Isabel H. Whitson

Surname:

Whitson

Given names:

Isabel H.

Given address:

Heriot Row

Sheet No: 168

Town/Suburb:

Central Dunedin

City/Region:

Dunedin

Notes:

Originally transcribed as Rachel H Whitson

Biography contributed by Katherine Blakeley

Isabel Hay Grant was born in London in 1848 – the daughter of George Grant, an accountant, and Forrestina Hay.

She emigrated to New Zealand with her family about 1870 and they settled in Dunedin.

Isabel married Thomas William Whitson, a clerk, on 2 August 1876 at Knox Church, Dunedin. They had six children, one who died in infancy.

When Isabel signed the suffrage petition they were living in Heriot Row and Thomas was working as the secretary of the Union Steam Ship Company.

Isabel died at her home on 29 June 1905. A few days before 'when the streets were slippery with ice and snow' she 'slipped and fell, sustaining a severe strain. Nothing serious was at first anticipated, but the shock brought about complications and she died ' a few days later.

The flags at the Harbour Board and USS Co offices were flown at half-mast out of respect.

Her obituary said she 'will be greatly missed amongst the poor, as she was not only an indefatigable but unostentatious worker, but her warm sympathy and cheerful disposition made her a welcome visitor'.

William died in 1922, they are buried in the family grave in the Northern Cemetery.