JESSIE McCOLL
Hannah 'Anna' Coad was born on the 20th day of September 1851, at Strathalbyn, South Australia. He parents were John Nicholas Coad and Jennet Coad nee Goldfinch. (ancestry 2016)
On the 26th day of October 1871, she married Hugh McColl at Meningie, South Australia. (ancestry 2016)
Between 1872 and 1886, they had seven children. Their eighth child, Jessie was born on the 6th day of October 1889. (ancestry 2016)
On the 26th day of January 1890, Anna drowned 3-month-old Jessie at Sandergrove in the creek, and then attempted to drown herself. She was charged with wilfully drowning Jessie. (1890 SA Register)
An Inquest was held at the Strathalbyn courthouse on the 26th day of January 1890, before Mr J.W. Elliott J.P. Mr. W.J. Tucker was foreman of the Jury.
Her sister gave evidence that Anna had been staying with her due to illness. She stated that she 'did not often let her have the baby at night to save her the worry....My sister did not appear to take to this child as she did to her other children.' (1890 SA Register)
Her sister gave evidence that Anna had been staying with her due to illness. She stated that she 'did not often let her have the baby at night to save her the worry....My sister did not appear to take to this child as she did to her other children.' (1890 SA Register)
Another witness stated that Anna stated, 'I've done it......I'm a very wicked woman.'
Dr. William A.S. Blue gave evidence that he had prescribed Anna for general depression.
A verdict of 'wilful murder' was returned against Anna while in an unsound state of mind, and she was committed for trial. (1890 SA Register)
Above: Article from the South Australian Register, Tue 28 Jan 1890. Image c/o Trove
In March 1890, Anna was acquitted at the Criminal Sittings of the charge of murder. In court, it was disclosed that Anna had been suffering puerperal mania at the time of committing the offence. Mr Justice Boucaut ordered that Anna should be retained in custody during His Excellency's pleasure. (1890 This Day)
Above: Article from the South Australian Register Mon 3 Mar 1890. Image c/o Trove
Anna was admitted to Parkside Lunatic Asylum.
Above: Parkside Lunatic Asylum. Image c/o State Library SA
By 1894, Anna had been released, and she had two further children with Hugh McColl. (ancestry 2016)
Anna died on the 24th day of August 1898 at Spring Creek, South Australia, aged 46 years. (ancestry 2016)
References.
- 1890, South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), 28 January, p. 7. , viewed 01 Aug 2026, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page4056045
- 1890 'THIS DAY.', The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 - 1922), 21 February, p. 2. (Second Edition.), viewed 01 Aug 2026, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208537165
- ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/ [Accessed 1 Aug. 2026].