Thomas Osborne was born in Stafford, Essex, England in 1818. He married Maria Piggott in Whitechapel, London 28 Jan 1844. Maria was born in Tottenham, England in 1815
They had 8 known children before leaving London on 5 Sep 1857, arriving in Auckland in 1858 on the 'Cornubia'.
NOTE Their obituaries at end say they landed on the Kanuba in 1857. See the Cornubia link to passenger list.

their known children
.. 1 ..
1844 - 1936 Thomas Osborne
* born in Beckenham Kent
* he married Janet Belemore Harris in 1868, Auckland
their known children
* 1869 - 1958 Elizabeth Maria Osborne
* 1873 - 1959 John Alfred Charles Osborne
* 1877 - 1938 Letitia Maud Elsinore Osborne
* Jane died 18 June 1925 at Brown's Bay, Auckland
Auckland Star, 18 June 1925
Mrs J. B. OSBORNE The death occurred in Auckland of a very old settler, Mrs Thomas Osborne, late of Brown's Bay. Mrs Osborne was born in Parnell over 70 years ago, being the daughter of Mr Thomas A. Harris, who landed in Auckland with Governor Hobson in 1840. For many years, Mr Harris acted as manager for Sir George Grey at Kawau Island and Mrs Osborne held many interesting recollections of the days when distinguished visitors from overseas paid visits to the great statesman's beautiful home. Mrs Osborne was two years old when she first went to Kawau and, after her marriage, continued to live there with her husband and family until Sir George Grey left for England
* Thomas died 13 April 1936 at Browns Bay, Auckland
NZ Herald, 14 April 1936
PIONEER'S DEATH Mansion House Carpenter - Link with Sir George Grey. The death at Brown's Bay yesterday of Mr Thomas Osborne severed an interesting link with the days of the Waikato War and the second Governorship of Sir George Grey. Mr Osborne, who had reached the age of 93, was born at Beckenham, Kent and came with his parents and others of the family to New Zealand in 1958. The voyage occupied about six months. Mr Osborne's father was a gardener and he was employed as head gardener at Government House in Auckland under Sir George F. Bowen. When the seat of Government was moved to Wellington the task was assigned him of laying out the grounds of the new Government House there.
Mr Thomas Osborne followed the trade of a carpenter and as a young man served in the militia that protected the community against the war-like Maori. As a carpenter he was employed in the building of the Mansion House at Kawau Island for Sir George Grey (not built for him but he bought it in 1862 and spent a fortune developing it as his island home). It was at Kawau that he met his future wife, Miss Janet Harris, daughter of early and well-known pioneers. They were married in the old St Paul's Church at the foot of Princes Street and shortly afterward went to try their fortune on the Thames goldfields.
Returning later to Kawau, Mr Osborne was employed as a carpenter by Sir George Grey and Mrs Osborne was for some time his housekeeper. It is an interesting fact that the Sir George Grey collection of books which forms a valuable section in the Public Library was actually packed by Mr Osborne for despatch to the city. After the departure of Sir George from New Zealand Mr Osborne was employed for 14 or 15 years by the Public Works Department, finally retiring to live with his daughter, Mrs E. Wilkinson at Brown's Bay 17 years ago. Mrs Osborne predeceased him, but he is survived by a son, Mr Charles Osborne (Grey Lynn), Mrs M. Montgomery (Parnell) and Mrs E. Wilkinson.
..Mansion House at Kawau Island

.. 2 ..
1845 - 1880 George Osborne
* born in Beckenham Kent
* married Mary Alldred in 1875
their known children
* 1876 - 1876 Edwin George Osborne (4 months)
* 1878 - 1949 George Alldred Osborne
* 1881- 1964 Tyler Ashton Osborne
* 1883 - 1973 Charles Granville Owen Osborne
* George died 23 Dec 1880 in Remuera, Auckland aged 35
NZ Herald, 23 Dec 1880
OSBORNE - On 23rd December, at his residence, Remuera, George Osborne, second son of Mr Thomas Osborne, Masterton; aged 35 years, formerly of the Thames. The funeral will leave his late residence at 3.30 o'clock this day (Friday). Friends will please accept this invitation. Thames papers please copy.
* It is with regret we chronicle the decease of Mr George Osborne, at one time a partner in the firm of Osborne Bros., of Albert-street. The deceased gentleman was one who established a business in Auckland in the early days of the goldfields and was highly respected by all who knew him.
* The death is announced, at his residence, Remuera, Auckland, yesterday, of Mr George Osborne, grocer, formerly of the Thames, at the early age of 35 years. Deceased was one of our earliest residents, having been associated in business with the firm of Litchfield and Co., Shortland and afterwards in partnership with his brother, Mr John Osborne, of Grahamstown. He was of a retiring disposition, most assiduous in business and highly esteemed by those who knew him. Since leaving the Thames he had established a wholesale grocery and importer's business on the Queen street wharf, Auckland, which was prospering most satisfactorily. He leaves a widow and an only child to mourn his early demise.
* Mary died 25 Feb 1914 aged 74. They are buried together at Saint Mark's Cemetery, Remuera
Auckland Star, 26 Feb 1914
OSBORNE - On the 25th February 1914, at her late residence, Remuera Road, Mary, widow of the late George Osborne and beloved mother of G. A. and T. A. Osborne, in her 75th year. Private interment.
..Headstone of George & Mary at Remuera


.. 3 ..
1847 - 1930 John Osborne
* born in Beckenham Kent
* He married Ellen Chalton in 1876
their known children
* 1877 - 1962 Alice May Osborne
* 1879 - 1952 Henry John Osborne
* 1881 - 1970 Arthur Ernest Osborne
* 1884 - 1959 Gordon Leslie Osborne
* John died in Hamilton 24 Sep 1930 aged 83.
NZ Herald, 26 Sep 1930
Mr John Osborne The death occurred at his late residence, Whitiora, Hamilton yesterday of Mr John Osborne, at the age of 84. Mr John Osborne came to New Zealand in 1862(sic) and later settled in the Thames district, where he entered into business. He was prominently connected with many public bodies in the district. Over 20 years ago he came to Hamilton and settled. He became associated with bowling, being one of the foundation members of the Whitiora Club, of which he was an active member until about eight years ago. He was also a past-master of the Masonic craft. He is survived by his wife and an adult family.
* Ellen died 6 Oct 1934 aged 83. They are buried together at Hamilton East cemetery
..Headstone of John & Ellen


.. 4 ..
1848 - 1884 Charles Osborne
* born in Croydon, Sussex
* Charles married Ellen White in 1873
their known children
* 1874 - Ada Harriet Seward Osborne
* 1877 - Charles Thomas Jonathan Pusey Osborne
* 1883 - 1975 James Herbert Osborne
* He died at Mangapakeha 19 Dec 1884 aged 36
Evening Post, 20 Dec 1884
FATAL DRAY ACCIDENT Charles Osborne, son of an Upper Plain settler, was killed yesterday at Mungapakeha by falling off the shaft of a loaded dray, the wheel of which passed over his body. He leaves a wife and three children.
* A subscription has been started in Masterton for the relief of the wife and family of Charles Osborne, who was recently killed at Maungapekeha by falling under a dray. Mrs Osborne is in delicate health and she has three young children. Deceased was a most respectable man and the appeal for aid for his family is being liberally responded to.
* 22 Dec 1884 - The funeral of the late Charles Osborne, who fell under his dray and received such injuries as resulted in his death, took place on Saturday at Masterton. The body was followed to the cemetery by a number of the friends of the deceased. The accident happened at Burgers' gravel pit, Mungapakeha, on Thursday last. Deceased was the fourth son of Mr T. Osborne, a well known settler on the Upper Plain and leaves a wife and three children.
* Charles is buried Plot HC, Row 6, Plan III at Archer Street

.. 5 ..
1850 - 1938 William Osborne
* born in Clapton, Middlesex
* he married Caroline ATTWOOD (1850-1897) in Wellington in 1875
- Caroline's parents, John Attwood & Mary Anne Barnes, were settlers of Nelson. She was previously married to Harry James Basleigh (1847-1870). Harry died in Nelson Hospital aged 23. Caroline had a son 1873-1873 Joseph Francis Basleigh
their known children
* 1876 - 1939 Ernest William Attwood Osborne
* 1882 - 1965 Maria Mary Osborne
- married George Henry Williams in 1901. Next married Early Garrett (1883-1948) in 1933.
* 1886 - 1975 John Thomas 'Jack' Osborne
* 1887 - 1962 Charles Alfred Osborne
* Caroline died 23 April 1897 aged 47 in Bunnythorpe & buried Plot 29, Block 57 at Terrace End
* William next married Martha Ann MITCHELL (1861-1920) in Napier in 1903. She died 7 Dec 1920 aged 59 & is buried in Feilding
* William died 16 July 1938 aged 88 in Hamilton and is buried at Hamilton East
NZ Herald, 18 July 1938
OSBORNE - On July 16, at Hamilton, William, loved father of Mrs E. Garrett, of Radnor Street, Hamilton; aged 88 years. Private interment.
..William's headstone at Hamilton East


.. 6 ..
1851 - 1924 Caroline Osborne
* born in Clapton, Middlesex
* she married John James HARP in 1874
their known children
* 1875 - 1909 Thomas Osborne Harp
* 1876 - 1956 John Close Harp
* 1878 - 1878 Ethel May Harp (2 months)
* John died aged 35 in 1883
NZ Herald, 23 June 1883
HARP - On August 13, at his residence, the Beach, Howick, James John Harp, aged 35 years.
* He is buried at Howick, Auckland
* Caroline next married Thomas ROBERTS in 1899. He died 4 Dec 1908 aged 86 & buried New Unsec 197.
* Caroline died 26 Nov 1924 aged 72 & is buried New Sec 140 at Clareville
..Caroline's headstone at Clareville


.. 7 ..
1853 - 1933 Alfred George Osborne
* born in Clapton, Middlesex
* he married Charlotte ROBERTS in 1888 (possibly a sister of Thomas above
their known children
* 1892 - 1966 Thomas Roberts Osborne
* 1894 - 1979 Fanny Ethel Osborne
* 1896 - 1970 Charlotte Elsie Osborne
* 1898 - 1978 Alice May Osborne
* 1900 - 1971 Alfred Ernest Osborne
* 1902 - 1971 Lillian Anne Osborne
* 1904 - 1987 George Frederick Osborne
* 1906 - 1984 John Edgar Osborne
* Alfred died in Carterton 16 May 1933.
Wairarapa Daily Times, 16 May 1933
The death took place at Carterton on Sunday evening of Mr Alfred Osborne, a well known settler of the Clareville district, where he had resided for many years. The late Mr Osborne, who was 79 years of age, came to New Zealand with his parents in 1858 in the ship Conuver(sic), and landed at Auckland. The family, a few years later, left for Wellington, where Mr Osborne's father was employed in the Government House grounds by the late Sir George F. Bowen, then Governor of New Zealand. Leaving there, Mr Osborne came to the Wairarapa and took up land at the Upper Plain, Masterton. While there he married Charlotte, daughter of the late Mr Thomas Roberts, of Clareville and three years later sold his Upper Plain farm and went to Clareville, where he remained until July of last year, when he removed to Carterton. For many years the late Mr Osborne was a director of the Taratahi Co-operative Dairy Company. He leaves a widow and a family of four sons and four daughters. These are: Messrs Thomas, George and John (Clareville) and Fred Osborne (Mauriceville), Mesdames C. Linton, Alf Gray (Carterton), W. Higgison (Featherston) and J. F. Dryden (Carrington). The funeral took place this afternoon.
* Charlotte died 27 Nov 1934 aged 72. They are buried Plot 371 at Clareville
..Alfred & Charlotte's grave at Clareville


.. 8 ..
1856 - 1918 Eliza Osborne
* born in Clapton, Middlesex
* she married Samuel Charles CLARE (1858-1939) in 1879
their known children
* 1879 - 1975 George Herbert Clare
* 1881 - 1968 William John Clare
* 1883 - 1885 Thomas Osborne Clare (15 months)
* 1884 - 1948 Albert Edwin Clare
* 1885 - 1948 Samuel Charles Clare
* 1887 - 1973 Arthur Henry Clare
* 1889 - 1957 Emma Linda Clare
* 1891 - 1970 Mercy Clare
* 1892 - 1893 Ernest Frank Clare (12 months)
* 1894 - 1894 Annie Clare (2 days)
* 1896 - 1974 Howard Percy Clare
* Eliza died in Gisborne 9 July 1918 aged 62.
Poverty Bay Herald, 9 July 1918
CLARE - At Gisborne, on July 9, Eliza Dearly beloved wife of Samuel Clare, age 62 years. The funeral will leave from No 474 Childers Road, on Thursday, July 11, at 2 p.m.
* Samuel next married Clara Ellen Tetley 'Nellie' Sagar (1873-1956) in 1919. She is buried at Purewa.
* Samuel died 30 Jan 1939 aged 80.
Poverty Bay Herald, 30 Jan 1939
Business Man's Death - Mr SAMUEL CLARE
62 years in Dominion .. The death of Mr Samuel Clare at his home in Bright street to-day removes one who has been a resident of Gisborne for the past 30 years and who has been in New Zealand for 62 years. Mr Clare, who was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs Isaac Clare, was born in Beamister, Dorset, England in 1858. When only 18 years of age, he left England with an elder brother for New Zealand, landing at Wellington, where he lived for a number of years, during which time he followed a number of occupations before going to Ashhurst, near Palmerston North, to set up business as a baker. Later he established himself in the bakery business in Palmerston North.Thirty years ago Mr Clare exchanged his business with one in Gisborne carried on by the late Mr W. S. Dustan and maintained it for a number of years before taking up a farm at Makauri. After retiring from his farm, he took up business again in Gisborne, this time as a grocer. He kept in that business until three years ago, when failing health caused him to retire. Mr Clare was of a religious nature and of a kindly disposition. He was actively associated with the Brethren for the past 60 years. The deceased was twice married, his first wife dying in Gisborne in 1918. He is survived by his second wife, six sons and two daughters, to whom the sympathy of their many friends will be extended. The family comprises, Messrs George Herbert, William John, Albert Edwin, Samuel Charles and Howard Percy Clare all of Gisborne, Mr Arthur Henry Clare, Tauranga, Mrs Clifford Ernest Church (Emma Linda), Gisborne and Mrs Sydney George Clist (Mercy), Taumarunui. There are 24 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The funeral will leave the Victoria Hall after a short service at 2p.m. to-morrow for the Taruheru cemetery.
* Eliza & Samuel are buried together, Plot 41, Block Sec 1 at Taruheru cemetery
..Headstone of Eliza & Samuel at Taruhere


.. 9 ..
1859 - 1924 Maria Osborne
* born in Auckland, New Zealand
* she married James George DAGG in Masterton in 1882. He was born in Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland in 1854. Who were his parents?
their known children
(all born in Masterton)
* 1884 - 1909 Robert David Dagg
* 1886 - 1977 Daisy Dagg
* 1887 - 1986 Violet Irene Dagg
* 1896 - 1977 James George Dagg
* 1899 - 1973 Henry Wilson Dagg
* Maria Dagg died 3 Sep 1924 in Masterton.
Hawera & Normanby Star, 6 Sep 1924
Another old and highly respected resident of Masterton passed away on Wednesday morning in the person of Mrs J. G. Dagg, senr. She had been ailing for some months and the end was not unexpected. The deceased lady, who was a daughter of the late Thos. Osborne, was born in Auckland in 1859. Mrs Dagg could be ranked amongst the pioneers of the Masterton district, where she has resided for practically the whole of her life. Of a cheerful and sympathetic nature and always willing to help those in distress, she endeared herself to a wide circle of friends. For many years she was an ardent worker in the Sunday School of Knox Church.
The late Mrs Dagg leave a husband, three sons, Messrs R. D. Dgg (Kapona), J. G. Dagg (Masterton) and H. W. Dagg (Pahiatua) and two daughters, Mrs F. E. Truscott and Mrs R. P. Taylforth of Masterton.
* The Friends of Mr J. G. Dagg are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of his late wife, which will leave the residence, 60 South road, on Firday, September 5th, at 1.30 p.m. for the Masterton Cemetery, Hoar & Permain, Funeral Furnishers. Phoes 1350 & 1318.
* Husband James Dagg died 13 Jan 1935 in Masterton.
Evening Post, 14 Jan 1935
OBITUARY A Wairarapa pioneer, Mr James George Dagg, died in the Masterton Hospital yesterday morning, at the age of 80 years. The late Mr Dagg, who was held in high respect by all who knew him as a good farmer and a loyal friend, had spent almost the whole of his long life in New Zealand. Born in Mullingar, West Meath, Ireland, he was brought to this country by his parents 78 years ago. The family landed at Wellington from the ship 'Westminster' and the journey into the Wairarapa was made by bullock dray, the grown-up members of the party doing most of the journey on foot. The late mr Dagg had farmed for 52 years the property at Kaituna which he occupied up to the time of his death.
In the days of the Maori War, Mr Dagg served in the ranks of the Volunteers in the Wairarapa. He was the first chairman of the Kaituna School Committee and had long been closely associated with Knox Church, of which he had been an elder for the last twenty years. For a good many years Mr Dagg had been a member of the Masterton Bowling Club. His wife predeceased him about ten years ago and he is survived by a family of three sons and two daughter. The sons are Messrs Robert Dagg, Kaponga, Taranaki; J. G. Dagg, Masterton; and H. W. Dagg, Kaituna. The daughters are Mesdames F. Truscott, Worksop Road and R. Taylforth, Fernridge. The late Mr Dagg is survived also by one brother, Mr J. T. Dagg, Masterton and four sisters, Mesdames H. Graham, Auckland; W. De Lisle, Auckland; W. Townsend, Thames; and E. J. Rose, Upper Plain.
* They are buried at Archer Street (Maria is listed as Mona)
..James & Maria at Masterton


MARIA OSBORNE died 28 May 1897 aged 81
Wairarapa Daily Times, 29 May 1897
Another old pioneer settler, Mrs Maria Osborne, wife of Mr Thomas Osborne, died at their residence, Clareville, yesterday, at the age of 81 years. The came to the Colony in 1857(sic) and stayed at Auckland till 1865 when they went to Wellington, where Mr Osborne for seven years, was gardener at Government House. They afterwards removed to Fernridge, Masterton, where they farmed land for twenty-five years, ultimately a year ago retiring to reside with their relatives at Clareville. They brought up a family of four sons and three daughters who are settled in the district. The funeral will leave the residence at 3.30 to arrive at Clareville at 4.15 p.m. to-morrow (Sunday).
THOMAS OSBORNE died 25 Sep 1914 aged 96
Wairarapa Daily Times, 26 Sep 1914
There passed away at Clareville on Thursday night, one of the oldest residents of the district, in the person of Mr Thomas Osborne, aged 96. Until lately the deceased gentleman was quite hale and hearty. A short time ago, however, he suffered a severe cold and never seemed to properly throw it off. Mr Osborne was born in Essex, England in 1818 and in 1843 married Miss Maria Piggot, of Tottenham, High Cross. In 1857 they left England in the barque Kanuba, landing in Auckland, New Zealand, the same year. After a residence there of eight years they left for Wellington. They resided there for nine years. Leaving Wellington in 1874, he arrived at the Upper Plain, Masterton, where in 1897 his wife died. About three years later he took up his residence at Clareville and resided there up till the time of his death. He leaves a family of four sons and three daughters. These are, Thomas (Auckland), John (Hamilton), William (Feilding) and Alfred (Clareville), Mrs Thomas Roberts (Carterton), Mrs Clare (Gisborne) and Mrs G. J. Dagg (Masterton).
Auckland Star, 30 Sep 1914
Mr Thomas Osborne, one of the oldest residents of the Wairarapa district, has just died at the great age of 96 years. He landed in Auckland from the barque Kanua in 1857(sic). Eight years afterwards he removed to Wellington and in 1874 he went to Upper Plain, Masterton. Three years later he removed to Clareville, where he has resided ever since.
On burial records their name is spelt Osbourne.
..Grave of Thomas & Maria at Clareville

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