Biography

Mary Ellen was the 4th of seven children known to be born to Huston and wife Mary Leslie. Mary’s father, Huston, was born in Derry, Ireland, and was a carrier by trade. He married Mary Jane Leslie in Londonderry, Ireland, 13 August 1863. At that time, his occupation was listed as being a weaver. On 9 July 1864, the couple departed from Southampton on the "Castle Eden" but their first child, Rosetta, was born 2 September 1864 during the voyage. The little family arrived in Brisbane 3 November 1864. Their next five children were all born in New South Wales. They were: Emily Dakin born 1868; Elizabeth Ann born 1871; Mary Ellen born 31 January 1875; Huston Robert born 7 February 1878; Mabel Jane born 9 June 1879. The children's mother died in Dubbo on 7 June 1881. Some time between 1881 and 1886, the family moved to Queensland, where little Mary Ellen died. The children's father, Huston, worked as a carrier in Queensland and followed the work with the railway from Dulbydilla to Charleville. He died 3 years after his daughter, on 1 November 1889 from a compound fracture of the leg. He collapsed and is buried in Charleville.