It is this large brood of children that led to speculation about the building of the two-storey doctor's residence, known as "The Ship", when it became the property of the Sisters of Mercy.
Apart from the usual maladies suffered by his patients, Growse had to contend with the 1861 measles epidemic that took such a large toll amongst the Aborigines in the region.
Drinkable water was a major issue during times of drought, especially when the main well at the depot was in danger of drying up.
He was a hard working doctor and in November of that year, after attending to two patients on a wet rainy night, he caught pneumonia and died.
An obituary in the Eastern Districts Chronicle refers to the "kindliness of heart and the assiduous manner in which he performed his duties", which "made him a general favourite".