Mary ROGERS (about 1811-1884)

It is thought Mary RODGERS was born in Dublin, Ireland (1851 English Census), a matching baptismal date has been found but not proven . She possibly travelled to Nova Scotia, Canada on her own and married William ANNETT as there is some confusion as to whether their first child, Mary Jane, was born at Halifax, Yorkshire, ENGLAND, IRELAND (1841 England census) or Halifax, Nova Scotia, CANADA (1851 England census)...  to date I have been unable to substantiate or  locate any records of  Mary and Williams marriage, Mary Janes birth, or documentation pertaining to their travel.

If Mary did travel to Canada, she had returned to William's home at Seven Oaks in Kent, ENGLAND before the birth of her second child in 1838.

Mary and William produced seven children:

    Mary Jane ANNETT (f) born 1835 Ireland/Canada/England. 
    William ANNETT (m) born April 1839, Seal, Kent, England.
    Frances ANNETT (f) born December 1840, Seven Oaks, Kent, England.
    James ANNETT (m) born 1842, Seven Oaks, Kent, England.
    Henry ANNETT (m) born 05 July 1845, Seven Oaks, England
    George ANNETT (m) born 1846, Kemsing, Kent, England
    John ANNETT (m) born 24 November 1848, Kemsing, Kent, England 

More is known of Mary and her family after their emigration aboard the PRIAM which departed Plymouth, England 21 May 1852 and arrived at Portland Bay, Victoria, Australia on 25 August 1852.
On the passenger list, Mary, William and the five youngest children are noted as ANNITT. Her two oldest children travelled separately as young adults and noted correctly as ANNETT.

Upon arrival in the new homeland the family set up home in a round tent before setting up home proper. August in Victoria can be very wet and cold.

During October- November 1859 Mary appears to be having a rough time with several appearances before the Benevolent Society requesting financial assistance due to domestic abuse. 
To date, nothing more has been found regarding Mary until January 1884 when she was admitted to the Benevolent Society Asylum. She passed away there 03 April 1884. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63343107 
  

Ultimately, both Mary and William would live their final days as guests of the Portland Benevolent Asylum and Hospital, passing eight months apart. Buried at the same cemetery but in different sections. Mary is Buried in the Roman Catholic sector of  South (Old) Portland Cemetery, grave 37, Portland, Victoria, Australia. Her grave is unmarked with peg number 405, it is situated second last in section3

                            South (Old) Portland Cemetery, Roman Catholic sector.

Descriptive excerpt (with references) using some poetic licence -Corrinne :

Mary had to approached the Benevolent Asylum  for assistance[1]. That had not been an easy time  but there was no other option. Using every penny of her meagre hidden cache to flee her abusive husband and in fear for her life, she had arrived distraught and disheveled, at her oldest daughters place thirty-four miles away. The only chance and indeed possibility was to apply for relief until she could get on her feet...

But life and acceptable practice were so different then.  Even with a letter from the Superintendent of Police giving an unfavourable account of her husband[2] Mary was not considered a ‘fit subject for relief’ and the seven pound a week she was temporarily granted was withdrawn five weeks later[3].

Another twenty-five years, again relying on the charity of the Portland Benevolent Asylum and Hospital, she entered the foreboding building with trepidation and reignited memories. Except for a short episode of absconding[4], this time Mary ANNETT would only leave in a hearse[5].

second attempt using flashback technique

Again relying on the charity of the Portland Benevolent Asylum and Hospital, she entered the foreboding building with trepidation and reignited memories. Except for a short episode of absconding [4], this time Mary ANNETT would only leave in a hearse [5]. 

Twenty-five years earlier Mary had approached them for assistance [1]. That had not been an easy time but there was no other option. Using every penny of her meagre hidden cache to flee her abusive husband and in fear for her life, she had arrived distraught and disheveled, at her oldest daughters place thirty-four miles away .

Daughter Mary-Jane had been married four years and was already expecting the third child. Although her husband was a good man he couldn’t afford to support his wife’s mother and three youngest brothers too.

The only chance and indeed possibility was to apply for relief until she could get on her feet. But life and acceptable practice were so different then. Even with a letter from the Superintendent of Police giving an unfavourable account of her husband [2], Mary  was not considered a ‘fit subject for relief’ and the seven pound a week she was temporarily granted was withdrawn five weeks later [3].
"It was terrible embarrassing having all the private business plastered throughout the local paper for all to see ... and William made sure I would never do that  again!" 

---

[1] Trove: Portland Guardian and Normandy  General Advertiser. 17 October 1859.

[2] Trove: Portland Guardian and Normandy  General Advertiser. 14 November 1859.

[3] Trove: Portland Guardian and Normandy  General Advertiser. 21 November 1859.

[4] Trove: Portland Guardian. Saturday 26 January 1884.

[5] Trove: Portland Guardian. Tuesday  15 July 1884.

Anne BEARD (1856-1932)

 Was Anne Beard born to John BEARD and Zillah AULT of Derbyshire in 1856?  (1861 and 1871 census,  also a christening there in 1856). Or possibly in Gloucestershire (immigration record and obituary), although there are no births registered to Ann Beard, Gloucestershire from December 1855-Dec 1857 (Free BMD UK).

Either way at the age of 18 years, she emigrated, arriving in New Zealand 19 November 1875 aboard the Duke of Edinburgh which had set sail from Gravesend on August 08. The trip included  '36 single girls, mostly domestic servants, and are of superior class... bound for Timaru'  (Timaru Herald, Friday 19th November 1875). The shipping list (Timaru Herald  Wednesday 03 November 1875, page 2) shows Ann to be an 18 year old servant from Gloucestershire.

Immediately upon arrival Ann was sent to the immigration barracks at Timaru, a description of the new barracks can be found at Timaru Herald, 19 February 1875, Page 3. 

From there Anne entered service for Mr McSweeny of the  Star of the South Hotel in Rangitata, and it was from here she met her husband to be, Daniel King.

Ann became part of the King family after the untimely death of Eliza, wife of Daniel, in May 1876 due to childbirth complications. At that time Daniel had been left a widow with six children aged; newborn, 3, 6, 9, 11, 15 and 17 years. One can imagine how difficult this could have been for Ann, barely 20 herself and six children to attend to...did Eliza at 17 despise her? Did Daniel at 15 listen to her? Were the young ones torn between their loyalty to a mother now gone and a need to be nurtured?  One thing known is that when the newborn, Ruth, died of bronchitis on 14th April 1877, aged only eleven months,  Ann Beard signed her name on the death registration as being present at her death (death registration). 

Although no actual marriage registration has been found, an 'application to marry' was lodged with the Temuka District Court on 03 October 1877, to be solemnized at the Register Office 31 November 1877 (New Zealand Archives ref# BDM20/22 689/14).

Ann and Daniel had eight children:
Alfred Henry King (m), born 1877 at Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand.
Mary Ann King (f), born 1879 at Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand.
Ruth King (f), born 1881 at Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand.
Susan Jane (f) King, born 1884 at Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand.
James King (m), born 1886 at Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand.
William Joseph King (m), born 1888 at Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand.
Rose Arene (Irene) King (f), born 1891 at Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand.
Frank Erney King (m), born 1893 at Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand.

Ann outlived Daniel by twenty years.

Obituary Column, Timaru Herald,  Volume CXXXVI, Issue 19124, 4 March, 1932, Page 8. https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THD19320304.2.68

      

Both are buried together at Temuka Cmetery, General Section, Row 165, Plot 499. 

Daniel KING 1830-1911

KING family portrait taken in Temuka 1906 

BACK ROW: 1. Daniel William DOUBLE, 2. Charles DOUBLE, 3. Bella KING, 4. Thomas KING, 5. Nellie KING, 6. Harriet KING, 7. Beatrice Mary KING,

8. Elizabeth Maude KING, 9. Edward William KING, 10. Alice Eliza KING, 11. Jack Larsen, 12. Nellie DOUBLE (NEVILLE), 13. Charles Martin, 14. Jack NEVILLE,

MIDDLE ROW: 15. Bill HOPKINSON, 16. Eliza Ellen KING (DOUBLE/HOPKINSON), 17. Henry Thomas KING, 18 Daniel KING, 19. Daniel Edward KING,

20. Alice RYAN (KING), 21. Beatrice Ada KING (KAY), 22. Gladys KAY (baby), 23. Zacchaeus KAY, 24. Rene KAY (toddler).

FRONT ROW: 25. Eva KING (ROBINSON), 26. Minnie (DOUBLE) ROBINSON, 27. Clara KING (MARRA), 28. Elsie KING (WOOTON), 29. Jack KING, 30. George KING, 31. Frederick Thomas KING, 32. Joseph Arthur KING, 33. David Myles KING, 34. Samuel Daniel KING, 35. Willie KAY (son of Zacchaeus KAY).

Daniel is my2x great-grandfather. He is the original KING New Zealander and for this I am grateful.

Life in his birth home of England can be traced through church, census and shipping records.
Daniel was born to John and Anna (nee GARLAND) KING about 1830, birthdate was taken from his Obituary and a baptism at St Peters 14 Feb 1830 (freereg.org.uk  file # 4568).
1841 Census entries names siblings; William 20, Samuel 15, James 13, Thomas 9, Edward  5.
NB: Earlier unreferenced research states John and Hannah had11 children: Henry, Elizabeth, John, William, Daniel, Anne, James, Samuel, James, Thomas, and Edward- unsure where this information came from. These names are all recurrent throughout the generations.

1841 Census: Shepton Montague, Somerset, aged 11yrs
1851 Census: Ashley, Wiltshire. unmarried son, aged 21yrs, farm labourer.
1861 Census: Mayfield, Sussex. aged 31, head, milkman.
1871 Census: Croyden, Surrey. (head)

1st MARRIAGE: to Eliza FOARD was on 18 October 1856 @ St Giles, Camberwell, Surrey -I have copy of marriage this certificate.

Children from this union are:
1. Henry Thomas KING was born about Sep 1857 in Newington, Surrey, England. To date it is unknown when he died or if he married.
2. Eliza Ellen KING was born in 1859 in Newington, Surrey, England. She died on 08 Feb 1936 in Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand. She married Amos DOUBLE on 07 May 1877 in Primitive Methodist Church, Timaru, South Canterbury, NZ.
3. Daniel Edward KING was born in Jan 1861 in Uckford, Sussex, England. He died on 28 Oct 1949 in Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand. He married Alice RYAN on 05 Jul 1883 in Home of Daniel KING (Temuka, South Canterbury).
4. Thomas KING was born about 1865 in Lambeth, Surrey, England. He died on 25 Sep 1944 in Christchurch, New Zealand. He married Isabella MILES on 12 Feb 1885 in Temuka, South Canterbury, NZ. He married Margaret MARRA on 06 Oct 1909 in Christchurch, New Zealand.
5. Sarah KING was born about 1867 in Lambeth, Surrey, England. She died on 07 Jul 1937 in Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand. She married Charles Alex MARTIN in 1883.
6. John KING was born about 1870 in Lambeth, Surrey, England.
7. Elizabeth Ann KING was born about 1873 in Lambeth, Surrey, England.
8. Ruth KING was born on 24 May 1876 in Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand. She died on 14 Apr 1877 in Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand.

EMIGRATION: Taking advantage of the assisted passenger scheme, Daniel, Eliza and six of their seven children emigrated to New Zealand aboard the Carisbrooke Castle, departing Gravesend on 30th May and arriving at Lyttleton on 03 Sep 1874. They then transferred to either Phoebe for the trip from Lyttleton to Timaru. Lyttleton- Timaru 04 Sept 1874  (Timaru Herald 04 and 07 Sept 1874) or Beautiful Star  (Daniels obituary).

This voyage was not without terrible consequences, of  87 children who caught measles during the voyage, twenty died. For further reading, there are several good accounts of the voyage available on   http://sites.rootsweb.com/~nzlscant/carisbrooke.htm

Immigrants. -The Timaru Herald says : Two hundred and eleven immigrants were landed from the Phoebe at Timaru on Saturday morning. There were four adults from the ship Northampton, eleven-and-a-half from the Canterbury, and 197  from the Carisbrooke Castle,; those from the last named vessel comprising forty-one families, forty-nine single men, and twenty-three single women. The immigrants complained of the treatment they received on board the Phoebe. It appears that the captain refused to allow them any breakfast on Saturday morning, and as the landing was not completed till eleven o’clock, they considered they had been kept too long without food, their last meal being taken at three o’clock on the previous day. All the immigrants have a healthy look ; and the men, comprising agricultural laborers and mechanics-the former preponderating,-seem fitted for hard work. Upon landing, the new comers were taken to the depots, and during the day a number went to their friends, and several found employment. On Friday, fifty-nine immigrants from the St Lawrence were taken to Waimate by coach, and a like number were conveyed to Temuka. To-day about fifty of the new arrivals will be dispatched to Waimate, and between fifty and sixty to Temuka. Several more immigrants are expected to arrive by the Maori to-day from the ships Cathcart, Canterbury, and St Lawrence. 
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/GLOBE18740908.2.7
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TS18740903.2.3.3
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LT18740904.2.3
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LT18740907.2.3
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THD18740904.2.4
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/GLOBE18740904.2.3

NB: Their oldest child Henry does not appear in the passenger list. Aged 17 years, Henry would have travelled as a single man, but I have been unable to locate his name on the single men passenger list. It was thought Henry had not survived childhood to emigrate with the family, however research located the assumed death record which named a George KING, blacksmith, as the father. More important, Henry Thomas is identified sitting next to Daniel in the family portrait taken in 1906. 

Unfortunately, within two years of their arrival in the new country, Eliza died of complications due to childbirth on 24 May 1876 in Temuka, New Zealand. https://corrinne-kiwicolleen.blogspot.com/2013/06/  Baby Ruth was not to survive her first year either.\

Daniel continued with farm work in Temuka, noted as labourer and general farm hand on his son  Thomas' marriage registration.

2nd MARRIAGE to Ann BEARD
I have been unable to locate registration of the marriage between Daniel and Ann BEARD but 'Application to Marry'  was lodged with the Temuka District Court on 03 October 1877 to be  Solemnized at Register Office Temuka. Held at New Zealand Archives  31 November 1877, ref # BDM 20/22 689/14.
Anne arrive in Lyttleton aboard the 'Duke of Edinburg' as an eighteen year old in 17 November 1875. https://sites.rootsweb.com/~nzlscant/duke.htm

Daniel produced a further eight children from this union:
9. Alfred Henry KING was born in 1877 in Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand. He died on 15 Oct 1937. He married Nellie Annie WILLIAMS in 1911.
10. Mary Ann KING was born in 1879 in Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand.. She died on 13 Feb 1942 in Danniverke. She married Frederick Thomas Dowling SELBY in 1912.
11. Ruth KING was born in 1881 in Temuka, New Zealand. She married William Thomas HORE in 1902.
12. Susan Jane KING was born in 1884 in Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand. She died on 10 Jul 1970 in Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand. She married Charles THOMAS in 1906.
13. James KING was born on 22 Sep 1886 in Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand. He died on 28 Jun 1966 in Christchurch,  New Zealand. He married Annie OWEN on 18 Jun 1918 in Timperley, Cheshire, England.
14. William Joseph KING was born in 1888 in Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand. He died on 30 Jun 1900 in Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand.
15. Rose Arena Ella KING was born on 28 Jan 1891 in Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand.. She died on 11 Apr 1976 in Dunedin Central, New Zealand. She married Harry GILLAM in 1928.
16. Frank Erney KING was born in 1893 in Temuka, Canterbury, New Zealand. He died on 06 Sep 1969 in Christchurch,  New Zealand. He married Mary Neeson in 1915 in New Zealand.

DEATH: NZBDM records 1911/6778

OBITUARY: The Timaru Leader 26 September 1911
Report of Memorial Service: Temuka Leader  03 October 1911
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TEML19111003.2.27

IN MEMORIAM SERVICE: An “in memoriam” service was conducted in the Primitive Methodist Church on Sunday evening last, in memory of the late Mr. Daniel King. The church was crowded and about thirty, of the relatives of the deceased attended. The Rev. J. Harris occupied the pulpit, and gave an address on the subject of “Immortality.” The singing, which was led by a strong choir (under the conductorship of Mr. D. Bryant) was a special feature of the service The hymns sung were “A few more years shall roll,” “Thy will be done,” “Rock of Ages,” and “For ever with the Lord.” The “Dead March in Saul” was played by Miss Austin just before the benediction was pronounced. Before commencing his sermon Mr. Harris made feeling reference to the character of Mr. King. He pointed out that as the deceased had lived in Temuka for nearly 40 years, those present knew him better than the speaker did. He said that Mr. King was a man of sterling Christian character and had rendered good service to the cause of Christ. He had also been a good husband, and father, and would be missed by those whom he had left behind. Some might say that being a very old man it was foolish for his relatives to grieve over his departure. But if our relatives were good, the older they became the more dearly did we love them, and therefore the parting was hard to bear. Mr. Harris expressed the sympathy of the congregation with the relatives and urged them to emulate that which was good and noble in their loved one’s character. The preacher took as his text 11. Timothy i., 10 -“Jesus Christ who hath abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” It was shown that the great question of future life should be considered by all. It was not a question for the old and the sick merely, but for one and all and here and now. St. Paul was writing to a young man who was to succeed him in the ministry, and he was anxious that Timothy should have mixed opinions on this great question of life beyond the grave. It was pointed out from quotations from such men as Frederick Myers (the late Cambridge scientist), from Sir Oliver Bodge and the late Professor Win. James that science cannot give the negative to the doctrine of resurrection. Reference was also made to the argument founded on the universality of the belief in immortality. But strongest of all were the sayings of Jesus on that subject. Mr. Harris concluded by preaching the practical value of such a belief. Men who had done most for their fellows (such as Wilberforce, .Whittier, Milton, and many others were strong believers in this doctrine of the immortality off the soul. A stirring and earnest appeal was made for those present to build their character on eternal foundations.

BURIAL:At Temuka Cemetery, Block 7, Plot 499, row 165 on 26 September 1911 

https://www.timaru.govt.nz/services/community-and-culture/cemeteries/cemetery-search

Ann died 01 March 1932 and is buried with Daniel and their son William (died 30 June 1900).
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TEML19320303.2.18 

Frances ANNETT c1840-unknown

 Most of my research for Frances has revolved around disproving available facts about her (proving facts are unrelated). This elusive lady will one day be discovered but in the meantime, this is a summary of my research. 

Born at Seven Oaks, Kent, UK c1840 to William ANNETT and Mary ROGERS. She was the third born of seven children, and the second daughter.

     Mary Jane 835 -1869
     William 1839 -1916
     Frances 1840 - unknown
     James 1842-1854
     Henry 1845 -1927
     George 1846 -1933
     John 1848 - 1917     

Her baptism is registered at Seal, Kent 27 Apr 1845.

"England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N2FC-T2F : 21 March 2020), Frances Annett, 1845.

Frances is noted in 1841 and 1851 British census.

1841 Census

NB 1851 Census Frances is listed as Fanny.

Priam passenger list, sister Mary Jane and brother William ANNITT listed separately. 

On 21 May 1852 the family emigrated aboard the Priam departing Plymouth, ENGLAND and arriving at Victoria, Australia on 25 Aug 1852.   Frances was registered as a 12yr old; at disembarkation she went with her family, originally settling in a round tent. 
A wonderful account of the voyage has been written up by Jennifer Burrell and can be accessed here  http://users.ncable.net.au/~jburrell/gen/smith/priam.html   

I have been unable to find ANY further information about Frances although I wonder if it was in fact her travelling under the alias of Mrs. GREENFIELD aboard the Blue Jacket which departed Melbourne on 15 March 1862. Mrs. GREENFIELD was accompanied by a 1yr old infant whom I believe to be Caterina (daughter of Frances' sister Mary Jane ANNETT). Mary Jane travelled to NZ two weeks later aboard the Mary E Ray which departed Melbourne 30 March 1862. Mary Jane was accompanied by only 2 of her 3 children; Mary aged 3 and Johannes aged 5yrs. I base my belief that this two week period  is too short an interval for Mary to take a trip from Victoria to Port Chalmers and on to Oamaru with infant Caterina, and then return to collect the other two children. 

A possible lead for Frances in Australia was a marriage to Richard NOVIS in 1855. This would put her age at only 15; the death of Frances NOVIS in 1868 at age 46 does not correlate with my Frances' projected age of 28…thus disproven 

Correspondence with Society of Australian Genealogists concluded extensive library records of second half of the 19th century in Portland and Port Fairy revealed nothing relevant. 

Research by Karen ANNETT (interview with great-aunt) suggests that Frances may have become a nun.   Further research does specify a Sister Frances ANNETTS travel from England to Australia... however she was much younger ... namely Sister Frances ANNETTS aged 55 on the 'Nestor' which travelled from Liverpool to Melbourne in 1946...
Correspondence with Sisters of Mercy New Zealand archivist has advised there were very few religious orders in New Zealand in the 1860s... there were no entries on their database for the whole of New Zealand for either Frances ANNETT or GREENFIELD. Therefore, unable to substantiate to date. 

The Australian Cemetery Index 1808-2007 has a listing for  F ANNETT at Braxholme Cemetery, Victoria, Australia. This has been confirmed as Frederick George Annett, 1912-1973 s/o, and buried with William James and Rosalie Sophia ANNETT (also grandson of John ANNETT and Constance FAHEY). 

Searches of Australian and New Zealand marriage and death records using Frances/Fanny ANNETT/GREENFIELD have not given any pertinent results (although I did find the New Zealand birth/death of a previously unknown child of her sister Mary Jane and John GREENFIELD named Fanny). 

A small area cemetery at Mokihinui, Buller-Westland, New Zealand has a burial registered for Frances ANNETT and her son Thomas. With her sister Mary Janes husband’s history of goldmining, and brother Henrys interest in gold and his Hokitika experience, it is interesting to note this district was very active during New Zealand’s goldrush 1864-1867. However, correspondence with Buller District Council at customerservice@bdc.govt.nz solicited a ‘no further information available’ response in regard my request for information re date of interment, age, etc.

Considering Thomas birth between 1862 (assumed year of arrival in New Zealand) and 1942 (assumed childbearing age), there are none registered to a mother named Frances in New Zealand. 

As there is a Joshua ANNETT also buried in that cemetery, research in ‘Papers Past’,  New Zealand historical newspaper entries (equivalent to Trove historical newspaper entries) brought the following details; 

1) No death notice for Frances/Fanny or Thomas ANNETT in that region or within the above time frame. 

2) Several entries in the Westport Times between 1868 and 1886 for a colourful couple Annie nee COLEMAN and Joshua ANNETT, NZ BDM marriage in 1872 therefore no relation.

3) Thomas Annett was mentioned in Westport times 1881 as a 6 ½ year old (bitten by a dog. Fanny ANNETT, a little girl also mentioned in same article), and again in1884 (found a partial leg at the beach).

Registered with New Zealand's Birth Death and Marriage historical records; 

1) A birth of Thomas Charles is registered to Annie and Joshua ANNETT in NZ BDM 1875/6145, this corresponds with projected date/age of aforementioned child.
 

2) There are three death possibilities registered for Thomas ANNETT with NZ BDM, 1873/8112 aged 11 months, 1878/889 age not registered, and 1941/24404 aged 76 years- assumed birth year 1868. All places of death not known without ordering death certificates. 

RESEARCH ONGOING ...

An Almost Unbelievable Coincidence

 

Between 1969 and 1987, my children and I frequently visited both 38 and 36 Burke street, South Christchurch, New Zealand. Henrietta Mary Hadfield was my husband’s maternal grandmother. She had bought the house at 38 Burke Street around 1965. My children and I would visit her there from 1969, although the first Electoral Roll recording her at this address was in 1978. [1] Her daughter Gloriana lived in the cottage next door at number 36.[2]

Boundaries have changed slightly for 43 Burke Street as properties have been subdivided for townhouses. Diagram from google maps. 

Almost directly opposite from 36, at 43, stood a large walnut tree … the house long gone before we ever visited the street, but the tree remaining as a sentinel guarding what had once been … and little patches of four-leaf clovers provided many hours entertainment for my children fossicking around in the empty section to find them.

A search of the 1928 New Zealand Electoral Rolls unexpectedly located my maternal grandmother, Beatrice Bird, living with her parents, George and Sarah, at number 43 Burke Street.[3] My mother was born whilst her parents resided there in 1935.[4]

On the same Electoral Roll, my maternal grandfather’s mother, Aileen Marian O’Malley, and his sister, Mary Bennett, resided at number 36 Burke Street.[5] Although my grandfather was not listed at living at the same address, it is reasonable to assume this is how my maternal grandparents met and consequently married.

Unknowingly at the time of our visits to these properties, we had entered a time-space glitch spanning 50 years, connecting my children’s paternal and maternal ancestors across four and five generations respectively.

The houses at 36, 38 and the walnut tree of Burke Street still stand today. Photographs from Google Maps.

 

Reflective Statement.

This piece of writing tells how time and space were already connecting ancestors and descendants well before my genealogical journey started. Also coincidently, Aileen was a widow in 1928, as was Henrietta in 1978… separated by time, but place and experience shared by both women.

---

[1] Ancestry.com. New Zealand, Electoral Rolls, 1853-1981. 1978, Tasman; Nelson; West Coast; Canterbury;
   Otago; Southland. Southern Māori. Hadfield, Henrietta Mary.

[2] Ibid., Hills, Gloriana Hilda.

[3] Ancestry.com. New Zealand, Electoral Rolls, 1853-1981. 1928, Canterbury, Christchurch South. Bird, Beatrice,
   George and Sarah.

[4] Ancestry.com.  New Zealand, Electoral Rolls, 1853-1981. 1935, Canterbury, Christchurch South O’Malley,
  Thomas Augustine and Beatrice.

[5] Ibid., O’Malley, Aileen Marian and Bennett, Mary.

Margaret MOFFETT (~1848 - 1888)

My first introduction to Margaret was through correspondence with her grand-daughter, Joyce JAMES, many years ago. The information given was that maiden name was REFRAIN, that she married James MOFFET, a farmer who died about 1874, and that she was the mother of 3 children; Henry- born about 1866. Frances- born about 1867, and Alice- born about1874. Joyce was the daughter of Margaret's youngest daughter Alice.

She also sent me this early type photocopy of a portrait.

Further research lead me to Margaret's death certificate and burial record. According to information on her death certificate she was born in Scotland about 1849,  her family name was DEAN, she emigrated to New Zealand about 1864, married James MOFFET at age 16 in Invercargill, New Zealand, had 3 living children at the time of her death, and died of uterine cancer on 15 November 1888 aged only 39 years, relict of the late James MOFFET. 

Despite much research in the Dunedin and  Invercargill areas I have not been able to locate a  marriage registration or any other documentation that confirms Margaret was married, when, or to whom. Correspondence with The Hocken Library, Dunedin also confirms there are no recordings of a marriage for Margaret and James or John Moffet (and all varied spellings) in Anglican, Catholic or Presbyterian indexes for Otago and Southland.

I have been unable to locate the birth registrations of the three children indicated on her death certificate, however, I did happen across the birth and death registrations of a previously unknown baby girl.  https://corrinne-kiwicolleen.blogspot.com/2018/12/baby-girl-moffatt-june-19-july-02-1871.html 
John MOFFATT is named as the father and Margaret nee RAFFEIN/RAFFEEN the mother. This is phonetically very close to the original name given to me.

Upon examination of Margaret's daughters' marriage registrations records:
John MOFFAT is named as the father  and Margaret RHYDANE the mother of Frances,
James MOFFET is named as the father and Margaret REFRAIN as mother of Alice.

Oral history says that Henry was a sailor and died as a young man, probably overseas, consequently no further records have been found for him.

The only other record I have been able to find is Stones Otago/Southland Street Directory 1886,  for  Mrs. Margaret MOFFETT, charwoman, York Place, Dunedin which indicates she was probably a widow at that point.

Margaret's early demise is marked by A death notice is published in the Evening Star on 15 November 1888 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD18881115.2.7

and an entry in The Northern Cemetery Burial Register Vol 2 

This plot was purchased by her son-in-law Henry GREENFIELD (husband of Margaret's daughter Frances), and she shares it with her son-in-laws sister Evelyn, (daughter of John and Mary Jane GREENFIELD), and Evelyn's cousin Jane, (daughter of Joseph and Augusta GREENFIELD).

Margaret is an enigma... such a short life but full of riddles.

What was her maiden name? Dean? Refrain? Reffeen/Reffein? Rhydane?

Was she married? When? Where? and to whom?
Was her husband John? James? Moffett? Moffet? Moffatt? Moffat?
|How old was she when she emigrated to New Zealand? 15? 16? 
What were her parents names?
Why did she emigrate to New Zealand?

What region did she come from in Scotland?

 

Thomas John GREENFIELD (1887-1915)

Thomas John GREENFIELD was born 27 February 1887 in Oamaru, New Zealand. He was the sixth child, and second youngest of Joseph GREENFIELD and Augusta Bromville nee BROOKES. A sister (Mary Eveline Duthina 1879-1880) and brother (Johannes Augustus 1883-1884) had already died as infants before Thomas’ birth, and another sister (Jane Grace 1885-1901) would die aged 16 years when Thomas was 14.   

Family portrait: Augusta and Joseph seated middle

 sons left to right: Walter Percival 1877-1958, Thomas John (Jack)1887-1915,
 Robert Henry (Harry)1881-1960, Joseph William (Joe)1893-1950.

Thomas attested on 27 August 1914 just 22 days after Britain’s declaration of War on 4 August (time difference allowed).

 
At this time he is noted as having medium complexion, gray eyes, and brown hair. He has good hearing, vision and teeth, is 5 foot 7 inches tall, and 159 pounds (72kg). Physical development is good, without defect, and he was certified medically fit for service.

He was assigned service number 8/1006 and posted to the Otago Infantry Battalion, 4^th Otago Regiment.

On 15 October 1914 Thomas prepared to set sail for Alexandria, disembarking there on 3 December.

After almost two months in Egypt on 26 January 1915 the Regiment was ordered north to Kubri, to help form a defensive line against an expected Ottoman Empire attack on the Suez Canel.
The line was on the Eastern side of the canal and extended between the Little Bitter Lake in the North and Suez in the South. Here they combined with the already stationed Indian troops.
The attack came on 3 February and was repulsed, the Otago Infantry Regiment was kept in reserve.
The Regiment began preparing for the invasion of Gallipoli in early April 1915. Their training was focused on strength for the broken and steep terrain they would encounter. At this point the Otago Battalion had four companies; 4th (Otago), 8th (Southland), 10th (North Otago) and 14th (South Otago). On 10 April they departed Alexandria on the 'Annaberg'. Further information about the regiments activities can be found here https://www.gutenberg.org/files/45354/45354-h/45354-h.htm#Page_1  There were many bloody battles with losses on both sides. On May 24th an armistice was called to allow retrieval and burial of the dead, recorded as one of the strangest days of the campaign, then fighting again continued.

 

This photograph of work parties retrieving bodies for burial was taken during the armatice by Brigadier-General Ryan of the Australian Medical Corps.

Although not stated this is the battle where Thomas lost his life, the time and place and amount of casualties are almost certainly more than coincidental...

The battle for NO. 3 Post (28-30 May 1915) was fought between the forces of the New Zealand Mounted Rifle Brigade and the Turkish 19th Division. The New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade was responsible for the defense of the Northern perimeter of the ANZAC beach-head, holding a sector from the position known as Walker's Top down the ridge line to the sea. Part of this defense line was formed by No.1 and No.2 Posts, isolated positions in the far north that could only be approached in safety during the hours of darkness. Near the end of May 1915, the Turks started constructing a new position just inland from No. 2 Post, which if left to be completed would cause problems for the New Zealanders. Therefore, it was decided to assault and capture the post. After the position was captured, it was named No 3 Post, and the New Zealanders settled in and attempted to improve its defenses. The same night, the Turks counter-attacked. Surrounded and cut off from the rest of the brigade, running short of ammunition and supplies, the defending 9th (Wellington East Coast) Squadron held out for twenty-eight hours until relieved, and beat off several attempts to break through their lines. When the Squadron was eventually relieved it was decided the post was untenable, and it was abandoned the same night.
The New Zealand Mounted Brigade's casualties during the battle were forty-two dead and 109 wounded.

There was some apparent confusion surrounding his death as Thomas was listed as wounded on 10 June 1915, and missing in action before a court of inquiry reported he had been KIA, Dardanelles on 30 May 1915.
Thomas' body was never retrieved, he is immortalised at the Lone Pine Cemetery and Memorial, panel number 75.

       
                   

Thomas’ two older brothers are not enlisted in the Great War; Walter Percival probably because of his age, and Robert Henry had served in the Boer war. His younger brother Joseph William however did enlist with the NZEF (service number 8/3910) and was assigned to Otago Infantry Battalion 10^th reinforcements. He returned home after the war.

Thomas was not married, he had nominated his oldest brother Percy Walter as next of kin, although naming his father Joseph as legal next of kin.

On 25 November 1919 a pension of twenty-six pounds per annum was granted to his mother Augusta as a dependent.  Sometime after this and prior to 26 March 1920 she also applied for the Overseas War Service Gratuity, but the records do not show if this was granted. The UK War Gratuity for less than one year service was two pounds.

The plaque (24 Nov 1921), scroll (20 Sept 1921) and Thomas’ British War Medal and Victory Medal (25 Aug 1922), such as these, were forwarded to his father Joseph.