Historical information

Photograph of the wedding of Ben Owens and Martha Wallace (aka Jessie Cumming) with members of their extended family taken on the steps of the Toorourrong Reservoir caretaker's cottage in 1895.
(VIC Marriage Benj Owens and Martha Wallace, 849/1895)

Unsourced research notes by unknown author:
Bridal couple Ben Owens & Jessie Cumming. Jessie was the adopted daughter of William Cumming and his wife Elizabeth (nee Grant). William was the caretaker of the Toorourrong Reservoir.
Also in the photo: On the very left are James Coulthard and his wife, the Presbyterian Minister Rev. Jenkins is the tall bearded man on the verandah, to his right is Eliza Cumming above, then to her right is Catherine Cumming (nee McKerchar), her daughter in law, holding Eliza Cumming (Toots) b.1893. Standing in front Alexander Cumming b.1889 and then Jessie Cumming b.1888, to the right James Cumming, husband of Catherine, holding Robert b.1892 d.1897.
The house in the photo is believed to be the original caretaker's cottage.
John Cumming, 6th son of William & Eliza (nee Grant). John also worked at Toorourrong. He married Lillian Edwards who died aged 33.

Significance

Historical building of the Shire of Whittlesea

Physical description

Sepia copy of a photograph with velcro tabs on the back for display.
Also black and white copy of photo, digital image on HD, unsourced research notes author unknown.