Finch Family settled Dunedin, NZ around 1860's

[Kewgardens]

Hi, I'm doing some work on my husbands family tree.  His Great grandmother was Ruth Finch, she had a sister Fanny who died in Dunedin Harbour off a steamer from Port Chalmers.  Trouble is I can't find when they arrived in NZ.  I know Ruth and Fanny were born in England.  I've found a few Thomas's around similar times but with different children.

Ruth married Henry Fleury (recorded as Flewry) in 1880.

[Lucy2]

Hello Kewgardens

  ... and welcome to RootsChat.   

I'm not sure if you have seen the following article, (such a sad event  ) ... but to my reading, it tends to suggest that Fanny FINCH had arrived in New Zealand, the previous day - 3 July 1863 -  aboard the vessel "Matoaka" from London, possibly in the company (and employ) of the Rev. Mr. CAMPBELL's family ?

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/

"Otago Witness" - 4 November 1908 - The "Pride of the Yarra" Tragedy

~    Lu

[Lucy2]

Mmm ... I can't immediately find a passenger list for the "Matoaka" voyage (1863) to check for Ruth also  .... but will keep looking.

~   Lu

[Lucy2]

Hi again

I'm assuming that Ruth FLEURY is the lady who died in 1949 and is buried in the Southern Cemetery at Dunedin with other members of her family ?

No age at death is given on the cemetery record but the NZ BDM online index lists her as 90 years of age ... so born circa 1859.

The cemetery record also states she had lived in NZ for 86 years !!     So date of arrival around 1863 (the same as sister Fanny).    That seems to suggest that both girls probably arrived with their parents.   (Still can't find a passenger list).

~  Lu

[Lucy2]

Hmm ... have just viewed that 1908 article again - the wording is perhaps a little confusing - but when talking about Fanny FINCH it says ... "and who, (presumably meaning Fanny ?) was one of a large family who were passengers by the same vessel (the ship "Matoaka") " :

[Lucy2]

  I know Ruth and Fanny were born in England.  I've found a few Thomas's around similar times but with different children.

Hi

Do you have the death record for Ruth ... and does it give her parents names ?

I note above you mention "Thomas's".     

*  Was the father of Ruth and Fanny, perhaps named Thomas ??

[Lucy2]

Ooops  ... silly me, I didn't spot this earlier.   

From PapersPast   >>

"Otago Witness" - 11 July 1863 - Opening of the Inquest


Thomas FINCH is giving evidence and describes his daughter Fanny aged 17years ... stating she was a native of Wolverhampton.

So yes, it appears the parents (and other siblings) of Fanny and Ruth, were all aboard the "Matoaka" in 1863.

~  Lu   

[Lucy2]

This FINCH family buried (also at Southern Cemetery) Dunedin - Plot 3 P -- Plot 29

Thomas / Thomas James / Sarah / Sarah M / George

along with John FINCH aged 75 (died 1933) who had been in NZ 70 years ... arriving c. 1863.

http://www.dunedin.govt.nz
[Cemetery search]

~   Lu

[Lucy2]

Hi Kewgardens

I've checked numerous resources and unfortunately there doesn't appear to be a passenger list available for the "Matoaka" voyage of 1863.      [Archives New Zealand don't have a copy - although there is a listing featuring the "Matoaka" which shows the name of Fanny FINCH and the other servant girl who perished, and seems may be related correspondence ? ]

Some time in July, PapersPast is due to bring online the "Otago Daily Times" newspaper - fingers crossed the passenger list features in one of those editions. 

~   Lu