Person:William Thomson (19)

Hello Richard,

                  Exciting to hear from you!  I got my information from the Scots Ancestry Research Society when I first became interested in genealogy back in 1971.  I have since checked on the Old Parochial Register for Auchtergavin.  I haven't been able to find the ship that William THOMSON came to NZ on and had no idea that others of his family came later. I don't know Becky but would love to hear of her connection.

Yes, it was a surprise to find the story of Christina's ?marriages as I had spent years looking for a marriage with William T. I discovered this at the Christchurch Public Library where they have a card index of b.d.m's for the Canterbury area. There is a huge monument to the family in the Addington, Christchurch cemetary which helped. I then looked for their first child at the Registrar of BDM's at Christchurch under Thomson, and then under Mahnke and there she was, Elizabeth MAHNKE so I looked for the second child and found Mary Ellen Thompson MAHNKE, so deduced that Christina and William were now an item. From then on the children were all surnamed THOMSON. Next there was the mysterious Herman MAHNKE to find. I presume that when she married William T, she believed that Herman had died, but later found that he was still alive. I found that Herman died in Timaru hospital in 1884 and is buried in Timaru, so Christina was now able to legally marry and make their last two children legitimate! Both marriages to William were privately conducted in the Presbyterian Manse. William and Christina were well known in society, he was a city councillor and both are mentioned in the museum as early settlers. They had a bakery and tea-room business in the centre of Christchurch. Christina was actually christened as Christian Isabella. She came to NZ on the Brother's Pride on her own aged 17. and married Herman, Hotel Keeper; two years later. I have their obituaries and wills. I also have only been able to find one child for John THOMSON and Janet STRACHAN, "James". I would be very pleased to receive any information on this family and happy to send you anything you would like. I look forward to hearing from you again,

                            Regards, Helen

  OBITUARY
                                     MR WILLIAM THOMSON

By the death of Mr William Thomson, which took place yesterday, another name was added to the list of old residents who have passed away. Mr Thomson, who has for many years carried on the business of baker and confectioner, was born at Perth, Scotland, and came here when he was quite a young man. In 1890 he was elected a member of the City Council for the south-east ward. He was one of the original members of the Canterbury Bowling Club, and took a keen interest in bowling, winning several prizes at the tournaments of the Bowling Association, and also in club tournaments. Mr Thomson was an old member of the Masonic fraternity. He leaves a widow and several daughters.

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The first mention of William on the electoral roll is 1871/72 with address, Lichfield St, town Section 963. And later described as S.Side, Lichfield St E near Madras St. And in 1882/84 as 67 Cambridge Tce.,Grocer. Still part town section 963.

The reason for looking up the electoral rolls was to get an idea of when William came to NZ, in order to find the ship. He must have been here by at least 1868 as I am convinced that Mary Ellen was his child. He seems to have had money early on. Of course, he may have arrived in Otago or somewhere else. Here is his will which I had to copy out by hand so missed all the legal stuff.

31 August 1909. Will of William Thomson To my wife for her lifetime, my house in Cambridge Terrace known as Stanley House. To my son James 200pounds, son William 200pounds, adopted son James Allan 100pounds. Trustees to carry on my business, charged with one pound a week rent for bakehouse, my wife 100pounds per annum and they shall be carrying on the business. On the death of my wife, the whole of my estate to be divided between Elizabeth, Annie, Grace, William and Stanley. My daughter, Mary Ellen Soper, as to the house she bought from me, shall not be required to pay any principal or interest as long as she lives and after her death only the unpaid purchase money shall be repaid without interest and sum held in trust for my children, Elizabeth, Annie, Grace, William and Stanley.

CODICIL To my son William, the House and Land in Cambridge Tce. subject to the payment of 300pound now owing to my daughter on mortgage of the said property.

CODICIL To my daughter Mary Ellen Soper, The House and Lands in Cashel St. now occupied by her for life and at her death to come back to the family, also that my children, Stanley John, William, Elizabeth Jane, Grace and Annie, at present in my business, to carry on, and in the event of any not working in the business, shall cease to derive any interest from same.

3,591.16.11 (pounds)

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Canterbury Library Index Cards.
2. ↑ Cemetery Records
   addington cemetery 742.
3. ↑ Wises Directory.