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The Flynn family of Snowy River *photo ALBUM*
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DescriptionSuzanne Hevey:
Hi All, I’m helping my grandmother – Mary Jean Sellars nee Patterson – who turned 91 last week understand her family history.
We’ve discovered her mother was born as Bridget (Dolly) Annastatia Flynn in 1899 in Snowy Creek (or Snowy River). However, we knew her as Teresa (Tessa) Catherine Patterson nee Flynn and she appears on my grandmother’s birth certificate in 1932 as Jean Patterson nee Brown. She passed passed away in Melbourne, Australia in 1957 (as Teresa Patterson).
Bridget was the daughter of Maurice (born Co Kerry, Ireland) and Mary Flynn (nee Fitzgerald, born Little Grey Junction), sister to Mary Ann (later Prendergast), Maurice (Snowy) and Patrick (Paddy). Her father died in 1902 and her mother married Augustus Quinn in 1907 and then she also became half-sister to James William Augustus Quinn, Thomas Samuel Quinn and Arthur Henry (Henry) Quinn.
We know that in 1925-26 she worked as a printer’s assistant in Greymouth, living at 32 Murray Street, while also owning the Blackwater Farm after the death of both her parents and her step father.
We understand she came to Australia pregnant with my grandmother some time between February and November 1932, but this may not be accurate.
We also understand there were local rumours at the time that she ran away to Melbourne with a man. We have oral history that suggest his name was George Connors Patterson (or Paterson / Petterson / Peterson / etc) or James Patterson and that he was a barber. Again – this may or may not be accurate.
I’m really struggling to find who her father really was, even with DNA. Any local knowledge – however small and unofficial - would be more gratefully received than I can convey. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!
Pictured is:
1. The Flynn family of Snowy River, Hukarere circa 1905; Left to right at back: Bridget (Dolly), Mary Cecilia Flynn nee Fitzgerald, Maurice (Snowy), Mary Anne; At front is Patrick (Paddy), (husband/father Daniel Flynn died in 1902).
2. Bridget’s birth record.
3. An excerpt from the Letters of Administration papers Bridget signed in 1925 & 1926 in Greymouth.
4. Paddy Flynn and Henry Quinn heading to WWII.
5. Ad in a Melbourne paper in 1944 placed by Timaru Trustees looking for Bridget (who was, by then, Teresa Patterson).Map[1] ContributorSuzanne Hevey
Hi All, I’m helping my grandmother – Mary Jean Sellars nee Patterson – who turned 91 last week understand her family history.
We’ve discovered her mother was born as Bridget (Dolly) Annastatia Flynn in 1899 in Snowy Creek (or Snowy River). However, we knew her as Teresa (Tessa) Catherine Patterson nee Flynn and she appears on my grandmother’s birth certificate in 1932 as Jean Patterson nee Brown. She passed passed away in Melbourne, Australia in 1957 (as Teresa Patterson).
Bridget was the daughter of Maurice (born Co Kerry, Ireland) and Mary Flynn (nee Fitzgerald, born Little Grey Junction), sister to Mary Ann (later Prendergast), Maurice (Snowy) and Patrick (Paddy). Her father died in 1902 and her mother married Augustus Quinn in 1907 and then she also became half-sister to James William Augustus Quinn, Thomas Samuel Quinn and Arthur Henry (Henry) Quinn.
We know that in 1925-26 she worked as a printer’s assistant in Greymouth, living at 32 Murray Street, while also owning the Blackwater Farm after the death of both her parents and her step father.
We understand she came to Australia pregnant with my grandmother some time between February and November 1932, but this may not be accurate.
We also understand there were local rumours at the time that she ran away to Melbourne with a man. We have oral history that suggest his name was George Connors Patterson (or Paterson / Petterson / Peterson / etc) or James Patterson and that he was a barber. Again – this may or may not be accurate.
I’m really struggling to find who her father really was, even with DNA. Any local knowledge – however small and unofficial - would be more gratefully received than I can convey. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!
Pictured is:
1. The Flynn family of Snowy River, Hukarere circa 1905; Left to right at back: Bridget (Dolly), Mary Cecilia Flynn nee Fitzgerald, Maurice (Snowy), Mary Anne; At front is Patrick (Paddy), (husband/father Daniel Flynn died in 1902).
2. Bridget’s birth record.
3. An excerpt from the Letters of Administration papers Bridget signed in 1925 & 1926 in Greymouth.
4. Paddy Flynn and Henry Quinn heading to WWII.
5. Ad in a Melbourne paper in 1944 placed by Timaru Trustees looking for Bridget (who was, by then, Teresa Patterson).Map[1] ContributorSuzanne Hevey
Shown in this image
Location (city or town)Snowy RiverEventThe Flynn family of Snowy River
From Facebook
Date Created30th November 2023Comments
Eric Martini
Annastatia Flynn, first shows up in the 1922 electoral roll at 32 Murray St and still there in 1931. Interestingly the "owner"? or occupiers of 32 Murray St is Andrew Grogan with his wife Alice, cordial manufacturers.
May be an image of text
Suzanne Hevey
Author
Eric Martini if I could stretch my arms from Melbourne to the West Coast of New Zealand to hug you right now you would have a short sobbing woman saying thank you through tears on you!
Of all the spelling alternatives I have put on her surname to search in papers past and I didn’t make the mental leap to Miss D and Miss A = Forest v trees etc…
I am getting my son to sleep right now but will jump on and look at this all properly very soon.
Honestly… thank you
Eric Martini
Just to throw a pebble in the water..... given the confusion around the father .... it's within the realm of possibility that needs to be ruled out, that the father lived at the same address? Not wanting to cast dispersions... but
Eric Martini
and they Andrew and Alice had two daughters...
May be an image of text
Suzanne Hevey
Author
Eric Martini there's barely a man who wandered past Greymouth or Christchurch in 1932 who has not had my aspersions cast at him in the last few months!
I can't see any DNA links to support the theory at the moment, but I will look more deeply into these trips to see what I find. Thank you again
Wendy Oats
So I was going to ask if Bridget/Teresa was born in NZ or Australia, Laura has answered that question. So in NZ at Snowy River, Grey Valley.
Suzanne Hevey
Author
Wendy Oats yes, New Zealand ☺️ Place names have changed, and are frequently recorded differently, but her birth certificate shows her place of birth as “Snowy Creek”, residence as “Blackwater, Snowy Creek” and the registration district as Ahaura.
Darian Zam
Wendy Oats I mean who knew there was a 'Snowy River' in NZ. I sure didn't. That said so many towns have come and gobne due to the nature of the industries in the West Coast.
Wendy Oats
Darian ZamOH I know exactly where Snowy River is...in NZ and Australia. I live just down the road n a no of friends live there!
But was a little confused initially with Australian birth.
The name change thing is a little confusing too. But understand some of that as some of my relatives did the same!
(In NZ)
Darian Zam
That must have been quite a journey to establish she was the same person after changing her name so dramatically. My experience as a researcher is often the father is NR on original birth regos. They just didn't want anyone to know who the Dad was. I'd expect that. These days your most accurate bet is probably via DNA however long that will take with databases growing rapidly by the day. Probably the only way I'll find out who my aunt's father is, she's now deceased and nobody would ever tell her. When the record comes available in another 12 years most of the family who are pertinent to the info will have passed on and already betting it will say NR or - on it. But one day DNA will reveal all though!
Suzanne Hevey
Author
Darian Zam Thanks so much for your response!
It has - without exaggeration- been my full time job since July. Some expletives have been muttered and tears shed on this journey! But oh my goodness the joy when I got to show Nana her ancestral family for the first time… it’s been worth every 3am finish!
The father’s name given on her birth certificate is James Patterson, and on her baptism and marriage certificates it’s George Connors Patterson. He is listed on her birth certificate (1932) as a 33yo barber, deceased, born in Christchurch, NZ.
The DNA is teasing me with results- as is the circumstantial evidence- but nothing is standing up to verification. Either I find a name and distant dna match that I can’t place in or around Greymouth in 1932, or I find someone who seems close by, right age, etc but no dna proof.
I was able to discover she was Bridget before DNA results by (when there was no birth record for the name we were expecting!) going through every female birth in NZ and AU with the surname Flynn or Patterson between 1898 and 1902 and, as I know when she died and where she’s buried, finding one record with no conflicting death. Then the ad in the Argus sealed the deal and I took it to Nana- was very happy the DNA aligned when it came in later!
Suzanne Hevey
Darian Zam If I can help in anyway with research for your aunt’s father, please just say the word- I’ve become quite the sleuth!
Darian Zam
Suzanne Hevey I think I have actually worked it out....I had almost no information to work with and I still cracked the case. I eventually spoke to his grandchildren and showed them pictures of both and they agree with my speculation. DNA will confirm I guess. My great aunt May, Nanna Belle's's sister, also had a child out of wedlock to a Westport local; it was never any secret at all amongst the family - but later it turns out he went on to marry and have 3 kids and there are grandchildren...and nobody knows about it from their side! He was fully aware and never told them. They will find out in due course just due to the internet but not my job to bust into their lives with this news. It's always been odd to me my Nanna saw circumstances play out with her older sister's illegitimate child, then she went and did the exact same thing. Mind boggling, really. All of it got nasty in the end and broke the family into pieces. Secrets destroy lives. Who knows what my great grandparent's feelings were on the whole mess.
Suzanne Hevey
Author
This site still has a looooong way to go - but for anyone interested in a deeper diver into Bridget's time in Snowy Creek and Greymouth, and the Flynn and Quinn families there, there's lots more information and records here: https://determined.suzannehevey.com/
Determined. The incredible true story of Bridget, Jean, Teresa and Mary.
DETERMINED.SUZANNEHEVEY.COM
Determined. The incredible true story of Bridget, Jean, Teresa and Mary.
Determined. The incredible true story of Bridget, Jean, Teresa and Mary.
y
Suzanne Hevey
Author
Eric Martini - expect to see some extras on this site from your wonderful information in the coming days as I check everything and write it up
Eric Martini
There's a James Patterson in Greymouth Cemetery died 3-12-1928 aged 63. was possibly a police constable.
May be an image of text that says 'sttmo James PATTERSON beloved husband of Josephine IRVINE D. 3-12-1928л. 63. Josephine 13-5-1957 A. 83.'
Suzanne Hevey
Author
That one I’ve ruled out as he would’ve had to have been alive in at least February 1932 with a November birthday. There was another similar one and when I got to his burial record it had January 1932… but thank you
Eric Martini
She must have been close to the Grogans as she went on vacation with Mrs Grogan to CHCH - She also alternates between Miss D. Flynn and Miss A.Flynn. Greymouth evening Star 16 November 1931 -
May be an image of text that says 'Passengers who returned to Grey- mouth from Christchurch on Satur- day. included Mr and Mrs J. Forrest, Miss M. Greaney, Mrs A. Kyle, Mr R. Groom, Mr H. Wilson, Mrs . Brad- shaw, Miss M. Mercer, Mrs Grogan, Miss A, Flynn, Mr P. Fítzgerald, Mr M. J. Fogarty, Mr E. McDonnell.'
Eric Martini
Grey River Argus Grey River Argus, 16 November 1931 -
May be an image of text that says 'Mrs Grogan and Miss D. Flynn, wh:o have been on aL holiday visit to Christ- chureh, returned on Saturday evening.'
Wendy Oats
Suzanne there r still a Fitzgerald family living nearby, who I know. I could go ask if they r relatives....they might have some info??
Eric Martini
The only James Paterson in 1931 Greymouth was a professor of music. Still in Greymouth in 1935
Eric Martini
Annastatia Flynn, first shows up in the 1922 electoral roll at 32 Murray St and still there in 1931. Interestingly the "owner"? or occupiers of 32 Murray St is Andrew Grogan with his wife Alice, cordial manufacturers.
May be an image of text
Suzanne Hevey
Author
Eric Martini if I could stretch my arms from Melbourne to the West Coast of New Zealand to hug you right now you would have a short sobbing woman saying thank you through tears on you!
Of all the spelling alternatives I have put on her surname to search in papers past and I didn’t make the mental leap to Miss D and Miss A = Forest v trees etc…
I am getting my son to sleep right now but will jump on and look at this all properly very soon.
Honestly… thank you
Eric Martini
Just to throw a pebble in the water..... given the confusion around the father .... it's within the realm of possibility that needs to be ruled out, that the father lived at the same address? Not wanting to cast dispersions... but
Eric Martini
and they Andrew and Alice had two daughters...
May be an image of text
Suzanne Hevey
Author
Eric Martini there's barely a man who wandered past Greymouth or Christchurch in 1932 who has not had my aspersions cast at him in the last few months!
I can't see any DNA links to support the theory at the moment, but I will look more deeply into these trips to see what I find. Thank you again
Wendy Oats
So I was going to ask if Bridget/Teresa was born in NZ or Australia, Laura has answered that question. So in NZ at Snowy River, Grey Valley.
Suzanne Hevey
Author
Wendy Oats yes, New Zealand ☺️ Place names have changed, and are frequently recorded differently, but her birth certificate shows her place of birth as “Snowy Creek”, residence as “Blackwater, Snowy Creek” and the registration district as Ahaura.
Darian Zam
Wendy Oats I mean who knew there was a 'Snowy River' in NZ. I sure didn't. That said so many towns have come and gobne due to the nature of the industries in the West Coast.
Wendy Oats
Darian ZamOH I know exactly where Snowy River is...in NZ and Australia. I live just down the road n a no of friends live there!
But was a little confused initially with Australian birth.
The name change thing is a little confusing too. But understand some of that as some of my relatives did the same!
(In NZ)
Darian Zam
That must have been quite a journey to establish she was the same person after changing her name so dramatically. My experience as a researcher is often the father is NR on original birth regos. They just didn't want anyone to know who the Dad was. I'd expect that. These days your most accurate bet is probably via DNA however long that will take with databases growing rapidly by the day. Probably the only way I'll find out who my aunt's father is, she's now deceased and nobody would ever tell her. When the record comes available in another 12 years most of the family who are pertinent to the info will have passed on and already betting it will say NR or - on it. But one day DNA will reveal all though!
Suzanne Hevey
Author
Darian Zam Thanks so much for your response!
It has - without exaggeration- been my full time job since July. Some expletives have been muttered and tears shed on this journey! But oh my goodness the joy when I got to show Nana her ancestral family for the first time… it’s been worth every 3am finish!
The father’s name given on her birth certificate is James Patterson, and on her baptism and marriage certificates it’s George Connors Patterson. He is listed on her birth certificate (1932) as a 33yo barber, deceased, born in Christchurch, NZ.
The DNA is teasing me with results- as is the circumstantial evidence- but nothing is standing up to verification. Either I find a name and distant dna match that I can’t place in or around Greymouth in 1932, or I find someone who seems close by, right age, etc but no dna proof.
I was able to discover she was Bridget before DNA results by (when there was no birth record for the name we were expecting!) going through every female birth in NZ and AU with the surname Flynn or Patterson between 1898 and 1902 and, as I know when she died and where she’s buried, finding one record with no conflicting death. Then the ad in the Argus sealed the deal and I took it to Nana- was very happy the DNA aligned when it came in later!
Suzanne Hevey
Darian Zam If I can help in anyway with research for your aunt’s father, please just say the word- I’ve become quite the sleuth!
Darian Zam
Suzanne Hevey I think I have actually worked it out....I had almost no information to work with and I still cracked the case. I eventually spoke to his grandchildren and showed them pictures of both and they agree with my speculation. DNA will confirm I guess. My great aunt May, Nanna Belle's's sister, also had a child out of wedlock to a Westport local; it was never any secret at all amongst the family - but later it turns out he went on to marry and have 3 kids and there are grandchildren...and nobody knows about it from their side! He was fully aware and never told them. They will find out in due course just due to the internet but not my job to bust into their lives with this news. It's always been odd to me my Nanna saw circumstances play out with her older sister's illegitimate child, then she went and did the exact same thing. Mind boggling, really. All of it got nasty in the end and broke the family into pieces. Secrets destroy lives. Who knows what my great grandparent's feelings were on the whole mess.
Suzanne Hevey
Author
This site still has a looooong way to go - but for anyone interested in a deeper diver into Bridget's time in Snowy Creek and Greymouth, and the Flynn and Quinn families there, there's lots more information and records here: https://determined.suzannehevey.com/
Determined. The incredible true story of Bridget, Jean, Teresa and Mary.
DETERMINED.SUZANNEHEVEY.COM
Determined. The incredible true story of Bridget, Jean, Teresa and Mary.
Determined. The incredible true story of Bridget, Jean, Teresa and Mary.
y
Suzanne Hevey
Author
Eric Martini - expect to see some extras on this site from your wonderful information in the coming days as I check everything and write it up
Eric Martini
There's a James Patterson in Greymouth Cemetery died 3-12-1928 aged 63. was possibly a police constable.
May be an image of text that says 'sttmo James PATTERSON beloved husband of Josephine IRVINE D. 3-12-1928л. 63. Josephine 13-5-1957 A. 83.'
Suzanne Hevey
Author
That one I’ve ruled out as he would’ve had to have been alive in at least February 1932 with a November birthday. There was another similar one and when I got to his burial record it had January 1932… but thank you
Eric Martini
She must have been close to the Grogans as she went on vacation with Mrs Grogan to CHCH - She also alternates between Miss D. Flynn and Miss A.Flynn. Greymouth evening Star 16 November 1931 -
May be an image of text that says 'Passengers who returned to Grey- mouth from Christchurch on Satur- day. included Mr and Mrs J. Forrest, Miss M. Greaney, Mrs A. Kyle, Mr R. Groom, Mr H. Wilson, Mrs . Brad- shaw, Miss M. Mercer, Mrs Grogan, Miss A, Flynn, Mr P. Fítzgerald, Mr M. J. Fogarty, Mr E. McDonnell.'
Eric Martini
Grey River Argus Grey River Argus, 16 November 1931 -
May be an image of text that says 'Mrs Grogan and Miss D. Flynn, wh:o have been on aL holiday visit to Christ- chureh, returned on Saturday evening.'
Wendy Oats
Suzanne there r still a Fitzgerald family living nearby, who I know. I could go ask if they r relatives....they might have some info??
Eric Martini
The only James Paterson in 1931 Greymouth was a professor of music. Still in Greymouth in 1935
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West Coast New Zealand History (29th Nov 2023). The Flynn family of Snowy River *photo ALBUM*. In Website West Coast New Zealand History. Retrieved 29th Mar 2026 22:23, from https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/32991