Final Resting Places: - Ronald Herbert English

Sitting high above the township on Crawford Road, just outside of the small Southland town of Mataura, sits the Mataura Cemetery. It is a very quiet place, with the only noise being the occasional passing of a car or farm tractor, or the bleating of a lamb from the surrounding paddocks.

Block 5, plot 185 in this quiet, peaceful cemetery is the final resting place for a person who long ago meant the absolute world to me. My eyes would light up when he walked into the room ….. I wanted to go everywhere with him ….. and I often waited along at the corner of our street for him to finish work so I could walk home with him. 

But all too soon this childhood love was over. I had only just turned seven when my dad, Ronald Herbert ENGLISH, died unexpectedly. My dad is now resting peacefully in block 5, plot 185 in the Mataura Cemetery, a place where I still frequently go to visit him, just to talk to him and feel close to him once again. 

My dad with his older brother Evan
(please click on image to enlarge)

Dad was born in Mataura in December 1941 and spent his whole life in the town. He was the second son of Bob and Lizzie (nee RENSHAW) ENGLISH and he had one older sibling, my uncle Evan. Dad was educated at the local primary school and then continued on to Gore High School, where upon leaving school he ventured to the local freezing works, one of the main employers in the town, to seek employment. The boss at the freezing works was a friend of my grandparents and he told my dad that he would not employ him in the freezing works as he had too good a brain for that, but instead offered him a job in the company office, which my dad accepted.

In March 1968 my dad married my mother, Maureen EGAN, the eldest daughter of Doris and Jack EGAN. My mother was a primary school teacher and her father Jack was the principal of the local primary school. In the years that followed my parents were blessed with three children; firstly Stephen, then myself, and later on Julie arrived on the scene too. And my parents were happy. 

As was the norm in the 1960’s and 70’s, Mum stayed home to look after the children while Dad continued to work at the freezing works. In his spare time Dad loved to go duck-shooting or fishing, he loved to play rugby, tennis or golf, he loved gardening and harness racing, and he particularly enjoyed spending time out on the farm of his good friend Barrie Cullen who lived just outside of Mataura on Terrace Road.

My dad with my older brother Stephen
(please click on image to enlarge)

After many years in the freezing works office Dad did finally venture into the actual processing part of the freezing works to work, and at the time of my birth his occupation is listed on my birth certificate as wool-pullers assistant. But he wasn’t content with just “working on the chain”, a term used locally to refer to those working along the production line at the freezing works. He had aspirations of going higher so went away to Lincoln College and re-trained, this time as a meat inspector. When he came back he was employed by M.A.F. (the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries) to work at the Mataura freezing works as one of their meat inspectors.

Life was once again back to normal for our family and as much as I can remember from back then, we were a normal, very happy family. But all too soon life was to change and our quiet happy life would be shattered.

My dad, Ronald Herbert ENGLISH
(please click on image to enlarge)

Dad began to experience frequent severe headaches and upon seeking medical treatment was sent for a brain scan. And when the results of the scans and the tests came back our world was turned upside down. Dad had a brain tumour !!! 

But it was soon discovered that the brain tumour was a secondary cancer and the source of the cancer was actually his kidneys. A double blow !!!  Because I was so young at the time I am a bit unsure about the exact time-frame of what happened next. All I can really remember is that Dad immediately went into Wakari Hospital in Dunedin where treatment was to happen. However, within a very short time of him being in hospital he suffered a traumatic brain haemorrhage and passed away. 

My dad was only 36 years old and within the space of a few short weeks we had gone from a normal, happy and loving family to one that was completely devastated. My mother was only 31 years old and was left to raise three young children, aged 9, 7 and 3, all on her own. And that she did, and made a wonderful job of it. My brother, sister and myself are now all grown up and if our dad had still been alive today he would find himself the proud grandfather of five beautiful grandchildren.

I missed having my dad in my life when I was a child growing up. And I miss him still, and will until the day comes that I pass from this world and get to join him in Heaven. I am especially sad that he never got to live long enough to give me away at my wedding, that he never got the chance to meet my wonderful husband, that he never got to be a part of my children’s lives and that my children never got to know him and love him too.

Block 5, plot 185, Mataura Cemetery
Ronald Herbert ENGLISH  (26 Dec 1941  -  9 July 1978)

Thirty six was too young to die. And the seven years that I got to spend with him was not enough time for me. Sometimes life just doesn't seem fair. Dad has now been gone for more years than he actually lived, and his three children are now older than he ever got to be. 

My dad is never very far from my thoughts. I will continue to visit his grave in the Mataura Cemetery for the rest of my life. I will continue to remember him and miss him, and I will continue to love him .....…… forever.

From the Newspapers: - Wedding Bells

My love for the New Zealand website ‘Papers Past’ just continues to grow. This is mainly due to the absolute wealth of family information that I am gaining from the fantastic old historic newspapers that are available to browse or search through. 

James & Hanora (nee COSGRIFF) EGAN,
married on the 6th of August 1913
(please click on image to enlarge)

On one of my recent research trips through ‘Papers Past’ I came across this wonderful article all about the wedding of my maternal great grandparents, James and Hanora (nee COSGRIFF) EGAN. They were married on the 6th of August 1913 in the small town of Nightcaps in Western Southland. 

Otautau Standard & Wallace County
Chronicle, 26 Aug 1913, pg 5
(please click on image to enlarge)

Being able to read about exactly what happened on their wedding day, and even who gave what speech, almost brings them to life for me and it allows me to imagine what it was like to actually be there. Going by what the article says, it seems that James and Hanora were a very well-liked and popular couple. It is such a shame that they got to spend less than six years together before the tragic string of events began that tore their family apart.

___________________________

For more details about their short marriage and life together please follow this link. 

Happy 100th birthday Grandad

Today, the 24th of November 2014, marks what would have been the 100th birthday of my maternal grandfather, John Francis (Jack) EGAN.

Jack was born at Otautau in Western Southland, the eldest child of Hanora (nee COSGRIFF) and James EGAN, farmers from nearby Wrey’s Bush. He had two younger sisters, Molly and Kathleen, and a younger brother James. Jack’s mother died when he was only four years old and his childhood after that was quite unsettled, being brought up by his elderly grandmother and his father. After his mother’s death his younger siblings were taken away to be raised by others so Jack very rarely saw them. 

St Kevin's College Dux 1933

After his grandmother's death in 1926, and with his father becoming blind after a failed operation, at the age of 12 Jack was sent away to boarding school at St Kevin’s College in Oamaru. Here he excelled academically and also on the sporting field, showing talent in many different sports including cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics and shooting. He became Dux of the college in 1933.

While a pupil at St Kevin’s College he captained the 1st XV rugby team and also the 1st XI cricket team. He eventually went on to play provincial rugby at fullback for both Southland and then Otago, captaining the Otago rugby team during the late 1930’s. He captained the South Island Varsity rugby team, then the NZ Varsity team, as well as captaining the Otago cricket team.

Otago rugby captain 1937

Jack attended Otago University and then Teachers Training College. After an initial teaching post to the Hawkes Bay he returned south and spent the rest of his life either teaching or as headmaster in primary schools throughout Otago and Southland, including at Nightcaps, Kaiwera, Wendon, Hokonui, Balclutha and Mataura. 

Jack married in December 1944 to Mary Dorothy (Doris) SCHULTZ. They had a very happy marriage and went on to have a family of four children; Maureen, Dorothy, Paul and Brian.

Lieut. J.F.EGAN
NZ Army 1939 - 1945

Jack came from a long line of hard-working Irish immigrant families and he had a very strong work ethic, a trait which he tried to pass on to both his children and his pupils. He enjoyed giving back to the communities in which he lived and often organised the production of stage shows and musicals, coached sports teams, served on numerous committees and even spent some time as an elected member of the Mataura Borough Council.

My grandfather John Francis (Jack) Egan died on the 20th of October 1977, while still serving as the headmaster of the Mataura Primary School. He was aged only 63 years old. I was only six years old at the time and have only a few vivid memories of him. But from what I can remember of him as both my grandfather and also as the headmaster of the school I attended, he was a kind man who was firm but fair. Right throughout his career as a teacher, and then later as a headmaster, he very quickly gained the admiration and respect of his fellow teachers, his pupils and the whole community. 

Doris & Jack EGAN, about 1975

I would love to have had my grandfather in my life for a longer period of time as I was growing up. From what I have been told he had a great knowledge of our family history that unfortunately was never written down to be passed on. I think that him and I would have gotten on so well together and I can even picture in my mind conversations that I would love to have had with him that sadly never got to take place. 

I would love for him to still be around today to see his grandson Brendan (only 2 years old when he died) carving out his own career as a school teacher and now head of Religious Education at the Catholic secondary school that he himself worked so hard to help fundraise to build. Jack had dreams of his own children being able to be educated at St Peter’s College in Gore, but the building work was delayed and it wasn’t opened in time for any of them to attend. But after his death six of his grandchildren, including myself, did get to be educated there, and in more recent times two of his great grandchildren (my own two children) have also attended this great school. 

Brendan and Bridget, Aug 2014.
Wouldn't Jack have been so proud of these two !!!

Besides rugby and his family, two of Jack’s other great loves in life were drama and debating. I would love for him to have seen my daughter Bridget (his great granddaughter) scoop the senior debating awards at a recent Catholic secondary school debating competition, with his grandson Brendan also as the debating team coach. And at the same event another Egan family member (the great granddaughter of his cousin) won the junior debating awards. I bet Jack would have been just so proud if he had been there.

Another fullback in the family

And I bet he would have loved to have had the chance to stand on the sidelines and watch my son Mark (his great grandson) playing his favourite sport of rugby in the very same fullback position that he once played in, slotting the ball between the uprights from way out wide by the sideline, just as he did all those decades ago.

I believe it is such a shame that younger generations aren't able to get to know and love those from the older generations, since they often have so much in common but never have the chance to actually meet. But that's just the way life works; - people live and then they die but their genes still live on. My kids may not realise it, but I firmly believe that they have a lot of their great grandfather in them and that his legacy lives on through them and all of their cousins.

I know my grandfather Jack will still be keeping an eye on us all from Heaven, and I hope he is proud of how his family has grown and what they have all achieved. He was a hard working man who gave back to the community as much as he could. I believe he has every right to be proud of his family as it was him who instilled in us all the ethic to work hard to achieve well in this life, the willingness to help out and to give back to others, and the desire to do our best at all times. 

Happy 100th birthday Grandad. I think of you often and really wish I could have spent more years with you and had the chance to have known you better !!!

______________________________

( For the full story of the early years of the marriage of Jack’s parents and the subsequent splitting up of the family please follow this link. )

Following in footsteps from the past

Mark HURRELL driving 'Sammy the Bull'

Last Saturday was a very big day for my 16 year old son Mark. It was the day he had been waiting on for so long. After six months of driving fast-work he was finally getting to drive in an actual race. It wasn't a totalisator race though, just a workout race, but that didn't worry him. It was his first ever real race and that was all that mattered.

Mark has been keen on harness racing since he was just a young boy. My husband Ross is also a big harness racing fan and has spent many years following the horses. Back in his younger days he even bred and raced a few himself. We have close friends who breed and race horses so his interest in racing has never waned. And now he has passed this love of the horses and racing on to our son. 

Harness racing is the absolute number one favourite thing in Mark's life. Nothing else is as important to him as the horses. He had no real interest in school, and despite the fact I wanted him to stay at school for another year, all he wanted to do was work with the horses. No amount of convincing him otherwise was going to change his mind so last month he left school and began his harness racing career. He has worked part-time in a local stable for the past year but now he gets to spend as much time as he wants there, without the interruption of having to go to school. In the past six months he has learnt so much and has gained so much experience working with and driving numerous different horses. He is now ready to begin the next phase of his career to become a fully fledged race driver. 

Harness racing is not a career path chosen by many. But looking back into my family history I have found several branches of my family involved with harness racing. One branch in particular though, on my maternal side, was right into it in a big way. Let's step back in time to early last century, and it is at this point in time I have found three of my great grandmothers brothers who were all involved with the harness racing world.

William WALLIS (1884 - 1968), Joseph WALLIS (1894 - 1972) and Thorley WALLIS (1901 - 1973) were all harness racing trainers and drivers, each achieving their own fair share of success. They lived and breathed harness racing, much like their great great great nephew Mark does now. Harness racing was only in it's infancy way back when they were training and driving, but looking closely at these photos of them below, not too much has changed. The gear the horses wear is still quite similar, although now days most horses wear some "added extras" that help them out that wee bit more (things such as blinkers, murphy blinds, ear plugs, shadow rolls, nose flappers, spreaders and boring poles). Perhaps one of the main differences is the fact that the harness the horses wear is no longer made of leather, but is instead made of a plastic coated nylon which is much easier to keep clean and doesn't needed oiled, therefore a lot less work.

William WALLIS, pictured with 'John Dillon', date unknown

Joseph WALLIS, pictured with 'Indian Child', 1922

The shape of the carts these horses have on from almost 100 years ago are also very similar to what is still used now days by the majority, although some trainers are now beginning to use 'speed-carts' based on American designs which do look quite different. 

But I guess the biggest difference is the fact that the horses now days are no longer ridden. In early harness racing in New Zealand almost all horses were ridden. Back in the 1920's when the WALLIS brothers were starting out in their harness racing careers, most race meetings would be half ridden races, half cart races. But carts quickly became the norm and ridden races were eventually phased out completely by the late 1950's. It was only earlier this year that I saw for myself for the very first time an exhibition "saddle-trot" (a ridden race) at a local race meeting. It was run to show the spectators the way that harness races used to be run way back in the past and was very interesting to see. 

Thorley WALLIS, pictured in the winners circle with 'First Glance', 1922

 As well as my WALLIS family and a branch of my EGAN family who were all trainers and drivers, my own father and grandfather (Ron ENGLISH and Robert ENGLISH) were huge, huge harness racing fans. Although Dad or Grandad didn't actually work in the harness racing industry, they followed the horses almost religiously and one of their favourite past-times was to attend race meetings all over the countryside (and have the odd wee bet). They both passed away before Mark was born and I wish with all my heart that they were still here now to see him drive. I have no doubt at all that they would be extremely proud and absolutely chuffed with what Mark has chosen to do with his life. And I bet they are looking down from Heaven with huge smiles on their faces, thoroughly enjoying watching their grandson living his dream. 

"The biggest adventure you can take
is to live the life of your dreams."
~~ Unknown  ~~

Those we love never truly die ......

Every once in a while the reality of life, ….. and in fact death, causes me to stop in my tracks and reassess my life and my place in this world. This past week has been one of those very reflective weeks.

After years of soul-searching I think I now have a better understanding of how this life works and I realise that God has an individual plan for each of us. We are never privy to this information though, we can only hope that the life he has planned for us is going to be a long and very happy one. 

Last Thursday afternoon my maternal uncle, one of my mothers younger brothers, passed away suddenly after a very short illness. He lived in Australia so I hadn’t seen him for several years. But that doesn’t make it any easier. In fact it probably makes it all the more sad and difficult due to the fact that, even though long periods of time had passed since I last saw him, I now know that this is one more very loved family member that I am never going to get to see again.

It’s made me once again realise that our time on this earth is finite, and we never know when it will be our turn to say goodbye. It has also made me realise that over the space of hundreds and hundreds of years, all of my ancestors I have lovingly searched for and wanted to find out so much about, they too have suffered loss and grief, often in circumstances that we today will never comprehend or fully understand.

It’s made me all the more determined to keep searching and keep recording what I find about my family members who have gone before me. As I’ve previously stated on this blog, I feel it is my purpose on this earth to be the link between the past and the future. So with renewed vigour, and a bit of a heavy heart, I will continue with my mission to document, preserve and share their stories. All of our ancestors and our much loved family members deserve to be remembered, and if they are remembered they will never truly die.

_________________

Paul John EGAN
Feb 1950  -  Oct 2014

My Uncle Paul was a free spirit. He loved life and he lived it his way.

He loved his family and his five sons meant the absolute world to him. 

Rest in peace Uncle Paul.

You are loved by us all and you will never be forgotten.

Sending lots of love and hugs to all your family in Australia.
x x x x x

_________________

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die"

~  Thomas Campbell  ~

Family Treasures: - A tale of tragedy and strength

This very inconspicuous, old cane basket is one of my family treasures. It's a bit worn around the edges, it’s a bit grubby in places, and anyone who didn’t know it’s history would probably send it off to the dump. But my maternal great grandfather James Francis (Jim) EGAN made this basket many, many years ago. He made it totally by hand, which is a feat in itself, but the most amazing thing about it is that when it was made, Jim was totally blind.

James Francis (Jim) EGAN

James Francis (Jim) EGAN and his twin brother Michael Patrick EGAN were born on the 28th of December 1876 at Frankton, in Central Otago, New Zealand. They were the first-born children of Irish immigrants William and Mary (nee DWYER) EGAN, who had arrived in New Zealand in 1867 onboard the ship ‘Elizabeth Fleming’.

Jim's father, William EGAN, was accidentally killed while gold mining in February 1878 when Jim and his brother Michael were only 13 months old. Their family subsequently shifted south to begin a new life farming at Wrey’s Bush in Western Southland. His mother, Mary (nee DWYER) EGAN, was a very strong, determined Irish woman who ran her own farm with the help of her brother-in-law James EGAN, and later on with the help of her three growing sons; Jim, Michael and William (who was born 8 months after his father’s tragic death).

6th of August 1913, the marriage of
Jim EGAN & Hanora COSGRIFF

James Francis (Jim) EGAN was married in August 1913 to Hanora Mary COSGRIFF and before long they had a family of four beautiful young children; Jack (John Francis, my maternal grandfather, b. 1914), Molly (b. 1915), Kathleen (b. 1917) and James (b. 1918). Happiness for them was short-lived however, as Jim's beautiful young wife Hanora fell ill when their baby James was only eight months old. Hanora was admitted to hospital in the nearby town of Riverton and underwent an operation to remove a large hydatids cyst from her liver. After the operation she went into shock and the following day (the 27th of July 1919) she died, aged just 30, leaving Jim a widower with four very young children to raise on his own. His mother Mary, now 75 years old, was able to help him to a certain degree and after much discussion it was decided that the eldest child Jack (only four years old) would remain living with his father and grandmother. Toddlers Molly and Kathleen went to live with relations of their mothers Cosgriff family, and baby James went to live with a local family nearby who raised him as one of their own.

Back when Jim was in his late teens he had begun to experience problems with his eyesight and only a few years after his wife’s tragic death it had got to the stage that he was having real difficulties with everyday life on the farm due to his deteriorating sight. In February 1926 his mother Mary died aged 82, and he was left living alone with his now 12 year old son Jack, and with eyes that were failing him badly. Not long after this he underwent an operation to try and save his eyesight but it didn’t go according to plan and instead Jim was left totally blind. And so began a new phase of his life, learning to live in a world of total darkness.

After a few months of trying to return to live at home it was decided that it would be best if Jim left the family farm and moved north to Auckland, to the NZ Blind Institute, to learn the necessary skills to adjust to his new life. After a very fond farewell from the locals, Jim left Wrey’s Bush for good, and would only return periodically for visits in the years that followed. Social occasions held to farewell Jim each time he visited were often reported in the local newspapers and they provide a great insight into life at the time. 

The following is a newspaper report of his initial farewell, printed in the ‘Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle’ on the 8th of February 1927:

“Complimentary Social at Wreys Bush"

"When it was made known that Mr Jas. Egan had decided to take up a course at the Auckland Institute for the Blind, the residents were unanimous in deciding he should not leave without them showing their practical sympathy in his affliction and their appreciation of his many acts of kindness and willingness to assist in any movement or gathering, for the benefit of others. Particularly has he been known as the founder and leader of “Egan’s Orchestra”, whose name throughout the District was a bye word for first class music. Mr Egan had for some years suffered from defective eyesight, and an operation became imperative. Unfortunately the result was not successful and he was totally deprived of sight. With commendable determination to be of use, he decided to go to the Institute, fully resolved to accomplish some purpose. On Tuesday evening the hall was packed to its fullest extent, visitors being present from all parts of the district. Mr John Boyle, Heddon Bush, was Chairman, and in a few appropriate remarks, explained the object of the gathering expressing pleasure at the spontaneous response of the whole neighbourhood. An enjoyable concert programme was submitted. Items were rendered by the following: Misses A Ronald, J Ronald and Matheson. Dances by Misses Caulfield and Anderson. H.E. Philip Comedian, provided a fund of humour.

Mr Jas. G Johnston, one of the oldest residents of the district, in making the Guest a present of a well-filled wallet, said he found great difficulty in making an appropriate speech. He wanted Jim to feel he had the sympathy of them all in this time of trial. He assured him of their best wishes for the accomplishment of the task that lay before him and for his ultimate success for the battle of life. “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” was heartily sung at this juncture. Mr D.J. Heenan, Beaumont, said the occasion was both uncommon and sad. He regretted the circumstances. Mr Egan had been hard against it, having lost his wife a few years ago while his family was still young. Although his fresh affliction had overtaken him, he was not downhearted, but with the heart of a lion, he was game and would not give in. He assured him of their prayers for his prosperity. Mr P Sinclair also spoke, referring to the fact that almost everyone present had at some time danced to music supplied by Mr Egan.

Mr Egan, on rising, received a great ovation. In a voice that could be distinctly heard, though deeply touched by emotion, he said words failed to come to thank them for what they had all done for him. He was overcome with gratitude for their spontaneous gift, although not so much for the gift, as the spirit which prompted it. It spoke volumes for their charity and kindness. He was not going to give in and prayed that God would bless and reward them all. “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” was again taken up by the crowd and after a few more items, the chairman called for three hearty cheers for all who had assisted in the evenings entertainment. A dance followed during which a dainty repast, provided by the ladies, was handed around.”

A report of his visit in February 1929 included the following:

“…….. during a recess Mr D Sinclair, on behalf of the company, congratulated their guest on the rapid advancement he had made in the art of basket making and his proficiency on the typewriter. The residents had had the opportunity of seeing samples of his work which he had done during his holiday and could see for themselves the fine class of work he could turn out ……….”

The ‘Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle’ dated the 11th of February 1930 reported the following:

"Complimentary social was tendered to Mr James Egan in the Wrey’s Bush hall on Wednesday 5th inst., prior to his return to the Jubilee Institute for the Blind at Auckland. The hall was well filled with friends and many had come some considerable distance. Dancing was enjoyed by music supplied by Egans’ New Orchestra (4 instruments).

During supper adjournment, Mr D Sinclair expressed the pleasure of seeing their guest in his own town again and looking well and happy. They were all proud to know that despite the affliction that had overtaken him he had not lost heart, but by the excellent tuition and training he had received at the Institute, he was in the happy position of feeling himself in a large measure independent and self-reliant. Samples of his work were before them and had attracted the admiration of everyone. He had mastered the Braille and could do the bookkeeping by that system and was very proficient at the typewriter. He hoped that many of those present would write now and again to Jim and they would be surprised at the well-written reply they would receive. The speaker concluded by congratulating their guest on the success he had achieved by grit and determination and in conjunction with all those present wished him continued success and good health. “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” was heartily sung. An acceptable and suitable presentation was also made. Mr Egan on rising to reply was accorded an ovation. He thanked them sincerely for their many expressions of good will and practical sympathy and assistance. He did not like leaving again after his holiday, but realised that it was all for the best but was always glad to get back to the “Bush” again. He wished one and all Goodbye and Good Luck."

During his time living in Auckland Jim continued to enjoy his music and played the clarinet in the Blind Institute Band. On one occasion the band undertook a nationwide tour of New Zealand, including a visit to the deep south, and this allowed Jim another chance to catch up with all those at home in Wrey’s Bush and also have many friends and family come to hear his band play.

The NZ Blind Institute Band; date unknown but probably taken in the late 1930's.
My great grandfather James Francis (Jim) EGAN is second from the right in the middle row.

Basket making was one of the many new skills that Jim EGAN learnt while at the Blind Institute. From what I have been told, he was a very fast learner and picked up new skills easily. So long as he was told which colours of cane were sitting where when he started, he could turn out a beautiful basket in no time at all. I was also told that over the years most members of his wider extended family had all been given baskets made by him. But I'm afraid my basket is the only example I know of or have ever seen. It was given to me about ten years ago by a grandson of Jim’s younger brother William. There may still be other examples out there but I guess the stories of how they came to be in the family may have been lost over time and the baskets eventually disposed of.

In his later years Jim returned from the Blind Institute in Auckland and spent his last few years living with his son James and family in Invercargill. He died from cancer of the throat and oesophagus in Invercargill on the 24th of April 1947 at the age of 70. He was buried alongside his beloved wife Hanora, his mother Mary and his uncle James at the Wrey’s Bush Cemetery in Western Southland.

My great grandfather Jim EGAN had more than his fair share of tragedies in his lifetime, including the death of his father when he was only a baby, the loss of his wife after only five years of marriage, and then the subsequent loss of his young family as they were taken and raised by others. And as if that wasn't enough for any man to have to endure, he then had to spend well over half of his life living in total darkness. But he did so with dignity, with courage, with strength and determination, and without so much as a single grumble or a “why me”. He took life as it was dealt to him and made the most of the opportunities he was given.

Happy Fathers Day !!!

I am unsure about the rest of the world, but today in New Zealand it is Father's Day, a day we celebrate and remember, and also thank our fathers for all they have done for us. My own father died when I was seven so I have no real recollection of spending a Father's Day with him, but I’m sure he has spent every Father's Day watching down on us from Heaven. Instead, my childhood memories of Father's Day lie solely around my paternal grandfather, Robert ENGLISH. He lived in the house right beside us and was probably the main father figure I had in my life. So my childhood Father's Days always meant a visit next door to see my grandad and my mother always baked him a sultana cake which was one of his absolute favourites.

Today I would like to celebrate and remember all the fathers on every branch of my family tree. Without them our tree would simply stop growing. An extra big thank you must go to all those fathers whose genes make me the person that I am today and whose blood still runs through my veins. These remarkable men; my own father, my two grandfathers and my many great grandfathers further back, have all helped me to become the person that I am and to them I owe a very big thank you. Each and every one of those whose photos appear below makes up a special part of me, and although there is only four of them that I actually ever met, the rest have all had an influence in some way or another in my genetic makeup.

So a very happy Father's Day to those below, and to all of my other great grandfathers further back on my tree. 

But today’s most special happy Father's Day wish must go to the most important father in my life today; - the fantastic father of my children, my husband Ross. For eighteen years now he has always been the kindest, most patient and loving father to our children. Thank you Ross for giving me two absolutely beautiful children and thank you for being the best husband and father that anyone could ever wish for. You are one in a million and Bridget, Mark and I love you so much   :-)

World War 1: 100 years on, ....... "we will remember them"

The 4th of August 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War 1; - the Great War, the war to end all wars, or so it seemed. Over the next few years I hope to feature on this blog the stories of some of the heroes of this war, including my own brave family members who fought "for King and country". Some of them were badly injured but were fortunate to make it home alive, while others paid the ultimate price and died far across the seas in foreign lands.

Today I want to pay tribute to all those millions and millions of brave souls who answered the call to arms and fought for their nations. To begin with it may have seemed like some great adventure they were heading on, but all too soon they were living the nightmare and experiencing the horrors that were World War 1.  The courage it took to live through this time, and the effects it had on them, will never be truly known or understood by our generation alive today. I hope and pray that we will never have to live through what they did but their sacrifices and their memory must never be forgotten. 

Ever since I was a young child I have been fascinated by World War 1, mainly because I heard so many stories from my grandmother about her father and her uncles that went away to war. I have spent a lot of time researching my ancestors and family members who lived through this time, and every day it seems my list of brave soldiers continues to grow. Below are the names of 22 family members who I know all answered the call and fought during this time. Seven of them paid the ultimate price with their lives. I will never stop remembering them and never stop thanking them for their bravery and their courage.  

My Scottish Soldiers

James RENSHAW

Herbert RENSHAW - R.Q.M.Sgt, 5th Btn Scottish Rifles (240026)

James RENSHAW - Pte, 18th Btn (4th Glasgow Yeomanry) Highland Light Infantry (350658). Killed in action, 25 March 1918, France. His body was never found and he is remembered with honour on the Pozieres Memorial, France. Aged 23 years.

William RENSHAW - service details unknown

David RENSHAW - service details unknown

Robert Speirs LINDSAY - 2nd Btn, Royal Engineers (15827), 3rd Btn (1st) Cameron Highlanders (18162)

James Close LINDSAY - 4th Btn, 2nd Scottish Rifles (B/7813)

James KEITH

Robert LINDSAY - service details unknown

Andrew LINDSAY - service details unknown

Douglas McCALLIE - Pte, 1st Btn, Royal Scots Fusiliers (8159). Killed in action, 1 Sept 1914, France. His body was never found and he is remembered with honour on the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial, Seine-et-Marne, France. Aged 28 years.

James KEITH - Pte, 5th (1st) Btn, King’s Own Scottish Borderers (1486). Killed in action, 12 July 1915, Gallipoli, Turkey. His body was never found and he is remembered with honour on the Helles Memorial, Turkey. Aged 24 years.

Robert McCALLIE  - 5th Btn, King’s Own Scottish Borderers (1435), then 460th Btn, Agriculture Co. Labour Corp. (483477)

My New Zealand Soldiers

William Michael DWYER

Michael Joseph EGAN - Pte, NZEF 18th Reinforcements Otago Regiment 8th Co. (29756)

John Patrick EGAN - Warrant Officer, NZEF 4th Reinforcements, 1st Btn NZ Rifle Brigade, "E" Co. (23/1976)

Thomas Joseph EGAN - Corporal, NZEF 8th Reinforcements, Otago Mounted Rifles (9/1675), NZ Machine Gun Btn, No. 2 Co. "D" Squadron

James EGAN - Corporal, NZEF 35th Reinforcements, Otago Infantry “B” Co. (58993)

William Michael DWYER - Bombardier, NZEF 2nd Reinforcements, Otago Mounted Rifles, NZ Field Artillery (9/694). Died of sickness, 2 Aug 1917, France. Buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery, France. Aged 29 years.

Henry John BRUNT

John Michael REAL - NZEF, Canterbury Mounted Rifles (7/107), NZ Army Service Corp, No. 3 Co. (5/107B). Seriously injured at Gallipoli on 13 Aug 1915,   died of gunshot wounds on 1 Sept 1915 at No. 1 Australian Hospital, Heliopolis. Buried in the Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Aged 21 years.

Michael COSGRIFF -  Trooper, NZEF 41st Reinforcements, NZ Machine Gun Btn (74617)

Albert HURRELL - Sgt, NZEF 6th Reinforcements, 3rd Btn Wellington Regiment (10/2656)

Herbert HURRELL - Pte, NZEF 29th Reinforcements (58538)

Leslie HURRELL - Gunner, NZEF 2nd NZ Field Artillery 8th Brigade (2/43). Died of sickness, 3 November 1917, Belgium. Buried in the Zuydcoote Military Cemetery, Belgium. Aged 20 years.

Henry John BRUNT - Pte, NZEF 24th Reinforcements, 1st Btn Canterbury Regiment (43948). Killed in action, 12 Oct 1917 at Passchendaele, Belguim. Buried in the Passchendaele New British Cemetery, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belguim. Aged 33 years.

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The following family members were all on the NZ Reserves List. As yet I don’t know whether any of them were called-up, whether they served overseas or not, or whether they just remained on stand-by should they have ever been needed.

John COSGRIFF - Pte, NZEF 44th Reinforcements (78879), Edward COSGRIFF  - Reserve classification D, Matthew EGAN - Second Reserves, classification E, William Francis EGAN - First Reserves, William Joseph EGAN - Second Reserves, classification D, Michael Patrick EGAN - Second Reserves, classification E, James Francis EGAN  - Second Reserves, classification B, Frank SCHULTZ  - Second Reserves, classification A, Joseph SCHULTZ - Second Reserves, classification C, Thomas SCHULTZ - First Reserves, Thomas COSGRIFF, William WALLIS and Benjamin WALLIS.

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"They will grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning.

We will remember them."

The fourth stanza from "For the Fallen", by Laurence Binyon