Monday, May 14, 2012

McKelvie Family

The McKelvie family were pioneers and farmers in the Lower Rangitikei area, and are also interlinked with families such as the Higgie family, the Bull family and the Hammond family, among many others.

John McKelvie (18 November 1813 - 12 March 1892) married Selina Elizabeth Amon (1845 - 18 November 1905) in 1862.  
John McKelvie courtesy www.nzetc.org
According to New Zealand Cyclopedia (Wellington Province) John came to Australia on the ship Raglan in 1836 and then arrived in New Zealand from Australia in 1853.  His station was known as "Flock House" (that name and that property are still well known in the Rangitikei/Manawatu area).  His farm was very well respected and boasted some of the best sheep and cattle farmed in the area.  Following his death, son James managed the property.  John died in March 1892 and his obituary was republished in the Feilding Star on 15 March 1892:

Death of Mr John McKelvie
The death is recorded to-day of one who was widely known throughout this district, in which he was one of the earliest settlers, Mr John McKelvie, of Rangitikei. Mr McKelvie was attacked by his fatal illness some weeks ago. His advanced age precluded the prospect of recovery, and the end took place on Saturday morning at his residence, Arlington street, Wellington.
Deceased, who prided himself on the simplicity of his mode of life, was a very wealthy man, remarkably intelligent and keen of perception, and kept himself thoroughly well-informed on all subjects of general interest. He had experience of the Victorian diggings in the early days, where he amassed a competency, and then came to New Zealand settling in Eangitikei, in which district he has resided for about 30 years. He leaves a wife and a large family, two of the daughters being married to Mr John Hammond and Mr James Bull, of Rangitikei.
About two years ago he built a large residence in Wellington, and his family removed there, but he himself spent the greater part of his time on his farm in Eangitikei. He was buried this morning in the Karori Cemetery, Wellington Manawatu Times.

Following John's death, Selina married Roland D'Anvers (1844 - 1928) in 1893.  Roland was the fifth son of Frederick Samuel D'Anvers, who was apparently connected with the East India company.  Roland was born in 1844 in Middlesex, England and was educated at Canterbury before coming to New Zealand in 1864.  Initially he farmed in the Hawkes Bay area before settling in Rangitikei, where he obviously met Selina.  

Roland D'Anvers courtesy of www.nzetc.org

Roland's claim to fame was the nailless horseshoe, which was patented by him in October 1893.  There is more interesting information about Roland D'Anvers here.

Roland and Selina did not have children, however, she still had her own large family from her marriage to John - they were:

1. Edith McKelvie (17 April 1863 - 21 July 1919) married John Hammond (son of Richard Hammond of York Farm) (11 June 1857 - 31 March 1921) on 12 May 1886.  

Edith & John McKelvie courtesy of www.nzetc.org

They lived on John's farm, which was land adjacent to the Hunterville railway, and had the following children:
  1.1 John Richard Lloyd Hammond (1887 -1964) married Beryl Stevens (11 November 1894 - 1983) in 1916.
  1.2 Doris Leslie Hammond (1890 - 1939).  Doris never married.
  1.3 Gillon Rutherford Hammond (1892 - 1960) married Orton John Keith "Keith" Stevens (1890 - 1968) in 1915.
  1.4 Kelvin McKelvie Hammond (1892 - 1964) married Dorothy Mary Calman (27 October 1893 - 1981) in 1919.

Upon Edith's death an obituary was published:

OBITUARY.
MRS JOHN HAMMOND
It is with deep regret that we record the death of the eldest daughter of one of the pioneer settlers of the Rangitikei district, a lady who has spent the whole of her life in Rangitikei. We refer to Mrs John Hammond, of Merchiston, Rata, who died at her husband's residence last evening. The late Mrs Hammond was well known in the district, her kindly disposition endearing her to all who had the privilege of her acquaintanceship. Born at Parewanui on April 17, 1863, she resided with her parents, the late Mr and Mrs John McKclvie, at Parewanui till her marriage with Mr John Hammond in 1887, when they made their home at Merchiston, and have resided there ever since. The late Mrs Hammond leaves a husband and four children, Mrs Keith Stevens, of Waitotara, and Miss Doris Hammond, and Messrs Lloyd and Keith Hammond, of Rata, to mourn the loss of a loving wife and mother. There are only two brothers, Mr J. F. McKelvie of Carnarvan, and Mr Lynn McKelvie, of Parewanui, and four sisters — Mrs James Bull and Mrs T. A. Duncan, of Hunlerville, and Mrs Owen and Mrs Innes, who reside in England.
The interment will take place privately at the Karori Cemetery, Wellington.—Advocate.


2. Esther McKelvie (1866 - 30 March 1943) married James Bull (1866 - 4 September 1946) on 23 September 1891.

3. Grace Elizabeth McKelvie (1869 - 23 March 1896) married Harry Arthur Ewen (third son of Charles and Isabella Ewen nee Lewis of Tamahere, Waikato) (1862 - 1942) on 12 October 1892 at St John's Presbyterian Church, Wellington by Rev. J Paterson.   Harry was listed as being a banker at the time of the marriage.  Grace died on 23 March 1896.  She is memorialised on her father's gravestone in the Karori Cemetery.  They do not appear to have had any children, and Harry doesn't appear to have remarried.

4. James Flockhart McKelvie (1871 - 29 June 1935) married Jessie Florence Scott (daughter of David Scott) in 1893.  Following his father's death in 1893, James managed the station "Flock House".

James McKelvie courtesy of www.nzetc.org
James and wife Jessie had the following family:

  4.1 Joyce Kathleen Grace McKelvie (1894)
  4.2 Jessie Florence Merle McKelvie (1895)
  4.3 Rex Douglas James Flockhart McKelvie (1901)
  4.4. Mabel Dene Christina McKelvie (1904)
  4.5 Rawi Emily Scott McKelvie (1909)

For more information on this family see here.  (For convenience sake, I've reprinted James' obituary here, as well as on the Higgie family page:)

OBITUARY
MR. JAMES F. MCKELVIE
The death of Mr. James Flockhart McKelvie, one of the best-known and most-popular figures in the Manawatu district, occurred at his residence, "Pukemarama," Carnarvon, on Saturday evening. Mr. McKelvie was born at Lower Rangitikei, in 1870 and was the elder son of John McKelvie, of Edinburgh, Scotland. He married Jessie Florence, daughter of David Scott, a well-known sheep farmer in the Rangitikei district. His wife predeceased him by three years.
After completing his education at Wellington College, Mr.McKelvie went to his father's property, "Flockhouse" Station, Rangitikei, and on his father's death took over half of the estate, being that portion on the south bank of the Rangitikei River, which he renamed "Pukemarama." The area, states the "Manawatu Daily Times," was originally all flax and manuka scrub country, but under Mr. McKelvie's able management it was converted into one of the richest sheep and cattle stations of the West Coast.
Mr. McKelvie took a keen and active interest in public affairs. He was president of the Bulls- Sanson-Ohakea-Carnarvon Patriotic Society, a member of the Manawatu County Council, honorary life member of the committee of the Manawatu A. and P. Association, and a life member of the Returned Soldiers' Association. He was a generous palron of all classes of sport, president of the Rangitikei Racing Club, and a life member of the Foxlon Racing Club. In his younger days he was a very active sportsman, excelling in athletics. He was a splendid shot with a gun and it was a privilege to be a member of his party at the opening of the shooting season, as his well-protected lakes afforded splendid sport.
Mr. McKelvie in his time bred and raced many good horses. His interests covered a wide field. For years past he was one of the principal prizewinners for fat sheep and lambs at the agricultural and pastoral shows on this coast. The displays of vegetables and fruit exhibited at horticultural shows were a great attraction to all and thousands were delighted with the wonderful displays staged annually at the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association Winter Show. Mr. McKelvie was of a generous and charitable nature, giving freely to all deserving cases. Mr. McKelvie is survived by one son, Mr. Rex McKelvie, of Carnarvon; and four daughters, Mrs. Hamilton Russell, of Bulls; Mrs. J. C. Gibbons, of Carnavon; Mrs. Donald Rowe, of Hunterville; and Miss Rawi McKelvie, of Carnarvon.


5. Jeannie Priscilla McKelvie (1873 - 1964) married Thomas Andrew Duncan (1874 - 1960) in 1896.  
  5.1 Grace Alethea Ngawai Duncan (17 September 1897 - 1983) married Ronald Stevenson Hatrick (1903 - 1964) in 1925
  5.2 John Hugh Thomas Duncan (11 October 1899 - 1988) married Arthurina Daisy Amon in 1925
  5.3 Kenneth McKelvie Duncan (1902 - 1971) married Margaret Ramson in 1930
  5.4 William Richard Duncan (14 January 1904 - 1986)
  5.5 Eric Hammond Duncan (1 January 1906 - 1982)
  5.6 Kate Selina Duncan (8 July 1907 - 1998) married Werner Paul Leuch in 1931

6. Caroline Mabel "Mabel"  McKelvie (1876) married Charles Owen (1868 - 1933) on 31 March 1897.  It was faithfully reported in the  Wanganui Herald on 1 April 1897:

ORANGE BLOSSOMS.
An interesting and pretty wedding was celebrated at the Upokongaro Church yesterday, when Miss Mabel McKelvie, fifth daughter of the late Mr John McKelvie, of Parawanui, was married by the Rev Mr Herman to Mr Charles Owen, of Upokongaro. Long before the time appointed for the ceremony the building was crowded with interested spectators and friends of the bridegroom. The church had been tastefully decorated,and a pretty floral arch had been erected over the church gates by the residents as a gift to the bride. The bride was conducted to the altar by her brother, Mr Lynn MoKelvie, and was attended by her sister Miss M McKelvie as bridesmaid. The bride, who was given away by her mother, Mrs D'Anvers, was handsomely dressed in a charming costume of whita lustre, trimmed with lace with the orthodox veil and orange blossoms. She carried a lovely shower bouquet, and wore a diamond pin, gifts of the bridegroom, who also presented an amethyst brooch to the bridesmaid. The latter was attired in a becoming costume of white serge, trimmed with white ribbons and white straw hat to match. The bride's mother was stylishly dressed in grey Irish poplin, with jet trimmings and jet bonnet to match. Mr Gilbert Robertson acted as best man, and was the recipient of a silver matchbox from tbe bride.
As the nevlywedded pair walked down the aisle, the air was thick with fragrant rose leaves, and the joyful strains of Mendelsshon's Wedding March pealed from the organ, whioh was presided over by Miss Gribben. At the conclusion of the ceremony the wedding party and guests were entertained at Calworth, and en route were greeted with three hearty cheers from the workmen assembled on top of Mr Owen's new residence. The usual toast of the health and future happiness of the bride and bridegroom was proposed by the clergyman who officiated at the marriage ceremony. Mr and Mrs Owen left by the mail train after receiving the best wishes of the guests assembled. The numerous and costly presents received by the bride attracted generally admiration. 

Mabel and Charles had the following family, and appear to have relocated with their family to Melbourne, Victoria, where they both died:
  6.1 William Thomas Owen (1898 - 1979) married Edith Kirrage and had one child.
  6.2 Kate Elizabeth Owen (1899 - 1983)
  6.3 John Elgar Owen (1902)
  6.4 James McKelvie Owen (1906 - 1974) married Alice Amy Rann and had two children.
  6.5 Charles Ernest Owen (1911)
  6.6 Arthur Haywood Owen (1915 - 1989)

7. Lynn Rutherford McKelvie (1880 - December 1945) married Olive Rebecca Burns (second daughter of James and Annie Burns of Abel Smith Street, Wellington) (1882 - December 1937) in February 1905 at St Andrew's Church in Wellington.  An account of the wedding was published in the New Zealand Free Lance on 25 February 1905:

SOCIAL SPHERE

The brightest sunshine and prettv surroundings were a feature of an exceedingly picturesque wedding on Tuesday afternoon, when the marriage was celebrated of Olive, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Bums, of Abel Smith-street the bridegroom being Mr. Lynn McKelvie, youngest son of Mrs. D'Anver, of Wanganui. St. Andrew's Church was the scene of the occasion, which was performed by the Rev Gibson Smith.
The bride looked very girlish and pretty as she enteied the church on her father's arm. Her lovely bridal gown was of white mousseline-de-soir over glace silk. Deep vandyked flounces were inlet and headed with insertions of delicate lace, and the bodice was most becoming, softly swathed, and finished with the same soft lace. The veil and orange blossom were of peculiar interest, having been wom by each bride of the McKelvie family. The only ornament worn was a necklet and very handsome pearl pendant which with the shower bouquet, were gifts of the bridegroom. A charming bevy of maids followed the bride Miss Pearl Burns and Miss Rita McKelvie wore picturesque white gowns with many insertions of lace and quaint lace-edged fichus. Their hats were of geranium red, with chiffon bows, tied loosely at one side. They carried bright led bouquets, and wore gold bangles, the gift of the bridegroom.
The three daintily frocked little flower girls were Misses Kate Owen, Merle McKelvie (nieces of the bridegroom), and Mavis Meadowcroft who wore white muslin frocks, white hats, red shoes and socks, and carried crimson flowers tied with crimson streamers in artistic baskets. Each one also wore a cable bangle, the gift of the bridegroom. Mr. Alec Amon (Rangitikei) was best man. At the conclusion of the ceremony, witnessed by a large congregation, the Wedding March was played by the organist of St. Andrew's. Subsequently a large reception was held at the residence of the bride's parents, where the pretty garden was en fete, being decked with flags. A large marquee was erected, and in this afteinoon tea was served. The table was decorated with silver bowls of Marguerite daisies and white heather and laden with every variety of dainty sweets. Conspicuous was the handsome wedding-cake, which was adorned with wide satin ribbons and white heather.
The health of the bude was propoed by the Rev. Gibson Smith, and was enthusiastically toasted. The bridegroom responded, and appropriate speeches were made by Mr. D. M. Luckie, Mr Martin Luckie, Mr. Amon and Mr. Newtown. Another interesting feature of the wedding was the number of country visitors who had come down to Wellington to be present. The bridegroom's family has been very long resident in Rangitikei, where none are more respected than the clan McKelvie.
Mrs Burns, who was wearing a very graceful gown of pale blue voile, and large black hat, received her guests at the entrance and in the large hall the bride and bridegroom received the congratulations of their friends. Mrs. D'Anvers (mother of the bridegroom) wore a handsome gown of russet brown eolinne, softened with lace, a bonnet of brown and gold shade, and carried a large bouquet of yellow flowers amd tinted leaves. Mrs. Owen (sister of the bridegroom) wore a pretty pale grey voile dress, and large hat. Mrs J McKelvie, a gown of black crepe-de-chine and picture hat.
Mrs. J. Bull wore black voile white lace collar, and black hat. Mrs. T.Duncan, in turquoise blue voile lace insertion, and black hat. Miss Burns wore a stylish costume of dove-grey voile, and large picture hat. Mrs Lyon wore a very pretty gown of pale blue voile. with lace yoke, and beautiful necklace of emeralds. Mrs. D. M. Luckie wore black, with handsome coat, and black and white bonnet. Miss Luckie wore a white cloth costume, smartly strapped with black and white embroidery. Mrs. Thompson was in black, with lace vest. Miss Newton wore a pale pink gown. Mrs. Saunders, in black, and black hat; the Misses Rutherford, in dark cloth gowns, relieved with lace; Mrs. Sievwright, in black, and black and white hat.
Mrs. Gibson Smith wore black and white, Mrs. Meadowcroft, a lovely dress of embroidered grass lawn, and hat prettily trimmed with lace and sable. Mrs. Forrest wore grey cloth, Mrs Matthews, blue costume, Miss Barber in stylish blue cloth gown, Miss E. Barber, cream voile, Miss Warren, pretty cream costume, Miss Wiggins, in white cloth dress, pink hat. Miss Gibson wore a very becoming gown of pale green voile, with deep lace yoke, threaded with moss-green velvet. Miss Dora Alexander was in white. Miss R. Scott also wore white muslin. Miss Tabuteau wore a pretty gown of royal blue voile, lace yoke, and blue hat. Mrs. Sully wore all black; Mrs. Dix, black and white; Mrs. C. Bull, in black.
During the afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Lynn McKelvie left en route for Napier. On their return they will stay a few days in Wellington, then leave for Sydney. where they catch the P. and O. liner "Marmora," and commence a round-the-world trip. The bride's travelling gown was a grey tailor-made costume, white silk blouse, and large black velvet hat, with ostrich tips. In the evening a number of young guests were entertained at a very enjoyable dance. The dining-room was converted into a ball-room and supper was served in the large marquee. 


Olive and Lynn are both buried at the Karori Cemetery.  They left two sons:
  7.1 Lynn John Burns McKelvie (1906 - 1969)
  7.2 Hunia James Max McKelvie (8 June 1909 - 1990)

Lynn Snr's death was published in the 18 December 1944 edition of the Evening Post:

MR. L. R. McKELVIE
The death occurred suddenly on Saturday of Mr Lynn Rutherford McKelvie, at the age of 63. A retired sheep farmer, Mr. McKelvie was well known in Wellington and was a prominent member of the Wellington Bowling Club. He was born at the "Flock House" Station, Rangitikei, in 1881, his father, Mr. John McKelvie, having taken up tlie property about the middle of last century. "Flock House" was subdivided after the last war, half being sold in small farms, and the remainder going to the trustees of the New Zealand Sheep Owners' Debt to British Seamen Fund.
Mr. McKelvie was married in 1904 to Miss Olive Burns, daughter of the then Government Printer, Mr. James Burns. His wife predeceased him, but he is survived by his two sons, Messrs. John and Max McKelxie.

8. Harold McKelvie (1882) Probably died as an infant.

9 Margarite "Rita" May McKelvie (22 October 1884 - 17 May 1960, Auckland) married Dudley Innes (21 March 1873 - 4 December 1969) on 3 January 1906 at the Anglican Church in Rongotea.

  9.1 Freda Elizabeth Innes (24 November 1906 - 23 January 2001).  Never married.
  9.2 Ruth Mary Innes (22 June 1908 - 2007) married Arthur Herbert Coyle (7 June 1906 - 1983) in 1932.
  9.3 Hugh McKelvie Innes (5 November 1910 - 2005).  Married.
  9.4 Marjorie Innes (21 April 1912, Wellington - 25 October 2002) married Noel Stanley Crombie (10 June 1912 - 1989) on 19 July 1950. 
  9.5 Geoffrey James Innes (8 October 1913 -19 September 1944) married Joyce E.G. Hammond around 1939.  Geoffrey was killed during WWII.
  9.6 Betty Primrose Innes (19 April 1916, England - 5 December 2003) married George Neville Brown (26 December 1913 - 21 February 1979) on 3 January 1939 in Auckland.

Matriarch, Selina D'anvers died suddenly on 18 November 1905, at her husband's home, "Culworth" Makirikiri.

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