Modified Register for Richard DRIVER
First Generation
1. Richard DRIVER1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 was born on 26 Aug 1812 in Bath, Somerset, England. He was christened9,10 on 16 May 1813 in Bath, Somerset, England. He died11,12,13 on 19 Jan 1897 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. The cause of death was vbncvb/. He was buried14 on 21 Jan 1897 in Purakanui Cemetery, Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
Richards Birth is found in Family History and Poll Books and International Genealogy Index of Parish Records. This birth record is in contrast to the family stories, which state he was born in 1812, but has been proven to be 1809. A great suprise while researching - the very record that shows that the original story was correct!! http://www.freereg.org.uk/ "County Somerset Place Bath Church St James Register Number Date Of Birth Baptism Date 16 May 1813 Forename Richard Sex M Father Forename Matthew Mother Forename Elizabeth Father Surname DRIVER Mother Surname Abode Thomas St Bristol Father Occupation cabinet maker Notes zzz File Number 16994" This makes the Richard found born in Bristol to John Driver and Hannah Webb in 1809 his first cousin.
He was married in Dunedin, this is found in the First Church Marriage Records, Dunedin, New Zealand. Richard 1st 'married' a Maori named Motoitoi, then Elizabeth Robertson. Because of these marriages there is a 1st Family and a 2nd Family.
There are many tales of Richard's arrival in New Zealand, but we believe he was actually a run-away sailor. He did go to sea as a lad, and we found a referrence to him as crew aboard the 'Governor Ready' in 1827. The 'Governor Ready' was a convict transport to Australia. It has therefore been established that Richard was not a whaler, but crew on a convict ship to Australia and made several voyages as such.
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 1 He arrived in Otago about 1838, and was first at the Heads of the Harbour and competing with Hunter and Fowler as to who could get away to, and arrive at, any ship wanting to enter the harbour, board ship, and to exercise the same powers in case he should land first in the settlement.. Each was acting as unofficial pilot.
Richard was made official pilot of the Port at the time the area was being got ready for settlement in the later 1840s, the first ships arriving in 1848
Our original impressions of his history - Ran away to sea in a ship probably owned by the family at the age of 14 years. His mother is supposed to have got wind of this and followed him on board and slipped and cut her leg and later died of septiceamia. Richard spent his early years sealing and whaling. First at New Zealand about 1828, then jumped ship here in 1838. At some stage he had been shipwrecked and did a 'Captain Bligh' by sailing in an open boat to Timor (this is one of those suspect tales), he is also said to have been engaged in 'Blackbirding' in the Pacific, or being involved in the American slave trade. Even possibly part of the last of the convict ships sent to Australia. He was certainly a hard man through having spent many years at sea and having to look out for himself. After arriving here in 1838 he married Motoitoi, daughter of the chief of the Purakanui area (more likely the Aramoana area just over the hill near the entrance of the Otago Harbour), and lived in a cave at Kaikai's Beach. Most stories place the cave at Murdering Beach, but careful analysis of the stories with comparison of the geography of the area says otherwise. The Moari stories agree with Kaikai's Beach. There appears to be an error in the early charts. On Purehurehu Point between the two beaches there are the remains of gardens, and a water soak, without which a garden in Impossible. There is NO water near 'Pilots Point' between Murdering Beach and Long Beach where this garden was supposed to have been. Also at Kaikai's Beach there are suitable caves for living in, which are conspicuously absent from Murdering Beach. These are still in use as fishing baches. The one Richard used to keep his whaleboat in is a little further down the cliff nearer the water. It is now almost filled with sand, & there is still an active Tapu on this cave. Almost directly above this is an old track up to a rock which is in a suitable place for keeping watch for ships arriving up the coast as they rounded the Heads and came to anchorage nearby to await the Pilot. Driver, Hunter & Fowler vied with each other as to who could get to the ships first to pilot them into the Harbour. They all had Maori crews. In 1847 Richard was made Official Pilot. Richard was well known to be a teller of Tall stories, and so most of the family stories handed down through the years as coming from him are highly suspect. Motoitoi died in 1846 and in 1849 he married Elizabeth Robertson, whom he had first met in 1848 when he piloted in the 'Philip Laing' the first colonist ship to Otago. They first lived at the Heads. In 1860 he retired from the position as Pilot, and came to live on his land at Purakanui where he became involved in the affairs of the District. There is one incident which amuses us. He had the lease of the land designated at Cemetery Reserve. In 1890 the boundaries were planted in Macrocarpa trees. In the Cemetery Committee Minutes in 1891 it was noted that many of the young trees had either died or HAD BEEN TAKEN AWAY. We know exactly where they went - straight across the road to Richard Driver junr's property, and up to Richard Driver Snr's property. A land grant was made to him in recognition of his service as pilot. The second grant was sold the grant to the Youngs in 1870.
His daughter, Maria (from the first or Maori Line), we have worked out, was the instigator of many of the stories of his lifes happenings. When the children of the 2nd family (or Pakaha Line) were small, and she helped to look after them, told them stories. These stories were all from History such as the Battle of Boradino (Richards birth date got pegged to this), Capt Bligh and the Bounty, the massacre
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 2 at Murdering Beach, and similar. In these, to make them more interesting to the children, she placed Richard in the prime spot and so it became established that he had been captured by Maori here, and Mototoi rescued him. If this had actually happened it would have been noted by Weller and Octavius Harwood in their diaries and journals, as the harbour was reasonably well established at the date Richard arrived, and Weller and Harwood were certainly here. A happening such as was supposed to have happened to Richard would have been talk of the area. It did NOT happen. Just Maria telling stories - she was her fathers daughter - a teller of tall tales.
The story of Richard returning to England to reconcile with his family may well be true, just the accepted timing somewhat out. According to the family story it was after the death of Motoitoi, but there would not have been time to get to England and back AND have family by Motoitoi's sister/aunt and be in time to pilot up the first immigrant ship. If he did go back it must have been before arriving in New Zealand at all.
An example of some of the stories is From "Pilots of the Port" by Captain G KEYES.
"DRIVER. Richard Born 26 Aug 1812 Bristol England The First official Pilot of the Harbour having been appointed by Governor Grey in 1847 at a salery of 180 pounds per annum. His courage, seamanship and piloting skills founded a reputation for all future collegues to emulate. He arrived in the American whaler 'John and Edward' (sic?) as 2nd mate, on the 22nd May 1839 and was captured by Maoris whilst ashore obtaining fresh water. All but two of the boats crew were killed. The Chiefs daughter, Motoitoi, claimed him as her own (thus saving his life) and they were married in 1839 resulting in the birth of three daughters - Maria Catherine in 1840, Mary Titaua in 1841, and Emma Paerata in 1843. The third daughter, Emma, married a Cornishman - Tregerthen, but maori pronunciation converted this to Tirikatene, a name wellknown in future Parliamentary circles. He set up home in a cave on Murdering Beach but constructed a garden on a bluff above the western end of the beach where he also kept a lookout for approaching ships - the bluff was soon acredited the name of Pilot Point. Following the death of his first wife in 1846, Driver took in another Maori girl as housekeeper who gave birth to a fourth child - a boy named Jack. In these early days, he was obliged to compete with two other 'freelance' pilots based at Taiaroa Heads viz James Fowler and the American John Washburn Hunter - the whaler races to be first aboard ship must have been quite a spectacle! Upon his legal appointment as the sole Pilot, he moved to Taiaroa Head and whilst aboard one of the first immigrant ships, the 'Philip Laing', he met a 17 year old Scottish girl, Elizabeth Robertson. They married on the 30th May 1849 and from this union a further eleven children were added to the lineage. Owing to his wifes ill-health, he resigned his piloting career in 1860 and took up farming at Purakanui on 114 acres of land granted him by Governor Grey (officially dated 8-9-1864 in Volume 12, Folio 274, Lands & Deed Office, John Wickliffe House, Dunedin). He was apparantly a dominant and flamboyant man, famous for repertoire of 'tall' stories. One of his more renowned quips was that 'he would rather be hanged in Dunedin than die a natural death in Wellington'. The continuation of this local pride had undoubtedly assisted in making our Pilots second to none. Regrettably his diaries were wilfully destroyed by a descendant in a moment of temper. Died 19 Jan 1897 aged 84 years. Wife - Elizabeth died 9 May 1897 aged 65 years. Both interned Purakanui Cemetery. See ODT 13-10-1973 for detailed history. Appendix 5"
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 3 Another example is from "Opening The Manifest on Otago's Infant Years" by Ian Church. Printed by Otago Heritage Books, Dunedin. Copy from Dunedin Public Library. page 44 "15 Apr - 6 May [1839]:JOHN AND EDWARD, Whaling ship of New London,318 tons; Captain Captain Baliley. Owned by W.W. Billings. Sailed for South Atlantic 28 Nov 1838. This ship brought Richard Driver, the harbour's first official pilot. His claim to be the survivor of a boat's crew who were attacked and killed by Maori at Murdering Beach, himself being saved by Motoitoi, is a steal from Cadell's experience; Harwood's journal has no mention of any such event. Sailed to commence whaling. (Harwood Journal: Starbuck I p;348; McNab OWD p 309; the ships log apparently records arrival at Otago on 1 May)."
A FEW EXTRACTS FROM PILOT DRIVER's LOST DIARY These had previously been published in the Otago Supplement of 1898. February 28, 1852 "Boarded ship which proved to be the 'Maori'. Wind died away, had to anchor about a quarter of a mile from the shore. Remained at anchor until half past two in the morning. Breeze came in from the North, called all hands to get underway. Loosed sails, when the ship commenced driving, and before the sails could be set we were within a few fathoms of the shore. Owing to the chain riding it could not be let go, which added considerably to the danger. When the chain was slipped, the schooner went ahead and off. Thank God.' August 13, 1852 'Barque hove in sight. Made signals to stand to sea, bar not fit to take her. She stood across the mouth of the harbour, then were ship and stood in. Sent Maori's for boat, being to rough to haul up and launch on our beach in consequence of large stones having been washed up. The Barque stood on and ran ashore above the first white buoy. Boarded her at high water but could not get her off.' September 1, 1852 'Boat comming from Waikouaiti in the inner passage reported a boat capsized on the bar. From the Flagstaff could see four men on the boat and one in the water. Launched boat and pulled in the direction of the men. When nearing the beach, saw the boat on the surf and three men crawling away from her. My own boat nearly unmanageable in the rough sea. Landed, found three men all in a very weak state. They told me that two Maori's and a white man and woman were drowned. By this time the beach was strewn with boxes and goods of all descriptions. Started for the boat for I thought I saw a foot, and found a white man lying at the bottom almost lifeless, hauled him out of the boat, and got him to some sandhills, stripped him and put on my own shirt and drawers. Put him in the boat and took him to Farrel's and got a good fire and glass of hot grog and soon brought to his senses. Most of the property was afterwards recovered and returned to the owners but no bodies were found' September 11,1852 'Received a summons for giving a native a glass of wine. Quite laughable.' September 14,1852 'Attended court and got fined five pounds for giving the Maori athe glass of wine' March 5,1854
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 4 'Ship bearing up for the bar. Saw that she was in great danger. Got on the lighthouse and waved her off and ran down to the boat but could not get near her. She anchored close to the bar and Head. Ship fired guns all night. Kept light on the Head all night. On the following day, this ship was boarded and brought safely to land. She proved to be the 'Prince Albert' from London. Her Captain said he did not understand the Pilots signals' March 29, 1854 'A brig standing in-shore, hauled up her foresail for pilot. Launched and boarded her. The 'Thomas & Henry' from Sydney, for Mr Jones. 20 days from Sydney; 900 sheep on board'." "Mr Driver received £160 per annum, onr 6th of the pilotage, and some other small perquisites. His first house was a wretched place, exposed to every wind, but he ultimately built a pretty cottage on his own porperty. Everyone writes in the highest terms of his skill as a pilot, and his many good qualities as a man." The pilot, Richard Driver, was a most plucky and daring man, unsupassed in skillful seamanship, who, with a bar-harbour and no tug handled every vessel successfully, without a single accident, this keeping a good name for the harbour, and greatly helping the prosperity of the place." "Pilot Driver was, of course, the first white man seen by the immigrants when arriving in Otagan waters, and naturally they besieged him with questions, and he, being rather of a facitious disposition, delighted in, what boys call, "stuffing" them. Thus on one occasion he told them that an omnibus ran straight to Dunedin from the Flagstaff on the hill, and it was no uncommon sight to see stout ladies and gentlemen struggling up the cliff and then waiting patiently for the expected conveyance. At another time he told them that colonists did not need horses, as conveyancies of all kinds were driven by the wind. He also told surprising stories of the cannibalism of the quiet Maori residents - a crew of whom manned his own boat - assuring trembling mothers that their children would form a delicious tit-bit, &c."
There are a number of sources for his death from a Cerebral Hemorhage in 1897, most of which continue what has been proved to be just stories of his life - quite inaccurate in parts. The most correct was the 'Contributions to the Early History of New Zealand - Hocken' which gives his sea- going career as starting on the 'Governor Ready - a convict ship which sailed to Australia. This has been found to be correct by finding the crew manifest for the ship in 1827 and Richard is listed as an apprentice. He is buried in the Public Cemetery at Purakanui, near Port Chalmers along with his wife Elizabeth and daughter Agnes. In his will he left everything to his wife Elizabeth. this Last Will and Testamemt is to be found in National Archives Dunedin.
A few interesting notes found while researching - Pioneer Jubilee, Early Settlers Museum. 1895 page 34 DRIVER Richard Henry, first pilot Otago Harbour, born at Bristol, 1812. Came to New Zealand in the American whaler 'John & Edward' 1838. Mate of a Sydney trader, married a Maori woman, Motoitoi, having three children, two still living. She died in 1846, and Driver visited America, returning in 1848 (sic how could he be appointed pilot in 1847 if he was in America?); was appointed pilot, holding office for many years; farmed at Purakanui till his death, January 19th, 1897. In May 1849, married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Robertson, Andersons Bay, eleven children being the result, nine still living. She died four months after her husband. Driver was one of the smartest pilots on the New Zealand
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 5 coast, and brought numbers of vessels into port under trying circumstances before the days of tugs.'
"Reminiscences of the Early Settlement of Dunedin & South Otago" Wilson. McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library; page 3. - 'Pilot Driver often got the immigrants into trouble by telling them, when enquiries were made whether wild pigs were plentiful, that Captain William's pigs were wild. Some of these were shot, & Williams made the surprised delinquents pay up rather smartly.' Another story tells of new immigrants asking Driver how to get to the town of Dunedin from Port Chalmers and were gulled by him into thinking that a Hansom cab left from just over the hill. It was a case of a silly question getting a silly answer as at this time tho ONLY way to get to Dunedin was to either walk (an arduous excercise at this time) or be taken up by lighterman in a boat.
Extracted from the diary of J.T Tylee (arrived New Zealand in ship "Mariner' 4 June 1849). From notes and transcipts by Ian Church and Eleanor Leckie of material held at the Port Chalmers Museum. 9 am. signal for pilot. 9:30 am. pilot on board. He came in a whaleboat manned by three natives and one European. Foul winds.
5 June 1849 Calm day. Conversed with pilot. His name is Richard Driver of Bristol, nephew of Mr Griffith the bookseller. He had not heard from home or from his friends for fourteen years. He remembered Tullies' shop and ours. I do not know what Otago is, but he says neither onions, Indian Corn or sweet pototoes will grow here.
6 June 1849 1 pm. fair wind, ship is under weigh to go in. 2 pm. anchor down and all safe at Port Chalmers. 4 pm. pilot lent me his boat to go ashore.
Drivers boat crew. William Stephens Jacky Grease (Jack Grieves) Pot Hook (Morris Patuki) Billy Corepara (Wirimu Kohipara) Hugo Mana (Hukuman) 1852 Census
Otago Witness 24 April 1890 pg 45 Old Identiana by Old Otago My first acquaintance with Captain Cargill was when he was the manager of the Yorkshire District Bank in York. We went into the Castle yard to hear Victoria proclaimed Queen of England. Next time I saw Captain Cargill was in 1854 at Port Chalmers. Port Chalmers was just a few scattered houses. There was a public house (the Thistle), and a Custom House. I think Mr Miller and Mr Logie were in the Custom House then. We went to old Mr Taylor's old house in the evening, as they had a piano, there, and made a night of it. Captain Cargill introduced me to Mr Cutten, the proprietor and editor of the Otago Witness. We dined at Mr Smith's Royal Hotel. In walked great burly Captain Driver, the pilot. That man ought to be alive now, for he had a frame of iron. Mr Carnagie (the jolly wooden legged man). Old Mr Shepherd (the
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 6 policeman, had a house at Molyneux.) OW. 22 May 34 1890 pg.
Essay on the Richard's early years in NZ written 28 November 2007 by Stan Durry. This has been writen as a guideline and foundation for this section of an Oral History DVD to be made in 2008/9. [since this was written a number of statements made in it have been found to be inacurate.]
"Richard Driver, the glue that holds our various families together, was born to Hannah and John Driver of 130 Thomas St. Bristol, England in 1809. Parish records show Richard was baptized on the 20th August 1809 at the Calvinistic Methodist Church on Penn St, Bristol.
His father and uncle, John and Matthew were cabinetmakers, builders valuers and upholsterers, with their premises at 118 Thomas Street.
Richard was the youngest of three sons, John Webb (23 March 1806) and Edward Webb Driver (13August 1807), but the record is silent on his boyhood years.
Regardless of the colourful and flamboyant life many of his descendants have been lead to believe, the first record of his name in New Zealand appears on the baptismal record of Motoitoi and Richard’ s first born, Maria Catherine, christened by Father Pesant, assistant to Bishop Pompellier, on the 26th November 1840. Written comments on the records state Maria was born in June of 1840. The second mention of the Driver name appears in Octavius Harwood’s Journal of 1841. “Driver’s house burnt down.”
In the next report is Richard’s piloting of the bark, ‘Maria Catherine’, Howlett, master, out of London via Nelson, with a party of surveyors under Frederick Tuckett, to lay off Port Chalmers and Dunedin, in February of 1846. On this occasion, Tuckett described Driver’s ship handling ability, “a good sailor, whose knowledge of the harbour would make him a good pilot.” On Tuckett’s recommendation to the Governor, a notice appeared in the Government Gazette, Vol 1, Friday April 7th, 1848, “Notice is hereby given, that his Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor, has been pleased to approve the Port of Otago in the Province of New Munster, in the Islands of New Zealand, the Pilot of the Port of Otago, Richard Driver. 6th April 1848. Alfred Domitt, Colonial Secretary.” Richards status was changed from a freelance pilot in competition with John Washburn Hunter and William Fowler to what was now a Government appointed position.
In 1847 Driver’s name again appears in print associated with an argument over the naming of Carey and Roebuck’s new lighter, ‘Mercury’. From 1848 onwards Richard’s name became synonymous with Otago’s shipping movements until he left the Customhouse Service in 1860.
Richard’s arrival in New Zealand has never been satisfactorily explained. Most descendant families have a tradition that states he came here at the age of 26 years. Birth year 1809 + 26 years = 1835. A diary entry by a new arrival, J. T. Tylee, on the ship ‘Mariner’ 5th June 1849. “Calm day. Conversed with the Pilot. His name is Richard Driver of Bristol, nephew of Mr Griffin the bookseller. He had not heard from home or from his friends for 14 years.” 1849 -14 years = 1835. A statement on Richard’s death certificate states the number of years in New Zealand as 62 years. Year of death 1897 - 62 years = 1835. However, regardless of his year of arrival he was living in a family relationship with Motoitoi, only child of Kahutia and Mahora of Otakou by 1839, as their eldest daughter, Maria, was born in June 1840.
Richard does not appear to have been employed by Weller’s whaling station, so like many Europeans then at the time, they raised pigs, chickens, and garden produce. This was used to trade with the whaling ships that came in to off-load or top up their whale oil supplies.
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 7 Kahutia was one of a number of warriors that were drowned when their sealing boat capsized off Cape Campbell after the 1836 Taua-nui that opposed Te Rauparaha in what is now Marlborough. Of the fate of Mahora, the record is silent. In 1841 another child was born to Motoitoi and Richard, Emma Paerata, and in 1843 another daughter, Mary Titaua, was born. All were now living at the Pilot Station at Taiaroa’s Head.
Shipping movements were becoming more numerous even after the abandonment of Weller’s Whaling Station and occasionally Hunter or Fowler, his old time rivals, helped out. Unlike most of Richard’s peer group, Motoitoi and Richard never had a Christian marriage and Emma and Mary were never christened, even though missionaries had been at Waikouaiti since 1840. Theirs was a stormy relationship, both probably headstrong. In 1846 Motoitoi died of consumption. It is reputed she was buried, alongside others, in a cave in the Te Ngaru/Aramoana area, her remains later taken across the harbour and re-interred at Otakou when the Harbour Board acquired the cliff-face at Te Ngaru for rock to construct the Mole in 1880. In the same year, 1846, Richard was living with another woman, known only to us as Kai Papa or Mother Kai. To this partnership another child was born, John Poroki, in 1847. Mother Kai cared for Motoitoi’s three girls and her own son until sometime before 1848 when she too died, unrecorded.
When bringing the first of the Free Church Presbyterians up to Port Chalmers in April 1848 in the ‘Philip Laing’ he met his future wife, Elizabeth Robertson. They married at Dunedin on the 30th May 1849 in the house of her Father, Thomas Robertson. Elizabeth aged 17 years Richard 40 years ( the marriage certificate states 32 years. Richard was probably making the age difference appear much less).
Prior to this marriage, Mary Titaua (6) was sent to live with relatives at Kaiapoi, Maria (9) and Emma (8) were sent to Port Chalmers as servants in different households. Maria to the Mills family but Emma’s employers are unknown. Emma lived in Port Chalmers until her marriage to Edward Tregerthen, a mariner of Port Chalmers, in 1863. Edward died in 1866 in Port Chalmers, and Emma remarried to William Joss, a mariner of Stewart Island. Emma died on Stewart Island in 1877 William died on Stewart Island in 1895.
William Mills, was Richard’s immediate superior, Mills being Collector of Customs as well as Post Master. Maria stayed with the Mills family until 1854 (Rev. Burns Visitation Book - Archives, Otago Settlers Museum) when Richard took her back to the Pilot Station with the statement that she was not being given any education as was agreed to in return for her housekeeping duties. Richard was to educate her himself but in later years, her marriage certificate showed only a cross, her mark, as her signature. Richard only required a willing helper to assist his wife, Elizabeth, to raise their three white children, Richard 4, Elizabeth Jane 3, Emma 1.
Maria was now 14 years old, and within the Driver household was a young man named William Steven who, two years later, was to marry Maria on Driver’s orders. Maria and William were married on the 21st December 1857 in her father’s house at Otakou. The same year they came to Purakanui to build and live in Richard’s new house built on a newly acquired Land Grant of 88 acres bought in 1857 for £400.
William Steven was another ex-seaman who arrived unrecorded and was living at the signal station from 1849 onwards. He pulled an oar in the pilot boat alongside Maurice Patuki (Pot Hook), Wiremu Korepara and
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 8 Hukumana (Hugo Mana) and occasionally, Charles Miller. William Steven died on the 11th December 1860 leaving a daughter Emma Lillian, born 23rd November 1859 at Purakanui. There was also a son, John, born 16th September 1858, but he died in 1860. John was buried within a triangle of Totara trees on the Driver farm, opposite what is now the Purakanui Public Cemetery. It is suspected his father, William, is also buried under these trees as there is no mention in family stories as to where his grave site is. William was just 30 years old when he died, and Maria 20 years.
At this period of time, 1860, Richard left the Pilot Service. In a letter of resignation to the Superintendent of Otago, dated 9th September 1857, he stated - “I beg respectfully to tender my resignation of the Office of Pilot at Otago. My chief reason for so doing is that the salary is far below the usual rate for seafaring men, and that I am desirous of bettering myself. As I do not want to embarrass the Public Service, I shall of course perform the duties until a successor is appointed. I have the honor to be Sirs, Your most obedient servant. (signed) Richard Driver”
This was only part of the story. By 1865 the administration was to introduce a Certificate of Competency for all New Zealand pilots. This meant an applicant for the position of Pilot had to provide approved certification, ie. 10 years seagoing experience plus a record of rank advancement up to the position of Master. Richard had been appointed pilot on merit in 1848, not years of service or progress through the ranks. Richard had none of these paper qualifications, hence his purchase of his first Crown Grant in 1857 and the above resignation of the same year. In 1860 Richard was 51 years old, getting past the age of being put aboard ships from a 30ft open pulling whaleboat in all sorts of weather, so the Driver family turned their backs on Otakou and came to Purakanui to start a new life.
In the latter years at the Pilot Station, Elizabeth gave birth to three stillborn children; the move to Purakanui improved her health. Eight children were born to the family after the move.
The construction of a larger family home on another Crown Grant of 144 acres, introduced Maria to her second husband, Peter Mouat. Peter was a Shetland Islander, born at Morsbank, Shetlands in December 1828. He lost his parents at an early age, spent most of his early life at sea, qualified as a ship’s carpenter, and came to Otago in the ‘Three Bells’ in 1859. Peter leased land at Hamilton Bay, Otago Harbour, and to this land Maria and Peter retired to after their marriage on the 16th August 1864 at the Registry Office, Dunedin.
About this time, 1861, Richard and Mother Kai’s son, John Poroki, reappears. There are no stories or records to trace his life from when his mother died in 1847/48, but he was living on the Maori Reserve, Purakanui. He married Tini Reko/Pahau from Waikouaiti in 1870.
They had two sons, John and Richard, both died in tragic circumstances. John was drowned with two others on a fishing trip to Cape Saunders. Their bodies were never found, and Tini (Auntie Jinnie) walked Purakanui Beach for days hoping John’s body would be washed ashore. John was born in 1872 and died 1896 aged 24 years. Richard was stationed at Fort Taiaroa as a member of the Permanent Artillery. On a practice live shoot, one of the forts guns misfired, the breechblock swung open catching Richard across the hip. Septicaemia set in and he died in hospital. Richard was born in 1870 and died 1897 aged 27 years. Tragedy dogged this family again when John Poroki, Richard and John’s father, died in 1890 aged
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 9 only 43 years. John Poroki’s wife, Tini, lived out her remaining life with all her family gone, on the Reserve, until her death in 1917 aged 65 years. All but John jnr, are buried in the Urupa in the sand dunes, Purakanui.
In 1877 Emma Lillian Steven, Maria and William’s daughter, married John Miller (Tiaki Mira) who lived on the Maori Reserve, Purakanui, where they went to live in a new house that Emma’s stepfather, Peter Mouat, had built. Soon after Emma and John’s marriage, Maria and Peter also turned their backs on the harbour and came to live in the newly surveyed township of Purakanui, bringing with them their ten children.
Elizabeth and Richard farmed their two land grants until Richard’s death on the 19th January 1897, aged 88 years, and Elizabeth died on 9th May 1897, aged 64 years. They had 11 children, 2 dying quite young, and all but 3 of the survivors lived or farmed in the district.
Like most pioneer families, the generations grow up and leave for greener pastures, their names gradually becoming forgotten as the years pass."
board ship, and to exercise the same powers in case he should land first in the settlement.
White Wings Vol II. Founding Of The Provinces And Old-Time Shipping. Passenger Ships From 1840 To 1885 The First Ships Arrangements having progressed to the stage where it was necessary to get shipping to take out the first of the emigrants, the New Zealand Company called tenders for two vessels, one to leave London and the other to leave Glasgow—the two chartered being the barque Philip Laing , 459 tons, and the ship John Wickliffe , 662 tons. The vessels sailed at the end of November, the John Wickliffe from London, and the Philip Laing from Glasgow. Both struck bad weather at the start and had to take shelter, the John Wickliffe at Plymouth and the Philip Laing at Lamlash Bay, Isle of Arran. A good passage of 100 days was made by the John Wickliffe , which sailed from Plymouth on December 14, and arrived at Port Chalmers on March 23. The Philip Laing sailed finally on December 20, and made a passage of 117 days to Port Chalmers, where she arrived on April 15. These were the pioneer ships of the settlement, the next vessel, the Victory, not arriving until three months after the Philip Laing . During the voyage of the Philip Laing a very complete diary was kept by the Rev. Dr. Burns, giving day by day the various happenings on board, and showing what a long and tedious business it was to reach New Zealand in those primitive times. This diary is now in the possession of his daughter, Miss Burns, of Dunedin, and I have been fortunate enough to have been able to peruse a copy. Dealing with the delay at the start owing to bad weather, he mentions that while the ship lay in Lamlash Bay, Isle of Arran, four seamen were "logged" for insubordination, taken before the court, and sentenced to twenty-one days' imprisonment. There is frequent reference in the diary to the speed of the ship, her best day's run being 216 miles. That was on February 24, 1848, when there was a steady breeze blowing. The log read 9, 9½, and 9¾ knots. Other runs referred to include 204 miles, 188 miles, 172 miles. These figures do not sound very impressive to the ears of to-day, but the Philip Laing was quite a good vessel for her day, and details of her capabilities serve to show the present generation what immense strides have been made in shipping history during the lifetime of some people still living. In tracing the subsequent career of the Philip Laing < we find that in 1854 she was in the transport service for the Crimean War. In the following year she was at Hobart, having brought out Government
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 10 stores and ammunition; and in 1856 she brought out passengers and cargo from London to Wellington and Lyttelton. When leaving Lyttelton, bound for Singapore, she was struck by a squall and thrown on her beam ends, but she righted herself, though the report went Home that she had gone down with all hands. The barque made several trips to the East. On one occasion she was stranded on an island in the Java Sea for 36 hours, but got off. page 80 On her 1856 voyage to New Zealand she caught fire just after having called at Cape of Good Hope, but it was put out without much difficulty. Altogether she seems to have been quite a lucky ship. Mr. Thomas Ferens, who was a passenger by the John Wickliffe , kept a diary on board, and through the kindness of his son, Mr. W. H. Ferens, of Dunedin, I have been permitted to make some extracts. Mr. Thomas Ferens was born at West Rainton, Durham, and died at Oamaru in 1888, aged 65 years. He writes:—"We weighed anchor at Gravesend on November 24, but had to anchor in the Downs, where a most tempestuous night was spent with fears of a lee shore. We made another start on the 28th, but were driven back a second time to the Downs. Eventually we sailed on December 4, 1847, but soon encountered another severe gale which drove us to St. Helen's (Isle of Wight). On December 14 we made another start, and had a hard tussle to clear the English Channel, the passengers spending many distressing days while passing through the English and St. George's Channels. "Mr. J. Harries was first mate, Mr. Renalls second, and Mr. Moffatt third. During a heavy gale when the ship entered the Atlantic, Mr. Moffatt fell overboard, but fortunately seized a rope in his fall and was brought on board. The ship was then favoured with good weather and logged her ten and twelve knots. "The Equator was crossed on January 15, and the next day we were favoured with fresh S.E. trade winds, which were delightful. The tropical winds continued until January 26. The weather continued warm and pleasant until February 12, when a severe gale sprang up and heavy seas broke on board, but with a fair wind we were making from ten to eleven knots, two days later twelve knots, and on the 18th we made 14 knots. "During the next two days we passed three very large icebergs. The passengers were greatly nervous and excited at this time, and when the ship was in 49 degrees S. latitude the captain altered the course, the ship still bowling along at eleven and twelve knots with a strong wind. Bad weather set in on February 23, and continued for 48 hours, when Desolation Island was sighted. After two days of dense fog and calm, we encountered another tempestuous gale, high seas frequently breaking on board. "On March the ship's position was latitude 50° 29′ S. and longitude 96° 46′ E. Very cold, hazy and stormy weather continued until March 10, with heavy seas. The Snares were sighted on March 19, and Stewart Island the following day. A steady breeze carried the ship towards the Otago Peninsula, and we sailed into port on March 23." The best account of the ships that I have come across is to be found in Hocken's book, "The Early History of New Zealand," in which there is much valuable information for those who like delving into the past and tracing the steps by which the colony grew up. He mentions at the outset that Mr. John Sands, of Greenock, who owned the John Wickliffe , got £2000 for the charter, and Messrs. Laing and Ridley, of Liverpool, who owned the Philip Laing , got something over £1800. Passage money varied from 35 guineas to
Otago's First Immigrant Ships. page 81 60 guineas for the cabin, 20 guineas for the fore-cabin, and 16 guineas for the steerage, or first, second, and third, as we would say nowadays. "The John Wickliffe ," says Hocken, "was the storeship of the expedition, and was heavily laden with
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 11 a varied supply of goods suited to the requirements of a young community beginning housekeeping in a strange land, and were for sale a little beyond cost price. There were thousands of bricks and slates, all the appurtances of the mechanical trades for blacksmiths, wheelwrights, plumbers, painters; there were wheelbarrows, spades, pickaxes, guns, muskets; and there were tons of provisions of all kinds. The sum of £500 was placed on board, £100 being in gold, £350 in silver, and £50 worth of fourpenny pieces. The commander was Bartholomew Daly, an Irishman, and a first-rate sailor, long engaged in the East India trade. The surgeon-superintendent was Dr. Henry Manning, surgeon- superintendent. Mr. Burns was requested by the company of London, who remained in the colony and died at Warepa, near Balclutha, in 1886. There were 97 emigrants, headed by Captain William Cargill , the leader. But the Philip Laing carried the bulk of the emigrants, of whom there were 247 souls, placed under the charge of the Rev. Thomas Burns, the Aaron of the settlement. Her commander was Captain A. J. Elles , who afterwards married Clementina, Mr. Burns' eldest daughter, and who died in Invercargill in 1887. Dr. Robert Ramsay who returned to Scotland, was to act as its agent and representative on board ship, and to exercise the same powers in case he should land first in the settlement.
http://www.freereg.org.uk/ "County Somerset Place Bath Church St James Register Number Date Of Birth Baptism Date 16 May 1813 Forename Richard Sex M Father Forename Matthew Mother Forename Elizabeth Father Surname DRIVER Mother Surname Abode Thomas St Bristol Father Occupation cabinet maker Notes zzz File Number 16994"
MARRIAGE: First Church Marriage Records, Dunedin, New Zealand. Richard 1st 'married' a Maori named Motoitoi, then Elizabeth Robertson. Because of these marriages there is a 1st Family and a 2nd Family.
DEATH: Sighting of Cert. from Department of Justice, Dunedin. 'OTAGO WITNESS' 21 Jan 1897. page 29 column 2 - 'DRIVER, On 19 January, at his residence, Purakanui, Richard Driver, sen.; aged 85 years. 'OTAGO WITNESS' 28 January 1897. page 26 column 1 - 'The death is announced of Mr Richard Driver, who was 85 years of age at the time of his death. The first pilot for the Port of Otago, Mr Driver had been engaged as a whaler before the arrival of the pioneer settlers. He leaves a large family all grown up. CONTRIBRUTIONS TO THE EARLY HISTORY OF NEW ZEALAND, Hocken '---- Driver, the pilot, died last year at Purakanui in his 85th year. He enjoyed the reputation of spinning the toughest of tough yarns, and on this occasion he was amply able to supply his eager listeners with many such
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 12 indigestible morsals. Born at Bristol in 1812, he went to sea as a boy of 14 in the 'Governor Ready', a vessel which carried convicts to Hobart Town and soldiers to Sydney. Thence he went to America, and after a due amount of whaling and adventure found himself about 1838 in New Zealand. The adventurous aspect of his life ceased in 1847 upon receiving from Governor Grey the respectable appointment of first pilot to the Otago settlement.'
CAUSE OF DEATH: Cerebral Hemorhage.
TOMBSTONE: 'In Memorium. Richard DRIVER b. 26 Aug 1812 d. 19 Jan 1897. Elizabeth DRIVER b. 29 Aug 1831 d, 9 May 1897. Richard DRIVER b 26 Aug 1850 d. 5 Jun 1893, Agnes DRIVER b. 18 Jul 1876 d. 7 May 1890. Though lost to sight to memory dear.' Block 2 plot 11, 12. Purchased by Richard DRIVER.
BURIAL: From transcript of Cemetery Records - 'DRIVER Richard Snr. a farmer of Purakanui. Block 2 plot 12.
WILL: Nation Archives, Dunedin; Leaves everything that he owned to his wife, Elizabeth, absolutely.
HISTORY: Otago Daily Times & Witness Jubilee No. 1895 pg 34. 'Otago Witness', 21 Jan 1897 pg 29 column 2. 'Contributions to the Early History of New Zealand' Hocken. Record of Early Settlers Prior to 1861, Otago Jubilee. Early Settlers Museum. From survivng pages of Drivers lost Diary. Family stories (Highly suspect as Richard was known as a teller of 'tall' tales). Early Otago Pioneer Reminiscences. Records by the Port Chalmers Old Identities Association. Edited by Ian CHURCH. Held at Port Chalmers Museum. Sighting by S Durry of document appointing Richard as official Pilot to the Port of Otago. Otago Harbour Board (now Port Otago). From "Pilots of the Port" by Captain G KEYES. "DRIVER. Richard Born 26 Aug 1812 Bristol England The First official Pilot of the Harbour having been appointed by Governor Grey in 1847 at a salery of 180 pounds per annum. His courage, seamanship and piloting skills founded a reputation for all future collegues to emulate. He arrived in the American whaler 'John and Edward' (sic?) as 2nd mate, on the 22nd May 1839 and was captured by Maoris whilst ashore obtaining fresh water. All but two of the boats crew were killed. The Chiefs daughter, Motoitoi, claimed him as her own (thus saving his life) and they were married in 1839 resulting in the birth of three daughters - Maria Catherine in 1840, Mary Titaua in 1841, and Emma Paerata in 1843. The third daughter, Emma, married a Cornishman - Tregerthan, but maori pronunciation converted this to Tirikatene, a name wellknown in future Parliamentary circles. He set up home in a cave on Murdering Beach but constructed a garden on a bluff above the western end of the beach where he also kept a lookout for approaching ships - the bluff was soon acredited the name of Pilot Point. Following the death of his first wife in 1846, Driver took in another Maori girl as housekeeper who gave birth to a fourth child - a boy named Jack. In these early days, he was obliged to compete with two other 'freelance' pilots based at Taiaroa Heads viz James Fowler and the American John Washburn Hunter - the whaler races to be first aboard ship must have been quite a spectacle! Upon his legal appointment as the sole Pilot, he moved to Taiaroa Head and whilst aboard one of the first immigrant ships, the 'Philip Laing', he met a 17 year old Scottish girl, Elizabeth Robertson. They married on the 30th May 1849 and from this union a further eleven children were added to the lineage. Owing to his wifes ill-health, he resigned his piloting career in 1860 and took up farming at Purakanui
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 13 on 114 acres of land granted him by Governor Grey (officially dated 8-9-1864 in Volume 12, Folio 274, Lands & Deed Office, John Wickliffe House, Dunedin). He was apparantly a dominant and flamboyant man, famous for repertoire of 'tall' stories. One of his more renowned quips was that 'he would rather be hanged in Dunedin than die a natural death in Wellington'. The continuation of this local pride had undoubtedly assisted in making our Pilots second to none. Regrettably his diaries were wilfully destroyed by a descendant in a moment of temper. Died 19 Jan 1897 aged 84 years. Wife - Elizabeth died 9 May 1897 aged 65 years. Both interned Purakanui Cemetery. See ODT 13-10-1973 for detailed history. Appendix 5 A FEW EXTRACTS FROM PILOT DRIVER's LOST DIARY These had previously been published in the Otago Supplement of 1898. February 28, 1852 'Boarded ship which proved to be the 'Maori'. Wind died away, had to anchor about a quarter of a mile from the shore. Remained at anchor wntil half past two in the morning. Breeze came in from the North, called all hands to get underway. Loosed sails, when the ship commenced driving, and before the sails could be set we were within a few fathoms of the shore. Owing to the chain riding it could not be let go, which added considerably to the danger. When the chain was slipped, the schooner went ahead and off. Thank God.' August 13, 1852 'Barque hove in sight. Made signals to stand to sea, bar not fit to take her. She stood across the mouth of the harbour, then were ship and stood in. Sent Maori's for boat, being to rough to haul up and launch on our beach in consequence of large stones having been washed up. The Barque stood on and ran ashore above the first white buoy. Boarded her at high water but could not get her off.' September 1, 1852 'Boat coming from Waikouaiti in the inner passage reported a boat capsized on the bar. From the Flagstaff could see four men on the boat and one in the water. Launched boat and pulled in the direction of the men. When nearing the beach, saw the boat on the surf and three men crawling away from her. My own boat nearly unmanageable in the rough sea. Landed, found three men all in a very weak state. They told me that two Maori's and a white man and woman were drowned. By this time the beach was strewn with boxes and goods of all descriptions. Started for the boat for I thought I saw a foot, and found a white man lying at the bottom almost lifeless, hauled him out of the boat, and got him to some sandhills, stripped him and put on my own shirt and drawers. Put him in the boat and took him to Farrel's and got a good fire and glass of hot grog and soon brought to his senses. Most of the property was afterwards recovered and returned to the owners but no bodies were found' September 11,1852 'Received a summons for giving a native a glass of wine. Quite laughable.' September 14,1852 'Attended court and got fined five pounds for giving the Maori athe glass of wine' March 5,1854
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 14 'Ship bearing up for the bar. Saw that she was in great danger. Got on the lighthouse and waved her off and ran down to the boat but could not get near her. She anchored close to the bar and Head. Ship fired guns all night. Kept light on the Head all night. On the following day, this ship was boarded and brought safely to land. She proved to be the 'Prince Albert' from London. Her Captain said he did not understand the Pilots signals' March 29, 1854 'A brig standing in-shore, hauled up her foresail for pilot. Launched and boarded her. The 'Thomas & Henry' from Sydney, for Mr Jones. 20 days from Sydney; 900 sheep on board'."
Early Settlers Museum, Dunedin. Rev. Burns' Visitation Book. Page 28/11 25 Dec 1849 Port Chalmers William MILLS & his wife Catherine MILLER [and children] Maria DRIVER 1/2 caste page 29/1b Lower Harbour, West Side 24 Dec 1849 Richard DRIVER & his wife Elizabeth ROBERTSON. William --- a white lad & three Maoris for his boat (Pilot). Page 47/24 8 Jan 1851 Harbour, East Side & Port Chalmers William MILLS & Catherine MILLER & 4 children. Maria DRIVER 1/2 caste. Page 48/1b Portobello 8 Jan 1851 Richard DRIVER & his wife Elizabeth ROBERTSON 1 child [Richard]. William --- boatman. Page 68/22 10 Dec 1851 Port Chalmers William MILLS & Catherine MILLER & 4 children. Maria DRIVER 1/2 caste girl. Page 69/1 Heads of the Harbour. Taiaroas Head 16 Dec 1851 Richard DRIVER & his wife Elizabeth ROBERTSON. Richard 2, Elizabeth Jane infant. William STEVEN, Jas MILLER & 3 Maoris. Page 96/9 16 Feb 1853 Port Chalmers [Maria still with the MILLS in Port Chalmers, but not there in 1845] page 97/4c West Side of the Harbour. 1853 Richard DRIVER & Elizabeth ROBERTSON Richard 3, Elizabeth Jane 1. Page 101/4b 28 Oct 1854 Lower Harbour East side Heads Richard DRIVER & Elizabeth ROBERTSON. Richard 4, Elizabeth Jane 3, Emma 1. Page 133/3b 20 Nov 1855 Heads Richard DRIVER & ELizabeth ROBERTSON. Richard 5, Elizabeth 4, Emma 2. Page 97/1d Taiaroas Head 1853 William STEVEN, Jas MILLER & 3 Maoris.
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 15 RESEARCH:by George DURRY 9 Nov 1983 - Records state the Richard DRIVER was born in Clifton Bristol 26 Aug 1812. Died 19 Jan 1897 at Purakanui (source) ______(1)Gilbert & Alice DRYVER. Avening (15 miles from Bristol) 1187 [origin of name) (2) Edmund St John DRIVER mar Mary RANUNZIO Clifton Bristol 31 Aug 1664 (3)Daniel DRIVER mar Sarah HULBERT Bristol SSC (Bristol Archives) (4)Probate Will of Daniel DRIVER 1826 (5) Nathaniel DRIVER Sherriff of Bristol 1683 (6) Richard DRIVER mar Mary Anne BROMIGILY 1824 St May Di Logi BRISTOL POLL BOOK 1814 (Bristol Archives) John & Matthew DRIVER 128,129,130 Thomas St Bristol Factory 118 Thomas St Bristol. Valuators, Builders, Appraisers, Cabinate makers, Upholsterers, Furnature Makers. BRISTOL POLL BOOK 1840 John DRIVER (only) details as above.
Parish Records. FHL Christenings (Bristol only) John Webb DRIVER son of John DRIVER & Hannah bap 23 Mar 1806 Bristol Tabernacle Edward Webb DRIVER son of John DRIVER and Hannah Bap 13 Aug 1807 Calvanistic Methodist Church Richard DRIVER son of John DRIVER & Hannah Bap 20 Aug 1809 Penn St. Bristol [Family information states that Richards Father & his Brother were cabinatemakers];
Pioneer Jubilee, Early Settlers Museum. 1895 page 34 DRIVER Richard Henry, first pilot Otago Harbour, born at Bristol, 1812. Came to New Zealand in the American whaler 'John & Edward' 1838. Mate of a Sydney trader, married a Maori woman, Motoitoi, having three children, two still living. She died in 1846, and Driver visited America, returning in 1848 (sic how could he be appointed pilot in 1847 if he was in America?); was appointed pilot, holding office for many years; farmed at Purakanui till his death, January 19th, 1897. In May 1849, married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Robertson, Andersons Bay, eleven children being the result, nine still living. She died four months after her husband. Driver was one of the smartest pilots on the New Zealand coast, and brought numbers of vessels into port under trying circumstances before the days of tugs.'
OTHER NOTES: Ran away to sea in a ship probably owned by the family at the age of 14 years. His mother is supposed to have got wind of this and followed him on board and slipped and cut her leg and later died of septiceamia. Richard spent his early years sealing and whaling. First at New Zealand about 1828, then jumped ship here in 1838. At some stage he had been shipwrecked and did a 'Captain Bligh' by sailing in an open boat to Timor (this is one of those suspect tales), he is also said to have been engaged in 'Blackbirding' in the Pacific, or being involved in the American slave trade. Even possibly part of the last of the convict ships sent to Australia. He was certainly a hard man through having spent many years at sea and having to look out for himself. After arriving here in 1838 he married Motoitoi, daughter of the chief of the Purakanui area (more likely the Aramoana area just over the hill near the entrance of the Otago Harbour), and lived in a
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 16 cave at Kaikai's Beach. Most stories place the cave at Murdering Beach, but careful analysis of the stories with comparison of the geography of the area says otherwise. The Moari stories agree with Kaikai's Beach. There appears to be an error in the early charts. On Purehurehu Point between the two beaches there are the remains of gardens, and a water soak, without which a garden in Impossible. There is NO water near 'Pilots Point' between Murdering Beach and Long Beach where this garden was supposed to have been. Also at Kaikai's Beach there are suitable caves for living in, which are conspicuously absent from Murdering Beach. These are still in use as fishing baches. The one Richard used to keep his whaleboat in is a little further down the cliff nearer the water. It is now almost filled with sand, & there is still an active Tapu on this cave. Almost directly above this is an old track up to a rock which is in a suitable place for keeping watch for ships arriving up the coast as they rounded the Heads and came to anchorage nearby to await the Pilot. Driver, Hunter & Fowler vied with each other as to who could get to the ships first to pilot them into the Harbour. They all had Maori crews. In 1847 Richard was made Official Pilot. Richard was well known to be a teller of Tall stories, and so most of the family stories handed down through the years as coming from him are highly suspect. Motoitoi died in 1846 and in 1849 he married Elizabeth Robertson, whom he had first met in 1848 when he piloted in the 'Philip Laing' the first colonist ship to Otago. They first lived at the Heads. In 1860 he retired from the position as Pilot, and came to live on his land at Purakanui where he became involved in the affairs of the District. There is one incident which amuses us. He had the lease of the land designated at Cemetery Reserve. In 1890 the boundaries were planted in Macrocarpa trees. In the Cemetery Committee Minutes in 1891 it was noted that many of the young trees had either died or HAD BEEN TAKEN AWAY. We know exactly where they went - straight across the road to Richard Driver junr's property, and up to Richard Driver Snr's property. A land grant was made to him in recognition of his service as pilot. The second grant was sold the grant to the Youngs in 1870.
OTHER STORIES: "Reminiscences of the Early Settlement of Dunedin & South Otago" Wilson. McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library; page 3. - 'Pilot Driver often got the immigrants into trouble by telling them, when enquiries were made whether wild pigs were plentiful, that Captain William's pigs were wild. Some of these were shot, & Williams made the surprised delinquents pay up rather smartly.' Another story tells of new immigrants asking Driver how to get to the town of Dunedin from Port Chalmers and were gulled by him into thinking that a Hansom cab left from just over the hill. It was a case of a silly question getting a silly answer as at this time tho ONLY way to get to Dunedin was to either walk (an arduous excercise at this time) or be taken up by lighterman in a boat.
Otago Nominal Index
Name DRIVER Name Aliases
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 17 Address Brokanni Date 9 Jun last Description Personal mention; stealing, horse Occupation
Place Moeraki Age : Sex : M Birthdate
Title Otago Police Gazette Page 74 Publication 20 Jul 1863 Comment Mr John R Perry's mare stolen; Mr Driver will pay #5 reward on recovery Further enquiries to Research Librarian, Hocken Library Otago
Richard married (1) MOTOITOI daughter of KAHUTIA OR KAHUIA and MAHORA in May 1839 in Otago, New Zealand. MOTOITOI was born about 1823 in New Zealand. She died on 31 Aug 1846 in Kaikai's Beach, Hayward Point, Otago, New Zealand. She was buried in 1846 in Aramoana, Otago Harbour, Otago, New Zealand.
FAMILY: A Maori woman of Rank. She was related to several famous Chiefs - Karetai, Taiaroa etc.
We now believe that Motoitoi did not die at the date given in the family stories. It is most likely that she was abandoned by Richard not long before the First Immigrant ships arrived, and moved south to live with other relatives. Fred Durry could remember a trip South with his parents, Richard came along with them, and at one place they met up with an elderly Maori woman. Richard went white when he saw her. It is possible that this was actually Motoitoi. It was common after european woman arrived, for men to abandon their maori wives and marry a Europen woman. The Maori marriages were not 'real' marriages in the eyes of European Law.
Motoitoi did not rest long in her grave at Aramoana, The area was required for making a road, so the Urupa (cemetery) there had all buried in it disinterred with due Maori protocol, and removed across the Harbour to the Urupa at the Kaik at Otakau and reburied in the gully at that Urupa.
Richard and MOTOITOI had the following children: 2 F i. Maria Catherine DRIVER was born in Jun 1840 in In the cave at Whareakeake, Otago, New Zealand. She was christened15 on 29 Nov 1840 in Otago, New Zealand. She
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 18 2 F i. Maria Catherine DRIVER was born in Jun 1840 in In the cave at Whareakeake, Otago, New Zealand. She was christened15 on 29 Nov 1840 in Otago, New Zealand. She died16 on 19 Jul 1926 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. The cause of death was a. Morbus Cordis. b. Cerebral Haemorrhage.. She was buried17 on 22 Jul 1926 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
CHRISTENING: Maria was baptised by Bishop Pompellier's chaplain, Father Pesant, (Roman Catholic). The story says that this was in leiu of Pilotage dues.
RESIDENCE: Purakanui District and Hamilton Bay, Otago Harbour. Maria had a share in the Moari land at the Titi Islands (Mutton bird Islands) in Foveaux Strait, and also in the Purakanui Area (Land Records).
BIOGRAPHY: Jubilee Book. Early Settlers Museum, Dunedin - Early Settlers prior to 1861. Maria C MOUAT. Born at Purakanui 1841. Daughter of Richard Driver, formerly Government Pilot. Married to Peter MOUAT 1860 (sic). Nine children living. Rev. Burns' Visitation Book [Early Settlers Museum, Dunedin] Maria is mentioned several times between 1849 and 1854 as living in Port Chalmers with William Mills & family. She had been placed with them for education in exchange for housework and childminding, but when her father found that she was not being educated he removed her and took her home to educate her himself. As she could not read in later life, I assume that the education was minimal.
Maria married18 (1) William STEVENS on 21 Dec 1857 in Otakou, Otago, New Zealand. William was born about 1831 in Bristol, Gloucester, England. He died19 on 11 Dec 1860 in Taiaroa Head, Otakou, Otago, New Zealand. He was buried in Dec 1860 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
Family Story says that he was herding cattle at the Clutha and was drowned in the river at Stirling. The Certificate and newspaper are at variance with this. His death Certificate states that he died of Ulceration of the lungs which could have been TB or the result of a severe Pneumonia. His boat the 'Jane Anne' [Otago Witness' & 'Otago Colonist'] took supplies to John Jones settlement at Waikouaiti on 8th Dec and returned on the 21st Dec. This was after Bill had died! The next shipment was taken by the 'Huon'. If Bill had been taken ill at Waikouaiti, they would most probably have brought him in to Purakanui to be nursed by his wife and family, where he subsequently died. The boat would have then returned to the harbour. The Certificate is registered for Taiaroa Head but we believe that he actually died at Waikouaiti.
Family [Maori]. Buried under a Totara tree, with 3 guardian trees in the bottom north corner of the paddock opposite the present Public Cemetery at Purakanui.
William Stevens
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 19 event: CHRISTENING event date: 26 Jun 1831 event place: Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe, Gloucestershire, England father: James Stevens mother: Sophia digital folder number: 4208287
Maria married20 (2) Peter William MOUAT son of Gilbert MOUAT and Andarina MANSON on 16 Aug 1861 in Registry Office, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. Peter was born in Dec 1828 in Morsbank, Shetland Islands, Scotland. He was christened21 on 10 Mar 1829 in Delting. Shetland, Scotland. He died22,23,24,25 on 25 Dec 1892 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. He was buried on 29 Dec 1892 in Maori Cemetery, Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
OCCUPATION: Boatbuilder, carpenter, Shipwright, Settler, Hotelkeeper.
BIOGRAPHY: Father died leaving impoverished family. Peter brought up by sea Captain after his fathers death. Mother and sisters left at Shetlands.
BIOGRAPHY: PORT CHALMERS EARLY PEOPLE compiled by Ian Church H-M page 526 MOUAT. Peter William carpenter Port Chalmers Mrs Maria MOUAT (nee DRIVER. dtr of Richard and Motoitoi/ Mrs STEVENS) Purakanui (end of Haywards Pt Road) 1880 Directory (Purakanui) 1888 Directory (Purakanui) fisherman 1896 Directory Mrs Peter MOUAT 25 May 1876 built ketch 'Alpha' 24 tons at Port Chalmers for W Pedlow and W J Waters He born 1831: died 25 Dec 1892 aged 61 years She born 1841: died 19 Jul 1926 aged 85 years (Note - her 2nd marriage - 1 child by 1st - STEVENS) All [sic] Purakanui Cemetery 1/46 [ Peter Mouat is actually in the Maori Cemetery in the sandhills at Purakanui] 12 children 1 dtr Mrs Emma MILLAR, Purakanui, nee MOUAT [sic] b Purakanui 1860 d 20 Apr 1927 aged 65 years (but AJHR 1892, G1 has Emma STEPHENS (= Mrs MILLAR )) sons William Gilber - mining Engineer, Auckland b. 1865 d. 2 Aug 1965 aged 91/2 years. 1/46 Ashes only (supposed to have killed his wife, body not found; served time) Richard Driver Thomas Morison John Edward Fred Peter James Charles farmer Purakanui b. 1874, Pvt 39274 NZEF: d. 1 June 1938 aged 64 years. [Plot 1/783 - Purakanui
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 20 Roll of Honour. dtrs Margaret Jessie Maria Elizabeth Andrina (Mrs Green) AJHR 1892, G1 List of Kai Tahu MOUATS ( all quarter-caste) children under 14. James, Frederick, Magnus, Edward
RESIDENCE: Hamilton Bay in Otago Harbour in 1877 and at Purakanui at time of death.
EMMIGRATION: 'Three Bells' to NZ 1859.
BURIAL: Buried in the Maori Cemetery to await the decease of his part Maori wife. Before she died the Cemetery was nearly blown away by a huge wind storm in 1926 and all the tombstones were either toppled or undermined. Exposed bodies (some wrapped in flax mats) were re-interred elsewhere on the burial mound. Peters tombstone was transferred to the Purakanui Public Cemetery (perhaps his bones as well) when Maria died, and re-erected there. The Maori Cemetery was never used again. The original base remained in situ at the Maori Cemetery.
BIRTH: He may have been born 12 Dec 1831
A bit of a mystery found in a Shetland Islands newspaper - Shetland Times 1/12/1950 Thomasina (Tamar) Mouat North Dale 75 14 11 1950 late Peter and Andrina Mouat Shetland Times 1/12/1950 Thomasina Mouat Haroldswick 75 14 11 1950 Shetland Times 1/12/1950 Tamar Mouat North Dale 75 14 11 1950 late Peter and Anderina Mouat
3 F ii. Mary Titaua DRIVER was born on 5 Nov 1843 in West Field under a Tree, Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. She died on 7 Feb 1917 in New Zealand. She was buried in Tuahiwi Cemetery, Kaiapoi, New Zealand. Mary married Tihema TE AIKA son of Aperahama TE AIKA and Maria TE PUU in New Zealand. Tihema was buried after 1848 in Tuahiwi Cemetery, Kaiapoi, Canterbury, New Zealand.
RESIDENCE: Tihema Te Aika lived at Kaipoi.
HISTORY: CT List 56 Canterbury. Alive in 1848.
4 F iii. Emma Paerata DRIVER was born in Oct 1845 in At the Carpenter house, Whareakeake, Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. She died on 9 Sep 1877 in Stewart Island, New Zealand. She was buried in Old Urupa, Stewart Island, New Zealand.
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 21 RESIDENCE: Purakanui/Port Chalmers 1865. Ruapuke 1867.
Emma married26 (1) John TREGERTHEN son of A TREGERTHEN Captain on 5 Mar 1863 in Bluff, Southland, New Zealand. John was born about 1833 in Llanelly, Breconshire, Wales, United Kingdom. He died27 on 31 Jul 1866 in Port Chalmers, Otago, New Zealand. He was buried on 1 Aug 1866 in Old Cemetery, Port Chalmers, Otago, New Zealand.
Mariner and at one time, from the Otago Police Gazette of 1 Feb 1865 on page 9, he was a constable of Water Police. It is his discharge that is recorded. He lived and worked in Bluff and in 1865 Port Chalmers. Some of the members of later generations gave the name TREGERTHEN a Maori form and changed it to TIRIKATENE.
Emma married (2) Unknown. Emma married29 (3) William Timaru JOSS28 son of Captain James Alexander JOSS and Caroline PUWAITAHA on 18 Jun 1870 in Schoolhouse, Ruapuke Mission, Stewart Island, New Zealand. William was born in 1844 in Stewart Island, New Zealand. He died on 24 Dec 1895 in Stewart Island, New Zealand. He was buried in Stewart Island, New Zealand.
OCCUPATION: Seaman 1870-77. Mariner 1881.
RESIDENCE: The Neck, Stewart Island 1845-72-77.
DEATH: Drowned at Stewart Island.
BIOGRAPHY: ~ Information supplied by Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan. Emma had married William Joss. By the time her son, John Driver Tregerthen, was 14 years old his 'cruel stepfather, Joss' forced him to skipper Joss's boat in often treacherous weather, that son told his children and grandchildren (From painting in J. D. Tregerthen's home, it must have been a sailing boat).
Emma married (4) Tutehonuku KORAKO after 1876.
Richard was not married (2) to Mere POROKI "Mother Kai".
Sister of Motoitoi.
Richard and Mere had the following children: 5 M iv. John Poroki DRIVER was born about 1847/1848 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. He died30,31 on 14 Aug 1891 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. He was buried in Aug 1891 in Maori Cemetery, Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
BIOGRAPHY: John used to farm 'Jacks Paddock' in Purakanui Township before it was surveyed. This paddock is now the Cemetery reserve. He lived in a whare in the next door section which was next owned by Richard Driver jnr. then Richard
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 22 jnr's wife, then Fred Durry, nephew of Richard jnr., then Stanley Durry, and so has never yet been out of the family. Original Land Titles held at family Solicitors - Rutherford, McKinnon & Neil. From 1997 held by the Public Trustee.
BURIAL: Buried in grave in Maori Cemetery in sandhills at Purakanui. Grave recently uncovered (May/June 1995) by Trevor Miller of the Maori family. Headstone reads 'In Memory of our Beloved Father John Driver who died August 14th 1891 aged 43 years. Also of our son John who was drowned April 6th 1896.'
John married Jane Tini RIKO32 about 1870 in Otago, New Zealand. Jane was born about 1852 in New Zealand. She died33 on 28 Feb 1917 in Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. She was buried on 2 Mar 1917 in Maori Cemetery, Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
RELIGION: Church of England.
NAME: European version of name is 'Jane'.
http://www.mwa.govt.nz/women-in-nz/maori-women-and-the-vote/womens-christian -temperance-union-wctu Māori women’s signatures have been found on the national franchise petitions of 1892 and 1893. These were initiated by the WCTU to demonstrate to the Government that significant numbers of women wanted the vote. Herewaka Poata (Porter) of Kaiti Hill (Gisborne) signed the 1892 petition as did Louisa Matahau of Turua (Hauraki). Matilda Ngapua of Napier and Mrs M Rangiora of Rangiora who both signed the 1893 petition could also be Māori. Other Māori women signed using European names, eg, Jane Driver of Purakanui, Mary Cross of Bluff Harbour and Mary Bevan of Otaki. It appears that all the Māori women who signed had Pākehā connections.
Richard married34 (3) Elizabeth ROBERTSON daughter of Thomas ROBERTSON and Janet PEAT on 30 May 1849 in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. Elizabeth was born on 29 Aug 1831 in Aberlady, East Lothian, Scotland. She died35,36,37,38 on 9 May 1897 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. She was buried39,40 in May 1897 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
EMMIGRATION: Arrived New Zealand 1848 on the 'Philip Laing', first Colonial ship to Otago, with her Father and sisters and Brothers.
Richard and Elizabeth had the following children: 6 M v. Richard DRIVER was born on 24 Jan 1850 in Taiaroa Head, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. He was christened41 on 21 Apr 1851 in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. He died42, 43 on 5 Jun 1893 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. He was buried on 7 Jun 1893 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
DEATH: Supposed to have been drowned at Purakanui - story now thought doubtful. Sighting of Certificate, Justice Depertment Office, Dunedin. Funeral Notice 'Otago Daily Times 7 Jun 1893. McNab Room, dunedin Public Library.
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 23 'The friends of Mrs Richard Driver jun. are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of her late husband wich will leave her residence, Purakanui, for the Purakanui Cemetery, tomorrow (Thursday) at 2.30 o'clock.'
BURIAL: Inscription on headstone - 'In Memorium. Richard Driver born 26 Aug 1812 died 19 Jan 1897, Elizabeth Driver born 29 Aug 1831 died 9 May 1897, Richard Driver born 26 Jun 1850 died 5 Jun 1893, Agnes Driver born 18 Jul 1876 died 7 May 1890. Though Lost to Sight to memory Dear.' Block 2 plot 11,12. Purchased by Richard Driver.; Death Notice 'Otago Witness' McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library. Burial record - Driver, Richard junr. a fisherman of Purakanui died 5 Jun 1893 aged 43 years of Inflamation Lungs.
BIRTH & BAPTISM: Rev. Burns Diary and Christening Records, Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin
Richard married45,46 Ann Elizabeth DUNCAN44 on 16 Sep 1876 in Knox Church, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. Ann was born in 1856 in New Zealand. She died on 17 Mar 1928 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. She was buried in Mar 1928 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
MARRIAGE: Sighting of Cert. First Church Records.
Electoral Roll (1893) - Women Name DRIVER Annie Electorate Waikouati Number 741 Residence Purakanui Occupation Farmer Year 1893 Further enquiries No further information available
DEATH: Transcipt of Headstones and Burial Records. Actual stone in Cemetery. Inscription on Headstone - 'In Loving Memory of our dear mother Annie ELizabeth Driver died 17 Mar 1928 in her 71st year. At Rest.' Block 1 plot 54 Purchased by Arthur Driver. Registrar Generals Index of Deaths #890 Port Chalmers.
BURIAL: Burial record - Driver. Annie Elizabeth a widow of Purakanui died 17 Mar 1928 aged 71 years of natural causes'
7 F vi. Elizabeth Jane DRIVER "Betty"47 was born on 15 Nov 1851 in Taiaroa's Head, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. She was christened48 on 15 Dec 1851 in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. She died on 30 Jun 1939 in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. She was buried49 in Jul 1939 in Purakanui, Otago, New
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 24 Zealand.
Copied from ‘Early Otago Pioneer Reminiscences’ recorded by the Port Chalmers Old Identities Association. Edited by I. N. Church MA(Hons).
Richard Driver - Otago’s First Pilot The Recollections of Mrs Elizabeth Forgie
Mrs Elizabeth Forgie, a daughter of the late Captain Richard Driver first pilot at Taiaroa Heads, was born at Taiaroa Heads on the 15th of November 1851. She lived there until 1860, when they shifted to Purakanui, her father having bought a farm on the Point. Mrs Forgie feels proud that her father during the years of his pilotship never had an accident in taking vessels in or out of the harbor. Her father came out in a vessel called the ‘Chance’, and was of the opinion that later she was wrecked at the Bluff. He started a seafaring life at the age of fourteen, joining the ‘Governor Ready’, a vessel which carried convicts to Tasmania and Soldiers to Sydney. He then went to America, went whaling, and eventually arrived in New Zealand about 1838. He married a Maori at Otago Heads and had three daughters: Mrs P. Mouat, Mrs Tregerthen and Mrs Te Aike, and one son John Driver. His wife died in 1848. He married again in 1850 to Elizabeth Robertson of Dunedin who had come out with her parents in the ‘Philip Laing’ and lived all her life in Purakanui leaving a family of four sons and three daughters; Frederick (Purakanui), Thomas (Long Beach), Charles (Heyward Point), William (Levin), Mrs E. Forgie and Mrs G Harris (Purakanui), Mrs E. Durry (Invercargill). She was predeceased by Richard and three daughters, Mrs McKaiser, Mrs Sutherland, and Agnes Driver. Mrs Forgie can give the full history of Purakanui. When they first went to live there, there were only two white people on the Casement Estate, named Hilliard and Coxhead. As there were no roads they had boats and pulled round to Port Chalmers for provisions. They also found it necessary to grow wheat and grind some by hand to make their bread. The whole country to Port being dense bush they only exit at the time was by going over Mopanui to Waitati and thence by road to the Junction and down the road to Port. Her brother procured a donkey and pack saddle, and had to go that way with their produce when the weather conditions would not allow of their going by sea. He would leave early in the morning and would not return till dark at night walking all the way. She remembers when the first track was cut to (?) Pulling Point, Lower Harbour, when they procured horses and saddle and used to ride over. They tethered their horses at Mr Robert M Dow’s house getting his boat to go to Port. She remembers her father killing six head of cattle and packing them to Port, and their being taken up by boat and sold to Mr Effenbean, who was a butcher in Port. She remembers the first settlers who arrived at Purakanui; Mr and Mrs Birrell, Mr and Mrs Edward Laing and family, Mr and Mrs Robert Horn and family, Mr and Mrs James Baird and family, Mr and Mrs James Patterson and family and Mr and Mrs Andrew Swanson; later Mr and Mrs Foote, and Mr and Mrs Bolt. They determined to open a road to Port, but as money was scarce they decided that all the settlers should turn out, cut the bush and form a track from Heywards Point junction to Port, which they did and thus started the first direct
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 25 traffic with Port Chalmers. Later a survey was made and the present road was cleared and formed by the old Blueskin Road Board. Many of the meetings were held in her father’s house. They then disposed of the donkey and an old horse called Sam to Mr Thomas Knewstubb of Lower Harbour. Those were the days when, in the opinion of Mrs Forgie, Purakanui was one of the loveliest places in New Zealand - native bush everywhere, birds in the thousands, fish in abundance. There were between thirty and forty families of Maoris there then, they lived well with plenty of potatoes, fish and birds. There were buried in a special cemetery for chiefs, marked by a clump of Maori Carpus trees opposite the present township, two chiefs; Jack Parker and Billy Pournouke. Others had been buried there before them’ She married Mr William Forgie, who was trading with a small maori vessel, the ‘Maid of Southland’ taking manuka firewood to Dunedin, in 1871, and thereafter resided at Purakanui. Her husband was formerly a deckhand on the ‘Golden Age’ plying between Port Chalmers and Dunedin. He predeceased her by a number of years leaving a family of two sons and four daughters. She well remembers the great Tangi held when the chief Celeope died in Auckland. He was one of the chiefs who was present with him (Mr Forgie) in the Maori War. Eleven whaleboats arrived full of people and provisions. Numbers came on horseback. it was the biggest gathering every held there, lasting three days. Bullocks and sheep were roasted and fish was in abundance. It was s time to be remembered. Today there is only a remnant of that crowd of members of that race who lived there in the families of John Millar and Moses Warren.
Copiers notes: John Parker = Noah Paka Billy Pournouke = Wirimu Poniki Maori Carpus = Macrocarpa There is no mention of the ‘Chance’ in Ingram’s ‘New Zealand Shipwrecks’. Motoitoi died in Aug 1846 not 1848. Richard then married Elizabeth Robertson in 1849. R Driver was the first OFFICIAL Pilot. There were Pilots before him - Hunter and Fowler and Maori pilots. Hunter and Fowler used to vie with each other to get to ships first and bring them in.
Elizabeth married50 William FORGIE son of William FORGIE and Margaret MAITLAND on 26 Nov 1872 in Registry Office, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. William was born about 1842 in Grangemouth, Falkirk, Scotland. He died51,52 on 9 Apr 1893 in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. He was buried53 on 12 Apr 1893 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
Grangemouth is a town and former burgh in the council area of Falkirk , Scotland. The town lies in the Forth Valley , on the banks of the Firth of Forth , 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Falkirk , 5 miles (8.0 km) west of Bo'ness and 13 miles (20.9 km) south- east of Stirling. Grangemouth had a resident population of 17,906 according to the 2001 Census. Grangemouth's growth as a town relied mainly on its geographical location. Originally a bustling port, trade flowed through the town with the construction of the
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 26 Forth and Clyde Canal in the 18th century. Nowadays, the economy of Grangemouth is focused primarily on the large petrochemical industry of the area which includes the oil refinery , owned by Ineos , one of the largest of its kind in Europe. The town is twinned with La Porte , Indiana and Créteil , Île-de-France , France as part of the Falkirk council area . Grangemouth was founded by Sir Lawrence Dundas 1st Baronet in 1768 during the construction of the Forth and Clyde Canal . Originally under the name of Sealock, which referred to the Forth and Clyde Canal and where it flowed into the River Forth . The settlement was then renamed Grangeburnmouth and then finally to Grangemouth, the present day name. This refers to its position at the mouth of the Grange Burn which flows into the River Forth at this point. As canal traffic passed through the town the area became more prosperous, this was aided by the high tariffs at the port of Leith which caused more traffic to pass through Grangemouth instead. The re-opened canal no longer passes through the old part of Grangemouth, but joins the tidal River Carron , which has been deepened to allow access to the River Forth for canal traffic. After Sir Lawrence died in 1781 his son Thomas Dundas commissioned the architect Henry Holland to re-plan the town, he designed the layout around the canal and its basin
8 F vii. Emma DRIVER was born on 10 Jun 1853 in Taiaroa Head, Otakou, Otago, New Zealand. She was christened54 on 19 Mar 1854 in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. She died55 on 7 Jan 1900 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. She was buried56 in Jan 1900 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
BIOGRAPHY: Jubilee Book, Early Settlers Museum, Dunedin. 'Emma McKesser. Born 10 June 1853 at Andersons Bay, Otago, New Zealand. Second daughter of Richard Driver, formerly Government Pilot, Otago Heads. Married to George McKesser, farmer, Purakanui. Family - 5 sons, 1 daughter. Married at Port Chalmers on 23 Sep 1871 by Rev William Johnston.'
DEATH: Certificate of registration - 'I, Thomas Hinchliff, registrar of Births and Deaths in the District of Port Chalmers, do herby certify that the death of Emma Mckessar was duly registerd by me on the 9th day of January 1900. Witness my hand this 9th day of January 1900. (signed) Thomas Hinchliff, registrar.' Certificate of purchase of the grave - 'PURAKANUI CEMETERY. Certificate of Purchase. Purakanui February 26th 1900. This is to Certify that George McKessar of Purakanui has purchased Lot No. 13 Block II in the above Cemetery, being ten feet long by eight feet wide, and paid the price thereof, namely, Two Pounds. Certificate of title 2/6. Wm MAWSON Acting Secretary.'
Emma married57 George MCKESSAR on 23 Sep 1871 in Purakanui, Port Chalmers, Otago, New Zealand. George was born on 15 Oct 1836. He died58 on 12 Apr 1912 in New Zealand. He was buried in Apr 1912 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
DEATH: In Memorium notice 'Otago Witness' 16 Apr 1913. In Memorium - McKessar, In Loving Remembrance of our dear father, who departed this life on April 12, 1912. 'To be absent from the body, is to be present
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 27 with the Lord, which is better.' Inserted by his sorrowing family.
9 M viii. DRIVER was born in 1854 in Taiaroa Head, Otakou, Otago, New Zealand. 10 M ix. Matthew DRIVER was born about 28 Apr 1860 in Taiaroa Heads, Otago Peninsula, Otago, New Zealand. He died on 11 May 1860 in Taiaroa Heads, Otago Peninsula, Otago, New Zealand.
Did not survive to grow up.
NZ Reg Gen 1860/11606 Driver Mathew Elizabeth Richard
11 F x. Ada DRIVER was born on 20 Jun 1861 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. She was christened59 on 31 Aug 1864 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. She died60 on 1 Oct 1945 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. She was buried in Oct 1945 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. Ada married George HARRIS son of John HARRIS and Mary CHAPPELL on 4 Jan 1882 in Knox Church, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. George was born in 1850 in England. He died on 4 Nov 1928 in Purakanui, Otago,New Zealand. He was buried in Purakanui Cemetery, Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
Burial Record Transcript 1984, Eleanor Leckie, Dunedin Branch NZSG. McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library
Burial record Harris George. A farmer of Purakanui d. 4 Nov 1928 aged 71(sic) years of Natural Causes. Block 1 Plot 54.
Headstones Block 1 Plot 64. Purchased by Ada & John Harris In Loving Memory of George Harris 1850 - 1928; also his loved wife Ada 1860 - 1945. Stone has free standing white marble Cross atop. Concrete Surround, no Seal with Briar Rose growing. Remarks: In the Cemetery Shed is small white (discoloured) marble two tiered base reading - George Harris d. 4 Nov 1928 aged 78 years,
12 F xi. Ellen DRIVER61,62 was born on 5 Sep 1863 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. She was christened63,64 on 31 Aug 1864 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. She died65,66 on 5 Nov 1936 in Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand. She was buried on 8 Nov 1936 in St Johns, Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand.
DEATH: Headstone & Burial Records, St. John's Cemetery, Invercargill. Registrar Generals Index of Deaths #4291.
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 28 Cemetery search detail view Surname DURRY First Name(s) ELLEN Occupation Gender Female Age at Death 73 Years Date of Birth Date of Death Date Buried Nov 08 1936 Place of Death 83 ANNAN STREET Cemetery Saint Johns Cemetery Classification General Block 7 Plot 35. Undertaker Unknown
DEATH: Headstone & Burial Records, St. John's Cemetery, Invercargill. Registrar Generals Index of Deaths #4291.
Ellen married67,68 Thomas COLEMAN son of George COLEMAN and Ann HANCOCK on 26 Sep 1883 in Knox Church, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. Thomas was born on 25 Aug 1850 in Little Compton, Gloucester, England. He died69,70 on 27 Jun 1939 in Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand. He was buried in Jun 1939 in St John's, Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand.
The Thomas Coleman/George Durry Story by Stanley Durry (grandson) January 2000 Thomas Coleman's departure from England has always been shrouded in mystery. Legend has it that Thomas was working as an agricultural labourer or, in my version, a fireman in the Great Western Railways. This was in the period of industrial labour union formation, and Thomas demanded an extra 6d a week for working on the exposed locomotive cabs of the day. He had an altercation with his employers culminating in his hurried departure from Southampton or Bristol for the Australian Ballarat goldfields. There was no requirement of a passport to travel to the colonies, only a prepaid fare. Thomas evidently did not like the harsh Australian climate, the back- breaking work, or the people, so sometime around 1879 he arrived in Auckland, New Zealand. He obtained work in the numerous sawmills in the central North Island, probably as a stationary engine driver. All the mills machinery was steam driven then. Eventually, Thomas reached the West Coast of the South Island, working at, or around, Hokitika on sluicing claims, where he reputedly went into partnership with an ex-Yorkshireman by the name of Richard Seddon, who must have been quite a character for those days, as he formed New Zealands first labour union and
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 29 in future years became New Zealand's last Premier and when the country achieved Dominion status in 1907, he became our first Prime Minister. This particular tale is somewhat suspect as by 1879 Dick Seddon was quite a prosperous business man and Mayor of Hokitika and far beyond the stage of getting his hands dirty labouring on a goldmine sluice claim. However we will never know for sure. In 1882-83, Thomas joined the Government Railways as a fireman and was stationed for an unknown period of time at the Purakanui (Poo-raa-kaa-new- ee) railway construction site, where he met and married my grandmother, Ellen Driver, in 1893. The section of line between Port Chalmers and Waitati (Wye-ta-tee) was finished and Thomas (who was now known as George Durry) was employed in line construction on the Central Otago Railway. The family, who by this time comprised three children, was left for the time being at Purakanui, boarding with Ellen's sister, Emma, until 1890 when they all shifted to Wyndham, in Southland, and eventually Invercargill, also Southland, where they resided until Ellen's death in 1936 and Thomas/George in 1939. Thomas/George retired from work in 1910 and traveled to England for George V Coronation, and also to visit his brother Fred Coleman. It is reputed he only took a small suitcase as luggage. Arriving back in New Zealand he had no suitcase and was wearing all his spare clothes, and was rather a rotund-looking figure descending the gangway. In 1916 my father was with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade in Belgium and was wounded at Ypres. He was convalescing at Sling Camp on Salisbury Plain and decided to visit his uncle Fred Coleman, then living in Birmingham. He there met my mother, Madeline Stokes, who was an orphaned niece of Fred's wife, Fanny Knight, and were married eighteen months later at Sparkbrook, Birmingham. In 1919 they returned to New Zealand and travelled to Invercargill to visit George and Ellen Durry. Legend has it that George had bitten his fingernails to the bone wondering what stories had been circulating about his hurried departure in the 1870's for the furthermost ends of the Empire! He need not have worried as no-one in Britain remembered him. This is the version I heard when I was young, I repeat it is a version, there are probably others who would disagree with it, but as all history is viewed from people's perceptions, nothing can ever be accurate. When Thomas Changed his name is not known, nor why he chose that particular title. It may have its roots in England. We out here will never know.
N.B. George Durry is listed as being on the West Coast in the 1879 Electoral Roll. During the 1880's he is listed as George Richard Durry in the Otago & Southland Directories, and also on the Electoral Rolls.
HISTORY: [This is the history as given to me by Frederick George Durry. Some has not been substantiated, or not proven] Changed name to George DURRY in 1873 and emigrated to New Zealand via the Victorian goldfields (Australia) 1880. Partner with R J SEDDON (New Zealands Prime Minister) in the 'Scallywag
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 30 Goldmine'. Shifted to Dunedin and joined the New Zealand Railways. Retired in Invercargill 1910. Visited brothers in England for the Coronation of King George V.
OCCUPATION: G DURRY, listed in the AJHR: Railway Employee Promotiona Non- promotions 1889-1894. Date 1894, page 4.
Burial Record. Invercargill City Council. Cemetery search detail view Surname DURRY First Name(s) GEORGE RICHARD Occupation Gender Male Age at Death 89 Years Date of Birth Date of Death Date Buried Jun 29 1939 Place of Death 83 ANNAN STREET Cemetery Saint Johns Cemetery Classification General Block 7 Plot 35. Undertaker Unknown All records for the same plot DURRY ELIZABETH JANE 1893 DURRY ELLEN 1936 DURRY GEORGE RICHARD 1939 DURRY OF MRS GEORGE 1917
BIOGRAPHY: The Thomas Coleman/George Durry Story by Stanley Durry (grandson) January 2000 Thomas Coleman's departure from England has always been shrouded in mystery. Legend has it that Thomas was working as an agricultural labourer or, in my version, a fireman in the Great Western Railways. This was in the period of industrial labour union formation, and Thomas demanded an extra 6d a week for working on the exposed locomotive cabs of the day. He had an altercation with his employers culminating in his hurried departure from Southampton or Bristol for the Australian Ballarat goldfields. There was no requirement of a passport to travel to the colonies, only a prepaid fare. Thomas evidently did not like the harsh Australian climate, the back- breaking work, or the people, so sometime around 1879 he arrived in Auckland, New Zealand. He obtained work in the numerous sawmills in the central North Island, probably as a stationary engine driver. All the mills machinery was steam driven then. Eventually, Thomas reached the West Coast of the South Island, working at, or around, Hokitika on sluicing claims, where he reputedly went into partnership
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 31 with an ex-Yorkshireman by the name of Richard Seddon, who must have been quite a character for those days, as he formed New Zealands first labour union and in future years became New Zealand's last Premier and when the country achieved Dominion status in 1907, he became our first Prime Minister. This particular tale is somewhat suspect as by 1879 Dick Seddon was quite a prosperous business man and Mayor of Hokitika and far beyond the stage of getting his hands dirty labouring on a goldmine sluice claim. However we will never know for sure. In 1882-83, Thomas joined the Government Railways as a fireman and was stationed for an unknown period of time at the Purakanui (Poo-raa-kaa-new- ee) railway construction site, where he met and married my grandmother, Ellen Driver, in 1893. The section of line between Port Chalmers and Waitati (Wye-ta-tee) was finished and Thomas (who was now known as George Durry) was employed in line construction on the Central Otago Railway. The family, who by this time comprised three children, was left for the time being at Purakanui, boarding with Ellen's sister, Emma, until 1890 when they all shifted to Wyndham, in Southland, and eventually Invercargill, also Southland, where they resided until Ellen's death in 1936 and Thomas/George in 1939. Thomas/George retired from work in 1910 and traveled to England for George V Coronation, and also to visit his brother Fred Coleman. It is reputed he only took a small suitcase as luggage. Arriving back in New Zealand he had no suitcase and was wearing all his spare clothes, and was rather a rotund-looking figure descending the gangway. In 1916 my father was with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade in Belgium and was wounded at Ypres. He was convalescing at Sling Camp on Salisbury Plain and decided to visit his uncle Fred Coleman, then living in Birmingham. He there met my mother, Madeline Stokes, who was an orphaned niece of Fred's wife, Fanny Knight, and were married eighteen months later at Sparkbrook, Birmingham. In 1919 they returned to New Zealand and travelled to Invercargill to visit George and Ellen Durry. Legend has it that George had bitten his fingernails to the bone wondering what stories had been circulating about his hurried departure in the 1870's for the furthermost ends of the Empire! He need not have worried as no-one in Britain remembered him. This is the version I heard when I was young, I repeat it is a version, there are probably others who would disagree with it, but as all history is viewed from people's perceptions, nothing can ever be accurate. When Thomas Changed his name is not known, nor why he chose that particular title. It may have its roots in England. We out here will never know.
BIOGRAPHY: N.B. George Durry is listed as being on the West Coast in the 1879 Electoral Roll. During the 1880's he is listed as George Richard Durry in the Otago & Southland Directories, and also on the Electoral Rolls.
HISTORY: Changed name to George DURRY in 1873 and emigrated to New Zealand via the Victorian goldfields (Australia) 1880. Partner with R J SEDDON (New Zealands Prime Minister) in the 'Scallywag Goldmine'. Shifted to Dunedin and
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 32 joined the New Zealand Railways. Retired in Invercargill 1910. Visited brothers in England for the Coronation of King George V.
13 M xii. Frederick DRIVER was born on 25 Dec 1865 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. He died71,72 on 10 Sep 1943 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. He was buried73 in Sep 1943 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
BIRTH: Full date of birth for Frederick Driver supplied by Lesley Joy Driver.
Frederick married74 Isabella RUSSELL daughter of Edward RUSSELL and Elizabeth LUNAM on 13 Apr 1892 in Purakanui, Port Chalmers, Otago, New Zealand. Isabella was born on 2 Mar 1870 in Waitati, Blueskin Bay, Otago, New Zealand. She died on 18 Jan 1945 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. She was buried75 in Jan 1945 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. 14 M xiii. Thomas DRIVER was born on 5 Oct 1867 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. He died76 on 11 Oct 1932 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. He was buried in Oct 1932 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
OCCUPATION: In 1895 a butcher. Later took over the farm at Long Beach, Purakanui.
DEATH: Registrar Generals Index of Deaths #3987 Port Chalmers.
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/facilities/cemeteries/cemeteries_search Surname DRIVER Forename THOMAS Age 65 Years Gender Male Date of Death 11 Oct 1932 Place of Death Last Address PURAKANUI Next of Kin Funeral Director Cemetery PURAKANUI CEMETERY Location Block 2. Plot 29 Date of Burial 15 Oct 1932 Type Burial Date of Cremation Type of Service Ashes Disposal Occupation Place of Birth Date of Birth Not recorded Notes Original reference:- L19321001 Occupation:- FARMER
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 33 Thomas married77 Isabella Anderson COOPER daughter of Thomas COOPER and Mary SWAN on 1 May 1895 in Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand. Isabella was born about 1875 in Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand. She died on 7 Mar 1957 in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. She was buried78 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
DEATH: Block 2 plot 29 Purakanui Cemetery. Cause of death - Natural causes.
15 M xiv. Charles DRIVER79 was born80 on 18 Sep 1869 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. He died81,82 on 30 May 1939 in Hayward Point, Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. He was buried83 on 2 Jun 1939 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
Charles was born at Purakanui (Purakaunui) as recorded in the Driver family Bible which was held by a daughter, Chrissie Potter. When he started school he is recorded as living with a guardian, his aunts husband, George McKessar. This was at the Waitati School, quite some distance from Purakanui. His father and mother were still living, but perhaps a little elderly by this time to be looking after young children. He may just have been staying with them for the duration of his time at the Waitati School. He married Margaret Maria Foord on Christmas Day 1895. She was the daughter of Arthur Foord and Ellen Miller of Purakanui. The witnesses were his cousin James McKessar of Purakanui, and Olive Lawrence of Dunedin. The marriage of Charles and Margaret took place at the Foord house and was celebrated by the Rev. D Kaey Fisher of the Congregational Church of Port Chalmers.
Margaret, his wife, and Ethel, his daughter is recorded as owning land at Warrington, just across Blueskin Bay from Purakanui. It is not known if Charles himself ever owned this property. Margaret and Ethel moved there after his death. "Description of property in Warrington. The land is described in Certificate of Title, Volume 240, Folio 273, as part Allotment 23, Deposited Plan No. 876 and being part section 45, Block 1 Waikouaiti District, and contains an area of 1 rood 24.1 perches." Margaret Maria Foord and Ethel Elizabeth Driver moved from Heywards Point to Warrington on 7 December 1939.
As far as is known Charles farmed at Heywards Point until his death. He was certainly there for many years. In 1918 Charles Driver wrote to the Waikouaiti County Council complaining of the nuiscance occasioned in the district by cattle and horses roaming at large over the roads. He offered to act as ranger for the district in return for the driving fees. This was left over to be settled at a later meeting. Otago Witness 30 Jan 1918 - Waikouaiti County Council report.
Charles died tragicly in 1939. He had, it seems, been suffering ill health for a time and became severely depressed. The happening was reported in the Otago Daily Times. 'Otago Daily Times' page 22. Accidents & Fatalities
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 34 Found Dead - A Mihiwaka Farmer Charles Driver, a farmer, married, aged 69, was found dead in a cow-byre on his farm at Mihiwaka about 2 a.m. yesterday. A shotgun was lying alongside the body and there was a gunshot wound in the head. An Inquest was held at the deceaseds farm yesterday afternoon by Mr J R Bartholomew S.M. whose verdict was that death had been caused by a gunshot wound in the head, self-inflicted while the deceased was in a depressed state of mind owing to ill-health." (It used to be called 'Mihiwaka' all the way from the top of the hill beside Mt Mihiwaka to what is now called Heywards Point). This report was closely followed by a Notice of Death - 'Otago Daily Times' page 10, 1 Jun 1939, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "DRIVER. On May 30, 1939 (suddenly), at his residence, Hayward Point, Charles, dearly beloved husband of Margaret Maria Driver, aged 69 years. "Sadly Missed". Private internment at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Friday). - H Aitcheson, funeral director."
He was buried in the Cemetery in Purakanui. This is very close to the farm his Father used to own and also almost right beside the property his older brother (Richard) used to own, and was in 1939, owned by his nephew Fred Durry.
He is buried in Block 2 plot 21., and the headstone reads - In Loving Memory of Charles beloved husband of Margaret M DRIVER dried 30 May 1939 aged 69 years; Ethel Elizabeth DRIVER died 16 Sep 1955; Margaret Maria DRIVER died 22 Dec 1958 aged 92 years.
The burial record is quite blunt about his cause of death, and also included his daughters burial. DRIVER Charles a farmer of Purakanui died 30 May 1939 aged 69 years - Suicide. DRIVER Ethel a Domestic of Warrington died 16 Sep 1955 aged 52 years of Pneumonia."
His wife, Margaret Maria lived on for many years and died at Cherry Farm, near Karitane, at the advanced age of 92. She was cremated in Dunedin, but it is not recorded where her ashes were placed. Only that they were returned to the family. These could have been scattered, or more likely, interred with her husband and daughter in the grave at Purakanui. This fact is not recorded.
Charles married84 Margaret Maria FOORD daughter of Arthur FOORD and Ellen MILLER on 25 Dec 1895 in Purakanui, Port Chalmers, Otago, New Zealand. Margaret was born on 7 Jun 1876 in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. She died on 22 Dec 1968 in Cherry Farm, Otago, New Zealand. She was buried in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. 16 F xv. Annie DRIVER was born in Mar 1871 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. She died on 19 Feb 1909 in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. She was buried on 22 Feb 1909 in Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand.
BIRTH: Registrar Generals Index of Births
Electoral Roll (1893) - Women
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 35 Name DRIVER Annie Electorate Waikouati Number 3139 Residence Purakanui Occupation Domestic duties Year 1893 Further enquiries No further information available
Burial Record - Surname SUTHERLAND Forename ANNIE Age 40 Years Gender Female Date of Death 19 Feb 1909 Place of Death Last Address BURNSIDE, DUNEDIN Next of Kin Funeral Director Cemetery ANDERSONS BAY CEMETERY Location Block 20. Plot 19 Date of Burial 22 Feb 1909 Type Burial Date of Cremation Type of Service Ashes Disposal Occupation Place of Birth Date of Birth Not recorded Notes Original reference:- A19090205 Occupation:- WIFE Native of:- PURAKANUI Years in NZ:- 40 Place died:- DUNEDIN
Headstone Inscription Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand Block 20 Plot 18, 19 Stone: In Loving Memory of Annie beloved wife of Jas SUTHERLAND died 19 Feb 1909 aged 37 years also James SUTHERLAND of Burnside Dunedin died 25 Feb 1924 aged 80 years. Forever with the Lord. At Rest. SUTHERLAND at the base. Site: Large pink granite stone. Concrete sealed - now broken. - Frapwell & Holgate -
Annie married James SUTHERLAND in 1895 in New Zealand. James was born about 1844. He died on 25 Feb 1924 in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. He was buried on 26 Feb 1924 in Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand.
Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand Block 20 Plot 18, 19 Stone: In Loving Memory of Annie beloved wife of Jas SUTHERLAND died 19 Feb 1909 aged 37 years also James SUTHERLAND of Burnside Dunedin died 25 Feb 1924 aged 80 years. Forever with the Lord. At Rest. SUTHERLAND at the base. Site: Large pink granite stone. Concrete sealed - now broken. - Frapwell & Holgate -
Burial Record - Surname SUTHERLAND Forename JAMES Age 80 Years Gender Male Date of
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 36 Death 25 Feb 1924 Place of Death Last Address GREEN ISLAND, DUNEDIN Next of Kin Funeral Director Hugh Gourley Ltd, Grant Street, DUNEDIN Cemetery ANDERSONS BAY CEMETERY Location Block 20. Plot 18 Date of Burial 26 Feb 1924 Type Burial Date of Cremation Type of Service Ashes Disposal Occupation Place of Birth Date of Birth Not recorded Notes Original reference:- A19240230 Occupation:- FARMER
17 M xvi. William DRIVER was born in Jan 1874 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. He died85 on 12 Jul 1954 in Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand. He was buried in Hamilton East Cemetery, Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand.
BIRTH: Registrar Generals Index of Births.
DEATH: Registrar Generals Index of Deaths #2742.
OCCUPATION: Blacksmith
http://web.hcc.govt.nz/jsplive/assure32.jsp Type Burial Name William Driver Age 80 Years Gender Male Religion Last Address Place of death Date of birth Date of death 12-July-1954 Date of burial Thursday 15-July-1954 Burial start time Burial of Body Cemetery Hamilton East Cemetery Location FRONT-O-18 District Funeral Director Unknown Casket size Depth Second Interment
William married86 Lavinia HITCHCOCK daughter of George HITCHCOCK on 18 Dec 1895 in Port Chalmers, Otago, New Zealand. Lavinia was born on 9 Mar 1873 in Mihiwaka, Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. She died on 18 Mar 1928 in Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand. She was buried in Hamilton East Cemetery, Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand.
DEATH: Registrar Generals Index of Deaths #135.
EDUCATION: School Admission Record. Born 9 Mar 1873. Attended Port Chalmers School. Left 11 Dec 1888. Father George Hitchcock. HKN AG163/2/ 0033.
http://web.hcc.govt.nz/jsplive/assure32.jsp
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 37 Type Burial Name Lavinia Driver Age 55 Years Gender Female Religion Last Address Place of death Date of birth Date of death 18-March-1928 Date of burial Tuesday 20-March-1928 Burial start time Burial of Body Cemetery Hamilton East Cemetery Location FRONT-O-18 District Funeral Director Unknown Casket size Depth Double depth
18 F xvii. Agnes DRIVER was born on 18 Jul 1876 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. She died87 on 7 May 1890 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. She was buried on 10 May 1890 in Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand.
Sources 1. Richard DRIVER, Letter of Resignation from the Office of Pilot (letter), 9 Sep 1857, National Archives of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand, CP 6/4 217. "Dunedin 9 September 1857 To His Honor The Superintendant Sir I beg respectfully to tender my resignation of the Office of Pilot at Otago. My chief reason for so doing is that the Salary is far below the usual rate received by Seafaring men, and that I am desirous of bettering myself. As I do not want to embarras the Public Service, I shall of course perform the duties until a successor is appointed. I have the Honor to be Sir Your most Obt. Servt. Richard Driver (signed)." 2. Otago Settlers Museum (Otago Daily Times & Witness Jubilee No1895 pg 34 and other sources mentioned in text), Otago Witness. pg 29 column 2, 21 Jan 1897. "Otago Daily Times & Witness Jubilee No. 1895 pg 34. 'Otago Witness', 21 Jan 1897 pg 29 column 2. 'Contributions to the Early History of New Zealand' Hocken. Record of Early Settlers Prior to 1861, Otago Jubilee. Early Settlers Museum. From survivng pages of Drivers lost Diary. Family stories (Highly suspect as Richard was known as a teller of 'tall' tales). Early Otago Pioneer Reminiscences. Records by the Port Chalmers Old Identities Association. Edited by Ian CHURCH. Held at Port Chalmers Museum. Sighting by S Durry of document appointing Richard as official Pilot to the Port of Otago. Otago Harbour Board (now Port Otago)."
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 38 3. Capt. G. Keyes, A Biography of Richard Driver ("Pilots of the Port"). "From "Pilots of the Port" by Captain G KEYES. "DRIVER. Richard Born 26 Aug 1812 Bristol England The First official Pilot of the Harbour having been appointed by Governor Grey in 1847 at a salery of 180 pounds per annum. His courage, seamanship and piloting skills founded a reputation for all future collegues to emulate. He arrived in the American whaler 'John and Edward' (sic?) as 2nd mate, on the 22nd May 1839 and was captured by Maoris whilst ashore obtaining fresh water. All but two of the boats crew were killed. The Chiefs daughter, Motoitoi, claimed him as her own (thus saving his life) and they were married in 1839 resulting in the birth of three daughters - Maria Catherine in 1840, Mary Titaua in 1841, and Emma Paerata in 1843. The third daughter, Emma, married a Cornishman - Tregerthan, but maori pronunciation converted this to Tirikatene, a name wellknown in future Parliamentary circles. He set up home in a cave on Murdering Beach but constructed a garden on a bluff above the western end of the beach where he also kept a lookout for approaching ships - the bluff was soon acredited the name of Pilot Point. Following the death of his first wife in 1846, Driver took in another Maori girl as housekeeper who gave birth to a fourth child - a boy named Jack. In these early days, he was obliged to compete with two other 'freelance' pilots based at Taiaroa Heads viz James Fowler and the American John Washburn Hunter - the whaler races to be first aboard ship must have been quite a spectacle! Upon his legal appointment as the sole Pilot, he moved to Taiaroa Head and whilst aboard one of the first immigrant ships, the 'Philip Laing', he met a 17 year old Scottish girl, Elizabeth Robertson. They married on the 30th May 1849 and from this union a further eleven children were added to the lineage. Owing to his wifes ill-health, he resigned his piloting career in 1860 and took up farming at Purakanui on 114 acres of land granted him by Governor Grey (officially dated 8-9-1864 in Volume 12, Folio 274, Lands & Deed Office, John Wickliffe House, Dunedin). He was apparantly a dominant and flamboyant man, famous for repertoire of 'tall' stories. One of his more renowned quips was that 'he would rather be hanged in Dunedin than die a natural death in Wellington'. The continuation of this local pride had undoubtedly assisted in making our Pilots second to none. Regrettably his diaries were wilfully destroyed by a descendant in a moment of temper. Died 19 Jan 1897 aged 84 years. Wife - Elizabeth died 9 May 1897 aged 65 years. Both interned Purakanui Cemetery. See ODT 13-10-1973 for detailed history. Appendix 5." 4. Ian Church, Richard Driver book referrence (Opening The Manifest on Otago's Infant Years. Printed by Otago Heritage Books, Dunedin), page 44 and page 56, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin. "page 44 15 Apr - 6 May [1839]:JOHN AND EDWARD, Whaling ship of New London,318 tons; Captain Captain Baliley. Owned by W.W. Billings. Sailed for South Atlantic 28 Nov 1838. This ship brought Richard Driver, the harbour's first official pilot. His claim to be the survivor of a boat's crew who were attacked and killed by Maori at Murdering Beach, himself being saved by Motoitoi, is a steal from Cadell's experience; Harwood's journal has no mention of any such event. Sailed to commence whaling. (Harwood Journal: Starbuck I p; 348; McNab OWD p 309; the ships log apparently records arrival at Otago on 1 May).
page 56 17 Nov - c 9 Dec [1840]: SANCTA MARIA, schooner, 130 tons: Captain Michel. Was previously the American whaling tender ATLAS and had been purchased at Bay of Islands by Bishop Pompallier. Arrived from Akaroa wih Pompallier, Fathers Comte and Pezant, and Jules Augustus Cuvaucheller - a treader from the Bay of Islands. On 21 Nov Watkin noted ; 'The Popish missionaries are now ten miles beyond me...
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 39 ingratiating themselves by presents [but] disappointed at finding so few natives.' Bishop Pompallier held Divine Service in J. Hoare's shed on Sunday 22 Nov which was also attended." 5. Rev. Burns, Referrence to Richard Driver, family, and workers in Rev. Burns Visitation Book (Visitation Diary), Otago Settlers Museum Archives, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "Early Settlers Museum, Dunedin. Rev. Burns' Visitation Book. Page 28/11 25 Dec 1849 Port Chalmers William MILLS & his wife Catherine MILLER [and children] Maria DRIVER 1/2 caste page 29/1b Lower Harbour, West Side 24 Dec 1849 Richard DRIVER & his wife Elizabeth ROBERTSON. William --- a white lad & three Maoris for his boat (Pilot). Page 47/24 8 Jan 1851 Harbour, East Side & Port Chalmers William MILLS & Catherine MILLER & 4 children. Maria DRIVER 1/2 caste. Page 48/1b Portobello 8 Jan 1851 Richard DRIVER & his wife Elizabeth ROBERTSON 1 child [Richard]. William --- boatman. Page 68/22 10 Dec 1851 Port Chalmers William MILLS & Catherine MILLER & 4 children. Maria DRIVER 1/2 caste girl. Page 69/1 Heads of the Harbour. Taiaroas Head 16 Dec 1851 Richard DRIVER & his wife Elizabeth ROBERTSON. Richard 2, Elizabeth Jane infant. William STEVEN, Jas MILLER & 3 Maoris. Page 96/9 16 Feb 1853 Port Chalmers [Maria still with the MILLS in Port Chalmers, but not there in 1845] page 97/4c West Side of the Harbour. 1853 Richard DRIVER & Elizabeth ROBERTSON Richard 3, Elizabeth Jane 1. Page 101/4b 28 Oct 1854 Lower Harbour East side Heads Richard DRIVER & Elizabeth ROBERTSON. Richard 4, Elizabeth Jane 3, Emma 1. Page 133/3b 20 Nov 1855 Heads Richard DRIVER & ELizabeth ROBERTSON. Richard 5, Elizabeth 4, Emma 2. Page 97/1d Taiaroas Head 1853 William STEVEN, Jas MILLER & 3 Maoris." 6. George Durry, Research notes from George Durry, great grandson of Richard Driver (private notes). "RESEARCH:by George DURRY 9 Nov 1983 - Records state the Richard DRIVER was born in Clifton Bristol 26 Aug 1812. Died 19 Jan 1897 at Purakanui (source) (1)Gilbert & Alice DRYVER. Avening (15 miles from Bristol) 1187 [origin of name)
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 40 (2) Edmund St John DRIVER mar Mary RANUNZIO Clifton Bristol 31 Aug 1664 (3)Daniel DRIVER mar Sarah HULBERT Bristol SSC (Bristol Archives) (4)Probate Will of Daniel DRIVER 1826 (5) Nathaniel DRIVER Sherriff of Bristol 1683 (6) Richard DRIVER m Mary Anne BROMIGILY 1824 St Mary Di Logi BRISTOL POLL BOOK 1814 (Bristol Archives) John & Matthew DRIVER 128,129,130 Thomas St Bristol Factory 118 Thomas St Bristol. Valuators, Builders, Appraisers, Cabinate makers, Upholsterers, Furnature Makers. BRISTOL POLL BOOK 1840 John DRIVER (only) details as above.
Parish Records. FHL Christenings (Bristol only) John Webb DRIVER son of John DRIVER & Hannah bap 23 Mar 1806 Bristol Tabernacle Edward Webb DRIVER son of John DRIVER and Hannah Bap 13 Aug 1807 Calvanistic Methodist Church Richard DRIVER son of John DRIVER & Hannah Bap 20 Aug 1809 Penn St. Bristol [Family information states that Richards Father & his Brother were cabinatemakers];." 7. Newspaper mention of the resignation of Richard Driver as pilot (newspaper), Otago Witness, page 5, 20 Oct 1860, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, 230 Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "Local Intelligence. Otago Witness , Issue 464, 20 October 1860, Page 5
Pilot tor Otago Harbour. — We are authorised to state that Mr. Richard Driver, the Pilot, has resigned his office, and that the local Government are desirous of receiving applications from duly qualified persons willing to accept the office." 8. Richard Driver, The Diary of Richard Driver (photocopy of original), Last page in folder, 1850/1854, Hocken Library, Uare Taoka O Hakena,, University of Otago, Parry Street, Dunedin, Otago, Misc-MS-1096. "Richard Driver Born August 26 1812 Took Motoitoi May 1839 about 15 years of age Motoitoi Died August first 1846 (crossed out - August first) 1846 leaving three Children ------Maria Driver Born November 5th 1841. Born in a cave at Werea.eack Mary Driver Born July 9th 1842 (? buried in fold of paper makes it hard to see) Born at the West field under a Tree at Borochanui Emma Driver Born in October1845 in the Carpenter House at Wereack ______Elizabeth Driver Born August 29th 1831 Eldest Son Richard Driver Born July 26th 1850 Elizabeth Jane Driver Born November 15th 1851 Emma Driver Born June 10 1853 Another Boy in Dec 1854 Motoitoi died August 31/46 Lines of pen strokes which on study have proved to be his way of working out the multiplying of figures,. plus to tiny sketched faces, very well done. Also some calculation figures and the words Anno Domini Jun 49. Written vertically down the right side of page - {Richard Driver born August the 26th 1812}
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 41 {married May the 30 1849} {Elizabeth Driver born August 29th 1831} Oldest child Richard Driver Born June 26th 1850 Oldest daughter Elizabeth Jane Driver Born November 15th 1851 Emma Driver Born June 10th 1853 at Andersons Bay." 9. Baptism Record for Richard Driver (Family Search, Internet, IGI Record), Batch number: C083541, 20 Aug 1809, Received from Alan Piek, 60A Nairn Street, Dunedin, New Zealand. "Richard DRIVER. male. Christened 20 Aug 1809. Bristol, Tabernacle Penn Street-Calvinistic Methodist, Gloucester,England. Father - John Driver. Mother - Hannah." 10. Baptism Record for Richard Driver b. 1812. "http://www.freereg.org.uk/ "County Somerset Place Bath Church St James Register Number Date Of Birth Baptism Date 16 May 1813 Forename Richard Sex M Father Forename Matthew Mother Forename Elizabeth Father Surname DRIVER Mother Surname Abode Thomas St Bristol Father Occupation cabinet maker Notes zzz File Number 16994"." 11. Obituary for Richard Driver (Microfilm of Newspaper), page 26. Otago Witness, 28 Jan 1897, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "The death is announced of Mr. Richard Driver, of Purakanui, the first Pilot for the Port of Otago. Mr. Driver, who was 85 years of age at the time of his death, had been engaged as a whaler before the arrival of the Pioneer Settlers. He leaves a large family all grown up." 12. Record of Death for Richard Driver (Sighting of Original entry), Port Chalmers Register. Entry number 5, 19 Jan 1897, Registrar General's Office, Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand. "Richard DRIVER, farmer, aged 85 years, died at Purakanui near Port Chalmers 19 January 1897. Cause of Death - Cerebral Hemorrhage, 3 days. Medical Attendant - J Cunningham who last saw deceased alive 18 January. Father - Matthew DRIVER, cabinetmaker. Mother - Elizabeth DRIVEr nee HOWIDSEN. Buried at the Purakanui Cemetery 21 Jan 1897. Minister taking Service - Rev. F. C. PEATTS, Church of England. Born Briston England, in New Zealand 62 years. Married at age 37, in Dunedin, to Elizabeth ROBERTSON. Ages and Sex of Living Issue - male, 32, 30, 28, 24. female, 46, 44, 36, 34, 26. Informant - Thomas DRIVER, son, Purakanui near Port Chalmers. Registra & Date - --HINCHLIFF, 23 Jan 1897." 13. Death Notices for Richard Driver (the Pilot) (newspapers), 'Otago Witness' & Hocken Library, Jan 1897, Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin, Queens Gardens, Otago, New Zealand. " 'OTAGO WITNESS' 21 Jan 1897. page 29 column 2 - 'DRIVER, On 19 January, at his residence,
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 42 Purakanui, Richard Driver, sen.; aged 85 years. 'OTAGO WITNESS' 28 January 1897. page 26 column 1 - 'The death is announced of Mr Richard Driver, who was 85 years of age at the time of his death. The first pilot for the Port of Otago, Mr Driver had been engaged as a whaler before the arrival of the pioneer settlers. He leaves a large family all grown up. CONTRIBRUTIONS TO THE EARLY HISTORY OF NEW ZEALAND, Hocken '---- Driver, the pilot, died last year at Purakanui in his 85th year. He enjoyed the reputation of spinning the toughest of tough yarns, and on this occasion he was amply able to supply his eager listeners with many such indigestible morsals. Born at Bristol in 1812, he went to sea as a boy of 14 in the 'Governor Ready', a vessel which carried convicts to Hobart Town and soldiers to Sydney. Thence he went to America, and after a due amount of whaling and adventure found himself about 1838 in New Zealand. The adventurous aspect of his life ceased in 1847 upon receiving from Governor Grey the respectable appointment of first pilot to the Otago settlement.'." 14. Headstone Inscription for Richard Driver (the Pilot) (Transcript of Headstones and Burial records for Purakanui Cemetery), Jan 1897, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "'In Memorium. Richard DRIVER b. 26 Aug 1812 d. 19 Jan 1897. Elizabeth DRIVER b. 29 Aug 1831 d, 9 May 1897. Richard DRIVER b 26 Aug 1850 d. 5 Jun 1893, Agnes DRIVER b. 18 Jul 1876 d. 7 May 1890. Though lost to sight to memory dear.' Block 2 plot 11, 12. Purchased by Richard DRIVER.
BURIAL: From transcript of Cemetery Records - 'DRIVER Richard Snr. a farmer of Purakanui. Block 2 plot 12." 15. Record of Baptism for Maria Driver (Photocopy of entry of Baptism found by Julia Monihan), Baptisms other than Catholic in records of Bishop Pompalier, 29 Nov 1840. "4. On the 29th of November at Otago. Maria Catherine Driver, female, born on the month of June 1840 to Richard Driver of Otago . Louis Michel. Pesant miss-op=." 16. Record of Death for Maria Driver (Sighting of Original Entry of Death), Port Chalmers Register. Entry #12, 19 Jul 1926, Registrar General's Office, Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand. "Registered at Port Chalmers. Entry number 12. Maria Mouat of Purakanui, died at Purakanui on 19 July 1926. Female aged 85 years. Widow. Cause of Death - a. Morbus Cordis. b. Cerebral Haemorrhage. a. 2 years. b. 3 months. Medical Attendant - A. Bruce Roy who last saw deceased alive 25 June 1926. Father - Richard Driver, farmer. Mother - Motoitoi [no maiden surname]. Buried at Purakanui 22 June 1926. Minister taking Burial - A. D. Howell, Presbyterain. Born - Purakanui. Lived in New Zealand 85 years. Married at Port Chalmers at 19 years to Peter William MOUAT. Ages & Sex of Living Issue - Male, 63, 61, 59, 53, 49. Female, 65, 56, 52. Informant - A. Long, Undertaker, Port Chalmers. Registrar ------[unreadable], 23 July 1926." 17. Eleanor Leckie, Dunedin Branch - NZSG, Headstone Inscription & Burial Record for Maria Catherine DRIVER (Transcript), Purakanui Cemetery Headstones & Records Transcript. Pages 11,13,17, 19 Jul 1926, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "Entry 219. Block 1 plot 46,47. Purchased by James MOUAT. HEADSTONE. Stone 1. Sacred to the Memory of Peter William MOUAT who died 25 December 1892 aged 61 years; also Jessie Maria BARNES who died 23 Aug 1899 aged 25 years; also Maria MOUAT died 19 Jul 1926 aged 85 years; also her beloved daughter Emma MILLER died 30 Apr 1927 aged 65 years.
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 43 Stone 2. also ashes of William Gilbert MOUAT son of Peter MOUAT died 3 Aug 1956 aged 91 years. BURIAL RECORDS. Entry 57. MOUAT Maria wife of Peter MOUAT of Purakanui died 22 Jul 1926 aged 85 years of natural causes. Entry 59. MILLER Emma wife of J MILLER of Purakanui died 30 Apr 1927 aged 66 years of Natural Causes. Entry 102. MOUAT William Gilbert a Mining Engineer of Auckland died 3 Aug 1956 aged 92 years of Natural Causes. Ashes only." 18. Record of Marriage for William Stevens/ Maria Driver (Transcript of Wesleyan Marriage Records), 21 Dec 1857, Hocken Library, Uare Taoka O Hakena,, University of Otago, Parry Street, Dunedin, Otago. "Registered at Otakou. Married 21 December 1857 at the residence of Richard Driver. William Stevens, 26 years, bachelor. to Maria Driver, 17 years, spinster. Witnessed by Richard Driver and Elizabeth Driver. Celebrated by Rev. G. Standard, Wesleyan." 19. Believed to be the record of the Death of William Stevens (Sighting of Original Entry of Death), Port Chalners Register. Entry #75, 11 Dec 1860, Registrar General's Office, Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand. "Registered at Port Chalmers. Entry Number 75. William STEVENS of Tiroa Head, Otakou, boatman. Male aged 30 years. Died of Ulceration of the Lungs. Informant - H. H. HARRISON, sawyer, Dunedin. Registrar - John Gillies. 14 December 1860." 20. Record of Marriage for Peter William MOUAT/Maria DRIVER (photocopy of Original Entry), Registrar Generals Index of Marriages #741. Entry #9 in Dunedin Register, 16 Aug 1861, Registrar General's Office, Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand. "Registered at Dunedin. Entry Number 9. 16 August 1861. In the Office of the Registrar of Marriages, Dunedin. Peter William MOUAT, 30 years, carpenter, widower. to Maria STEVENSON (x-her mark), 20 years, widow. Witnesses:- Thomas CALCUTT, clerk, Dunedin William SOMERVILLE, clerk, Dunedin. Celebrated by John GILLIES, Officiating Registrar." 21. Baptism record for Peter William Mouat (Photocopy of OPR), C11002-2 system origin: Scotland-ODM source film number: 919486, 1829, Dunedin Family History Library, Church of Latter Day Saints, Fenton Crescent, Dunedin, Scotland, Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch. org/pa. "Peter Mouat, Son to Gilbert Mouat in Crooksten and Andarina Manson his spouse was born Dec and Baptised 10 March 1829." 22. New Zealand Society of Genealogists, Probate Record for Peter William Mouat (Computerised Index), Probate Number 16976, 19 Apr 1939, National Archives - Dunedin. "MOUAT Peter William of Purakanui, settler. Court - Dunedin 1851-1990. Intestate - Letters of Administration." 23. Sighting of Entry of Death for Peter William Mouat (Death Registrations), Port Chalmers Register, Jan 1892, Registrar General's Office, Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand. "Registered at Port Chalmers. Peter William Mouat, boatbuilder, male aged 61 years, died on 25 December 1892 of Heart Failure, Influenza and Heart Disease. Duration of Illmess unknown. Medical Attendant: Dr Hendry, M.D. who last saw deaceased alive September 1892. Father: Gilbert Mouat, seaman. Mother: Andrewina Mouat, maiden surname Simpson.
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 44 Buried at Purakanui on 29 December 1892. No minister entered as having taken service, or denomination. William Forgie, Richard Driver, witnesses to burial. Born: Kirkland, Scotland. In New Zealand 36 years. Married at Dunedin at age 30 years to Maria Stevens. No age of widow entered. Living Issue: Male - 28, 27, 25, 23, 20, 12. Female - 20, 21, 17, 15. Informant: John Foote, agent authorised in writing by the wife. Res. Purakanui near Port Chalmers. Registrar and Date: Thos, Hinchcliffe. 17 January 1893." 24. Last Will & Testament of Peter William Mouat, and Letters of Administration (Document), Probate #16976, 19 Apr 1939, National Archives - Dunedin. 25. Casualty Report for the Death of Peter William Mouat (newspaper), Otago Witness. page 32, 29 Dec 1892, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, 230 Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "A man named Peter William Mouat was found dead in bed at his residence at the Purakanui Native village. the deceased, wo was a fisherman by occupation, had been ailing since the 10th march last, and was attended by Drs Cunninghame and Henry, both of whom state that deceased was suffereing from senile decay' He retired to bed at 11 o'clock on Saturday night, and was then apparently in his usual health; but when his wife spoke to him at 4.30 a.m. the next day she found that he was dead. Death is supposed to be due to senile decay, coupled with influenza and paralysis." 26. Notice of Marriage for Emma Driver/John Tregerthan (newspaper), 'Otago Daily Times', 6 Mar 1863, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. " Notice in 'Otago Daily Times' 6 Mar 1863. 'On 5th inst. John Tregerthan, youngest son of Captain A Tregerthan late Harbour Master, Llanelly, to Miss Emma Driver, youngest daughter of Mr R Driver Posakanui [sic - Purakanui]'." 27. Death and Burial of John Tregerthen (transcript), Port Chalmers Old Cemetery 1858-1932, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, 230 Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "Port Chalmers Old Cemetery, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand Combined Records of Burial Reg. & Sextons Book. 1858-1932. page 9. Index 110 TREGERTHEN John Class 2. Died 31 July 1866, aged 33 years, of disease of kidneys, a mariner. Resident of Port Chalmers. Born Wales, ENG. Last came from Victoria. Lived 4 years in the province. Remarks: Sxt bk = buried class 2; Bur Reg blank." 28. edited by Jane Thompson. Original Essay written by Ulva Belsham, Entry in 'Southern People, a Dictionary of Otago Southland Biography' for William Timaru Joss (Published by Longacre Press, Dunedin for 150th Anniversary of Otago, 1998.), page 262, 1998, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "James Joss left two sons with their mother Puwaitha on Stewart Island. They also became well-known seafarers. William Timaru Joss (1844-1895) captained the mailboat 'Ulva' between Stewart Island and Bluff for many years before drowning at the entrance to Halfmoon Bay." 29. Record of Marriage for William JOSS/Emma Driver (transcript), Ruapuke Registers. Marriages 1858-1880 kept by Rev. Wohlers. No 46, 18 Jun 1870, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "Transcript Ref - 120 No. 46 18 June 1870 in the Schoolhouse at Ruapuke. William JOSS, 25 years, seaman, bachelor. to Emma TREGERTHAN, 25 years, widow. Witnesses - William COUPAR. Solomon TE KAPI."
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 45 30. Death Notice for John P Driver (Microfilm of Newspaper.), Otago Witness. page 23., 20 Aug 1891, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "DRIVER. - On 14th August, at his residence, Purakanui, John Driver; aged 43 years. Deeply Regretted." 31. Burial of John Poroki Driver (newspaper), Otago Witness, page 19, 27 Aug 1891, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, 230 Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "Country News ...... A large number of the inhabitants of Purakanui and surrounding districts, both European and Natives, assembled on the 19th to attend the funeral of John Driver, eldest son of Mr Richard Driver, formerly Government Pilot. The deceased was very popular in the district and deservedly so, as he has repeatedly proved himself to be a friend to the needy - a man professing little, but performing much. The burial service was performed by the Rev. J Riley and Mr Faulker of Port Chalmers." 32. St Johns Branch-NZSG, Entry on Womens Suffrage Election Roll for Jane Driver (Computerised Index), 1893. "DRIVER Jane, Electorate - Waikouaiti, number 733. Residence - Purakanui. Occupation - farmer." 33. Record of Death for Jane Reko (Sighting of Original entry of Death), Dunedin Register, #146, 28 Feb 1917, Registrar General's Office, Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand. "Registered at Dunedin. Jane Reko Driver, widow, female aged 65 years, died at Moray Place Dunedin on 28 February 1917. Cause of Death: Carcinoma of Liver; Dropsy 1 year; Ascetes 2 months. Medical Attendant: F. R. Riley who last saw deceased alive on 27 February 1917. Parents not known. Buried 2 March 1917 at the Cemetery, Purakanui* Minister taking Service: H. L. B. Goertz, Church of England. Born (unknown) New Zealand. Lived in New Zealand for 65 years. Married at Puketeraki at age 19 years to John Driver. No issue entered. Informant: J. Wylie (Gourley) undertaker Dunedin . Registrar & Date: S. O. B. Gladstone. 3 March 1917." 34. Record of Marriage for Richard Driver/Elizabeth Robertson (Transcript), First Church Marriage Records, 30 May 1849, Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin, Queens Gardens, Otago, New Zealand. "DRIVER Richard, 34 years, pilot, bachelor. ROBERTSON Elizabeth, (x-her mark), aged 17 years, spinster. Witnesses - Thomas ROBERTSON, mason, Andersons Bay. James ROBERTSON, mason, Dunedin. Celebrated at the house of Thomas ROBERTSON by Rev. Thomas BURNS." 35. Death of Elizabeth Robertson ('Otago Witness', Newspaper. Microfilm.), 13 May 1897. page 31., McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "DRIVER. - On the 9th May, at her residence, Purakanui, Elizabeth, relict of the late Richard Driver; aged 67 years. Deeply Regretted." 36. Headstone Inscription for Elizabeth ROBERTSON (Copied from Tombstone at Cemetery), Purakanui Cemetery, Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. "In Memorium. Richard DRIVER born 26 August 1812, died 19 January 1897; Elizabeth DRIVER born 29 August 1831 died 9 May 1897; Richard DRIVER born 26 June 1850 died 5 June 1893; Agnes DRIVER born 18 Jul 1876 died 7 May 1890. Though Lost to Sight to Memory Dear." 37. Death of Elizabeth Robertson ('Otago Witness', Newspaper. Microfilm.), 13 May 1897. page 31., McNab
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 46 Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "DRIVER. - On the 9th May, at her residence, Purakanui, Elizabeth, relict of the late Richard Driver; aged 67 years. Deeply Regretted." 38. Headstone Inscription for Elizabeth ROBERTSON (Copied from Tombstone at Cemetery), 13 May 1897. page 31., Purakanui Cemetery, Purakanui, Otago, New Zealand. "In Memorium. Richard DRIVER born 26 August 1812, died 19 January 1897; Elizabeth DRIVER born 29 August 1831 died 9 May 1897; Richard DRIVER born 26 June 1850 died 5 June 1893; Agnes DRIVER born 18 Jul 1876 died 7 May 1890. Though Lost to Sight to Memory Dear." 39. Dunedin Group- NZSG, Burial Record for Elizabeth ROBERTSON (Transcript), Purakanui Cemetery, Otago, NZ. Burial Register, page 9, entry 23., McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "DRIVER Elizabeth, widow of Richard DRIVER Senr. of Purakanui aged 66 years of Paralysis. Block 2 Plot 11." 40. Dunedin Group- NZSG, Burial Record for Elizabeth ROBERTSON (Transcript), Purakanui Cemetery, Otago, NZ. Burial Register, page 9, entry 23., McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "DRIVER Elizabeth, widow of Richard DRIVER Senr. of Purakanui aged 66 years of Paralysis. Block 2 Plot 11." 41. Baptism Record for Richard Driver (junr) (Original Baptism Register for First Church. Otago New Zealand), 21 Apr 1851, Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin, Queens Gardens, Otago, New Zealand. "137. Richard, son of Richard Driver (pilot), and Elizabeth Robertson. Born 26 June 1850 at Tairoas Head Otago. Baptised 21 April 1851 by Rev. T. Burns." 42. Headstone & Burial Record for Richard Driver jnr. (Transcript (confirmed from actual headstone)), Purakanui Cemetery, Otago, New Zealand, 5 Jun 1893, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "Burial Record. DRIVER, Richard jnr. a fisherman of Purakanui died 5 June 1893 aged 43 years of Imflamation Lungs. Block 2 Plot 11
Headstone Inscription. Refer to Richard Driver snr." 43. Death Notice for Richard Driver jnr. (newspaper), 'Otago Daily Times', 7 Jun 1893, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "The friends of Mrs. Richard Driver Jun. are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of her late husband, which will leave her residence, Purakanui, for the Purakanui Cemetery, tomorrow, (Thursday) at 2.30 o'clock." 44. Record of Marriage for Richard Driver/Elizabeth Robertson. ". Record of Marriage for Richard Driver/Annie Duncan (Transcript of a register of Knox Church, Otago, New Zealand (Presbyterian)), 16 Sep 1876, Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin, Queens Gardens, Otago, New Zealand. "Transcript entry # 1709 16 September 1876 Driver, Richard, of full age, labourer, bachelor. to Duncan, Ann Elizabeth, aged 20 years, spinster. Witnesses: George S. ORMANDY, farmer, Purakanui. Ann LAING, North Harbour.
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 47 Celebrated at the house of Richard Merideth, Leith Street, Dunedin."." 45. Record of Marriage for Richard Driver/Annie Duncan (Transcript of a register of Knox Church, Otago, New Zealand (Presbyterian)), 16 Sep 1876, Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin, Queens Gardens, Otago, New Zealand. "Transcript entry # 1709 16 September 1876 Driver, Richard, of full age, labourer, bachelor. to Duncan, Ann Elizabeth, aged 20 years, spinster. Witnesses: George S. ORMANDY, farmer, Purakanui. Ann LAING, North Harbour. Celebrated at the house of Richard Merideth, Leith Street, Dunedin." 46. Record of Marriage for Richard Driver/Annie Duncan. 47. Electoral Roll Entry for Elizabeth Driver (Forgie) (Electoral Roll), 1893, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, 230 Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "FORGIE ELizabeth. Waikouaiti Electorate. Residence at Purakanui, farmer." 48. Record of Baptism for Elizabeth Jane Driver (Original Register of Baptisms for First Church, Otago, New Zealand), 15 Dec 1851, Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin, Queens Gardens, Otago, New Zealand. "180. Elizabeth Jane, daughter of Richard Driver, Pilot, and Elizabeth Robertson. Born 15 November 1851 at Tairoas Head, Otago. Baptised 15 December 1851 by Rev. Thomas Burns." 49. Eleanor Leckie, Dunedin Branch - NZSG, Burial Record for Elizabeth Jane DRIVER (Transcript), Purakanui Cemetery Headstones & Records Transcript. Pages 12, 30 Jun 1939, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "Entry 82. [Not named on Headstone] FORGIE Elizabeth a widow of Dunedin died 30 Jun 1939 aged 88 years of Senile Decay. Block 1 plot 35." 50. marriage Certificate for William Forgie/Elizabeth Driver (Certicifate), Marriages in the District of Dunedin, 26 Nov 1872, Registrar General's Office, Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand, 72/1883 1096. "No 18 1872 November 26. In the Office of The Registrar of Marriages Dunedin. William FORGIE, age 31 years Seaman bachelor Elizabeth DRIVER age 21 years Spinster Witnesses: Richard Driver, Pilot, Purakanui. Robert Fennick, Hotel Keeper, Dunedin Officiating Registrar: William Parker Street. Registered 1872 November 26." 51. Record of Death for William Forgie (Sighting of original entry in death register), Dunedin Death Register. Entry #169, 22 Apr 1893, Registrar General's Office, Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand. "William FORGIE died 9 April 1893 at Hospital Dunedin. A farmer, a male aged 51 years. Cause of Death - Pneumonia (double). Medical Attendant - R. H. HOGG M.R.C.S. [nothing entered for date when last saw alive]. Father - William Forgie, Baker. Mother - Margaret FORGIE nee MAITLAND. Buried 12 April 1893 in Purakanui Cemetery. Minister taking Service - C. D. SNOW, [no demonination entered]. Born Grangemouth Scotland, lived 30 years in New Zealand. Married in Dunedin, Otago at age 29 years to Elizabeth DRIVER. Ages & Sex of Living Issue - M. 18 Female. 20, 16, 14, 12 Informant - A. J. WYAN, undertaker, Dunedin. Registrar & Date - W. J. HALL. 22 April 1893." 52. Record of Probate for William Forgie (Index), Will. Probate #2328, 19 May 1893, National Archives - Dunedin Branch, George Street, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand.
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 48 "FORGIE William. Purakanui, Dunedin. Farmer. Died 1893. Will Filed at Dunedin 19 May 1893." 53. Eleanor Leckie, Dunedin Branch - NZSG, Burial Record for William FORGIE (Transcript), Purakanui Cemetery Headstones & Records Transcript. Pages 16, 9 Apr 1893, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "Entry 16. Burial Record [Not named on Headstone] FORGIE William a mariner of Purakanui died 9 Apr 1993 aged 51 years of Pneumonia. Block 1 plot 35." 54. Record of Baptism for Emma Driver (Index of Wesleyan Mission Baptisms), Church Registers Archive Box, Otago Settlers Museum Archives, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "I, William Kirk, minister of the Wesleyan Methodist Society of the District of Otakou, do hereby certify that I have this day baptised by the name of Emma a female child, the daughter of Richard Driver and Elizabeth Driver, and declared to have been born at Otakou on the 10th day of June 1853. Witness my hand, this 19th day of March 1854. (signed) William Kirk. Wesleyan Minister. [ photocopy of original entry in Baptism Register. Provided by Margaret McKesser, grand-daughter.]." 55. Notice of Death of Emma McKessar nee Driver (newspaper), Otago Witness, page 37, 11 Jan 1900, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, 230 Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "McKessar - On the 7th January, at Purakanui, Emma, the beloved wife of George McKessar; aged 46 years. Deeply Regretted. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed by the name of the Lord." 56. Eleanor Leckie, Dunedin Branch - NZSG, Headstone Inscription & Burial Record for Emma DRIVER (Transcript), Purakanui Cemetery Headstones & Records Transcript. Pages 7,20, 7 Feb 1900, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "Entry 249. Block 2 plot 13. HEADSTONE - In Loving memory of our dear Father George McKESSAR died 12 April 1912 aged 75 years; also our dear mother Emma McKESSAR who died 7 Feb 1900 aged 47 years. The Lord Gave, The Lord Hath Taken Away. Entry 25. BURIAL RECORD - McKESSAR Emma wife of George McKESSAR of Purakanui died 7 Jan (sic) 1900 aged 46 years of Pneumonia." 57. Record of Marriage for George McKessar/Emma Driver (Sighting of Entry in Original Register), Register for Port Chalmers Presbyterian Church, 23 Sep 1871, Archives, Herwitson Library, Knox College, Arden Street, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "23 September 1871 at the Residence of Rev. Merton. McKESSAR, George, of full age, farmer, bachelor to DRIVER, Emma, minor (x-her mark) Witnesses - Janet SUTHERLAND, Blueskin. Richard DRIVER, farmer, Purakanui." 58. Record of Probate for Last Will & Testament of George McKessar (Not Published), 15 May 1912, National Archives - Dunedin, George Street, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand, Probate # 1689. "McKASSAR George, of Port Chalmers, retired farmer. Died 12 Apr 1912. Will filed Dunedin Court 15 May 1912." 59. Record of Baptism for Ada Driver (Original Baptism Register for First Church, Otago, New Zealand), 31 Aug 1861, Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin, Queens Gardens, Otago, New Zealand. "1145. Aga, daughter of Richard Driver, and Elizabeth Robertson. Born 20 June 1861 at Purakanui, Port Chalmers District. Baptised 31 August 1861 by Rev. Dr. Burns." 60. Eleanor Leckie, Dunedin Branch - NZSG, Headstone Inscription & Burial Record for Ada DRIVER (Transcript), Purakanui Cemetery Headstones & Records Transcript. Pages 11,13,18, 1945, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand.
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 49 "Entry 228. Block 1 plot 63,64. Purchased by Ada & John HARRIS. BURIAL RECORD Harris Ada. A widow of Purakanui d. 1 Oct 1945 aged 85 years of Natural Causes. Block 1 Plot 63
HEADSTONE - In Loving Memory of George HARRIS 1850-1928; also his loved wife Ada 1860-1945. [Note - In the cemetery shed is small white (discoloured) marble two tiered base reading: George HARRIS died 4 Nov 1928 aged 78 years] BURIAL RECORDS - Entry 90. HARRIS Ada a widow of Purakanui died 1 Oct 1945 aged 85 years of Natural Causes. Entry 64 - HARRIS George a farmer of Purakanui died 4 Nov 1928 aged 71 (sic) of Natural Causes." 61. St Johns Branch-NZSG, Entry on Womens Suffrage Election Roll for Ellen DURRY (DRIVER) (Computerised Index), 1893. "DURRY Ellen. Invercargill Electorate. Number 876, Residence - Annan Street Invercargill. Occupation - Wife." 62. St Johns Branch-NZSG, Entry on Womens Suffrage Election Roll for Ellen DURRY (DRIVER) (Computerised Index), 1893. "DURRY Ellen. Invercargill Electorate. Number 876, Residence - Annan Street Invercargill. Occupation - Wife." 63. Record of Baptism for Ellen Driver (Original Baptism Register for First Church, Otago, New Zealand), 31 Aug 1864, Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin, Queens Gardens, Otago, New Zealand. "1146. Ellen, daughter of Richard Driver and Elizabeth Robertson. Born 15 Sept 1864 (? added in pencil on record) Purakanui Port Chalmers District. Baptised 31 Aug 1864 by Rev. Dr. Burns." 64. Record of Baptism for Ellen Driver (Original Baptism Register for First Church, Otago, New Zealand), 31 Aug 1864, Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin, Queens Gardens, Otago, New Zealand. "1146. Ellen, daughter of Richard Driver and Elizabeth Robertson. Born 15 Sept 1864 (? added in pencil on record) Purakanui Port Chalmers District. Baptised 31 Aug 1864 by Rev. Dr. Burns." 65. Headstone Inscription for Ellen Driver (Durry) (Personally Copied from Headstone in St Johns Cemetery, North Invercargill). "Sacred To The Memory Of Ellen Beloved wife of George Durry Died Nov 5th, 1936 aged 73 years; and infant daughter E J Durry Died April 3rd, 1893 aged 4 months; also the above George Durry Died June 27th, 1939 aged 89 years. "At Rest"." 66. Headstone Inscription for Ellen Driver (Durry) (Personally Copied from Headstone in St Johns Cemetery, North Invercargill). "Sacred To The Memory Of Ellen Beloved wife of George Durry Died Nov 5th, 1936 aged 73 years; and infant daughter E J Durry Died April 3rd, 1893 aged 4 months; also the above George Durry Died June 27th, 1939 aged 89 years. "At Rest"." 67. Record of Marriage for George Durry/Ellen Driver (Copy of information on Certificate), 26 Sep 1883. "Registered at Dunedin. 26 September 1883 George DURRY, 33 years, engineer, bachelor, born England, presently & usually Dunedin; son of George Thomas DURRY - farmer - and Ellen Ann nee BROWN. to Ellen DRIVER, 20 years, spinster, born New Zealand, presently & usually, Dunedin; daughter of Richard DRIVER - farmer - and Elizabeth nee ROBERTSON.
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 50 Witnesses - Frederick DRIVER, farmer, Purakanui. Jessie McLEOD, Stuart Street, Dunedin. Celebrated at the home of Thomas HARRISON, Forth Street, Dunedin, by the Rev. D. M. STUART. Denomination - Presbyterian." 68. Record of Marriage for George Durry/Ellen Driver (Copy of information on Certificate), 26 Sep 1883. "Registered at Dunedin. 26 September 1883 George DURRY, 33 years, engineer, bachelor, born England, presently & usually Dunedin; son of George Thomas DURRY - farmer - and Ellen Ann nee BROWN. to Ellen DRIVER, 20 years, spinster, born New Zealand, presently & usually, Dunedin; daughter of Richard DRIVER - farmer - and Elizabeth nee ROBERTSON. Witnesses - Frederick DRIVER, farmer, Purakanui. Jessie McLEOD, Stuart Street, Dunedin. Celebrated at the home of Thomas HARRISON, Forth Street, Dunedin, by the Rev. D. M. STUART. Denomination - Presbyterian." 69. New Zealand Society of Genealogists, Probate Record for George Durry (Computerised Index), Probate Number 678/39, 3 Jul 1939, National Archives - Dunedin. "DURRY George Richard, railway employee, of Invercargill. Court - Invercargill 1864-1947, 1958-1959. Will." 70. New Zealand Society of Genealogists, Probate Record for George Durry (Computerised Index), Probate Number 678/39, 3 Jul 1939, National Archives - Dunedin. "DURRY George Richard, railway employee, of Invercargill. Court - Invercargill 1864-1947, 1958-1959. Will." 71. Obituary for Frederick Driver (Newspaper Obituary Book), Vol. 3. C - D. 1936-1946, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "Mr. Frederick Driver, of Purakanui, whose death occurred recently, was the 2nd son of Mr. Richard Driver, the 1st Pilot in Otago Harbour. Mr. Frederick Driver, who was 77 years of age, was born at Purakanui, and, with the exception of 5 years, spent his whole life in the district, where he was engaged in farming. He was highly respected among the residents, whom he was always ready to assist. Mr. Driver was a noted horseman, as well as being a good judge of horses, and he was a frequent exhibitor at agricultural shows in Otago. He is survived by his wife, who is the eldest daughter of the late Mr. Edmund Russell, of Waitati, and by 2 sons and 4 daughters." 72. New Zealand Society of Genealogists, Probate Record for Frederick Driver (Computerised Index), Probate Number 19968, 19 Oct 1943, National Archives - Dunedin. "DRIVER Frederick (senior), farmer, of Purakanui. Court _ Dunedin 1851-1990. Will." 73. Dunedin Group, New Zealand Genealogical Society, Burial of Frederick Driver (Transcript), Purakanui Cemetery, Otago. New Zealand. pg 19, entry 246. pg 13 entry 86., McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "Burial Register. pg 13. Entry 86 DRIVER, Frederick. a farmer of Purakanui d. 10 Sep 1943 aged 77 years of Heart Failure.
Headstone. pg 19. Entry 246 Plan Block 2 Plot 9 Purchased by F. Driver senr. Stone 1 In Loving Memory of Frederick beloved husband of Isabella C Driver, d. 10 Sep 1943 in his 78th year; also Isabella d. 18 Jan 1945 in her 74th year; also their son Charles Richard d. 6 Aug 1910 in his 6th year. At Rest. Stone 2 In Loving Memory of Albert Mathieson 1 Mar 1902 - 17 Nov 1980 At Rest. Site Concrete Surround, Wrought Iron Fence Surround. Remarks Ashes only of Albert Mathieson - Rose Bush planted in front of Stone 2."
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 51 74. Congregational Church. Port Chalmers, Marriage of Fred Driver/ Isabella Russell (Transcript of Original.), No. 48 in the 1892 Book, Hocken Library, Uare Taoka O Hakena,, University of Otago, Parry Street, Dunedin, Otago. "Registered at Port Chalmers. 48 in original Register book 3. Married on the 13 April 1892 at the Residence of J Golightly of Purakanui Frederick DRIVER, 28 years, a butcher, a bachelor, born, presently & usually Purakanui; son of Richard Driver - farmer - and Elizabeth Driver nee Robertson. to Isabella Russell, age 22 years, a spinster, born Waitati, Blueskin, presently & usually Purakanui; daughter of Edward Russell - farmer - and Elizabeth Russell nee Loonam [should read Lunam] Witnesses; Charles Driver, farmer, Purakanui; Margaret Maria Foord, Purakanui Celebrated by the Rev. D. Keay Fisher, Congregational." 75. Burial Record for Isabella Russell (Driver) (transcript), Burial Register, Purakanui Cemetery, Otago, New Zealand, Jan 1945, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "DRIVER Isabella C a widow of Purakanui died 18 Jan 1945 aged 74 years Block 2 plot 9." 76. Eleanor Leckie, Dunedin Branch - NZSG, Headstone Inscription and Burial Record for Thomas Driver (Transcript), Purakanui Cemetery Headstones & Records Transcript. Pages 12,21., 11 Oct 1932, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "Entry 260. Block 2 Plot 29. Purchased by W. DRIVER. HEADSTONE - In Loving Memeory of Thomas DRIVER died 11 Oct 1932 aged 65 years' also Isabella Anderson DRIVER died 7 Mar 1957 aged 83 years. At Rest. Entry 69. BURIAL - DRIVER, Thomas a farmer of Purakanui died 11 October 1932 aged 65 years of Diabetes. Block 2 plot 29." 77. Record of Marriage for Thomas Driver/Isabella Anderson Cooper (Transcript of Marriage Records), St John's Anglican Church, Invercargill, Marriage Records, 1 May 1895, Hocken Library, Uare Taoka O Hakena,, University of Otago, Parry Street, Dunedin, Otago. "Registered at Invercargill. St John's Church of England. 1 May 1895 Thomas DRIVER, 28 years, butcher, bachelor, born Purakanui NZ, presently & usually Clifton: son of Richard DRIVER - farmer - and Elizabeth nee ROBERTSON. to Isabella Anderson COOPER, 20 years, spinster, born Invercargill, presently & usually Clifton; daughter of Thomas COOPER - surfaceman - and Mary nee SWAN. Witnesses - Charles DRIVER, farmer, Purakanui. Isabella S MAIR, spinster, Invercargill." 78. Eleanor Leckie, Dunedin Branch - NZSG, Burial Record for Isabella Anderson COOPER (Transcript), Purakanui Cemetery Headstones & Records Transcript. Page 14, Mar 1957, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "Entry 106. Block 2 Plot 29. BURIAL Record - DRIVER, Isabella Anderson a widow of Dunedin died 7 Mar 1957 aged 83 years of Natural Causes. (NOT 6 Sep 1957)." 79. School Admissions of Charles Driver (Index of Records), Hocken Library, Uare Taoka O Hakena,, University of Otago, Parry Street, Dunedin, Otago, HKN WAIT/2/173:. "School Records (APWs) Name DRIVER Charles School Waitati Register Number 173 Former Reg. No Admission Date 29 Apr 1879 Parent / Guardian Geo McKessar
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 52 Address Purakanui Birthdate 18 Sep 1869 Last School Last Day Destination Comment HKN WAIT/2/173:." 80. Driver/Foord Family Bible entry for birth of Charles Driver (Family Bible), Mrs. Chrissie Potter nee Driver. 81. New Zealand Society of Genealogists, Probate Record for Charles Driver (Computerised Index), Probate Number 17071, 14 Jun 1939, National Archives - Dunedin, DAAC 9075 D239 17071. "DRIVER Charles of Mihiwaka, farmer. Court - Dunedin 1851-1990. Will." 82. Reports and Death Notice of the Death of Charles Driver (newspaper), 'Otago Daily Times' page 10, 1 Jun 1939, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "DRIVER. On May 30, 1939 (suddenly), at his residence, Hayward Point, Charles, dearly beloved husband of Margaret Maria Driver, aged 69 years. "Sadly Missed". Private internment at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Friday). - H Aitcheson, funeral director. Report on Death 'Otago Daily Times' page 22. Accidents & Fatalities Found Dead - A Mihiwaka Farmer Charles Driver, a farmer, married, aged 69, was found dead in a cow- byre on his farm at Mihiwaka about 2 a.m. yesterday. A shotgun was lying alongside the body and there was a gunshot wound in the head. An Inquest was held at the deceaseds farm yesterday afternoon by Mr J R Bartholomew S.M. whose verdict was that death had been caused by a gunshot wound in the head, self- inflicted while the deceased was in a depressed state of mind owing to ill-health. Registrar Generals Index of Deaths #2148 Port Chalmers." 83. Eleanor Leckie, Dunedin Branch - NZSG, Headstone Inscription & Burial Record for Charles DRIVER (Transcript), Purakanui Cemetery Headstones & Records Transcript. Pages 12,20, 30 May 1936, McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. "Entry 252. HEADSTONE. Block 2 plot 21. In Loving Memory of Charles beloved husband of Margaret M DRIVER dried 30 May 1939 aged 69 years; Ethel Elizabeth DRIVER died 16 Sep 1955; Margaret Maria DRIVER died 22 Dec 1958 aged 92 years.
Entry 81, 101. BURIAL RECORD. DRIVER Charles a farmer of Purakanui died 30 May 1939 aged 69 years - Suicide. DRIVER Ethel a Domestic of Warrington died 16 Sep 1955 aged 52 years of Pneumonia." 84. Record of Marriage for Charles DRIVER/Margaret Maria FOORD (Transcript), Congregational Marriages Registers 1864-1921, 25 Dec 1895, Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin, Queens Gardens, Otago, New Zealand. "Original Record number - 16, book 5. Transcript entry number 145. 25 December 1895 DRIVER Charles, 26 years, a farmer, a bachelor, born Purakanui, Port Chalmers, presently & usually of Purakanui. Son of Richard - farmer - and Elizabeth nee Robertson. to FOORD Margaret Maria, 19 years, spinster, born Dunedin, presently & usually of Purakanui. Daughter of Arthur - farmer - and Ellen nee Miller. Witnesses - James McKESSAR, farmer, Purakanui. Olive LAWRENCE, Dunedin. Celebrated at the residence of Arthur FOORD, Purakanui, Port Chalmers by Rev. D. Kaey FISHER." 85. Record of Probate for Last Will & Testament of William Driver (Not Published), 1954, Hamilton Court, Probate # BCDG 4421 366/54. "DRIVER William. Place - Hamilton. Occupation - Blacksmith. Will filed at Hamilton Court 13 Aug 1954."
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 53 86. Record of the Marriage of William DRIVER/Lavinia HITCHCOCK (Transcript), Holy Trinity Church of England Marriage Registers 1870-1896, 18 Dec 1895, Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin, Queens Gardens, Otago, New Zealand. "Original Register entry number 6. Transcript entry number 75. 18 December 1895 DRIVER William, 22 years, farmer, bachelor, born Purakanui near Port Chalmers, presently & usually Purakanui. Son of Richard - farmer - and Elizabeth nee Robertson. to HITCHCOCK Lavinia, 22 years, spinster, born Mihiwaka near Port CHalmers, presently & usually Mihiwaka. Daughter of George Condon - farmer - and Jemima nee Stumbles. Witnesses - Charles DRIVER, farmer, Purakanui. Eliza HITCHCOCK, Mihiwaka. Celebrated by the Rev. Frederick C PLATTS [no place of marriage entered]." 87. Story and Report of Agnes Driver's Death (newspaper & Stan Durry). "Agnes Driver's Death
At the end of the new walking track at the western end of Long Beach there is a sheer cliff of nearly 60 metres height, where one of the district's tragedies happened in 1890. Agnes, a fourteen year old daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Driver who farmed the land behind the cliffs, fell to her death. She was spying on her elder sister who was being courted by one of the local lads. Agnes was concealed behind the Macrocarpa trees, which were planted right on the cliff edge, when her hat was blown off her head by an up-draught from the onshore breeze.
Following the hair styles of the day, Agnes had waist length hair done up in ringlets. These caught in the lower branches of the trees, which were little more than saplings in those days. Endeavouring to free her-self, she slipped and fell over the cliff, scalping herself in the process. When she did not arrive home for dinner that evening, a search was made for her, and eventually the hat and strands of her hair were found caught in the bottom branches of the tree. The next morning, her half-brother, John Poroki Driver from the Maori side of the family, went around the shoreline in a boat and found her still alive, jammed in a crevice at the bottom of the sheer drop. In those days there was no beach at that spot at low tide, so it appears, Agnes fell into the breakers and was dashed ashore. Every bone in her body was broken, and as John and his mates attempted to free her. she died. She lies in the Driver family grave in the Purakanui Cemetery and at some time after her death a member of the family planted wallflowers in the cliffside where she died, and in a hundred years they have spread along the shoreline right to Hayward's Point, surely a more fitting memorial than a cold marble headstone.
'Otago Witness' May 16, 1890 (McNab Room, Dunedin Public Library)
CASUALTIES
A girl, 13 years of age, named Agnes Driver, died on the 7th inst. from injuries received through an accident at Long Beach, Purakanui, on the 27th inst. of last month. On that date she was sitting on the edge of the cliff near her father's residence, when her hat blew off, and in attempting to recover it she slipped and rolled over the cliff, falling a height of about 200ft. After the accident she remained for several hours in the position in which she had fallen, and when discovered she appeared to be so severely injured that her recovery seemed very doubtful. She was attended to by Dr Cunningham, of Port Chalmers, and
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 54 died on the date already mentioned.
THE PURAKANUI ACCIDENT An inquest was held at Long Beach, Purakanui, yesterday morning before Mr E. G. Allen, J.P., and a jury of six (Mr. John Foote, foreman) on the body of Agnes Driver, who died from injuries sustained through falling over a cliff. Elizabeth Driver, mother of the deceased, deposed that her daughter's age was 13 years and 10 months. Witness remembered Sunday, the 27th of April. On that day deceased was about the house in the early part of the afternoon, but about 3 o'clock she disappeared, and witness thought she had gone for the cows as she was in the habit of doing. She was then in good health. It was milking time at 4 o'clock, but she had not then returned. Search was made for her, but she was not found. Next day, she was brought home from a neighbour's house, terribly bruised and cut about the head. She was sensible, and told witness that on Sunday afternoon after leaving home she went over to the cliff, where her hat blew off, and in making an effort to catch it she tripped on a vine and fell to the bottom of the cliff. Charles Driver, a young man, stated that deceased was his sister. When he missed her on Sunday, the 27th April, he went with others to look for her, and about 10 o'clock at night her found her lying at the bottom of the cliff. She told him she had fallen from the top of the cliff. She was removed to Mrs Liddell's house, half a mile away. Dr Cunningham was at once sent for from Port Chalmers, and arrived about 1 o'clock next morning and attended to the girl. Dr Cunningham said he remembered being called to attend deceased. He saw her between 1 and 2 o'clock on the morning of Monday, the 28th ult., at the house of Mrs Liddle, Long Beach. She was suffering from sever shock, and had two severe scalp wounds, laying bare the crown of the skull for a length of about 6in on either side, the wound being filled with debris such as small pieces of rock and leaves. She had also sustained a dislocation of the left shoulder joint, a fracture of the right shoulder blade bone, contusion of the right lung, and fracture of the left side of the pelvis, while there were severe bruises all over the body. She was perfectly conscious and lingered until last Wednesday night at 6 o'clock, when she died in witness' presence. The immediate cause of death was due to the injury to the pelvis. In conversation with deceased witness learned from her that while she was sitting on the edge of the cliff her hat blew off, and in attempting to regain it she tripped and rolled over the cliff. The place where the girl fell over had been pointed out to witness, and he estimated that she must have fallen a distance of 200ft. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased died from injuries received through accidentally falling over a cliff.
page 22 DRIVER - On the 7th May, Agnes, youngest daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Driver, Purakanui, aged 14 years. Deeply regretted."
4 Jul 2013 Descendants of Richard DRIVER Page 55 Index
Name No. Page Name No. Page COLEMAN, Thomas(b.1850) 12S 29 COOPER, Isabella A(b.1875) 14S 34 DRIVER,(b.1854) 9 28 DRIVER, Ada(b.1861) 11 28 DRIVER, Agnes(b.1876) 18 38 DRIVER, Annie(b.1871) 16 35 DRIVER, Charles(b.1869) 15 34 DRIVER, Elizabeth Jane(b.1851) 7 24 DRIVER, Ellen(b.1863) 12 28 DRIVER, Emma(b.1853) 8 27 DRIVER, Emma Paerata(b.1845) 4 21 DRIVER, Frederick(b.1865) 13 33 DRIVER, John Poroki(b.1847) 5 22 DRIVER, Maria C(b.1840) 2 19 DRIVER, Mary Titaua(b.1843) 3 21 DRIVER, Matthew(b.1860) 10 28 DRIVER, Richard(b.1812) 1 1 DRIVER, Richard(b.1850) 6 23 DRIVER, Thomas(b.1867) 14 33 DRIVER, William(b.1874) 17 37 DUNCAN, Ann Elizabeth(b.1856) 6S 24 FOORD, Margaret M(b.1876) 15S 35 FORGIE, William(b.1842) 7S 26 HARRIS, George(b.1850) 11S 28 HITCHCOCK, Lavinia(b.1873) 17S 37 JOSS, William Timaru(b.1844) 4S 22 KORAKO, Tutehonuku 4S 22 MCKESSAR, George(b.1836) 8S 27 MOTOITOI,(b.1823) 1S 18 MOUAT, Peter William(b.1828) 2S 20 POROKI, Mere 1S 22 RIKO, Jane Tini(b.1852) 5S 23 ROBERTSON, Elizabeth(b.1831) 1S 23 RUSSELL, Isabella(b.1870) 13S 33 STEVENS, William(b.1831) 2S 19 SUTHERLAND, James(b.1844) 16S 36 TE AIKA, Tihema(bu.1848) 3S 21 TREGERTHEN, John(b.1833) 4S 22
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