Samuel's parents. Samuel's parents were John McGeorge and Janet Johnston. John was born 1st July 1790 in Lochrutton, a parish next to Kirkpatrick Durham to John McGeorge (a tailor) and Jean Milligan. He was the seventh child of nine. John married first Catherine McMorrine and had two children, Samuel 1813 (he must have died early as another Samuel was born in 1836) and Jean born 1815. Catherine died in 1817 and John married Janet Johnston (born about 1800 in Ruthwell, Dumfries). They had 8 children. John and Janet lived in Durham Street in Kirkpatrick Durham. I believe that the house is marked with a cross in the above picture. John was a blacksmith and or veterinary surgeon. In most of the census, and his children's marriage and death certificates he was described as a veterinary surgeon. However I think that John was a more of a highly 'trained' blacksmith. On the 1851 census John does say that his occupation was "Vet surg Ed. This has puzzled me for some years, why the Ed... Edinburgh"?? I have written to the Edinburgh University where veterinary surgeons are trained and they have no record of a John McGeorge. Blacksmiths were called on to heal as well as shoe the horses and were an important person in the village. John's son, John, who lived a few houses along in Durham Street was called a blacksmith. SAMUEL MCGEORGE 1836 - 1911 Samuel McGeorge was born about 1836 in Kirkpatrick Durham, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, according to the 1851, 1861 and 1871 census. There is no entry in the parish register for Samuel's birth or baptism although his brothers and sisters are noted. This is not unusual, I have found a lot of entries missing in the registers. It could be that the session clerk neglected to put the entry in at the time. The Kirkpatrick Durham register is quite disorganised with pages missing and entries added later. Kirkpatrick Durham parish is about 10 miles long and 4 miles wide. It is on the boundary of Kirkcudbrightshire and Dumfries. The adjoining parishes are Balmaghie, Crossmichael, Irongray and Urr In the Statistical Account of the Parish written in 1844 by the local minister he states that the population in 1801 was 1097 and in 1841, 1487. The character of the people according to the local minister in 1844 was " in general, orderly, quiet, industrious and contented. In the principal village (Kirkpatrick Durham) the unnecessary multiplication of Public Houses at one time contributed to demoralise a certain class of the inhabitants and to introduce wretchedness, disease and beggary." He went on to say that it was "much regretted that offences against the game laws are frequent and tend here as well as elsewhere to introduce the young men habits of idleness' and a disregard for the law which not only destroy their own respectability, but threaten to entail distressing effects upon the succeeding generations." When Samuel married Janet Graham, daughter of Robert Graham (a joiner) and Janet McClurg of Balmaghie he described himself as a joiner. They were married 6th June 1856 at Oldbank, Balmaghie. Balmaghie is a parish about 10 miles from Kirkpatrick Durham. The witnesses were V. McVitae and Robert McDowell. Robert McDowell was Samuel's brother in law. He had married Samuel's sister Margaret (born about 1832) and was a blacksmith in the nearby parish of Parton. Both Samuel and Janet signed their marriage certificate. In the 1861 census Samuel and Janet were living on the north side of Laurieston, Balmaghie with their family John 4, Jessie and Helen 6 months. The following children were all born in Balmaghie: John was born 6th April 1857, 2.15pm at Oldbank Jessie 5th September 1858 Helen 16th September 1860 at 5.30am at Laurieston Mary 14th June 1863 Robert 18th November 1866, 5am at Laurieston. Robert died 9 days later. The death certificate said causes unknown. Between November 1866 and July 1869 the family moved to Dundrennan, a small village in the parish of Rerrick, just a few miles away. The village is beside the old Dundrennan Abbey where Queen Mary of Scots spent her last night in Scotland (about 1658). In 1882 Dundrennan was described as having a post office, an inn and 2 public schools with about 213 scholars. The houses were built partly from the stones taken from the ruined abbey. Rerrick parish was where the Graham family came from originally. (Janet's father, Robert Graham was born there in March 1769 before going to Balmaghie.) James, Samuel and Janet's third son, was born there on the 2nd July 1869; Margaret, their fourth daughter on the 11th May 1872. Samuel was born 18th February 1871 and died 5 May 1871 from convulsive fits. Alexander was born 20th February 1877. Samuel and Janet's daughter, Jessie had a son, Samuel born 11th December 1877 Janet's younger sister Isabella Johnston Graham married George Burgess on 30th September 1862 in Balmaghie Kirkcudbrightshire and they emigrated shortly afterwards to New Zealand on the Chariot of Fame and settled in Dunsandel New Zealand. Leaving for New Zealand They may have persuaded Samuel and Janet to join them and whether it was because of economic reasons or the loss of their two sons, the McGeorge family set sail on the Orari on 25th April 1879 from London and arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand on Saturday 26th July 1879 under the guidance of Captain Mosey, after a voyage of 92 days. There was a total of 287 Government immigrants on board. It must have been quite cold when they arrived as rain had fallen in Christchurch the day before and snow further north. The journey was described in the Lyttelton Times "The weather has been fine throughout, the top-gallant sails only having been taken off the ship on one occasion. The equator was crossed on May 24th, twenty- nine days out. Captain Mosey is extremely popular and has won the respect and good feeling of all on board. The post surgeon superintendent is filled by Mr W.B.A. Scott, who by his kindness and attention to all, was most highly spoken of throughout the ship. Fortunately his medical services were but little required. Dr Scott reports that the health of the immigrants was very good indeed, no serious sickness of any sort occurring during the passage. Amongst the children there was particularly little illness, only two cases of whooping cough requiring medical attention and these children were suffering from it when the ship left Plymouth. There were no deaths and only one birth. The general conduct of the immigrants was very satisfactory" The report goes on to say "The ventilation and diet was very satisfactory, no complaints being heard in regard thereto. Fire and boat drill were regularly carried out. Divine service was held on the poop every Sunday. The various compartments of the ship were in a very fair state of cleanliness and order and the immigrants appear to be a very respectable body of people, the majority being nominated by friends of the Colony. Captain Mosey and Dr Scott were presented with testimonials from the immigrants in recognition of the kindness and courtesy extended to them on the passage" The Orari shipping lists show the family as follows: Samuel 39, cartwright, Janet 38, John 21 farm labourer, Jessie 20 domestic servant, Helen 19 domestic servant, Mary 16, Margaret 5, Alexander 2, Samuel 1. They were sponsored by George Burgess of Dunsandel. In the Society of Genealogists magazine (England) Vol 27, No 2, June 2001 there is an excellent article called Immigration to New Zealand written by Jane Smallfield I am quoting part of it .........In 1873 the Government decided to offer free passages, to pay the cost of the immigrant's trip from his home to the port of embarkation if necessary and to provide him with the outfit needed for the boat journey. These terms were partly responsible for the peak numbers of 31,785 assisted immigrants in the year June 1874 to May 1875. This immigration policy took a lot effort to implement. To look after the selection and dispatch of immigrants the government created a new post in London, that of Agent- General. From the beginning the assisted immigrants were two types - nominated and selected. The process of nomination began in the colony. The settler or employer would nominate to the local immigration officer a friend, relative of workman to be given assisted passage. The nominations were then approved and forwarded to the Agent-General. He got in touch with the nominee to determine if he wanted to immigrant and would make arrangements. Often however the person nominated had no intention of emigrating. The other method was to recruit immigrants by means of local or itinerant agents. They would stimulate interest by displaying and distributing posters and handing out application forms.'' The family most probably spent a few days at one of the immigration barracks at Lyttelton or Christchurch, while Samuel found work. In the Press Tuesday July 28th In the column News of the day The Orari's Immigrants - In consequence of the inclemency of the weather the immigrants by the Orari were not landed yesterday. The engagement day has consequently been put off until Sunday Next day in the same column of the Press Immigrants - The Canterbury portion of the immigrants by the ship Orari were brought ashore, with their effects, in the steam tug Lyttelton, the immigration officer being in charge. A special train, consisting of four carriages, was put on, and conveyed the party through from Port. Those for Wellington and North will be sent on by the Albion s.s. tomorrow. Before leaving Scotland Samuel was given a reference by the Rev. George McConachie, minister of Rerrick, in which it stated that Samuel was of quiet unassuming manners, temperate in his habit and obliging in disposition . He was also described as a man who would be likely to succeed in the colonies. This was dated 1st February 1879. According to the newspaper report of Samuel and Janet's golden wedding in 1906, the family spent some time about Christchurch where Samuel worked as a farm hand. I have not been able to find out just where they lived. The children did not appear in the school rolls. Christchurch in 1879 was a thriving town. In the previous few years, the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills was founded and the new library building was completed on the corner of Cambridge Terrace and Hereford Street (1875). In 1876 the population of Christchurch was 12,000 and the railway south was completed to Timaru. In 1877 the new Christchurch railway station, the Canterbury College (University) building and the Christchurch Girls' High School were opened. In 1878 the railway to Dunedin officially opened. 1879 saw New Zealand's first telephones in operation in Christchurch and the Post Office building on Cathedral Square was completed. The social life of Christchurch was evidently flourishing judging from the front page of The Lyttelton Times, Saturday, July 26 1879. There were a number of advertisements for entertainments. The Theatre Royal was playing "Octroon" (the Monday review said it drew a very large audience) The Gaiety Theatre had the Moore and Burgess minstrels and Mr J T Macleod Smith wished to announce that he intended in giving a series of six popular concerts. The Kaiapoi Presbyterian Church announced that they were giving a soiree. Tea from 5-7pm, tickets 1s 6d. There were a number of job vacancies advertised, one being: Wanted, a married couple, without encumbrance. Man as a ploughman and wife a good plain cook: references required. Under the Public Notices, Mr George Henry Brown announced that he would not pay any debts made by Isabella Beatrice Brown, his wife, as she had left her home by her own consent. Beaths were having a Great Sale, selling Men's tweed suits for 33s, worth 60s. and the Victoria Bakery were selling a 4lb loaf of bread for 5d. In March 1881 Samuel leased 50 acres (RS 11235) in Dunsandel from Mr M Cosgrove, a farmer of Harewood Road. Samuel was described as a farmer of Dunsandel. He had an 8-year lease and the payments were every 6 months. The first payment of £20 was on the 1st of October. He had to harvest any crops and pull down the cottage and rebuild the same in a substantial and workmanlike manner. The owner of this property (in 1997) said that he had pulled down an old cob cottage in about 1979. Maybe Samuels? Ellen died on the 22nd June 1882 in Dunsandel, she was just 21yrs old. On her death certificate it says that she died of apoplectic convulsions. Samuel, her father was described as carpenter. Her death notice appeared in the Dumfries newspaper. Jessie, Samuel and Janet's 2nd child was married at home on the 3rd November 1882 to Samuel McKenzie. Dunsandel Excerpts from "Lake Ellesmere to Te Pirita, the land and its people By Sarah E W Penny, 1979 Chapter 34 Dunsandel, pg 217 Dunsandel - the town area by passed by the early traveller on his way from the old South Road at the Selwyn at Parlby's or Giggs to the Southern Cross Hotel at the ferry by the present Rakaia Bridge - was to become a future centre. As a result of floods in the Selwyn River and fears of such a happening again, officialdom announced that the little planned settlement of Selywn was no longer to be a railway station on the Main South line. In 1874 Dunsandel was born officially, but premature birth had already taken place when those with acumen had already taken place when those with acumen had already changed their place of abode and of business to 'further down the line' Further settlers soon arrived and in the 1870's these names were recorded in the Dunsandel area: on the northern side of the railway were Mercer, Clifford, Keard, Dilloway, Jackson, Lockhead, Hunter, John smith, Scott, Yorky Smith, Clitherow, Russell, Wooden, MacAnulty, Barnes (Behrens) Williams, Rippingale, Cleaver, Cunningham, Magson, Lill, Hill, Low, Peagrim, McLaughlin, McMillan, McGregor, D Wilson. On the south side of the railway were: Irvine, Dudley, Northey, John Pannett, Maddison, Nelson, O'Rouke, Wraight, Cleary, Sowden, H Chamberlain, Aldridge and Henry Gilbert. Before 1890 another group of settlers joined the above: Ballock, Gibson, Hyman, Marks, Billborough, Sheat, Newlove, McGeorge, Meyer, Black, Randal, Musgrove and F Wright It will be noticed that the greater number of people were settled north of the railway line and it was in this part, away from what we know now as Dunsandel, that the first school was built in 1871. It was called the 'Selwyn School'. Let not the reader be confused. There was the little planned and deserted township of Selwyn; there was the South Selwyn School to be changed in name later to Brookside; and this new school on the extension of the Old South Road after it had crossed the Selwyn River at Gigg's. Once again the railway discussion had influenced the district; for the consideration of two railway lines south, one through Southbridge and the other nearer the foothills, had possibly brought more settlers into that region; but it had definitely led to the belief that the northern route would follow along Lake's Track or the Old South Road and having crossed the Selwyn River would continue straight on. So on this land a wide road-two chains wide (40.2 metres) was designed. It was on this road, called today Two Chain Road, that the school was built. At a meeting on 7 October 1870 a committee was formed to promote the project. Those elected were: Messrs Richard Westernra (Chairman), W Irvine, A McPhail, J.T. Wright, J Dilloway, C Rippingale and - Scott. Later a tender for the building the school and a school house was accepted from Mr James Donald for £455.00 The rate charged for each child was a weekly fee of 5 cents. Those who lived outside the district were charged 50 cents per quarter, payable in advance The school was opened on 11 November 1879 with a roll of 44 girls and 56 boys. These included Charles Rippingale and Louisa Rippingale. Upper Selwyn School James, Margaret and Alexander were admitted to the Upper Selwyn School on the 11th November 1883. I am not sure why they were admitted to that school and not Dunsandel, which had opened in 1878 and was just down the road where they lived. The Selwyn School was opened in 1871 on land donated by Edward Rippingale. One of the Rippingale girls married a Johann Frederick Behrens ( a German from Rotenburg, Hanover) in 1863 in Christchurch. Little did Alexander McGeorge realise that one of his daughters; Beulah would marry a descendant from that Behrens family. Nor would he had thought that 36 years later he himself would be living for a short time with his family in the Selwyn schoolhouse until his farm was able to be occupied. On the 28th October 1889, John McGeorge, Samuel's eldest son, leased land from the Canterbury College RS 1169, 57 acres. This land was adjoining his father's land. He paid a half yearly rate of £9.5.3d On the 5th February 1895 the lease was passed from John to John Adams the younger. In July 1893, Samuel applied to the Department of Lands and Survey for lease of land in the Mead district, Lot 6 Reserve 288. It was for 59a 3r 37p and the rent was £4.4.0. for every six months. Samuel signed the lease in Christchurch 5th July 1893. Lease V244. Samuel called his farm - Temperance Farm. While the family was living there, they received several postcards of Kirkpatrick Durham and Dundrennan addressed to Temperance Farm. On one of the Kirkpatrick Durham postcards it show Durham Street and a smithy marked with a cross. I believe this was the smithy where Samuel's parents lived. On the postcard it has "from John Crosby". Samuel's older sister Catherine (born 1828) married a John Crosbie and it would appear that these were from him. James McGeorge married Catherine Campbell in September 1893 in Christchurch and his sister Margaret, married William Glen 10 January 1894 at the house of James Glen. Samuel was a witness. Alexander of Rakaia was awarded his engine driver's certificate for traction and locomotive engines on the 8th November 1898. He married Florence Smith in 1900. In 1901 - 1911 Wises Directory, Samuel was described as a farmer in Rakaia. The Mead district was described as North Rakaia. The Mead Settlement In 1903 there was a land ballot for what was called the Mead Settlement. It consisted of 5906 acres 2 roods and 16 perches. It was about 31 miles from Christchurch on the north bank of Rakaia River. One of the strict instructions was that the purchasers were forbidden to transfer land within a period of five years and that nearly all the land had to be grassed down for periods of from two to eight years. There were 91 applicants and ballot was held at the Rakaia courthouse on the 24th January 1903. Those successful were required to live on their farms. Samuel was successful and was allotted section 2 of 47a 2r 22p. The rent was 3.6d per acre. His section was described as Agricultural flat land: it consists of from 6" to 10" of fair soil on 3" to 12" of clay: the whole of the section is in old grass, and is watered by a water-race. The total value, £27.13.10d In the Press 26th January 1903 the results of the ballot were printed. The sections which Samuel which now leased were adjacent to each other, on the corner of North Rakaia and Breadings Road. The Land Board informed Samuel on the 28th May 1903 that he was granted excemption from residence as he was living upon a Crown leasehold in the adjacent Res. 288. Samuel wrote a letter on May 22nd 1905 to the Lands and Survey. It is as follows: Rackie May 22 1905 Sir, I received yours Notice of Mead Settlement the 27 Acres Not been son don I do in tend sew don in the Spring With Gras and clover I dont in tend to tak Any Mor Crop but to at aney time and Sow Don. Yours trualy, Samuel McGeorge Golden Wedding On June 7th 1906 Samuel and Janet celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Christchurch. There was a mention of it and photo in the Weekly News The Golden Wedding of Mr and Mrs McGeorge The golden wedding of Mr and Mrs Samuel McGeorge was celebrated at Christchurch on June 7th, and on that occasion the old people were surrounded by the whole of their family and descendants, Mrs J McKenzie, Dunsandel, Mrs S Maldon. Lyttelton, and Mrs W Glen, and twenty-seven grandchildren, and present at the ceremony also were Mr and Mrs G Burgess. Mrs Burgess, who is the sister of Mrs McGeorge, came to the colony forty-three years ago with her husband, who spent the time farming in Canterbury. Mr and Mrs McGeorge were married by the Rev. Thos. Stevenson, minister of the parish of Balmaghie, Kirkcudbrightshire , Scotland on June 7th 1856. They landed in Lyttelton in 1879, having come from Home in the sailing ship Orari. During the earlier time after their arrival Mr McGeorge worked as a farm hand about Christchurch and finally he and his family settled at the Mead, North Rakaia. The celebration of the golden wedding was a happy event, at which all the guests spent an enjoyable evening, and Mr and Mrs McGeorge were recipients of numerous presents and congratulations. Children of Samuel McGeorge and Janet Graham John McGeorge 1857-1936 John was the eldest child of Samuel and Janet. He was born on the 6th April 1857 in Balmaghie, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. When he arrived in New Zealand with his parents he was described on the Orari shipping list as a farm labourer, 21years. In the 1884 - 1906 Selwyn Electoral rolls he is described as a labourer in Dunsandel and in later rolls as a farm labourer of Rakaia. In the Stones Directory 1929 he was at Barrhill via Rakaia. John never married. On the 28th October 1889 he leased land from the Canterbury college, RS 1169, 57 acres in Dunsandel. This land was adjoining his father's land. He paid a half yearly rate of £9.5.3d. On the 5th Feburary 1895 the lease was passed from John to John Adams the younger. When John was about 60yrs old he went to live with his brother Alexander McGeorge who had married Florence Smith. He lived with them for 5 years at Dunsandel and later years at Barrhill. He helped around the farm, milking cows and chopping wood. He later went to live in Christchurch. John died 1st June 1936 at 44 Carlyle Street, Sydenham at the home of his brother aged 79yrs. This was according to the Press death notice. His nephew Samuel McGeorge (son of sister Jessie) was living there. John is buried with his parents at the Linwood Cemetery, Christchurch. Their monumental inscription reads: In Loving Memory of Samuel beloved husband of Janet McGeorge, died Aug 15th 1911 aged 75yrs Erected by their son John Also his wife Janet McGeorge, died 12 Nov 1913, aged 75 years Also their son, John,died 3rd June 1936, aged 79 years (note it says 3rd no the 1st. The 3rd was the burial date) Sources i. JOHN MCGEORGE, b. Apr 06, 1857, Balmaghie KKD, Sct (Source: cert.); d. Jun 01, 1936, Christchurch NZ (Source: Newspaper.). Birth certificate (transcript) 1857, film 280472 Balmaghie John McGeorge, 6th April, 2.15pm, at Oldbank parents: Samuel McGeorge, joiner & Jannet McGeorge, nee Graham Samuel father present Death certificate (transcript) Registered Christchurch died 1 June 1936 at 44 Carlyle Street, Sydenham John McGeorge. labourer, 79yrs cause: Myocardial degeneration medical att. DE Currie parents: Samuel McGeorge and Janet Graham buried: 3 Sep 1936 at Linwood born: Dundrennan, Scotland how long in NZ: 58yrs Denomation: Presbyterian Informant: Rhind, undertaker The Press McGeorge, On June 1st 1936, at the residence of his brother, John, eldest son of the late Samuel and Janet McGeorge, of 44 Carlyle Street, Sydenham. (No flowers, by request) Private internment sources include: Birth certificate. Death certificate Press death notice Selwyn electoral roll Land deeds. Directories Jessie McGeorge 1858-1944 Jessie was the first daughter and second child of Samuel and Janet. She was born 5th September 1858 in Balmaghie, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. Her son Samuel McGeorge was born 11th December 1877, Dundrennan, Kirkcudbrightshire. When they came out with Jessie's parents to New Zealand, Samuel was one year and Jessie a domestic servant, 20yrs. Jessie married Samuel McKenzie who was 35yrs, a labourer, born in England and now lived in Dunsandel. Samuel's parents were William McKenzie, a soldier and Isabella McClelland. They were married on the 3rd November 1882 at her father's house in Dunsandel. Sources 2. JESSIE MCGEORGE was born Sep 05, 1858 in Balmaghie, Sct (Source: cert.), and died Aug 10, 1944 in Little River NZ. She married (2) SAMUEL MCKENZIE Nov 03, 1882 in Dunsandel (Source: Marriage cert, 1882 November 3. At the house of Samuel McGeorge, Dunsandel Samuel McKenzie, 35yrs, labourer, bach., England, Dunsandel parents: William McKenzie, soldier & Isabella McClelland and Janet McGeorge, 24yrs, domestic, spinster, Scotland, Dunsandel parents: Samuel McGeorge, farmer & Janet Graham witnesses: I Montgomery, labourer Dunsandel & I T Wright farmer Dunsandel.). He was born Abt. 1844 in England, and died Sep 20, 1918 in Dunsandel NZ (Source: Newspaper.). Birth certificate (transcript) film 280537 Balmaghie 1858 Jessie McGeorge, Sep 5, 6am, Laurieston parents: Samuel McGeorge and Janet McGeorge nee Graham Marriage certificate 1882 in the District of Ellesmere Samuel McKenzie, 35yrs, labourer, bach, born England, resident in Dunsandel parents: William McKenzie, soldier and Isabella McKenzie nee McClelland to Janet McGeorge, 24yrs, domestic, sp, born Scotland, resident in Dunsandel parents: Samuel McGeorge, farmer, and Janet McGeorge,nee Graham witnesses: I/J Montgomery, labourer, Dunsandel & I/j T Wright, farmer Dunsandel The Press McKenzie. On the September 20th 1918 at Dunsandel, Samuel, dearly beloved husband of Jessie McKenzie, aged 74yrs. Late of NZ Railways. A patient sufferer gone to rest Child of JESSIE MCGEORGE is: 7. i. SAMUEL MCGEORGE, b. Dec 11, 1877, Dundrennan KKD Sct; d. Jun 14, 1962, Rangiora NZ. SAMUEL MCGEORGE was born Dec 11, 1877 in Dundrennan KKD Sct (Source: cert.), and died Jun 14, 1962 in Rangiora NZ (Source: (1) Isobel., (2) Newspaper., (3) Newspaper.). He married (1) AGNES MAY NORRIS Oct 28, 1897 in Ashburton NZ. She died Jun 17, 1942. He married (2) CHRISTINA EMILY// Aft. 1942. She died Aft. 1961. Helen McGeorge 1860-1882 Helen was born 16th September 1860 at 5.30am, Laurieston, Balmaghie, Kirkcudbrightshire. She was the 3rd child, second daughter of Samuel and Janet. On the Orari shipping list she was described as 19yrs and a domestic servant. On the 22nd June 1882 while living with her parents in Dunsandel, Helen died of apoplectic convulsions, the verdict of the jury being of natural causes. She was just 21 years. On her death certificate, Samuel her father was described as a carpenter. Helen was buried in Dunsandel Cemetery. There is no headstone. In the Lyttelton Times, June 28th 1882 there is the following entry Inquest - An inquest was held at Dunsandel on Monday, before Mr J. Leww, Deputy-Coroner, and a jury of twelve, of whom Mr John Gilmour was chosen foreman on the body of Ellen McGeorge, aged 21 years who died suddenly the previous day. Samuel McGeorge, the father of the deceased, stated that the night of June 21 his daughter was taken suddenly ill. He at once sent for Mr Chapman, but that gentleman was otherwise engaged and could not possibly come. He waited until the next morning, but could not get medical assistance. During the whole of this time his daughter was in convulsions. He again applied by wire to Dr Chapman, who came, but too late to save the deceased, and found deceased had died from apoplectic convulsions. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. Sources Birth certificate (transcript) Balmaghie 1860 Sep 16th, at Laurieston Helen McGeorge, female, parents: Samuel McGeorge, joiner and Janet Graham Death certificate Press death notice and inquest notice Orari shipping list Dunsandel cemetery burials Mary McGeorge 1863-1936 Mary was the 4th child, 3rd daughter of Samuel Janet. She was born 14th June 1863 at Balmaghie. When she came to New Zealand she was 16 years old. Mary married Sydney Malden and they lived in West Lyttelton. Sydney died in August 1917, aged 63 years. Mary died in March 1936, aged 73 years. She was living at St David Street, Lyttelton Robert McGeorge 1866-1866 Robert was born on the 18th November 1866, 5am at Laurieston, Balmaghie. He died just 9 days later. The death certificate said causes unknown. Sources Notes for ROBERT MCGEORGE: Birth certificate (transcript) film 332656 Balmaghie 1866 Nov 18 Robert McGeorge, parents: Samuel McGeorge, joiner and Janet Graham married June 6 1856 Laurieston Informant: father Death certificate (transcript) film 350934 Balmaghie 1866 Nov 27 Robert McGeorge, at Laurieston, male, 9 days parents: Samuel McGeorge and Janet Graham cause: unknown father present Buried Nov 27 at Balmaghie Sources: Birth certificate Death Certificate James McGeorge 1869-1941 James was the 6th child, 3rd son of Samuel McGeorge and Janet Graham. He was born 2nd July 1869 at Dundrennan, Rerrick, Scotland When James came to New Zealand with his parents he was 10 years old. He lived with his parents in Dunsandel and on the 11th May 1883 he and his sister Margaret and brother Alexander started at Selwyn School. In the Wises directory 1883-6 James is described as a carpenter at Dunsandel. On the 1st September 1893 James married Catherine Campbell. In 1893 New Zealand women were allowed to vote for the first time. Catherine McGeorge described herself as domestic duties and living at 7 Armagh Street, Linwood, Christchurch. When Essie Janet was born on the 23rd August 1893, James was a baker and worked for Nortons in Lyttelton as a deliveryman on the horse and cart. His brother Alexander also worked with him for a short time. Norton was a master baker in Oxford Street and was also well known for his egg preserver James Samuel was born 1897 in Lyttelton and another son was born 30th March 1899. He died soon afterwards. When Essie Janet started Lyttelton School on the 12th September 1893 the family were living at Hawkhurst Road and when James Samuel started on the 26th February 1902 the family were living at Oxford Street. By August 1903 Essie Janet had started Standard Two. The family had moved by 1904 to Christchurch. James Samuel had left Lyttelton School on the 11th December 1903 to go to Sydenham School. In the 1906 Wises Directory James was a labourer living at Wakefield Street, Christchurch. When James and Catherine's 4th child - Everline May was born on the 23rd July 1909 they were living at Wakefield Street and James described himself as a casual labourer. Essie Janet married William John King on the 27th December 1928 at St Saviours Sydenham. James was described as a railway employee. Jessie's sister Eveline was a witness and she was living at home at 14 Wakefield Street, occupation a typist. James and Catherine were still living at 14 Wakefield Street in 1941 when James died 27th April 1941, aged 71 years. Catherine died 14th November 1965. They are both buried at Linwood Cemetery. Their headstone reads: James McGeorge, 1870 - 1941. Also Catherine 1872 - 1965 When Catherine died she was living at 14 Chaucer Street, Christchurch. Sources JAMES MCGEORGE was born Jul 02, 1869 in Dundrennan KKD Sct (Source: cert.), and died Apr 7, 1941 in Christchurch NZ (Source: Newspaper, The Press.). He married CATHERINE CAMPBELL Sep 1893 in Christchurch NZ. She was born in Ireland, and died Nov 14, 1965 in Christchurch NZ. James McGeorge died 27 April 1941 aged 71yrs. He was living at the time at Wakefield St, Sydenham James and Catherine are buried at Bromley Cemetery, Block 17, Row L Buried 29 April 1941 Headstone reads: James McGeorge, 1870 - 1941. Also wife, Catherine 1872 - 1965 In 1928 at the wedding of Essie Janet and William King, James was described as a Railway employee Death notice The Press McGeorge On April 27 at Christchurch, James beloved husband of Catherine McGeorge of 14 Wakefield Street, Sydenham, aged 71 years Will dated 9th May 1941. Master printer Sources Wises Directory School records James and Catherine's wills Canterbury Public Library 1941 Press death notice 1899 birth certificate Bromely Cemetery headstones Samuel McGeorge 1871-1871 Notes for SAMUEL MCGEORGE: Death certificate (transcript) film 224641 1871 5th May Rerrick Samuel McGeorge, 13 days, at Dundrennan Village parents: Samuel McGeorge, joiner and Janet Graham, cause: convulsive fits, 4 days father present Margaret McGeorge 1874-1918 Margaret Catherine McGeorge was born on the 11th May 1874 at Dundrennan. She was the 8th child, 4th daughter. On the shipping list she was 5 years. She was admitted to the Selwyn School on the 11th May 1883 with her siblings James and Alex. Margaret married William Glen on the 10th January 1894 in Christchurch. William Henry Glen was a cab driver, number 45 at Warners. They were living at Mortimer Place in 1899, Tay Street, St Albans in 1908 and Winters Road in 1910. Margaret and William are buried side by side at the Linwood Cemetery, Area 6 Row E Their headstone reads: Margaret C Glen d 21 Nov 1918 a 44 William Glen husb of M C Glen d 7 Mar 1929 a 62. MARGARET CATHERINE MCGEORGE was born May 11, 1874 in Dundrennan, Sct (Source: Birth Cert.), and died Nov 21, 1918 in Christchurch NZ. She married WILLIAM GLEN Jan 10, 1894 in Christchurch NZ (Source: Marriage cert, 1894 Jan 10 at the house of James Glen, Manchester St. William Henry Glen, 27yrs, cabman, Christchurch parents: James Glen, cab proprieter & Lucy Bunn to Margaret Catherine McGeorge, 19, Scotland parents: Samuel McGeorge, farmer. & Janet Graham witnesses: Samuel McGeorge, farmer, Dunsandel & James Glen, Chch, cab proprieter.). He was born Abt. 1867 in Christchurch NZ, and died Mar 07, 1929 in NZ. Notes for MARGARET CATHERINE MCGEORGE: William Henry Glen was a cab driver number 45 at Warners. They lived at Mortimer Place in 1899, Tay Street, St Albans in 1908 and Winters Road in 1910 Margaret and William are buried side by side at Linwood Cemetery. Area 6, Row E Headstone reads: Margaret C Glen, d 21 Nov 1918 a 44 William Glen, husb of M.C. Glen d 7 Mar 1929 a 62 Sources Linwood Cemetery MIs bpts - CPL 1894 marriage Margaret McGeorge and William Glen - CPL Alexander McGeorge 1877-1941 Alexander Edgar was the youngest child of 9. He was born on the 20th February 1877 at 4am at Dundrennan Village. Samuel was described as a joiner. Alexander Edgar was most probably named after his Aunt Janet's husband Alexander Edgar When Alex came to New Zealand with his family he was two years old according to the Orari shipping list. Alex was enrolled at the Selwyn School on the 11th May 1883 along with his siblings, Margaret and James. In the Press 2nd January 1892 there are the results the school sports. In the Three Legged District race for boys under 15, prizes 7s 6d and 5s. A McGeorge and J Myer were awarded first prize. On the 8th November 1898 Alex of Rakaia was awarded his engine driver's certificate of competency for driving traction and locomotive engines. In 1899 Alex, 23yrs, married Florence Smith 19yrs, who lived at Rakaia. They were married at Florence's parent's place - Joseph Smith and Mary Ann Buckingham. The Smiths had come from Hailey, Oxfordshire, England in 1874 and had settle in Rakaia. The witnesses at the wedding were L Smith and M Smith. Alex and Florence's first home was a little 2 room cottage at the back of Florence's brother Lewis's place in Rakaia. It was most probably Alex's brother Jim who suggested that they went to live in Christchurch. Jim had married a Catherine Campbell in 1893 and was living there. The family story says that Alex was working in the stables of the Tramways (the trams at the time were being pulled by horses) and the boss came in and asked if anyone had their traction engine licence to which Alex replied that he had. He was given the job of driving the Sumner tram. On June 1st 1905 Alex was employed by the Christchurch Tramways as an engine driver and in the 1906 Wises Directory was living at 16 Coleridge Street and was described as an engine driver. Sources School records Isobel's notes Beulah's notes MI's Wills Engine drivers certificate of Competency Land records Wises Directories Electoral Rolls Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge the help of my mother Beulah Behrnes (nee McGeorge) and Aunt Isobel McIntosh (nee McGeorge) and Grandmother Florence McGeorge's (nee Smith) Canterbury Public Library, Christchurch (CPL) Family History Library (LDS) National Archives, Christchurch Canterbury Museum, Christchurch New Zealand Society of Genealogists, Canterbury Branch Family members , cousins and aunts Bibliography Genealogists Magazine, vol 27, no 2 June 2001-11-28 The Press and Lyttelton Times newspapers Books by Sarah E W Penny Abbreviations CPL = Canterbury Public Library Cert = certificate NZ = New Zealand KKD = Kirkcudbrightshire Sct = Scotland Eng = England 3 1