1Shon R. Edwards. 1039 N. 2575 W., Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A., sre.1966@gmail.com, (801) 444-3445.
1Shon R. Edwards. 1039 N. 2575 W., Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A., sre.1966@gmail.com, (801) 444-3445.
1Shon R. Edwards. 1039 N. 2575 W., Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A., sre.1966@gmail.com, (801) 444-3445.
1Shon R. Edwards. 1039 N. 2575 W., Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A., sre.1966@gmail.com, (801) 444-3445.
1Shon R. Edwards. 1039 N. 2575 W., Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A., sre.1966@gmail.com, (801) 444-3445.
1Shon R. Edwards. 1039 N. 2575 W., Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A., sre.1966@gmail.com, (801) 444-3445.
1Shon R. Edwards. 1039 N. 2575 W., Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A., sre.1966@gmail.com, (801) 444-3445.
1Shon R. Edwards. 1039 N. 2575 W., Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A., sre.1966@gmail.com, (801) 444-3445.
1Shon R. Edwards. 1039 N. 2575 W., Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A., sre.1966@gmail.com, (801) 444-3445.
1Shon R. Edwards. 1039 N. 2575 W., Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A., sre.1966@gmail.com, (801) 444-3445.
2Letter from Ian Clapham, 7 Taupo Terrace, Feilding 5600. Fax (06) 3238019 email: ianclap@voyager.co.nz.
3Edwards, John Sr., Letter from John Edwards to his parents Robert and Mary 1848 (27 Feb 1848, Wellington and 1 May 1849, York), Shon R. Edwards, 1039 N 2575 W, Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A. "“SIR - The accompanying letter was received last year from my son in New Zealand; if you think it worthy of publication, it is at your service. - I am, &c.
“ROBERT EDWARDS.
“York, May 1, 1849.
“Wellington, 27th Feb. 1848.
“DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER, -- I received yours, I think, in December 1847, and was equally happy with you to think that you had received a letter from us at last. I am glad to hear of all being well, as this leaves us at present. I have been in Wellington for the last eight months; my family being still at nelson. When I left Nelson things were rather dull, and knowing there was a demand for carpenters in Wellington, the barracks and other buildings being going on, I came here. The first month I worked on the new stone-built barracks at Porirua, about eighteen miles from Wellington; and since then at Wellington, where I have been principally employed on the barracks and other Government buildings. There is likely to be a great deal of work here; I have got the promise of twelve months work. My employer is the principal contractor here, and I say with pleasure, that I never was more comfortably employed in my life. Wages are 6s.6d. per day, and hours of labour from eight till five. We are generally paid by the month. The only unpleasantness is being separated from my family; I frequently hear from them; they were all well about a week ago. I am so partial to Nelson that I should be loath to leave it for good, which I do not consider I have done as long as my family are there. Although at present there is a great outlay by Government on barracks, &c. in Wellington, yet, in my opinion, when these works are completed, Nelson will be a better place for a man with a family; for no man ought to be without a piece of land to cultivate, and about Wellington there is none to be had. There are two flats of land which form the principal part of the town, and at such a rent that a poor man stands little chance. It is quite different at Nelson; the Company's town acres are let for £1 per year, and the acre I occupy belongs to an absentee. You will see the advantages I derive from an acre of ground, and that principally worked by my family, when mention that they have got from half an acre about twenty bushels of wheat, the other half being occupied with potatoes and other vegetables. When I fist took that acre it was so thick with timber that it was difficult to find a way through it: many a wet shirt I had with felling trees and grubbing the ground by moonlight.
If I can be spared a short time, I think of going to Nelson to see my family. This is allowed to be one of the finest climates in the world, especially for children. Thank God, we all enjoy good health; as for myself, I do not know that I was ever better in my life; I can do a day's work with more ease than ever I did; I eat hearty, sleep soundly, and am getting quite fat. I hope this will find you in as good health and spirits. I am fully aware of the anxiety of K-at not hearing from us. B-depended upon me writing and I upon him, so between us we both neglected writing. You will oblige me by letting K-know that B-and I are working together; and we rent a little house between us. B-left Nelson to go to Auckland, but the ship putting in here, and trade being busy, he made up his mind to stop a while. His wife has since left Nelson and gone to Auckland, on account of their two daughters being in situations there. B-talks of writing by this ship, as he has not written yet. There is a most particular friend of mine who I should be proud to hear from (it is j. L--), as I should like to hear from some of my old shopmates how they are getting on; and you can tell them I never regretted leaving England. I should advise no one; but any man, if he knew the advantages of New Zealand, would not stop in England, for there is none of that tyranny and oppression here that is practiced in the different employments in England. You will oblige me by writing by return; and you may direct to me at Wellington. - I remain, your affectionate son,
JOHN EDWARDS”." J. L-- is possibly John? Little, mentioned in another letter. Image.4Edwards, John Sr., Letter from John Edwards Sr. to J. Little, 18 Apr. 1849 (Wellington, 18 Apr 1849), Shon R. Edwards, 1039 N 2575 W, Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A. "Wellington
Letter from a Settler
Wellington, April 18th, 1849.
Dear Little,
I received yours, dated October 1848. I can assure you your letter gave me great pleasure: for I was many a time thinking that all chance of hearing from you was gone. It is with pleasure that I inform you that myself and family are in good health; I was never better able to do a day's work in my life than I am since I came to this country. I cannot speak too highly of the climate, and particularly of Nelson. I do not think I should have lived till this time had I remained in England, for I was very far from being well when I left. I have had reason to be thankful for leaving, and more particularly as the times have turned out so bad in England. If I had an offer of constant employment and a free passage to England, I would not accept it at present or at any other time, so long as I am able to live in this country. There is no comparison between this country and England; as regards employers and employed, we are more on an equality, with none of the tyranny practiced amongst you poor slaves. I have worked for the same employer ever since I have been in Wellington : he is a countryman of yours, from Greenock, of the name of Wilson, and is a very nice man. Our principal employment has been under Government, building barracks, &c. I have at present about 600 feet of sashes and frames quite plain at 1s.6d. per foot, and I calculate on making 3l. per week without much trouble: they are of Sydney cedar, and would be jumped at with you at 6d. per foot. When on day-work, one pay is 6s.6d. per eight hours, from eight to five; and no getting out of bed on cold frosty mornings like you poor fellows. O often think of the contrast. We see very little difference between summer and winter, compared to what it is in England: they days are a little shorter in summer and a little longer in winter, at which season we can see in the shop until five o'clock. We never have any snow on the flat land or in the valleys, though it is to be seen on the lofty mountains all the year round; but we sometimes have showers of hail. The most serious calamity that has visited us has been some severe shocks of earthquake; there was scarcely a brick building but was more or less injured.
B- has gone to Auckland; he left Nelson since I did, and worked with us about ten months. My employer has sent for him back, but I do not expect he will come, as there is plenty doing in Auckland, and his family are gone, and intend to settle there. I understand there is abundance of work in Auckland at 8s. per day, but they work ten hours per day. I experienced but poor times in Nelson for some time after the New Zealand Company stopped the works. I, along with several others of various trades, some tailors, shoemakers, ribbon and silk weavers, with picks, spades &c. making roads, digging ditches through swamps, &c. We had so many yards of ditching for a week's work, for which at one time we were paid 1£, afterwards 18s. The lot went to work on Monday mornings, having to walk about eight miles. We went to it in good earnest, and by Tuesday night we used to finish our week's work, after which we had the rest of the week to ourselves. I took an acre of land in the bush, full of pine and other trees. I gave so many to the sawyers, and had so many myself, out of every thousand feet, by which means I got sufficient boards, &c. to put up a house; and when there was nothing else to do, along with my wife and Johnny, used to fell trees, cross-cut them into lengths, and sell them for firewood, as there was always a good demand. I used to get 3s. a bullock-dray-full. I have been twice in the bush, sawing in the pit, ready in a time of need to do anything; but thank goodness! Times are better now.
For want of space, I must conclude with my respects to all. Please to write again soon. I many a time think of us trudging through the streets of old Brum., and taking our cup of ale. I should like a cup of the Dog-and-Duck parlour ale now. My wife joins in respects to Mrs. Little. Remember me to all inquiring friends. - Affectionately yours.
JOHN EDWARDS.". Image.5British Government, Census - England - 1841 - Middlesex, Chelsea, Internet. https://www.myheritage.com/research/record-1-290420761-1-500133/john-totara-jack-edwards-in-myheritage-family-trees?s=25837331. Image.
7Internet.
8Ancestry.com, Ancestry, 13 Jan 2015, Shon R. Edwards, 1039 N 2575 W, Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A. http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/43280137/person/12706084980
Cameron Deyell, submitter on Ancestry, says he has found John's birth at 27 Jun 1809 in York, Yorkshire, England. I have written him as of 13 Jan 2015 and am awaiting reply.9NZSG Index CD Rom, NZ Society of Genealogists, 1999.
10New Zealand, Last will and testament of John Edwards Sr., Shon R. Edwards, 1039 N 2575 W, Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A. "“A”
This is the last will and testament of me John Edwards… of Taita in Hull County in the provincial District of Wellington in the Colony of New Zealand, Carpenter. I revoke all wills by me at any time heretofore made. I … and bequeath all the … and personal estate to which I shall be entitiled at the time of my decease to my son, John Edwards the Younger. I appoint my my? Paid…executor of this my will to witness whereof I have hereto signed any …and this fourth day of February one thousand eight hundred and eighty six. Signed by the said John Edwards the testator …his last will and testament in the presence of us…present at the same time who allow … request in …sign and presence anad in the presence of…other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses. John Edwards, Robert Burns, Alphonsus Rush. This is the …writing or will now produced and …”A” …to the affidavit of John Edwards sworn be…me this 29th day of May 1889, Tho Oldthorpe?, a solicitor of the Supreme Colony of New Zealand.". Image.11Registrar General, New Zealand, Death certificate of John Edwards Sr. (1889), Shon R. Edwards, 1039 N 2575 W, Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A. "New Zealand, certified copy of entry of death in the registrar-general's office. Place of registration: Wellington
1. When died: 25 May 1889
2. Where died: Taita
3. Usual place of residence: "
4. Name and surname: John Edwards
5. Profession or occupation: Carpenter
6. Sex and age: M. 79
7. Causes of death and intervals between onset and death: Exhaustion - 3 weeks, decay of nature
8. Medical attendant by whom certified and date last seen alive: Dr. Wilford, 24 May 1889.
9. Name and surname of father: Robert Edwards
10. Name and surname of mother: Mary Edwards
11. Maiden surname of mother: --
12. Profession or occupation of father: Shoemaker
13. When and where burired: 28 May 1889, Taita
14. Where born and how long in New Zealand: England, 47 years.
15. Where married: Wales
16. At what age married: --
17. To whom married: Mary Jones
18. Age of widow: --
19: Ages and sex of living issue: M 53, 47 37; F 56, 39.
Certified to be a true copyo of the above particulars included in an entry of death in the records of the registrar general's office. Given under the seal of the Registrar-General at Wellington the 9 day of October 1975.". Image.12New Zealand-Obituaries, Evening Post, p. 2, 27 May 1889, 27 May 1889. https://www.ancestry.com/mediaui-viewer/tree/25998183/person/1763446821/media/6517147f-4363-4a22-85bd-f033ee5d8d1c?destTreeId=82146468&destPersonId=46459057884&_phsrc=gvR13&_phstart=default. Image.
13Evening Post, Funeral notice of John Edwards Sr., 27 may 1889, p. 3. Image.
14New Zealand - Cemeteries, Internet. Image.
15Church Records - Cymru, Monmouthshire, Bedwellty - Parish Records (Parish Registers), p. 223, 19 Oct 1831, Internet, www.findmypast.co.uk. Online Welsh church registers. https://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=gbprs%2fwal%2f4393986%2f00501&parentid=gbprs%2fm%2f913102065%2f1&highlights=%22%22. Image.
16NEALE, June E., Pioneer passengers : to Nelson by sailing ship March 1842 - June 1843, Anchor Press, 1982, p 159.
1Shon R. Edwards. 1039 N. 2575 W., Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A., sre.1966@gmail.com, (801) 444-3445.
2Buck, Benjamin, Coroner, Coroner's Report for Mary Jones Edwards, Taken from typescript taken from original handwritten documents., Shon R. Edwards, 1039 N 2575 W, Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A. "John Edwards—
Examined being sworn states that he is a carpenter and resides at the Taita. He is the husband of the deceased Mary Edwards. On Friday evening, December 31st witness went down to the Bridge, he returned home, before dark and went to bed, he did not see his wife then but went to sleep and on awakening early in the morning about 4 or 5 o’clock he got up and went out and saw his wife lying in the verandah, she was quite dead, her face was dark as if she was suffocated. She was in a sitting position with her face on her lap and quite doubled up; she was partially dressed as if she had got up out of bed in a hurry and come out. Witness immediately went for her [mes] John who was at a house close by and they brought the deceased in and laid her in the bed. Witness had seen his wife last in the morning of Friday December 31st. She appeared to be somewhat decayed in her mind and talked in a very random manner. Deceased was in the habit of drinking. She had been subject to fits occasionally for some time.
John Edwards
John Edwards Junior arrived being sworn states that he is the son of the deceased Mary Edwards. He resides at the Taita. He last saw his mother about 8 o’clock on Friday night December 31st. She was in bed and asleep. Witness left the house and returned in about half an hour when the deceased had got up and gone out. In the morning of January 1st witness was called by his father to come home as his mother was dead, upon coming to the house he found her in the verandah upon the sill of the door, lying upon her side with her face out knees drawn up, he climbed to bring her in and lay her upon the bed, she was quite dead. The deceased had been drinking hard for a fortnight previously. For the last 3 days witness had noticed that the deceased was a little delirious and appeared to be out of her mind, on Thursday, December 31st she mistook the witness for another person and appeared to be quite unconscious that it was her son.
Arbuthnot Burnett examined being sworn states that she resides at the Taita, she heard on the Saturday morning January 1st that Mrs. Edwards was dead. She went to the house of the deceased about half past six in the morning and found her lying down upon the bed, she was quite dead. In the afternoon about 3 o’clock, witness [amited] to lay the body out and remarked that thererr were no bruises or marks of violence upon any part, witness washed her all over. The deceased had been subject to fits at different periods and had not been well for a week or two.
Inquisition was held 3 Jan 1859 Titeo 10 Jan 1859
Inquisition taken for our Foreign lady the Queen at the House of Robert Buckenridge known by the sign of the Albion Inn situated at Taita in the 22nd year of the reign of our Foreign Lady Victoria before the Benjamin Buck Lingson ]coroner] for our said lady for the said District on view of the body of Mary Edwards, then and there lying dead upon the oath of Samuel Weston, William Hughes, James Harris, William Milne, Charles Lagg, Samuel Deston, John Russell, James Bennek, Richard Clifton, Joseph Tedley, William Tandy.
Good and lawful men of the said District duly chosen and who being there and then duly sworn and charged to enquire for our said lady the Queen, when how and by what means, the said Mary Edwards came by her death, lo upon their oath said that the said Mary Edwards being a person liable and subject to violent fits was suddenly seized on the morning of January 1st with a fit of which she died and that the fit was caused or aggravated by her drinking spirituous liquors and that no marks or bruises or violence appeared on her body.
All signed & Benjamin Buck, Coroner.". 3 OBJE. Source Image. Citation Image.3Church Records - Cymru, Monmouthshire, Bedwellty - Parish Records (Parish Registers), p. 223, 19 Oct 1831, Internet, www.findmypast.co.uk. Online Welsh church registers. https://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=gbprs%2fwal%2f4393986%2f00501&parentid=gbprs%2fm%2f913102065%2f1&highlights=%22%22. Image.
4NEALE, June E., Pioneer passengers : to Nelson by sailing ship March 1842 - June 1843, Anchor Press, 1982, page 159.
1Shon R. Edwards. 1039 N. 2575 W., Layton, UT 84041-7709, U.S.A., sre.1966@gmail.com, (801) 444-3445.
2NZSG Index CD Rom, NZ Society of Genealogists, 1999.
