My name is Mildred Annie Ray. I am the second child of William and Hannah Ray (nee Allen). They will tell their own stories later.
Allandale, Queensland.
I was born on 2 February 1894 at a very small place called Allandale near Eton which is located about 19 miles south-west of Mackay. I have an older brother, William John Stanley, about a year older than myself.
In 1895, my brother Charles Archibald arrived on 7 May. A couple of years later, a new sister arrived, Effie May was born on 1 May 1898.
Early Years.
In my early years, I cannot recall too much. Father was busy usually ploughing on local farms. Mother always tended to her children’s needs and looked after the home. She would always be doing something – preparing our meals and keeping everything tidy around the home as much as she could.
We all would regularly attend church. Mother was very involved with the Church of England and taught Sunday School.
I was only six years old at the turn of the century so do not remember anything much about it.
School.
In 1901, I started my education at Walkerston State School. But there was much sadness around us. Besides the events that occurred in England with the death of Queen Victoria, our beloved Archie went missing on Thursday 26 September. He was found the next day. He had drowned in Scrubby Creek. He was only six years old.
Our family had changed. I could never understand why Archie had died considering “God” was there for us.
During my school years, my learning was exceptional. I enjoyed reading and writing. I became a good sewer. Mother was always there for me. She did her best but I knew she was sad.
As I grew older, I developed into an attractive young lady. Mother would always be telling me to look out for myself. I don’t think I listened
War.
A war broke out in Europe and Australia became involved. It was like a darkness that had descended upon us. We were living at Palmyra not far from Walkerston. We all did what we could for the young men who went off to the war so far from us. They fought to keep our country safe.
Sometime in 1918, father and mother sent me away. I went to Rockhampton, a long way south from Mackay. I had brought shame on my family. I was with child and not married.
Rockhampton.
In 1919, I was living at 148 William St., Rockhampton. My life would change forever. I became very sick. I gave birth to a beautiful daughter whom I called Millicent. She was born on 6 June.
Mildred Annie Ray died on 10 June at the Women’s Hospital in Rockhampton. She became a victim of the Spanish influenza. She was buried on 11 June at Allenstown Cemetery in Rockhampton.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Annie Mildred Ray: own collection – unknown date
Ancestor Family 