Notes from Elizabeth Wilson, received 6 Sep 2007:
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After the collapse of her marriage, family legend says that Kate saved some money, bought herself a horse and buggy, packed her goods and chattles and set off with her children for the south where she found herself employment at Maitland as a cook for the miners. It is also said that she assumed the name of Taylor so her husband could not find her. Her oldest child married in Raymond Terrace in 1904 and Kate was living in Sydney at the time of her mother's death in 1912 [sic - her mother's obituary is actually dated 1908].
There is also an item in the probate papers of her mother Anne Murray, which states that Kate borrowed 100 pounds from her mother on 2 Feb 1904. The reason for the loan will never be known - perhaps it was to pay for the wedding of her daughter.
It is not known when Kate returned to Brisbane - there is confusion in the stories from her family about her later years - some say she was a matron of a children's home in Redcliffe - others that she fostered State children - and others that she ran a boarding house of some sort in Stanley Street, South Brisbane and yet another of some establishment in North Quay, Brisbane.
Her name first appears in the Post Office directory in 1934 as a resident of 29 Stanley Street, South Brisbane and this is the address shown on her death certificate.
One memory from all family members is very clear. She was a very strong willed, capable woman, much loved by her grandchildren, and much respected by all who knew her.
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