First child of William Wells and Virginia Collins. Born on Buckland Road, Three Mile in 1883. Followed by Wilhelmina (known as Mena) 1885 and Jane 1886. The family eventually settled at Bowman’s Forest where William owned a considerable amount of land.

 According to the publication, The Baarmutha Story,[1] William began his life in Australia as a convict and often used the alias, John Hunt.

Virginia's younger sister, Mena, began her nursing career at the Yarra Bend Asylum, but commenced her general nursing training at the Stawell Hospital in 1910. Date of qualification December 1913. She served in WW1 firstly with the Colonial Forces and then almost three years with Australian Army Nursing Service on hospital ships, casualty clearing stations in France and at 1 AGH, Sutton Veny England.

From the ODH House Committee report 2 April 1907 – Miss Wells [Virginia] of Two Mile had been engaged for the vacancy.

From the ODH House Committee report 8 July 1907 – Nurse Wells had completed her three months on trial and was satisfactory. Her indentures were ready to be signed and sealed.

From the July 1907 UNA Journal - OVENS DISTRICT HOSPITAL. … Nurse Wells having completed three months’ probation, has entered upon a course of training. … M. WINNING, Matron.

From the ODH Inpatient Register 1 January 1906-28 April 1925: admitted to the ODH with inflammation of ears on 30 October. Discharged 9 November 1908 to her mother, Mrs Wells at One Mile.

1909 ER nurse at ODH.

From the ODH House Committee report 26 April 1910 – The Secretary reported that Nurse Wells had finished her training and left.

Date of qualification 5 April 1910.

From the UNA June 1910 journal – General Register, Wells, Virginia—Cert. Ovens District Hospital, 1910.

From November 1910 until her marriage in 1912 Virginia is either nursing or boarding at ’Truro’, on the corner of Green & Templeton Streets, Wangaratta.

 Married Alfred Ebbott, Victoria 1912. Alfred was a widower with 4 children, the eldest being 10 years old.

 1914 ER Alfred is a draper and they are living in Rowan Street, Wangaratta.

 1915 ER Alfred & Virginia are at 30 St Leonard’s Road, Ascot Vale. Alfred a grocer, Virginia home duties.

 1917 – 1919 ER Alfred & Virginia are at 13 Wigtown Street, Ascot Vale. Alfred a grocer, Virginia home duties.

 1928 ER Alfred & Virginia are at 16 Regent Street, Balaclava. Alfred a salesman, Virginia home duties.

1937 ER Alfred & Virginia are at 33 Hopetoun Street, Balaclava. Alfred a salesman, Virginia home duties.

August 1940 Virginia’s only son enlists and serves as a gunner in the Australian Army.

1942 ER Alfred & Virginia are at 4 Liscard Street, Elsternwick. Alfred a salesman, Virginia home duties.

 WEEK END FATALITIES

… While driving a motor cycle along Orrong-road, Toorak, on Saturday, [30 May] Gilbert William Ebbott 22 years, Liscard-street, Elsternwick, collided with a bus, and was killed outright. The Age, 1 June 1942.

1954 ER Alfred has retired and they are living at 16 Stanley Avenue, Ringwood.  Alfred died May 1960 at Box Hill and was cremated at Springvale Crematorium, 31 May 1960.

1963 ER Virginia is living 7 Maud Street, Nambour, Queensland with her daughter Beatrice and son-in-law, Richard Thomas Sargeant, a minister of religion.

Died February 1967 at Nambour. Cremated Springvale Crematorium, Victoria 4 February 1967.

[1] Author Joan Hilderbrand, published 2011.

©Anne Hanson, 2023                                                                  E-mail:  Anne Hanson