James Hunter (1822 - 1870)

Born 1 Sep 1822 in Campsie, Stirlingshire, Scotland, United Kingdom

Husband of Mary (Graham) Hunter — married 30 Jun 1850 in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, Scotland, United Kingdom

Descendants

Died 29 Sep 1870 at age 48 in Moeraki, North Otago, New Zealand

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Biography

James Hunter was born in Scotland.

James Hunter was born in Easterton on 1 September 1822 and baptised on 6 October 1822 in the Parish of St Ninians, Stirlingshire, Scotland. He was the son of John Hunter and Jean Ewing.^[1]

Springbank.

Marriage
When James was 27 he married Mary Graham on 30 June 1850 in Kirkintilloch, Dunbarton, Scotland. The couple had one child born in Scotland and nine born in Dunedin, New Zealand.^[2]

In 1851, James, who was around 28 years old, resided with his wife Mary on a 20-acre farm called Spring Bank, in the Parish of Campsie, Stirlingshire, Scotland. Mary's brother, John Graham, also lived with the couple. ^[3]

James Hunter migrated from Scotland to New Zealand.

Emigration

James and his family arrived on 7 Feb 1852 at Port Chalmers on the barque Columbus which left London on 2 July 1851.^[4] While in London where they took the opportunity to view the Crystal Palace.^[5][6]
This extraordinarily long voyage is due to the Columbus carrying freight between a number of ports along the way. It arrived in Nelson after much anticipation on 7 November and left the Cape of Good Hope on 13 September also stopping at Hobart, Tasmania. ^[7]>The ship was carrying twelve cabin passengers and twenty-three in steerage for Wellington and Otago.

On 21 February in Shipping News, the Otago Witness reported the arrival: "February 7th, barque Columbus, 468 tons, Holton, Master, from London, via Wellington and other ports. Passengers - James Hunter, Mary Hunter, Catherine Hunter, John Graham, Catherine Graham, et al".^[8]

Life in New Zealand

Family
James and Mary arrived in Dunedin with their infant daughter Catherine but it wasn't long before their second child arrived. John was born in November 1852 at Kelvin Grove. John died aged twenty, of "consumption". Their second son, James, was born in May 1854, eighteen months later. James went to Wanganui where he married Catherine Maxwell. For some reason the girl's births were notified in the local newspaper but not the boys. In January 1856 a notice appeared in the Otago Witness announcing the arrival of Mary Graham Hunter. ^[9] Mary later married John Eagle at St Bathans. Six more children followed at regular intervals until there was quite a household.
Janet Angus, great-grandaughter of Mary and James, wrote in her story:

" The parents would see that the children had a good education, coming as they did from a Scottish Free Church background. The Hunter children went to school in Dunedin North in grounds behind the museum where the Normal School was situated later. Their teacher was Mr Alex Stewart. " Janet also recalls a story from Kelvin Grove - My grandmother remembered being sent out to the roadside with a bucket of milk from the dairy and a cup to give a refreshing drink to the emigrants as they tramped from Port Chalmers over the hill and along to Dunedin.^[10]

Feb 1858, a daughter, Agnes - later married William Wade ^[11]
February 1860, a son, Thomas Graham - later married Margaret Mitchell
January 1862, a daughter, Jane Eweing - later married John Matheson ^[12]
October 1863, a son, William - went goldmining in Australia, did not marry
July 1865, a son Andrew Hewitson - did not marry
January 1868, Robert Graham - died aged 18 at Port Chalmers

Mary became ill after the birth of Robert and died of rheumatic fever at Kelvin Grove on 16 November 1868. ^[13][14][15]Mary was only 42 years old and subsequent events show that James was quite naturally devastated. Janet Angus wrote:

When Mary Hunter died in 1868, it seems that the children were separated. Aunt Catherine brought up Tom and Andrew. The four girls must have stayed together, perhaps with their father who lived for another two years only. He sold the farm almost immediately and for some reason was living at Hampden or at Moeraki when he died.^[10]

Farming
When James and Mary bought land in North East Valley to the north of Dunedin it was only natural that they would name it for somewhere from home. Their first farm, Spring Bank, was on the bank of the Kelvin River so Kelvin Grove was probably an easy choice.^[16] James established a reputation as a knowledgeable farmer from the start and was called upon to attest to the quality of a recently harvested crop of oats grown by Captain Cargill at Hill End near Dunedin. Also attesting was another NE Valley farmer, Alexander Familton, who came on the Columbus with the Hunters.^[17] Captain William Cargill was the leader of the Free Church in Dunedin and became the inaugural Superintendant of Otago in 1853 and a powerful friend for the Hunters.^[18] Captain Cargill was also the President of the Otago Agricultural Association when in June 1852 James was elected to the Committee for Agriculture. The membership reads like a veritable 'who is who' for Dunedin of the time. Alex Familton was also elected to the committee. ^[19]

Leith Bridge
For several years the settlers in North East Valley had to put up with a rustic old rickety affair as the only means of crossing the Water of Leith (as the Leith Stream was called). The Otago Witness also reported, in April 1853, that it constantly presented the ludicrous appearance of men and women scrambling over it on all fours. This rude construction was altogether impassable when the waters of the river overflowed its banks, and with the double inconvenience of its being continually unseated and as often replaced, was a source of repeated danger to children, and of perpetual annoyance to the thriving population of the Valley. As a consequence funds were raised by the community and volunteers constructed a 'substantial' bridge with the guidance of an engineer experienced in bridge building, Mr Calder, who gave his time to supervise the construction. James and his brother-in-law, John Graham donated 3 days each of their time.^[20][21]
James was not just donating his time, a number of worthy causes gained a donation, including for the widows and orphans of the Crimean War and those affected by the 'Mutiny' in India^[22][23]

Local Government
An important part of life in any fledgling community is to participate in the selection of who is to govern the region. James did not overlook this aspect and was often seen reported supporting or opposing certain prominent men for the top roles. The first of these, 1855, was as part of a group calling for John McGlashan to stand for the Provincial Council.^[24] Later that year another call came for John Cargill,^[25] the son of William Cargill, to run for the General Assembly.^{[26][27][28][29][30]}

Early Land Sale
In March 1856 after only four years of development, James put up 130 acres of his land for sale. The land included 30 acres of suburban land and 100 acres of bush. The bush contained good timber for sawing. The land proved difficult to sell as the advertisement ran until 30 May 1857.^[31]

Community Service
As a father, it was only natural for James to be interested in the local North East Valley School. He was elected to the NE Valle School committee in 1858, a role he was to continue for several years.^[32]

Death & Legacy

At the young age of 48, James passed away suddenly on September 29th, 1870 in Moeraki, North Otago. It is believed that his cause of death was apoplexy.^[33][34]

WiIl & Probate
In his Will, dated 19 January 1869, James appoints James Wright of Mount Pleasant near Port Chalmers and Charle Duke of the same place, both settlers as his Executors (and designated as Trustees). He asks the Trustees to dispose of his assets, personal and real and use the proceeds to provide for the benefit of his children once they attain the age of 20. Sadly, when he died in 1870 his eldest, a daughter, was only 18 and his youngest, a son, was but a 2-year-old. ^[35] A Notice from the Supreme Court on December 21 1870, announced the sale of James' Moeraki property, with an auction scheduled for March 9 1871, unless it sold earlier.^[36][37]

Research Notes

• Barque Columbus: The barque Columbus departed London for New Zealand on 2 July 1851.<Otago Witness Issue 28, 29 November 1851, Page 2> From newspaper reports in September 1851 the Columbus was expected into Nelson from London "She will lie in Port Underwood ... to receive wool, and after calling in to Wellington, will return to Nelson about the 1st January and sail thence direct for London."<Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle Volume X, Issue 497, 13 September 1851, Page 1> It was still 'expected' on 22 October.
  The ship finally arrived on 7 November with 12 passengers and 23 in steerage.<Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle Volume X, Issue 505, 8 November 1851, Page 146> It sailed for Wellington on the 7 December<Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle Volume X, Issue 570, 13 December 1851, Page 166> and was reported as being 'In Port' at Wellington on the 27 December but was there before the 12th.<Wellington Independent Volume VII, Issue 615, 17 December 1851, Page 1><Wellington Independent Volume VII, Issue 648, 27 December 1851, Page 2> After an adventure chasing whales in Port Nicholson<Wellington Independent Volume VII, Issue 650, 3 January 1852, Page 3> the Columbus sailed for Lyttelton (Port Victoria) on the 17 January 1851 with 15 passengers in steerage,<Wellington Independent Volume VII, Issue 656, 24 January 1852, Page 3> arriving on the 19th.<Lyttelton Times Volume II, Issue 55, 24 January 1852, Page 4> The ship left Lyttelton on 2 February with 15 passengers in steerage.<Lyttelton Times Volume II, Issue 57, 7 February 1852, Page 5 On 7> February the barque Columbus finally arrived in Port Chalmers with 16 passengers (including a child). The ship returned to London on the 17th Feb.<Otago Witness Issue 41, 28 February 1852, Page 2> headed for Madras via Hobart and Guam.<New Zealander Volume 8, Issue 680, 20 October 1852, Page 2>

Research Notes

• St Ninians is a parish, which lies on the River Forth in Stirling Council Area, some 3 miles (5 km) southwest of Stirling in Stirling and 7 miles (12 km) west of Alloa in Clackmannanshire. Easterton and Buckieburn are settlements within the parish.

Sources

1. ↑ "Church of Scotland: Old Parish Registers - Births and Baptisms", National Records of Scotland, Parish Number: 475; Ref: 40/44; Frame: 936, ScotlandsPeople (accessed 16 May 2024), James Hunter born or baptised on 6 Oct 1822, son of John Hunter & Jean Ewing, in Campsie, Stirlingshire, Scotland. Transcript: Hunter, James, Lawful son of John Hunter of Springbank & Jean Ewing his spouse, was born at Easter Town, parish of St Ninian's Sept 1 1822 & baptised at Buckieburn Octr 6 1822. (written in top margin of page).
2. ↑ Marriage: Scotland, Select Marriages, 1561-1910 FamilySearch Record: XTGC-V9W (accessed before 14 September 2022)
3. ↑ 1851 Scotland Census Reels 1-217. General Register Office for Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland. Parish: Campsie; ED: 8; Page: 25; Line: 8; Roll: CSSCT1851_99; Year: 1851 Ancestry Record 1076 #3024250 (Subscription required) James Hunter, age 28. Spouse: Mary Hunter age 23. Brother-in-law: John Graham age 20. Servant, Christian Black
4. ↑ Columbus departs London Otago Witness Issue 28, 29 November 1851, Page 2
5. ↑ Crystal Palace Britannica
6. ↑ Family Record History written by Janet Catherine Angus, nee Cowan, granddaughter of Catherine Hunter and great-granddaughter of James and Mary Hunter. Copy held by [Norton-10741|P.Norton]
7. ↑ Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle Volume X, Issue 505, 8 November 1851, Page 146
8. ↑ Columbus Arrival: Source S51 Name Page Link: Otago Witness Issue 40, 21 February 1852, Page 2
9. ↑ Birth of daughter Mary Graham Hunter. Otago Witness Issue 218, 2 February 1856, Page 3
10. ↑ ^{10.0 10.1} The Story of My Family Space:Writings_of_Janet_Angus
11. ↑ Birth of Daughter Agnes Hunter Otago Witness Issue 327, 6 March 1858, Page 4
12. ↑ Birth of Daughter Jane Ewing Hunter Otago Witness Issue 529, 18 January 1862, Page 4
13. ↑ Family of James Hunter document written by J Angus in 1970
14. ↑ "Find A Grave Index," Southern Cemetery, DunedinFind A Grave: Memorial #221401804
15. ↑ New Zealand Cemetery Records. New Zealand Society of Genealogists Incorporated. Ancestry Record 60547 #1687516 (Subscription required) Free Ancestry Image
16. ↑ Early reference to 'Kelvin Grove' Otago Witness Issue 68, 4 September 1852, Page 2
17. ↑ Expertise called upon James Hunter, late of Spring Bank, Stirlingshire Otago Witness Issue 44, 20 March 1852, Page 2
18. ↑ Capt. William Cargill The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
19. ↑ Committee for Agriculture Otago Agricultural Association Otago Witness Issue 55, 5 June 1852, Page 2
20. ↑ Leith Bridge With erroneous tally Otago Witness Issue 102, 30 April 1853, Page 3
21. ↑ John Graham's Correction to Report Otago Witness Volume 06, Issue 104, 14 May 1853, Page 2
22. ↑ Patriotic Fund Donors Odd Fellows' Lodge, Dunedin Otago Witness Issue 195, 14 July 1855, Page 2
23. ↑ Donation Indian Mutiny Relief Fund Otago Witness Issue 331, 3 April 1858, Page 3
24. ↑ Call to John McGlashan To stand for Rep. on Provincial Council Otago Witness Issue 209, 24 November 1855, Page 4
25. ↑ John Cargill Wikipedia
26. ↑ Request to John Cargill to Stand for General Assembly Otago Witness Issue 211, 8 December 1855, Page 2
27. ↑ Call for Assembly Rep for Dunedin Country to Resign John Parkin Taylor Otago Witness Issue 431, 3 March 1860, Page 3
28. ↑ Support for Major Richardson Proposed Superintendent. Meeting at NE Valley School Otago Witness Issue 589, 14 March 1863, Page 4
29. ↑ Support for Thomas Redmayne for Provincial Council Otago Daily Times Issue 437, 15 May 1863, Page 3
30. ↑ Supporting Committee for Thomas Dick as Superintendant Otago Daily Times Issue 1115, 18 July 1865, Page 8
31. ↑ Land for Sale: 130 acres in NE Valley - Ad ran weekly until 30 May 1857 Otago Witness Issue 222, 1 March 1856, Page 2
32. ↑ School Committee Otago Witness Issue 360, 23 October 1858, Page 5
33. ↑ NZ Births, Deaths, & Marriages Online Ref. 1870/10484 Hunter, James aged 50 years NZ BDM Online
34. ↑ Death Notice Sudden death from supposed apoplexy North Otago Times Volume XV, Issue 568, 28 October 1870, Page 3
35. ↑ "New Zealand, Archives New Zealand, Probate Records, 1843-1998," FamilySearch Record: QK9V-PND7 Publish Date: 9 March 2021, James Hunter, 1870; citing, Dunedin Probate Files, 1851-1907, record number 243, Archives New Zealand, Auckland Regional Office; FamilySearch digital folder 101083450.
36. ↑ Estate Sale Land at Moeraki, James Wright is one of the executors. The auction date is Set for 9 March. 33a 02r 20p being Sec 1 of 15, Blk I Moeraki SD Otago Daily Times Issue 2769, 21 December 1870, Page 1
37. ↑ Last Sale Notice Otago Daily Times Issue 2834, 8 March 1871, Page 4

See also:

• Barque Columbus Terms Ships advertised for regular traders. Master A. Holton, Tare 650 tons. Passage: Chief Cabin - 35 guineas. Fore Cabin - 20 guineas. Steerage (enclosed berth) -17 guineas. Steerage (single men only) 15 guineas. Children, under 7 years one-third, or under 14 two-thirds of the above prices. (Daily Southern Cross Volume VI, Issue 436, 2 September 1851, Page 1)
• New Zealand, World War I Service Records, 1914-1920 Andrew Hewitson Hunter: New Zealand World War I Service Dossiers, 1914-1920. Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga, Wellington, New Zealand. Series Number: 18805 52 (referencing his parents)

Papers Past

• Barque Columbus in Nelson "Arrived: Nov. 7, barque Columbus, Holton, 467, from London July 2, and Cape 13th September. Passengers ... In the steerage, 29 passengers for Wellington and Otago. Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle Volume X, Issue 505, 8 November 1851, Page 146
• Objection to Provincial Tax Otago Witness Issue 224, 15 March 1856, Page 2
• District Board of Road Trustees Otago Witness Issue 284, 9 May 1857, Page 5
• Boots & Shoes for Sale At Kelvin Grove Otago Witness Issue 339, 29 May 1858, Page 3
• List of Jurors Qualified Otago Witness Issue 375, 5 February 1859, Page 1
• School Committee Business James Hunter Chairman Otago Witness Issue 408, 24 September 1859, Page 6
• School Committee Election Otago Witness Issue 412, 22 October 1859, Page 3
• Horse for Sale Splendid Grey Mare with Foal Otago Witness Issue 439, 28 April 1860, Page 7
• Bruce Electoral Roll Freeholder of 21 acres Otago Daily Times Issue 130, 16 April 1862, Page 5
• School Committee Election Otago Witness Issue 549, 7 June 1862, Page 5
• Call for Jury Service Otago Daily Times Issue 390, 21 March 1863, Page 4
• Land Sale at Kelvin Grove Five 4-5 acre blocks, by auction (not clear if this was part of the block sold previously) Otago Daily Times Issue 751, 14 May 1864, Page 3
• A&P Show Result Ayrshire Bull - 2nd Otago Witness Issue 744, 3 March 1866, Page 9
• School Commissioner North East Valley Otago Daily Times Issue 1384, 5 June 1866, Page 5
• A&P Society of Otago Meeting Otago Daily Times Issue 1494, 11 October 1866, Page 5
• Dispute over Rock Otago Daily Times Issue 1609, 26 February 1867, Page 5
• Ayrshire Cow and Bull for sale Otago Daily Times Issue 1758, 19 August 1867, Page 7
• Death of Wife Mary Otago Daily Times Issue 2118, 18 November 1868, Page 2
• Mary Graham's Funeral Otago Daily Times Issue 2119, 19 November 1868, Page 1
• Property for Sale Auction set down for 21 December. Bruce Herald Volume V, Issue 241, 9 December 1868, Page 4
• Land Auction Owner leaving district Otago Witness Issue 890, 19 December 1868, Page 12
• Wanted Land Waikouaiti, Shag Valley, Kakanui, or Oamaru Otago Daily Times Issue 2159, 6 January 1869, Page 1
• Cart Horse for Stud 'Jock' at Moeraki North Otago Times Volume XIII, Issue 451, 21 September 1869, Page 3
• Outstanding Debts Jas. Hunter estate wind up Otago Witness Issue 986, 22 October 1870, Page 12