Mary Jane Merrick (nee Potterton) was the mother of Joseph Carey Merrick, aka the "Elephant Man." Born in Evington, Leicester, At age 25, she married Joseph Rockley Merrick, a cab driver. She was already pregnant with her first child. Before the age of two, her son Joseph began to develop a hard tumor in his mouth and bumps on his left side. Alarmed, Mary Jane sought various treatments and doctors' opinions, and probably worried about the new baby as well. Joseph's disorder grew worse. At age five, he suffered a crippling injury to his left hip.
Mary Jane showed unfailing gentleness and love to her son, teaching him to read and write. Her husband Rockley Merrick tried numerous jobs and opened a haberdashery shop as well. Mary Jane had to manage the shop, run the household, and care for three children.
Mary Jane Merrick died of bronchial pneumonia on May 19, 1873. Joseph Carey Merrick always remembered his mother with deep love and gratitude. When he went on tour as The Elephant Man, he wrote in his show pamphlet, "Peace to her, she was a good mother to me."
Read more about Joseph Merrick and his family at Jeanette Sitton's Tribute Webste at
www.josephcareymerrick.com
Mary Jane showed unfailing gentleness and love to her son, teaching him to read and write. Her husband Rockley Merrick tried numerous jobs and opened a haberdashery shop as well. Mary Jane had to manage the shop, run the household, and care for three children.
Mary Jane Merrick died of bronchial pneumonia on May 19, 1873. Joseph Carey Merrick always remembered his mother with deep love and gratitude. When he went on tour as The Elephant Man, he wrote in his show pamphlet, "Peace to her, she was a good mother to me."
Read more about Joseph Merrick and his family at Jeanette Sitton's Tribute Webste at
www.josephcareymerrick.com
Mary Jane Merrick (nee Potterton) was the mother of Joseph Carey Merrick, aka the "Elephant Man." Born in Evington, Leicester, At age 25, she married Joseph Rockley Merrick, a cab driver. She was already pregnant with her first child. Before the age of two, her son Joseph began to develop a hard tumor in his mouth and bumps on his left side. Alarmed, Mary Jane sought various treatments and doctors' opinions, and probably worried about the new baby as well. Joseph's disorder grew worse. At age five, he suffered a crippling injury to his left hip.
Mary Jane showed unfailing gentleness and love to her son, teaching him to read and write. Her husband Rockley Merrick tried numerous jobs and opened a haberdashery shop as well. Mary Jane had to manage the shop, run the household, and care for three children.
Mary Jane Merrick died of bronchial pneumonia on May 19, 1873. Joseph Carey Merrick always remembered his mother with deep love and gratitude. When he went on tour as The Elephant Man, he wrote in his show pamphlet, "Peace to her, she was a good mother to me."
Read more about Joseph Merrick and his family at Jeanette Sitton's Tribute Webste at
www.josephcareymerrick.com
Mary Jane showed unfailing gentleness and love to her son, teaching him to read and write. Her husband Rockley Merrick tried numerous jobs and opened a haberdashery shop as well. Mary Jane had to manage the shop, run the household, and care for three children.
Mary Jane Merrick died of bronchial pneumonia on May 19, 1873. Joseph Carey Merrick always remembered his mother with deep love and gratitude. When he went on tour as The Elephant Man, he wrote in his show pamphlet, "Peace to her, she was a good mother to me."
Read more about Joseph Merrick and his family at Jeanette Sitton's Tribute Webste at
www.josephcareymerrick.com
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