Isabella Gilleland (1878 - 1896)

Born 1878 in Cassilis, New South Wales (Australia)

Ancestors

Died 1896 at about age 18 in Merriwa, New South Wales (Australia)

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Biography

Isabella Gilleland was born in 1878 in Cassilis, New South Wales (Australia). She was the second daughter of David Gilleland and Emma Hunt. ^[1]

Aged just eighteen years, she passed away in 1896 in Merriwa, New South Wales. ^[2] Her younger sister had died in early childhood just three years prior, resulting in the family moving to Merriwa.

Coroners Report

Sad Case of Suicide.

"It was with sad feelings that the community learnt on Thursday morning last that Miss Isabella Gilleland, a girl of 18, daughter of Mr. David Gilleland, of Merriwa, had met an untimely end, her body having been found in a waterhole a short distance from her home. The case seemed to be a clear case of suicide, for one end of a rope was found tied to the body, and the other end was attached to a bucket, filled with stones.

"The deceased was a good girl, against whom nothing bad has even been thought of, but she was of a sensitive, highly-strung temperament, and a difference of opinion in some family matter had preyed upon her mind, causing the unfortunate girl to commit the rash act.

"The funeral took place on Friday afternoon, an immense number of people followingthe remains to their last resting place. The Rev. J. Vosper conducted the funeral service with impressing solemnity. The hymn, "Jesu, lover of my soul", was sung, and as the mournful procession left the church for the grave the "Dead March in Saul" was played. Very great sympathy is felt for the family in their dreadful affliction.

"At the Coroner's Inquiry a verdict of suicide while in a fit of temporary insanity was returned." ^[3]

Sources

1. ↑ New South Wales Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages - Birth Ref: 11051/1878
2. ↑ New South Wales Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages - Death Ref: 14211/1896
3. ↑ [1]