elfield on Family Tree Circles

William was a seaman. He was born in London c1863 and died in Wellington, NZ in 1933.

He married Kate PRIDEAUX in Sydney, Australia 5 Sept 1891.
Kate was born in Wellington.(Grandmother said they eloped.)

The couple went to England where their first 3 children were born: William (c1893-1930); Katie Emily Mary(c1895-c1985); Mabel Louisa May (c1896-1986).
They emigrated back to NZ in 1897. William became a carpet layer and was responsible for laying the carpets in Parliament Buildings in Wellington.
Their other children born in Wellington were: John James(1899-1925); George Edward(1900-1977); Alfred Harold Prideaux(1901-1929);Florence Elizabeth(1903-2001). The 3 sons William, John & Alfred all died of Tuberculosis.

If anyone can add to the information here, would appreciate input.

Hoping someone can confirm or add to the following information, please.
William ASHLEY was born c1864 in Lancashire.
Census in 1891 & 1901 have been found. William was a railway wagon maker - 1891 in Droylsden, Lancs; 1901 in Lancaster.
His parents were Richard ASHLEY and Ann HESKETH (I think).

Siblings were:Joseph(c1860); George(c1862); John(c1867); Elizabeth(c1869); Richard(c1872); Annie(c1874); SarahJane(c1876)

William married Faith HOGG 25/12/1886. They had 4 (5?) children:
John R(c1890);Mary E(c1894);William(c1900-c1936)(died of spinal meningitis);George Joseph(1902-1932)(drowned in Waikato River).
There was also 'Aunt Polly' - whether she was Mary E, or a 2nd daughter, I don't know. We didn't know about John.

The family emigrated to NZ sometime between 1902 and 1910 - after months of searching have not been able to find them on any passenger list.
Oral history has it that they first went to South Africa - haven't been able to find them on any lists with that destination.

Found William and Faith in Karori Cemetary: William died in 1922 & Faith 1933.

This is the report of how my grandfather died. My father was 7 at the time.
from the Patea & Waverly Press - August 19, 1932:
WAITARA FARMER DROWNED
HORSE IN FLOODED RIVER
Mr. George Ashley, A Tarata farmer, was seen to be swept downstream when he was swimming his horse across the Waitara River beyond Huiroa on Tuesday. His wife was on the riverbank at the time.
Mr. Ashley was thrown into the river, was caught by the current, and carried into the stream. He called out, "The gum boots have got me" as he sank. Mrs. Ashley was nearly frantic by this time, and would have jumped into the river had she not been restrained by Mr. J. Jacobs, a neighbouring farmer, who was waiting with her for Mr.
Ashley to return.
Mr. Ashley was wearing thigh gum boots and had a heavy pack of stores on his back.
Though he was a strong swimmer he had no hope once his boots filled. He was carried across the river and was on the outside of the bend below the ford when he disappeared.
His body has not been found.

These are the surnames I am researching. Have found a bit of detail on some - and reached a dead stop on others. My paternal grandfather George Joseph ASHLEY was born in Lancashire c 1902, emigrated to (family rumour) Sth Africa then to NZ where he died young (drowned in Patea River, NZ) 1932. His parents were William & Faith; Faith also went to NZ ( g/parents wedding cert). Married Florence Cook 1924.
Parents of paternal grandmother - Florence Elizabeth Hall COOK b 1903 were William Henry COOK & Kate PRIDEAUX. They married in Sydney 1891.

Maternal grandfather James SUNDERLAND b. 1904 emigrated from Lancashire to NZ (1924). He had a sister who emigrated to Ontario, Canada. His father was James and his grandfather was John Sunderland.

Husband's family FIELD & GIBB.
George Charles FIELD c 1900 died 1946 of wounds received WW2. His parents were Charles and Annie. They lived Christchurch NZ.
Maternal grandfather David GIBB c 1895 d. 1967; parents Robert GIBB and Mary STRANG - both born Scotland.

William Henry Cook was born in London about 1863. I have found an emigration (assisted) for William Cook age 19 on the 'Orontes' 1882. I am only guessing, as he married Kate Prideaux in Sydney, 1891. My grandmother's birth cert has William (father) as born in London.

My g grandmother was Kate Prideaux. She married William Henry Cook 1891 in Sydney. They lived in Wellington NZ - when they went there I don't know. According to my grandmother's birth cert, Kate was born in Wellington NZ. I have a copy of the Cook/Prideaux wedding cert on order, but any connections would be helpful. My grandmother was estranged from her family in 1924 and I have no information on them other than what is stated here.
Regards
Linda