Early settlers in Ohariu Valley "COMPLETED"

[paganlynny]

Hi I am trying to find any info on my g grandfather George Field that married in Ohariu, Wellington  in 1889 and died there in 1905. He was buried in Ohariu but i think all records were destroyed in fire. Any info on the area would also be appreciated.
Lyn

[spades]

Hi paganlynny,

Ohariu Valley is a long narrow valley to the north west of Wellington, with one torturous sealed road running its length. It's known for farming and not a lot else apart from a riding school. The URL below will show you where it is in relation to Wellington, and discuss its rainfall, although I doubt you'll find that bit very riveting ;-)

http://www.fallingrain.com/world/NZ/0/Ohariu.html

I didn't know there was a cemetery in Ohariu, but I'll see if I can dig anything up for you...oops, unintended pun, sorry.

riley

[spades]

I've found a list of cemeteries and residents which includes Ohariu and 2 FIELD's, although not George;

http://www.angelfire.com/az/nzgenweb/cemetery.html

I'll keep looking.

riley

[Kate NZ]

Hi this may be of some use Probate Record George Field Ohariu Valley Labourer Died January 22nd 1905 date of will filed February 23rd 1905 more onfo Archives NZ Wellington 1893 Electoral Roll George Field Farmer Ohariu happy hunting Harriet

[Mrs Chappie]

Hi Paganlynny,  I have just found your question. I have been visiting the Ohariu Valley area lately, as my husband's 3rd Gt Grandmother, Caroline Aston (nee Whittaker) is buried in the cemetery of the little Holy Trinity Church, Ohariu.  It is a beautiful little building, and the residents have raised $100,000 in recent years to restore the church. It features sheep in the cemetery, who keep the grass down.  We are in the process of arranging the restoration of our family's grave. I didn't notice a gravestone for your relation, but we are going down to Wellington again on 5 February, so we might pop out there and have a look.  The church is still in use, albeit just monthly services, I believe.  If you google it, you might see a photo of it.  I have attached a photo from the early 1900s.  The grave with the picket fence is our family's grave.   Contrary to someone's comment, there is quite a lot going on in the valley.  Lots of equestrian schools, and a great place to have weekend brunch, The Saddleback Cafe. (named after one of our NZ native birds).  It's very beautiful, and there is a lot of house building going on, and many beautiful big houses on lifestyle blocks as well as farms.   

[Lucy2]

Hi Mrs Chappie

Just to let you know, 'paganlynny' has not visited this forum since June 2010 - and she also has a note alongside of her profile saying "sorry, but my emails are no longer working" ... which probably means that she may not see your message here. 

It does appear too, that there wasn't a headstone for George FIELD at Holy Trinity (Ohariu).   
At the link provided in 'spades' Reply # 2 here, the list of headstones at Holy Trinity is given - along with family surnames.   For good measure I also checked a further resource and found only > Harriett FIELD (d. 1911) and her husband James Salmons FIELD (d. 1936) ... and an infant, Myrtle May FIELD (d. 1890), had memorials there.  [Area "B" Scattered memorials - no row numbers allocated.]

It certainly is a beautiful little church ... so pleased to learn of the restoration project.     I recall visiting it many moons ago, on a weekend visit out to the "Valley". 

   ~  Lu

[Lucy2]

Hi this may be of some use Probate Record George Field Ohariu Valley Labourer Died January 22nd 1905 date of will filed February 23rd 1905 more onfo Archives NZ Wellington 1893 Electoral Roll George Field Farmer Ohariu happy hunting Harriet

In case someone is following this FIELD family at some later date, here is the link to access the probate file of George FIELD.    The file also includes a copy of his death certificate.
[NZ Probate Records - now available via FamilySearch Website. ]

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9VX-16H7?i=260&wc=7HT1-KYN%3A1045248401%2C1045530001%3Fcc%3D1865481&cc=1865481

    ~  Lu

[Mrs Chappie]

Thanks for the update, everyone! I'll just continue on with my relation, Caroline Whittaker.