George Robert Debney (18 Sep 1816 - 15 May 1897)

George Robert Debney

George Robert Debney was born on 18 September 1816 at St Giles without Cripplegate, London, England to parents Robert Debney and Margetta Rennie.

He married Susannah Woodward.

Susanna Woodward

Re the boating accident, he was said to have his hair turn white "overnight" as a result of the shock.

Sometime later, he married the children's governess, Ellie who wrote "Poems by Ellie" (Doreen has a copy).

Undelcarra, Burnside

In 1852, Robert and Margaret Debney bought 30 acres, settling just north of Second Creek in a stone cottage which they extended.  In 1864 it was described as a large stone and brick house with detached kitchen.  The house was called Undelcarra and is still situated at 13 Undelcarra Road, Burnside.

He then married in 1874, on 9 March, Mary Watson, a widow and sister of another part-owner of Monkira Station.
In 1876 the property was sold to Simpson Newland who doubles the size of the house from 10 to 20 rooms by adding an upper storey.

Kingsview, Torrens Park - 1876-1891

They moved to Kingsview at 6 Alton Avenue, Torrens Park in 1876 due to a financial crisis.

Frederick Street, Gilberton - 1891

Left Kingsview on 7 December 1891 and moved to Gilberton.