Murray, Catherine
Family background
Catherine Murray was born in 1871 in the Yass district, fifth of nine children to farmer Denis Murray, and Bridget nee Cummins/Commins. In 1886, she was successful at a pupil teacher examination but was obliged to wait over two years for a vacancy, her father appealing twice in this time to have her appointed close to home.
Pupil teacher: Gunning Public School
In June 1889, now eighteen, Catherine was appointed pupil teacher at Gunning, which had an average attendance of almost 100, under charge of a Principal teacher and two pupil teachers. She appears to have lodged in Gunning during the week and made the journey back to her family home on weekends by train. An early report noted her use of leisure time for reading and music and her association with 'her own and neighbouring families', while also observing her weakness in some subjects. Despite a continuing struggle with Latin, Catherine progressed through her exams over the next four years, but was unsuccessful in the Training College entry exam, her efforts perhaps hindered by her health as she was then recovering from measles. She subsequently requested appointment to a small school, the inspector endorsing this and describing her as 'a deserving teacher' with 'Very Fair' skills.
Galong Provisional School
In January 1895 Catherine was farewelled by former pupils and friends at the Gunning railway station as she left for a position in Galong ['Goulburn Evening Penny Post', 19 January 1895, p. 5]. Shortly after assuming charge there she applied for expansion of the school building as it was so inadequate some students were forced to stand. The inspector supported her request, stating the establishment of a butter factory would likely maintain high enrolments. A few months later the school was extended and in December 1895 it was recommended for conversion to a Public School.
Wagragobilly Public School
In early 1896, Catherine was moved to Wagragobilly, a smaller school, in a teacher exchange. She seems to have regarded this new situation unfavourably, and soon applied for removal, a request she repeated after six months to no avail. By 1898 she had passed a classification exam which entitled her to apply for a position in a bigger school, but although again noted as 'a deserving teacher', she was obliged to wait eighteen months.
Brooklands Public School
In September 1899, Catherine accepted appointment to Brooklands but almost immediately requested removal, stating 'I am terribly disappointed with the place ... It is a complete wilderness'. She left the school after four days on duty, her key concern seemingly the distance from medical treatment, and was reappointed to Wagragobilly for six months before gaining a position in a larger school.
Reno Public School
In May 1900, Catherine was appointed to Reno, a mining village near Gundagai. After six months she resigned due to impending marriage, having completed 11 years' service. At a farewell she was given 'a handsome writing case', and acknowledged for her 'many amiable qualities' [Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser, 4 December 1900, p.2].
Later life
In December 1900 Catherine married mine manager, Austin Brain, moving soon after to Junee. She had two children and moved several more times as her husband's mining employment shifted. The family's final move was to Sydney, where her sons, Lester and Lionel, were educated at Sydney Grammar School, both later becoming distinguished aviators. Catherine died in 1941, aged 70.
[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, probate documents, and 'Early Education and Schools in the Canberra Region', (1999) by Lyall Gillespie.]
Schools
- Brooklands
09/1899 - 09/1899