Mary Anna Brown nee Cudmore (1869–1900), the wife of a schoolteacher

Mary Anna Cudmore, daughter of James and Winifred Cudmore nee OHalloran, was born in 1869 at Moonambel, Victoria.

In 1898 she married a school teacher, James Brown (1872–1938).

James was a teacher at Kimberley State School near Moonambel. They lived with Mary’s widowed mother.

Mary Anna Brown died suddenly at Moonambel on 1 April 1900, aged 31. A coroner’s inquest found she had died from heart disease.

Avoca Mail (Vic.), Tuesday 3 April 1900, page 2

Deep regret was expressed all over Avoca and the surrounding district, when it became known that Mrs Brown, wife of Mr James Brown, head teacher of the Middle Creek, State School, and a resident of Moonambel, had died somewhat suddenly on Sunday morning. The deceased lady, who was also a daughter of Mrs Cudmore, of Warrenmang, and but 31 years of age, complained of feeling unwell on Saturday night, but did not anticipate anything serious. Early on Sunday morning, however, she became worse, and the doctor was sent for, but before he could reach her she passed away. An enquiry was held in the afternoon before Mr C. Meagher, J.P., and the finding was death from heart disease, in accordance with the testimony of Dr Grimmer. Heartfelt sympathy is expressed for Mr Brown and the family are deeply mourned with. The funeral took place this afternoon when the remains were interred in the Moonambel cemetery in the presence of a very large gathering of friends and acquaintances. Numerous wreaths and other floral tributes of respect covered the coffin.

Leader (Melbourne, Vic.), Saturday 14 April 1900, page 43

The wife of Mr. James Brown, head master of Kimberley State school, aged 31 years, died suddenly of heart disease, at Moonambel last Tuesday.

Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic.), Saturday 14 April 1900, page 34

BROWN.— On the 1st April, Mary Ann, the be loved wife of James Brown, State school, Kimberley, and the only daughter of the late James Cudmore, of Moonambel, aged 31 years.

She was buried in Moonambel Cemetery.

Mary Anna Brown’s grave at Moonambel cemetery

Mary and James had no children.

James Brown married again, to Euphemia (Effie) Green (1874–1947). They had four children. James retired in 1937. He died a year later, at Pirron Yalloak near Colac.

James Brown and his second wife Euphemia Green in 1901

Wikitree: Mary Anna (Cudmore) Brown (1869-1900)

Moonambel in the 1910s

A postcard of Moonambel from the 1910s

Brooke Street Moonambel 1910s
Postcard in the collection of the State Library of Victoria; Series
Shirley Jones collection of Victorian postcards
Accession No : H90.140/719

The society has resouces on Moonambel at the Avoca Court House (reopens after the summer break in February) and also a book for sale see the page Moonambel.

Moonambel children in the lock-up

On 20 May 2021 at 2pm at the Moonambel Historical Police Precinct the Moonambel Arts & History Group is hosting an opening of ‘The Children in the Lock-Up’ installation featuring the work of Tom Ripon. 

On 29th January 1896 ten year old Octive Edith Dean, eight year old Alice Louisa Dean and one year old Constance Palmerston spent the night in the Moonambel Lock-Up.

The charge was: ‘Found wandering and not having any settled place of abode.’

They were committed for trial at the Ballarat Supreme Court and on 4th February were committed to the Department for Neglected Children.

MAHG decided a few years ago to refurbish the rather dilapidated figures in the lockup, but it took us a while to work out just what we wanted!

Finally we decided on wire figures and engaged renowned wire sculptor Tom Ripon from Clunes to do the work.

If you would like to attend the opening, RSVPs are requested by the Moonambel Arts & History Group by 14 May [Contact details at http://www.mahg.org.au/contacts.html ].

New Moonambel book

The Solomon of Moonambel – Reynell Everleigh Johns – By Merri Hogan with Noreen McAdam

 

Opium, diamonds, the judiciary and taxidermists – a fascinating story of a colonial magistrate’s years in Moonambel

This latest book about the district is available through the Avoca and District Historical Society Inc. Download Order Form here.