The waterhole near the Campbell family home. Courtesy of Campbell family photographic collection

Lucy’s death (1880-1885)

Lucy died on the evening of Thursday, 29 January 1885. She had gone to the nearby waterhole to collect ferns. When her daughter Agatha went to assist her, she found no trace of her mother except for her hat. Peter Campbell pulled his wife from the water, but she was already dead.

The magisterial inquiry was undertaken by Mr Frederick Ingle JP. It was his duty to ensure that nothing suspicious had occurred. Mr Ingle interviewed Lucy’s family and other witnesses who helped pull Lucy from the pond. He found that Lucy Sarah Campbell drowned accidentally.

Peter Campbell's deposition. PROV, VPRS 24/P0 Inquest Deposition Files, unit 478, item 1885/145

Agatha Singer's deposition. PROV, VPRS 24/P0 Inquest Deposition Files, unit 478, item 1885/145

Magistrate's finding on the cause of Lucy Campbell's death. PROV, VPRS 24/P0 Inquest Deposition Files, unit 478, item 1885/145

Lucy Sarah Campbell died on 29 January 1885. The death certificate states accidental drowning as the cause of death. Death certificate. Reproduced with kind permission from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria

The Police report stated that there were no suspicious circumstances associated with the case.PROV, VPRS 24/P0 Inquest Deposition Files, unit 478, item 1885/145

Following Lucy Campbell’s death, her first child with John Singer, Charles Leopold Singer, assumed responsibility for the administration of his father’s estate. PROV, VPRS 28/P0 Probate and Administration Files, unit 382, item 31/742

The grave of Lucy and John Singer's daughters Lucy Caroline and Agatha Singer. Courtesy of Napoleons and District Historical Society.

A signed photograph of Agatha Singer, daughter of Lucy and John Singer. Courtesy of Napoleons and District Historical Society.