The Chosen

This site is dedicated to exploring and preserving the rich history of my family, which began when my European ancestors sought a better life and set sail for Chile, South America, in the late 1800s. I am proud to be a descendant of English, German, Croatian, Spanish, and Italian heritage. From the coalfields of Durham to the farmlands of Croatia, they all converged in the land of Chile. Through this website, I will trace our roots, share stories, and honour the diverse cultures that have shaped our family's journey. Join me in celebrating our unique heritage and the incredible legacy our ancestors have left behind.

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Mary Ann Bewick

Mary Ann Bewick was born in December 1830 in Hetton le Hole, Durham, England, and christened on December 5, 1830. She was the eldest of 14 siblings in the Bewick family. Throughout her life, she lived in various locations in Durham, including 21 Vine Street in Tunstall and 6 Kenton Row in Hetton Le Hole.

In 1851, Mary Ann married Robert Smith in Esh, Durham, and together they had four sons: John, William, James, and Robert. Tragically, Robert Smith passed away in 1859, leaving Mary Ann to raise her children alone.

Mary Ann Bewick had three children born out of wedlock, all carrying the Smith surname. The first was Robert Smith, born on July 22, 1861, in Hetton le Hole, Durham. The second was George Smith, born around 1863, also in Hetton le Hole. The third, Thomas Davison Smith, was born on July 9, 1868, in Hetton le Hole. Despite the challenges associated with raising children outside of marriage in the 19th century, Mary Ann provided for and raised her children, ensuring they were part of the close-knit Bewick family community.

In 1873, she remarried, this time to Alexander Davison, expanding her family further. Despite the challenges of widowhood and remarriage, Mary Ann managed to keep her family together and continued to live in Hetton le Hole, where she remained close to her siblings and extended family.

Throughout her life, Mary Ann was known by several names, including Ann Bewick, Mary Ann Smith, and Mary Ann Davison, reflecting her life's journey through marriage and family. She was a resilient woman who adapted to the significant changes in her life, including the loss of her first husband and the responsibilities that came with being a single mother in 19th-century England.

Mary Ann passed away on February 21, 1905, at the age of 74, in her hometown of Hetton le Hole. She was laid to rest in the same community where she was born and spent her entire life, leaving behind a legacy of strength and perseverance for her descendants.