THEOPHILUS CAROLUS
and
WORLDS MATRIMONIAL INSTITUTE
This gentleman, born on the island of Mauritius about 1856, arrived in Victoria on board the Dupay de Louie in 1884. He is in Melbourne in 1888 where he appears to have set himself up in business as a house decorator. At some time between 1888 and 1894 he arrives in Sydney and sets up World’s Matrimonial Institute at 471 Pitt Street. This business, according to newspaper accounts, is the first of its kind in Australia. It does a rousing business, arranging marriages for 4000 couples between 1894 and 1900 and an unknown number between 1901 and 1904. At the same address Theophilus also has registered The Art Decorating Company and World’s General Enquiries and Private Detective. The house is described in the City of Sydney assessment books, 1902, as being of brick with a slate roof, three floors, six rooms. It was owned by George R. Whiting which indicates Theophilus was leasing the property.
Theophilus Carolus marries Edith Jane Frost at Sydney in 1896. They have a daughter, Elizabeth J.T, at Sydney in 1901. Elizabeth dies in 1977.
In 1911 his wife, Edith, is living at Henry Street in what is possibly council housing.
1912 – death notice for Edith J. Carolus at Newtown.
In 1917 Theophilus shows up on the Victorian Electoral Roll at West Melbourne. This is an anomaly or is he moving around a lot?
Theophilus is listed as being in Sydney (Mosman) in 1919 as an Art and Ecclesiastical Decorator.
In 1923, also at Mosman, he marries Maud Mary (probably McMahon).
In 1931 he and his wife, Maud Mary are at Northcote, Vic. Though in that year he still shows up in the Sands Directory at Cremorne.
Theophilus dies in 1934 – Victoria.
In 1935 his widow, Maud Mary Carolus, dies – Victoria.
