Edwin and Mary Bannister and family

Mary Tutchen, sister of Eleanor Waters and sister in law of Jessie and John Waters, married Edwin Bannister at St Peter's Church in Te Aro on 23 August 1849.

Mary and Edwin seem to have spent most of their lives at Happy Valley in Wellington and had a reasonably large family:

Children of Mary TUTCHEN and Edwin BANNISTER are:

Parthenia Mary Bannister who was born on 21 May 1850 at Wellington. She died on 4 January 1927 at Rongotea. In 1868 she married Isaac William Lovelock son of Isaac Lovelock and Elizabeth Bishop.  Isaac was born  in 1847 at Wellington and was christened on 4 August 1847, also at Wellington.  Isaac died 5 April 1926 at Palmerston North and was listed, as the time of his death, as a farmer of Newbury.  He was buried at the  Terrace End Cemetery. 

Together Parthenia and Isaac had the following children:  

William Isaac Lovelock born on 16 October 1869 (married Edith McKenzie in 1903 and died on 23 January 1946).  William and Edith had at least four children - Thena Edith Lovelock in 1904 (never married and died on 25 July 1988 in Palmerston North, cremated at Kelvin Grove Cemetery); Rita Mary Lovelock in 1906; Isaac William Lovelock in 1908 and Joyce Lovelock in 1910; 

Frederick Edwin Bishop Lovelock born on 27 September 1871 (married Henrietta Bella Dunk in 1911 and died 13 November 1956);  

Minnie Sarah Parthenia Lovelock born on 29 March 1873 (married William Joseph Brogden in 1898 and died on 18 September 1946).  Minnie and William had at least three children - Nita May Brogden in 1902, Francis Lovelock Brogden in 1906 and Thelma Mary Brogden in 1908;  

Henry Charles Lovelock born on 22 July 1875.  He married Alice Elizabeth Fennell in 1911 and died on 3 April 1939.  Alice died on 12 April 1961 in Palmerston North at the age of 80, meaning she must have been born around 1881.  Henry and Alice are both buried at the Kelvin Grove Cemetery in Palmerston North;  

David Josiah Lovelock born on 4 November 1877.  David married Anna Phillips in 1903 and died on 14 February 1954.  David worked as a land agent.  David and Anna had at least three children - Leslie David Lovelock born in 1905, Norman Josiah Lovelock born in 1907 and Dudley Phillips born in 1909.  Years later, young Norman was killed during WWII, leaving a widow Nancye and a son, David Lovelock.  Dudley Lovelock worked as  hospital executive and died in Palmerston North on 19 August 1978 at the age of 68.  He was cremated at Kelvin Grove Cemetery.  Their mother, Anna died on 5 September 1960 at the age of 76.  She is buried at the Kelvin Grove Cemetery in Palmerston North with her husband, David; 

Mary Elizabeth Lovelock born on 2 September 1879 (married Alexander Joseph Will in 1904 and died on 29 July 1979).  Mary and Alexander had a son called Raymond Alfred Will in 1905;  

Levi Stephen Lovelock born on 30 April 1882 (died 13 November 1918) died unmarried;  

George Robert Lovelock born on 24 November 1883 (married Bessie Middleton in 1919 and died on 2 March 1961);  

Leonard Leopold Lovelock born on 20 August 1885.  Len was a farmer, like his father and brothers.  He married Amy Laura Tallott in 1909 and died on 3 September 1974.  Amy predeceased him, dying on 20 June 1936 at the age of 48 and is buried at the Kelvin Grove Cemetery in Palmerston North;  

Patience Harriet Lovelock born on 16 November 1888 (married John William Oliver in 1915 and died on 6 December 1969);  

Arthur Clement Lovelock 10 November 1889 (married Annie Mars Smith in 1912 and died on 31 October 1963);  

Howard Dudley Lovelock born on 26 April 1891.  He married Ivy Myrtle Russell in 1916 and died on 29 November 1973.  Ivy died on 31 March 1953 and is buried at the Ashhurst Cemetery, where Howard was also later buried; 

Lucy Gladys Jessie Lovelock born on 4 November 1893 (married Horace John Matthews in 1921 and died on 3 May 1979) 

On 17 September 1918, the Evening Post recorded the Lovelock's Golden Wedding Anniversary:

Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Lovelock celebrated their golden wedding by a family gathering at their home, Newbury, Rangitikei Line, Palmerston North, on Monday, at which all the members of the family (with the exception of one son, who is at the front) were present, Mr. and Mrs. Lovelock were married in the Wesleyan Church,. Manners-street, Wellington, on 16th September, 1868, by the Rev. W. Kirk, and were presented with a Bible by the trustees of the church, as they were the first couple to be married in the new edifice. They have a family of thirteen, nine sons and four daughters, and there are twenty three grandchildren. One son is at the front, and three sons and a son-in-law are in camp. The youngest is leaving with the next force. Mr. Lovelock was born in Wellington, his parents. having arrived in the ship Bolton in 1840. Mrs. Lovelock is the eldest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Bannister, and was born in Wellington. Mr. and Mrs. Lovelock are still hale and hearty, and have been living at their present home, Palmerston North, for a number of years, highly respected by all who know them for their hospitality and kindness.

Sadly, one of the Lovelock sons, who was training at the Featherston Military Camp, died of disease before even stepping foot out of New Zealand.  See here for details of the service and death of Levi Stephen Lovelock, died in November 1918 aged 36 years.  

Sarah Ann Ellen Bannister was born on 29 December 1851 at Wellington. She married Thomas Cooper in 1871.   They had the following children:  

Edwin David John Cooper born on 11 September 1872.  Edwin married Matilda Jane Crabb in 1900.  Edwin and Matilda had at least three children - Donovan Edwin Cooper born in 1901, Inaha Dulcie Cooper born in 1904 and Desmond Gyler born in 1905;  

Lilian Sarah Ellen Cooper born in December 1873.  In 1896, Lilian married Henry Snow.  Together they had the following children - Doris Lillian Snow born in 1897;  Lorna Phyllis Snow born in 1899 (married Harris Morley Wallis-Lloyd Sherwood in 1930).

Thomas William Cooper born in 1876;  

Henry James Cooper born in 1878.

Harriet Matilda Bannister was born on 11 March 1853 at Wellington. She married Thomas Walter Stace in 1876. They had the following children: 

Herbert Walter Stace was born in 1879.  Herbert married Edith Catherine Peed (July 1881 - 1965) in 1907.  Herbert and Edith had three children - Gordon Walter Stace (3 February 1908 - 1981); Norman Edward Stace (8 March 1918 to 22 June 2008); and Thora Sherwood Stace.  

Herbert died on 30 August 1964 and is buried in the Stace Family plot in the Terace End Cemetery on 14 November 1964.  Edith died in 1964 in Hunterville.  

Mabel Jessie Stace born in 1881.  Mabel married Gordon Aitken on 8 August 1910.  Their son, Hollis Stace Aitken (who appears to have been known as G Aitken - perhaps Gordon?) was born on 30 September 1910.  There is more to this story, however, and it wasn't a particularly romantic one as the following article which appeared in the NZ Truth on 21 January 1911 makes clear:

A FORCED MARRIAGE.

AN ASTOUNDING AGREEMENT.

Peculiar Plight of a Postal Official.

Wife v. Husband—Aitken's Audacity— To Marry and to Mizzle— A Tell-tale Letter— A Wife who Wanted Maintenance— What the Magistrate Thought— Living on £130 per Year— Aitken has to "Ante."

A remarkable maintenance case, illustrating the utter folly of expecting any good to result from a "forced" marriage to give a misguided young woman (or her unwanted offspring) a "good name," occupied the attention of Dr. McArthur, S.M.J at the Wellington Magistrate's Court on Wednesday last.

The complainant was Mabel Jessie Aitken (formerly Stace), until recently in the employ of the Post and Telegraph Department at Wanganui and the defendant, Gordon Aitken, who is still in the same Department, had been her superior officer. Undue intimacy was followed by an undesired marriage brought about by the expectant mother's relatives, coupled with an agreement

TO SEPARATE IMMEDIATELY

in pursuance of which a deed of separation was formally executed by the parties. Mr G. R. Dix (O'Regan and Dix) appeared for the complainant, and Mr T. Young (Young and Tripe) appeared for the defendant. A plea of not guilty was recorded, as Mr Young explained in order that the circumstances might be explained.

The marriage and the paternity of the child were admitted Mabel Jessie Aitken, wife of Gordon Aitken, said that prior to her marriage she and the defendant were employed at the post office at Wanganui. Defendant was her superior officer. After an intimacy in 1909 - 1910, defendant agreed to marry her, but at a later stage he declined to do so except upon certain terms. She agreed to accept these term's to save the name of the expected child. An agreement was entered into between them on August 3.

A REMARKABLE AGREEMENT

This agreement recited that:

the said Mabel Jessie Stance alleges that the said Gordon Aitken is the father of an unborn child about to be borne to the said M. J. Stace and has for the purpose of legitimising such child when born requested the said G. Aitken to marry her, the said M. J Stace, upon the conditions herein contained which he, the said G. Aitken for such purpose aforesaid has agreed to do.

Now, there fore, it is agreed by and between the parties as follows

1. The said G. Aitken shall marry the said M. J. Stace on the 4th day of August, 1910. 2. From and after the solemnisation of such marriage the said parties agree to: separate and thenceforth live apart from one another and neither party shall seek be take any action for the enforcement of his or her conjugal or marital rights or for a Judicial separation. And the said M. J. Stace shall not call upon or require the said G. Aitken to contribute m any way towards her support or towards the support or maintenance of such child when born nor towards any expenses in connection with the birth of such child nor shall the said M. J. Stace hereafter pledge the creflit of the said G. Aitken or take any action or other proceedings or make any claims or demands against the said G. Aitken for the expenses of birth or medical attendance or for the support or maintenance of the said child when born for anything or in any way howsoever. Nor shall either of the parties hence forth, molest, harass, seek or interfere with the other in any way howsoever.

3. The said M. J Stace shall have the entire custody and control of the said child when born and the said G. Aitken hereby agrees to renounce all claims and right to the care or control of such child.

4. Immediately on the Solemnisation of such marriage each of the parties shall enter into and sign and execute a deed of separation and covenant embodying the terms and conditions herein contained and such other terms as the parties may agree upon or be deemed advisable.

The marriage took place on August 8 and the child was born on September 30. Witness further said that

SHE HAD NO MEANS OF HER OWN

She was no longer in the department, and could not get back. She had.tried to gain employment, but had failed. She had not been trained to any business. Defendant was drawing £130 a year.

To Mr Young: She was five years older than her husband. There had been no promise to marry prior to July, 1910. Her friends had persuaded him to marry her, very much against his will, and he consented to do so only upon the terms mentioned in the deed. She had not given the matter a thought about how she would manage after her marriage. There was no reason why she should not go out and work, but she would not give up her child! This was the whole of the evidence for the complainant.

Gordon Aitkin, the defendant, said that what the complainant had stated was true, except that he had

NEVER PROMISED TO MARRY HER

other than upon the conditions specified. His salary was £130 a year, and he could not afford to keep her on that. He had to dress decently and live in respectable lodgings, and his salary would not run to more than that. He married her only because he had been induced to do so by Complainant's people.

To Mr Dix: The marriage was forced upon him. He would not have entered into it unless complainant's people had seen him about it. Marriage was never discussed prior to July, a couple of months before the child was born. He did not think he had discussed marriage or settlement in the country before July. Mr Dix referred witness to a letter written by defendant to complainant on June 16, 1910, and worded as follows

“Dear M. Yours received. So now the position has to be faced. The first thing that I can see is for you to hand in your resignation at once. My plans are these, and without delay you must write and tell me what you think. I am going to Mr Miller to make a clean breast of things and see if he will assist me. I intend to see him and tell him the position, and get him to get me special leave. In the meantime I will ask him to remain silent, and then in a couple of months' time I hope for him to get a transfer for me to a country town. Anywhere away from Wariganui. The country is cheaper to live in than the cities, and in any case, we could never live together here, and I would not try it on my part. Well, as to living together. It will be some months before I can have a home I have no money, and I will have to borrow heavily for other expenses first.

Of course, I am depending on marrying now, if Mr Miller thinks the Department will stand by me. If I am suspended, the position is hopeless; as you must recognise. You must have another yarn with your brother. Have you any plans to offer re furnishing? We cannot live on bare floors, and it will be months before I can furnish, and can you think of any way of obtaining temporary assistance If we are to be married, do you propose we should be married at Waikanae, or where your brother suggested New Plymouth, but I have not a hope of raising money to take us there, and, besides, the travelling would be bad for you, and in view of marriage, I want the kiddie well considered. In a country town I think we may make a go of it with assistance to start with. So perhaps you can see a way of obtaining it. It will be pretty hard living, but the country does not afford so many ways of spending money as the city. Talk the position over carefully with your brother, and see what he has to say. Let me know as soon as you can, as the suspense of everything is playing me out badly, and besides I am not going to see Mr Miller till I hear your opinion of it. When I do I can act. So please write as soon as you have discussed the position. Send letter to old address still.— G."

Witness admitted that the above letter was written before complainant's brother knew anything about her condition.

To Mr Young: A deed of separation was drawn up by Messrs Armstrong and Craig, solicitors, Wanganui, before the marriage, and was executed immediately after the marriage. The

PARTIES HAD SEPARATED AT ONCE

and had not met from that day until they met in Court.

His Worship ridiculed the idea of £130 a year being insufficient to do more than keep defendant, and he would make an order which he certainly should be in a position to carry out. The order would be for, 10s a week for the wife, and 5s a week for the child; the first payment to be made on January 28. His Worship declined to make an Order regarding confinement expenses, as ha did not desire to hobble the defendant. The usual £2 '2s professional costs were allowed.

Researching Gordon's name.  I found a piece in the Wanganui Chronicle on 10 August 1910 - two days after he married Mabel - stating that Gordon was to be transferred to Napier.  Apparently his football prowess would be greatly missed, but one can't help thinking that this transfer was made upon his employer, the Telephone Exchange, being made aware of his intimate transgressions with Mabel.


Strangely, Mabel and Gordon don't appear to have divorced, and eventually Gordon was killed at Chunuk Bair during WWI on 8 August 1915.  Details are here and below is his photograph:

Following Gordon's death, Mabel married Frederick John Sygrove in 1919.  Together, Mabel and Frederick had four sons,  Frederick Sygrove (13 September 1917 - 2002), Scott Stace Sygrove (23 April 1920 - 2008) and Peter Stace Sygrove (11 February 1922 - 2002) and Robin Sygrove.  

Scott worked as a carpenter, at least in the 1940s.   

Peter's wedding on 21 December 1940 to Ella Chapman-Taylor, was recorded in the Evening post on 18 January 1941:

SYGROVE—CHAPMAN-TAYLOR.

St. John's Church, Trentham, was decorated with Christmas lilies and pink and mauve hydrangeas recently when Ella, eldest daughter of Mr. J. W. Chapman-Taylor and the late Mrs. Chapman-Taylor, of "I-Braesil," Silverstream, was married to Peter Stace, third son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Sygrove, of "Raukawa," Upper Hutt. The Rev. Mr. Shield officiated and Mrs. Tomlin was at the organ.

The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a magnolia bridal gown with veil and orange blossoms, and carried a beautiful bouquet of Christmas lilies. Miss Flora Chapman- Taylor, who attended her sister, was in mauve taffeta and carried a bouquet

in shades of pink and mauve. Little Ann Crooke, niece of the bride, and Robin Sygrove, brother of the bridegroom, were flower girl and page boy respectively. Both were dressed in mauve and made a pretty picture as they followed the bride into church, walking hand in hand. The bridegroom's brother, Mr. Scott Sygrove, was best man. At the close of the service Mrs. Robinson sang "Where'er You Walk." The wedding breakfast was held at the Brown Owl, where the guests were received by Mrs. Sygrove, mother of the bridegroom, and by Mrs. W. R. Crooke, sister of the bride. When the bride and bridegroom left for the north, the bride travelled in a flowered model frock with coat and hat and accessories to match.

Mabel died in 1966 and Frederick died in 1970.

Olive Martha Stace was born in 1883.  Olive married Wilfred Braeman Ansell and lived in Santa Barbara, California.  During the years 1936 - 1937, Olive and Wilfred spent a year in New Zealand visiting her sisters, before returning overseas on 29 May 1937.  Olive died in California in 1960 and was buried in the Terrace End Cemetery on 12 December 1961 in the Stace Family plot.  Wilfred died in 1969 in California and his ashes were also interred in the plot in February of that year.

Myrtle Amelia Stace on 20 November 1884 in Palmerston North.  Myrtle married Dr. Arthur Tackaberry in Sydney on 15 March 1910. The marriage was reported in the Wanganui Chronicle on 8 April 1910:

TACKABERRY—STACE.

A very pretty though quiet wedding was celebrated at St. James' Anglican Church, Sydney, on March 15, when Myrtle Amelia Stace, third daughter of T. W. Stace, Esq., of Te Matai, Palmerston North, now residing at Burwood, Sydney, was married to Mr A. Lee Wilson Tackaberry, M.D., fourth son of Samuel B. Tackaberry, Esq. solicitor, Polk County, Texas, U.S.A. 

The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Sidney Marsden, M.A., in the presence of a small circle of friends and relations. The bride, who was given away by her father, was beautifully gowned in an Empire robe of white satin charmeuse with a court train and an overdress of silk ninon, artistically draped and caught on one side with a heavy pearl ornament. The bodice was handsomely trimmed with silk point lace designed and worked by the bride herself. With her embroidered veil she wore a wreath of orange and myrtle blossoms. She carried a beautiful shower bouquet of roses and asparagus fern. Miss Linda Stace, sister of the bride, was the only bridesmaid, and was becomingly attired in an Empire gown of pale blue silk, with trimming of Melines lace. Her hat was a black beaver with a long white ostrich plume. She wore a pretty turquoise brooch shell, the gift of the bridegroom, and carried a bouquet of the pink roses. The tiny nephew of the bride, Master Gordon Stace, from New Zealand, dressed as little Lord Fauntelroy, made a picturesque page. Rev. E. H. Webber, of Eurwood, acted as best man. 

After the ceremony a reception and wedding breakfast was given at the A.B.C. Cafe, when the bride and bridegroom received showers of congratulations some being cable messages both from New Zealand and America. 

Mrs Stace, mother of the bride, wore a gown of black and white striped voile over white glace, and a black hat with long-white plumes. Amongst the guests were Miss Stace from New Zealand, Mr and Mrs W. Epps, Mr and Mrs C. W. Bannister, Miss Mabel Bannister (N.Z.), Mrs G. M. Snelson (N.Z.), and Mrs Linton. The bride went away in a myrtle green charmeuse cloth costume richly braided with black and a black beaver hat with gold galoon trimming. After a brief stay in the Blue Mountain district Dr. and Mrs. Tackaberry will proceed to America.

Myrtle and her husband Arthur Tackaberry appear to have stayed on in Australia for a while, however, around Adelaide, and had two children, before moving to the United States.  Myrtle and Arthur had a daughter, Joan Marjorie Aileen Tackaberry in 1911 and then a son was Arthur John Tackaberry on 9 October 1912.  Their son - known as "John" grew up to become a writer for the Jack Benny Show.  Wikipedia records:

John Tackaberry (9 October 1912 – 24 June 1969) was a radio writer for The Jack Benny Show.

Early years: He was born in Adelaide, Australia and grew up in Oonadata, a small railroad stop in the Simpson Desert in the Australian State of South Australia. 

His father, Arthur Lee Tackaberry, a graduate of Tulane University Medical School in New Orleans, Louisiana, was, by birth, an East Texan and his mother, Myrtle Amelia Tackaberry (née Stace) was born and raised in Palmerston North, New Zealand. 

His father was the doctor for the Ghan Railroad which, at the time, ran from Adelaide to Alice Springs, Australia. 

In 1920 he moved with his parents and sister to Houston, Texas USA, his father's birth state. He grew to manhood in Houston and was briefly a student at the University of Texas Law School. However, due to the financial considerations of The Great Depression, he dropped out of school and went to work in the Texas oil fields.

Writing Career: About 1943 he was in Los Angeles writing briefly for Horace Heidt, Jack Carson and eventually landed a plum job with the Jack Benny radio show which, at the time, was the number one show on the air. He wrote for Benny from about 1944 until approx 1958. In 1946 he wrote the lyrics for a song called Pickle In The Middle With The Mustard On Top. This song was written as part of a comedy routine on the Benny show. However, it became number one in the country for two weeks. He is also credited on the TV series Shower of Stars (1954) and Ford Star Jubilee (1955).

Personal Life: John Tackaberry died at St. Joseph's Hospital in Burbank, California and is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California. He was married twice. The first time for seventeen years to Ellen Terry Tackaberry (née Newman) (deceased 1997) and the second time to Elizabeth Tackaberry (deceased 2004). He is the father of two children, Stace Tackaberry (1942-) and Terry Louise Tackaberry Norton (1943–2008).

Myrtle died on 18 April 1962 at Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California, USA.  Her husband Arthur had predeceased her, dying on 28 November 1959, also at Santa Monica.

Linda Charlotte Stace was born in 1887.  Linda married Cyril Steed Girdlestone in 1915.  Linda died in Wellington on 2 October 1954 and her ashes were interred in the Stace Family plot at Terrace End Cemetery on 12 June 1957.  Cyril died on 15 September 1952 and is also buried there.  

Rita Marie Stace was born in 1892 and died on 27 January 1893 at the age of four months.  Rita is buried at the Terrace End Cemetery in Palmerston North in the Stace Family plot.  

Aileen Mary Stace born on 14 March 1895.  She never married and died in 1977.

Thomas died in October 1921 and the Evening Post published an obituary for him on 8 October 1921:

SUDDEN DEATH

MR. THOMAS W. STACE

Mr. Thomas Walter Stace, aged 72 years, a very well-known resident of Palmerston North and latterly of Kelburn, dropped dead while standing in the KelburN-avenue shortly after 7 o'clock last evening.

The late Mr. Stace, who resided at 12 Rawhiti-terrace, Kelburn, accompanied his parents to New Zealand when only two years of age. His boyhood was spent at Pahautanui. He was one of the earliest setters in Manawatu, arriving there in the early part of 1868. He served with distinction during the Maori War. He retired from farming some years' ago, and went to Australia, where he remained for some years. On returning to New Zealand he came to Wellington to live. He was deeply interested in the Early Settlers' and Historical Association, and was a member of the executive of that body. He was also treasurer of St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral. The late Mr. Stace was an old and prominent member of the Wellington Bowing Club and of the Savage Club. Mr. Stace leaves a family of six: Mr. Herbert Stace (Pukeatua), Mrs. Sygrove (Upper Hutt), Mrs: Tackaberry (U.S.A.), Mrs. C. Girdlestone (Muritai), and the Misses Olive and Aileen Stace (Wellington). Mrs. Stace died nine years ago.

Harriett had indeed predeceased Thomas, dying on 31 December 1912.  On 3 January 1913 she was buried in the Family plot at the Terrace End Cemetery, where on 11 October 1921 Thomas was also laid to rest.  

Robert Edwin Bannister was born on 4 August 1854 at Wellington and married Mary Ann Eager in 1877. Their children were; 


Montague Edward Bannister in 1878 and married Annie Strang/e Sime in 1905.  They had at least two children - Robert Sime Bannister born 1906; and Thomas Montague Bannister (13 August 1908 - 18 April 1972).  Montague and Annie settled in Tamworth.


Ethel Isabel/Mabel Bannister in 1880 and married Richard Linton in 1909.  Ethel and Richard settled in Melbourne.


Percival Robert Bannister in 1883 and died later that year aged just sixteen weeks; (all this occurred in NZ) 


Mabel Eva Bannister in 1887.  Mabel attended her cousin Myrtle Stace's wedding to Dr Tackaberry in Australia in 1910.  The family had moved there presumably by this point.


Mabel's own wedding to Murray Heffernan in September 1912 was recorded by the Evening Post:

Miss Gracie Brown and the Misses Olive and Linda Stace (the latter cousins of the bride) were bridesmaids at Mr. Heffernan's marriage with Miss Mabel Eva Bannister, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. X Bannister, of Oremorne, Sydney. The bridegroom is the only son of the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. R. Heffernan, of Canterbury. The bride wore (says the Sydney Telegraph) a trained gown of ivory duchesse satin, with an overdress of silk point applique, and sleeves and yoke of beaded chiffon. The court train was finished with sprays of chiffon and silver roses in each corner. She carried a bouquet and wore handsome emerald and diamond earrings and necklace. After the ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Ban- nister entertain jd about 200 guests at a reception and wedding breakfast, followed by a ball at Bauman's Cafe.

Murray Heffernan served for Australia during WWI and the details of his service (and eventual return to Australia) can be found here.  Mabel and Murray settled in Sydney.

Prior to their to emigration to Australia though, it appears that Robert's family  lived for some time in the Manawatu - it being noted in Robert's brother's Joseph's obituary in 1909.

Robert's own obituary in the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday 3 September 1928 read:

BANNISTER.—September 1, 1928, at the residence ofhis daughter, Mrs. M. Heffernan, 261 Clovelly-road,Randwick, Robert Edwin Bannister, dearly-beloved father of Mrs. Richard Linton, of Melbourne, Mrs. M.Heffernan, of Sydney, and Mr. M. E. Bannister, of Tamworth, aged 74 years.

Maria Ann Bannister was born on 4 December 1855 in Wellington.  She married Danish born Ludolph Georg West in 1878. Ludolph was an Architect, and many of his sons followed in his footsteps.  He was responsible for the design of several famous buildings in Palmerston North including Caccia Birch House.  Maria and Ludolph's children were: 


Frederikke (Fredericke) Mary Hedevig West born in 1879.  In 1903, Fredericke married Arthur Rhodes Williams.  In 1905 their son Trevor Rhodes Williams arrived and in 1906, their daughter Shirley Hedevig Williams was born.  In 1940 their son Trevor married Eileen Frances Sarah Moynihan.  Trevor died on 29 March 1962.
Arthur Rhodes Williams died in 1952 at the age of 78 (making his birth date around 1874).  Fredericke died in 1964 aged 85 years.  


Maren Henriette/Henriette Maren Tutchen West born in 1880.  In 1907 she married James Ernest Macassey (born 14 March 1878 in Dunedin), and on 28 July 1908 their son James Ludoph Pat Macassey was born.  Henriette's husband, James Ernest Macassey was an accomplished cricket player, mainly playing for Hawkes Bay. 
Henriette died in 1952, her husband James died 2 July 1941.  Their son, James, died in 1992 - he doesn't appear to have married.  


Elizabeth "Lisa" Ada Sophie West was born in 1882.  I believe she married James Muir in 1905.  Lisa and James had Jean Theodora Walker Muir in 1906.


Hubert Hoby West born in 1884.  He died at the young age of 14 on 23 December in 1898 and was buried on Christmas Day that year with his mother in the Terrace End Cemetery in Palmerston North.

Ernest Vilhelm West was born in 1885.  In 1914 he married Carrie Buick.  Ernest was an architect.  Carrie died on 5 June 1958 and Ernest died on 29 May 1961 at Palmerston North.  He is buried with Carrie at the Kelvin Grove Cemetery. 


Martha Charlotte West was born in 1888. 


Anita Marguerite West was born in 1890.  Anita married Arthur Brensky Pownall in 1914.  


Maria died on 11 September 1891 in Palmerston North. She is buried at the Terrace End Cemetery. 


Ludolph married Alice Greenwood in 1895 and had the following children:


Ludolph Edwin Wynn West was born in 1895.  Ludolph Jnr died on 25 August in 1914 at the age of 19.  He had worked as a draftsman prior to his death.  He was buried at the Terrace End Cemetery in Palmerston North. 


Ella Ray West was born in 1897.


Ludolph Snr's second wife, Alice, died on 17 November 1917 at the age of 46 and is buried with her son Ludolph in the Terrace End Cemetery in Palmerston North.
Ludolph himself died on 1 June 1919, and he is buried with first wife, Maria and son Hubert at Terrace End Cemetery.

Charles William Bannister was born 15 May 1857 in Wellington and died on 26 September 1941 in Chatswood, Sydney, Australia. He married Ann Maria “Annie” Bartlett in 1877 in New Zealand. They had the following children: 


George Edward Bannister was born in 1878 in NZ; 


Charles Spencer Bannister was born in 1880 in NZ; 


Hilda Annie Louisa Bannister was born in 1883 in NZ. 


It's unknown if they had more children in Australia.

Josiah Peter Bannister aka Joseph Peter Bannister was born on 26 October 1858 in Wellington and died on 26 January 1909 in Auckland aged 50. Joseph appears to have worked as a blacksmith.  He seems to have lived around the Johnsonville area (his home town) then around the Poverty Bay area, before moving to Feilding, and then on to Auckland.  He was certainly in Feilding from December 1891 until late December 1893.

Joseph married Frances Emma Collyer in 1881 and they had the following children: 

Jessie Havers Bannister born in 1882, and died a year later in 1883 at the age of one.  Jessie was buried in the Makaraka Cemetery in Gisborne; 

Josiah George Edwin (George Edwin Josiah) Bannister born in 1883.  George seems to have lived in Gisborne and married Maud Ivy "Maud" Church on 3 November 1909.  On that date, the Poverty Bay Herald recorded the details of their wedding:

The weather to-day was most unfavorable for weddings, nevertheless a pretty wedding was celebrated at St. Andrew's Church this afternoon, in the presence of a fairly large number of friends. The contracting parties were Miss Maud Ivy Church; eldest daughter of Mr E. A. Church, Childers Road, and Mr George Edwin Bannister. 
Mr Church gave the bride away; she was becomingly attired in a semi-empire gown of figured silk voile, trimmed with silk embroidery, and sleeves and vest of tucked net. She also wore the orthodox veil and wreath of orange blossoms. Misses E. Warren, Myrtle and Muriel Church (sisters of the bride), and Given Catton (cousin of the bride) were bridesmaids. The chief maid was prettily attired in a box dress of embroidered muslin, with a crinoline hat, and the little maids wore dainty dresses of white muslin, with hats to match. Handsome bouquets were carried by the bride and bridesmaids. The bride's mother wore a dress of black lustre, with embroidery trimmings, and a black hat to match. Mt Albert Bannister acted as best man, and Mr E. Church as groomsman. 
After the ceremony, which was performed by the Rev. E. W. Walker, the bridal party repaired to "Belmont," the residence of the bride's parents, where a large number of guests were entertained. The presents received by the young couple were of a valuable and useful nature, and included a silver cake dish, presented to the bride by the members of St. Andrew's choir, of which she was a member for some years. Tonight a. social evening is being held in Robb's hall in commemoration of the event. The wedding service was a choral one, Mr Hookey presiding at the organ. 


Maud and George had a son, Keith Ivan Bannister, in 1910. Sadly Keith died at the age of eight on 20 September 1918 in Gisborne, and was buried on 22 September 1918 at Taruheru Cemetery.  On 23 September 1918, the Poverty Bay Herald recorded the sad loss:

The death of a bright little boy who was a great favorite occurred at midnight on Friday, being the eldest child of Mr and Mrs G. Bannister. The boy (Keith Ivon) was just over eight years. He was a regular attendant at school until a short time ago, being a particularly intelligent boy and with a remarkable skill in mechanics. He was a contented and most affectionate child, and on suddenly becoming ill with what proved to be an internal complaint everything possible was done for him medically and otherwise, but without avail. Much sympathy will be felt for the parents. 

An "In Memoriam" notice for Keith was placed by his family in the Poverty Bay Herald a year later:

BANNISTER. In sad but loving memory of Keith, beloved eldest son of Maud and George, Bannister, passed away at Gisborne on September 20th, 1918. Sweet be your rest, your memory's dear

It's sweet to breathe your name;

In life we loved you very dear, 

In death we do the same. 

Inserted by his loving parents, sister and baby brother.

Maud had been born around 1880 - she died in 1964.  George had predeceased her, dying in 1958.  They are both buried at the Taruheru Cemetery, in the same plot as their eldest son, young Keith.

Albert Richard Bannister born on 9 February 1886 (died 13 February 1961).  In 1911, Albert married Eileen Ainsworth Gardiner; 

Mary Emma "Emma" Bannister born in 1887 and died in February 1888 aged six months.  Emma is buried at Makaraka Cemetery in Gisborne with her elder sister, Jessie. 

Frank Bannister born in 1888 and died in December 1891 aged three years.  Frank is buried at the Feilding Cemetery in the same plot as his stillborn sibling. 

Joseph's wife Frances gave birth to a stillborn baby in late November/early December 1893.  That baby was buried in the Feilding Cemetery on 1 December 1893.  Later that month, probably as a result of complications from the birth, Frances herself died.  She was buried on 18 December 1893 at the age of 34 at the Feilding Cemetery.

It seems that after Frances' death, Joseph moved to Auckland and married his second wife, Margaret Coleman in 1897. Together they had the following children: 

Ernest Edward Bannister in 1899 (died in 1957); 

Elizabeth Elsie Bannister born in 1900 - born at their residence, Howe Street, Auckland; 

Dudley Eades Bannister born on 9 April 1903 - born at their residence in Ponsonby (married Eileen Jessie Lee in 1926 and died in 1986); 

James Joseph Bannister born in 1904 and died seven days later.

As mentioned, Joseph died on 26 January 1909, and so would have left her a widow with three small children aged 10, 9 and 6 at the age of just forty.  
The Poverty Bay Herald recorded the following on 27 January 1909:

The death is announced of Mr Joseph Bannister, who will be remembered by many of the older Gisborneites. He left Gisborne with his family a good many years ago, but two of his sons: (Messrs George Edward and Albert Richard Bannister are now residents of Gisborne. Mr Bannister sen. was noted as a poultry fancier, and had much success in that direction.  He. was greatly esteemed by a wide circle of friends.  Although ordinarily a robust man, in later years he was stricken down by paralysis, a protracted illness ending in his death at Auckland yesterday.  He was 50 years of age. In addition to two sons there is a daughter left to mourn the loss.

The above piece leads me to wonder if Joseph's first wife, Frances, was from Gisborne, and if that is where he met and married her.  Possibly after her death, the young children, George, Albert and Jessie, lived with her family in Gisborne, while he went to Auckland and started his new family.  Certainly it would explain George and Albert being resident in Gisborne at the time of his death.  The obituary doesn't appear to acknowledge Joseph's second wife and younger two sons, although his daughter is acknowledged!  

The Evening Post carried a brief obituary for Josiah/Joseph on 3 February 1909:

Mr. Joseph Bannister, a well-known poultry fancier, died in Auckland on Monday. The deceased resided in Gisborne for a number of years before removing to Auckland. He was a son of the late Mr. Edwin Bannister, of Johnsonville, and brother of Mr. Robert Bannister, of the Manawatu, and was born in Wellington 50 years ago. The cause of death was paralysis.

Jessie Frances Bannister was born on 24 July 1860 in Wellington and died on 13 January 1951 at the grand old age of 90. She married John Hepworth in 1901. He was born around 1868. Jessie and John don't appear to have had any children.

Henry John Bannister was born on 9 June 1862 in Wellington and died on 7 March 1947 in Palmerston North. He married Alice Elizabeth Brant in 1907 and they had one daughter Dorothy Mary Bannister in 1909. Alice died on 7 April 1939.  Henry was a farmer, and before retiring to Palmerston North, he apparently farmed in the Kairanga area.  They are both buried in the Kelvin Grove Cemetery in Palmerston North.

Eliza Ruth Bannister was born on 8 November 1863 in Wellington and married William Everett in 1895.  They lived in Masterton, and Eliza died on 3 March 1916 in Johnsonville after a short illness.  William predeceased her. They don't appear to have had any children.

Martha Louisa Bannister was born on 29 July 1865 in Wellington and died on 14 November 1885 at her parents' home, Woodlawn, in Johnsonville.

James Frederick Eades Bannister was born on 11 September 1866 in Wellington and died 14 July 1867 in Wellington, just short of a year old.

Jane Elizabeth Bannister was born on 23 November 1869 in Wellington and died on 11 March 1945 in Lower Hutt. Jane never married.

Emily Theresa Bannister was born on 11 May 1871 in Wellington and died on 2 May 1938 in Palmerston North. She married William Rowlands in 1894 and together they had the following children: 


Aline Mary Rowlands born on 15 June 1899 and died, unmarried in 1975; 


Mavis Kathleen Rowlands born on 15 March 1901 and married in 1924 to Viggo Alfred Harold Monrad. She died in 1987; 


Jessie Marguerite Rowlands born in 1902 and died shortly after birth at five days of age;

Edna Jean Rowlands born on 31 October 1903 and married in 1931 to Wyvern Benjamin Gillies. She died in 1979; 


William Edward Rowlands born in 1905.

***

Patriarch, Edwin Bannister died on 13 May 1895 at Palmerston North.  At the time of his death he  had seven surviving daughters (five married) and four sons.  The Evening Post published a detailed record of his funeral in their 16 May 1895 edition.

MR. EDWIN BANNISTER'S FUNERAL.

The high esteem in which the late Mr. Edwin Bannister was held throughout the district was evidenced by the large and representative gathering which followed his body from the pretty homestead at Woodlawn up the winding tree-bordered road to tho picturesque Johnsonville Cemetery yesterday afternoon. 

Especially large was the gathering of his late brethren of the Oddfellows' Order, who marched before the coffin wearing their insignia of mourning. A detachment of these bore the coffin, at their own special request, all the way from the house to the grave. These bearers wore Brothers Chapman (2), Cunliffe, Farley, Hayhow, H. and W. Clark, Henry, N. Ball, F. Seagar, W. Platte, and Collotte. The pall bearers were Past Provincial Grand Masters Brothers S. Walters, J. Martin, J. Smith, jun., T. W. M'Kenzie, and G. Godber, Grand Master Brother J. Avery, and Corresponding Secretary (the office deceased had so long held) J. Kershaw. Other District representatives of the Order were Brother I. Clark, who acted as marshal and warden, and Brother R. Smith. 

The lodge representatives wore Antipodean Lodge (of which deceased was a member), G.M. Bro. Howe, P.G.M. Bro. Maxton, and Secretary A. Guise; Britannia Lodge, P.P.G.M. Bro. G. Godber, P.S. Kainaponra Lodge, Bro. Geo. Thompson, Trustee Pahantanui Lodge, P.P.G.M. Bro. J. Pearce; Rechabites, Aoting-Distriot Chief Ruler, Bro. Goudin. 

The coffin bore the insignia of deceased's rank in Oddfellowship, and was covered with wreaths. Large numbers of wreaths had been sent, amongst others being wreaths from Mr. J. E. FitzGerald (Controller-General), Mr. and Mrs. Harold Beauchamp, Mr. and Mrs. Rogen, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Woods, Mr. and Mrs. George Poynton, commercial department Evening Post, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. FitzGerald, Mr. and Mrs. E. Peagar, Mr. and Mrs. J. Blundell, Mr. and Mrs. L. Blundell, Mr. and Mrs. John Wa ker. Miss Dora Mostyn, Mr. Dalzeil, Mr. and Mrs. John Waters, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Cave, Mont. and Edith Bannister, Herbert Stace, Mr. and Mrs. I. W. Lovelock, H. M. Bannister, W. E., G. H., E. J., and Ethel Bannister, Mr. and Mrs. Bromley, Mrs. Drake and family, Masters George and Spenoer Bmumtor, Mr. Charles W. Bannister, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Bannister, Mr. J. Bannister. 

The chief mourners were Messrs. Robt. E., J., and H. Bannister (sons), Messrs. I. W. Lovelock, William Rowlands, and W. Stace (sons-inlaw), and Messrs. W. Everett and J. Waters.

Amongst the large procession which followed were many prominent residents of the city and district. Amongst them were Dr. Newman, M.H.R., His Worship the Mayor of Wellington, Messrs. A. Worburton (Managing Director New Zealand Times), E. T. Gillon, J. Blundell, L. Blnndell, C. W. Tanner, W. C. FitzGerald, H. Beauchamp, U. Grady, Bramleigh, Geo. Allen, G. Fisher, H. P Word, W. M. Cook, Majendie, A. and J. Wall, J. Chapman, Walter E. Woods, G. Wilson. W. Drake, Geo Hobbes, S. Everett, H. Stebbings, Fitohett, W. Moxham, the Rev. J. Murray, and many other old and well-known residents. 

The body having been carried into the church a service was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Monckton, assisted by the Rev. Otto Fitzgerald, and the solemn hymn, Days and Moments quickly Flying, Blend the Living with the Dead," was sung. The Church service at the grave was concluded by the Rev. Otto Fitzgerald.  The grave is upon the hill-top, from which a splendid view of rolling hills, with the township nestling at the spectators' feet, was visible in the waning light. The Church Service finished, Bro. J. O. Kershaw read, with impressive effect, the Oddfellows' ritual, wreaths were piled upon the grave, and the concourse streamed down the hill-paths out of the cemetery, the city folk to return by the special train whioh had brought them out, and which was in waiting at the Johnsonville Station, and the country settlers to scatter by their waiting horses and traps all over the district. 

At the meeting of the Antipodean Lodge, held last evening, the Lodge was draped in black in memory of the late Mr. Bannister. The usual "harmony" was postponed by special resolution as a mark of esteem, and resolutions of sympathy with the widow and Family were passed, as well as of thanks to the District Officers and the Britannia Lodge for their part in regard to the funeral.

Matriarch, Mary Bannister died on 13 February 1917 at the age of 87 years, at Palmerston North,  where she moved later in life, and at the time of her death she was listed as still having four living daughters and three living sons including Mr R.E. Bannister of Sydney and Mr C.M. Bannister of Queensland.