Sarah Ann "Annie" Smith aka Marjorie Burghlea-Smith (29 May 1883 - 11 Dec 1963)
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| Annie Sarah Smith aka Marjorie Burghlea-Smith |
Sarah Ann Smith was born on the 27 May 1883 to parents William Smith and Laura Smith nee Dyer at Bradfield, Berkshire, England. She was baptised at Greyfriars Church in Reading, Berkshire, England.
She had an older sister Ellen, born 21 May 1881 at Chatman Court, Reading, Berkshire, England.
When Annie was three her twin brothers William George and Henry Albert arrive at 5 Chatman Court, Reading, Berkshire, England. William George is christened on 10 May 1886 and Henry Albert on 30 June 1886. Henry Albert dies when Annie is 5 on 31 May 1888.
Not long after on 30 September 1888 another brother is born and named Henry Albert in Henry's honour.
BURGHFIELD COMMON, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND
1891 Census - Unable to find Annie or her family
Sometime between 1888 and 1895 the Smith family head back to Burghfield Common.
When Annie was 12 her next brother and sister Douglas and Mabel was born (1 April 1895) at Yew Tree Cottage, Burghfield Common, Berkshire, England but Douglas died at about 8 months on 31 December 1895.
When Annie was 15 her next brother William Charles (12 June 1898) was born at Burghfield Common, Berkshire, England.
In the 1901 Census Annie isn't living with the family. The family is in Burghfield. William, her father is 41, Laura, her mother is 46, her brother Henry Albert is 12, Mabel is 5 and Charles W is 2. William the father is a Bricklayers Labourer. They are living next door to James and Ellen Dore. James is a bricklayer. Next to James is Henry, Thomas, Alfred and Charles Dore and then George and Charlotte Dore.
When Annie was 21 her last brother Herbert was born in 1904.
In 1911, Annie's family are living at no 3 Mill Cottages, Sheffield Bottom, Theale, Berkshire, England.
EMIGRATING TO AUSTRALIA IN 1910
Annie arrived in Adelaide on 11 November 1910 aboard the ship “Bremen” with stories of wealth back in England belonging to the Smith family. None of the family here paid much attention to her. She called herself "Annie Sarah" and was listed as a maid on the ships passenger list.
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| I believe this is Sarah Ann Smith who became Marjorie Burghlea-Smith |
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Sarah Ann's welcome party in November 1910
At back is Leonard Rowlinson Smith, Joseph Smith and Horace Smith
I believe Jane Smith is sitting in front of Leonard, Sarah Ann in front of Horace. |
On 22 August 1921 she was admitted to the Adelaide Hospital (record 3320 of 1921) for appendicitis and discharged on 5 September 1921. She condition on leaving was relieved. The record states she was born in England, had been in the colony for 11 years, was 39 years old, single, Baptist and her address was 138 Leicester Street, Parkside which would have been living with her Uncle Joseph Smith.
In 1936 in the SA Police Gazette is reads "PORT ADELAIDE - On the 8 September 1936, from Waterside Workers Hall, North Parade, a blue coloured attache case, two fasteners, has strap around case, about 18in. long, MS ou side, two teaspoons, a white jar, insurance and pension cards in complaintant's name, a bible, two hankerchiefs, a small leather purse, 3s. 6d. in money, two collection tins, one has wedding bells on it and contained about 10s., the other contained about 30s - total value 3 pounds, the property of ANNIE SARAH SMITH - portion identifiable
The 1939 Electoral Roll has Marjorie living at 14 Robert Street, New Parkside and her occupation is Home Duties.
In 1942 Marjorie officially changes her name to Marjorie Burghlea-Smith. She changed her name to Marjorie Burghlea-Smith believing her family was related somehow to the Burghleys in England - presumably Lord Burghley.
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| Annie's official name change |
The 1943 Electoral Roll has Marjorie living at 3 Fisher Terrace, Thebarton and her occupation is Home Duties.
On 12 May 1952 the paper writes - Miss M Burghlea-Smith, an invalid pensioner, of Shelden Street, Norwood, is crippled as the result of two accidents. She is saving up to buy herself a kerosene heater, but says it is a long process because her rent (1 pound a week), food bill, fares, and medical supplies cost her almost 2 pounds a week. "I'd like to get a secondhand heater when I save enough", she said. "At the moment I go to bed straight after my evening meal".
On 13 May 1952 an article in paper - "Moves SA People" - An article in "The News" yesterday revealing the plight some of Adelaide's old age and invalid pensioners brought immediate response from the public today. Cash donating of 15 pounds and several offers of warm clothing were made before 9am. The staff of the Eudunda Farmers Coop Society, North Terrace, took up a collection of more than 3 pounds to provide a kerosene heater and a 4 gallon tin of fuel for Miss M Burghlea-Smith 59, invalid pensioner, of Norwood, who said she was saving for a secondhand heater.
On Friday 14 August 1953, Marjorie's photo is in the paper with the writing - "Personalities at the annual meeting of the Old Age Pensioners' League at the Reebabite Hall, city, yesterday are Miss M Burghlea-Smith of North Adelaide.
On 14 December 1954, Marjorie writes in the paper - "Fell into Hole" - Pedestrians should keep clear of newly erected electric light poles. On Friday evening, in Grenfell Street, Kent Town, a woman stepped from the roadway near a pole, and fell onto her back in three feet of mud and slush. She injured her leg muscles, and suffered from shock. Her clothes were covered with thick mud. Such holes should be attended to at once - Kent Town (Miss) M. Burghlea-Smith.
In 1955 she is living at 71 King William Street, Kent Town under the name M. Burghlea-Smith.
In 1960 she is living at 15 Henley Beach Road, Mile End under the same name.
Marjorie died at Parkside Mental Hospital on 11 December 1963 and is buried at West Terrace Cemetery. The cause of death was Bronchopneumonia, Myocardial Insufficiency and Arteriosclerosis.
[I have requested under Freedom of Information any Parkside Mental Hospital records from the State Records of SA - waiting for response 26/7/2016]
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