A BUTCHER in New Zealand

[Fidgetsmum]

This is one big ask, but ...

I have an Edwin BUTCHER (b. abt. 1841 Horsmonden, Kent). Two of his brothers John and William emigrated to the USA and, a biography of John dated around 1901-ish, states '.... his brother Edwin lives in New Zealand.'

Now I know there was an Edwin Butcher who arrived at Dunedin on 24th May 1874 (from London) aboard the "James Nicol Fleming", and although I know the age fits my Edwin, that Edwin was born in Marylebone and mine was definitely born in Kent and was still living there 10 years later.

As I say, it's a huge ask, but if anyone has any ideas how to sort this out please .... do tell.

F'smum

[busyglen]

This is one big ask, but ...

I have an Edwin BUTCHER (b. abt. 1841 Horsmonden, Kent). Two of his brothers John and William emigrated to the USA and, a biography of John dated around 1901-ish, states '.... his brother Edwin lives in New Zealand.'

Now I know there was an Edwin Butcher who arrived at Dunedin on 24th May 1874 (from London) aboard the "James Nicol Fleming", and although I know the age fits my Edwin, that Edwin was born in Marylebone and mine was definitely born in Kent and was still living there 10 years later.

As I say, it's a huge ask, but if anyone has any ideas how to sort this out please .... do tell.

F'smum

I couldn't find him in 1841, so imagine he was born after the Census, but you say he was still in Kent 10 years later. I can't find him on the 1851 Census, did you find him?

Did you get the rough date of his birth from a census?

Glenys

[Peter Goodey]

I think I can see them in 1841. The parents seem to be (usual caveats)Thomas & Elizabeth. Family enumerated as BUTCHERS.

HO 107/459/11 f 21 p 12

[Peter Goodey]

In 1851 Edwin seems to be still in Horsmonden

HO 107/1605 f 494 p 9

The transcription is another A...y fiasco.

However, all this isn't helping with New Zealand :D

[busyglen]

In 1851 Edwin seems to be still in Horsmonden

HO 107/1605 f 494 p 9

The transcription is another A...y fiasco.

However, all this isn't helping with New Zealand :D

Beats me Peter! ;)

I was using another searching means, and hadn't thought of Butchers. I was just trying to ascertain where Horsmonden was gleaned from to confirm that he was the right one.....I'm not so quick or as experienced as you. ;)

Glenys

[Peter Goodey]

Oh come come, Glenys (whatever that means) :D :D :D.

[Peter Goodey]

Have you got a feel for when he might have emigrated? Any census sightings after 1851?

If he went before 1890, BT 27 isn't going to be any use. I wonder if he might have gone under a "parish assisted" scheme. If so you might find something in the papers of the Poor Law Union if anything useful has survived.

[Fidgetsmum]

Thank you to both of you for trying to sort this out.

I can't seem to find Edwin anywhere in 1861 - yet. If he was born 1840ish, I'm guessing he probably wouldn't have emigrated much before he was 20/21? so have a 'gut feeling' he should be somewhere in the UK in 1861.

Unable to find anything apart from the 1851 census, I tried the LDS. They have him married on 24.4.1871 in Chislehurst to a Harriett Ann Parsons, but, I have been told that the only immigrant Edwin to NZ was born in Marylebone (or Middlesex), and was accompanied by Sarah (aged 24) and 3 children. His occupation is given as 'Carpenter'.

Just to confuse the issue a little further, there is an Edwin Butcher buried in Christchurch who had lived in Weka Pass, Canterbury - and next to him is buried an Annie Sarah Butcher.

Despite all your help, I think this is one of those mysteries destined to remain exactly that - unless or until I can get to physically search the records, or better still take a trip to NZ!

F'smum

[Chisel]

If you order the death certificate it should have where he was born and his parents names. Certainly one of my certficates dated 1889 has all this information.

[ChristineR]

Have you looked for him in the USA census? he may have gone there before New Zealand, after, or both.


ChristineR

[Fidgetsmum]

Have you looked for him in the USA census? he may have gone there before New Zealand, after, or both.


ChristineR

Actually no I hadn't. It's a possibility I hadn't considered, maybe I should? ;) Thanks.

F'smum