Historical information

Elizabeth (Bessie) Mercer, a daughter of Henry Boyd Mercer and Deborah Mercer née Sinclair, was born 23/8/1873 at Spring Hill (near present-day Pittong). She attended Spring Vale State School where she achieved her Merit Certificate. She registered as a teacher in 1891 and completed further training to become a teacher of gymnastics in 1896. Bessie married David Brown of Chepstowe, and they farmed at Pittong. They had two children, Vera and Roy. Bessie Brown died in 1940.
Bessie and her sister Emma were very involved with the war effort during World War I, and after the war they were presented with certificates of appreciation by the Linton "Diggers". (Copies of certificates in the LDHS collection.)

Physical description

Black and white copy of original photograph of a seated lady wearing dark skirt and blouse with a high neck and ruffles. Standing beside her is a girl wearing a light coloured knee length dress and black shoes and socks. She is also wearing glasses, a cameo necklace and a white bow in her hair.

Inscriptions & markings

"Mrs Bessie Brown + daughter Vera".