Children of Alice Mary and John Theodore Merz

portrait in oils of Charles Hesterman Merz01. Charles Hesterman Merz, DSc, MIEE, FRGS

1874-10-05 b. 12 Regent Terrace, Gateshead, Durham birth certificate; The Friend; Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
 

On the 5th of October our little nephew Charles Hestermann Merz was born. His mother has now nicely recovered, & the baby is a fine flourishing child.

Elizabeth Spence Watson's "Family Chronicles"
 

Charles was born on the 5th of October 1874—a large baby,—he began to teethe at four months old which made the doctor afraid to vaccinate him. A healthy child excepting a rather delicate throat which necessitates care in cold east winds. He walked when he was ¾ years old and talked when he was 2½ just after Norbert was born. Charles shows a great love of 'mecking,' and at a very early age built with his bricks all sorts of towers and houses with great skill—a loving sweet tempered child with no sulkiness, though some passion which has developed (as well as other frailties of human nature) since Norbert's birth!

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1875 spring "In the spring of 1875 Charles had a severe attack of bronchitis—he lost the power of walking and was really ill—but a fortnight at Riding Mill at the end of May restored him wonderfully."
1877-09

Charles growing intensely fond of Norbert. Both are happy as the day is long. Spent a fortnight at Newbiggin with Aunt Anne and Uncle Robert, who most kindly like to have them and report that they are very good.

Charles begins to learn his letters—and can say a verse of 'Jesus Tender Shepherd' very distinctly—has a capital memory for so young a child.

1877-11 "Charles had an attack of jaundice—the effect of a severe chill—but it did not last more than a fortnight."
1878-03 "Charles & Norbert Merz are staying there [Bournemouth] during their parents' absence in Spain, & we were pleased to find them so well & happy, both of them looking very bonny." Elizabeth Spence Watson's "Family Chronicles"
1878

Charles and Norbert went to Bournemouth while we were in Spain—which did them much good. In June they also went for two weeks with me to Grasmere, just after Theo sailed for Canada. Norbert a healthy strong boy—excessively fond of an animals an eager child—not so neat and painstaking as Charles.

The latter begins to enjoy his half-hour lessons daily—he is a thoughtful boy, taking an interest in everything he hears.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1878-10

Charles four years old—knows his letters and a few easy words—can put up without help a dissected picture. [ . . . ] The two brothers are devoted to each other in spite of occasional squabbles over a toy.

1879-05-23

Both boys strong and well. Charles good and affectionate and taking more and more interest in his lessons.

1881 scholar, of The Quarries, Elswick, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland, living with siblings, a cook, a nurse, and two housemaids TNA: RG 11/5055 f159 p17
1882-12-25 Prince Bensham Grove visitors' books
1882 Christmas

And now Christmas has come & gone—we had over 70 on Christmas Day—old & young, & a very merry happy part, "Cinderella", got up by Ruth, was charmingly acted by some of the younger ones—Mary being a sweet little Cinderella, Charles the Prince, (acted with great dignity) Ernestine the godmother, Evie & Dora the two unkind sisters, & George the Herald.

Elizabeth Spence Watson's "Family Chronicles"
1884 spring holidayed on the continent with his parents Reminiscences of John Theodore Merz (1922) Edinburgh and London: William Blackwood and Sons: 279
1885-01

Little Norbert Merz had a slight attack of scarlet fever in January—& during his illness his brother Charles, who was to go to school, stayed here—a clever, helpful boy. He & Mary became fast friends, & made several expeditions together—often very usefully.

Elizabeth Spence Watson's "Family Chronicles"
1886-06

Charles went to Alnmouth to school at that time and it was hard to banish him to Bensham so that he might carry the usual doctor's certificate of non-exposure to illness—he is happy at this boarding school and shows decided ability for mathematics [ . . . ]

Had had two slight attacks of rheumatism.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1886-04-18 of Letton Lodge, Alnmouth Bensham Grove visitors' books
1887-03 "Charles still at Alnmouth steadily progressing with studies." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1888-01 "Charles still at Alnmouth."
1888-05 "The children all at Grasmere with 'Aunt Car' a radiantly happy time."

"Charles top of Alnmouth school—has only 1 more term there. Mathematics still his forte—though he has made progress in Classics and French."

1888-10

Took Charles to Bootham on the 1st was much pleased with what I saw of the school. Charles now has 4 languages as German and French are compulsory there and we do not wish Latin and Greek to be given up as he has made considerable progress with them at Alnmouth."

1888/1891 at Bootham School, York Old York Scholars' Association (1971) Bootham School Register. London: Oyez Press
1889-03 "Charles quite settled at York (Bootham)—doing very well." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1890-03 "Charles has awakened much mentally this last year—has a high place at school for his age—clever too with his hands—brought home at Xmas a very nice bookcase which he had made and lovely boxes—also a play box."
1890-06/-07 holidayed in Norway with Spence Watson family Elizabeth Spence Watson's "Family Chronicles"
1891-01

Charles and Norbert very bright still at Bootham School. Charles now working for "Matriculation."

[ . . . ] Charles still liking to have someone always with him.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1891 schoolboy, pupil at Friends Boys School, St Giles, York RG 12/3886 f100 p2
1891-06 of Friends' School, York; in the honours division of the University of London Matriculation Examination Yorkshire Gazette, 1891-07-25
1891-07

Charles left Bootham School York—passing the Matriculation Examination in First Class. In September we intend to send him to Mulhouse to study German and Mathematics under professor Cherbuliez. He was at Grasmere for a fortnight and climbed Sca Fell at midnight reaching the top in time to watch a glorious sunrise.

[ . . . ] Charles a delightful boy to live with—not a great reader—but thoughtful and I cant help believing much is fermenting in his mind that will take shape and come out one day.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1891-09-30

The plan for Charles' going to Mulhouse fallen through, owing to prof. Cherbuliez's children having whooping cough, so he has entered as a student at the College of Science here and will devote himself to physics and mathematics.

A Bicycle takes him to and from College.

  educated at Armstrong College, Newcastle, but left at 18 without a degree, to take up an apprenticeship with the Newcastle upon Tyne Electric Supply Company OYSA (1971); Weightman (2011), p. 120
1892-09-09

Charles (on August 8th) began practical work at Electric light works Pandon Dene—leaving at 6 a.m. and coming back at 5.30 p.m. he likes the employment very much, and it seems to suit his health well.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1893 went as apprentice at the Pandon Dene generating station of the Newcastle upon Tyne Electric Supply Company (NESCo) Reminiscences of John Theodore Merz: 268; Oxford DNB; John Rowland  (1960) Progress in Power, London: Newman Neame; ODNB and Rowland say 1892
1893-01 "Charles is prospering at the Electric Light Works" [ . . . ] Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1893-04 "Charles managed the installation of Electric Light with the help of 1 workman—and our rooms look bright and charming with it: it is in every way satisfactory."
1893-07-05 "Charles gone to spend a fortnight with the Watsons at "Bryn Cottie, South Wales."
1893 summer holidayed with the Spence Watsons in Caermarthenshire Elizabeth Spence Watson's "Family Chronicles"
1894-01 "Charles works steadily at the Electric Supply Co. and makes himself very useful there: he is thorough in his business and in his hobbies and bestows plenty of thought on what he undertakes." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1894-04-13

Had a delightful picnic at Easter to Otterburn and Horsley—the only shade on the pleasure of the day was Charles "spill" on his bicycle by which he broke a bit of bone (the scapula) which kept him from his work for 3 weeks.

1894-08-07 "Charles left for Lincoln to go through his period of apprenticeship at Roby's Engine Works and his first experience of lodging life."
1894-11-10

On our way home we called to see Charles at Lincoln. Very much satisfied with the keen interest he takes in his work especially the Electrical branch of it.

1894

became a pupil at the Robey engineering works in Lincoln. He then went to the Bankside station of the City of London Electric Lighting Company, superintending contracts for the British Thomson-Houston Company (BTH), manufacturers of electrical plant, of which company his father was at that time a director. At the age of twenty-three he was appointed manager and engineer to operate the plant which BTH had provided for electricity supply in Croydon. So successful was he in this that he was given charge of a similar and larger contract at Cork, which also included tramways. Here he came into contact with William McLellan, who in 1902 became his partner in the well-known firm of Merz and McLellan, consultative electrical engineers (established first at Newcastle upon Tyne and later also in London), until McLellan's death in 1934.

Oxford DNB
  a skilled billiards player; also played chess Rowland  (1960): 14, 16
1895-03 "Charles continues at Robey's Engine Works Lincoln." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1895-07-02 "It is decided Charles should leave Roby's and that his connection with the Newcastle Electric Supply Co. should end at end of this month and he will then go to Croydon under the British Thomson Houston Co. an arrangement much to his taste."
1895-09-01 "Charles began work in London under the British Thomson Houston Co. with Mr. Devonshire as his 'Chief'—a very good opening for him."
1895-12-25 of The Quarries Bensham Grove visitors' books
1896-09-09 "Charles very busy at Croydon in the new Electric Light Station there." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1897-12

In May we all crossed via Hook of Holland to Amsterdam—Charles joining us—then we stopped in Hanover and then went on to Oderhaus The Harz [ . . . ] a very merry month at the primitive forester's house—ascended The "Brocken" and those who were able took many long walks.

[ . . . ] Charles having set the routine management of Croydon Electric Lighting Station going is now at the Office of the B.T.H. Co. Cannon Street—working chiefly in connection with the Central London Electric Railway.

 

It came as a shock to Charles—he regarded it almost as an insult—when he was asked to leave London for the town of Cork in southern Ireland, to oversee a new tramway and lighting system to be installed by BTH.

He threatened to leave, to join Siemens, the training ground for so many young electricians. He complained to his father that Cork would be a kind of exile. But Theodore stood firm and persuaded his headstrong son to take the job, as the remoteness of Cork from the technological heartland of Britain [ . . . ] would be to his advantage. Charles would be in charge, responsible for an entire scheme, though he was only twenty-four years old.

[ . . . ] Merz's stay in Cork [ . . . ] turned out to be, as his father had anticipated, a brilliant career move [ . . . ].

Weightman (2011), p. 122
1898-02-15 "Charles went to Cork by the B.T.H. Co. to look after Trams and Electric Lighting—a responsible bit of work which may take him several months." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1898-06-18

Charles to our joy came home for a day or two at Whitsuntide he is kept so very busy with his responsible work at Cork he could not spare more time. The B.T.H. have promoted him and he is now Resident Engineer and has Electric Station and Trams under his management: he is reconciled to Cork, now, I think, and the climate and more fresh air suits his health: we thought he looked very well.

1898-09 "Theo and I went to Cork to see Charles and then on to Killarney with him—a most delightful week."
1899-08

Charles was at the Quarries with us for 10 days asked by business people to give advice on Electrical affairs; he was before a Com. of the House of Commons in July and had to give evidence and stand cross-examination which Uncle John thought he did in a masterly way: his success and clear thoughtful mind is a great pride to Theo and me—and with this he keeps his simple sympathetic nature as of old.

  John Wigham Richardson, as a director of the Walker and Wallsend Gas Company, which wanted to supply electricity, which in turn required parliamentary approval, secured Charles's first big break, in asking him to present the company's case in London Weightman (2011), p. 123
1900-01

Charles is often here as he is appointed by Walker and Wallsend Gas Directors to organize and engineer an Electrical power Station! He is hard worked with this as well as the Cork business on his hands.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1900-04

Had an exquisite time in North Wales—first at the Waterloo Hotel Bettws y Coed where we read the Life of David Cox. Norbert, Teresa and Ernest climbed Moel Siabod and we took many lovely shorter walks. Charles and Norbert with us for Easter. From Bettws we went to Barmough for 1 week. Then Teresa Ernest and I home by Chester and Manchester. Theo to London: he and Charles kept there by parliamentary Bills connected with Electric Lighting.

1900-05-01 Secretary and Engineer of the Cork Electric Lighting Co., Ltd. Cork Examiner, 1900-05-24
1900-08-07 "Charles much more with us as he has been appointed Engineer by the Electric Supply Co. who are about to erect new Station and extend their business." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1900-09-23 "End of September Charles, Teresa, Ernest and I and Jock spent a charming week end at the "Rose and Thistle Inn" Alwinton—perfect weather—colour of bracken glorious."
1900-10-10/-18 stayed at Bensham Grove Bensham Grove visitors' books
1901-01-14 "Charles has beautiful offices in Mosley Street now." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1901-02-17 "Charles and Norbert booked passage to New York in "Majestic" (White Star Line) for March 6th."
1901-03-15 "Charles and Norbert sailed from Liverpool as intended on 6th and reached New York early on 14th."
  "Marconi was on board going to initiate the first experiments for transatlantic wireless" . . . Charles Hesterman Merz's Reminiscences, as quoted in Gavin Weightman (2011) Children of Light. London: Atlantic Books, p.118
1901-06

During our travels—had long and most interesting letters from America—Norbert describing general events—Charles the electrical sights—they returned safely in beginning of May—Chicago was their most westerly point.

Charles starting office in London his hands very full—impresses those he meets with his power and grasp.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1901 designed Neptune Bank power station, the first in Britain to supply three-phase current for public supply; opened by Lord Kelvin Oxford DNB
1901-06-18

Public opening of Power Station Wallsend by Lord Kelvin—went off without a hitch—Charles conducted Lord K. and Sir Andrew Noble round—the latter said after he was much impressed.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1901-08-23 "Charles off to Loch Maree with the Benshamites."
1902-02-11

Charles is appointed Advisor to Mr. Coffin who is manager of General Electric Co. the biggest Electrical concern in the world. Another feather in our dear son's cap.

1902-04-02 bridesmaid at his cousin Bertha Spence Watson's wedding Bensham Grove visitors' books
1902-04-02

A happy holiday in Cornwall. Ernest with us most of time. Charles for 2 days and Caro the whole. Mullion, Lands End, Penzance, Malvern were our stopping places. The week in London as we went to Cornwall most interesting—hearing the "Power Bill" opposed in Com: Room of House of Commons. Charles astonished Counsel and general public who listened to his answers to cross-examination. Stayed at Metropole with R.S.W. and others—a fascinating time.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1902-07-30 "Charles gave Teresa and Ernest a grand month's tour in Ireland."
1902-08-09 "Charles advised N.E. Railway to adopt electricity instead of steam on some of their short lines of railway."
1902-11-14

Charles moving offices to new Building in Collingwood Street—where all his staff can be together. Norbert very busy helping—he will have a room and undertakes more work for Charles' firm than hitherto.

1902-12-04 "[ . . . ] Charles just going to Berlin to look at Turbines."
by 1903-02-10 had donated £2 2s to the 'Upupa' Relief Fund Cork Examiner
1903-05-28 "Charles with us at breakfast after another successful battle before House of Commons Com—re—Chatham tram extension." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1903-06-16 "Charles at last taking rest in Scotland with Mr. Minshall—far north."
1903-07-31 "Theo after I returned went for a week to London, staying at Charles' Chambers D6 The Albany."
1903-09-27 consulting engineer to the North-Eastern Railway Company, successfully trialling electric trains on Tyneside Sunderland Echo and Shipping Gazette, 1903-09-28
1903-09-29 commissioned by Belfast Council to carry out electrification of the city's tramways, at a cost of up to £1,100,000 Belfast News-Letter, 1903-09-30
1904 designed the Carville power station on the Tyne—the first large generating station of the modern type—establishing his engineering reputation Oxford DNB
consultant to a local tramway company on the electrification of their horse-drawn routes and, subsequently, to the Tyneside local lines of the North Eastern Railway, a pioneer of British mainline railway electrification, electric systems of which were turned on in 1904. As well as passenger commuter lines, these included a 1.2 km freight line using the ES1 electric locomotive. Wikipedia
 

Merz was no bon viveur. He was a very serious, dedicated and ambitious young man from a background which had instilled in him the virtues of hard work. He became, in the years immediately after his trip to America, a kind of electrical Messiah, helping to make his homeland, the north-east of England, far and away the most electrically driven region in Britain.

Weightman (2011), p. 119
1904-04-20

Charles and Mac furnishing "Ems" Gosforth as the South Parade House is no longer comfortable. [ . . . ]

The Electric train is running now between N.C. and Benton. Charles is adviser to N.E.R. Co. on this matter.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1904-07-29 "Charles writing a paper for the B. A. which is at Cambridge next month presided over by Mr. J.A. Balfour."
1904 of The Quarries; with brother Norbert, gave Frank & Mary Pollard an antique settee, for their wedding present Mary S.W. Pollard, list of wedding presents
1904-08/-09 on tour in the Tyrol with brother Ernest Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 1894-1909: 128-50
1904-08-12

Charles and Ernest set off for The "Dolomites" via Zurich with apparatus for fishing. Iceland was given up because too late in the season for it.

[ . . . ] Charles and Ernest settled down in a country Inn on the Fern Pass Tyrol—no fishing but glorious walks—very happy for 2 weeks there. C. was suddenly wired back on business [ . . . ]

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1904-09-11 "Ernest travelling from Worms to Berlin to meet Charles who has returned to Continent."
1904-09-25

Safely in London again after a grand and glorious visit to Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, Venice, Milan—capitally described by Ernest in his letters which to our joy came 3 times a week and Charles—more rarely—were also full of pleasure.

1904-11-14 of 28 Victoria Street, Westminster, SW, engaged as a consulting engineer with offices in London and Newcastle-upon-Tyne; proposed for election as a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers Civil Engineer Records
1905-01-10 elected as a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers Civil Engineer Records; Civil Engineer Lists
1905-01-27 "Charles has business on a large scale in London now so he is more at the Albany that at "Ems."." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1905-03-15 "Charles in London as the Bill for London Power is being largely opposed before Lords Com:"
1905-03-25 "Charles doing splendidly under cross exam: making quite a sensation before Select Com: of Lords."
1905-04-06 Merz and McLellan, of Collingwood Buildings, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and 23, Victoria-street, Westminster; engineers to the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Electric Supply Company, Limited Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, 1905-04-07
1905-06-26 "Charles' Power Bill Scheme passed the Lords Com: and now comes before The Commons—anxious work for him." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1905-07-07 "London Power Bill read a second time in House of Commons—a majority of 40."
1905-08

Session of Parliament closed before there was time to read the Power Bill a third time—which was very hard as the Com: of House of Commons passed it. Charles and those chiefly concerned very philosophical about disappointment.

1905-11-11 "Charles goes to Berlin on business."
1905-12/1906-02 on tour in the USA, with Ernest Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 1894-1909: 162-78
1905-12-19 "Charles and Ernest leaving Liverpool tomorrow in the "Celtic" for America." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1906-02-14

Charles and Ernest had a magnificent tour on to the Grand Canyon Arizona and San Francisco—on their return journey over the Rockies they have had good weather.

[ . . . ] Charles consulted professionally while in America and had the honour of visiting Lord Grey at Ottawa for a night. They cross in the "Carmania."

1906-02-18 with Ernest, arrived Liverpool from New York aboard Cunard's Carmania UK Incoming Passenger Lists
1906-02-19 "Charles went from Liverpool straight to London." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1906-05 "Charles again in town watching the proceedings of Hybrid Com—(on Electrical Supply for London)—much interest over it among Business men."
1906-05-23 gave evidence to the House of Commons Committee on the LCC Electric Supply Bill:

Mr. Charles Merz, chief engineer to the Administrative County of London and District Electric Power Company, explained that company's scheme.

[ . . . ]

Mr. Merz said his scheme would minimise the smoke nuisance. If they could persuade users of steam-power to take electricity they would reduce the consumption of coal in London by six million tons a year.

London Daily News, 1906-05-24
1906-07-20 Merz & McLellan engineers to Cleveland and Durham Electric Power, Ltd The Scotsman
1906-08-08 "Charles at last saying he means to refuse more business than he now has on hand—(for the present) a wise resolve! Both he and Mac apt to overwork." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1906-08-15 best man at Norbert's wedding
1906-09-29 "Charles and Teresa off to "Dalry" N.B. with Mike [Teresa's dog] for a walking tour—then to the Lakes."
1906-10 of 28 Victoria Street, SW Civil Engineer Lists
1906-12-26 "After Bensham party Charles—Teresa—Norbert and Ursula left by the 'Sleeper' for a few days in Paris!" Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1907-01 "The time in Paris safely accomplished and much enjoyed. N. & U. and Teresa back but Charles gone on to Berlin."
1907-06-22 "Charles here—he has decided to go to Australia in September on professional business."
1907-09-09

Said farewell to Charles who sails from Southampton for New York on 13th. From Vancouver he expects to sail to Australia.

1907-10-08 "Charles writes happily from Pittsburg—thus far safely on his way."
1907-10-26 "Charles has left Vancouver and writes of his enjoyment of the grand scenery of the "Rockies.""
1907-11-02 "Charles reached Sydney safely."
1907-11-25 "Had a long message from Melbourne which Charles cabled in code to London office—saying he intends to leave Melbourne on Dec. 17 by Orient Line."
1907-12-25 "[ . . . ] Charles on the sea coming back from Melbourne."
1907/1909 had rooms at D6, The Albany, Piccadilly, W. Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 18941909: 188
1908-01-08 "Expecting Charles back in a fortnight—he has been quite feted in Melbourne." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1908-01-20

Charles arrived in London safely after his long absence in Australia.

Came here for 2 nights and told his most interesting story—he looks exceedingly well and it is a great blessing to see him so after his journey round the world.

1908-06-27 "Charles and Norbert have just now too great pressure of work—Trade is bad and extra harass therefore in all Electrical business."
1908-08-11

Charles and Ernest at Heugh Folds. C. needing rest after his arduous labours over his Australian Report which is an exquisite bit of work in finish and completeness.

1908-09-30

It was declared by Mr. Charles Merz that almost no coal is now burned in the Tyne for power purposes, except in chemical factories, and that the Tyne shipyards and engineering works have nearly universally adopted electricity, to the exclusion of all other forms of motive power. New industries have been established in the district purely because of cheap power supply available.

Western Times, 1908-10-01
1908-10-01 read paper at the Iron and Steel Institute, "On electric power supply" Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 1908-08-25
"He read a paper at the meeting of the Iron and Steel Institute at Middlesbro which was much praised and commented upon and noticed in all the newspapers." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1909-01-26 "Charles been in Berlin & Essen on business."
1909-05-25 "Newspapers have a paragraph about Charles going to the Argentine in July on professional Business—he expects to be away 2 months in Buenos Ayres."
1909-07-20 "Charles left us for London as he sails on 23rd in the "Araguaya" for Buenos Ayres, a great wrench to let him go [ . . . ]."
1909-08-18 while at Target House, his mother "received message per cable through Shand that the "Araguaya" was safely at Buenos Aires
1909-09-16 "Charles intending to leave Buenos Aires this week (17th) for England again."
1909-10-09 returned in S.S. "Avon"
1909-11-04 an Electrical Inspector of Mines; on the Home Secretary's Departmental Committee to inquire into the working of the existing special rules for the use of electricity in mines Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 1909-10-28; Cornishman, 1909-11-04
1909-11-15 "Charles most busy—he is one of a Commission to enquire into use of Electricity in mines—has various "enquiries" and the Report for the Argentine Railway people also." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1909-12-17 "Charles very busy in London searching for new Chambers—on Government Com.—and Arbitration, &c. &c."
1910-02-21 "Charles settling into his new Chambers "Whitehall Court" which have a fine view of The Thames, he is busy with Expert advice."
1910-03-22 "Charles' advice asked for in South Africa and he has been pressed to go—but he has too much important business to allow of his leaving England just now."
1910-07-06 "Charles been to Berlin on business [ . . . ]."
1910-07-14 "Charles off to London again and Teresa will join him there tomorrow and they go to Lucerne 'Burgenstock' on Sat. for a fortnights holiday."
1910-07-28 "Excellent letters from Charles and Teresa who have had a charming time in Switzerland—Burgenstock—Interlaken—Zurich.."
1910-08-01 "Charles and Teresa safely in England—the latter home that night arriving 11.20 p.m."
1910-11-08 "Charles with us last Sunday. He now expects the Buenos Aires work to be proceeded with."
1911-02-20 "Charles who was one of the Commission to report on Electricity in Mines is glad to have finished the arduous work: it is highly commended."
1911 consulting engineer, electrical engineering, employer, one of six boarders at Zetland Hotel, Saltburn by the Sea, Yorkshire; 85 rooms RG14PN29173 RG78PN1691 RD534 SD3 ED1 SN53
1911-05-27 one of two judges of a competition the best and safest electric lamp for miners Sheffield Daily Telegraph
1911-06-01 "Charles off to fish in Ireland."

"Charles left London to a fishing holiday of 10 days in Ireland."

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1911-08-13

Charles gone to Target House for the day to London tonight and on 18th sails for U.S.A. in the "Kaiserin Auguste Victoria" with Mr. Arthur Wright. I am glad he is in better spirits than we are. We trust he will be kept from all harm and enjoy himself and be safely back in October.

1911-08-20 "Charles was able to leave Southampton on 18th. We feared the Railway Strike might prevent."
1911-09-29 with others, in the USA observing systems for working freight traffic by electrical power, and electrical locomotives Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail
1911-10-20 "Charles joined us for the Sunday, just back from U.S.A. looking well and vigorous." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1911-12-02 "[ . . . ] Charles and Teresa to go to Adelboden [ . . . ]" for Christmas
1912-01-08 "Teresa home this morning and Charles too safely in London after their grand fortnight at Adelboden."
1912-05-28 "Charles going to Australia in July we fear a fixed necessity—we don't know how we shall bear his long absence."
1912-07-10 "McLellan's illness (typhoid) fever a great calamity. Charles most likely will have to postpone sailing for Australia for a few weeks."
1912-07-28 "Mac's illness still required Doctors visits twice a day and 2 nurses—but no complications have arisen so Charles expects to sail in the "Orsova" Orient Line on Aug. 8th."
1912-08-14 "Bright letter from Charles posted at Naples—with a sketch of his deck cabin."
1912-09-04 "Very thankful to hear by cable that Charles has reached Freemantle safely."
1912-10-18

Charles cables he will not be able to leave Melbourne as soon as he expected—he was 3 hours talking to the Cabinet directly after he landed.

Probably business in India as he returns may keep him abroad extra weeks. His letters come now from Australia and are a great interest.

by 1912-11 had subscribed £15 to the Bootham Swimming Bath Fund Bootham 6.2:135
1912-12-25 "Charles just leaving Australia the Bill having after many fears passed both Houses of Parliament." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1913-01-14 "[ . . . ] hear Charles is safely in India and plans to sail from Bombay on Feb. 1. The office informs us his Mail posted on Dec. 27 to Colombo was opened and private letters taken out."
1913-02-15 "Expecting a wire from Charles to say he is safely in Marseilles: he is due in London tomorrow the 16th."
1913-02-20

News of Charles' betrothal to Stella de Satur a great joy and blessing. She is a beautiful girl—we hope to see her soon. She will be a treasure I am quite sure. Charles travelled from London by Sleeper and told us at breakfast time—We have been hoping for it for a year.

We thank God for this and Charles' safe return home from Australia and India.

1913-05-16 of 2 Whitehall Court
1913-06-13 "The Office Staff—Collingwood Buildings—presented Charles with a very fine Rose Bowl—and there was a dinner in the evening in his honour."
1913-06-16

On 16th went on to the Crown Hotel Lyndhurst to be in readiness and rested on the great day of the wedding.

[ . . . ] On Tuesday George and Isabel, Herbert and Dora and Merlin, Norbert and Ursula and Teresa arrived and several other members of the Smythe Clan—and then at 6 p.m. Charles and Mac—and Mrs. de Satur and Stella and Monica—and Mrs. Genouillac and Genina motoring over from Boscomber. At 7.30 all the wedding guests 30 in number were by Mrs. de Satur's invitation seated round 2 large tables for dinner.

The flowers were of unusual beauty and size and the party was a brilliant one—no shyness or stiffness.

1913-06-18 of Newcastle; m. Stella Alice Pauline Byrne de Satur (1883–1974, d. of Edmund Charles Byrne de Satur, artist, of Dublin), at St Michael's church, Lyndhurst, Hampshire GRO index; The Friend; Oxford DNB; Bootham 6.5:350-1
 

A very beautiful morning. The Church opposite "The Crown Hotel" was prettily decorated and an awning put up in case of a shower from door to gate. At 2.15 the company gathered in the Church the organ playing while we waited for the Bride who walked up the aisle on the arm of her cousin Captain Allen Smythe, Merlin 6½ years old carrying the train and behaving during the reverent beautiful service as if he had been trained in the office. Mrs. de Satur gave her child away—the Rev. Webb Peploe an old friend of theirs officiated and the brother in law Rev. Mr. Ridsdale took part in the service. The hymns were sung with fervour by the Choir, "Fight the good Fight" and "Oh perfect Love."

Then roses were scattered by the daughters of the Ridsdales in the pathway of the beloved couple who walked down the steps carpeted with red felt—back to the hotel: their faces were joyous and thankful.

The reception at 3 p.m. with the bridescake strawberries tea and coffee and ices was gay and very pretty in the garden and snap shots were taken of the beautiful couple and everything was in perfection.

At about 4 the motor car drew up at the door of the hotel and the dear couple amid an almost unmerciful shower of confetti drove off to Winchester—the bride standing up and waving with bouquet and feather boa in hand till out of sight.

Thus ended a great and very exquisite event and our hearts are filled with gratitude.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1913-06-27 "Very happy news from Charles and Stella from Vevey and Chamounix. Snapshot group of them turned out well."
1913-09-13, Sat.

Charles and Stella came suddenly—such a joy: they are both rather fagged with house hunting in the heat of London: They have their eyes on a house on Camden Hill and have to decide about it in a fortnight.

The well-known electrical expert, Mr. Charles H. Merz, has just received delivery of a smart 16–20-h.p. Sunbeam cabriolet. The car is equipped with C.A.V. lighting equipment and was supplied by Mr. Conway Jenkins.

[with a handsome photo of the car]

The Sphere
1913-10-02 "Charles has decided on a house in Melbury Road Holland Park which was built by Colin Hunter the artist and must be an uncommon and convenient one." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1913-12-17 "C. and Stella very absorbed in decorating of their new house which they hope to enter in January."
1914-01-14 "C. and S. enter 14 Melbury Road, West Kensington."
1914-05-13 "Good accounts from Melbury Road where happiness now seems complete."
Children: Pauline Barbara (1914–1940), Robert de Satur (1916–1940) GRO index; National Probate Calendar; Oxford DNB
1912/1915 vice-president of the IEE Collinson, ed. (1935); Oxford DNB
1914-03-21 photograph of him watching some electrical experiments, with George Westinghouse and Lord Kelvin Illustrated London News
1914-06-08/-11 "Charles with us for very important Elec. Supply meetings at same time." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1914-08-14 "Charles come down for 1 day. Business concerns are much upset. No letters come from Worms or from France."
1914-09-22 "Charles very busy—many of his staff gone to the War, from Norbert's office also."
1914-10-15 "Charles with us for a week and Stella and Pauline at Bournemouth."
1914-11-20 "Charles and Stella are housing 2 educated Belgians—a mother and son."
1914-12-31 "Charles and family been to the Imperial Hotel Bournemouth for a week."
1915-01-30 "Charles lecturing to students at Elec. Institution in London [ . . . ]."
1915-02-04 "Charles here for 1 night—travelled south with Mac (on Friday) at home for a few days furlough—then going to Newark to learn army bridge building."
by 1915-09-28 had donated £1 to the French Red Cross Collection Newcastle Journal, 1915-09-28
by 1915-11-24 had contributed £5 5s to the Commercial Battalions' Comforts Fund Newcastle Journal
1915 of 18 Melbury road; qualified to vote by ownership of 18 Melbury road and 53 Whitehall court, SW—house (successive) electoral register
1916-06-08

Charles here for 1 night and making arrangements at "Ems" for their all coming there at end of the month. He badly needs a holiday: has a sceptic [sic] throat, but he says he is far too busy with his own profession and serving on Government Committees to take one.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1916

recognized before anyone else that in Britain, with industries concentrated in certain areas, such as the north-east, public electricity supply needed to be cheaper and more reliable than private electricity. To capture this market Merz conceived the idea of interconnecting several power stations by high voltage. This would greatly reduce the number of power stations compared to independent operation, improve reliability, and allow the most economical stations to supply most electricity. However, Merz saw that such an interconnection would, under fault conditions, cause major damage unless the faulty transmission or component could be isolated automatically and quickly. His novel solution, with Bernard Price, was the invention of balanced protection, which led to many later developments in system protection technology. With system protection Merz was free to develop a new transmission system for NESCo to supply electricity cheaper than any other British undertaking. In 1916, in an IEE discussion on the electricity supply of Great Britain, Merz described the principle of an interconnected system with its many advantages.

Oxford DNB
of 32 Victoria Street, London SW Civil Engineer Lists
1916-03-22

C. and S. left us—we have had an exquisite visit from them. Stella absorbed in collecting information about Richardson—Wigham and Merz ancestors—a great hobby of hers ) Lizzie found and sent to her a portrait of our mother's mother "Ann White."

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1916-08-31 jointly with his Richardson first cousins, inherited an equal share of the residual estate of his aunt Caroline Richardson will and grant of probate of Caroline Richardson
1916-10-03

An enchanting fortnight's visit from Charles and Stella and their two—Pauline 2½ years Robert 5 months. [ . . . ] They left us today for London and we shall be very quiet and dull without them.

The dangers of travelling owing to detention of trains because of Zeppelins make one anxious rather.

Charles read aloud after dinner "The Chronicles of Heugh Folds"—which brings past joys and sorrows vividly before us.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1914/1918 served the government diligently, and chaired the subcommittee on electricity power supply. Oxford DNB
1917-06-09

When in London found in Balfour Browne's Memoirs the following about Charles which is worth preserving:

"I remember one (witness) whose name, as he is still alive, I will not mention, who for 2 or 3 days in a long enquiry into the Electric Supply of London gave evidence which was clear and cogent and who in the long "obstacle race" in which he was chivied by a dozen Counsel never fell, but acquitted himself even to the admiration of his pursuers."

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1917-07-11 should have inherited a share of his aunt Anna's estate, including Heugh Folds will and grant of probate of Anna Deborah Richardson
1917-08-04 "[ . . . ] Charles and Stella write from Holyhead en route for Ireland." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1917-08-26 "Charles and Stella travelling home from Holyhead today [ . . . ]."
1917-09-16 "Charles and Stella brought the children over to say goodbye as they plan to leave "Ems" for Bournemouth on the 20th. I don't know how we shall do without having them within reach."
1917-11-12 "Charles and family at Melbury Road again and very busy after their long absence from home [ . . . ]."
1917-12-09 "Charles and Stella are excessively busy: they are courageous about the Air Raids which attack London."
1917-12-25 vice-chairman of a special subcommittee of the Coal Conservation Committee on the subject of Electric Power, which had just reported Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer
1918-01-14

RESEARCH AND INVENTION.

Another important change has reference to the organisation of the Admiralty Board of Invention and Research, and has the object at once of securing greater concentration of effort in connection with scientific research and experiment, and ensuring that the distinguished scientists who are giving their assistance to the Admiralty are more constantly in and amongst the problems upon which they are advising.

Mr Charles H. Merz, M.Inst.C.E., the well-known electrical consulting engineer, who has been associated with the B.I.R. since its inception, has consented to serve as Director of Experiments and Research (unpaid) at the Admiralty to direct and supervise all the executive arrangements in connection with the organisation of scientific research and experiments.

Mr Merz will also be a member of the Central Committee of the B.I.R. under the presidency of Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher. The functions of the Central Committee will, as hitherto, be to initiate, investigate, develop, and advise generally upon proposals in respect to the application of science and engineering to naval warfare, but the distinguished scientific experts at present giving their services will in future work much more closely with the Technical Departments of the Admiralty immediately concerned with the production and use of apparatus required for specific purposes.

The general arrangements in regard to the organisation of scientific research and experiment will in future come under the direct supervision of the First Lord.

Aberdeen Press and Journal
1918-01-19

Receiving many congratulations about Charles's important appointment for research work at the Admiralty a huge amount of care and responsibility for him he is unpaid therefore it is a generous "bit" for his Country.

Sir Eric Geddes insisted on his accepting the post: may he have strength and courage for it.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1918-01-29 "Charles very pressed with the Admiralty work does not get home till 11.30 some nights."
1918-03-05 "Charles fitting himself in to the work at the Admiralty. Been anxious about the raids on London—but the two darling children sleep through the terror."
1918-09-15 at the Lakes with Stella, for a fortnight
1918-10-12 "Charles has much travelling at present Lord H. spoke of him as a "very valuable servant of the Country.""
1918-10-31

Sir Eric Geddes instituted early this year the Department of Experiment and Research at the Admiralty with the object of ensuring the closest contact between the naval officer, the scientist, and the engineer. Mr Charles H. Merz was appointed director, and under his guidance much has been accomplished. The new department has, in fact, organised an effective connecting link between the Admiralty, the leading scientist and engineers, and the great manufacturing organisations of the country.

Western Daily Press, 1918-10-31
1918-12-17 "Charles kept in London: all well at Melbury Road. Motor car in use again." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1918/1919 with wife, of 14 Melbury Road, Kensington electoral registers
1919-01 "Charles' leisure dwindles to nought for the Prime Minister and Sir Eric Geddes enrol him with pressure to help in the vast duties of demobilization!" Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1919-01-08 "Charles moving into new Office for the demobilization."
1919-01-17

Had Charles for 1 day last Tuesday: he told us that he is asked to go to South Africa in May, if it comes to pass the journey will be excellent for the health of him and of Stella after the strain of the last few years. And we should have the joy of the children during their absence—at any rate for part of the 3 months.

1919-01-21 "Charles at last free from work with Sir Eric Geddes and back at his own Office."
1919-03-12

Much uncertainty in Charles' plans for South Africa.

Both the Prime Minister and Sir Eric Geddes wish his services in England!

1919-04-04

Charles with his prominent public work needs rest badly and plans to have this at Salcomb Devonshire.

[ . . . ] South Africa given up for the present though passages were booked!

1919-05-15 gave evidence to the Coal Commission:

Charles H. Merz, consulting engineer, of Westminster, and during the latter part of the war connected with practical experiments and research for the Admiralty, gave evidence of the possible improvements in the utilisation of the coal supply and application of electrical energy. "There is little doubt," he said, "that we have not in the past done so much as we might have done to develop scientifically the best means of utilising our coal resources, apart altogether from the getting of the coal, and we shall certainly in the future look upon our present methods of burning coal and distributing power as exceedingly crude."

[ . . . ]

Mr Evan Williams—You think a new system of Government administration should be devised, and that no existing system would be satisfactory to carry out developments?—If it is decided to nationalise coal, I think that a centralised system at Whitehall would be a wrong system of administration.

The Scotsman, 1919-05-16
1919-06-04 "Charles and Stella motored from London to Salcombe, South Devon, viâ Torquay, and we think are having at last a nice holiday." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1919-06-29

Charles and Stella again unsettled about South Africa.

They leave us on July 2 for Bamborough where they have secured a house for 4 weeks.

1919-07-16 "Charles in London writes the Kenilworth Castle is supposed to sail on 30th, so the beloved couple have not long to prepare for South Africa."
1919-07-26 "Charles and Stella at Melbury Road preparing to sail for Cape Town on 30th in the "Kenilworth Castle"."
1919-08-17 "Hear at meeting house by note from Charles' Secretary that C. and S. decide to journey on to Melbourne leaving Capetown by the Steamer "Euripides" middle of September."
1919-09-04 "Cablegram to London Office yesterday from South Africa that C. and S. are well and will be in Capetown on the 8th and sail in "Euripides" for Australia on the 17th or 18th."
1919-10-05 "Beloved Charles on the High Seas from Durban to Australia [ . . . ]."
1919-10-11

Three most delightful letters from South Africa—good and intensely interesting news—especially about Charles' conversation with General Smuts when he was asked if any relation of the Author of "History of European Thought"—and Smuts' remark, "I am more glad to meet you as the son of your Father than as an Engineer"—he had also read "Religion and Science," an unexpected encouragement to beloved Theo this eulogy.

1919-11-17 "It is expected Charles and Stella will reach San Francisco on Dec. 1."
1919-11-22 "C. and S. have passages booked for Dec. 23rd on the "Mauritania" so we pray they will be safely landed at Southampton by the New Year."
1919-12-06 "No letters from Australia to hand yet which is very unaccountable. But we learn by Cable that C. and S. are safely at San Francisco and are well."
1919-12-25 "A letter from Chicago and others previously written come to our comfort now. Charles and Stella will be on the sea now, in the "Coronia"—due at Southampton New Year."
1920-02-23

Charles' stay here last week quite a tonic and full of interest: he has a bronchial cough which should warn him to take care: just like him—he is planning hot water heating for this hall and landing for next winter—our sons are always helping us in our old age in various thoughtful ways

1920-03-27 "Annual Elec. Supply Meeting passed off well. Charles down for it and Theo able to be present at Vice Chairman."
1920-06-21 "Charles writes regularly every week which is an immense delight—his work in India near Bombay is likely to go forward."
1920-11-19

The big entertainment which "Merz and McLellan" gave to all who had been in connection with the Firm for the period of 21 years was a most conspicuous success and enjoyment and went off splendidly in the new Assembly Rooms, Barras Bridge.

Stella arrived the day before with loss of voice—but remedies and bed for 24 hours brought it back and she dressed herself in a ruby rose "creation" and went forth a picture to receive the 300 guests. Charles' speech was on dit—exceedingly good and music and dancing and supper were all first rate.

C. and S. left us again on the Monday we felt their visit an oasis and full of charm.

1920-12-21 "Charles and Stella going off to Milan, Rome and Baden on Business—so will take the children to Bournemouth for Xmas day and then travel right through to Florence on Boxing day."
1921-01-01 "C. and S. wrote a p.c. from train just past Dijon."
1921-01-09 "C. and S. write from Rome very happily."
1921-01-23 "Charles and Stella's trip to Italy quite a success. They went to Bournemouth on their return and found children blooming. C. very occupied with S. African work now."
1921-06-12

Charles has generously bought Heugh Folds from Philip to save the place from unknown ownership. Teresa Trustee! Another generous action: wishing us to use a motor car he possesses in Newcastle as often and as freely as we choose.

1921-06-19 consulting engineer, employer, working at 32 Victoria Street, S.W.1; with his family, visiting with Sir Somerset and Josephine French in 18 rooms at Alevyns, Mayfield, Sussex RG 15/04774 RD74 SD1 ED17 SN114
1921-08-17 "[ . . . ] Melbury Road where Charles is laid up with jaundice—quite in bed. We have been very anxious about him: now his Doctor says there is no complication and with care and patience he is progressing." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1921-08-31 "Charles still on invalids ways but has had 2 drives to the Parks."
1921-09-07 "Charles and Stella and children arrived at Heugh Folds in splendid weather."
1921-10-04

We are hoping Charles and Stella and the children will join us for a week at the Zetland Hotel on the 7th. They intend to motor through from Grasmere. Charles health restored with the rest to our intense thankfulness.

1921 with his wife, of 14 Melbury Road, Kensington electoral register
1922-01-10 "Charles taking things as quietly as he can with his big professional work on hand—he is not really recovered from the jaundice." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1922-02-10 "Charles speaks of the possibility of the necessity of going out again to South Africa as he has undertaken the electric railway work there—but he would rather not go."
1922-05-01 "Heugh Folds improved with heating and electric light—but any house would look lovely with Charles and his family therein."
1922-07-06 consulting engineer, of 32 Victoria Street, Middlesex; co-executor and trustee of his father's will father's will and grant of probate
1922-11

Charles been to Manchester and returned to accept an invite to lunch from Lord Haldane.

Expecting him and Stella next week for the Electric Supply Dance, so some gay events bring me indirectly a boon.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1923-04-10 "Charles and Stella sail for U.S.A. from Southampton tomorrow in the "White Star Liner Majestic.""
1923-04-11 address c/o Merz & McLellan, 32 Victoria St, London SW; departed Southampton for New York, travelling 1st class aboard the White Star Line's Majestic UK Outward Passenger Lists
1924 with wife, of 32 Victoria Street, SW1 (abode, 14 Melbury Road, Kensington, W14) electoral register
1925-11-24 gave evidence to the Royal Commission on the Coal Industry Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 1925-11-23
1926-02-24 consulting engineer, of London; sailed from Southampton aboard the S.S. Berengaria, bound for New York, with wife, brother & sister-in-law New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957
1926-04-02 engineer, of 32 Victoria St, London SW1; with wife, arrived Southampton from New York aboard the White Star's Olympic; travelling with them were Norbert and Ursula Merz UK Incoming Passenger Lists
1926-08-21 member of the National Fuel and Power Committee, "appointed to consider and advise upon questions connected with the economic use of fuels and their conversion into various forms of energy, having regard to national and industrial requirements, and in the light of technical developments" Hull Daily Mail, 1926-08-21; Bootham 13.2:105
1926 in a technical report to the Weir committee, he outlined the concept, economic feasibility, and practicality of an efficient national transmission system, later known as the national grid. Oxford DNB
  made many visits to the United States, India, South Africa, South America, and Australia, promoting power supply and railway electrification. These visits helped to retain for Britain a large share of overseas electrical developments.
1927-03-29 consulting engineer; present at the 39th ordinary general meeting of the Newcastle Electric Supply Co., Ltd, at the Central Station Hotel Newcastle Journal, 1927-03-30
1928-10-31 with wife, departed Southampton for Bombay, aboard the Canadian Pacific's Empress of France, travelling 1st class; director of Taylor & Maxwell UK Outward Passenger Lists
1929-08-01 addressed the British Association meetings in Johannesburg and/or Pretoria Hull Daily Mail, 1929-08-01
1929-10-05 with his wife, of 14 Melbury Road, W.14 Frank and Mary Pollard visitors' books
1929-12-08 engineer, of 32 Victoria St, London; with wifearrived Southampton from New York, travelling 1st class aboard the White Star Homeric UK Incoming Passenger Lists
1930-06-15 attended the second World Power Conference, in Berlin; jointly with his colleague Mr F. Lydall, from Merz and McLellan, is to present a paper on 'The Economical Operation of Electrified Railways' Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 1930-06-16
1931 awarded the Faraday medal, by the IEE Collinson, ed. (1935); Oxford DNB

FARADAY MEDALLIST.

The Council of the Institution of Electrical Engineers have made the 10th award of the Faraday Medal to Mr Charles H. Merz, M.I.E.E.

The Faraday Medal is awarded by the Council of the Institution not more frequently than once a year either for notable scientific or industrial achievement in electrical engineering, or for conspicuous service rendered to the advancement of electrical science, without restriction as regards nationality, country of residence, or membership of the Institution.

Sheffield Independent, 1931-02-11
1931-04-30

The Faraday medal will be presented to Mr. Charles H. Merz at a meeting of the Institution of Electrical Engineers in London on April 30th.

Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 1931-04-18
1932 living with wife in Melbury Rd, Kensington, with offices in Chertsey, Surrey electoral register
1932-01-22 engineer, of 14 Melbury Rd, W.14, with his wife and his niece Helen Merz, departed Southampton for Cape Town, travelling 1st class aboard the Union Castle Arundel Castle UK outward passenger lists
1932-06-29 awarded honorary degree of DSc by Durham University Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette; Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 1932-06-30; Collinson, ed. (1935); Oxford DNB
1933-06-23 engineer; with wife, departed Southampton for Quebec, aboard the Canadian Pacific's Empress of Britain; travelling with another consulting engineer and a private secretary, all giving "c/o Taylor & Maxwell, 11 Regent St, W." as their last UK address; travelling 1st class UK Outward Passenger Lists
1933-09-24 with his family, visited the Pollards in Reading Frank and Mary Pollard visitors' books
1933-12-08 consulting engineer, of 32 Victoria Street, London; co-executor of his mother's will; inherited an equal share of his mother's residual estate mother's will and grant of probate
1933 of 14 Melbury rd W14, tel. WEStern 5751; Merz & McLellan, consulting engineers, of 32 Victoria st SW1, tel. VICtoria 8122 phone book
1934-03-19 consulting engineer, of 14 Melbury Rd, London W14; arrived Southampton from Durban, South Africa, via Madeira, aboard the Union Castle's Edinburgh Castle UK Incoming Passenger Lists
1935 with his wife, of 32 Victoria St, SW1 (abode, 14 Melbury Road, W14) electoral register
1935 consulting engineer, of 32 Victoria Street, Westminster, SW1; fellow of the American Institution of Electrical Engineers; "Has designed and carried out electric power and traction schemes in various parts of the world, including large parts of the "Grid" in Great Britain: Member of Government Committees dealing with Electricity in Mines, Electric Power Supply, Fuel Economy, Reconstruction"; "Director Experiments and Research Admiralty, during Great War; Pub.—Many papers on Electric Power Transmission and distribution, power station design, Railway Electrification, etc., before British Association and other Institutions." Edgar B. Collinson, ed. (1935) Bootham School Register, 2nd edn
by 1936-05-14 had bought Alcock Tarn and Brackenfells diary of Mary S.W. Pollard
1936-07-30 visa issued in London New York Passenger Lists
1936 living with his wife and daughter at 14 Melbury Road, Kensington electoral register
1936-08-03 engineer, of Carliol House, Newcastle on Tyne; with his family, departed Southampton for New York aboard Cunard's Queen Mary UK Outward Passenger Lists
1936-08-05 departed Southampton for New York New York Passenger Lists
1936-08-10 engineer; with family, arrived New York from Southampton, aboard the Queen Mary
1936-09-07/-09-12 one of the British delegates to the Third World Power Conference in Washington Daily Herald, 1936-07-30
1936-10-05 engineer, of 14 Melbury rd, London; with his family, arrived Southampton from New York, travelling cabin class aboard the French Line Normandie UK incoming passenger lists
1937 living with his wife, son and daughter at 14 Melbury Road, Kensington electoral register
1938-03-11 senior partner of Merz & M'Lellan, consulting engineers to the Galloway Water Power Company; present at the unveiling of a plaque to his partner, who had died in 1934 The Scotsman, 1938-03-12
1939 living with his wife, son and daughter at 14 Melbury Road, Kensington electoral register
1939-02-10 engineer, of 14 Melbury Rd, London W14; arrived Southampton from Cape Town via Madeira, aboard the Union Castle's Windsor Castle UK Incoming Passenger Lists
by 1939-02-20 had given £1 1s to the Northumberland and Durham Mission to the Deaf and Dumb Newcastle Evening Chronicle, 1939-02-24
1939-09-29 consulting engineer, electrical power supply & traction, living with his wife and daughter, living at 14 Melbury Road, Kensington, with a cook, a house parlourmaid, a chauffeur, and one other redacted individual [probably another servant] 1939 England and Wales Register (RG 101)
  vice-president of the Royal Institution Oxford DNB
  declined all pecuniary or titular honours in respect of his work for the government
  "In the field of electricity supply Merz ranks as the premier electrical engineer in the first half of the twentieth century."
1940 designed the electric drive equipment for the TOG 1 tank Wikipedia
night of 1940-10-14/ -15 d. 14 Melbury Road, Kensington, London, W.14. With his children and two servants, killed by an enemy bomb, in which the house was completely demolished, though his wife escaped with injuries. National Probate Calendar; Oxford DNB; GRO index; WWII Civilian Deaths

MERZ—In October, by enemy action in London, Charles H. Merz, beloved husband of Stella Merz; also Pauline Barbara Merz and Robert de Satur Merz, their precious children. Cremation at Golders Green, Saturday, October 19th, at 12.15 p.m. Intimate friends only. No flowers. Memorial service will be announced later. During the same enemy action, "Jackson" and "Hetty," the devoted servants and loyal friends of the whole family circle.

Newcastle Evening Chronicle, 1940-10-18
1940-10-25 obituary The Times
 

CHARLES HESTERMAN MERZ was born at Gateshead on the 5th October, 1874, and died as the result of enemy action on the 15th October, 1940. He was educated at Bootham, York, and at Armstrong College. Throughout his career he was intimately connected with the development of electric power-supply and electric traction, including Newcastle-on-Tyne (1900), involving the first use in England of three-phase distribution at the then high pressure of 6,000 volts, and the design and construction of the Neptune Bank power-station; the electrification of the Tyneside lines of the North Eastern Railway, and the design of the Carville power-station (1903); promotion of the London power bill, and electrification of collieries and iron and steelworks in the north of England (1905); electrification of suburban railways at Melbourne (1907), Buenos Aires (1909), and Bombay (1913), followed by extension of the electrification of the railway over the Ghats ; the Carville "B" power-station and the North-Tees power-station (1914-1918); and many other power schemes in America and South Africa. During the Great War he was Director of Experiment and Research at the Admiralty, dealing especially with anti-submarine warfare. In 1919 he advised upon the design of the new large power-station at Barking. He was a member of Government committees dealing with electricity in mines, power-supply, fuel economy, etc., and in 1917 was chairman of the electric power-supply station of the Haldane Coal Conservation Committee. In 1925 he put before the Electricity Commissioners a report which led later to the Act of 1926, creating the Central Electricity Board, and to the construction of the "Grid." In 1932 he was awarded the honorary degree of D.Sc. by Durham University. In 1937 he was Chairman of an international Commission appointed by the Egyptian Government to inquire into the utilization of water-power from the Aswan dam.

Dr. Merz was elected a Member of The Institution on the 10th January, 1905. He was Vice-President of the Institution of Electrical Engineers from 1912 to 1915, and was awarded the Faraday medal. in 1931. He was also a Fellow or member of numerous other technical societies, to which he presented Papers on power-supply and railway electrification. His brilliant brain conceived many ideas of a creative nature for the benefit of industry and mankind as a whole, and his services were given unstintingly without thought of self or of remuneration to all who called upon him—and especially to the Government and the national service. He was keenly interested in the younger generation, and was always ready to listen to their point of view, whilst his guidance and advice assisted many of them to make the right choice of a career.

In 1913 he married Stella Alice Pauline Byrne, daughter of Edmond de Satur, of Dublin, and had one son and one daughter, both of whom lost their lives with their father. His son, Robert, was engaged on work of national importance, in spite of his youth, and had already shown full promise of outstanding ability to follow in his father's footsteps.

 

Journal of the ICE, Vol. 15, issue 2, 1940-12-01
 

Merz was a system builder, a hedgehog like Thomas Edison and Samuel Insull; he had less inventive genius than Edison, less managerial experience than Insull, but he manifested sufficient instincts for invention, talent for management, and exceptional sensitivity to the world of politics and finance to perform as a superb originator and to preside over the fulfillment of bold technological projects.

Thomas Parker Hughes (1983) Networks of Power: Electrification in Western Society, 1880-1930. Johns Hopkins University Press
1940-11-04

MEMORIAL SERVICE

MERZ.—A Service in memory of the lat Charles H. Merz, D.Sc., will be held on Monday, 4th November, at 12.15 p.m. at St. Nicholas Cathedral, Newcastle upon Tyne. A Service will also be held at the same hour at Christ Church, Westminster.

Newcastle Journal, 1940-10-30

A memorial service to Mr. Charles H. Merz, of London, and his two children, who were killed in an air raid on London recently, will be held at St. Nicholas Cathedral,  Newcastle, on Monday. At the same time a similar service will be held at Christ Church, Westminster.

M. Merz, senior partner in the firm of Merz and McLellan, consulting engineers, was the brother of Mr. Norbert Merz, chairman of] Reyrolle and Co. Ltd., Hebburn, and Miss Teresa Merz, the Newcastle magistrate.

Newcastle Chronicle, 1940-11-02

Memorial Service

TRIBUTES TO LATE MR. MERZ

THE Provost (Canon G.E. Brigstocke), assisted by the Rev. W.S.T. Wright, in the presence of the Bishop (Dr. H. E. Bilbrough), conducted a memorial service at Newcastle Cathedral yesterday for Mr. C.H. Merz, senior partner in the firm of Merz and McLellan, consulting engineers, and his two children, Robert and Pauline, who were killed recently in a London air raid.

THE MOURNERS

Chief mourners were: Miss Teresa Merz (sister); Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Merz (brother and sister-in-law); and Mr. and Mrs. H.E. Baker.

The whole of the Newcastle staff of Merz and McLellan also attended, and others present included: [listed]

[ . . . ]

LONDON SERVICE

Although still suffering from shock and minor injuries, Mrs. Merz attended the memorial service, which was conducted in Christ Church, Westminster, yesterday, by the Rev. P.T.R. Kirk.

Many leading figures in the electrical engineering industry were present to pay a last tribute to the memory of one who was so closely connected with the vast development of electricity in this country and abroad in recent years.

Mrs. Merz was accompanied by Mr. H.M. Snell and Mrs. Snell and the Rev. Ridsdale.

Mrs. Merz herself had a miraculous escape from death when a bomb struck the house where she was staying.

Among those in the congregation were [listed]

Newcastle Journal, 1940-11-05
1941-01-29 will proved at Newcastle by brother Norbert Merz and James Vertigan; effects £200,480 13s. 11d. National Probate Calendar
  See especially John Rowland  (1960) Progress in Power. The contribution of Charles Merz and his associates to sixty years of electrical development 1899-1959. London: Newman Neame  
  Tyne and Wear Archives Service library has his typescript autobiography, in two volumes TWAS L/PA/418/4032
1955-06-23 a steam collier named Charles H. Merz was launched by his widow at Aberdeen Aberdeen Evening Express; Aberdeen Ships


Norbert Merz02. Norbert Merz, CA

1877-02-11 b. Gateshead, Durham Old York Scholars' Association (1971) Bootham School Register. London: Oyez Press; Reminiscences of John Theodore Merz (1922) Edinburgh and London: William Blackwood and Sons: 256; GRO index; source for exact date misplaced
 

'Norbert' born on the 11th of February 1877—also a large baby with a quantity of dark hair. Cut two teeth when he was 6 months old.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1877-11 "Norbert walked to steps alone—has 6 teeth—a very active boy."
1878-03 "Charles & Norbert Merz are staying there [Bournemouth] during their parents' absence in Spain, & we were pleased to find them so well & happy, both of them looking very bonny." Elizabeth Spence Watson's "Family Chronicles"
1878

Charles and Norbert went to Bournemouth while we were in Spain—which did them much good. In June they also went for two weeks with me to Grasmere, just after Theo sailed for Canada. Norbert a healthy strong boy—excessively fond of an animals an eager child—not so neat and painstaking as Charles.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1878-10

Norbert become a great mischief—full of fun—a strong, loving, but passionate little fellow. The two brothers are devoted to each other in spite of occasional squabbles over a toy. Norbert only says a few isolated words, but can understand all that is said to him.

1879-05-23

Both boys strong and well. [ . . . ] Norbert talking distinctly—full of fun and with a very determined will—a very affectionate child also—growing more like Charles in face.

1881 scholar, of The Quarries, Elswick, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland, living with siblings, a cook, a nurse, and two housemaids TNA: RG 11/5055 f159 p17
1885-01 "Little Norbert Merz had a slight attack of scarlet fever in January" . . . Elizabeth Spence Watson's "Family Chronicles"
1886-06

Norbert is still the delicate one, though very little has ailed him since he had a slight attack of scarlet fever in January 1885. We kept him in one room and the infection did not spread.

[ . . . ] Norbert and Teresa both progress with music and find it no tax.

Norbert now that he is 9 is developing mecking and contriving power in his play.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1887-03

Norbert and Teresa still studying with Miss Hebden [ . . . ] —Miss H. considers Norbert as far on as most boys are at his age [ . . . ].

1888-01 "Norbert began school at Preparatory School, Jesmond, Mr. J. C. Tarver headmaster, left by 8.30 tram-car and walked from monument."

"Norbert playing Schumann's pieces with taste and ease—enjoying his music—longing to have a violin!"

1888-05 "The children all at Grasmere with 'Aunt Car' a radiantly happy time."

"Norbert has got on well at school—Masters say he has been very well taught—specially arithmetic."

1888-10 "Norbert moved to a higher class at Mr. Tarvers school—finds Ovid difficult—he too showing at present more talent for mathematics than for Languages."
1889-03 "Norbert too working much more satisfactorily at Mr. Tarvers—this is his last term there."
1889-06-13 "Norbert been doing Latin and mathematics with Rev. Mr Wilkinson—for half a term—music with Miss Hebden."
1889/1893 at Bootham School OYSA (1971)
1890-03 "Norbert at York with Charles—this is his second Term—he likes it much—and suits his health better than day school life." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1891-01

[ . . . ] A good deal of skating made the holidays joyous. Norbert manufactured a sleigh in the play room which will hold several people.

1891 schoolboy, of Friends' Boys' School, 48 & 41 Bootham, York RG 12/3886 ff100-101, pp 1-4
1891-07

Norbert, Teresa and Ernest also at Heugh Folds for a fortnight. Their much loved Aunt Car writes, "it has been a very delightful visit—radiant and ideal time—I must record it with thanksgiving."

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1892-03

Norbert has been in the Senior Class at Bootham—has much developed and has shot up to a tall boy quite suddenly. Mr. Fryer gives a very good report of him.

1892-09-09 "Norbert is in Matriculation Class, so probably this is his last year at York."
1893-01 [ . . . ] "Norbert still at York, in the Matriculation Class as he expects to leave next June."
1893-04

Norbert just gone through his Test Exam: for Matric: and found it stiff. Mr. Fryer concluded from this test that N. would not be ready to pass in June, so we have brought him home, and he is coached twice a week by Mr. Saunderson and works 5 hours a day by himself, so we hope he can take the Exam at Xmas: his going to Montpellier must be postponed until the autumn of next year.

The Friend; The British Friend
1893-07-05

Norbert came home from York very poorly with jaundice, but is now better.

[ . . . ] Norbert is the tidy one of the family.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1894-01

Norbert went in for the Matric Exam: and we hope soon to hear of his successful passing: he found the papers stiff: he now teaches Teresa mathematics and thereby earns a little picket money: he goes 5 times a week himself to the College of Science for Mathematics under Mr. Sampson and Mr. Jessop—and also for French Conversation under Mr. Latham.

1894-02-14 "Heard the good news of Norbert's passing the London Matric: Exam: in the first division."
1894-04-13

Norbert got a Camera at last and much absorbed in photography. Norbert's teaching of Mathematics to Teresa very satisfactory: she has answered some questions Theo set her well.

1894-08-08

We have had an intensely happy summer all together—a great deal of tennis and Ernest keen on butterflying and mothing—and Norbert on photography. Heugh folds has again been a perfect spot for them to spend their fresh air weeks at, and much we all owe to Aunt Car's goodness.

1894-11-10

Left on Sep. 20 for Montpellier—travelling via Newhaven—Dieppe—Paris—Clermont Ferrand and Le Puy. Left Norbert in the family of Prof. Max Bonnet Montpellier—who is an old student comrade of Theo's. Very happy home for him and he writes of the long walks and excursions and progress in French very cheerily.

1894/1895 spent eight months with family friends at Montpellier Reminiscences of John Theodore Merz (1922) Edinburgh and London: William Blackwood and Sons: 287-88
1895-03

All at home for Xmas holidays except Norbert, he is having a charming winter at Montpellier—seeing many nationalities and studying French literature at lecture and with Madlle Collard. He has written to beg leave to take a 2 weeks to Algiers—Tunis—Riviera, with a Siss Mon. de Rodt, 19 years old, whom the Bonnets write is an altogether desirable companion.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1895-07-02

Norbert at home again: a sharp attack of "Influenza" which brought his strength very low made us anxious so I went to Montpellier as kind Madame Bonnet was nursing him day and night and overtiring herself. We travelled home by slow stages coming by Switzerland and the Rhine.

1895-09-01 "Norbert begun and likes his work at Monkhouse Goddard & Co's office (Accountants)."
1895-09-13 "Norbert's photographs very artistic, this his favourite hobby is an expensive one for him—but he produces such charming pictures that we encourage it."
1895-12-25 of The Quarries Bensham Grove visitors' books
1896-02-29/-03-12 of The Quarries, N/C.; stayed at Bensham Grove
1896-12-25 of The Quarries
1897-12

In May we all crossed via Hook of Holland to Amsterdam—Charles joining us—then we stopped in Hanover and then went on to Oderhaus The Harz [ . . . ] a very merry month at the primitive forester's house—ascended The "Brocken" and those who were able took many long walks. The pine woods glorious: Norbert photographed some vistas of these very successfully.

[ . . . ] Norbert studying for the Exams—the only child at home at present—a great comfort: his father says "he is the swell of the family"—being most particular about dress, the appearance of the "Den" "&c!

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1898 16th in order of merit in Intermediate exam, Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales; of Monkhouse, Goddard & Co. The Friend
1898-02-15 "Norbert sent to Paris by the Firm "Monkhouse Goddard" a very nice trip for him and proves that his knowledge of French is useful." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1898-06-11 "Norbert went up to London for his (Accountants Exam) staying with Dr. Kellner at Charlton—then on to Bournemouth for a few days pleasure."
1898-07 "Norbert passed his Intermediate Exam (Accountants) first class 16th in order of merit."
1898-12-17

Then we all went to Dawlish Devonshire to celebrate our Silver Wedding—Caro with us. It was a most delightful month at the Inn close to station the only disappointment that Charles could not be spared from Cork to join us. We read Sir Charles Lyell's life aloud and had many enchanting walks and excursions in the beautiful neighbourhood.

After that went on to Bournemouth and took up our abode at the Weston Hall Hotel—Theo and I and Teresa, Norbert and Ernest returned to Newcastle to work and Aunt Car stayed at West Knoll."

1899-08 "Norbert went to stay at Onich N.B. with the Benshamites and Teresa and Ernest to Grasmere: Sca Fell—Helvellyn and many other hill expeditions."
1900-01 "Norbert and Ernest working as usual (Accountant's and coaching for Entrance Exam at Cambridge) respectively."
1900-04

Had an exquisite time in North Wales—first at the Waterloo Hotel Bettws y Coed where we read the Life of David Cox. Norbert, Teresa and Ernest climbed Moel Siabod and we took many lovely shorter walks. Charles and Norbert with us for Easter. From Bettws we went to Barmough for 1 week. Then Teresa Ernest and I home by Chester and Manchester. Theo to London: he and Charles kept there by parliamentary Bills connected with Electric Lighting.

1900-10

Theo resigns his position at Blaydon Chemical Works—remains Director—Norbert appointed Director of Co. also George B.R.

just before 1900-10-10 "[ . . . ] Norbert was laid up with a severe cold and he had wet weather the whole fortnight."
1900-12-25 of The Quarries Bensham Grove visitors' books
1901 CA OYSA (1971)
1901-01-11 "Heard that Norbert passed his Final Exams—(Chartered Accountants)." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1901-02-17 "Charles and Norbert booked passage to New York in "Majestic" (White Star Line) for March 6th."
1901-03-15 "Charles and Norbert sailed from Liverpool as intended on 6th and reached New York early on 14th."
1901 at the request of his brother Charles, negotiated the removal of the Reyrolle company to the North-East, to take advantage of local expertise in electrical engineering The Reyrolle Story
manager of the Waste Heat Company John Rowland  (1960) Progress in Power, London: Newman Neame, p39
not found in census  
1901-06

During our travels—had long and most interesting letters from America—Norbert describing general events—Charles the electrical sights—they returned safely in beginning of May—Chicago was their most westerly point.

[ . . . ] Norbert become secretary of a new Co. for making electric fittings so he too has to journey down river—he has also one or two Audits.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1901-08-23

Dear Norbert been a month in private hospital. Went there for slight operation and complications—eyes bad and knee swollen since so he is still laid up. Bears all suffering like a hero and with wonderful patience.

1901-09-13

Dear Norbert moved from Dene House after being there 7 weeks—Knees still swollen and eyes bandaged but thankful to be at home—A nice nurse necessary and Dr. Ruxton and Dr. Percival both in attendance.

1901-10-30

Norbert slowly cast off one ailment after another and on 30th able to dispense with the nice and efficient Nurse Bolton—hope to move to Harrogate which Dr. Ruxton expects will strengthen him and restore him to his usual health and fit him for business life again.

1901-11-18

Our stay (Norbert's and mine) at Hotel Majestic Harrogate been very beneficial. N. returned home today—much stronger though not yet robust: he took both electric and sulphur baths.

1902-01-13 "Dr. Percival cancels Norbert's debt to him for long and skilful attendance on his eyes—this generosity rather overwhelming."
1902-02-11

Norbert 25 to day. Very thankful for his restored health—happy and prosperous in his work at Hebburn [ . . . ]

1902-05-30

Norbert sending out a little furniture to a cottage he has rented for a year—somewhere near Beal. He loves the country so.

1902-06

Norbert and Ernest taken a cottage Ray Heugh near Chathill. It consists of large Kitchen 1 bedroom and little garden. They go there for week ends and enjoy roughing it. Intensely fond of the country and fresh air.

1902-11-14

Charles moving offices to new Building in Collingwood Street—where all his staff can be together. Norbert very busy helping—he will have a room and undertakes more work for Charles' firm than hitherto.

1902-12-04 "Norbert just returning from Cork and London [ . . . ]."
1903-05-28 "Norbert who is much in need of a holiday just leaving for a fortnights cruise to Norway with Claus R.."
1903-07-02 of The Quarries Bensham Grove visitors' books
shortly before 1904-04-20

All present at Girton except Norbert. He and Teresa had a splendid month in Italy—Naples—Rome and Paris.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1904-06-16 "Norbert often riding before breakfast and applying himself to business with zeal and great skill: often refreshing himself at week ends by going to the cottage."
1904-07-29 "Norbert fitting up stables at "Ems" and looking out for a horse."
1904 of The Quarries; with brother Charles, gave Frank & Mary Pollard an antique settee, for their wedding present Mary S.W. Pollard, list of wedding presents
1904-09-28 "Norbert has bought "Minniehaha" and rides before breakfast." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1905-03-25 "Norbert leaving for Mediterranean on Monday 27. Sorely in need of a holiday."
1906-01

[ . . . ] Norbert came for 2 week ends and it was on Sunday Dec. 31st that Norbert told us Ursula Fawcus to whom he has been long attached had accepted his offer of marriage. All very pleased it is settled so happily. She is a bright charming girl—loves the country—hunts and drives. They first met in France near Montpellier ten years ago! She has been much associated with Rayheugh and the Romance of the Cottage ends as it should.

1906-05

Norbert [busy] with planning for his new home—which he has decided upon—"Target House" near Hexham—a charming garden attached to it: he and Ursula chosen furniture in London.

1906-07-11 "Norbert safely back from Germany and France."
1906-08-08

A large van comes at 7 a.m. to take Norberts furniture and many of his beautiful presents by road to Hexham. All preparations for his wedding going on apace.

1906-08-15 m. Ursula Fawcus (1879–1947, of South Charlton, d. of John Fawcus), at St James's, South Charlton, Northumberland GRO index; The Friend; information from Frances Dower; Bootham Vol. III No. 2, September 1906
 

Norbert's wedding day. Glorious weather—at 12.30—John—Lizzie, Ruth, George and Isabel—Margaret White and Ernest and Caro and Denis arrived and we all lunched and then drove in carriages and pairs to South Charlton Church close to Ursula's home, little Church quite full. Ceremony at 2.15. Ursula gave a glad smile to Nor. on meeting him at the Altar. She looked charming—in white muslin frock made to the pattern of her great grandmothers marriage gown. Teresa and Kathleen O'Farrell the bridesmaids looked bonny. All went well—simple and solemn service and then we went to the old home from where the view of the Cheviots is glorious. The dear couple full of fun and joy drove off at 4.15. Charles the best man preceding with luggage. Tea and songs—Mr. Sanderson helping as he had done at the Organ in Church and then we returned through Alnwick Park—Thankful and assured that Norbert and Ursula would be happy in the double life!

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1906-08-19 with Ursula, crossed the Irish Sea to Bergen letter from Robert Spence Watson to Molly Richardson, possessed by Paul Thomas
1906-08-21 "The Bride and Bridegroom sailed for Norway—having spent the first few days of honeymoon at Target House." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1906-09-12 "Norbert and Ursula back from Norway after a very enjoyable time there at "Oppeim.""
1906-12-26 "After Bensham party Charles—Teresa—Norbert and Ursula left by the 'Sleeper' for a few days in Paris!"
1907-01 "The time in Paris safely accomplished and much enjoyed. N. & U. and Teresa back [ . . . ]."
1907-03-19 "Norbert and Ursula in Guernsey."
1908-03-18 "Norbert and Ursula staying at Looe Cornwall for a rest."
1908-03-30 "Norbert and Ursula back at Target House—not very fit."
1908-06-27 "Charles and Norbert have just now too great pressure of work—Trade is bad and extra harass therefore in all Electrical business."
Children: Rachel Alice (1908–1985), Helen (1911–1985), Roland Fawcus (1913–2004), Adrian Graham (1917–2003) GRO index; The British Friend; The Friend
1908-08-30 "Norbert at business again [ . . . ]." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1909-02-17 secretary to The Waste Heat and Gas Electrical Generating Stations Ltd, 86 Collingwood Buildings, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Sheffield Daily Telegraph
1909-12-17 "Norbert and Ursula mean to bring Rachel in and leave her in our keeping while they go to St. Moritz—a precious charge." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1910-01-07 "Just expecting Norbert and Ursula back from St. Moritz where they have found an unusual lack of frost: they both suffered from sore throats there."
1910-03-11 "Norbert not very well, but business meetings are oppressive at this time of year."
1910-06-06 "Norbert and Ursula and Rachel came in to stay [ . . . ]."
1910-06-18 "The dear Target House family returned to their home—a most happy visit we have had from them."
1910-09-04 "Norbert putting electric light in Target House."
1911-03-13 "Target House dear family come in for a ten days stay."
1911 chartered accountant, own account, living at Target House, Hexham, Northumberland, with a nurse, a cook, and a housemaid; 9 rooms RG14PN30948 RG78PN1770 RD561 SD4 ED1 SN107
1911-07-14 "The Target House family going through to the Cottage at Dunstanborough hoping to have cool air from the sea." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1911-09-26 "Target House family came to stay with us while their own house is enlarged."
1911-11-17 "Rachel and Helen and their parents still here—a great delight [ . . . ]."
1911-12-02 "Ursula and the 2 darlings and Miss Young their Scotch Nurse left us. Norbert left a week before."
1913-02-15 "Norbert thinking of buying a small motor car for his own driving and amusement. How infectious motoring is!"
1913-03-21 "[ . . . ] Norbert and Ursula motoring (in their new motor) to Charlton [ . . . ]"
1913-05-16 "Norbert has become Director of the Carnoustie Chemical Works in place of Theo—and is returning from there to sleep here tonight."
1913-08-07 "Norbert goes to London where Carnoustie meeting is to be held at Lord Glenconner's house. Theo has resigned his Chairmanship and Norbert is made Director of the Company."
1914-01-14 "Norbert slept here on night of 13th after a big dance in town and then went to Carnoustie: he is very well just now."
1914-02-11 "Norbert's birthday. He came up to lunch looking very well—he fears the months at Target House are numbered—so they are looking round the countryside for another possible home!"
1914-02-11 "Norbert's birthday. He came up to lunch looking very well—he fears the months at Target House are numbered—so they are looking round the countryside for another possible home!"
1914-05-05

Norbert and Ursula came to our hotel en route for Vevey.

Norbert and Helen were both seriously ill while we were in the New Forest—we were very anxious.

1914-05-24 "Norbert and Ursula are very happy in Florence."
1914-05-28 "Norbert and Ursula now at Lugano: it turned too hot in Florence for sight seeing."
1914-06-08/-11 "Norbert and Ursula very well indeed after their journey to Florence—Vevey—Berne and Lugano—and full of the pictures &c. and brought home lovely photos coloured by hand of some of these."
by 1914-08-18 had donated £5 5s to the Prince of Wales' National Relief Fund Newcastle Journal, 1914-08-18
1914 of Target ho., Acomb, Hexhm, Northumberland Kelly's Directory
by 1915-01-04 had donated £1 1s. to the Globe-Telegraph Fund in aid of the children of Belgium Globe
by 1915-09-28 had donated £1 to the French Red Cross Collection Newcastle Journal, 1915-09-28
1916-02-23 "Norbert in London for 5 or 6 days, once a fortnight as Honorary Financier to Controlled Works. Our sons certainly doing their "bit" manfully." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1916-06-28 "All well at Target House and very busy with new gardener—planting potatoes—cutting hay for the pony Tibbie &c. &c."
1916 secretary (Thermal Syndicate, Ltd.) Neptune bank; r Hexham Ward's Directory of Newcastle-on-Tyne
1916-08-31 chartered accountant; executor of the will of his aunt Caroline Richardson, for which service he was paid £50; jointly with his Richardson first cousins, inherited an equal share of her residual estate will and grant of probate of Caroline Richardson
1916-10-03 "Norbert again in London on Accountant Government Work." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1917-02-11 "Norbert actually 40—his work in London which is a big tax is greatly appreciated by the Government."
1917-02-23 "Ursula lamenting that Norbert now has to be in London for occasional week ends—his honorary work is so exacting."
1917-05-27 "Norbert been to Carnoustie again."
1917-06-23 "Yesterday Norbert and Ursula went to Monk House Cottage Bamboro. Their children follow in a week's time with Miss Pollard."
1917-07-11 should have inherited a share of his aunt Anna's estate, including Heugh Folds will and grant of probate of Anna Deborah Richardson
1918-06-29 "Norbert and the two girls very happy at Monkshouse Bambro'." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1918 of 82 Collingwood Buildings, Newcastle; abode Target House, Hexham electoral register
1918-11-03 "[ . . . ] Norbert laid up with Flu. The so-called "Spanish Influenza" is a scourge in all countries." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1918-11-11 "Norbert not yet had leave to come to Office."
1919 of Collingwood Buildings, Collingwood Street; abode Target House, Hexham electoral register
1919-01-23

Norbert and Ursula gone for 2 weeks to Harrogate.

Continued fog and rain and influenza raging in the town.

Norbert has taken on lease from November this year 10 Clifton Road. If they really quit Target House it will be an enormous gain for us to have the delicious family close to. The town life and smoke will be a trial for them we fear.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1919-05-12 "Norbert busy as to the improvements at 10 Clifton Road—Motor house, electric lighting &c. &c., but they do not begin life in town until late autumn."
1919-06-04 "This morning Norbert and Ursula, Rachel and Helen are off to Scotland for 2 weeks. Their 2 boys going to Tynemouth to the Sissons meanwhile."
1919-06-10 "Excellent news from Salcombe and Kincraig—Norbert and Ursula, Rachel and Helen happy at Kincraig."
1919-07-16 "Norbert been often here as strike on N.E.R. stops trains to Hexham."
1919-08-09 "Norbert got workmen in to No. 10 Clifton Road."
1919-09-20 "Norbert busy renovating and heating No. 10. We are longing to have them settled in there."
1919-11-23 "At No. 10 they are still in great confusion [ . . . ]."
1920 of 10 Clifton Road, Newcastle electoral register
1920-01-12 "Dear Norbert in bed with a chill and rheumatism." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1920-02-06 "Nor. been to Carnoustie [ . . . ]."
1920-05-03 "Norbert's family moving to Heugh Folds for a long stay."
1920-09-25 "Norbert left on Friday and he and U. went on to Bath and hope to have 2 weeks holiday together. N. does need a rest. Business owing to strikes and high prices is very strenuous and worrying."
1920-11-11

Armistice day.

Norbert left by 8 a.m. for Cologne: not very fit.

1920-12-25 "Xmas day was clouded by both Norbert and Teresa being laid up with the Flu [ . . . ]."
1921-01-23 "Much illness at No. 10. Norbert and Ursula both have Flu and been in bed a week. They are rather better now and mean to go to Bournemouth when allowed to travel."
1921 chartered accountant, employer, working at 82 Collingwood Buildings, Newcastle-upon-Tyne; living with his family in 12 rooms at Manor House, Barasford, Chollerton, Northumberland, together with a governess, a nursery governess (both described as boarders), a cook, and a housemaid, all four employed at 10 Clifton Road, Newcastle upon Tyne; also present was a young woman visitor RG 15/25631 RD561 SD4 ED5 SN8
1921-07-29 "N. and U. and Rachel and Teresa off in Charles' Motor Car tomorrow to Heugh Folds to make arrangements for the working of the dear place now Charles is owner thereof." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1921-10-28 "Norbert and Ursula at Heugh Folds for the second time this year!"
1921 of 10 Clifton road, Newcastle Kelly's Directory
1921 spring with his wife, of Collingwood Buildings, Collingwood Street; abode 10 Clifton Road electoral register
1921/1928 living with his wife at 10 Clifton Road electoral registers
1922-01-25 "Norbert feeling Frank Bottomley's sudden death much and the Business which F.B. managed will need constant attention from him." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1922-02-10 "Norbert in London now on the Silica Business problems."
1922-05-18 "Norbert staying here—a great boon—but he returns to Heugh Folds for week end in his Car. All his family happy there except Rachel who is at "The Hayes."
1922-06-16 "[ . . . ] Norbert joins his own at Heugh Folds for 2 weeks' holiday, very greatly needed and deserved."
1922-07-06 chartered accountant, of Collingwood Buildings, Newcastle upon Tyne; co-executor and trustee of his father's will father's will and grant of probate
1922-07-22 "Nor. has to wear spectacles for motoring and for reading now—his fine eyes ache without them." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1922-09-23

Yesterday a kind call from Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Armstrong was an interesting and sympathetic one—they go to South Africa soon for his health's sake—they admired Bigland's portrait of Theo—talked of him and also of Norbert and how he is determined to have him elected a Director of the N.C. Elec. Supply Co. considering he would be a great support to Mr. Sloan who is out of health.

1922-10-12 "Norbert been to Carnoustie and off to London for a day's business there with Charles' firm."
1922-12-15 "Norbert far from well: this time of year brings too heavy work."
1922/1923 chartered accountant, of 10 Clifton Rd, Newcastle—tel. Central 3579; and of 82 Collingwood bldgs, tel. Central 2948 British Phone Books, 1880-1984
1923/1924 with his wife, of Collingwood Buildings, Collingwood Street; abode 10 Clifton Road electoral registers
1924/1926 chartered accountant, of 10 Clifton Rd, Newcastle—tel. Central 3579; and of 82 Collingwood bldgs, tel. Central 2948; and of Callaly cott, Whittingham (residence), tel. Callaly 2 British Phone Books, 1880-1984
1925 Fellow Chartered Institute of Secretaries OYSA (1971)
1926/1927 with his wife, of Collingwood Buildings, Collingwood Street; abode 10 Clifton Road electoral registers
1926-02-24 chartered accountant, of 10 Clifton Rd, Newcastle on Tyne; sailed from Southampton aboard the S.S. Berengaria, bound for New York, with wife, brother & sister-in-law New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957
1926-04-02 architect [sic], of 10 Clifton Rd, Newcastle on Tyne; arrived with his wife in Southampton from New York, via Cherbourgh, aboard the White Star Line's Olympic; travelling with them were Charles and Stella Merz UK Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960
1927 chartered accountant, of 10 Clifton Rd, Newcastle—tel. Central 3579; and of 82 Collingwood bldgs, tel. Central 2948; and of Callaly cott, Whittingham (residence), tel. Callaly 2 British Phone Books, 1880-1984

British Phone Books, 1880-1984

1929 chartered accountant, of Carliol ho, Newcastle—tel. Central 6795; and of Callaly cott, Whittingham (residence), tel. Callaly 2; and of Allerwash ho, tel. Newbrough 34
with his wife, of Carliol House, New Market Street, Newcastle; abode 10 Clifton Road electoral register
1930 chartered accountant, of Carliol ho, Newcastle—tel. Central 6795; and of Allerwash ho, tel. Newbrough 34 British Phone Books, 1880-1984
1930/1932 with his wife, of Carliol House, New Market Street, Newcastle; abode Allerwash House, Fourstones electoral registers
1930-03-25 at a general meeting of the Tyne Electric Supply Company Ltd, seconded the motion to re-elect four individuals as directors of the company Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 1930-03-26
1931-11-24 a director of Messrs Lazard Brothers & Co. Ltd The Scotsman, 1931-11-26
1931/1936 chrtrd acctnt, of Carliol ho, Newcastle—tel. Newcastle 23785; and of Allerwash ho, tel. Newbrough 34 British Phone Books, 1880-1984
1933-10-30 a director of the North-Eastern Electric Supply Company, Limited Western Morning News, 1933-10-30
1933-12-08 chartered accountant, of Carliol House, Newcastle-upon-Tyne; co-executor of his mother's will; inherited an equal share of his mother's residual estate mother's will and grant of probate
1934-02-07 a director of Lazard Brothers & Co. Ltd The Scotsman, 1934-02-12
1934 with his wife, of Carliol House, New Market Street, Newcastle; abode Allerwash House, Fourstones electoral register
1935 of Allerwash, Fourstones, Northumberland The Times
Chartered Accountant, of Allerwash, Fourstones, Northumberland; hobbies—travel, gardening Edgar B. Collinson, ed. (1935) Bootham School Register, 2nd edn
1935-03-19 re-elected as a director of the North-Eastern Electric Supply Company Ltd Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette
1935-08-07 chartered accountant; co-executor of the will of his cousin George Beigh Richardson National Probate Calendar
1936 with his wife, of Carliol House, New Market Street, Newcastle; abode Allerwash House, Fourstones electoral register
Chairman, Tyneside Investment Trust Benwell Community Project (1978) The Making of a Ruling Class. Two Centuries of Capital Development on Tyneside. Newcastle
1937-03-23 re-elected as a director of the North-Eastern Electric Supply Company Ltd The Scotsman, 1937-03-24
1937/1939, 1941 chrtrd acctnt, of Carliol ho, Newcastle—tel. Newcastle 23785; and of Allerwash ho, Fourstones, tel. Newbrough 34 British Phone Books, 1880-1984
1938-03-23 present at the fiftieth ordinary meeting of the North Eastern Electric Supply Co., Limited, at the Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle The Scotsman, 1938-03-24
1939-06-10

Mr. Norbert Merz has been elected chairman of A. Reyrolle and Co. Ltd., electrical engineers, Hebburn, in succession to the late Sir A.L.N. Wood, Bart. Mr. Merz was secretary of the company in its early years, and became a director in 1918.

Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 1939-06-10

MR. NORBERT MERZ, Newcastle chartered accountant with extensive connections in the electrical industry, has been appointed chairman of A. Reyrolle and Co., Ltd., the Hebburn firm of electrical engineers with an issued capital of over £900,000, in succession to the late Sir Arthur Lindsay Wood, of Chester-le-Street.

Mr. Merz has been associated with the company for many years, and was formerly secretary. He was appointed a director in 1918.

He is also a director of the North-Eastern Electricity Supply Co., Ltd.; Waste Heat and Gas Electrical Generating Stations, Ltd., Newcastle; Blaydon manure and Alkali Co., Ltd.; and Galloway Water Power Company.

Last year the Hebburn firm, one of the largest electric switch gear and plant manufacturers in the country, had the greatest output in its history. At present the firm has important Government work on hand. It employs over 5,400 people. Last year profits totalled £187,476, compared with £155,322 in 1937.

Newcastle Chronicle, 1939-06-17
1939 with his wife, of Carliol House, New Market Street, Newcastle; abode Allerwash House, Fourstones electoral register
1939-09-29 managing director – A. Reyrolle & Co., Hebburn by Tyne – chartered accountant, living at Allerwash House (or Hall), Hexham, Northumberland, with his wife, daughter, son-in-law, a redacted individual [probably his grandson], a cook, a parlourmaid, another probably servant, and four other redacted individuals 1939 England and Wales Register (RG 101)
by 1940-04-01 had donated £1 1s. to the Northumberland and Durham Mission to the Deaf and Dumb Newcastle Evening Chronicle, 1940-04-04
1940-04-04

HEBBURN WORKERS PRAISED

High Skill & Accuracy

Tribute was paid by the chairman, Mr. Norbert Merz, at yesterday's annual meeting of A. Reyrolle and Co., Ltd., the Hebburn firm of electrical engineers, to the manner in which employes had adapted themselves to new methods of production.

"There has been during the past few years a very marked change in the class of work turned out in the company's factories," said Mr. Merz, "and our workpeople have adapted themselves to new methods of production where the highest skill and accuracy are required in a quite amazing way, and with that pride in their product which is so characteristic of the British workman."

Newcastle Journal, 1940-04-05
by 1940-05-07 had donated £5 to the Lord Mayor of Newcastle's War Fund Newcastle Evening Chronicle
1941-01-29 chartered accountant; co-executor of the will of his brother Charles Hesterman Merz National Probate Calendar
  owner of Heugh Folds, Grasmere information from Mabel Weiss
1944 chrtrd acctnt, of Carliol ho, Newcastle—tel. Newcastle 23785; and of Allerwash ho, Fourstones, tel. Newbrough 34 British Phone Books, 1880-1984
1945/1947 chrtrd acctnt, of Carliol ho, Newcastle—tel. Newcastle 23785
1945/1947 of Carliol House, New Market Street electoral registers
1945-04-14 is retiring as chairman of Reyrolle and Co. Ltd Newcastle Journal
1946 of Dunstan Hall, Craster, Northumberland The Times
1947-12-07 wife of Dunstan Hall, Craster, at the date of her death at Kingston Gilmerton-road, Liberton, Edinburgh National Probate Calendar
1948-02-23 chartered accountant; co-executor of his wife's will
1948 chrtrd acctnt, of Carliol ho, Newcastle—tel. Newcastle 23785; and of Dunstan hall, Craster, tel. Embleton 14 British Phone Books, 1880-1984
1948-09-09 of Dunstan Hall, Craster, Northumberland; d. Northumberland North Second RD GRO index; National Probate Calendar
1949 of Dunstan hall, Craster, tel. Embleton 14 British Phone Books, 1880-1984
1949-01-21 will proved at Newcastle-upon-Tyne by Helen Baker, Roland Fawcus Merz, and Herbert Walter James Vertigan; effects £82,325 11s. 6d. National Probate Calendar

£82,000 left by North man

Mr Norbert Merz, of Dunstan Hall, Craster, chartered accountant, of Carliol House, Newcastle, late chairman of A. Reyrolle and Co. Ltd., manufacturing electrical engineers, of Hebburn, and the late firm of Blaydon Manure and Alkali Co. (now acquired by Fisons Ltd.), a director of Galloway Water Power co., H.H. Holmes and Co. Ltd., North-Eastern Electric Supply Co. Ltd., Thermal Syndicate Ltd., and Waste Heat and Gas Electrical Generating Stations Ltd., who died on September 9 last, aged 71, left £82,325 gross, £80,578 net value (duty paid £25,329).

Shields Daily News, 1949-03-07


Teresa Merz03. Teresa Merz, OBE, JP

1879-05-28 b. Gateshead, Durham censuses; GRO index; Reminiscences of John Theodore Merz (1922) Edinburgh and London: William Blackwood and Sons: 256; source for exact date misplaced
1881 of The Quarries, Elswick, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland, living with siblings, a cook, a nurse, and two housemaids TNA: RG 11/5055 f159 p17
1886-06

Teresa has plenty of character, and holds her own with her brothers in an amusing way. When she was very tiny, and water was brought to them while playing—she cried out "Ladies first"! She has a dark skin—dark eyes and a rich brown shade of hair, the only member of the family with straight ankles—has now (she is 7 years old) quickness in doing her lessons—and a retentive memory. She studies with Norbert very happily.

[ . . . ] Norbert and Teresa both progress with music and find it no tax.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1887-03

Norbert and Teresa still studying with Miss Hebden [ . . . ] —Miss H. considers Norbert as far on as most boys are at his age and Teresa she reports to be very quick and bright.

1888-01 "Teresa began school at Miss Billsons Bentinck [ . . . ]."
1888-05 "The children all at Grasmere with 'Aunt Car' a radiantly happy time."

"Teresa writes capital letters—boating—walking and fishing going on day after day."

"Teresa bright and quick and full of energy. Rather subdued when at school—does her lessons conscientiously and with eagerness."

1888-10 "Teresa doing very well and taking great pains with her lessons."
1889-03 "Teresa still at Miss Billsons school—very eager and conscientious about her lessons, writes beautifully, and specially enjoys French."
1890-03

At Xmas Teresa left Miss Millsons school and began lessons at home with Ernest under Miss Alice Wheeler—very happy together. Miss W. considers Teresa. very quick and bright and ambitious—both she and Ernest have taste for drawing.

[ . . . ] Teresa and Ernest have begun both German and Latin. Read many books aloud this winter. Harriet Martineau's stories specially enjoyed.

1890-05 went to Germany with parents to attend the confirmation of their niece Ella Raiser, at Worms Reminiscences of John Theodore Merz: 282
"In May 1890 Teresa went with us to Worms and Frankfort and much enjoyed it."

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript

1891-01

Miss Wheeler has left us on account of ill health greatly to our regret, so Miss Hebden is back again teaching them (T. & E.) for 3 hours in the morning; they do their preparatory lessons alone in the afternoon. Teresa and Ernest made great progress with drawing under Miss Wheeler. Teresa copied a head of Wordsworth very cleverly. She is 11½ years old now—a charming bright child—passionately fond of animals [ . . . ] Very sensitive about our going from home and leaving her—and about sleeping alone.

1891 scholar, of West Knoll, Holdenhurst, Bournemouth, Hampshire, with her young brother, staying with the White family, a cook, a parlour maid, a house maid, and a visitor (perhaps in charge of the visiting children) RG 12/901 f137 p62
1891-07

Norbert, Teresa and Ernest also at Heugh Folds for a fortnight. Their much loved Aunt Car writes, "it has been a very delightful visit—radiant and ideal time—I must record it with thanksgiving."

After Miss Wheeler's departure Miss Hebden took the teaching of T. & E. for 3 months—then having found a more permanent post left and Lily Raiser undertook the work until the summer holidays—paying special attention to German,—they learnt several German poems by heart; all the children now have a desire to know the language of their paternal Grandparents.

Teresa very fond of story books. Has resorted to the Free Library for a large assortment.

Gardening fills much of their time and they have really quite a knowledge of plants and flowers.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1891-09-30

Madame Kohler has now been with us 2 months—giving Teresa and Ernest their lessons in French as far as is possible. They are progressing in the language rapidly and in music—but some important subjects, such as Latin—Arithmetic History have meanwhile to be put aside.

1892-03

Teresa and Ernest speaking French prettily and with ease. Very much occupied out of school hours. By Arnold's suggestion they have formed an "Amusing Club," and write essays—poems and stories for it.

Teresa's first poem included.

"Teresa and Ernest have learnt some of La Fontaines fables by heart and repeat them with great spirit."

1892-09-09

Madame Kohler left us in June having little taste for literary work and not much help in that capacity—very good however as a teacher of French and Teresa and Ernest enjoy reading a book or talking both of which they do easily.

They have long holidays as Mr. Tarver's school to which Ernest is going does not open before Sep. 19th. [ . . . ] After Norbert went back to York on August 10th—Teresa, Ernest and Ella [Raiser, 17, from Worms] went for a fortnight to Heugh Folds.

[ . . . ] Teresa is to be taught by Miss Bryant and for music we have asked Clara Herbert—Mathematics Miss Wood—Drawing Miss East. [ . . . ]

Teresa has very much got over her nervousness and sleeps alone very happily—passionately fond of animals—has now 2 parroquets which Aunt Car brought from Madeira. She and Ernest riding about on dear old 'Princess' without any fear—altogether they have a joyous childhood—and are as loving and sympathetic as possible. Teresa allowing her hair to grow again; it was cut on condition she would learn to swim—that has been accomplished—all four can swim well now. Teresa is growing very tall and has a graceful little figure—and a bright piquante face.

 

1892-09-11 at Grasmere with Ernest
1893-01 "Teresa too has been praised by Miss Wood who teaches her mathematics and Miss Bryant who teaches literature history and French and Latin."
1893-04 "Teresa became possessed of a bicycle chiefly through Aunt Teresa's gift of £5 towards its purchase: she rides it prettily." Bensham Grove visitors' books
1893-07-05 "Teresa happy to have Norbert at home: they study in same room." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1894-01

Teresa is much occupied with the training of a Persian kitten which came from Lincolnshire: her love of animals is great: the birds are dead—so she wished for some other pet beside Pippin.

1894-04-13

Norbert's teaching of Mathematics to Teresa very satisfactory: she has answered some questions Theo set her well.

 

gone to Heugh Folds with Ernest, Pippin, and Mabel Spence Watson
c. 1894-10 "Teresa meanwhile spent 5 weeks at Heugh Folds with Marie Bonnet a studious girl of 20—our exchange for Norbert."
1894-11-10

Teresa has settled in to winter work with Miss Bryant: she is now 15—and developing in a charming way—she is fond of study—does what she undertakes quickly and efficiently: she and Marie are making a catalogue of our library (now 4,000 volumes) and do it with great zest. I am pleased to see that all our children in some measure inherit their father's love of finish.

1895-03

Teresa exceedingly enjoying the lectures on design at Art School. She and Marie Bonnet nearly finished the cataloguing of our books which has been a big piece of work.

1895-07-02

Teresa and Ernest at Heugh Folds: they with Caro are to join me at Edinbro on the 5th for 3 days in Scotland. Teresa been taking riding lessons and cares little for bicycles now she loves horses: her photograph taken for the last time with hair down is on the whole successful. She has said goodbye to Miss Bryant as teacher for the present—and it is pleasant that Miss B. praises her work highly.

1896-02 had scarlet fever Reminiscences of John Theodore Merz: 286
1896-02-15

[ . . . ] we heard at Frankfurt that Teresa was ill with scarlet fever so we hurried home to relieve kind Caro of the responsibility of nursing her. She was in quarantine 4 weeks: it was not a severe case but it left her languid and very sensitive to cold.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1896-03 "Teresa enthusiastic about her studies at the College all last term and regrets to have missed the last 2 weeks of it, through the scarlet fever."
1896-08 launched a steamship, the Tadorna, built at Wigham Richardson & Co.'s Neptune shipyard:

As the steamer left the ways she was named the Tadorna, the ceremony being gracefully performed by Mr Richardson's niece, Miss Teresa Merz, of the Quarries, Newcastle.

The Shields Daily Gazette, 1896-08-26
1896-09-09 "Teresa to study again at the College of Science this coming winter." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1896-12-01

Principal Gurney (in whose class Teresa is at College) says she has a decided ability for mathematics—works her problems out on the blackboard most beautifully—so she as well as our boys possess in a measure their father's gifts in that line.

1897-02-13

Uncle John Spence sent me an invitation to go to the Rocket practice, so I got Theresa to go too, and we took "Tommy" also. It began at 3 p.m. and punctually the brigade came out, dressed in uniform, Uncle John last as he is Captain. He did look so nice. The rocket was fired from the Spanish battery to the pier, at Tynemouth. All the fixing of the apparatus, and the proceedings generally, were most interesting. Then a man came across from the pier in the breeches buoy with his legs dangling down, and looking most extraordinary. With rather fear, I asked if I might go across, and amid much laughter from the spectators, squashed myself into the breeches buoy sitting like a Turk. Once off the feeling was most delightful, and I went across to the pier and back again. Once or twice I got very near the water. The muddy water from the ropes dripped over my face and clothes, and I arrived back again looking dreadful I expect. Uncle John introduced me to Major -----, and then I ran off to get dry in the house where shipwrecked people are sheltered. Tommy was much excited and pleased to see me back again. The brigade men all came in to the house to answer to their names, and Uncle John introduced us to several. They seemed to think I was very plucky, which is quite a mistake, as it was a most simple thing to do. We saw over the house which was very interesting, berths for shipwrecked sailors, baths, etc etc, and then went to North Shields to have tea at Chirton. Here we saw more interesting things. Uncle John is a really wonderful old man, so energetic and delightful. Tommy was both fascinated by and terrified of the alligator, and stood and barked at it getting nearer and nearer, till it opened its jaws with a snap, when he promptly retired, but began to approach it again.

Both Theresa and I much enjoyed ourselves, and it was so nice having her with me.

 

Mary Spence Watson's diary
1897-04-17 Teresa & Ernest to Grasmere for a fortnight

Teresa finished at the College of Science for the present: she has worked well and industriously there and much enjoyed it.

Principal Gurney offers to continue to teach her Mathematics, but she will have to wait for that privilege until she returns from Germany.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1897-12

In May we all crossed via Hook of Holland to Amsterdam—Charles joining us—then we stopped in Hanover and then went on to Oderhaus The Harz [ . . . ] a very merry month at the primitive forester's house—ascended The "Brocken" and those who were able took many long walks. The pine woods glorious: Norbert photographed some vistas of these very successfully. Teresa and Ernest afterwards went to Worms—Theo and I to Frankfurt and Thaun.

[ . . . ] Teresa and Ernest having an enjoyable time at Worms and picking up the language quickly. Ella gives them 2 hours (daily) regular instruction and they have the advantage of literature classes and many social pleasures. They have been to Frankfurt twice to see Aunt Theresa.

1897/1898 winter at her (paternal) aunt's, in Worms Reminiscences of John Theodore Merz: 287; Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 18941909, 1910, Newcastle-upon-Tyne: privately printed
1898-02-09 "Teresa and Ernest safely home from Worms." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1898-03 "Teresa working hard at the Catalogue of our library and joining German readings and Tennyson readings."
1898-06-18 "Teresa went to Pitlochry with John and Dora for a weeks sketching and cycling."
1898-12-07 Sebastian, in Twelfth Night, at Bensham Grove Bensham Grove visitors' books
1898-12-17

Then we all went to Dawlish Devonshire to celebrate our Silver Wedding—Caro with us. It was a most delightful month at the Inn close to station the only disappointment that Charles could not be spared from Cork to join us. We read Sir Charles Lyell's life aloud and had many enchanting walks and excursions in the beautiful neighbourhood.

After that went on to Bournemouth and took up our abode at the Weston Hall Hotel—Theo and I and Teresa, Norbert and Ernest returned to Newcastle to work and Aunt Car stayed at West Knoll."

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1899-08 "Norbert went to stay at Onich N.B. with the Benshamites and Teresa and Ernest to Grasmere: Sca Fell—Helvellyn and many other hill expeditions."

"Aunt Car says in writing of him and Teresa "They are a lovely pair with the ardour of youth and the wisdom of age!! [ . . . ] "

1900-01 "Teresa studying the poets with ardour."
1900-04

Had an exquisite time in North Wales—first at the Waterloo Hotel Bettws y Coed where we read the Life of David Cox. Norbert, Teresa and Ernest climbed Moel Siabod and we took many lovely shorter walks. Charles and Norbert with us for Easter. From Bettws we went to Barmough for 1 week. Then Teresa Ernest and I home by Chester and Manchester. Theo to London: he and Charles kept there by parliamentary Bills connected with Electric Lighting.

1900-08-07 "Teresa and Ernest went to Grasmere for a fortnight."
1900-09-23 "End of September Charles, Teresa, Ernest and I and Jock spent a charming week end at the "Rose and Thistle Inn" Alwinton—perfect weather—colour of bracken glorious."
1900-10-03 of The Quarries Bensham Grove visitors' books
1900-11-18 of The Quarries
1901-01

Teresa taking history lectures given by Mr. Fremen Lord at College and greatly enjoying them: she is quite a student.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1901-03-27 "Teresa went to Bournemouth [ . . . ]"
1901 visiting the family of her aunt Jane Emily White, with the household including a cook, a housemaid, and a parlourmaid RG 13/1040 f96 p51
1901-06

Had a delightful 3 weeks at Vevey—Teresa and Ernest with us 2 weeks—then returned to Cambridge and the rest of us came home via Germany Rothenburg an der Tauber and Colmar and Bonn very enjoyable.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1901-08-23 "Teresa and Ernest at Heugh Folds for 10 days."
1901-10-27

Teresa full of intellectual interest attending Frewen Lords history class—and Prof. Vaughan's Literature and playing Badminton for exercise. Clever at work and in all practical ways and an immense help and comfort.

1902-01-13 "Just before holidays—Teresa went up to London for a week to stay with Nelly and Denis at Cowley St. Westminster."
1902-02-11 "Teresa writing beautiful essays on literary subjects for Professor Vaughan [ . . . ]"
1902-05-30 "Teresa goes up for the May week into lodgings with Mary Spence Watson."
1902-06

Teresa had a gay May week at Cambridge—sleeping in Rooms with Mary close to Kings. Ernest treated them to Boating parties—Ball and all manner of delights—Teresa went on 14th. to London to stay with Nelly till Coronation Time.

1902-07-30

Charles gave Teresa and Ernest a grand month's tour in Ireland. They returned brown and well and in excellent spirits.

1902-11-14

Teresa keener than ever over Studies—writing essays for Prof. Vaughan which are always commended. She is strong and well—her open air treatment certainly suits her!

1903-05-28 "Our precious Teresa 24 this day—a rare girl—studious and competent in every way—quite unconventional—full of interests and bright and charming and loving."
  given 'Koko', a fox terrier, for birthday; very fond of animals, especially dogs, but had also owned a Persian kitten and two parakeets Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline'
1903-07-31 "Teresa too a happy week with the Morrells at York." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1903 winner of the Gladstone Prize The Junto
1904-01-08 "Teresa too beginning with "Research work" inspired by Mr. Frewen Lord." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
shortly before 1904-04-20

All present at Girton except Norbert. He and Teresa had a splendid month in Italy—Naples—Rome and Paris.

1904-04-20 "Teresa beginning to read at B. Museum when up in London!"
1904-06-16 "Teresa going up on 23 to stay with 'Aunt Nelly' and finish some bit of writing (she has on hand) by reading at the B. Museum: she is a delightful combination of energetic work and energetic play."
1904-06-24 "Teresa gone up to stay with Aunt Nelly a bit."
1904-07-29

Teresa was a whole month in London—reading at B. Mus: and squeezing in much pleasure. A few days with Frewen Lords and home by sea looking very well indeed. Ernest pleads she should be allowed to study at Newnham College for a year: she is certainly most devoted to historical studies and her winning the "Gladstone prize" proves it is worth something.

1904 of The Quarries, Newcastle; with younger brother, gave Frank & Mary Pollard a table, for their wedding present Mary S.W. Pollard, list of wedding presents
1904-08-03

Marriage took place on a brilliantly hot day. Same day Teresa heard from Mrs. H. Sedgwick that she may enter Newnham College for 1 year's study without an Entrance Exam: so we shall have to spare the beloved child in October for this privilege.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1904-09-28 "Teresa busy with preparations for Newnham."
1904-10-08 "Teresa just left for Newnham Coll: in pretty fair spirits."
1904-10-29

Teresa settling into the "high speed life" at Newnham with great interest and energy. She studies philosophy, economics and ancient Greek History. She hopes economics will help her in solving difficult problems in work among the poor. She has a gift for philanthropy—does it with zest and love and great tact.

1905-01-27 "Teresa now back at Cambridge."
1905-03-25 "Teresa home again to our joy."
1905-09 "A luxury to have Teresa at home—tho' Newnham will miss her—she was called there "The Angel in the hall.""
1905-12-19 "Teresa contemplating Sec. post at the C.O.S."
1906-01

Teresa's appointment to the C.O.S. Sec. was unanimously made.

Went to Braid Hills Hotel Edinburgh on Friday Dec. 22, Theo and I—Teresa and Caro [ . . . ]

1906-07-23

Teresa and Hilda Chandler were at Rayheugh for the week end. Cottage rented by Teresa now.

1906-08-15 one of two bridesmaids at Norbert's wedding
1906-09-29 "Charles and Teresa off to "Dalry" N.B. with Mike [Teresa's dog] for a walking tour—then to the Lakes."
1906-10-24 "Teresa continues C.O.S. work with fresh ardour after her holiday."
1906-12-26 "After Bensham party Charles—Teresa—Norbert and Ursula left by the 'Sleeper' for a few days in Paris!"
1907-01 "The time in Paris safely accomplished and much enjoyed. N. & U. and Teresa back [ . . . ]."
1907-02-17 "Teresa by our urgent desire deciding to curtail her C.O.S. work to half a day at the office instead of the whole."
1907-03-19 "[ . . . ] Teresa and Kathleen to Rayheugh [for Easter]."
1907-08 of The Quarries, Newcastle-upon-Tyne; published a historical work, The Junto The Junto
1907-10-01

Found "The Junto" on our table

"Humbly offered to my Father by Teresa Merz"

a great surprize and wonder to us that she could publish so important a book in the midst of C.O.S. work

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1907-11-08 "Teresa and Ernest set off for a weeks tour in Belgium both needing a change after their hard work."
1907-11-24

The Belgian tour has been a high success Teresa tells us. She is back and hard at work C.O.S. again. Kate Herbert who is under her at C.O.S. office speaks enthusiastically of Teresa's power and ability and sympathy in dealing with applicants.

1908-05-28

Teresa back from the Y.M. at Birmingham where she had a nourishing time. She is 29 to day her devotion to her work for the poor is quite splendid.

1908-06-27 "Teresa returning from the Norfolk Broads where she has had a glorious week with Moore Edes and Davises."
1908-07-24

Teresa went to London for a week—staying at The Albany and doing things with Ernest to their mutual joy—then she went to Grasmere for 2 weeks. Returns this day with Mike.

1909-02-03 "Teresa most active and devoted to C.O.S. work and the poor must appreciate her help which is unspoiling and thorough and devoted."
1909-03-26 "Teresa chosen with her Committee a new man Secretary for C.O.S. She in future is Honorary Sec."
1909-10-09 "Teresa on holiday—in Yorkshire with Alice Robertson."
1909-10-23 "Teresa back from Glaisedale, Yorksh: much refreshed."
1909-11-15

Teresa is brave and throws herself into her work among the needy and suffering and is very successful—she is bringing the Clergy round to work with the C.O.S. and has no difficulty in getting money for her deserving cases.

1910-03-11 "Teresa's work flourishes and I am certain blesses hundreds of the poor. She is devoted and has a rare gift for such work."
1910-07-14 "Charles off to London again and Teresa will join him there tomorrow and they go to Lucerne 'Burgenstock' on Sat. for a fortnights holiday."
1910-07-28 "Excellent letters from Charles and Teresa who have had a charming time in Switzerland—Burgenstock—Interlaken—Zurich.."
1910-08-01 "Charles and Teresa safely in England—the latter home that night arriving 11.20 p.m."
1910-08-13 "Teresa and Eleanor Smit at Heugh Folds—also Mike—for a week's visit."
1910-09 attended the annual meeting of the North-East Association for the After-Care of the Feeble-Minded Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing Newcastle Journal, 1910-09-13
1910-11-24 "Teresa's work more and more valued—she is entrusted with much coal and money for her poor distress in the town great civil war continues between capital and labour." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1911-01-31 "C.O.S. Annual Report speaks of Teresa's fine work for the Society."
1911-04-01 "Teresa digging the Cottage garden at Stannington. She is renting this cottage for a convalescent home for poor people for which she has been saving up."
1911-04-02 Hon. Sec. Charity Org. Society, of The Quarries, Newcastle upon Tyne; 12 rooms; living with her parents, her aunt Caroline, and three servants RG14PN30607 RG78PN1753 RD558 SD3 ED29 SN86
1911-06-07 "Teresa full of her Cottage whereby some of her poor people are by turns refreshed in the country." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1911-06-17 "Teresa went up to London with Dr. Mabel Campbell and took part in the Womens Suffrage Procession—40,000 persons—a grand effort for their cause."
1911-08-20 "Teresa and Eleanor Smit on the tramp in Northumberland so Theo and I alone."
1911-08-26 "Teresa and her friend has a splendid week by sea and on moor."
1911-11-09 "Teresa becoming more and more a public person, giving lectures to Guild of Help and other workers on Guardians Com. about Consumption &c., &c."
1911-12-02 "[ . . . ] Charles and Teresa to go to Adelboden [ . . . ]" for Christmas
1912-01-08 "Teresa home this morning and Charles too safely in London after their grand fortnight at Adelboden."
1912-03-09 "Teresa many evening engagements and busy all day with her grand occupation—helping great variety of misery and difficulty."
1912-03-31 "Teresa extra busy with extra distress."
1912-05-28 "This is our darling Teresa's birthday: she is walking among the Cheviots with Mabel Campbell. She is and it is remarked on all sides—a wonderful person in her philanthropic work."
1912-07-01 "Teresa opening "Hope House" for women and girls lodging."
1912-07-28 "Teresa having a splendid week with the Campbells at Glenlyon Perthshire—she then goes on to Braemar to the Leislers."
1912-08-06 "Teresa returning from Braemar where she has had a grand brace."
1912-09-04 "Teresa the wonder of everybody in her grand work—cottage for poor—Lodging house for women and girls &c. &c."
1913-01-29 "Teresa is on 12 Committees so not often in at home. "Hope House" is proving a great success."
1913-02-15 "Teresa had influenza but is better now."
1913-08-07 "Teresa off to Yorkshire coast on Sat. for a week."
1913-08-20 "Teresa having glorious weather for her cruise: she posts from Oban."
1913-11-06 "Teresa seeking new C.O.S. secretary."
1914-02-10

A very satisfactory A.M. on the C.O.S. Sc at Guildhall Council Chambers presided over by the Lord Mayor—Dr. Hadow the speaker. Much was said about Teresa's devoted work in the town—the first time it has been publicly recognized.

  one of three representatives of the COS on the Juvenile Employment Advisory Sub-Committee of the Municipal Education Committee Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline'
1914-05-05-15 elected to the Executive Committee of the Newcastle branch of the Victoria League, at its AGM Newcastle Journal, 1914-05-16
1914-05-24

Teresa arranging hospitality for the C.O.S. Conference. We shall have 3 guests. She also is furnishing Rayheugh Cottage for herself and friends as the Finch's have vacated it. Teresa now has 2 cottages and 2 homes to look after. She is indefatigable"

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1914-05-28

Teresa's birthday. She is well and active and a blessing to everyone—much admired and referred to now as an authority on subjects relating to the poor and on all social questions. She is today (29th) going to Rayheugh Cottage with Marie Renaud for Whitsuntide. New furniture to come from London for it. It is the cottage next door to the original one Norbert had. May it be a joy to her.

1914-06-08/-11

Conference of C.O.S. and Guild of Help Workers. [ . . . ] Meetings a great success. Percy Corder paid charming tribute to Teresa's "personal service" in one speech.

[ . . . ] Teresa launched or rather christened a ship at Wallsend on the 10th.

1914-08-14 "Teresa working with the Lord Mayor for relief of sufferers."
1914-08-18 listed as donor of £1 to the Aid to Hospitals Fun Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing Newcastle Journal
1914-09-25 of The Quarries, Newcastle; listed as donor of £3 to the Belgian Relief Fund Newcastle Journal
1914-09-22 "Teresa in the thick of help of every description and her advice sought." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1914-11-20 "Teresa has a big variety of Relief Work."
1914-12 Letter appealing for funds to relieve distress amongst the wives and children of interned aliens, who are being assisted by the COS. Miss Teresa Merz, honorary secretary, dealing with applications for aid at 131 Pilgrim Street, between 10:30 and 1pm every day. Two letters published the next day, protesting strongly against 'Assisting the Enemy Alien', while the following week 'Fairplay' responded, accusing the local branch of the COS as being 'pro-German' by offering opportunities for work and relief to "dependents of those of the same nation which is obsessed with the most intense hatred of this country. . . . Has Miss Merz read the German Hymn of Hate against England?" Newcastle Journal, 1914-12-04; Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing Newcastle Journal, 1914-12-04, -05, and -10
1915-01-15 "Teresa returned from London in a train crowded with soldiers." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1915-04-09 "Teresa feeling the effects of influenza now—rheumatic—but she will not give in but works away."
by 1915-05-14 had donated £1 towards fund for equipping hospitals, especially in Servia Newcastle Journal, 1915-05-15
1915-06-01

Teresa busy helping Aliens and with a vast variety of work for poor and social causes. A friend of ours remarked "I don't know what the town would do without her." She was begged to go to Holland by War Victims Com. but declined.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1915-09 had donated £1 to the French Red Cross appeal Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline'
1915-09-19 "Teresa with Violet Browne spent a week at Rayheugh Harvesting and very happy." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1915-10-12 "Teresa very busy furnishing her new lodging house: everything very expensive owing to the War."
1915-11-12

Teresa gone up to London to see "War Victims Com." who have wired to her asking if she can go to Serbia to help Refugees there who are in dire distress. She must hear full details about it before deciding.

[ . . . ] Teresa of course staying with Charles and Stella the two nights which is a comfort as Charles will advise her about Serbia.

1915-11-15

Teresa returned from London—has been inoculated—getting her passport—been photographed and has to be ready to start for Serbia with Miss Courtney and two from France. It is a rush for her to get ready and to deputie [sic] her big work in Newcastle. She is in good spirits—the rest of us—even the cook and maids—very down.

Charles and Stella most sympathetic and helpful and indeed all who love her think she is the "very one" to do valuable work in Serbia—as she is splendid at organization.

1915-11-20

Teresa took her big box down packed heavy for Servia to the Central Station left luggage office this afternoon to be in readiness for 8 a.m. train south on Monday—then she went out to Hexham with "Waif" as she wishes Rachel to keep him while she is away. We are all very downhearted about her going abroad yet proud that all our friends think she is the one for such work. She has had many gifts and congratulations and great sympathy in her venture. May God bless and keep her safe.

The War grows more and more appalling and the situation in the Balkans most anxious.

1915-11-22 "Saw Teresa off by 8 a.m. train on a frosty morning—the second inoculation against typhoid made her feel poorly yesterday—but she was quite well to travel today"
1915-12-02 "Teresa sailing from Liverpool in a Hospital Ship with several others—for Serbia: it is hard to spare her—but she feels "called" to this service. She has to be vaccinated on the top of inoculation!"
1915-12-03

A letter from Liverpool in good spirits. She and 4 others and 40 pieces of luggage went from Euston by night train. Charles and Stella saw her off. "The Salta" was in chaos but Sargent who received them nice. We have to post to          c/o Consulate General,

                                                                Salonika,

                                                                         Greece.

1915-12-11/-15 "Disconcerted to hear in "Friend" that the men who are already in Salonika on Relief of Refugees consider it premature for others to go there just now!"
1915-12-16 "Teresa will be half way on her voyage to Salonika by now! It is very hard to receive no letters from her yet."
1915-12-22 "Four letters from Teresa posted at Malta an intense interest and joy—good news on the whole. [ . . . ] "The Salta" has not proved a comfortable ship—but all on board friendly and nice."
1916-01-01

Bright letters from Teresa posted at Alexandria, a port we never expected the Hospital ship would touch. She had been to Cairo and looked on the wonderful Sphinx and pyramids and says she is well—always in the air and always hungry.

1916-01-04 "Heard by cablegram Teresa was safely at Salonika—an immense comfort."
1916-01-07 "Another letter from Teresa posted from Alexandria Xmas day—on the eve of departing in another Hospital ship for Salonika."
1916-01-15 "Teresa cables to Charles "address now British Consulate Ajaccio Corsica" a blessed message."
1916-01-17 "A long letter from Teresa from Salonika."
1916-01-28 "Frequent letters from Teresa who is caring for Serbian Refugees in Corsica."
1916-02-11 "Teresa writing very charming letters from Piana South of Ajaccio where she was in charge of an hotel filled with 65 educated Serbian Refugees: "a happy and grateful family.""
1916-02-13 "Teresa been laid up with mumps at Ajaccio! trying for her to have her work so interrupted—really ill."
1916-02-23 "Teresa now better and we hope able for her relief work in Ajaccio. She was isolated 2 weeks and found it a dreary time with the pain of "mumps"."
1916-03-05 "We hear from Ajaccio regularly and Teresa is hard at work again and better—tho' we are afraid she is doing too much after her illness. Her letters and journals are very precious."
1916-03-12 "We now have the splendid news that Teresa expects to be home beginning of April. May her journey be safe—perils on sea and land are very awful just now."
1916-03-17 had wired to Charles "announcing she was leaving Ajaccio last Monday for Bastia and returning home via Nice and Paris"
1916-03-18 "Teresa safely in England. Crossed via Southampton."
1916-03-24 "Our jewel Teresa safely home and looking well."
1916-04-02 "Guns heard last night by Teresa—a Raid on Sunderland we hear!"
1916-04-05 newspaper article referring to the Working Girls' Boarding House (128 Westmorland Rd) in Newcastle, started by Miss Teresa Merz, where "munitions workers and tramway girls" could live for a reasonable charge; provided electric light, baths with hot water, reading rooms &c. Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing Newcastle Journal
1916-06-28 "Teresa had her Factory Club girls up to romp in Far Garden which they enjoy." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1916-07-06 "Theo and I yesterday went to Whitburn to see the Convalescent Home which Teresa takes such an interest in. Nelly Thompson the head of it—a very nice place."
1916-07-29 "Teresa with her Factory Club girls at Riding Mill."
1916-08 part of a deputation of five women from the Newcastle and District Patriots' League of Honour to the Newcastle Watch Committee, to urge the employment of women police in the city, especially on patrol Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline'
1916-08-31 jointly with her Richardson first cousins, inherited an equal share of the residual estate of his aunt Caroline Richardson will and grant of probate of Caroline Richardson
1916-09-11

On Friday afternoon Teresa with Violet Browne left for Grasmere: Norbert and Ursula also there—and the work of dismantling dear Heugh Folds and arranging for Philip's occupation there being looked after by them.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1916-09-14 "Teresa home—she and N. and Ursula had an excessively busy week despatching bequests—sorting books and pictures &c."
1916-11-19 "[ . . . ] Teresa went with Agricultural Students under Professor Gilchrist to the Cocklespark Farm—one of Teresa's Castles in the Air is to have a Farm and make it pay."
1917-02-01 "Teresa discouraged by drunkenness and immorality in the town."
1917-03-21 "Teresa through cold and slush and wind pursuing her fine unselfish work in the slums."
1917-03-24 listed as the donor of material for shirts for the Newcastle Mothers' and Babies' Welcome Society Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing Newcastle Journal
1917-04, Easter Sunday "Fine and windy. Teresa happy at Rayheugh tho' moors are too soaking to walk on." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1917-05-17 "Teresa attending agricultural lectures and very keen about farming."
1917-05-25 "Teresa went to Rayheugh with the pony she has bought for use on the Farm, a 3 year old Devonshire pony."
1917-06-23 "Teresa left for Rayheugh to work on Farm all July."
1917-07-11 should have inherited a share of her aunt Anna's estate, including Heugh Folds will and grant of probate of Anna Deborah Richardson
1917-07-20 "Teresa still at Farm—hay piking and all manner of work." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1917-07-25 "Teresa to our joy returns home on 31st. She is loth to leave Farm work which has suited her excellently: she dreads town work."
1917-08-04 "Teresa has plunged into the City's work again with renewed vigours."
1917-10-04 on management committee of day nursery opening in West End of Newcastle for babies of women working in local factories Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing Newcastle Journal
1917-12-09 "Teresa not firstrate as regards health but she does not relax in her good works in the least." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1917-12-28 "Teresa helping with tea and gifts for Aliens—she had a very happy 3 days at Target House."
1918-01-19 "Teresa working too hard—patrolling at night &c. &c."
1918-05-16

Last week Teresa heard that the Crown Prince of Serbia had conferred on her the "Medal of Merit" in acknowledgment of her services 2½ years ago. We are more pleased about it than she confesses to be.

1918-07-22 "Teresa crossed to France. She left us at Rayheugh on Sunday the 14th."

had been with her parents for 10 days

1918-08-01 "Received a long full cheerful letter from Teresa—who has a responsible work in Paris."
1918-08-19

Teresa writes often and her letters are most delightful—all about her variety of work for Refugees—buying furniture—canteen for soldiers from America &c. &c. She works with Americans who are connected with F.W.F. Relief and likes them.

1918-09-15 "Teresa meeting many co-workers in Paris, and she is getting her special work into systematic order in her usual efficient manner."
1918-10-12 "Teresa tells us of the excitement in Paris now Germans are being pushed out of France—the Capital wears a changes aspect!"
1918-11-08 "A wire from Teresa from Southampton a joy and blessing she is back from Paris."
1918-12-17 "Teresa at Rayheugh, but abstained her vote as she thought neither candidate the right man!"
1919-01-21 "Teresa busy with treat and presents to Aliens in Newcastle."
1919-05-12 "Teresa specially busy about the Bensham Grove Settlement which will require much organization and large funds."
1919-04-26 "Teresa at Rayheugh recovering from German measles [ . . . ] she is recovering well and having a good rest."
1919-06-04 "Whitsuntide approaches when Teresa will return to Rayheugh with two of Mrs. Gair's children."
1919-07-26 "Teresa much occupied with trying to get money for the Bensham Grove Settlement."
1919-08-09 "Teresa at her new Office of the C.O.S. and Guild of Help combined, Blackett St."
1919-08-17 "Teresa off to Heugh Folds tomorrow to stay with the Pollards—her first visit since Caro died."
1919-09-20

Teresa encouraged about "Settlement" many generous and sympathetic donations coming in; she has collected so far about £1,200.

Miss Jowitt expected on Oct. 1 as Warden.

1919-10-05 [re end of railway strike:] "Teresa and Miss Jowitt went to Cathedral to the arranged "Intercession Service" which was turned suddenly to a service of Thanksgiving—very impressive."
1919-1921 member of Friends' War and Social Order Committee Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline'
1920 member of the Motherless Children Sub-committee of the Naval and Military War Pensions Committee, and on the executive committee of the Newcastle and Gateshead Vigilance Association, with two Hope Houses in Newcastle under her direction Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing W.B. Ellis, ed.: The Newcastle upon Tyne Official Blue Book 1920
1920-02-06 "Teresa back from London with her short hair which is very becoming. We hear Stella is also "bobbed"!" Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1920-02-14 "It is interesting and satisfactory that the "Settlement" at Bensham Grove is doing happy and useful work thanks in greatest measure to Teresa's enthusiasm about it and hard work too."
1920-02-23 "Teresa still at Limecroft."
1920-03-02 "Teresa home from Limecroft. Mrs. Gair full of gratitude for her help."
1920-06-21 "Teresa and I have invested in a Pianola and are enjoying it!"
1920-07-09 "Teresa has gone to Grasmere today. C. and S. will meet her in Car at Carlisle: she does deserve a happy week end and I am sure will have one."
1920-08-25 "Teresa's good playing on the Pianola a great novelty and pleasure after supper."
1920-09-26

Teresa joined the Church of England, was baptized and confirmed at the Chapel of Benwell Towers by Dr. Wild, Bishop—she tells us of it in a very solemn letter. She is happy and comforted in the step she has taken—so we feel it is right and sympathize and pray for her peace of mind and for her sacrificing work among the poor.

1920-10

We have received a resignation of membership from Teresa Merz, The Quarries, Grainger Park Road, Newcastle. As she has already been baptised and confirmed as a member of the Established Church, we regretfully accept her resignation, and Herbert Corder is appointed to inform her of our decision, and express to her out hope that she may find continued helpfulness in the Church she has joined.

Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing NMM
1920-12-11 "Teresa moving onto the new Offices which the "Citizen Service So" have taken in Ellison Place. Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1920-12-25 "Xmas day was clouded by both Norbert and Teresa being laid up with the Flu [ . . . ]."
1921-01-09 "Teresa almost well again."
1921-02-27 "Teresa takes no holiday and says that she would not like to miss the Easter Services at the Cathedral—so will not go to the Cottage even then!"
1921-04-14 "Teresa made a J.P. by the Lord Chancellor is announced in the papers—an honor [sic] which pleases all who recognize her valuable work in the Town. Many nice congratulations come to her about it."
one of six new women magistrates in Newcastle, described as being "closely identified with" the Citizens' Service Society and honorary Probation Officer at Newcastle Children's Court. Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail; Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer
1921-04-14

Teresa "bides by the Stuff" altho' she must need a holiday and country air. She is devoted to work for the lame and sad dogs in our midst.

The beautiful Diploma from the Red X So. for her work in Paris during the War is worth framing and very rewarding.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1921 home duties; living in 12 rooms at The Quarries, Grainger Park Rd, Newcastle-on-Tyne, with her parents, a cook, a waiting maid, and a housemaid RG 15/25298 RD558 SD2 ED4 SN161
1921-07-19 "Teresa not well—a septic throat [ . . . ]." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1921-07-29 "N. and U. and Rachel and Teresa off in Charles' Motor Car tomorrow to Heugh Folds to make arrangements for the working of the dear place now Charles is owner thereof."
1921-08-08 "Teresa went on Friday night to Wales for her 2 weeks holiday with the Gairs. She does need a rest."
1921-08-31 "Teresa is very much set up by her holiday in Wales and now hard at work—on Bench and among the distressed."
1921-10-28 "Teresa's work as Magistrate is heavy when it is her Rota."
1922 JP The Friend
1922-01-10 "Teresa in bed all yesterday, sore throat and temperature. A great deal of influenza about." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1922-01-25 "Teresa better of the Flue [sic]."
1922-02-10 "Teresa in full swing of work again."
1922-10-26 "Teresa at important meeting in connection with next year's "Crusade." Her work is always increasing."
1922-11-11 "Armistice day impressively kept at the Cathedral. I went with Stella: Teresa walked in procession with the Lord Mayor."
1922-12-15 "Teresa has had a germ in her eye—very painful: she thinks so little of self."
1923-01-02 of The Quarries, Newcastle-upon-Tyne; Tel. Central 389 letter from Teresa Merz to Molly Richardson, possessed by Paul Thomas
1924-03-11

Described as a labourer and a native of North Shields, George Bertram Bell, aged 21, of no fixed abode, appeared on remand before the Newcastle magistrates yesterday, charged with having attempted to procure charitable contributions by means of false pretences from Miss Teresa Merz, hon. sec. of the Citizens' Service Society.

At the previous hearing it was stated that the accused had approached Miss Merz, who is a Newcastle magistrate, with a letter from a Vicar of Newcastle. He told her he had obtained work at Backworth Colliery, produced a letter from the colliery foreman, and asked for assistance until he drew his wages at the week-end. His story was afterwards proved to be false and the foreman's name to be fictitious.

[ . . . Bell sentenced to three months' imprisonment

Shields Daily Gazette, 1924-03-12
1925 member of Executive Committee of Bureau of Social Research for Tyneside, established in July Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing Henry A. Mess (1928) Industrial Tyneside
1926-02-24 JP, of The Quarries, Newcastle on Tyne New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957
1926-06 on BSR sub-committee to arrange conferences on important issues and a large public meeting with a prominent speaker Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing TWA CHX43/1
1926/1927 assisted in the establishment of the Migration Hostel for Boys at North Seaton Hall, near Newbiggin Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing Sir Arthur W. Lambert (1929) Northumbria's Spacious Year 1929
1927-03 with Director of BSR, prepared a questionnaire to collect information for a survey of all societies concerned with 'Social Amelioration' Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing TWA CHX43/1
1927-06 proposal to BSR Executive Committee for a housing scheme through a Public Utility Society to buy up slum dwellings and convert into flats to be let at low rental (decided not the right time) Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline'
1927-07 involved, with BSR, in arranging conference for social workers
1928-02 proposed co-operating with other societies to prepare exhibition for the North East Coast Exhibition in 1929; was a guarantor for the Exhibition (£35) Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing TWA CHX43/1 and Lambert
1928-06-04 awarded the OBE, "For services in connection with the Newcastle Hostel for training boys for Oversea Settlement" The London Gazette
1928-06-26 O.B.E., J.P., of Newcastle on Tyne Frank and Mary Pollard visitors' books
1928-11-23 "a well-known social worker in Newcastle" The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer
1928-12 on sub-committee to make arrangements for visit of Archbishop of York to hold a service in the cathedral in January to commend the BSR report to the mind and conscience of the people Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing TWA CHX43/1
1929/1930 living with her mother at 'The Quarries', Grainger Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne electoral registers
1929-02-22 as chairman of the Executive Committee of the Women's Section for the North East Coast Exhibition, had received a letter from the Queen's Lady-in-Waiting, promising to lend an exhibit The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer
1929-03-01 present in York at the events organised by the Voluntary Emigration Committees of Northumberland and Durham, and Yorkshire, for 200 boy emigrants leaving for Australia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario; each boy received a bible, a useful knife and a shilling Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer
1929-03-23 one of 17 Newcastle representatives in the Cathedral Library in Newcastle, about the formation of a Council of Social Services for Tyneside (TCSS) Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing TWA CH/CSSI/4/1
1929-11 one of four women named as Vice Presidents of the TCSS Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline'
1929-12-11 letter appealing for funds to assist migration from distressed areas with high unemployment to the Dominions, donations to be sent to Miss T. Merz, OBE, JP, The Quarries, Newcastle (Hon. Treasurer to the Migration Committee in the North of England) Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer
1920s to 1950s involved with Rose Joicey Home for tired housewives (later convalescent home) Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing NA
1930 a member of the Religious Organization Committee of the TCSS, to liaise with all religious organisations on Tyneside, arranging lectures, courses of study and for the observance of a Social Services Sunday Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing Tyneside Council of Social Service Annual Reports 1929–37
1930-03-28 elected to the council of the Electrical Association for Women, North-East Coast Branch Hartlepool Mail, 1930-03-29
1931-07-17 visited the Lord Mayor's Camp at Amble, with a group of some 250 boys Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 1931-07-18; included in group photo
by 1931-11-16 had subscribed £50 to the fund for restoration work to St Nicholas's Cathedral Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 1931-11-17
1932 retiring trustee of Newcastle Diocesan (Elswick Lodge) Maternity Home, Whitburn; on Executive Committee of TCSS Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing NA and Tyneside Council of Social Service Annual Reports 1929–37
1932-03-26 signatory to appeal by the Personal Service League for donations to a Central Receiving Depot for Clothes for Northumberland, Durham and Cumberland in Westgate Road, Newcastle, in response to "widespread unemployment and short time" over last 8 or 10 years Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing Whitley Seaside Chronicle and Visitors' Gazette
1932-06-07 signatory of a letter, 'Social Service on Tyneside' , appealing for £5,000 to extend social services (to be co-ordinated by the Tyneside Council of Social Services), at the personal request of the Prince of Wales, in an area where approximately one tenth of the population were unemployed Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 1932-06-09
1933 chair of the Women's Section (a new committee) of the TCSS; Honorary Secretary of the Newcastle Citizens' Service Society, which was formally affiliated to the TCSS Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing Tyneside Council of Social Service Annual Reports 1929–37
living with her mother at 'The Quarries', Grainger Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne electoral register
1933-12-08 inherited an equal share of her mother's residual estate mother's will and grant of probate
1934/1939 of 'The Quarries', Grainger Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne electoral registers
1935-03-21 chaired the bench at a custody hearing in Newcastle Hull Daily Mail, 1935-03-22
1935 converted The Quarries into a nursery for illegitimate children (the Teresa Nursery) Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing James R. Spencer (1937) The Northern Pageant
1936 O.B.E., of The Quarries, Grainger Park Road; principal of the Babies' Nursery, 35 Grainger Park Rd Ward's Directory
1936/1939, 1941 of Quarries, Clifton rd, Newcastle; tel. Newcastle 33379 British Phone Books, 1880-1984
1937-11-03 wrote to the Newcastle Journal:

BENSHAM SETTLEMENT

TO THE EDITOR

Sir,—I see in The Newcastle Journal to-day a paragraph regarding our Settlement. It is stated that my uncle, Dr Spence Watson, left the house for the purposes of a Settlement. This is not correct. After his death his family and myself decided to start the Settlement in his memory, and raised a considerable sum of money from friends and relatives for this scheme.

I should be much obliged if you could correct the error, for there seems an impression that the Settlement is endowed, which is not the case. We are, as a matter of fact, in great need of funds—hence the appeal.

TERESA MERZ.                      

Hon. Treasurer, Bensham Settlement.

The Quarries,

    Newcastle. November 3.

Newcastle Journal, 1937-11-04
1937-12-08 chairman of the Women's Committee, of the Tyneside Council of Social Service Newcastle Journal
1938 on management committee of Newcastle upon Tyne Housing Improvement Trust Ltd (offices Blackett St) Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing NA
1939-07-29 in group photograph with some of the 250 Tyneside women who have gone to North Seaton Hall Camp as guests of the Tyneside Council of Social Service Newcastle Evening Chronicle
1939-08-05 better photo in a smaller group, on the same occasion Newcastle Chronicle
1939-09-29 not found in 1939 Register 1939 England and Wales Register (RG 101)
1939-11-08 Teresa Nursery evacuated to Grasmere Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing Evening Chronicle
 

. . . [Jancis &] Elizabeth lived at Heugh Folds during part of the war as Cousin Teresa had offered asylum to Elsa there in return for helping run the Mother & Babies Home—(only the babies & some nurses in fact)—which had been evacuated from Newcastle

letter to me from Mabel Weiss, 1999-07-26
1940-08-02 hon. treasurer of the Newcastle Voluntary Tuberculosis Care Council Newcastle Evening Chronicle
1941-02-21 present at a meeting of the Personal Welfare and Citizens' Advice Bureaux Workers, at the International Club, Jesmond, under the auspices of the Tyneside Council of Social Services Newcastle Evening Chronicle, 1941-02-22
1942 of Heugh folds, Grasmere; tel. Grasmere 33 British Phone Books, 1880-1984
  owner of Heugh Folds, Grasmere, after Norbert information from Mabel Weiss
1943-09-14

Morals "lowered by modern life"

"Old moral standards have been lowered by modern life," said Miss Teresa Merz, hon. secretary of Newcastle Diocesan Maternity Home, at the annual meeting yesterday. "The war has brought young people temptations they cannot resist," she added.

Newcastle Journal, 1943-09-15
1944-02-04 treasurer of the Bensham Grove Settlement; co-signatory to a letter on the Education Bill Newcastle Journal
1944/1949 of Quarries, Clifton rd, Newcastle; tel. Newcastle 33379 British Phone Books, 1880-1984
1945-12-01 has been co-opted to the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee in Newcastle Newcastle Evening Chronicle
1945/1951 of 51 Clifton Road, Newcastle electoral registers
1947 Advertisement for two qualified midwives for a 12-bed Maternity Home for unmarried mothers in Newcastle upon Tyne, to be the Matron and assistant. '[M]oral welfare training or experience and practising communicants of Anglican Church essential.' Applications to Miss Merz, JP, The Quarries. Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer
1950 of Heugh folds, Grasmere; tel. Grasmere 33 British Phone Books, 1880-1984
1950-01-20 Advertised for a Superintendent Matron for a 'small convalescent home for women and children at seaside: Protestant; experienced in management, food returns, etc. Apply Miss Merz, 24 St Mary's Place, Newcastle.' Liz O'Donnell: 'Teresa Merz Timeline', citing Alnwick Mercury
1952/1958 of 46 Dunholme Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne electoral registers
1958-11-12 of 46 Dunholme Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne; d. Newcastle upon Tyne RD GRO index; National Probate Calendar

Teresa died suddenly. Great shock to me. How splendid she was

diary of Mary S.W. Pollard

Miss Teresa Merz: Two pay tribute

IN the obituary notices of Miss Teresa Merz I have seen little reference to the very real affection that many generations of Novocastrians had for her. I have often seen a face light up at the sound of Miss Merz's name, when I have asked someone to go and consult her about some worry.

Several times too I would be told "Oh my mother knew her" and the inquirer would go trustingly to the Newcastle Council of Social Service, confident that help would be given by a friend whose name had been a household word in childhood days, possibly in the dark days of depression.

She formed innumerable friendships through her long years of selfless service and since she passed away I have heard so many unsolicited tributes to her, often from people whom I had no idea knew her, or even had heard of her work in the city.

She dedicated her life to social work, and I should like, if I may, to pay tribute on behalf of all those whom she helped and who must remain anonymous.

WINIFRED P. SMITH

(Personal Welfare Organiser, Northumberland and Tyneside Council of Social Service)

17 Ellison Place,

Newcastle, 1.

* * *

THE number of those present at the memorial service to Miss Teresa Merz shows the high regard in which she was held both by those who co-operated with her in her work and those who benefited by it. While it is impossible for any one person to do justice to all the activities of Miss Merz, it may not come amiss if an attempt is made to emphasise one or two aspects of her public work.

Outstanding, surely, was her pride in her native Newcastle and her intense loyalty towards the city, which she served so well for so many years. She always looked upon herself as a citizen of no mean city.

Her devotion to Newcastle, however, did not blind her to world needs. After her return from relief work undertaken in Serbia in the First World War she was always ready to support all efforts making for international understanding and world peace.

Miss Merz always shrank from public speaking. She was essentially a practical person, and as soon as she had taken the measure of some social problem, could not rest until some practical steps were being taken towards its solution.

When most people were reduced to a sense of impotency in face of Newcastle's housing problem, it was she who took a leading part in the formation of the Newcastle Housing Improvement Trust, which has such a splendid record of work in the West End of the city.

Always an indefatigable and generous worker for the causes which she espoused, when in late years she was finding it difficult to get about, she never spared herself any exertion to attend the meetings of the many committees on which she served, and was in daily attendance at the offices of the Newcastle Council of Social Service, where she devoted so much of her time to its personal welfare work. This work, perhaps, appealed to her almost more than any other.

While it may be impossible for any one person to equal Miss Merz in her main activities, her life remains a challenge to us all that the causes to which she gave herself without reserve should not be allowed to suffer by her death, either by lack of personal service or financial support.

T.T. ANDERSON.

111 Beach Road,

South Shields

 

Newcastle Journal

1959-01-26 will proved at Newcastle by Norleigh Booth and Robert Henry Cowell Herron, solicitors; effects £45,200 5s. 7d. National Probate Calendar
1961-02-03

WHEREVER there is a cathedral, there is a choir. And nowadays, where possible, wherever there is a cathedral choir, there is a cathedral choir school. Newcastle got its cathedral choir school in 1947.

The very existence of the school, which occupies three houses at Granger Park Road and Clifton Road, is due largely to the interest shown by Miss Teresa Merz.

Miss Merz, who died two years ago, is still remembered for her philanthropy.

She left most of her estate to the Newcastle Diocesan Society for the upkeep and maintenance of the school, after giving the premises for that purpose.

[ . . . ]

Newcastle Journal
  see also: Elizabeth O'Donnell (2016) ''In the thick of help of every description'. Welfare Work and Women's Rights in Newcastle upon Tyne during the Great War', North East History, Volume 47, which focuses on the life and work of Teresa Merz  


Ernest Leisler Merz04. Ernest Leisler Merz, BA, LLB

1881-11-24 b. The Quarries, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland The Friend; TNA: RG 13/641 f15 p21; GRO index
1886-06

Ernest has not yet begun school—he is a merry, yet a thoughtful child, shows immense love for nature—sun-shadows—clouds and water fascinating him extremely—has been intensely happy at Grasmere with Aunt Car—playing with the becks and streams; he is fat and healthy and has a lovely face with dark eyes, and fair skin—most like his father in appearance I think.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1887-03

Norbert and Teresa still studying with Miss Hebden [ . . . ] —Ernest too goes in for an hour's school each day—very eager over his lessons [ . . . ].

Ernest takes an extraordinary interest in the weather—we often laugh at the boy—his delight in snow is great. The children have all been well during this winter. We are blessed indeed with health. Ernest repeats several poems with great clearness and knows the names of all the flowers in our garden.

1888-01 "[ . . . ] I gave Ernest one hour's lesson daily—a very bright eager pupil—reading nicely and taking great interest in all his lessons—began music with joy."

"Aunt Car teaches Ernest poems—he says them with great expression."

1888-05 "The children all at Grasmere with 'Aunt Car' a radiantly happy time."

"Ernest takes extraordinary interest in weather—spends much time in watching the clouds and loves the flowers and streams more than many."

"Ernest learning many poems which he says with great expression."

1888-10 "Ernest learning with Miss Roberts a clergyman's daughter for 2 hours daily."
1889-03 given a barometer for his birthday, by Norbert

This is hung up and Ernest notes the changes in weather daily—the boy still watches the sun-clouds and their shadows in a marked way—he calls the shadows ghosts. Doing lessons under Miss Hebden again and Lewis Richardson (same age) joins him—extremely happy together. Written a nice little essay on the Battle of Cressy.

1890-03 both Teresa and Ernest have taste for drawing

Teresa and Ernest have begun both German and Latin. Read many books aloud this winter. Harriet Martineau's stories specially enjoyed.

1890 was 3 times at Heugh Folds, Grasmere; [ . . . ] "is passionately fond of the place; he and Norbert very great sympathy—made a tool house together in the holidays."
1891-01

Miss Wheeler has left us on account of ill health greatly to our regret, so Miss Hebden is back again teaching them (T. & E.) for 3 hours in the morning; they do their preparatory lessons alone in the afternoon. Teresa and Ernest made great progress with drawing under Miss Wheeler.

Had no fear of parents going away or of sleeping alone.
1891 scholar, of West Knoll, Holdenhurst, Bournemouth, Hampshire, with her  brother, staying with the White family, a cook, a parlour maid, a house maid, and a visitor (perhaps in charge of the visiting children) RG 12/901 f127 p62
1891-07

Norbert, Teresa and Ernest also at Heugh Folds for a fortnight. Their much loved Aunt Car writes, "it has been a very delightful visit—radiant and ideal time—I must record it with thanksgiving."

After Miss Wheeler's departure Miss Hebden took the teaching of T. & E. for 3 months—then having found a more permanent post left and Lily Raiser undertook the work until the summer holidays—paying special attention to German,—they learnt several German poems by heart; all the children now have a desire to know the language of their paternal Grandparents.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1892-03

Teresa and Ernest speaking French prettily and with ease. Very much occupied out of school hours. By Arnold's suggestion they have formed an "Amusing Club," and write essays—poems and stories for it.

Ernest's first poem included: "not bad as he is only 10 years old."

"Teresa and Ernest have learnt some of La Fontaines fables by heart and repeat them with great spirit."

1892-09-09

Madame Kohler left us in June having little taste for literary work and not much help in that capacity—very good however as a teacher of French and Teresa and Ernest enjoy reading a book or talking both of which they do easily.

They have long holidays as Mr. Tarver's school to which Ernest is going does not open before Sep. 19th. [ . . . ] After Norbert went back to York on August 10th—Teresa, Ernest and Ella [Raiser, 17, from Worms] went for a fortnight to Heugh Folds.

[ . . . ] Ernest has a lovely face and is beloved by all.

1892-09-11 at Grasmere with Teresa
1893-01 "Ernest did well at Mr. Tarver's school being top of his form in all subjects—his steady work and dear ways are fully acknowledged by his teachers."
1893-04 "Ernest's form master Mr. Gough reports "he is very willing to work, and quite able to work well, and everything he does is most promising"." Old York Scholars' Association (1971) Bootham School Register. London: Oyez Press
1893-07-05 "Ernest collecting moths." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1894-01

Ernest's last term at Mr. Tarvers—he is in splendid health and finds favour with masters and school-fellows. Mr. Tarver writes at this time of him "Ernest has an intellect which will reward good training, and respond to really intellectual influences:" the dear boy is full of joy.

1894-04-13

Ernest left Mr. Tarver's school with a very good report. He has been a favourite with master and boys and Mr. Tarver says he is an interesting boy to teach—he is sorry to lose him—and if destined for Oxford or Cambridge he should lose no time in beginning Greek: his love of Mathematics seems developing—he tells me it is his favourite subject just now! His love of nature as keen as ever.

gone to Heugh Folds with Teresa, Pippin, and Mabel Spence Watson

1894-08-08

Ernest left for Bootham, York, so these precious sons leave a fearful blank.

We have had an intensely happy summer all together—a great deal of tennis and Ernest keen on butterflying and mothing—and Norbert on photography. Heugh folds has again been a perfect spot for them to spend their fresh air weeks at, and much we all owe to Aunt Car's goodness.

c. 1894-10 "Ernest came home for 3 nights—he does well at Bootham and his delightful nature is quite unspoiled so far."
1895-03

Ernest has been out of school with cold—so although he was moved up to a higher class he is bottom of it as he has missed such numbers of lessons: he came home to be nursed in February and was really poorly.

1895-07-02 "Teresa and Ernest at Heugh Folds: they with Caro are to join me at Edinbro on the 5th for 3 days in Scotland."
1895 Christmas kept at York as he had chicken pox
1896-09-09

Ernest has the late holidays for the first time: he and Ernest spent a very happy 12 days at Bournemouth. Ernest misses the joy of Grasmere for this year—Norbert has been there twice: this month has launched the canoe which he and Edward built at Wingrove 2 years ago: it sails well and is a great success.

[ . . . ] Ernest returning to Bootham York for 1 more year: he continues to take keen interest in Nat. history and sets his butterflies and moths with neatness and care.

1896-09-15 of Newcastle Bensham Grove visitors' books
1896-12-25 of Newcastle
1897-04-14 "Ernest left Bootham with regret for his school life there has been very happy." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1894/1897 at Bootham School Edgar B. Collinson, ed. (1935) Bootham School Register, 2nd edn
1897-04-17 Teresa & Ernest to Grasmere for a fortnight Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1897-12

In May we all crossed via Hook of Holland to Amsterdam—Charles joining us—then we stopped in Hanover and then went on to Oderhaus The Harz [ . . . ] a very merry month at the primitive forester's house—ascended The "Brocken" and those who were able took many long walks. The pine woods glorious: Norbert photographed some vistas of these very successfully. Teresa and Ernest afterwards went to Worms—Theo and I to Frankfurt and Thaun.

[ . . . ] Teresa and Ernest having an enjoyable time at Worms and picking up the language quickly. Ella gives them 2 hours (daily) regular instruction and they have the advantage of literature classes and many social pleasures. They have been to Frankfurt twice to see Aunt Theresa.

1897/1898 winter at his (paternal) aunt's, in Worms Reminiscences of John Theodore Merz (1922) Edinburgh and London: William Blackwood and Sons: 287; Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 1894-1909, 1910, Newcastle-upon-Tyne: privately printed
1898-02-09 "Teresa and Ernest safely home from Worms." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1898-03 "Ernest studying 7 hours a day under Mr. Sanderson to whom he goes for 3 hours per week—Latin, Greek and Mathematics."
1898-12-07 Sir Toby Belch, in Twelfth Night, at Bensham Grove Bensham Grove visitors' books
1898-12-17

Then we all went to Dawlish Devonshire to celebrate our Silver Wedding—Caro with us. It was a most delightful month at the Inn close to station the only disappointment that Charles could not be spared from Cork to join us. We read Sir Charles Lyell's life aloud and had many enchanting walks and excursions in the beautiful neighbourhood.

After that went on to Bournemouth and took up our abode at the Weston Hall Hotel—Theo and I and Teresa, Norbert and Ernest returned to Newcastle to work and Aunt Car stayed at West Knoll."

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1899-08 "Norbert went to stay at Onich N.B. with the Benshamites and Teresa and Ernest to Grasmere: Sca Fell—Helvellyn and many other hill expeditions."

Ernest working for Cambridge under Mr. Sanderson and Prof. Jessop. Aunt Car says in writing of him and Teresa "They are a lovely pair with the ardour of youth and the wisdom of age!!" [ . . . ]

1900-01 "Norbert and Ernest working as usual (Accountant's and coaching for Entrance Exam at Cambridge) respectively."
1900-03-13

Ernest went to Cambridge hoping to pass his Entrance Exam and his Previous Exam: he stopped night of 12th with Hugh and Mabel at York.

1900-04

Had an exquisite time in North Wales—first at the Waterloo Hotel Bettws y Coed where we read the Life of David Cox. Norbert, Teresa and Ernest climbed Moel Siabod and we took many lovely shorter walks. Charles and Norbert with us for Easter. From Bettws we went to Barmough for 1 week. Then Teresa Ernest and I home by Chester and Manchester. Theo to London: he and Charles kept there by parliamentary Bills connected with Electric Lighting.

1900-05 "Ernest passed both Exams satisfactorily."
1900-08-07 "Teresa and Ernest went to Grasmere for a fortnight."
1900-09-23 "End of September Charles, Teresa, Ernest and I and Jock spent a charming week end at the "Rose and Thistle Inn" Alwinton—perfect weather—colour of bracken glorious."
1900 Michaelmas Matric. ACAD - A Cambridge Alumni Database
1900-10-03 of The Quarries Bensham Grove visitors' books
1900-10-05 admitted at King's

"Ernest left for Kings College Cambridge."

ACAD

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript

1900-12/ 1901-06 of 17 Botolph Lane, Cambridge Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 1894-1909: 40
1901-01-14 "Ernest returned to Cambridge after delightful holidays [ . . . ]" Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1901-02 "Went to Cambridge and saw a great deal of Ernest—he is enjoying University life and finds his lectures on Historical subjects grow more interesting."
1901-03-15 "Ernest comes home from Cambridge to day."
1901-03-27 "[ . . . ] Ernest to Croydon [ . . . ]"
1901 undergraduate, Camb., visitor at 2 Morland Road, Croydon, Surrey, in household of Howard F. Knight, chartered accountant RG 13/641 f15 p21
1901-06

Had a delightful 3 weeks at Vevey—Teresa and Ernest with us 2 weeks—then returned to Cambridge and the rest of us came home via Germany Rothenburg an der Tauber and Colmar and Bonn very enjoyable.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1901-06-15 "Ernest after choosing rooms in College and hearing he passed his Exams—comes home [ . . . ]"
1901-08-23 "Teresa and Ernest at Heugh Folds for 10 days."
1901-10-27 "Ernest very full of work this term under professor Marshall for Political Economy—and Mr. Corbett for Constitutional History &c. &c."
1901/1904 at King's College, Cambridge: 1st part History Tripos, 1902; final Law Tripos, 1904 OYSA (1971)
1902-02-11

Ernest making friendship at Cambridge with Professor and Mrs. Marshall (political economist)—the Rendel Harrises Sorleys; Mr. Corbett—Mr. Berry—and others—very happy.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1902-04-02

A happy holiday in Cornwall. Ernest with us most of time. Charles for 2 days and Caro the whole. Mullion, Lands End, Penzance, Malvern were our stopping places. The week in London as we went to Cornwall most interesting—hearing the "Power Bill" opposed in Com: Room of House of Commons. Charles astonished Counsel and general public who listened to his answers to cross-examination. Stayed at Metropole with R.S.W. and others—a fascinating time.

1902-05-30 "Ernest not with us—up at Cambridge—just had his Tripos Exam."
1902-06

Teresa had a gay May week at Cambridge—sleeping in Rooms with Mary close to Kings. Ernest treated them to Boating parties—Ball and all manner of delights [ . . . ]

1902-06

Norbert and Ernest taken a cottage Ray Heugh near Chathill. It consists of large Kitchen 1 bedroom and little garden. They go there for week ends and enjoy roughing it. Intensely fond of the country and fresh air.

1902-06-14

Heard that Ernest had succeeded in his Historical Tripos—very thankful although he was in III Class—quite satisfied nevertheless—he had only 2 years work for it.

1902-06-20 passed Historical Tripos Part I, in Class 3 Cambridge Independent Press
1902-07-30

Charles gave Teresa and Ernest a grand month's tour in Ireland. They returned brown and well and in excellent spirits.

[ . . . ] Ernest arranging for coaching lessons in Law with Mr. Robert Temperley.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1902-09 of King's College, Cambridge; had just passed the first part of the History Tripos Bootham 1.2:151
1902-11-14

Ernest back at Kings College enjoying his upstairs rooms—his study of Law—the lectures on philosophy by Prof. McTaggart and his rowing and social privileges also.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1902-11-24 "Ernest's holiday essay on Byron was awarded by Kings College critics 4th place out of 80—would have got prize if there had been money enough!
1903-01-16

Ernest left for Cambridge on the 14th staying 1 night with Bowes and Bertha at York. Looking forward to the end of his college life when we hope to have him in business in Newcastle.

1903-03-19 of D6, The Albany, Piccadilly, W., apparently courtesy of his brother Charles Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 1894-1909: 85-6
1903-06-23

Ernest with napsack off for 10 days walk in Lake country—then to Switzerland with one Seymour a Cambridge man (American born). [ . . . ] Ernest went with one Lees to Lakes—and one Seymour to Switzerland.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1903-07-31 "Ernest safely back from Lake country and Switzerland both of which were a great success and enjoyment."
1903-10/ 1904-05 of 23 Silver Street, Cambridge Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 18941909: 96-109, 118-21
1903-10-06 "Ernest returned to Cambridge—his 4th year—living at 23 Silver Street." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1904-01-08 "Ernest a week at Wastdale Head Inn with Seymour before coming home—Keen about rock climbing—assures me he is careful—yet one trembles at the risks."
1904-01-11 "Ernest alas must return to Cambridge."
1904-04-20

Just returned from our 6 weeks holiday—first 3 weeks in Isle of White (Daish's Hotel Shanklin) then 2 weeks at Grand Hotel Lyndhurst. The New Forest a wonderful one—Caro with us all the time—Ernest one week at Lyndhurst [ . . . ]"

Ernest went from New Forest to Falmouth to stay with his friend Cole and was enchanted with beauty of vegetation there.

1904-04 holidayed at Treworgan, Falmouth Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 18941909: 112-16
1904-06-16 "Ernest at Grasmere with his friend "Seymour" waiting for result of his Law Tripos Exam [ . . . ]." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1904-06-20 passed Law Tripos Part II, in Class III Morning Post; Cambridge Independent Press, 1904-06-24
1904-06-24

He got through—and though in 3rd Class we are very thankful: he took his degree so can if he chooses write B.A. and LL.B. after his name: he himself very vexed he did not do better in Exams.

At home for a bit looking radiantly well.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1904 BA, LLB—took a Third Class ACAD; Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 18941909: 123
1904-07-04 "Ernest left again to spend part of the 'Long' at Cambridge: he is full of intellectual interest and a very dear and sympathetic companion." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1904-07 holidayed in Zermatt Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 18941909: 92-6
1904 of The Quarries, Newcastle; with sister, gave Frank & Mary Pollard a table, for their wedding present Mary S.W. Pollard, list of wedding presents
1904-08/-09 on tour in Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, and Italy with brother Charles Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 18941909: 128-50
1904-08-12

Charles and Ernest set off for The "Dolomites" via Zurich with apparatus for fishing. Iceland was given up because too late in the season for it.

[ . . . ] Charles and Ernest settled down in a country Inn on the Fern Pass Tyrol—no fishing but glorious walks—very happy for 2 weeks there. C. was suddenly wired back on business—Ernest travelled with him as far as Zurich and then went via Basle and Heidelberg to Worms. Very charming letters from him.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1904-09 has passed the Law Tripos, University of Cambridge, in the 3rd class Bootham 2.2:158; Collinson, ed. (1935)
1904-09-11 "Ernest travelling from Worms to Berlin to meet Charles who has returned to Continent." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1904-09-25

Safely in London again after a grand and glorious visit to Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, Venice, Milan—capitally described by Ernest in his letters which to our joy came 3 times a week and Charles—more rarely—were also full of pleasure.

1904-09-28

Ernest goes to Little Langdale with his college friend 'Pate'. We expect E. on 8th October to settle into office work with Watson, Burton & Corder at 141 Pilgrim Street. We home he may seem much of 'Uncle Bob' while 'articled' with him: To be apprenticed to one who is noble and great means so much.

1904-10-08 "[ . . . ] Ernest just back from the Lakes [ . . . ]."
1904-11-24 "Ernest 23 to day—he is well and hearty and most keenly interested in all things intellectual: most delightful to have him at home now."
1905-04-06 "Ernest at home with me—reading aloud and singing and as thoughtful as ever."
1905-08 holidayed in Switzerland Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 18941909: 160-62
1905-08-26 "Ernest had a glorious 2 weeks at Arolla—climbing with Seymour." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1905-12/ 1906-02 on tour in the USA, with Charles Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 18941909: 162-78
1905-12-19 "Charles and Ernest leaving Liverpool tomorrow in the "Celtic" for America." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1905-12-30 solicitor's clerk; arrived New York from Liverpool aboard the Celtic, travelling with Charles New York Passenger Lists
1906-02-14 "Charles and Ernest had a magnificent tour on to the Grand Canyon Arizona and San Francisco—on their return journey over the Rockies they have had good weather." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1906-02-18 with Charles arrived Liverpool from New York aboard Cunard's Carmania UK Incoming Passenger Lists
1906-02-19 "Ernest back to our intense joy—looks splendid." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1906-08-08

Ernest went to Arolla with Tom Oppé—a sudden resolve for the latters health. We hope to have him home by Monday the 13th.

1906-10-24 "Our beloved Ernests birthday—we are dreading his departure to London in January—for a year's experience with the Firm's Agents: he is so dear."
1906-12-31 "Monday. Ernest left for the office of "King, Wiggs and Co., 11 Queen Victoria St., E.C."
from 1907-01 solicitor, King, Wigg & Co., of Newcastle and London; living at 62 Chester Terrace, S.W. Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 18941909: 185-88
1907-02-17 "Ernest enjoying his experience in London and has many kind invitations." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1907-03-19 "Ernest going to Sea View Isle of Wight with the Garnetts at Easter [ . . . ]."
1907-05-19 "Ernest likes his "Coach" and he is reading hard for his Final Exam."
1907-09-09 "Ernest returned to London after 3 weeks enjoyable rest."
1907-10-26 "Ernest nearing his Exams which last 4 days and begin on 28th—he looks over worked and strained."
1907-11-08 "Teresa and Ernest set off for a weeks tour in Belgium both needing a change after their hard work."
1907-11 passed Final exams of Law Society OYSA (1971); Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 18941909: 216; Bootham 3.6:449
1907-11-16 "Read in to days "Times" that Ernest has passed through his Final Exams successfully." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1907-11-24 "Ernest 26 to day. A Great disappointment he cannot be at home—but he has an offer of work till Xmas at King Wigg & Cos office London and with which he is pleased."
from 1907-11 paid £120 a year by King, Wigg & Co. Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 18941909: 217
1908-06-27 "Ernest gay in London. Working there seems to suit him admirably." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1908-08-30

Sunday Ernests holiday over—he left with Mr. Shand for London: he is to decide this September whether he comes to Pilgrim House for 1909 or stays with King Wigg & Co. another year.

1908-10-07 "Ernest making leisure for much reading—and has decided to bide in London for 1909."
1908-10-29 "Saw Ernest twice and found him well. Thoughtful as ever for others and continuing to like London."
1908-12-28 "Ernest had to return to London and the others to their usual work."
1909-01-26 "Ernest been much impressed by the Wagner Operas in London—he heard the whole Ring."
1909-04 holidayed in France Ernest Leisler Merz from His Letters 18941909: 279-81
1909-06-21 "Ernests week at a Farm near Dorking, instead of 62 Chester Terrace not a success: too far out &c. &c. so he has lodged himself in D6 The Albany." Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1909-07-09 of 6D the Albany, Piccadilly, Middlesex; committed suicide by hanging, Westminster RD The Friend; The British Friend; Annual Monitor; National Probate Calendar; Nicola Beauman (1993) Morgan: Biography of E.M. Forster. London: Hodder & Stoughton; GRO index; ACAD
 

Hugh to supper, and as I opened a letter from Mother to me, we heard the terrible news of Ernest Merz's death, and for days could think of little else. He was so good and sweet and loving and such a dear cousin. Ruth left the home at Ventnor a week ago, and has been at Ber's, but not well, so she was not told till the next day. It is so terrible for the dear Quarryites, and Mother was quite frightened of telling Father.

 

Mary S.W. Pollard: diaries
  According to E.M. Forster's biographer Nicola Beauman, Merz was gay, and hanged himself after meeting Forster for the first time that evening; Forster was the last person to speak to him. Beauman theorises that this was a factor in the writing of Forster's novel Maurice. This episode is also central to Stephen Wakelam's BBC Radio 4 play 'A Small Dose of Fame', first broadcast on 2009-10-16. Beauman (1993); Stephen Wakelam Radio Plays. Radio Drama Reviews Online
1909-07-13 funeral Mary S.W. Pollard: diaries
 

In the darkness of the night our beloved Ernest passed into the silent land. We have passed through a fiery furnace in losing him—he was laid under the shade of two trees on July 13th in the Elswick cemetery—a quiet loving company sympathizing, and beautiful wreaths of lilies and roses—Charles—Norbert—Ursula and Teresa—Bob and Lizzie and we the chief mourners. Caro could not join us there but came from Grasmere and helps us much.

[ . . . ] Theo says "I believe Ernest had a vision and he heard a voice which said

'Come to me'

and he went."

He was seen midday on Thursday the 8th by Edwin Waterhouse and dined in the evening with his friends 'Darling' and Moorsom and was as bright and seemingly well as usual—his work at the office in order and his latest letters home full of joys and of future plans. [ . . . ]

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1909-07-30 before leaving London, Charles sent his parents "lockets containing bits of Ernest's dark hair a lovely thing to treasure."
1909-09-30 administration granted to father John Theodore Merz; effects £1349 18s. 8d. National Probate Calendar
1909-10-01

The Boulder tombstone which lies at the foot of Mount Heugh being cut a suitable size by Aunt Car's Cottager "Dixon" is almost ready to despatch for the grave—one that our precious boy would like to have we think.

Alice Mary Merz, 'Family Notes', typescript
1909-10-05 "The Boulder now in position on Ernest's grave and looks rugged and simple [ . . . ]"
1910-01-24 "Very busy with Ernest's letters which gave and still give us such a fascinating and rich picture of his dear young life and his many interests."
1910-03-24 "Andrew Reid & Co. printing Ernest's letters which we have selected."
1910-08-24 "Receiving very sweet and appreciative notes about 'Ernest's Letters' which we have given to members of our clan. We only had 30 copies privately printed."


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