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Aiken Family Chart #1.
Last Updated April 2009.
Elizabeth Reid Aiken |
George
Aiken Born 1823 Married 1844 Died, 21 October 1894 |
Robert
Aiken Died 1848 |
James
Aiken Born 1756 Married July 1797 |
John
Aiken Married 2 June 1715 Died 1759 |
 William
Aiken |
| Janet Craig Married 2 June 1715 |
John Craig | ||||
| Elizabeth Russell Died 2 January 1857 |
John Russell |
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| Jane | |||||
| Janet Steel | George Steel | ||||
|
William Gardiner |
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Margaret Reid |
Henry Reid Born, 14 November 1798 Married 25 June 1998 |
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| Janet McFarlane |
Elizabeth Reid Aiken
Born, 27 May 1850, Nelson, NZ
Married, Robert Austen Young,
21 August 1873, Greymouth, Westcoast, NZ
Died, 1 June 1910
Their marriage was listed as "Young-Aiken. On the 21st August, at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. J. Mackintosh, Robert A. Young, C.E., to Elizabeth Reid, third daughter of George Aiken, Greymouth." Grey River Argus, 22 August 1873.
George Aiken Born 17 September 1823, in Glasgow, Scotland
Married, Janet McFarlane Gardiner 1844
Arrived, New Zealand, 1840
Died, 21 October 1894, Queensland, Australia.
I am indebted to Australian Aiken descendants for both improving the accuracy of this information and supplying most of the Australian information.
Little is known of George's early life. He was 17 years of age on arrival in New Zealand. In 1844, aged 21, he marries fellow Glasgow born Janet McFarlane Gardiner, aged 19.
He appears in the Rate Returns section of the NZ Gazette 1845 (page 29) as a "shopman" in Nelson. The first mention of him in local newspapers is in the 1852 (and again in 1854-55) on the list of Juror's - where he is listed as being at Trafalgar Street, Nelson, storekeeper. And, again in 1852 where he is listed as a petitioner for Nelson to be recognised as a Municipality. George is then 29 years of age.
In September 1853 he appears in the Nelson Examiner advertising the contents of newly arrived cases of Toys and Saddlery, as George Aiken of the Nelson Emporium. In June 1856 he is running 'George Aiken's Stores' in Trafalgar Street, Nelson.
Above: Trafalgar Street, Nelson, circa 1860
He appears in the Nelson Examiner on 5 March 1859 offering an auction of Kauri timber, and again on 29 October, offering an auction of Timber - both in Trafalgar Street, Nelson. He appears on 21 July 1860 offering a sale of Cattle, Horses, Agricultural Implements, Dairy Utensils at Waimea East.
The following appears in the Nelson Examiner, 19 January 1859, page 2.
George Aiken sold by auction, by order of the mortgagee, a section of land in Waimea-east, known by the name of Willow Bank, and recently in the occupation of Mr. J. N. Bland. The terms of sale were cash, and the section only realised £260.
The following appears in the Nelson Examiner, 7 May 1859, page 2.
Local Intelligence.
Sale of Farming Stock.— Mr. George Aiken sold by auction, at Allington, on Monday last, dairy cows, at from £12 to £13 ; heifers and steers, from £7 to £10 ; working bullocks, £25 10s. per pair ; 30 head of mixed cattle, at £3 sb. per head ; pigs, from £5 to £8 15s. each ; two geldings were sold privately at £37 10s. and £60. All the implements and dairy utensils realised good prices.
In the 1860 list of Juror's he is listed as being a Nelson storekeeper.
In the NZ Directory 1866/7 (Stevens & Batholomew) he listed as a Wharfinger, Haven Road, with a residence of Waimea Street, Nelson.
His Australian descendants report he was involved in the establishment of the Presbyterian Church in Nelson.
In December 1867 his eldest daughter, Margaret Aiken, marries in the residence of the brides Uncle, (Robert Aiken) Willow Bank, Canterbury.
In 1871, his wife dies at their residence in Waimea Road, Nelson. He's now 48 years old widower with dependant children aged; 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17. Around this time his brother John moves away from Nelson.
In May 1872 the husband of Jessie Aiken dies. Jessie returns to Nelson, perhaps to her fathers house? Jessie is then 25 years old, two months pregnant and has four children under the age of 7.
By March 1873; George has relocated to Greymouth, is no longer a self-employed shop keeper/trader and is now employed as a 'writing clerk', and he is in some financial difficulty.
TAKE NOTICE that GEORGE AIKEN, formerly of Nelson, in the Province of Nelson, but now of Greymouth, in the County of Westland, writing clerk, a debtor, did, on the twenty-first day of March, 1873, file in the District Court of the County of Westland, holden at Greymouth, a deed of arrangement with his creditors, bearing date the fourteenth day of March, 1873, and made between the said debtor of the first part; Joseph Auty Harley, of Greymouth aforesaid, brewer, as trustee, of the second part; and the several other persons, creditors of the said debtor, of the third part. A. R. GUINNESS, Solicitor for the debtor.
Grey River Argus, page 3, 22 March 1873TAKE NOTICE that an application will be made to the District Court of the County of Westland, holden at Greymouth, on THURSDAY, the TWELFTH day of JUNE, 1873, at Ten o'clock in the forenoon, at the Court House, Greymouth, for a declaration of the complete execution of a Deed of Composition dated the 14th day of March 1873, and made between GEORGE AIKEN, formerly of Nelson, in the Province of Nelson, but now of Greymouth, aforesaid, Writing Clerk, a debtor, of the first part; Joseph Auty Harley, of Greymouth, aforesaid, Brewer, as trustee of the second part; and all the Creditors, of the said George Aiken of the third part. A. R. GUINNESS, Solicitor for the said debtor.
Grey River Argus, page 3, 11 June 1873
In August 1873 he is at resident in Tainui Street, Greymouth. At this address he hosts the wedding of his daughter Elizabeth to Robert Austen Young.
In 1881, then aged 58, he effectively retires to North Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. Where he lives with with (or near) his three sons who are already settled there. It is there he dies in 22 October 1894.
Obit, Mr George Aiken (born, Glasgow 1823, Died Queensland 1894), Source: The Colonist (November 6, 1894)
“DEATH OF AN OLD NELSONIAN. – We regret to chronicle the death
of one of our most respected citizens, in the person of Mr George Aiken,
sen, (formerly of Nelson), which occurred suddenly at his residence, North
Bundaberg, at 3.30 p.m. yesterday, (says Bundaberg ‘Mail,’ Queensland,
of October 22nd). In the morning the deceased gentleman had complained
of a difficulty of breathing to his youngest son, but it passed off, and
he partook of a hearty dinner, as usual. Shortly after three o’clock,
when conversing again with his son apparently perfectly well. A cold perspiration
came over his body, and Mr Aiken, jun., at once offered to send for the
doctor, but that passed off, too, when suddenly the difficulty in breathing
again came on, and in two minutes life had fled. (The) deceased’s
only words being “Oh George, George.” Dr Thomas was at once
summoned, and arrived before four o’clock, but life was extinct.
Mr Aiken was one of our earliest Australian colonists. He was born in
Glasgow in the year 1823, and had therefore more than reached the allotted
span. He arrived at Nelson, New Zealand, in 1840, and took an active part
in the settlement and progress of his adopted home, his descendants to
the second and third generations being scattered over the Colony in various
parts. In 1881 he came to Bundaberg, and has lived with his three sons
here since then, except for a few months four years ago, when he visited
the old scenes of his early colonial life.”
George & Janet Aiken had eight children:
 |
Above, this appears to be photograph from a christening on the Westcoast. The Reverent on the right is probably Rev. J. R Bart (he seems to have been present for all such events) and the location is either in Greymouth (most likely) or alternatively 'Willow Bank' in Canterbury. In the back row the husbands are (L-R) Frederick Wright, and then brothers Henry Young and Robert Young. In the front row are three Aiken sisters (L-R) Margaret, Annie, Elizabeth The baby is most likely Andrew Davidson Young (b. 1884) or Howell Young (b. 1885) |
- Margaret Russell Aiken, born 27 May 1845 in Nelson, NZ. Married Frederick Wright (he died around 1910) on 19 December
1867 at Willow Bank Canterbury. Known by the Young family for many generations as the Wright family of the South Island.
Nelson Examiner, 26 December 1867.
On the 19th December, at the residence of the bride's uncle, Willow Bank, Canterbury, by the Rev. John Campbell, Frederick, second son of T. Wright, Esq., late of Tiverton, Devon, England, to Margaret, eldest daughter of Mr. George Aiken, Nelson.
The Cyclopedia of New Zealand (Canterbury Provincial District) 1903
MR. FREDERICK WRIGHT, sometime of “Riversdale,” Dunsandel, was born at Tiverton, Devonshire, England, and was brought up to agriculture on his father's farm. In 1853 he came to New Zealand in the sailing ship “Mermaid,” and landed at Lyttelton. For a year or two he farmed in conjunction with his brother, and was then farming on his own account for eighteen or twenty years, at Springston, where he had a property of 400 acres. Having sold his land at Springston, he bought 700 acres in the Dunsandel district, and gave the name of “Riversdale” to his estate. There he carried on mixed farming up to the time of his death, which took place on the 16th of November, 1902. Mr. Wright paid special attention to the breeding of English Leicesters, of which he had a stud flock, and won many prizes at the Christchurch, Leeston and Ashburton shows. His reputation as a breeder led to his being asked from time to time to serve as a judge of Leicester sheep at Timaru, Dunedin, and other places. He was a member of the Dunsandel Domain Board for many years, and took a great interest in the welfare of the district. In 1867 he married Miss Aiken, eldest daughter of Mr. George Aiken, of Nelson, and six sons and four daughters were born of the union. Four of the sons are now (1903) farming on their own account, three of them being married, and one is studying at St. John's College Auckland, in preparation for the ministry of the Church of England.
There children (as known):
- a son born at Springton near Christchurch on 7 Oct 1868
- Jessie Macfarlane Wright, 1877-1879
The Grey River Argus. Friday, 11 July, 1879.
Parents should he careful how they leave lucifers lying about their houses, as accidents are continually occurring from children sucking them. Only as recently as Monday an inquest was held at Springfield, Canterbury, in the house of Frederick Wright, to enquire into the cause of death of Jessie Macfarlane Wright, a child eighteen months old. From the evidence of the infant's brother, it appears that she must have crawled out of her cot on to a low chest of drawers, on which a box of wax vesta matches were lying. Dr Guthrie gave evidence that the cause of death was from poisoning, the poisonous substance being the tops of the matches. A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned, no blame being attributable to anyone.
Margaret dies in June 1926.
- Janet ‘Jessie’ Marshall Aiken, born 1 June 1848 in Nelson. Married
Nehemiah McRae on 28 July 1864 in Nelson, and died in 1924. Her age is based on being listed as 17 years on her intention to marry record with her father's consent for her, being a minor, to wed.
Mr N McRae, 1839-1872, was the third son of George & Ellen McRae (they arrived in Nelson in 1842, and was a flockowner of Awatere Province of Marlborough). Nehemiah died while crossing the Awatere River 15 May 1872 (see below).
He deserves more study; it appears he was the first to climb Mount Tapuaenuku (Mt Odin) in May 1864 and had amassed a huge estate, sold at auction in April 1874, which included the Camden Run (25,861 acres & 12,000 sheep), and the Ring Creek Run (9,530 acres & 1,000 sheep), and a further 3,000 surplus sheep. For more information the McRae family I recommend "MacRaes to New Zealand" by Molly J. Akers published in 1994.
Nehemiah's death can not have easy for Janet as she would have been 25 years old, two months pregnant and with four children under the age of 7. Presumably there would have also been pressure on her (and the other McRae brothers) to marry to both the support the children and also retain the farm within the family.
Janet does not appear to have re-married. She dies on 27 October 1924 in Wadestown, Wellington. Which is the same suburb as her daughter Janet Firth.
Above: View from a garden with a curved drive and lawn in the foreground, bushes and trees at the perimeter, looking towards the foothills and Mount Tapuaenuku ("Mt Odin") in the distance. Painted 1874 by Frederick Weld.
Above: The Inland Kaikouras from the Awatere Valley, painted by John Gully in 1871.
They had five children:
- Katie Gardner McRae, born 1865 in Wairu, married William Frederick Ward on 17 December 1894, they had three children, she dies in 1955.
- Janet "Jessie' McRae, born 9 June 1867 in Benhopai, married Joseph Firth on 8 May 1889 in Christchurch, she died in 1938. Mr Firth was headmaster of Wellington College 1892 to 1921.
- George Sutherland McRae, born 2 June 1869 in Welds Hill, married Hilda Reay Collyns 23 May 1898 in Kaikoura, they had 7 children. George dies 3 November 1954 in Waikanae.
- William McRae, born 17 May 1871 Weld's Hill, married Ethel Kathleen West in 1902, died 11 August 1930 in Auckland. They had 4 children.
- Nehemiah McRae, born 5 February 1873, Nelson, married Effie Mabel Tatham in 1902, they had 2 daughters. He dies 29 July 1944 in Matakana.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Saturday 25 May 1872
THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENT TO MR. NEHEMIAH McRAE.
The Marlborough Express, of Saturday last, gives the following evidence taken at the inquest held at Blarich on the body of the deceased, on Thursday, the 16th instant, before H. Williams, Esq., Coroner; Mr C. Canning was foreman:
— Richard Jackson, a shepherd in the employ of deceased, deposed : That he left home in company with Mr. McRae, William Shearman, and Samuel Schutter on Wednesday, the 15th instant, for the purpose of pig-hunting; they afterwards returned to Weld's Hill cutting for the purpose of returning home to Weld's Hill. Having crossed the ford in the morning, witness suggested to Mr. McRae that the river was very high, and he had better unsling his rifle, to which he replied there was no fear, but they must follow him, as he would take the lead. They went up the steam till the water came over their saddles the deceased then made straight for the landing on the other side, when the horse went suddenly head first under water, and rolled heels up ; when witness saw the deceased again, he had one foot in the stirrup iron over the saddle, and one hand holding the bridle; he was pulling the horse round and round, and that was the last he saw of him until he had pulled the horse round on the other side of the bank. Deceased called out, "Farewell; remember me." No assistance could bo rendered to him. The horse came out about two chains higher up the river than witness. He could not render the deceased any assistance. He saw him let go his hold of the horse. He was sensible at the time, and his rifle was still over his shoulder. He did not know whether the deceased was injured or not. He believed the water must have been fully twelve feet deep. The other men had been left killing pigs. Mr. McRae was drowned about a hundred yards from where witness was standing. The horse was a quiet one, and accustomed to the ford. Both horses had to swim, as the river was flooded. Witness did not succeed in crossing, but returned. Did not know whether the deceased could swim or not, but was sure nothing could have been done to save him. Edwin Trolove, sheepfarmer, residing at Woodbank, Clarence, deposed, that having heard that Nehemiah McRae had been washed off his horse on Wednesday, the 15th instant, he went to the river and rode down the bank until he saw the body of deceased in the water; he dragged it out, and some men coming up, they rubbed the body to restore animation. Witness then went to Mr. Mowatt's for a horse and trap to convey the body home; he found deceased about a quarter of a mile below the ford; it was quite cold, as he supposed it to have been in the water about an hour and a-half; it was not much bruised, the rifle was not on the body; his watch was in his pocket, and his ring on his finger. The time by the watch was twenty minutes to two; did not think the deceased could swim, or that anything could have been done to save him. The verdict was "Accidentally Drowned."
- Elizabeth Reid Aiken, born 27 May 1850, in the family home in Hardy Street, Nelson.
- Mary "Polly" Fleming Aiken, born 24 June 1852 and died aged 16, 22 April 1896 in Nelson.
- Anne ‘Annie’ McFarlane Aiken, born 29 April 1854 in Nelson. Married Henry
William Young (brother of RA Young) on 14 April 1883. She appears on the 1893 electoral roll as Anne Aiken 'Married woman' of Reefton. In August 1903 her husband dies. She re-marries on 29 July 1918 to Charles Turner. It appears she dies in Rotorua in January 1924.
- Robert Steele Aiken, born 26 April 1856 in
Nelson and died 16 October 1933, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. He is listed on the Waimea Electoral roll 1867/68
as the freeholder of 18 1/2 acres - part of Section 82, Waimea, south
Nelson. He is not shown on the 1869 Waimea Electoral roll. Arrived in the Bundaberg area in 1878, taking up land at Gooburrum where he grew sugar cane. He is reported in The Brisbane Courier on 16 July 1885 as 'illegally employing a Polynesian' but escapes without conviction. The Brisbane Courier then reports on 28 June 1888 that "Robert Steele Aiken of Bundaberg, suger planter" is adjudicated insolvent.
Following the death of his first wife, Annie, from typhoid fever, he married her sister Frances. His two daughters remained unmarried, and lived out their lives together at Mount Perry Road, North Bundaberg.- Married, Annie Jones (b. 1863 d. 18 April 1886)
- Married, Frances Jane Jones (b. 24 December 1868 d. 30 June 1956), 13 October 1886 in Queensland.
He had two children: - Millicent Jane Aiken, 2 April 1883-1966
- Vivienne Gray Howard Aiken, 27 May 1892-1980
- William Calder Aiken, born on 21 Apr 1858 in Nelson. Passed his Civil Service Exam in Greymouth July 1877. Some time after he moved to Australia. Married Clara Smith, 9 February 1882 in Queensland, Australia. He was the Alderman, Bundaberg Town Council from 1883 to 1896. In 1890 he is listed as a Printer, Bourbon Street, Bundaberg. He appears in The Brisbane Courier 8 October 1895 seeking to employ a bookbinder for a few weeks.
He is quoted in The Brisbane Courier on 15 October 1895, regarding the nay-sayers to a proposed railway line to:
We rather sympathise with the "Mall." Some of the statements made at a public meeting held on Friday were, however, anything but "bald." They were covered with hair.
For Instance, Mr. W. C. Aiken encouraged the audience thus ; "It had been urged, and it seemed to be the opinion of some of the leading citizens that it would depreciate the value of town property. The same argument had been employed in Rockhampton some years ago, when It was proposed to construct a line to Port Alma, but the railway was made nevertheless, and the cry had long since died away. Instead of doing the town harm, the extension had increased their trade to £2,000,000, and now it was going to be carried out to Broadwater-almost without asking, the trade would soon rise to £3,000,000. He thought that the export trade of Bundaberg would increase In a like manner." Considering that the line to Port Alma Was never built, and that the idea of building it has been abandoned by the Government in favour of a line to Broadwater, We are tempted to exclaim, in elegant language used by Mr Aiken in another part of the speech, - "What rot! What bosh!"
He returns to New Zealand and settles in Christchurch in 1896. Soon after has formed a business partnership with Mr Willis. His wife, Clara, dies on 13 February 1900.
He re-married in Wellington to a Sarah Murgatroyd (born 29 August 1858, died Auckland 1936) on 6 November 1902. In the 1904 Stones Directory, he listed as living at 58 Gloucester Street, Christchurch, and trading as 'Willis & Aiken' printers located off Cathedral Square. In June 1913 he and Sarah are in the UK - they are recorded as having visited the NZ High Commisson office on 9 June. He dies 28 February 1916 - his will lists his occupation as a Printer.
The printing firm, Willis and Aiken, is still running today.
He had five children: - Janet "Jessie" Mary Aiken, born 5 December 1882, Queensland, Australia. Attended Christchurch Normal School from July 1896, registration #4342. In 1904 she passes the NZ Universities 'Matriculation and Solicitors' General Knowledge' exams at Canterbury University College.
- Ethel Clara Aiken, born 9 November 1883, Queensland, Australia. Attended Christchurch Normal School 1896 - Registration #4343 and then Christchurch East 1896-98 registration #99. In June 1914 she passes her St. John Ambulance Association Home Nursing exams.
- Charles Nelson Aiken, born 18 July 1886. Attended Christchurch East school (1896-1900) Registration #3227. He marries a Miss Eileen Harriet Spooner in 1915 and in 1916 he is employed as a printer. He dies around 1947.
- John Douglas Aiken, 1917-24 March 1943. Married to Margaret from Port Chalmers, Otago. Was a Captain in the NZ Infantry and is buried in the Sfax War Cemetery in Tunisia.
- Grace Muriel Aiken, born 3 July 1888. Attended Christchurch East School from 1897.
- John William Aiken, born 15 January 1900. Attended Christchurch East School from May 1905, registration #95.
- Henrietta Aiken, born 26 May 1860 in Nelson. Married
in Westport, on 24 February 1881, Mr Robert Falla. Robert was born in Sydney in 1856 and was the oldest son of George Falla, who was listed as a writing clerk in Haven Rd Nelson in the 1852 Juror's list for Nelson and died 1880 in Westport - occupation then listed as merchant, Mary Falla, Roberts mother, died in Westport in 1901.
This generation were interconnected professionally as Robert Falla worked with his brother in-law R A Young on surveying coal fields.
Henrietta died in 1901 in Westport, NZ and Robert in Lower Hutt on 11 June 1918.
Their children,- George Robert Falla 1885-1919. Won the mile and half handicap running race - Westport 30 December 1901. Passed his second class Marine Engineer's examination in 1908 and was the second engineer on the steamer Whangape in 1914. Listed as a Marine Engineer of Auckland in his 1919 will.
- Mary Frances Annie Falla 1887-1944 married John Mackay. She won a Victoria University College scholarship January 1901 (then living in Westport). She dies in Auckland in 1944 and was listed as a widow. Her descendants have been active in researching this branch of the family.
- Olive Dorothy Falla 1889-1958 married John Barr. She passes her Home Nursing Certificate in 1910 and St. John Ambulance Medallion in 1911.
- Leonard Munro Falla 1891-1916 killed in the battle of Somme, France.
The following was noted in the Grey River Argus on 4 November 1916; "Private Leonard Falla, son of Mr Robert Falla, late of Westport, has been killed in action on October 10th. Private Falla was a native of Westport, being about 23 years of age. He served his apprenticeship as a carpenter in the railway workshops at Westport, and was subsequently transferred to Petone.
-
George Aiken, born 19 October 1862 Nelson. He settled near Bundaberg as a Cane Farmer. George was one of the earliest Elders in the Bundaberg Presbyterian Church, and was also Session Clerk. Married Louisa Annie Butterworth (b. 1859. d. 5 April 1941), on 31 July 1889 in Queensland, Australia. He died on 26 Aug 1948 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
George Aiken, b, 1862
He had children of:- 'Percy' William Percival Aiken, born 20 April 1890 in Queensland, married Emily Florence Reid 18 January 1913 in Queensland.
- 'Doug' George Douglas Aiken, born 26 May 1891 in Queensland, married Alvena Dorothea Rackemann 28 April 1925.
-
Norman McLeod Aiken, born 8 May 1895 in Bundaberg, Queensland, married Ruby Ellen Broadhurst Zimmerman Friberg 17 September 1925. He died 21 August 1965.
Above: Norman & Ruby Aiken - Gladys Eileen Aiken, born 27 November 1896 in Queensland. Married Francis Edward Hoare 5 May 1924 in Queensland.
Robert Aiken
Married, Janet Steel (of Glentore)
Died 1848
The following is a mess! I have two, in part conflicting, records of this generation and few pieces of solid evidence.
Robert Aiken and Janet Steel may have had 8 children:
Definite's (George, Robert and John - all with some biographical information below):
- George Aiken, born 17 September 1823 in Glasgow, Scotland. He married Janet Gardiner.
- Robert Aiken, born in Glasgow, Scotland. He marries Ann Reid Gardiner (sister of Janet Gardiner) on 19 December 1855 in Nelson, New Zealand.
In 1852 he is listed as a petitioner for Nelson to be recognised as a Municipality. Which makes his arrival to NZ as being before this date.
By 1856 he is living in Waimea-east district on the Nelson Provence - as he is listed as among the supporters of a candidate for the Provincial Council.
On 28 September 1856 they have a daughter.
In late May 1856, William Wallace, a 14 year old employee of Robert Aiken runs away.
On 12 November 1861, they appear to have another daughter.
In the NZ Directory 1866/7 (Stevens & Batholomew) he listed as 'brewery' Hardy Street, with a residence of Tasman Street, Nelson.
Robert Aiken appears in the 1881 Electoral roll, as a Farmer, in Springs Road in the electorate of Lincoln.
Robert dies in 1890.
The Evening Post 5 December 1908:
A very old colonist has passed away, in the person of Mrs. Gammack. Her parents (Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Gardner) arrived in Nelson in 1841. Mr. Gardner came from Scotland, and was a founder of the Presbyterian Church in Nelson. On their arrival their daughter, Annie Reid, was in her sixth year, and she preserved a lively memory of the early struggles, the terrors of the Wairau massacre, and so forth. She married at an early age Mr. Robert Aiken, and came with him to Canterbury about 50 years ago. They ultimately settled at Broadfield, and here Mrs. Aiken was for many years widely known for hospitality and good works, and for her devotion to the Wesleyan Church. About 17 years ago she was married to the late Mr. James Gammack, of Springston. Since his decease she had resided mostly in Christchurch. Her surviving children are Mrs. Fairclough (wife of Rev. P. W. Fairclough), and Mrs. George Scarlett. Mrs. Gammack's death will release another £400 a year for the benefit of the Christchurch Public Library. Mr. Gammack left the institution a bequest which already produces that amount, and another similar sum was to go in the same direction on the death of his widow.
Notes: Margaret Reid Aiken married Rev Paul Wynyard Faircough in 1878. Georgina Janet Aiken married George Scarlett in 1886.
- John Aiken, born abt 1836 in Scotland. A family source believes that he traveled to NZ in 1855.
Marries Miss Celia Garrard (daughter of Joseph Garrard of Harwich, Essex) in Nelson on 30 January 1861. (Source Nelson Examiner).Is listed as a member of the Volunteer and Militia Force in 1861 as a contender in the shooting competition. (Source Nelson Examiner). A competition he wins, with the prize money of £1,000 - Nelson Examiner 12 July 1861.
Mrs. Aiken begs to inform the ladies of Nelson that she has OPENNED those PREMISES in TRAFALGAR STREET lately occupied by Mr. Coates, where she will carry on the business of MILLINERY in all its branches, The stock has been carefully selected from recent importantations, and includes a fashionable assortment of Hats, Bonnets, Ribbons, Velvet, ....
Nelson Examiner, 16 April 1862.
This appears to be a short lived venture as John Aiken advertises a stock clearance sale of Millinery, on moving premises from Trafalgar Street, Nelson. 1862. (Source Nelson Examiner).
In the NZ Directory 1866/7 (Stevens & Batholomew) he is listed as a clerk at the firm of N Edwards & Co, Bronti Street.He lists his house in Broti Street in Nelson for sale, 1868. (Source Nelson Examiner)
Listed as a Book keeper in Nelson, April 1869. (Source Nelson Examiner)
Listed as an Estate Trustee (of a Storekeeper) on January 1871 and working at the Office of Messrs. N. Edwards and Co. (Source Nelson Examiner)
He lists his house in Broti Street in Nelson for sale, 1873 - maybe the same house he tried to sell in 1868. (Source Nelson Examiner)
He gives evidence in the case of Symons vowel at the Supreme Court on 2 September 1873 and is described as "accountant and manager of the business of N. Edwards and Co." (Source Nelson Examiner)
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 30 October 1873.
"PRESENTATION TO MR. JOHN AIKEN.
It is our pleasing duty to record an interesting presentation, which took place yesterday afternoon, at the warehouse of Messrs. N. Edwards and Co. Mr. John Aiken, who has filled the position of head-clerk and manger of that firm for a period of over sixteen years, being about to leave the employ and enter into partnership with a new firm shortly to be established in Christchurch, his fellow clerks assembled, and presented him with the following address, accompanied with a handsome diamond ring: Nelson, 27th October, 1873. "John Aiken, Esq."
Dear Sir, — We, the undersigned, your fellow clerks, hearing that you are about to leave Nelson, and the employ of Messrs. N. Edwards and Co., (with whom you have been connected so many years), cannot allow you to depart without an expression of sincere regret, and, at the same time, testifying to the uniform courtesy and good-feeling exhibited by you to us, many of whom have been your coadjutors for a number of years. Herewith we beg to present you with a small remembrance, and request your acceptance of the same, as a token of our esteem and good wishes, and hope that, at future time, and among new associations, it may remind you pleasurably of the many years we have spent together in Nelson. " Trusting that all success may attend you and that you may enjoy every comfort in your new sphere of life — We are, dear sir, yours faithfully, Here follow signatures ."He appears in the 1881 Electoral Roll as a Merchant resident in St Martin's, Heathcote, Christchurch.
Attached to the Alexander Turbull Library record related to his photographs he appears to have left NZ around 1887. I suspect he relocates to work at the London office of N. Edwards and Co.
He appears in the 1893 Electoral Roll as a Gentleman, resident in St Martin's, Lyttelton, Christchurch. Celia Aiken also appears, residing at 10 St Martin's with an occupation of "Domestic duties'.
In 1901 a John Aiken "of Christchurch who is now in London" comments favourablity on the sighting of NZ Butter for sale. Not sure if this is the same John Aiken as the name is hardly uncommon - source Otago Witness 27 February 1901.
"Mr. and Mrs. John Aiken, late of Christchurch, who have been resident in England for the past sixteen years, Have arrived back in the Dominion. They are at present staying with their grandniece, Mrs. W. F. Ward, but intend shortly to go on to Nelson and then to Auckland, before settling down for the winter. Mr. Aiken is much interested in the wonderful development of Wellington, as he can remember when "Plimmer's Wharf" occupied the position on which the Bank of New Zealand now stands."
The Evening Post 3 March 1914.Note: Mrs W. F Ward is Katie Gardner McRae.
John dies in Sumner, Christchurch in early 1918..
From this point on details are considerably less certain.
- James Aiken. A family source believes that he was born in 1826 and married Mary Belch.
It is possible that he did not travel to NZ.
Assuming that he did travel to NZ to join his siblings - which seems quite probable - there are many James Aiken's found in the South Island newspapers. I have assumed he is the James Aiken the storekeeper in Reefton.
Arrived from London on the Bride (a 580 ton barque) in Auckland 21 June 1858 - source Daily Southern Cross, 22 June 1858.
J. Aiken, is an indignant storekeeper in Nelson Creek replying to a letter to the editor of the Grey River Argus that he has 'always been able to buy more gold that what has been brought into my store." Source, Grey River Argus 3 September 1868.
James Aiken is nominated in Reefton, as a member of the new District Board. Source Grey River Argus, 9 October 1873.
A James Aiken, with John Magill, jointly run stores in Moonlight and Reefton (which are within the Nelson province). In 1874 they split and James runs the Reefton Store in his own right. Source, Grey River Argus, 11 February 1874.
Corporal Aiken, is listed as participating in the Volunteer Rifle Match, as part of the Greymouth Rangers. Grey River Argus 25 May 1876.
Corporal Aiken is listed again, Greymouth Rifle Rangers, in the Handicap Challenge Cup. Grey River Argus, 9 October 1877.
"An information was laid on Monday, at Reefton, by Mr James Aiken charging Mr Angus Campbell, hotelkeeper, with having published a libel concerning him in the form of a printed circular issued to the public on or about Saturday, January 29th." Grey River Argus 10 February 1881.
A James I. Aiken was installed as an officer of the Reefton Pacific Lodge of Freemasons - with the role of Treasurer. Source, Grey River Argus 6 July 1882.
James Aiken is elected as a director of the Rainy Creek Company, June 28 1883. Source West Coast Times 29 June 1883.
James I Aiken is a candidate in the Reefton County Council Elections. Source West Coast Times, 29 November 1884. He was unsuccessful.
James J. Aiken has his 5th call to pay for 250 shares in the Golden Fleece United Quartz Mining Company - otherwise he'll forfeit them. Source, Grey River Argus 1 March 1886.
Listed as being recommended for a £30 payment as part of the Old Soldiers and Volunteers' Claims. Source, Evening Post 23 August 1890.
Below Information even less certain:
Details here become a little confused. Apparently a 16 page will exists for Robert Aiken.
1. James (b, 1826) m Mary Belch
2. Janet m. Robert Gardiner
3. Robert sailed for N.Z. 1854
4. John, sailed for N.Z. 1855 m. Celia Garrard
5. Elizabeth m. Robert Carruth
6. Barton
7. William m. Jane Ritchie
8. Mary (b. 1847) m. James Steel (cousin).
Robert & Janet had 8 children: 5 sons & 3 daughters *alive in
1907
• George Aiken, b 1823 married Janet Gardiner
• James (2nd son & acquired the lands of Dalmoak, b. 1826?, d.
24 Nov 1875) married Janet, daughter of John Belch, they had 2 sons &
2 daughters, of whom James & Jane were alive in 1908.
• Robert (? sailed for NZ 1854, married Anne Reid Gardiner in Nelson
1855 - see below)
• John* (?sailed for NZ 1855 married Celia Garranrd)
• William* (? married Jane Ritchie)
• Janet (? married Robert Gardiner)
• Elizabeth* (? married Robert Carruth)
• Mary Aiken* (b. 1847) married James Steel (a cousin)
married Ann Reid Gardiner 19 December 1855. He is listed as a Nelson brewer in the 1860 list of Jurors. He left NZ and sailed to Australia late 1870s - although his could have been sooner as his Hardy Street property was sold prior to May 1868 and he was noted as having left the province of Nelson in the objections to those listed in the List of Voters 1868).
James Aiken
Born 1756
Married, Elizabeth Russell, July 1797
James & Elizabeth Aiken had 10 children:
•Robert Aiken (eldest son, d. 1848), married
Janet, daughter of George Steel.
John Aiken
Married, Janet Craig, 2 June 1715
Died 1759
William Aiken
Had three sons and was succeeded by his oldest son, William Aiken. Other sons, John (see above) and Robert.