Mecredy, John Knox (1860-1915)

John Knox Mecredy (1860-1915) was associated with the English Bay Bathing and Athletic Club at 1842 Beach Avenue from 1903 to 1905, and with the Beach House Club at 1968 Beach Avenue in 1910.

 

Family Background

John Knox Mecredy was born in Saintfield, County Down, Ireland, on August 18, 1860. His parents were John Mecredy and Sara Jane Pim.

 

Marriage to Rosa Caradec and Life in Australia

In 1881, in Belfast District, John married Rosa Marie Augusta Caradec, who was born in France on August 5, 1852.

By 1886, John and Rosa were living in Australia; their three children were born in Australia: John Ernest Mecredy; Adrienne Emily Mecredy; and Emma Muriel Mecredy (or Muriel Emma Mecredy).

By 1889, John had established a business presence in Melbourne, Australia. He was involved in a partnership called “Mecredy and Drew”; Frederick John Drew and James McDonald Gasquoine were the other partners. On June 5, 1889, the partners agreed that Mr. Gasquoine would resign from the business, and that John and Mr. Drew would carry on the partnership.

On October 1, 1890, John and Mr. Drew registered “Macredy and Drew Limited” as a limited company in Melbourne. Within less than three years, however, Macredy and Drew Limited were in financial trouble; on July 3, 1893, Mecredy and Drew Limited entered a voluntary winding-up process. Mr. Drew and Mr. Gasquoine became the liquidators for the purpose of winding up the company.

A French textile company called Scheurer, Lauth and Company, who was a creditor of Mecredy and Drew Limited, petitioned the Supreme Court to continue the liquidation of the company, but to bring the liquidation under the supervision of the court. Robert William Berry Mackenzie, an accountant, became the liquidator instead of Mr. Drew and Mr. Gasquoine.

John was in other financial difficulties. He had become involved with Paul Rochussen in a soap manufacturing company with the title of “the Universal Soap Company, Mecredy, Rochussen” of Chapel-street, South Yarra. In August 1893, insolvency officials made an order declaring that John and Paul Rochussen were insolvent. On August 30, the court ordered that the estates of John and Mr. Rochussen were “sequestrated.” On September 6, 1893, Robert William Berry Mackenzie became the trustee of John and Mr. Rochussen.

John applied to the court to have the sequestration of his estate set aside, but he later abandoned this proceeding, and the court ordered him to pay the costs. Mr. Mackenzie applied to attach John for non-payment of the costs, but John said that he had no means to pay. On July 30, 1894, Judge Thomas á Beckett (1836-1919) concluded that inability to pay was no answer, and he issued an order for a writ of attachment.

The case became even more complicated. Eventually, John was charged with conspiracy to defraud Scheurer, Lauth, and Company. The court eventually acquitted him; he then sued Scheurer, Lauth, and Company for 25,000 pounds, although he later said that he would settle for 3,000 pounds.

 

To Canada

John and his family came to Canada in the late 1890s.

By 1900, he was living in Vancouver, and was the manager of the Direct Importing Company at 780 Cordova Street. In 1901, a “V. McCready” was the president of the Bathing and Athletic Club on Beach Avenue.

From 1903 to 1904, J.K. McCredy (or Macredy) was the manager of the English Bay Bathing and Athletic Club, and was living at 1842 Beach Ave.

By 1910, John K. McCready was the secretary of the Beach House Ltd., on Beach Avenue at the corner of Morton Avenue.

 

Death of Rosa and Re-Marriage

John’s wife, Rosa, died in Vancouver on January 27, 1902. She was 47 years old, and she was buried in Mountain View Cemetery.

John’s and Rosa’s daughter, Emma Muriel Mecredy, died in Vancouver on December 9, 1905. She was 15 years old. She was buried in Mountain View Cemetery.

On April 13, 1907, John married Meta Elizabeth Vickers, who was born in Elora, Ontario on February 12, 1875. Her father was Francis George Vickers; her mother was Mary Jane Mcintosh. John and Meta had a daughter, Lenore Marie Macredy, who was born in Vancouver on June 17, 1908. Meta died in Vancouver on February 16, 1910; she was buried in Mountain View Cemetery.

John died in Vancouver on November 10, 1915. He was buried in Mountain View Cemetery.

John was a cousin of James Nicholson Pike, an insurance agent who lived at 1214 Denman Street in 1908.

John Knox Mecredy and Rosa Marie Augusta Caradec had the following children.

 

John Ernest Mecredy (often called “Ernest”)

John Ernest Mecredy was born on May 15, 1885 (or 1886) in Melbourne, Australia. He became a broker and an insurance adjuster. On November 3, 1913, in Vancouver, he married Lillian Mortimore. She was born in 1890 in Emerson, Manitoba. Her father was J.G. Mortimore.

Lillian died in Essondale, British Columbia on May 30, 1946. She was buried in Ocean View Burial Park in Burnaby, British Columbia.

Ernest died in Burnaby, British Columbia, on April 6, 1980.

Ernest and Lillian had a son named John Knox Mecredy. He was born in Vancouver on March 31, 1916; he died in Vancouver on August 29, 1922.

Ernest had a daughter named Adrienne Emily Mecredy, who married a Mr. Albert. Adrienne was living in Vancouver in 1980.

 

Adrienne Emily Mecredy

Adrienne Emily Mecredy was born on October 12, 1887 (or 1888), in Melbourne, Australia. She married Reuben Stephen Edwards, who was born in Ontario on July 1, 1875.

Reuben died in New Westminster, British Columbia on January 1, 1954.

Adrienne died in New Westminster, British Columbia, on April 10, 1940.

Ruben and Adrienne had a daughter named Muriel Ethel Edwards, who was born in Kamloops, British Columbia on February 27, 1912. She became a stenographer with Ocean Cement. She never married, and she died in New Westminster, British Columbia on June 16, 1969.

 

Emma Muriel Mecredy

Emma Muriel Mecredy (or Muriel Emma Mecredy) was born in Melbourne, Australia, on May 25, 1891.

She was married to I. Petersen and living in Burlingame, California, in 1940.

 

John Knox Mecredy and Meta Elizabeth Vickers had a daughter.

 

Lenore Marie Mecredy

Lenore Marie Mecredy was born in Vancouver on June 17, 1908. On May 12, 1931, in Nelson, British Columbia, she married Douglas Jerome. He was born on March 31, 1910 in Nelson. His father was Robert Frances Jerome; his mother was Bertha Kate Harrison.

Lenore died in Powell River, British Columbia, on June 30, 1988.

Douglas died in Matsqui, British Columbia, on December 30, 1989.

 

Sources

John Knox Mecredy

“Ireland, Civil Registration Indexes, 1845-1958,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FYWW-XNB : accessed 21 Nov 2013), John Knox Mecredy, 1881; citing vol. 1, p. 385, General Registry, Custom House, Dublin, Ireland; FHL microfilm 101254.

“Ireland, Civil Registration Indexes, 1845-1958,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FYWH-XJD : accessed 21 Nov 2013), Rosa Caradee, 1881; citing vol. 1, p. 385, General Registry, Custom House, Dublin, Ireland; FHL microfilm 101254.

Notice of dissolution of partnership, Victoria Government Gazette, No. 109, October 18, 1889, page 3435 at page 3498; http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/view.cgi?year=1889&class=general&page_num=3435&state=V&classNum=G109.

Notice of registration: Victorian Government Gazette, No. 88, October 3, 1890, page 3907 at page 3930; http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/view.cgi?year=1890&class=general&page_num=3907&state=V&classNum=G88.

Notice of registered office: Victorian Government Gazette, No. 88, October 3, 1890, page 3907 at page 3964 http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/view.cgi?year=1890&class=general&page_num=3907&state=V&classNum=G88.

In 1892, Mecredy and Drew Limited was listed as number 409 on the roll of merchants and traders. Roll of merchants and traders, 1892; Victorian Government Gazette, No. 36,March 5, 1892, page 1171 at page 1173; http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/view.cgi?year=1892&class=general&page_num=1171&state=V&classNum=G36.

Notice of change of registered office: Victorian Government Gazette, No. 50, April 17, 1891, page 1599 at page 1658; http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/view.cgi?year=1891&class=general&page_num=1599&state=V&classNum=G50.

Mecredy & Drew Limited: Notice of voluntary winding up: Victorian Government Gazette, No. 93, July 7, 1893, page 3063 at page 3108; http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/view.cgi?year=1893&class=general&page_num=3063&state=V&classNum=G93

Notice of continuation of voluntary winding up and appointment of new liquidator; Victorian Government Gazette, No. 97, July 21, 1893, page 3221 at page 3276; http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/view.cgi?year=1893&class=general&page_num=3221&state=V&classNum=G97.

Scheurer, Lauch and Company was a successful textile company. The company started in 1813 under the name Liebach, Scherrer & Company. By the 1890s, the company was called Scheurer, Lauth & Company. Cora Ginspurg LLC provides an example of fabric from the 1890s, along with a brief historical background: http://coraginsburg.com/morningglory_velveteen.htm. The company appears to be in existence still: http://www.entreprise-francaise.com/manufacture-dimpression-scheurer-lauth-et-cie-945750719/; http://www.entreprise-francaise.com/en/scheurer-lauth-sa-573621091/.

Insolvency notices: Return of Melbourne Insolvencies during the week ending the 30^th day of August, 1893; notices of sequestration, August 30, 1893, Victorian Government Gazette, No. 114, September 1, 1893, page 3695 at page 3735; http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/view.cgi?year=1893&class=general&page_num=3695&state=V&classNum=G114. Sequestration (law), Wikipedia, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequestration_(law)]:“Sequestration (in law) is the act of removing, separating, or seizing anything from the possession of its owner under process of law for the benefit of creditors or the state.”

Notice of appointment of trustee, Victorian Government Gazette, No. 117, September 8, 1893, page 3761 at page 3813; http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/view.cgi?year=1893&class=general&page_num=3761&state=V&classNum=G117.

On October 6, 1893, Mr. Mackenzie transferred the registered office of Macredy and Drew Limited (in Liquidation) from Degraves-street in Melbourne to Molesworth Chambers, No. 450 Chancery-lane, Melbourne. Macredy & Drew Limited (In Liquidation), notice of change of registered office, Victorian Government Gazette, No. 132, October 13, 1893, page 4089 at page 4154; http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/view.cgi?year=1893&class=general&page_num=4089&state=V&classNum=G132.

In re Mecredy, (1894), Victorian Law Reports, Volume 20, page 431. Motion to attach J.K. Mecredy, The Argus (Melbourne), August 24, 1894, page 3; http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/8697080?searchTerm=mecredy&searchLimits=.

Thomas á Beckett, Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_%C3%A0_Beckett; R. G. De B. Griffith, ‘à Beckett, Sir Thomas (1836–1919)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/a-beckett-sir-thomas-2860/text4073, accessed 4 April 2013.

The Mecredy-Drew Case, The Argus, Melbourne, July 9, 1894, page 6; . http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/8683547?searchTerm=acquittal%20of%20j%20k%20mecredy&searchLimits=.

The Case of Mr. J. Knox Mecredy: Action for False Imprisonment, The Argus, Melbourne, August 17, page 5, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/8695046?searchTerm=the%20case%20of%20mr%20j%20knox%20mecredy&searchLimits=.

Action for False Imprisonment, South Australian Register, Adelaide, January 14, 1895, page 5, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/53711780?searchTerm=mecredy%20scheurer%20lauth%203,000&searchLimits=.

“Canada Passenger Lists, 1881-1922,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/2Q34-YSJ : accessed 25 Nov 2013), John Knox Mecredy, 1905.

“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JD81-YQT : accessed 25 Nov 2013), John Knox Mecredy and Meta Vickers, 1907.

British Columbia Marriage Registrations, Registration Number: 1907-09-054291, John Knox Mecredy and Meta Vickers, http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy/DisplayGenealogyImage?k=14b62efd-6d22-42f1-8e04-db5af593325d.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLKS-M4R : accessed 25 Nov 2013), John Knox Mecredy, 1915.

British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1915-09-143430, John Knox Mccredy.

John Knox Mecredy, death notice, Vancouver Sun, November 11, 1915, page 7: “Mecredy – In a local hospital, November 10th, John Knox Mecredy, age 55 years, late of 619 Homer street. The funeral will take place this afternoon at 2:30 from Center & Hanna’s chapel, 1049 Georgia street, Rev. Leslie Pidgeon officiating. Interment at Mountain View cemetery.”

Mr. J.K Mecredy, Vancouver Province, November 11, 1915, page 16: “Mr. J.K Mecredy, aged 55, a well-known citizen, for twelve years a resident of Vancouver, died yesterday and his funeral was held today.”

 

Rosa Marie Augusta Caradec

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLKB-53L : accessed 25 Nov 2013), Rosa Marie Augusta Mecredy, 1902.

British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1902-09-118827, Rosa Marie Augusta Mecredy.

 

Meta Elizabeth Vickers

“Canada, Births and Baptisms, 1661-1959,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/F2NR-T7X : accessed 25 Nov 2013), Meta Vickers, 12 Feb 1875.

“Ontario Births, 1869-1912,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FMX8-T8R : accessed 25 Nov 2013), Mela Or Meta Vickers, 1875.

“Ontario Births, 1869-1912,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FMXD-DH5 : accessed 25 Nov 2013), Meta Vickers, 1875.

“Canada Census, 1891,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MW2N-M2S : accessed 25 Nov 2013), Meta E Vicker, Wiarton, Bruce North, Ontario, Canada.

“Canada Census, 1901,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KH2D-RWP : accessed 25 Nov 2013), Meta Vicars in entry for John Johns, 1901.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLKB-RT1 : accessed 25 Nov 2013), Meta Elizabeth Mccredy, 1910.

British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1910-09-129550, Meta Elizabeth Mecredy.

 

John Ernest Mecredy (often called “Ernest”)

“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JDZV-62J : accessed 25 Nov 2013), John Ernest Mccredy and Lillian Mortimore, 1913.

British Columbia Marriage Registrations, Registration Number: 1913-09-072960, John Ernest Mecredy and Lillian Mortimore, http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy/DisplayGenealogyImage?k=82f01c17-192c-4dc4-846f-55aff099fb03.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL1C-QVC : accessed 25 Nov 2013), John Ernest Mecredy, 1980.

British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1980-09-006006, John Ernest Mecredy, http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy/DisplayGenealogyImage?k=98e4e192-cf43-4a63-a6fc-bd7c3aeda0cb.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL2R-B9D : accessed 25 Nov 2013), Lillian Mecredy, 1946.

British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1946-09-008420, Lillian Mecredy, http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy/DisplayGenealogyImage?k=8d72383a-4133-4e4b-a19d-f63f87e31577.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLKJ-3MC : accessed 25 Nov 2013), John Knox Mecredy, 1922.

British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1922-09-304878, John Knox Mecredy.

 

Adrienne Emily Mecredy

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL2Y-D8G : accessed 24 Nov 2013), Adrienne Marie Edwards, 1940.

British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1940-09-570973, Adrienne Marie Edwards.

Vancouver Sun, April 11, 1940, page 17, http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ljFlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LokNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1670%2C1607281 (near bottom of column 8).

“Edwards – On April 10, 1940, Adrienne, beloved wife of Mr. R.S. Edwards, 1830 8th Ave, New Westminster, in her 52nd year. Survived by husband, 1 daughter, Muriel, at home; 2 sisters, Mrs. I Petersen, Burlingame, Calif.; Mrs. D. Jerome, Nelson, B.C., 1 brother, J.E. Mecredy, Van.; 2 nieces, Audrey and Madeline. Funeral service Saturday, April 13th, at 2 o’clock, in Paterson Funeral Home, 8th Street ad 6th Ave., Rev. Wm. Graham officiating. Yeres Chapter OES. No. 48 will hold service. Cremation.”

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLRC-1LP : accessed 24 Nov 2013), Reuben Stephen Edwards, 1954.

British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1954-09-001122, Reuben Stephen Edwards, http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy/DisplayGenealogyImage?k=44742def-0ac5-48a1-8244-50caef927b9b.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLY4-RV9 : accessed 25 Nov 2013), Muriel Ethel Edwards, 1969.

British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1969-09-008992, Muriel Ethel Edwards, http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy/DisplayGenealogyImage?k=abf439d6-2d68-417e-95fb-591288d3518a.

 

Emma Muriel Mecredy

 

Vancouver Sun, April 11, 1940, page 17, http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ljFlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LokNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1670%2C1607281 (near bottom of column 8). “Edwards – On April 10, 1940, Adrienne, beloved wife of Mr. R.S. Edwards, 1830 8th Ave, New Westminster, in her 52nd year. Survived by husband, 1 daughter, Muriel, at home; 2 sisters, Mrs. I Petersen, Burlingame, Calif.; Mrs. D. Jerome, Nelson, B.C., 1 brother, J.E. Mecredy, Van.; 2 nieces, Audrey and Madeline. Funeral service Saturday, April 13th, at 2 o’clock, in Paterson Funeral Home, 8th Street ad 6th Ave., Rev. Wm. Graham officiating. Yeres Chapter OES. No. 48 will hold service. Cremation.”

 

Lenore Marie Mecredy

British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1989-09-023053, Douglas Jerome, http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy/DisplayGenealogyImage?k=666576d2-d57a-4e10-8970-afdaaffa3f05; http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy/DisplayGenealogyImage?k=dfccad7a-0f4e-4e40-8230-65fb71383163.

British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1988-09-011161, Lenore Marie Jerome, http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy/DisplayGenealogyImage?k=f415d2a6-c5b8-4c86-83d7-f8cf1be711e3; http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy/DisplayGenealogyImage?k=3581dd2e-5ce4-4951-8266-4099db2d0746.