Subject: Petersen Family NZ
To: ngairedith
From: Shellz32nz
Date: 2014-01-16 15:09:13
Hi there! First let me say you do wonderful work on here :-) I am hoping you can assist me. I am searching for a Harold Peter Petersen who I believe may be Martin Petersens brother. Martin served in WW1 early 1900s at Gallipoli, Egypt, etc. Their parent were Martin and Jemima Janet Petersen from Oamaru, Otago.
Harold is my Great grandfather and hasnt been spoken of since he left my great grandmother in 1927 when my grandfather Maxwell was a baby. Harold was Born 1898 give or take a year.
Any information would be highly appreciated
Thanking you :)

~~~

Jemima Janet 'aka Jennie' MAY (1865-1943)
was born 26 Aug 1865 in Otematata, Otago to:
James Herbert Ralph MAY (1833-1896) & Mary Jemima GRAY (1845-1875)

She and her siblings attended the North District School
In the examinations of Dec 1875 Jemima was in Class III and received a prize for Recitation. Her brother John was in Class II and received prizes for coming 3rd in Reading & 2nd in Writing

* Jemima's mother died 3 June 1875 aged 30. Jemima was 9
North Otago Times, 5 June 1875
On the 3rd June, at her residence, Eden street, Mary, the wife of James May, aged 30 years. The Funeral will leave the house, at three o'clock on Sunday. All friends specially invited.
NOTE
Mary's baby, (Jemima's new sister) Mary May, died 10 weeks later on 13 August 1875, aged 11 weeks & is buried with her parents

* Jemima's father died 19 July 1896 aged 64. Jemima was 30
Oamaru Mail, 20 July 1896
On the 19th instant, at his late residence, Eden-street, James Herbert Ralph May, native of Plymouth, Devon, England, aged 64 years; deeply regretted. The funeral will leave his late residence, Eden-street, on Thursday, at 3 p.m. Friends will kindly accept this intimation
- they are buried together Plot 10, Block 5, Old Presbyterian cemetery, Oamaru

Oamaru Mail, 20 July 1908 IN MEMORIAM
In loving remembrance of James Herbert Ralph May, who died on July 19th, 1896.
...Though cruel death has snatched from view
...A loving father kind and true;
...Death cannot from my mind efface
...His tender smile, his loving face.
...His words, his actions are not dead,
...But in my mind are daily read.
- Inserted by son, James Henry

JEMIMA had 4 children:
1/ 1883 - Agnes MAY (age 18)
- nothing known about Agnes

2/ 1885 - 1886 Gertrude MAY (age 20)
- Gertrude died 9 March 1886 aged 5 months
- she is buried Plot 64, Block 106 at Oamaru cemetery

3/ 1887 - Joseph Harrison MAY (aka Joseph Henry May) (age 22)
Otago Daily Times, 18 July 1903 JOSEPH IS SENT TO DETENTION at age 10
ONLY AN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL BOY Letter to the Editor
Sir, I desire to draw attention to a matter which is of public interest - viz., the apparently unjustifiable detention of an inmate of the Caversham Industrial School (Dunedin) whose time under the order of detention expired on the 14th June, 1902, and who has borne an excellent character during the four years of his imprisonment, much to the credit of the manager. The mother and family bear a good reputation, and are worthy to have the care of the boy entrusted to them. His name is Joseph H. May. He was 10 years and 8 months when he committed the offence for which he was sent to the school.
In June 1898, six boys - of whom Joseph May was the youngest - were convicted of having stolen a tin of biscuits valued at 5s and five books valued at 2s each. The justices convicted and discharged four of the boys and recommended that May and another boy (Andrew Blythe) be sent to the Industrial School, which recommendation Mr Wray, S.M., visiting magistrate, adopted. On the 2nd of February, 1903, the boy's mother requested me to apply to the Minister of Education for the boy's discharge, his uncle, Mr T. H. May, at Hastings, having offered to take care of him and bring him up in a trade ... (more at link above)

Oamaru Mail, 26 June 1915 JOSEPH GOES TO WAR
Mrs Petersen, Glen street, Oamaru, received cable advice yesterday that her son, Private Joseph H. May (8/73, Otago Battalion), who was wounded at the Dardanelles, arrived at Malta on May 18th

Timaru Herald, 4 January 1919 JOSEPH GETS MARRIED
A pretty wedding took place on December 26 (1918) at the Kensington Methodist Church, when Miss Gladys CRAVEN, third daughter of Mr H. Craven, (Harry 1867-1954) Timaru, was married to Mr Joseph Harrison May, of Oamaru. The officiating clergyman was the Rev T. A. Joughin. The bride, who was given away by her father, looked very pretty in a dress of crepe-de-chine, with veil and orange blossom. Miss Marion Craven, bridesmaid, the sister of the bride, wore a white jap silk dress. Both carried shower bouquets.
Mr Harold Petersen, of Oamaru, acted as best man, The guests were afterwards received at Mr and Mrs Craven's residence, Rhodes Street. The bride and bridegroom (who is a returned Anzac) left in the afternoon for Christchurch. The travelling costume of the bride was a blue serge, and large black hat. The couple were the recipients of numerous pretty and useful presents

4/ 1892 - Maud Christina 'Maudie' KEMP (age 27)
- Christina married William Mitchell CRAIG (1886-1965) in 1913
William was a son of John & Elizabeth CRAIG
William served in WWI as Private 39766 with the NZEF, 23rd Reinforcements Wellington Infantry Regiment, B Company. He embarked from Wellington 14 March 1917. Maud was his next of kin at 81 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro, Wellington
In July 1918 W. M. Craig, 39866, Oamaru, was listed as seriously ill (not severe). In 1919 he was coming home on the 'Waimana' (into Auckland 20 June)

~~~

JEMIMA had brothers, 4 of whom were:
* John Herbert Ralph May (1867-1950) (buried Hastings)
* William Charles May (1869-1948), lived in Glen street, Oamaru
* James Henry May (1871-1955)
James was sentenced to 3 months imprisonment with hard labour in the Dunedin Gaol, in Dec 1894, for failing to obey an order of the Court to make certain payments on behalf of his illegitimate child to Elizabeth Welch (a son, James May Welch born 9 Feb 1894). She stated the delay in taking proceedings was because she had been trying to get the child adopted. She admitted she was 18 years old and had been familiar, about 20 months prior, with his two brothers, John and Robert
* Robert Thomas George May (1873-1957) (buried Havelock North)
JEMIMA had sisters, 1 of whom was:
* Edith Margaret MAY (1863-1890)
- Edith married Launcelot DIXON (1859-1942) in Oamaru 14 Aug 1883
Launcelot was born in Cheshire, England, 1 of at least 8 children of Launcelot DIXON (1826-1904) & Martha HARBRIDGE (1834-1902) who emigrated to New Zealand
EDITH & LAUNCELOT's known children:
* 1884 - 1961 Launcelot (aka Lancelot) Dixon
* 1886 - Kate Dixon
* 1888 - 1888 Mary Dixon
* 1889 - 1980 Edith Margaret Dixon (born 1 Sep)
Edith Margaret married Archie BUGDEN (1883-1915) in 1910. Archie died 7 Jan 1915 aged 32 & is buried at Makaraka cemetery, Gisborne. His headstone reads: In loving memory of ARCHIE, beloved husband of Edith BUGDEN, who was accidentally killed at Patutahi Quarry, 7 Janaury 1915 aged 32 years.
Edith next married William Alexander SINTON (1881-1968) in 1920.
(see also William Alexander Sinton, #5766 Legion of Frontiersmen)
They are buried at Taruheru cemetery, Gisborne

* Jemima's sister, EDITH MARGARET DIXON died 18 Dec 1889 aged 26
North Otago Times, 19 December 1889, Page 2 On the 18th December, at the Hospital, Edith Margaret, the beloved wife of Launcelot Dixon, junr., and eldest daughter of Mr James H. R. May, of Oamaru, aged 26 years. The funeral will leave the Hospital at 3.30 p.m. on Friday, 20th instant. Friends are kindly invited to attend
- she is buried Plot 13, Block 5, Old Presbyterian at Oamaru cemetery
buried with Edith is:
1888 - daughter Mary aged 11 days
1904 - Lancelot Dixon, her father-in-law aged 76
1929 - Frederick George Dixon aged 62 (born 1867)
1942 - Launcelot Dixon, her husband aged 83
1958 - Mary Dixon aged 82 (born 1876)

JEMIMA then took Edith's children into her care (age 24)

North Otago Times, 1 November 1890 AT THE COURTHOUSE YESTERDAY
before Mr H. A. Stratford, R.M., Jemima May sued for an order against Launcelot Dixon, junr., for the support of two children, defendant having failed to provide them with adequate means of support, he being their father, the sister of plaintiff, now deceased, being the mother. Plaintiff applied for permission to take the children into her own charge, the maintenance to be paid by defendant. Dixon pleaded guilty, consented to the application and admitted being in arrears 7 in maintenance money to 30th October. After hearing the case his Worship made an order to the effect that plaintiff should take care of the children till they attain the age of 14 years (they are now eighteen months and 6 years respectively) and to be paid at the rate of 2 3s 4d per month for the maintenance and that the arrears of 7 be paid at the rate of 1 per month, for seven months

Oamaru Mail, 20 July 1891 NON-COMPLIANCE WITH AN ORDER
Launcelot Dixon jun., was charged with failing to comply with an order to pay 1 per month for the support of his children. Jemima May, who had charge of the children, and on whose information the charge was laid, stated that she did not wish to press the case, and was willing to give the prisoner the three weeks for which he asked. Judgment reserved for three weeks, with consent of plaintiff

North Otago Times, 25 August 1891 FAILING TO COMPLY
At the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, before H. A. Stratford, Esq., R.M., Launcelot Dixon junr., was charged with failing to comply with an order of the Court ordering him to pay towards the maintenance of his two children. Defendant did not appear. Jemima May said on the 30th June the sum of 14 4s was owing, and only 1 of that amount had been paid. Defendant was fined 1, with the alternative of seven days imprisonment in Oamaru Police Gaol with hard labour

~~~

JEMIMA JANET MAY married Martin PETERSEN (1864-1911) 20 April 1892 in St Paul's Parish, Oamaru. Jemima was 26, Martin was 27

the children of JEMIMA & MARTIN:
* 1/ 1893 - 1918 MARTIN Petersen (age 28)
born (or registered) 16 June 1893 to Martin Petersen, mother not recorded

Oamaru Mail, 6 July 1915
Mrs J. J. Petersen, of Oamaru, has received intimation from the authorities that her son, Private M. Petersen, who left with the Main Expeditionary Force, was wounded at the Dardanelles on the 28th May. Private Petersen was employed by Messrs J. and T. Meek at the Crown Mills at the time of enlisting. Mrs Petersen has another son fighting for King and country at the Dardanelles, Private Joseph May, who has also been wounded and is now in hospital at Malta

North Otago Times, 20 November 1918
PETERSEN - On the 19th November, 1918, at Oamaru, Martin Petersen, beloved son of Jennie Petersen, of Glenn Street, Oamaru and Returned Soldier of three and a half years service; aged 25 years. Deeply regretted. The Funeral will leave Defence Hall TO-DAY, Wednesday, 20th inst., at 3.30 p.m. for the Oamaru Cemetery. Friends are invited to kindly attend.

Oamaru Mail, 21 November 1918
A military funeral was yesterday accorded the remains of the late Sapper Petersen (Martin), who died on Tuesday. The cortege contained members of the Oamaru Returned Soldiers' Association and the Defence Staff. Six returned soldiers were the pall-bearers. Owing to the epidemic it was not possible to secure a firing party. Rev S. F. Hunter conducted the service. The last post was sounded by Bandsman Hezelwood. The late Sapper Petersen left with the Second Reinforcements, and had seen more than three and a half years of active service. He was one of the true Anzacs, and was severely wounded in the chest at Suvla Bay, being sent to Hornchurch Hospital. After seeing further service in France he was invalided to New Zealand. Since his return he was employed by Messrs J. and T. Meek, at their flourmills. Popular with all, general sorrow will be felt at his death, and a very widespread sympathy will be extended to his family
NOTE
MARTIN Petersen, Sapper 8/1310, served for 3 years, in Egypt 1915, the Balkans at Gallipoli, and on the Western Front, 1916-17. He is buried Plot 37 & 38, Block 72 at Oamaru cemetery

Oamaru Mail, 19 November 1919 IN MEMORIAM
PETERSEN - In loving memory of Sapper Martin Petersen, the beloved son of Jemima and the late Martin Petersen, who died at Oamaru on November 19th, 1918; aged 25 years.
"Death may separate, but memory never"
Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Maud and William Craig, Wellington

PETERSEN - In loving memory of Sapper Martin Petersen, the beloved son of Jemima and the late Martin Petersen, who died at Oamaru on November 19th, 1918; aged 25 years.
..."Tis but a year since we last saw you, Martin, dear,
...But in our memory you still are here
- Inserted by his loving mother, sisters and brothers


* 2/ 1895 - 1970 EDITH MARY Petersen (age 30)
born 1 October 1895
* In 1904 she was in the Infant Department at Middle School, Oamaru
* In 1905 she was in Standard I and received a prize for attendance
* In 1906 she was in Standard II and came 2nd for Writing (beaten by Charlie Muncey) and came 1st equal in Sewing with Ivy Coatman
* In 1908 she received 3rd prize for under 12 Flowers
- Edith married Francis GOLDSACK in 1922


* 3/ 1897 - 1966 HAROLD PETER (aka Peter) Petersen (age 31)
born 24 August 1897 (2 days before Jemima's 32nd birthday)
- In 1916 he was elected member of the Oamaru Fire Brigade
- He resigned in Dec 1917
Oamaru Mail, 18 September 1918 CALLED TO THE COLORS
NORTH OTAGO - Petersen, Harold Peter, joiner's apprentice, Glen street, Oamaru

Oamaru Mail, 9 October 1918 MEDICAL EXAMINATION RESULTS
The following are the names of the men fit for service at the Medical Board sittings which concluded yesterday:-
* H. P. Petersen

Oamaru Mail, 4 December 1920 OAMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL
The fortnightly meeting of the Oamaru Borough Council was held last night.
Correspondence:
Mr H. P. Petersen applied for a lease of the small reserve in Glen street at an annual rental of 5. - Referred to the Reserves Committee

HAROLD PETER Petersen married Edith May BUTCHER (1903-) in 1923
- daughter of Edward Angus Skaife BUTCHER (1875-1953) & Ada May HERRICK (1878-1958) of Napier
HAROLD & EDITH had a son (and probably others):
1927 - 1997 Harold Maxwell Petersen, born in Napier
Harold was an infant when his father Harold left the family ...
(if you can help with more on this family please leave a message below)
HAROLD PETER Petersen died 20 June 1966 in Auckland aged 69
- His ashes were scattered from Purewa


* 4/ 1899 - IVY Petersen (age 34)
born 21 October 1899
* In 1910 she was in Standard I at Oamaru Middle School and received a prize for General Improvement
* In 1911 she was in Standard II and came 4th equal in Reading with May Granger, 4th in Writing and certificate for Attendance
* In 1912 she was in Standard III
* In 1913 she was in Standard III and came 3rd in class with Ernest Gilchrist, Linda Speid & Ethel Hopley


* 5/ 1901 - 1963 ROSE 'Rosie' KAREN Petersen (age 35)
born 4 June 1901
* In 1910 Rosie was in Standard II at Oamaru Middle School and came 2nd in class for reading, 4th in class for writing & sewing
* In 1912 she received a prize for General Proficiency, came 3rd equal in Sewing with Dorothy Sinclair
* In 1913 she was in Standard V and came 2nd in Sewing
* In 1915 she was in North School Standard VI and received a Proficiency Certificate
ROSE married Stanley Henry Cavaliero MEAD (1884-1950) in 1923


* 6/ 1904 - 1973 JEMIMA JANET 'Mima' Petersen (age 38)
born 3 June 1904 (on the 29th anniversary of her grandmother's death)
* In 1911 Mima was in Preparatory Standard I at Oamaru Middle School
* In 1913 she was in Standard I
* In 1914 she was in Standard II and came 3rd for sewing
* In 1915 she was in Standard III and received a certificate of Merit and came 1st equal in sewing with Madge Grenfell
* In 1916 she was in Standard IV and came 2nd equal in General proficiency in schoolwork with Dora Hammill
* In 1919 she was in Standard VI and received an Attendance Prize along with her brother Herbert
- Jemima didn't marry. She died 27 Dec 1973 aged 68
- she is buried Plot 131, Block 72 at Oamaru cemetery with her mother


* 7/ 1905 - 1974 JOHN 'Herbert' RALPH Petersen (age 40)
born 12 September 1905
he was a Bank Clerk
* in 1928 he is in Oamaru, Otago
* in 1938 he is in Kaiapoi, Canterbury
* in 1946 he is in Hurunui, Canterbury
* in 1963 he is in Christchurch Central
* in 1969 he is in St Albans, Christchurch
HERBERT died 25 March 1974 aged 69
- he is buried Plot 200, Block 20 at Ruru Lawn cemetery, Christchurch
with him is Roseina Jane Petersen (1914-1988)


* 8/ 1909 - MYRTLE AGNES Petersen (age 43)
born 24 May 1909
* In Dec 1916 at the break-up of Middle School, Oamaru, Myrtle received a Proficiency prize in the Infant Department
* In Dec 1920 she had 17 entries at the annual Knox Church Rose Show. She had 8 entries in the Decorated Table and came 2nd
- nothing else known

~~~

TIMELINE
Oamaru Mail, 23 September 1892
James Sullivan was further charged with provoking a breach of the peace by using insulting behaviour by fighting with Martin Petersen. Accused pleaded guilty. Martin Petersen was similarly charged and pleaded "guilty in self-defence" Evidence was called to show that Sullivan was the aggressor in the case and that Petersen had only fought in self-defence. Petersen denied knowing how the fight started. Both he and Sullivan were in a semi-intoxicated condition.
Both accused and convicted, Petersen, being fined 10s, Court costs 7s, and share of witnesses' expenses 10s. Sullivan was fined 2 with Court costs 7s and witnesses' expenses 10s

Oamaru Mail, 20 February 1899
Martin Petersen, on remand, was charged with unlawfully failing to provide for his wife's child, Joseph Harrison May, a boy under the age of 16 years, with means of support. Sergeant O'Grady stated the case and called defendant who said that the boy left his house and was taken in charge by the police. He had not contributed towards his support. He only made 1 a week as a fisherman, out of which he paid 6s per week rent and supported his wife and family. Mr Lee submitted that this was not a case of wilful neglect, but of sheer inability to provide. His Worship said he would like to think the case over and adjourned it until Monday next
NOTE 1 a week in Jan 1899 is equivalent today to $181

Oamaru Mail, 28 October 1904 MARTIN'S NEW LAUNCH
The steamer Hawea brought yesterday an oil launch, which has been built to the order of Mr martin Petersen, of this town. The little vessel, which is built of kauri, is from the yards of Messrs Logan Bros., of Auckland. She is 26ft long, 7ft beam, and is about four tons register. The launch is diagonal built, and is provided with a White 5-horse-power engine. She has a deck-house over her engine, and seats have been provided for 28 persons. It is, of course, intended to use the launch in the fishing trawling off Oamaru, but we learn from Mr Petersen that he intends to make excursions off here during the summer months. We congratulate the owner in securing a craft which will facilitate the work of obtaining fish, and we wish him every success in his enterprise
NOTE Martin named his launch 'Rosie' and ran short and long exertions from the Normanby Wharf every afternoon and evening for a small charge

Oamaru Mail, 23 August 1913 OAMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL
Mrs J. J. Petersen (Glen street) asking Council's opinion as to the course she should take with regard to the Express Company's horses. The horses broke down the fence of the reserve leased from the Council, and damaged her potatoes, trees and flowers. They numbered 18 to 20 and made her garden their camping ground when the weather was cold and would break any fence down.
A letter from the manager of the Express Company was enclosed stating that the damage was not due to negligence on the part of the Company. He repudiated the liability. Referred to the Reserves Committee for report

Oamaru Mail, 8 November 1913 OAMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL
Councillors Ireland and Clarke have been appointed to interview Mr Petersen in regard to her lease of sections 7 to 10, block 55, and to report to the Council

Oamaru Mail, 7 March 1914 OAMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL
The following building permits were granted: Mr Martin Petersen, improvements in wood to house in Glen street (section 9, block 95)

North Otago Times, 25 May 1918
OAMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL - Inward Correspondence
Jemima J. Petersen, Glen street, wrote complaining of a broken fence dividing her property and borough reserve

Oamaru Mail, 14 September 1918
Mrs Jemima Petersen relinquished section 6, block 55, from February - Surrender accepted and matter referred to Reserves Committee

Oamaru Mail, 1 February 1919 OAMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL
Mrs Petersen, of Glen street, offered the leasehold of her section, if needed, for the extension of the electricity scheme. - Noted

Oamaru Mail, 2 June 1920 MAGISTRATE'S COURT this day
Jemima Petersen, of Eden street, was charged with allowing cattle to stray within the borough


MARTIN Petersen died 27 June 1911 aged 45
Oamaru Mail, 27 June 1911
PATERSEN - On the 27th instant, at Oamaru, Martin Petersen, the dearly-beloved husband of Jemima Petersen, aged 45 years. Deeply regretted
The funeral will leave his late residence, Ribble street, on Thursday, 29th instant, at 2.30 p.m., for the Oamaru cemetery. Friends are invited to kindly attend

Oamaru Mail, 27 June 1912
PETERSEN - In loving memory of my dear father, who died on June 27th, 1911 at Oamaru. Inserted by his loving daughter and son-in-law, Maud and Will Craig

JEMIMA JANET Petersen died 28 July 1943 aged 77 (BDM has 74)
Auckland Star, 30 July 1943
PETERSEN - On July 28, 1943 at Auckland, the loved mother of Rose Mead, and dear grandma of Ivan. Safe in His arms. Interment at Oamaru
PETERSEN - Only July 28, 1943, at Auckland, Jemima Janet, widow of Martin Petersen, Oamaru. A dearly beloved mother, deeply mourned by her loving daughters and sons. Lord keep her in Your care.
- Martin & Jemima are buried together in Plot 31, Block 72 at Oamaru cemetery

Auckland Star, 28 July 1944 IN MEMORIAM
PETERSEN, Jemima Janet, late of Oamaru, July 28, 1943. My Mother. Maudie


PHOTO
OAMARU, OTAGO c1900
taken from:
Oamaru & Breakwater