Mary Ann Merrin
Mary Ann Merrin was the oldest child of my great-great-grandparents, John and Catherine Merrin.
Mary Ann (known as Minnie) is not directly related to me but I'm recording the information I have about her in case it helps someone else.
Mary Ann (known as Minnie) is not directly related to me but I'm recording the information I have about her in case it helps someone else.
Early Life
Mary Ann's father, John Merrin, was an Irishman who had emigrated to New South Wales in 1856 to become a policeman. Her parents were married in 1860 and she was born later that year.
When Mary Ann was born in 1860, John was stationed in Hartley however the family moved to several other towns in the area during the course of Mary Ann's childhood as John's career in the police force progressed. At various times, the family lived in Mudgee, Hartley, Gulgong, Bathurst and Cowra.
Note that in The Australian Almanac, 1863 (p.192), H. Bridson is listed as one of the two Gold Commissioners in Bathurst. This was the Hugh Bridson who would later be Mary Ann's father-in-law. Hugh also travelled to towns such as Sofala to take care of administrative duties related to courts conducted by travelling magistrates.
In 1863, Hugh Bridson and John Merrin both lived with their families in Bathurst. They were colleagues and probably friends over many years which is how their children, the younger Hugh Bridson and Mary Ann Merrin, would have met.
When Mary Ann was born in 1860, John was stationed in Hartley however the family moved to several other towns in the area during the course of Mary Ann's childhood as John's career in the police force progressed. At various times, the family lived in Mudgee, Hartley, Gulgong, Bathurst and Cowra.
Note that in The Australian Almanac, 1863 (p.192), H. Bridson is listed as one of the two Gold Commissioners in Bathurst. This was the Hugh Bridson who would later be Mary Ann's father-in-law. Hugh also travelled to towns such as Sofala to take care of administrative duties related to courts conducted by travelling magistrates.
In 1863, Hugh Bridson and John Merrin both lived with their families in Bathurst. They were colleagues and probably friends over many years which is how their children, the younger Hugh Bridson and Mary Ann Merrin, would have met.
Marriage and Children
Minnie married Hugh Ridgway Bridson in Sydney in 1883. Hugh had been born in 1862.
The couple lived in Port Macquarie and had five children together. All the births were registered in the Kempsey area.
The children were:
Hugh Ridgway, born 1884 (NSWBDM 23652/1884). Died of wounds in France, 7 June 1918.
Ewen L, born 1886 (NSWBDM 25215/1886)
William R, born 1887 (NSWBDM 26004/1887)
Helena (known as Lena), born 1889 (NSWBDM 25418)
James Arthur, born 1891 (NSW BDM 17724). KIA in France, 1917.
Henry Alfred, born
The couple lived in Port Macquarie and had five children together. All the births were registered in the Kempsey area.
The children were:
Hugh Ridgway, born 1884 (NSWBDM 23652/1884). Died of wounds in France, 7 June 1918.
Ewen L, born 1886 (NSWBDM 25215/1886)
William R, born 1887 (NSWBDM 26004/1887)
Helena (known as Lena), born 1889 (NSWBDM 25418)
James Arthur, born 1891 (NSW BDM 17724). KIA in France, 1917.
Henry Alfred, born
Address given for parents on son Hugh's enlistment papers: "Tramore", 82 Darley Road, Manly
Death and Burial
Minnie died on 15 June 1920 in Sydney. She is buried at Manly Cemetery, Section N Plot 071.
Her husband, Hugh, had died in France, as had two of their sons.
Her husband, Hugh, had died in France, as had two of their sons.