Electoral Roll: Waipa 2382 Surname: RUTHERFORD Given names: Rebecca Jane Residence: Bombay Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Rebecca Jane SIMMS was born in 1859, the eldest daughter of Nicholas and Mary Simms. Her parents had both come to New Zealand from Ireland in the early 1840’s. At the time of Rebecca’s marriage on 25 January 1882, the Simms family were living on Newton Road, Auckland. Amongst items noted in the Observer of 4 February 1882 was mention of the wedding. By 1882 the RUTHERFORD family was well established in New Zealand. James Gillies Rutherford’s parents, James Rutherford and Sarah GILLIES were also among the early settlers from Ireland in the new colony. By virtue of thrift and hard work Mr Rutherford senior had acquired significant holdings in Auckland, Remuera, Rama Rama and Te Awamutu. Born in 1849 in Auckland, James Gillies Rutherford was one of five siblings, four boys and one girl. James was educated at Wesley College which was at that time located in Upper Queen Street, Auckland. This was followed by a period at Mr Farquhar McCrae’s High School. On leaving school James engaged in farming, initially in the Waikato and then in the Bombay district at “Pukewhau.” This was a splendid farm of some 1,000 acres lying between the old Great South Road at Bombay and the Pukekohe East Road, about two miles to the west. It was to the homestead here that James brought his new bride Rebecca. The home with its lovely gardens would have been a fitting place to raise their family and Rebecca was a gracious hostess when visitors called. Rebecca and James had three sons: William James Rutherford born 1883, Charles Gillies Rutherford born 1884 and Kenneth McKindley Rutherford born 1886. No doubt the boys were involved in the family farm as their father had a stud of Lincoln sheep along with cattle and horses. A local boy, William Flay, was engaged to help with the farm work and eventually in 1895 he was appointed farm manager at “Pukewhau.” Life was not without challenges for Rebecca and her family. The Auckland Star of 25 January 1894 reported a fire the previous December which destroyed the Rutherford’s stables and implement shed. Then in July 1894 another fire was reported, this time in a flour mill erected by James a few years before. The water wheel was saved but a quantity of wheat was lost. About 1902 Rebecca and James moved to Remuera where they spent their last years. Rebecca Jane Rutherford died in 1934 at the age of 75, after 12 years of widowhood. She is buried at the Otahuhu Anglican Cemetery. Sources: NZ Historical BDMs, Papers Past, Cyclopedia of New Zealand, NZSG Burial Index. Researched and collated by Christine Madsen and Lynda Muir
Electoral Roll: Franklin 2601 Surname: RUTTER Given names: Mary Jane Residence: Pukekohe West Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Her signature from her will dated 1929 Mary Jane SPENCE was born 2 April 1859 at Leeds, Yorkshire, England. She was the oldest child of Joseph Spence (1823-?), a joiner, and Mary Elizabeth BLAKEY (1829-1871), and had one brother and two sisters. Her father remarried after the death of her mother and Mary also had two half brothers. Her brother Joseph returned to England to live and sister Sarah immigrated to Canada. She married William Charles RUTTER (1855-1945), a tailor, on 23 July 1884 at St Matthews, Leeds, Yorkshire (pictured below). Mary and William had one child, Charles Lionel, born in 1885 when they immigrated to New Zealand, arriving on the Ionic on 23 September 1887. Another three sons were born in New Zealand between 1888 and 1896. By 1901 the family was living in Cambridge and it was from here that Mary and William made a six month long trip back to England in 1924. Mary died on 7 December 1936 and William on 12 July 1945. They are buried together at Hautapu cemetery, Cambridge. The inscription on their headstone reads: Sources: Newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz; BDM – www.dia.govt.nz; Probate records – www.familysearch.org; Cemetery records – NZSG Researcher: Judith Batt Compiler: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3822 Surname: RYAN Given names: Mary Residence: Waipipi Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Mary arrived on the ‘Alfred’ on 16 November 1864, having left from Cape Town, South Africa on 27 November. It was part of the Aided Immigration Scheme. Mary was with her husband Thomas, Michael their son, and Thomas AYLWARD, Mary’s son from her first marriage. Mary Aylward (nee SPAIN) was the widow of a Railway employee who had died as the result of an accident, leaving her with her son, Thomas. She married Thomas RYAN on 21 January 1862 in Cape Town, and together they had a son, Michael. At Waipipi the immigrants were given 5-acre sections and those who settled for life were named the ’Cape Pigeons’ in memory of their origins. The Ryans settled on land on the left of Craig Road, on the corner with Keogh Road. By 1880 Thomas and Michael had both died and Thomas Aylward was left to see to the running of the farm and the care of his mother at the age of about twenty-three years. The newspaper report on the funeral for young Michael states that children from the Waipipi public school walked in front of the cortege with intimate friends next and parents and friends following. Many residents from Maioro and Waiuku also attended the service to pay respect to the family. Thomas Aylward, in due course, married Matilda WADDOUPS from the farm next door off Craig Road. Descendants of the Aylwards farmed in that area for many years. Thomas, Mary and son Michael were laid to rest together in Waipipi Cemetery. Sources: Waipipi & Districts 150 Year Book PapersPast – WAIPIPI DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS, VOLUME XXXII, ISSUE 5216, 30 JUNE 1876 Researcher: Penny Prescott
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3823 Surname: RYNOLDS* Given names: Mary Ann Residence: Puni Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Mary Ann McCRACKEN was the wife of William Henry REYNOLDS* Jnr. Born in Ireland in 1861, she was the daughter of Robert Henry McCracken (1824-1879) and Martha CROZIER (1830-1920) and came to New Zealand on the ‘May Queen’ in 1878. Her parents and most of her siblings had come to New Zealand in 1865 on the ‘Ganges’, with 2 year old Martha being among the 54 children who died on this voyage. Owing to restrictions on the number of passengers, Mary Ann and her brother George remained with their grandparents and she was 17 when she finally rejoined the family. Mrs Martha McCracken – Mary Ann’s mother Mary Ann married William Henry Reynolds (who had come to New Zealand with his parents on the ‘Ganges’) in 1879 and they had a family of 6, with their last child being born in 1897. William died in 1909 and Mary Ann died at her residence in Tobin St, Pukekohe on 31 March 1927. They are buried together at the Pukekohe cemetery. Mary Ann made a number of bequests to the church and community groups, as reported in the NZ Herald. The family placed memoriums in the paper every year for their father, then their mother for many years after their deaths. Sources: Family Tree – Ancestry; Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz; BDM – www.dia.govt.nz; Cemetery photos – Franklin Branch NZSG Researcher: J Batt, Writer: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3824 Surname: SALISBURY Given names: Ann Residence: Puni Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential The first definite trace of Ann SALISBURY is of the death of her only daughter Annie (Ann), age 23, recorded in the NZ Herald 26 January 1891. William Salisbury, Ann’s husband is on the 1875 electoral roll, leasing 40 acres at South Mauku where he appeared to farm until just before Ann’s death. Although on her son John’s death certificate it says her maiden name was DEANE, the marriage below seems more likely, especially coupled with the fact that in William’s probate it was stated that he was from Lancashire. On an 1861 UK census record there is an Ann, age 27, William also age 27 with two small children, Thomas and Richard (the names of both fathers of this couple), living in this area - also a likely record of the family. The death of this infant Richard was also found. None of this has been confirmed however. It appears that four more children were born in New Zealand – deaths have been found of Thomas in 1884 (despite what the headstone says), Ann in 1891, John William in 1918 and Samuel in 1931 that show a definite connection. Ann died in 1908 and is buried in Pukekohe cemetery – her headstone has fallen over, and the large plot is smothered with agapanthus, which reflects the sad life we have been able to piece together for her. Sources: NZ electoral rolls – ancestry.co.uk UK census & marriages – ancestry.co.uk BDM – www.dia.govt.nz Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz Researcher: Judith Batt Compiler: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 4127 Surname: SANDERS Given names: Gertrude Residence: Awitu Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Gertrude was born c1871 in Hamworthy, Dorset, England to Frederick George SANDERS and Hannah FIELD in a family of ten – four girls six boys. Frederick was involved in the manufacture of tile pottery. The family migrated to New Zealand on board the British Queen in October 1883 landing in Dunedin (listed as Mr and Mrs F G Sanders and family of eight). From there they sailed on the Wanaka to Lyttelton and the Wairarapa to Auckland. The full English family were Emma c1867, Frederick Gould Bale c1868, Gertrude c1871, Robert Frederick Henry c1872, Isabel/Isabella Gould Bale c1877, George Hanbury c1878, Charles Herbert c1879, Clara Bale c1881 and Philip Gould Bale c1881-1881. They also had a child born in New Zealand – Henry c1884. Bale was the surname of Frederick’s mother Emma, and Gould was also a family name from Emma’s side. Father, Frederick, appears on the 1885-86 Electoral Roll as a freehold farmer with Lot 6, Papakura, 100 acres. In 1890 he appears with son Frederick in Drury, father as a settler and son a farmer. However, in the early 1890’s the family spent time at Awhitu where they became fully involved in school and community activities, whether it was providing supper for socials or like young Belle, by singing as part of the entertainment. 1896 saw the family settled in Lincoln Street in Auckland. Sadly, both parents passed away in 1899. Frederick passed away at home in Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby on 7 May, aged 78, and Hannah, at Auckland Hospital after a long illness, on 6 November, aged 58. Gertrude re-settled in Murdoch Street, and with the death of their parents the younger members of the family appear to have made a home with Gertrude, as George (Carpenter), Isabella and Clara (Dressmakers) were all sharing her home. Emma had a home of her own in the same area. By mid-1905 the family group moved to Wellington where they again set up a family home with Gertrude, Robert (Contractor), Isabel, Clara and Henry (Builder) all in Roseneath. All three women were simply listed spinster. The family group was listed in the 1907 Wise’s Post Office Directory with their brother Frederick Gould Bale also included. By late 1910s Gertrude was by herself at Pahautanui with the family now settled in their own way. As age began to catch up Gertrude moved and settled for the last time at Golden Gate, in the seaside resort of Paremata. Brother George was living nearby. Gertrude passed away 23 December 1945, aged 74, and was laid to rest at the Pauatahanui Anglican Cemetery in Wellington. Her brother George passed away 3 November 1949, aged 72, and was laid to rest with her. Sources: Electoral Rolls NZ BDM Historical Records Cemetery Records PapersPast – Evening Star, Issue 6416, 9 Oct 1883 English Census – Hamworthy, Dorset, England 1881 Ancestry Public Trees – Coulson Family Tree (J vander Veen) and Main Family DNA (Ron Field) Researcher: Lois Hopping
Electoral Roll: Waipa 3501 Surname: SAWYER Given names: Margaret Ann Residence: Bombay Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Margaret, born in Liverpool on 17 March 1862, had just had her third birthday when she arrived in New Zealand aboard the ship Bombay, on 19 March 1865. Her parents John WILSON (1831-1905) and Sarah HOLLINGSWORTH (1843-1910) and her young brother John, 3 months old, had just completed four months at sea and were about to settle at Bombay (or Williamson’s Crossing as it was then known). John was a Late Sergeant of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons and was no doubt lured to New Zealand with the promise of free land. On the same ship Margaret arrived on was a young John SAWYER, then age 15. Margaret Ann Wilson and John Newman Sawyer were to marry on 10 December 1884 at Bombay. The couple settled on John’s 80 acres at Bombay and had a family of seven children, five daughters and two sons, born between 1886 and 1897. Margaret lived on this property for the rest of her life and is buried with John at the St Peters of the Forest Anglican Church, Bombay. Sources: Thomas & Gebbie Family Tree – ancestry.co.uk BDM – www.dia.govt.nz Probate records – www.familysearch.org NZ electoral rolls – ancestry.co.uk Headstone photo – Franklin Branch NZSG Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Waipa 3502 Surname: SAWYER Given names: Mary Ann Residence: Bombay Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Mary Ann was born circa April 1826 at Broadwater, Sussex, England, the daughter of William NEWMAN and Elizabeth. She married William SAWYER (1823-1905) on 18 August 1845 at Brighton, Sussex and they had at least 9 children born in England. Mary and William and nine children boarded the Bombay, which left London on 26 November 1864, to make a new life in New Zealand. After their arrival in Auckland on 18 March 1865, they settled on 80 acres of land at Bombay where Mary was to live for the rest of her life. On the 1880/81 electoral roll their land was described as Lots 14, 16, 26 and 27 Bombay. Three more children were born in New Zealand making a total of 12 children – seven sons and five daughters born between 1846 and 1871. They were to lose two sons early – Charles died in 1869 and William in 1882 and they are remembered on the headstone for Mary and William. Mary died on 14 August 1898 and William on 30 May 1905. They are buried together at St Peters in the Forest Church cemetery at Bombay. Their headstone reads; In loving memory of William SAWYER died 30th May 1905 aged 82 years and of his wife Mary Ann died 14th August 1898 aged 71 years also their sons William died 6th Oct 1882 aged 36 years and Charles killed in the Maori war at Ngatapa, East Coast 2nd Jany 1869 aged 20 years Sources: Karen Barber Family Tree – ancestry.co.uk NZ electoral rolls – ancestry.co.uk BDM – www.dia.govt.nz Probate records – www.familysearch.org Shipping lists – Auckland Libraries Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3830 Surname: SCHUMACHER Given names: Isabella Residence: West Mauku Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Isabella SCHUMACHER (also Schumaker), was born Isabella BROWN in 1842. Isabella married Adolphus Schumacher in 1865. They lived initially at Moanatairi Creek, Thames and would then make their home in the Mauku area. Some years later they moved to Auckland. Adolphus passed away on 3 May 1912, his death recorded as Aloph. In his will written on 15 March 1912, he left 1/3 of his estate to his wife who was also living at the Little Sisters of the Poor and the remaining 2/3 was left to the Little Sisters of the Poor, Ponsonby, where he had spent the latter years of his life. It would appear that they had no children. Isabella passed away on 8 June 1916, aged 74 years, Green Lane, Epsom. They are both buried at Waikumete Cemetery. Little Sisters of the Poor, Tweed St, Ponsonby Sources: Papers past - NZ Herald 10/6/1916 BMD – www.dia.govt.nz Probate – www.familysearch.org NZ electoral rolls – ancestry.co.uk Researcher: Joan Taylor
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3831 Surname: SCOPES Given names: Catherine Laura Residence: Manukau Heads Occupation: farmer Qualification: residential Catherine Laura CLARKE (known as Laura) was born c1850 to Herbert Clarke and Louisa WALKER in England. The family with children Laura (22), Charles (19) and Lucy (4) sailed on the Adamant from England on 16 July and arrived in Lyttleton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 17 October 1873. Laura married Charles Witherington SCOPES on 7 February 1874. Charles was born c1848 to Charles Scopes and Lydia MITCHELL in Mistley, Essex, England. Laura and Charles had seven children – Lydia Louisa 1874, Agnes Ellen 1876, Charles Herbert 1879, Millicent Laura 1881, Ethel Ivy 1883, Eliza Alice 1885 and Alfred Witherington 1887. Charles, Laura and family travelled up from the Portland Island Lighthouse to Auckland by ship. They stayed a few days in Auckland while all their belongings were taken by horse and cart to Onehunga and then by boat across the Manukau Harbour. They were met and assisted to get their goods up the steep hill by use of bullock and sledge. Laura was provided with a horse, but Charles and the children walked. They soon settled in and the children attended Manukau Heads School and made friends. Charles bought a farm nearby thinking it would be work for his son, Bert, when he left school. As a mariner Charles would have appreciated the dangers of crossing the Bar. While in England he had actively pursued his Mates and Masters Certificates – the level he attained has not been ascertained – Certificate No. 96.792 (aged 24). Sadly, due to Charles’ untimely death, their stay at the lighthouse was short. He served from March 1892 to January 1893 but died on 1 January 1893, aged 44 and place of burial is unknown. Laura then made her home on the farm at the Manukau Heads. With the help of family and the Manukau Heads community, she kept everything operating, smoothly or otherwise, and proudly called herself a farmer on the 1896 Electoral Roll. Over the years the children took on more of the work, house and farm, and many remained in the district after their mother’s death. Bert (Herbert) did what he could as he followed in his father’s footsteps, a Master Mariner. In 1904 Laura’s daughter Lydia married Edward GARLAND. She was the only daughter to marry. In 1906 daughter Alice took over as post-mistress at the Manukau Heads Post Office and was known for a friendly smile and hearty welcome. Bert married Hilda Mabel CLOTHIER in 1923. Catherine Laura passed away on 4 March 1911, aged 60, and was buried with her son Alfred in Awhitu Cemetery. Sources: Cemetery Records, NZ BDM Historical Records, Electoral Rolls Ancestry Public Trees – Dally/King Tree Heads, Harbour & Hills – An Awhitu History – 1999 Researcher: Lois Hopping
Electoral Roll: Waipa 2441 Surname: SCOTT Given names: Mary Residence: Rama Rama Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Mary SCOTT arrived in New Zealand with her husband and only child Mary Campbell Scott (born 1874 in Scotland) about 1882. Her husband Andrew had been engaged in farming operations in Lanarkshire, Scotland and they took up land at Ramarama. For some years carried on mixed farming there. Relinquishing the farm, by 1900 they had a store in Dominion Road, Auckland and after 10 years they retired to 100 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland. Daughter Mary remained in this house until her death in 1948. (photo from Google maps 2015) Mary Campbell Scott died on 30 September 1915 and her husband Andrew on 14 December 1922 and they are buried with their daughter at O’Neills Point cemetery in Auckland. The wording on their headstone, now in bad condition and hard to read. Sources: Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz NZSG cemetery collection Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3836 Surname: SEDGWICK Given names: Kate Residence: Mauku Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Long distance sweethearts Kate FRENCH and Thomas James SEDGWICK were finally able to marry when Kate came to New Zealand to join her husband-to-be after a separation of seven years. What a joyful reunion that must have been. Kate and Thomas were both born in Chatham, Kent, England and they were both baptised in the same church – St Mary’s, Chatham; Thomas on 18 April 1851 and Kate on 29 February 1852. Kate, born 21 December 1851 at Ordnance Place, Chatham, was one of four children born to John and Mary Ann French (nee FEAKINS). Although a police constable at the time of Kate’s birth, John French, in the early 1860’s was the licensed victualler of the Hit or Miss Pub in Sheerness, Kent. In 1871 Thomas Sedgwick took the opportunity to come to New Zealand and sailed on the ‘Queen Bee’ from London to Auckland arriving on 8 February 1871. Kate remained in England nursing her ailing mother Mary Ann French. After her mother died, Kate sailed to New Zealand where she was reunited with her fiancé. They married on 24 June 1878 at Waiuku at the home of Edward Constable, owner of the Kentish Hotel. In 1876 Thomas had applied for and been granted the licence of the Kentish Hotel and he continued to lease the hotel until Edward Constable’s death in 1893. Their time at the Kentish Hotel must have been a very busy one for the newly married couple as they managed a business and raised a family of six children. Little did Kate know as a child back in 1861 – 1862, living at the Hit and Miss pub in Sheerness, that one day she and her husband would be managing a hotel on the other side of the world. After he relinquished his interest in the hotel, Thomas turned his hand to storekeeping and built a large store on Bowen Street with accommodation above and beside for both family and travellers. They were well respected and liked members of the community, always interested in the welfare of the district. After Thomas’ untimely death at the age of 51 on 14 December 1902, Kate continued to manage the store and the boarding house with the help of her family. Sadly, Kate died 30 December 1911 at the early age of 59 and she is buried at Waiuku Cemetery with her husband Thomas. Researcher: Madeleine Judson Sources: Sedgwick Family; Family Search; My Heritage; Ancestry; BMD NZ; Free BMD UK; Papers Past; Archives NZ; GRO; Photo of Sedgwick’s Building, cnr Queen & Bowen Street, Waiuku abt 1905. Courtesy Waiuku Museum Society, Auckland Libraries, Footprints 04560. Photo Kate Sedgwick – courtesy of Judy Bischoff/Sedgewick Family
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3837 Surname: SELBY Given names: Eliza Jane Residence: Mauku Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Eliza Jane was born in 1871, possibly on the farm at Mauku, the third child of George Holmes SELBY and Mary Charlotte MAY. Her mother and her older sister Mary Rebecca Selby are also on the 1893 Electoral Roll, so there would be three female members of this family entitled to vote for the first time. Eliza Jane remained a spinster, living on Bald Hill Farm, near and on Hull's Road, Waiuku, and she is seen in Electoral Rolls 1893, 1896, 1911, and in 1925. She is also found to have leased some land off Goodwin Road, Waiuku, probably from part of an inheritance from her mother who died 1901. She died on 17 November 1941, aged 70, and is buried at Waiuku Cemetery, Row 31, Plot 032. Eliza Jane's father, George Holmes Selby, was born in 1835, baptised 16 May 1835 at Stoughton, Leicestershire, England, and he immigrated to New Zealand about 1856. He resided in Avondale, then Papatoetoe, and during the Land Wars had a contract to supply firewood to the troops at Otahuhu, as well as delivering hay to Drury. Her parents married on 28 May 1866, at St Andrew's, Epsom. Her mother, Mary Charlotte was the daughter of Joseph May of Mt Roskill. Eliza Jane’s siblings, children born to George Holmes and Mary Charlotte SELBY were: Joseph Henry, b 1867, d 5 July 1919. He and his brother helped their father build up Bald Hill Farm. Mary Rebecca, b 1869, d 9 July 1940, aged 71 Eliza Jane, b 1871, d 17 November 1941 George Holmes, b 1873-1930 m. Isabella JOLLY in 1916. Alice May, b 1876, died one month later, 1876 Ada May, b 31 October 1878 -1972 m. William James May in 1911 Ellen May, b 1884, m. Conway Grey MURPHY in 1915. Sources: NZBDM online, PapersPastNZ, FindMyPast UK, Ancestry UK, NZ cemetery Index, Auckland Council cemeteries, Find A Grave, Shipping records, NZSG Marriage, Burial Locator and 5 Electoral Rolls CDs Local old district maps, NZSG Library fiche. Researcher, R H Eden.
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3838 Surname: SELBY Given names: Mary Charlotte Residence: Waiuku Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Mary Charlotte was born on 14 May 1846 in Auckland, New Zealand, the eldest daughter of Joseph and Helen MAY. She married George Holmes SELBY on 28 May 1866 in St Andrews Anglican Church, Epsom. They came to the Waiuku district in 1870 settling at the farm known as the Bald Hills at Waitangi (Pukeoware). Mary and George had seven children, two sons and five daughters. Some children were born in Auckland and some in Waiuku. Joseph Henry (Harry) 1867-1919 – buried Waiuku Cemetery, Mary Rebecca (Beckie) 1869-1940 – buried Waiuku Cemetery with sister Eliza, Eliza Jane 1871-1941 – buried Waiuku Cemetery with sister Beckie, George Holmes 1873-1930 – married Isabella JOLLY 1916 and they had one known child, Alice May 1876-1876 – died 1 month old – buried Waiuku Cemetery with parents, Ada May 1877-1972 – married William James MAY 1911 and they had two children – both were cremated and ashes scattered, Ellen May 1884-1959 – married Conway Grey MURPHY 1915 and they had two known children – buried separately in Otorohanga Cemetery. In early May 1901 Mary was unwell and sought medical advice in Auckland not knowing the seriousness of the problem. She died on 19 May 1901, aged 55, at her brother’s residence in Mount Albert. It was said Mary was ‘beloved by all with whom she came in contact for her kindly sympathetic nature’. George died on 17 November 1903. They were buried in Waiuku. Sources: Descendants of William May, John May and John Wilson by Paul Bickerstaff OBITUARY.NEW ZEALAND HERALD, VOLUME XL, ISSUE 12429, 26 NOVEMBER 1903 LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.NEW ZEALAND HERALD, VOLUME XXXVIII, ISSUE 11660, 23 MAY 1901 Researcher: Penny Prescott
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3839 Surname: SELBY Given names: Mary Rebecca Residence: Waiuku Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Mary Rebekah was the daughter of Mary Charlotte (nee MAY) and George Holmes SELBY. Her father’s mother was Rebekah so that is probably the correct spelling for Mary’s second name. With her mother being Mary, this daughter was known as “Beckie”, although it appears all New Zealand records have her listed as Rebecca. She was born about 1869 in Auckland and her parents came to the Waitangi (Pukeoware) area of the Waiuku district in 1870 settling at the farm known as the Bald Hills. Beckie never married but spent the early part of her life in Waiuku. She then moved to the Auckland area about 1914. An Auckland Street Directory of 1920 has Miss Mary Rebecca Selby along with Miss Ada May and a Mrs Emily Annie JAMES who all seem possibly to be running the Auckland Probationary Boys' Home. There is a Rebecca worked or lived at "Stonehurst" Hotel in Symonds Street at that time. However, she returned again in the late 1920s. Beckie joined her sister Eliza to live in Kaiwaka Road not long after her return. They shared this home until Beckie passed. She died on 9 July 1940 and is buried in the Waiuku cemetery in a double grave with her sister Eliza Jane who died 15 November 1941. Sources Descendants of William May, John May and John Wilson by Paul Bickerstaff www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz Researcher: Penny Prescott
Electoral Roll: Waipa 3512 Surname: SHANAHAN Given names: Margaret Agnes Residence: Bombay Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Margaret Agnes COCKEY was born in 1853 in Glasgow, Scotland. Her mother was Agnes RAILTON from a Glaswegian family and her father was William Cockey. He was from a prosperous iron foundry family in England. Margaret Agnes’ mother died in childbirth and Agnes, as she was called, was brought up in Glasgow by her father and Anne, one of his unmarried sisters. She appears to have had a comfortable upbringing as a census return in 1871 shows that at the age of 17 she was a boarder at a private school for girls in Bristol. In November 1878 at the age of 25, Margaret Agnes married Edward SHANAHAN in Peterborough, Northamptonshire. Born in Killarney, Edward was a former Roman Catholic priest in Ireland, but a change of faith saw him licensed as an Anglican Curate in Hanging Heaton, Yorkshire. Two children, Edward William and Margaret Agnes were born in Ironville, Derbyshire before their parents decided to immigrate to New Zealand, influenced it seems by Edward’s friendship with George Vesey STEWART. The Shanahans arrived in Auckland in early 1884 and Margaret Agnes lived the life of a clergyman’s wife, firstly in the city where Edward was the vicar of the Church of the Epiphany, then in Ngaruawahia. Here Mary Ethel, the first of their New Zealand children, was born in 1885 followed by twin boys Walter Edmund and John Henry. Shortly after the death in infancy of John Henry, the Shanahans moved to Bombay where they bought 40 acres of farmland and built a spacious villa. Margaret was no longer a clergyman’s wife but lived a full life with the births of three more children; Edith Florence, Robert and Kate. Local newspaper reports note her community involvement with fundraising for the St Peters Church. The memoirs of her daughter Kate show us a strong, practical, well-educated and intelligent woman. Two of her sons were soldiers in WW1 and like other women around her Margaret had to endure the anxieties of the report of their life-threatening injuries. She also had to cope with farm work with just the help of two daughters when her husband died in 1917. As it happened her sons were both still alive at the time of her own death in early 1918 aged 64. Margaret is buried with Edward in St Peter’s in the Forest Cemetery at Bombay. The inscription reads: In loving memory of Edward Shanahan, died March 1, 1917, aged 71 years. Also Margaret Agnes, beloved wife of the above, died 30 March 1918 aged 64 years. Peace, Perfect Peace. The adjoining side of the tombstone bears a tribute to Margaret’s son, Robert Shanahan who died of illness while on active service in Palestine on 20 October that same year. Contributed by great granddaughters Jenny Sharpe and Christine Carter. Margaret Agnes and Edward Shanahan with their two eldest children, Margaret Agnes and Edward William.
Electoral Roll: Franklin 2674 Surname: SHARP Given names: Anna Residence: Mauku Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Anna (or Hannah as she was also known) KEHU or KAHU, married John SHARP at Mauku on 8 April 1879. She was born about 1862, calculated from her age at marriage. She was on the electoral rolls for 1893, 1896 and 1905/06 at Mauku and John is there 1890 – 1896 and son William in 1905. The children of Anna and John SHARP; 1880 William, a framer of Ellerslie in 1916 and next of kin for Herman when he enlisted, 1882 Emily Elizabeth, probably Emily SHARPE b. 23 November 1882, died 1975, 1884 Alfred John David, on his death cert – born Waiuku, died 17 July 1935, 1886 Herman d. 1955, 1887 Samuel SHARPE, d. 14 September 1966, m. Helen Josephine O’NEILL, 6 children, 1888 Charlotte Sophia m. 1909 Walter Frederick BUTTERS, div 1912, d. 1931, 1891 Henry d. 1891 age 11 days, 1892 Robert Louis d. 1973, m. 1935 Evelyn Martha GOODARE. The children have all been traced through BDM’s, school records, Herman’s military record, and two family trees. John Sharp died in Auckland Hospital on 6 November 1901 and is buried at Waikumete cemetery, verified by his death certificate. There is no official record of the birth or death of Anna or Hannah Sharp. The Walker Family tree on ancestry gives a precise date and place of death for Anna though – 9 December 1914 at Patumahoe. Sources: Walker Family Tree – ancestry.co.uk Alfred’s Family Tree (ancestry) and death certificate- Antoinette Sharp BDM – www.dia.govt.nz NZ electoral rolls School records (mostly at Puni and Patumahoe schools) Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 2678 Surname: SHARP Given names: Cecilia Brown Residence: Pukekohe East Occupation: teacher Qualification: residential Cecilia Brown DOULL, a native of Scotland, married William SHARP on 25 February 1869. William was born in 1845 in New Zealand. His parents had arrived on the Duchess of Argyle in October 1842 after their marriage in Scotland in April that year. Cecilia Brown Sharp played a key role in education in the district, taking up teaching at Pukekohe East School on 5 July 1869, a few months after her marriage to William Sharp jnr. The school had originally opened in 1863, initially in the temporary meeting house, then in the present church building, although disrupted for a short time when war came to the district. In 1880 the present school building opened, located just down the road on land purchased from the Sharp family for £25. The Sharp family had purchased 203 acres there in 1868. Cecilia continued teaching for over 21 years until September 1891, and made a most valuable contribution to education and district life generally. She became the first woman head teacher at Pukekohe East School in 1877 and remained so until the end of her tenure in 1891. In 1870 Cecilia and William had a son, William John Dunbar Sharp followed by a daughter, Cecilia Jane in 1872. They also had a daughter, Elizabeth Agnes, born 7 March 1874 but who lived only a very short time. In 1882, at the age of 12, Cecilia’s son William became the organist for the Pukekohe East Church, and continued until Mrs Watkin ROBINSON took over some 12 years later. On retiring from her position as head teacher at the school, Cecilia and her husband moved to ‘Springfield’ at Ramarama sometime after 1893 where they continued farming and breeding Lincoln sheep and Ayrshire cattle. The Auckland Star of 3 October 1904 reported Cecilia’s death: “SHARP – On October 2, after a short illness, Cecilia Brown, dearly beloved wife of William Sharp, Springfield, Ramarama. Home papers please copy. Funeral will leave her late residence for the Presbyterian Cemetery, Bombay, at 1.30 pm on Tuesday, October 4th. Friends please accept this intimation.” A brief obituary appeared in the New Zealand Herald of 4 October 1904: Sources: Alan Sharp descendant; Papers Past; NZ Historical bdm; Cemetery Records; Archives NZ, A History of Pukekohe East 1863-1963 by Nona Morris. Collated by Christine Madsen and Lynda Muir
Electoral Roll: Franklin 2676 Surname: SHARP Given names: Cecilia Jane Residence: Pukekohe East Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Cecilia Jane SHARP was the daughter of William Sharp and Cecilia Brown Sharp nee DOULL. She was born in 1872. Cecilia Jane’s father farmed Lot 5 Pukekohe East and their home was just below the present Pukekohe East School. Her mother was head teacher at the school for more than 21 years from 1869 to 1891. The family moved to ‘Springfield’, Ramarama some time after 1893 and it was there that Cecilia Jane was married in 1901. NZ Herald 3 May 1901: FOX-SHARP – On April 30, 1901, at the residence of the bride’s parents, by the Rev. T Norrie, Philip Henry, youngest son of J H Fox Esq., Nelson, to Cecilia Jane, only daughter of William Sharp Esq., ‘Springfield’, Ramarama. Philip Henry FOX was born at Axbridge, Somerset, England, in 1870. He came to New Zealand in 1879 with his parents. They settled first in Christchurch before moving to Dunedin and then Nelson where he worked with his father, who was a civil engineer, on building the Lyall Bridge over the Buller River. A description of Cecilia and Henry’s wedding was posted in the New Zealand Herald of 8 May 1901: On coming to Auckland in the late 1890s Philip Henry Fox settled on a farm on the Great South Road at Ramarama and it was here that he and Cecilia lived out their married life. Cecilia and Philip had two children, John William Herbert Fox born in 1902 and Cecilia Frances Fox born in 1907. After 32 years at Ramarama, Cecilia and Philip moved closer to Papakura. Philip died in January 1932 at the age of 61, leaving Cecilia a widow for just over 18 years. They are both buried at the Papakura Cemetery. In loving memory of Philip Henry beloved husband of Cecilia Jane Fox died 31st Jan 1932 aged 61 years. To memory ever dear. Also his beloved wife Cecilia Jane died 2nd Feb 1950 aged 77 years. Sources: Papers Past, Cemetery Records, NZ Historical bdm, Archives NZ. Collated by Christine Madsen and Lynda Muir
Electoral Roll: Franklin 2672 Surname: SHARP Given names: Helen Residence: Pukekohe East Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Helen SHARP was born on 8 April 1834 at Cathkin House, Carmunnock Parish, Lanarkshire, Scotland. She came to New Zealand with her younger brother John on the ship Harwood in 1858. Helen Sharp in later life On 7 March 1862, Helen married her relative William Sharp who had been recently widowed. William’s first wife, Jane Sharp nee DUNBAR had died in October 1860 at the age of 46. There were three living children from William’s first marriage: John, William and Jane. By 1862 they would all have been in their teens. Helen and William Sharp went on to have a family of seven: Humphrey Ewen 1862- 1864 Elizabeth Marshall born 1864 Agnes Marshall born 1866 Alexander William John born 1869 Mathew Smith born 1872 – 1880 James Thomas born 1875, and Mary Helen born 1878. Initially the family farmed near the Harp of Erin in Auckland. Then in 1874 they moved to Pukekohe East where William had purchased Lot 5 on Runciman Road in 1868. His son William from his first marriage was likely already farming there. This William jnr married Cecilia Jane DOULL who contributed so much to the school at Pukekohe East. In 1879 the Sharp family made land available for the sum of £25 for a much needed larger local school. About 1907 Helen and her husband moved to Gordonton where their sons Alexander and James had gone to farm. William Sharp died not long after in September 1907. An obituary in the Auckland Star of 19 July 1924 gave tribute to Helen Sharp’s hospitality and the high regard in which she was held by the community: She had been a widow for 17 years and outlived all but three of her children. Helen died in 1924 and she and her husband William are buried at the Taupiri Cemetery. Sources: Alan Sharp descendant, Papers Past, NZ Historical bdm, Archives NZ, A History of Pukekohe East 1863-1962 by Nona Morris. Collated by Lynda Muir.
Electoral Roll: Waipa 2469 Surname: SHARP Given names: Mary Elizabeth Residence: Bombay Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Mary Elizabeth SHARP was born in Bombay, New Zealand in 1871. Her parents were William George Sharp, known as George (1838-1890) and Mary Rebecca WOOTTEN (1841-1922) and they had settled in Bombay to farm. As the eldest child of six, Mary would no doubt have had to help her mother with household and farm chores after the early death of her father. She did have two brothers, but they were much younger. In 1902 at her home, she married Felix Harry ROKE. Known always as Harry, he was a sawmiller and farmer and had lived on the East Cape in 1900. In 1905 Mary and Harry were farming at Paparata and it was here that four children – 1 daughter and three sons were born. By 1911 the family were living at Matakana, where Harry was sawmilling with some of his brothers. The family were active members of the Methodist Church where Harry was a lay preacher. Mary was obviously a good cook as she entered and won prizes with her baking at the Rodney A&P shows. Mary died in 1923 and is buried in the Matakana cemetery. The inscription on her headstone reads, ‘In fond memory of Mary Elizabeth dearly loved wife of Harry Roke. Died 6th Jan 1923 aged 50 years. At rest’ Sources: Roke Family website – www.rokefamily.org Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz BDM – www.dia.govt.nz Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Waipa 2470 Surname: SHARP Given names: Mary Rebecca Residence: Bombay Occupation: farmer Qualification: residential Mary Rebecca SHARP nee WOOTTEN was born on 25 February 1841. Her parents were Joseph Wootten (1813-1876) and Sarah SANSON (1812-1847). They lived in Bromham, Wiltshire, England. Her mother, Sarah, died on 5 July 1847 and Joseph remarried Constance FENNELL before the family came to New Zealand on the ship Bombay arriving on 18 March 1865. Mary Rebecca (known as Rebecca) married George SHARP (1838-1890) on 12 December 1871. They had 6 children, 4 daughters and 2 sons born between 1872 and 1883. George died in 1890, leaving Rebecca with a young family to raise. She remained on the farm at Bombay until she died in 1922 aged 82 years old. Rebecca is buried at St Peters of the Forest Church cemetery at Bombay but does not have a headstone. Sources: Family History – C Landon; Old Newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz; Website: www.rokefamily.org Google: photo of cemetery BDM – www.dia.govt.nz Researcher: C Landon Below: St Peters of the Forest Church & cemetery
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3841 Surname: SHARP Given names: Susannah Residence: Mauku Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Susannah SHARP was born on 1 November 1833 and baptised, with her twin brother Charles, on the 22nd of that month at the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Mitcham, Surrey. Their parents were David Sharp, and Mary Ann née CONSTABLE who had married on 6 June 1831 by banns. Both parties signed the register. The family lived in the High Street in Sutton near Croydon in 1841, but by the 1851 census David and Mary Ann are living apart; each claiming widowhood. Susannah is working as a ‘servant of all work’ for Samuel and Susan NEWELL and their two young granddaughters; a job of long days and hard work. When Susannah’s grandfather John Constable of Boxley Abbey, Kent died in 1852 his widow’s eyes turned toward New Zealand. In 1856 Susannah joined the family party travelling to New Zealand on the ‘Sandford’. Also on board were her widowed grandmother Esther, her mother Mary Ann, a cousin Edward KNOWLES, Susannah, Mary Ann’s brother Edward, and his estranged wife Jane. Edward had immigrated to New Zealand in 1838 with his wife Jane and, showing an entrepreneurial streak, soon improved his situation through diverse operations in business and farming. They arrived in Auckland in July 1856 to a new life. Susannah’s first child Louisa was born on 7 December 1856 in Waiuku, and her second, Ellen, on 25 September 1858 in London. Sadly, little Louisa did not see New Zealand again as whooping cough claimed her life just as the ‘John Scott’ reached New Zealand waters on their return voyage. She was buried at sea. Susannah was an accomplished pianist and singer and newspaper reports tell of her solos and duets, often accompanied by young Ellen, at the soirees in the district. She was also a frequent contributor of ‘trays’ for the refreshment break between entertainment and clearing the floor so that young and old could ‘trip the light fantastic’ until dawn. Her daughter Ellen married Alfred Martyn BARRIBALL and the arrival of twelve grandchildren in fifteen years gave Susannah much joy as she assisted her daughter. Susannah lost Ellen far too soon as she died on 29 January 1903, after twelve months of suffering with breast cancer. Susannah had moved into Vincent Street, Auckland by 1900. She had inherited the Kentish Hotel and other property from Edward Constable and was now a woman of means – a gentlewoman in the electoral rolls. It was here that a tragic sequence of events led to a hauntingly sad death. Susannah had been ill in bed for some weeks. During the night she enquired of her companion the time. A candle was lit, but not extinguished. The curtain of the bed caught fire and Susannah’s night apparel caught alight. She was badly burned and died from kidney failure on 7 September 1912. Susannah’s will left individual legacies of her precious possessions, to each of her twelve grandchildren. She was buried ‘with plainness and dignity’ at the Waiuku cemetery. Sources: ArchivesNZ/ancestry.com/RGO/GRO/NZ SG Researcher: Val Gillanders
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3844 Surname: SHEA Given names: Alma Campbell Residence: Whangarata Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Alma Campbell HOLLAND was born in Leyland, Lancashire, England on 7 June 1855 to Henry Holland, bricklayer, and his wife Lavinia COOK – one of 16 known children. In late June 1862, at the age of seven, Alma and 8 of her siblings and her mother boarded the “Romulus” in London and set sail for New Zealand. Her father, Henry, had arrived in New Zealand in early 1860 to undertake a fresh start after his brick making business in Leyland had gone bankrupt in the late 1850s. The family initially lived in Newton, Auckland where Henry had set up business as a brick maker in Karangahape Road. In the late 1860s the family moved south to Onewhero after Henry’s business went into bankruptcy. The family lived on Lot 69 in the Parish of Onewhero - a 55-acre Crown Grant of land located across the Waikato River from the Tuakau Landing and allotted to Alma’s older brother George Holland in March 1867. After the death of her father in 1875, Alma was given a vested interest in this property by her brother George, but she chose to relinquish this claim in 1896 for the sum of £20. Alma married Edward SHEA in Tuakau on 21 March 1879. Edward (born in Tipperary, Ireland) had sailed to New Zealand on board the “Fernglen” in early 1875. Upon arrival he went to Whangarata where his sister, Jane (who had immigrated to New Zealand in 1865 on the “Caduceus”), was then resident with her husband Patrick McKEAN. Alma and Edward settled at Whangarata where Edward was a farmer and, between 1881 and 1900, they had 11 children – 6 boys and 5 girls. Tragedy was to strike the family in 1895, however, when there was a serious throat infection epidemic at Whangarata. The Sheas lost all three of their young daughters in less than a fortnight - Margaret Jane (12), Lavinia (11) and Annie Elizabeth (9). By 1898, the family had moved to Te Mata, near Raglan where Edward continued farming. Sadly, tragedy entered their lives again when in mid-1900 their son Charles William, 11, died from syncope while under chloroform at the hospital in Hamilton. Alma is remembered by family as being an accomplished dressmaker – an invaluable skill when providing for a large family. Edward died at Waikato Hospital on 23 October 1921; and Alma died at Hamilton on 8 May 1931. Both are buried in the Alexandra Redoubt Cemetery, Tuakau alongside their four children who predeceased them. When Alma died she left her entire estate (both personal and real valued at just under £660) to be shared equally between her daughter Alma Campbell Shea and her son George Robert Shea. Sources: GRO Birth Certificate for Alma Cambell [sic] HOLLAND Papers Past website: https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz NZ birth, marriage and death dates: http://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz NZ Land Records held at National Archives Auckland Photo of Alma Campbell SHEA: https://www.ancestry.com “Family History & Memories of the Shea Family” – 1999 [1st draft] – Doreen E. A. Lightfoot [nee Shea] Researcher: Christine Headford
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3845 Surname: SHEA Given names: Margaret Residence: Tuakau Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Margaret BOLAND was born c1816 in Ireland according to the age of 80 given on her death registration record, but this does not agree with the information given for her age at marriage in the same record which would suggest that her birth was c1823 instead. This latter date is also supported by other information given below. Death record information is always deemed to the least reliable for an individual because it is given by a third party and not by the individual themselves. Margaret’s parents noted on her death registration record were James Boland and Jane DELAHAY. Margaret married James SHEA on 12 February 1839 in the Roman Catholic Church in Cloughjordan, Killaloe, County Tipperary, Ireland. Two of Margaret and James’ children are known to have immigrated to New Zealand. Their daughter Jane sailed to New Zealand on the Caduceus in early 1865 and by mid-1867 had married Patrick McKEAN and settled at Whangarata. Their son Edward travelled to New Zealand on board the Fernglen in early 1875 and also settled in Whangarata. It is unknown when Margaret’s husband died, but in mid-February 1876 Margaret herself set sail for New Zealand on the Bebington from London. She is listed as a single woman aged 53 on the ship’s passenger list. The voyage of the Bebington was ill-fated right from the start. The night after sailing the ship had a collision with another vessel and the Bebington had a big hole ripped in its bow. The damage required the ship to head to Portsmouth for repairs where it took 10 days to ready it for sea again. Even before the Bebington was underway again illness set in on board, and the ship has been described as becoming nothing but a floating hospital. During the voyage there were 67 cases of sickness recorded including scarlet and rheumatic fever, measles and infantile disease and 16 deaths. When the Bebington reached Auckland on 15 July 1876, it was required to anchor in the quarantine ground for the safety of the city. The following morning the immigrants were taken off the vessel and conveyed to the Quarantine Station on Motuihe Island where provisions were provided. It was probably not the arrival in her future homeland which Margaret had expected and, as the uncertain quarantine period extended, she posted an advertisement in The New Zealand Herald in early August asking her son Edward to contact her. It was 19 August before Margaret and her fellow immigrants were finally released from their lengthy confinement in quarantine and brought ashore at Auckland. Margaret at long last got to be reunited with her children Jane (already widowed) and Edward, meet her McKean grandchildren for the first time, and settle into life in Whangarata. Here she was able to acquire a piece of land (the western portion of Lot 89 – nearly 5½ hectares) and got to witness the marriage of her son Edward to Alma Campbell HOLLAND in 1879 and the births of at least 9 more grandchildren. But she sadly also got to experience the loss of three of these grandchildren in 1895 when a serious throat infection struck the district. Margaret herself died the following year on 20 November 1896 at the Whangarata residence of her daughter Jane. Her causes of death were given as old age and heart valve disease. Margaret was buried on 22 November in the Alexandra Redoubt Cemetery, Tuakau. Sources: Papers Past website: https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers, 1655-1915: https://www.ancestry.com Researcher: Christine Headford
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3846 Surname: SHEEHAN Given names: Mary Residence: Waiuku Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential The SHEEHAN family came to New Zealand on the Reiherstieg which had sailed from the Cape of Good Hope in October 1864, arriving in Auckland on Christmas Eve, 24 December 1864. This ship was the third immigrant ship to arrive in 3 days and as there was no room for the passengers at the Onehunga Barracks, the families were put in tents. On 23 January 1865 they were forwarded to their settlement of Maioro, where some of the men were able to find employment, however it was not until 31 March that they were put in possession of their individual allotments. The family comprised of Edward aged 27 years, a Labourer, his wife Honora nee MULVANY, aged 26 years, a young girl Mary whose stated age was 14 years but this seems in error if she was their daughter. They are accompanied by Edward’s sister, also called Mary, aged 24 years. Edward, Honora and young Mary are mentioned on the website ‘House of Names for Sheehan’ as the Sheehan family to the New World and Oceania-Emigration to New Zealand including settlers in New Zealand in the 19th century arriving in Auckland aboard the ship Reiherstieg. It appears that Honora was expecting during the voyage as the first of the families 2 sons, Cornelius John was born in January 1865 at Waiuku River. Their second son Patrick was born at the Maioro settlement on 20 May 1867. From the land information of 1867 there was a grant to Edward Sheehan of Maioro, of allotment 26 in settlement of Maioro, Suburan secton 2, parish of Waiuku, County of Eden and in 1870, Edward of Maioro has freehold land, lot 14 at Waiuku West. Both Cornelius and Patrick left New Zealand at a young age to work in Queensland, Australia living in the Rockhampton region, however Patrick passed away aged 28 years in 1895, having married 2 years previously and having a son. Cornelius married and had 10 children, including 2 sets of twins. He named his eldest son Edward, born in 1892 and his youngest daughter, Mary who was born in 1908. Cornelius died in 1931 and his obituary notes that he was educated at Waiuku school and was a member of the Waiuku Cavalry. He was employed by the Mt Morgan Goldmining Company of Rockhampton for over 40 years. Seven years previously, accompanied by his son, he paid a visit to New Zealand, staying with Mr T Williams of Pinedale, Patumahoe, and spending several weeks renewing acquaintance with boyhood friends in the Waiuku district. We have been unable to confirm which Mary is still in Waiuku on the 1893 electoral roll with ‘household duties’, however in the NZ Herald of 1930 Mary Sheehan of Orua Bay has been acknowledged by ‘Peter Pan’ a column in the paper for jokes, riddles, sketches etc. On the electoral roll of Franklin for 1935 Mary Sheehan of Waiuku is shown as a spinster. The whereabouts of Edward and Honora have also proved elusive. Sources: Historical BDMS, Paperspast, Electoral Rolls, Ancestry, My Heritage, Early days in Franklin-Nona Morris Researcher: Gillian Conroy
Electoral Roll: Waipa 2482 Surname: SHEFFIELD Given names: Eleanor Louise Residence: Pokeno Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Eleanor was born Eleanor Louise (Louisa) HASELDEN, the tenth child of 12 of Charles Haselden (1818-1896) and Maria Simpson MOORE (1814-1905). She was born in London on 15 January 1852. Her father was in business as a publisher and bookseller in London. In 1860 he decided to bring the family to New Zealand on the ship Mermaid. The ships documents record that a number of passengers bound for New Zealand disembarked at Melbourne, including Chas Haselden, his wife and 11 children, although this has not been confirmed. The family settled at Te Arai and it was here that Eleanor met and married Duncan Campbell SHEFFIELD. Duncan had arrived on the Ida Zieglar in October 1867 and after trying his hand at gold mining near Thames, he went farming at Port Albert. Eleanor and Duncan had six children – two daughters and four sons. Daughter Alice was a nurse who was drowned in the river at Gisborne aged 25 and Eva was a school teacher until her marriage at 27. After farming at Bombay, Pokeno for 19 years and Taniwha, then the Sheffield’s retired to Henderson. Eleanor died 21 July 1928, aged 75 and Duncan 4 November 1935, aged 88. They are buried together at Waikumete cemetery. Sources: Muir Family Tree – ancestry.co.uk Photo – google BDM – www.dia.govt.nz Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz Burial records – NZ Society of Genealogists Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 4129 Surname: SHERDIAN* Given names: Bridget Residence: Patumahoe Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential A SUPERSTITIOUS LOT Bridget SHERIDAN* was born in 1868 to Irish Catholic parents, Mary and Andrew Sheridan. She spent her entire 72 years on the family farm in Patumahoe where she continued to reside with her unmarried siblings, Jack and Kate, after her parents’ deaths in 1915 and 1916. Neighbour, Bert WOODS, recalled visiting the Sheridans one Sunday afternoon with his parents. “It was the only time I think I ever went inside their house,” he said. “We entered through the back door because there was no way round to the front door as the garden was overgrown. The back of the house was a real mess. I can still remember the half-eaten scraps and the dirty dishes. Beyond the kitchen there was a narrow passage you could just squeeze through as old newspapers were stacked from the floor to head height, taking up all the room.” Bert described Bridget’s brother, Jack, as always dressed in an old overcoat tied with a piece of string around the waist, no matter what the weather, and an old felt hat pulled low over the eyes. They were a superstitious lot and when Jack’s horse died he swore that a rejected buyer had put ‘the evil eye’ on the horse as revenge. Bridget’s father specified in his will that Bridget care for younger sister, Kate, and that if Kate left the family home, she would receive £200 set aside in trust for her. Jack’s will indicated that Kate suffered from mental illness. Jack, himself, ended his days in Kingseat Hospital. Kate outlived her siblings and was amply provided for in Bridget’s will even after substantial bequests from the estate were made to religious and charitable institutions in Pukekohe and Auckland. Sources: Papers Past NZ Pukekohe Catholic Parish Records Pukekohe Catholic Cemetery Births, Deaths & Marriages, New Zealand Family Search, Probate Records “A Man of His Time”, an oral history by Helen Woods, University of Auckland, 1981 Researcher: Wendy Clark
Electoral Roll: Franklin 4131 Surname: SHERDIAN* Given names: Mary Residence: Patumahoe Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential BELIEVERS OF THE EVIL EYE Mary McANDREW, native of Ireland, married Andrew SHERIDAN* of Co. Cavan a few months after he arrived in Auckland on the Dauntless. At 29, Mary was nine years his senior. They were granted an allotment of farmland on the Patumahoe Rd where they raised five children – Bridget (1868), Mary Ann (1870), John (1873), Andrew (1875) and Kate (1878) – all of whom were baptised and confirmed in the Pukekohe Catholic Church. A neighbour, Bert WOODS, remembers the family as having ‘Irish bog superstitions.’ He said they believed in the ‘evil eye’, the ‘wee folk’ and ‘maggots on the tongue’. His mother once asked Mary’s son, Andy, to take a look at a sick cow. He diagnosed the cow as having the ‘evil eye’ put upon her. His cure was to paint her rump and spine with tar in the sign of the cross, whack her with his stick and intone, ‘Begorrah be devil, the devil get out of ye.’ Andy unsuccessfully appealed his call-up to WW1 and was killed in action in France in 1918 just before the Armistice was signed. He was 43. As an Irish Catholic, Mary may have felt embittered that her son had been sacrificed in an English war. At least four of her children spent their lives on the family farm, unmarried. The fifth, Mary Ann, was not mentioned in Mary’s will. Mary’s husband died in 1915, four months before Mary’s own demise. She was an executor of her husband’s will but by then was crippled with rheumatism and “incapable of carrying out the duties of Executrix on account of old age and feeble health.” These infirmities rendered her incapable of leaving the house. Mary and Andrew Sheridan might well have considered they ‘made good’ by immigrating to New Zealand. They left behind an estate of 60 acres, valued at ‘under £4000’ Sources: Papers Past Pukekohe Catholic Parish Records Births, Deaths, & Marriages, NZ Family Search, Probate Records “A Man of His Time” – an oral history collated by Helen Woods, University of Auckland, 1981 Researcher: Wendy Clark
Electoral Roll: Franklin 4130 Surname: SHERDIAN* Given names: Mary Ann Residence: Patumahoe Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential THE DAUGHTER WHO DISAPPEARED Not a lot is known about Mary Ann SHERIDAN*, second daughter of Mary and Andrew. She was born into a superstitious, Irish Catholic farming family. Her parents, having immigrated to the other side of the world, established themselves in Patumahoe and never moved again. Their original allotment was located on the corner of Patumahoe and Gun Club Roads but, over time, the business expanded to a valuable 60 acres. Her siblings, Bridget, Jack and Kate remained, unmarried, on the family farm. Brother Andy, also a bachelor, left home to go to war and was killed in action in France in 1918 at the age of 43. Next door neighbour, Bert Woods, described their home as unkempt and cluttered with old newspapers stacked head high, with a garden so overgrown it blocked access to the front door. He recalled cows painted in tar as a cure for ‘evil eye’ sickness, and ‘Old Jack’ putting out food for the Wee Folk in the centre of mushroom rings because ‘that was where they met and danced at night.’ Pukekohe Catholic Parish records note Mary Ann’s baptism in 1870, and confirmation in 1887. She features on the 1896 Electoral Roll along with her mother and older sister, Bridget, and then disappears. She is not mentioned in her father’s will in 1908, or her mother’s probate in 1916. Nor was she a beneficiary of Bridget’s probate when the estate was distributed in 1940 to Kate and various religious and charitable institutions. Did she die early, or marry, or ‘bring shame’ on the family? Could she have suffered mental illness like her younger sister, Kate, and been institutionalised? Or did she enter a convent? We know her four siblings left no descendants to keep alive the Sheridan family history. It seems likely Mary Ann’s lineage also ended with her death. Sources: Pukekohe Catholic Parish records Pukekohe Catholic cemetery Births, Deaths & Marriages, NZ Papers Past NZ Family Search - Probates ‘A Man of his Time’- H.Woods Researcher: Wendy Clark
Electoral Roll: Franklin 2693 Surname: SHIPHERD Given names: Alice Sila* Residence: Pukekohe Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Alice’s signature from her will dated 1906 Alice Lila* (not Sila, as on the electoral roll) SALMON was born in New Zealand on 17 June 1855. Her parents John Salmon (1808-1873) and Alice PORTER (1824-1857) were very early settlers in New Zealand, having married in Auckland in 1853. Alice had one sister – Agnes Amy (1854-1916) who married William HALL. In 1880 Alice married Charles SHIPHERD, a farmer and owner of some large landholdings, including 2000 acres near Puni, Pukekohe. This land was largely covered in bush and Charles had a sawmilling business as he cleared the land. Today, some of the bush has been preserved and forms a scenic reserve. Alice and Charles had three children. •1882 Ester Amy Mabel •1884 Charles Francis (Frank) •1886 Thomas Stanley (Stan) The Shipherd family initially lived in Pukekohe but shifted to Puni, their house overlooking the Waikato River, where they lived for the rest of their lives. Alice died on 7 September 1922 and left a considerable estate in her own name and Charles left an even larger estate when he died on 3 July 1928. They are both buried at Pukekohe cemetery. Sources: Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz Probate records – www.familysearch.org BDM – www.dia.govt.nz Reserve sign – google Headstone photo – Franklin Branch NZSG Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3849 Surname: SHORT Given names: Frances Eleanor Residence: Awitu Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Frances Eleanor (Nellie) SHORT (1873 - 1945) was the fifth child and third daughter of William and Marianne Short who had arrived in New Zealand on 3 January 1865 aboard the ‘Matoaka’. Frances was born at the family property on Manukau Heads Road in Awhitu. At the age of 22 she married Onesimus HOWE (1873 – 1945) on 28 February 1895 at St Benedict Church in Newton, Auckland. However, the marriage appears to have been short-lived with Nellie petitioning for and being granted a divorce on 25 May 1910 (decree absolute 1 September 1910) on the grounds that she had been deserted by the father of her two sons, Onesimus William (Bill) Howe (1895 – 1977) and James Arthur Howe (1896 – 1971), having had no contact from him since prior to the birth of her second child. On 11 November 1910 she was married for a second time to Henry MERRICK and lived at Waipipi (now Boundary Road West). Nellie died in Auckland on 30 October 1945 and is buried at Waikumete. Nellie (second from left – front row) with her parents and family members Sources: https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz https://www.wikitree.com https://bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz Researcher: Dianne Elizabeth Akast
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3850 Surname: SHORT Given names: Margaret Ann Residence: Awitu Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Margaret Ann was born on 17 July 1872 at Awhitu, Manukau Heads to William SHORT and Mary Ann CALLAN. Both parents were from Ireland but married in St Ann’s Chapel, Manchester, England on 22 September 1861. Margaret was the sixth child of twelve. William and Mary Ann emigrated from England aboard “Matoaka” on 3 January 1865 with children Ellen (2½) and William Charles (6 months). They were entitled to land in Kohekohe but preferred to work for the large Grahame farm in Awhitu for the cash income it could provide. With help from William Aitchison, another settler, a rough 3-bedroomed house was built. There were several moves around the district including Lot 20 off Boiler Gully Road which they were able to buy. Margaret Ann, known as Maggie, married Robert James McPIKE on 19 July 1904 at her mother’s residence at Awhitu by the Rev. Father KING. Robert was born on 14 January 1878 to John McPike and Mary DAVISON, one of ten children. John, who was from Scotland, and Mary settled in the Thames, Coromandel Region. Maggie and Robert also settled in the Thames area and in 1905 they were living in the beautiful area of Kennedy Bay. Robert worked as a bushman, often with his father, in and around the Thames Coromandel coast. They had two boys, Robert James (1905) and William John Henry (1907). Maggie passed away on 18 October 1910 at Vermont Street, Ponsonby, Auckland from health issues that may have been aggravated by the fact that she had been an invalid for at least the last three years of her life. Sadly, Robert was away working in the country when Margaret fell ill and passed. She was buried at Waikaraka Cemetery. The headstone is in the loving name of Maggie McPike. Sources: PapersPast – MARRIAGE – Thames Star, Volume XXXXI, Issue 10672, 29 July 1904 Cemetery Records NZ BDM Historical Records Ancestry Public Family Tree – Holland Family (hollyweld) Researcher: Lois Hopping
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3851 Surname: SHORT Given names: Mary Ann Residence: Awitu Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Mary Ann CALLAN was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1841, daughter of Owen and Eliza (née MORAN). Owen, a portmanteau maker, and Eliza moved their young family to Manchester, Lancashire during the early 1850s. In the 1861 census Mary Ann is recorded as a dressmaker living with her family at 40 Bonsall Street, the oldest child still at home. Mary Ann had already met her future husband William SHORT as they are both recorded as sponsors at the baptism of Mary Ann’s youngest brother James Arthur (born 12 August 1860). On 22 September 1861, aged 20 she married William aged 23. Two children, Charles William and Ellen, were born at Chorlton before they emigrated with the Waikato Immigration Scheme, arriving in New Zealand on the ‘Matoaka’ on 3 January 1865, after a voyage of 102 days. Mary Ann and William lived in Onehunga for some time, then travelled to Waiuku by boat and lived in Coopers Road, Kohekohe, before finally settling in Awhitu when they purchased a block of land on G Irwin Road. They raised their family of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters. Sadly, their daughter Ellen died in infancy. Mary Ann was a very hard-working wife and mother. She would travel by horse to Waiuku for groceries, spending the night in Waiuku and then returning on foot along the West Coast the following day with the groceries on a pack on the horse. The Callans were a devout Roman Catholic family (younger sister Agnes is remembered as Sister Agnes Corsini by the Sisters of Charity in Dublin) and Mary Ann raised her family to have a strong faith. Daily family Bible reading around the table took place morning and evening. Woe betides any sleepy child who dozed. Mary Ann passed away on 21 August 1915 age 71 and she is buried at Waipipi Cemetery. 125 years on, Mary Ann’s descendants still reside in the Franklin District. She is remembered by her family at various reunions over the years, from the 100-year Short centennial to just recently a 150- year celebration of Mary Ann and William Short arriving in Auckland. Information compiled from family record by Mary Hull, great granddaughter of Mary Ann Short.
Electoral Roll: Franklin 2696 Surname: SHORT Given names: Mellicent* Olivia Residence: Mauku Occupation: settler Qualification: residential Thomas and Lucinda HOLLYWOOD from Lisburn, Ireland sailed to New Zealand with their family on the ship Dauntless as part of the Waikato Immigration Scheme arriving in 1865. Millicent* Olivia (Mellicent on Electoral Roll) was their youngest daughter born c1858. Millicent married John SHORT, son of John and Clarissa Short of Te Awamutu, at St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Auckland on 3 November 1877. They had four children: John Thomas 1878, William Ernest Alexander 1881, Millicent Annie Lucinda (Dot) 1883 and Clarissa Olivia Eda (Babe) 1885. In 1881 the Government offered by auction excellent fertile land in the Okaiawa area of the Waimate Plains. John and Millicent SHORT with two sons, one a toddler and one a babe in arms, were amongst these first settlers to the district. A condition of the sale was that purchasers must occupy their land so building a house for the family to live in would have been a priority. Sadly, John died at New Plymouth on 5 December 1886, “after a painful illness, borne with Christian fortitude”, leaving Millicent and four very young children. He was 44 years old and they had only been married for nine years. John’s funeral cortege departed from Onehunga Wharf, having travelled by sea from New Plymouth and proceeded to Waikumete Cemetery on 8 December. Millicent being the sole beneficiary of her husband’s estate, sold the farm, lock stock and barrel, and moved with her children to Auckland. In 1893 she was living at Mauku with her parents. In February 1900 Millicent married Richard Owen HENDY. Born at St Florence in 1851 of a very old Welsh family, Richard left Wales at the age of 18 for Australia before sailing to New Zealand where he became the first settler in the Okaiawa district in 1881. He owned large tracts of land and had various commercial interests in Auckland. They lived at ‘Garthowen’ a very substantial home that still stands today at 174 Dominion Road, Mount Eden and spent time at Auckland and at Okauia. Again, Millicent became a widow when Richard died in 1912 while on a visit to his estate at Okauia near Matamata, leaving her a considerably wealthy woman. By this time, her eldest daughter Millicent (Dot), a teacher, had married as had her son John. Son William was farming at Okauia and remained a bachelor. Clarissa never married and was living with her mother at 26 Claude Road, Epsom at the time of Milllicent’s death in 1940. The two Auckland houses remained in the family for many years. Millicent is buried at Waikumete Cemetery with her first husband John SHORT, where their headstone reads, “Reunited”. Sources: PapersPast; BMD NZ; NZ Archives; Family Search; Ancestry; Google; books “Centennial History of Hawera & Waimate Plains”by C.J.Roberts & “Patumahoe History & Memories” Researcher: Madeleine Judson
Electoral Roll: Franklin 2703 Surname: SHORTT Given names: Matilda Jane Residence: Harrisville, Tuakau Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Matilda Jane WHITING was the eldest child of Jabez Whiting (carpenter) and Catherine Dorothea [nee FAWKES] who had married on 18 December 1854 in Stroud Registration District, Gloucestershire, England. Within a few months of their marriage, and aged c20yrs, they left England for a new life in Australia accompanied by other members of the Fawkes family. They arrived in Australia on the Truro in the middle of 1855 and Matilda, the eldest of 5 known children, was born on 9 January 1856 in Darling Downs, NSW. By early 1860 the Whiting family had moved to New Zealand. On 25 January 1876 Matilda married Arthur SHORT (SHORTT on Electoral Roll), a school teacher, at St. Matthew’s Church in the heart of Auckland city. Arthur had been born in Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire, England in late 1849 where his father James Short worked a straw plaiter. It is believed that Arthur took up the profession of teaching after arriving in New Zealand around 1870. During the period 1876-1893 Matilda and Arthur had eight children – five daughters and three sons. The family moved around the Auckland Province on a fairly regular basis as Arthur pursued his career in teaching. For Matilda this would have meant having to cope with the regular setting up of a new household for her growing family. During his career, Arthur served as headmaster at various schools including Maungakaramea (Northland), Patumahoe, Paparata, Harrisville, Flat Bush and East Tamaki. In 1914 when Arthur was aged 65 he and Matilda settled into retirement - initially in Ashton Road, Mount Eden, Auckland, and then in Pencarrow Avenue in the same suburb. Any celebration of the Silver Wedding anniversary for Matilda and Arthur in late January 1901 would almost surely have been affected by the death of Queen Victoria in England just a few days beforehand which sent New Zealand into widespread mourning; and a sombre mood generally pervaded the whole country. Many wore the tokens of grief requested by New Zealand’s Acting Premier, namely, a band of black ribbon on the right arm for women and a piece of black ribbon on the lapel of the coat for men; and most also avoided wearing clothing of colour as a mark of respect. Sadly, Matilda lost both of her parents within the space of a couple of years. Her mother, Catherine, died in early October 1910 and her father, Jabez, died at the end of July 1912. Jabez must have held Matilda in considerable regard as, along with a solicitor, he appointed her as one of the two executors of his Will. Additionally, other than a personal individual bequest, all of Jabez’s real and personal estate was bequeathed absolutely to Matilda. The estate had a total value of about £780. Arthur died on 18 February 1930 just two weeks after the heartfelt death of the couple’s eldest daughter, Catherine [Mrs. Albert GLASSON], at only 53 years of age. Matilda died on 27 April 1941 at the residence of her third daughter, Winifred [Mrs. Minchin RUDD], in Mount Eden. Matilda and Arthur are both buried in the Hillsborough Cemetery, Auckland as is their daughter Catherine. Sources: Papers Past website: https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives: https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary St. Matthew’s Church, Auckland: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 918-11 Will of Jabez WHITING: https://www.familysearch.org Researcher: Christine Headford
Electoral Roll: Waipa 3520 Surname: SINCLAIR Given names: Ellen Residence: Rama Rama Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Ellen SINCLAIR nee MONTGOMERY was born in Ireland about 1832. By the 1850’s she was living in Glasgow. She had a child with John YOUNG, a saddler, in 1851 and the child died in May 1853. Three days after the burial, Ellen and John married on 18 May and they had two more children. Two months after the younger was born, John Young died at the age of 25. Seventeen months later she married Robert Sinclair, a plumber from Glasgow. Their first three children all died in infancy, and the fourth survived. In 1865 the family of five arrived in New Zealand on the “Resolute” as part of the Waikato Scheme. Ellen was pregnant whilst on the journey and a son was born in Auckland later that year. Unfortunately, they lost this child at 4 years old with diphtheria. With the discovery of gold at Thames, they, like many other immigrants went to the goldfields, where Robert used his plumbing skills in the mines. They had two more girls born in New Zealand, in 1867 and 1870. When Ellen’s eldest daughter died in 1887 at the age of 33 years, leaving behind children aged 16, 9, 7, 4 and 14 months, Ellen and Robert took on looking after the youngest four children from this family. Robert and Ellen‘s original piece of land was Opaheke Lot 150, though it was understood they bought more land later. Towards the end of her life, they bought a section in Central Auckland and it was registered in both their names, thanks to women’s emancipation. Ellen Sinclair died in Auckland on 13 October 1902 aged 70 years and is buried in Drury Cemetery. Robert Sinclair died on 30 October 1906 aged 71 yrs. He too is buried in Drury Cemetery. Sources: Family history; Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz; BDM – www.dia.govt.nz Researcher: Jean Phillpotts
Electoral Roll: Franklin 2722 Surname: SMALLFIELD Given names: Arabella Residence: Karaka, Drury Occupation: settler Qualification: residential Arabella SMALLFIELD (nee SCOTT) was born in England c1828. She came to New Zealand on the Joseph Fletcher in 1855. Arabella married Octavius Smallfield in 1857 and they later settled in the Karaka/Drury area – Lot 18 of the Karaka Village Settlement Scheme. Octavius was returning officer for the Karaka Road Board in the 1880s. They had three sons - Percy, Frank and Edgar. Arabella died on 13 November 1906, at the age of 78, two years after her husband. An obituary in the NZ Herald describes her as “another of the fast diminishing band of early colonists…” who had lived “in or near Auckland ... sharing fully in the hardships of the pioneer colonists”. Arabella was buried at Papakura Cemetery. Sources: Papers Past; Obituary, NZ Herald, Vol XLIII, Issus 13343, 24 November 1906; NZ Births, Deaths, Marriages. Contributor: C Eggleton
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3854 Surname: SMART Given names: Catherine Florence Residence: Whangarata Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Catherine Florence SMART was born in Auckland on 27 July 1872. She was the daughter of Thomas Smart and his wife Jean LOWSON. The Smart family moved to Whangarata prior to 1890 and lived in ‘Glencairn’ in Ewing Road. By 1896 Catherine was living in Batley in Northland with her parents. Catherine’s sister Jane had married William Ewing who was the manager of a fish canning company at Batley. Catherine’s father Thomas died in November 1897 and by 1900 Catherine had moved to New Plymouth with her mother Jane. Her brother Herbert and his wife were also living in New Plymouth by 1900 and her sister and brother-in-law, Jane and William Ewing, settled there in the early 1900s. Catherine married Arthur John JARMAN on 28 April 1903. Shortly after their marriage they immigrated to Australia. It was here that Catherine’s two sons, Arthur Allan and Kenneth Ewing, were born in 1904 and 1909. The Jarman family settled in Geelong, Victoria. Catherine was 69 years old when she died on 31 January 1942. She was buried in the Geelong Western Public Cemetery. Sources: Headstone - https://billiongraves.com/grave/Arthur-John-Jarman/8411033 Australian newspaper - https://trove.nla.gov.au New Zealand newspaper - https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz NZBDM - https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz Researcher – Sandra Brasell
Electoral Roll: Franklin 2724 Surname: SMART Given names: Jane Residence: Whangarata Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Jean LOWSON (also known as Jeanie or Jane) was born on 20 February 1833 in the parish of Lundie and Fowlis which is situated north-west of Dundee in Scotland. It is not known when Jane arrived in New Zealand, but she was married in Auckland on 12 September 1861 to Thomas SMART. It was a second marriage for Thomas who had been widowed the previous year when his wife Janet (Jessie) died at the young age of 31, leaving him to care for their three children. Between 1862 and 1875 Jane was to give birth to seven children; five sons and two daughters. Tragedy struck 18 months after their marriage when Jane’s stepson Thomas was drowned in a well. It is not known exactly when the family moved to Whangarata and settled in ‘Glencairn’ on Ewing Road, but they were living there by 1890 when Thomas was elected to the local householders committee. By 1896 Jane, her husband Thomas and daughter Catherine had moved to Batley in Northland where her elder daughter Jane was living with her husband William Neilson EWING. Thomas died in November 1897 and by 1900 Jane was living in New Plymouth with her daughter Catherine. Her son Herbert and his wife were also living in New Plymouth. Jane and William Ewing also settled there in the early 1900s. Jane’s younger daughter Catherine married Arthur John JARMAN in 1903 and by 1904, when their first child was born, they were living in Australia. Jane was at Catherine’s home in Geelong, Victoria when she died on 27 March 1911. Sources: Birth registration - Scotland OPR 306/30 30 Lundie and Fowlis https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk Newspaper records - https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz Researcher - Sandra Brasell
Electoral Roll: Franklin 2723 Surname: SMART Given names: Jane Arnott Residence: Whangarata Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Jane (also known as Jeannie) was the third of seven children born to Jane (nee LOWSON) and Thomas SMART. She was born on 26 January 1866 in Auckland. Her name was registered at birth as Jane Ann Smart, but she appears in electoral rolls as Jane Arnott Smart in 1893 and Jane Arnot EWING in 1896 and 1900. In later electoral rolls she is registered as Jane Ann Ewing. On 28 March 1894 Jeannie married William Neilson Ewing at Whangarata. By 1896 Jane and William were living at Batley in Northland where William was manager of a fish canning factory (Ewing & Company). Jane and William had three children – Kenneth Strathie (1896), George Harry Willard (1897) and Kathleen Ailsa (1901). The Ewing family moved to New Plymouth about the time of Kathleen’s birth. William was a partner in the accounting firm of Messrs Smart Bros until his death on 24 June 1924. Both of Jane’s sons fought overseas in WWI and she was fortunate to welcome them both home at the end of the war. Six months after William’s death, Jane’s daughter Kathleen married Oswald Connell STEPHENS on 30 December 1924. The newspapers reported that “… Mrs Ewing received the guests, wearing a frock of grey silk marocain, with an overdress of Parisian lace, hat of grey pan velvet, feathers and flame ribbon, and carrying a bouquet of autumn tints.” Jane was to live a further 23 years before she died on 17 January 1947. She is buried beside her husband in the Te Henui Cemetery, New Plymouth. Sources: Newspaper articles - https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz BDM records - https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz NZ Cemetery Records 1800-2007 - https://www.ancestry.com.au WWI records - https://www.archway.archives.govt.nz Researcher – Sandra Brasell
Electoral Roll: Franklin 2726 Surname: SMEED Given names: Edith Residence: Tuakau Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Edith SMEED (nee GILL) was born 10 January 1867 in England to Edmund GILL and Jane (nee SAUNDERS) GILL. She was the 9th of 18 children. At the age of 8, her family (parents and 11 children) sailed from London to Auckland on the Dunedin, arriving on 18 May 1875. They were part of the assisted immigration scheme. Edith married Thomas SMEED on 30 June 1885 in Tuakau. Theirs was an industrious marriage producing 9 children between 1886 and 1905. Edith would have been 26 years old in 1893. Her sister-in-law Helen SMEED (Franklin Roll No.3855) and mother Jane GILL (Franklin Roll No.1069) were also enrolled to vote in 1893. Edith died on 23 August 1948 aged 81 years and is buried in Tuakau Cemetery with her husband. Sources: "New Zealand, Archives New Zealand, Passenger Lists, 1839-1973," Family trees from Ancestry and MyHeritage Births, Deaths, Marriages NZ Personal family records Researcher: Sheryn Hull New Zealand Society of Genealogists #27060
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3855 Surname: SMEED Given names: Helen Residence: Tuakau Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Helen McMILLAN was born in Campbelltown, Argyll, Scotland, on 2 May 1859. One of 12 children of Colin and Barbara (nee McGEACHY) McMillan. Her father came to New Zealand in 1859, on the ‘Spray of the Ocean’. A year later, as an infant, she and her mother arrived on the ‘Northern Bride’ (arriving Auckland 11 October 1860) after being at sea for 117 days. As the eldest child and daughter, Helen would have been kept busy helping her mother with her 11 siblings. Her father was one of the founders and builders of the Presbyterian Church of Tuakau. Helen married William SMEED on 20 June 1880 in Tuakau. Theirs was an industrious marriage producing 10 children between 1881 and 1902. Helen would have been 34 years old in 1893. Her sister-in-law Edith SMEED (Franklin Roll No.2726) was also enrolled to vote in 1893. Helen died on 29 December 1950 aged 91 years, and is buried in Tuakau Redoubt Cemetery. Sources: Papers Past Personal family records NZ BDM online Researcher: Sheryn Hull New Zealand Society of Genealogists #27060
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3857 Surname: SMITH Given names: Agnes Residence: Patumahoe Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Agnes Mezena FLANAGAN was born in Drumrainey, Lisbellaw, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh on 7 August 1864. Three months later she left Ireland as a babe in arms with her parents David Flanagan and Sarah (née HENDERSON). The young couple, married in February 1864, boarded the clipper ship Ganges in Queenstown, Ireland, full of hope for the new lives promised in New Zealand. Agnes was their firstborn and her mother was young and healthy, factors which would help protect the infant from illness on that journey. The Ganges left London with 474 passengers. On arrival in Auckland, on 14 February 1865, two adults and 54 children had died and been buried at sea, most from whooping cough and bronchitis. The oldest of five sisters and three brothers Agnes would take responsibility from an early age for assisting in their Patumahoe home. There is no record of her attending school, although some of her siblings were admitted to Patumahoe School. State education began in 1870, but an attendance fee of sixpence per week made formal education unaffordable for many. Agnes married William SMITH, son of Charles SMITH and Joanna ANSON, on 4 August 1886. Their first child, named for his father, was born on 6 May 1887, but sadly lived for only six days. He was followed by three daughters and four sons. • Florence Beatrice 1888-1968 • James Henry 1890-1970 • Ernest Claude 1892-1946 • Herbert Charles Edward 1894-1978 • Harold Robert 1897-1975 • Teresia Emillia 1900-1951 • Maizanzen Mary 1902-1976 The Smith family moved from Patumahoe after 1896, and lived in various places including Waipipi, Karaka, and Papakura until July 1910 when they settled in Onewhero. During the 1920s they joined other Flanagan and Smith family members and moved to settle in the Gordon area of Te Aroha. Agnes died in Hamilton on 28 April 1931, and William at Waharoa on 29 January 1942. They rest together in Plot E-922 of the Roman Catholic area at Hamilton East cemetery. A granddaughter speaking of her said, “Nana Agnes was a quiet and gentle lady.” Compiled by Val Gillanders Sources: ancestry.com, bdmhistoricalrecordsonline.govt.nz, paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, irishgenealogy.ie, New Zealand Society of Genealogists, Smith family
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3856 Surname: SMITH Given names: Ann Residence: Waiuku Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Ann SHARP was born c1836 at Barrow Upon Trent, Derbyshire, to William SHARP and Mary HUNT. Ann married Thomas SMITH 26 June 1858, by Banns, in Swarkestone, Derbyshire, England. Thomas was born 5 February 1835 in Swarkestone, to Joseph Smith, and Sarah DAWES. Thomas and Ann arrived in New Zealand on 31 July 1872 on board the Celestial Queen with their four children, Joseph c1859, William c1861, Agnes born 10 March 1869 and Sidney Thomas born 23 July 1871. On arrival Thomas sought employment and he had brought with him a testimonial from Midlands Railway, covering 12 years of continuous employment. This served him well as employment requests were actioned almost immediately the immigrants came ashore. The family settled in Waiuku on virgin land, 138 acres in Waiuku East. Thomas also had skills as a sawyer which may have been used to supplement their income. Ann had two more children; Walter Edward born 2 July 1874 and Frank Alfred born 20 October 1876. Unfortunately, Joseph, aged 15, died as a result of a fall from his horse while riding and he died the next morning 1 December 1874. Records show that the younger children started school at Waitangi, then were at Waiuku. Agnes left school to work at home 10 December 1883, Sidney Thomas had his last day 17 October 1884 and Walter Edward left to work at home 19 May 1887. William was already working on the farm. On 24 April 1889, at the Holy Trinity Church, Waiuku, William married Rachel, daughter of John McNAUGHTEN. Agnes married George HEDGE on 2 June 1892 at St Peter’s Church, Onehunga, Auckland. On 17 June 1899 a serious accident occurred to Walter, for when mounting a young horse, he was thrown violently to the ground, striking his head on a puriri mounting block. Thomas, who had witnessed the event, carried the unconscious Walter home. Ann, who suffered from heart problems and had been advised to avoid any excitement, was shocked by seeing her son in such a state. It was a terrible blow for her. However, she went about her household duties as usual and nursed Walter for about a week when she was seized by a paralytic stroke effecting her speech and one side of her body. Walter recovered slowly but was deeply affected by the condition of his mother. The district showed great sympathy with neighbours giving assistance to nurse the sick and in other ways. Sadly Ann passed away, peacefully on 26 June 1899, aged 63, at her residence, “Thornhill”. She was laid to rest in Waiuku Cemetery. Her last words were recorded as “Glory to God in the highest”. On 24 January 1900, at the Wesley Church, Waiuku, Walter married Eliza (Edda) BARRIBALL, daughter of Mr C.T. Barriball of Brooklyn, Waiuku East. Frank married Martha (Marella) GRIBBLE on 22 August 1900 at the Kingsland Church, Auckland. Not long after the passing of Ann, Thomas moved to Auckland where he passed away on 8 June 1922, aged 87. He was laid to rest with Ann. He left behind four sons, one daughter, 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Sources: PapersPast – NZ Herald 2 Aug 1872, Auckland Star 21 Jun 1899, Auckland Star 29 Jun 1899, NZ Herald 28 Jun 1899, Ohinemuri Gazette 29 Aug 1900 Cemetery Records Researcher: Val Gillanders Compiler: Lois Hopping
Electoral Roll: Franklin 2767 Surname: SMITH Given names: Anna Residence: Pukekohe Occupation: music teacher Qualification: residential Anna SMITH died 22 June 1918, age 60 and is buried at Waikumete cemetery, Auckland. She died intestate, late of Bombay and this is her schedule of assets. There was a coroner’s inquest – report COR1918/675 Wellington. She lived at the following addresses (only one Anna SMITH on the electoral roll for this period): • 1893, 1896, 1900, 1905/06 – Pukekohe • 1911 – 20 Shelley Beach Road, Auckland • 1914 – Bombay • 1914 supplementary - Hall Street, Pukekohe. Sources: NZ electoral rolls – ancestry.co.uk; Probate records – www.familysearch.org; Burial records – Auckland Council Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 2765 Surname: SMITH Given names: Anne Residence: Tuakau Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Ann[e] CLARK was born on 1 June 1838, in Killinkere, County Cavan, Ireland. She is believed to have been the only daughter of Andrew Clark, a blacksmith and wheelwright, and she lived in County Cavan until her marriage to James SMITH in ca. 1863. Two years after their marriage, Ann and James and their first child left for New Zealand as part of the Waikato Immigration Scheme on the ship Dauntless sailing from Kingstown (now known as Dún Laoghaire) in Ireland on 31 December 1864. The voyage to the Antipodes was a long and eventful one. Just two weeks after leaving Ireland, a massively stormdamaged cargo ship was sighted off the coast of Spain and offered assistance. Ann retained a vivid, life-long memory of the battered vessel wallowing helplessly in the rough seas, the torn shreds of the sails still flapping from the broken masts. Further incidents included various members of the crew mutinying on several occasions and when off the coast of Australia, the Dauntless picked up the survivors of the Fiery Star, which had left Brisbane for England in April 1865, and had been destroyed by fire when only 12 days out. There were also 20 deaths during the voyage of the Dauntless (including 17 children) and so it must have been a huge relief for all on-board when the ship finally reached the Waitemata Harbour in Auckland on the morning of 15 May 1865. James initially procured land in the Mauku district, where the family built a whare and farmed for about three years. The country was very heavily wooded, and the bush had to be cleared and burnt before the land could be used productively. The family left the Mauku area when there were rumours of a Maori uprising and relocated to Auckland for a while. James later took up land at Tuakau, where the family farmed successfully for over 25 years. The family finally moved to Buckland where their residence was called ‘The Arch’. Ann and James are thought to have had six children in New Zealand – five daughters and one son. The children attended the old Tuakau School in River Road from the mid-1870s. James died at the family’s Buckland residence on 16 March 1906 from complications caused by an injury suffered to one of his hands about two years earlier that refused to heal. His funeral was reported as being one of the largest ever seen at Tuakau at that time, with upwards of 50 vehicles and many others on foot and horseback in attendance. Following the death of her husband, Ann went to live with her daughter, Mary [Mrs. Francis McKEAN], at Buckland. While paying a visit to her youngest daughter, Louise [Mrs. Joseph HANFLING], in Auckland, the milestone celebration of Ann’s 91st birthday on 1 June 1929 was reported in both The New Zealand Herald and the Auckland Star newspapers along with reminiscences of Ann’s early days in New Zealand. Ann died at the home of her daughter, Louise, at 8 Mary Street, Mount Eden, Auckland on 9 December 1929. James and Ann are both buried in the Tuakau Cemetery, Tuakau. Sources: Papers Past website: https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz New Zealand School Records on Archives New Zealand website: https://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ Researcher: Christine Headford
Electoral Roll: Franklin 2768 Surname: SMITH Given names: Elizabeth Residence: Tuakau Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Elizabeth [Lizzie] SMITH is believed to have been born in Mauku c1869. She was the second daughter of James SMITH and Ann [nee CLARK] who had immigrated to New Zealand from Ireland on the Dauntless in 1865 as part of the Waikato Immigration Scheme. Lizzie spent most of her childhood in Tuakau where she attended the old Tuakau School located down in River Road for a few years from mid-1876. After an earlier business career, Lizzie took over as proprietress of the Hotel Fernleigh in Auckland in 1914. Located at no. 28 on the east side of Symonds Street, the private hotel was popular with visitors to Auckland. The establishment seemed to gain good reviews as shown in the adjacent article from The New Zealand Herald of late 1921. Lizzie was an active member of the Roman Catholic Church, and its organisations for women. She is understood to have been a member of the congregation at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Newton. She was active in fundraising for the church. An example of this was the combined bridge, 500, musical evening and dance which she hosted at Fernleigh in mid-October 1937 that attracted a large number of people. Lizzie retained a close connection to her siblings throughout her life. The death of her younger sister Mrs. Maggie BRUCE in mid-1904 following childbirth must have been painful. And then her brother James became a victim of the influenza pandemic which swept the world at the end of 1918. Lizzie died at the Mater Hospital, Auckland on 16 March 1940 after being in ill-health for about three months. For her family her death was part of a double tragedy as her older sister, Mrs. Rose BARKER, had predeceased her by only three weeks. Lizzie was buried next to her parents in the Tuakau Cemetery, Tuakau on 18 March 1940. Lizzie had had a successful life and her estate was valued at just over £9000. Her main bequests were to her siblings and their children. Her niece Madeline [Madge] HANFLING seemed to have been a particular favourite being left all of Lizzie’s jewellery in addition to a monetary bequest. Sources: Papers Past website: https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz New Zealand School Records on Archives New Zealand website: https://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ Researcher: Christine Headford
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3859 Surname: SMITH Given names: Julia Annie Residence: Waiuku Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Julia, the daughter of William and Marianne HALLIDAY, was born 12 April 1856 at Low Moor, Bradford, West Yorkshire. Her name was registered as Julia Anne, her baptism on 24 May 1856 records her name as Juliane; variations of these names have been recorded. William worked as a foundry labourer and Julia was working as a factory hand by age fourteen. The benefits of emigration and reports of excellent wages for workers in New Zealand no doubt influenced Julia’s decision to join the ranks of single women aboard the Wanganui and on 12 October 1880, after a journey lasting 89 days, she arrived to begin a new life in Auckland. Her surname was recorded as HOLLIDAY. Right Rev Bishop Cowie officiated at Bishopscourt, Parnell when Julia married William Alfred SMITH on 16 December 1885. Her husband was born in Salisbury, England and had arrived in New Zealand, with his brothers, aboard the Royal Stuart in 1864. He established butcheries in Auckland and the Thames goldfields and, with his brother, farmed extensive lands at New Brighton, Miranda for fifteen years. By the time he married Julia he had returned to butchery at Ponsonby Road and it was here that they lived and worked until 1891. Julia and Alfred welcomed William Alfred into their lives on 2 January 1887. Sadly, the wee boy lived for only four months and passed away at home on 30 April 1887. Harold Maton arrived on 30 March 1888 and Alice May on 18 September 1889. In January 1891, with toddlers at foot, and a new baby (Winifred) due in April, Julia advertised for help. Perhaps she was already packing for their move that year to Bothwell Park, Otaua, a property with 2000 acres of land and a mansion. Did her luggage include the precious brooch which had been lost in December 1890? Did Alfred lose a Christmas gift planned for Julia, or had it fallen from her costume? Ivy Holliday was born at Surrey Hills, Auckland on 16 October 1894, completing their family. The family lived at Bothwell Park until November 1901 when they moved to Remuera where their property at 77 Orakei Rd was named Hollicrest, no doubt in tribute to Julia’s family. It would have been a dramatic change for the children moving from rural Otaua School to the city. They moved to 39 Campbell Road, Royal Oak shortly before William Alfred’s death at home, aged 78, on 26 September 1920. Alice and Winifred lived with Julia in the family home until they married. Ivy and her daughter Vorrei were also regular visitors from their Hauraki Plains home during Julia’s later years. Julia died at Campbell Road, in her 86th year, on 22 May 1941 and was interred at Purewa cemetery following a service at St John’s Church, Royal Oak. Julia’s legacy was one of longevity, her children all living well beyond their three score years and ten. Winnifred married Robert George CUNNINGHAM in 1926 and lived to the age of 102. Ivy Holliday married Joseph Stanley McCLUNE in 1916 and lived to be 97. Alice May married Arnold Hodgson SMITH in 1923 died 1978 aged 89. Harold Maton married Charlotte Smith MARTIN in 1915 died 1966 aged 78. Sources: nzbdmhistoricalrecords.govt.nz; paperspast.natlib.govt.nz; NZSG; Ancestry.com Compiled by Val Gillanders
Electoral Roll: Franklin 4136 Surname: SMITH Given names: Margaret Residence: Tuakau Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Margaret [Maggie] SMITH was born in Tuakau on 16 January 1871. She was the fourth daughter of James SMITH and Ann [nee CLARK] who had immigrated to New Zealand from Ireland on the Dauntless in 1865 as part of the Waikato Immigration Scheme. Margaret grew up in Tuakau where she attended the Tuakau School located down in River Road for about 10 years from August 1877. On 27 May 1903 Maggie married Mr John BRUCE, of Tuakau, at the residence of her parents, "The Arch," Buckland. John had been born in Tuakau on 9 February 1866 to Hugh and Catherine BRUCE who had immigrated to New Zealand on the Ganges in early 1865 from Ireland. The bride was given away by her father, and wore a beautiful trained dress of crème silk, elaborately tucked and trimmed with lace. She had a tulle veil over a coronet of orange blossoms, and carried a beautiful shower bouquet, the gift of the bridegroom, who also presented her with an attractive watch and chain. The bridesmaids were Louise Smith and Sarah Bruce, sisters of Maggie and John respectively, and Lottie BARKER, the teenage daughter of Maggie’s oldest sister Rose. Louise and Sarah wore pale pink dresses trimmed with chiffon and insertion, and Lottie was dressed in a pretty white silk frock. Maggie’s younger brother James Smith acted as best man, and Frank CASSIN from Hamilton was groomsman. The marriage ceremony was followed by a sumptuous wedding breakfast. It must have been a great celebration for the family especially being only a few days before the 65th birthday of Maggie’s mother. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon at Rotorua before settling into married life back in Tuakau. Within a few months of their marriage, Maggie and John would have been looking forward to starting their own family around the middle of the following year when Maggie fell pregnant. But what should have been a joyous family occasion turned out to be something quite different when on 4 May 1904 Maggie was delivered at home of a son and a stillborn daughter. And Maggie herself was clearly not well as she passed away just three days later on 7 May 1904 presumably from childbirth complications. A very tragic and distressing time for John left to somehow cope with the loss of his wife and daughter as well as provide care for his new-born son, Noel Kenneth John Bruce. Maggie was laid to rest in the Tuakau Cemetery, Tuakau. The funeral was reported as being one of the largest ever seen in the district reflecting the great sympathy which the people felt for her family in their significant and painful loss. Maggie was said to be one of those whose quiet manners and kindly ways endeared her to all those with whom she came in contact. In the prime of her life, she had gone to her rest respected and esteemed by all who knew her. John died at Auckland Hospital on 31 October 1918. He had made his Will just the day before and signed it with a very scratchy signature. His intent seems to have been to make formal provision for the guardianship and care of his and Maggie’s still under age son, Noel. This responsibility fell to John’s sisters. John was buried in the Tuakau Cemetery, Tuakau with Maggie on 2 November 1918. Sources: Papers Past website: https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz New Zealand School Records on Archives New Zealand website: https://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ Researcher: Christine Headford