Orr family Lower Hutt

[Valsgirl]

My Grandfather migrated from Co. Down, Nth Ireland to Lower Hutt in 1928. He was employed all his working life an a gardener (nursery /market gardens) by the Orr family. There were many Orr families in Co Down. I'm thinking it is not by pure coincidence that my Grandparents & their young son arrived in NZ, and straight away found employment at Orr's Gardens. On line I see Robert Orr's Historic Home, where the gardening business would have surrounded. I have tried emailing Orr House, to find the history of the original owner & his family, but have not received a reply.
I have searched Papers Past & found an appropriate 1932 death notice for a Robt Orr, but couldn't find an obituary.
I'd love to know why my Grandfather brought his family to Lower Hutt, while his siblings chose to migrate to USA. Would anyone have details, enabling me to connect Robert Orr & his family to Kilkeel Co Down?
With thanks, Valsgirl

[rotosis]

Hi Valsgirl

If you can confirm is death on Nz bmds that would be great.  You could also then search online for the cemetery where robert was buried, there should be burial info that the cemetery can give you, (ring or email them) this  should enable you to find the funeral director.  If you contact the funeral director then they can give you info that might just include where Robert is from and a date of arrival etc.

Did a quick search on found a Robert Murray Orr and a Robert richard Orr in Karori Cemetery one in 1961 & 1969.

http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/cemeteries/search/details.php?id=20408&Service=Cremation

Hope this helps

Rotosis

[kiwihalfpint]

Hi Valsgirl,

The Robert Orr death in 1932 was aged about 80 years and buried in Taita Old Cemetery.  Here is the link for the council.

http://www.rootschat.com/links/0d2a/

Cheers
KHP

[kiwihalfpint]

Hi again,

Robert Orr's Probate.   You can ask for someone to do a look up for you.

http://www.rootschat.com/links/0d2c/

Have you checked your SPAM in case the reply from Orr House went there?


Cheers
KHP

[Kiskeam]

Hi Valsgirl

For many years I was a resident of Lower Hutt and the Robert Orr family home  was a prominent feature surrounded by expansive market gardens  and employing many people.

For several years I lived very near the house which towered over the neighbourhood.

I understand the house was built around 1885.

The market garden operation ceased in the 1960's and the estate was subdivided.

I shall send you a pm with more information about the house and contact details.

Regards

Kiskeam

[Valsgirl]

Many thanks, Rotosis, KHP & Kriskeam, for you interest in this query.

Thought, by chance someone may be reaearching this Orr family & know Robert's birtplace. I have:
Robt. Orr (abt 1852 - 1932)  married Ellen Burt, in NZ 1886
Their sons
Thomas William (1887 - 1958) m Maude Violet Sommerville (abt 1883 -1967), in NZ 1917
Robert Richard (1889 - 1961) m Myra Kinniburgh Hill. in NZ 1912
I have no certificates. The above details have been sourced from NZbmd online.
I could, if my curiosity becomes too great, buy Robert's death Certificate, hoping that the details given are correct.
My Grandmother's death certificate states she was born in Scotland, because that is what my father, who gave the details, believed. I've discovered she was born in Co Antrim, as were her ancestors on both sides back for at least 3 generations!
I'll follow up the Taita Cemetery lead.
Thanks again, Valsgirl

[DonL]

Hi, there was an Orr family living in Kingston Street, Lower Hutt in the 1950s - the chuildren attended Dyer Street School, Boulcott Scholl and Naenae College.

If they are related, it might be worth checking on www.oldfriends.co.nz -  Donald Orr was a very good tennis player from memory

DonL

[Valsgirl]

Thanks DonL,
I'm a member of that school site & have found it very helpful for family history research. Didn't think of using it to find Orrs.
Can't see any Orr family registered at the schools you mention, but have sent an email to Nigel Orr, now living in Lower Hutt, so will see if that brings me luck.
I did send another email, last week to Robert Orr House, but again they haven't replied.
I appreciate you showing an interest in my query & reminding me to look on "oldfriends".
Valsgirl

[Lucy2]

 Would anyone have details, enabling me to connect Robert Orr & his family to Kilkeel Co Down?
With thanks, Valsgirl

Hi Valsgirl

The Petone Library now houses all heritage material for Hutt City, and I'm sure they will be able to assist you with further info regarding Robert ORR.

Try this link   >>

http://www.library.huttcity.govt.nz/Leisure--culture/Libraries/Family-and-local-history/

A search on the catalogue brings up 17 hits for "Robert ORR", amongst which is a publication entitled "Keeping it in the Family" (mentioning that 3 generations of Robert's family were raised in the house.)   [Hopefully this might contain some genealogical info. ? ] 

~  Lu