Historical information
Edward Kellett was born in Chorley, Lancashire, England, son of John Kellett and unknown mother. It is not known when he arrived in Melbourne but he married Selina Wells in 1852 at St Peters, Eastern Hill. She was born in c1827 in Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, daughter of William Wells and Elizabeth Allan. Her family arrived from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire on the 'Osprey' on 22 March 1849.
Edward and Selina had 8 children - 5 girls and 3 boys; 3 died in infancy. All were born in Collingwood before the family came to Surrey Hills. Edward and Selina were the first owners of ‘Yielima’ at 32 Erasmus Street, Surrey Hills, built c1887. It was known by this name until c1922. Edward pre-deceased his wife. Edward's funeral notice in The Argus of 11 July 1893 states that he was a corn merchant of Exhibition Street. His property was sworn at 1512 pounds, 1232 in realty and 280 pounds personally. He was buried in Melbourne General Cemetery (CofE Compartment K, No 306).
Selina is listed in Erasmus Street in the 1903, 1905 and 1908 electoral rolls as a boarding house keeper. She died at Surrey Hills on 22/10/1911. In her will she left realty valued at 900 pounds and personally at 220 pounds. She was buried with her husband. 'Yielima' was sold on 19 February 1919 with a sale of contents on 18 March 1919.
The portrait is by an unknown artist. It was passed down through the family of his eldest son Edward Allan Kellett and then his daughter Ethel Emily Kellett.
Physical description
A digital copy of a portrait of Edward Kellett dressed in a dark suit with tie secured by a tie pin. He is bald but remaining hair is greying and wavy and he has a full beard.
