Carmichael, Hannah
Family background
Hannah Lily Carmichael was born in the Sofala district in 1872, eighth of nine children to farmer and grazier Allan McGregor Carmichael, and Flora Campbell nee Leitch. In 1888, an older sister commenced teaching, and a year later Hannah followed her into the profession.
Hartley Vale Public School
Hannah was 16 when she began as Pupil Teacher in the mining community of Hartley Vale near Lithgow, her appointment confirmed after three months as she was in good health and her conduct was 'in every way highly satisfactory'. A report noted she was studying Geometry and Algebra in lieu of French and Music, as well as the fact she could not attend needlework instruction as she was required full-time to assist the principal manage a daily attendance of 90 pupils. After her first year she was promoted to Pupil Teacher Class III, and while she had three more training years to complete, she applied for charge of a small school, considering herself 'too much of a draw' on her parents, with the cost of her board and lodging being greater than her salary. This application was declined, likely due to her age, and she continued training at Hartley Vale, now in company with another Pupil Teacher as the school's average attendance had risen to 125.
Wattle Flat Public School
In mid 1891, now aged 18, Hannah was transferred to Wattle Flat where her parents resided, so she was able to live at home. Two years later she was offered a half-scholarship to the Sydney Training College, passing the entry examination despite being in recovery from measles, but chose to remain at Wattle Flat on an annual salary of £46. In mid 1896 she was appointed teacher of a small school, her departure drawing 'good wishes and affectionate farewells', along with recognition of her skills which led pupils to gain 'the highest marks ... of any school in the district or perhaps in the colony' ['Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal', 2 March 1897, p. 2].
Toual Provisional School
In March 1897 Hannah took up duty at Toual which had been closed about five weeks for want of a teacher, the Department being reminded of this by Mrs Elizabeth Armstrong with whom the teacher generally lodged. The school then had an average attendance of 15, and although only in charge a few months, Hannah made associations that would have a significant influence on her later life.
Warialdra Public School
In July 1897 Hannah was promoted to Teaching Assistant at Warialdra, west of Inverell, then after six months, transferred to Sydney.
Kogarah Public School
In January 1898 she was appointed Teaching Assistant in the Girls' Department at Kogarah where she taught three years, then in March 1901, retired having completed twelve years' service overall.
Later life
Shortly after retiring, Hannah married farmer and grazier John Armstrong, son of her Toual landlady. After marriage, she resided in Murrumbateman, then Cootamundra, where she raised seven children. Hannah died in 1947, aged 74, and was buried in Cootamundra.
[Biography prepared by Joanne Toohey, 2024. 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
02/1897 - 07/1897