RootsChat.Com
Research in Other Countries => New Zealand => New Zealand Completed Requests => Topic started by: JONTYA1 on Wednesday 03 October 12 14:38 BST (UK)
-
Hi
Recently I came across the following article in the
Otago Daily Times, ( New Zealand ) 17 Nov 1889 page 6
Our Waipori correspondent writes;- A miner named Benjamin Gregg was found dead in his hut on Monday afternoon, He was seen alive on the morning of that day, but complained of a pain in his chest. He was receiving chartable aid, and eked out a living by digging in North West Creek. At the inquest; verdict from natural causes was returned, deceased was about 70 years of age and a native of Cumberland in England.
I think this may be my long lost ancestor who I have been trying to find since the 1980’s. He married Mary Pattinson on 12 Nov 1853 just over the Cumberland border in Lancashire England, and seemed to have vanished after that. His occupation was a copper miner at Coniston, Lancashire. Benjamin was born 19 Feb 1828 Coniston, but his parents previously lived in Cumberland.
Can any one help with any further information, I will be over the moon if this is indeed our long lost ancestor
Jonty
-
Hello,
The only death registered for a Benjamin Gregg,is this one,I wonder if it should have been 1889 and not 1898
1898/6240 Gregg Benjamin 75Y
Cheers Janette
-
help.desk@cluthadc.govt.nz try the council for his burial as they do not have a online site
Suzy W
-
hello
Thanks for your help, though this Benjamin died in 1898 aged 75 years- born ca 1823, sometimes the age at death is not always correct on a death certificate, so there could still be a possibility he is the ancestor born 1828.
I have been searching through the old newspaper index and found an arrival Mr and Mrs Gregg, and son and daughter. on the "Gil Blas" from Melbourne on the Sept. 3 1855 which could be Benjamin and his wife Mary Pattinson, and children.
Do you think there might be further information from the Inquest of his death.
Very much appreciate your help, thankyou again
Jonty
-
Hi Jonty,
I wondered if it was a transcription error at BDM's
Cheers Janette
-
hello Jenette
I had another look at the Newspaper entry, before I replied to you and it does say 1898,
The error was mine, sorry
Jonty
-
Hi Jonty,
The Coroner's Report/Inquest should expand on the précis reported by the Otago Daily Times but unless a witness knew deceased personally and happened to mention his background (unusual from my experience of such files) you may learn little more than what was reported.
But I can certainly look for the Coroner's Report for you next time I visit Archives NZ.
See here for a guide to Archives NZ's holdings on personal identity.
http://archives.govt.nz/research/guides/personal-identity
Spades
-
Hi Jonty,
In the event that this proves to be your Benjamin GREGG (and I think the reference to Cumberland is a strong link) I found several more articles where he received a mention:
Daily Southern Cross, 5 October 1872, Page 1.
PERSONAL
BENJAMIN GREGG, from Victoria.— Anyone knowing his whereabouts please write to Wm. Gooch, News-agent, Ballarat.
http://www.rootschat.com/links/0rjz/
Included only for elimination purposes. ;D
Tuapeka Times, 17 September 1892, Page 3.
WARDEN'S COURT.
Friday, 16th September, 1892.
(Before J. S, Clendon, Esq., E.M.)
OCCUPATION LICENSE.
APPLICATIONS.
The following applications were granted:-
Kong Kee and others: Extended claim of six acres, Havelock Flat.
Ah Schoon and another: Water-race (four heads) from Tuapeka River.
W. E. S. Knight: Water-race (four beads) from Barber's Creek, Waipori.
Benjamin GREGG: Water-race (one head) from Canton Creek, Waipori.
http://www.rootschat.com/links/0rk0/
Tuapeka Times, 15 January 1898, Page 3.
TUAPEKA COUNTY COUNCIL.
CHARITABLE AID.
The secretary of the Otago Benevolent Institution Trustees wrote stating that John M'Bean would be admitted to the institution, and that Benjamin GREGG was granted 4s a week for three months.
http://www.rootschat.com/links/0rjy/
Spades
-
Hi Spades
Thank you for the information, I've had a look at the web site and found it very useful. I did a search for Benjamin death in 1898 but couldn't find him with the reference number given;
If it's possible and you do have the time, I would very much like you to have look at the inquest report, someone must have known him as he gives his birth place as Cumberland, England. it also might mention his wife and his children, don't know any thing about them;
That enquiry from Balarat is very unusual, the only other person we know in Australia at that time was his brother Henry. We are in contact with his descendant, but they don't know anything about Benjamin Gregg
Thank you again
Jonty
-
Hi Jonty,
I have found the reference for this file and ordered it. I'll get images for you next week.
Spades
-
Jonty
If you are able to identify a place of burial for your family member in or around Waipori or eleswhere in Clutha District Council perhaps even Dunedin I would be happy to assist in obtaining photographs for you.
Alex G ;D
-
Hi New Zealander
Thankyou for your kind offer. I have emailed Clutha District Council, but haven't had a reply, I will email them again, but I don't think there would be a gravestone for him, as he was collecting 4d a month before he died.
Best Wishes
Jonty
-
Hi Spades
I am extremely grateful for your help. thankyou
Jonty
-
Hi Jonty,
I have photos of the Coroner's Report for you. My apologies for the delay.
Could you please send me a PM with your email address.
Spades
-
Benjamin Gregg did not arrive on the Gil Blas in 1855. It was John Gregg
From Otago Witness in 1898
Gregg, John, born Windermere, Westmoreland arrived by Gil Bias in 1855 was messenger and clerk to Captain Cargill. Died many years ago widow now resides in St. David Street, Dunedin.
Family, two sons, one daughter.
-
Hi Thank for your info- Sorry for the delay in replying but had taken a break from genealogy ---- Quote from MY original message "I have been searching through the old newspaper index and found an arrival Mr and Mrs Gregg, and son and daughter. on the "Gil Blas" from Melbourne on the Sept. 3 1855 which COULD be Benjamin and his wife Mary Pattinson, and children"
It wasn't long after I posted that message that I found they had
Emigration-"1861 Jan B Greigg aged 30 & M Greigg aged 27 arrived in Victoria on the “Marco Polo” in January 1861,Fische 186 page 003" (I have a photo of the Ship]
New Zealand, "Emigration-1863 16 Feb— Age: 34
From Victoria arriving Otago/Port Charles on board “City of Melbourne
Benjn Gregg departed from Victoria on 6th February 1863 arriving at Otago/Port Chambers NZ on 16th on board “City of Melbourne"
Thanks for your info, I would be interested in info you have on John Gregg/Grigg from Windermere in Westmorland, strong possibilities could be a connection
Ben