Biography

Emma Oakden (1851 - 1889) was born in Launceston in 1851, one of six children of Philip Oakden and Georgiana, formerly Cowie, who lived at 'Stydd House', now the site of the Queen Victoria Hospital. One of Emma's sisters was Maria Jane who married George Parramore of Ross. All the children were baptised at the Wesleyan Chapel but later some of them attended St. John's Church. Perhaps their mother was of the Anglican persuasion.

On 23^rd January 1889 Emma and several friends enjoyed an outing on the North Esk River. After a pleasant day they disembarked and walked along the wharf to return home. Emma slipped in some water and fell into the river. Many valiant attempts were made to save her but her heavy clothing made it impossible to get her to the surface before she perished.

One of Emma's would-be rescuers on that day was Harry De-Burgh Miller, who also lost his life.

In memory of Emma, her family gave to St. John's Church a beautiful brass eagle lectern bearing the following inscription:
IN MEMORIAM
EMMA OAKDEN
JANUARY 23RD 1889

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