Historical information

Agnes (b 1894, Linton; died 1977, Box Hill) had been a masseur before entering medical school at Melbourne University. She transferred to Edinburgh and graduated from there. She joined her sister Amelia Roberta, known as Roberta, at ‘Luxmee’, 4 Windsor Crescent. She was born in 1891 and died at Surrey Hills on 1 May 1972. She had a long illness before her death. Agnes is seated left foreground; Roberta is standing at the right. Their father James Blair Donaldson had been a doctor at Linton, near Skipton and a brother, James Blair Donaldson Jnr (1888-1971) was a doctor in Skipton. A second brother Alexander Somerville Donaldson (1887-1963) also lived in Surrey Hills. He had a number of addresses and occupations including: 1927 - 44 Albany Crescent (Chauffeur); 1949 - 5 Beatrice Avenue (mechanic) and 1963 - 28 Albert Crescent (gardener). Their mother was Amelia Jane Emerson.

Transcription of grave in Section C, Baptist in Melbourne General Cemetery gives further family details: “In affectionate remembrance of Jane Duff the beloved wife of Robt. DONALDSON who died at Carlton, Victoria, 8 Aug 1889, age 56 years and of their children David Russell and Mary McIntosh who died in infancy. Until the Easter glory lights the skies; until the dead in Jesus shall arise and He shall come, but not in lowly guise Good night. East also Agnes SHEPHERD mother of Jane D. DONALDSON born at Dundee Scotland 30 Apr 1800, died at Carlton 8 Apr 1891. West also Robt. DONALDSTON teacher died 13 Jul 1910, age 80 years Emily Mary DONALDSON died 24 Jan 1923, age 64 years Alexander Somerville DONALDSON beloved husband of Mary died 26 Oct 1963 Dr. James Blair DONALDSON of Linton, Scotland born 11 Mar 1859, died 7 Sep 1944 also Amelia Jane beloved wife of the above born 11 Nov 1859, died 13 Jul 1946 beloved parents of Somerville, Blair, Roberta and Agnes.”

Physical description

A black and white photograph of seven ladies on the porch of a building.