Margaret Jane Irvine, wife of Andrew Fisher
This blog features a brief story of Margaret Jane Irvine, wife of Andrew Fisher. From humble beginnings, her story takes her from Gympie as the daughter of a Mine Manager to the wife of a Prime Minister and then to London as the wife of the Australian High Commissioner. What an interesting life she must have had.
Margaret Jane IRVINE was born on the 4th July 1974 in Nanango Queensland to Henry and Margaret (nee McPherson) IRVINE, one of 4 daughters.
Margaret Jane’s father, Henry, was Manager of the Monkland Mine, her mother Margaret ran a boarding house in Maori Lane.
Andrew Fisher became a friend and co-worker of her father whilst working at the Monkland mine whereupon he came to board with the family.
Margaret Jane’s father tragically died in a mining incident due to ‘foul air’ in March of 1890.
Andrew Fisher and Margaret Jane Irvine married on the 31st December 1901 at her mother’s residence in Crown Road in Gympie Queensland,
FISHER— IRVINE.
A wedding, which is likely to inspire considerable interest both in and outside the State owing to the position of the bridegroom, was celebrated on Tuesday evening at the residence of Mrs. Irvine, Crown Road, mother of the bride, when Mr. Andrew Fisher, M.P., was married to Margaret Jane, eldest daughter of the late Henry
Irvine.
The bride, who was attired in a pretty travelling costume, was attended by her cousin, Miss MacGregor and sister Miss Tina Irvine, as bridesmaids.
Mr. H. Shanks, uncle of the bride, gave the bride away, and Mr. Charles M’Ghie (Maryborough) acted as best man, The Rev R J Wallace, of Killarney, officiated, and was assisted by the Rev J. MacIntyre. A large number of friends and relatives witnessed the ceremony. After the wedding an adjournment was made to the dining room, where a sumptuous repast had been provided. The Rev R. J. Wallace presided, and Mr. D. Mulcahy, M.L A. occupied the vice-chair. After due justice had been done to the good things provided, Mr. R. Macfarlane proposed the toast of “Health, Wealth, and Prosperity to the Bride and Bridegroom,” in a happy speech. He said he had known Mrs. Fisher for a long time – she was a Gympie native – and he had also known Mr. Fisher for many years.
Mr. Fisher suitably replied, thanking all for the hearty manner in which the toast had been drunk. The toasts of “the Bridesmaids,” ‘The Hostess’ and ‘The Chairman’ followed. Mr. Wallace, in responding, said that the position of Chairman and officiator at the ceremony had been generously and magnanimously given to him by Mr. MacIntyre, whose right it was.
Mr. MacIntyre had urged him to come because he was an old friend of the bride and bridegroom. The health of Mr. MacIntyre brought the toast list to a conclusion.
The numerous wedding presents, which were valuable and varied, were on view in the drawing room, and were sent from all parts of the country by friends. Of particular interest were those presented by Mr. Fisher’s fellow legislators in the first Commonwealth Parliament.
Mr. and Mrs. Fisher left by yesterday morning’s train for Brisbane, en route for Melbourne, where Mr. Fisher resumes his legislative duties on the 14th instant.
Should the Commonwealth session end within a reasonable time, it is his intention to visit England with his bride.
Gympie Times and Mary River Mining Gazette (Qld. : 1868 – 1919) Thu 2 Jan 1902
Andrew & Margaret FISHER went on to have 6 children, 5 sons and 1 daughter: Robert born 1902, Margaret born 1904, Henry born 1906, Andrew Wallace born 1908, John born 1910 and James Garven born 1912 raising their family, with a lot of help from her mother.
For five years, Margaret Fisher managed the family home in Maori Lane Gympie, until 1907, when Andrew Fisher became leader of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, the family then moved to Melbourne, Their house soon became a venue for political gatherings, and meetings of ministers and parliamentarians.
Margaret Fisher fulfilled the public roles of prime ministerial wife abroad as well as at home, making an official visit to London as part of the Australian delegation to the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. She took part in the many events throughout Britain associated with the coronation and the Imperial Conference.
Margaret FISHER was a supporter for the Women’s Suffrage Movement in Australia and England, participating in various marches.
Andrew, Margaret, with their children and “mother (Margaret) Irvine/McPherson” moved to England when Andrew became High Commissioner for Australia in London in 1916. Margaret returned to Australia for short visits to see her sisters.
Margaret FISHER passed away on the 15th June 1958 and was buried in Hampstead Cemetery, London with her husband.
Story written by Conny Visini
Sources: Trove; GFHS Record Collection; Wikipedia; Wikitree;
You will find more on the story of Margaret Jane Irvine on the National Archives of Australia website Andrew Fisher’s partner: Margaret Fisher | naa.gov.au
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