Joseph BROKENSHIRE was born 3 August 1853 in Adelaide, Australia
... Mr. Joseph Brokenshire, Manager and Engineer of the Big Pump, was born in Adelaide, South Australia, 1853, and has been connected with mining from his youth. He arrived in Auckland in 1871, settled at the Thames, and found employment as a miner until 1893, when he became pitman at the Big Pump, and four years later was promoted to his present position (written about 1900)

Alice Matilda STEVENTON was born 17 July 1846 in Hoxton, Greater London
- she arrived into Auckland 8 September 1862 on the "MATILDA WATTENBACH" with her parents Alfred STEVENTON (1815-?) & Mary Alice nee SYERS (1845-1885) and her siblings:
Lydia Mary Steventon (1850-1924)
- Lydia married John HOLLOWAY in 1877 in Auckland
Julia Syers Steventon (1852-1934)
- Julia married Robert Goodine BOLER (1850-1913) in 1876
Alfred Horatio Steventon (1854-1941)
- Alfred married Mary Eleanor BOLER (1860-1952) in 1881 in Northland
Jessie Steventon (1858-1942)
- Jessie did not marry
A sister, Emma Martha Steventon (1848-1849) died in Camberwell, London

Joseph Brokenshire & Alice Steventon married 27 December 1877
... BROKENSHIRE-STEVENTON. - On Dec. 27, at the branch of the bride's father, by the Rev. W. Worker, Mr. Joseph Brokenshire, of Shortland, Thames, to Alice Matilda, daughter of Mr. A. Sharreston sic, and grand-daughter of the late Mr. Robt-Syers, of Liverpool.

their known children:

1877 - 1967 William Alfred Brokenshire
- William married Florence Mary GALLAGHER in 1909
- he died agedd 78

1879 - 1961 Alice May Brokenshire
- Alice married John DAWSON in 1912
... On July 4th, 1912, at the Methodist Church, Pollen Street, by Rev T. Trestrail, John Dawson of Gisborne, son of Mr John Dawson of Hastings, to Alice May Brokenshire, daughter of Mr Brokenshire of Thames
- she died 5 Aug 1961 aged 82
- buried Location PUBL-079-0001 at Totata Memorial Park

1881 - 1885 Phillipa Brokenshire
- Phillipa died 1 Sep 1885 aged 4
- she is buried Location PUBL-PLOT-1903 at Shortland cemetery with Edward

1883 - 1954 Lucy Brokenshire
- Lucy did not marry
- she died aged 70

1884 - 1948 Millicent Brokenshire
- Millicent married Edward KENNY (1876-1964) in 1911
- she died 26 Feb 1948 aged 62
- buried Location PUBL-PLOT-4212 at Shortland cemetery with Edward

1887 - 1965 Arnold Joseph Brokenshire
- he married Rhoda Elizabeth NORRIS (1897-1986) in 1921
- he was the Secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers in Thames
- Arnold died 11 Nov 1965 aged 78
- he is buried Location PUBL-087-0007 at Totara Memorial Park with Rhoda

1889 - 1893 Edward Brokenshire
- Edward died 3 July 1893 aged 3
- he is buried Location PUBL-PLOT-1903 at Shortland cemetery with Phillipa


* Alice died 25 October 1890 in Thames aged 44
- she is buried Location PUBL-PLOT-1903 at Shortland cemetery


Joseph remarried on 13 May 1893 to Mary BAWDEN (1846-1913), widow of Richard Martin Bawden (1847-1887) who was accidentally killed in the Saxon Mine 28 Nov 1887. In the sermon of Rev T. H. LYON after Richard's death he said .. "he was a good, kind hearted man, lovely in his life, in all his relations, social and domestic ... a strong man going to his work in the morning and taken home the same evening dead, should be a solemn warning to one and all ... (more at link)
- At time of her 2nd marriage Mary had at least 4 daughters to whom Joseph became step-father:
1879 - Alma Bawden aged 14
- Alma married Reginald Thomas SENIOR in 1914
1881 - Alice Maud Bawden aged 12
- Alice married Albert WISHART in 1903
1885 - Mabel Bawden aged 8
- Mabel married James O'NEILL in 1909
1887 - 1893 Minnie Bawden aged 6
- Minnie was born 16 July 1887, 4 months before her father Richard died and she died 26 July 1893, 2 nonths after her mother's remarriage. Minnie and her parents, Richard & Mary are buried together at Shortland cemetery

- see also BAWDEN marriages


* Joseph died 11 January 1915 in Thames aged 61
- he is buried Location PUBL-PLOT-1903 with 1st wife Alice
... On Jan. 11th, at his late residence, Sandes St., *Block 27 (see photo below), after a long illness, Joseph Brokenshire. Aged 61 years - No mourning by request of deceased

TIMELINE
12 February 1897
THE BIG PUMP
... At the meeting of the Drainage Board yesterday, on the application of the drivers, it was resolved to increase their wages to 9s per day, (this equates to about $80 per 5 day week in 2011) the general rate paid by other companies. An application was received from Mr J. Brokenshire (four years in the employ of the Board) to be apointed manager of the pumping station. It was resolved to invite applications for the position, returnable within one month

15 June 1901
... Joseph finds his neighbour, William White dead Fatality at Sealey Street

27 June 1905
... We are pleased to learn that Mr J. Brokenshire, who is under medical treatment at Auckland, is making satisfactory progress towards recovery, and is expected to return to the Thames very shortly

13 July 1905
... The Hon James McGowan presented a petition to-day from Messrs Joseph BROKENSHIRE, George COMER, Henry GOLDSWORTHY and W. H. LUCAS, asking for an amendment to the Mining Act, to empower the Board of Examiners to grant them first class mine managers certificate of which they claim they are entitled

24 April 1906
- KAUAERANGA -
... The annual meeting of the Kauaeranga School Committee was held last evening, there being a crowded attendance of householders, including a large number of ladies. Keen interest was taken in hte proceedings, and numbers were unable to obtain sitting accommodation ... A vote of thanks was passed to the out-going committee and carried by acclamation. The following members of the out-going committee stood for re-election: Joseph BROKENSHIRE, J. E. ENSOLL, E. J. MILNES, J. PRATT, T. A. WILLIAMS and J. L. WALTON. Nine being the number required the following nominations were received:- H. LOWE, E. J. EASTER, Wilfrid DANBY, George BUCKLAND, H. JORDAN, Charles SANDERS. The result of the election was as follows:
G. BUCKLAND 71
E. J MILNES 66
John W. DANBY 64
Rev T. A. WILLIAMS 56
E. J. EASTER 54
H. JORDAN 54
C. SANDERS 53
H. LOWE 51
J. ENSOLL 59
J. L. WALTON 47
J. BROKENSHIRE 38
J. PRATT 22
The first mentioned nine members were declared duly elected


4 May 1907
... Mr Joseph Brokenshire was appointed manager in charge of the Queen of Beauty pump and Mr MacDiarmid chief engineer, both appointments being subject to the approval of the Minister for Mines

15 February 1909
O'NEIL - BOWDEN - A very pretty wedding eventuated at the residence if the bride's parents on Saturday afternoon (13th), when Miss Mabel Bowden, step-daughter of Mr Joseph Brokenshire, was married to Mr J. O'Neil, eldest son of Mr P. O'Neil, of Broken Hill, Australia.
The impressive service was conducted by the Rev J. Blight. The bride, who was given away by her step-father, was handsomely gowned in a champagne mousseline peau de soie empire dress, with trimmings of wide filet insertion and ball edgings to match, while a girdle of ribbon of the same tone gave a most pleasing finish. Her hair was wreated in orange blossoms, over which fell a long tulle veil, while in place of the customary spray she carried a Bible.
The bridesmaids were Miss M. Brokenshire (step-sister of the bride), Misses Hazel Harris and Mavis Williams (nieces of the bride), the former in a crene silk voile dress, with creme isertion and ruched sleeves, and the two latter in creme crepe de chine, handsomely trimmed with filet insertion and creme silk, relieved with pale blue chiffon and tassels respectively. The bridesmaids carried handsome shower bouquets.
Mr A. Brokenshire, supported the bridegroom and Mr E. Kenny acted as groomsman.
After the ceremony an adjournment was made to the dining room, where a sumptuous wedding breakfast was partaken of, the happy couple subsequently leaving by the boat for Auckland en route for Broken Hill, where they will make their future home. The presents received were numerous and costly

11 January 1915
... On Jan. 11th, at his late residence, Sandes St., *Block 27, after a long illness, Joseph Brokenshire. Aged 61 years - No mourning by request of deceased

22 February 1915
FARMERS AUCTIONEERING COMPANY have received instructions from the Executors in the estate of Joseph Brokenshire (deceased) to sell the whole of his superior household furniture and effects, at the residence, Sandes street, Thames, on Wednesday, 24th Feb. at 2pm, consisting of - Drawing-room Suite of 3 pieces, Lounges, Rattan Chairs, Carpets, Hearth Rugs, Occasional Tables, Swinging lamp, very handsome Duchess Pairs with bevelled glass and ware, 3 Chests Drawers, Washstands and Ware, Double and Single B.M. Bedsteads, Dining Tables, Looking Glasses, Meat Safe, Curtains and Blinds, Large Kauri Dining Table on castors, Kitchen Tables, Dining Chairs, Coal Scuttle, Fenders and Irons, Dinner Sets, Crockery, Glassware, Cutlery, etc etc etc
ALSO, at 2.30 o'clock at same place, for sale without reserve, the property with 7-roomed kauri house thereon The property is 66 x 180 (20.12 metres x 54.86 metres), in orchard, detached wash-house, with boiler and copper set in. The house has recently been renovated, painted and papered throughout

8 May 1915
DEATH DUTIES - DECEASED PERSONS ESTATES
During the month of April the estates of 187 deceased persons were assessed for stamp duty ... and Joseph Brokenshire - ?1405 (2011 equivalent of about $187,000)

11 January 1916
... In loving memory of Joseph Brokenshire, who peacefully passed away on January 11th, 1915. - Inserted by his son, William Brokenshire
... In sad and loving memory of my dear father who departed this life on January 11th, 1915
Father is gone but not forgotten,
Nor is the good advice he gave,
Sweetest thoughts shall ever linger,
Around our darling father's grave.

Long days and nights he bore in pain,
To wait for cure was all in vain,
But God alone who thought it best
Did ease his pain and give him rest
"Safe in the arms of Jesus
- Inserted by his loving daughter, Millicent Kenny

9 September 1920
... HARRIS - On Sept. 9th, at Auckland, after a long illness, Annie, dearly loved wife of James Harris, late of Thames, and mother of Mr James Holden, Karaka Road, and eldest aughter of the late Mrs Joseph Brokenshire

* BLOCK 27 Thames settlement of many early miners
- from the wonderful site THAMES NZ Genealogy Resources