Thanks 'rip 1944' for the leads on the Old Colonists Association. Are these records held at the Auckland Library? Just about to head there next week and would be great to have a look for it. Many of the details of his life I believe were fabricated. His age changed more often than any other person I've ever researched.
Found this book on the Clontarf's two journeys to be very interesting & informative:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/books/nonfiction/genealogy/auction-584479305.htmAuckland “New Zealand Herald” Obituary:
Sampson Ashton 1828 - 1921 who lived under the reign of five Sovereigns:
George IV 1820 - 1830
William IV 1830 - 1837
Victoria 1837 - 1901
Edward VII 1901 - 1910
George V 1910 - 1936
died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs Rachel Hayson, Birkenhead, on Wednesday 13 December 1921, after a brief illness. He was born ninety-three years ago at Chissell, Lancashire, England. He was in the service of the N.Z. Railways and considered he was one of the oldest locomotive drivers in N.Z. He was employed as engineer on the San Prisco mail steamer City of Nebraska in the early Auckland days, and in a similar capacity on the old H.M.S. Challenger, which made a scientific expedition to many parts of the world. “H.M.S. Challenger Expedition a famous British expedition, to study physical and biological conditions in deep sea. 1872-76 Results fill 50 Vols.” He recalled an occasion when he drove the locomotive on which the late Queen Victoria journeyed from King’s Cross to Liverpool. The Queen remarking to him in those pioneering days of the “iron horse” that he was a young man to hold such a responsible position as driver of the engine. After retiring from the railways 30 years ago he developed an enthusiasm for prospecting for gold, and for long periods he prospected alone on the alluvial deposits of Moonlight Creek and at Ahaura, near Greymouth. He was a warm admirer of the late Mr R.J. Seddon whose old age pension scheme he estimated as a considerable blessing to the old folk. He resided at Birkenhead from 1915 and his wife predeceased him fifteen years ago. Mr Sampson Ashton is survived by 3 daughters: Mesdames Alfred Hayson and Fred Pugh senr, of Birkenhead, and Mrs Agnes Williamson of Christchurch, two sons, Mr Thomas Ashton, of Western Springs, Auckland and Mr George Ashton of Christchurch, and a large number of Grandchildren and great grandchildren. The interment took place at the Birkenhead Anglican cemetery yesterday afternoon, the Rev. J. Lawrence Greer performing last rites.
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