I have an ancestor Edward Duckworth Benbow Merry born in London in 1868. He sailed for New Zealand in 1921 aboard the SS Ionic with his wife Matilda Harriett and daughter Hilda Marjorie.
I discovered through cemetery lists that:
Edward died on 18 May 1953 and his ashes were scattered in Waikumete Cemetery and his wife (1873-1952) and daughter (1901-1996, married name Hilda Marjorie O’Connor) were interred at Hillsborough – Onetangi, Waiheke Island.
I’m trying to find out more about their lives in the 30 years after 1921. On the passenger list Edward’s occupation is described as farmer although in the UK he always worked as a Clerk for the Gas Light and Coke Company so it would have been quite a change to make at the age of 52.
Today I discovered a Probate Record for:
MERRY Edward Duckworth Benbow – Palm Beach, Waiheke Island – Pensioner
Agency: BBAE
Series: 1570
Box/Item: Box1125
Record No: 1053/1953
Hopefully this might give a clue as to what happened to the family after their departure from the UK.
I’d be grateful for any help. Many thanks.
Alor
