Georgina Susanna Martin lived for only seven hours after her birth on 13 September 1858. Her short life brought great sorrow to her parents, Susan Leonard and Wilson Martin.
To understand Susan’s story, we look back to her journey from Ireland. Born in Dublin, she migrated to Victoria in 1855, travelling alone and finding work in the colony as a domestic servant. On 1 January 1858 she married Wilson, the youngest son of a Yorkshire farmer.
Georgina was most likely born in the home of Wilson’s brother, William, and his wife Mary Anne. Mary Anne was the informant on the death certificate. Wilson was the sole mourner present when the infant was buried later that day in the Colac Cemetery.
Despite the loss of their baby, the Martins continued to build their life in the region. During the 1860s they purchased thirty acres at Warrion, where they established a vineyard. Their wine became known locally and was served at nearby venues, including the Ti Tree Hotel. Three more children followed: John in 1860, Robert in 1867 and Esther in 1870.
As the years passed, Susan’s interests extended beyond her home and vineyard. In 1891 she signed the Women’s Suffrage Petition, joining 28,194 Victorian women calling for political representation. Her daughter Esther and daughter-in-law Mary Ann signed beside her.
Baby Georgina lived for only a few hours and left little trace beyond the records of her birth and burial. Yet through her mother’s story we glimpse something larger. Susan Martin crossed the world alone, helped establish a vineyard in the Warrion district and, decades later, added her name to the Women’s Suffrage Petition alongside her daughter and daughter-in-law. It is a reminder that even the briefest lives can lead us to remarkable stories worth remembering.

Research by Maryanne Martin
Story by Maryanne Martin


© 2026 Colac & District Family History Group Inc.

All rights reserved.

Life stories have been researched and compiled by the Colac & District Family History Group Inc. and its independent contributors. This material must not be copied or reproduced without permission. AI tools have been used to assist.

For more information, please contact the Colac & District Family History Group Inc.