Kate Simpkins

GEDCOM Note

<p>Born during the reign of: Victoria, 'Alexandrina Victoria' (20 June 1837 - 22 January 1901)</p>
<p> </p>

GEDCOM Note

<p>SOURCE: Arthur James COLLETT</p>
<p>Kate COLLETT nee SIMPKINS a.k.a. WALLACE</p>
<p>In her younger days, Kate worked as a parlour maid for a titled lady's household (in London). After requiring an operation on her ear, she became hearing impaired and could not continue her duties of receiving callers for her employer.</p>
<p>Rather than dismiss her, her employer changed her duties to accommodate her loss of hearing.</p>
<p>Kate married George Henry COLLETT on the 3rd of June 1911 in the parish church of Rodbourne Cheney, Swindon. Around February 1912, they had a son, (unnamed) who died shortly after birth.</p>
<p>Kate's sister Ada had immigrated to Australia around 1909 to marry her fiancee Percy Gilbert MATTHEWS. After the death of Kate and George's first child, Ada wrote to Kate suggesting she and George also immigrate.</p>
<p>They left 12 Beatrice Street, Swindon (where they had been living) and boarded the R.M.S. Roscommon arriving in Cairns, Queensland on the 3rd of September 1913.</p>
<p>It was said that when Kate saw aborigines on the docks at Cairns she was so fearful that she wanted to get back on the ship and return to England.</p>
<p>Kate and George moved from Cairns to Brisbane sometime around 1922, where George continued his work for the Queensland Railways.</p>
<p>Kate passed away on the 30th of January, 1966.</p>
<p> </p>