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Research in Other Countries => New Zealand => New Zealand Completed Requests => Topic started by: Shortcut on Monday 15 March 21 05:43 GMT (UK)
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I have located the following entry in the "British Army, Worldwide Index 1861", via FindMyPast:
William Kerr / Service No. 696 / Rank: Private / Unit or Reg't: 1st Btn 12th Foot (East Suffolk) 1st Detachment / Reg't stationed at: Otahuhu New Zealand (TNA ref: WO12 / 2983)
I would like to know more about this man and hope someone can direct me to any records which might reveal additional information.
Thank you
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Following the reference gets to https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C2462819
- muster and pay book of 1 Bn.
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Hello Graham from Down Under.
I'm about to head to bed after another late night of research. I'll ask a moderator to move this thread to the NZ board, where we will be able to assist you. I have a busy day ahead later, so some of the other NZ board contributor's will assist sooner than I will be able to.
Alan
PS While I'm sleeping you can start with our National Archives ARCHWAY research, plenty of Kerr's there. Auckland War Memorial Museum CENOTAPH, and our PAPERSPAST web pages.
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In for a quick cuppa. Could not resist a quick look. Take a look at this press clipping.
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DSC18631211.2.19.2?items_per_page=100&phrase=2&query=William+Kerr&snippet=true&sort_by=byDA
If this is your man of interest, I should be able to find out more. An early settler in an area my roots tie back too. Even a posiblility of being a distant cousin of my Grand Father. Families were large, and they did not have much time to travel far, from their holdings, to find partners in life.
Alan.
PS Added another.
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZ18610525.2.10?end_date=31-12-1865&items_per_page=100&query=Kerr+Otahuhu&snippet=true&sort_by=byDA&start_date=01-01-1859&title=ALG%2cACNZC%2cAS%2cAKTIM%2cDSC%2cFRTIM%2cKWE%2cNZH%2cNZHAG%2cNZ%2cTO%2cPWT%2cROTWKG
If you have more details about your man it would be helpfull. There were a number of Wm KERR's in NZ at that period, as can be seen in Jury lists, and a lot of military activity in South Auckland in the 1860's.
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Suggest you check out this previous ROOTSCHAT research.
The Wm KERR of Ramarama, was active in his community, and on the 1850/60 Jury lists and press clippings.
https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=175915.0
Alan.
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Hello,
This file may be of interest. Held at Wellington Archives, you could ask for a look up. Might be best to start a new topic for this.
Maori War Series files [record group]
https://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=22346830
Alan [Fresh Fields]- On page 3 at Archives in Auckland, there are a number of files for a William Kerr which may (or may not) be relevant. Ranging from 1872 to 1874.
Minniehaha.
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Morning Minniehaha.
Yes I'm aware of that, but am waiting for more feedback from Shortcut. There were quite a few KERR'S on the go, but not a lot on the 12th, that I could see in a quick look.
Working on another local research project that is consuming most of my spare time. Why I suggested the Moderators might like to move the thread.
Been trying the last three weeks to get back to the Auckland Archives but it is yet to happen.
Alan.
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In 1867 a William Kerr of Springfield appointed postmaster @ Ramarama:
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18670726.2.10?end_date=31-12-1874&items_per_page=10&phrase=2&query=wm.+kerr&snippet=true&start_date=01-01-1853&title=ALG%2cACNZC%2cAS%2cAKTIM%2cDSC%2cFRTIM%2cKWE%2cNZH%2cNZHAG%2cNZ%2cTO%2cPWT%2cROTWKG&type=ARTICLE
Minniehaha.
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In 1867 a William Kerr of Springfield appointed postmaster @ Ramarama:
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18670726.2.10?end_date=31-12-1874&items_per_page=10&phrase=2&query=wm.+kerr&snippet=true&start_date=01-01-1853&title=ALG%2cACNZC%2cAS%2cAKTIM%2cDSC%2cFRTIM%2cKWE%2cNZH%2cNZHAG%2cNZ%2cTO%2cPWT%2cROTWKG&type=ARTICLE
Above William KERR of Springfield (Ramarama) is the person spoken of in the earlier thread, for which Alan has given a link to.
See Fresh Field's link at Reply # 4 :
Edited to add ref. to link
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William Kerr / Service No. 696 / Rank: Private / Unit or Reg't: 1st Btn 12th Foot (East Suffolk) 1st Detachment / Reg't stationed at: Otahuhu New Zealand (TNA ref: WO12 / 2983)
Does anyone have access to "Discharged in New Zealand" (HUGHES, Hugh //HUGHES, Lynn) to check if this man remained in NZ ? :)
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Pte William Kerr #696 born Dutton, Shoemaker, enlisted 17 May 1859, discharged on payment NZ, 14 March 1867, HMS Fawn.
page 14 ‘Discharged in NZ’, Hugh and Lyn Hughes, 1988.
gladyseva
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Thanks for the info, gladyseva ... I'm sure that will be helpful in this search. :)
~ Lu
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Thank you all for your assistance and suggestions.
My person of interest was a private so I suspect he was not the man who wrote to the newspaper. However, the information about his discharge is clearly him (thanks gladyseva & Lucy2) - has same service number and rank. (It's great to learn his birthplace, which I now need to try to confirm. Looks like there was a Dutton in Cheshire and another in Lancashire, and maybe more.)
Regarding his military record, I have checked the 'Original Medal Roll' for 12th Reg (on newzealandmedals.com) but can't see him listed. I wonder why? Any suggestions of other sites where he might be listed.
Thanks again
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Hi Shortcut,
If you think the Maori War file mentioned by Minniehaha in Reply#5 above refers to your man I can get photos of it for you.
The Maori War file series are applications by men who served in colonial military (not Imperial regiments) units for the New Zealand Medal. Before ordering the file it will be best to search Stowers’ New Zealand Medal to Colonials. I can do that once I’m back from holiday in a week, unless someone else has the book.
Beautiful sunny day here in Dunedin!
Spades
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Hi spades, thank you for your offer to check the Stowers' information. I look forward to seeing if anything relates to my man.
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Hi Shortcut,
There are two entries for a William KERR in Stowers' Discharged in New Zealand, the entry below and another for a William A KERR of the Wellington Rangers who was killed in action at Te Ngutu o te Manu on 21 August 1868 (page 153).
Stangely, the Maori War record I'll get for you doesn't appear to be for either of these men.
Do you have any other information about the William KERR you are seeking, such as date or place of death?
New Zealand Medal to Colonials. Detailed medal rolls of officers and men in colonial units who received the New Zealand Medal for service in the New Zealand Wars 1845-1872. (10th ed.) Stowers, 2010.
p.42
Unit: Colonial Defence Force – Auckland Squadron
Name: KERR, William
Rank: Private, No. 1 Troop (14 July 1863-29 July 1864)
Where joined unit and period of service: -
Rank & period of service with other units: -
Address at time of medal claim: Westwood Terrace, Christchurch.
Actions: Rangiaowhia 21 Feb 1864, Te Ranga 21 Aug 1864.
Date & place of Birth: -
Career (on enlistment): -
Date of death: -
Ship travelled to New Zealand: -
Year of Gazette notice:
AD36/3 or Medal Register number: 3263
Archives NZ file reference: AD32/392
Note: Issued 1913.
The Auckland Squadron of the Colonial Defence Force was also known as the Auckland Cavalry Volunteers. As a unit present at skirmishes around Paterangi and Te Rore Feb 1864, Rangiaowhia 21 Feb 1864, Hairini 22 Feb 1864, Orakau 31 Mar to 2 April 1864 (present at charge 2 Feb 1864), Maketu and Matata April 1864 (few), Te Ranga 21 June 1864. Duties included dispatch riding, scouting and patrolling.
Spades
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Hi Shortcut,
I have the file for you.
Can you please PM me with your email address.
Spades
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Spades,
Reply #15
Would you have any objection if I added the info about William Kerr to my "List of Participants at Gate Pa and Te Ranga - 1864"?
I am always on the look out for additional information to add to my database.
TPB
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Hi TPB,
Absolutely not, go for it! :)
Spades
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Just throwing this into the mix [to be shot down in flames or otherwise].......
Death:
1921/973 Kerr Martha 73Y
https://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=21448914&digital=yes
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19210510.2.2.4?end_date=31-12-1921&phrase=2&query=martha+kerr&snippet=true&start_date=01-01-1921
Marriage:
1866/4834 Martha Hunt William Kerr
Minniehaha.
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Images sent.
Spades