Thomas Adamson NZC (1845 - 1913)

Born 9 Sep 1845 in Wanganui, New Zealand

Ancestors

Husband of Nika (Waiata) Adamson — married 22 Nov 1910 in Wanganui, New Zealand

Died 29 Dec 1913 at age 68 in Wanganui, New Zealand

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Algis Cepulis [send private message]

	Thomas ADAMSON was awarded a New Zealand Cross (1869)

Biography

1864 - Gold Prospector; Otago &Thames.

1865 - Joined Auckland Militia.

1868 - Joined Wanganui Cavalry Volunteers.

1869 - Promoted to Whitmore's Corps of Guides.

1876 - Awarded the New Zealand Cross, for gallantry at Ahikeereu.

1877 - Farming at Moawhanga, Wanganui, New Zealand.

Sources

• Copies of Military records held by A.Cepulis.
• New Zealand Cross (1869).
• New Zealand Wars.
• Thomas Adamson (TeAra).

OBITUARY A notable figure of the early days was removed last week by the death of Mr Thomas Adamson, New Zealand chief guide and scout, at the age of 67. The deceased was born in the infant settlement of Wanganui on September 9, 1845. He joined the Wanganui Militia at the age of 17 and was shortly afterwards transferred to the Land Transport Corps. In this capacity he had six months arduous campaigning between Wanganui and Taranaki. After a sort spell Mr Adamson joined the famous Forest Rangers, in a column of which, under the late Major Brassey, of Wanganui, he was included in an expedition to the Bay of Plenty to avenge the murder of the Rev. Volker. After 12 months' campaign, in which there were five engagements, he returned to Wanganui, and, under the late Colonel Mc Donell, took part in operations on the coast against Tikokowaru, fighting in eight actions. Appointed as a scout to a column under the command of General (then Colonel) Whitmore, Mr Adamson fought and marched from Wanganui to Waitara, proceeding thence by sea to Auckland and Tauranga. He campaigned there, and afterwards took part in the memorable and trying Urewera campaign. It was in this campaign that Mr Adamson received the severest of his wounds. Two bullets shattered the bones of his right arm, one fractured his breastbone, and another passed through his foot. But his wounds were not sufficient to prevent him from gallantly rescuing his scouting mate, Hema Te Waka, who was also dangerously wounded. Mr Adamson dragged him out of a river under heavy fire. For this and other gallant services he was awarded the New Zealand Cross. Shortly after his recovery Mr Adamson preformed one of his notable exploits. He was asked by authorities to capture Te Ono Kura, the chief who instigated the murder of the interpreter Charles Broughton under a flag of truce. With one mate Adamson plunged into the bush, and, after a fortnight of hazardous enterprise and hairbreadth escapes, they laid hands on their quarry, carried him out of his own camp, and handed him over to the police. Some time later Mr Adamson was posted to the Maori contingent under the late Major Kemp. With this column he participated in the long and fruitless chase after that elusive rebel Te Kooti and his fanatical Hauhaus. After Te Kooti's escape Major Kemp's column returned to Wanganui. This was the last big campaign in which Mr Adamson took part. After the war he settled down as a sheep farmer at Moawhanga, though his frequent visits to Wanganui caused him to be regarded as practically belonging to that town, in which he passed the last few years of his life. Otautau Standard and Wallace Chronicle. Dec. 31 1913. ( Papers Past. )

See also:

• https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HNS19131230.2.58
• https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WC19131230.2.16