Thompson, Christopher *COMPLETED*

[dscot]

Looking for details on a Christopher Thompson Mill Hand and wife Mary Ann Key, parents of Alec Thompson who married Phoebe Kellor in Picton  New Zealand on 17/06/1913.  Unable to find records for Christopher and wife who may or may not have been born in New Zealand - have tried tracking shipping lists.  1st record I can find is Alecs birth in NZ in 1864.  Christopher drowned in Takaka NZ.  Have found his burial record but not his wife's.  Any help gratefully accepted

[johnbarr]

Christopher Thompson is buried at East Takaka as per
http://tdc.govt.nz/cemeteries.php?ID=16973&search=thompson&p=20

I could visit in next few days and take photo of any headstone if that would help 

John B

[johnbarr]

There are two Mary Ann Thompsons buried at Picton
1888 - 18mo
1917 - adult (no age shown)

John B

[dscot]

Yes - found them but she applied for probate in Wellington?  I have requested from Archives but so the long wait begins

[Thamesite2017]

family search member submitted records have both born Nelson
they were married 1859 NZ (Christopher and Mary Ann)
BYe
Althea

[Thamesite2017]

There are early Thompson settlers in the Nelson early settlers database
http://ww1.applications.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/early-settlers/default.aspx
maybe same line?
Bye
Althea

[dscot]

great - thank you so much - found some marriages on BDM with no surnames or incorrect spelling and couldnt tell which was which

[Thamesite2017]

NZ BMD 1859/943 Christopher  Thompson 
1859/540 Mary Ann  Key 
Bye
Althea

[johnbarr]

Bingo 

Honorary custodian of East Takaka cemetery has passed on the following information
Christopher has no headstone but is buried with his son Archibald who was drowned in the same accident. Christopher age was 67 and Archibald 17. She has newspaper report of the accident on 5th May 1896 - detailing how their boat overturned off Pohara Beach and was observed from the shore but rescuers were unable to reach the two men before they drowned. Both worked for a Mr Abbott, farmer and storekeeper of Paynes Ford and were reported as 'good workers'.

This shows that at least two members of the family were living in Takaka in 1896.
Alongside their grave is another Thompson, Leighton aged 8 son of Alex Thompson, died 1899 so possibly a relation?

Hope this helps.
John B