McGrath Family New Zealand

[sandy feet]

Hello Lucy2,

Unfortunately the death cert states born in Christchurch ( as opposed to Rangiora on the marriage cert) and is blank beside period of residence in Australia.

Thanks Sandy

[sandy feet]

Hello,

I am still having  no success with my research for Margaret Beatrice or Margaret and Vincent ( her parents) as posted above. Just wondering if there is anywhere in Rangiora that I could contact regarding birth or possibly christening records. Was there a hospital their in the 1870's ?

Thanks Sandy

[New Zealander]

Hello Sandy

You could consider an approach to the Christchurch City Library at:-

http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/ContactUs/

They have a very good Research Archives Centre.  Their e mail:-

library@ccc.govt.nz

Perhaps there is a local Genealogy or History Group.  A search or two on Google would be worth while.

Best of luck

Alex G

[Lucy2]

Hi Sandy

Have (at last) managed to find some information for you (and there's rather a lot). 

[I'm just getting to grips with my new computer ... so bear with me ... and I'll post it shortly.    ]

   ~  Lu 

[Lucy2]

Hi again Sandy

Whilst being offline for the past few days setting up a new computer, and needing something "meaningful" to do, thought I'd delve once more into this mystery you have.     

I figured that at least, there had to be a record of Margaret's parents ... though the path to finding same was blurred somewhat in that every McGRATH seemed to have a wife named "Margaret" ... and the only "Vincent McGRATH" was a long-term settler in the far North of New Zealand, whose "profile" just didn't stack up.   There were also a number of McGRATH families residing in the general Christchurch (Canterbury) area, who had to be "looked at" for the purpose of elimination.

The "eureka" moment came though, upon checking baptisms.   (See next post for details.)

[I've searched through newspapers and other records and have also viewed files held at Archives NZ, and although "Vincent McGRATH" (named by Margaret as her father), doesn't crop up, I feel reasonably confident that the McGRATH's I've found, are the parents of Margaret.] 
                                                                   
                                                                       ... continued next  >>
  ~   Lu 

       

[Lucy2]

The following comes from the Index (only) of Baptisms for the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch (NZ).

ID Code :    20603

McGRATH [alias TURNER] - Margaret   [Mrs Peter McGRATH ]

Date of Baptism :   14 December 1877

Parish Name :   Rangiora

Parish ID :  39

----------

Above of course does not match the "Margaret Harwitts BURNS" you have on the Marriage certificate ... BUT, it seems to provide a link to "TURNER" (on the death cert.) and there's the match too to "Rangiora".    [This record may perhaps appear a little obscure at this stage, but you'll see the link when I add further information for Peter McGRATH. ]

I'm unsure as to why the word "alias" (and not "nee" or "formerly"), is included in the record ??

Also, have not yet been able to find a record of a marriage.

   Would recommend that you obtain a copy of this baptism certificate ... further details in next post.
                                                                             
                                                                          continued  >>

   ~ Lu   

[Lucy2]

... and also from Catholic baptisms (Christchurch Diocese) ... the following - which despite the year (1874), may be your Margaret Beatrice ?


ID Code :   12417

McGRATH - Margaret

Date of Baptism :   22 March* 1874

Parish Name :  Lincoln

Parish ID :  30
-----------------

*  Noting that above date - 22 March - is the same as you've calculated as birth day and month, per Margaret ROGER's death cert.   
[May be a coincidence of course, but still worthwhile purchasing copy of baptism certificate.   The Parish of Lincoln is South of Christchurch, and quite a distance from Rangiora, but Peter McGrath is known to have been working at times, in or near to Lincoln.  Have found further evidence to suggest that due to a lack of Priests, the Catholics of Christchurch took turns at worshipping in a variety of different parishes. ]
----------

This from the Index of Christchurch Catholic Baptisms :
"Computer-produced printouts of Baptisms are available at a cost of $5 (NZ$5).
Printout will normally include - Full name / date of birth / date of baptism / address / father and mother's names (often the mother's maiden name) / parish / godparents and celebrant's names. "

Ordering Information : 

Include ID Code and all pertinent info. as given on index.

Postal Address:   Catholic Diocese of Christchurch / P O Box 4544 /Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.

[Not sure that they have a payment by credit card option ??   ]

Perhaps try an email firstly to the Diocesan Office ? (- they're most helpful).   

http://www.chch.catholic.org.nz/?sid=1037

---------------
                                   more to follow   ... >>
  ~ Lu

[Lucy2]

Peter McGRATH of Rangiora (and resident at times in other Canterbury locations and also later in the wider Wellington (North Island) district), was first and foremost, a Roading Contractor.   He employed a large number of men and took on contracts around Canterbury and the neighbouring province of Marlborough before moving on to Wellington.   Only in 1883-4, did he briefly become a Publican.
It seems he was a generous man (donating to Catholic and other charities), and widely respected.

He comes to prominence in newspaper reports around 1883 and then in 1884 following bankruptcy, there is much publicity concerning his (business-related) affairs and eventual "extradition" back to NZ from Sydney, to face (seemingly ill-conceived) accusations "of absconding with intent to defraud his creditors".

In researching this, have built up a profile of Peter McGRATH so will add the details here for you - along with links to relevant info.
Just off for lunch  ... will get back to this shortly.
                                                                                          continues >
   ~  Lu 



   

[sandy feet]

Hello Lucy,

Thanks so much for your help. This is really exciting as I have been looking for these relatives for so long.


I look forward to your next post regarding Peter. I wonder where the Vincent comes in ?

 I wonder why Margaret called her mother Harwitts Burns and her death cert said Turner?

Thanks again

Sandy