Person:Christina Smith (20)

MRS WILLIAM THOMSON

                                         DIED 24 AUG 1925

The death occurred last Monday of another of the early pioneers of Canterbury. Mrs. William Thomson of "Stanley House" Cambridge Tce, Christchurch. Mrs Thomson was born near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland and as a young woman, Miss Christina Smith, sailed with a number of emigrants coming to New Zealand in the "Brothers' Pride, a vessel noted for its protracted voyage of six months and for its vital records of 1 marriage, 11 births and 52 deaths. Arriving in Lyttelton in December 1863 Miss Smith at once found employment till in the late sixties she married Mr Thomson. Possessed of great energy, tact and shrewd business instincts, she was very helpful to her husband in establishing the successful bakery and confectionary business in Colombo St, so well known ever since. Mrs Thomson was a staunch, generous, warm-hearted friend to many, especially to her old shipmates, being one of the leading spirits in the reunion of shipmates in 1895, 1903 and 1913. She was also a warm supporter of St Paul's Presbyterian Church. The Rev Bower Black officiated at the funeral-a private one - which took place at Addington Cemetary last Wednesday.

Will of Christina Thomson. Executors Elizabeth, Anne and Grace Thomson, all spinsters. Bequests Thomas Edward Thomson 200pounds Mary Ellen Soper 500pounds Elizabeth, Anne, Grace, 3000pounds between them with unpaid interest to help purchase the freehold of the property at 676 Colombo St. After expenses paid, any residue to Elizabeth, Anne and Grace. Any child who contests forfeits their share. Christina died 24 Aug 1925. Estate 7158.3.1(pounds).

I don't know if this is of much interest to you but shows some peculiarities in the family. If Mary Ellen had died before her husband, it looks as though he and the kids would be cast out of the home. Jack was very interested in the Ozone advert. Do you have marriage partners for James and Mary Thomson's family and any dates. It would be good to fill in the records. Looks like I was wrong about Elizabeth being the mother of Alan James, still wonder why she was listed as his next of kin when Christina was still alive and William calls him 'my adopted son, in his will. No mention of him in Christina's will.

1. ↑ Canterbury Library Index Cards.
2. ↑ Cemetery Records
   addington cemetery 742.