Rediscovering Ginninderra:
Margaret Ward
Born: 1829 ; Died: 1912; Married: Edmund Ward
Not much is known about Margaret Collins, an Irish servant, who married Edmund Miles Ward of Ginninderra in 1857. Edmund was the head gardener at Davis' Palmerville estate.
In 1877 the Wards selected land for a farm and built a timber homestead, known as Nine Elms, where they established an impressive garden and commercial nursery.
Margaret and Edmund's only child, Millicent, married George Harcourt and, when her husband died in 1893, she went on to run the neighbouring 685-acre Deasland property on her own.
Edmund passed away in 1903. Margaret lived for another nine years, dying in 1912 of 'senile decay' at the age of 83. She and Edmund had lived in Ginninderra for 30 years.
Obituary: Margaret Ward
At the ripe age of 83 years, at her residence, 'Nine Elms', Gininderra, on Friday last, of senile decay, died, Margaret, relict of the late Edmund Miles Ward. Together with her husband they had resided at Ginninderra for over 30 years. Mr. Ward was a professional gardener, and was for many years in charge of the garden at 'The Cottage' whilst it was the residence of the late Mr. Wm. Davis, and the charms it still possesses are the result of Mr. Ward's skill. Mr. Ward also died at Nine Elms, an estate which he took up some years ago. The deceased lady, who was Mrs. Harcourt's mother, was greatly respected for her many excellent points of character. Her remains were interred at Canberra on Saturday last, the funeral being largely attended. The Rev. A. H. Champion officiated at the graveside and Mr. C. J. O'Rourke conducted the funeral arrangements.
[Queanbeyan Age 26 March 1912]
Related Photos
References
- Gillespie, L. L., Ginninderra: Forerunner to Canberra, Campbell, 1992
- Various editions of the Queanbeyan Age and Goulburn Evening Penny Post