Isabella Hudson (1874-1895)

Biographical Information

Isabella was the first child of William and Mary Jane Hudson. She was named after her grandmother, Isabella Green/Hudson, originally from Bampton, Westmorland, but after her marriage to Thomas Hudson she moved to the farm of Tillshole in Longsleddale, Westmorland.

Studio Photograph of Isabella Hudson

This is the only photograph I have seen of Isabella Hudson and, as far as I know, there are no comparable studio photographs of any of the other Hudson children at such a young age. She was clearly a family favourite, and very popular throughout the Clunes district (see below).

(Photograph Hud-fam-201, Ernest  Wild, Clunes)

Isabella died at "Sunny Brow" farm at the age of 21 years. Her death was described in the Clunes Guardian & Gazette of Tuesday, July 30, 1895:

"The death of Miss Isabella Hudson, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs William Hudson, of "Sunny Brow" farm, Lord Clyde, has excited widespread regret, not only in Clunes and immediate neighbourhood, but throughout the district. Deceased, who was 21 years of age and a general favourite was only ill six days, being attacked with inflammation of the lungs on Sunday week, having been able to carry out her household and other duties up to the day previous. Dr. Lang was sent for from Clunes on Monday, and was met in consultation by Dr. Gordon, also of this town, on Thursday, but despite all the skill, care, and attention bestowed upon her, she breathed her last on Friday to the grief of her family and friends and the regret of all who knew her. The funeral took place on Sunday, and was one of the most numerously attended in the district for some years, the procession including, in addition to the mourning coaches, 54 vehicles and 35 horsemen. At the Smeaton cemetery the Rev. C.M. Lowe, Vicar at Clunes, officiated at the grave, the coffin bearers being Messrs Muller, J. Muller, M. Kelly, T. and J. Hudson, and H. Hepworth, the pall bearers comprising Messrs P. Nase, Nolan (2), Postlethwaite (2), and T. Keay. The funeral arrangements were conducted by Messrs J. Heron and Co., of Clunes. The scene was a most affecting one.   Deceased was born at Lord Clyde, where her parents have resided over 22 years."

For the funeral, the family produced both a Bereavement Card and a Remembrance Page for Isabella. The Remembrance page was made by the "Art Engraving Company", 8 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.

Isabella's  Bereavement Card

(Photograph Hud-fam-202)

Isabella's Remembrance Page

(Photograph Hud-fam-203)