John Worrell Langridge's family

John Worrell Langridge married Flora McLeod Sutherland - daughter of Archibald and Mary Sutherland.  I haven't yet been able to figure out where John and Flora ended up or traced any family they might have had, but I have, in the meantime, found a little bit out about the Langridges.  So until I can find out more about John and Flora - here's some information about the Langridge family.


Harry Montague Langridge was born in 1856 in Maresfield, Sussex to John (c1833 - 1909) and Esther (Morley) Langridge (c1828 - 8 August 1897).  He was baptised on 11 November 1856 in Maresfield.  Harry was one of at least two brothers John Joshua Langridge and George Edgar Langridge.  


John and Esther Langridge and their two young boys left London for New Zealand on the ship Indiana on 2 August 1858 arriving in Lyttleton on 23 November of that year and then going on to Wellington, arriving there on 14 December of that year.  It seems that the Langridge's disembarked at Lyttleton and settled in the South Island.


John and Esther arrived with their two year old son Harry Montague.  Their baby, George Edgar having died on the trip from England to New Zealand.  They went on to have a number of other children.  All together their family seems to have included:


Harry Montague Langridge - baptised on 11 November 1856 (see family details below).


George Edgar Langridge - born and died in infancy in 1858 (died at sea on the Indiana).


Alfred Herbert (AKA Alfred Albert) Langridge - born in 1860 and died as an infant in 1860.


Henry Edward (AKA Edward Henry ) Langridge - born in 1861 and died in 1938 (see family details below).


Frank Felix Langridge - born in 1862 but also died in infancy in 1863.


John Joshua Langridge - born in 1864 (see family details below).


Frances Edith Langridge was the eldest daughter and was born in 1865 (see family details below).


Bertram Langridge - born in 1866 and died in 1938 (see family details below).


Frederick Stephen Langridge - born in 1868 and died in 1933 (see family details below). 


Ann Elizabeth Langridge born in 1869 - no trace.  Known also as Elizabeth Rosetta Langridge who married Walter Fay in 1889?


Leah Emalia (AKA Leah Emily) Langridge born in 1873 (family details follow below).

Arthur George Langridge born in 1874 and died in 1951 (family details follow below). 


At the time of Esther's death in 1897, John was living at Waitohi, out of Temuka.  He died himself twelve years later, and the following obituary appeared in the Star on 23 August 1909:

OBITUARY.

MR JOHN LANGRIDGE

Another old colonist has gone to rest in the person of John Langridge, late of Waitohi, Temuka. He died at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr W. J. Dennis, of Christchurch, on Sunday, August 22. Mr Langridge was born in 1834, at Sussex, England, where he served an apprenticeship to the building trade. He and his late wife came to New Zealand in 1858 by the ship Indiana. They landed at Lyttelon and he followed his trade in Christchurch tor eight years. He then removed to Temuka, where he took up land, carrying on building and farming jointly for many years. He leaves a grown-up family of six sons and three daughters.

The six sons still alive at the time of John's death, were Harry, Henry, John, Bertram, Fred and Arthur.  The three daughters still alive were Frances, Ann and Leah. 

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In 1884 Harry Montague Langridge, second son of John and Esther Langridge,  married Elizabeth Badger Worrell.  Together they had nine children - seven sons and two daughters.  The family seem to have lived in Westport for a time, and then settled in Wanganui, for a time at 15 Bell Street, Wanganui, and in 1915 when the boys went away to war, the family were living  at 16 River Bend, Wanganui.  


Eldest child, John Worrell Langridge was born in 1884.  John was the one who went on to marry Flora McLeod Sutherland in 1917.  Prior to marrying her, John had spent some time in Christchurch - being listed as living there at the time of his brother Francis' death in 1915.  He was apparently a commercial traveller, prior to enlisting, explaining his time away from the Wanganui District.  John became a Lieutenant and served overseas during WWI.  Details here.  While John was away at war, Flora remained at Craigielea, her father's farm at Fordell.  John appears to have won a silver medal, as a bravery award from the Royal Humane Society in July 1905.  An account of him receiving the award appeared in the Wanganui Herald on 15 September 1905.

BRAVERY REWARDED

Presentation to Two Wanganui Young Men. 

During an interval, at last night's production of "My Sweetheart" at the Opera House, His Worship the Mayor (Mr A. G. Bignell) presented the medals awarded by the Royal Humane Society to the two young men, Messrs John Langridge and Vincent Beasley, for their gallant conduct on the occasion of the drowning of the unfortunate young man Frank Clinton, who lost his life in the Wanganui River last summer.

The Mayor stated that it was a privilege and pleasurable duty to him to be the means of presenting the certificates and medals to the recipients. Before doing so, however, he would give a brief outline of the incidents that had led up to the presentation that evening. 

On December 4th 1904, a party of five, consisting of Messrs Langridge, Beasley, Jarratt, Loftus, and F. Clinton, went for a pleasure trip in the yacht "Iris," down the river. There was a heavy gale blowing at the time with a considerable sea. After making a tack down the river, they decided to return. On coming about a big wave struck the boat, filling her, when she sank, and the occupants were left struggling in the water. Clinton was unable to swim, and Langridge and Beasley went at once to his assistance, telling Jarratt and Loftus to try and bring a canoe, which was some distance away, and occupied by three boys. They succeeded in reaching the canoe, but finding she was already too heavily loaded, they swam to the south stone wall, which they reached in safety. 

Meantime Beasley and Langridge were supporting Clinton, being considerably hampered by being fully clothed. Beasley decided to fetch the canoe himself. He succeeded in reaching it, but on attempting to clamber aboard the canoe capsized, precipitating the occupants into the water.  Being at this time close to the wall, they all reached this without accident. All this time Langridge had been supporting Clinton, who had become unconscious, and Langridge being exhausted lost his hold of Clinton, who sank and was drowned. Beasley then again swam out to assist Langridge. He succeeded in doing so, by which time Langridge had become unconscious, Beasley reaching him as he was drifting down stream. Beasley was successful in getting ashore safely with his comrade. 

The Mayor went on to say that although the intrinsic value of the medal was small, the possession of it proved that the recipients were possessed of the quality that heroes were made of, in that they, in the time of danger, risked their lives for their fellows. The bravery and courage displayed by Beasley and Langridge was beyond all praise, and there was little doubt that had it not been for the pluck and endurance displayed, by Beasley in rescuing Langridge, who had risked his life and exhausted himself in trying to save Clinton, Langridge would not have been alive today. The only regrettable feature was that after the heroic efforts of both Beasley and Langridge young Clinton had lost his life. 

In pinning on the medals, the Mayor expressed the hope that the recipients would look upon them and the certificates as their most treasured possession, and he hdd no doubt, should occasion again arise, they would always display the same courage that had been exhibited by them in trying to save their comrades. Mr Bignell concluded by asking the audience to join with him in giving three hearty cheers, for the recipients. 

The Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 17459, 2 January 1919, Page 4, reported on John's imminent return to New Zealand:

Captain J. W. Langridge, of Wanganui, is returning to New Zealand with the next draft. Captain Langridge's number is 6/788, which is evidence that he left New Zealand with the Main Body. He served with the force in Gallipoli and in France, through all serious engagements, specialising in bombing and machine gun work.

Harry and Elizabeth's second son was Alfred Montague Langridge was born in 1886.  I cannot find much of anything about Alfred.


Third son, Arthur Frederick Langridge was born in 1888.  Arthur married Violet Emily Smith in 1915.  He died in 1954. 


In 1891 Francis Bertram Langridge was born at Westport.  Francis was to join up during WWI.  Sadly, he was one of the many who did not return home, being killed in action at Gallipoli on 8 May 1915.  He had only embarked in February of that year.  He was aged 24, and was a Corporal at the time of his death.  


Florence Elizabeth Esther Langridge was born on 1 October 1893.  She was the eldest daughter of the family and in 1914 she married Richmond Melville Millard (1891 - 1966).  Florence died in 1989.   


Harry Montague Langridge was born in 1895.  Following his brother Francis' death in 1915, Harry enlisted and left for Plymouth in October 1916.  Previously, Harry had been a plumber.  Sadly, Harry also followed his Francis, being killed in action on 17 June 1917.  Harry was aged 21 and was a Rifleman at the time of his death.


The Wanganui Chronicle recorded in its Roll of Honour on 28 June 1917:

Great sympathy will be felt for Mr and Mrs. H. M. Langridge and family who have received news that Private Harry M. Langridge was killed in action on the 7th inst.  The deceased; who was 21 years of age, served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Dimes and Jones as a plumber, and as soon as he was free enlisted for service.  He was a member of the Union Rowing Club, the Pirate Football club, and the Fire Brigade. Another brother was killed at Gallipoli; and yet another, who has risen from private to lieutenant and went through the Gallipoli campaign where his brother died in his arms was wounded the other day. 

Harry Montague Langridge Jnr

The youngest Langridge daughter was Lily Huia (AKA Huia Lillian) Langridge - born in 1898.  In 1923 Lily married Arthur William Brown.  


On 12 February 1900 the youngest children, twins William Archibald Langridge and Charles Joshua Langridge, were born.  In 1925 William married Violet Elizabeth Pattison (24 February 1903 - 1984) and in 1927 Charles married Hylda May Thomason (21 June 1893 - 1991).  William died in 1975 and Charles died in 1976.


Harry Montague died in 1929 and his wife Elizabeth died later, on 27 July 1951.  I am unsure where Harry was buried, but Elizabeth was cremated at Karori, Wellington.

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Henry Edward Langridge (AKA Edward Henry Langridge) was born in 1861 and died in 1938 - he was the second child of John and Esther Langridge to be born in New Zealand after his brother, Alfred.  However, he was the first child born in New Zealand to survive infancy.  


On 7 April 1885, at the Holy Trinity Church, Kumara, Henry married Martha Langley Ward. Rev. Hefferen married the pair.  Martha was from Woodstock and Henry is listed as the second son of John Langridge, residing in Temuka.  Henry and Martha had a family of four sons and two daughters.


In 1886 Henry and Martha's eldest daughter, Olive Edith Langridge was born.  In 1909 Olive married Frederick Clarence de Berry.  Later that same year, their first daughter, Edna Mavis de Berry, was born.  Olive died in 1951.


Henry and Martha's second daughter Esther Mary Langridge was born in 1887 and died in 1957.  Esther married local Constable John Rodgers in 1913, and a note of a kitchen tea held for her is recorded in the 12 February 1913 edition of the Grey River Argus:

A very pleasant little function took place at the Vicarage last night, when the members of the Girls' Friendly Societv assembled to make, a presentation to Miss Esther Langridge prior to her marriage. The presentation which took the form of a handsome silver back hand mirror, was made by Mrs. York, who wished the recipient long life and happiness in her married life. Miss Langridge suitably responded.  

The following day, a full report of the wedding itself was also recorded in the Grey River Argus:

RODGERS—LANGRIDGE  A very pretty wedding was celebrated at 8 o'clock yesterday morning at the Holy Trinity Church, the contracting parties being: Constable John Rogers, a native of County Mayo, Ireland, and a popular member of the local police force, and Miss Esther Mary Langridge, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Langridge, of Barrytown and formerly of Dillmanstown.  The marriage was performed by the Ven. Archdeacon York, assisted by the Ven. W. Venables, MA.  

The bride, looking radiantly happy, and was given away by her father, and wore a white, glace silk dress, tastefully trimmed insertion, beads and lace, and with a square train.  She wore the orthodox wreath and veil and a gold watch and chain, a present from the bridegroom in addition to which she carried a handsome bouquet which was the gift of her brother. The bridesmaid was Miss Emily Langridge, the bride's sister who wore a dress of cream shantungs, daintily trimmed with lace insertion.  She also wore a hat to match.  Constable M. J. Dillon acted as best man. The bridegroom's gift to the brides maid was  a gold ring, the bride's gift to the bridegroom being a pair of gold sleeve-links.

At the conclusion of the ceremony the party repaired to the Vicarage, where the wedding breakfast was set. The Ven. Archdeacon York, in proposing the health of the bride and bridegroom made a neat speech, during the course of which he gave the happy couple some words of advice.  Mr. Rodgers suitably responded, and said that he hoped some of his male friends would soon be replying in a similar position to  his own.  He then proposed  the health.of "The Bridegroom," to which Constable Dillon responded on her behalf. The couple caught the Otira train and will spend the honeymoon at Christchurch and Hanmer. The bride's travelling dress, was a sage green costume, and she wore a hat to match. A large crowd assembled at the railway station and wished the young couple all happiness in their married life. 

Third daughter Alice Martha Langridge was born in 1889.  I can't ascertain what happened to her at this point. 


Fourth child, but eldest son, Thomas Edward Langridge was born in 1892.  Thomas died young, in 1918.  I suspect that he was Corporal T. Langridge referred to in the Grey River Argus , 25 June 1917, Page 4. 


In 1896 fourth daughter Emily Leah Langridge was born - undoubtedly named for Henry's younger sister, Leah Emily!  Emily grew up to marry Charles McDougall in 1922.


Finally, Henry and Martha's youngest child, Henry Stephen, was born in 1903. Henry married Hannah Tindale in 1929.   


Henry died in 1938, and Martha died a couple of years later in 1940.  
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John Joshua Langridge was born in 1864.  In 1890 he married Elizabeth Ruth "Bessie" Heley, and they had six children over the following 16 years - five daughters and one son.  I believe that John and "Bessie" lived in and around Nelson and Takaka with their children.  They seem to have moved there from Greymouth around the middle of 1893, and John seems to have purchased a business and became a General Merchant.  John was later also a Justice of the Peace, and was foreperson on inquests in the area around Takaka and Golden Bay.  


Eldest child, Mary Leoni (AKA Leonie Mary) Langridge, was born 22 July 1892.  In 1912, Leonie married Arthur Robottom (1878 - 1941).  Leonie died in 1975.


Second daughter, Mabel Ellis (AKA Ellis Mabel) Langridge, was born in 1894.  Mabel never married and died in 1967.


Third daughter, Ana Bessie Langridge, was born in 1895 and married Gordon Collins in 1917.  


Fourth daughter, Dorothy Winter Langridge, was born in 1899 and sadly died at the tender age of three months, later that year.


The first son of the marriage, John Castlemaine Langridge, was born in 1902.  Sadly, like his sister Dorothy, John died as a baby, at the age of 7 months on 26 January 1903, at Nelson.  Castlemaine, Victoria was apparently where Bessie was from.  


Youngest daughter, Josephine Margaret Langridge, was born on 4 February 1908.  In 1931, she married Donald McLeay (9 June 1906 - 1998).  Josephine died in 1996.


The family seem to have moved to Otane some time after 1906, and  had another son, their final child, Earle Ross Langridge on 17 November 1911.  Earle married an Enid Buckman and had two sons.  He died on in 1990 and is buried in Auckland.  


John died on 18 February 1931 and is buried at the Otane Cemetery.  Bessie died two years later on 31 January 1933.  She is buried at Otane with John.
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Frances Edith Langridge was the eldest daughter of John and Esther Langridge and was born in 1865.  She married Walter James Dennis in 1888, and the marriage notice was advertised in the Star on 30 June 1888.

MARRIAGE.

Dennis - Langridge — June 23, at Christchurch, by the Rev. C. Laws, Walter James, youngest son of Samuel Dennis, to Frances Edith, eldest daughter of John Langridge, Temuka. "Temuka Leader" please copy.

Frances and Walter seem to have lived in Christchurch and had three children.  Walter worked as a Fishmonger, with his brother, Samuel Dennis.  

Their eldest child was called Eviene Dennis, and she was born in 1889.

The second child Bruce Dennis, was born in 1890 and married Maggie Catherine Mudgway in 1914.

The third and youngest child, John Thomas Dennis was born in 1892.  John died on 8 April 1935 at the age of 43.  He had been a "motor driver" prior to his death and had lived at 60A Cashel Street.  He is buried at Bromley Cemetery.

Walter died at the relatively young age of 46 years on 15 August 1910.  He was listed as being a poulterer prior to his death and lived at 188 Linwood Road.  Comments indicate that Walter died of pneumonia.  Frances died on the 20 April 1946.  She is buried at the Linwood Cemetery in Christchurch.  Frances was 81 years old when she died, and up until her death she lived at the Jubilee Home.  Strangely, she is buried with her father in law, Samuel Dennis, who had died in 1900! 

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Bertram Langridge was born to John and Esther in 1866.   He married Mary Ann Pickett in 1889.  Bert and Mary Ann had two sons:

Eldest son, Cyril Godfrey Langridge was born on 18 January 1895.  Cyril married Emily Mary Pritchard in 1919.  Emily died in 1970 and Cyril died in 1975.  

Youngest son, Sydney Cromner Langridge was born in 1896, and died on 3 July 1917 at the age of 21.  He is buried at the Otane Cemetery.

I think it likely that Bert, Mary and their children lived at Otane, which would explain why Sydney is buried there, and why Bert's brother and sister in law, John and Bessie, wound up there.  Bert died in 1938, and Mary Ann died in 1951. 

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Frederick Stephen Langridge was born to John and Esther in 1868 and died in 1933.  In 1894 he married Harriet Sweet.  They had three daughters:

Eldest daughter, Joy Caroline Langridge was born in 1895.

Middle daughter, Gertrude Esther Langridge was born in 1899.

Youngest daughter, Kathleen Bessie Langridge was born in 1906.

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Leah Emalia Langridge (AKA Leah Emily Langridge) was the youngest daughter of John and Esther and was born in 1873.  In 1908, Leah married Nelson Joseph Young.  Nelson died in 1941 and Leah died in 1920.  

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Arthur George Langridge was the youngest child of John and Esther Langridge.  He was born in 1874.  Arthur married Lilla/Lillia Barney in 1902.

Arthur and Lila had the following children:

Gordon Bruce Langridge was born on 17 May 1903.  He died in 1977.  

Reta Irene Langridge was born in 1905.

Eric Harman Langridge was born on 10 August 1906.  He died in 1977.

Arthur Felix Langridge was born on 27 February 1909.  He died in 1996.

Walter Marquick/Markwick Langridge was born in 1910.  Sadly, Walter died in 1920 at the age of nine years.

Lillia died in 1939, and Arthur died in 1951.