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This topic is a bit different in that rather than requesting help for a specific problem I’d like to tell you a story instead. My reason for telling it is two-fold: to illustrate what resources I used and the conclusions I reached in the hope this might help other researchers; and because I enjoy social history and often wonder about the hidden lives of those individuals we investigate on forums like this.
Now, this being RootsChat, I know that you’ll want to help, but I don’t want anyone racing ahead and stealing my thunder! Feel free to ask questions, but let the story unfold. I do have questions for you, and I’ll ask these in bold text.
Righto, let’s get started.
I first bumped into Thomas Fellows WALTON in a coroner’s report relating to the suicide on 3 June 1871 of Henry MEARS, the publican of Blenheim’s Masonic Hotel. Walton had been asked by Mrs Mears to ‘look after’ her husband but found himself trying to save his life.
MEARS was born in England about 1833, the son of John, a fishmonger. In May 1857 he married the Irish-born Margaret HANNON (c’ 1841-1921) at Camberwell SRY LDN. Two children at least were born in England, Annie Margaret (1860-1942), who in 1880 married my g-g-grandfather, George William RILEY (1844-1893), a future Mayor of Blenheim; and Annie’s younger sister Mary Elizabeth (c’1867-1944) who married James MCHATTIE (1860-1951) in 1890. Henry and Annie Mears emigrated to New Zealand prior to 1864 and by that year were living in Blenheim. They returned once to England, travelling back to New Zealand on the Queen Bee which arrived at Nelson in September 1868.
Henry featured in local amateur theatrics and was renowned locally as an opera singer. But by 1871 Henry had succumbed to alcoholism, and on the day he took his own life he was suffering from delirium tremens, a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that involves sudden and severe mental or neurological changes including seizures and self-harm.
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Henry MEARS was found in the hotel’s pantry by the hotel’s cook, Mary CLARK, who immediately ran for Walton, whose account begins earlier in the morning when he was first asked by Margaret MEARS to watch her husband:
Thomas Fellows Wharton WALTON on his oath saith as follows:
I am a labourer. On Saturday morning last about 10 O’clock I was called in by Mrs MEARS, wife of deceased, and asked to look after him as she was busy. I took him in hand. I went into his bedroom. He was lying on the bed partly dressed. He looked very wild. I spoke to him and he said good morning. He said he would get up. He put on his shoes and came out of his bedroom and went into the Bar Parlour. He sat there some time. He had about half a glass of Ale. He drank some. I said it is a fine morning, you had better come outside it will do you good. He went outside and walked to Mr SMITH’S shop, about 20 or 30 yards off. Deceased sat on Smith’s doorstep, I sat inside. He sat there from 10 to 15 minutes. He then got up and came to his house. He took half a glass of beer. He then vomited. He then came into this room and lay on the sofa. He might have lain 10 minutes. He was very restless. We went to Smith’s shop again. He sat again on the doorstep for five or ten minutes. He came back to the house. He challenged a person at the bar to Billiards. He went into the Billiard Room and began playing. He played very badly. He continued for about a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes. He seemed to get sick or faint and left off. He went to the bar and had half a glass more Ale. Dinner was then announced. We both went to the kitchen. It was about half past twelve O’clock. Deceased took the head of the table, and took the carving knife and fork in his hand. He helped me and two other lodgers came in. He said to one of them, John SMITH, you carve, I am too shaky. He laid down the knife and fork. He then sat on the right of the Carver. He went round with meat and greens. He ate four or five mouthfuls. He rose from the table, placed his hand over his mouth and ran out of the room. I saw him vomit outside the room. He did not come back but went along a passage leading to his bedroom. I finished my meal and went after him. I was not more than two minutes away from him. I saw him to his bedroom with his wife. I went into the bar. In about five minutes Mrs Mears came into the bar. She was by herself. I thought deceased was lying down as ordered by the Doctor. In about a minute Mrs CLARK came into the bar and said that deceased had got a knife and had gone into the back room. I ran to the room immediately. I saw deceased lying on the floor on his left side, with his left arm under his head. He was lying in a sort of half-circle. I observed a deep gash to his throat, blood was boiling out. I called out for help. I lifted his head on a bag, for a pillow. I seized the wound to his throat with one hand and placed a garment (?) round it to stop the bleeding. I placed my hand upon it. I told Mrs Clark to go for a doctor directly. I saw a white handled dinner knife lying by his side. I believe the knife was produced…? He lived for five minutes after I saw him. He did not attempt to speak. Mr SUNDAIN (?), I think, was the first person to arrive. The doctor arrived before he was dead. He was moved into the kitchen on the arrival of the doctor. He was then alive. He expired in about two minutes after he was moved into the kitchen. He never spoke after I saw him. I am not sure of the time but I think it was between one and two O’clock. I have attended deceased on a previous occasion, he was suffering from Delirium Tremens. He seemed suffering from that disease on Saturday last. I had no suspicion of his attempting suicide. He did not seem in his usual jovial temper. He had nothing but Beer in the morning of Saturday.
Signature of: Thomas Fellowes Walton.
(Source: Archives NZ ref: J46 1871/1496)
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I was intrigued by Walton’s vivid account of a normal day blighted by tragedy. His actions that day showed him to be capable, decisive, determined and a close observer of detail. His statement indicated that he was already known to the Mears family and had looked after Henry Mears on a previous occasion, but he didn’t appear to be an employee. Was he a local resident or a paying guest? Why was he chosen by Mrs Mears to monitor her husband? This is what stimulated my interest in him.
After Mears’ death his widow Margaret took over the licence of the Masonic Hotel and in 1872 married Henry Sylvester BUSH. They had four children.
I did a little digging at Archives New Zealand and discovered that Thomas Walton had applied for the New Zealand War Medal.
In his application for the medal, dated 28 May 1873, Thomas Fellowes WALTON of Picton stated that he served four years in the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers under Captain MACE and then two years in the Mounted Armed Constabulary. He was wounded in the thigh at the attack on the pa at Te Ngutu o te Manu (‘The Beak of the Bird’) on August 21, 1868 when under the command of Colonel O’NEILL and was in hospital at Waipuia (sic). He received the New Zealand War Medal, and in a letter dated 26 November 1873 written at Picton he confirmed his receipt of the award.
(Source: Archives NZ ref: AD32 4401, T.F. WALTON)
So Walton had been a colonial soldier and was wounded in combat. This sounded promising.
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At this point I decided to tabulate what I had learned so far about Thomas WALTON into a timeline. This idea came about from a topic posted on this Board some weeks ago:
Timeline for Thomas Fellows WALTON:
c’1863-c’1866 Served with Taranaki Mounted Volunteers (Captain MACE).
c’1866-c’1868 Served with Mounted Armed Constabulary (Colonel O’NEILL).
21 August 1868 Wounded at Battle of Te Ngutu o te Manu TNK.
3 June 1871 Witness to the suicide of Henry MEARS at Blenheim MBH. A labourer.
5 June 1871 A witness at the inquest into the death of Henry MEARS held at Blenheim MBH.
28 May 1873 Applied for New Zealand War Medal. Living at Picton MBH.
26 November 1873 Acknowledged receipt of his New Zealand War Medal. Living at Picton MBH.
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I'm hooked..
awaiting the next installment ;)
Bye
Althea
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Good-oh!
More tonight once I get home.
Spades
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Yes, following along at home too :D
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Hoping there's a possible NSW connection ....
;D ;D
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Sorry Majm, there isn't (at least not from what I've found so far).
I'm pleased you want to hear more, I was a bit worried I had misjudged.
So where were we...? Oh yes.
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The Taranaki Mounted Volunteers
Walton’s medal application suggests that he joined the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers (aka Taranaki Cavalry Volunteers) in 1863 or 1864. At this time the unit was commanded by the highly capable Captain Francis Joseph MACE, later to be awarded the New Zealand Cross. Born in Madeira in 1837, MACE was educated in England, and arrived in New Plymouth in 1856 with his parents aboard the barque St. Michael. Mace volunteered for military service in 1860 and eventually joined the Mounted Volunteers as orderly to Col. Carey. He eventually reached the rank of Captain and took command of the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers which under his leadership was described by the Defence Minister, Col. HAULTAIN, as second to none in the colony.
(Source: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand (Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington Provincial Districts).
http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc06Cycl-t1-body1-d1-d27-d60.html
The Fitzwilliam Museum (UK) provided this description of the role of the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers in an extract from a biography of Trooper Antonio RODRIQUEZ, who was awarded the New Zealand Cross for gallantry at the Battle of Poutoko (Allen’s Hill) on 2 October 1863:
"The Taranaki Rifle and Mounted Volunteers had the distinction of being the first mounted troops to be used in New Zealand and were noted from the outset of the wars for their gallantry and efficiency....The duties of the Mounted Volunteers were various but included carrying dispatches and orders to and from the commanding officers of the various regiments and companies involved in the fighting. They were often involved in rescuing wounded and at times drawn into actual engagement with the enemy. They were equipped with carbines, revolvers and sword, and were instructed by NCOs from the Imperial Cavalry."
(Source: The Fitzwilliam Museum.)
Quoted from: LESUMA, G. (2008). Antonio Rodriquez. Also known as Antonio Rodriquez de SARDINHA. New Zealand Cross and New Zealand War Medal. Not published.
http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/dept/coins/exhibitions/NZCross/NZCross.html
According to New Zealand Medal to Colonials (10th ed.) the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers fought as a unit in a number of actions between 1860 and 1865, with 39 medal claims made.
If WALTON was in this unit between c'1863-c'1866 he presumably fought in some of these actions, but if so he did not list any of them in his medal application.
So, question time:
Can anyone provide any information about the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers, specifically when it was formed or disbanded? Does anyone know if there is a published history of the unit?
I have emailed the Taranaki Museum in the hope that they may be able to assist but if anyone has any information I'd be keen to read it.
That's it for tonight. Can't rush a good story... ;D
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Re Taranaki Mounted Volunteers
Don't overlook the Australian digitised newspapers !
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/13115098 26 June 1865 SMH, Trooper O'Neill mortally wounded
Also, from my experiences in family history, when it involves the Military, then they abbreviate, so it is possible that the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers would be referred to as the TMV.
Cheers, JM
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http://vernon.npdc.govt.nz/search.do?id=265030&db=object&view=detail
Could be there's a history of the unit ;D, there's certainly a Scroll with their Battle Honours, 1860-1866
JM
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Hi Majm,
I hadn't thought about the Australian papers! Thanks for the link.
The second link you sent appears to be defunct, unfortunately.
Thanks very much.
Spades
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Wow that first link is great! Wouldn't it be wonderful if we had a 'fix the text' button for the computer generated text on papers past!!! I like the layout too :D
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Couldn't resist - I signed up and corrected the text back to the original spelling mistakes ;) (I'm 'Novice' on that site) ;)
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Majm,
Where/How did you find a reference to a Battle Scroll?
Spades
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Found it...Puke Ariki.
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That second link provided by Majm wasn't defunct after all. My work server must have blocked it.
Thanks very much Majm. A fascinating discovery.
Spades
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The New Zealand Armed Constabulary
The second unit WALTON served in was, to use its correct title, the New Zealand Armed Constabulary. If as he stated in his medal application, WALTON served in the Mounted section of the Armed Constabulary, his correct rank would have been Mounted Constable.
New Zealand’s first national army in all but name, the Armed Constabulary was created by Act of Parliament in 1867 in response to the urgent need for a permanent force with better discipline than the variety of volunteer units whose members often begrudged the time for drills and the frequent alarms. With its creation many of the volunteer units were disbanded, with many of their members joining the new organisation. Both the present New Zealand Army and the New Zealand Police can trace their origins to the Armed Constabulary.
Although WALTON stated that he was wounded at Te Ngutu o te Manu on 21 August 1868, I will show that he actually received his injury during a second attack on the same place mounted on 7 September 1868. Was WALTON present at both actions, hence his later confusion about the date of his injury?
In my next post I will discuss the Second Battle of Te Ngutu o te Manu and WALTON's role in it. It's an exciting story.
Spades
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:)
I am wondering if the names of the Volunteers are listed on that Scroll ... I can't seem to get it big enough to read though ::)
Cheers, JM
Some of my NZders arrived as Fencibles, others in 1865 and later... on both my lines, there's a keen interest, my Nana's ashes are scattered in Taranaki.
PS, where were the horses from? Could the Mounted Units have been on NSW bred horses? (Walers, I think these were called)
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Just joined the tour ... interesting reading and approach Spades :)
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Hi Majm,
I was wondering the same thing. I'd love to know what it says. Thanks again for finding it.
I don't have any military connections but as you can probably tell I enjoy military history. This study has given me a bug for New Zealand colonial military history in particular.
Spades
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I've prevaricated for weeks about whether to post this at all. I finally decided people might like to just sit back and read a story for a change and not feel they had to contribute, especially given the circumstances in Chrishchurch when genealogy is the last thing on most people's minds.
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Hi spades,
I'm enjoying your story, and insight into the amount of detail that is available once we start digging in a particular direction.
Have you requested a better quality image (i.e. one that can be read) of the scroll from Puke Ariki ?
John B
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Morning John,
I have sent a general enquiry asking for any information on JFW and his connection to the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers and await a reply. Once I get one I'll definitely ask!
Seeing that scroll, even in miniature, showed me that the citizens of Taranaki (who must have subscribed money for its creation) were very proud of the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers. The unit and its members must have carried significant mana given the quality of the scroll.
Spades
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The Second Battle of Te Ngutu o te Manu (Ruaruru)
Te Ngutu o te Manu (now indicated by a historic site situated on Ahipaipa Road, halfway between Kapuni and Matapu in the southern Taranaki) was the subject of three expeditions in 1868 by colonial forces during the period known as Titokowaru’s War. The result of the third expedition on 7 September 1868 was a disastrous defeat for the colonials. The commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas ‘Fighting Mac’ MCDONNELL, a highly experienced and well-respected combat veteran, was completely outsmarted by his opponent, the brilliant strategist and tactician Riwha TITOKOWARU, chief of the Ngāti Ruanui's Ngaruahine hapu (sub-tribe), a very experienced warrior who four years earlier had lost an eye during an attack on the Sentry Hill Redoubt.
The expedition began at 3 a.m. on 7 September when MCDONNELL left Waihi Redoubt (now the town of Normanby) and headed west with 360 men of the Patea Field Force in three detachments.
The first of these was commanded by Maj. von TEMPSKY and comprised No. 2 Division Armed Constabulary (16 men) and the Patea Rifle Volunteers (14) under Capt. PALMER; No. 5 Division Armed Constabulary (59) under Sub-Inspectors BROWN and ROBERTS; Wellington Rifles (45) under Lieuts. HASTINGS and HUNTER; Taranaki Rifle Volunteers (26) under Lieut. ROWAN; and Waihi Volunteers (2).
The second detachment was commanded by Maj. W. HUNTER and comprised No. 3 Division Armed Constabulary (32 men) under Sub-Inspectors NEWLAND and GORING; Wellington Rangers (65) under Capt. G. BUCK, Lieut. FOOKES and Ensign HIRTZEL; and the dismounted Patea Cavalry (11) under Capt. O’HALLORAN.
The third detachment comprising the Maori Contingent of Wanganui kupapa, (e.g. pro-government Maori) was commanded by Capt. William MCDONNELL (the brother of Thomas), Maj. KEPA (Kepa te RANGIHIWINUI) and other chiefs (110 men).
No cavalry were involved, so Thomas WALTON and any other Mounted Constables of the Armed Constabulary fought as infantry. As a mamber of No. 3 Division Armed Constabulary WALTON was in the second detachment and despite his statement that his commander was a Col. O’NEILL, no officer of that name was present or later made a medal claim. Did WALTON mis-identify Maj. W. HUNTER or Sub-Inspector NEWLAND, perhaps?
The party crossed the Waingongoro River about 5 a.m. and skirted the river for three hours before moving north through dense rata forest. The plan was to attack Te Ngutu o te Manu through the village of Te Ruaruru situated one mile to the east but they missed the village, retraced their steps and approached Te Ngutu o te Manu from the north. The element of surprise was lost when the occupants of outlying huts fled to raise the alarm and were fired on. The colonists quickened their pace and entered the northern end of the large clearing in front of Te Ngutu, featuring broken ground with stumps and felled trees. It was now a little after 1 p.m.
In front of the colonial force at the southern end of the clearing was the pa, to the north and west was the shallow Mangotahi Stream and to the east was the bush (see Forest Rangers (1996), map, p.181). The defences visible to the attackers were a low earth rampart encircled by a wooden stockade and a trench which did not look very strong. MCDONNELL directed the group led by von TEMPSKY to attack south across the clearing while KEPA’s group was ordered to carry out a flanking move east through the bush to get around the pa.
Alerted by the first shots, TITOKOWARU was already aware of their presence (warned by lookouts at Waihi Redoubt, he was expecting them) and sent most of his men out into the bush while he remained in the pa with 20 men. Another 40 men, in small groups, were hidden in prepared positions around the edge of the clearing and in the trees bordering it.
Thomas WALTON and his mates walked into a killing ground. The pa was a straw man, the anvil to the Maori sniper’s hammer.
After entering the clearing MCDONNELL’s men started falling immediately. One group of eight Maori warriors shot ten soldiers in only a couple of minutes, several more than once. Eyewitnesses described the Maori fire as ‘terrific’, ‘fearful’, ‘something awful’, with ‘men being knocked over like ninepins.’ MCDONNELL found he was under fire from all directions but could see no enemy except within the palisades to his front. He ordered Major HUNTER’s No. 3 Division of the Armed Constabulary to assault it, but so many men were hit in quick succession that MCDONNELL cancelled the order.
MCDONNELL had lost the initiative, and unable to do anything decisive he made the wise decision to retreat. But his men’s ordeal was far from over. TITOKOWARU sent most of his men after them and the colonists were pursued all the way back to the Waingongoro River, several miles to the east. The government force was split into several groups, but the pursuit concentrated on MCDONNELL with 80 men who acted as rearguard to protect Major HUNTER and a larger party carrying the wounded.
It took 24 hours for the last of the demoralised force to cover the twelve miles back to Waihi Redoubt.
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Appraisal:
The result of the battle and eight terrifying hours in the bush being foxes to TITOKOWARU’s wolves was 50 Europeans killed and wounded; the disintegration of the Patea Field Force; the mutiny and subsequent disbandment of No. 5 Division Armed Constabulary whose men blamed MCDONNELL for von TEMPSKY’S death; the dissolution of six of the eight European units involved; and bitter personal and political recrimination.
The Government was forced to abandon its camp at Waihi and withdraw to Patea. Te Ngutu o te Manu, to quote Belich, ‘deserves to rank as a brilliant victory’. Te Ngutu was one element of TITOKOWARU’s wider military strategy, while tactically it resembled an earlier military disaster for the government forces fought in June 1860, the Battle of Puketakauere, where the Maori also used a pa as a false target while the battle was won from concealed rifle pits.
So where was WALTON during the battle?
If he was in No. 3 Division of the Armed Constabulary he was amongst the group who entered the clearing and who attempted the aborted assault of the palisade.
So when was he wounded?
This is only a guess, but WALTON may have provided a surprisingly literal description in his medal application when he wrote that he “...was wounded in the thigh at the attack on the pa...” Was he referring explicitly to the frontal assault?
Since he was wounded in the thigh he probably couldn’t walk, and I suspect he was amongst the wounded men carried back to the Waingongoro River by Major HUNTER’s party.
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WALTON was evacuated with other severely injured men by ship from Patea to Wanganui aboard a small steamer named the Woodpecker. The date of the newspaper report (12 September) shows that WALTON was confused when he stated that he was wounded on 21 August 1868 (the fact that this report was copy-published by another newspaper illustrates an indirect method of finding references to individuals mentioned in newspapers not yet published on Papers Past).
http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast
The Colonist, 6 October, 1868, p.6.
ARRIVAL OF SOME OF THE WOUNDED AT WANGANUI.
The Wanganui Times, of September 12, states:— Last night the p.s. Woodpecker brought down the following men, who were wounded in the engagement at Te Ruaruru (sic), on Monday last: —Thomas WALTON, No. 3 Co., A.C. ; —. HOGAN, No. 3 Co., A.C. ; O'BRIEN, No. 2 Co., A.C.; CALDWELL, Wellington Rangers; GANSEY, Wellington Rifles; HOLLOWAY, HAMBLYN, and FLYNN, Taranaki Volunteers; and Dr. BEST. Immediately on arrival, the poor fellows were conveyed to Mr. WHITLOCK'S store, opposite the Rutland Hotel, which has been fitted up as a temporary hospital for their accommodation. Dr. GIBSON and other officials were in attendance, by whom the wants of the men were promptly attended to, and they were made as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. The remainder of the wounded, meantime, are left at Patea, the little Woodpecker not having sufficient accommodation for the whole number, and will be brought down by the first opportunity. When the steamer left Patea Lieut. ROWAN was still living, but unable to be removed.
Why, of the eight casualties on the Woodpecker, was WALTON named first, and the only one to be named in full? Was it because he was the most dangerously injured?
Timeline 2:
c’1863-1866? Served with Taranaki Mounted Volunteers.
c’1866-1868 Served with Armed Constabulary, rank of Mounted Constable.
7 September 1868 Member of No. 3 Company, Armed Constabulary.
7 September 1868 Wounded at Battle of Te Ngutu o te Manu.
11 September 1868 Evacuated from Patea TNK to Wanganui per Woodpecker.
12 September 1868 Mentioned in the Wanganui Times as one of those wounded in action at Te Ruaruru [sic] TNK on 7 September 1868.
September 1868 In hospital at Waihi TNK (WALTON wrote 'Waipuia', but Waihi seems more likely).
3 June 1871 Witness to the suicide of Henry MEARS at Blenheim MBH. A labourer.
5 June 1871 A witness at the inquest into the death of Henry MEARS held at Blenheim MBH
28 May 1873 Applied for New Zealand War Medal. Living at Picton MBH
26 November 1873 Acknowledged receipt of his New Zealand War Medal. Living at Picton MBH
This story probably seems to be dragging on, but we're getting to the genealogical meaty bits soon, I promise.
Spades
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Oooooooooooooooooh meaty bits - been enjoying the story so far.................... :D
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Just come across the thread, so I am sitting down cross legged and waiting for the story to continue. :)
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Just something a bit different...but I've just been sprung in a PM (fortunately).
Someone has to promise to keep a secret.
Next installment tomorrow. Sleep tight.
Spades
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Just come across the thread, so I am sitting down cross legged and waiting for the story to continue. :)
Sitting right beside you KHP - hope I can get up again though!!
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Move up KHP and Wiggy , I was here before you ! ;D Althea was here first, then Kiwi Girl then me....
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sorry - can't move an inch - I'm now stuck for the duration - and possibly much longer - sitting cross-legged is a killer!! ;D ::)
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Aha! A captive audience, all cast (ROFLOL).
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(http://rlv.zcache.com/lansburg_bathing_girls_1922_poster-p228431876981760810qzz0_400.jpg)
all lined up and sitting nicely....
Can't wait till tomorrow!
night all!
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I do like bedtime stories!! :D
Not sure I could sit like that for too long either KG! Looks good though! 8)
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Don't worry Wigs, the gang can help you up.
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;D
Will this help ?
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Oh,majm,I could do with one of those,MB is too light to pull me up when I get cast ::) ::)
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Just the thing!!!
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Spades & John can help out with the man power if the thing gets jammed :P
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Quick Spades!!
- get back here before this thread deteriorates/gets highjacked while we are waiting for the next episode!! ;)
Talk about the class playing up while the teacher is out of the room!! ::) ;D
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OK, OK, while you're all cast and probably hungry, here's an early treat.
Because I've been sprung and I'm now worried others might start leaping (dog knows how you'll do that stuck on the floor) I've decided to reverse the next two chapters.
Therefore, it's time for the meaty bits...
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Thomas Walton's marriage to Annie PARKER.
I discovered that in 1865 a Thomas WALTON married an Annie PARKER. I looked for the Intention to Marry Notice and found that it was definitely the correct Thomas Walton, who in 1865 was a Corporal in the Taranaki Mounted Corps and had been living at New Plymouth for five years:
Intention to Marry Notice. Archives NZ Ref: BDM 20/10 1865 New Plymouth p.178/299.
Dated 24 October: Thomas Fellows WALTON, bachelor, Corp(ora)l Taranaki Mounted Corps aged 31 years living at New Plymouth, length of residence 5 years, intends to marry Annie PARKER, spinster, daughter of James and Sarah PARKER, (of) Nelson, aged 20 years, living at New Plymouth, length of residence 6 months, at St Mary’s Church, Vivian Street. Name & Relation of Person giving Consent in the case of a Minor: James PARKER, father.
Minister: Rev. Henry Handley BROWN.
Thomas and Annie were married the following day, on Wednesday, 25 October. The marriage certificate listed the witnesses as John L. NEWMAN, publican of the Ships Hotel, New Plymouth and C. BULLOT, a carpenter of New Plymouth.
(Source: 1865 Marriage certificate 1865/5831)
Interestingly, a Sergeant Charles BULLOT served in the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers and a photgraph of him appears in the book The Colonial New Zealand Wars (1986) p.217, the image credited to the Taranaki Museum. Was this the same man?
And at last I have some more questions:
Can anyone tell me anything about the Ship's Hotel?
can anyone tell me anything about the BULLOT family (excluding their military history, please, I know three of them served in Taranaki colonial units).
Is St Mary’s Church, Vivian Street, New Plymouth, still standing? Can anyone provide a history of this church?
Who was the Rev. Henry Handley BROWN?
Manana,
Spades
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Who was the Rev. Henry Handley BROWN?
He was a member of the Sawmilling family, Henry Brown & Co, Inglewood, Taranaki... well at least that's what Wiki says
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inglewood,_New_Zealand
It's in the General Historical Works headings on that link
Brown, Robert W. (n.d.), Index to Te Moa: 100 years history of the Inglewood community, 1875-1975, n.p.: n.p.
Brown, Robert W. (1975), Te Moa: 100 years history of the Inglewood community, 1875-1975, Inglewood, [N.Z.] ; New Plymouth, [N.Z.]: Masterprint Press
Edit to Add http://www.thecommunityarchive.org.nz/node/72855/description
Rev's dates 1813-1893
Brown was ordained by the Bishop of Lincoln in 1837 and came to New Zealand in 1859 in the 'Eclipse'.
He settled at Omata where he became resident clergyman.
The records comprise documents concerning appointments to various churches, 1837-40, with some personal papers and a notice originally pinned to Brown's residence at Omata asking for protection for him and his family at the time of the Battle of Waireka in March 1860
Cheers, JM
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Re H H Brown's son aged 16, was a volunteer among the fallen on 6 Nov 1860, at The Battle of Mahoetahi
The following is from Tasmanian newspaper, reporting from their copy of the Sydney Morning Herald's copy of the Taranaki Herald...
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/8794655 Wednesday 28 November 1860 The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860-1954)
I find it fascinating to watch how the various new items were passed on to each of the Colonies...
Cheers, JM
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Ummm......
I'm feeling a bit like a LONE cormorant .... :'( :'( and :'( :'(
just like this one .... Pied Cormorant in Te Pukatea Bay in Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
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They must all be waiting for your lifting crane to arrive so they can get to their computers! ;D ;D
Excellent work, Majm, thanks.
Spades
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I'm tempted to reply with a reference to the other name for cormorant,
but don't want to lower the tone of this academic thread !!
John B
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Charles Austin Bullot d. 1953, Charles Autridge Bullot d. 1913 and Charles Mostyn Bullot all buried at Te Henui.
Charles Autridge Bullot married Amanda Roberts, 1866. She is also buried at NP.
Children:
1871/72 Bullot Sussannah Gertrude Amanda Charles Aubridge[sic]
1875/11148 Bullot Frederic Arthur Amanda Charles Subridge[sic]
1879/18728 Bullot Charles Austin Amanda Charles Astridge[sic]
BULLOT Charles Autridge, New Plymouth
Occupation: Carpenter,
Death Date: 09 May 1913
Court: New Plymouth
Archives Reference: ABAJ W4079 1619
Probate Number: 1619
Filed Date: 1913
Type: Will
John B
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I had a mini power cut that's why you were alone ::)
1911 Electoral Roll ....
Charles Austin BULLOT was a painter - Residence Elliot Street
Charles Autridge BULLOT was a carpenter - Residence Brougham Street
Cheers
KHP
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Bingo, has to be him. ;D
Thanks John.
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Thanks KHP. ;D
Can I ask about the other witness to the marriage, John L. NEWMAN, publican of the Ships Hotel, New Plymouth?
Spades
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NEWMAN John L (Lichfield)
Volunteers and Militia men who received NZ Medal War
1860-1870 - Gudgeon T.W. Defenders of NZ, 1887
So looks like he served with others.
Several references to him on NZSG Index including ref to marriage 1850 in Cork, Ireland
1863 he was landowner at Omata
John B
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Can't see him in any of the rolls ........... but there is a John Lichfield NEWMAN buried in the New Plymouth Cemetery.
Not much to go on, but says he is a settler. Could it be him?
http://www.rootschat.com/links/0c3u/
Cheers
KHP
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I think it's him, place, date and yet another connection to colonial military forces.
Thank John and KHP, I'm very pleased I asked!
Spades
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Hi everyone :)
I have been reading this thread with interest, as it is in my vicinity (sp) ?
Just thought I would pop my 2 cents worth in, Yes St Mary's church is still standing, and if it is the right one I am thinking of it is a very beautiful church with a graveyard attatched (have always wanted to go roaming throught there but never have ) Yet!!!
If anyone would like some photos of Churches, Gravestones, Te Ngutu, etc......... It wouldn't be a problem, though I cant promise it would be in a hurry :)
I have a friend who is very knowledegable on the Taranaki area especially Hawera, will put some of these qustions to her.
Gail. (In the "Naki" originally a Mainlander ;D )
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(http://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE534444&dps_func=thumbnail)
A side view of what is probably Brookwood, the residence of Rev Henry Brown, with its surrounding garden and bush. The hill with a bushed top, centre background, is the site of Pukiekie Pa. The Pa is not clearly visible
http://find.natlib.govt.nz/primo_library/libweb/action/dlDisplay.do?vid=TF&docId=nlnz_tapuhi141645
I was out today oh lonely Shag, I mean Cormorant ;)
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Harriet Matilda Honeyfield
Born: 1824 - Gillingham, Dorset
Died: 1880 - New Zealand
Father: John Honeyfield
Mother: Hannah Morgan
Other Spouses: John Lichfield Newman
http://www.allenbird.co.uk/ghtout/gp1105.html
John Lichfield Newman
Born: 1815 - Ireland
Marr: 1851 - New Zealand
Died: UNKNOWN -
http://www.allenbird.co.uk/ghtout/gp1105.html#head1
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Transfer of Publicans' Licenses. — A court for the transfer of publicans' licenses was held yesterday, at eleven o'clock, when the Masonic Hotel was transferred from Edward Everett to Charles Gentry ; the Royal Hotel from William Wright to Joseph Porthouse ; the Miners' Arms from Joseph Porthouse to John Lichfield Newman ; and the Wakatu Hotel from John Lewthwaite to Edward Mills.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXI, Issue 20, 5 March 1862, Page 2
So not only The Ships Hotel but the Miner's Arms too...
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I dont know how I missed this :o
What a fascinating saga and am waiting for more :)
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The Miners' Arms Hotel, built in 1855, was on the north west corner of Hardy and Collingwood Streets. Henry Jasper was an early landlord. The hotel was rebuilt in 1883 and, before this, its name had been changed to the Panama Hotel. The Panama closed in July 1976 and the building is now used as legal offices.
http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-NHSJ05_01-t1-body1-d3.html
NAME PLACE OTHER INFORMATION
NEWMAN, J Nelson Whitesmith
The Nelson Directory and companion to the Almanack for 1859
compiled by J. L. Bailey.
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nzlnelso/nelson/directory1859.htm
Just to fill time till the next instalment ;)
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Hi spades,
I KNEW the name rang a bell.
Just realised I worked on Thomas Fellows Walton for you in January so it is fascinating even more for me now to read this all :)
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Agh ...
One of my G G G grandfathers was in the Survey party sent from NSW to NZ back in 1840. From private family records I note he was surveying in the Taranaki district in August 1840.
There's a book published in 1878 "The history of Taranaki" by B Wells (311 pages, and publishers Edmondson & Avery) snippets seems to be available at geggle ebooks, it would have to be out of copyright.
Fingers crossed that some Kiwi Cormorants can readily find the book instead of standing around looking for a perch .....
Cheers, JM
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;) Full Text, thanks to the Library of the Uni of California, Los Angeles
http://www.archive.org/stream/historyoftaranak00welliala/historyoftaranak00welliala_djvu.txt
And on the title page I read
" It appears to me to be a noble employment to rescue from oblivion
those who deserve to be eternally remembered, ........"
PLINY THE YOUNGER.
The Book was published in NZ ....
EDMONDSON & AVERY, " TARANAKI NEWS" OFFICE, 1878.
Agh, Is Spades a descendant of PLINY the Younger ;)
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Rev Henry Handley BROWN
His Obit
Taranaki Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 9797, 8 September 1893, Page 2
............... The deceased has left a numerous family, his sons being Mr Henry Brown, J.P., of Inglewood; Mr John Brown, Mangorei ; Mr Thomas Brown, Mangorei and Mr William Brown, Lepperton; and his daughters Mrs A. Standish, Mrs J. S. McKellar, and the wives of Colonel Russell and Dr. Tomlinson.
It would seem the 16 year old lad who fell on 6 Nov 1860, at The Battle of Mahoetahi was the Rev's son FRANCIS
Taranaki Herald, Volume VII, Issue 344, 5 March 1859, Page 3
March 4.— Eclipse, barque, 254 tons, W. R. Elliot from London. Passengers — Rev. H. H, Brown, Mrs Brown, Henry, Sophia, Francis, Mary, Frances, Caroline, John, Thomas, and William Brown, Miss Mary Nicholson, Elizabeth Patten, Ann Pask, Ellen Pask, William and Ann Ingarells. W. Mc Kechney, agent
Cheers, JM
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Rev H H Brown's wife
Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9083, 15 May 1891, Page 2
DEATH.
BROWN.—At Omata, on Thursday, May 14, Sophia Wilhelmina Brown, aged 76.
Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9084, 16 May 1891, Page 2
The mortal remains of the wife of the Rev H. H. Brown were interred in the churchyard of St. Mary's this (Saturday ) ; afternoon, the Ven. Archdeacon Govett reading the funeral service at the church, which was crowded, and over the grave.- Mrs Brown, who has been for many years an invalid, died on Friday morning, at her residence at Omata, at the advanced age of 76 years. She came to New Plymouth with her husband and family: in the barque Eclipse, arriving here on March 4th, 1859. The deceased lady leaves, besides her husband, four daughters (Mrs Standish, Mrs McKellar, Mrs Russell and Mrs Tomlinson), and four sons, to mourn their loss.
JM
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LIST OF NAMES OF THE EARLY SETTLERS.
Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9123, 2 July 1891, Page 13
Includes
BULLÔT .... wife and family
BULLÔT .... Edward
BULLÔT .... Charles
Arrived 3 Sept 1841 ex Amelia Thompson
JM
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Hi Trish not like you to miss something ..... haven't seen you for a while :D
Any more visits planned for out our way?
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Welcome Trish, ;D
I intended to PM you and invite you to this topic but with the quake it completely slipped my mind.
Spades
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I have a book on my shelf, Faber Book of Reportage, which includes Pliny the Youngers eyewitness account of the eruption of Mt Vesuvius, which type now bears his name, a Plinian Eruption (a more recent example is Mt Helens). A riveting story. He was a master wordsmith then and got a lot better. I'm definitely an amateur. ;)
Thanks for the kind words, though, Majm, and for that quote. I'll have a use for it later.
Spades
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Well "spotted" JM and spades.
I suspect a lot of our friends are too busy re-building their nests, at present, to help with this project.
John B
(Parekareka, the Spotted Shag, Stictocarbo punctatus)
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;D
I hope CHCH RChatters have electricity re-connected, and fresh water to make a cuppa, so that if they have a quite moment they can "escape" to the 1800's and share this Magical Mystery Tour !
I think, but not sure, (printouts would confirm,) that
Mr BULLÔT Snr given names were Eugene Isadore. (Cuttings in the NZ papers have E.I., and the NZ BDM has Eugene Isadore (online ref deaths 1872/366) . The surname suggests to me possible French origin, so perhaps there's a Huguenot connection
Mrs BULLÔT was Susannah Gertrude nee ANTRIDGE (NZ BDM online ref deaths 1871/355 & marriage Q3 of 1837 at Stoke Damerel, Devon, England GRO ref Vol 9 pg 420 (his name transcribed as Eugine)
JM
(spotted ::) When I had chickenpox and thus when I was spotted, I was left all alone in the big back room at home .... no books to read; no views to look at, pre reticulated water; and err pre TV, relied on electric wireless).
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Eugene Isadore BULLOT also a death in 1941 and the 1872 death are buried at New Plymouth Cemetery.
I noticed on the Burial Locator that for the 1941 death in brackets was the name "(Hughie)"
http://www.rootschat.com/links/0c46/
Cheers
KHP
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Susannah is also at New Plymouth
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In the 1896 Electoral Roll listed for Eugene Isadore BULLOT :
Residence Morley Street, Taranaki, Occupation Blacksmith
Residence Waihi , Ohinemuri, Occupation Blacksmith
There is also Herbert Eugene BULLOT 1896 in Taranaki & New Plymouth 1893 Occupation Groom.
Cheers
KHP
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No idea if Herbert Eugene Bullot is related, BDM doesn't state parents just the birth year of 1868, but it was the middle name that made me put it up just in case. Sorry if I am off the mark.
Cheers
KHP
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Hi KHP,
In the Taranaki Herald, Volume X, Issue 510, 10 May 1862, Page 3 E I Bullot has a son, William Henry .... and
Taranaki Herald, Volume XII, Issue 625, 23 July 1864, Page 2 a daughter, Susan who succumbed to Scarlet Fever ... she was only 17.
I'm not sure where those two were born, ::)
Cheers, JM
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William Henry is buried at New Plymouth and there is also a Susannah (don't know if it is the 17 year old) but no details for year of death or ages unfortunately.
I have just noticed that Eugene has also been transcribed as Yugene
Cheers
KHP
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More on BULLÔT family
Online SUBMITTED tree has Harriet Bullot as a daughter to Eugene Isadore and Susanna ;D
Harriet's dates shown there as 27 August 1852, at New Plymouth NZ to 20 Sept 1906 at Wanganui, New Zealand
And same submitted tree has Eugene Isadore Bullot as born Tavistock, Devonshire England 5 Oct 1815. s/of Augustin Bullot and Deborah nee Harvey
and Susannah as born 20 Oct 1816 Boyton, Cornwall, d/of Humphry Autridge and Susannah nee Stone.
Would printouts confirm these details or is there an alternative way to confirm the info?
Cheers, JM
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BULLÔT
.....I noticed on the Burial Locator that for the 1941 death in brackets was the name "(Hughie) .....
At https://www.familysearch.org/ they have "Hughily" Autridge for Susanna's father on one of the two extracts/transcriptions for her christening on 20 Oct 1816
Cheers, JM
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A Cambridge Lad.
Because you’ve been so patient it’s now time for meaty bits with garlic mushrooms, roast spuds (with extra gravy to come)...
In Thomas WALTON’s Intention to Marry Notice he stated that he was 31 years of age, which meant that he was born circa 1834. Another source stated that he was born in Cambridge CAM ENG, so I went to the Rootschat Cambridgeshire Board where I found a link to The Cambridgeshire Baptism Index 1801-1837. http://www.cfhs.org.uk/BaptismIndex/
This database listed several baptisms, all of whom were the children of Thomas and Deborah WALTON of Sparrow’s Lane, Cambridge and baptized in the parish of St. Mary the Great, Cambridge.
1832 - Thomas F. WALTON
1833 - Thomas J. WALTON
1835 - Thomas J. WALTON
1835 - William F. WALTON
I posted an enquiry on the RootsChat Cambridgeshire Board (the topic recalled by Trish1120) asking for any further information about these baptism entries.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,509169.0.html
A responder to this topic told me that there was a burial in 1832 for an infant Thomas F. WALTON aged only 17 weeks, the parents being Thomas and Deborah Walton of Sparrow’s Lane. So he was the child baptized in 1832 above and could be eliminated. The same responder provided another two baptism records from the International Genealogical Index of children with the same parents:
*Mary Ann Fellows WALTON, baptized 14 April 1843, St Mary the Great.
*Emma Fellows WALTON, baptized 14 April 1843, St Mary the Great.
It was the middle names that clinched it – Fellows! I had the correct family!
There was more: an 1841 Census record:
1841 Census for Ely, Cambridge
PRO ref: HO107/88/3 Folio: 3b
Address: Sparrow Lane.
Thomas WALTON 35 Boot maker Not born in Cambridge
Deborah WALTON 33 Not born in Cambridge
Thomas WALTON 8 Born in Cambridge
William WALTON 6 Born in Cambridge
John WALTON 4 Born in Cambridge
Mary Ann WALTON - Born in Cambridge
The eldest child in this record, Thomas, was the right age and born in the right place to be Thomas Fellows WALTON, although the 1833 baptism record same his middle initial as ‘J’, not ‘F’ as I expected. The 1835 baptism entry for William F. WALTON matched the William in the census entry, aged 6 in 1841. And was the Mary Ann Fellows WALTON who appeared on the International Genealogical Index the youngest child in the census entry (remembering that she might have been baptized years after her birth)?
An interesting item posted on the topic was that in Cambridgeshire on 1 January 1849 a Thomas WALTON born in 1834 was acquitted of ‘Larceny by a Servant’, and possibly imprisoned for 2 months on 20 March 1850 in Cambridgeshire. Crime: Larceny. He certainly could be my subject.
Moving on to the parents of this family group, a search of the International Genealogical Index found a likely marriage: On 5 April 1832 Thomas WALTON married Deborah SEAMAN, at Holy Trinity, both of this parish. The witnesses were Robert ODAMS/ODOMS and Sarah SHADBOLT who were married on the same day. Thomas WALTON was one of their witnesses.
So Thomas and Deborah’s first child was probably the infant 'Thomas F. WALTON' who survived for only 17 weeks. Was my Thomas Fellows WALTON named after him?
Another responder on the topic provided more information about the 1833 and 1835 baptism records above for ‘Thomas J. WALTON’.
“Thomas Jonathan Walton son of Thomas and Deborah of Sparrows Lane was baptised 30 July 1833 privately.”
“Thomas Jonathan WALTON (son of and address ditto) was baptised 20 September 1835 the same day as his brother William Fellows WALTON.”
This responder suggested that the two ‘Thomas J. WALTON’s’ were the same child, baptised once at home in 1833 and then again in church in 1835 along with his younger brother William.
By 1851 the WALTON family had moved but were still living in Cambridge:
1851 Census Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Address: Corn Exchange St.
HO107/1760 Folio: 611 Page: 71
Thomas WALTON 46 Head Leather Cutter born Northamptonshire
Deborah WALTON 42 Wife Laundress born Hepworth, Suffolk
William WALTON 15 Son In Service born Cambridge
Emma WALTON 8 Daur At School born Cambridge
Charlotte WALTON 5 Daur At School born Cambridge
The family do not appear in the 1861 Census but ten years later the now-widowed Deborah Walton and her daughter Charlotte were living in London:
1871 Census for Marylebone, London.
RG10/174 Folio: 68/6 Page: 6.
Address: 13 Earl Street.
Deborah WALTON 60 Head Widow Nurse (Monthly) born Hepworth, Suffolk
Charlotte WALTON 25 Daur Unm Imbecile Attendant born Cambridgeshire
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A Cambridge Lad, part II.
So putting it all together, the family group looked like this:
Thomas WALTON born 1805 Northamptonshire NTH ENG, d. bef. 1871. Bootmaker, Leather Cutter.
Deborah SEAMAN born c’1808 Hepworth, Suffolk SFK ENG d. after 1871.
(Married on 5 April 1832 at Holy Trinity, Cambridge CAM ENG)
Their children:-
1. Thomas F. (Fellows?) WALTON born 1832 Cambridge CAM ENG. Died 1832 Cambridge aged 17 weeks.
2. Thomas Jonathan WALTON born 1833 Cambridge CAM ENG. Baptized 1833 and 1835.
3. William Fellows WALTON born c’1835 Cambridge CAM ENG. Baptized 1835.
4. Emma Fellows WALTON born c’1843 Cambridge CAM ENG.
5. Mary Ann Fellows WALTON born c’1843 Cambridge CAM ENG.
6. Charlotte Fellows WALTON born 1845 Cambridge CAM ENG.
While I was satisfied that I had found the right parents for Thomas Fellows WALTON, I did not have a baptism record to prove it. The only possible ‘Thomas Fellows WALTON’ was the infant born in 1832 who died in infancy. So where did leave me?
Thomas Jonathan WALTON was the only one of his siblings to lack the middle name of ‘Fellows’ so I wondered if the explanation is that he discarded ‘Jonathan’ at some point in his life and adopted the family name. Was he the servant convicted on larceny? Might this have been a trigger for his change of name? Personally I suspect not, too subtle.
But I’m 99% satisfied that my Thomas Fellowe/s WALTON and Thomas Jonathan WALTON were the same person.
Tomorrow I’ll discuss the family of Thomas’s wife, Annie PARKER, but I'll leave you with some questions.
1. Can anyone trace the death of Thomas WALTON, bootmaker, leather cutter?
2. Is there any other record of a Thomas Jonathan WALTON (in case I have the wrong man)
3. What happened to the other children of Thomas and Deborah?
4. And what happened to Deborah after 1871?
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There is a Thomas Fellows Walton who died in 1884 aged 21, Picton Cemetery, but the birth would be 1863.
So not the man you want Spades?
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Burial link ..... this Thomas was a Sergeant:
http://www.marlborough.govt.nz/Services/Cemeteries/Search.aspx
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Hi Madame Marquessate,
Yes, that's him. The age given is incorrect.
Spades
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Cool :D
Right, do you think this is your Thomas, the Bootmaker, Leather Cutter?
Year of death 1884 aged 49 at Picton Cemetery Marlborough.
Cheers
KHP
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Cambridge (UK) BDM local RO indexes online (civil registrations)
http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/community/bmd/certificate/Camdex/
(thinking local RO perhaps more accurate records than those transmitted quarterly to GRO)
Birth Cert references from Local RO
Emma F Walton, 1843 registered Cambridge CRO ref 331/SMG/2/156 (SMG = ?)
Mary A Walton, 1844 registered Fenlands CRO ref 338/CHA4/315 (CHA = Chatteris, not sure if this would be the right lass)
Charlotte F Walton, 1845, registered Cambridge CRO ref 331/SMG/2/404
Cheers, JM
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Hi KHP,
No, the Bootmaker/Leather Cutter probably died in ENG.
Thanks Majm for those records.
More tomorrow,
Spades.
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Ummm
Closest I can find : Jonathan WALTON aged 55, in 1893 in NZ BDM ! (10 Feb 1893, NZBDM online ref 1893/764)
Also, although civil registrations in UK commenced 1837, compulsory and with people to enforce the regulations .... well that came later ... in England it became compulsory in 1853 for births, but I am not sure about marriages or deaths!
Cheers, JM
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:-[ :-[ Some info for questions posed at reply #44 ::)
The SHIP Hotel and John Litchfield NEWMAN
Obit for Mrs J L Newman Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 7027, 29 March 1886, Page 2
Obit for Mr J L Newman Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 7217, 8 November 1886, Page 2
The couple were married at New Plymouth in 1849 (ref NZ BMD online1849/140) She was Harriet Matilda HONEYFIELD and he was John Litchfield NEWMAN . The Obits mention five children. Possibly (ie from a submitted online tree that needs confirming) George John, 1851-1924; William John 1853-1921; Martha Anne 1855 -1876; Albina Elizabeth 1860-1948. Having trouble finding registrations for their children, although logically they were born in the Taranaki district, so I haven't been able to confirm any of those five births.
The Ship Hotel is mentioned in Mr J L Newman’s Obit.
Cheers, JM (Even Aussie Cormorants need to tidy up their desks !)
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Thanks everyone for all the wonderful information and for following the topic.
More meaty bites (and yes, more questions) to come very shortly.
Spades
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I'm just watching and reading - with awe at your cleverness!! and 'cos I can't get up! ;)
Wiggy
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Still got a captive audience, then!
Firstly, it's time for another timeline to illustrate progress so far:
Timeline 3:
1833 Believed born at parish of St Mary the Great, Cambridge CAM ENG, son of Thomas and Deborah. Believed baptized privately as Thomas Jonathan WALTON and later adopted the middle name of 'Fellows'.
1835 Believed baptized in church.
c’1863-1866? Served with Taranaki Mounted Volunteers.
25 October 1865 Married Annie PARKER at New Plymouth TNK.
c’1866-1868 Served with Armed Constabulary, rank of Mounted Constable.
7 September 1868 Member of No. 3 Company, Armed Constabulary.
7 September 1868 Wounded at Battle of Te Ngutu o te Manu.
11 September 1868 Evacuated from Patea TNK to Wanganui per Woodpecker.
12 September 1868 Mentioned in the Wanganui Times as one of those wounded in action at Te Ruaruru [sic] TNK on 7 September 1868.
September 1868 In hospital at Waihi TNK.
3 June 1871 Witness to the suicide of Henry MEARS at Blenheim MBH. A labourer.
5 June 1871 A witness at the inquest into the death of Henry MEARS held at Blenheim MBH.
28 May 1873 Applied for New Zealand War Medal. Living at Picton MBH.
26 November 1873 Acknowledged receipt of his New Zealand War Medal. Living at Picton MBH.
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The Parker Family.
Since Annie PARKER's 1865 Intention to Marry Notice mentioned that her family were from Nelson, I started my search there and found them on the Nelson City Council Early Settlers Database.
http://ww1.applications.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/early-settlers/
This database showed that James (aged 41) and Sarah (37) PARKER and five children arrived in Nelson on 4 November 1842 aboard the ship New Zealand. The children were: William (aged 17), Margaret (16) and three unnamed children aged 10, 8 and 5 (Annie PARKER was born three years after their arrival).
A more detailed transcription of the New Zealand’s passenger list on another website shows that James PARKER was a sawyer, and listed six children whose ages were: 17, 16, 12, 10, 8 and 5 years. The two oldest children were the only ones named, and both had an occupation. William was a joiner and Margaret was a servant. The New Zealand left Cumray on the Clyde SCT on 4 July 1842.
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ourstuff/NewZealand.htm
A response to an enquiry I placed on the RootsChat Scotland Board provided a transcription of an 1841 Scotland Census entry which gave me the names of the four anonymous children who travelled on the New Zealand. I'm not sure what the abbreviation for James' occupation means but apparantly he was a weaver.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,509419.0.html
1841 Scotland Census for Glasgow St Pauls, Lanarkshire.
Address: High St
Parish Number: 644/1
James PARKER 45 Occupation: St Lo W D
Sairah PARKER 40
Wm PARKER 15
Margrate PARKER 14
James PARKER 10
Hugh PARKER 8
Barbara PARKER 6
Christian PARKER 3 (female)
The same enquiry provided me with dates of death for Sarah PARKER who died in 1882 aged 84, and James who died in 1887 aged 92.
I made contact with a Parker family researcher who provided marriage information for three of James and Sarah's children:
Child 1): William (1825-1904) married Susanna CANE (or CAVE) at Stoke NLN in 1852.
Child 2): Margaret (1826-1906) married John WESTRUPP, although I cannot find a marriage in New Zealand.
Child 5): Barbara (1834-1901 at Mangatainoka MWT) married John Hicks PARKER in 1857. I did find an Intention to Marry Notice for this marriage:
Intention to Marry Notice. Archives NZ Ref: BDM 20/2 1857 Nelson p.100/61. Microfilm: R6906.
Dated 11 November: Hicks PARKER, bachelor, a Mariner aged 28 years living at Town of Nelson, length of residence 10 months, intends to marry Barbara PARKER, a spinster aged 23 years living at Stoke, Suburban South, length of residence 5 years, at the residence of Rev. John WARREN in Washington Valley, Nelson. Minister: Rev. John WARREN.
So, is anyone able to help with these little mysteries?
1. Where is Cumray on the Clyde? Can anyone tell me about it's location, significance to emigration or history?
2. Can anyone find any information on the ship New Zealand?
3. Can anyone provide any information about the six children of James and Sarah PARKER (or for that matter, their parents lives in Nelson)?
4. Why was Annie PARKER living in New Plymouth in 1865? What brought her there? Given that Annie was 20 in 1865 this implies that she might still be living with her parents. Perhaps James had brought his whole family north to live in Taranaki, at least temporarily. Was he working in New Plymouth, perhaps as a sawyer on government contract? Can anyone find him living there?
Spades
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1. Where is Cumray on the Clyde? Can anyone tell me about it's location, significance to emigration or history?
The modern day spelling for Cumray is Cumbrae,there are 2 islands in the Firth of Clyde
Little Cumbrae (wee Cumbrae) and great Cumbrae
There is a lighthouse on Little Cumbrae
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Cumbrae#Lighthouse
Cheers Janette
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Oh bother - I just found all that out and even put up the link - then forgot to hit post! ;)
Here is the link! ;)
http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/40679/details/little+cumbrae+island+old+lighthouse/
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Thanks Wiggy and Janette,
But this leaves me slightly more confused. Why would they leave from a small island and not a port?
What port would the ship have left from then?
Spades
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Thanks Wiggy and Janette,
What port would the ship have left from then?
Spades
Spades, I am only going by when I did the shipping transcriptions, but either Glasgow or Southampton .... right that is my 2 cents worth, some one else can come up with the correct answer
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It would have been a port on the Clyde,I don't think the sailing ships went up as far as Glasgow
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I wonder if the comment, 'left Cumray on the Clyde' refers to the vessel passing the headland of the island on her way out of the bay. I think I've read such comments on previous accounts.
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It would have been a port on the Clyde,I don't think the sailing ships went up as far as Glasgow
See, I was only going by what I knew. Along came the Chief and the itsy bitsy kitty shrinks away ;D
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Oh don't be like that Kitty,do come back,
once steam came into being the ships would have gone further up the Clyde to Glasgow
Here Kitty,Kitty,Kitty ;D ;D ;D
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Miaow ....... this kitty must go and rescue the pizzas from the oven :D
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Leave the pizzas...which port on the Clyde ???
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Can't see him in any of the rolls ........... but there is a John Lichfield NEWMAN buried in the New Plymouth Cemetery.
Not much to go on, but says he is a settler. Could it be him?
http://www.rootschat.com/links/0c3u/
Cheers
KHP
... while I've been reading, thought the name sounded rather familiar ... distantly related on my husband's tree ... just went and checked the 'Hamblyn Family History' book Plymouth to New Plymouth, Fitzroy district 1841 - 1976.... another generation, but obviously the Lichfield is continuing middle name on the male line, so a descendant of the same name . The connection as I say is distant, husband's grandad's sister married a Wm Lichfield Newman...
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Leave the pizzas...which port on the Clyde ???
Typical of a man ::) ::) ;D
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I suspect it was the port of Greenock,the "Jane Gifford" left there for NZ arriving on the 9th Oct 1842
Cheers Janette
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I suspect it was the port of Greenock,the "Jane Gifford" left there for NZ arriving on the 9th Oct 1842
Cheers Janette
If you enlarge the map on the link you can see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firth_of_Clyde
Cheers
KHP
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I suspect it was the port of Greenock,the "Jane Gifford" left there for NZ arriving on the 9th Oct 1842
Cheers Janette
If you enlarge the map on the link you can see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firth_of_Clyde
Cheers
KHP
Thanks Kitty,would you like a kipper ;D ;D ;D
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And I have a feeling that when they passed the last light in the river/estuary they said things like 'left Cumray on the Clyde' as in left the light behind them - i know we do when leaving Port Phillip bay - I leave the point Lonsdale light!! Terribly nautical!! "leaving the Lonsdale light on our right the the Nepean light on our left" . . . . . ;D ;D ;D
It's the last connection with home - and yes Greenock would be the port wouldn't it??
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Kipper ? May as well I am the grand daughter of a fisherman ;D
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Here you go Kitty
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Thanks everyone for your help.
I agree the New Zealand's port of departure was Greenock and that Cumray was a romantic allusion, the last sight of home.
Spades
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2. Can anyone find any information on the ship New Zealand?
The New Zealand Company announces the sailing of the passenger ship the NEW ZEALAND, a barque of 455 tons, under the command of Captain C. H. Worth, to depart from Greenock, July 1842, bound for Port Nicholson and the Colony of Nelson in New Zealand...
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nicely done ;)
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There is a novel called"Arcadia" written by Elizabeth Laird about the journey
Aboard the barque NEW ZEALAND were sad Gaelic families from the Highlands and roaring boys in the single men's berths. In the cabin accommodation, the Jamieson family had salvaged just a thousand pounds from business disaster to invest in a new prosperity, while in the cramped steerage quarters the Dunbars bade farewell to the hard times that had befallen the Paisley weavers.
At some point in those long months of voyage, Edward Jamieson caught his first sight of Jessie Dunbar across the rolling deck of the NEW ZEALAND and a love story began...
Elizabeth Laird's ARCADIA is that love story, spanning the decade of hope and hardship that was the 1840s, reaching from the waters of the Clyde across thousands of miles of ocean to the new-found land they called the Great White Cloud. The streets of Edinburgh and the docks of London, the Paisley of the weavers and the India of the nabobs, and--most especially--the settlements and bush of New Zealand in the days of the pioneers spring vividly to life in this impressive debut of an extraordinary new talent.
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Thanks Janette, you've just provided me with an epiphany I think!
But first, can you give me the source for this information?
The New Zealand Company announces the sailing of the passenger ship the NEW ZEALAND, a barque of 455 tons, under the command of Captain C. H. Worth, to depart from Greenock, July 1842, bound for Port Nicholson and the Colony of Nelson in New Zealand...
Now, the epiphany: You mentioned "the hard times that had befallen the Paisley weavers." James PARKER had been a weaver in 1841 but only months later when he emigrated to New Zealand his stated occupation was 'Sawyer'.
Can anyone tell me anything about those 'hard times' suffered by the weavers? What happened. Might this have been the trigger for James PARKER to emigrate?
This is great stuff. ;D
Spades
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Thanks Janette, you've just provided me with an epiphany I think!
But first, can you give me the source for this information?
The New Zealand Company announces the sailing of the passenger ship the NEW ZEALAND, a barque of 455 tons, under the command of Captain C. H. Worth, to depart from Greenock, July 1842, bound for Port Nicholson and the Colony of Nelson in New Zealand...
It was in an advertisment for the book "Arcadia" and also here
http://www.rootschat.com/links/0c4v/
Cheers Janette
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My 5th Great Grandfather, James Brown, was a 'hand loom weaver' in Paisley around that time too. He and his family came over in 1848 - so I'd be keen to know what happened to make that industry collapse.
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From Wikipedia
Scotland's transformation into a rich leader of modern industry came suddenly and unexpectedly.[37] The population grew steadily in the 19th century, from 1,608,000 in the census of 1801 to 2,889,000 in 1851 and 4,472,000 in 1901.[51] The economy, long based on agriculture,[52] began to industrialize after 1790. At first the leading industry, based in the west, was the spinning and weaving of cotton. In 1861 the American Civil War suddenly cut off the supplies of raw cotton and the industry never recovered. Thanks to its many entrepreneurs and engineers, and its large stock of easily mined coal, Scotland became a world centre for engineering, shipbuilding, and locomotive construction, with steel replacing iron after 1870.[53]
Nevertheless, there never were enough high-paying jobs, so during the 1841-1931 era, about 2 million Scots emigrated to North America and Australia, and another 750,000 relocated to England.
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Hmmm, doesn't quite provide the answer, I feel. ???
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was a 'hand loom weaver' in Paisley around that time too.
So was my ggrandfather & members of his family were in the Industry as "Spinners". I found out that he was partially disabled, (wonder if it was a work related accident). Hard times had befallen on him and he died in the Poorhouse :'(
Two siblings emigrated here in 1864 & 1866 and found out in admission papers to poorhouse that two had emigrated to USA.
Cheers
KHP
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I remember a couple of those WDYTYA programmes on the work in some of those cotton mills in UK
unbelievable conditions :'(
Bye
Althea
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Please Sir,does this answer your question
http://www.scran.ac.uk/scotland/pdf/SP2_2Employment.pdf
under the heading
2. INDUSTRIALISATION
2.1 THE FIRST PHASE 1800-1850
Cheers Janette
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A wee bit more
http://www.scran.ac.uk/scotland/pdf/SP2_10Economy.pdf
under the heading
2. PRE-INDUSTRIAL SCOTLAND 1800-1850
2.1 ECONOMIC CHANGE
2.1.1 INDUSTRIALISATION BEFORE 1840
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Just a little snippet on Emigration:
http://www.rootschat.com/links/0c4w/
Cheers
KHP
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That'll do nicely!
Blasted Industrial Revolution!
LOL! Have to keep an eye on Google! As I write this, above the text book are four links to Google advertisements: Batik Cotton fabric; Farrics and textiles; Drain in Paisley(?) and Weavers.
I've never noticed this before.
The next chapter will be posted shortly. Are you all sitting comfortably with cocoa, biscuits and lifting cranes as required?
Spades
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Yes Sir ;D ;D
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(http://canteenbooks.com/Canteen%2025%20copy.GIF)
ready when you are - no hurry ;)
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Excellent! Sheesh! Cheeky bunch :P
I wonder if James PARKER was a handloom operator working from home forced to emigrate to put bread in his childrens mouths as the mechanised weaving industry dropped his profit margins to nothing.
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An Unexpected Discovery.
While searching the World Wide Web in connection to the Taranaki War I found a reference to Thomas WALTON on the wiki site New Zealand Wars. This lists contributed biographical information of those entitled to receive a New Zealand War Medal. I contacted the webmaster who kindly provided the following information sourced from the book New Zealand Medal to Colonials (also the source of WALTON’s year and place of birth discussed above).
http://www.newzealandwars.com/index.php?title=New_Zealand_Wars
Name: WALTON, Thomas Fellowes
Rank: Mounted Constable
Unit: 3rd Div (7/2/1868-)
Unit: 7th Div (28/10/1869-)
Unit: Also 57th Foot
Unit: Taranaki Cavalry Volunteers
Address at time of medal claim: Picton
Actions known to be present: Te Ngutu o te Manu 7/9/1868 (severely wounded)
DOB: Born 1834
Place of Birth: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Year of Gazette Notice: Gazette 1872
Medal Register Number: 2504
Archives NZ File Reference: AD32/4401
One item caught my eye immediately: ‘Unit: Also 57th Foot...’ – So Thomas WALTON was no military tyro, a civilian who joined a colonial unit to protect his fellow settlers, he arrived in New Zealand as a seasoned professional soldier serving in one of Britain’s finest regiments, the 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot!
Thomas WALTON was full of surprises!
The 57th Regiment of Foot.
The first question I had to ask was when and where was WALTON discharged from the regiment, as this might tell me when he joined the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers.
The primary published reference work for this information is the book Discharged in New Zealand. Soldiers of the Imperial Foot Regiments who took their discharge in New Zealand 1840-1870. I asked a fellow RootsChatter who owned a copy if they would search it for Walton. Unexpectedly, I hit a brick wall. WALTON ’s name does not appear.
So why was his name omitted? Was WALTON not considered to have been discharged from the 57th Regiment because he ‘transferred’ straight into the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers (I don’t know if he did so, but it’s a reasonable assumption given that he was a professional soldier)?
I know that discharged Imperial soldiers received a discharge certificate, a copy of which was usually held in UK government archives. Finding this is on my 'To do' list.
So perhaps an easier question: when did the 57th Regiment arrive in New Zealand?
The regimental memorial which stands in New Plymouth’s Te Henui Cemetery records that the 57th Regiment arrived in New Zealand from India in the first weeks of 1861.
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/photo/57th-regiment-nz-wars-memorial
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Just remember the rule - no 'peeking' please, e.g. no leaping ahead by adding detail, all will become clear.
We're now on the downhill slope but this is the part which I found most exciting. ;)
Spades
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no 'peeking' please,
Spades
Eyes are firmly closed, my cat will have to be the seeing eyes ;D
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57th Regiment arrived Jan 1861 from Bombay..went stright to New Plymouth
BYe
Althea
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(http://www.myemoticons.com/images/people/gender-neutral/peeking-over-fence.gif)
Now who would peek? ;)
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Just to whet your appetite until tomorrow's installment, here's a chart compiled from The Colonial New Zealand Wars (1986) showing England's military commitment to the growing Colony of New Zealand.
The 57th Regiment was one of 14 Imperial regiments along with Royal Artillery, Royal Navy and support units to serve in New Zealand between 1840 and 1870, when the last regiment departed.
Service of British Army regiments in New Zealand.
1840 - 80th (Detachment only)
1841 - 80th (Detachment only); 96th (Grenadier Co. only)
1842 - 80th (Detachment only)
1843 - 80th (Detachment only)
1844 - 80th (Detachment only)
1845 - 58th; 80th (Detachment only); 96th; 99th
1846 - 58th; 65th; 96th; 99th
1847 - 58th; 65th; 96th; 99th
1848 - 58th; 65th
1849 - 58th; 65th
1850 - 58th; 65th
1851 - 58th; 65th
1852 - 58th; 65th
1853 - 58th; 65th
1854 - 58th; 65th
1855 - 58th; 65th
1856 - 58th; 65th
1857 - 58th; 65th
1858 - 58th; 65th
1859 - 65th
1860 - 12th; 14th; 40th; 65th
1861 - 12th; 14th; 40th; 57th; 65th
1962 - 12th; 14th; 40th; 57th; 65th
1863 - 12th; 14th; 18th; 40th; 43rd; 50th; 57th; 65th; 70th
1864 - 12th; 14th; 18th; 40th; 43rd; 50th; 57th; 65th; 68th; 70th
1865 - 12th; 14th; 18th; 40th; 43rd; 50th; 57th; 65th; 68th; 70th
1866 - 12th; 14th; 18th; 40th; 43rd; 50th; 57th; 68th; 70th
1867 - 14th; 18th
1868 - 18th
1869 - 18th
1870 - 18th
Spades
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Althea, you peeked! :o :o >:(
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??? I thought you wanted to know that
So perhaps an easier question: when did the 57th Regiment arrive in New Zealand?
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maybe that was rhetorical - was it in bold?
Ahhh just checked - non bold so therefore rhetorical - like Simon Says - hehehe
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Oooooh,hide Althea,Sir might give you 100 lines
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Oh gawd, what a shower... :P
Yes it was rhetorical, 'cos A) it wasn't in BOLD, thank you Janette and 'cos B) I answered my own question with my next sentence. <sigh>
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Oh gawd, what a shower... :P
Yes it was rhetorical, 'cos A) it wasn't in BOLD, thank you Janette and 'cos B) I answered my own question with my next sentence. <sigh>
It wasn't me Sir,it was KG
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Now SIR is mixing everyone up - mum used to do that in her old age :P
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Whoopsadaisie, so it was! Next post up, well done KG.
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Good job I'm not old then :P :P
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I’ve discovered a little more information about John NEWMAN and C. BULLOT, the witnesses to Thomas and Annie’s marriage in 1865. Both appear in the book New Zealand Medal to Colonials (2010 ed.) under the listing for the Taranaki Militia (aka Taranaki Volunteer Militia).
John L. NEWMAN was a Private who joined at New Plymouth and fought at Waireka on 28 March 1860.
Charles Autridge BULLOT had a far wider involvement, and reached the rank of Sergeant. He also served in the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers; Taranaki Cavalry Volunteers; Patea Rifle Volunteers; and 7th Division Armed Constabulary (30 May 1869 - 9 May 1870). He joined the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers at New Plymouth and fought at Waireka on 28 March 1860 and Mahoetahi on 6 November 1860.
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I'm not contributing much (other than a soupçon (?sp) of nautical knowledge) but I'm sure learning a lot of NZ history!!
Waiting with bated breath for next installment - and thank goodness we now have tables and chairs to sit at/on!! Thanks KG. ;) Lifting equipment now de trop!
Wiggy :)
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I'm in the back row..been banished, was that you up front Wiggy? ;D
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I'm in the back row..been banished, was that you up front Wiggy? ;D
No you aren't, you are up there with us ......but with your back facing Spades ;D
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I'm in the back row..been banished, was that you up front Wiggy? ;D
No you aren't, you are up there with us ......but with your back facing Spades ;D
Yeah,Sir is in the corner :P :P :P
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Where's my seat please .... I had rellies in the 57th on foot and the 58th, and the 65th .... (err I had rellies in quite a number of the on foot regiments, some went to NSW and some went to NZ).
Somewhere's I have a list of those in the NSW Volunteer Rifles who were rushed to NZ with one of the Wars .... Please may I peek in that list ;) ;) ;)
Also, I think J L Newman is on various jury lists as John LETCHFIELD Newman
That was a grand feed with all the meaty bits and the gravy and ...... When's the next installment please ;D
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Hi Majm, welcome to the madhouse :o and can you please sort out the stroppy mob lobbing insults (and probably Jaffas but they're missing)?
The 58th, the Black Cuffs! They fought in the First Maori War (aka The Northern War) of 1845-47. Have you read Michael Barthorp's excellent history of the regiment's New Zealand service, To Face the Daring Maoris (1979)?
If not try to get hold of a copy, it's a great read.
Please may I peek in that list
Do you mean New Zealand Medal to Colonials ? If you PM me some names I'll have a look for them.
We're getting close to dessert now, but tomorrow.
But as an amuse-gueule until then, what can you all find out about the NSW Volunteer Rifles and their NZ service?
I think you're all playing up because you're bored. This'll keep you busy for a bit and, I realise I'm being highly optimistic here, out of mischief.
Spades
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By the way Majm, To Face the Daring Maoris does mention some soldiers by name.
PM me if you want a lookup, the book's here on the desk beside me.
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We're getting close to dessert now, but tomorrow.
But as an amuse-gueule until then, what can you all find out about the NSW Volunteer Rifles and their NZ service? I think you're all playing up because you're bored. This'll keep you busy for a bit and, I realise I'm being highly optimistic here, out of mischief.
Spades
Are we allowed to answer that question,it isn't in bold type
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quote ...Also, I think J L Newman is on various jury lists as John LETCHFIELD Newman
... have seen it as Lichfield alt Litchfield as well, even in the book I mentioned, post # 106, on the same page ...
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Simon says...it is now (even though the rule only pertains to Walton's story but i don't want you all getting confused). :P
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Hi All :)
Back again.
Boy did I have a bit of catching up to do.
Amusing banter!
Thanks Spades for the thought of PMing me re this thread but I understand with all that has been going on in Christschurch
KHP, Hopefully early next year another visit for me.
I thought you might like to see some NZ Uniforms, bottom of page on the right;
http://empiretocommonwealth.webs.com/uniforms1.htm
Trish :)
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That's an interesting site Trish!
Wiggy
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Just an aside on how great is this site and google
if you type NSW Volunteer rifles nz
this thread comes up no 1..I've noticed that before that this board gets great coverage!!
Just something to contemplate while we wait for dessert..or being a male is it just cheese and crackers :o .... men never seem to realise how important the dessert course is, at least in my family!
BYe
Althea
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Mr KHP is quite happy getting his own dessert, as I don't have dessert, but I occassionally make desserts for him when I am in the mood, quite often I am told an apple pie would be nice ;D
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I appreciate dessert! Quite a bit really.
Anyway, where did we get to? Oh yes.
Arrival of the 57th Regiment in Auckland
On Papers Past I found articles which described the arrival of the first detachment of the regiment on 25 January 1861 aboard the troopship Star Queen from Bombay, followed by the regimental headquarters aboard the Castilian on 11 February and the remainder on the Prince Arthur on 27 May 1861 via Launceston, Tasmania.
Which vessel Thomas WALTON arrived on is impossible to determine since he doesn't appear in Discharged in New Zealand. The New Zealand Society of genealogists have just published this title in 'pdf format on CD-ROM and I've had my copy barely a week. I've discovered that it is a goldmine of information, the authors having cross-referenced shipping indexes so individuals can be linked to a ship in most cases.
Why Thomas WALTON doesn't appear in this book remains a mystery.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 2 February 1861, Page 3
ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND OF THE TROOP SHIP STAR QUEEN.
A ship was signalled, outside Tiri Tiri, at an early hour on Monday morning, and as the wind was fresh and fair, we were speedily informed that she was a trooper, that her name was the Star Queen, and that she came from Bombay, which port she left on the evening of the 23rd November, and has therefore made a good, as well as a pleasant, passage of fifty-one days. The Star Queen is a ship of 835 tons register, is commanded by Captain BARBER, and is only six months out from England, whence, in eighty-four days, she conveyed detachments of the 56th and 72nd regiments to Bombay. There were five soldiers died from dysentery, that fatal complaint to our soldiers and seamen in the Eastern seas, on the passage; in other respects, the ship was generally healthy. The mystery with respect to the Indian regiment has at length been solved. Notwithstanding the explicit extracts of letters to officers here, and despite the more remarkable letter in our Post Office to the officer commanding the Rifles, the Star Queen brings neither the 13th, 23rd, 35th, 60th, or 66th, all of which had been named, but the gallant old 57th, the glorious Diehards, a corps well-known to Australasian colonists, honoured and esteemed wherever they have served, and who, thirty years since took a leading part in the war which insured to Tasmania her speedy emancipation from the murderous attacks of her aboriginal savages. We are glad to welcome this, the first division, of the brave 57th to our shores. They are under the command of Major BUTLER; the other officers being Captain BROWN; Lieutenants BAYNTON, HASTED, THOMPSON, COX, and WALLER; Ensigns CLARKE, MURRAY, and CLAYTON; Assistant-Surgeon DAVIS; 16 sergeants, and 314 rank and file. She has a quantity of service ammunition on board. — New Zealander, January 16.
The Head Quarters of the regiment were to have sailed, from Bombay, three or four days after the departure of the Star Queen, on board the Castilian, a London ship of 1,060 tons register. They may, therefore, be looked for shortly. The remainder of the regiment, with the women and children, would speedily follow. If we may judge of the 57th regiment from the sample we beheld on board the Star Queen, we should say that the Indian Government have sent us a regiment in every respect equal to the work they have to expect. — Ibid.
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Wellington Independent, 12 February 1861, Page 2
The transport ship Castilian, 1065 tons, Captain HARRINGTON, with the headquarters of the 57th regiment under command of Major LOGAN, arrived in harbour on Monday, shortly after sunset, after a fifty-five days' passage from Bombay, whence she sailed on the evening of the 27th November. She has brought 411 non-commissioned officers and privates, and the following 10 officers — Major Robert A. LOGAN; Brevet Major Captain Charles William ST. CLAIR, Captain Thomas N. WOODHALL; Lieutenant William A. J. SHORT, George B. WAUGH, John PARKINSON, Charles M. CLARKE; Ensign Henry F. EMLY; Quarter Master Thomas MARTINDALE; Dr. William MCANDREW. Five deaths occurred during the passage, three privates of dysentery, one from liver complaint, and, on the 28th December, Captain H. Douglas M. SHUTE of fever, in other respects the health has been good and those now arrived are hale and hearty. There has been nothing of interest in the passage of the Castilian. She came south-about, sighting the Snares on the 15th inst. at 11 p.m., and afterwards experiencing light weather. Spoke the ship Bruce from Otago bound to Calcutta, on 16th December, in latitude 10° 58' south, longitude 89 ° 47' east [e.g. in the Bay of Bengal; Bombay, now Mumbai, is situated on the west coast of the continent and this statement implies that the Castilian travelled south down the coast towards Sri Lanka and then east across the Bay of Bengal. Did she stop at another port on India’s east coast before proceeding south to New Zealand?]*. The following are passengers by the Castilian, Mrs. LOGAN and two children, Mrs. MACANDREW, and Mrs. HARRINGTON. A draft of the 57th had arrived from England previous to the sailing of the Castilian. The regiment, with the women and children, left behind at Poona [approximately 150km south east of Mumbai], will shortly follow, under command of Brevet Major Captain James HASSARD: the name of the ship had not transpired, but the Royal Charlie, 480 tons, GARRICK: and Victory, 579 tons, STEPHENS, had both been spoken of.
February 11 1861 was a Monday, so the Castilian arrived at Auckland only the day before this issue of the Wellington Independent was published.
The Castilian must have travelled south past the west coast of Australia to catch the trade winds in the Roaring Forties which pushed her east until she sighted The Snares, a group of small islands located well to the south of Stewart Island. She then travelled up the coast to Auckland. Presumably the Star Queen followed the same route.
Can anyone help with these questions?
Where is Tiri Tiri, where the Star Queen was first sighted?
Why was the regiment's women and children left at Poona (now Pune)?
What was the regiment doing in India?
Spades
Correction: See reply #184 by Koromo. The correct location of ship was hundreds of kilometers south, in the Indian Ocean. It pays to read the lat/long more carefully than I did. 10° 58' S, not 10° 58' N.
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In the event, the rest of the regiment with women and children arrived at Auckland from Bombay via Launceston, Tasmania on 27 May 1861 on board the steamship Prince Arthur of the Indian Navy, as reported in the Daily Southern Cross of 28 May 1861.
Daily Southern Cross, 28 May 1861, Page 2.
The Prince Arthur, steamship, Captain WALKER, of H. M. Indian Navy, from Bombay, fetched her anchorage here yesterday evening about 7 o’clock. She has on board a detachment of the 57th Regiment, under the command of Brevet-Major HASSARD. The detachment consists of 147 non-commissioned officers and men, 42 soldiers' wives, and 69 children. The officers of the 57th are. — Brevet-Major HASSARD, Captain Sir Robert DOUGLAS, Bart, Captain C. J. CLARKE, Lieuts. ACHESON, M'CLINTOCK and A. C. MANNERS. The ladies are — Mrs HASSARD, and Mrs. MARTINDALE (wife of Quarter-master MARTINDALE) and 4 children. Two men, two women, and one child died on board of dysentery; there were seven births at sea. This detachment of the 57th embarked on board the hired transport ship Victory, at Bombay, on the 5th March; but, in consequence of small-pox appealing in the crew, the troops were transferred, on the 18th March, to the Prince Arthur, which sailed on the same day. The troops enjoyed excellent health throughout, every precaution being taken by Captain Walker and his officers to render their condition comfortable. The Prince Arthur is a noble vessel, and does credit to the Indian Navy. She was purchased by her Majesty's Government during the Indian Mutiny, and used then and since as a troop-ship. She is 1200 tons register, with auxiliary screw, driven by engines of 120 horse-power, enabling her to steam at the rate of seven miles an hour. She is 245 feet over-all. Her 'tween decks are spacious and roomy, and everything about her is neat and trim to an unusual degree. The voyage from Bombay was excellent, when the time spent at the various ports of call is deducted, and also when it is stated that Capt. Walker had orders to sail all the voyage and not to steam. The Prince Arthur left Bombay on the 18th March, and experienced light and baffling winds for the most of the voyage. She touched at Point de Galle, where she remained for three days; and came to anchor for a day at Quilon. On the 9th May the ship anchored at George Town, some distance from Launceston, where she remained for seven days. Major HASSARD and the officers of the 57th, and Capt. Walker and the officers of the Prince Arthur, were partakers of the hospitalities of her Majesty's heges, while off Launceston. A entertainment and ball was given by the inhabitants of Launceston in honor of the newly arrived Governor, Sir Henry YOUNG, Bart., and they invited all the officers en route for New Zealand, military and naval, with those of the Garrison, to meet his Excellency. The gentlemen on board the Prince Arthur speak in the highest terms of the gaiety of the party, the beauty of the ladies, and the more than ordinary hospitality of which they were the recipients. It was with regret, therefore, that the gallant officers on board the Prince Arthur took their departure from the hospitable shores of Tasmania. A strong south-easterly gale was encountered when the ship cleared Bass's Straits. New Zealand was sighted on the 57th day after leaving Bombay. The Three Kings were sighted and passed between two and three o'clock, am., on last Saturday morning; the ship taking the passage between the islands and the mainland. She lay off in the gulf for a day, becalmed; and wind still failing, at half-past 2 a.m. yesterday, Captain WALKER ordered steam to be got up, and steamed into the harbour in the evening. The Prince Arthur is pierced for six guns, but has only two guns on board, as she is not intended for warlike operations. The troops were under the medical supervision of Dr. FETTIS, surgeon in charge of the Prince Arthur, who deserves great praise for his care and attention. The other officers of the ship are First Lieutenant TEMPLAR, and Messrs. FLEMING, ASH, and TOLPUT. The ship's company consists of 195 men. The stay of the Prince Arthur will be short. After refitting a little she is under orders to return to Bombay. This is the second ship of the Indian Navy that the Imperial Government has placed at the service of New Zealand. The Elphintson, of 18 guns, did good service during the first New Zealand war; and the recollection of that fact should increase the warmth of Captain WALKER'S reception among us. One fact is patent — the solicitude not only of the Home Government, but also of that of India, in the affairs of New Zealand. This detachment of the 57th is to proceed to Taranaki, with the women and children, to join the head-quarters of the regiment stationed there. It is seldom we see such a specimen of naval architecture as the Prince Arthur in the Waitemata. We must not omit mentioning that through the courtesy of Captain WALKER and the officers of the 57th we have been enabled to publish a summary of the English mail, per Jeddo, in anticipation of our regular files. The latest date, by the Prince Arthur, from Sydney, is the 16th inst.
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Sorry, last one...
Southern Cross, 4 June 1861, Page 4
The Prince Arthur, s s., of H. M. Indian Navy, Capt. WALKER, sailed from the Waitemata yesterday for New Plymouth, with the officers and men of the 57th on board, whose arrival we noticed on Tuesday. The authorities thought it desirable, as the Prince Arthur is not a chartered vessel, to keep the troops on board until she conveyed them to their destination and thus avoid the inconveniences and expense incident to a re shipment from the Manukau. It is also rumoured that the remainder of the 40th Regiment will be brought to Auckland in the Prince Arthur, on her return trip, and that her programme has been so far changed as to render a call at Sydney necessary on her Indian voyage. — Ibid. (e.g. “S. Cross, May 31.”)
The women and children must have disembarked at Auckland. Presumably there was military accomodation available for them there.
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Where is Tiri Tiri, where the Star Queen was first sighted?
Tiri Tiri or known as Tiritiri ....... if I am wrong please correct me someone.
http://www.rootschat.com/links/0c5k/
and the history:
http://www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz/history
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Thanks KHP,
You've solved a little puzzle for me. I had thought that the Star Queen had travelled up the west coast of New Zealand to Auckland but if that's Tiritiri they clearly came up the east coast.
In which case, the Castilian probably followed the same route while the Prince Arthur must have came around the top of the North Island.
To travel to the Taranaki I assume the vessels came south, went through Cook Strait and then up to New Plymouth.
What do you think (not a rhetorical question ;))
Spades
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To travel to the Taranaki I assume the vessels came south, went through Cook Strait and then up to New Plymouth.
What do you think (not a rhetorical question ;))
Spades
Could have - but lets wait to see what the others have to say on it.
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deleted again
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There's another account of a family of the 57th aboard that ship in 1861!
http://www.stagpoole.net.nz/bartholomewstagpoole.html
Well it is interesting - and I'm trying to contribute - and in doing so, laying the odd red herring!
If the Prince Arthur "sailed between the islands and the mainland and lay in the gulf", are they referring to the big gulf/bay in northern NZ, or is there a gulf between the N and S islands? my geography is letting me down here.
Wiggy
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Not such a red herring, Wiggy, Stagpoole gets a passing mention here too. One battle in particular in which the 57th fought might have been a trigger for Thomas WALTON to leave the 57th Regiment for the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers.
The webmaster of the site New Zealand Wars sent me a copy of the Nominal Roll for the 57th Regiment dated 1869 (National Archives reference: WO100 Piece 31). This showed that No. 2355 Private Thomas WALTON served three years in the field in New Zealand (“1861, 2, & 3”) and by 1869 had been discharged. No discharge date was provided.
The book New Zealand Medal to Colonials conveniently lists individuals alphabetically within units which allowed me to draw some conclusions. Although WALTON had been a member of the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers (their correct title) he did not make a medal claim under that unit as he would have done had he been in action with them. So clearly he wasn’t a member of this unit at, for instance, Poutoko Redoubt (Allen’s Hill) on 2 October 1863. So presumably he must still have been in the 57th Regiment in October 1863.
Both the 57th Regiment and the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers were present at the Battle of Poutoko Redoubt (Allen’s Hill), where Ensign DOWN and Drummer STAGPOOLE of the 57th received the Victoria Cross for retrieving the body of Private FINN. Antonio RODRIQUEZ of the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers (mentioned in an earlier post) placed himself and his horse between DOWN and STAGPOOLE and the enemy while they rescued Finn’s body, and later received the New Zealand Cross for this and other acts of gallantry.
Even if WALTON wasn’t present at the battle, detailed accounts of the gallantry of DOWN, STAGPOOLE, and RODRIQUEZ would have quickly spread though the 57th Regiment. The professionalism displayed by the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers and officers such as Capt. MACE might have attracted him (and others) to join them.
Spades
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Can't remember if you've listed this as some of your reading already Spades - but this is another reference you may not have seen - found under Google; Prince Arthur, Indian Navy. I haven't read it - just enough to see that it pertains to this subject!
http://www.enzb.auckland.ac.nz/document/1878_-_Wells,_B._The_History_of_Taranaki/CHAPTER_XXIII%3A_THE_TRUCE/p1
Right, off to get my neck beaten into shape - so I'm out of your hair for a while!
Wiggy
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Drummer Stagpoole was Dudley born Ireland 1838,maybe a brother to Bartholmew Stagpoole mentioned in Wiggy' post
http://www.birkenheadrsa.com/vc-dudley-stagpoole.html
Cheers Janette
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What was the regiment doing in India?
1857-58: The Indian Mutiny
The Indian Mutiny erupted in May 1857, when sepoys rose up against the British in Meerut and then massacred all the British they could find in Delhi.
Uprisings spread throughout British India. It was estimated that less than 8,000 of nearly 140,000 sepoys remained loyal to the British. The conflicts of 1857 and 1858 were brutal and bloody, and lurid reports of massacres and atrocities circulated in newspapers and illustrated magazines in Britain.
The British dispatched more troops to India and eventually succeeded in putting down the mutiny, resorting to merciless tactics to restore order. The large city of Delhi was left in ruins. And many sepoys who had surrendered were executed by British troops.
1858: Calm is Restored in British India
American Publishing Co., 1877/now in public domainFollowing the Indian Mutiny, the East India Company was abolished and the British crown assumed full rule of India.
Reforms were instituted, which included tolerance of religion and the recruitment of Indians into the civil service. While the reforms sought to avoid further rebellions through conciliation, the British military in India was also strengthened.
Historians have noted that the British government never actually intended to take control of India, but when British interests were threatened the government had to step in.
The embodiment of the new British rule in India was the office of the Viceroy.
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Drummer Stagpoole was Dudley born Ireland 1838,maybe a brother to Bartholmew Stagpoole mentioned in Wiggy' post
http://www.birkenheadrsa.com/vc-dudley-stagpoole.html
Cheers Janette
I read 'Drummer' as his rank - Bartholomew was a drummer - at least that's how I read
it! Just shows - wrong again!! ::) :-[
Wiggy :-\
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Transfer of Publicans' Licenses. — A court for the transfer of publicans' licenses was held yesterday, at eleven o'clock, when the Masonic Hotel was transferred from Edward Everett to Charles Gentry ; the Royal Hotel from William Wright to Joseph Porthouse ; the Miners' Arms from Joseph Porthouse to John Lichfield Newman ; and the Wakatu Hotel from John Lewthwaite to Edward Mills.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXI, Issue 20, 5 March 1862, Page 2
So not only The Ships Hotel but the Miner's Arms too...
Another red herring, the Charles Gentry mentioned is my 2gt grandfather that I was chasing on the scavenger hunt.
Sounds like one ship cameup from the South and the other around Nth. Cape down to Tiritiri-Matangi in Auckland
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I read 'Drummer' as his rank - Bartholomew was a drummer - at least that's how I read
it! Just shows - wrong again!! ::) :-[
Wiggy :-\
You may have got that from over the page Wiggy,just found Dudley was Bartholomew's brother
http://www.stagpoole.net.nz/dudleystagpoole.html
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A Timeline of the 57th
http://www.stagpoole.net.nz/ireland.html
The 57Th was based in Cork, Ireland from 1846 until 1853. During these years a large number of Irishmen were recruited by the regiment
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From Discharged in New Zealand.
57th Regiment:
Regimental No: 2189
Rank: Private
Name: Bartholomew STAGPOOL
Birthplace: Kilcummin
Trade on enlistment: Labourer
Date of enlistment: 240148
Place of enlistment: AK (Auckland)
Date of discharge: 250367
Type of discharge: G (e.g. Discharged with Gratuity)
Ship: PA [e.g. PRINCE ARTHUR]
57th Regiment:
Regimental No: 2448
Rank: Private
Name: Martin STAGPOOL
Birthplace: Kilcromwell, Galway
Trade on enlistment: Labourer
Date of enlistment: 151151
Place of enlistment: WG (Wanganui)
Date of discharge: 271164
Type of discharge: C (e.g. Completion of Engagement)
Ship: SQ [e.g. STAR QUEEN]
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We're getting very close to the end of WALTON's story now, and he has one last surprise for us:
The Hidden Hero - The Crimean War.
Searching further back into the campaign history of the 57th Regiment, I discovered the Ancestry.com database UK Military Campaign and Medal Award Rolls. Searching this I was astonished to discover that No. 2355 Thomas WALTON received three medal clasps, awarded for battles in the Crimean War: Balaklava (25 October 1854), Inkerman (5 November 1854) and Sebastopol (9 September 1856).
A Crimean veteran! WALTON was a very experienced professional soldier with at least six years hard service behind him by the time he stepped on to New Zealand soil.
In mid-September 1854 the British Army under Lord Raglan landed at Calamita Bay on the west coast of the Crimean peninsula with the intent of capturing the Russian naval port of Sebastopol. Their allies were the Turks and the French. Their strategic goal was to prevent the Russians having access to the Black Sea but their immediate aim was to march south and gain control of a port to guarantee their lines of supply.
The Russians under Prince Menschikov took up strong defensive positions along a ridge of hills above the River Alma, blocking the Allied line of march. On 20 September the Anglo-French army crossed the Alma and stormed the position. The Russians, outnumbered, and fearful of losing their artillery, withdrew into Sebastopol with the realization they must prepare for a siege.
Continuing south, Lord Raglan bypassed Sebastopol and captured the southern port of Balaklava while the French took the port of Kamiesch. They then began the siege of Sebastopol, and the first serious bombardment took place on 17 October. The Russian field army based in the northern Crimea made several attempts to break the siege at the battles of Balaklava, Inkerman and Tchernaya.
Thomas WALTON was present at the first two of these battles.
At Balaklava on 25 October 1854 the Russians attacked the thinly-held lines protecting the harbour at Balaklava but their attack failed.
At the battle of Inkerman on 5 November 1854 the Russians launched a two-pronged surprise assault on British forces holding high ground above the village of Inkerman. Known as ‘The Soldiers Battle’, Inkerman was fought in heavy fog as a series of hand-to hand combats with rifle butt and bayonet, with junior officers and NCO’s commanding fragmented units without central control. British forces were strengthened at a crucial moment by French reinforcements and the Russians retreated.
WALTON's last medal clasp was earned at the siege of the fortress port of Sebastopol, although the date provided for his award in the medal rool above seems to be incorrect: it should read 8 September 1855. This was the day the 57th and other regiments attacked the Redan, a sister fortress below the Malakov, situated on a hill overlooking Sebastopol. The 57th lost its colonel and 113 men during the failed attack, but the French successfully gained the Malakov and that night the Russians abandoned Sebastopol. The Crimean War was effectively over, although British forces remained in the Crimean for a further winter but with improved supplies of clothing, equipment and medical services.
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Is this your family Spades - or just one which took your fancy? - in a big way it seems!
Wiggy
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No connection, just took my fancy.
I felt his story needed to be told and thought you'd be the best people to tell it to. ;D
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Hows this for a real magical mystery tour, you will never guess but my GGGfather Major John CORNES has now jumped on board. Father of Clement who I've had many queries on this board about
This is John's war summary:
Major Cornes served with the 53rd Regiment in the campaign on the Sutlej in 1846, (Medal and Clasps) and commanded the rear guard at Biddiwal when cut off by the enemy's cavalry and effected his retreat in an orderly manner in the face of the entire Siek Cavalry, his conduct on this occasion afterwards elicited the Duke of Wellington's "Cordial approbation and thanks for the gallantry and judgement he displayed in protecting the baggage and sick in the movement towards Loodrana, when attacked by a large force of the enemy on the 21st. January", He was also present at the battle's of Aliwal and Sobroan. At Buddiwal he was wounded in the leg, and his horse was shot under him. Served with the 79th Regiment in the Eastern Campaign of 1854, including the battle of Alma and seige of Sebastopol (Medal and Clasps and Turkish Medal).........Film 896674.
Bye
Althea
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There has been nothing of interest in the passage of the Castilian. She came south-about, sighting the Snares on the 15th inst. at 11 p.m., and afterwards experiencing light weather. Spoke the ship Bruce from Otago bound to Calcutta, on 16th December, in latitude 10° 58' south, longitude 89 ° 47' east [e.g. in the Bay of Bengal; Bombay, now Mumbai, is situated on the west coast of the continent and this statement implies that the Castilian travelled south down the coast towards Sri Lanka and then east across the Bay of Bengal. Did she stop at another port on India’s east coast before proceeding south to New Zealand?].
I suggest that latitude 10° 58' south, longitude 89 ° 47' east is a point in the middle of the Indian Ocean — see red spot on map below. (Latitude 10° 58' north would be in the vicinity of the Bay of Bengal).
If the Prince Arthur "sailed between the islands and the mainland and lay in the gulf", are they referring to the big gulf/bay in northern NZ, or is there a gulf between the N and S islands? my geography is letting me down here.
The Three Kings are the islands off the northern tip of New Zealand, so the Prince Arthur sailed between them and NZ, and was becalmed in the Hauraki Gulf before steaming into Auckland harbour.
Sailing from Auckland to Taranaki, I would imagine that they'd have taken the northern route around North Cape because
a. it's shorter
b. flogging westwards through Cook Strait in winter in an 1860s sailing ship (with auxilliary steam power capable of only 7 miles per hour) against the westerly prevailing winds would not have been very nice, or safe.
:)
K.
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Hi Koromo,
In response:
A) Ooops! ::)(lost track of the equator on my online tracking map)
B) Makes perfect sense, I agree.
Thanks for helping. ;D
Spades
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Just caught up with the tour this morning.
Wonderful reading Spades and your pupils have been taking advantage of the fact you cannot cane them.
Thanks everyone who contributed I have really enjoyed the banter, lovely to have a laugh even on your own.
Mackiwi :) :)
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Thanks very much Mackiwi,
I didn't see them as pupils, but for some deep disturbed psychological reason they seemed to! ;D :P
There is one final chapter to come...
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Hi Spades,
I hope you are thinking up the next Magical Mystery Tour ;D ;D
This has been so much fun
Cheers Janette
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You want ANOTHER one? :o
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YES
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Did you need to ask :P :P
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Look how much fun we had, when you did the Mugshot Gallery ones :D
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Yup,sure did and it is amazing what we learn along the way
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Er, well, yes, if you insist...I could whip another another up by dinnertime ::)
Someone else could have a go, and suffer the pressures of try to distract people from stealing your thunder. That would be fun to watch.
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Since you're here, how about reading the final chapter of Walton's life? There's only the conclusion to come after this, folks.
‘Old soldiers never die, they simply fade away.’
I found one final record of Thomas WALTON. In 1873, two years after his involvement in the death of Henry MEARS, he appeared in a contemporary newspaper as a witness to the dissolution of a business partnership at Picton. The other witness, J.T. ROBINSON, was the Town Clerk:
Marlborough Express, 10 May 1873, p. 6
DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP.
THE PARTNERSHIP hitherto existing between Charles BIRSS and George COOPER, trading under the name of 'Birss and Co.," Butchers, Picton, has been this day DISSOLVED by mutual consent. The Business will be carried on by C. BIRSS.
All Debts due to the late Firm must be paid to Charles BIRSS, who will discharge all Debts due by the late Firm.
Dated this April 23rd, 1873.
Chas. BIRSS,
George COOPER.
Witnesses:
J. T. ROBINSON,
Thomas Fellows WALTON.
Thomas Walton died childless at Picton in 1884:
Death certificate 1884/2619. Thomas Fellows WALTON.
Thomas Fellows WALTON, a labourer formerly a soldier, died on 25 August 1884 aged 51 at Picton Hospital. Causes of death were phthisis and exhaustion. The medical attendant was Charles SCOTT who last saw deceased on 25th August 1884. His parent’s names and father’s occupation were ‘not known’. He was buried at Picton Cemetery on 27 August 1884. The witnesses to the burial were ? HARRIS, householder and ? THOMPSON, householder. He was born at Cambridge, England and lived 24 years in New Zealand. He married Annie PARKER at Nelson but his age at marriage wasn’t given. There were no living issue. The informant was ? HARRIS, undertaker having charge of funeral. Registered on 27 August 1884.
According to the NZSG Burial Locator v.2 a Thomas Fellows WALTON was buried at Picton Cemetery in 1884 aged 21 (therefore born c’1863). A Sergeant Thomas Walton was also buried at Picton Cemetery in 1884, aged 49 (therefore born 1835). But these two records appear to be for the same individual, with incorrect ages.
What about Annie Walton, Thomas’s widow? I have not been able to find a death record for her, but there is a marriage record for an Annie WALTON to Alfred Ernest WRIGHT in 1909. I checked the 1909 Intention to Marry Registers for Picton and Blenheim but couldn’t find them.
So, a few questions to finish off:
1) What was phthisis?
2) Can anyone find the death or burial of Annie WALTON?
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1) Phthisis Consumption/ Pulmonary Tuberculosis/ wasting away ...lung disease.
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Really?
Thanks Mare.
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Phthisis - and it is number 120/120 on the list of very difficult words for grade 5/6 children - just to see if they can use their nouse and knowledge of the English language to work out how to say it!! (bit of useless info for you!! Just what you needed!)
Wiggy ;)
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Never mind grade 5/6 children, I wouldn't get it either!
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2) Can anyone find the death or burial of Annie WALTON?
The only Annie Walton I can see on the burial locator died 1941 Hawera Cemetery
http://public.stdc.govt.nz/cemeteries/
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While you're all thinking and researching (I hope), here is my final timeline:
FINAL TIMELINE FOR THOMAS WALTON:
1833 Believed born/baptized as Thomas Jonathan WALTON at parish of St. Mary the Great,
Cambridge CAM ENG, son of Thomas, a Bootmaker, and Deborah, nee SEAMAN. Possibly adopted the middle name ‘Fellows’ as he was the only child not to carry it.
before 1854 Attested for British Army.
October 1854 Arrived in the Crimea from England with 57th Regiment.
25 October 1854 fought at Battle of Balaklava, Crimean War (57th Regt., awarded medal clasp).
5 November 1854 fought at Battle of Inkerman, Crimean War (57th Regt., awarded medal clasp).
9 September 1856 fought at Siege of Sebastapol, Crimean War (57th Regt., awarded medal clasp).
1861 Served in India with the 57th Regt.
25 January 1861 Part of the 57th Regiment landed in Auckland from Bombay aboard Star Queen which took them on to New Plymouth.
11 February 1861 Part of 57TH Regiment arrived in Auckland from Bombay aboard Castilian.
27 May 1861 Remainder of 57th Regiment arrived in Auckland from Bombay aboard Prince Arthur. which took them on to New Plymouth.
circa 1861-1863 inclusive A Private in 57th Regiment of Foot in NZ.
circa late 1863 Discharged from 57th Regiment after three years field service. (Does not appear in Discharged in New Zealand)
circa late 1863 Joined the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers.
October 1865 Corporal, Taranaki Mounted Volunteers.
25 October 1865 Married Annie PARKER at New Plymouth TNK NZ.
Early 1867 57th Regiment left New Zealand, returning to England.
7 February 1868 Joined No. 3 Division, Armed Constabulary.
7 September 1868 Constable, No. 3 Division, Armed Constabulary.
7 September 1868 Wounded at Battle of Te Ngutu o te Manu (‘The Beak of the Bird’)
11 September 1868 Evacuated from Patea TNK to Wanganui per Woodpecke.
12 September 1868 Mentioned in the Wanganui Times as one of those wounded in action at Te
Ruaruru (actually Te Ngutu o te Manu) on 7 September 1868.
28 October 1869 Joined No. 7 Division, Armed Constabulary.
circa 1870 Discharged from Armed Constabulary.
3 June 1871 A witness to the suicide of Henry MEARS at Blenheim MBH.
3 June 1871 A labourer living at Picton MBH.
5 June 1871 A witness at the inquest into the death of Henry MEARS held at Blenheim MBH.
10 May 1873 Mentioned in Marlborough Express as witness to a business dissolution.
28 May 1873 Living at Picton MBH.
28 May 1873 Applied for New Zealand War Medal.
26 November 1873 Living at Picton MBH.
26 November 1873 Acknowledged receipt of his New Zealand War Medal.
25 August 1884 Died at Picton Hospital aged 51 of phthisis (pulmonary tuberculosis) and exhaustion.
27 August 1884 Buried at Picton MBH.
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BDM s has an Annie Parker dying in 1908 aged 68
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But she was Annie Walton by then - ??????? :-\ ::)
That's not helpful of me is it!
Wiggy ;)
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Thanks KHP and Whenu,
The Hawera one is too young, and I can't see why Annie would revert to her maiden name.
I'd like to eliminate the WALTON/WRIGHT marriage. Can anyone find deaths or burials for either of them?
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No it's not, Wiggy, but we're getting used to you by now. ;D ;D ;D
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:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
;D ;D
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Spades there are heaps and heaps of deaths for Annie Wright ..... but the needle in the haystack will be found ::)
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We just need to find the right Wright,KHP :P :P
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We just need to find the right Wright,KHP :P :P
::) ::) ::) ::)
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Now now,2 wrong don't make a Wright ::) ::)
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BDM s has an Annie Wright aged 52 dying in 1918
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BDM s has an Annie Wright aged 52 dying in 1918
Buried Mauku Cemetery - aged 50
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Wonder if that is the same one in St Paul's Anglican Churchyard, Papanui - has age of 51 yrs 1918
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BDMs also has an Alfred Ernest Wright aged 85 dying in 1971
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BDMs also has an Alfred Ernest Wright aged 85 dying in 1971
Anderson Bay, Dunedin
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Hmmm...all over the place.
IF she did marry Alfred Ernest Wright and IF she died in 1918, he might have then moved south to live in Otago.
Too many 'if's.
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Some timeline inserts for T F Walton
1875 Buller ERoll, Picton, household, house on section No 2 Picton
1878-9 Picton ERoll, Picton,household, house on section No 2 Picton
1880-1 Picton ERoll, Picton, Labourer
BYe
Althea
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Thanks Althea,
They fill the gap nicely.
By the way, I've been information that WALTON received a grant of land, reference '88T', whatever that means.
Spades
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If you want to get a good idea of where Thomas Fellows WALTON was while he was with the 57th Regiment, check out "Historical Records of The Fifty-Seventh: Or West Middlesex Regiment of Foot, 1755-1878" by Henry James Warre (Published in 1878).
It is a collection of the official records of what the 57th was doing, month by month, and sometimes day by day. Because it is based on official records it does portray the activities through rose-coloured spectacles, but it is still very useful.
The book is available as a facsimile reprint on Amazon.
BTW, Drummer Dudley Stagpoole V.C., D.C.M., is my wife's G.Grandfather (through his third marriage when he was in his sixties!). He had two older brothers in the 57th - Bartholomew and Martin. (*), who has created a website exploring the history of these three brothers (http://www.stagpoole.net.nz/index.html), is descended from Bartholomew.
(*) Moderator Comment:
Edited in accordance with RootsChat policy of not publishing details of living people here, or details of people who may still be living. This is to protect all concerned from spam, identity abuse, internet abuse, etc, etc.
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Welcome Sminhinnick
Love the pic at the bottom wearing his medals so proudly
wonder he can stand up!!
Thanks for sharing the great pages ;D
Bye
Althea
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Welcome to RootsChat and the NZ Board, Sminhinnick,
Thank you for the book reference, I'll look for it. There's still a few gaps in WALTON's life I need to fill in.
Morning Althea, you're up early!
Spades
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Welcome Sminhinnick to Rootschat and joining the tour :D
Thank you for the link, what wonderful photos of them standing there as proud as punch.
Cheers
KHP
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Hi
I really enjoyed this magical tour. You certainly showed your genealogy skills.
Janine :D
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Hi Janine and welcome,
Join in,the more the merrier ;D
Cheers Janette
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At the rate the class is growing Spades will need a bigger room, or maybe a megaphone :P
Cheers
KHP
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Quiet please class, so Sir can get on with it.
Mackiwi
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Hands on heads ;D ;D ;D
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(http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/LIFPOD/188091.jpg)
Couldn't spot one with hands on heads ;)
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Oh oh,Sir is taking too long :)
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I remember nap time after lunch
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I remember nap time after lunch
Shhhhhhhhhhhhh,so do I
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I think we had a nap on the mat after lunch in the primers... or maybe that was just me ;)
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I remember nap time after lunch
Shhhhhhhhhhhhh,so do I
So do I ::) but one day we had to do one 15 mins before going home .... because teacher was surprising us with easter eggs and those cute little fluffy chickens that came with them ;D
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they were cool
(http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/41575_106694322697501_8861_n.jpg)
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I think we had a nap on the mat after lunch in the primers... or maybe that was just me ;)
yep,we had a little chinese girl who had her own little pillow, and sleeping bag she climbed into
corrected after teachers KHP and KG pointed out my mistakes :P
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I think we had a nap on the mat after lunch in the primers... or maybe that was just me ;)
yep,we had a little chinese girl who had her own little sleeping bag and little pillow she climbed into
She climbed into a pillow!!! :o She must have been small!!! :o
hehehe ;)
(http://c1925552.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/34/918734_1062088.jpg)
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Trying to work out how she climbed into a pillow ... must have been a contortionist. ???
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I did say she was little :P :P :P :P
corrected now
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;D Ahhh the magic of the comma ;)
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grammar,never was my strong point :P
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See what happens when Spades wanders off...
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Missed the fun
What about if the Headmaster comes in and hits the ruler on the desk..to get everyones attention..who can remember that! Soon wake you sleepy lot up :o
Althea
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Missed the fun
What about if the Headmaster comes in and hits the ruler on the desk..to get everyones attention..who can remember that! Soon wake you sleepy lot up :o
Althea
I remember that happening and the ruler broke :o :o
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and the strap as well :(
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Yes a may in early primers, then just a rest on the desk as we were older.
The threat of the strap turned us all into upright citizens, have to wonder if they should bring it back today.
Where is Sir? He wouldn't be snogging the lady teacher next door ?
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Yes a may in early primers, then just a rest on the desk as we were older.
The threat of the strap turned us all into upright citizens, have to wonder if they should bring it back today.
Where is Sir? He wouldn't be snogging the lady teacher next door ?
tee hee
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I had a charming teacher who used to throw the duster..................he missed once................and you know who he hit :'(
I remember at primary school a boy called Peter got the strap, he was the only one I can remember.
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I remember one of our boys getting his mouth washed out with soap!!
And the teacher broke my NEW ruler on another child - I was VERY upset and it was my first ruler and I was in grade 1 ! :'(
Wiggy
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Here is one for you. When I was in the primers, we had a teacher who didn't like anyone biting their nails. She used to wrap the offending hand in a glove (or it could have been material) and smear mustard on the outside. Whenever that hand was put to mouth, they got a very nasty taste.
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They would have a field day if that happened today.
Some teachers were quite cruel
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So nice to see you all sitting there so patiently. :P
I will post a conclusion to this story tomorrow (I had written one but it needs a revamp).
There might even be a postscript much later on if you're lucky. ;)
Manana, Spades
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Hey Janine.
I didn't email you. How did you find this thread so quickly?
Spies?
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Heh Heh, I have my methods.
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;D
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ooooh Spades - you have formed a cult!
;)
(http://20bits.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/cult.jpg)
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Have I? ;D How did that happen? :o
"He's not the Messiah! He's just a very naughty boy!"
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Stand on my foot.....
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3KIJt17keOY/SSnuVc_kDmI/AAAAAAAABRc/8GH1WjG-aT0/s400/Life+of+Brian.jpg)
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LOL ;D
Well, I was going to post a conclusion today, but instead here's the solution relating to WALTON’S land claim, the emigmatic (‘88T’).
Archives NZ ref: AD31/9a. p.65 Taranaki Cavalry Volunteers.
Rank: Trooper
Name: Thomas WALTON
Land - T: Lot 83 section 88 Kakaramea
Land - L: Lot 40 section 417 Patea District
The next goal is to find the exact location of this land. Any ideas?
Spades
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The next goal is to find the exact location of this land. Any ideas?
Spades
Should that be 'Any ideas?'
:P
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From Wikipedia
"Kakaramea is a town in South Taranaki, New Zealand. State Highway 3 passes through it. Patea is about 6 km to the south-east, and Hawera is about 20 km to the north-west.["
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In "Hart's Annual Army list, Militia list and Yeomanry"
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Ooooh Whenu - you'll get Brownie points for those answers!! ;D ;D
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For Whenu
(http://www.schoolmeritstickers.com/productimages/thumb/333.gif)
I used to love the star stickers - gold, silver, red and green!
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I used to love the star stickers - gold, silver, red and green!
So does my grandson ..... for eating, brushing teeth etc.
Good work Whenu :D
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(http://www.corbisimages.com/images/67/50CCF262-88EB-496B-A6F8-98BCFEA1721C/HU033315.jpg)
nice!
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Thanks very much for the location of Kakaramea, Whenu.
Unfortunately, I don't think the Captain WALTON mentioned in Hart's Annual Army list, Militia list and Yeomanry is the same man. Why would he end up a private soldier in an Imperial regiment and then only attain the equivalent rank of Trooper in a colonial unit?
Congratulations on the Gold Star for fnding it though.
I think Thomas WALTON probably sold his land grant (or simply walked away from it) and moved to Picton.
He would have had to clear the land himself and farm it, and he was no doubt still suffering the effects of his wound from Te Ngutu o te Manu. He likely had no capital to support the land or employ labourers.
Spades
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I know of at least one land grant that was just a 66 year lease.
Perhaps that is why one chap I know of just walked away from it because he wanted to go back to Ireland to die.
Another I believe just didn't want the hard work to start from scratch with a young family to raise, he went back to work as a carpenter.
All 3 had worked on the building of the main trunk line.
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Conclusion
When I started researching Thomas WALTON I had no expectations of where the search would lead. To discover a professional Imperial soldier, a veteran of the battles of Balaklava, Inkerman and Sebastopol who later served in India and who subsequently joined a colonial military unit and fought in New Zealand’s Taranaki War, was the last thing I expected.
While I didn’t find a definitive baptism record for Thomas Fellows WALTON in Cambridge CAM ENG, the nearest, that of Thomas Jonathan WALTON in 1833, the only child in his family to lack the middle name of ‘Fellows’, suggests that this was the same individual and that he later discarded the middle name of ‘Jonathan’ and adopted ‘Fellows’.
Interestingly, Thomas Fellows WALTON’s New Zealand death certificate states that he died at the age of 51, exactly the correct age if he was indeed Thomas Jonathan WALTON. If so, he was aged 21 when he fought at Balaklava and Inkerman, and 27 when he arrived in New Zealand in early 1861. He was 35 when he was wounded at Te Ngutu o te Manu and 38 years old when he tried to save the life of Henry MEARS in 1871.
There are still a few little puzzles that need to be investigated:
1) When did Thomas WALTON attest for the British Army and to which regiment?
2) When was he discharged from the 57th Regiment?
3) When were the Taranaki Mounted Volunteers disbanded?
Thanks to everyone who not only read the topic but provided information and encouragement during this little experiment. I thoroughly enjoyed the new discoveries and especially the banter (although the mental imagery of a school class fighting for seats was slightly disturbing!) and I hope you enjoyed the story.
The answers to the questions above (if I find them) will be added in a post script at some later date.
Thanks again for reading Thomas WALTON’s story.
Spades
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It's been entertaining following the build-up of his life as we know it :)
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Thanks for the story Spades! Been very interesting! ;)
Wiggy
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Thanks for taking us on a wonderful tour Spades.
Cheers
KHP :)
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Thanks, pleased you enjoyed it ;D
I'm going to lock the topic now as I may need room for more information and I don't want to run over the twenty page limit.
Spades