Grace ROWE of Connor Downs

   Research Notes:

In 1904, Grace Rowe was a bridesmaid at the marriage of her sister Mary Jane to Frederick Barrett Harris.

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Grace Rowe of Connor Downs died aged 29 years (burial record).

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"PASSION FOR MARRIED MAN ENDS IN TRAGEDY AT CONNOR DOWNS.

A young woman's passion for a married man and the subsequent intervention of her parents, who tried to break the acquaintenance, were revealed to Mr. Edward Boase, coroner, on Friday, when he conducted an inquest at Connor Downs, on the body of Grace Rowe, aged 29, daughter of Nicholas Rowe, labourer, Connor Downs.
Deceased, who was a single woman and followed the employment of domestic servant, was found hanging in a bedroom of an empty house at Angarrack-lane, Connor Downs, last week. The discovery was made by Albert H. Mitchell, labourer, Reawla.
Deceased's sister (Mrs. Alice Cock) stated she knew her sister had been keeping company with a married man.
The Coroner: She never complained that this man was unkind to her? — Witness: No.
Witness added that the man in question had been to her parent's house, but not for some time. Last Saturday week witness's father shut the door of his house in the man's face.
Referring to two letters in deceased's handwriting, the Coroner read that it was 'more than I can bear. All through him I have come to this.'
Witness: And so it is.
The Coroner: What did she mean by this?
Witness: I could not tell you. She sacrificed her life for him.
How long had she been friendly with the man? — Ever since she was a girl of fifteen.
Perhaps he was not married when they were first friends? — Yes.
Then he was older than her? — A lot older.
Was your sister of weak will? — I don't think so.
The Coroner could not understand the position, as deceased was not obliged to make a companion of the man? — No.
Then why should she say she puts it all down to the man? — A married man with a family ought to have known better than to lead a girl astray like that.
the Coroner: But she was 29 years old at the time. What was to prevent her breaking it off with him? — I don't know.
Was she rather easily led? — I think so. She told him lots of times she did not want him, and he would go after her.
The Coroner: She was not bound to keep company with him. The letters suggest that because of the influence of this man she was driven to do this. — Witness: I could not explain that.
Your sister has not had a child lately, has she? — Not as far as I know. I haven't seen anything.
The Coroner remarked that although the father might not have approved of the friendship, it was rather difficult for him to prevent it, having regard to his daughter's age.
Witness agreed that because deceased was not allowed to go with the man it preyed on her mind.
The Coroner: You don't suggest it is anything this particular man has done lately. — I can't say.
Dr. Z. Mudge said the only mark of violence on the body was that of the strap around the neck. Death was due to strangulation. There were no signs of any recent deliverance of a child...." ³