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. 

Milne Family - Robert Fraser and Elizabeth Milne (Second generation)

Robert Fraser was born on the 1st August 1862 in Skene, Aberdeen, Scotland. Fraser would have been 3 years old when he arrived in New Zealand with his parents, John and Jane. The youngest of twelve children Fraser was their seventh sons.
The Milne's were very keen on their riddles. Many entries can be found in the newspapers.

NEW RIDDLES.,
Otago Witness, Issue 1492, 19 June 1880

ANSWERS TO RIDDLES,
Otago Witness, Issue 1495, 10 July 1880

On the 21st April 1886 Robert married Elizabeth Phillips, the sister of Jane Ann his brother Alexander Innes' wife.

MARRIAGES.,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 7550, 29 April 1886

Farming at Woodlands in 1890-1896, Robert and Elizabeth had five children during this time.

Mary was born on the 24 November 1886, named after her Aunty Mary possibly, who passed away in the same year on October 20th. Not until 1918, when Mary is 32 years old, she marries Aubrey Cyril Witting (1896/14058 Otautau -1971)(m.1918/5175). Aubrey is a school-teacher from Invercargill. In 1935 Mary and Aubrey resided at 12 Maitland street, Invercargill. Mary died on the 12 Dec 1961, aged 75 and buried with her husband at the Eastern cemetery.

(b.1886/18489 d.1962/31360).

Roberta (Ruby) was born in 1890. From 1911-1914 Roberta, a spinster, living at Woodlands. In 1915 she marries David Tweedie Wilson (1885-1961) (m.1915/7312). In 1914, David is a farming at Mabel Bush. Two children follow, Gladys (1918-1984) and Alexander (1921-1993). In 1935 they are living at 55 St. Andrews St., Invercargill, David is a labourer. Roberta dies in 1952, at the age of 76 years and buried with her husband David, their two children, Gladys (66 yrs) and Alexander (71 yrs), their partners and a grandson at the Eastern cemetery Invercargill.

(b. 1890/5024 d.1952/20755)

Frank Cameron, Robert and Elizabeth's eldest son was born in 1891. In 1914 at the age twenty-two, Frank married Elizabeth Florence Reid (1894-1919) (m.1914/5411). Frank is a Cheesemaker living in Woodlands. Two children followed Elizabeth Florence Lilian (b.1915/22470) and Robert Ian (b.1917/4743) sadly two years later Elizabeth dies on the 19th August 1919, only 24 years old (d.1919/7216). Elizabeth is buried with her parents at the Lumsden cemetery. Childbirth?
With two young children, three years later in 1922 Frank (30 yrs) old marries Isabella Stewart Somerville (23yr) (m.1922/2148). In 1924 they have a daughter Isabel Wilson (b.1924/???). Sadly in 1933, Isabel, her mother and Isabella sister Jean were killed in a car accident. Isabel was only 9 years old (d.1933/15493) and her mother Isabella, 34 years old. (b.1899/1932 d.1933/8983).

Isabel and her daughter are buried together with Isabella's parents Isabella and John Someville at the Eastern cemetery, Invercargill.

A FATAL PLUNGE, Otago Daily Times, Issue 21947, 8 May 1933

The following year Frank (43yrs) marries Isabella's sister, Margaret Stuart Someville (25yrs) (b.1909/1613 m.1934/10443 d.1960/21662). Children???? In the 1946 Frank and Margaret are living in Wyndham, Frank's occupation is Cheesemaker. By 1957 Frank is retired and they are living at 508 Tweed Street, Invercargill. On the 18th August 1958 Frank dies age 68 and is buried at the Eastern cemetery, Invercargill with his wife Margaret who died 23 years later on 3rd November 1981 aged 72.

(b 1891/8085 d.1958/27903) 

Alexander Innes, Robert and Elizabeth's fourth child, was born on the 4 February 1893. Alexander Innes attended Southland Boys' High School from 1907-09 and in 1911. In 1914 he is living at 21 Eye Street, Invercargill and is a teacher.

In June of 1915 Alexander (Glenorchy) joins the Eighth Otago Mounted Rifles and served overseas for the following four years. Alexander's WWI military record.
The John Favel listed below, with Alexander, is my great-grandfather

SEVENTH REINFORCEMENTS.,
Oamaru Mail, Volume XL, Issue 12565, 11 June 1915

On the 24 June 1919, Alexander married, Jennie Evelyn Wakefield (1885-1963) at Aigburth, St Anne, Lancashire, England. Alexander returned to New Zealand on 1 September 1919 aboard the "Athenic" possibly his bride Jennie accompanying him. Arrival of war brides into Wellington 1919

In 1919 Alexander and Jennie are living in Pembroke, Central Otago and Alexander is teaching.
(NB. There is also a younger Alexander Milne  from Lawrence teaching in Otago at around the same time he is also a return serviceman)

Alexander and Jennies first child Mary is born in 1920, Alexander Wakefield arrives in 1923 and their third child Elizabeth in 1924. 

School Vacations.,
Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle,
Volume XVIX, Issue 961, 24 December 1923

The 1928 Electoral roll records Alexander and Jennie living in Nighcaps. Alexander is teaching.

OTAUTAU PROGRESSIVE LEAGUE.,
Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle,
Volume XXVI, Issue 1294, 18 November 1930

All three Milne children are mentioned in teh newspaper article below, I think, Miss Mary Milne presented with School Dux (although Mr Milne refers to her parents?) Alex and Betty taking part in the concert too.

OTAUTAU SCHOOL CONCERT.,
Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle,
 Volume XXVII, Issue 1350, 22 December 1931

Alexander teaches at various schools in Southland including, headmaster at Otautau school from 1923-1931 and head teacher at the District High in Alexandra 1935-1938.

ALEXANDRA .,
Otago Daily Times, Issue 22353, 29 August 1934

PERSONAL,
Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette,
Issue 1957, 29 August 1934

The 1938 Electoral roll records Alexander and Jennie living in Alexandra.

PERSONAL, Dunstan Times, 18 September 1939

Alexander joins the 4th Otago National Reserve in 1939 - WWII 3/18/1209

By 1946 Alexander and Jennie are living at 5 Claremont Street, Dunedin their son Alexander is an Engineer.

On the 24 April 1952 Alexander and his English wife Jennie, with their daughter sailed to Southampton, Hampshire, England aboard the "Rangitane". Elizabeth's occupation is recorded as Mathematician. They return a year later on the 21 February 1953 departing from London for New Zealand aboard the "Rangitane".

In 1954 Alexander has retired and is living with his wife Jennie in Wanaka, Central Otago. Three years later at the age of 64 Alexander dies and his buried at the Andersons Bay cemetery. Jennie passes on the 10 November 1963 and is buried with Alexander in Dunedin (d. 1963/30094).

(b.1893/8810 d.1957/25032)

John "Ewart", Robert and Elizabeth's youngest was born in 1898. In 1916 John is working in Gore for the railway as a fencer and enlisted in the Army Reserves. At the age of 20 in 1918 John married Sylvia Louisa Bonney (m.1918/3813). By 1928 John and Sylvia are living in Timaru, at 13 Market Street and John is working as a shunter for N.Z.R. Sadly in 1930 John was killed in a railway accident. John is buried at the Woodlands cemetery. Sylvia married again in 1934.
(b.1898/6140 d.1930/7681)

SHUNTER KILLED BY TRAIN,
Patea Mail, Volume LI, 21 July 1930

Robert Milne and his sons (from left) Alex, Frank, Robert and Ewart.

Elizabeth  died on the 9th March 1942 aged 78 (d.1942/19479) and Robert on the 5th July 1947 died at the aged 84 (d.1947/29645). They are buried together at the Woodlands cemetery.

Robert and Elizabeth Milne, cira 1935

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz

Milne Family - Mary and William Bennetto (Second generation)

John and Jane's eleventh child and youngest daughter was born on 23rd April 1860 in Skene,Scotland and would have been 5 years old when she arrived in New Zealand.

Mary attend Long Bush school and went on to qualified as a pupil teacher when she was only 14 years old. teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/34424/pupil-teachers

LONG BUSH.,
Southland Times, Issue 1871, 27 February 1874

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4382, 6 March 1876

It would appear Mary then taught at a number of school area Southland and Otago.

TEACHERS' SCIENCE EXAMINATIONS.,
 Otago Witness, Issue 1477, 6 March 1880

EDUCATION" BOARD., Evening Star, Issue 5349, 29 April 1880

EDUCATION BOARD.,
Clutha Leader, Volume VII, Issue 397, 20 May 1881

In 1886 Mary aged 26 years she married William Francis Bennetto, from Milton. (m.1886/1867)

MARRIAGES.,
 Otago Witness, Issue 1782, 16 January 1886

Sadly nine months later Mary passed away at Fairflax (Milton).

Bruce Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 1800,
29 October 1886

DEATH., Southland Times, Issue 9355, 22 October 1886

Mary is buried with her mother and father at the Eastern cemetery, Invercargill.

In 1891 William married again to Aby McKenize. They had son William Francis the following year.

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz

bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz

icc.govt.nz/cemeteries/cemetery-search

Milne Family - Ann and Francis Cameron (Second generation)

Ann was John and Jane's fourth daughter and tenth child. "Annie" was 6 years old when she arrived in New Zealand. At the age of twenty-nine in 1888 Annie married Francis Joseph Cameron (1959-1916/6505) (m.1888/726). Francis' address listed in the 1887-1888 Wise's NZ Post Office Directory is Sarah Street, Timaru his occupation is reporter.
By 1905 Annie and "Frank" are living in Butler Street, Timaru, and Frank is sub-editor at the Herald.

Four years later in 1909 at the young age of fifty Annie dies and Frank follows in 1916 aged 57. (d.1909/4018)

PERSONAL ITEMS.,
 Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13877, 14 April 1909

DEATHS.,
Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13932, 18 June 1909

OBITUARY.,
Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13932, 18 June 1909

BOATS ON OPIHI.,
Timaru Herald, Volume CIV, Issue 15917, 21 March 1916

BOATS ON THE OPIHI.,
Timaru Herald, Volume CIV, Issue 15918, 22 March 1916

Seven years later seemingly although in the peak of health Frank dies suddenly.

Timaru Herald,
 Volume CV, Issue 16063, 9 September 1916

Page 1 Advertisements Column 7,
Timaru Herald, Volume CV, Issue 16063, 9 September 1916

LATE MR F. CAMERON.,
Timaru Herald, Volume CV, Issue 16064, 11 September 1916

DEATH OF WELL KNOWN JOURNALIST.,
Timaru Herald, Volume CV, Issue 16063, 9 September 1916

Annie and Frank are buried at the Timaru cemetery.

Frank's brother Joseph Cameron.

OBITUARY.,
Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13652, 21 July 1908

Wise´s New Zealand Post Office Directory
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz

Milne Family - Alexander Innes and Jane Ann Milne (Second generation)

John and Jane's eight child and sixth son was born on 23 Nov 1858 in Skene, Aberdeeshire, Scotland. Alexander Innes was 7 years old when he arrived in New Zealand with his parents settling in Woodlands, Southland. Alexander is my great-great grandfather.

A farmer at Woodlands in 1880 Alexander marries Jane Ann Phillips (1867-1938) on 24 Nov 1885.

MARRIAGES., Otago Daily Times, Issue 7426, 3 December 1885

From 1880 - 1905 Alexander farms at Woodlands. Jane appears to be a domestic in Mataura for most of this time.

Five children arrived -

Thomas Alexander (my great grandfather) born on the 29 August 1886 he was 23 years old when he married Jessie Sinclair (1882-1949) on the 23 March 1910 (m. 1910/1807). I will continue Thomas and Jessie's family story on a subsequent blog.
(b.1886/13757 d.1957/35442)

John was born in 1888 and lived in Mataura from 1911 - 1919 at the Mataura, Selbourne St address shared by many of the Milne family. His occupation was papermaker. I can not find any records after 1919.
(b.1888/15994 d.????)

James Shepard was born in 1889 and the married Norah Mary Nolan (1888-1961) in 1918 (m.1918/1741) they also lived at the Mataura, Selbourne St. address. James occupation was painter. He died very young aged only 40 and his buried at the Mataura cemetery with his wife and daughter Mavis Mary Milne. Mavis was only 10 years old when her father died.
Photo and details of Mavis Milne's life in Mataura. Held by the Mataura Museum
(b. 1889/11195 d.1930/4753).

Alexandrina was born on the 10th July 1891. In 1917 she is living at the Selbourne Street with her family when at the age 18 years, she marries William Fraser (1889-1962) who was 28 (m.1917/2224). They then move to 80 Elles Road, Invercargill. William's occupation is cashier. From 1928-1938 they live a 18 Hardy Street and William is a commercial traveller. By 1949 Alexandrina and William are in Waimahaka, east of Invercargill and Willam is a shorekeeper. In 1954 they are back in Invercargill living at 29 Lansdowne Street, William is a storekeeper. In 1957 they are at the same address but William occupation is listed as clerk. Alexandrina is still living 29 Lansdowne Street in 1972, but is now a widow. Alexandrina died in 1972 age 82 and is buried with her husband at the Eastern cemetery, Invercargill. Children?????
(b.1889/11195 d.1972/46137

Robert Fraser was born on the 2 May 1897 in 1917 Robert was working as a clerk before he enlisted in army. Joining the New Zealand Rifle Brigade Reinforcements Company H Serial No. 58786. Robert was killed in action on the 9th September 1918 aged 21 years. This link will take you to a photo of young Robert Fraser and a copy of a page from his diary.
http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/C10803
(b.1897/8699 d.1918/81163)

The photo below shows what looks like a lunchtime gathering maybe at the Mataura, Selbourne St address. Ennis Milne (my grandfather) was born in 1911 so must be cira. 1915.

Circa. 1915

Not sure what Alexander is up to between 1911 - 1919 I can't find him on the Electoral Rolls. From 1928 - 1938 Alexander's occupation is recorded as carpenter, they living at 9 River street, Mataura in 1938. His occupation is recorded as retired freezing worker employee in his probate records Thomas is the executor of his will.

Jane Ann died a year before Alexander, on the 24th August 1938 aged 71, Alexander on the 25 March 1939 aged 80. I do not know where they are buried! (d.1939/27798).

Is this Alexander Innes Milne and his wife, Jane?

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz

Milne Family - Isabel and Henry Parker (Second generation)

John and Jane's third daughter Isabella Mary Shepherd Milne was born in Skene on 19 Jan 1857.

Isabel would have been 8 years old when she arrived in New Zealand. Some years later at the age 39 Isabella Mary (b.1857 d.1919/616) marries Henry Albert Parker (b.1874/48974 d.1912/3929).
(m.1898/991). Isabella was 41 year old when she married Henry who was a 24 years old.

Children followed
Henry Albert Jr. (b.1898/6319 d.1983/41780) married Margaret Stewart Black (b.1898/500 d.1963/28969) (m.1918/1743).
Both are buried at the Green Point cemetery, Bluff.

Judging by the Reg. Nos. twins followed and Isabella by now 42 years old.
Ernest James a grocers' assistant in Bluff in 1935 died only 39 years old is also buried in the Green Point cemetery.
(b.1899/11980 d.1938/16996)
Eric John is a barman in Bluff in 1949. Eric dies at the age of 64 and is buried in the Riverton cemetery.
(b.1899/11981 d.1964/43130)

In 1900 Henry is working as a groom in Waikawa by 1911 they have moved to End Street, Mataura. Henry very young aged 37 in 1912.

DEATH., Mataura Ensign, 8 March 1912

Isabella was 62 years old when she died.

DEATH., Mataura Ensign, 8 February 1919

Isabella and Henry are buried together at the Mataura Cemetery.


Scotland, Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950. Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2013.
http://www.goredc.govt.nz
bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz

Milne Family - Thomas Shepherd and Mary Ann Milne (Second generation)

Thomas, John and Jane's fifth son, was born in 1855 in Skene, Aberdeenshire, Scotland and was 10 years old when he arrived in New Zealand.

It would appear Thomas enjoyed a riddle!

NEW RIDDLES.,
Otago Witness, Issue 1491, 12 June 1880

In 1882 at the age of 28 Thomas married Mary Ann Smith (b.1860/12631 d.1934/10998).

(m.1883/827)

MARRIAGE., Southland Times, Issue 4555, 15 February 1883

Children followed:

John Henry, born in 1883 (named after his late cousin, I would think ) at the late age of 40 married Christina Scott. Last address McNab, Southland. John and Christina are buried at the Gore cemetery.

(b.1883/19413 m.1923/7549 d.1968/27067) 

May died only 6 days old, think she might be buried at the the Woodlands cemetery.

(b.1884/8758  d.1884/1892) (think May and Isabella may have been twins, very close Reg. No.) 

Isabella Pentland (b.1884/8760 m. d. ) Mary's mother name. Married Albert George Clarke in 1908. Three children followed.

In 1928 Isabella and Albert are living in Kana Street, Mataura. Albert is an Engineer Driver. Both Isabella and Albert are buried in the Mataura cemetery.

Jane "Jeanie" Dawson, Thomas and Mary's third daughter was born in 1886 and given Thomas's mother's name. In 1909 aged 21 Jane marries Thomas "Pop" Jenkin(s) (1870 Brighton, Dunedin-1959 Oamaru, North Otago). Eight children followed.

Also Margaret (Peggy) Jean (1919-1993) and Isabella (Ella) Agnes (1922-2002) can not find their Birth Registration record. Two stillborn children were registered in 1913/7593 and 1918/11532.

(b.1886/9104 m.1909/6317 d.1943/29018 )

AdPage 1 Advertisements Column 7,
Southland Times, Issue 9130, 1 February 1886

Page 3 Advertisements Column 2, Southland Times, Issue 9262, 7 July 1886

Page 3 Advertisements Column 1,
Southland Times, Issue 9367, 5 November 1886

Thomas and Mary may have overcapitalised.

Mary Ann, Thomas and Mary's youngest was given her mother's name was born in 1888. In 1911 a spinster, living with her parents at Tuturau, Mary Ann married David Milne (no relation I hope). Three children followed. William George Bruce was born in Canterbury.

(b.1888/6665 m.1911/2029  d.????) 

In 1896-1905 Thomas Shepherd and Mary Ann are living in Mataura. Thomas occupation is farm servant. Thomas farms in Tuturau not far from Mataura from 1911-1938. Mary Ann dying on the 6th Nov. 1934, Thomas lived another 7 years before passing on 3rd Sept. 1941 aged 86 years. They are buried together in the Mataura cemetery.

(d.1934/10998)(d.1941/25107).

bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz

New Zealand Electoral Rolls, 1853–1981.

New Zealand Cemetery Records.