written for Rob Abbott who wrote Looking for details on William Robert Abbott who was married to Rosanna Gertrude Abbott, maiden name Evans, lived in, I believe, Marton New Zealand around the beginning of the 1900s. Gertrude died in 1919. Had son called Victor Abbott who is my grand father, who was born in I believe, Dunedin NZ.
Any help would be greatly appreciated

William Robert ABBOTT (1867-1900)
was married in Christchurch, New Zealand on 19 Jan 1887 to
Roseanna Gertrude EVANS (1868-1919)
Roseanna/Rosanna was born in Christchurch on 2 Feb 1868 to Arthur Nathan Evans (1832-1901) & Emily Gillam (1845-1875) who married 10 April 1864.
. .Roseanna's siblings were ..
* 1866 - Henry Evans
* 1868 - 1919 Rosanna Gertrude Evans
* 1870 - James Evans
* 1872 - 1892 Frederick Thomas Evans
.. Frederick was adopted by Joseph (1822-1900) & Emma (1834-1919) Hauley, possibly after the death of his mother when he was 2. He died, as Gunner Evans of the Naval Volunteers, aged 19, on 2 July 1892 and is buried at Timaru as are Joseph & Emma.
* 1874 - 1875 Enoch William Evans (8 months)
* Roseanna's mother Emily, died on 18 March 1875 in Christchurch aged 30, 3 weeks before her baby Enoch. Rosanna was 7. Her brother Frederick was adopted out, maybe her brothers Henry (aged 9) & James (aged 5) were also fostered out, put into a home or adopted, as I have not found them to date. Not known what happened to Rosanna at that age. Six years later, her father Arthur re-married to Emma Gribbin (1847-1920) at The Manse, Christchurch on 10 Jan 1881 and had another 5 children
. . Roseanna's half siblings were ..
* 1881 - 1953 Eli Arthur Evans
.. At 17 Eli was working at the Islington Freezing Works when charged with stealing a letter containing money, the property of the Christchurch Meat Company. He later worked for the railways. In Oct 1902 he was in Christchurch Court for failing to make provision for his illegitimate child. He didn't marry. In June 1922
* 1883 - 1956 William Henry Ernest Evans
* 1884 - 1961 Edward John Evans
* 1888 - 1953 Mabel Fanny Evans
.. Mabel married Freeman Sefton (1891-1953) in St Paul's Christchurch in 1915. They lived at 454 Tuam St., Linwood not far from her parents. They died 3 weeks apart.
* 1892 - 1966 Ruhi Leonard Evans
.. Ruhi married Ruby 'Louisa' Sadler Austin (1895-1966) in 1914. However, she married as Ruby Louisa Evans. Her parents were Henry Austin & Mary Argue. They may have adopted her or she had previously married an 'Evans'. Ruhi & Louisa died a day apart, 20th & 21st April 1966 & buried Bromley.
* Roseanna's father Arthur Nathan Evans, died 19 Oct 1901 aged 69 at their home 24 Tuam St., Linwood and is buried Plot 31, Block 13 at Linwood cemetery with 2nd wife Emma who died 1 May 1920 aged 73 at their home 406 Tuam St., Linwood and with their son Eli

. . .children of William & Rosanna
born in Christchurch
. . ... 1 ..
1887 - Alexander Abbott
born 1 March 1887
Alexander moved to Australia. He tried to enlist in the Australian Navy in March 1904, saying he was 20 having been born 1 March 1884 in Christchurch NZ and had lived there all his life. However they queried the age discrepancy and wrote to his mother Roseanna. Her reply was: Christchurch, 18 May 1904, to Captain Robertson, H.M.S. 'Tauranga'. Dear Sir, we received your letter yesterday about my lad Alexander Abbott joining your ship. I am quite willing for him to join and he has my full consent. I have not the means to get the birth certificate but this the true age. He was born on March 1st in the year 1887, that makes him 17 years last March. Hoping dear sir that you take him. I remain yours truly. R. Abbott.
Perhaps they told Alexander to come back when he was 18 because he enlisted (for 5 years) on 1 March 1905, his 18th birthday. He was 5' 5½", light hair, blue eyes and his occupation was a 'farm boy'.
photo part of Rosanna's letter to the ANF May 1904

Alexander served as #61, Boy 2nd Class in the Australian Naval Force, Conflict: British Navy Era, 1788-1911. He embarked on the 'Tauranga', a Pearl-class cruiser of the Royal Navy. The vessel was originally named Phoenix and built by J & G Thomson, Glasgow and launched 28 Oct 1889. Renamed 2 April 1890 as Tauranga as part of the Auxiliary Squadron of the Australia Station. She arrived in Sydney with the squadron on 5 Sep 1891. Between 1901-1903 in reserve at Sydney before being assigned to the NZ division of the Australia Station. She left the Australia Station 14 Dec 1904. She was sold 10 July 1906 to be broken up for scrap.
photo HMS Tauranga in Tasmania 1902
death of Alexander not yet found. He was alive when his brother Spencer died in 1913, but not mentioned in 1919 when his mother died. He did not die in NZ.


. . ... 2 ..
1889 - 1889 Percy Abbott
born 3 Jan 1889
Percy died 15 March 1889 aged 10 weeks in Christchurch and is buried Plot 208C, Block 0 at Addington cemetery


. . ... 3 ..
1891 - 1971 Sidney Percival Abbott
born 24 Feb 1891
* sometimes written Sydney .. please note .. Sidney was not an All Black as I have seen on an online family tree. That was Harold Louis 'Bunny' Abbott (1882-1971), see footnote at end. When 'The Originals' toured the British Isles, France and USA in 1905-1906 Sidney was only 14.
* Sidney was a painter/paperhanger. He enlisted from 86 Liverpool Street, Wanganui and served twice in WWI. His NOK was his mother Roseanna at the Commercial Hotel, Wanganui when he first embarked in Oct-Dec 1914 as Private 10/480 with the Wellington Infantry Regiment. He was declared medically unfit for war in Egypt and was invalided home to Wanganui, April 1915. He re-enlisted and was at Trentham Camp when he was given his commission. He served as Second Lieutenant 9/1761 with the Wellington Infantry Regiment, embarking Jan-Feb 1916. In Dec 1916 he was reported as seriously ill/severe case, with little hope of recovery. He resigned his commission on 1 May 1917. In June 1917 he was struck off the strength and absorbed, with his original rank and authority as 2nd Lieutenant. In July 1917 he was the Hon. Secretary of the Athletic Football Club in Marton Junction, when he advertised an upcoming Euchre Party and Dance to be held at the Railway Social Hall, on 20 July at 8p.m. Gents 1/6, Ladies 1/-. Funds to go to the club. In Oct 1926 they were living at 23 Russell street, Marton, when he won 6th prize of £25 in the Art Union (Oct 2019 equivalent $2,500)
Sidney married Violet Emily Kendrick (1897-1939) on 26 April 1918. Violet was 1 of 9 children of Joseph Kendrick & Emily Belk. She died 9 June 1939 and is buried at Mt View, Marton with a daughter, Nira Doreen Newman (1926-2011).
photo of Sidney Percival Abbott outside the Wellington Town Hall in June 1926 when he was 35. I have cropped it from a bigger photo showing the group of delegates at the Annual General Meeting of Dominion Council (NZ RSA). The full photo can be seen here with zoom option. Sidney is in the middle of 2nd row from front.

Sidney died in Marton on 14 Aug 1971 aged 80 and is buried Plot 7, Row A, Block 1, RSA at Mt View Cemetery, Marton



. . ... 4 ..
1892 - 1967 Victor Abbott
born 1 April 1892
.. On 29 Sep 1903 Victor, aged 11 and 2 of his siblings, Irene & Spencer were admitted to the Wellington Receiving Home as their mother was unable to support them.
Victor married Ada Beatrice Edmonds (1906-1986) on 22 Aug 1925 in Christchurch. Ada was a daughter of Henry 'Harry' Edmonds & Elizabeth Jane Montgomery (1872-1948, buried Mt View Marton).
* Victor worked on the Railways as a Signalman/Porter. He enlisted for WWI from Marton 11 May 1916. He was one of 30 employees of the Railway Department who appealed the ballots against their staff having to serve due to the important work they did 'at home'. They were temporarily exempted in March 1917. Victor's appeal was dismissed in Oct 1917 as he was a 'no show' at the hearing and he served as Rifleman 69561 with the 34th Reinforcements, Otago Infantry Regiment, D Company, NZEF. His next of kin when he embarked in 1918, was his mother Roseanna c/o Post office, Marton Junction.
children of Victor & Ada, born in Marton
* 1926 - 1998 Nora Ivy Abbott (+ Lane)
* 1930 - Stanley Russell Abbott
* 1931 - 2019 Raymond Spencer Abbott (+ Pell)
* 1932 - 2005 Dorothy Irene Abbott (+ Barnett)
* 1936 - 2013 Coral May Abbott (+Law +Conroy)
* 1940 - 1964 Athol Allan Abbott (aged 23 at Gisborne)
* 1944 - 2017 Kenneth Leslie Abbott (Mt View)
Victor died 17 April 1967 in Gisborne aged 75 and is buried Plot 415, Block RSA at Taruheru cemetery
* Ada died 23 July 1986 in Waihi



. . ... 5 ..
1893 - 1989 Irene Gertrude 'Abby' Abbott
born 2 April 1893
.. On 29 Sep 1903 Irene, aged 10 and 2 of her siblings, Spencer & Victor were admitted to the Wellington Receiving Home as their mother was unable to support them.
Irene died in Wellington, 10 Aug 1989 aged 96 and is buried Plot 30/B, Section 01/2A at Makara cemetery



. . ... 6 ..
1894 - 1913 Spencer Abbott
born 28 May 1894
.. on 29 Sep 1903 Spencer, aged 9 and 2 of his siblings, Victor & Irene, were admitted to the Wellington Receiving Home as their mother was unable to support them.
* Spencer was a fireman on the Wanganui river steamers
Spencer died 10 May 1913 by drowning aged 18
NZ Herald, 13 May 1913
FATALITY AT PIPIRIKI News was received in Wanganui yesterday of a drowning accident which took place in the river on Saturday afternoon about 14 miles above Pipiriki. There was a flood in the river at the time. The steamer Wairau was negotiating a rapid when a fireman named Spencer Abbott, who had come on deck for a few moments, fell overboard. No one saw the accident happen, but Spencer was seen in the water. The river was in flood and the rapid was particularly turbulent, but a half-caste named Arthur Anderson bravely jumped overboard and endeavoured to reach the drowning man, who however, had sank and was seen no more. Spencer Abbott was only 19 years of age and sincere sympathy will be felt for his widowed mother and other relatives who reside in Wanganui
Wanganui Herald, 7 June 1913
ABBOTT - On the 10th May, accidentally drowned at Pipiriki, Spencer, fourth son of the late W. R. and of R. G. Abbott, aged 18 years. Friends are informed that the funeral will leave Hatrick's wharf on Monday at 12.30p.m. for the Wanganui General Cemetery.
NZ Herald, 9 June 1913
BODY FOUND The police have received word that the body of Spencer Abbott, the young man drowned at Pipiriki on May 10, was found yesterday at Pipiriki. An inquest will be held to-morrow.
.. The Inquest
Spencer is buried at Heads Road cemetery, Wanganui.
His headstone reads In loving memory of Spencer, fourth son of W. R. and R. G. Abbott accidentally drowned at Pipiriki, 10th May 1913 aged 18 years. 'Gone but not forgotten'.
Wanganui Herald, 11 May 1914
ABBOTT - In loving memory of Spencer Abbott, who was accidentally drowned at Pipiriki, Wanganui River on May 10 1912(sic). Gone but not forgotten. Never shall his memory fade; Loving thoughts will ever linger, Round the grave where he is laid. Inserted by his mother, sister and brothers.
photo credit Sherron Harrison


. . ... 7 ..
1899 - 1899 Ellen Abbott
born 23 Oct 1899
Ellen died in Christchurch, 13 Nov 1899 aged 20 days and is buried Plot 1175C, Block 0 at Addington cemetery

On 31 Aug 1899 (probably earlier as well), they were living at the Chester St., Fire Brigade Station when Roseanna won a 'fancy teapot' in the Crown Brand Tea Prize Competition with 23 tea coupons (the winner won a Lady's silver watch with 194 coupons)

WILLIAM ROBERT ABBOTT died 7 Oct 1900 aged 43
Star, 8 Oct 1900 SUDDEN DEATH OF A FIREMAN
When the Fire Brigades were at work at the fire in Sydenham on Saturday evening, a painful sensation was caused when it became known that Mr William Abbott, who was the engineer engaged in driving the steam engine 'Extinguisher', had fallen dead. It seems that he had recently been complaining of pains in the region of the heart and on Saturday evening, when he was at his work at the engine, he suddenly staggered and fell, dying almost instantly. The deceased leaves a wife and five children, the eldest of whom is thirteen (Alexander). He was a very capable and energetic man and had been for a number of years a member of the Chester Street Brigade.
An inquest was held at the Club Hotel, Sydenham at 5p.m. yesterday, before Mr R. Beetham, coroner. John Owen, fireman, stated that he was a comrade of the deceased and lived at the Chester Street Station. The deceased was an engineer on the steam engine 'Extinguisher'. Witness was at the fire in Sydenham on Friday evening and the deceased was there also. When witness was returning to town with deceased that evening, the latter complained of pains in his chest. At the time of the Papanui fire, the deceased had pains in his chest so severely that he fell down. Alexander Russell, foreman for the Sydenham Borough Council, stated that he was standing by the engine at the fire on Saturday night. The deceased was driving the engine and when witness went up to ask him a question, he seemed to stagger and then fell. Witness opened his collar and carried him into Taylor's boot shop. He was then unconscious and witness called Dr Gane, who arrived immediately. Dr Gane stated that he was called to see the deceased on Saturday evening and found him dead. He had made a post-mortem examination. The cause of death was heart disease, probably brought to a climax by the excitement and exertion in connection with the fire. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

South Canterbury Times, 8 Oct 1900
About 8 o'clock last night a fire broke out in Colombo street, Sydenham, in a store and stables owned by Mr Gill and occupied by Mr William West. The buildings were completely destroyed. During the progress of the fire, engineer Wm. Abbott of the Christchurch Fire Brigade, fell down in a fainting fit while driving the 'Extinguisher' engine. He was carried into a shop close by and medical aid summoned, but he expired without regaining consciousness. He had been in the brigade a number of years and leaves a wife and five young children.
photo Colombo Street 1900

Press, 8 Oct 1900
HE FALLS AT HIS POST On Saturday evening at the fire in Colombo street, an engineer named William Abbott, while driving the fire engine 'Extinguisher', fell back suddenly to the ground, striking his head with considerable force upon the road. Several men rushed up and finding Abbott unconscious took him in the W. Tayler's boot-maker's shop close by and laid him on the floor. The man's clothing was loosened and he was given stimulants, but failed to show any signs of returning consciousness. Under the direction of Acting-Superintendent Kennedy and a fireman, artificial respiration was continued for some time, but this attempt at resuscitation failed also. Meanwhile a messenger had run over to Dr Gane's house on the opposite side of the road, but the doctor was not at home. Dr Morton Anderson was also telephoned for. Sr Anderson arrived about a quarter to nine and he was followed by a few minutes after by Dr Gane. After a brief examination the medical gentlemen could only declare that the man was dead. The ambulance stretcher was sent for and on its arrival Abbott was conveyed to the Club Hotel.
Abbott was a married man with a large family. He had been a member of the Fire Brigade and about a year ago joined again after a spell. He had been feeling unwell all the week, but he would accompany his engine to the fire.
photo Christchurch Fire Brigade c1890s before the steam engine 'Extinguisher' that William drove

Star, 9 Oct 1900 As will be seen by a notification, the funeral of Engineer William Abbott, will take place today at 2.30p.m. instead of 1.30p.m. as previously advertised. It will leave the Chester Street Station for the Linwood Cemetery.
The flags at the Fire Brigade Stations were flying at half-mast today on account of the death of Mr William Abbott, whose funeral took place this afternoon.
THE FUNERAL A large crowd gathered at the Chester Street Fire Brigade Station yesterday afternoon, on the occasion of the funeral of Fireman William Abbott, who died suddenly at his post on Saturday evening. The coffin, which was of polished wood and was covered with beautiful floral wreaths, was carried on the 'Beltana' engine and rested upon the Union Jack. The engine was followed by about thirty-five firemen and ex-firemen of the Christchurch Brigade, while representatives from Lyttelton and Sumner were also present. A mourning coach, containing the relatives of the deceased, came next and was followed by several private vehicles. The burial service of the Church of England was read at the Linwood Cemetery by the Ven. Archdeacon Lingard.
William is buried Plot 13, Block 16A at Linwood cemetery

* On 9 Oct 1900 at the City Council Meeting, 9 Oct 1900, the motion of Councillor Gray (Charles Mathew Gray 1853-1918, Mayor of Christchurch 1891), seconded by Councillor Samuels (William Epthorp Samuels 1833-1917, 1 of the founders of the Christchurch Fire Brigade in 1860), a sum of £25 was voted to the widow and children of the late Engineer Abbott. He said the deceased left a widow and a family of five children, who were unfortunately not good circumstances (Oct 2019 equivalent of $4,880).
* Money for Roseanna, 9 Oct 1900 At the Opera House last night the Dix Gaiety Company repeated their Saturday evening programme. All the items went well. Mr Dix has decided to give a benefit on Friday evening next to the widow and children of the late Engineer Abbott.
* Subscription lists, in aid of the widow and family of the late Fireman Abbott, are lying at both stations of the Christchurch Fire Brigade and Acting-Superintendent Kennedy will be glad to receive and acknowledge any subscriptions. The Mayor of Christchurch has given his patronage to the entertainment to be given by Mr Dix's Gaiety Company at the Opera House tomorrow evening in aid of the funds.
NOTE There was standing room only at the Opera House and after expenses and salaries were taken out a cheque for £50 9s 9d was handed to the Fire Brigade to be given to Roseanna for her and her children (Oct 2019 equivalent $9,560).
* On 18 Oct 1900 The Woolstons Band played a programme of selections at the Rotunda, commencing at 8p.m. and a collection was taken up by members of the Fire Brigade in aide of Roseanna and children. This raised £2 1s 1d (Oct 2019 equivalent $402).
* On 27 Oct 1900 The total subscriptions of the town folk and business to the late Engineer 'W. R. Abbott Fund' who died suddenly at the fire at Sydenham, amounted to £87 2s 3d (Oct 2019 equivalent $16,650).
* On Sat night, 30 Oct 1900, the Engineers Band gave a performance in the Market Square on behalf of the Abbott Benefit Fund, raised £4 8s (Oct 2019 equivalent $920)


Roseanna Abbott moved north to Wellington, Palmerston North, Wanganui and Marton Junction.
On 29 Sep 1903 in Wellington Court Three children from the one family were committed this morning by the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court, Spencer (aged 9), Irene (aged 10) and Victor (aged 11) Abbott, to the Wellington Receiving Home. The secretary of the Benevolent Trustees, who was present, explained that the mother was unable to support the children.
* The other children still living were Alexander then aged 16 and about to head to Australia and Sidney was 12.
NOTE The Wellington Receiving Home Nominal Rolls hold the details of the committal of children under the Industrial School Acts 1901 - 1915. Each entry in the rolls records the date the child was committed, their age, status, place etc and can be ordered here .. Archives NZ


Roseanna Gertrude Abbott had a son
. . ... 8 ..
1905 - 1983 George 'Arthur' Douglas Abbott
born 1 June 1905
George married Gladys Belinda Reynolds (1912-1969) on 10 April 1931. Gladys was born in Horowhenua, 1 of 8 children of John Henz/Henry Reynolds & Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Plummer.
children of George & Gladys
* 1931 - 1966 Victor Douglas Abbott (Hamilton Park cemetery)
* 1932 - 2019 Beverly Dawn Abbott
.. Beverly married Trevas Ross Abbott (1924-1993), son of William Henry Abbott (1886-1966) & Constance Dorothy Bishop (1898-1944) of Carterton. She died 31 Jan 2019 at the Ranfurly Veterans Hospital and buried North Shore Memorial Park, Section 6, Bronze E, Row B, Plot 29 with Trevas.
* ? Marion Abbott
* George was a Fireman living at 49 Greenwood St., Frankton Junction, Waikato, when he was called up for National Service WWII, Sep 1942 (533467)
* Gladys died 21 Dec 1969 aged 57 and is buried MAGN-18-64 at Hamilton Park Cemetery
George died 21 May 1983 in Hamilton, Waikato aged 77. His last address was 56 Mount View Road, Melville, Hamilton. He is buried CHRRY-37-67 at Hamilton Park Cemetery


ROSEANNA GERTRUDE ABBOTT died 17 July 1919 aged 51
Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, 17 July 1919 ABBOTT - On July 17th, at her residence Alexandra Street, Marton Junction, Rosanna Gertrude, relict of William Robert Abbott, of Christchurch, in her 51st year, after a long and painful illness - Palmerston and Christchurch papers please copy.

18 July 1919 It is notified that the funeral of the late Rosanna Gertrude Abbott will leave her late residence at Marton Junction at 2.30 p.m. to-morrow.
the cemetery not yet found

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, 24 July 1919 All accounts against the Estate of the late Roseanna Gertrude Abbott, Marton Junction, to be rendered in triplicate not later than August 8th or they will not be recognised. S. P. Abbott, Railway Station, Marton Junction

24 July 1919 NOTICE OF THANKS
On behalf of my sister (Irene), brother (George) and brother on active service (Victor) and myself, we wish to thank the Patriotic Society and the many friends for their kind help and assistance during our mother's painful illness and for all messages of sympathy and floral tributes during our sad bereavement and to especially thank the District Nurse, Mrs A. Grant and Mrs J. Kendrick (Sidney's mother-in-law) for the untiring, ceaseless watch to the last; also Mr W. F. Green - S. P. Abbott (Sidney Percival), Marton Junction.


. . .. . FOOTNOTE . .
Harold Louis 'Bunny' Abbott was born 17 June 1882 in Camerontown, Waikato, to William Abbott & Annie McGuiness. He played rugby union for Taranaki and Wanganui and was one of The Originals, the All Black team which toured British Isles, France & USA 1905-1906. He was the uncle of NZ rugby league international player Edwin Frederick Abbott (1908-1995), who was the son of his brother, Frederick Edwin Abbott (1885-1976) & Violet Daphne Jesty. Harold Louis 'Bunny' Abbott died in Palmerston North 16 Jan 1971 aged 88 and is buried at Kelvin Grove
photo The Originals on tour in 1905. Harold Louis Abbott is sitting 2nd on left .. use this zoom