Annie Bonus was born at Stratford, Essex, England at 5.00 p.m. on 16 September 1846. As a young woman she used various first names, but on becoming a doctor she settled on Anna. John Bonus her father was a wealthy ship owner and agent. Her mother, Elizabeth Ann, was of Irish and German descent. Anna, the youngest child, had seven older brothers and three sisters, two of whom died young. Emily Louisa, Anna’s surviving sister, married a clergyman. Most of Anna’s brother were men of achievement. John Bonus gained a doctorate of letters and was a Catholic priest for ten years. Joseph became a major general and Edward an Anglican clergyman. The other brothers entered the shipping industry.
As a young girl Anna read widely at home, especially liking mythology and tales of adventure. In her mid teens she attended a finishing school at Brighton, Sussex. Her independent attitude at school caused some friction with the teachers. She wrote poetry and in her teens had a novel and a book of verse published. Her father died in 1865 in St Leonards on Sea, Sussex, and left all his children a considerable inheritance. Anna received a yearly income of approximately ₤888, giving her the independence to pursue her interests.
Anna, early 30s