Marion Tyson

Surname:

Tyson

Given names:

Marion

Given address:

High Street

Sheet No: 155

Town/Suburb:

Central Dunedin

City/Region:

Dunedin

Notes:

Biography contributed by Katherine Blakeley

Marion Waddell was born in New Zealand in 1870 – the daughter of Matthew Waddell and Marion.

She married James Wilton Tyson on 6 September 1890 at Greta in New South Wales and they had a daughter the following year.

In April 1892 James came to New Zealand and Marion followed the next year with their daughter.

Marion signed the suffrage petition in High St, Dunedin although at the time she was living in, nearby, Maclaggan Street.

James appears to have had trouble staying in employment and Marion worked as a nurse.

In 1900 their house was sold 'owing to the furniture not being paid for'. James lived in a hotel while Marion and their daughter went to stay with her sister.

In 1904 James deserted the family and did not contribute to their support.

Marion petitioned for a divorce in 1905 which was granted. James died in 1922 and is buried in the Ashburton Cemetery.

Marion re-married in 1906 to Thomas Blair Meekison, an engine fitter.

Sometime after 1910 they sailed for Victoria where Thomas died in 1942 and Marion died on 30 August 1966 – they were both cremated and their ashes scattered in the Fawkner Memorial Park.