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Hi Everyone,

Louisa Collins from Frogs Hollow in Botany NSW was the last woman to be hanged in NSW at Darlinghurst Gaol in 1889 for the crime of murder of her second husband Michael Peter Collins by arsenic poison. Her first husband Charles Andrews was also poisoned by arsenic shortly before Louisa had married Michael.

My Great-Great Grandmother Ellen Pettit was a witness in the case and was a neighbour of Louisa's. From family history passed down through the generations I understand that Ellen had lent Louisa a black dress (presumably for mourning) and it was this dress that Louisa was wearing when she was arrested.

After Louisa's death, a wax figure of Louisa went on exhibition in a travelling waxworks (Sohier's Waxworks) across Australia in what was known as the "criminals room" along side that of The Kelly Gang and Captain Moonlight and Captain Thunderbolt amongst others.

The last reference to the exhibition that I can find on Trove is on 19th August 1924 see: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/78436023?searchTerm=%22louisa%20collins%22%20wax&searchLimits=sortby=dateDesc

I have contacted NSW state records and Madame Tussuad's with no luck yet.

Would any one know where the dress is or have any ideas or suggestions where to try?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Rebecca

Have you searched:

www.naa.gov.au

for the Servicemans' record?

Leanne

The trouble is that I don't know who the Gentleman is. I was told that it may have been the brides (my grandmother) cousin.

My Great Gransmothers family were all from South Australia - as far as I know she was the only one who moved to NSW. Whereas my Great Grandfather (who died when my Grandmother was 2) was from New South Wales. Both were from large families.

Unfortunately I can no longer ask my grandmother who this mystery man was. At least now I know that it would be Airforce given my suspicions have been confirmed. One day I might come across a relative who may fit this description.

Thanks Again

Rebecca

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone would be able to help me identify the uniform which the man pictured here is wearing. The photograph was taken in 1941. The gentleman was not the groom but is believed to be a relative of the bride.

Thank you

Rebecca

I thought that too, Linda, so I had a look on Trove, but the only one I can find is this, dated 1921.  Way too late for the photo, but perhaps a later edition?

PrueM - A relative had passed on this photograph to me which I believe belonged to my Grand Mothers collection. I do not know who the children were, perhaps one of the little girls is her. My grandmother was born in 1923 and she was an only child. Her parents were born in 1866 & 83 - so I guess this rules them out.

Thank you for your thoughts they are greatly appreciated.

Kind Regards
Rebecca