Historical information

Emma was one of the first white children born in the Barrabool Hills (Geelong) to parents Richard and Elizabeth Phillips.
Emma Eliza Jane Phillips was one of the first white children born in the Barrabool Hills (South Geelong) in the Port of New South Wales on 25/04/1844 and died at "Gracedale" Yendon 12/10/1925, age 81. Emma was the daughter of Richard Price Phillips and Elizabeth Anne Goodenough. Richard, originally a coach plater, was the licensee of "The Thistle Inn", a small hotel on the corner of Corio and Yarra Streets. Elizabeth appears to have had a dressmakers shop around the corner in Yarra Street.
Emma married Thomas Watson in Ballarat in 18--? Thomas William Watson was born in Harston, Cambridge, England on10/11/1838 and died at "Gracedale", Yendon, Victoria, Australia 27/04/1920, age 81. He came to Australia seeking gold but instead of finding a fortune he worked for the Victorian Railways. After living in Sebastapol and Ballarat North they settled on a small farm at Yendon named "Gracedale"
They were married in Ballarat at Saint Paul's Church of England in Ballarat East. Emma sang in the choir and was a member of the Ballarat Philharmonic Society.
They first lived in Sebastapol, then Crompton Street, Ballarat North before building a house at Yendon. Thomas and Emma had 10 children, five boys and five girls, also rearing 3 grandchildren.
Thomas and some of his sons ( including John Richard) helped to cut the original steps at Lal Lal to the bottom of the Lal Lal Falls.

Physical description

Photograph of a woman seated at a table with one elbow resting on books. Her jewllery has been hand painted in gold and the top book cover in green. C1860

Inscriptions & markings

Front: Benson & Stevenson 108 Elizabeth Street Melbourne Copies can be obtained at any time
Verso: Emma Eliza Jane (Phillips) Watson; 1844-1925; 81yrs; Died "Gracedale" Yendon, Vic; Born - South Geelong/Barrabool Hills; Dad's (John Richard Watson) mother