Life lines - A Genealogy Blog

Barnett, McKeown, Neems families

2011-11-22T17:13:00.000+13:00

Barnett Family

William George Barnett (1840 - 1931) married Mary Symons in 1863 in New Zealand. Their full family is as follows and were all born in New Zealand:

1. Walter George Barnett was born in 1874. In 1900 he married Isabella Jane Moore (1876 - 1952)
1.1 Dulcibel Barnett (1901). Married William McClennan in 1922.
1.2 Areta Amelia Barnett (1903). Married John Thomas Fielding in 1925.
1.3 Sidney Walter Barnett (1905). Married Isabella Alma Gladys Morrow in 1925.
1.4 Nellie Rauti Barnett (5 February 1907 - 2003). Died under the name Nellie Rauti Duncan, but could not find any marriage.
1.5 Jessie Miriam Barnett (1908)
1.6.James Allen Barnett (1910)
1.7 Allan Kaha Barnett (1911)
1.8 Edward Barnett

2. William Herbert "Willie" Barnett was born in 1875. In 1896 he married Sarah McKeown ( 1878 - 1966) William died in 1937.
2.1 Mary Elizabeth Barnett (1897). She either married Frederick Arthur Ruthe in 1915 or Peter Martin Dowie. Unsure which marriage was hers.
2.2 Albert Barnett (30 June 1898 - 1977)
2.3 Alma Caroline Barnett (1899 - 1971). In 1922 she married Lindsay Allen Bent (25 September 1899 - 1985).
2.4 Harold Walter Barnett (14 October 1900 - 1993)
2.5 Maude Barnett (1903)
2.6 Mabel Dorothy Barnett (15 April 1905 - 1985). In 1925 she married John Henry Neems (4 October 1903 - 1985)
2.7 Herbert McKeown Barnett (26 June 1905 - 1980)
2.8 Emily Barnett (1908)
2.9 Bertha Aldon Barnett (1909)

3. Amy Nora Louisa Barnett was born in 1876. In 1894 she married Thomas Jones. Amy died in 1961.
3.1 Effie Irene Jones (1 July 1900 - 1999). Died as Effie Timmins, but I have been unable to find a marriage
3.2 Thomas William Gordon Jones (10 July 1902 - 1975)

4. Francis Niari Taroatea Barnett was born in 1878.

5. Jessie Barnett was born in 1881. In 1899 she married Matthew Henderson.
5.1 Francis Joseph Roderick Henderson (1900 - 1906)
5.2 Doris Marian Emily Henderson (1901)
5.3 William Simmons Henderson (31 August 1902 - 1979). Married Agnes Lilian Wheeler (19 March 1904 - 1998) in 1921.
5.4 Thomas Cleave Henderson (13 February 1904 - 1984). Married Marjorie Lilian Young in 1924.

6. Mary Ava Barnett was born on 15 June 1882. In 1905 she married Henry Ray AKA Henry Te Rawhati Vercoe (1885 - 1962). Mary died in 1974.
6.1 Neal Te Taute Vercoe (1 August 1908 - 1986)
6.2 Raharuhi Lewis Vercoe (23 December 1910 - 1985)

7. Albert Edward Maihi Barnett in 1883.

See more information on this family here.

McKeown Family

Henry McKeown married Johanna McCartin in 1876

1. Sarah McKeown was born in 1878. (obviously see above)
2. Margaret McKeown was born in 1879. In 1902 she married Oswald Gallaher (1876 - 1931).
2.1 Douglas Stewart Gallaher (13 November 1903 - 1977)
2.2 Leota Gallaher (1905)

3. Bertha Leonora McKeown was born on 13 July 1881. In 1905 she married John Henry Lindsey Bullot.
3.1 Dorothy Naomi Bullot (1905 - 1952) Died unmarried.
3.2 Margery Joyce Bullot (1909)

4. John McKeown was born in 1884.

5. Johanna McKeown was born in 1886.

The Neems Family

Samuel Timothy Neems (1866 - 1950) married Alice Isabel Holliday (1867 - 1955) in 1896.

1. Mary Matilda Neems (1897 - 1953). In 1919 Mary married John Findlay.
2. Nora Alice Neems (30 January 1900 - 1982). In 1927 Nora married Bertram Young Warbrooke (18 June 1888 - 1975).
3. Elsie Sarah Neems (24 September 1901 - 1989). In 1922 Elsie married James Frederick Norman Datson (10 January 1899 - 1975).
4. Henry John Neems (4 October - 1903 - 1985). In 1925 Henry married Mabel Dorothy Barnett (15 April 1905 - 1985).
5. Maurice George Neems (6 July 1905 - 1997)
6. Samuel Edward Neems (26 September 1908 -1991)

The Soper Family of Marlborough

2011-11-12T10:48:00.000+13:00

In the course of so much research in the Marlborough region I came across the Soper family. Everything I could find on the internet was incomplete, and merely lists of names, where there was a lot more to these people, particularly someone like Rowden Soper who sounds like a really interesting character - hence the following post, which could still stand being added to:

William Soper (1808 - 1882). He was married to Sarah Lakemen. William must have come to New Zealand ahead of the family. Sarah brought five children out to New Zealand on her own aboard the barque the Cornwall. The ship left London on 12 August 1852 arriving at Lyttleton Harbour on 10 December 1852. Sarah brought with her: Ellen, Rowden, Winsor, Wheaton and Edward Day. As I have noted below, it seems likely that son John William travelled ahead with his father. It is also likely that there was another daughter, Susannah, who died in Devon prior to the family leaving England.

Sarah died in 1858. William then married for a second time, to Mary Agnes Rees (1819 - 8 October 1890) later in 1858. Mary died at Willow Glen, Spring Creek, her son Felix's home.

By his first marriage with Sarah Lakemen, William had at least five sons and a daughter, who survived infancy, and three who went on to have families of their own:

1. John William Soper (1836 - 21 September 1860). John died after a "lingering illness" of 'dropsy'. At the time the family were living at Wairau West. John was not on the Cornwall with his mother and siblings, so it is possible that he came to New Zealand earlier, with his father.

2. Ellen Soper (1842 - 1917). Ellen married Robert Aroa (1837 - 14 October 1886, Blind River, Awatere) in 1865. Robert and his relative Isaac had arrived in New Zealand aboard the ship Maori, which landed in Robert was a farmer and the Colonist newspaper outlined, in its 9 September 1859 edition, the land belonging to him:

Robert Aroa

District—The Clarence. Bounded to the northward by the dividing range between the rivers Clarence and Awatere; southward by the river Clarence; eastward by the lake McRae and the run applied for by George Williams, Esq.; mid extending as far westward or up the river Clarence as will make ten thousand acres. Deposit paid—£l5.

Sadly, Robert was killed in a dray accident, as recounted by the Grey River Argus on 15 October 1886:

FATAL ACCIDENT.

Blenheim, October 14. A fatal accident occurred this evening to a man named Robert Aroa, grazing farmer in the Awatere district, about 25 miles from Blenheim. He was driving home in a dray, and when about a mile from town fell from the vehicle, the wheel of which passed over his chest. Death ensued before the arrival of a medical man. An inquest will be held to-morrow. Deceased was an old settler in the district and about 40 years of aga. He leaves many relatives, a wife, and family.

The same day the Marlborough Express published a more detailed account of Robert's accident:

A FARMER KILLED

It is with much regret that we announce the death of Mr Robert Aroa, the widely known and respected farmer at the "Blind River”, who was the victim of a fatal accident last night about 6 o'clock in the Maxwell Road. Mr Aroa had been transacting his usual business in town, and was on his way (as was customary to him) to tho residence of his brother-in-law, Mr Denis Broughan, New Renwick Road. His dray was heavily loaded, and he was driving. As he passed the South Star Hotel he was seen to light his pipe, but when near to Mr Douslin's house a sudden jolt jerked him off the seat and down between the stanchions of the dray on to the ground, a wheel of the heavily laden dray passing over his chest. The poor fellow raised himself once from the ground, but never spoke again, and owing no doubt to rupture of internal organs, there was great hemorrhage from the mouth and he died in a few minutes.

The body was removed to the South Star HoteJ, and messengers rode off at once to Mr Broughan's house, and subsequently to acquaint the family of the deceased at the Blind River with the awful news.

Mr Aroa was in his 50th year, and leaves behind him a widow and nine young children. Mr Douslin and other gentlemen who happened to be near when the accident occurred picked him up, and procured the immediate attendance of Dr Nairn, but before that gentleman could arrive life had passed away.

Mr Aroa was much respected by all who knew him, and there will be universal sympathy for those he leaves behind. He was connected by marriage with Mr Wm. Atkinson of Rangiora as well as with Mr Denis Broughan. Mr Richard Beale of the New Road was also a brother-in-law. The deceased came out to New Zealand about 30 years ago, and had been at the Blind River for upwards of 25 years. Deceased was a very old member of the Loyal Marlborough Lodge of Odd Fellows.

As to the immediate cause of the accident it is surmised that the horses made an attempt to turn the corner by Mr T. Horton's house, and that the sudden wrench threw deceased from his seat.

Later on 15 October 1886, the Marlborough Express reported fully on Robert's inquest:

THE INQUEST.

Mr Allen, R.M., Coroner, held an Inquest this morning, at the Court House, on the body of Mr Robert Aroa, who met with a fatal accident last evening.

The Jury consisted of Messrs T. Watson (who was elected foreman), Patrick Maher, C. W. Badge, J. H. Marplo, E. Mead, Joseph Nancarrow, and W. T. Sherwood. The Coroner said that Dr Nairn had informed him that from the external marks on the body he could not tell the exact cause of death— whether from rupture of the heart, rupture of the lungs, or any other vital part. It was for the jury to say whether a post mortem examination should be made.

The Foreman intimated that the jury did not deem it necessary, for if it were shown that the death was caused by the dray going over the chest, it mattered little which of the vital parts was ruptured. The Jury retired to the South Star to view the body, and on their return Sergt. White called the following evidence:

E. G. Walsh deposed that he last saw deceased at half past 5 o'clock p.m., when he had evidently been drinking but was quite capable of taking oharge of the horse and dray. He drew up at the door of Fell's store for some goods, the total weight of which was about 7owt. It was a heavy dray. Witness well knew deceased as a sober respectable man and had never seen him the worse for drink.

Morgan O'Flaherty deposed that he last saw deceased at half past 5 or 20 minutes to 6 o'clock, at Litchfield's corner. He was not very noticeably under the influence of liquor, and was able to take care of the horse and dray. The latter was open at the front, and he sat on the near side corner holding the reins. Witness knew deceased as a sober man.

Thomas Parkinson, residing at the South Star Hotel, last saw deceased driving past there in a dray. He was half leaning on some wool bales and half sitting. He was smoking. Deceased did not call in at the South Star. The reins were tied on to the guard iron, and the horse waa going on at an average walk. Came to the conclusion that deceased was sober, and watching the horse. It was a one-horse heavy dray.

Horace Douslin said that about five minutes past six last evening he and his brother heard the horse start, and saw deceased hanging on to the reins and running alongside the dray. He held on for some ten yards ond then seemed to trip, and fell just in front of the wheel which passed over his body, He was on the near side of the dray. After he fell he was not dragged. Witness ran out and picked him up. Deceased was bleeding at the mouth and nose, and there was a large pool of blood on the ground. He never spoke or moved or made any noise. Witness got some water and bathed his head, and removed him to the side of the road. A cab took him away to the South Star. When witness first saw it the horse appeared to be bolting. After the accident it went on ahead and was stopped some distance up the road. Dr Nairn came up. No one was in the dray with deceased.

W. M. Heywood said that when he first saw deceased he was hanging on by the reins, into which he had evidently fallen. The reins were fastened on to the guard iron, and he was trying to regain his footing. The horse was just in a canter at the time. Witness was not near enough to stop it. Deceased at last fell in front of the wheel, which passed over him from his left side to the right. He tried to get up but rolled over. Witness managed to stop the horse with some difficulty, and in the meantime other people rendered assistance to deceased.

John Nicholson stated that deceased got on his dray at Litchfield's corner a few minutes before six o'clock, and was quite able to take charge of his horse and dray. He had previously got two bags of sugar, and two parcels from Litchfield's store, the weight being about 11/2 cwt.

Dr Nairn deposed that about 10 minutes to 6 o'clock he saw deceased get off his dray to speak to a woman in the road. He pushed her perambulator for her for about 20 yards, and then went after her down a by-road, leaving the dray standing. Witness saw nothing more of deceased until he was sent for about 10 minutes past 6 o'clock. Found him lying on the road-side, quite warm, and apparently about five minutes dead. Saw him removed to the South Star.

Dr Nairn then described the result of a post mortem examination which he made, the jury having, after viewing the body, expressed a desire to have one made. He found the breast bone completely fractured, and nine ribs on the right side broken. The right lung was much lacerated, and contained a great quantity of blood. The other organs were sound. The injuries were quite sufficient to cause death.

Constable Ward said he saw deceased in front of Fell's store at 25 minutes past 6 o'clock. He was able to take charge of his horse and dray. Next saw deceased lying dead in the Maxwell Road.

The Jury returned the verdict of "Accidental Death."

Ellen was left with nine young children:

2.1 Sarah Elizabeth Aroa (1866 - 1959). Sarah married James Benjamin Stirling (1862 - 8 November 1908) of Starborough on 2 March 1889 at her mother's residence, by Rev. W.O. Robb. Sarah and James lived in Hundalee, Kaikoura and had the following children, the eldest aged 19 and the youngest only three years at the time of James' untimely death:

2.1.1 James William Stirling (1889 - 18 May 1946). James married Daisy Wilhelmina Nelson (1887 - 19 August 1917, Christchurch) in 1915. Sadly, this marriage was very brief, as Daisy died within two years of her marriage at the age of 28. It seems that the reason for her death was complications from birth. On 15 August 1917 Daisy had given birth to a stillborn child at 473 Gloucester Street, Christchurch - within days, she was also dead. This must have been devastating for James. At the time of Daisy's death, the couple were living at 148 Holly Road, Christchurch. Daisy is buried at the Linwood Cemetery.
In 1919 James remarried to Jeanie Fowler (1892 - 1968), a young Scottish woman who had come out to New Zealand around 1913. I'm unsure of any living children this couple had, but know that Jeanie had one stillborn child on 23 March 1923. This child is buried at the Sydenham Cemetery in Christchurch.
At the time of James' death in May 1946 he and Jeanie were living at 110 Milton Street, Christchurch and James was working as a grocer. Jeanie died on 30 June 1968. James and Jeanie are both buried at the Ruru Lawn Cemetery.

2.1.2 Edward Gordon Stirling (1891 - 8 October 1918). Edward married Hilda Minnie Coleman in 1917.

Sadly, the marriage was all too brief as Edward enlisted and left New Zealand on Athenic on 31 December 1917, subsequently being killed in action on 8 October 1918 at Le Cateau, France. While Edward was away at war, Hilda lived with her father F. Coleman in Alfred Street, Blenheim.

2.1.3 Ellen Elizabeth Stirling (7 July 1893 - 1979). Ellen married Horace Spackman (1880 - 1967) in 1919. Horace was from Waiorongomai, Featherston and worked as a shepherd. He had also enlisted during WWI.

Horace Spackman in WWI uniform

2.1.4 Edith Winifred Stirling (29 July 1896 - 1991). Edith married William Gall in 1925.

2.1.5 Ida Minnie Stirling (25 June 1899 - 1990). Ida married Hillswick John Stove (1887 - 1962) in 1923. John also served in WWI. They had at least one son:
2.1.5.1 Gordon Hillswick Stove (1924 - 1935). Died aged just nine years.

2.1.6 Myrtle Stirling (2 April 1901 - 1990). Myrtle married Cecil Algernon Shaw (1898 - 1966) in 1930. It is likely that Cecil was a relative of Mr Shaw, famous in Marlborough for his 'bird poison', advertisements for which appeared frequently the Marlborough Express in the 19th century endorsed by Myrtle's great uncle Rowden Soper!

2.1.7 Allan Norman Stirling (26 April 1905 - 1986)

Tragically, Sarah lost her husband James in an accident, in an eerily similar way as her mother had lost her father, almost twenty years earlier. The Marlborough Express of 10 November 1908 explains:

PERSONAL.

Our Kaikoura correspondent telegraphs that Mr James Benjamin Stirling was killed on Sunday evening through his horses bolting and pulling him over the splash-board of his buggy. He was discovered dead across the swingletrees, his head and shoulders being much cut about. The deceased was a son-in-law of Mrs Aroa, and was formerly manager of Starborough. He was highly esteemed in Kaikoura.

The following day the Marlborough Express expanded on its story:

Mr James Benjamin Stirling, sheep farmer, of Hundalee, was killed at half-past six o'clock last night. We are informed that he was driving to Mr Goulter's, Omihi, and had just left his wife at Mr C. Smith's, when, after starting off from there, the horses shied and bolted. MrStirling was thrown forward and was seen to fall over the buggy splash board. The horses, being out of control, continued in their mad career across the Oaro river, unchecked until they got opposite the Catholic Church, when they were stopped by Mr Beaton, jun., and others. Mr Stirling was found to be dead, his body across the swingletrees, with the head downward. Apparently his head had struck the ground when he fell over, rendering him unconscious, and it probably bumped against the roadway, as it was much cut about, as also, were his shoulders. The clothes on the upper part of the body wore torn off. Mr Christopher Smith and Mr Gilbert followed up the bolting horses when it was seen that Mr Stirling had not recovered, his seat.

Mr Stirling was successful in obtaining one of the Hundalee holdings when the country was sub-divided some years ago, and as soon as he got buildings erected he made it his home, he and his wife being highly esteemed as settlers. Deceased, who was every thing his name signifies, was a most industrious settler and an unostentatious man. He is understood to have managed Scarborough at one time, and is also said to have been associated with other Awatere properties. He married a Miss Aroa (Blind River) and leaves a widow and young family; his age was about 50.

Letters of administration were granted to Sarah, as James had obviously left no will, on 4 December 1908, by the Supreme Court sitting in Nelson. Sarah lived for many years, dying in 1959 at the age of 92.

2.2 John William Aroa (1868 - 1928). John appears to have taken over the family farm at Blind River, Awatere. John was married by Rev. T.B. Maclean to Edith Louisa Harris (1870 - 1952) at Christ Church in Wanganui on 30 January 1901. Edith was the daughter of the late George Harris formerly of Nelson. Although married in Wanganui, the couple returned to Awatere. They don't appear to have had any children.

2.3 Richard Aroa (1869 - 17 January 1921). Richard moved to Taranaki from Awatere and had a farm in the Kaponga area. He married Jane Clare (1867 - 10 March 1940) in 1893. They had at least two daughters, although I'm unsure what became of them as I haven't been able to find records of marriage or of death:
2.3.1 Sarah Ellen Aroa (1893) - obviously this child was named for Richard's mother and grandmother.
2.3.2 Eveline May Aroa (1899 - 20 April 1968). Eveline/Evelyn didn't marry. Her ashes are interred in the Te Henui Cemetery in Taranaki. She was living in Auckland at the time of her death.

Richard and Jane are buried at the Te Henui Cemetery in Taranaki. According to cemetery records Richard was living in Onehunga at the time of his death and was a storekeeper. Jane was a widow, lived at 43 Grey Street, Onehunga, at the time of her death.

2.4 Isaac Aroa (1871). It seems that like his brother Richard, Isaac also made the move north to Taranaki. Also like Richard, Isaac married a Clare sister - this time, Emma Clare (1878 - 6 December 1965) in 1903. Emma and Jane were two of ten children of Thomas and Lavinia Mary Clare. Isaac and Emma had at least two children:
2.4.1 Lilian Maude Aroa (1904)
2.4.1 Isaac Vinson Aroa (1908 - 31 March 1961). Isaac married Catherine Margaret (1906 - 16 June 1993). By the process of elimination, I suspect that Isaac and Catherine had at least two sons -
2.4.1.1 Male Aroa married June Lynette. June Aroa (1940 - 10 December 1971) died very young and is listed as being married, and living at 83 Wallace Place, New Plymouth at the time of her death. She was cremated at the Awanui Cemetery.
2.4.1.2 Kenneth Vinson Aroa (6 January 1937 - 6 January 1937). This baby died aged nine hours and was buried at Te Henui Cemetery in Taranaki.
Isaac didn't outlive his father by much, and was in fact outlived by his mother! He was a grocer at the time of his death, living at 1 Clemow Road, New Plymouth. Isaac and Catherine are both also buried at Awanui Cemetery, Catherine's ashes interred with Isaac. Catherine was a widow for over thirty years, and at the time of her death she was living in a nursing home, Pinetree Lodge, Mosstown Road, Wanganui.

Isaac Snr died on 28 July 1959 and is buried at the Awanui Cemetery in Taranaki. At the time of his death he was a retired grocer, living at 140 Courtenay Street, New Plymouth. Emma died on 6 December 1965

2.5 Frank Aroa (28 January 1874) (Fourth son at the time of his marriage). Frank married Alice Annie Stockley on 20 April 1898 at the Church of the Epiphany, Awatere by Rev. E.N. Ensor. Alice was the fourth daughter of the late William George Stockley of New Plymouth.
The Marlborough Express summarised the wedding in its 23 April 1898 edition:

Wedding Bells.

A pleasing ceremony took place on the 20th inst. at the Church of the Epiphany, Awatere, the occasion being the celebration of the wedding of Miss Alice Annie Stockley, fourth daughter of the late W. G. Stookley, of New Plymouth, to Mr Frank Aroa, fourth son of the late Robert Aroa, of Blind Biver. The bride looked very becoming in a lavender serge dress with trimmings to match. Miss Aroa attended the bride, and Mr J. Linton acted as best man. After the ceremony the party adjourned to the residence of Mrs Aroa Senr,, where the guests were entertained and a thoroughly enjoyable evening was spent. The bride was the recipient of many useful and valuable presents.

2.6 Charlotte Aroa (1876 - 6 July 1912, Lower Awatere). Charlotte was obviously the "Miss Aroa" who attended her sister in law at her brother Frank's wedding. She may have already known Mr James Linton, the groomsman, or she may have met him at the wedding, but they obviously enjoyed each other's company as she married him in 1900. Together, Charlotte and James had the following family:
2.6.1 Alexander Robert Linton (28 September 1901 - 1986)
2.6.2 Janet McIntosh Linton (1904). Janet married Edward Francis Lyle Snowden in 1925.
2.6.3 Robert Noel Linton (17 September 1906 - 1993)
2.6.4 Gwenllean Linton (23 August 1908 - 1986)

Sadly, Charlotte died young, in 1912, at the age of just 36, leaving James a widower with four young children. I can't see evidence that he ever remarried. It would be nice to think that his spinster sister in law, Minnie or some of his own family, helped him with the children.

2.7 Minnie Aroa (1878 - 1970). Minnie never married but worked as a nurse. She lived to the ripe old age of 92 and is buried at the Omaka Cemetery.

2.8 Robert Aroa (1881 - 2 April 1962). Robert married Bertha Christina Jamieson (9 December 1887 - 10 July 1980) in 1907. However it appears that they had already had at least one son, prior to their marriage. This child, Ernest, wasn't registered until they married.
2.8.1 Ernest Lionel Aroa (17 September 1904 - 1988)
2.8.2 Clarence Robert Aroa (1907)

It seems that Robert and Bertha followed Robert's brothers Richard and Isaac to Taranaki, as they are both buried the Te Henui Cemetery in Taranaki. Robert died first and the couple were living at 257 Carrington Street, New Plymouth at the time of his death. Bertha was 92 years old at the time of her death and had been living at Tainui home (presumably a resthome) Clawton Street, New Plymouth at the time of her death.

2.9 Eleanor May Aroa (1883 - 1968). Married Noel Paton (1878 - 1944) in 1910. The Marlborough Express related the wedding to readers on 29 March 1910:

WEDDING.

PATON—AROA

This afternoon a pretty wedding was solemnised at the Church of the Nativity, by the Ven. Archdeacon Grace, between Mr Noel Paton, of Camperdown, Downfield (Dundee), and Miss Eleanor May Aroa, youngest daughter of Mrs Aroa, Maxwell Road, Blenheim.

The bride, who was attired in creme silk voile with the usual wreath and veil and carried a shower bouquet of white dahlias and maidenhair fern, was given away by her brother, Mr Richard Aroa, of New Plymouth. She was attended by her sister, Miss M. Aroa, as bridesmaid (who was attired in white muslin), and two little flower girls (Miss Janet Linton, niece of the bride, and Miss Winnie Flower, cousin of the bride, dressed in white silk, with blue sashes).

The bridegroom was attended by Mr D. Robertson as best man. A reception was afterwards held at the residence of the bride's mother, where a large number of guests assembled to partake of afternoon tea and to express their good wishes to the young couple.

Among the presents, which were numerous and handsome, was a silver salver presented to the bride by her class, and also a silver toastrack from the teachers at the Weld Street Sunday School. From the Church of the Nativity Christian Endeavour Society, of which the bride had been a member for the past seven years, she received a book as a mark of esteem from her fellow Endeavourers. The bridegroom was the recipient of a 400-day clock from his employers (Messrs Ward and Sons) and a set of carvers, from his fellow employees. The happy couple left by the afternoon train on their honeymoon, the bride's travelling dress being a green tweed costume, with hat to match.

Noel and Eleanor seem to have settled in the Blenheim area.

***

When Ellen Aroa died in February 1917, the Marlborough Express published the following obituary:

The late Mrs Ellen Aroa, whose death occurred at Blenheim on Friday at the age of 75 years, was an old and esteemed resident of the Awatere district. Her husband, Mr Robert Aroa, who was a well-known settler at Blind River, predeceased her by several years. The deceased lady was born at Brixton. Devonshire and arrived at Nelson with her parents when she was eleven years old, her association with the colonising days thus dating back 64 years.

She was married to Mr Aroa in the Wairau district 51 years ago, and spent some thirty years of her life at Blind River, removing about 16 years ago to Blenheim. In recent years her health had weakened, but she remained in a comparatively active condition until almost the last, death being due to heart failure. Throughout her long, life her kindly and hospitable nature endeared her to many friends.

She leaves five sons and three daughters. Mr John Aroa, of Blind River, is her eldest son, and four sons are settled down in the North Island. The surviving daughters are Mrs Stirling (Kaikoura), Mrs Noel Paton (Blenheim), and Miss Aroa who is a member of the nursing profession.

3. Rowden Soper (October - December 1844 - 1 June 1915) married Emily Squire (27 May 1931) in 1873.

The Sopers, as a larger family unit, obviously enjoyed the Hunt. Rowden was President of the Hunt Club between 1890 and 1893 and the Marlborough Express, on 25 July 1889, recounts a hunt at Rowden's property:

Marlborough Hunt Club.

The Club was favored with a glorious day for its meet at Mr Rowden Soper's, Spring Creek yesterday, and a good attendance. Amongst those following I noticed Mrs Hanna on Kohai, Mrs C. Earp on Mac, Miss Douslin on a bay, Mrs H. Weir on Zephyr, Mrs D Burns on Hope, the Master (Mr G. B Richardson) on Mercury, Mr P. Douslin on Kauri, Mr J. B. Green on Hotspur, Mr T Gregory on Clarence, Mr Fred Dodson on Farina, Mr Rowden Soper on Upcot, Mr Weir on Sawdust, Mr T. Bax on a grey, Mr Ballantine on Appy, Mr J. Barr on Stockman, Mr A. Gifford on a bay, Mr J Gifford on a bay, Mr Felix Soper on a bay, Mr W. Soper on a bay, and the Whip on Cloud.

Starting from Mr Rowden Soper's a hare was put up in a few minutes but heading for the river-bed it managed to elude its pursuers, another one was soon started, which gave a full view for about a mile and half, the hounds working in beautiful style. Three or four more hares getting up gave some dodgy runs. It was now growing late and there was a general feeling that this day a hare must die, and the Master worked as hard as the hounds for a kill.

A hunted hare being picked up in Mr Winsor Soper's was soon hard pressed and made for the flax it started from where the hounds killed. The tip was pre sented to Mrs Hanna, who had ridden well to the front throughout the day. The runs gave some capital jumping and particularly I noticed Mr T. Gregory who cleared two high wire fences with nothing more than a coat hung across the top wire. The Master and Whip in working the hounds cleared a five foot gate, the jump of the season.

A most enjoyable day was spent and and all were grateful to Mr Soper for affording such good sport. After partaking of Mr Soper's hospitality, a homeward start was made and the kindness of Mr and Mrs Soper was acknowledged by three hearty cheers.

In 1893 Rowden decided to sell his property in Wairau, in order to buy more land in Takaka. On 12 April 1893 this report was published in the Marlborough Express.

A MARLBOROUGH FARM.

A day in the country is not to be despised by a journalist, and when it is spent on so fine a place, and with so genial a host as Mr Rowden Soper, it can hardly be improved on. Yesterday in company with Mr R. D. Nosworthy, representatives of the local papers drove out to spy out the land that is to be sold shortly. If one had not known it before, a visit to the farm would soon convince him that in losing him the Wairau is parting with a first-class farmer, and Takaka (Nelson) gaining one.

We need not go into all the details of the property to be sold next Tuesday. The house is sound, and well arranged round it is a garden in which is placed a good collection of flowers. Almost at the back door is a vinery 70ft in length, walnuts grow in profusion and fetch in about £4 a tree every year, orange trees, almonds, and peaches (the fruit of the latter being some of the best and largest we have seen) are all placed near the house. A short distance away is the orchard, an acre in extent, and from it we were shown a large pit of apples, which will be kept till about the time next year's apples are ripening. Till we actually saw the land and its products, there was a feeling extant in our minds that Mr Soper was telling a “fairy” when he spoke of 3ft 6in parsnips which the shearers could not finish, and a 21lb cabbage, after the outer leaves had been given to the pigs, but a visit to thy place is quite sufficient to convince one. 72 bushels of wheat, from 60 to 70 of oats, and over 50 of barley are not bad records.

When Mr Soper's father laid out the farm he had the foresight to lay it off in paddocks with quick hedges, and on his death he so divided it as to give his sons an equal portion of good land. This was done by cutting the farm longitudinally. Mr Rowden Soper has 208 acres, divided into eleven paddocks, several of which are ploughed for fallow, while in one are four acres of potatoes, which Mr Soper reckons will go from eight to ten ton 3 per acre. Not being farmers, we cannot say whether the practice he adopts is general, but he assured us that in place of digging now and pitting, he leaves the “taties” in the ground till the spring when they dig fresh, do not sprout as if stored, and sell better.

The farm buildings are very complete. The stables have a number of stalls and a loose box, a chaff store, working room, loft, dovecot, and chaffcutter worked by horse-power. Below the grain store is a trap house, fowl house and machinery shed, and of course there is a pig-stye, slaughtering tackle, and all the appurtenances of a first-class farm. At present Mr Soper has 271 sheep running on the place. They are a second cross. The rams are half-bred Lincoln and Romney Marsh, and the ewes Merino, and the result is sound healthy looking lambs, and Mr Soper says that for both wool and carcass he prefers this cross.

Having gone round the farm and enjoyed the hospitality which Mrs Soper showered on us in the way of peaches, walnuts, grapes, and apples, making up the round with tea and homemade bread, the party prepared to depart and on leaving we received a hearty send-off. It may be asked why with so fine a property does Mr Soper wish to go. His answer is that he has a large family and the place won't stand any more subdividing, so that he had to look ahead, and get into new territory. He does not like parting with the old place, and building a new home, but for the sake of his family he has determined on denying himself some pleasures, and sacrifice them to better his youngsters.

Rowden and Emily had the following family, and I believe their eldest son is named after Rowden's brother, who died prematurely:

3.1 John William Soper (1874 - 1921). John doesn't appear to have married.
3.2 Louise Emily Soper (1877 - 1959). Married William Samuel Osborne (1869 - 1949) on 23 April 1898 at Puramahoi, at Rowden's Soper's propery. They were married by Rev. H.W. Klendenger.
3.2.1 Leonard William Rowden Osborne (1901 - 1901). This child died as a seven month old infant.
3.3 Edith Isabella Soper (1879 - 1938). Married Norris George Franklyn 1875 - (1932) in 1906.
3.4 Ethel May Soper (1881 - 1957). Married John Morton in 1913.
3.5 Frederick Rowden Soper (2 July 1883 - 1972). Married Constance Mary Leck (1893 - 1970) in 1914.
3.6 Frank Harold Soper (7 December 1885 - 1972). Married Leyden Hume (1900 - 1971) in 1921. They had at least one daughter together:
3.6.1 June Leyden Soper (26 April 1929 - 2010). Married Pomeroy.
3.7 Algernon Leslie Soper (1889 - 1950). Les married Jean Winifred Vaughan in 1921. They lived in Takaka, Nelson. They had at least one son:
3.7.1 Terence John Soper (1922 - 8 November 1943). Terence was killed at the age of just 21 in WWII during air operations. More can be read about him here.

3.8 Vera Constance Soper (1892 - 1955). Married George Richard Heath (1882 - 1945) in 1915.
3.9 Alfred Gordon Soper (1897)

Rowden died at his residence, Puramahoi. Emily and Rowden are buried together in the East Takaka Cemetery.

On 2 June 1915, the Colonist newspaper published this account of Rowden's sudden death:

SUDDEN DEATH AT PURAMAHOI.

Takaka, June 1

A very sudden and tragic death occurred at Puramahoi early this morning. Mr Rowden Soper went out to feed ducks at the creek alongside his home. As he did not return, search was made, and his body was discovered in the creek. It is surmised that the deceased had a stroke, and, falling into the creek, was drowned. Mr Soper, although well on in years, was a hale and hearty man. He had a slight stroke a few years ago, but at the time of his death he was apparently in good health. He belonged to an old Marlborough family, but had been at Puramahoi for over twenty years. He was very well known and highly respected, and was a successful farmer. He leaves a widow, and a family of five sons and four daughters, all grown up. One of the sons is in Egypt with the main body of the New Zealand Mounted Infantry. News of Mr Soper's death caused a shock throughout the entire valley, the deceased and his family being universally known and respected. The family have the deepest sympathy on all sides. Mr Soper recently sold his fine property to a land syndicate, and intended retiring from active farm life very shortly.

4. Winsor Lewcraft Soper (1846 - 10 February 1916) married Eliza Squire in 1874.
4.1 Gertrude Lakemen Soper (1875 - 1941). Married Joseph Ford in 1909.
4.1.1 Victor Joseph Ford (1910)
4.1.2 Ronald Edwin Ford (1911)
4.2 Alfred Douglas Soper (1877 - 1878). Died as a six week old infant.
4.3 Ada Soper (1879). Ada married Albert Ernest Gane in November 1904 and it was recounted in the 16 November 1904 edition of the Marlborough Express:

An interesting wedding took place last Thursday at the Holy Trinity Church, Upper Spring Creek, the contracting parties being Ada, second daughter of Mr Winsor Soper, and Albert Ernest, eldest son of Mr Samuel Gane.

The ceremony was performed by the Rev. W. Woolstein, The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a pretty costume of cream silk voile, trimmed with frills of silk and lace yoke, with veil and orange blossoms, and carried a shower bouquet of white flowers and asparagas fern; and also wore a gold brooch, the gift of the bridegroom.

Miss Florence Gane, sister of the bridegroom, acted as chief bridesmaid, the other bridesmaids being Miss Annie Soper, sister of the bride, Miss Mabel Gane, and Miss Nellie Soper. All wore gold brooches, gifts of the bridegroom, and carried shower bouquets. Mr Edward Soper, brother of the bride, acted as best man, and Miss M. Gilford played the Wedding March as the bridal party left the church.

After the ceremony the guests were entertained at the residence of the bride's parents at afternoon tea, when a number of toasts were honored. The bride's travelling dress was blue flaked voile, with cream hat to match. The happy couple left during the evening for Wanganui, via Picton and Wellington, where the honeymoon will be spent, and were followed by the good wishes of their many friends. The presents comprised a handsome and useful collection.

4.4 Annie Eliza Soper (1880 - 1969). Doesn't appear to have married.
4.5 Edward Winsor Soper (1882). Edward moved away to Morrinsville, and it was from there he enlisted to serve in WWI on 16 October 1914. See more information about his service record here. Edward lost a leg at Gallipoli and returned home and the following was published in the Marlborough Express on 18 March 1916 recounting his return home:

A cordial reception was tendered to Lance Corporal H. S. Macey and Private Edward W. Soper, who returned to Blenheim last evening. In the presence of the National Reserve, the Territorial Forces, and a large gathering of the public, the Mayor (Mr J. J. Corry), speaking from the Market Place rotunda, complimented the returned soldiers on their participation in the fighting at Gallipoli, and extended to them a hearty welcome home. Other speakers were Mr E. S. Parker (Deputy Mayor) and the Rev. B. F. Rothwell. The Tenth Mounted Regimental Band rendered appropriate music. Private Soper has had a leg amputated below the knee, and wears an artificial limb.

On 6 May 1916 the Marlborough Express reported upon the formal Welcome Home for Edward Soper, held in Rapaura:

The Rapaura Hall was well filled on Wednesday evening, when a welcome horne was given to Private Edward Soper, who lost his leg on the Gallipoli Peninsula during the fierce attack which followed the memorable landing on April 25th of last year.

Private Soper was one of the first to obey the call of duty, and enlisted at Morrinsville in the 6^th Hauraki Regiment. Although residing away at the time of his enlistment, it was felt by the residents of the district that it was only fitting that honor should be rendered to one who had been born and lived the greater part of his life in the district.

The proceedings ocened with the singing of the National Anthem and a selection ("Songs for the Allies") by the Rapaura Orchestra. Vocal items were given by Misses M. Pigon, F. Morrison, K. O'Dwyer and Messrs Bull and Wintringham, all of whom met with hearty appreciation. The Mayor of Blenheim (Mr. J. J. Corry) was called upon to welcome Private Soper and present him with a well-filled wallet (suitably inscribed) as a token of admiration and regard from the residents of ther Spring Creek district.

In an interesting speech Mr Corry reviewed a little of the past history of the district, and showed how the Soper family had always been to the fore in matters of volunteering and rifle shooting, and therefore it was only natural that as member of such a family should have responded early to the call of his King and country. Mention was also made of the serious loss Private Soper had sustained and the hope was expressed that he would receive something commensurate from the patriotic funds to supplement the pension granted by the Goyernment.

The Rev. W. Wollstein in a stirring speech also spoke words of welcome and admiration of the ready response that had been made by Private Soper, and appealed to all who were eligible to follow his worthy example.

Private Soper, in replying, thanked his friends for the welcome and kindness, and in a calm but thrilling manner related his experienees from the time of his leaving New Zealand to the receiving of his wound. There was not a trace of egotism, but the audience realised that he had done "his bit" well,and were proud that one of their number had participated in that historic landing.

Mr Corry then called for three cheers for Private Soper which were given most enthusiastically. After another selection by the orchestra, suppeir was handed round. A few dances followed, and terminated one of the pleasantest functions ever held in the hall.

In its 5 May 1917 edition the Marlborough Express updated the district on Edward, recording his marriage to Emily Sykes:

Private Edward Winsor Soper, a Marlborough boy who went to Gallipoli and a member of the 6th Haurakis, Main Body, and was severely wounded, was married in Auckland recently to Sister Sykes, who was in charge of the ward for New Zealand soldiery in the Manchester Infirmary while Private Soper was there. The staff of John Court Ltd where Private Soper is employed, presented him with a spirit kettle as a mark of esteem.

Edward died in 1939 at the age of 57.

4.6 Ida Ellen "Nellie" Soper (1884). Married Robert Walker in 1924.
4.7 Hugh Douglas Soper (19 April 1887 - 1975)
4.8 Victor Henry Soper (1890 - 20 October 1891)
4.9 Vivian Roy Soper (22 October 1892 - 1977). Married Joyce Dorothy Laslett (17 September 1901 - 2002) in 1922. Joyce lived to be over 100 years old!
4.10 Aubrey Leon Soper (1894 - 1964). Married Agnes Blain Philip (8 December 1898 - 1988) in 1924. They had at least one son:
4.10.1 Philip Aubrey Winsor Soper (7 August 1925 - 2004)
4.11 Reginald Charles Soper (1896 - 1970). Married Margaret Louise Elbeck in 1924.

5. Wheaton Soper (1847 - 1930) married Mary Ann Sarah Squire in 1873.
5.1. Arthur Wheaton Soper (1874 - 1952)
5.2. Alice Maude "Maude" Soper (1875 - 1952). Maude married Albert Henry Gifford (1857 - 1909) in 1902 and they had two daughters together:
5.2.1. Alice Muriel Gifford (10 June 1903 - 1998). Married Pennall.
5.2.2 Nessie Maude Lilian Gifford (1905). Nessie married Charles Edward Clarence (1897) on 15 June 1932.

Albert's death was acknowledged in the Marlborough Express on 10 May 1909:

OBITUARY.

MR. A. GIFFORD

It is with, deep regret that we record the death of Mr Albert H. Gifford, which took place at "Springfield," Upper Spring Creek, yesterday afternoon, after a short illness. Mr Gifford, who was about fifty years of age, was the youngest surviving son of the late Mr Isaac Gifford. He was born in Nelson, and it was in his early infancy that his parents settled in Spring Creek, which has been his home ever since.

The deceased gentleman was a prominent member of the A. and P. Association, and of the Spring Creek Road Board. For many years he was manager of his late father's large farm, which has since been under his sole control.

Kindly, genial and sympathetic, he will be sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends. Mr Gifford leaves a young widow (formerly Miss M.Soper) and two little daughters. His aged mother survives him, and there are two brothers, Mr T. Gifford (North Island) and Mr W. Gifford (Spring Creek), and five sisters, Mesdames Rose ("Kegworth"), Gane (Spring Creek), W. B. Parker, W. D. and T. Pike (Blenheim). Mr Gifford was amongst those elected to the Committee of the A. and P. Association on Saturday afternoon.

Following Albert's death, Alice married Donald Maclaine in 1913. They don't appear to have had any children together.

5.3. Herbert Edward Soper (1879 - 1951). Herbert married Annie May Robinson (1880 - 1949) in 1908. Herbert and Annie had at least four daughters:
5.3.1 Mabel Maude Soper (4 April 1909) Mabel was born at Mrs Jellyman's Nursing Home on Grove road, Spring Creek.
5.3.2 Hilda Lucy Soper (1911)
5.3.3 Bertha Annie Soper (1916 - 1965) Did not marry.
5.3.4 Grace Evelyn Soper (1917 - 1918). Died as a two month old infant.

5.4 Lilian Elsie Soper (1889). Married Robert William Bryce in 1911. This couple may have moved overseas, as I can't find any further trace of them at this time.

6. Edward Day Soper died in 1860. I expect he could not have been more than a teenager.

By his second marriage with Mary Agnes Rees, William had a daughter who died as a baby, and two sons, one of whom went on to have a family:

7. Louisa Soper (1859 - 1860)

8. Felix William Soper (1861) married Mathilda Borck in 1886. This family lived at Willow Glen, Rapaura, Marlborough. Felix was President of the Rapaura Orchestra during the 1918/19 year. He was assisted on the committee by his nephew Herbert Soper, who acted as Orchestra auditor.
8.1 William Henry Soper (1887 - 1970). Married Alison Marion Diedgson in 1906.
8.2 Mary Eleanor Soper (1887). Married Frank Strangman Davis-Goff in 1915.
8.3 Bernard Felix Soper (1888 - 1971). Married Violet Annie Gregory (25 May 1994 - 1973) in 1930.
8.4 Norman Soper (1893 - 1918). Norman was killed in action in France on 26 May 1918 during WWI. He was a very young looking 25 year old, as you can see in the photo below.
8.5 Albert Stainsbury Soper (7 June 1895 - 1980). Albert also served in WWI, departing New Zealand on 16 February 1917. He married Clara Falvey (1906 - 1970) in 1929.

PERSONAL NOTES

Details of the circumstances in which the late Private Norman Soper met his death in France on May 25th have been received by a recent mail. The deceased soldier was a member of a party of six sent out at night to capture a German listening-post. The enemy apparently became aware of their approach and withdrew from this particular post in consequence. On rushing the post the New Zealanders were bombed by the Germans from a position of vantage farther on, and four casualties were inflicted. The late Private Soper was hit in the chest, and died when being carried back to his lines. He was buried in No Man's Land in a particular part of tho sector known as La Signy Farm, which was the scene of heavy fighting in the early days of the war.

9. Rees Tarring Soper (1863 - 1934). Married Margaret Annie Lambert in 1891, but the marriage was apparently extremely short lived. The following Notice appeared in the Advertisements column of the Marlborough Express on 12 September 1891:

PUBLIC NOTICE.

TAKE Notice that after this date I decline to be responsible for any debts contracted or to be contracted by my wife, Margaret Annie Soper (nee Lambert), and that any claim for Board or Lodging for those sheltering her will not be recognised by me, as she has voluntarily left a comfortable home without lawful excuse.

REES SOPER, Spring Creek. September 12th, 1891.

It is probable that a divorce was eventually effected between this pair, and no children were born of the brief union.

*****

It is possible that William Soper and his first wife Sarah also had other children who died prior to the trip to New Zealand. These may have included:

Susannah Winsor Soper who died in 1838;

Ellen Winsor Soper who was born in the April to June quarter of 1841.

Wemyss Family

2011-11-11T16:40:00.001+13:00

Alister's great grandfather's cousin, John Waters married Catherine Wemyss. More information about them here. The following is what I can make of the Wemyss family.

John Wemyss arrived in Nelson on 26 October 1874 on the Ship Chile from Edinburgh - it had left on 22 July 1874. He came from Galashiels, Scotland. He was listed as a Fellmonger but worked in NZ as a tanner. He was listed as being aged 41 at the time of his journey to NZ, meaning that he was born around 1833.

Also aboard was his wife, Catherine Stanley Wemyss, aged 47, born around 1827. Catherine had previously been a widow. Accompanying them were their four children:

1. Jessie Wemyss aged 14 at the time of the journey to New Zealand (1860 - 17 October 1939). Married Christian Richard Jordan (1847 - 7 November 1933) on 18 December 1876 at Johnsonville (and married as "Janet" Wemyss). They had the following children:
1.1 Catherine Jane Jordan (1879 - 1956). Married William Henry Hammond in 1904.
1.1.1 David William Hammond (1906 - 1956).
1.2 Baby Girl Jordan (1880 - 30 January 1881). Died aged six weeks.
1.3 Dora Jordan (8 January 1882, the Willows, Old Renwick Road - 27 January 1882). Died aged just 19 days.
1.4 Norman Wemyss Jordan (1883 - 1948). Married Jessie Millington in 1908.
1.5 Charles Stanley Jordan (22 August 1887, Old Renwick Road - 17 October 1887, Old Renwick Road). Died aged eight weeks.
1.6 Stewart Wilson Jordan (1889 - 1964). Married Bertha May McKenzie (1892 - 27 July 1951) in 1916.
1.6.1 Stewart Wilson Jordan (1924 - 1924). Died aged just two days.
1.7 Adrian Harris Jordan (1891 - 1953). Served during WWI and returned via Auckland aboard the Arawa around 19 November 1919.
1.8 Irene May Jordan (1893 -18 January 1894, Renwick Middle Road). Aged ten weeks.
1.9 Davina Linda Jordan (15 December 1895 - 1972). Never married.
1.10 Gladys Louisa Jordan (1898)
1.11 Ivy Christina Jordan (1901 - 1901). Aged aged three months.

Christian seems to have owned land in Upper Moutere as early as 1869, possibly with his father or brother John Jordan.

Christian owned a horse called Prince Albert, who he advertised for stud breeding in the Marlborough Express on 6 October 1877. At the time he was listed as being of "Woodbourne, Marlborough."
In December 1890, Christian and his relative Charles appear to have gone into bankruptcy. At the time they were both farmers of Waimea West. However, Christian appears to have continued to have bred horses, and in 1896 sold the trotting stallion Lord Wolseley to a Fred Gibson.

Jessie and Christian Jordan are both buried at the Omaka Cemetery in the Marlborough District.

2. Stanley Wemyss aged 12 at the time of the journey to New Zealand. (1862 - 1941). Married Hannah Elizabeth Crowe (1863 - 1948) on 5 November 1888 in Wellington.

2.1 Son (1890) Renwick. Must have died as an infant.
2.2 Athole Stanley Wemyss (10 January 1892, Wellington - 13 December 1968, Wellington).
Married (1) Erana Putiputi Hayes (Heihi) 1913
2.2.1 Stanley James Ira Weymess (9 April 1916 - 1988) married Esmee Burns (30 April 1920 - 22 January 1966) (Grandparents of Russell Crowe, actor via his mother Jocelyn Wemyss).
2.2.2 Ani Tukura Rangitakina Wemyss (22 September 1924, Gisborne - 7 April 2002). Married Te Kani Terekia (23 December 1926, Gisborne - 21 September 1993) on 2 April 1947 at Gisborne.
Married (2) Lavinia Frances Turkington (8 September 1899) in 1930

When Stanley Snr died, the following notice appeared in the Evening Post on 31 March 1941:

WEMYSS.—On March 30, 1941, at Wellington Hospital, Stanley Wemyss, of 30 Darlington Road, Miramar, loved husband of Hannah Elizabeth Wemyss, and father of AtholeWemyss; in his 80th year.

3. David Wemyss aged 9 at the time of the journey to New Zealand (1865 - 1941). Married Helen McIsaac in 1886. This was the David Wemyss who lived in Wilson Street.
3.1 Robert Melrose Wemyss (1887 - October 1949). Melrose worked as a Railway Inspector in Oamaru. He married Selina Irvin (21 June 1890 - 1979) on 22 November 1911, at the Tua Marina Methodist Church by Rev J Oxbrow.

Melrose & Selina Wemyss on their wedding day

3.2 John Russell Wemyss (1888 - 1944). John married Agnes Noria Eves in 1919.
3.3 Catherine Mary Corbett Wemyss (1890 - 1949). Married Arthur Hutton (20 April 1891 - 1974) in 1917.
3.4 Gordon Drummond Wemyss (1892 - 1953). Married Dorothy Rubena Miller (1900 - 1967) in 1924.
3.5 Jean Fordyce Wemyss (2 April 1894 - 1972). Married Cuthbert John Shaw (1895 - 1968) in 1923.
3.6 Colin Roland Wemyss (1896 - 1962). Married May Florence Dalton (1899 - 1946) in 1920, in Opunake. (Stillborn baby in 1939). Colin was a cheesemaker and enlisted in active service during WWI serving in the 18th Reinforcements Wellington Infantry Battalion, B company, leaving NZ on 16 October 1916 on the vessel Willochra.
3.7 Rita Eileen Scott Wemyss (1898 - 1927)
3.8 Phyllis Barbara Helen Wemyss (21 July 1900 - 1982). Phyllis married Marcus Donnelly (1900 - 1947) in 1930.
3.9 Alexander David Wemyss (1904 - 1967). Married Ethel Stewart Coleman (8 May 1901 - 1973) in 1926.
3.10 Norman McIsaac Wemyss (1904 - 1918). Died aged just 14 years, having only passed his school proficiency exams that year.
3.11 Lottie Edna Hazel Wemyss (1907)

Helen Wemyss (nee McIsaac) with Lottie Wemyss

Girl on the right is Phyllis Wemyss, seated centre Lottie Wemyss, standing is probably Jean Fordyce (Dyce) Wemyss and seated left is probably Rita Wemyss.

* All photos are from this collection: http://www.museums.org.nz/index.htm

4. Catherine Jane Wemyss aged 7 at the time of the journey to New Zealand. Born around 1867. Married John Waters (see link).

Catherine Wemyss Snr died on 22 March 1909. Her obituary was recorded and printed in the Marlborough Express on that date:

OBITUARY

MRS CATHERINE WEMYSS.

Another link of the past has been snapped by the demise this morning of Mrs Catherine Wemyss, wife of Mr John Wemyss, of Renwicktown, at the advanced age of eighty-four years.

Mr and Mrs Wemyss came out from Glasgow in the year 1875, and were for a time settled in Wellington. Coming over to Marlborough, Mr Wemyss was for a time working about Blenheim, eventually going to Renwicktown, where he worked at his trade of tanner. He had retired from active work some time, and the couple were living quietly in their home in Renwicktown when the call came to Mrs Wemyss.

Prior to her marriage with Mr Wemyss the deceased lady was a widow, the relict of a Mr Melrose, and before her first husband died, accompanied him to the Crimea, and went through the dangers and vicissitudes of that sanguinary struggle. She had one son by her first husband, and to Mr Wemyss she leaves two sons and two daughters—viz., Messrs David and Stanley Wemyss, and Mrs C. R. Jordan, of the Middle Road, and Mrs John Walters, of Flaxbouirne.

Deceased was well-known and respected in Renwicktown, where she had lived for upwards of 30 years.

__________________________________________________

There was another family of Wemyss' living in Marlborough during the same period. I can't work out how they are related, but surmise they most probably were. This family were as follows:

David Wemyss Snr (1832 - 1915), Builder, of Grove Road, had the following family:

1. David Wemyss Jnr (1857 - 23 November 1919) married Christina Murray Thompson (1862 - 23 February 1932, London) in 1883. David lived at Percy Street at the time of his death.
1.1 Christina Margaret "Ina" Wemyss (1883).
1.2 Agnes Elsie "Elsie" Wemyss (1885 - 15 March 1968). Died Unmarried. Elsie ended her life in Hamilton and her ashes were spread in the Hamilton Park Cemetery. Prior to her death she had been living at 5 Upper Kent Street, Hamilton.
1.3 David Murray "Murray" Wemyss (1893 - 1948). Married Dorothy Ward (1891 - 1969) in 1924.
1.3.1 Daughter Wemyss (1 January 1927, Percy Street, Blenheim)
1.3.2 Dinah Murray Wemyss (1933 - 4 February 1940, at High Street, Blenheim). Dinah was aged just seven years at the time of her death.
1.4 Russell Williams Wemyss (1895 - 29 October 1970). Married Mary Ann McKellar (1888 - 1951) in 1919. Mary Ann's maiden name was McKenzie. She had married Dugald Henry McKellar in 1911, however he had died at the age of just 34 a year later in 1912. Russell was cremated and his ashes spread at the Hamilton Park Cemetery. He had lived at 7 Boundary Road, Hamilton prior to his death.
1.5 Frank Maitland Wemyss (1898 - 1970). Married Ethel Louisa May Wakefield (14 May 1907 - 1992) in 1930.
1.6 Leonard Grant "Grant" Wemyss (1901)
1.7 Eric Gordon Wemyss (1903). Married Catherine Brockelbank in 1926.
1.8 Kathleen Murray Wemyss (1905)

David Wemyss died on 24 November 1919 and on that day the Marlborough Express published the following:

Intimation to-day of the death pf Mr David Wemyss at his residency in Percy Street yesterday afternoon came as a painful shock to a wide circle of relatives and friends in the district. The deceased had been indisposed for about a fortnight as the result of a chill, and although complications ensued his demise was not anticipated. The late Mr Wemyss was born in Edinburgh and would have been 62 years of age on Sunday last. He spent over 40 years of his life, in Blenheim, being associated with his father in the building trade many years ago. He took up farming in the Old Renwiek Road for several years, and later joined in partnership in the firm of Wemyss Bros., from active participation in which he retired a few years ago. In recent years he had been an enthusiastic member of the Blenheim Bowling Club, of which he was a vicepresident, and for several years he displayed an active interest in rifle shooting in this district. He was the eldest son of the late Mr D. Wemyss (Blenheim). The deceased leaves a widow and a family of eight the older members of which are Miss Wemyss (Blenheim), Miss Ina Wemyss (Wellington), and Messrs Murray, Russell, and Frank Wemyss who are now resident in the North Inland. Mr J. Wemyss (Blenheim) is a brother of the deceased.

Following David's death, Christina obviously went to live in Wellington for a while, specifically living at 68 Waitoa Road, Hataitai, Wellington, but died while visiting London, on 23 February 1932. On 29 February 1932 the Evening Post published the following obituary:

Death of Mrs. Wemyss.

Cabled advice was received in Wellington last week of the death, in London of Mrs. Christina Murray Wemyss, late of Waitoa road, Hataita. The late Mrs. Wemyss left with her daughter, Miss Kathleen Wemyss, over a year ago for England, and had been touring since their arrival at Home. It was their intention to remain until the end of the year to visit Ireland. On 23rd February Mrs. Wemyss had a brain haemorrhage, and did not regain consciousness, passing away on the same day. The funeral was to take place, today at Twickenham, London. Mrs. Wemyss was the second daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Adam Thompson, late of Peterhead, Scotland, and later of "The Grove," Marlborough. She was born in Wellington in 1862, and moved to "The Grove" when about two years old. At the age of 21 she married David Wemyss, builder and timber merchant of Blenheim. He predeceased her 12 years ago. She resided in Blenheim until 1923, when she came to Wellington. She was a lady of kindly disposition always charitably disposed to and with kind thoughts for people less fortunate than herself. She will be sadly missed by a large circle of relatives and friends. She leaves five sons — Murray (Blenheim), Russell (Ngaruawahia, Waikato), Frank and Eric (Christchurch) and Grant (Brisbane); and three daughters, Elsie, Kathleen, and Ina, all of Wellington. Miss Kathleen Wemyss is remaining in London for the time being. a

2. Ellen Agnes Wemyss (1860 - 27 April 1936). Married Hugh Henry Campbell (1847 - 29 August 1935) in 1882. Ellen and Hugh are both buried in the Hastings Cemetery.
2.1 Margaret Marian Campbell (1888)
2.2 Radwick Forbes Campbell (1890)
2.3 William Innes Campbell (1893 - 1954). Married Mary Kellow Burnett (15 March 1894 - 1975) in 1921.

CAMPBELL, HUGH HENRY, Builder and Contractor. Hastings. This business was established in the year 1895, and a large number of buildings in and around Hastings have since been erected by Mr. Campbell. Among these may be mentioned: the Drill Hall, the Hastings Club, the Farmers' Co-operative Stores, the Technical School, and the residences of Messrs H. Campbell (Poukawa), H. M. Saunders (Kopua), C. F. Wilson (Hatuma), T. H. Lowry (Okawa), W. Shrimpton (Matapiro), Lowry-North (Puketapu), W. A. Beecroft (Havelock North), and the Presbyterian Church at Havelock North. Mr. Campbell was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, on the 25th of August, 1854, and is a son of a sea captain. He was educated and brought up to the building trade in his native shire, and came to New Zealand in the year 1871. Mr. Camphell worked at his trade for twelve years in Christchurch, and then removed to Blenheim, where he remained for fifteen years. In 1893 he settled in Hastings, and two years later started in business on his own account. Mr. Camphell is an office bearer and one of the Sunday school teachers of the Presbyterian Church. He married the eldest daughter of Mr. Wemyss, of Blenheim, in 1882, and has two sons and one daughter.

3. Daughter (8 November 1873)

4. Emily May Wemyss (23 September 1877 - 17 February 1954). Married Edward Percival Lambert (1880 - 29 April 1964) on 10 April 1913, at Emily's father's home, Hutcheson Street, Blenheim. Edward was the son of R. Lambert of Brooklyn, Wellington. Edward Lambert was a public accountant in Featherston Street in Wellington in the 1940s. Edward and Emily had at least one daughter.

5. Christina Wemyss (1883). Married Arthur Frederick Cook (1872 - 1943) on 14 February 1900 at her parents residence in Blenheim.

5.1 Gordon David Cook (1901 - 1966)

5.2 Jack Frederick Cook (1902 - 1965)

5.3 Leslie Hatton Cook (14 August 1903 - 2 April 1977). Married Stella Ruth Shepherd (16 October 1913 - 1991) in 1931. Father of Clarence Cook and Margaret Cook. Buried at Mangaroa Cemetery in Hawkes Bay.

5.4 Margaret Annie Cook (1907 - 1908). Died aged only eleven months.

5.5 Douglas Wemyss Cook (1909 - 1912). Died aged only three years.

5.6 Arthur Colin Cook (12 September 1910 - 29 September 1977)

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand recorded:

MR. ARTHUR FREDERICK COOK, senior partner in the firm of Messrs A. F. Cook and Company [iron mongers and cycle importers], was born in Cambridge, England, in the year 1872, and is the eldest son of Mr. F. Cook, overseer for the Hastings Borough Council. He came to New Zealand with his parents at two years of age, and after receiving a public school education, was apprenticed to Mr. George Purves, with whom he remained for about nine years, until taking over the business on his own account. Mr. Cook is a member of the management committee and session clerk of the Presbyterian Church, and has been secretary and treasurer of the Sunday school for nearly twenty years. He is an enthusiastic temperance advocate, and was for six years a member of the Hastings Rifles. Mr. Cook married Miss Christina Wemyss, of Blenheim, and has three sons.

__________________________________

There are numerous advertisements contained in contemporary Nelson newspapers inserted by David Wemyss. For example- this advertisement in the Marlborough Express on 3 November 1915:

Wemyss Bros, Timber Merchants, Building Contractors etc... Grove Road.

On 10 May 1883, David Wemyss advertised in the Marlborough Express for a boy to be an apprentice carpenter. Any applicants were to apply to Grove road.

An example of the quality of David Wemyss' work is given in this 25 July 1889 report in the Marlborough Express:

Another Nest.

An esteemed old settler, Mr Muirhead, whose misfortune it was early this year to lose his house by fire, has just replaced the destroyed cottage with a very substantial and comfortable residence, designed and erected by Mr D Wemyss. The place is in some respect a model house being remarkably commodious and self-contained.

The outside appearance is very effective. The room are 14ft by 14ft, except the dining room which is 20 x 14. The doors and mantel pieces are of picked rimu and the windows are fitted in a most complete style, an entire novelty being observable in the out side mouldings. The passage 6ft wide has its handsome appearance heightened by the stained glass of the door separating it from the dining room.

The work is carried out in every detail with the scrupulous fidelity for which Mr Wemyss is noted. Mr Iremonger has executed the painting and paperhanging. Mr and Mrs Muirhead are likely to have plenty of friends to visit them in their new nest.

Richard Churchill was one gentleman who worked for Mr Wemyss. He was born around 1850, and was from Wellington. He was found dead in his bed on the morning of 21 November 1885, presumably from heart disease. Apparently an inquest took place as a result of his sudden death. He was survived by his widow, Eliza Mary Churchill (nee Francis) (1848 - 1940), who he had married in 1875, and he also left four young children:

1. Sarah Eliza Churchill (1875 - 1958). Sarah died unmarried.
2. Ernest William John Churchill (1877)
3. Percival Richard Churchill (1880 - 1943). Married Lena Sophia Petersen (1891 - 1948) in 1916.
4. Arthur Albert Churchill (1885 - 1958). Married Daisy Elizabeth Pepperill (1890 - 1973) in 1911.

Eliza Churchill remarried in 1900 to Frank Merrin.

Jordan family of Marlborough

2011-11-11T13:16:00.000+13:00

In starting my research into Alister's relative John Waters and his family in the Marlborough District, I've come across so many families that, although they are not related to us, I've tried to group them into families and include any interesting information I can find. One family who has interested me is the Jordan family.

This appeared in the Marlborough Express on 23 December 1913:

There died in 88 Valley, Wakefield, on the 4th inst., at the age of 83 years, Mrs Harriet Jordan, widow of the late Mr M. Jordan, who predeceased her by 49 years. Since the death of her husband she had lived with her son, Mr William Jordan, of 88 Valley, and had always been regarded as a quiet but much respected settler.

The deceased brought up a family of one son and two daughters, who are still living. Mr and Mrs Jordan came to Nelson from Northamptonshire, England, in the ship Emmer Colvin, about 57 years ago. After staying a short time at Mr John Price's, Wakefield, they bought a small farm at 88 Valley. Some six years after taking this section Mr Jordan died.

The children are: Mr William Jordan(Waimea County ganger), Mrs A. Godbaz (Foxhill), and Mrs W. Faulding (Spring Greek, Blenheim). Mrs Jordan also leaves 21 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Martin Jordan (1833 -1865) married Harriet (Burton?) (1830 - 1 November 1913)
Martin and Harriet came to New Zealand, arriving in Nelson on 23 June 1856 on the ship Emma Colvin, which is what they named their first daughter.

1. Ellen Jordan Married Andrew Godbaz (1858 - 1941) in 1880. Go here to see a photo of Andrew Godbaz. In 1888 he kept a diary and more information about that is here. Andrew worked as a blacksmith.
1.1 Ernest Godbaz (1880)
1.2 Martin Henry Godbaz (1883). Married Amy Jane ?
1.2.1 Dolly Mavis Godbaz (1911). Married Robert Beattie in 1930.
1.3 Andrew William Godbaz (1885) Married Isabella ?
1.3.1 Beatrice Elma Belle Godbaz (1910). Married Ladis Cowper Read in 1931.
1.3.2 Andrew Kennedy Godbaz (1912)
1.4 George Burton Godbaz (1893). Married Irene Wilkinson in 1916.
1.5 Beatrice Ellen Godbaz (1895). Married Walter Robert Watson in 1916.

2. Emma Colvin Jordan (1856 - 1942). Married Walter Faulding (1856 - 1909). Walter worked as a saddler and harness maker at Spring Creek. He died suddenly and a report of his death was published in the Colonist on 2 November 1909:

SUDDEN DEATH

Blenheim, Nov. 1.

While the Jubilee celebrations were in full swing at one o'clock to-day, a man about 55 years of age, named Walter Faulding, who had been a saddler locally for many years, dropped dead in one of the main streets. The cause of death was heart disease. Deceased leaves a family.

2.1 Daughter Faulding
2.2 Emma Colvin Faulding (1884 - 12 April 1901). Died aged 17 years.
2.3 William Burton Faulding (7 April 1885 - 1965). Married Ethel Maud Batt (18 January 1885 - 1972) in 1907.
2.4 Bertha Faulding (1887)
2.5 Harriet May Faulding (1888 - 30 June 1899). Died aged 11 years at Spring Creek.
2.6 John Robert Faulding (1890 - 7 October 1955). Married Jane Bradley (1888 - 24 May 1958) in 1916.
2.7 Nellie Francis Faulding (15 July 1892 - 1974). Married Timothy Brosnahan in 1914.
2.8 Frederick Faulding (1894 - 1969). Married Kathleen Phoebe Berg (28 November 1899 - 1985) in 1921.
2.9 Maude Rita Faulding (25 August 1897 -1987). Married Leslie William Lockyer (1899 - 1958) in 1921.
2.10 Alan Burton Faulding (17 January 1901 - 1980). Married Alice Myrtle Bognada (27 December 1904 - 1985) in 1926.

3. William Jordan

Another Jordan was also on board the Emma Colvin and I theorise that he was actually Martin Jordan's father. The passenger list for his family was as follows:

George Jordan aged 47 (Born around 1809)

Mary Jordan aged 47 (Born around 1809)

John Jordan aged 16 (1840)

Jane Jordan aged 13 (1843)

Ann Jordan aged 11 (1845)

Also listed as a single woman was Ellen Jordan aged 19 (born around 1837). Again, probably George's daughter and Martin's sister.

William Burton aged 26 years and his wife Elizabeth Burton aged 22 years, were also on board Emma Colvin and because I believe that Harriet Jordan's maiden name was Burton, I wonder if this was her brother and sister in law?

Lyford Family

2011-11-01T20:45:00.000+13:00

Arthur Sharp Lyford married Alister's relative Jessie Tutchen Waters in 1927.

Robert Frederick Lyford (known as Frederick) was born around 1860. In 1902 he married Phoebe West, born on 25 January 1873. The family lived in the Marlborough area. They had the following children:

1. Roy Campbell Lyford (18 September 1900 - 1973). Roy was born prior to his parents' marriage and his birth wasn't registered until 1924.

2. Arthur Sharp Lyford (18 April 1903 - 1975). Married Jessie Tutchen Waters in 1927. See link above.

3. Darcy Leo Lyford (17 August 1905 - 1983). Darcy (also known as "D'Arcy") is also buried at the Omaka Cemetery.

4. Olive Nanette Lyford (9 October 1907 - November 1986). Married Henry George Gledhill (7 October 1905 - September 1975) in 1926. Henry's family were another local family and the couple are both buried at Omaka Cemetery.

5. Dulce Gertrude Lyford (1910)

Phoebe died in August 1959 and is buried at the Omaka Cemetery in the Marlborough District with her husband, Frederick, who had died years earlier in October 1922.

George Avery and family

2011-10-31T17:58:00.001+13:00

When looking at the Tandy family briefly, and William Henry Tandy who harked from Australia, I came across the NZ Tandy family who appear to have emigrated in 1841. In doing this, I stumbled, via Charlotte Tandy, upon the Avery family, who were another very early family, around the same time as Alister's family were settling in the Wellington/Hutt area. Here is some information on them, for anyone interested.

George Avery (1824, Staplehurst, England - 1903, Taita) married Charlotte Tandy (18?? - 1877) in 1843. It seems likely that Charlotte came to NZ with her parent, Mary and William Tandy in 1841. Both Charlotte's parents outlived her - Mary died on 24 July 1896 aged 90, at son in law, George Avery's home in Taita, and William died on 22 July 1898 aged 96! At the time of his death he was believed to be the oldest resident in the Hutt area.

George and Charlotte Avery are both buried in the Christ Church Taita Cemetery. See more details here. There seem to have been seventeen children of the marriage:

1. Elizabeth Ann Avery (4 March 1849 - 25 October 1931). Elizabeth married Charles Franklin Smith Burt (15 August 1840, Northhampton, Massachusetts, USA - 19 September 1917, Mangatainoka) in 1872. Both Elizabeth and Charles are buried in the Mangatainoka Cemetery, and according to cemetery records Charles was a carpenter and the family were Presbyterian.

1.1 Sophia Maude Burt (15 July 1873 - 1944). Married David Ross in 1898. They had the following family:

1.1.1 Charles George Ross (1903)

1.1.2 David Owen Ross (1904)

1.1.3 Gladys Violet Ross (1908)

1.1.4 Chester Franklin Burt Ross (1910)

1.1.5 Eric Hector Ross (1911)

1.2 Ethel Charlotte Burt (14 January 1875 - 31 October 1958). Married George Henry Brown, a farmer in the Tararua District, (1875 - 10 July 1948) in 1905. They had at least one daughter:

1.2.1 Gwendoline Gladys Brown (19 November 1908 - 24 June 2004). Gwen married George Hector Hoggard (1902 - 10 September 1992). She lived her life out in the Konini, Pahiatua area.

1.3 Lena Mary Burt (3 April 1876)

1.4 Chester Munro Burt (20 August 1877 - 31 October 1949). Married Margaret Cecilia Drew (1875 - 18 September 1937) in 1903. Buried at the Mangatainoka Cemetery. This family (Burt family) conducted, and continue to conduct, a funeral home business in the Manawatu/Rangitikei area. Chester and Margaret had the following children:

1.4.1 Harry Victor Burt (1904)

1.4.2 Doris Elizabeth Mary Burt (1905)

1.4.3 Eileen May Burt (1907)

1.4.4 Chester Munro Drew Burt (18 March 1911 - 28 May 1983). Married Winifred Alice (1915 - 2 June 1995). They are both buried at Mangatainoka.

1.5 Hilda May Burt (7 July 1881 - 5 October 1925). Unmarried - buried in Mangatainoka Cemetery with her parents - she lived in Porirua prior to her death, according to burial records.

2. Mary Avery (1850). Seems likely this child died in infancy.

3. Charles Avery (1851 - 18 June 1917). Charles married Jane Hirst (1855 - 31 August 1953) in 1875. This couple are buried at Mangatainoka Cemetery. According to burial records they were Anglican. They had the following children:

3.1 Charles Avery (1875 - 1875). Died as an infant aged three weeks.

3.2 Elizabeth Alice Avery (1876). Married Alfred George Cross in 1898.

3.3 George Avery (1878 - 1878). Died as an infant - aged 24 hours.

3.4 Minnie Constance Avery (1879). Probaby died as an infant.

3.5 Annie "Nance" Avery (1881 - 18 June 1965). Died unmarried. Buried at Mangatainoka Cemetery. She lived in Wanganui prior to her death.

3.6 Amelia Avery (1883 - 6 October 1947). Married John Gilbert Swainson (1883 - 1 April 1955) in 1909. Had three daughters, at least:

3.6.1 Margaret Joan Swainson (1910)

3.6.2 Barbara Laura Swainson (17 October 1911 - 28 May 2002) - married William Park Nelson(19 January 1908 - 27 May 1999). This couple are both buried at Mangatainoka also. The plaque reads (in part) 4310693 RNZAF WWII. W.P. Nelson, 310693 LAC, 1939 - 45 R.N.Z.A.F. Barbara and Bill had lived in Palmerston North prior to their deaths.

3.6.3 Doris Audrey Swainson (1915 - 12 March 1916). Died aged 9 months.

3.7 Norman Leslie Avery (1885 - 20 November 1919 at Brightfields, Pahiatua). Married Hilda Barbara Yvonne Moore (1891 - 10 September 1970) in 1911. The wedding was recorded in the 20 April 1911 edition of the Wairarapa Daily Times:

An interesting wedding was celebrated at St. Peter's Church, Pahiatua, yesterday, when Miss Hilda Barbara Yvonne, youngest daughter of Mr George Moore, of Pahiatua, was married to Mr Norman Avery, only son of Mr C. Avery, of Brightlands, Pahiatua. The bride was attired in a beautiful dress of white satin, with overdress of lace and pearl trimmings. Miss Iris Moore acted as chief bridesmaid, and Misses Phyllis Hart and Mollie Crewe as bridesmaids, while Mr R. Reid acted as best man. A large party of friends was entertained subsequently by Mrs G. Moore at the residence. The service was a choral one.

For eight years the couple lived at the family farm, Brightlands, until Norman died suddenly at the young age of only 33 years. Both Norman and Hilda are buried at the Mangatainoka Cemetery. The Wanganui Chronicle recorded, on 26 November 1919:

The Pahiatua Herald has the following in connection with the death of Mr N. T. Avery: — lt is with regret that we have to record the death of Mr N.T. Avery well-known farmer and sportsman in the Pahiatua district, at the early age of 33 years. The deceased, who was only son of Mrs Avery (now of Wanganui) and of the late Mr C. Avery, farmed on the property at Masterton Road, Pahiatua, formerly held by his late father for many years, and was locally respected by a large circle of friends.

Up to within a few days ago he was about as usual, but was taken ill on Wednesday last, and despite the best medical aid and attention, passed away last night. In his younger days the late Mr Norman Avery was known as a good athlete, and of late years was a keen and accomplished horseman. Some time ago he met with an unfortunate accident, and this seriously affected his health, and it is believed, contributed to his untimely death.

The deceased gentleman was a director of the Konini Dairy Company, and a steward of the Pahiatua Racing Club, and at the time of his death held the position of clerk of the course. He was also a valued member of the committee of the Pahiatua A. and P. Society, and also held the position of deputy-master of the Woodlands Hunt, and was esteemed for his true sportsmanlike qualities by a large number of friends.

The death is all the more sad, as his young widow, for whom deep sympathy is expressed, only recently lost her father (the late Mr George Moore), and is left with an only son of six years. The deceased is survived by his mother, Mrs C. Avery(Wanganui), and his three sisters, Mrs George Cross (Wanganui), Mrs J. G. Swainson (Pahiatua), and Miss Avery (Wanganui.)

Norman and Hilda had one son:

3.7.1 Norman Bernard Hamilton Avery (21 August 1913 - 5 March 2001). Married Margaret Isabella (29 July 1914 - 12 January 1995) - five children.

3.8 Winifred Avery (1889). Died at the age of 10 1/2. Along with inscription, at the Mangatainoka Cemetery, the headstone reads: "Nothing in my hand bring/simply to thy cross/cling."

3.9 Elizabeth Avery (1891). Died as a 12 hour old baby and buried at the Mangatainoka Cemetery.

4. George Avery (1853 - 1907). George married Sarah Elizabeth Scrimshaw (1857-1914) in 1876. Together George and Sarah had the following children, presumably during happier times in their marriage:

4.1 Arthur Alfred Morris Avery (1876 - 1900). Died aged 23.

4.2 Hugh Ernest George Avery (1878 - 1899). Died aged 21.

4.3 Lucy Ellen Avery (1879 - 1881). Died aged just a year old.

4.4 Herbert Charles Avery (1880 - 1927)

4.5 Robert Stephen Avery (1882 - 1963). Married Charlotte Matilda White (1882 - 1916) in 1901. They had at least three children:

4.5.1 Rubina Mabel May Avery (1901 - 1964) - married Charles Harold Pollard (1895 - 1966) in 1920

4.5.2 Ernest Stephen George Avery (1 September 1902 - 1975) - married Mabel Evelyn Fawcett in 1923

4.5.3 William Norman Avery (1904 - 1969) - married Ida May Fawcett (3 September 1907 - 1998) in 1926.

4.6 Ivy Maud Avery (1883)

4.7 Ethel Charlotte Avery (1886 - 1971). Married Arthur Robert Pivott Robinson (1883 - 1940) in 1908. The had:

4.7.1 Lucy Adelaide Robinson (1909) who married William Arnold Faucett in 1930.

4.8 Minnie Amelia Avery (24 December 1887 - 1974). Married John Murdock in 1906. They had:

4.8.1. Maurice John Murdock (1908)

4.8.2 Charles Jeffrey Murdock (1910 - 1972).

4.9 George Albert Avery (1889 - 1949). Married Edith Fanny Clark (1891 - 1967) in 1908. They had:

4.9.1 Winifred Edith Caroline Avery (1910)

4.9.2 Myrtle Francis Clark (1911).

4.10 Ruby Myrtle Avery (1891 - 1946). Married as "Rubina Myrtle", Albert Henry Alley (1886 - 1939) in 1914. Died as "Robina Myrtle." They had a son:

4.10.1 Albert Henry Alley (24 May 1915 - 1975)

4.11 Grace Pearl Avery (5 July 1894 - 1980). Married Albert Edward Josiah George (16 June 1895 - 1980) in 1919.

As will be seen, George Jnr appears to have followed in his father's footsteps somewhat - as the following article which appeared in the Manawatu Standard on 8 June 1900 reveals:

Licensing.—At the meeting of the Hawera Licensing Committee the following motion was passed :—The Licensing Committee for the district of Hawera were of opinion that the application of Mr George Avery for a renewal of the license to him of the Commercial Hotel at Kaponga should be refused on the ground that in the divorce suit of Avery against Avery the applicant has admitted that the jury found that in April 1899, the said Geo. Avery committed adultery with one Ethel Hill, and the committee therefore object to the renewal of the license to the said George Avery on the ground that he is not a person of good fame and character.

This decision appears to be as a result of a divorce petition George Avery took against his wife Sarah, which backfired on him considerably - as reported in the Wanganui Chronicle on 9 October 1899:

SUPREME COURT.

A DIVORCE CASE. (Before His Honor Mr Justice Edwards.)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7.

AVERY v AVERY.

The divorce case of Avery v Avery was continued on Saturday. Messrs Gully (for the respondent) and Skerrett (for the co-respondent) having addressed the jury, Mr Barnicoat (for the petitioner) reviewed the evidence, speaking for some 50 minutes.

His Honor commenced his summing up at 4.45, and finished at 5.56. The jury retired at a few minutes to 6 o'clock, and returned to Court at 6.50, with a verdict for the respondent.

The issues put before the jury were as follows, and were answered as indicated (1) Did Sarah Elizabeth Avery, the respondent, commit adultery with James Donald Wilson

Answer, "No."

Did James Donald Wilson, the corespondent, commit adultery with Sarah Elizabeth Avery, the respondent
Answer “No.”
(3) What amount of damages should be paid by Jas. Donald Wilson, the co-respondent, in respect to the adultery (if any) by him committed.
(4) Has George Avery, the petitioner, been guilty of cruelty towards Sarah Elizabeth Avery, the respondent
Answer "Yes."
(5) Did George Avery, the petitioner, commit adultery
(a) in June, 1897, with a domestic servant
Answer "No.";
(b) In April, 1899, with Ethel Hill
Answer, "Yes."
The jury were then discharged.

5. John Avery (1855). Registered as "Unnamed male" meaning he likely died soon after birth.

6. William Avery (1857). However, no registration for this child. Either not correct, or died as an infant.

7. Thomas Avery (1858 - 8 June 1940). Married Ann Hall (1859 - 7 December 1922) in 1884. This couple are recorded as being Anglican on burial records - they are buried at the Mangatainoka Cemetery. They had the following children:

7.1 Henry Arthur Avery (1885 - 22 January 1943). Married Florence Hunt (1897 - 1 June 1974) in 1916. They are both buried at the Mangatainoka Cemetery. Henry was a farmer at the time of his death. He appears to have farmed at Masterton Road, Konini, Pahiatua.

7.2 Herbert Thomas Avery (1890 - 1961). Married Elizabeth Amorel Reeve (2 January 1894 - 1974) in 1911. At some stage Herbert and Elizabeth divorced because Elizabeth Avery married Edgar Royal Cook (1891 - 1951) in 1925 and Herbert also married for a second time, to Cathleen Mary Hayes in 1926. Herbert is buried at the Kelvin Grove Cemetery in Palmerston North. He was listed, as the time of his death, as being a farmer from Ashhurst.

7.3 Handley George Sylvester Avery (15 November 1895 - 1976). Married Florence Maud Hibberd (1898 - 1969) in 1922.

7.3.? Thomas Handley Vernon Avery (24 February 1917 - 2 May 1991). Thomas was a mechanic and is buried at the Kelvin Grove Cemetery in Palmerston North. I suspect that Thomas was either Henry or Herbert's son.

8. Ellen "Mary" Avery (15 October 1860 - 19 March 1941). Married David Brown in 1884. Ellen was known as "Mary" and is buried under this name in the Mangatainoka Cemetery. Mary and David had the following children:

8.1 Effie Ellen Brown (1886 - 1949). Married Frederick William Raglan Newport (1881 - 1964) in 1907. Fred and Effie had the following children:

8.1.1 Isa Venetta Newport (1908)

8.1.2 Ena Hinemoa Newport (1910)

8.2 Lillian Maud Brown (1887 - 1 May 1964). Married James George Brechin (1877 - 1946) in 1903. Lillian and James settled in the Tararua District and had two sons:

8.2.1 Kelvin Condor de Lisle Brechin (23 July 1907 - 1983)

8.2.2 Brendon Dalziell Brechin (26 April 1919 - 2004)

8.3 Archie David Brown (19 August 1889 - 1987). Married Catherine Margaret Todd (1890 - 1949) in 1911.
9. Eliza Avery (1861) Married William Brown in 1884. I'm unsure when they died, but all their children lived to grand old ages - possibly because most of them never married??

9.1 Winifred Eliza Brown (27 April 1885 - 1988). Lived well past 100 years.

9.2 Charlotte Agnes Brown (10 November 1887 - 1981). Married Murdo Campbell in 1917.

9.3 Ruby May Brown (3 February 1893 - 1978)

9.4 Kenneth William Brown (19 January 1895 - 1976)

9.5 Jean Donaldson Brown (1 January 1898 - 2001). Also lived well past 100 years!

10. Harriet Charlotte Avery (1862 - 1934). Married William Kilmister (1860-1943) in 1884. They had the following children:

10.1 Eva May Kilmister (1885). Married Ernest William Heywood in 1905. They had at leat one daughter:

10.1.1 Alice May Heywood (1906).

They may have relocated to Australia following Alice's birth, as there is a trace of an "Ernest William Heywood" in Sydney in 1937, in court.

10.2 Mabel Kimister (1888 - 1963). Married Frederick William Kitchener (1883 - 1957) in 1906.

10.3 Arthur William Kilmister (1895 - 1952). Married Eva Lightburn Oliver in 1914.

11. Stephen Avery (1864 - 17 February 1922). Married Jane Hirst (1868 - 10 December 1948) in 1893 (Jane was Stephen's sister in law Jane Hirst's niece). Both Stephen and Jane are buried in the Sandon Cemetery in the Manawatu District.

11.1 Stephen John Avery (1894 - 8 October 1969). Married Norma Kathleen Nellie Tomlinson (1892 - 4 April 1963) in 1915. They are both buried in the Sandon Cemetery in the Manawatu. They had a family with one son named partly for Stephen's younger brother who had died:

11.1.1 Stephen George Victor Avery (22 April 1919 - 1999).

11.2 Harold Sidney Avery (6 June 1896 - 13 December 1980)

11.3 Elsie Jane Avery (21 October 1897 - 1977). Married Randal Alexander Anderson (1900 - 4 March 1968) in 1926.

11.4 George Victor Avery (1905 - 2 January 1918). Died aged 12 years. George is buried with his parents, in the Sandon Cemetery in the Manawatu.
12. Deborah Grace Avery (1866 - 24 October 1950). Died aged 84, unmarried. Buried with her niece Lillian Brechin and niece's family at Mangatainoka Cemetery.

13. Bertha Sarah Avery (1868 - ). Married Jacob Geange (1869 - 9 April 1929) in 1894. Jacob was well known in the Hutt and this obituary appeared in the Evening Post on 12 April 1929:

Through the death of Mr. Jacob Geange, which took place at the Upper Hutt on Tuesday last, the district loses one of its best-known identities, and one who had been identified with its advancement all his life. The late Mr. Geange was born in 1869, on the property now occupied by the Wellington Racing Club, and had resided in the locality for the last sixty years. He was a son of the late Mr. K. Geange, who settled at Trentham in 1855 as one of tho pioneers.

For many years Mr. Geange carried on a carrying business between Upper Hutt and Wellington. He was also engaged in farming, at which he had been very successful. He was a member of the Wellington Racing Club since its removal to Trentham, and he was one of the founders of Loyal Lodge of Oddfellows at Trentham.

He is survived by his widow, two sons— Mr. K. S. Geange (Upper Hutt) and Mr. S. J. A. Geange (Kaiwaiwai, Featherston) and one daughter, Mrs. H. H. Tyer (Kaiwaiwai, Featherston). He also leaves seven grandchildren— two boys and five girls. The funeral took place at St. John's Churchyard, Trentham, yesterday afternoon, the Rev. Kendrick officiating at the graveside, while the Oddfellows also read a portion of the funeral rites. Many beautiful wreaths were received, and there was a large gathering of mourners testifying to the esteem in which Mr. Geange was hold by all sections of the community.

13.1 Kenneth Sylvanus Geange (1894 - 1964). Married Margaret Julia "Jewel" Greig (10 November 1894 - 1992) in 1915.

13.2 Gladys Nada Bertha Geange (19 December 1895 - 1976). Married Horace Hillyard Tyer (1891 - 1955) in 1915.

13.3 Unnamed baby Geange (1898 - 1898). Died aged three days.

13.4 Stanley Jacob Avery Geange (1904). Married Marjorie Kathleen Seller (1904 - 1967) in 1926.

13.5 Marjorie Charlotte Avery Geange (1907 - 24 April 1921). Died aged thirteen years. At the time of her death, her parents were living on the Main Road, Upper Hutt.

14. Alfred 'Fred' Avery (1869 - 1927)

15. James Avery (1870 - 15 January 1955). Married Dorothy Gordon Doull (1880 - 6 May 1969) in 1901. James and Dorothy are both buried at Mangatainoka. James was a farmer before his death and they appear to have lived around the Awahuri and Boness Roads, Feilding area, prior to their deaths.

15.1 James Alexander Avery (1906 - 29 June 1908). Died aged only two years and six weeks. This little boy is buried in his own plot in the Mangatainoka Cemetery - a plaque reads: "A bud the Gardener gave us, a pure and lovely child, he gave it to our keeping, to cherish undefiled. But just as it was opening, to the glory of the day, down came the heavenly gardener and took our bud away." The family was living at Konini, Pahiatua at the time of this child's death.

15.2 Dorothy Catherine Avery (28 January 1908 - 2002).

15.3 Cecil Sinclair Avery (12 July 1910 - 24 September 1998). Married Phyllis Daffiney May Ayers (22 May 1910 - 22 February 1998). Cecil and Phyllis are both buried in the Feilding Cemetery. They had a family of five children

15.4 Leonard Avery (10 February 1913 - 2 February 1978) married Margaret May (1917 - 25 June 2006). They had at least one child:

15.4.1 Doreathy Harriet Avery. Unsure of the birth date for this child, but she died, presumably as an infant on 26 June 1944. The unusual spelling is intended.

16. Charlotte Avery (1874 - 4 September 1903). Married John Thomas Tuck (1867-1949) in 1895. She died young, but still managed to have the following children:

16.1 Ina Charlotte Tuck (24 September 1895 - 1979). Ina never married.

16.2 Ewart Sylvanus Tuck (4 May 1898 - 1995) Married Winifred Gladys Collins (9 August 1907 - 2005) in 1930.

Following Charlotte's death in 1903, left with two small children, John Tuck married Mary Alice Morrison in 1905. Together they had two sons, half brothers to Charlotte's two children:

Stanley Palmer Tuck (1905 - 1965)

John Manson Tuck (1907 - 1967)

17. Constance Avery (16 July 1876 - 13 August 1972). Married Ernest Edward Burrell (1872 - 15 March 1945, Palmerston North) in 1902. Ernest and Constance are both buried at the Mangatainoka Cemetery. They had one daughter:

17.1 Jean Burrell married Mr Reid - two daughters:

17.1.1 Jill Reid

17.1.2 Valerie Reid

As Charlotte died some years before George, he may have been lonely, and huge embarrassment must have been caused when this reached the Manawatu Standard on 6 January 1883:

The Divorce Court.

Two petitions for dissolution of marriage will be dealt with at the ensuing sitting of the Wellington Supreme Court in matrimonial causes jurisdiction, viz., re Barbel v. Barber and re Nielsou v. Nielson and Avery.

…

ln the other case the petitioner is Henry Andres Nielson, of the Taita, hotel keeper, who alleges that in October, 1882, the respondent committed adultery withe the co respondent, George Avery, of the Taita, wherefore he prays for a dissolution of marriage, and that the co-respondent shall be made to pay to him the sum of £200 damages, together with the whole of the costs incidental to the proceedings. Both the respondent and co-respondent deny the adultery.

The correct names of the couple within which George Avery became entangled, were Elizabeth Harford Nelson and Henry Andrew (aka Anders) Nelson.

Tandy family

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Henrietta Tandy was the first wife of Stella Mary Transom Parker's husband, Raymond Charles Chambers. See more about that here. Information about the Tandy family is below:

William Henry Tandy (5 January 1871, Surrey Hills, NSW, Australia - 30 January 1966, Auckland, New Zealand) married Jane Weir (18 January 1874 - 29 July 1954) on 20 March 1895. They had the following children:

1. Henrietta Tandy (1896 - 1 July 1926). Married Raymond Charles Chambers in 1919. Believed to have had two children prior to her death.

2. Dorothy Gibson Tandy (7 October 1899 - 1975) married William Hunter Alexander in 1927.

See this website for more information about William Henry Tandy's family.

The remainder of William Tandy's family appear to have stayed in New South Wales, Australia.

Roy Lane's family

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Eileen Elizabeth Glubb (daughter of Harry and Ellen Glubb) married Roy Lane. See here. Roy was born on 4 August 1910. He died on 22 May 1990, and he is buried at the Avonhead cemetery with Eileen. He was listed as being a retired watch maker at the time of his death.

Roy's paternal grandparents and family

Robert Bampton Lane (1842 - 16 November 1927). At the time of his death Robert was listed as being a stone mason. His address, at the time of his burial on 18 November 1927 at Linwood cemetery, Christchurch was 473 Barrington Street, Christchurch. Robert married Mary Ann Hopewell in England prior to coming out to New Zealand. Robert and Mary appear to have brought their two eldest children with them, and then to have had four more in New Zealand:

1. Annie Emma Lane (1866 - 1943). Married Frederick Charles Robbins (1867 - 1959) in 1892. They had three children:
1.1 Gertrude Eleanor Robbins (20 June 1893 - 1986)
1.2 Beatrice Emily Robbins (1895). Married Frederic Edward Twyford (1895 -1949) in 1919.
1.3 Harold Frederick Robbins (4 August 1898 -1976). Married Olive May Saunders (15 October 1897 - 1980) in 1927.

2. Frederick Bampton Lane (1867 - 1921). Married Mary Amelia Strong (1874 - 1954) in 1898. They had the following children:
2.1 Frederick Alexander Lane (17 June 1904 - 1978)
2.2 Ronald Blundell Lane (10 December 1907 - 1975). Married Mavis Godber Rands (1908 - 1967) in 1930.
2.3 Evilynne Dorothy Lane (1909)

3. Eleanor Mary Lane born 1876 - 1905 aged 28 years

4. Walter Charles Lane born 1879 - 1950 aged 71 years

5. Harry Hopewell Lane born 1881 see below

6. Robert Arthur Lane born and died 1886 aged 10 days

Roy's maternal grandparents and family

Francis Thomas Mayo (1847 - 1922) married Eliza Atkinson (1852 - 1946) in 1881. They had the following children:

1. Hugh John Mayo (26 May 1882 - 1972). Married Annie Lindsay Stevenson in 1914.

2. Constance Alice Mayo (31 December 1885, Ashburton - died 28 May 1973). Married Harry Hopewell Lane. see below

3. Gilbert Kendell Maurice "Kendall" Mayo born 1887 - was living in Brooklyn, Wellington and listed as a "scholar" when he fell off a fence and fractured his left arm, in 1933.

Roy Lane was born to Harry Hopewell Lane and Constance Alice Lane nee Mayo. Harry and Connie had married in 1909. Harry died on 14 September 1941. At the time of his death he was living at 46 Barrington Street, Christchurch. He was listed as being a jeweller on burial records. Constance died on 28 May 1973. both Connie and Harry are buried in the Bromley cemetery.

Ryde family

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These people are no relation to my family or Alister's but Gwendoline Florence Ryde married Roscius Glubb, whose mother was a Gill - hence I came across them and thought I'd document what I could. Gwendoline's father was Percy Nathaniel Ryde.

Martha Ann Bluett (1845 - 1931) and Walter Ryde (1841 - 5 December 1906) were married in 1864. Walter had arrived in New Zealand around 1863. He settled in Oxford, Canterbury. They had the following eleven children:

1. Walter William Ryde (1865 - 1935) married in 1890 Elizabeth Lucy Lilly (1870 - 1945)
1.1 Ivy May Ryde born 1894

2. George Arthur Ryde (1866 - 1943) married in 1891 Frances Sarah Friar (1882 - 1948)
2.1 Arthur Ashley Ryde (1891 - 1966) married Charlotte Pole Clark in 1921
2.2 Annie Gladys Ryde (8 April 1893 - 1980) married Malcolm William Frampton (29 November 1894 - 1985) in 1920
2.3 Rachel Moore Ryde (14 June 1895 - 1991) married Thomas Smellie Jackson (7 May 1899 - 1975) late in life, in 1965.
2.4 William Frederick Ryde (1897) married Alice Victoria Wells (1901) in 1924
2.5 Eric Walter Ryde (26 March 1900 - 1975)
2.6 Francis Willard Ryde (1903 - 1903) died as a baby aged 7 months
2.7 George Wilfred Ryde (1903 - 1920) died aged 17 years
2.8 Charles Edward Ryde (12 June 1905 - 1993) married Myrtle Eileen Woods in 1927 (1906 - 1927). Sadly Myrtle died later the same year of her marriage. It doesn't seem that Charles remarried.

3. Annie Ada Ryde born 26 July 1868 and died 1868 as a baby.

4. Henry John Ryde born 26 March 1870 and died at the age of 92 in 1963. He married Emma Grace Wheeler (1873 - 1961) in 1893. They had the following children:
4.1 Grace Ellen Ryde (1895) married William Percy Smith in 1920.
4.2 Irene Ryde (1897)
4.3 Henry Frederick Edward Ryde (7 May 1902 - 1987) married Margaret Ngatangi Taiporutu Holmes (12 March 1905 - 1987) in 1923.
4.4 Edna Ruth Ryde (1907)

5. Frederick Ryde born 1872 and married Jessie Davis (1878 - 1938) in 1896. However, he died at the age of just 25 in 1897, and so they only had the one child:
5.1 Ben Fredine Arnold Ryde (1897 - 1964) married Jane Moffitt (4 August 1895 - 1980) in 1924.
Frederick's widow Jessie went on to marry for the second time, to Peter Ferguson Campbell (1876 - 1929) in 1901. Peter and Jessie had two children together, who both died as infants:
Cyril Campbell born in 1902 and died at just three days old
Melva McNaughten Campbell born in 1907 and died at just three weeks old.

6. Emma Eliza Ryde born 1874 and married 7 July 1901 at St Andrew's Manse, Oxford, Canterbury by Rev J. McKenzie to David Alexander Murray (1870 - 1963). At the time of her marriage Emma was the eldest surviving daughter of Walter Ryde. Emma died in 1971 aged 97!
6.1 Ashley Bruce Hector MacDonald Murray (1902 - 1966) married Frances Willard Lymburn (10 March 1898 - 1991) in 1923
6.2 Ellen Ryde Murray (4 August 1903 - 2000) married Lymburn

7. Edward Ryde born 1877 and died in 1963. He married Charlotte Annie Tobeck (1881 - 1949) in 1903.
7.1 William John Raymond Ryde (26 April 1903 - 1987)
7.2 Annie Lucy Mavis Ryde (1904)

8. Percy Nathaniel Ryde born 1879, he married Isabelle Sarah Chapman (registered as "Hyde" not Ryde). Percy died in 1955 and Isabelle died in 1962 aged 81 - she had been born in 1880 to James and Clara Chapman.
8.1 Gwendoline Florence Ryde (6 July 1906 - 8 June 1993) married Roscius Glubb (see here)
8.2 Russell Nathaniel Ryde (25 November 1908 - 1997)

9. Janet Annie Ryde born 1881 married Thomas Ewart Brotherton in 1906. They had one child:
9.1 Ruby Alberta Brotherton (1906)
Janet apparently married again to Ernest Edward Coker (1881 - 1955) in 1915. Janet died in 1954.

10. Garnet Howard Ryde born 1882 married Lillian Frances McMillan (1889 - 1965) in 1911. Garnet died in 1974. Garnet and Lillian had two children:
10.1 Noel Harold Ryde (12 September 1912 - 2004)
10.2 Rona Annie Ryde (6 September 1914 -1998) married Mr Grundy.

11. Ellen Bluett Ryde born 1884 and died in 1964. Ellen married Frederick Vere Gwatkin (1883 - 1962) in 1907. They had four children:
11.1 Frederick Walter Gwatkin (1907 - 1954)
11.2 Phyllis Marjory Gwatkin (1909)
11.3 Hazel Ryde Gwatkin (2 July 1910) married Charles Frederick Russen Lovegrove in 1931.
11.4 Cara Ellen Gwatkin (1913 - 1914) died aged 17 months

12. Frank Ashley Ryde born on 4 August 1885 and married Sarah Annie Mitchell in 1925. He married late and didn't have a long marriage - Sarah dying aged 54 in 1945 after twenty years of marriage. He died in 1983, a couple of years short of 100.

Caldwell family

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William Augustus Caldwell was born in 1874 married Mary Elizabeth Anderson in 1904. William worked as a slaughterman and lived in Clive, Hawkes Bay. He enlisted in WWI and was killed in action 17 June 1917 in Belgium. Information is all here.

He left behind a young wife and four young children:

Myrtle Ivy Caldwell was born in 1905. Myrtle married Cecil Vivian Pointon in 1926.

William Augustus Caldwell Jnr was born in 1907. Details of William's marriage to Gladys Eileen Porter (see here). William died on 14 May 1962 at the age of 55. Gladys died on 10 May 1971 aged 62. They are both buried at the Hastings cemetery.

James Ernest Caldwell was born on 24 January 1908 and died in 1979.

Mary Elizabeth Caldwell was born in 1909. In 1930 she married James Evans.

William Augustus Caldwell Snr

Mary Elizabeth Caldwell remarried in 1926 to Frederick James Hale. Sadly for Mary, she outlived another husband, when Fred died in 1932 at the age of 54. Mary seems to have died herself in 1940, at the age of 55.

Jessie Waters & Simon Peter Tutchen

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Jessie Waters - Christina Bertram and John Waters' sister married John's brother in law Simon Peter Tutchen around 1862 in Wellington. They had one daughter and this is likely to be Marian Tutchen born in 1863. I'm unsure when the daughter, Marian, died, but it was obviously as a child, as when Jessie died (on 6 November 1902) it was noted that her husband and daughter had predeceased her by at least 25 years.

It seems that Simon Tutchen was a farmer - there is a reference to his calf prices in newspaper reports in 1871.

Simon died on 27 December 1872 at the age of 48 years.

James Lowry - son of Ann Tutchen and Joseph Lowry

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James Lowry was the only son of Annie Tutchen and Joseph Lowry. In 1880 he married Honora Moriarty. Together James and Honora had four children:

John Lowry was born in 1882
Sarah Ann Lowry was born in 1883
Ellen Lowry was born in 1887
Joseph James Lowry was born on 3 May 1888. He died in 1983.

James was a carpenter. He died on 8 May 1889, having sustained injuries the month earlier caused by a fall off a partition on a house he was building. He was transferred from Waipawa, where he had been working, to the Wellington Hospital, where he died.

In 1895 Honora (Honoria) married Henry James Porter. It appears likely that Henry Porter was married before, in 1886 to Amelia Gertrude Johnston.
Together Honoria and Henry had one son:
Robert Alexander Porter born on 9 January 1898. (Robert died in 1916 aged 20.)

In 1899 Honoria died at the age of just 36.

At the time of Honoria's death, her eldest daughter Sarah Ann Lowry would have been aged sixteen. It appears, interestingly, that after Honoria's death, Henry Porter married her daughter (his step daughter) Sarah! The marriage took place in 1902, when Sarah would have been aged 19. Henry was born on 13 June 1868, and thus would have been about 34 years old at the time of the marriage to Sarah.

Henry and Sarah seem to have settled in Hastings and had the following children:

Henry James Porter was born on 6 February 1902. Henry grew up to marry Mary Escreet in 1927. The marriage didn't last long as Mary Porter died at the age of 30 on 30 September 1935. Henry then remarried at a later date - his second wife was Karen Jane Porter. Henry died in 1986.

Ellen May Porter was born on 9 November 1903 . Ellen married Charles Alfred Smith in 1923 and died in 1989.

John Porter was born on 15 April 1905. I'm unsure if he married. John died on 11 July 1979.

Marion Porter was born in 1907, sadly she died on 1 August 1919 at the age of just 12 years.

Gladys Eileen Porter was born in 1908. In 1930 she married William Augustus Caldwell (1907 - 14 May 1962). Gladys died on 10 May 1971

Margaret Porter was born in 1910.

There is also a birth entry in 1900 for Emily May Porter, born to Sarah and Henry James Porter. I suspect this is their child, born prior to their marriage. Emily died on 6 December 1918 aged 19, meaning she was actually born in late 1899 - the same year her grandmother (her father's first wife) died!! Emily is buried in Hastings Cemetery.

Henry died in 1943 aged 76 years and Sarah Porter died in 1955 aged 74 years. Henry is buried in the Hastings Cemetery, but it is unclear where Sarah is buried.

Sarah's elder brother, John Lowry married Olive Carter Cavanagh (1886 - 1966) in 1905. John must have had a close relationship with his stepfather/brother in law, as John and Olive's son was named Henry James John Lowry (1906 - 1968).