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By Michael de V. Merriman Based on the many hours of his own work plus the encouragement, support, resources and tea provided by family and friends. He is remembered with thanks and a smile |
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Introduction |
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No claim is made for historical merit in this work as I hold no relevant qualification, only an interest in the subject. In stories of all kinds one so often finds reference is made to the place of origin and family background of individual characters. Until now, there has been no known record of the story of our family. Many of us wish that this had been attempted earlier; accordingly,a start is made upon this project not least on account of its widespread connotations. The narrative has been set down as far as is known for the benefit of the family, for those involved,and also for wider interest. My four grandparents each come from a different country. Paternal grandparents came from Russia (and, before that, Serbia) and the United States of America respectively. Maternal grandparents came from England and from Scotland respectively. I only wish that more was known about them, on account of the intriguing gaps in the story. Paternal family names were de Wesselitsky (before that also Bodari ) and Munroe. Maternal family names were Westall and Cameron. The name Merriman was a new family name,brought about by my father Dr Sergei de V. Merriman who applied for a change of name by deed poll in 1931 to make life easier for his family living in Britain. He simply translated the name de Vesselitsky into English, retaining de Vesselitsky as a middle name. There have been in the story changes of nationality. These inevitably must bring about changes of attitude and outlook. The story as far as it is know at present should be viewed in relation to individuals in the light of events of their time. I have discussed the text with my brother Gabriel and others. They have assisted with recollections and memory of incidents, and also with verifying and checking. This help is much appreciated. More information regarding the family and its connections may yet come to light. MICHAEL DE VESSELITSKY MERRIMAN Godfrey House, Weedon Bec, Northamptonshire. 1990. |