Louisa COLLINS-Botany Murderess-Have you got Louisa's dress?

[babyjackson]

Hi Everyone,

Louisa Collins from Frogs Hollow in Botany NSW was the last woman to be hanged in NSW at Darlinghurst Gaol in 1889 for the crime of murder of her second husband Michael Peter Collins by arsenic poison. Her first husband Charles Andrews was also poisoned by arsenic shortly before Louisa had married Michael.

My Great-Great Grandmother Ellen Pettit was a witness in the case and was a neighbour of Louisa's. From family history passed down through the generations I understand that Ellen had lent Louisa a black dress (presumably for mourning) and it was this dress that Louisa was wearing when she was arrested.

After Louisa's death, a wax figure of Louisa went on exhibition in a travelling waxworks (Sohier's Waxworks) across Australia in what was known as the "criminals room" along side that of The Kelly Gang and Captain Moonlight and Captain Thunderbolt amongst others.

The last reference to the exhibition that I can find on Trove is on 19th August 1924 see: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/78436023?searchTerm=%22louisa%20collins%22%20wax&searchLimits=sortby=dateDesc

I have contacted NSW state records and Madame Tussuad's with no luck yet.

Would any one know where the dress is or have any ideas or suggestions where to try?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Rebecca

[maddys52]

I'm sorry I don't know anything about the dress.

Did you know though that there's just been a new book written about Louisa? Caroline Overington, "The Last Woman Hanged". I heard an interview with the author on the ABC last week - absolutely fascinating and disturbing story! Perhaps the author may know something about the dress through her research?

[babyjackson]

Thanks Maddys52 - Yes Caroline Overington has just released a book about the case. Her new book is called Last Woman Hanged. Because of my family connection, I had been researching this case for a number of years/ Caroline had got in contact with me mid last year. We are both wonder what ever happened to the dress.

It is such an interesting story, you have to read her book!

I will keep these posts updated on any progress we make (fingers crossed) in locating the dress.

Kind regards Rebecca

[muss]

Hi

  There is a story on Louisa in this months Woman's Weekly, I am interested in Louisa as my cousin is a relative  ( no idea what became of the dress)
 
Muss