Marion started her life in Otepopo, North Otago. This is somewhat surprising, but at the same time, it makes sense. On her birth certificate is W McF Pollock, Farmer, who is William McFarlane Pollock, son of Janet Pollock nee Brown, sister of John. William’s parents were farmers in Otepopo and William McF became the local butcher. Perhaps Mary was well advanced in her pregnancy and Marion arrived early while they were visiting Janet (and William) who was living at Otepopo at the time.
There are actually 2 Marion BROWNs born within 6 months of each other, but the other is a cousin, born to David BROWN – brother of John. That Marion married John LINDSAY in 1891.
Marion would be schooled on the Taieri though at East Taieri School and in 1902, married Thomas Joseph Kelly and the couple would settle in the Queenstown area. They had at least 4 children. Thomas was a gardener then a manager at the Queenstown Gardens. There are numerous articles about him on Paperspast.
| 1903 | Robert | Died | 1903 |
| 1904 | Mary Katherine | Died | Bef. 1955 |
| 1906 | Leo Patrick | Died | Aft 1965 Australia |
| 1910 | John James | Died | 1972 |
By 1931 Thomas and Marion had moved to Tomahawk, near Mosgiel and settled into their retirement. Sadly, Thomas passed away in 1936. Marion lived with her youngest son, John on Saddle Hill, until her death in 1955. She is buried in East Taieri Cemetery in an unmarked grave.
What is interesting to note is the ages of her children at the time of her death. In particular, her daughter, Mary Katherine is still alive in 1955. More work is required on that particular point.