My Family Tree Families - Milne, Pearce, Murray and Favel

I am a sixth generation New Zealander whose ancestors come from good Scottish and English stock. I have been gathering information about my distant relatives for many years now. Where they lived, what they did, how many sisters and brothers they had, how long they lived and sometimes I am lucky enough to get a photo. I have spent a lot of time (my husband is very tolerant) looking for newspaper clippings which I  find gives very good accounts of their daily lives here in the deep south of New Zealand. I would like to share this accumulated information (I have lots of it) with anyone who is interested and hope a blog will help me do this. I did have a book in mind but a blog I hope will be a lot less challenging than publishing of a book maybe! Connecting with some distant relatives would be the icing on the cake (don't worry I will give you plenty of warning before I turn up on your doorstep). 

Who are my ancestors? On my paternal side John Milne and his wife Jane Dawson arrived in NZ in 1865 all the way from from Clatt, Aberdeenshire, Scotland and Frederick Pearce and his wife Clara Jane Cantello, who arrived much later in 1913, from South Wraxall, Wiltshire, England. On my maternal side James Murray arrived in 1866 from Stoneykirk, Wigtownshire, Scotland marrying Agnes McKay (someone who I know very little about) in 1869 in South Otago, New Zealand. John Favel and his wife Elizabeth Rayner left Wainfleet All Saints, Lincolnshire, England in 1850 travelling to New Zealand via Australia.

Over the coming months I will share with you My Family's Story. Search the blog archives and you find a wee something about each family. 

Murray family - John and Violet later Essie Murray - Second generation

James and Agnes' seventh child, my  great-grandfather, John William was born on the 23 September 1884 at Waipahi. At the age of 8 John attended Port Molyneux School. At the age of 22, in 1906 John married Violet Jean Field (m.1906/5328). Five years later, in 1911 John and Violet are living at Port Molyneux John is working as a Flaxmiller.

John and Violet had five children soon after their wedding.

James b. 1907
Thomas Hugh b.1908 (my grandfather)
John William b. 1910
Lauchie McKay b. 1911
Violet Jean b. 1912

Sadly, Violet died at the young age of 27 years on 21 October 1912, not long after the birth of her fith child and only daughter Violet Jean on the 18 September 1912. It is thought that Violet went to live with her Aunty Agnes Cunningham and family at Romahapa.

DEATHS.,
Otago Witness, Issue 3058, 23 October 1912

Thomas is enrolled at Port Molyneux school on the 23 Feb 1914 aged 5 but leaves on the 23 March 1914 to go to Dunedin. The boys are placed in the Presbyterian Children's home, Anderson Bay (Glendining). Thomas Hugh is enrolled on the 12 Oct 1914 and Lachlan on the 5 Feb. 1917 at the Andersons Bay School, Dunedin. Six years later the boys return home and are attending Waitepeka school in 1920. They also spend time at Warepa school. John  attends Port Molyneux school from 6 Feb 1923 to 30 Nov 1923 leaving at  Std VI.

Page 1 Advertisements Column 6,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 16242, 27 November 1914

AMUSEMENTS,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 16559, 6 December 1915

James, John and Violet's first born arrived on the 21 Dec 1907 (b.1907/25609). At the age of 21, in 1928 James is living in Lanark street, Balclutha and is a hairdresser. By 1938 James has moved to Clyde Street. Between 1 Jul - 31 Dec 1942 James was called up to service (WWII Serial No. 430615). By 1981 James has retired and is living at 98 Charlotte Street, Balclutha. James died at the ripe old age of 89 on the 9 August 1997 in Balclutha. James did not marry.

Thomas Hugh was born on the 20 August 1908 at Mataura (b.1908/25150). On the 10 June 1932 aged 23 Thomas married Ivy Elizabeth Favel (1911-1994)(m.1932/9405). Ivy Elizabeth was born on the 10 November 1911 in Riverdale. Ivy also lost her mother when she was very young. Thomas "Hugh" and Ivy were living at 71 Main Street, Mataura in 1935. Thomas was working as a labourer. By 1957 they had moved to 7 Dover Street and Thomas is the Foreman for the Mataura Borough Council. In 1981 still residing at 7 Dover Street (which I know so well and remember very fondly) Thomas is stilling working for the borough at the age of 73. After a time in hospital following a stroke, Thomas died on the 23 July in 1987 aged 78. Ivy died 7 years later at the age of 82. Thomas and Ivy are buried together at the Mataura cemetery. They had 8 children.

John William was born on the 10 Jan 1910 (b.1910/6001). In 1938 John is a veterinary assistant (not veterinary surgeon!) C/o W. Peirson, William Street, Gore. By 1946 John is married to Elfreda Amy Agneta (1923-2002) (m.????).  They are living in 36 Scott street, Mataura and John is working as a Fireman. BY 1978 they have moved to 13 Dover Street, Mataura. Their son Owen John is living with them. John has retired by 1981. Aged 90 years John died on the 26 Sept. 1990 aged 80 years. Alfreda died 12 years later passing on the 2 Nov. 2002. John and Alfreda were cremated and are interred at the Mataura cemetery. Number of children?

Lauchie McKay was born in 1911 (b.1911/23572). Very little is known of Lauchie. In 1943 is living in James Street, Balclutha c/o Mrs Petrie. He appears on the WWII Ballot list - serves on Home Service. In 1946 he is a labourer, working in Riverton. After this Lauchie disappears. The family think he may have gone to Australia however, no contract has ever been made.

Violet Jeannie was born on the 18 Sept. 1912 (b.1912/22779).  In 1935, 23 years old Violet is living in Romahapa, a spinster. In 1936 Violet marries Thomas Patrick Scott (1910-1970? ) a labourer. Violet and Thomas are living in Romahapa 1938 - 1969. By 1972 Violet is a widow and is living at 275 Clyde Street, Balclutha. In 1978 Violet is living at 103 Clyde street. Violet died in 1992 aged 80. Any children???

In 1919 John married Essie Catherine Kirk (1897-1966). John and Essie had five children.
George Kirk (21 Feb 1922-
Robert (31 Mar 1923-
Sarah (???-???
Ellen Essie (11 Sept. 1925 -
Silvie (11 Dec 1926- 

I have only recently learnt of this branch of the family. If any one our there comes across this blog page I would love to hear from you to fill in the gaps.

John died at the young age of 53 years at Port Molyneux. John is buried at the Port Molyneux cemetery wth his first wife Violet.

DEATHS, Otago Daily Times, Issue 23319, 11 October 1937

FUNERAL NOTICE.,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 23319, 11 October 1937

BEREAVEMENT NOTICE,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 23336, 30 October 1937

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 23320, 12 October 1937

Murray family - Agnes and John Cunningham (Second generation)

James and Agnes, seventh child was Agnes Welburn born on the 26 Aug 1882 (b.1882/17290). Agnes middle name is Melburn on the BMD register!

At the age of 21 in 1903, Agnes married John Dyer "Jack" Cunningham (1881-1962) (m.1903/6112). John having recently returned from South African having served with Seventh Contingent for 1 year and 87 days (Trooper: SA4511). John was discharged in June 1902 following two month hospitalisation with Enteric disease (typhoid).

NEW ZEALAND NOTES.,
Southland Times, Issue 16001, 4 April 1902

SOCIAL TO RETURNED TROOPERS,
Clutha Leader, Volume XXVIII, Issue 1536, 18 July 1902

NEW YEAR'S DAY AT PORT MOLYNEUX.,
Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2175, 7 January 1908

PORT MOLYNEUX SPORTS.,
Clutha Leader, Volume XXXVII, Issue 53, 6 January 1911

In 1911 Agnes and John are living in Port Molyneux, John's occupation is Sawyer. The following year they have a big sale of want appears to be most of the worldly processions?

Page 4 Advertisements Column 1,
Clutha Leader, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 80, 26 April 1912

From 1914 - 1919 Agnes and John are living at Puerua which is not far from Romahapa.

FLAXMILL DESTROYED.,
Bruce Herald, Volume L, Issue 10, 5 February 1914

George Petrie and James "Jim" Cunningham, John's brother were millers for years, when Mr Petrie left the district in early 1920's John took over at the mill by 1929 the competition from the Otanomomo mill had meant the Romahapa mill had become uneconomic so it closed. But the Cunningham Bros., Jim and Jack set up a sawmill and worked cutting timber until the war years. Jim drive a solid tyre Republic truck.

SOUTH OTAGO.,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 21040, 31 May 1930

TRANSPORT LICENSING,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 22043, 28 August 1933

CLUTHA NEWS ITEMS.,
Bruce Herald, Volume LV, Issue 35, 8 May 1919

Agnes and John had five children:

Irene Jeannie "Rene" was born on the 6 June 1904 (b.1904/11649). Irene was a keen hockey player and was a member of the 1922 Romahapa team which won the A grade banner and the 'Shield of Otago' in Dunedin (1).

LADIES' HOCKEY.,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 18572, 5 June 1922

Rene married John Frederick Magon in 1929 (m.1929/8610). John a farmer, at "Ferndale" Romahapa in 1928 (b.1903/12753).

Notes for women.,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 20927, 17 January 1930

By 1938, Irene and John are living in Warepa, John is a surfaceman working for NZR. Irene and John have moved to Waihola by 1942, John's name appears on the WWII ballot list. Still living in Waihola in 195, John is a despatch clerk and their son Trevor Henry John (1931-2014) and his wife, Margaret Amelia are also living in Waihola. In 1963, John is retired and living in Waihola with Irene. Irene and John also had a daughter Hilary Irene (1936-2012). Irene died on the 11 May 1969 aged 66 years and John followed a year later on the 17 Nov 1970 aged 66 years. Irene and John are buried together, at the East Taieri cemetery.

George Dyer on the 22 Jan 1907 (b.1907/5429). In 1930, aged 23 George is captain of the Romahapa Rugby team.

BALCLUTHA DISTRICT NEWS.,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 21161, 20 October 1930

In 1935, 28 years George is working as a Sawmiller in Romahapa. By 1941 George is working for the South Otago freezing Company as a Slaughterman.

ARMED FORCES,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 24733, 9 October 1941

Sometime between 1949-1954, George married Mary (Mamie) Stiven born 19 October 1907 (b.1907/24029). In 1954 they are farming in Paretai and still in the area, in 1963 farming at Otanomomo. Between 1978 -1981 George retires and is living with Mary at 6 Ispwich Street, Balclutha.  George died in 1984, aged 77 (d.1984/41251) and Mary 1997. Mary and George are buried together at the Balclutha cemetery. George and Mary did not have children.

Allan James (Snowy) was born on the 13 September 1908 (b.1908/25155). In 1929 Allan James and Vera Clark Fletcher had a child Allan (Lex) James, I think this must be the Allan James, John Dyer Cunningham refers to in his will, leaving him his car. In 1962 Allan James Jr. would have been 33 years old. John Dyer refers to Allan as his adopted son in his will. In 1939 aged 31 years Allan, married Elizabeth "Bessie" Jane Webster Milne (1915-2011) they had five children. 

(1908-1976) 

Colin Murray was born on the 20 December 1913, Agnes and John's fourth child. (b.1914/132533).

A Romahapa farmer in 1938, Colin married Elizabeth Mabel Wright (b. 4 Jan 1921) on the 5 Nov 1941.

ENGAGEMENTS,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 24492, 28 December 1940

Colin served in the 2nd NZEF Pte NZ Ordnance Corps, for a period during WWII 1942. By 1946 Colin has returned and is farming with Elizabeth at Glenomaru. Sometime before 1949 Colin and Elizabeth move to East Winton, Colin occupation is Apiarist. Colin has retired by 1981, 8 years later still living in Winton aged 75 years Colin dies and is buried at the Winton Cemetery with Elizabeth who lived till 2015 passing at 94 years young. Colin and Elizabeth had ??? children.

Agnes Elizabeth (Edna) was born on the 26th December 1916 (b.1917/13367).

Notes for Women,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 21772, 11 October 1932

On the 7th August 1940, Edna aged 23 married Clarence Kenneth Glover (b. 9 Novemner 1917) at the Balclutha Presbyterian Church.

WEDDINGS,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 24381, 20 August 1940

In 1946 Edna and Kenneth are living at Paretai, Kenneth is a cheese-maker. By 1972, Edna and Kenneth are farming and living at River Bank Road, Paretai. Kenneth died 1980 aged 63 years (d.1980/34701). Edna lived a another 32 years passing aged 96 years young (d.2012/5933). Edna and Kenneth are buried together at the Balclutha cemetery. They had four children.

In 1919 John build a large house for his family, a builder by trade, not long after in 1925 his wife Agnes, died at the very young age of 42 years. Edna would have only been 8 years old. John cared for his six children and helped run the flax and saw mills. My family believe that Agnes's younger brother John Murray, youngest Violet (b.1912) came to live with the Cunningham family when she was a baby after her mother died.

DEATHS., Otago Daily Times, Issue 19672, 26 December 1925

IN MEMORIAM,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 22453, 24 December 1934

IN MEMORIAM,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 22762, 24 December 1935 

In 1929 John, aged 48 years, is active in the community and is a member of the Romahapa school committee.

SCHOOL COMMITTEES.,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 20700, 24 April 1929

In 1954, John is still in the flaxmilling business. At the age of 76 in 1957 John is retired. John died aged 81 years on the 25th May 1962 (d.1962/25608). John and Agnes are buried together at the Port Molyneux cemetery.

The Mist of Time : The Story of Romahapa by Ethel U. McLean (1989)
Balclutha Genealogy Society
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz
New Zealand Electoral roll
bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz

Murray family - Elizabeth and James Irvine (Second generation)

James and Agnes sixth child Elizabeth Ann was born in 19 July 1880 (b.1880/12286). On the 29 March 1899, at the Dunedin Presbyterian First Church, Elizabeth married James Irvine Jr. (m.1899/971).

On the evening of James and Elizabeth's marriage, James was presented with gifts from the workers at his father's factory, Irvine & Stevenson, where he worked as a manager.

PERSONAL., Evening Star, Issue 10898, 5 April 1899

Elizabeth and James had five children:

Jane  Murray "Tottie"was born in 1902 (b.1902/02). Jane was a teacher and never married. In 1954 she was living with her parents at 61 Royal Terrace later moving to 39 Opoho Road.  She died in 1990 aged 88. Jane is buried at the Anderson Bay cemetery with her parents.

James Wilson was born on the 19th Dec 1904 (b. ??). In 1928 James was a student living at home 61 Royal Terrace. At the age of 26 in 1930 James graduates with BDS.

Page 6 Advertisements Column 2,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 21210, 16 December 1930

Page 11 Advertisements Column 6,
 Evening Star, Issue 22099, 5 August 1935

In 1942 James names appears on the WWII ballot list. But I have been unable to find a army Serial No. for him so it is he possibly he did not go to war. His occupation in 1942 is Dental Surgeon and he is living at Ravelston St, St Kilda. By 1946, James is married to Jessie Eleanor Bichan (b.1912/13999) and living at 9 Botha Street. Jessie died on 2 June 1963 at the young age of 49. James died on 13 April 1984, aged at Ross Home NEV Dunedin aged 79 years previously residing 36 Silverton Street, Dunedin. Both James and Jessie are buried at the Anderson Bay cemetery.

Albert Ross was born in 1907 (b.1907/13456). At the age of 19 he passed his Matriculation and Solicitor's General Knowledge examines. In 1928 Albert is living at home and is employed as a clerk.

MATRICULATION RESULTS,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 19696, 25 January 1926

In 1934 Albert marries Clarice Christina Alison Weir (b.1907/8158)(m.1934/353).

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 22219, 23 March 1934

Albert and Clarice are living in Earl's Road, St. Clair in 1935.  Two sons follow in 1936 and 1939.

BIRTHS,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 22845, 1 April 1936

BIRTH,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 23887, 15 August 1939

Albert and Clarice attending a party hosted by Mrs Jack Scott.

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL,
Evening Star, Issue 22757, 18 September 1937

Mrs A.R. Irvine is a member of the St. Clair Women's Club and offers a vocal recital.

ST. CLAIR WOMEN’S CLUB,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 24697, 28 August 1941

On the 12 Nov 1942 Albert is listed an accountant, working at his father's business, Irvine & Stevenson's, St George Company Ltd a month later on the 15 Dec, as a lino mechanic, should be clerk, working at the Evening Star. Albert is given a "sine die adjournment" to serve with the Home guard.

ARMED FORCES BOARD,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 25071, 12 November 1942

SERVICE APPEALS,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 25100, 16 December 1942

 In 1946 Albert is living at 18 Wycolla Avenue, with Clarice. In 1954 Albert and Clarice are living at 114 Milton St, Nelson Albert occupation is listed as manufacturer. Albert dies on the 1 Oct 1965, aged 58 years and is buried in Nelson at the Marsden cemetery.

Clarice, now widowed is living at 69 Bronte Street, Nelson in 1981. In 1818 Clarice died aged 88 on the 21 Jan 1996 and is buried with her husband.

Agnes Mavis "Maisey" was born on the 19 Sept 1909 (b.1909/14949). In 1932, aged 23 Maisey married Gilchrist Archibald Brown (1902-1961) (m. 1932/4021). In 1935 Agnes is living at 7 Dudley Place and Gilchrist, a chauffeur is at St Leonards. By 1946, they are both living at 7 Dudley Place. Gilchrist is working as mechanic. Gilchrist died on 14th May 1961 at the Dunedin hospital, aged 59 years. He was cremated and his ashes scattered at the Anderson Bay cemetery (d.1961/27059). In 1972, a home assistant, Agnes is still living at 7 Dudley Place. On the 20 August 1995 aged 85 Agnes dies she was cremated and her ashes scattered (d.1995/44073).

In 1911 Elizabeth and James were living at 61 Royal Terrace, Dunedin. James occupation was manufacturer.

Betty Evans was born 6 year later (b.1915/15333). She attended Arthur Street school and then on to St. Dominic's College.

END OF SCHOOL YEAR,
Evening Star, Issue 18819, 18 December 1924

SCHOOL YEAR ENDS,
Evening Star, Issue 22834, 17 December 1937????

 Attending the Dental ball in 1935 she would have been 20 years old.

WOMAN’S WORLD,
Evening Star, Issue 22007, 17 April 1935

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL,
Evening Star, Issue 22337, 13 May 1936

At the age of 22 years attending a Coming-of-Age party.

COMING-OF-AGE PARTY,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 23221, 19 June 1937

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 23861, 15 July 1939

Sometime before 1946 Betty married Richard John Bennett. From 1946 - 1949 they live at 167 Maitland St. Dunedin. John is an Insurance Inspector. By 1954 Betty and Richard have move to Wellington and then made a big move sometime before 1963 to Fairy Meadow, NSW Australia. Betty live in Fairt Medow for some thirty years before Betty passes away on the 27 Aug 1993 aged 78. Only three years later Richard passes away on the 24 June 1996. He was 82 years old. They are both buried at the Wollongong cemetery, NSW, Australia.

On the 21 Feb 1931, Elizabeth died at the young age of 50 (d.1931/2021). Betty would have been only 16 years old.

DEATHS., Otago Daily Times, Issue 21267, 23 February 1931

Only three years later James died aged 59 years old.

DEATHS., Evening Star, Issue 21812, 30 August 1934

OBITUARY,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 22355, 31 August 1934

Elizabeth and James are buried together at Andersons Bay cemetery, Dunedin.

bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz
New Zealand Electoral rolls