Eileen Marianne SHERIDAN 1864-1930

 

Eileen Marianne SHERIDAN was born on 25 Feb 1864 in Dublin, IRELAND (place to be confirmed) as the second child of Terence SHERIDAN and Mary Anne MANNING.

Oral history says that she was born at the Dublin Police Barracks. Correspondence with Cath O'Neil confirms that this is a possibility although to date no record has been found to substantiate the claim.

Her father was a policeman/sergeant with the Royal Irish Constabulary.

She had thirteen siblings, namely:

Mary Anne, born 02 Feb 1863 in County Meath (to be confirmed) and died 2 April 1864 at Kilronan, Aran Isles.

Winifred Maria, born 01 July 1865 on Inishmor, Aran Isles. Died 13 October 1945 at Timaru, South Canterbury, New Zealand.

James William, born 28 March 1867, Dingle, Co Kerry.

Maryanne, born 05 May 1869, Castlegregory, Co Kerry. Died 24 Jan 1895 at Timaru, NZ.

Patrick, born Castlegregory, 28 Feb 1871.

Bridget, born Co Kerry, 27 Aug 1872. died at Dingle 1873.

Catharine, born Castlegregory 25 Dec 1873.

Terence, born 05 Jan 1876 at Co Kerry, emigrated to Massachutettes, USA.

Bridget, born Co Kerry 17 Oct 1877.

Andrew, born at Shievadieher, Co Kerry 08 Aug 1879.

Thomas, born 11 Feb 1881at Cloghane.

Gerald, born 27 Oct 1882 at Beherbee.

Peter born 04 Oct 1885 at Cloghane.

 

When the tender age of only 15 1/2 years (aged 18 years as per documentation) Eileen aka Ellen emigrated to New Zealand aboard the 'Lady Jocelyn' which departed London 29 August 1879 and arrived at Lyttleton  on 08 December 1879 (as per Canterbury Museum Research Centre records). She was registered as a housemaid from Co Kerry.

       



                            
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It would appear she travelled alone although she was joined later by her two sisters Winifred and Maryanne with whom she had a close relationship in this foreign country.

 

When she was 22, She married Patrick O'Malley, son of Michael O'MALLEY and Margaret FLANNAGAN, on 23 Nov 1886 in Blessed Sacrament, Phillipstown, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Patrick O'Malley and Eileen Marianne SHERIDAN had the following children:

1. John Francis O'MALLEY was born on 17 Feb 1888 in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. He died date Unknown. he married Isabella ARCHIBALD.
2. Patrick William O'MALLEY was born on 11 May 1890 in New Zealand. He died in 1974 in New Zealand. He married Alice ?
3. James Joseph O'MALLEY was born on 12 Jan 1892 in Christchurch, New Zealand . He died on 07 Jul 1942 in Christchurch, New Zealand. He married Ethel Esther MALZARD\MILSWOOD.
4. Peter Charles O'MALLEY was born on 07 Oct 1893 in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. He died in 1894 in Christchurch, New Zealand.
5. Mary Anne O'MALLEY was born on 25 Dec 1894 in New Zealand. She died on 12 Dec 1979. She married Frederick BENNETT.
6. Eileen Margaret O'MALLEY was born on 25 Oct 1896 in Christchurch, New Zealand. She died on 14 Nov 1972 in Christchurch, New Zealand. She married Martin MULLAY.
7. Leo Charles O'MALLEY was born on 26 Jun 1901 in Christchurch, New Zealand. He died on 15 Jan 1959 in Christchurch, New Zealand. He married Doris Mabel BROCKER.
8. Thomas Augustine O'MALLEY was born on 15 Feb 1903 in Christchurch, New Zealand. He died on 20 Jan 1973 in Christchurch, New Zealand at his daughters home, 61 Shortland St, Wainoni. He married Beatrice BIRD.
9. Ambrose O'MALLEY was born on 15 Nov 1905. He died on 14 Oct 1990. Unmarried. 

　

Places of residence included:

1896-1900:She lived in 87 Barbadoes St, Christchurch, New Zealand.

1911 She lived in 18 Essex St, Linwood, Christchurch, New Zealand

1919 She lived in 38 Southwark St, Christchurch East, New Zealand

1928 She lived in 36 Burke St, Christchurch South, New Zealand

　

　

To date very little else is known of her.



She died aged 66 years on 19 Sep 1930, at 82 Fitzgerald Ave, Christchurch, New Zealand. of cerebral thrombosis and myocardial degeneration.

 

 

 

 

She was buried on 22 Sep 1930 in Bromley Cemetery, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Block 27 Plot number: 66

Age: 61 years

Address: 82 Fitzgerald Ave, Christchurch

Occupation: Widow

Born: Ireland

Years in New Zealand: 50.

 

 

 

Eliza FOARD 1831-1876

Eliza Foard was born c1831 in Mayfield, Sussex, England, the seventh child of Stephen Foard and Sarah Boots. She was baptized on 10 Apr 1831 in Mayfield, Sussex, England.

Eliza eventually had eleven siblings, namely: William b1817, Sarah b1820, Henry b1821, John b1823, Stephen b1826, Benjamin b1828, Dinah b1835, Alexander b1837, Frances b1839, Elizabeth Ann b1841, and Charlotte b1844

In 1841 she resided at High Street, Mayfield and by 1851 Eliza was living as housekeeper to her widowed brother William and his three young children at 16 Crown Square, Camberwell, Surrey.

When she was 25, at the Parish Church of St Giles, Camberwell, in the presence of brother William and sister Frances, she married Daniel KING (son of John KING and Hannah) on 18 October 1856

Daniel and Eliza had the following children:

1. Henry T KING was born about Sep 1857 in Newington, Surrey, England. Originally thought to have been buried at Mayfield 08 May 1861, however, a photo taken in 1906 names Henry as present.
   
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 at the home of Daniel Edward King, Temuka.
4. Thomas KING was born about 1865 in Lambeth, Surrey, England. He died on 25 Sep 1944 in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. He married Isabella MILES on 12 Feb 1885 in Office of the Registrar, Temuka, South Canterbury, NZ. He married Margaret MARRA on 06 Oct 1909 in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.
5. Sarah KING was born about 1867 in Lambeth, Surrey, England.
6. John KING was born about 1870 in Lambeth, Surrey, England.
7. Elizabeth Ann KING was born in 1873.

Between her marriage and 1874, Eliza and her family lived at Mayfield and Croydon.

At age 40 Eliza, Daniel, and their 6 youngest children emigrated to New Zealand aboard the 'Carisbrooke Castle' which departed London on 30 May1874 and arrived at Lyttleton, New Zealand on 3 September 1874. An epidemic of measles broke out soon after departure claiming the life of 20 children, this must have been horrific for the family who had no way to escape the cramped and closed living conditions. An account of the voyage and other interesting miscellaneous information can be read at  http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nzlscant/carisbrooke.htm  

CARISBROOKE CASTLE, From London to Lyttelton, New Zealand

The Carisbrooke Castle, 1451 tons, ship, arrived Lyttelton, 3 September 1874 after a 93-day voyage. Michael Cook, a steerage passenger, sent his diary of the voyage back to England to his friends and it was printed in a local newspaper. 23% of the children who came down with measles on the voyage died.

Timaru Herald, 4 September 1874, Page 3

The Phoebe will arrive at Timaru to-day. with 250 immigrants, from the Carisbrooke Castle, at Lyttelton. The Carisbrooke Castle, 1415 tons, John Freebody, from London, with 490 immigrants, came to an anchorage in Lyttelton harbor on Wednesday. Twenty-five deaths (all of which were of children under five years, mostly from measles) occurred during the voyage, but the vessel was free from sickness upon arrival. There were five births during the passage. The men are mostly agricultural laborers, and the single girls are described as very creditable and respectable.

Timaru Herald, 7 September 1874, Page 3

Immigrants. - Two hundred and eleven immigrants were landed from the Phoebe at Timaru on Saturday morning. There were four adults from the ship Northampton, 11½ from the Canterbury, and 197½ from the Carisbrooke Castle; those from the last-named vessel comprising 41 families, 49 single men, and 23 single women.The Ship's Papers can be found at Archives New Zealand Wellington. On the microfiche listing, it says there are 5 pages, but in fact, there are 25 pages. The passenger list held at Archives New Zealand, Christchurch Branch.

To date, no record has been found as to why Henry Thomas did not accompany the family to New Zealand. It was assumed he had died as a child, however, a family portrait taken at Teuka in 1906 names Henry as being present.

By October 1875 Eliza and Daniel were expecting their first New Zealand born child.

       8.  Ruth KING was born on 24 May 1876 in Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand.

Eliza's new life in the new country was very short-lived, just a couple of hours after the birth of Ruth she died of confinement complications. The inquest recorded in 'the Timaru Herald' on 26 May 1876 gives quite a detailed and damning account.

Although the report states there had been nine children only eight births have been found to date.

Also to date and despite much research I have not been able to locate any further documentation of Elizas death or burial details.
Sadly baby Ruth lived only 11 months before succumbing to bronchitis on 14 April 1877. Her death certificate states she was buried at Temuka Cemetery although I have been unable to locate any documentation, I like to think baby Ruth and Eliza are resting together.
NB: The birth was not registered until 1877 (probably at the same time as her death).

A historic non-fiction snapshot re the birth of baby Ruth and death of Eliza
 (some poetic license has been taken)... by Corrinne

I don’t blame my Daniel. This was my ninth baby, I never 'ad a doctor at any of them. I knew what to expect.

My Daniel 'ad done the best by us all when he brought us to New Zealand, near on two year ago, and we was settled proper now. I was glad for the clean air, and my Daniel 'ad plenty of farm-work to keep us all warm and fed. It weren’t no 'ardship when we found we was 'aving another wee one.

When my time come, Ann Barrett and Mrs Murphy attended me from 'alf past one. I’d 'ad Ruth by four. She was perfect... an angel ...we was both doin’ well when they left at six.  Ann 'ad to get her Geordies breakfast.

When she came back at eight I weren’t  feelin’ too good but I didn’t want no doctor, I said I’d be good again by lunch.

My Daniel wanted to get the doctor too, but I just wanted a little cornflour to 'elp my faintness ... and a little drop of brandy...but soon I got to dreadin and was afeared  about wee Ruthie... I didn’t want Daniel to leave me... I was feelin real bad.

Daniel went for the doctor anyway, but when he got ‘ere at nine thirty it was too late.

The jury said if Daniel 'ad sent for the doctor in time I would probably be saved, but 'e only done what I told 'im. It weren’t 'is fault.

Information taken from an original  document available at:
INQUEST. Timaru Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 1431, 30 May 1876
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THD18760530.2.28?query=Eliza King

Another possible scenario from Daniels's viewpoint... by Corrinne
(some poetic license taken)

Daniel adjusted the woolen scarf, fastened his jacket, and donned his bowler.

The temperature had dropped dramatically this afternoon and he unconsciously noted a new smattering of snow on the Southern Alps.

As he made his way along Main Street toward home, his mind reviewed the torturous account given yesterday by James Match, the jury foreman... "had medical attendance been called in time, life probably might have been saved." Although not a close friend, Daniel knew James fairly well as a fellow resident of the budding township.

James, he let out an audible sigh, is that what you think? Is it what everybody thinks? If I'd have thought for a second...

Hindsight, a wonderful thing, but in the stark reality, he felt the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Eliza, my rock, gone.

He drew a sharp breath at the physical pain which accompanied his admission and fumbled on in pensive, decisive thought, eyes downcast as he walked.

The older children can help the younger ones, and I will ask young Annie if she can stay on as nurse for the baby.

Another wave of anguish washed over him as he thought how delighted they had been at the prospect of the baby being born in their new country. Now she was the source of his despair.

How can I ever look at her without seeing Eliza lying there so pale and still?
Oh God Eliza, how can I ever bear to look at her?

Rose Elizabeth BIRD 1892-1896

For a long time Rose was just a namesake.

My mother Edna Rose O'MALLEY, had been told she was named for a young sister of her mother who had died... that was it! Mum had never asked any further questions and no other information was given, in fact it was only mentioned to me in passing and by chance one day.

My nana Beatrice BIRD, was the youngest of the two surviving sisters, Doris was the other. It was not known if Rose was older or younger, or whether she had died before or after the family emigrated from England to New Zealand.

Occasionally lady luck gives us a break, or maybe it is our ancestors helping hand... but late 2009 I had managed to reconnect with Lorraine THACKWELL, the daughter of Doris, with whom we had lost contact fifty years earlier. Unfortunately she knew nothing of or about our Rose but a few months later the renewed contact and talk of our family history set her amongst some bits and pieces given to her fifteen years earlier by her sister-in-law after her older brothers passing.
 

THERE IT WAS! a memorial card for Rose.

 

 



This information was timely as I had arranged a trip to England to visit significant ancestral sites and I was due to leave in less than a month.

On 10th September 2010 I was able to take a bunch of flower, sit, and spend some time with our elusive Rose Elizabeth.

Sadly site K-61-F is an unmarked grave, however upon my entry into Dronfield Cemetery two cute little squirrels were playing 'catch me if you can' as they scurried up, down, and around a beautiful old oak tree just along from Roses final resting place setting a playful and tranquil child friendly scene.

                                      this photo taken very close to where Rose's plot is situated

When I arrived home I sent for Roses death certificate. She had died at home, 7 Hartington Road, Dronfield, North East Derbyshire, of Pertussis (whooping cough), Acute Bronchitis, and Pneumonia. Less than 3/4 mile from her final resting place.

Rest in Peace Sweetheart... you are no longer lost and will never be forgotten... two of my own grand-daughters are named Sophie Rose and Lilly Rose.   

Marjorie GREENFIELD 1914-1945

Marjorie was born on 06 September 1914 in Christchurch, New Zealand,  to Albert Percy and Mary Lawyer GREENFIELD, the middle child of three.

Before enlisting in The New Zealand Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, Marjory was a beautician and residing with her parents in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Sat 6/Sun 7 Oct 1945  Special transport flight from Egypt to England. 299 Squadron, RAF (Shepherds Grove, Suffolk - 38 Group) Short Stirling IV LJ668 - took off from Egypt captained by Fg Off C T Dillon, RAF, bound for England, but diverted to Rennes, France, because of high fuel consumption. On entering the circuit difficulties were encountered with radio communication between aircraft and ground, whilst approach to the airfield was hampered by a 200-foot cloud base and inadequate airfield lighting. Although homed on to the correct runway and seen from the ground, the captain could not see the flare path when at 150 feet. He carried out an overshoot, called at 0028 to advise he had only 10 minutes fuel left and immediately crashed while turning to port, and burned out.
The six crew, eight RAF, two Navy and 10 Army passengers died, three New Zealanders being amongst the latter.
Passenger: 822452 Cpl Margery GREENFIELD, NZ WAAC -  aged 31.

Margery is buried at Rennes, Ille-et-Vilaine, Bretagne, France Sec. 18. Plot 1. Row B. Grave 4.

Both of Marjorie's siblings were also enrolled in the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Forces:

Frances Ruth Greenfield born 28 Oct 1912- died 17 Jan 2000, service number 71996

John Robert Greenfield born 15 Nov 1919- died 1996, service number 26687

Addition April 2026

Dear Margery -penned by and sung (to the tune of ‘Green Fields of France’) to Margery Greenfield (service number 822452, NZWAAC) by her cousin Rob Greenfield, April 2026 at her War Commission graveside in Rennes Eastern Communal Cemetery, Sec 18. Plot 1. Row B. Grave 4. France. 

Dear Margery, 

Oh, you are the true Greenfield of France.
We’ve come many miles, now we have had the real chance
to honour your life, your service, and your fun
which enabled us Kiwis more peaceful days under the sun. 

You did not demur when they made the loud call 

for brave hearted Tuis to swoop down in stations of war. 

The troops, they did love you, and some proffered a ring, 

But you quietly declared you had other songs to sing. 

Dear Margery, 

Oh, you are the true Greenfield of France, 

and the love of your brother-like cousins was very enhanced, 

They grieved at their loss, but they were so proud 

of the many fine tributes that upon you were endowed. 

 They remembered the tales of mischief and prank, 

and were amazed how you requested the high flying Yank, 

to take you air hopping over the Naples Bay 

and he quickly replied ‘Swell Honey, that is okay!’

Dear Margery, 

Oh, you are the true Greenfield of France, 

and you’re laid down below after your last dance. 

While this happened a long time ago, 

no one will forget the Miss Margery show.  

They still write about you in your old school town, 

and your cousin Corrinne ensures your memory won’t drown.

Your medals mark a war so loud, 

and Margery, we thank you for making us proud. 

Dear Margery 

Oh, you are the true Greenfield of France. 

We say merci and adieu until the next chance. 

The world has changed and not always for good, 

but the fine Margery spirit remains afloat and forever should. 

You did not demur when they made the loud call 

for brave hearted Tuis to swoop down in stations of war.

We’ve come many miles, now we have the real chance

to honour your life, your service, and your fun

which enabled us Kiwis more peaceful days under the sun.

NB:   The term "Tuis" refers to women who served as welfare workers during World War II, specifically in the New Zealand Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (W.A.A.C.) known as the New Zealand Forces Club in Cairo. These women provided essential support, including preparing food, organizing events, and caring for soldiers' needs. The Tuis played a crucial role in maintaining morale and providing a sense of home for New Zealand soldiers in the Middle East and Italy.