WLL: Peter Moffat of Irvinebank - North Queensland & His Tragic Marriage

Join Dr Ruth Kerr for a deep dive into the life of Peter Moffat from Irvinebank - North Queensland and his tumultuous marriage saga!

Lecture Info:

Peter Moffat was a Chemical Engineer trained in Glasgow and Manager of the Montalbion silver smelters, 10 kms west of Irvinebank, north Queensland. It was booming in 1888 when he married Jane Vary, the fiancée of John Moffat. Jane was a music teacher and divorcee, living in Norfolk Road South Brisbane.  Peter's future looked very promising as the sale of his Montalbion shares on the London stock exchange would pay off his debts to his mother. His life was shattered in 1888 in London. Ruth outlines how this happened and what ensued. The story illustrates the success and sadness of immigrants' lives in Queensland and for Peter's daughter in South Africa.

Speaker Bio:

Ruth Kerr is the Hon Secretary of RHSQ and was the first female President of the Society (1992-95). Ruth is a professional historian who did her PhD in history on mining magnate, John Moffat of Irvinebank, north Queensland. has done extensive research on mining, agriculture, land and history of organisations. She worked in Queensland State Archives, Crown Law Office, Queensland Parliament, Mines and Energy Department in native title and Primary Industries Department. Ruth is an Adjunct Professor in History at The University of Queensland.