Little orphan engulfed in flames
Updated: Feb 27
At 11 years of age, Annie Murphy had already been dealt a cruel blow in life, finding herself living at St Aidan's Orphanage in the Victorian town of Bendigo, at the turn of the 20th century.
Born Ann Mary Murphy to Cath Roughan and John Murphy in 1898, her parents had married at St Patricks Cathedral, Melbourne in 1890. Ann's sister, Cath Veronica, would arrive in 1901 to complete the little family.
Sadly, the family was torn apart when Ann's father died in Mooroopna hospital in 1904, having suffered from consumption. Her mother wasn't well either and it was not long after that Ann, and most likely, her sister Cath, were sent to St Aidan's Orphanage in Bendigo.
Annie liked to help in the kitchen and, according to Sister Frances, the young girl was allowed to put a drop of water into one of the kettles. Sadly, she was wearing a pinafore and it caught fire when she leaned near the flame.
One can imagine the nightmare scene as the little girl screamed and ran into the vestibule area for help. It was a fatal move. It seems, the doors opening into the vestibule area were slightly ajar and a strong breeze blew in. The flames were fanned and she was engulfed and despite the best efforts of Sister Frances, whose hands were badly burnt, and staff, Annie would receive fatal injuries.
The doctor was summoned and Annie was taken to the hospital, but she would die from shock from her burns. A verdict of accidental death was recorded.
Annie was buried in Bendigo Public Cemetery.
References
'Births', Victorian Births Deaths Marriages, www.bdm.vic.gov.au, accessed 24th February, 2025.
'Deaths', Victorian Births Deaths Marriages, www.bdm.vic.gov.au, accessed 24th February, 2025
'Be Just and Fear Not', Shepparton Advertiser, Friday 8 July, 1904, Page 2
'Death from Burns', The Bendigo Independent, Thursday, 2 July, 1909, Page 3
'Annie Murphy', Findagrave, accessed 26th February, 2025, Memorials in Bendigo Public Cemetery - Find a Grave
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