20 Ancestors in 20 Weeks–Number 5–George Douglas Hardy Sr

 

OBITUARY
MR  GEORGE HARDY SR
We tender our sympathy to Councillor G.D.Hardy of the Borough Council ( Devon-port) on the death of his father, Mr George Douglas Hardy, who died at his residence, Bollard Avenue, Avondale at the age  of 88 years.
Mr. Hardy was born at Troon, Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1865 on the ship Armstrong. For two years after his arrival he served in ships trading between Australia and New Zealand, and he then settled permanently in Auckland and became an attendant at the Avondale Mental Hospital . There was no resident doctor in those days and after a few years Mr Hardy was appointed head attendant. A doctor called daily for about an hour or two, but apart from that Mr Hardy and no supervision of his administration.
After 20 years at the hospital, Mr Hardy entered business , from which he eventually retired about 25 years ago. Mr Hardy was married in Auckland in 1868, and when he and his wife first settled in the Avondale district there were very few houses in the neighbourhood, and the only means of getting to the city was by foot or on horseback along a rough track. Mr and Mrs Hardy celebrated their diamond wedding in 1928.
In earlier days, Mr Hardy was a prominent Mason and was a past grand master of the Newton Mark Lodge and of Lodge Eden. Among his greatest treasures were presentations in the form of medallions from both of these institutions.
Mrs Hardy survives her husband, and in addition to Cr. Hardy there is a family of three sons and three daughters as follows :- Mr Ben Hardy of Mt Eden, Mr Robert Hardy Wellington, Mr Frank Hardy of Newton, Mrs J B Cooper of Otorohanga, Mrs E Miller of Grey Lynn, Mrs W Ill of Remuera. There are also 18 grandchildren and 16 great  greandchildren.
NorthShore Gazette Devonport  October 1933.

Middlebrook Reunion Newsletter 11 August 2014

Early Reunion Registration Discount Ends Soon

Early registration discount ends August 30
The reunion will be held on January 24th and 25th 2015 at Fairway Lodge, Silverfield, Takapuna in Auckland.
We have negotiated what we feel is the best  price and format for our needs and we are able to offer
several options in our aim to have as many attend as possible. We hope to make  this event pleasurable and enjoyable as possible while making it as affordable as we can.
To that end we have formatted the two days as follows:
Saturday 24th January
11am - 4pm
The day will begin with check in where you will be issued with name tags denoting which branch of the family you belong to . This will make it easy for you to recognise those who descend from the same branch of the family as yourself.
From 12 noon we will have our photographer taking formal group photos of each branch of the family and of the whole group, along with roaming candid photos throughout the day.
These photographs will be available in an inexpensive  book form, after the reunion. Orders to be taken on the day or beforehand  via a form which will be included in a later newsletter.
Leading up to the reunion we will announce the price of  a photographic family history book which will be available for pre-purchase and pick up at the reunion.
Finger food and tea and coffee will be supplied throughout the day and a cash bar will also be available for those who wish to make use of it.
There will be photographic and informational displays and a large family tree available for viewing.
Saturday primarily though is a mix and mingle event where we can all get to know each other.
Feel free to bring along any photos or copies, along with family mementos you wish to share or display.
Saturday Evening
This is at your leisure. We have suggestions for local restaurants for those interested.
Sunday 25th January
12 noon - 3:00pm
Buffet Luncheon
Sit down lunch with presentations and speakers (descendants) and cutting of the Reunion Cake
REGISTRATION CAN BE MADE ONLINE BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK
Middlebrook Reunion Registration Form
If you prefer to print and fill in a paper form you can download it here

WELCOME TO OUR NEW SUBSCRIBERS

This newsletter now goes out to 61 separate email addresses. Its great that there is so much interest in the Middlebrook Family.
For those who have only recently joined us - you can find past newsletters online
CLICK  HERE to read them

FURTHER FAMILY CONNECTIONS-
James Bailey Cooper and John Thompson Middlebrook

Above is a copy of a page of the will of James Bailey Cooper who was married to Susan Jane Hardy, daughter of Elizabeth ( nee Middlebrook) and George Douglas Hardy.
In it, named as executor was James Thompson Middlebrook, son of John and Mary Ann Middlebrook of Te Awamutu.
John states in the will he had been a personal friend of James Bailey Cooper for  "about 45 years up until his death" - this would have made them friends before the turn of the century.
They could well also have been neighbours of a sort, with the Coopers having a farm a few miles out of Otorohanga and John Thompson running a farm in Korakanui - the two districts being very close in location, however it would appear that they had been friends well before this, as the Middlebrook family did not move to Te Awamutu until after the turn of the century.

John Middlebrook and Jane Thompson McRae (nee Middlebrook)

This photo of siblings Jane McRae and John Middlebrook was proportedly taken before both embarked on a cruise on the ship Mononwai to the Pacific Islands  in 1935.
Currently I have confirmed that John Middlebrook was in fact a passenger on this cruise in July of that year but I have not managed to confirm Jane accompanied him .
Its also unknown where this photo was taken . We have several other photographs which appear to be taken in the same garden.

John Middlebrook and Samuel Middlebrook

This photo , taken in 1933 at Korakanui  shows brothers Samuel and John Middlebrook. It could possibly have been taken at the funeral of Johns son Walter in that year.

WEDDINGS

Wedding photos can give us some of the best clues as to the family dynamics and relationships between siblings and cousins. Often we get to see people we would never have a photo of otherwise. They form a great basis for research as,there are frequently group shots taken that include all of the guests or family members present

This wedding photo shows Olive Rush ( granddaughter of Jane Thompson Middlebrook and daughter of Mary Rush, nee McRae) along with 3 of her  4 brothers and her sister Phyllis on the left

This wedding photo of Lily Hardy ( daughter of George and Elizabeth Hardy (nee Middlebrook) includes some of our only photos of some of the other Hardy children, including Susan Jane Cooper ( nee Hardy)  seated on the far left Ellen Hardy, ( second from left standing) and possibly Robert Farrer Hardy ( far left ) and Benjamin Hardy ( 3rd from left back row)

This photo of guests present at the wedding of John Thompson Middlebrook and Susannah Frost includes all of the children of John Middlebrook and more, and most have been identified.

This is the wedding of Cis (Margaret Matlida) Rea. Cis was the youngest sister of Mary Jane Rea- wife of Samuel Middlebrook. She was 16 years younger than Mary Jane and only a few years older than Margaret ( Dot) and Ellie, MaryJanes older daughters. It appears that Cis was bought up for some time by Mary Jane along with her  children . Its not surprising then that Dot and Ellie were bridesmaids for Cis when she married Alexander Stanaway

Cis also appears  on the far right in this photo of Samuel with his children ( Dot Ellie Bert Bess and Maisie) The occasion of this gathering was the daughter of Valerie Middlebrook, Berts eldest daughter .
If you have any wedding photos to add to our collection, please send them to Lauren for inclusion in the reunion book

WHERE DOES THE THOMPSON NAME COME FROM?
There are at least three members of the family who carry the name Thompson as their middle name.
Jane Thompson Middlebrook, James Thompson Middlebrook and John Thompson Middlebrook.
The Thompson name comes from Ellen's branch of the family.
Ellen's mother  was Ellen Thompson of Fairburn Yorkshire.The Thompson family have a long history in the small village of Fairburn Yorkshire.
Ellens father was Publican James Thompson.

James Thompson was born in 1758 in Fairburn Yorkshire.
The family been residents  in Fairburn for hundreds of years.Son of William Thompson of Fairburn .
He was baptiised on July 23rd of that year at Ledsham  Parish Church.
  Nothing is known of James’ life until his marriage at Ledsham to Elizabeth Whittaker. In 12 March 1798, James, along with Edward Williamson and Thomas  Jackson purchased a property described as two dwelling houses, a blacksmith and outbuildings.
At what point James decided to create a public house on the premises is unknown but the Baines's Directory and Gazetteer Directory of 1822 lists James Thompson as Victualer of the 3 Horse Shoes  .
James and Elizabeth had 6 children, a son, and 5 daughters.  Son, James, born in 1784  became a chemist and moved to Stonegate York.
Ellen Thompson, born 1787 married Benjamin Farrer, a successful watch and clock maker from nearby Pontefract.
The other daughters were Elizabeth born 1793, Sarah born 1795, Ann, born 1800 and Hannah born 1802 . Hannah married Thomas Elliot a farmer from Wakefield Yorkshire in 1831
James  remained in Fairburn as publican at the Three Horseshoes until his death in September 1841 aged 80 where he resided with his 3 unmarried daughters, Elizabeth Sarah and Ann.  His will was very specific. He left the pub and its surrounding property to his unmarried daughters, as long as they remained unmarried.  Elizabeth and Sarah went on to become the publicans at the Three Horse Shoes until their deaths in 1866 and 1867 respectively.  Ann remained living in the pub until after 1851 (aged 51) but her whereabouts after this date are unknown .

The Last Will and Testament of me
James Thompson of Fairburn in the County of York, Gentleman, made this Eighteenth day of April in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty one. First I direct that all my just debts and funeral and testamentary expenses and the charges of proving and registering this, my will be fully paid out of  my property by my Executor, which I here appoint my Son Mr James Thompson of York, Druggist into whose hands I entrust the whole of  my property for the use of Elizabeth my wife and Daughters as follows. I Will that my said wife Elizabeth Thompson shall have the whole of whatever property I may have for her and by Daughters who remain unmarried/Sole use and benefit during the term of my said wife’s natural life and at my said wife’s death I will that those my daughters, who may remain unmarried shall have a house genteely furnished out of the house which I now reside then I will that the property now consisting of Three dwelling houses, with the premises thereto belonging situate about the centre of the Village of Fairburn, near the crofts be given to my daughters for there support while they remain unmarried  . Should any of them marry or die, the said property to be held by the single daughter or daughters so continuing unmarried and then I will that the completion of this part of my will that the remainder of the furniture with the house in which I now reside together with the land belonging thereto be valued and disposed of according to the judgment of those my son and daughters concerned to do as they may think proper and if the parties concerned agree to sell the property I will that it be so sold and the money equally divided amount them, share and share alike and then I will that at the marriage or death of my daughters, now single, the said property which haws held by them shall with all the residue of my property be disposed of to the best advantage for the use and benefit of those my Son and Daughters concerned and should my Son or any of them my daughters die before the execution of this my will leaving lawful issue such children to have the parents share equally divided amongst them share and share alike And I hereby revoke all my former wills In witness whereof I the said James Thompson have to this my last will and Testament set my and and seal the day and year bore written
Signed sealed published and declared by the said James Thompson the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us, who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.

LOOKING FOR....

We are seeking contact with descendants of Mary (Maisie)  Lucinda Wishart Middlebrook
She married Joseph Johnson and then Charles (Mac) Edwards.
She had three daughters Glenda, Ngaire and Ruth, and one son, Raymond  who died as an infant
Glenda died in 1940, Ngaire married Warwick Harvey and had 2 children that we know of -  Warwick and Jennifer Harvey.- both would be in their late 60s or early 70s
Ruth married Wilfred Henry Pool. We have no information on their children if any.
We would love to get in contact with Maisies descendants to include them in the reunion.
If anyone has any ideas on where to look for them please let us know.

Middlebrook Family History Website is now Live

The first stage of the Middlebrook Family History Website is now up and viewable.

The Stories page is regularly updated so feel free to check for new images and stories .
Lauren will be adding to the next generation  pages as time permits

We are still looking for further photographs to include in the Pictorial book which will be available at the reunion - please email Lauren if you have anything at all which may be of interest. This includes not just photographs from the 19th century but also 20th century photographs pertaining to the Middlebrook family.
If you do not have any way of scanning the photographs we may be able to organise someone to visit .

WHO AM I?

It is possible this is Ellen Middlebrook. We have one image of her as a young woman ( below) and a few as a much older woman There are great similarities especially around the nose , and the hairline but the eye line is less similar.
If anyone else  has a copy of this photo we would appreciate a scan of it, especially if it has any identifying writing on the back or if it is a larger version

Your Stories Urgently Required

We are still urgently requiring stories for the newsletter and also for the reunion book. Without your help there are most certainly going to be gaps in the research. This could be as simple as jotting down your memories of your parents, grandparents, or any stories you have been told relating to all branches  the family. 

Remember to fill in a Family Group Sheet Form here if you havent already

Copyright © 2014 Middlebrook Reunion Project, All rights reserved

20 Ancestors in 20 Weeks–number - John Thompson Middlebrook

 

 

Thanks to John McBain for the journalling in this layout . He is a wonderful story teller

John Thompson Middlebrook was born in Auckland in 1883 , and he seems to have grown up mainly in Ponsonby. His father having a butchery business in St Marys Bay Road.  There were stories of him delivering meat before school in the mornings. Leaving school he entered into an apprenticeship with A.& T. Burt in Auckland to train as a plumber. One story that comes from that time was that he was working on the “Clansman” that was a coastal steamer. It operated a regular service between Auckland and Whangaroa , he had some pipework to attend to on the ship. But come sailing time and the job wasn’t yet completed! So John had an unscheduled voyage to Whangaroa and return.  He had leave owing at Christmas/ New year (probably 1904/5) and so spent it in Te Awamutu , with  the family after they moved there.  Fate took a hand here in two ways (1) there was sickness in the staff at the butchery. , so John T. was called upon to do duty in the shop and (2) he had met a girl (Susie Frost) that he rather fancied , who lived at Te Rahu, close to town. The two things must have combined to persuade him to contact A. & T. Burt and terminate
his apprenticeship. So he was now an apprentice butcher, though it probably wasn’t exactly new to him anyway. He continued to court Susie Frost and in 1906 they were married .They lived on the outskirts of town on Te Rahu Road. Their daughter Thelma was born in Oct.1907 and was an only child. In 1918 John T. was “called up” to go to War and entered Training Camp, but happily the war ended , so he was released from duty and he returned to the butchery to work with his Dad . When brothers Nelson and Victor returned from the war , the Government had some scheme to settle Returned Soldiers on the land. Nelson and wife May acquired a farm at Korokonui and ran dairy cows on it. Meanwhile John T. continued to work with his Dad in the butchery. Sometime around 1920, John T. bought land at Korokonui , on Happy Valley Road (the same road as Nelson was on).  It was in a rather rough state with a lot of clearing still to be done. But there must have been quite a good house and there were outbuildings.

But of course John senior still needed John T. in the shop, the more so now as he was aging. Its hard to contemplate now, butKorokonui was quite distant from Te Awamutu in those days .  Monday mornings early, John T. rode a horse down to the Main South Road, and left the horse grazing for the week in a paddock. There he would catch a bus which took him into Te Awamutu. He would work the week in the shop, lodging with his parents and then on Saturday afternoons after the shop closed he would return to the farm. Meantime on the farm Charlie (a Maori farmworker )and Susie would milk the few cows (by hand) (and Thelma helped a bit too!). Charlie did some clearing and the usual farm chores. At a later period , probably around 1926/7, James Mc Bain (who went on to marry Thelma) was engaged to work on the farm  . He took over from Charlie, who I presume was aging. But things were changing, Electricity  was now coming to town and refrigeration was revolutionising the butchery business,. Things had to change. Already things had changed .John T. now had a car , probably early in the 1930’s. Which would have made things easier. So although John T. was still on the farm ,most of his interest had now switched back to the butchery. Somewhere around 1935-36 the farm must have been sold . Thelma  and John McBain  married in 1928 and they had been running the farm in the main somce tjem .  John T. and Susie had a new house built in Teasdale St. It was wartime by 1939 and John Sr. had passed away.  John T. was having some health issues  himself . The doctor was treating him, but said that really his occupation wasn’t helping, as he was in and out of chillers constantly. He said that his health would continue to suffer unless he changed his occupation and even better moved to somewhere warmer. So in 1941 they left Te Awamutu and moved onto a small farm  of 15 acres at Manurewa. But 15 acres is a problem, a hobby farm really, too small to be profitable and yet you are tied to milking cows to the same degree that a larger farm requires. So after a year they sold it and bought 100 acres at Whitford. Again milking cows, but profitably this time.  They needed assistance though and with it being wartime, labour was hard to find. There was a 16 year old lad that worked for them but  after a year they decided to enllist the support of Thelma and James McBain. With 2 houses on the property it was the obvious answer.  By1947, the war had ended and  John T. and Susie had a house built in Howick to which they retired. Unfortunately soon after that Susie was diagnosed as having cancer, but she died quite suddenly one night  John sold the new house it had no happy memories for him, and he had a room at his sister-in-laws apartments in Auckland city. He had his meals with them , so it really was quite good. He could no longer drive (he’d had a stroke some years earlier) I had a license so had taken over the driving of his car. But Health problems returned and he came back to the farm where he was diagnosed as having cancer. He died at the farm in 1950

20 Ancestors in 20 Weeks–Number 3–James Thompson

 

 

James Thompson was born in 1758 in Fairburn Yorkshire. The family been residents  in Fairburn for hundreds of years.
Son of William Thompson of Fairburn .  He was baptiised on July 23rd of that year at Ledsham  Parish Church.  Nothing is known of James’ life until his marriage at Ledsham to Elizabeth Whittaker. In 12 March 1798, James, along with Edward Williamson and Thomas  Jackson purchased a property described as two dwelling houses, a blacksmith and outbuildings.
At what point James decided to create a public house on the premises is unknown but the Baines's Directory and Gazetteer Directory of 1822 lists James Thompson as Victualer of the 3 Horse Shoes  .
James and Elizabeth had 6 children, a son, and 5 daughters.  Son, James, born in 1784  became a chemist and moved to Stonegate York.
Ellen Thompson, born 1787 married Benjamin Farrer, a successful watch and clock maker from nearby Pontefract.
The other daughters were Elizabeth born 1793, Sarah born 1795, Ann, born 1800 and Hannah born 1802 . Hannah married Thomas Elliot a farmer from Wakefield Yorkshire in 1831
James  remained in Fairburn as publican at the Three Horseshoes until his death in September 1841 aged 80 where he resided with his 3 unmarried daughters, Elizabeth Sarah and Ann.  His will was very specific. He left the pub and its surrounding property to his unmarried daughters, as long as they remained unmarried.  Elizabeth and Sarah went on to become the publicans at the Three Horse Shoes until their deaths in 1866 and 1867 respectively.  Ann remained living in the pub until after 1851 (aged 51) but her whereabouts after this date are unknown .

 

 

THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me
James Thompson of Fairburn in the County of York, Gentleman, made this Eighteenth day of April in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty one. First I direct that all my just debts and funeral and testamentary expenses and the charges of proving and registering this, my will be fully paid out of  my property by my Executor, which I here appoint my Son Mr James Thompson of York, Druggist into whose hands I entrust the whole of  my property for the use of Elizabeth my wife and Daughters as follows. I Will that my said wife Elizabeth Thompson shall have the whole of whatever property I may have for her and by Daughters who remain unmarried/Sole use and benefit during the term of my said wife’s natural life and at my said wife’s death I will that those my daughters, who may remain unmarried shall have a house genteely furnished out of the house which I now reside then I will that the property now consisting of Three dwelling houses, with the premises thereto belonging situate about the centre of the Village of Fairburn, near the crofts be given to my daughters for there support while they remain unmarried  . Should any of them marry or die, the said property to be held by the single daughter or daughters so continuing unmarried and then I will that the completion of this part of my will that the remainder of the furniture with the house in which I now reside together with the land belonging thereto be valued and disposed of according to the judgment of those my son and daughters concerned to do as they may think proper and if the parties concerned agree to sell the property I will that it be so sold and the money equally divided amount them, share and share alike and then I will that at the marriage or death of my daughters, now single, the said property which haws held by them shall with all the residue of my property be disposed of to the best advantage for the use and benefit of those my Son and Daughters concerned and should my Son or any of them my daughters die before the execution of this my will leaving lawful issue such children to have the parents share equally divided amongst them share and share alike And I hereby revoke all my former wills In witness whereof I the said James Thompson have to this my last will and Testament set my and and seal the day and year bore written
Signed sealed published and declared by the said James Thompson the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us, who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.

20 Ancestors in 20 Weeks– Week 2–Jane Thompson Middlebrook

 

 

Here is my second instalment in my 20 Ancestors in 20 weeks layout challenge . I chose to do a timeline layout for Jane Thompson Middlebrook – who seemed to move around so frequently- having most of her babies in different towns.

 

The latest Middlebrook Family Reunion Newsletter–dated July 31 2014

 

Reunion Registration is Open - Register Early and Save!

Early registration discount ends August 30
The reunion will be held on January 24th and 25th 2015 at Fairway Lodge, Silverfield, Takapuna in Auckland.
We have negotiated what we feel is the best  price and format for our needs and we are able to offer
several options in our aim to have as many attend as possible. We hope to make  this event pleasurable and enjoyable as possible while making it as affordable as we can.
To that end we have formatted the two days as follows:
Saturday 24th January
11am - 4pm
The day will begin with check in where you will be issued with name tags denoting which branch of the family you belong to . This will make it easy for you to recognise those who descend from the same branch of the family as yourself.
From 12 noon we will have our photographer taking formal group photos of each branch of the family and of the whole group, along with roaming candid photos throughout the day.
These photographs will be available in an inexpensive  book form, after the reunion. Orders to be taken on the day or beforehand  via a form which will be included in a later newsletter.
Leading up to the reunion we will announce the price of  a photographic family history book which will be available for pre-purchase and pick up at the reunion.
Finger food and tea and coffee will be supplied throughout the day and a cash bar will also be available for those who wish to make use of it.
There will be photographic and informational displays and a large family tree available for viewing.
Saturday primarily though is a mix and mingle event where we can all get to know each other.
Feel free to bring along any photos or copies, along with family mementos you wish to share or display.
Saturday Evening
This is at your leisure. We have suggestions for local restaurants for those interested.
Sunday 25th January
12 noon - 3:00pm
Buffet Luncheon
Sit down lunch with presentations and speakers (descendants) and cutting of the Reunion Cake
REGISTRATION CAN BE MADE ONLINE BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK
Middlebrook Reunion Registration Form
If you prefer to print and fill in a paper form you can download it here

Middlebrook Family History Website is now Live

The first stage of the Middlebrook Family History Website is now up and viewable.

The Stories page is regularly updated so feel free to check for new images and stories .
Lauren will be adding to the next generation  pages as time permits

Travelling by Motor Car
By John McBain ( Great Grandson of John and Mary Ann Middlebrook)

(John McBain in his Grandfathers Car)

My Mum’s recollections of her grandfather John were much fuller than mine.
Some of them she relayed to me, so in a sense I am passing on her “memories”.
He was not a fan of cars!  Towards the end of his life he did travel in them, but he did so with some trepidation.
As a child with the family he had travelled from England to N.Z. in a sailing ship. He had ridden many miles by coach and on horseback, there are photos to prove it. Doubtless too he would have taken train rides. But cars worried him.

Now that I have reached that same  stage of decrepitude, I appreciate that it is common to all, we accept change reluctantly.
I feel sure that that Ellen, the matriarch of our “tribe” would have had similar difficulties too.
My schooling was in the era of pounds, shillings and pence. Its still there, occupying valuable space in my brain, little wonder there’s no space left for new things.

Horses and horse transport were on the wane by the time of my awareness of such things, in towns and cities. In Te Awamutu where I lived, there was a hitching rail and a water trough for horses. It was situated in Walton St. , which was at the rear of  Middlebrooks Butchery. There was often a horse there awaiting its owner. Horses did have some advantages, you sometimes heard tales of men, who spent too long in the bar. Mates would help them onto their horse and it would see its owner safely home. The Wood and Coal Merchant had a wagon drawn by a pair of horses and so too did the Scrap Merchant.

But back to cars that will be the main theme.

(John Thompson Middlebrook with one of his cars)
My Mum’s father, John Thompson Middlebrook, took to cars like a “duck to water”. In his lifetime he owned 3 maybe 4 cars, each one newer than its predecessor. The last was a 1937 Chevrolet Sedan.
He told me about getting his Driver’s License. Apparently he went to the Traffic Officer’s Office in Te Awamutu to “sit the test”. The Traffic Officer took one look at him and said “Oh yes I’ve seen you driving around the town!” and without further ado he issued the License. I am sure youngsters of today wish it were that easy. My earliest clear memories are of much later, 1937-39, more people were aspiring to the ownership of cars, but then even more than now they were beyond the means of most. The ‘'great depression” was very recent and although things were moving again, people were very cautious with spending. For those living in rural areas, a car or small truck became a priority, so most had some vehicle.
But in the towns and cities most used bicycles and only the well- to-do had a car. In 1939 as all know World War 2, was declared and no private cars or trucks  were imported into N.Z. until after 1948, when new cars started to be produced again. In those days of so few cars, most people could identify an approaching car- it’s make- model- and year of manufacture. Mind you, with so few cars there was only one passing every 10 minutes or so. A trip to Auckland by car from Te Awamutu in those days, so different from today. For a start it was gravel roads for almost the entire distance, the only seal was through any towns ‘en route’.  The route didn’t bypass towns as it does now , you drove through the heart of Hamilton , Huntly , Mercer, Pokeno , then you passed through Ramarama , where there was the first petrol sold at city prices!   My grandfather always stopped there to fill up the tank.   Manurewa, Otahuhu, until finally you reached the “Harp of Erin” as it was called and the sealed roads of Auckland.
I think the trip would have taken around six hours in those times, it was quite a journey.
Still on cars- my story moves forward a lot of years to 1948. World War 2 has ended , but the cars are still all pre-war models, so all much older. I now had a Drivers License and drove the 1937 Chevrolet that my grandfather had owned , but could no longer drive, as he had suffered a stroke. We now lived at Whitford , near Auckland city, so that was where a lot of our shopping was done. Driving- Well there were some differences back then. No indicator lights and stop lights were not recognised either. So it was all hand signals through the open driver’s window, wet or fine. No automatic transmission either, though there wasn’t much other traffic to contend with. No traffic lights. Most city people travelled by tram.

Trams were great people movers, but with twin tracks in the middle of the road, the passageway for cars was sometimes quite restricted. Bear in mind that vehicles of necessity were often parked at the edge of the road, so the space to pass a tram travelling in the same direction, was often restricted, even impossible.  When the tram was stopping to pick up or drop off passengers, a small red stop light would  show at the back. So following motorists were obliged to stop to allow passengers to alight or disembark safely. Once started again the tram, powered by electricity was up to speed very quickly. The car driver on the other hand started slowly and had to work through the gears before reaching the top speed permitted (30 m.p.h.) in the city. Often one would not manage to overtake before the next stop was reached.
Post script from Lauren
We are lucky enough to have several photos of cars belonging to or relating to our family such as the two in the story above but also the ones below .

This photo comes from a collection belonging to the McRae branch of the family. We are unsure who is driving this gorgeous car - If anyone can shed some light on it we would be most appreciative.

Margaret Harris ( nee Middlebrook) - daughter of Samuel) and partner Tom

Samuel Middlebrook and unknown Middlebrook women in Te Awamutu

Unknown car on the Tauranga Road - from the album belonging to Bess Middlebrook - daughter of Samuel

We are still looking for further photographs to include in the Pictorial book which will be available at the reunion - please email Lauren if you have anything at all which may be of interest. This includes not just photographs from the 19th century but also 20th century photographs pertaining to the Middlebrook family.
If you do not have any way of scanning the photographs we may be able to organise someone to visit .

Opua December 14th  1887

Dear Welsh,
I received your letter last week but had not time to answer it for I did not get it out of the Office until Thursday morning. I hope I have not troubled you too  much in asking you to get the calico. If I have, do not get it. I was going to trouble you further in getting a little fruit , for we can not get any down here and I should like to get some for the children at Christmas.
They are all talking about hanging their stockings up. Amy sends her love and she hopes you are enjoying yourself in town.
She also wishes you would come down, but I suppose it is no use to ask you to come to such a dull place as this. Roddy wishes to be remembered to you. I have not sent him to Kawakawa. Mrs Harris says it is too near Christmas for him to go now, but I shall see about him going after.  But I must come to a close for I do not feel inclined to write much and I have two other letters to write, and I am sure they will be short. Things are very dull here but we must live in hope if we die in dispare. (sic)
If things are not better, I shall have to leave Mother in charge and see if I cannot get a situation as a Housekeeper or somethign else to do. Trusting you are well, I remain
Yours sincerely,
JANE

P.S. The Norvel and Saxon will be going to town this week - and both of them will be down before Christmas

From Jane to Welsh, 14 December 1887

This letter from Jane to Welsh ( and the first one we have from Jane) could be in reply to his letter of 21st November but I suspec t it is a later letter that we do not have a copy of . Once more though there is much talk of the desire of both Jane and Welsh to be together.
It is clear in this letter that Jane is not in a great financial situation . We assume she is running a boarding house as this seems to have been her main form of income through most of her life. It sounds as if there isn’t much business just prior to Christmas

“Roddy” refers to John Roderick McRae , Jane’s eldest son. Born in 1871 he was 16 years old at the time of this letter and one would assume Jane was keen for him to be out working to help support the family

Dear Welsh,
We received your letter last week and all the goods all in good order and we are much obliged. I also let Amy read your letter and what she could not make out , I read for her. I told her to write today but she did not, but she is such a poor writer that makes her not like to write. But I am not a very good scholar myself so I should not say much about any one, eh!  Amy and I are very glad you are so comfortable. It is a nice part of town that you live in, not too thickly built on.
I must now thank you for the things you sent. The calico is very good. It was for Amy and she is much pleased with it and all the other good things. I do not think they would have got much if you had not sent them for I had the misfortune of braking(sic) the clock and had to get a new one for we could not do without the time in a place like this. I am glad that you have the prospect of such a merry Christmas.  The town will be quite lively, but we shall be quieter than usual, for the people are all going to town ( that can afford it); but it is getting very late. I had some work to finish and send home first thing in the morning so I had to finish it tonight, but I will add a few more lines in the morning. I have had a very bad head ache all day, in fact I am hardly ever free from it.
Thursday morning, and a beautiful morning . The Bay is so pretty.. there are a lot of boats about with their white sails set. I trust we shall have Hector over for Christmas Day. We are all going out the day after to a picnic party ad a place called Wapau, a very pretty place.
You say in your letter that you wish we were with you, so I can say in return that I wish you were with us. I wish we could do anything for you to help to pay for your kindness. Amy sends her love and wishes you a merry Christmas. She says you promised to come back, but she will write next week. With the complements of the season, I must now close, I remain
Yours Truly
Jane McRae

From Jane to Welsh, 20 Dec 1887

It is clear from this letter from Jane to Welsh ( replying to a letter we unfortunately dont have a copy of) that he has sent the “fixings for Christmas” he referred to in a previous letter. . Again we get a clear impression that financially things are not great for Jane. Replacing a broken clock ( which could be a considerable expense in the 19th century) used up much of the money she would have spent on the family Christmas .
Jane’s mention of having Hector over is another indication of that relationship growing but it was to be another 3 years until she married him.

I have not been able to find out where “Wapau” might be. We could assume it is relatively close to Opua, a day trip or less by boat or by road as they were headed there for a picnic

NEW PHOTOS RECEIVED THIS WEEK
This new slot in the newsletter will feature one or 2 photos we have received from various family members over the last couple of weeks. It is interesting to see that some photos seem to have been shared very widely within the family. For instance many branches of the family seem to have a copy of the photograph of Samuel on his boat which was published in the NZ Herald in the 1920s.
We also have seen copies of the photos of the elderly  Ellen Middlebrook appear from several branches of the family.  This is a good indication that the family remained in close contact throughout the years regardless of their location.
The photo above is a new one to our collection. It is of the wedding of Walter Stanley Rush ( son of Mary Rush nee McRae- who was daughter of Jane Thompson McRae nee Middlebrook)
Walter married Irene Morgan in 1929. The attendants at the wedding were Walters brother Gordon and his wife Beryl

Your Stories Urgently Required

We are still urgently requiring stories for the newsletter and also for the reunion book. Without your help there are most certainly going to be gaps in the research. This could be as simple as jotting down your memories of your parents, grandparents, or any stories you have been told relating to all branches  the family. 

Remember to fill in a Family Group Sheet Form here if you havent already

Middlebrook Reunion Newsletter dated July 24th

Welcome to our new subscribers.!...

Welcome to the 2 new subscribers to this newsletter which now  goes out to 59 families- the first issue went out to 13 so its exciting to see word is spreading.Thanks to those who have already registered and paid for the reunion registration.
We know we are missing lots of current family members from our family tree which we want to be as complete as possible
Please fill out the family group sheet form if you haven't filled one out already so our tree can be as comprehensive as possible
Click here to fill one out - this can be done online . The more information you can add the better.- if in doubt add more to the notes section

Reunion Registration is Open - Register Early and Save!

Early registration discount ends August 30
The reunion will be held on January 24th and 25th 2015 at Fairway Lodge, Silverfield, Takapuna in Auckland.
We have negotiated what we feel is the best  price and format for our needs and we are able to offer
several options in our aim to have as many attend as possible. We hope to make  this event pleasurable and enjoyable as possible while making it as affordable as we can.
To that end we have formatted the two days as follows:
Saturday 24th January
11am - 4pm
The day will begin with check in where you will be issued with name tags denoting which branch of the family you belong to . This will make it easy for you to recognise those who descend from the same branch of the family as yourself.
From 12 noon we will have our photographer taking formal group photos of each branch of the family and of the whole group, along with roaming candid photos throughout the day.
These photographs will be available in an inexpensive  book form, after the reunion. Orders to be taken on the day or beforehand  via a form which will be included in a later newsletter.
Leading up to the reunion we will announce the price of  a photographic family history book which will be available for pre-purchase and pick up at the reunion.
Finger food and tea and coffee will be supplied throughout the day and a cash bar will also be available for those who wish to make use of it.
There will be photographic and informational displays and a large family tree available for viewing.
Saturday primarily though is a mix and mingle event where we can all get to know each other.
Feel free to bring along any photos or copies, along with family mementos you wish to share or display.
Saturday Evening
This is at your leisure. We have suggestions for local restaurants for those interested.
Sunday 25th January
12 noon - 3:00pm
Buffet Luncheon
Sit down lunch with presentations and speakers (descendants) and cutting of the Reunion Cake
REGISTRATION CAN BE MADE ONLINE BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK
Middlebrook Reunion Registration Form
If you prefer to print and fill in a paper form you can download it here

Middlebrook Family History Website is now Live

The first stage of the Middlebrook Family History Website is now up and viewable.

All the links to the first generation are live and more will be added over coming weeks and months. There is also a link to subscribe to this newsletter and a link to the reunion on the website
You can view the website here  Currently this website is being serviced with a free option which requires the small advertising banners- however its possible it can be upgraded at a later date.

Where They Lived

We are lucky to have photos of the homes of many of our ancestors.
Some of the homes are still standing but sadly others are gone - Here are a few of the photos we have.  If you have any more that we could include in our pictorial book for the reunion please email Lauren at laurenbavin@gmail.com
James Middlebrook's House in Opua

This is the house of James and Julia Middlebrook in Opua Julia is standing on the verandah . It is assumed James built this house himself. It was situated on the top of the hill overlooking Opua Wharf. You can clearly see the house under the red dots in these images of Opua taken in the early 1900s.

Unfortunately it appears that James' house is no longer standing.
Samuel Middlebrook's House in Katikati

This is Samuel Middlebrooks house in Mulgan Street Katikati. This house is still standing ( with some additions ) It is assumed that Samuel also built this house himself.
Here is a photo of Samuel's youngest daughter Bess standing outside the house in 1975

Later as we know Samuel lived on is boat the Finella

John Middlebrooks houses in Te Awamutu
At this point we dont have any photos of John Middlebrook's homes in Auckland but we are lucky enough to have several of his 2 houses in Te Awamutu, along with photos of his butchers shops

This house above apparently was in Mangapiko Street TeAwamutu and it was probably the earlier home of John and Mary Ann Middlebrook in Te Awamutu ( It doesnt appear to be standing any longer)
Their subsequent home was in College Street  Te Awamutu

In the above photo you can see Granny Tucker ( Mary Ann Middlebrook's mother) sitting on the porch of the large villa )
Unfortunately we dont have any photos of the residences of Elizabeth nor of Benjamin ( if anyone has any they would like to share that would be wonderful, however we do have several photos of the homes that Jane lived in.
Macefields Fisheries Managers house in Russell

This photo shows Jane ( and probably Hector McRae) along with 2 of her granddaughters in a house that sits to this day at the northern end of the Russell Foreshore . It was originally owned by Macefield Canneries and was for the use of the manager but at some point in the early 1900s Jane leased the house of Macefields.  Apparently at this time she was working as a Teacher Aide at Opua School so would cross the harbour daily for work purposes.
McRae Boarding House Arkles Bay

The rear house in this photo was the house Jane ran as a boarding house in Arkles Bay Whangaparaoa and is the house in which Ellen Middlebrook died in 1915.  It is unknown but unlikely this house is still standing.

The house above is at 20 Kiwi Road Devonport and is where Jane lived in the later years of her life. This house is still standing and looks much the same as it did in this photo of unknown age.
Here is the house as it looks now taken from Google Maps Street view

Here are some additional photos we have of family homes of the past

John Roderick McRae - King Street Pukekohe

Benjamin Farrar Hardy (son of Elizabeth) Howick

Hepburn Street Ponsonby, Briefly home of Ellen Hardy and John Rowley Stewart.

Probably 27 McKelvie Street  Ponsonby, home of Jane Elizabeth ( daughter of Jane Thompson Middlebrook ) and George Douglas Simpson

The house in the background is believed to be 8 Adams Street Waihi, the home of Bess ( daughter of Samuel) and George Burk.Her brother Bert also lived in the same Street .

This house/business premises belonged to Robert and Margaret Harris ( nee Middlebrook - daughter of Samuel)
It is said to have been situated in Kenny St Waihi

The house above still stands at 110 Rosemount Rd Waihi. and was the home of Robert and Margaret Harris in the early years of the 1900s

This house at 264 Balmoral Rd was the house of Phillip and Ellen Goodwin   ( nee Middlebrook - daughter of Samuel) from the 1940s. It is still standing today.

IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER PHOTOS OF HOUSES OR BUILDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE TO THE FAMILY PLEASE CONTACT LAUREN ASAP AS WE CAN USE THEM IN THE REUNION BOOKS

Here is the continuation of the series of transcriptions of letters between Jane McRae ( nee Middlebrook) and her brother in law Welsh McRae

Auckland 21st Nov1887

Dear Jane
Yours of the 17th to hand, also one each from Amy and Nellie. Contents of all three individually noted, Will answer collectively only question perpounded. (Viz.”” When will you return to Opua”). Cannot tell..future.. in that direction: a dead wall of uncertainty... without a break to hang a hope on. Inclination directs me that way.. Prudence cries “Keep back” Let Prudence be obeyed!
Sorry you misconstrued my meaning re moral training of girls. Please read sentence considerately again. You will doubtless discover the true interpretation of it. No reflection indented, I do assure you. It would be criminal to insinuate , in the way you put it, on so limited an acquaintance. Moreover, I esteem you too highly for that.
Would be happy to advise you re lease of land to Jim. But knowledge of your business and domestic relations too circumscribed to draw upon. Would counsel guidance of your own judgment in the matter. No one can be better posted than yourself.
I note your remarks on the young lady.. she is altogether too youthful for me. I am in dead earnest on this matter of matrimony and would like if you could name a suitable person, equally in earnest, willing to open a correspondence right away and exchange photos. She must not be under thirty or over forty, moderately good looking, tolerably plump, to make amends for my “leanness”. Education not so much an object as disposition..’country’ rather than ‘city’ birth preferred. That’s my  style!  There are hundreds around qualified to fill this bill. I pass them on the streets every day. If they, dear creatures, were aware of the existence of the bait, the rest would be easy of accomplishment. They would take hold as leeches to a blood vessel. My bachelorhood would be a busted bubble and my matrimonial existence a stern reality.
But enough! I trust you received the goods in the same order as sent. The wicker casing of the tea would have made you a pretty lunch basket if it reached you safely. Two letters to hand to date. I thought you said there were three, Hectors address is Hokaikau, Bay of Islands. Forgot to enclose it last mail, though I had written it out.
Remember me to Amy and Nellie, I was a little disappointed in their letters, but happy to receive them, nevertheless, especially Amy’s . Will always be pleased to hear from them. I would reply separately but as this is a triple combination for you and them please let them read , if they are so minded. And oblige.

Yours very sincerely
WELSH McRA

P.S.  I will send along some grocery fixings for your Christmas, if you will let me know your needs in that respect. They will go by the “Norval” (if convenient). I lost track of her last trip.
I witnessed the funeral of Colonel Lyons yesterday, conducted in military style. A very imposing affair, Streets crammed with struggling humanity, eager to observe and be observed. He expired very suddenly in his bath from disease of the heart.

Unfortunately we don't have a copy of the letter from Jane that Welsh  refers to. If we did it may answer some of the more pressing questions we have regarding Jane and her relationship with the father of her children.
It would also be interesting to see what inference Jane too regarding the  upbringing of her daughters. Clearly she took some offence to Welsh’s comments in the previous letter regarding their moral “downgrading” .

One of the most interesting points in this letter from Welsh is the reference to Jane enquiring about his opinion of her “leasing land to Jim”.  One would assume  she is referring to James John McRae, her estranged “husband” , however it could mean her brother James Thompson  Middlebrook.
Either way, it would be wonderful to know what land she thought about leasing him and where it was, and moreover  how she had come into this land as she appears not to be particularly wealthy at this time in her life.

It seems Welsh had quite a high opinion of himself as a marriage suitor, and this was quite likely a relatively legitimate view. He clearly was a man of quite independent means, and was kind and generous ( at least toward his sister in law and his nieces.  He was 58 years old at the time of this letter, and as far as we know had never married.  In fact he never did find himself a wife, dying a bachelor only 5 years after these letters were written

The Colonel Lyons, that Welsh refers to in his postscript was actually Colonel William Lyon, an Imperial veteran, who commanded the Constabulary and Volunteer forces in the Waikato, with headquarters at Cambridge,in the 1870’s , and was in charge of the Auckland Volunteer District, 1884until his death in 1887. He began his soldiering career as an officer of the Coldstream Guards, and exchanged into the 92nd Highlanders, serving with that regiment for ten months in the Crimea. He lost an arm through a shooting accident in England, and left the Army to settle in New Zealand. When the Waikato War began he was appointed to the New Zealand forces, and served throughout that campaign and afterwards in the wars on the West and East Coasts. He was second in command under Colonel Whitmore in the final campaign against Titokowaru in 1869.

Your Stories Urgently Required

We are still urgently requiring stories for the newsletter and also for the reunion book. Without your help there are most certainly going to be gaps in the research. This could be as simple as jotting down your memories of your parents, grandparents, or any stories you have been told relating to all branches  the family. 

Remember to fill in a Family Group Sheet Form here if you havent already

Middlebrook Family Reunion Newsletter dated July 1 2014

Welcome to our new subscribers.!...

We have 3 new subscribers to the newsletter this week making a total of 57.  Welcome to you all. Its exciting to see the word about the reunion spreading.  We have a substantial and growing but far from complete family tree to display at the reunion. We need you to fill in the blanks for us . Please fill in a family group sheet if you havent already
Click here to fill one out - this can be done online .
The more information you can add the better.
Alternatively you can email Lauren or Jennie  or Judith with your family details

Can you help us at the reunion or before??

We are looking for more helpers for the reunion. Organising an event like this is a massive undertaking so we welcome any assistance we can get.
If you have any skill that you think may be of use please let us know .  We are all new to reunion organising so we welcome as much input as possible!!
Please email Lauren if you think you may be of assistance in any way at all ( Or indicate on the Reunion registration form in the space allocated)

Middlebrook Family History Website is now Live

The first stage of the Middlebrook Family History Website is now up and viewable.

All the links to the first generation are live and more will be added over coming weeks and months. There is also a link to subscribe to this newsletter and a link to the reunion on the website
You can view the website here  Currently this website is being serviced with a free option which requires the small advertising banners- however its possible it can be upgraded at a later date.

The McRae Letters - Part 1

We are lucky enough to have transcriptions of several letters between Jane McRae and her brother in law Welsh.  Most of the letters are from Welsh to Jane but we have a couple that are her return letters to him and each of the letters are a great insight into their lives and personalities.
Unfortunately they dont give us much insight into the marital status of Jane which is such a mystery, however within the second letter is the introduction of Hector McRae into Janes life ( who she subsequently married)
These transcriptions, and notes made regarding research around them are quite long and involved so I will split them up into parts over several newsletters
The first few letters are all from Welsh to Jane and unfortunately we as yet dont have her replies to him which would have been very helpful!

Click here to view larger image
Kaeo 5th October 1887
Dear Jane
I address you this time on the subject of your daughter, Amy, and as her moral and physical welfare deeply concerns both of us, I feel compelled by a sense of duty, to strike a note of warning in reference to her present position and surroundings. And while, unbiased by malice, and unprejudiced by selfish conceit, I strongly advise ( in the interest of all concerned) that you remove her into your own keeping for a season.
As from long absence from home associations and your moral tuition she is losing track of those influences that should serve as “guide marks” to her proper course through life; moreover, I am not aware that she reaps any substantial remunerations from the performance of her arduous duties here. Harriet is to mean and Jack too poor to contribute any material assistance in this respect. And I am certain that her “employment” is a lamentable failure in reference to mental and moral culture and cannot be regarded as commendable, from a physical standpoint, Fact is, Harriet was never designed by God as a trainer for the young, otherwise she would have had children of her own running round. She is altogether too versatile and volatile for the business, and her relations to Amy are simply of a mercenary nature. A mere matter of pounds, shillings and pence, and only a mockery of interest in her general welfare.
I am far from being a 'moral' man myself, but I claim to be nearer to heave than nine tenths of those who wear the cloak of religion to hide their moral deformaties, and my esteem for Amy is so sincere that I would grieve beyond measure if it were ever hinted to me that she was running on a 'down grade'. But I have no fear that this can ever be stated truthfully of her... I entertain too high an opinion of her merits to even dream of such a calamity. Nevertheless (for obvious reasons, subject to her removal from her, and as I have the consent of all interested parties, saving your own. I will say in order to gain yours, that I intend to leave this section by steamer on the 12th inst( if all goes well) and I am prepared to take Amy along with me, and convey her to your door in safety, and defray all the expenses of the trip, provided that you forward your answer by return mail and I receive it in time.
Trusting that this may merit your approval and that our greeting will take place on Opua wharf as desired,
I remain,
Yours very sincerely
WELSH McRA
P.S. Whether you sanction this proceeding otherwise, I am duty bound to go through with it anyhow. And will shoulder all the responsibility attached to it. So that if we are not at Opua by the next trip of the steamer, we will certainly be there, trip following.
WELSH McRA
With kind regards from Amy and Jack
Welsh McRa was Jane’s brother -in-law. Born in 1829, he is 20 years older than Jane, but two years younger than Jane’s “husband” James John McRa. Unfortunately nothing in these letters gives us any more indication of the nature of Jane’s relationship with the father of her 7 children, though it is clear that she is not living with James at the time of these letters.
Amy is Jane and James’ eldest daughter, born around 1869, she would have been 18 at the time of these letters and it appears she is “working” for another McRa brother, John ( Jack) and his wife Harriet, who were living in Kaeo. ( In electoral rolls from several years later John is listed as a surveyor, and also as a bushman)
It is clear that Welsh doesn’t think very highly of his sister in law Harriet. At this time she and Jack had no children but later apparently was to have a son Ian Malcolm who died in infancy, but neither the birth nor death appear to be registered. Later she and John apparently adopted 2 other children, Malcolm Innes, and Lucy Selina. Malcolm died in Palestine in World War I but Lucy lived till her late 80s.
We dont know what Jane was doing in Opua during the late 1880s. A timeline of her life sees her moving frequently, and often between Auckland and areas of Northland, from Whangaroa to Matakohe, but her brother James was also living in Opua during this period. He built a house on the top of the hill overlooking the wharf. We are unsure of where exactly Jane was living in the small settlement, however she had at least 5 children at home with her, if Amy and Nellie( who is mentioned in later letters) were away, that would leave 16 year old John Roderick ( known as Roddy), 9 year old Thomas, Jane Elizabeth aged 7, Mary aged 5 and Robert Irwin aged just 2 years. Quite a handful for a woman on her own ( which we know from future letters that Jane was at this time) .
Family legend has it hat James John McRae was somewhat of a drinker- perhaps Welsh felt some responsibility to his sister-in-law because of this fact.
A note on the surname McRa. : Welsh, in his letters always signs his name McRa. The eldest of Jane and James’ children are registered with the surname McRa, but the younger children are registered as McRae, and Jane signs her name as McRae in these letters. It seems that the spellings are fairly interchangeable

Click here to view larger version

Auckland 14 November 1887

Dear Jane,
Yours of the 9th to hand, and contents noted.  In reply, will say yes, am pleased that you received the beef in good condition. Sorry bacon proved fraud. Will forward some 'Canterbury' this trip..tested and proven good. Also chest tea of undoubted quality from a Mongolian importers in Quay Street  Will send along ( at some future time) fixings for Christmas. Information of needs in this respect acquired beforehand. Will make enquiries re “Norval” and be guided by your suggestions( as far as may be) re future shipment of goods.  My letters are still being illegally detained at Opua. Am sending along stamps and a preemptor order to the bungling official for their immediate release and dispatch to Auckland.  Failing in this, I will report his conduct at headquarters and see if such culpable neglect is  not punishable by the Department.
Sorry you did not act more advisedly in the matter. Much worry and bother might have been avoided all round and I would be in possession of my own long ago.   I look forward with extreme pleasure to the receipt of Amy's and Nellie's letters and can appreciate the love they send along, especially Amy's. As I know , it is genuine. It has the true metallic ring,, its existence is a reality.. an established fact.. a bygone conclusion,, returnable in time. But I grieve that you see fit to foreshadow your disgrace in the dear girl's future. And I despise the most remote thought of its realisation and cannot entertain it even for a moment. Though I am willing to admit that her moral bias has received a slight shock from evil example and improper tuition ( and this is equally applicable to Nellie). But time will certainly overcome this difficulty. And my pet will come out all right in the end..'top side up'. And don't you forget it. I may  not hazard an opinion, for good or evil, regarding Nellie, as my knowledge is altogether too limited. But from what little I know, I have learned to esteem her highly, and this is as far as I desire to extend.
Your complaint of feeling lonely in the bosom of your 'cheerful family' doth considerably surprise and grieve me. And if I might hazard the remark that my presence would aid in mitigating it, I would be most happy to give you a prolonged trial of it. And notwithstanding my taciturn and uncommunicative disposition, the result might justify experiment.  But unfortunately, I cannot even promise that Christmas will bring us nearer to each other, ,as city pastimes (at this season) are too attractive to be exchanged for the country.  Notwithstanding the coveted companionship of you and your worthy family, and the unremitting and unmerited kindness that ( I am certain) would be awarded me. But as I am sending along my good brother Hector's address, I am hopeful that you may secure his presence during the holidays. He is better qualified, by nature and art ( than I am) to impart tone and zest to social gatherings, no matter for what purpose assembled.. eating, drinking, dancing, singing..  What you please...  in the house or out of it. Tis all one to him. I am proud of the opinion you entertain concerning him as I know it is merited, and would as who is the young lady( to whom you refer)  as having a like opinion of him? If she is a good looker, amiable, unmarried and not too young, I might endevour to supplant him in her esteem, though not so worthy of her, by a long way. I have been instituting enquries at Hannaford's on the subject of a wife. There are numbers offering.. mostly too young.. and not quite up to my standard in other aspects.
I had a very pleasant time of it Fathers Day, with an excursion party to Governor Grey's Island home 'Kawau'. Started out per steamer 'Belling' at 8 a.m. And returned to town 9 p.m. All well.
Sorry to learn of your  mother's illness.. trust it will be of short duration.. remember me to all.
Yours very sincerely ,
WELSH McRA.
PS “Norval” schooner not reported in. Will ship goods per “Clansman: viz 1 chest 5 ½ pound. Tea 12/6...16lb bacon@ 6 ½ d. 8.8
                                         12.6
                                        1.1.2 freight not paid
Hector McRae, Hokaihau, Bay of Islands
( oh this is actually Okaihau)

Unfortunately we dont have the letter from Jane that Welsh refers to in this reply, however this letter does give some great insights into life in 19th Century New Zealand.
You will note that Welsh had sent Jane some bacon but it was clearly not of great quality.  Articles in NZ newspapers in the late 1880s elude to the fact that Canterbury bacon was consistently  of great quality, however bacon from other areas of the country, (especially Auckland) often was of dubious quality.

The “Norval” and the “Clansman” mentioned in this letter,  were two of the coastal steamers whic plied the waters and carried goods and passengers between Auckland and the Northern Regions. Travel by Steamer was the main form of transport between Auckland and the North.

It is of great interest to read that Jane felt  lonely. It is not surprising- Its clearly apparent that her husband is not living with her and she has several children to bring up alone. Her brother James Thompson Middlebrook did move to Opua around this time, he was newly married in 1887, however this marriage too was fraught with difficulties, so perhaps he was not much company for his elder sister either. It seems both Jane and Welsh at this point are toying with the idea of developing a relationship beyond that of brother and sister in law but the city life seems to have a greater pull for Welsh at this time. You will notice that Welsh is instrumental in this letter, in the introduction of Jane to his younger brother Hector, and we know that this introduction had great consequences in Jane’s live, as she went on to marry Hector 3 years later.

Welsh mentions that he has enquired at “Hannahords” re suitable women. Hannafords was a “Matrimonial Agency” in downtown Auckland.  A precursor to todays match making website,s Hannafords claimed to “ not only obtain ”life Partners” for gentlemen in town and country, but those who have suited themselves can have all the preliminaries  taken off their hands by addressing themselves to Hannafords Agency. They can then be married any day or hour that they like, without the least trouble on their part,everything being done for them”

Reunion Registration is now Open

We are excited to announce registration is now open for the Reunion.

The reunion will be held on January 24th and 25th 2015 at Fairway Lodge, Silverfield, Takapuna.
We have negotiated what we feel is the best  price and format for our needs and we are able to offer several options in our aim to have as many attend as possible. We hope to make  this event pleasurable and enjoyable as possible while making it as affordable as we can.
To that end we have formatted the two days as follows:
Saturday 24th January
11am - 4pm
The day will begin with check in where you will be issued with name tags denoting which branch of the family you belong to . This will make it easy for you to recognise those who descend from the same branch of the family as yourself.
From 12 noon we will have our photographer taking formal group photos of each branch of the family and of the whole group, along with roaming candid photos throughout the day.
These photographs will be available in an inexpensive  book form, after the reunion. Orders to be taken on the day or beforehand  via a form which will be included in a later newsletter.
Leading up to the reunion we will announce the price of  a photographic family history book which will be available for pre-purchase and pick up at the reunion.
Finger food and tea and coffee will be supplied throughout the day and a cash bar will also be available for those who wish to make use of it.
There will be photographic and informational displays and a large family tree available for viewing.
Saturday primarily though is a mix and mingle event where we can all get to know each other.
Feel free to bring along any photos or copies, along with family mementos you wish to share or display.
Saturday Evening
This is at your leisure. We have suggestions for local restaurants for those interested.
Sunday 25th January
12 noon - 3:00pm
Buffet Luncheon
Sit down lunch with presentations and speakers (descendants) and cutting of the Reunion Cake
REGISTRATION CAN BE MADE ONLINE BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK
Middlebrook Reunion Registration Form
If you prefer to print and fill in a paper form you can download it here
Please share the registration forms with anyone who may be interested in attending

Who are we?

This is Samuel Middlebrook ( in the hat) on his boat.  We have quite a few photos of Sam on his boat  with various people but  does anyone know who are the 3 people  with him on this day?
Email Lauren if you have an idea

Your Stories Required

We welcome and would much appreciate your reminiscences or stories relating to the Middlebrook Family for inclusion in future newsletters and on the upcoming website..

Remember to fill in a Family Group Sheet Form here if you havent already

Middlebrook Family Reunion Newsletter–dated June 26th 2014

Welcome to our new subscribers!

This newsletter now goes out to 54 families- the first issue went out to 13 so its exciting to see word is spreading. Keep it up- a family reunion is all about family so we would love to meet as many of you as possible.
Please fill out the family group sheet form if you haven't filled one out already so our tree can be as comprehensive as possible
Click here to fill one out - this can be done online . The more information you can add the better.

click on the photo to see a larger image

GRANDDAUGHTERS OF JOHN AND ELLEN MIDDLEBROOK

(by Lauren Bavin)
I've noticed while editing photos that there were some remarkable resemblances between the various first cousins who were the Grand children of John and Ellen Middlebrook, and I thought it  would be a worthwhile venture to place all the photos together - though as there were 43 born in this generation, I decided to split the pages into Grand Daughters and Grand Sons. We are lucky to have photos of so many. Noticeably missing are the first two Granddaughters - Amelia and Ellen ( Ellen has been a bit of a researchers nemesis to date - with no birth registration, marriage nor death registration found so far- though we are certain of her existence as she is mentioned several times in letters to and from her mother Jane and her Uncle Welsh McRae. We have no birth registration for Amelia either, though we do have marriage and death registrations for her.  Also missing are photos of Benjamin's two daughters, Sara and Mary Ellen . Apart from that the only other photos missing were the 3 girls who died in early childhood.
There are some quite distinct resemblances as  you can see - especially the square jaw which seems predominant in several branches of the family . Quite a lovely looking lot these ladies were I think.
We know that various branches of the family had quite a lot to do with each other. I wonder how often and how many of these ladies got together and commented on how alike they were.
I was lucky to have a family photograph of John and MaryAnn Middlebrooks large family, though i would love to have some more photos of the Middlebrook women to choose from so if any of you have further photos I would appreciate scans or copies for the upcoming pictorial book.

Click on the photo for a larger version
GRANDSONS OF JOHN AND ELLEN MIDDLEBROOK
Here are the men of this generation who were Grandsons of John and Ellen. On this page Im missing the eldest McRae, John Roderick ( though we do have a photo of him outside his Bootmakers shop in Pukekohe thanks to John Rush, it wasnt close up enough to include here. The only photo I have of Thomas McRae is of him as an elderly man  - again Id love to have another photograph of him. Also missing is George Douglas Hardy jr,- He was a councillor on the Devonport Council so I will attempt to contact Auckland Council Archives to see if they have a photograph of him.  I identified who I thought was Robert Farrar Hardy from a wedding photograph of his sister Lily - If I am wrong in my assumption please let me know - again I would dearly love a better photo of him .
I have a group  photo ( thanks to John Midlebrook in Sydney) which apparently has John Farrer Middlebrook  ( Benjamin's son) in it but I have no idea which of the 3 men in the photo he would be so I have left him blank for now too.
The only other 2 missing were sons of Elizabeth and George Douglas Hardy who died in childhood.
Look closely at these photos - therels such a strong resemblence between several of the men - especially I think between Walter and Russell on the bottom line, and Robert Farrar Middlebrook and John Thompson Middlebrook.
Again if anyone has any further photographs for inclusion in the Middlebrook Book I would dearly appreciate receiving them.

Reunion Registration is now Open

We are excited to announce registration is now open for the Reunion.

Thanks to those of you who have already registered. We are so looking forward to meeting you.
The reunion will be held on January 24th and 25th 2015 at Fairway Lodge, Silverfield, Takapuna.
We have negotiated what we feel is the best  price and format for our needs and we are able to offer several options in our aim to have as many attend as possible. We hope to make  this event pleasurable and enjoyable as possible while making it as affordable as we can.
To that end we have formatted the two days as follows:
Saturday 24th January
11am - 4pm
The day will begin with check in where you will be issued with name tags denoting which branch of the family you belong to . This will make it easy for you to recognise those who descend from the same branch of the family as yourself.
From 12 noon we will have our photographer taking formal group photos of each branch of the family and of the whole group, along with roaming candid photos throughout the day.
These photographs will be available in an inexpensive  book form, after the reunion. Orders to be taken on the day or beforehand  via a form which will be included in a later newsletter.
Leading up to the reunion we will announce the price of  a photographic family history book which will be available for pre-purchase and pick up at the reunion.
Finger food and tea and coffee will be supplied throughout the day and a cash bar will also be available for those who wish to make use of it.
There will be photographic and informational displays and a large family tree available for viewing.
Saturday primarily though is a mix and mingle event where we can all get to know each other.
Feel free to bring along any photos or copies, along with family mementos you wish to share or display.
Saturday Evening
This is at your leisure. We have suggestions for local restaurants for those interested.
Sunday 25th January
12 noon - 3:00pm
Buffet Luncheon
Sit down lunch with presentations and speakers (descendants) and cutting of the Reunion Cake
REGISTRATION CAN BE MADE ONLINE BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK
Middlebrook Reunion Registration Form
If you prefer to print and fill in a paper form you can download it here
Please share the registration forms with anyone who may be interested in attending

Middlebrook Family History Website is now Live

The first stage of the Middlebrook Family History Website is now up and viewable.

All the links to the first generation are live and more will be added over coming weeks and months. There is also a link to subscribe to this newsletter and a link to the reunion on the website
You can view the website here  Currently this website is being serviced with a free option which requires the small advertising banners- however its possible it can be upgraded at a later date.

WHO AM I?

This photo was included with photographs belonging to  Rae and Bess Burk ( nee Middlebrook)Bess was the youngest  daughter of Samuel Middlebrook,and Rae was her daughter. This is a large mounted photograph but has no name written on the back.  Does anyone recognise her?

Have you missed a newsletter??
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Your Stories Required

We welcome and would much appreciate your reminiscences or stories relating to the Middlebrook Family for inclusion in future newsletters and on the upcoming website..

Remember to fill in a Family Group Sheet Form here if you havent already