Mary AVERKOFF of Innisfail circa 1917

[leerutherford]

Hi Jim McCreadie,

Mary Averkoff is my great-aunt and William George Averkoff is my great-uncle - they are brother and sister.

What would you like to know about them? I would love to see any information you may have about William and the first world war.

There were seven children altogether William was the oldest, followed by Mary and then George, Fredrick Serjus, Edward Serguis, Nona Minnie and Olive Olga (Nona and Olive were the only ones born in Australia).

Their father (Serguis) died in April 1915 which would have left William as the 'bread' winner considering their mother could hardly speak any English.

LeeR

[q98]

MANY thanks LeeR
Mary was nominated as beneficiary of the death pension of 6320 Private John McCreadie, 15 Battalion, following his 1917 death in action. Written advice located in John's Service Record advised her claim was "Rejected on the ground that claimant is not considered to be a dependent within the meaning of the Act." Were they sweethearts, engaged perhaps?

I do not hold much information regarding Mary although John is in my direct line. I am willing to forward for your persual a short precis of his life.

Please contact me at

jim.mccreadieATbigpond.com
Edited [AT=@] to prevent spammers

Jim

[q98]

I realise this is a very old thread but I may be able to enlighten subscriber LeeR, hopefully he/she still retains interest.
"The Cairns Post" newspaper dated Friday 5 March 1920 carried the following short entry:
Quote
Attempted Suicide. Mary Averkoff, a young woman, pleaded guilty to a charge of having attempted suicide. His Honour, addressing accused, said he hoped she would not do such a silly thing again. She "would be bound over in her own recognisance of £50" to appear when called upon for sentence. Accused was thereupon discharged.
End Quote