NZSG Franklin: Suffrage 125 Vol1 2018 original

Electoral Roll: Franklin 3758 Surname: McNAMARA
Given names: Johannah Address: Waipipi
Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential

This extraordinarily resilient woman was born in County Clare, Ireland in 1818.
Her parents were John and Eliza SCULLY (nee SCANLAN). It is probable that
Johanna had two brothers and a sister, Michael, Hanora and John Jnr. Michael
and Hanora immigrated to Australia, and in 1864 John Jnr was also determined
to follow. It is known that John Jnr was waiting for his older siblings to help
fund his passage, which demonstrates the desperate economic and social
circumstances existing for the Irish tenant families in the decades after the
‘great hunger’ of 1845 – 1849. Devotion to their Catholic heritage would have
provided strength and courage to face an uncertain future.

It was in these dire conditions that, in 1859, Johanna with her husband Martin,
and their two children Bridget aged eight and John aged two, managed to secure assisted passage to
South Africa. It is said that they had married in 1845 just as the first potato crop failure was to happen.
With Bridget, born in 1851, and John in 1858 to care for in the aftermath of that historic event, mere
survival would have been a severe test for the family. But after 4 ½ years of hard, dry conditions and a
scarcity of work in the Western Districts of the Capetown Colony, the couple had no choice but to seek
once again, a better life elsewhere. Fortunately, in 1864 they were chosen to receive another assisted
passage, and on 27 September of that year, they set sail for the new Colonies opening up in New Zealand.

With the addition of Michael born in 1861, and her children increased to three, Johanna would endure
the trauma of caring for her children while on their long fifty-day sea voyage as steerage passengers. It is
said that the voyage was an uneventful one and the Captain kind and helpful. The Barque ‘Alfred’
anchored off North Head, Auckland on 16 November 1864, and it turned out to be a further 2 ½ months
before many of the settlers arrived at their final destination in the Waipipi settlement, west of the
Manukau Harbour.

In the meantime, the new immigrants were housed in crowded but acceptable conditions, in barracks at
Onehunga, while surveys and other formalities were finalised. It can be easily imagined that, after
twenty years of extreme hardship, New Zealand in springtime would have been seen as the green and
promised land. But there was still much hard work to be done. Johanna and Martin would begin their
new life on five acres (allotment 120, Keogh Rd) in the largely Catholic settlement. Priorities would have
been to provide shelter before the onset of winter, grow crops and develop the means to practice their
faith as a community.

Some government assistance was available in the form of building material and seed, and road-making
work provided employment, allowing steady progress to be made. As a testament to their resilience,
within five years of arrival, three additional five-acre allotments were owned by the family. After fifty
years of their life together, Martin died on 22 September 1895, aged 75 and Johanna lived on for a
further seven years in a new house built by her second child, John. She died on 15 November 1902, aged
84, leaving many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, some of whom still reside in Waipipi today.

Johanna lies at rest beside her husband at the Waipipi Cemetery, surely earning the right to be called a
true pioneer.

Sources: Compiled from family histories, family trees and stories collected over many generations. June 2018.
Researcher: John McNamara (Great Grandson)

Electoral Roll: Franklin 3759 Surname: McNAMARA
Given names: Mary Address: Waiuku
Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential

Mary Isabella McNAMARA nee EGAN was born in 1862 and died in 1949.

Mary was the third child of Mary and Cornelius Egan. She was a baby when they landed in Auckland
on 16 October 1864. The family was accommodated in army huts and tents at Pura Pura just outside
of the Waiuku township, until they could be located on their holdings. Tracks had to be cut and a
considerable amount of raupo and rushes cleared and roads made. At this time there were a large
number of Maoris constantly moving up and down the Awaroa Stream as this was the main route at
this time. A party of Maoris kidnapped little Mary. Her mother soon missed her and raised the
alarm. A large number of men were working nearby and joined the search. The Maoris had no time
to launch their canoes into the stream, so they ran into the raupo and hid Mary. Mr Tom HICKEY
had the honour of finding Mary. She was fast asleep in the raupo, none the worse for her
experience.

Mary was employed as a domestic servant at the Kentish Hotel in Waiuku. On her marriage to John
Thomas McNamara Mary was presented with a bread board and knife which is still with the family
today.

John McNamara’s family also came out on the “Steinwarder”. Mary and John lived on a farm
opposite her parents, Mary and Cornelius Egan, on Whiriwhiri Road and raised 14 children. Mary
died at her home in Whiriwhiri on 6 December 1949 she is buried at the Waiuku cemetery.

Sources:
Family Tree
Westside of the Manukau – Ben Westhead
www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz

Researchers: Lindsay and Con Egan

Electoral Roll: Franklin 3760 Surname: McNAUGHTEN
Given names: Ann Jane Address: Waiuku
Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential

Ann Jane REDPATH was born c 1834 or 1835 in Tandragee, County Armagh, Ireland. She was the
second of four children of John Redpath and Jane BLAKE. The Redpath family lived in the Townland
of Drumnaleg on Glebe Hill, about a mile south of Tandragee. John Redpath was a Mason.

On 22 June 1854, Ann married John MCNAUGHTEN in the Parish of Ballymore. He was of the Townland
of Mullantur. Following their marriage, they lived on the estate of Springfield Farm where John may
have had a job as a farmer. Ann gave birth to four daughters while the family resided in Tandragee.
It appears the first daughter died at a few years of age.

Ann’s younger sister Elizabeth married James HARDEN in January 1863. The following month the
Hardens left for New Zealand. This undoubtedly had an influence on Ann and John as they also
departed Ireland later the same year.

They sailed from London on the maiden voyage of the “Scimitar”. On the voyage to Auckland, the
Scimitar “encountered very severe gales until crossing the Line, and was becalmed for three weeks”
(White Wings). No doubt it was a trying experience for Ann on board with her three small children.

The family lived in Newton, Auckland for about six months. During this time, their youngest daughter
Jane (18 months) died of scarlet fever. Onehunga became home for about eighteen months while
John was engaged in building. The family moved to Waiuku in 1866 and John was able to purchase
10-acre allotments at Taurangaruru. Gradually the farm was built up to total 100 acres.

Life on the farm would have been busy as Ann gave birth to seven more children - six sons and another
daughter. There are records of some of the children attending both the Karioitahi and Waiuku primary
schools. John was a member of the committee of the Church of England and the family were regular
attendees at Holy Trinity in Waiuku.

Ann was an informant for the birth of her nephew John Harden in Auckland in October 1871. Perhaps
she went and stayed with her sister Elizabeth around the time of the birth so she could give help and
support to her.

Ann’s “cheerfulness of disposition and her courage, helped him (John McNaughten) to overcome the
many difficulties and hardships of the early pioneer days” (Cyclopedia of NZ - 1902).

Around the turn of the century, the McNaughten family home on McNaughten Road burnt to the
ground. A new home was built but sadly Ann did not get to live there for long. She died 6 June 1903
and is buried in the Waiuku Cemetery. She and John had been married 49 years and a newspaper
account of her death says she was looking forward to her golden jubilee.

Sources:
Griffiths Valuation
Armagh Ancestry Online
White Wings – Sir Henry Brett
Papers Past – New Zealand Herald 12 March 1864.
Cyclopedia of N Z – Vol 2. Auckland Provincial District 1902
N Z Society of Genealogists – Five Significant Rolls v1.0

Photo: Ann and John McNaughten and family

Researcher: Colleen van der Laan (nee McNaughten)

Electoral Roll: Franklin 3761 Surname: McNAUGHTEN
Given names: Bessie Address: Waiuku
Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential

Bessie (Elizabeth) was born 16 February 1858 in Tandragee, County Armagh, Ireland.

She was only six years of age when she left Ireland with her parents John and Ann McNAUGHTEN and
sisters Rachael and Jane. They sailed from London on the “Scimitar” and arrived in Auckland in March
1864. The family moved to Taurangaruru in 1866. With a growing family of siblings (six brothers and
another sister), Bessie would have been a great help to her mother.

Bessie never married but appeared to have a very matriarchal role in the family. She had limited
formal education. However, Bessie could read and over the years she kept an impressive scrapbook
of newspaper cuttings pertaining to the family, friends and happenings in Waiuku. She also collected
postcards. The scrapbook and postcard collection are still in the care of the McNaughten family.

Later, Bessie moved from the farm at Taurangaruru to Pura Pura (towards Otaua) to live with her
brothers Joseph, James (Jim) and Charles (Barney).

Bessie would have farewelled her brothers Jim and Barney when they enlisted in World War One.
They both went to Gallipoli. During the assault on Chunuk Bair on 16 August 1915, Jim was killed in
action and Barney was seriously wounded. His wounds left him with a paralysed arm and he was never
able to work again. Bessie took it upon herself to care for Barney for almost all of the remainder of
her long life.

After the death of their brother Joseph, his farm was sold and Bessie and Barney moved into Kitchener
Road, Waiuku. They lived in a small two-bedroom cottage opposite where the Franklin Memorial
Hospital (general and maternity) was built in the early 1920’s. Some women who lived on the
Manukau Peninsula would come to stay with Bessie and Barney for the end weeks/days of their
pregnancy. It must have been reassuring for these women to be living so close to where they would
go to give birth.

Franklin Memorial was where a number of Bessie’s great nieces and nephews were born. On
discharge, the parents were obliged to visit Aunt Bessie before they headed home. She had to see the
latest addition to the McNaughten extended family.

Bessie was a good cook and a great gardener. She often won prizes at flower shows held at Waiuku.
She also did a lot of handy work. Some of her crochet survives to this day.

Bessie died on 24 July 1952 at Cornwall Hospital, Auckland. She is buried in Waiuku Cemetery in the
same plot as her parents and her brother Joseph.

References:
Cyclopedia of N Z – Vol 2 Auckland Provincial District 1902
McNaughten Family Tree – 1983 family reunion
Personal Accounts – Various family members
NZ Defence Force – J McNaughten File WWI
NZ Defence Force – C McNaughten File WWI
NZ Society of Genealogists – Five Significant Rolls V 1.

Researcher – Colleen van der Laan (nee McNaughten)

Photo: Sisters Elizabeth (L) and Rachael (R)

Electoral Roll: Waipa 3393 Surname: McPHERSON
Given names: Helen
Occupation: domestic duties Address: Pokeno

Qualification: residential

Helen McPHERSON (nee BERRY) was born 30
December 1835 in Borrowstouness, West Lothian,
Scotland to Thomas Berry and Helen HENDERSON.

She married Peter McPherson on 1 January 1858 in
Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland. They had eight
children; Isabella, Helen, Peter, Thomas, Margaret,
Peter, William and Donald.

They were part of the Waikato Immigration scheme
and sailed to New Zealand on the Helenslee, arriving in
New Zealand on 23 December 1864 with their children
Isabella and Thomas (babies Helen and Peter died in
infancy in Scotland). As part of the scheme, they were
allotted a 10-acre block in Pokeno Valley. They spent
13 years farming this block, until in 1874 they sold it to
purchase 200-acres down the road. They spent the
rest of their lives on the farm, and it was eventually
passed to their youngest son, Donald. Today the farm
is a quarry, and is owned by two of Helen and Peter’s
great-grandsons. McPherson Road off State Highway 2 is named
after the family who have been living on that road for over 150
years.

Helen was an avid reader, and ensured she kept up with current
events, never missing a reading the New Zealand Herald and the
Weekly News, with a subscription to each for 60 years. Her and
Peter enjoyed a taste of their homeland each with a toddy of
whiskey each night before bed.

She died at home on the farm on 22 Oct 1923, aged 87 and is buried
in the Pokeno cemetery next to
the Presbyterian Church, with
Peter who died 2 Aug 1925.

Sources:
Mc Pherson Family History
Mc Pherson Family Tree (and others) ancestry.co.uk;
Headstone photo – Waikato District Council; Road sign – google;

Researchers:
Petra Burns – great, great granddaughter
Susan Burns – great granddaughter

Electoral Roll: Waipa 3394 Surname: McPHERSON
Given names: Margaret
Occupation: domestic duties Address: Pokeno

Qualification: residential

Margaret McPHERSON was born in 14 January 1865 in
New Zealand to Peter McPherson and Helen BERRY. At
the time the family was only very recently emigrated from
Scotland and were waiting for their allotment of land
whilst encamped in tents in Drury.

Margaret married Charles MALCOLM on 17 June 1903 in
Paeroa, at a private residence in Norwood Road, the
officiating minister being the Rev. John McARTHUR. They
had a son Charles William, born in 1905. After her
marriage she lived in Paeroa.

Margaret was a keen gardener and had an established flower garden with an extensive sweet pea
section. She survived her husband by 16 years managing the large section and trimming its
significant privet hedges climbing atop a 44-gallon drum to reach the tops. At the age 90 she finally
gave up her garden (and trimming of the privet hedges) to join her son in Auckland, before passing
away peacefully after a short illness in 1957, in her ninety third year.

Charles died 7 Oct 1941 and Margaret on 24 Oct 1957. Their headstone has the following wording.

Sources:
Photo and information: McPherson Family Tree (and others) ancestry.co.uk;
BDM – www.dia.govt.nz; Burial record – Hauraki District Council;
Wedding notice – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz – NZ Herald 22 June 1903;
Headstone inscription: NZSG cemetery collection

Researcher: Petra Burns and

Electoral Roll: Waipa 1866 Surname: McPHERSON
First names: Margaret Jane Address: Rama Rama
Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential

Margaret Jane DUFF, daughter of John Duff and Mary WILSON was born at Portland, Victoria,
Australia in 1845.

She married Daniel Jolly McPHERSON at St Paul’s
Church, Ballarat on 26 August 1860. (photo on left of the

church taken in 1861)

Margaret and Daniel had two children born in
Australia before they moved to New Zealand, where
Daniel set up business as a draper in Karangahape
Road, Auckland. Another seven children were born
in Auckland but the youngest, Christina died aged 3.

Between 1893 and 1896 the family were living at
Ramarama where Daniel’s occupation was given as
farmer. However after Margaret’s death the family
must have gone back to the city as sister Christina,
daughter Jane and Daniel (again a draper) are shown
on the 1900 roll living together in Selwyn St, Auckland.

It appears that the family used both McPherson and Macpherson spellings of the surname. Daniel’s
sister lived with them and she (and their daughter, Jane) was known as Macpherson. Daniel
however signed his will with same spelling as his wife used on this 1893 electoral roll – McPherson.

Margaret died in 1898 and her husband Daniel in 1902. They are buried with their young daughter
Christina and Daniel’s sister Christina who lived to 90, in Waikumete cemetery, Auckland.

Sources:
Daniel Macpherson of Killin family tree – Ancestry.co.uk; BDM – www.dia.govt.nz
NZ electoral rolls – Ancestry; Cemetery records – NZSG Collection

Researcher: Heather Maloney

Electoral Roll: Franklin 3695 Surname: MEAD
Given names: Selina Address: Puni
Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential

Selina was born Selina STEVENS in London in 1868, the daughter of William Thompson STEVENS
(1830-1905) and his wife Pamela (1833-1902). W. Thompson Stevens was a teacher in Auckland
who advertised from 1887 – 1897 for pupils, teaching book-keeping, shorthand and languages.

In 1893, Selina would have been a newly married women and living with Henry who appeared on the
electoral roll as a storekeeper, Puni.

NZ Herald 9 Sept 1893

Henry was a storekeeper at Puni from 1893 to 1900 and sometime before 1905 they shifted to
Taranaki where he was a member of the Manaia Town Board and took particular interest in the
Domain, planting many trees and shrubs. He appeared on electoral rolls as a storeman.

Selina and Henry had three children- Dorothy Mabel born 1894, Hubert Harry born 1896 and
Marjorie Miriam born 1897.

Their daughter Marjorie remained unmarried and lived with her parents at Karaka Street in Manaia
until their death. Henry died in 1937 and Selina six years later in 1943. They are buried in Manaia
cemetery, as is their son Hubert and his wife Margaret.

Sources: NZ electoral rolls –
ancestry.co.uk; NZSG burial locator;
Old newspapers –
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz;

Researcher: Judith Batt Compiler:
Heather Maloney

Electoral Roll: Franklin 4085 Surname: MEIKLE
Given names: Catherine
Occupation: household duties Address: Pollock

Qualification: residential

Catherine MEIKLE (nee BROWN) was born on 14 April 1861 in St Ann’s Lane Wandsworth, London
England. She was only three years old when James and Agnes Brown and their four children arrived
on the ship Talbot in December 1864.

Catherine married Thomas Meikle on 23 April 1883. They had a family of 10 children:

Margaret born about 1880 married Hugh GIBSON

Thomas born 23 June 1884 died 18 June 1970

Agnes born 26 June 1886 married Jack DRUMMOND

Catherine (Kate) born 22 December 1888 died April 1962

James born 15 August 1890 died 2 December 1890

Mary born 21 October 1891 died 6 September 1981

Jessie born 13 April 1895 died 12 January 1976

Eliza born 12 November 1897 married E M BUTTER died 9 October 1947

Jane born 2 August 1898 died 12 October 1987, and

John (Jack) born 29 April 1900 married Florence SUTER 16 November 1938 died 12 June 1972.

The isolated, bush clad, hilly farm on Erskine (Meikle’s Hill) Pollock was eventually passed on from
the original settlers, Thomas and Catherine (nee BAUCHOP) to their son Thomas and Catherine (nee
Brown). The title is still being farmed today July 2018 by Ron and Brian Meikle (grandsons of
Catherine).

Catherine and Thomas jnr are buried in the Pollock Cemetery along with Thomas’ parents.

Sources: Family History from the late Peggy Meikle.
Researchers: Bev and Barry Cochrane.

Electoral Roll: Franklin 3696 Surname: MELLSOP
Given names: Charlotte Elizabeth Address: Waiuku
Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential

Charlotte with her parents and siblings, Mary Jane, Emma Heaton, and Heywood, boarded the
“Victory” in London UK for the voyage to Auckland arriving on 2 February 1850. The Captain Ian
MULLINS gave a French Sabretache badge (pouch badge worn by the cavalry on their belt) to 11-year-
old Charlotte who celebrated her birthday a few days before arriving in NZ. The badge from the
Napoleonic period (2ND Empire) had been picked up on the battle field at Waterloo by the Captain’s
soldier son.

Charlotte’s parents, Joseph and Jane CRISPE (nee HEYWOOD) firstly farmed at Mt Albert Auckland,
before moving to 200 acres at Mauku, calling the farm “Stanlake”.

The newly completed St Bride’s Church was to witness the first wedding as a double wedding of
Charlotte Crispe and John Thomas MELLSOP and his sister, Maria Mellsop and Francis STEVENS in
August 1862.

Charlotte and John farmed at “Knockmaroon” (Hill of love), Station Rd, Glenbrook raising a family of
four boys and four girls. Their second daughter, Leonora, was only 18 when she died of typhoid fever
and is buried in Waiuku Cemetery. Charlotte continued to live on the farm for 12 years after her
husband’s death in 1896, becoming the Postmistress. She relinquished this position on selling the
farm on 27 December 1905 to Mr POWER for £800 ($1,600) leaving £666 on mortgage and moving to
Waiuku to live for the last five years of her life. When her health deteriorated she lived with her
daughter Kathleen ROBINSON (nee Mellsop) passing away on 27 August 1925. Charlotte is buried
beside her husband John Thomas Mellsop in Waiuku Cemetery.

Charlotte Elisabeth Mellsop (nee Crispe)
1840-1925

Sources:
www.dia.govt.nz
Mellsop family papers
The Mellsop Family book
The Church of St Bride 1861-2001
National Army Museum Waiouru.

Researcher: Rosalie-Ann Nicholson

Electoral Roll: Franklin 3697 Surname: MELLSOP
Given names: Kathleen Address: Waiuku
Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential

Kathleen, the third daughter of John Thomas and Charlotte Elisabeth MELLSOP (nee CRISPE) was born
in 1870 at Glenbrook and was 23 years old when women won the right to vote in 1893.

Kathleen was a foundation pupil at Brookside School, going on to Waiuku School. It was at Brookside
School that Kathleen was to meet her cousin and future husband, Leonard ROBINSON. On leaving
school he became a surveyor/contractor in Gisborne and Rotorua, coming back to marry Kathleen
Mellsop on 27 December 1901. They left for Gore not long after their marriage as Leonard had a
position as dredge master at Waikaka then Mataura, Southland. They were encouraged to move south
as Leonard’s sister, Amy, had married James PATTERSON of Mataura. Kathleen and Leonard Robinson
spent the next sixteen years raising three children in Southland: Zillah, Leonard (Roto) and Lillian. It
was about this time that Leonard’s health began to deteriorate so he became a bookseller and
stationer. He died of heart failure in 1915. Kathleen with her young family (Lillian was just 3 years
old) felt family support was very important, so returned to family in Waiuku. She became very
involved with the Anglican Church.

Kathleen has no living descendants. Her only grandchild, Valerie, died in 1957 at the age of 19 yrs.
However, she has left a living memorial in the magnificent oak trees that she planted on the
“Knockmaroon” property Station Road Glenbrook around 1890-92. These oak trees have heritage
grading within the Franklin County (1976) under the title of cultural heritage.

Kathleen’s two daughters, Zillah 1902-1959 and Lillian 1912-1941, both predeceased their mother.
Lillian had married Laurence SHEFFIELD in 1936 but died in 1941. Laurence then went on to marry her
sister Zillah in 1954. Kathleen was several months off her 80th birthday when she died in 1960. She is
buried in Waiuku Cemetery.

Kathleen Robinson (nee Mellsop)
1870-1960

Sources:
www.dia.govt.nz
The Mellsop Book
Mellsop family papers
Carte postcard – photograph

Researcher: Rosalie-Ann Nicholson

Electoral Roll: Franklin 3698 Surname: MICHIE
Given names: Hannah Address: Waipipi
Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential

*1 My Great Great Grandmother Hannah MICHIE (nee FAHEY) was born 18 May 1842 in Glendree,
Parish Tulla, County Clare, Ireland. Hannah came out to New Zealand on the “Alfred” disguised as
the daughter of her sister (Hanora Fahey). This may be due to the social expectancy of the times or
the need to keep the family together, this is unknown.

Hannah arrived on our shores on 16 November 1864. She had met Thomas MICHIE on board and 8
months later they were married at the Saint Patricks Church in Auckland.

*2 Both Hannah and Thomas immediately found employment on Kawau Island with Sir George
GREY; Thomas as gardener and Hannah as a housemaid. On 31 May 1865 Hannah went into labour,
she was swiftly taken to the beach in the hope of boarding a boat to Auckland to have the baby.
Alas Barbara (the eldest of 7 siblings) was born on the beach. Hannah would go on to have 5 boys
and another girl.

In 1868 Hannah, Thomas and 2 children left Kawau Island at the same time as Sir George Grey
returned to England. The family set up house in Albert Street, Auckland (then a city of 30,0000).

Two years later (1870) they moved to Waipipi. This was after the land wars following the
confiscation from the Waikato tribes.

*3 The couple found it tough going with just a cave and then a sod hut to live in before building the
farm house on the land on the corner of Parakau and Awhitu Roads. At some stage Thomas incurred
a serious leg injury and Hannah had to piggy back him from somewhere in Waipipi to a boat that he
boarded to Onehunga for medical attention. Thomas ended up with a wooden leg.

*4 The time Hannah and Thomas lived in was one of great religious
bigotry, there was a Catholic and Presbyterian clash in the home.
Thomas suggested he bring the boys up as Presbyterians and she bring
the girls up as Catholic. The determined little Irish lady was quoted
saying "Over My Dead Body". Hannah lived to the age of 80. She
passed away on the 6 February 1922. She and Thomas were buried up
the road at the Waipipi cemetery.

*1 Letter from Andrea Maloney, Descendant of Hanora Maloney

*2 Gavin Michie Family Research

*3 "Patumahoe Centennial Rugby Club" book Gary Wilson

*4 Gavin Michie Family Research

The above written by Tracey Majurey (nee Michie) Hannah Michie’s Great,
Great Granddaughter.

Electoral Roll: Franklin 3701 & 3702 Surname: MIDDLETON
Given names: Joanna & Vere Address: Waiuku
Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential

Joanna MAKGILL Joanna MAKGILL was born in India on 14 April 1864, the natural
daughter of Captain John Makgill and an unknown Indian woman.
who lived just down the road. Family lore has it her mother was of an upper caste and on the
death of her mother at birth or soon after Joanna was disowned
by her Indian family. Captain Makgill was resolved to keep Joanna
and within two years he had returned to Scotland and married his
cousin Margaret HALDANE. Margaret was agreeable with
adopting Joanna and returned to India with him. However, within
three years they returned to Scotland where they lived and raised
a further eight children. When they decided to immigrate to New
Zealand Joanna was seventeen years old and engaged to the farm
manager. However, her fiancé died before they were married,
and Joanna went on to marry Tom MIDDLETON. Tom was a
Scottish farm cadet from Cromarty north of Inverness. After their
marriage they took over a part of Joanna’s father’s farm “Glen
Ella”. They lived here for twenty-three years and Joanna had five
children – George, Margaret, Mona, Katherine and Vere. They
were a great favourite with Joanna’s younger brothers and sisters

However, after the close births of her first two children Joanna was not well, and so Tom sent for his
sister Vere to come and help the family. She was supposed to come for a year, however she ended
up staying for the rest of life and was assimilated into the family. Joanna was often away due to her
poor health staying in Auckland at her parents’ home or her brother’s lifestyle property in Lincoln,
Henderson. Aunt Vere stayed on the farm with the family looking after them. In 1909 the family
moved to Cambridge to farm and in 1916 Tom bought another farm at Gate Pa in Tauranga.
However, within two years they were back in Cambridge at their “Trelawney” farm. Within two
years Tom decided to retire and brought his family back to Auckland where he bought a large house
at 11 Windmill Road in Mt Eden. Joanna (known as Joie) lived here with Tom, Aunt Vere and the
unmarried daughters Margaret, Mona and Vere for the rest of her life. Joanna died in 1933 at the
age of 69 years and she is buried at the family Cairn in Waikaraka Cemetery.

Aunt Vere was born in Cromarty Scotland on the 4 October 1861 to George and Simona McKenzie
Ross Middleton. Vere was the elder sister to Tom, Elizabeth and Mary. When Tom made the call to
Vere to come and help she was living with her sisters known as Polly and Dot in Dieppe, France. She
apparently lived in a number of places in France before coming to New Zealand. Aunt Vere died on
4 December 1951 at the great age of ninety. As Joanna had died eighteen years previously she was
basically looked upon as being “grandmother” to her nephew and niece’s children.

References: The Pioneering Baronet By Heather Makgill and Val Loh
Researcher: Val Loh

Electoral Roll: Franklin 1924 Surname: MILLER
Given names: Dinah
Occupation: household duties Address: Tuakau

Qualification: residential

Dinah was born around 1838 in Ireland but there is no information about her life in Ireland. She
married Robert MILLER who was born around 1837. They were living in Portadown when their son
James was born and before that they had two other sons. From the age of the children on the Ganges
ship manifest, the eldest son William was born about 1859, Robert 1862 and James on 7 August 1864.
James was born in a small village near Portadown in Armagh. Hand weaving was the chief occupation
in that part of Ireland and Robert and Dinah were poor and times were hard in that period.

Sadly, on the voyage out they lost their son Robert who died on 22 January 1865 and the log entry
showed that he died at 8.30pm of gastritis, dysentery, anaemia and marasmus. He was buried at sea
off the coast of South Australia at 9.00pm. In James’ memoirs he stated that they lost two sons on
the voyage out but there is no record in the ship’s log of William dying. However, there is an entry
from the Symonds Street and St Stephen’s Cemetery from the Auckland Council cemeteries database
which reads: The Anglican St Paul's register has John Miller buried 7 February 1865, aged 6 years from
the ship Ganges - Police Order. Service by Rev Bree - reference 51/. Miller, John, d.1865; Ganges (Ship).

It could possibly be that the name given, and date was wrong. It possibly could have been the 17th
and not the 7th. The child would have died at the Onehunga Barracks and not on board.
However, the family had Crown Grants which included Lot 284, Tuakau North (¼ acre) and Lot 10
Suburban Tuakau, being 20 acres. Son James put it in his writings that the family was eventually
‘dumped down’ in Tuakau. Tents were provided for the immigrants until such time as they could erect
a rough shack on their quarter acre section. Soon these rough habitations took shape and each family
occupied their own which was the heart’s desire of each and all to be free of “land lordism”.

James recalled that their grant was just a small burnt clearing in the bush and it was evening when
they arrived there. The sounds of the night birds and native rats were alarming to him. However, he
and his little brother William, who was born in 1867, were soon off to sleep. Over the years Robert
was showing signs of old age and he died on 14 July 1892.

After Robert’s death Dinah became somewhat
unsettled and after two years of worrying they
sold the Tuakau property and in 1894 Dinah
married Thomas James Bostern ALLEN and went
to live in Australia. Nothing is known of her life
in Australia or when she returned to New
Zealand. What became of her husband, Thomas
Allen is unknown. She died on 2 August 1914
and her death notice was in the NZ Herald on 4 August 1914.

Sources:
Papers Past- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz
James Miller’s Memories – Copy held by the Franklin Historical Society

Researcher: Ross Miller

Electoral Roll: Franklin 1926 Surname: MILLER
Given names: Eliza Jane
Occupation: farmer Address: Pukekohe

Qualification: residential

Eliza Jane BRENNAN was born in Hillsborough, County Down,
Ireland around 1843 and she was the youngest daughter of
Edward and Mary (nee McCAULY) Brennan. Edward Brennan
was born around 1805 and lived and raised his family in
Taughblane on the Kilwarlin estate of the Marquis of Downshire.

On Friday 8 May 1863 Eliza married Samuel MILLAR at St John’s,
Kilwarlin in the Parish of Hillsborough, County Down. Samuel
was born in Soldierstown in County Antrim and he was later
baptised in the Aghalee Parish Church in Soldierstown on
Thursday 3 March 1842. He was the son of Samuel and Margaret
Millar. Eliza and Samuel’s first child, Margaret Jane, was born in
Ireland about December 1863. It was sometime after this they
decided to immigrate to New Zealand on board the Ganges. It
arrived in Auckland on 14 February 1865. Margaret died on
board the Ganges during the voyage out.

Left: Eliza Jane Miller with her great granddaughter Patsy GOONAN

Once in New Zealand Samuel and Eliza ended up in Pokeno
before going to their Crown Grants in Pukekohe. They raised a family of 12 children once they were
settled. The family lost their land through bankruptcy and eventually built a house where the Samuel
Miller Reserve is located today.
The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on 8 May 1913 with a function in the Masonic
Hall which started in the afternoon and went through to the early hours of the following morning.

The following obituary for Eliza appeared in the NZ Herald on 4 January 1923:

OBITUARY: EARLY PUKEKOHE SETTLER

An old resident of Pukekohe, Mrs Eliza Jane Miller, wife of Samuel Miller, died on December 21
at the age of 78 years. The late Mrs Miller arrived in Auckland with her husband 59 years ago
by the sailing ship Ganges from Ireland. Mrs Miller was born at Hillsboro’, Belfast. She is
survived by her husband, four sons and six daughters and there are 53 grandchildren and 20
great-grandchildren. The funeral took place at the Pukekohe Cemetery and was largely
attended.

Sources:
From County Down to Down Under – The Story of Samuel & Eliza Jane (nee Brennan) Miller by Ross Miller
Papers Past- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz

Researcher: Ross Miller

Electoral Roll: Franklin 3706 Surname: MILLETT
Given names: Annanetha Julia Pellet Address: Awitu
Occupation: domestic duties Qualification: residential

Annanetta (Annanetha on the Electoral Roll/Annananette on her headstone) was born on 23
November 1856, the first daughter born to Alfred PALMER and Annie LEAKER in Bristol, England.

She came to New Zealand with her parents, sister Eusebia (Mrs
Edward GARLAND) and Henry on the ship “Mermaid” arriving on 19
October 1859. The children were listed as Anna, Dora and Henry.

Her parents, having received 120 acres at Awhitu under the 40-acre
scheme, also purchased an additional acre to make up the
allotment (Lot 19). The family originally settled in Parnell. Alfred
intended to prepare the land at Awhitu for the family. A delay was
forced when he was called up to serve in the Land/Maori Wars and
did not return until a year after the War, about 1864. Annie and
children moved to Awhitu about 1868.

The family originally lived in a nikau whare and then a slab hut before their house was built. Here
Annie attended a private school run by her mother for her and her siblings and three Irwin children.

Times were hard for the family and they had little income. They grew their own maize for porridge
and Alfred was able to obtain a pack horse and goats from the Commissariat after the War. Annie
and her father collected 19 sacks of fungus in the bush, dried it and sold it for two and a half pence a
pound, spending the money on the home. The children would also have helped milk the goats.

Annie married Maurice MILLETT on 21 November 1872. Maurice had been born on 14 January 1853,
the eldest child of Captain John Millett and Cecelia PANORMO, in a family of eight. John was
invalided out of the Royal Navy in 1853 and sailed to Australia on the “Tory”. A shipboard romance
with Cecelia, a governess for an outback station meant John joined her on the station. They married
in 1852 and worked there as a couple. In 1860 the family headed to New Zealand to join the
Panormo family at Orua Bay.

Annie and Maurice had 10 children, including a set of twins: Bertrand b. 1873, Maurice Palmer b.
1877, Lucina Leaker b. 1878, Rose Marie b. 1883, Alfred Clyde b. 1884, Nina Davy b. 1885, Stella and
Mona b. 1895, Effie b. 1896 and Sybil Leanoro b. 1898.

On the 1880-81 Electoral Roll Maurice was listed as a sawyer with 80 acres, being Lot 18, Awhitu,
and by the 1900s he was farming. In the 1920s he adapted the farm and became a grazier. Annie
and Maurice worked hard together to make family
life and farm work. They remained in the area until
their deaths.

Maurice died on 20 June 1946 aged 93 and
Annanetta died 2 February 1949 aged 92. They were
buried in Awhitu Central Cemetery.

Sources:
Heads, Harbour & Hills – An Awhitu History – 1999
Papers Past – Obituary
Researcher: Lois Hopping

Electoral Roll: Franklin 1935 Surname: MILLETT
Given names: Elizabeth Helena
Occupation: domestic duties Address: Awitu

Qualification: residential

Elizabeth Helena was born at Sea View Farm, Takapuna, North Shore on 23 February 1871, at the
home of her grandparents. She was one of four daughters and seven sons of Sarah Lydia (nee
SEAMAN) and John GARLAND.

The Garland family home was at Awhitu Wharf and for a time Lizzie’s father John took a part-time
teaching post at the district’s newly-opened school at Pollok. Lizzie and older sister Lydia spent a lot
of time at their Seaman grandparents’ home in Takapuna “With her sister Lydia, Elizabeth spent
much of her early childhood on the North Shore with her mother’s parents Lydia and Thomas
Seaman and probably attended school there”.

Construction of the new Garland homestead, Woodville, began at Awhitu Central in 1879, partly so
the children could live closer to school. The 1883 Awhitu School records show six of the Garland
children in attendance, with 12 ½ year old Elizabeth passing the examination to advance from
Standard 3 to Standard 4. (Source: National Archives Archway).

Elizabeth married Ralph MILLETT in Takapuna on 27 February 1889 and they lived at Orua Bay where
Ralph’s family were from.

Children were born: Guy (1890), Ivy (1893), Aenid Lillian (1897) and Hinda (1900).

Elizabeth’s sister Lydia had been housekeeper to the local teacher Eunice GLEDHILL around the early
1900s and later Elizabeth took over this role.

Ralph died at Awhitu on 22 December 1922.

“In her later years Elizabeth lived at Takapuna with her brother Jack and then later on with her
daughter Ivy.”

She died 19 May 1967 and is buried at O’Neill’s Point Cemetery,
Auckland.

Sources:
“The Garland Book”.
“Elizabeth Helena Garland Her Story” by Laurel Walkley
Researcher: Penny Prescott

Electoral Roll: Franklin 1955 Surname: MOORE
Given names: Isabella Rose Grant
Occupation: domestic duties Address: Mauku

Qualification: residential

Isabella Rose Grant ROY was born in Nairnshire,
Scotland in 1846, the youngest of ten children born
to Archibald and Margaret Roy (nee ROSS).

When Isabella was 19 her older sister Mary sailed
to New Zealand on the ship Siam arriving at the
Port of Auckland on 17 November 1865. Mary later
met and married Henry BEEDELL, a brewer, in
1869. She must have written favourable accounts
of her life in New Zealand to her family back in
Scotland as Isabella followed in her sister’s
footsteps and sailed from London to Auckland on
the ship City of Auckland arriving on 17 November
1870.

Isabella married John MOORE on 21 September
1871 at the home of her sister and brother-in-law
Mary and Henry Beedell in New North Road, Eden
Terrace, Auckland.

John owned and farmed land at Patamahoe and in
1876 built their first store on Woodhouse Road in the Searle Road area. This area became the hub of
Patamahoe village. In 1883 they built a new store on land between the Patamahoe Hotel and
Woodhouse Road. In a separate room in this store, John opened a Post & Telegraph Office in 1887.
Wanting to concentrate on their farming interests, John leased the business in 1892 to Mr FULLJAMES
for a few years before resuming operation of their store and post office. After John’s death in 1904
Isabella sold the business to the HOLLINGRAKE brothers, known as the ‘French bachelors’ and later
sold part of her land including the site of the store, now known as Hollingrake’s General Store to Joe
HENRY who had a similar store across the road and was their main competitor!

Isabella’s and John’s family of seven children, three sons and four daughters, were born and raised in
Patamahoe. With farming and commercial interests, household and family affairs, Isabella led a very
busy life, as well as playing an active part in the affairs of the Presbyterian Church.

In later life Isabella lived with her daughter Beatrice
(Mrs Charles CAMMELL) at Auckland and
Tangowahine. She died at Auckland on 9 July 1934
aged 87 and is buried with her husband John in
Symonds Street Cemetery.

Sources:

Papers Past; BMD NZ; Family Search; NZ Archives;
My Heritage Family Tree (Rayner family);
book “Patumahoe: History & Memories”

Researcher: Madeleine Judson.

Electoral Roll: Franklin 1952 Surname: MOORE
Given names: Margaret Jane
Occupation: household duties Address: Pukekohe

Qualification: residential

Margaret Jane GEDDES was born in 1818, the daughter of
John and June (or Jane) Geddes. She married Thomas
MOORE on 6 February 1844 and they lived in the
townland of Lisbrannan, County Monaghan, Ireland.
Their family grew and in 1864 when the decision was
taken to leave the farm that Thomas had worked for the
previous twenty years to move to New Zealand, they set
sail from Ireland with 8 children ranging from 6 months to
20 years of age.

Margaret was 46 when she left Queenstown, Ireland on
board the ship the Ganges on 5 November 1864. The
12,500 mile journey was long and hard on the family, the
three youngest children, Annie (age 5), James (age 3) and
Martha (age 6 months) died during the voyage. On arrival
in Auckland the family were housed in the Onehunga
Barracks along with the other passengers of the Ganges
for longer than usual because of the number of sick people. Next they travelled by boat across the
Manukau Harbour to disembark at Slippery Creek and then on to stay at the former military
buildings at Drury.

In May 1865 families were moving to Pukekohe and Tuakau and the couple received their 10 acre
allotment in the already cleared land of the first settlement area in Pukekohe. By November 1865
Thomas Moore had erected the first weatherboard house in Pukekohe and was operating the first
store in the Pukekohe West area, at the southern corner of Queen and Ward Streets. The
Presbyterian Church regularly held services in the Moore’s home where visiting clergy have recorded
their visits.

In 1870 Thomas was the postmaster for Pukekohe West, and in 1882 Thomas was recorded as a
farmer with a large acreage. The Moores were very much at the centre of activity in the early years
of Pukekohe, through the Presbyterian Church, local affairs and business. Thomas was a member of
the Pukekohe West Road Board, and for many years was one of the trustees of the public cemetery.

There is little known of Margaret’s life, but it can be imagined that she was a true partner to her
husband’s undertakings and she worked hard and long with very little in the way of household
conveniences. After her daughter Maria died in 1882 leaving five children, it is believed Margaret
had a great deal to do with their upbringing. It was said she was a granny to all, and was known for
her starched white collar and cuffs. Margaret lived a long life, living in the homestead on the original
site of the store until 1912 when she died aged ninety-four.

Research by Joyce Morey “The Moore / Wylie Family Story – Pukekohe Pioneers”
Compiler: Lydia Richards

Electoral Roll: Franklin 1967 Surname: MORGAN
Given names: Rachel Emma
Occupation: domestic duties Address: Pukekohe East

Qualification: residential

Rachel Emma WELLS married William School in the early years, acted as War
MORGAN, a widower with eight children, on 6 Correspondent for the New Zealander and
December 1870. The death of William’s first wrote a monthly newsletter for the Weekly
wife, Jane Elizabeth ROBINSON, on 18 Review in London.
February 1870 at the age of 36 and after 16 On 25 June 1903 William died at home after a
years of marriage devastated the family. short illness at the age of 76, 51 years to the
William wrote of his first wife Jane in his day after sailing for New Zealand from
journal: “Never was I grieved that I took Jane Liverpool. He was buried with his first wife
for a partner. My wife has proved loving, Jane at the Pukekohe East Presbyterian Church
industrious, faithful and, in truth all I could Cemetery. After William’s death, Rachel Emma
wish for.” He realised that he needed to marry moved to Auckland where she lived with family
again to provide a mother for the younger members. A notice in the Auckland Star of 5
children and to teach the older girls what he August 1937 brought news of her passing:
could not.
A brief obituary appeared in the Auckland Star
Not quite a year after Jane’s death, William the following day, 6 August 1937:
married Rachel Emma Wells at the Baptist
Church on 6 December 1870. Born about 1844, Sources: Robinsons of Rotherhithe by Joanne
Emma had come to New Zealand with her Robinson. ISBN 0-908-608-55-1; PapersPast;
parents and siblings from Suffolk, England. She Historical NZ bdm; A History of Pukekohe East 1863-
was about 26 at the time of her marriage to 1963 by Nona Morris.
William. He was 54. Compiled by Christine Madsen and Lynda Muir

Rachel Emma and William’s marriage
produced a further ten children:
• Arthur born 1871
• Walter born 1873
• Henry born 1875
• William Lewis born 1876
• Alice born 1877
• Emily born 1879
• Charles born 1881
• Frances (Fanny) born 1883
• Bertie Wilfred born 1885
• Ada May born 1886.

As one of nine children herself, Rachel Emma
was more than likely well prepared to cope
with an instant family. The couple continued
to farm at Pukekohe East on lots 22 and 27
which William had taken up with his father
about 1858 when he first came to the district.
Their children attended the local Pukekohe
East School. William was originally from Leeds
in Yorkshire and had found work initially with
the Southern Cross as a compositor which
occupation he had been involved with in Leeds.
He had also taught at Pukekohe East

Electoral Roll: Franklin 1986 Surname: MORONEY
Given names: Hanorah
Occupation: domestic duties Address: Pukekohe

Qualification: residential

Hanorah, sometimes spelt Honorah or Honora, was born Hanorah Cecilia MORONEY, the daughter of
Mathew Moroney (1832-1867) and Margaret TOBIN (1843-1905), in Pukekohe in 1865.

Her mother Margaret had arrived on the Eveline on 22 January 1865 and had married Mathew
shortly after. Mathew was a storekeeper and was killed in October 1867 while felling a tree with his
brother in law Michael Tobin. Margaret married again to Thomas HOGAN (1831-1906) and he must
have been the only father Hanorah knew as she would barely be two when Mathew was killed.

Hanorah married Martin HOGAN (1864-1948) in 1909. It is not known if Martin was related to his
father in law. Martin was farming with his brother Peter in the Mamaku area of Rotorua and it was
here they first lived. By 1911 they had shifted to Pukekohe and Martin’s occupation on the electoral
roll was railway ganger. However, they also appeared to have a farm in the Dublin Street area of
Pukekohe. They had a family of six children – five daughters and one son born between 1901 and
1907 – five living and named in Hanorah death notice in 1943 and in Martin’s probate in 1949.

Hanorah died on 9 February 1943 and Martin on 25 December 1948. They are buried in the Catholic
Church cemetery in Pukekohe.

Sources:
NZ electoral rolls – ancestry.co.uk; Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz; BDM – www.dia.govt.nz
Headstone photo – Franklin Branch NZSG

Researcher: Judith Batt
Compiler: Heather Maloney

Electoral Roll: Franklin 3720 Surname: MORRISON
Given names: Janet Address: Awitu
Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential

Janet Walker McNEIL was born 12 July
1858 in Baillieston, Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Her parents were William McNeil (b. 22
May 1826) and Janet McNeil (nee WALKER
b. 7 September 1825).

The McNeil’s had seven children (five
daughters and two sons). One of their
daughters, Janet Walker McNeil (b. 12 July
1858) married Alexander MORRISON on 21
February 1883 in Baillieston, Lanarkshire,
Scotland. It was while living in Scotland the
couple had two daughters: Janet Walker
Morrison (b. 26 November 1883) and Mary
Carswell Morrison (b. 31 January 1886).

In 1887 the Morrison family set sail on the
Queen Mab for NZ, a journey that took
three months. After arriving in the
country, it wasn’t until 1889 that they
finally settled at their home “Pleasant
Valley” situated in the Awhitu Gully, on the
Manukau Heads. For many years Janet was
the only European woman in the valley. It
was Janet who started the first Sunday

School in the area.

Janet had four more children: William McNeil Morrison (b. 27 May 1891), Robenna Morrison (b. 5
May 1893), Eleanor Margaret Morrison (b. 24 September 1895) and Alexa Jane Morrison (b. 10
March 1902).

One of Janet’s tasks was making cheese to sell. The money earned was used to pay for equipment
to build a generator which was shipped out from Scotland. The generator was fed by water flowing
from a natural spring at the base of the hill. Unfortunately, a large slip occurred and covered the
whole project, it was a huge loss.

Life was very busy at Pleasant Valley where Janet and Alexander lived for the rest of their lives.
Alexander died 5 February 1937 and Janet died 1 February 1939. Both are buried in the Awhitu
Central Cemetery.

Information compiled by Pamela and Jaron Phillips, from Ancestry, Family records, and Heads Harbour & Hills.

Electoral Roll: Franklin 1983 Surname: MORROW
Given names: Annie
Occupation: domestic duties Address: Punui, Pukekohe

Qualification: residential

Some people leave very few footprints throughtout their life and Annie was one of those.

Only through her siblings was there any trace of Annie and then only a death notice, a brief mention
in her husband’s obituary and her name on a headstone, is there evidence that Annie MORROW on
the 1893 Electoral Roll did live in New Zealand.

She had a sister – Rebecca Jane (who became Mrs Thomas Hamilton WILSON- died 1930) and a
brother Josiah, known as Joe – died 1933, unmarried, who also lived in New Zealand but it is
unknown if they came to this country together or whether there were any other family members.
From records of her siblings, her parents were James Morrow and Margaret SHARP and she was
born about 1844 in County Cavan, Ireland.

Annie married Arthur Johnston GELSTON in 1894 and they lived in the Arapohue district in Northland
were Arthur farmed. His obituary said he was very involved in community affairs and said that there
were no children.

Annie died on 13 June 1906 and Arthur lived another 28 years, retiring to Dargaville. They are
buried in the Arapohue cemetery.

Their headstone lies broken on the ground but
has the above inscription.

Sources:

Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz;
NZ electoral rolls – ancestry.co.uk
Headstone photo – findagrave.com
Headstone transcription – NZSG cemetery collection

Researcher: Judith Batt

Compiler: Heather Maloney

Electoral Roll: Franklin 1982 Surname: MORROW
Given names: Margaret
Occupation: domestic duties Address: Pukekohe

Qualification: residential

Margaret was born in 1838 in Ballymaglave, County Down.
Her father was Samuel DAVIS and the details of her mother
are unknown.

Margaret married William MORROW on 16 November 1860
in Magheradrool, County Down. William was born in 1837
in County Donegal and was the son of Ephraim and
Elizabeth (nee HAMILTON) Morrow.

There is a family story that Margaret was told that she
“married beneath her station” and that she should move
and that is why they came to New Zealand. There is no
actual proof that this story is correct.

Margaret gave birth to their daughter Elizabeth Ann in 1863. Elizabeth was just 21 months old when
they boarded the Ganges bound for New Zealand. Tragically, like so many others, Elizabeth died on
board at 7.30pm on 25 January 1865 just as the ship had rounded the bottom of Tasmania. The cause
of death was listed as pertussis and bronchitis.

Once they arrived in New Zealand there was a short stay at Onehunga and then they made their way
to Tuakau where for a short time they occupied a tent on the banks of the Waikato River near the
Alexandra Redoubt. Towards the end of 1865 they moved on to Pukekohe and they took up their
Government grant of 10 acres on the Paddock Settlement. They lived there for the rest of their lives.
Margaret and William gradually extended their property until they had purchased 50 acres of the hill
land for which they paid at the rate of £2 10s per acre.

Margaret and William raised a family of seven children: Frederick William (1865–1923), Margaret
(1867-1924), Samuel David McMurray (1870–1944), Henry Ephraim (1872–1929), Francis James
(1874–1962), John Hamilton (1876–1969) and Mary Elizabeth Maud (1878–1948).

Misfortune struck the family when the Morrow home was burnt down in March 1899. The NZ Herald
report mentioned that the fire was attributed to a draught from an open window blowing the curtains
to a lighted candle as the family were retiring for the night.

William died on 27 May 1912 and Margaret
survived him by five years until her death on 22
November 1917.
In her obituary in the Pukekohe & Waiuku Times
dated 23 November 1917 it stated that up until
a fortnight ago she enjoyed the best of health
and despite her advanced age she was most
active and cheerful.

Sources:
Papers Past- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz
From County Down to Down Under: The Story of Samuel & Eliza Jane (Brennan) Miller by Ross Miller

Researcher: Ross Miller

Electoral Roll: Waipa 3420 Surname: MOYES
Given names: Agnes
Occupation: domestic duties Address: Rama Rama

Qualification: residential

Agnes was born Agnes JAFFRAY in 1827 in Scotland. She married William Alison MOYES (1822-1901)
on 7 June 1844 at Cadder, Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Agnes and William had 5 children, 2 daughters and 3 sons (and probably another son who died
young in Scotland) all born in Scotland. They came to New Zealand prior to the marriage in 1868 of
their daughter Mary HARKNESS, who is also on this 1893 electoral roll. Their son John married twice
as did their daughter Margaret - both had lost their first spouses early. Their son George was badly
hurt in a mining explosion and although blind, managed to run a store business and provide for his
wife and family. He also served on the Waihi Borough Council.

Agnes and William farmed at Ramarama on Woodside Farm where he died in 1901. They lost their
son William, in 1902 and Agnes appears to have moved to Onehunga where she owned several plots
of land at her death on 28 May 1905.

Agnes was only 16 when she married William but their marriage lasted 56 years. They are both
buried with son William at the Bombay Presbyterian Church cemetery.

Signature on her will

Sources:

Family Tree – My Heritage -G Rudd
Probate – www.familysearch.com
Sotland records – www.familysearch.com
Old newspapers – paperspast.natlib.govt.nz
Cemetery photos - NZSG Franklin Branch

Researcher: Heather Maloney

Electoral Roll: Franklin 3709 Surname: MUIR
Given names: Elizabeth Address: Kohekohe
Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential

Elizabeth Jane MUIR was born in Ilfracombe, Devon, England on 6
January 1844. Her parents were Elizabeth (nee WHITE) and Thomas
BLUNT (occupation tailor).

In the 1860s Elizabeth was living with her mother (also Elizabeth)
who ran a boarding house somewhere on the Hawkesbury River in
New South Wales. Her future husband, Alexander Muir (1834-1921)
boarded with them when he came over from New Zealand to buy
horses for the army during the Waikato war. After a year or so the
boarding house was sold, and mother and daughter moved to
Auckland.

Alexander and Elizabeth (Sandy and Lizzie) were married at St Johns
Presbyterian church in Papatoetoe in 1865. They began married life in a two-roomed cottage at
Wiri. They pasted newspapers over the cracks in the wallboards to keep out the draughts. Later
they farmed at Opuatia, over the river from Rangiriri, where they employed a tutor brought out from
England to educate the children. In 1878 they moved to a large farm at Pehiakura (Kohekohe, land is
between Ponsford and J Renall Roads) on the Awhitu Peninsula where they lived for about 30 years.

Sandy and Lizzie were the parents of 11 children – five sons and six daughters. They also gave a
home to a niece, Mary (Polly) Muir and several neighbourhood children. They retired to Mangere in
1906 where they built a new house, “Stoneleigh”, in Muir Rd.

Elizabeth died on 23 April 1925. Her obituary reads: “Many a weary traveller up and down the
Peninsula had good reason to bless the kind-hearted hospitality of Mrs Muir and many a good story
she could tell of hardships and adventures cheerfully borne and overcome long ago.”

Alexander Muir died in 1921. The graves of Sandy and Lizzie are to be found at St Johns Presbyterian
Church, Great South Rd, Papatoetoe – the church where they were married.

Sources:
Family records
Cyclopedia of New Zealand, 1902, Auckland Volume
Researcher; Julie Harper

Electoral Roll: Franklin 3710 Surname: MUIR
Given names: Elizabeth jun. Address: Kohekohe
Occupation: household duties Qualification: residential

Elizabeth MUIR was born in 1870, either at Wiri or Opuatia, near Glen
Murray. She was the third child of Alexander and Elizabeth MUIR. She had
five brothers and five sisters. Alexander came to New Zealand as a child
with his Scottish settler family on the “Duchess of Argyle” in 1842. In 1878
the family moved to a farm known as “Pehiakura” at Kohekohe on the
Awhitu Peninsula. She was taught by a private tutor while living at Opuatia
and then attended Kohekohe school.

Elizabeth Muir jnr Elizabeth (Lizzie) married Abraham HULL on 11 March 1896. He was a
bushman at Opuatia and in the early years of their marriage they lived there
in a little cottage.

They had two children, Aimee and Alexander (Alec). They moved to a farm in Aka Aka where they
lived for some years, then to Sandspit Rd, Waiuku.

When Abe died Lizzie went to live with her daughter Aimee and her husband Jim NEEDHAM at
Tuhimata Rd, Paerata then moved with them to Maraetai where she died in 1958 at the age of 88.

Lizzie excelled at knitting and crochet and made her own rugs.

There’s a story which demonstrates the courage and fortitude of that generation of young women:

Lizzie, suffering from terrible toothache, needed to get to the dentist on the other side of the
Waikato River at Tuakau. She rode to the river, swam her horse across, rode to Tuakau and had the
tooth pulled out then reversed the journey to get home again. It’s not surprising that we find
Elizabeth Muir’s name on the first NZ electoral roll to include women’s names.

Sources:
Family Records
NZ Births & Death Records
Researcher: Julie Harper

Elizabeth with Abraham and Aimee