John Howard WALLACE (1816-1891)
- was born in Liverpool, England 11 February 1816 & educated in Birmingham, a son of John WALLACE (1788-1880) & Elizabeth ROLLASON (1781-1855) who married in Solihull in 1810. His siblings were: William Ellerslie Wallace (1814-1882), James Bruce Wallace (1819-1888), Marian Rollason Wallace (1821-1859, who was to marry his partners, S. S. S. White (?-1842) & later (as a widow) James Smith in 1846), Helen Wallace (?-?) & Robert Douglas Wallace (1823-1876)

- John Howard Wallace arrived in Wellington 22 Jan 1840 on the AURORA

John married in Wellington in 1848 to:
Sarah Anne STANTON (1820-1898)

the children of JOHN & SARAH
6 of them dying in 1865 from Scarlet Fever (5 of them in 19 days)
... 1
1851 - 1854 Elizabeth Louisa Wallace
... On Saturday, the 15th July 1854, Elizabeth Louisa, eldest daughter of Mr J. H. Wallace, aged three years and three months (result of an accident)
- Elizabeth is buried Plot 3406, Section C of E at Bolton street cemetery


... 2
1852 - 1893 Harriette Helen Wallace
- born 13 April 1852 at Priory Cottage, Boulcott Street
- Harriette married John Bateman HARCOURT (1845-1928) in 1872
- John Bateman Harcourt was born in Leamington, Warwickshire, and left England when very young, arriving in Australia in 1856. He was educated in Melbourne, and learned the business of a soft goods warehouseman at Messrs. Sargood and Company's establishment in that City.
In 1866 Mr. Harcourt came to Wellington (... more at his link above)
John was the founder, in 1888, of Harcourt and Co, Auctioneers, Land, Estate, and Financial Agents, Valuators, Sharebrokers, etc., Colonial Mutual Buildings, corner of Lambton Quay and Panama Street. Two sons, Gordon and Stanton later joined him and by early 1900s it boasted five trading divisions
- their known children:
1874 - Frederick Ernest Howard Harcourt
1877 - 1965 Charles James 'Stanton' Harcourt
1878 - Evelyn Alice Marian Harcourt
1884 - Beatrice Grace Lillian Harcourt
1885 - Harold Wallace Harcourt
1890 - 1963 John 'Gordon' Harcourt
HARRIETTE died 23 June 1893 aged 41
JOHN died 2 May 1928 aged 83
- they are buried Plot 203, Section CH ENG at Karori cemetery (see photo)


... 3
1853 - 1865 Marian Stanton Wallace
... At Priory Cottage, on the 2nd August 1853, Mrs J. Howard Wallace, of a daughter
... on the 18th May 1865, of scarlet fever, at the residence of her father, Boulcott street, Marian Stanton, the second daughter of Mr J. H. Wallace, of this city. Aged eleven years and nine months. His friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of his beloved daughter which will leave his residence, Boulcott-street, to-morrow (Saturday the 20th inst, 1865) at 3 o'clock p.m.
- Marian is buried Plot 3403, Section C of E at Bolton street cemetery


... 4
1855 - 1865 John Howard Wallace
... on the 19th May 1865, of scarlet fever, at the residence of his father, Boulcott street, John Howard, aged ten years and nine months, eldest son of Mr J. H. Wallace, of this city
- John is buried Plot 3403, Section C of E at Bolton street cemetery


... 5
1856 - 1903 Robert 'Bruce' Wallace
26 July 1879 It is officially announced that the Government have accepted the services of the Wellington Guards and the Feilding Rifle Volunteers. Mr Robert Bruce Wallace has been appointed Sub-Lieutenant of the Wellington Naval Brigade
... Youths between 12 and 17 years of age who are desirous of joining the Cadet Corps in connection with the Naval Brigade are requested to make written application to Captain Charles Johnston not later than Tuesday 25th Nov 1879 - R. Bruce Wallace, Hon Secretary, Wellington Naval Brigade
- Robert was also the agent for the National Insurance Company
12 March 1885 Mr R. Bruce Wallace has entered into partnership with his father Mr J. H. Wallace in Hunter-street, Wellington, and personally conducts the auctioneering department of the concern. Since his advent into the firm the business has rapidly increased, auction sales being held daily at the rooms, Hunter-street and good sales being effected.
- Bruce was a licensed austioneer and later took over his father's firm of J. H. Wallace and Co. but left Wellington on 9 August 1886 on the 'Kentish Lass' (as Purser of the vessel) heading for the Kimberley goldfields (discovered in Hall's Creek, Western Austrlia in 1885)
26 January 1903 BENDIGO ADVERTISER DEATH OF Robert Bruce Wallace
... On Saturday at the Bendigo Hospital Mr. W. Webb. J.P., conducted a magisterial inquiry touching the death of the man named Robert Bruce Wallace, an insurance agent, who died somewhat suddenly on Friday at his residence, Lucan-street. Gordon Lindsay, a clerk, residing at Emu Point, gave evidence of identification, and stated that he had known Wallace for a period of about nine years (about 1894). On Friday afternoon he called at deceased's place with an ambulance car, for the purpose of conveying him to the Bendigo Hospital. Witness assisted deceased to his legs, and began to dress him, when he exclaimed:? "I can't stand this; get me some brandy." His breathing became worse, and he collapscd and quickly succumbed, without touching the brandy. Deceased had been suffering for about seven months from an affection of the lungs, and resided with an old man named William Matthews. He had acted as an insurance agent until ill-health compelled him to desist. Lately he had been treated at the hospital by Dr Rigby for pneumonia. Although he is said to have had influential relatives in Scotland, he died penniless and he left no property, but his relatives were in good circumstances, and witness had communicated with them.
Dr. H. L. Atkinson, who made a post mortem examination, said that the body was extremely emaciated. The lungs were very extensively affected with tubercular disease, which was in an advanced stage. This was the cause of death. A verdict in agreement with this testimony was recorded.
21 February 1903 the ARGUS (Melbourne)
... WALLACE - On the 23rd of January at Bendigo, Robert Bruce, eldest surviving son of the late John Howard Wallace, of Wellington, N.Z., aged 46 years. Wellington, N.Z., papers please copy.
5 March 1903 EVENING POST (Wellington)
... Mr R. Bruce Wallace (son of the late Mr J. Howard Wallace, one of Wellington's early settlers) died recently at Bendigo. Mr Bruce Wallace was for some years manager of the National Insurance Conpany's branch in Wellington and was one of the first officers of the Wellington navals


... 6
1857 - 1865 George Frederick Wallace
on the 20th May 1865, at the residence of his father, Boulcott street, George Frederick, aged seven years and six months, third son of Mr J. H. Wallace of this city
- George is buried Plot 3403, Section C of E at Bolton street cemetery


... 7
1859 - 1865 James Douglas Wallace
... At Priory Cottage, Wellington Terrace, on the 7th Jan 1859, the wife of J, H, Wallace Esq., of a son
on 8 August 1865, at his father's residence, Priory Cottage, Boulcott-street, James Douglas, aged 6 years and 9 months, fourth son of Mr J. H. Wallace, M.P.C. of this city. The funeral will leave at 3 o'clock p.m. to-morrow (Thursday), the 10th inst.
- James is buried Plot 3406, Section C of E at Bolton street cemetery


... 8
1860 - 1865 Alice Pennington Wallace
on 24th May 1865, of scarlet fever, at the residence of her father, Priory Cottage, Boulcott street, Alice Pennington, aged five years, fourth daughter of Mr J. H. Wallace, of this city
- Alice is buried Plot 3403, Section C of E at Bolton street cemetery


... 9
1861 - 1865 William Stanton Wallace
on the 5th May 1865, William Stanton, aged three years and seven months, youngest son of Mr J. H. Wallace, of this city. His Friends are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral which will leave his residence, Priory Cottage, Boulcott street, to-morrow, the 6th inst., at 3 o'clcok p.m.
- William is buried Plot 3403, Section C of E at Bolton street cemetery


... 10
1865 - ? John Wallace ?
(still researching any other names, can you help?)
- he was born 18 May 1865, the day before, or day of, the death of his 10 year old brother, John Howard Wallace and so part, at least, of his name was probably dedicated to him. We know his name was John as mentioned in his father's obituary but his name was not recorded in the BDM index and nothing else known at this time except he was in England at the death of his father (1891, making him then aged 26) but was back in 1898 as a 'chief mourner' at his mother's funeral.
Also, in 1929, John's daughter-in-law (he only had 2 sons alive and it doesn't seem that Bruce married) Mrs W. H. Wallace donated an enlarged portrait of her father-in-law, the late Mr John Howard Wallace to the Early Settlers and Historical Association of Wellington. I believe this could be a mistake. The only W. H. Wallace found was William Henry, son of John's brother Douglas Wallace. (William Henry Wallace married Emily Mary Eliza Dixon in 1896)


TIMELINE
27 September 1848 John was one of the signatures on a letter to the Editor of the 'New Zealand Spectator' incensed at the publication of an anonymous letter which "contained a most gross, unprovoked and unjustifiable attack upon Mr Fitzherbert ...

in February 1865 John was a Land and Estate Agent, Auctioneer, Stock and Share Broker, Valuator, Assessor, Commission Agebt and General Merchant, selling extensive items of miscellaneous articles including clothing, watches, jewellery and plated goods in Lambton Quay, Wellington. He was also the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Market Board. He stood and addressed a meeting of Mr Borlase's friends at Barry's Market Hall on the necessity which existed for a radical reform in the Land Regulations

in March 1865 John sold at his Auction mart, ten of the N.Z. Steam navigation Company's shares at only ?4 10s per share (Dec 2012 equivalent of $430), being nearly 50% below par. He was also the Secretary of the Agricultural Show which was being held at Messrs Bethune and Hunter's yards and the Horticultural Show which was being held the same day at the Oddfellows Hall

in May 1865 ... We regret to observe by our obituary notice that an esteemed fellow-citizen is suffering from the visitation of that pestilential scourge, scarlet fever, which has been for the past few months desolating the once happy homes of the dwellers in our hitherto healthy city. Mr J. H. Wallac? affliction is great indeed, On the 18th inst, Marian Stanhope, in her twelfth year, became its victim, followed on the 19th by her brother, John Howard, aged 10 years and 9 months; and this 20th instant, the disconsolate father mourns the loss of his third son, George Frederick, aged 7 years and 6 months

12 July 1865 ... Meeting of the Provincial Council. The Provincial Government, having sold the Government Buildings to the General Government, the Council met in the Supreme Court House, Lambton Quay, which had kindly been placed at the disposal of his Honor the Superintendent by his Honor Justice Johnson, who had added to the favour he had conferred by allowing the members the use of his own private chambers.
A large number of people crowded the Strangers' Gallery while his Honor read his speech.
The following are the names of the members who attended:-
* James ALLISON
* Charles B. BORLASSE
* Alfred de B. BRANDON (Provincial Solicitor)
* Henry BUNNY
* Richard BURT
* George CRAWFORD
* William D. DOWELL
* J. DRANSFIELD
* Steven FAGAN
* William FITZHERBERT
* A. W. Follet HALCOMBE (Provincial Secretary)
* William HICKSON
* George HUNTER
* J. JOHNSTON
* Thomas KELLS
* Alfred LUDLAM
* Joseph MASTERS
* William MILNE
* Edward PEARCE
* J. B. READING
* William B. RHODES
* Robert STOKES
* William Waring TAYLOR (elected as Speaker of the House)
* Walter TURNBULL
* John Howard WALLACE (was elected to take the Chair)
* Robert P. WELCH

in August 1875 John is a local Councillor

16 March 1880 - DEATH of John's father
... Another of the veteran founders of the colony has passed from our midst. We refer to Mr John Wallace, father of Mr J. H. Wallace, the auctioneer, who died today in his ninety-second year, at his residence, Boulcott-street. Mr Wallace, who was an old person friend of the late Dr Feathersotn, arrived in the colony in the Amelia Thompson, 3 Sep 1841 (with his son Robert Douglas Wallace 1823-1876). Capt Dawson, in 1841. He resided for some time in New Plymouth and Nelson, finally settling in Wellington, where his family is located. When a Constitutional Government was granted to New Zealand, Mr Wallace was elected one of the city members in the first Provincial Council. For several years he had charge of the Provincial Treasury and was voted by the Council a retiring pension.
Mr Wallace's habits were unassuming and studious, and he was well known among our leading citizens in the early days of the settlement. At home he was known as a frequent contributor to the scientific journals of his day, especailly for some valuable papers upon optics. He also envinced considerable devotion to art studies, and his paintings were very much admired. He was a Fellow of the local Society of Arts at Birmingham, and was in the habit of contributing art critiques to the journals of that town, Mr Wallace was born on the 14th December, 1788, and passed away peacefully in a fine old age, to which it is permitted to a very rare few to attain. 19 March 1880 ... The remains of the late Mr John Wallace were interred this morning in the English cemetery, the Ven Archdeacon Stock officiating. The funeral was strictly provate.
- John is buried Plot 3406, Section C of E at Bolton street cemetery
NOTES
* John's wife, Elizabeth nee Rollason, aged 60, and his daughter Marian Rollason Wallace, aged 19 arrived into Nelson on the Fifeshire 1 Feb 1842.
* Wallace Place in New Plymouth was named after him

in October 1882 the Mt Cook Council authorised the formation of a street named Howard Street (named after John). It served east-west traffic, extending Drummond St over to Wallace St until 1980s when through traffic was again blocked

24 July 1888 DEATH of John's brother
... We have once again to record the death of an old and well-known colonist, in the person of Mr James Bruce Wallace, brother of Mr John Howard Wallace, whose body was found some time before noon to-day on the foreshore, at low tide, at a point behind the Corporation yards, Te Aro. The remains were discovered by a person who telephoned the intelligence to the police, but who unfortunately did not give his name. Mounted-Constable May was dispatched to the spot indicated and removed the body to the Morgue, where it awaits the usual inquest, which will be held by the District Coroner to-morrow morning at 9.30. The face of the deceased gentleman bears evidence that he sustained considerable injury, caused most probably by falling over the breastwork on to the stones of the retaining wall. There is a large, ugly gash over the right temple, besides other, but minor, cuts and bruises on the face. The only effects found upon the deceased were a memorandum-book and a box of matches and a copy of the Evening Post of yesterday. An entry in the tradesman's book shows that Mr Wallace left his watch to be repaired at the shop of Mr Freeman, watchmaker, Manners-street yesterday. He was in the Working Men's CLub yesterday shortly before 3 o'clock and stated his intention of seeing some friends off by the Melbourne bound steamer, and the supposition is that he must have gone along Victoria-street for the purpose of seeing the last of the vessel upon which these friends were, and, being in a weak state of health, overbalanced himself, and so have fallen into the harbour and been drowned. The water thereabouts being very shallow, the receding tide left the body where it was found. The clothes, papers, &c. were thoroughly saturated with sea water. Mr Wallace, who was a well-known personage in the city, was the third son of the late Mr John Wallace, who died in Wellington in March 1880 aged 92 years. He did not arrive in the colony till 1860, and subsequently was a younger colonist by 20 years than were his father and brothers.
By profession he was a civil engineer and before leaving Home he constructed some waterworks for the town of Birmingham, another of his engineering works being the erection of a lengthy iron bridge at Powick (opened in 1837). On his arrival in Wellington, from England, the late Mr Wallace joined his brother in sheep-farming pursuits on the East Coast; but a pastoral life was not a congenial one to him; and he returned to Wellington in 1868, where he has resided ever since engaged in the pursuit of his profession, but unfortunately for himself only in a desultory and half-hearted manner. Many years ago the deceased was regarded as a crack cricket player, and even at Home he captained the first eleven of his county, where he was regarded as a thoroughly good all-round player. Mr Wallace was 69 years of age at the time of his death, and had never been married. The body was this afternoon identified by several friends of the deceased gentleman

9 June 1891 DEATH of John Howard Wallace
... WALLACE - On the 9th June, at his late residence Woolcombe-street, John Howard Wallace, one of the oldest identities in Wellington, died from heart disease, aged 75 years
JOHN'S OBITUARY
... Another well-known figure in the community has passed over the the great majority in the person of Mr John Howard Wallace, who breathed his last at his residence in Woolcombe-street shortly after 3 o'clock this morning. The deceased was one of the early settlers in New Zealand, having been a resident of the colony for over 50 years, and no one was better able to describe its rise and progress. The deceased gentleman was the son of Mr John Wallace, the descendant of an old Scottish family, and was born in Liverpool on the 11th February 1816. His father afterwards removed to Birmingham, where the son received his education. After leaving school the subject of this notice was apprenticed to Mr James Drake, bookseller and law stationer, of 52 New-street, Birmingham, and remained in his service for seven years. The establishment of Mr Drake was frequented by a number of leading people, and Mr Wallace was brought into contact with many persons who took a prominent part in the great political reform which did so much good for the Brisitsh people. While he was in Mr Drake's employment he was selecgted by that gentleman to make notes and sketches in connection with the issue of two railway guidebooks, which were amongst the first publications of the kind ever issued in England, and in pursuance of his duties he spent six months very pleasantly indeed perambulating over the railroads from Birmingham to Liverpool and Manchester, and from Birmingham to London. The Guides were edited by a Miss Twamley from the notes which he had made during his travels, and the sketches which he had taken at the same time were prepared for the books by his own father. While engaged in travelling the lines of railway referred to, he made the acquaintance of Mr S. White, who was a traveller for the firm of Messrs Lucas and Co., of Bristol and Birmingham, and they then decided to emigrate together.
In the middle of July 1839, Mr Howard severed his connection with Mr Drake's establishment, and on the 18th of September of the same year he embarked for New Zealand in the Aurora, which arrived in Port Nicholson on the 22nd of January 1840, Mr White, who subsequently married one of his sisters (Marian Rollason Wallace 1821-1859), being a fellow passenger. Soon after landing he and Mr White entered into partnership as general merchants here, their place of business being on Lambton-quay, and subsequently a branch was opened at Nelson, Mr White going over to manage it in 1842. Mr White died there and Mr James Smith, who had married the widow (on 18 March 1846), became Mr Wallace's partner (this was James Smith who founded the firm, James Smith and Co, the management of which John Howard Wallace controlled). The partnership was eventually dissolved and Mr Smith went to England. Mr Wallace continued the business on his own account for some years, and his son Bruce then entered into partnership with him as auctioneers, commission agents, & c., their estlablishment being in Hunter-street. Mr Wallace, sen., retired from commercial life about eight years ago, and for some years past he had resided in Woolcombe-street.
For about two years before his death he had been ailing and at times his health was such as to cause the greatest anxiety to his relatives and friends. About ten days ago he was obliged to take to his bed and although Dr Collins, who had attended him for a considerable period, did all that medical skill could avail, he gradually sank, and breathed his last this morning, having been unconscious for some hours previosuly. His age was 75. The immediate cause of death was heart disease.
The late Mr Wallace was one of those who bore a good share of the heat and burden of early colonisation, his constant desire being to further the interests of his adopted country. He took an active part in local politics, and was for eight years Chairman of Committees in the Wellington Provincial Council, in which capacity he performed valuable public service. He was also at one time a member of the Town Board, and for many years he was on the Commission of the Peace. In the early days an association was formed in Wellington to draw up a position to the House of Commons, praying that a Constitiution whould be framed for New Zealand, and Mr Wallace was one of the most active members of the organisation, many of whose suggestions were embodied in the Constitution subsequently granted to the colony. Mr Wallace also took a lively interest in the various gatherings which were held to celebrate the anniversary of the colony, and his face and form were conspicuous at the Jubliee festivites last year. He acted as one of the secretaries of the movement and was one of the four gentlemen who received an illuminated address in recognition of the services rendered in connection with the celebration.
The late Mr Wallace was married in Wellington and his wife survives him. A large family was born, but only three of them are now living - one daughter, the wife of Mr J. B. Harcourt, of Wellington, Mr Bruce Wallace, who is in Melbourne and Mr John Wallace, at present in England. Six of the family were carried off by the malignant fever epidemic which was experienced many years ago and another died from the effect of an accident.
The deceased was an energetic citizen, and was much respected. From the time of his arrival to his last illness, he made it his business to obtain as much information as he possibly could concerning the rise and progress of the colony, and he was the principal author of "The Early History of New Zealand," (and other writings) a work which furnishes a vast quantity of valuable data. He also prepared a manuel of the same work for use in the schools.
The funeral will leave the deceased's late residence in Woolcombe-street at 11 a.m. on Thursday
- John had no fewer than three early streets name after him - John Street, Howard Street and Wallace Street
NOTES
* A longer Obituary for John
* Read his book online Manual of New Zealand history (1886)

2 August 1898 DEATH of John's wife
... WALLACE - On 2nd August, at her residence, Buller street, Sarah Ann, relict of the late J. H. Wallace; aged 78 years
... The funeral of the late Mrs John Howard Wallace took place to-day in the Bolton-street Cemetery, the chief mourners being Mr J. B. Harcourt (whose late wife was a daughter of Mr and Mrs Wallace) and his sons. The Rev W. C. Waters, assisted by the Rev A. N. Johnson, conducted a short service in St Peter's Church, and the former vicar also officiated at the gravesite. The coffin was covered with wreaths, principally sent by old settlers


NOTES
* In 1883 Priory Cottage was no more. On its site was erected a large, substantial, residence of very imposing appearance. The wooden building was of two stories with 14 rooms, ornamental marble mantel pieces with magnificent views of the whole of the harbour and the servants quarters kept distant from the front with separate staircase from the kitchen to their bedrooms

* the Wallace tomb in Bolton Street Cemetery (to the memory of six of the family) bears the words of Longfellow's poem, "The Reaper and the Flowers."
Sacred to the memory of the beloved children of John Howard & Sarah Ann WALLACE, carried off by scarlet fever 1865.
* William Stanton WALLACE, d. 5 May 1865, aged 3 years & 7 months
* Marian Stanton WALLACE, d. 18 May 1865, aged 11 years & 9 months
* John Howard WALLACE, d. 19 May 1865, aged 10 years & 2 months
* George Frederick WALLACE, d. 20 May 1865, aged 7 years & 7 months
* Alice Pennington WALLACE, d. 24 May 1865, aged 4 years & 11 months
* James Douglas WALLACE, d. 8 August 1865, aged 6 years & 9 months
"Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for such is the kingdom of God "


John Howard Walllace died 9 June 1891 aged 74
- he is buried Plot 3404, Section C of E at Bolton street cemetery
Sarah Ann Wallace died 2 August 1898 aged 78
- she is buried Plot 3404, Section C of E at Bolton street cemetery
their HEADSTONE READS:
In loving remembrance of my dear husband,
John Howard WALLACE, who d.9 June 1891, a.74 years
"He shall return no more to his house, Neither shall his place know him any more. Job.VII.10"
"But the righteous hath hope in his death. Prov. XIV. 32."
Sarah Ann WALLACE, wife of the above, who d.2 August 1898, a.78
"Peace, perfect peace with loved ones far away"
In memory of James Bruce WALLACE, brother of the above, who was drowned in Wellington Harbour, 23 July 1888, a.70 (James Bruce is buried Plot 3404, Section C of E at Bolton street cemetery, see his Obit above)


PHOTO
Plot 203, Section CH ENG at Karori cemetery
(daughter) Harriette Helen & John Bateman Harcourt (her husband)
HEADSTONE READS:
In Memory Of
Harriette Helen Harcourt
Born April 13th 1852
Died June 23rd 1893 aged 41 years
ALSO
John Bateman Harcourt
Born Feb 21st 1845
Died May 3rd 1928 aged 83 years