Mary A. Neal

Mary A. Neal lived in Skipton Street, Redan.

History
Mary Ann Searle was born in Victoria in 1859, the daughter of John Searle and Lavinia Willey.

She married John Neal (born 1862) in Victoria in 1882. Their first child, Leslie Gordon, was born in Creswick in 1885.

A daughter, Ivy Muriel Adelle was born in 1891, but died aged two in 1893.

A son, Aubrey Hopewell, was born in Ballarat on 4 December 1892.

Daughters, Irene Hilda, and Vera, were born in 1896. . Vera died on 2 January 1897, aged 10 months. She is buried in the Ballarat New Cemetery, Wesleyan B, Section 8, Grave 32. Alma Hazel Beryl was born in 1898.

Her daughter Alma performed at an Australian Natives Association entertainment in August 1903: "At the entertainment given last Monday evening under the auspices of the Newington branch A.N.A. the name of Miss Alma Neal appeared on the programme for a recitation, and the audience were agreeable surprised to find that the young lady was a prettily-dressed little girl of about five summers, whose rendition of the piece selected called forth continuous applause, necessitating her re-appearance on the stage. Little Miss Neal, who acquitted herself so creditably, is the daughter of Mrs J. Neal, of Skipton street."

John died on 22 July 1905: "NEAL—On the 22nd July, at 141 Skipton, street, Redan, John Neal, the beloved husband of Mary. A. Neal, aged 43 years, late of Harry Davies and Co." "NEAL. - Mrs J. Neal, Skipton street, desires to thank her many friends for visits, letters, telegrams, and floral tributes in her late sad bereavement; especially Dr Hardy for constant attendance during her late husband's long and severe illness."

He is buried in the Ballarat New Cemetery, Wesleyan B, Section 8, Grave 32, with his daughter Vera.

Mary's address was later given as 609 Skipton Street, but as Ballarat streets were renumbered, this house was originally 141.

Mary is listed at 609 Skipton Street in 1915. She is listed again in 1920, but in 1925 the resident is Aubrey H. Neal. Mary is listed again in 1930.

Aubrey served in the 39 Battalion, AIF, in France during World War One. He received the Military Medal. He moved to Western Australia where he later changed his name to Aubrey Thomas Neal.

Her daughter Alma, was engaged to be married in May 1920: "The engagement is announced of Miss Alma Neal, second daughter of Mrs. M. A. Neal, Skipton Street, Ballarat, to Mr. Stan Roots, only son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Roots, 103 Webster Street, Ballarat."

Mary died in Ballarat on 22 April 1932. She is buried in the Ballarat New Cemetery Presbyterian B, Section 11, Grave 10.