George and Isabella Grecian , Geelong Australia

[MemI]

Hello , I am interested in finding out the circumstances around the death of Isabella Grecian who died around 1853 allegedly on her way to Australia or in Australia . The story we have heard is that she was drowned on her way to be reunited with her husband George who was living in Geelong Australia . I am interested because my mother lives in George’s house in Geelong .

[jorose]

Hi there and welcome to Rootschat!

https://my.rio.bdm.vic.gov.au/
shows
George Grecian married Isabella McKenzie in 1850
Also a child to them born the same year.
But then nothing until George marries in 1861. Possibly the second marriage certificate would give you some useful info. it might be she died before 1853 (when civil registration officially started).

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/94359472?searchTerm=%22Geo%20Grecian%22
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/91859660?searchTerm=%22Mr%20Grecian%22

[Dundee]

On George's second marriage, he was widowed in 1853 (no exact date) and had three deceased children.

Debra 

[MemI]

Yes I had heard that he had deceased children . And his wife died in 1853 . I have also heard that his wife and children died by drowning on their way to meet him from England . I don’t know if this information is true or not I am not sure where this is alleged to have happened but mist likely after arriving in Sydney and making their way to Geelong. I think the marriage in 1861 must have been his second or 3rd marriage . Possibly the drowned wife and children were his first family , Isabella was his second wife dieting 1853 . He had a tough time that’s for sure .
We live in his little house which was built in 1852 after he became Geelong first clerk if works .

[sparrett]

Hi.
While I understand you are seeking information about Isabella, the first wife, you may be interested in the will of George GRECIAN.who died in 1902.

The house you may be speaking of was next door to this one (for sale ) in 1855.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/91859660

And so  the one in the same street (above) mentioned here, Little Myer......
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/91859660
perhaps went to his daughter Elizabeth at his death.

Sue

[sparrett]

He died at Wimmera Street Geelong where at that time he had 2 cottages.

They were bequeathed to his son Ernest.
Sue

[MemI]

Yes that house no longer exists . It isn’t now in little Myer street but in Bambra street .

[Dundee]

....... on her way to be reunited with her husband George who was living in Geelong Australia.

George's death registration names his parents as George GRECIAN and Alice HILL.  He was baptised in 1819 at Ilderton in Northumberland.  He had a brother Thomas who was baptised in 1821.  They arrived into NSW together on the William Metcalfe in 1844.  That is quite a few years so it doesn't really seem likely that he and Isabella knew each other before immigration.

Debra 

[MemI]

I wonder if Wimmera street became Bambra street at some point ? The cottage we have is  known as Grecian cottage on the Geelongheritage register so that may be the case