Electoral Roll: Franklin 3945 Surname: WILLIAMS Given names: Georgina Residence: Waiuku East Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Georgina was the eldest daughter and fourth of six children of Frances Elizabeth DEED (nee TURNER) and John Jackson Deed, an Essex born couple who had arrived in New Zealand in January 1865. Georgina had been born at Waiuku on 14 April 1869. She attended Waiuku School between 1879 and 23 July 1884. She married Charles Philip WILLIAMS on 6 August 1890 at St Andrew’s Manse, Alton Road in Auckland. A few years later Georgina’s brother Francis married Charles’ sister Ruth. They farmed at Otaua. Georgina had a large family of six daughters and five sons. She died 30 March 1918 at Auckland Hospital at age 49 years and is buried at Waiuku Cemetery. At the time of her death her children’s ages were between 6 and 27 years, including her two eldest daughters who were married and had young children. Sources: Lilias Stace (nee Deed) The Family of John Jackson Deed and Frances Elizabeth Deed, compiled by Colin Deed NZSG School and Cemetery records NZ Herald RGO indexes Researcher: Andrea Oosterwijk
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3947 Surname: WILLIAMS Given names: Hanora Residence: Waiuku Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Hanora/Hanorah/Honora was born c1835, the daughter of Cornelius MULCAHY and Helen RIELY at County Cork, Ireland. Cornelius was a labourer. It was in Australia that she married (unknown) SHEEHAN and had a daughter. Family knowledge was that Hanora’s husband was from a large family, was a miner and that they lived at Broken Hill. Two years later and Hanora, now a widow, was in New Zealand. She had been there three months when she married John WILLIAMS on 8 December 1869 at Mrs SHUHAU’S house at Grahams Town, Thames. John was a bachelor and a miner and had lived at Waitahi Creek for the last two years. He was from Anglesea in North Wales. At Thames, Hanora and John had three children: Ellen (Nellie) b 22 January 1872 m John James STANAWAY William John b 17 December 1972 m Frances Maud SANDERS Catherine (Kate) b c1873 m Thomas McQUILLAN. They then moved to a farming property on Whiriwhiri Road near Waiuku. Two sons were born: Thomas b 30 April 1876 m Daisy SMITH Hugh b 24 December 1877 d 10 February 1878. On the farm adjacent were the EGANS. Honora and Cornelius were from the same village in Co. Cork. Cornelius was born c1834 and came to New Zealand on 14 October 1864 aboard the Steinwaerder with his first wife Mary (25) and children Cornelius (7), Johanna (5) and Mary (2). They had eight more children in New Zealand. Sadly, John developed a paralysing condition and after several years he passed away on 17 August 1891 at a home in Hamilton. After the breakdown of the Egans marriage, Hanora was to marry Cornelius (on 6 November 1894; there were no children from this marriage) and they moved to Pirongia soon after and farmed there for some time. Unfortunately, poor health due to diabetes saw Cornelius living as an inmate at Costley Home in Epsom, Auckland. Cornelius passed away on 7 July 1911, aged 78, and was laid to rest in Waikumete Cemetery, Auckland. Honora continued to live on the farm but developed congestion of the lungs and passed on 27 January 1912, aged 77, and was laid to rest in Pirongia Cemetery. Sources: Family Certificates and Information: Donna Croucher, Great granddaughter NZ BDM Historical Records Cemetery Records Electoral Records Papers Past Researcher: Lois Hopping, Penny Prescott
Electoral Roll: Waipa 3626 Surname: WILLIS Given names: Rachael* Residence: Bombay Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Her signature from her will dated 1905 Rachel* was born in Limerick, Ireland c1834. She was the daughter of John SHIER and Ann SWITZER and on 12 February 1861 she married Robert GILLON in Limerick. There were five children to this marriage, all born at Athy, Co Kildare, Ireland. 1862 Ann Switzer 1865 Robert William 1866 John Shier 1868 Eliezer 1869 Ellen Dumbreck After 93 days at sea the Gillon family arrived in New Zealand on the Rooparell, 30 May 1874 and were farming at the Razorback, Bombay until Robert died on 2 June 1880. Robert was at least 20 years older than Rachel – the passenger list giving their ages as Robert 56, Rachel 35. Rachel then married John WILLIS (1833-1916) on 11 October 1882. He was a bachelor, farming 50 acres on the Razorback so they would have known each other for some time. There were no children to this marriage. In about 1905 they moved to Pukekohe East where they continued farming until John’s death on 23 March 1916, aged 83. They are both buried at Pukekohe East church cemetery. Sources: Gillon/Richardson Family Tree – ancestry.co.uk; Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz; Probate records – www.familysearch.org; Headstone photo – Franklin Branch NZSG; NZ electoral rolls – ancestry.co.uk Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 4165 Surname: WILLS Given names: Drusilla Residence: Awitu Occupation: storekeeper Qualification: freehold Drusilla (born 4 January 1847) was the second child of nine, and eldest daughter, of George and Harriette (née STILING) WREFORD of the parish of Witheridge in Devon. Her father was a butcher by trade but by 1858, when her sister Harriet died, he ran the Commercial Inn in West St. In 1861 neither parent was at home on census night. The enumerator, clearly puzzled that 14 year old Drusilla was the Innkeeper and head of a household of four young children and one servant, placed a question mark alongside the entry. George, it transpires, was in debtors’ prison. The London Gazette of 26 March 1861 reported, ‘The Court of Insolvent Debtors has made an order, vesting in the Provisional Assignee, on his own petition ‘the Estates and Effects of George Wreford, late of Witheridge, Devonshire, Innkeeper, Butcher, and Farmer – in the Gaol of Exeter’. As 1864 drew to a close 400 emigrants boarded the Bombay, a Waikato Immigration scheme vessel bound for New Zealand. Among them was the ten strong Wreford family. It was a challenging voyage during which the youngest, Anne Howard, barely two years old, died. Then, little more than a week out of Auckland, strong gales damaged the ship and she was taken under tow, first by the Constance, with the final leg from Cape Brett into Auckland Harbour by the Curacao. How relieved they must have been to set foot on dry land. Three months later, on 18 June 1865, Drusilla married Thomas WILLS of Exeter (also a Bombay immigrant), at St Peter’s Church in Onehunga. They lived in Church Street, Onehunga, Thomas a bootmaker, until after 1881, but by 1890 had moved to Awhitu where they farmed Lot 36 of 80 acres, set up a store, and Thomas began kauri gum trading. Drusilla enrolled to vote in 1893, her occupation storekeeper in possession of freehold Lot 99 Awitu. She ran the store and on 22 November 1897, became a businesswoman in her own right when ownership of the Awhitu store was transferred to her. The couple moved to Kennedy Bay after 1900 and set up a store there. Drusilla was a long-time member of the Onehunga Congregational Church and her faith must surely have been tested as tragedy visited again and again. Early in September 1894 Thomas sent a boatload of gum to Onehunga, his son Henry and another in charge. Next morning, uneasy about their safety, he chartered the SS Manukau to search for them. Their boat was found but the young men were never located. August 1916 was a painfully sad month for Drusilla. On the 5th her daughter Drusilla died and on the 16th her son Thomas died from injuries after a concrete wall fell on him. This is the only record we have of Thomas. His birth and Charlotte’s have not been found. Other babies may have been born and lost, but the only birth records located are those of Francis Edward (1872), Richard Henry (1874), James Howard (1876) and Drusilla Howard (1868). By 1911 the couple had retired back to Church Street, Onehunga close to extended family. Drusilla Howard WILLS died 13 June 1934 and was privately interred at Waikaraka cemetery. She was survived by four children, 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Compiled by Val Gillanders Sources: paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, ancestry.com.nzbdmhistoricalrecords.govt.nz, NZSG
Electoral Roll: Waipa 3744 Surname: WILSON Given names: Charlotte Residence: Pokeno Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Charlotte was baptised on 18 November 1818 in Wincanton, Somerset, England. She was the daughter of John LAPHAM (1793-1876) and Mary LOVELOCK (1795-1882) and the second child of seven, having five brothers and one sister. In the 1841 and 1851 UK census, Charlotte is listed as a dressmaker and shirtmaker. On 24 January 1842 she married William STOCKDALE, a tailor, at St Mary’s, Lambeth, Surrey, England. They had two children – Charlotte Mary born in 1844 and died in 1845 and William John born 1846. In the 1861 UK census, Charlotte is a widow, her occupation given as a needlewoman and shirtmaker, living with her son William, then aged 15. Charlotte and William were to immigrate to New Zealand, arriving on the ship Avalanche on 12 February 1862. Sadly, Charlotte was to experience the death of her son in 1863, aged 18, reported to be the first victim of the night pickets in Auckland, as a member of No 2 Company, Auckland Rifle Volunteers (ARV). Charlotte’s parents, her brother John and her sister Louise all came to New Zealand, arriving at different times and mostly after spending some time in Australia. Her second marriage, to Thomas WILSON, took place on 11 September 1872 – and although it is recorded as Charlotte STOCKTON, it is almost certainly her. There were no children to this marriage and it is not known when Thomas died but Charlotte was again a widow at her death on 28 July 1898. She is buried in Pokeno cemetery. It is interesting to note that Charlotte was on the 1896 electoral roll three times – at Pokeno, at Cook St, Auckland (where her sister Louise AYLETT lived) and on the supplementary roll in Nelson St, Auckland (where her niece Florence ROBINSON lived). Sources: Newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz; BDM – www.dia.govt.nz; UK census – ancestry.co.nz; Headstone photo – Waikato District Council UK Parish births & baptisma – ancestry.co.uk Researcher: Judith Batt Compiler: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3213 Surname: WILSON Given names: Elizabeth Annie Residence: Tuakau Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Elizabeth Annie (known as Annie) was born Elizabeth Annie ADAMS, on 2 April 1863 in Cape Town, South Africa. She was the daughter of Thomas Adams (1832-1907), a shoemaker and Rebecca MILLS (1832-1898). Thomas and Rebecca, from Bedfordshire, England had gone to South Africa about 1860 with four children and the family had grown to six by the time they boarded the Maori bound for New Zealand with the promise of land under the Waikato Immigration Scheme. They arrived in Auckland on 23 December 1864 with Annie aged 1, the youngest of the six children. Six more children were born in New Zealand. The family took up land at Pukekohe. Annie would have helped in the house until her marriage to David WILSON in 1885. David was a blacksmith at Tuakau in 1893 but was at Paeroa before 1898. Annie and David had eight young children including new born twins when Annie died at just 36 on 15 June 1898. She is buried with her parents at Pukekohe Cemetery. Sources: BDM – www.dia.govt.nz Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz Headstone photo – Franklin Branch NZSG Shipping lists – Auckland Libraries Pellow Family Tree – Ancestry Researcher: Judith Batt Compiler: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3949 Surname: WILSON Given names: Jane Residence: Pollok Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Jane WILSON, born Jane ROXBURGH, left Scotland and sailed for New Zealand on board “Cossipore” but after 17 days the ship was forced to return to Plymouth leaking after meeting severe weather in the Channel. Jane arrived in Auckland 5 March 1866 on the “Liverpool” which entered the harbour bearing the signal showing disease was on board (a total of 144 days at sea). Jane met John Wilson and married on 13 June 1866. From John’s will, where he left everything to Jane, it appears that they had no children. It is not known exactly when they made their way to Pollok, but they enjoyed a fulfilling farming lifestyle. They purchased the James PYE farm about 1867 and it was listed in the 1869 Highways Board Records as being 120 acres, Lots 22 and 23 paying rates of 10 shillings ($1.00). Jane was known as a very intelligent woman who took a keen interest in all that happened in the Pollok community. The Wilsons donated an acre of land for a hall – used as a church and school and then vested in the Church – and it is believed twin Kauris milled for the building. Later they sold land for the Education Board School adjacent. The Pollok Community paid 2/3rds of the costs. At John’s death the property was sold to Tom COCHRANE who hauled the house up the ridge using logs pulled with bullock team and horses. Jane lived in the house for her lifetime possibly part of the sale agreement. Jane had been ailing for some time when she died on 25 January 1900. She was buried the next day – believed to be at Pollok with her husband John who died 3 July 1890. Sources: 1896 Franklin Electoral Roll NZ BDM Historical Records Papers Past – Daily Southern Cross 7 Mar 1866 Papers Past – Daily Southern Cross 24 May 1866 Papers Past – NZ Herald 1 Feb 1900 “The Far Away Land” by Lloyd Walker Bev and Barry Cochrane Researchers: Penny Prescott Lois Hopping
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3211 Surname: WILSON Given names: Rebecca Jane Residence: Puni, Pukekohe Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Very few official or verified documents have been found about Rebecca. When she applied for the Old Age Pension, she filed a statement with an 1851 Irish census return document which stated that she was born on 7 July 1851 in County Cavan, Northern Ireland and that her parents were James MORROW and Margaret SHARP. No marriage record has been found for Rebecca and Thomas Hamilton WILSON but the couple had children born between 1878 and 1892. Only five children appear registered on the official BDM records but from other sources they actually had seven children – four daughters and three sons. Times were tough and Thomas was ajudged a bankrupt in 1881 (Akl Star 7 April 1881). However he appears on the electoral rolls from 1893 – 1900 as a farmer, Pukekohe with 147 acres. The family also lived in Taranaki for many years before Rebecca and Thomas moved to Hamilton. Rebecca died in 1930 and Thomas on 19 September 1934 and they are buried in the Hillsborough Cemetery, Auckland with their daughter Margaret and her husband (James WEIR). Sources: NZ electoral rolls – ancestry.co.uk Irish census return – ancestry.co.uk Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz BDM – www.dia.govt.nz Researcher: Judith Batt Compiler: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Waipa 3632 Surname: WILSON Given names: Sarah Residence: Bombay Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Her signature from probate records on John’s death 1905 Sarah was born 8 October 1843 at Rathfriland, Co Down, Northern Ireland, the daughter of John HOLLINGSWORTH. She married John WILSON (WILLSON on some documents) on 6 July 1857 at Drumath, Co Down. It is unclear how many children Sarah and John had but when they boarded the ship Bombay on 26 November 1864 in London, they had Margaret, aged 3 and John aged 3 months and when John died he left his estate to children Margaret Ann, Sarah Jane, John and Mary Agnes. John (1831-1905) had been a military man – a Sgt with the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons at the Crimean War but was no doubt lured to New Zealand, along with hundreds of others, with the offer of free land. After arrival in Auckland on 18 March 1865, they took up Lots 24 to 26, Parish of Opaheke, near Bombay and had at least two more children. After John’s death on 10 March 1905, Sarah stayed on at their property and died there on 24 April 1910. They are both buried at the Bombay Presbyterian Church cemetery. Sources: Karen Barber Family Tree – ancestry.co.uk Shipping list – Auckland Libraries Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz Headstone photo – Franklin Branch NZ Society of Genealogists NZ electoral rolls – ancestry.co.uk Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Waipa 3633 Surname: WILSON Given names: Sarah Jane Residence: Bombay Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Sarah Jane WILSON was born in New Zealand on 29 October 1869. She was the daughter of John Wilson (1831-1905) and Sarah HOLLINGSWORTH (1843-1910). John had been a Sergeant of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons, Ireland during the Crimean War and was no doubt lured to New Zealand with the offer of free land and bought the family a passage on the Bombay. The Wilson family had left London on 26 November 1864 with Sarah’s two older siblings – Margaret age 3 and John age 3 months and settled in Bombay on Lots 24–26 in the Parish of Opaheke. In 1897 Sarah married local farmer George Thomas Norrie ROSS and during the next few years they were farming at Bombay, Pukekohe, Karaka and Paparata before retiring to town. Sarah and George had three children: • 1897 Sarah Madiera Bayswater (known as Mydie) • 1900 George Clifford Wilson • 1902 Agnes Ellen Norrie. The children attended school at Bombay and Paparata. Sarah died in 1946 and George remarried in 1953 but died in 1954 and is buried with Sarah at the Bombay Presbyterian Church cemetery. Sources: Karen Barber Family Tree – ancestry.co.uk: BDM – www.dia.govt.nz; NZ electoral rolls – ancestry.co.uk; School records – NZ Society of Genealogists; Headstone photo – Franklin Branch NZSG Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3215 Surname: WILY Given names: Clara Ninnis Residence: Mauku Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Clara Ninnis FLEXMAN was born at Waiuku on 15 May 1866 to parents Charles Ware and Malinda FLEXMAN (nee NINNIS). One of six children, Clara was brought up in Waiuku where her father owned a general store on the corner of Bowen and Queen Streets, Waiuku. The family were Wesleyans and greatly involved in the activities, fundraising and establishment of the new Waiuku Wesleyan Church which opened 9 December 1883. Clara and Henry Evan Robert Luxmore WILY (known by his initials as HERL) were married on 19 November 1892 at the Holy Trinity Church, Devonport by the Rev J.Bates. HERL was the son of the late Major Henry William and Emma Elizabeth Vivian WILY of The Falls Farm, Mauku. The Falls homestead, rebuilt after a fire in 1869, was a large 7-bedroom shingle-roofed dwelling with a grand dining room and a large library. This was the Wily family home where HERL grew up, and it was to become the family home for the next generation as the newly married couple settled in after their wedding, living with Clara’s mother-in-law Emma WILY. At the time HERL was managing the Falls Farm and breaking in land that he had bought the year before at Puni known as ‘Belvedere’. On election day in 1893 young bride Clara and her mother-in-law Emma WILY attended the polling booth to cast their first ever vote. What a momentous occasion it must have been for the women of New Zealand. In 1895 Clara gave birth to their first child, Clive Henry Jenner WILY followed in 1901 by a second son Oliver Charles Trevor WILY. Sadly, Oliver died on 25 April 1905, aged 3½ and he is buried at St Bride’s Churchyard, Mauku. HERL was a successful farmer, managing several farms totalling about 2000 acres. Active in the community and on various boards and committees, he was also a successful author and historian and served for a time as editor of the Franklin Times. Busy life, busy wife - Clara also involved in home, community and church activities as well as supporting her husband in all his roles. HERL and Clara continued to live at The Falls, and later their son Clive Henry Jenner and his wife made their family home at ‘Belvedere’. HERL died at home on 8 August 1940 aged 76 and Clara died 31 May 1951 aged 86. Researcher: Madeleine Judson Sources: Papers Past; BMD NZ; NZ Archives; Ancestry; Family Search; My Heritage; bks: Patumahoe History & Memories; The Church of St Bride-Mauku 1861-2001; Connell Family Heritage (HERL Letter P216-229); Photo of main street, Waiuku about 1890. The 2-storeyed building on LHS, corner of Bowen Street, is the Flexman Building, belonging to C.W.Flexman (Clara’s father). Courtesy Waiuku Museum Society, Auckland Libraries, Footprints 04679
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3214 Surname: WILY Given names: Emma Elizabeth Vivian Residence: Mauku Occupation: farmer Qualification: freehold Emma Elizabeth Vivian JENNER was born on 14 June 1830 at the family home Wenvoe Castle, Glamorganshire, Wales, eldest daughter of Robert Francis and Elizabeth Lascelles Jenner. Born into a life of privilege and wealth, Emma recounts a lively childhood growing up at Wenvoe. From a diary of her early years that Emma wrote for her children, comes her account of meeting her future husband Captain Henry William WILY at a ball that she and her father hosted at Wenvoe in 1855: “I never spent a more pleasant evening. Among the strangers was a Captain Wily, and it was a case of love at first sight between us. I danced with him several times and we talked to each other a great deal.”. Before the end of the year they were engaged and married on 5 March 1856. Henry William Wily, a captain in the British Army 50th Regiment, was a widow with four children so Emma had a ready-made family awaiting her at her new home at Roath, Cardiff. They lived here for the next twelve years during which time five children were born to Emma and Henry. In 1868 Henry, now a Major, decided to retire and move his family to New Zealand. They sailed on the ship Ida Zeigler, “a wretched leaky vessel” Emma writes in her diary, arriving on 9 November 1868. With them on the voyage were their five children and two of her stepchildren Henrietta and Edward. In February 1869 the family moved into their new home, The Falls Farm and homestead at Mauku. On 21 June that same year the large ten-roomed house burnt to the ground and they lost all their belongings, fleeing in only their night attire to take refuge at neighbouring property Stanlake owned by Mr and Mrs CRISPE. From a report in the Daily Southern Cross 23 June 1869: “The whole was a most melancholy and distressing scene, but it was delightful to see how well Mrs Wily stood up under severe disaster, feeling most thankful that the lives of her dear family were all mercifully saved.”. Although The Falls house was insured it was insufficient to cover the cost of rebuilding and it was five years before the new homestead built of hand-sawn totara was completed. During this time the family lived in a makeshift temporary erection of five rooms where Emma’s youngest child Harry Herbert Daniel was born on 30 December 1871. (continued on next page)
Apart from her busy life as mother, wife, farmer, Emma was also an active and devout worker in the affairs of St Bride’s church where she was organist and Sunday School teacher for many years. The church lectern was given in her memory after her death. Major Henry Wily died on 5 February 1880 aged 69 and is buried at St Bride’s Church, Mauku. After his death Emma and her 16-year old son Henry Evan Robert Luxmore Wily took over the running of the farm. It was hard work for a woman and a teenage lad and difficult to make ends meet. But the lad became better and later successfully took on other farms. In the 1893 Electoral Roll Emma proudly writes her occupation as ‘farmer’. Emma continued to live at The Falls Farm until her death on 20 September 1904 after a brief illness and is buried at St Bride’s Churchyard with her husband. Emma as a young woman painted by her sister. Sources: Papers Past; BMD; NZ Archives; Wikitree; Ancestry; books: Patumahoe History & Memories; The Connell Family Heritage by Tim Connell (Emma’s diary p176-215) Images: All three are from Emma’s diary. Researcher: Madeleine Judson
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3227 Surname: WOODS Given names: Mary Residence: Pukekohe Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Mary and Robert had four children: • 1901 Cyril Robert Marshall • 1902 Harold Leslie Roy • 1903 Cora Iris • 1906 Sybil Muriel Gwendoline Mary died 10 October 1939 and Robert on 12 February 1941 and they are buried together at the Pukekohe Cemetery. NZ Herald 13 October 1939 Sources: Old newspapers – paperspast.antlib.govt.nz BDM – www.dia.govt.nz Headstone photo – Franklin Branch NZSG Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3953 Surname: WOODWARD Given names: Rachel Decima Residence: Waiuku East Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Rachel Decima WOODWARD was born on 2 September 1856, in Westfield, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, England. She was the tenth child of David and Eleanor DULLEY, hence her middle name Decima. Rachel married William George Woodward at Wellingborough in 1879. They left London on 26 September 1882 with their two young daughters Eleanor and Ethel Alice, arriving in Auckland on the ‘Famenoth’ in January 1883. Rachel was told by one of the seamen who noticed ten-month-old Alice that she would be throwing her overboard before they reached Auckland. Apparently young children travelling steerage class were unlikely to survive the trip. The family all arrived safely and moved to a 400-acre farming site in Glenbrook on land that is now the Steel Mill. Four months after arriving in New Zealand Rachel gave birth to their first son. In 1907 the family sold the Glenbrook farm and bought a 19-acre section on Hull Road. Rachel and William returned to England on the Ruapehu to visit family. Whilst there their son, Charles Woodward built the family home which today is one of Waiuku’s grandest heritage homes, The Totaras. Little is known of Rachel's life after this time although we do know she was living in Campbell Road, Waiuku when she passed away on 7 September 1932. She was 76 years old. The above photo is a copy from the Sunday Star from 11 May 1986 which describes the Woodward family as “pioneers in South Auckland”. This is of the whole family taken outside “The Totaras”. Rachel is front right with husband George front left. The five children are back from left Charles, Alice, Walter (Wally), Geoff and front centre Elizabeth. The original picture was taken in 1919 by Geoff who was holding a self-timer. Credit to David Woodward who along with Rachel Gillies did most of the hard research work pre-computer times! Researcher: Emma Stanford (husband is Rachel’s great, great grandson)
Electoral Roll: Waipa 3636 Surname: WORDEN Given names: Caroline Janet Residence: Bombay Occupation: milliner Qualification: residential Her signature from her will dated 24 March 1938 Caroline was born Caroline Janet MacKENZIE (sometimes McKENZIE), on 27 January 1856 in London. She was the daughter of Francis MacKenzie (1819-1912)and Caroline KEMP (1820- 1885) and had four brothers and four sisters. In 1879 she married Thomas WORDEN (1856- 1938) who had arrived in New Zealand on the Bombay with his family at the age of eight. Caroline and Thomas had three children – Thomas Donald, Janet Beatrice and Adah Caroline, who all attended the Ramarama Primary School. Thomas and Caroline owned the General Store and ran the Post Office at Ramarama until they retired to 50 Williamson Ave, Grey Lynn, where they were to live for the rest of their lives. Janet gave her occupation on the 1893 electoral roll as milliner but on other rolls she gave domestic duties or retired so it is unknown how long she carried on her trade. Reports of the daughters weddings appeared in the newspapers of the day and appeared to be fairly elaborate affairs held at the house in Grey Lynn. Thomas died in 1938 and Caroline in 1943. They are buried in the Papakura cemetery. Sources: Family History & photos –Christine Wargent (Caroline is her great grandmother); BDM – www.dia.govt.nz; Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz; Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Waipa 2981 Surname: WORDEN Given names: Elizabeth Residence: Bombay Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Elizabeth WORDEN, husband Richard, and 6 of their 7 children set sail on 26 November 1864 leaving from London on the Bombay (3rd voyage) and arriving in Auckland on 18 March 1865. The boat, having lost its main mast off the Three Kings 10 days before, was towed into port by HMS Curacao. Daughter Elizabeth (12) was the first on board to sight New Zealand and the Captain ordered a case of apples to be opened for everyone. Elizabeth’s family were STOREYS and they were Catholics, but Elizabeth had eloped with the family butler, Richard WORDEN, and turned Anglican. As a result, she was cut off from the family and out of their wills. Richard and Elizabeth lived in Durham where Richard worked as a waiter and Elizabeth as a seamstress before making the decision to emigrate. We know little about their lives then until they boarded the Bombay with their children. George, the eldest, stayed behind in England while Alice (19), Richard (17), Elizabeth (12), William (10), Thomas (8) (my great grandfather) Julia (1), sailed with their parents, Richard (46) and Elizabeth (44) to New Zealand. Elizabeth was the granddaughter of Juno STOREY, a well to do ship builder in Sunderland, England. Juno Storey built the Jane Gifford, one of the first immigrant ships to come to New Zealand (1842). Her brother Matthew Storey was a Commander on sailing ships. Probably, as a result of this background, great great Grandma Worden came well prepared for the voyage and was sometimes asked by others on board to help with food. She baked her Brown Cake especially for the voyage and the recipe is still used by her descendants today. It is dark, moist, delicious and to be recommended. (On right, recipe provided) As fully assisted immigrants Richard Worden (sen.) and his son Richard were each given 10 acres of land at Bombay. Not much land to glean a living from but enough to ensure the children had a good start to life in their chosen new land. Elizabeth and Richard are buried together at St Peters in the Forest Anglican Church cemetery, Bombay. Researcher and writer: Christine Wargent, (Elizabeth is her great great grandmother)
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3239 Surname: WORTH Given names: Fanny Residence: Mauku Occupation: farmer Qualification: residential Fanny’s signature from probate records for her husband John in 1892 Fanny appeared on the 1893 electoral roll as a farmer, living at Mauku. Her husband John WORTH had died in 1892 and according to the obituary, he had arrived soon after 1863. No marriage record has been found, so maybe Fanny and John were married before they arrived in New Zealand. They did not come on one of the Waikato Immigration Scheme ships and no other record has been found of their arrival in New Zealand. A possible marriage in England was in Newport, Buckinghamshire, December 1862 between John Worth and Fanny RIVET. From New Zealand birth records, their children born in New Zealand were: 1867 Charlotte, became Mrs William ADAMS; 1869 Mary Ann, became Mrs Phillip Thomas BIRCH; 1876 William John Worth and 1877 Maria, became Mrs George SANDFORD. These are the four children also mentioned in Fanny’s death notice. There was, however, a Helen Worth, living in Mauku, on the 1893 Electoral Roll, so could she have been a daughter born before the Worths arrived? It is interesting to note in John’s obituary that Fanny has been in a feeble state of health for many years, yet she was to live another 22 years and died in Pukekohe in 1921. Her death notice states that she will be buried at St Bride’s Church Cemetery but there is no headstone for her or John. Sources: Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz John’s obit – NZ Herald 1 Nov 1892; Fanny’s death notice- 30 Sept 1921; NZ electoral rolls – ancestry.co.uk; BDM – www.dia.govt.nz; Probate records – www.familysearch.com. Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3238 Surname: WORTH Given names: Helen Residence: Mauku Occupation: parlour maid Qualification: residential Helen (Ellen on her school records and Hellen on her death registration) was born in 1874, although her birth appears to be unregistered. She was the third child of John (1834-1892) and Fanny (1831- 1921) WORTH and had three sisters and a brother. Her parents farmed at Mauku and she attended Patumahoe School with her siblings. She gave her occupation on the 1893 roll as parlour maid so she may have worked for one of the large estate farmers in the Mauku area but by 1896 she was living in Owen Street, Thames. On 14 August 1899 she married Jeffrey MURDOCK, a miner from Thames at that time, at St Bride’s Mauku (not Mokau as in the wedding report of 19 September in the Thames Star). Jeffrey was a flax-miller by 1905 and later in life became a farmer. Helen and Jeffrey had two children: • Muriel Violet (1900–1985), who married Albert George INNIS in 1924 • Oliver Clive Jeffrey (1905–1973), who married Martha STEVENSON aka MACKEN in 1926. Helen died at the very early age of 39 on 19 March 1913 and was buried in the Tararu Cemetery, Thames. Jeffrey remarried and died 3 February 1958 and was buried at Paeroa. Sources: paperspast.natlib.govt.nz; School records – NZ Society of Genealogists; BDM – www.dia.govt.nz; NZ electoral rolls – ancestry.co.uk Researchers: Lois Hopping & Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3242 Surname: WORTHINGTON Given names: Mary Anne Residence: Paerata Park Pukekohe Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Mary Ann GLASSON was born in 1842 in Bathurst, New South Wales. She was the daughter of John Glasson (1803 Cornwall-1890) and Anne EVANS (1810 Wales-1861 Mauku) and was one of 3 siblings. John Glasson had emigrated from Cornwall on the Australia in 1829 and settled in Bathurst, New South Wales. Anne EVANS was a governess to George ALLEN’S (Solicitor) children. She was apparently highly educated and was 5 foot 5 inches in height and of fair complexion. In 1857 the family immigrated to New Zealand and settled on 900 acres at “Linwood”, Karaka. Mary Ann married Richard Jevers WORTHINGTON (1848 Dublin-1905 Pukekohe) in 1891. Richard was the son of Richard Benson Worthington (1805 Dublin-1884 Taupiri) and Mary Jane LEVERS (1819-1890 Drury). Richard, Mary Jane and their family arrived in New Zealand aboard the Northern Bride on 11 October 1860. Richard J’s brother, William, was killed in the Bald Hill (Mauku) battle in 1863. In 1896 and 1900 Mary Ann and Richard were farming 900 acres at Karaka. Richard died on 30 May 1905 in Pukekohe. Mary Ann died in 1931 aged 88 years. There is a Glasson Family Cemetery in Linwood Rd, Karaka. Records for this and other family writings are held by the South Auckland Research Centre. Sources: BDM Paperspast NZ Electoral Rolls Google Researcher: Barbara Raven
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3956 Surname: WRIGHT Given names: Ann Residence: Patumahoe Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Ann WRIGHT was born in Rayleigh, Essex to William TYLER and his wife Esther (nee RAVEN) in 1837. 24 years later the Census noted her occupation as a general servant to a bootmaker. Marriage to 19-year-old William Thomas Wright followed in 1864. They resided at various addresses around London, where most of Anne’s waking hours would have been spent in managing a household of six children. Despite William’s apparently good clerical position with the Great Eastern Railway Company, the Wrights decided to immigrate to New Zealand. By now Ann was 44, and pregnant with their 7th child. Life would have been very different in the pioneer settlement of Patumahoe. However, they appear to have had the means to purchase 180 acres, valued at £1200, on the Patumahoe Road; land that stretched south from the railway line to what is known today as Gun Club Road. And they were able to adopt a certain degree of style for they built a rather grand home and William became locally known as ‘Gentleman Wright’. Hannah BASS who travelled with them to New Zealand, listing her occupation as a servant, may have also lived in with them, as did Mrs Caroline CHILTON (nee Wright). Locals commonly believed Carolyn to be William’s mother, but she described him, in a London will, as the son of her sister. The family who had worshipped in the Independent Church in England, now established close ties with the Anglican church of St Brides. The graves of Ann, William and Mrs Chilton reside beside the path to the Church, surely a ‘prime site’ and, according to family researcher Clyde Hamilton, a tribute to the esteem in which they were held. Sources: Wright family history Informants: Jessie Houston & Jean Hamilton Photo courtesy of Jessie Houston Researcher: Clyde Hamilton Compiled by Wendy Clark
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3958 Surname: WRIGHT Given names: Annie McNaughton Residence: Mauku Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Annie McNaughton WRIGHT (nee BELOE) came from pioneering stock. Her father had fought with the British Forces in the Land Wars of the 1860s and met his future wife while on leave in Auckland. When he returned to Scotland to take his discharge, she followed him there and they married in 1867. Annie was their first child. Two more were born in Coldstream, Berwich, before the family immigrated back to New Zealand in 1874. A further six siblings followed. The younger ones are known to have attended Patumahoe School, but Annie was probably expected to help on the farm, or in the house, by the time they arrived in the new country. Other members of her family were well versed in the handling of horses and, no doubt, Annie would have also been proficient. We can surmise she met her husband, Wynne Ravens Wright, at St Brides church, and both probably attended the Church soirees that were a part of social life in Mauku. Her life of farm work and raising five children would not have been easy. This was still a time of horse-train-boat transport, so leaving the farm for a day in the city was not an option. Most of her ‘shopping’ would have been done in Patumahoe which had at least one substantial trader, and for whom her husband worked as the accountant. The train was attainable at Pukekohe for travel towards Auckland, or as far as Wellington in later years, but there are no stories of her having availed herself of the chance to venture further than Pukekohe. Annie’s death in October 1918, at the age of sixty, spared her the grief of learning that her eldest son had suffered war wounds from which he never recovered. Source: Wright family history Informant: Clyde Hamilton Photo courtesy of Judy Philpott (nee Beloe) Compiled by Wendy Clark
Electoral Roll: Waipa 2988 Surname: WRIGHT Given names: Bridget Residence: Rama Rama Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Bridget LAWLOR was born in County Kerry, Ireland c1839 and married Thomas John WRIGHT in 1862. They sailed to New Zealand on the ‘Ganges’ on 14 February 1865 and their daughter Ellen, age 1, was among the 54 children who died during the voyage. Although Thomas was a stonemason, as was Bridget’s father Michael, the Wrights also farmed at Ramarama. They had 50 acres, made up of 7 lots and 20 acres Lot 169 Section Two, Parish of Opaheke and it is here they brought up their family of 5 children – four daughters and a son. Daughters Frances and Margaret remained single and stayed on at the farm after the deaths of their parents before moving to Papakura. Bridget died on 21 October 1917 and her husband Thomas, 8 days later. They are buried together at the Catholic cemetery, Pratt’s Road, Ramarama. Sources: Headstone photo & death cert – Gaye Strand on www.findagrave.com BDM – www.dia.govt.nz Ganges information – Auckland libraries Probate – www.familysearch.org Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3246 Surname: WRIGHT Given names: Elizabeth Amelia Residence: Pukekohe Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Elizabeth Amelia WRIGHT was born in New Zealand, probably Pukekohe, on 6 January 1870. She was the third child (and third daughter) of James Wright (1841-1902) and Septima SMITH (1844- 1937) and had four sisters and three brothers. Elizabeth was 41 and single when she died. She is buried in Pukekohe Cemetery and shares a headstone with her father. Her mother lived until 93 – she died in 1937 and although cemetery records show she is buried here, she does not have a headstone. The inscription on this headstone reads: ‘In memory of James WRIGHT the dear and beloved husband of Septima WRIGHT who fell asleep in Jesus 31st Dec 1902 aged 61 years. Jesus leads me all the way I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness. Also Elizabeth Amelia third daughter of the above died 12th July 1911 aged 41 years’ Sources: Photo & Information, Gilder Family Tree – ancestry.co.uk BDM – www.dia.govt.nz; Headstone photo – Franklin Branch NZSG Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Waipa 3637 Surname: WRIGHT Given names: Harriett* Residence: Pokeno Valley Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential On 7 June 1883 Harriet* POPE married Peter WRIGHT and by 1899 they had a family of eight children. A ninth child, Maud Elizabeth was born in 1901. This photo was taken in “People’s Palace” – a boarding house, where they stayed for a short time prior to their departure for Pongakawa. Peter died in 1910 and Harriet on 7 July 1933. They are buried together at Pokeno cemetery. Sources: Family info and photo – Warren Wright – ancestry.co.uk; BDM – www.dia.govt.nz; Newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz; Headstone photo: Waikato District Council Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3960 Surname: WRIGHT Given names: Jane Edwards Residence: Pukekohe Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Jane Edwards BILKEY was born on 22 January 1842 at Ludgvan, Cornwall, England. She was the daughter of Robert and Jane (mostly known as Jenefer) Bilkey, farmers. She married Jacob Henry WRIGHT on 27 November 1861 in Penzance, Cornwall. Jacob and his father were ships’ Captains although James was more interested in farming and had been working for Robert Bilkey. The class structure in England at that time meant that the Wright family considered the Bilkeys to be a lower class – England looked more favourably on a Captain than a farm labourer. This caused a rift in the family and may have been one of the reasons they migrated to New Zealand, although no doubt the lure of land and Jacob’s desire to farm played a major part. On 26 November 1864, Jane and Jacob Wright, Jane’s parents Robert and Jenefer Bilkey, her four brothers and her young sister , age 2, departed Gravesend on the ill-fated ‘Bombay’, arriving in Auckland on 18 March 1865 – this was the slowest and most hazardous of the ship’s voyages. They were not assisted immigrants. Although 100 acres had been promised before they left England it was not until September 1871 that it was registered in their name. They took up Lot 51 of 108 acres on the south west slopes of Pukekohe Hill and called it “Hillcrest”. When Jacob’s father died in 1874, the Wright’s sold up and went back to England but did not stay long and returned with Jane’s Aunt Maria Bilkey (born 1825). They bought another farm of 303 acres close to the first one and called this farm “Boscarne” after a property in Cornwall. Jane and Jacob had a family of nine – six sons and three daughters. The family had strong church connections and were amongst the settlers who began the Anglican Church in Pukekohe and Jacob was involved in many community organisations. Jane was known to have been an excellent cook, skills she passed on to her daughters. As well as being extremely hard working, Jane encouraged her family’s interest in music – she could play the piano and organ and daughters Rebecca, Laura and Ethel played the organ in church. Jacob died in July 1902 and Jane lived for another 25 years, spending her last days with her son Robert and his wife at Buckland. She died 1 October 1927 and is buried with Jacob in Pukekohe cemetery. Source: Material taken from the book The Wright Way by Patricia E Reid. Compiler: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Waipa 2994 Surname: WRIGHT Given names: Margaret Residence: Pokeno Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Margaret DEAN born 1845, probably at Enniskillen, Co Fermangh, Ireland, was the daughter of William Dean (1798-1847) and Mary VANCE (1803-1874). Mary and William, a carrier by occupation, had 10 children and endured tough times during the potato famine during which William died. After also losing her eldest daughter, in 1850 Mary moved the family to Glasgow. She then arrived in New Zealand on 22 December 1864 with 3 of her sons, one of their wives, grandchildren and her daughter Margaret, on board the sailing ship the Helenslee. This ship was part of the Waikato Immigration Scheme and almost the entire ship load of passengers went to settle on the land allocated to them at Pokeno. On board this ship was a 21 year old baker Robert WRIGHT and in 1870 he and Margaret were married at her brother John’s house in Pokeno – then known as Queen’s Redoubt. This marriage would last over 55 years. Margaret and Robert had eight children, four sons and four daughters, all born at Pokeno. (Left: This account of a house fire was found in the Auckland Star 16 July 1895) Around 1903 they moved to Helensville to be near their son Bert who was a baker there. They later retired to Baker Street, Ponsonby. Robert died in 1925 and Margaret 6 years later on 29 November 1931. They are buried together at the Pokeno Old Soldiers Cemetery in Helenslee Road. Sources: Dean Family History – supplied by Matthew Dean BDM – www.dia.govt.nz Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz Researcher: Heather Maloney Photo: Robert & Margaret Wright on their 50th wedding anniversary 1920
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3245 Surname: WRIGHT Given names: Nellie Residence: Rama Rama Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Ellen Marie BALL (1864-1930), known as Nellie, was born in Mangonui, New Zealand the daughter of William Thomas Ball (1835-1921) and Charlotte Plater DUFFUS (1837-1920). She was the eldest child and had one sister, who died age 11, and four brothers. Her father William arrived, from Brigg, Lincolnshire, on the Matoaka in 1859 with his father and two sisters (3 brothers and his mother had died in England). He married in Mangonui on 15 October, 1862, noting his occupation as gentleman. Her grandfather, Thomas Ball, was a trained chemist and a prominent figure in the community in England and New Zealand. In 1858 he read a pamphlet on New Zealand which led him to consider emigration. He felt the working classes could make better lives for themselves in the colony. Accordingly, he arranged for around 80 people to join him in emigrating, finally settling in Oruaiti, Mangonui. One of Thomas’ first tasks was to create a place of worship for the fledgling community. In 1861 he donated land and commissioned the building of a small octagonal chapel (18ft in diameter) to be used by all congregations. It is said to be the smallest church in New Zealand, possibly the world, and is carved from a single kauri log. Later shelves were added to create an impressive library for the community. This chapel is now located at the Heritage Park in Whangarei. Thomas was a provincial councillor from 1861-1872. He was succeeded by Nellie’s father William Ball (1873-1876) who sat until the Abolition of the Provinces. Thomas Ball also represented the district in the House of Representatives (1866-1870). He was a strong advocate of progressive education and in 1869 moved a resolution in Parliament, which was carried without debate, calling for the introduction of public schools. He is now credited as one of the people who helped to establish the free education system in New Zealand. Nellie married Frederic Luard WRIGHT (1861-1904) in Auckland on 5 August, 1885 and lived at Raventhrope in Ramarama. They did not have any children and her husband appeared on the electoral roll as a gentleman. He was only 43 when he died. Nellie was a keen and skilled painter, her watercolours of the gardens at Ravensthrope remain in the family today (pictured). The importance of education within the family continued to be evident when her father died in October, 1921. Shortly afterwards, Nellie travelled to England and sponsored her nephews and her nieces, Margaret Dudley Ball and Stella Ball, to travel with her to finish their schooling, indicating that equal education was important to her too. Nellie continued to travel and paint during this time and is thought to have settled there as she died in St Ives, Cornwall on 4 January 1930 (aged 66). Stella was 3 months into finishing-school in Switzerland when Nellie died, although the education was prepaid it is thought the family encouraged her to return home, even though she wanted to stay. Nellie is remembered on her husband’s headstone in St Peter’s of the Forest Church Cemetery in Bombay. Sources: Family Tree Ancestry – J Dawson; NZ Electoral rolls; www.family search.com – passenger lists; www.dia.govt.nz – historic bdm; Ball Settlement Mangonui – Barbara J Bolt; Jim Teat – Son of Stella Ball; Te Ara – The Encyclopaedia of NZ https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2b4/ball-thomas Researchers: Jan Ball, Catherine Ball.
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3961 Surname: WRIGHT Given names: Sarah Annie Elizabeth Residence: Patumahoe Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Sarah Annie Elizabeth HAMLIN was born in 1869, to Sarah Grace (nee BARRIBALL) and Major Ebenezer Hamlin. Major Hamlin was the son of missionaries, the Reverend James and Elizabeth Hamlin who had arrived in New Zealand in 1826. He spoke fluent Maori, fought in the Waikato Land Wars and later served as a Member of Parliament. Sarah, known as Lily, married Arthur Edwin WRIGHT in 1891 who, at that stage, lived in Patumahoe. Most of their married lives, however, were spent at “Garston” in Mauku where they raised four children – Eva, Doris, Kingsley and Martyn. Their homestead was situated at the end of Martyn Wright Road in a very commanding position overlooking farmland and native bush. Behind the house there were the usual outbuildings; one with a loft where oats for their horses was stored and another for harnesses and tools. Across the stone courtyard sat the old well and the wash house with its wooden tubs and a copper. The pantry, where butter and cheese were made and stored, also opened on to the cobbled courtyard. Like other settlers Lily had her share of life’s battles, one being when her younger son Martyn had his arm ripped off at the shoulder in a chaff cutting accident. It must have been a worrying time also when her older son Kingsley went to the Great War. Lily and her husband were regular worshippers at St. Brides where Lily was the organist for 20 years. The family travelled to church in a horse drawn gig, picking up their niece, Phyllis SOMMERVILLE, on the way. During the service the horses waited in a pen inside the main gate. Though Lily and Arthur retired in Mt Albert, it was to St. Brides that they returned when they died. Sources: Wright Family History Informant: Jessie Houston Photo courtesy of Jessie Houston Researcher: Clyde Hamilton Compiled by Wendy Clark
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3247 Surname: WRIGHT Given names: Septina* Residence: Pukekohe Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Septima* was born Septima SMITH on 12 July 1844, in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England. Her parents were Henry James Smith (1819-1908) and Jane RESTALL (1815-1899) who both died in New Zealand. On 9 August 1866, Septima married James WRIGHT in Newton, Auckland at the home of her sister Elizabeth (Mrs James BRAY). James appeared on the 1875 and subsequent electoral rolls, a farmer, owning Lots 41 and 192 of 20 acres in Pukekohe West. This is where they raised their family of eight children - five daughters and three sons. James Wright died 31 December 1902 and is buried in Pukekohe Cemetery. Their daughter Elizabeth Amelia died, single, 12 July 1911, aged 41 years and is commemorated on the same headstone. Cemetery records show that Septima who died 11 July 1937, aged 93, is also buried there but she does not have a headstone. Maybe that is because she outlived all but two of her children and they did not live locally. The headstone for James and Elizabeth reads: ‘In memory of James WRIGHT the dear and beloved husband of Septima WRIGHT who fell asleep in Jesus 31st Dec 1902 aged 61 years. Jesus leads me all the way I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness. Also Elizabeth Amelia third daughter of the above died 12th July 1911 aged 41 years’ Sources: Photo and information – Gilder Family Tree – ancestry.co.uk; BDM – www.dia.govt.nz Researcher: Heather Maloney
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3962 Surname: WYLIE Given names: Jane Residence: Buckland Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential Jane MOORE was born in Ireland on 20 November 1848. She was just sixteen years old when she left Ireland on the ship ‘Ganges’ in 1864 with her parents and seven brothers and sisters to come to New Zealand. As a single girl she would have travelled in the forward part of the ship away from her parents, but luckily she was in the company of her sisters Elizabeth, Mary and Maria (Annie). After three long months at sea in confined spaces and under strict supervision, how excited Jane must have been to cast her eyes on the port of Auckland on 14 February 1865. The family was re-united, but no doubt grieving for the loss of the family’s three youngest children Anne, James and Martha during the voyage. There was a shortage of girls to work as servants in the homes and hotels of the growing New Zealand and at least two of Jane’s sisters may have taken such work and did not travel with the family to Pukekohe. Jane spent her first winter in a tent and nikau whare with the family in the cemetery communal area. By 1866 the Moore family had moved into their weatherboard home and started a store. A baby brother Charles was born in April 1866, so we can imagine Jane helping with the household chores and in the store. The family store was at the centre of local activity on the corner of Ward and Queen Streets. Here Jane met her husband-to-be Hugh WYLIE, who had also emigrated from Ireland (Belfast). Hugh had purchased 80 acres of land about a mile and a half away. Jane and Hugh married on 13 June 1871 in the Moore home. The young couple then settled to the life of pioneer dairy farmers. Over the next twenty years they had six children, the first one dying at three years of age. Family memories recall a tall upright lady who wore old fashioned long full skirts and a bonnet hat. As a Grandma, Jane was an active participant in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Weekends brought all the grandchildren to the farm where they enjoyed afternoon tea around the big table. Jane would not change her cooking style to a coal range, and she cooked in the open fireplace with a camp oven to the side. Jane’s plum puddings are legendary for their size and solid nature! After years of making butter at home in a churn, Jane never took to the idea of buying factory made butter and always insisted on nice salty, yellow, home-made butter. The fellowship of the Pukekohe West Presbyterian Church was an important part of Jane’s life. She was present at the opening ceremony in 1867, and at the Golden Jubilee in 1918. Jane believed Sunday was not a day for unnecessary work and she refrained from any knitting and sewing. As an old lady she would spend evenings in her rocking chair with a big Bible open on her knee. Jane died at home in 1931 at the age of eighty-two, survived by four children and twelve grandchildren. Research by Joyce Morey “The Moore / Wylie Family Story – Pukekohe Pioneers” Compiler: Lydia Richards Jane and Hugh WYLIE in 1885 children (l-r) Hugh, James, Mary, Elizabeth
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3279 Surname: YOUNG Given names: Jane Residence: Pukekohe East Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential When Jane TODD was born on 22 October 1814 in Northumberland, England, her father, Thomas Todd, was 20, and her mother, Isabella PAXTON, was 19. Jane was the eldest of eight children. She married at the age of 20 to John YOUNG in 1834, the year after her father had died. Over the next twenty years Jane and John Young had ten children, all born in Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland. John was born on 26 September 1812 to James Young and Catherine PURVIS. The 1851 Census shows John, a plumber aged 40, and Jane living at 52 Marygate. It must have been a bold move for Jane and John to leave Berwick upon Tweed and make the long journey by ship to New Zealand with their seven surviving children. They arrived in New Zealand in 1861 – the children’s ages ranged from five to 18 years old. In 1863 the family was farming in the district between Buckland and Pukekohe. Jane’s third son Ralph, who would have been about 17, was reported to have been severely injured in the engagement at the Pukekohe East Church on 14 September 1863. 1883 was a difficult year for the Young family: Henry James Young, the only son of Jane’s eldest son James, died on 4 May 1883 at the aged of 12. (James’ daughter, Esther Ann, had died previously on 6 August 1880.) Then Jane’s husband died on 22 July 1883: They had been married 49 years. Then, once more the family faced loss with the death of James, their eldest son, on 18 November 1883 at the age of 47. James’s wife Esther died nine years later in 1891 at the age of 50. Jane’s will, signed on 5 February 1891, reveals she had six children still living: • John Price Young born 1843 • Ralph Young born 1846 • Kate (Catherine), born 1850, wife of Edward COTTER, cabinet maker • Walter Young born 1852 • Thomas Young born 1853, and • Richard Young born 1856. The Executors were her son Walter Young, farmer and Charles Ryland TYLDEN, solicitor. Jane left a legacy of £200 to each of her children. The 1893 Electoral Roll records that Ralph owned 62 acres freehold and Walter owned part of lots 6 and 20 freehold. John and Jane Young are buried in the Symonds Street Cemetery, along with their son, John Price Young and his wife. Sacred to the memory of John Young who departed this life July 22nd 1883 aged 71 years. His End Was Peace. Also Jane, wife of the above who departed this life on the 29th day of April 1894 aged 80 years. Not dead but gone before. Also John Price, son of the above and beloved husband of Lucy Young, who died Aug 9 th 1895. Lucy Lepper Young, John Price Young’s wife, who died on 17 January 1933 at the age of 81 is also buried here. Sources: Papers Past, findagrave, Electoral Roll, WikiTree. Compiled by Christine Madsen & Lynda Muir
Electoral Roll: Franklin 3277 Surname: YOUNG Given names: Mary Residence: Tuakau Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential Mary was born around 1834 in County Armagh, Ireland and she was the daughter of George RUNNETT. Details of her mother are unknown. The name RUNNING is also quite often listed in the records instead of Runnett. On 9 November 1856 she married William John YOUNG in the Mullabrack Parish Church in County Armagh. William was born in County Armagh in 1833 and was the son of David and Jane (nee CARROLL) Young. At the time of the marriage both listed their occupation as weaver and they were both living at Markethill. Their only child Mary was born on 9 March 1857 in Belfast. She was aged 7 when they boarded the Ganges. William’s occupation then was listed as an agricultural labourer and his land details were Lots 58 & 115, Sub Section 2, Pukekohe, both 10 acre lots. He was also given a town lot in Tuakau, it being Lot 6, Tuakau North. These town lots were usually ¼ acre. In July 1869 he was granted a further 10 acres in Whangarata. The place, as was the case throughout the district, was covered in bush and the land was cleared and farms began to appear all over. William and Mary gradually increased the size of their land holdings to 110 acres. Mary was a midwife in the Tuakau district until she was well into her eighties. She mentioned to her granddaughter once that she had ridden her horse through a river to get to a mother for the baby to be delivered. They both worked hard in the community and William was partly responsible for the first school. William died on 16 June 1924 at the age of 91 at his grandson’s residence in Te Kohanga and was interred in the Onewhero Cemetery. Mary passed away in Onewhero on 20 May 1929 aged 95. Sources: From Ireland to the Antipodes: The Young and Ingram Families of New Zealand and The McConnell Family of New castle, New South Wales and New Zealand 1854 – 2004 by JM Allen 2006. Published by Polygraphia Ltd. Waitakere Researcher: Ross Miller