George Robert Debney (27 December 1816 - 15 May 1897)
George Robert Debney was born on 18 September 1816 and christened at St Giles without Cripplegate, London, England on 27 December 1816 to parents Robert and Margaretta Debney. Margaretta Debney's maiden name was Rennie. His father was English, his mother Scottish. At the time his father was a brush maker and the family lived on Old Street Road.
He arrived in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia in 1838 aboard the vessel "Lloyds". At the time he was listed as a cabinet maker and timber mill owner. He arrived with his parents and siblings. On board was his future wife Susanna Woodward travelling with her brother Leonard.
On the 5 March 1839 he married Susanna Woodward in the Trinity Church, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Here is a photo of Susanna in later years.
George was a Valuator.
George and Susanna had 6 children that we know of.
1. Robert Debney born 4 September 1841
2. George Leonard Debney born 27 January 1843
3. Matilda Debney born 6 March 1846 in Adelaide, South Australia.
3. Frederick Debney born 4 June 1847 in Adelaide, South Australia.
4. Alfred Debney born 28 March 1849
5. Henry Woodward Debney born 18 January 1851 in Adelaide, South Australia
His wife, Susannah and his daughter Matilda, died in a tragic drowning accident off the coast of Glenelg on 26 February 1860. It is said that his hair turned white overnight.
At stated in the South Australian Register of 27 February 1860: -
"FATAL BOAT ACCIDENT AT GLENELG - It is our painful duty to record one of the most distressing accidents which has ever happened in South Australian waters. The particulars are these :—
At about 6 o'clock, on Sunday morning, Mr. Debney, of Rundle Street, who was staying with his family at Glenelg, went out for a short pleasure trip in a little sailing-boat which he has had for some time in his possession. He was accompanied by Mrs. Debney, Miss Debney, his three youngest sons, Miss Attwood, and Miss Godlee. They proceeded in a north-westerly direction, passing the pier-head at a distance of a mile and a half or two miles from the shore. The weather was perfectly calm at the time; but as Mr Debney was putting the boat about, a sudden puff of wind arose, which, as the ladies were all sitting on the lee side, capsized her in a moment.
Frederic, the eldest of the three boys, a smart little fellow, between 12 and 13 years old, after vainly attempting to save his mother [Susannah Debney nee Woodward], swam ashore and gave the alarm [family say he was naked and ran to the church]. Mrs Debney was at that time clinging to an oar, and Miss Debney to a loose boat seat. Mr Debney, his two younger boys, Miss Attwood and Miss Godlee were holding on to the boat.
On Frederic Debney's arrival with the news of the accident, Mr. Baldwin immediately dispatched the mailboat, which succeeded in rescuing all of the party who remained alive. These were Mr. Debney, his two younger sons— Alfred and Henry, and Miss Godlee; Mrs. Debney, Miss Debney, and Miss Attwood had disappeared. The four who were thus saved arrived at the pier head in a very exhausted condition. Dr. Steadman, who,with Mr. Baldwin, was waiting for them, administered restoratives, and they were conveyed in a carriage which had been hastily summoned for the purpose to Mr. Debney's home. Meanwhile several boats, enthusiastically manned for the occasion, were sweeping round in every direction, with some faint hopes, perhaps, at first of saving other lives, but afterwards with the sole view of recovering the bodies of the three ladies [Susannah Debney, Matilda Debney and Miss Annie Atwood], whose fate could no longer be doubted. The mail-boat also joined them, and for many hours they prosecuted their perilous search. At about 4 o'clock in the afternoon Tosteven, the fisherman, picked up the body of Miss Debney, and shortly afterwards that of Mrs Debney [Susannah Debney nee Woodward] was found by the crew of the mailboat, and both were taken to the home they had so lately left in health and happiness.
Dr. Woodforde, the Coroner, held an inquest at Mr. Debney's house at 6 o'clock the same evening. A highly respectable Jury having been sworn, and having elected Mr. Charles Francis Heath as their foreman, proceeded to view the bodies, which presented a sad sight— mother and daughter so suddenly cut off. Neither appeared to be in the slightest degree disfigured. The attitude of the elder lady was that of perfect repose, but the arms of the young girl were thrown forward, as if in the act of struggling.
The Jury having retired to the inquest-room, Mr. George Robert Debney was sworn. He was labouring under the deepest distress of mind, and gave his evidence with great difficulty. Having identified the bodies the Jury had seen as those of his wife Susannah and his daughter Matilda, the latter between 14 and 15 years old, he said he was owner of a boat in which it was his custom to sail or row for pleasure. Went out in the boat that morning soon after 6 o'clock with his three boys, his wife, his daughter, Miss Annie Attwood, and Miss Mary Godlee. They were under sail, and went past the Jetty. It was fine weather. There was a light breeze which when they got post the jetty increased. Was putting the boat about to go on the other tack. The boat was rather heavily laden on the lee side. The ladies did not move in time as he shifted the boom, and the boat capsized. She had a jib and a mainsail. Had managed the boat several times before with no other help than that of his boys. Had sometimes had a man with him. Was considered a safe boat. Had a false keel put on her, and did not fancy she would have turned over. She was 18 or 19 feet long, and had carried more than were then on board. Attributed the accident to a sudden puff of wind, and to the ladies not shifting over quickly enough. Was holding the sheet in his hand. Had not fastened it. The accident was only owing to the cause he had mentioned. Believed that the body of Miss Annie Attwood was not yet recovered. The boat turned keel upwards. Exerted himself to get them all to keep in the water, and hold on, but they clambered up and turned the boat over. Could have swam ashore himself, but was in hopes of being able to save them all. Believed he could have done so if they had remained with only their heads out of the water holding on. Fred undressed upon the boat, and swam ashore. Saw Mrs. Debney floating away holding to an oar which Fred had left her. They had two oars which he (witness) pitched to them. She seemed supporting herself so well that he thought she had as good a chance as any of them. He therefore stayed with the others. Could not say how long he stayed there. It appeared to be for hours. He was stiff and cold. Was rescued by Baldwin's mail-boat. Could not say when his daughter sunk. Counted heads once and saw they were all right. That was while they were all keeping down in the water as he had begged them to do, and he could see nothing but their heads. Did not see his daughter after they had turned the boat over by trying to climb on it. She could swim perfectly well, and float. He had no doubt that she floated for some time, but he did not see her himself.
Frederic Debney, sworn — Would be 13 next June. Was out in the boat that morning with his father and mother, sister and brother. They were going to turn round. When the boom shifted the ladies did not move. They were told to move, but did not seem to understand. They had moved before when the boat was being put about. A puff of wind came— the boat was upset, and they all fell in the water. Tried to save his mother, and was with her for half an hour both holding on to an oar. Could not get her on any further ; she was too heavy for him. She fainted. Left her hanging on the oar and swam ashore. Gave Matilda a loose seat of the boat, and she was still hanging on to it when he went away from his mother, saw none of them sink. When he left they were all floating. It was about two miles from the shore. Landed near Oyster Point. Was somewhat tired and could not run, but was able to walk.
By a Juror— The sail worked easily upon the mast. Had been out sailing in the boat five times, and never had any trouble with the mast or the sail. On two of those occasions they had a man with them from the Alert. The boat tacked well. She went over to leeward just before coming round. They had not much difficulty when they started in getting the sail up. The rings were rather stiff. His father had the main-sheet, and he (witness) held the jib-sheet. His father was steering. Neither of the sails was fastened. The Coroner enquired whether the Jury wished f or any further evidence. They expressed themselves quite satisfied, and unanimously returned their verdict—
"That the said Susannah Debney and Matilda Debney were accidentally drowned."
The boats continued seeking for the body of Miss Attwood, but up to the time of our reporter's return they had not been successful. Miss Attwood was the daughter of Mrs Hornabrook formerly of the York Hotel, by her first husband, who may be remembered as having, some years ago, lived at the Woodman Inn, Grenfell Street. We believe she was between 15 and 16 years of age.
The conduct of the boatmen at Glenelg deserves the highest praise. They were indefatigable In their endeavours in the first instance to save life, and afterwards to recover the remains of the sufferers."
George Robert Debney, according to family, went white overnight.
He died on the 15 May 1897 in Gilberton, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia and is buried in the West Terrace Cemetery. Adelaide at Road 3, Path 12, Site 20. He is buried with his wife Susannah Debney and next to his father Robert Debney who is at Road 3, Path 12, Site 19.
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| George Robert Debney |
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| Birth Record of George Robert Debney |
On the 5 March 1839 he married Susanna Woodward in the Trinity Church, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Here is a photo of Susanna in later years.
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| Susannah Debney (nee Woodward) |
George and Susanna had 6 children that we know of.
1. Robert Debney born 4 September 1841
2. George Leonard Debney born 27 January 1843
3. Matilda Debney born 6 March 1846 in Adelaide, South Australia.
3. Frederick Debney born 4 June 1847 in Adelaide, South Australia.
4. Alfred Debney born 28 March 1849
5. Henry Woodward Debney born 18 January 1851 in Adelaide, South Australia
His wife, Susannah and his daughter Matilda, died in a tragic drowning accident off the coast of Glenelg on 26 February 1860. It is said that his hair turned white overnight.
At stated in the South Australian Register of 27 February 1860: -
"FATAL BOAT ACCIDENT AT GLENELG - It is our painful duty to record one of the most distressing accidents which has ever happened in South Australian waters. The particulars are these :—
At about 6 o'clock, on Sunday morning, Mr. Debney, of Rundle Street, who was staying with his family at Glenelg, went out for a short pleasure trip in a little sailing-boat which he has had for some time in his possession. He was accompanied by Mrs. Debney, Miss Debney, his three youngest sons, Miss Attwood, and Miss Godlee. They proceeded in a north-westerly direction, passing the pier-head at a distance of a mile and a half or two miles from the shore. The weather was perfectly calm at the time; but as Mr Debney was putting the boat about, a sudden puff of wind arose, which, as the ladies were all sitting on the lee side, capsized her in a moment.
Frederic, the eldest of the three boys, a smart little fellow, between 12 and 13 years old, after vainly attempting to save his mother [Susannah Debney nee Woodward], swam ashore and gave the alarm [family say he was naked and ran to the church]. Mrs Debney was at that time clinging to an oar, and Miss Debney to a loose boat seat. Mr Debney, his two younger boys, Miss Attwood and Miss Godlee were holding on to the boat.
On Frederic Debney's arrival with the news of the accident, Mr. Baldwin immediately dispatched the mailboat, which succeeded in rescuing all of the party who remained alive. These were Mr. Debney, his two younger sons— Alfred and Henry, and Miss Godlee; Mrs. Debney, Miss Debney, and Miss Attwood had disappeared. The four who were thus saved arrived at the pier head in a very exhausted condition. Dr. Steadman, who,with Mr. Baldwin, was waiting for them, administered restoratives, and they were conveyed in a carriage which had been hastily summoned for the purpose to Mr. Debney's home. Meanwhile several boats, enthusiastically manned for the occasion, were sweeping round in every direction, with some faint hopes, perhaps, at first of saving other lives, but afterwards with the sole view of recovering the bodies of the three ladies [Susannah Debney, Matilda Debney and Miss Annie Atwood], whose fate could no longer be doubted. The mail-boat also joined them, and for many hours they prosecuted their perilous search. At about 4 o'clock in the afternoon Tosteven, the fisherman, picked up the body of Miss Debney, and shortly afterwards that of Mrs Debney [Susannah Debney nee Woodward] was found by the crew of the mailboat, and both were taken to the home they had so lately left in health and happiness.
Dr. Woodforde, the Coroner, held an inquest at Mr. Debney's house at 6 o'clock the same evening. A highly respectable Jury having been sworn, and having elected Mr. Charles Francis Heath as their foreman, proceeded to view the bodies, which presented a sad sight— mother and daughter so suddenly cut off. Neither appeared to be in the slightest degree disfigured. The attitude of the elder lady was that of perfect repose, but the arms of the young girl were thrown forward, as if in the act of struggling.
The Jury having retired to the inquest-room, Mr. George Robert Debney was sworn. He was labouring under the deepest distress of mind, and gave his evidence with great difficulty. Having identified the bodies the Jury had seen as those of his wife Susannah and his daughter Matilda, the latter between 14 and 15 years old, he said he was owner of a boat in which it was his custom to sail or row for pleasure. Went out in the boat that morning soon after 6 o'clock with his three boys, his wife, his daughter, Miss Annie Attwood, and Miss Mary Godlee. They were under sail, and went past the Jetty. It was fine weather. There was a light breeze which when they got post the jetty increased. Was putting the boat about to go on the other tack. The boat was rather heavily laden on the lee side. The ladies did not move in time as he shifted the boom, and the boat capsized. She had a jib and a mainsail. Had managed the boat several times before with no other help than that of his boys. Had sometimes had a man with him. Was considered a safe boat. Had a false keel put on her, and did not fancy she would have turned over. She was 18 or 19 feet long, and had carried more than were then on board. Attributed the accident to a sudden puff of wind, and to the ladies not shifting over quickly enough. Was holding the sheet in his hand. Had not fastened it. The accident was only owing to the cause he had mentioned. Believed that the body of Miss Annie Attwood was not yet recovered. The boat turned keel upwards. Exerted himself to get them all to keep in the water, and hold on, but they clambered up and turned the boat over. Could have swam ashore himself, but was in hopes of being able to save them all. Believed he could have done so if they had remained with only their heads out of the water holding on. Fred undressed upon the boat, and swam ashore. Saw Mrs. Debney floating away holding to an oar which Fred had left her. They had two oars which he (witness) pitched to them. She seemed supporting herself so well that he thought she had as good a chance as any of them. He therefore stayed with the others. Could not say how long he stayed there. It appeared to be for hours. He was stiff and cold. Was rescued by Baldwin's mail-boat. Could not say when his daughter sunk. Counted heads once and saw they were all right. That was while they were all keeping down in the water as he had begged them to do, and he could see nothing but their heads. Did not see his daughter after they had turned the boat over by trying to climb on it. She could swim perfectly well, and float. He had no doubt that she floated for some time, but he did not see her himself.
Frederic Debney, sworn — Would be 13 next June. Was out in the boat that morning with his father and mother, sister and brother. They were going to turn round. When the boom shifted the ladies did not move. They were told to move, but did not seem to understand. They had moved before when the boat was being put about. A puff of wind came— the boat was upset, and they all fell in the water. Tried to save his mother, and was with her for half an hour both holding on to an oar. Could not get her on any further ; she was too heavy for him. She fainted. Left her hanging on the oar and swam ashore. Gave Matilda a loose seat of the boat, and she was still hanging on to it when he went away from his mother, saw none of them sink. When he left they were all floating. It was about two miles from the shore. Landed near Oyster Point. Was somewhat tired and could not run, but was able to walk.
By a Juror— The sail worked easily upon the mast. Had been out sailing in the boat five times, and never had any trouble with the mast or the sail. On two of those occasions they had a man with them from the Alert. The boat tacked well. She went over to leeward just before coming round. They had not much difficulty when they started in getting the sail up. The rings were rather stiff. His father had the main-sheet, and he (witness) held the jib-sheet. His father was steering. Neither of the sails was fastened. The Coroner enquired whether the Jury wished f or any further evidence. They expressed themselves quite satisfied, and unanimously returned their verdict—
"That the said Susannah Debney and Matilda Debney were accidentally drowned."
The boats continued seeking for the body of Miss Attwood, but up to the time of our reporter's return they had not been successful. Miss Attwood was the daughter of Mrs Hornabrook formerly of the York Hotel, by her first husband, who may be remembered as having, some years ago, lived at the Woodman Inn, Grenfell Street. We believe she was between 15 and 16 years of age.
The conduct of the boatmen at Glenelg deserves the highest praise. They were indefatigable In their endeavours in the first instance to save life, and afterwards to recover the remains of the sufferers."
George Robert Debney, according to family, went white overnight.
He died on the 15 May 1897 in Gilberton, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia and is buried in the West Terrace Cemetery. Adelaide at Road 3, Path 12, Site 20. He is buried with his wife Susannah Debney and next to his father Robert Debney who is at Road 3, Path 12, Site 19.
I had not seen all of this info available on this family accident, I am from George Frederick Debney's sister Hepzibahs family, good write up all my best H Martin.
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