extended to organising repairs to the school residence which was initially 'unfit for anyone to live in' and she soon took occupancy with one of her sisters. She also applied for a stove, (her predecessor having only a camp oven), and this was supported by the inspector who emphasised her small salary and satisfactory renewal of the property. Unfortunately, it seems Jane's competency increased the appeal of the appointment and after two years she heard that a higher qualified teacher might soon take charge of Worragee, so asked to remain another twelve months, stating she intended to sit a promotion examination in that time. Worragee parents, meanwhile, petitioned for her retention, declaring their children's progress under Miss Dillon 'very marked'. In 1902, however, she was moved and a male teacher appointed to Worragee, it being 'policy' to only grant positions with residences to married men.
Jane's final appointment was as Assistant teacher in the Sydney suburb of Mortdale, but she was only there two months before retiring, having completed 22 years' service.
Later life
Five months after retiring Jane married Camden storekeeper Herbert Oke at her parents' home in Parramatta, the wedding gifts including a silver tea service from the Worragee students and parents ['Shoalhaven Telegraph', 3 September 1902, p. 7]. After marriage the Okes lived in Camden, before moving to Parramatta, then Merrylands. When Jane died in May 1936, aged 70, her obituary recalled her years of dedicated teaching service stating, 'Wherever Miss Dillon went, she carried her Christian principles ... (and) exercised a wonderful influence on her pupils, and endeavoured to impart to them spiritual truth, as well as secular knowledge', ['The Methodist', 20 June 1936, p. 13]. She was buried in the Methodist portion of, Rookwood Cemetery.
[Biography prepared by Joanne Toohey, 2025. Sources include NSW school teachers' rolls 1868-1908, NSW school and related records 1876-1979, historic newspapers, NSW births, deaths and marriages index, and 'Early Education and Schools in the Canberra Region', (1999) by Lyall Gillespie.]
Schools
- Toual
09/1896 - 01/1897