Mysterious Death

​On 16 January, 1930, Margaret Elizabeth (née Mill) Quinlivan, aged 50, who married James (Jim) Leo Quinlivan in 1907, died suddenly at her home near Barwon Heads. The Quinlivans had come to live at Connewarre East about 1922 when Jim took a job collecting fees from the campers at Barwon Heads. 

Dr J E Piper, who made a  post mortem examination of the body, saw signs which indicated that death was due to poisoning. The stomach was forwarded to the government analyst, who reported that death was due to poisoning.

Margaret and James lived at Connewarre East with their three children, James Alexander (Jim), Mary and Jane. She had not told anyone she was feeling unwell. James was out for some time on the night of 15 January, and on his return home he saw that his wife had had a hot drink. He made a drink for himself, using the same cup. Early in the morning he heard his wife making a noise as if in her sleep. As this continued for some time he struck a match and saw that his wife was ill. She died before a doctor could be summoned.

Margaret had three brothers, George, William and Alexander Mill. She was buried in the Presbyterian section of the Geelong Eastern Cemetery. James, who died on 28 July 1961 at the age of 83 was buried with her.

May Quinlivan — 1924

Jim Quinlivan — 1924

from The Argus 20 February, 1930 — photos and newspaper article contributed by Martin Klabbers

The Quinlivans with campers at Barwon Heads Caravan Park — photo contributed by Jan McCawley