James Scott McKellar (1838 - 1924)

Born 17 Dec 1838 in Battersea, London, England

Ancestors

Husband of Caroline (Brown) McKellar — married 9 Jun 1874 in Burton's Hill Church, Omata, Taranaki, New Zealand

Descendants

Died 14 Nov 1924 at age 85 in his residence, 465 Devon Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand

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Biography

Merchant, Accountant and Auditor; New Zealand Shipping Company's Agent, Fire Insurance Agent; Secretary of the Taranaki Producers' Freezing Works; Secretary and Treasurer of the Taranaki Cricket Club, Member of the New Plymouth Bowling Club; Captain in the New Zealand Militia, New Zealand War Veteran; he carried on a milling business and "became associated with the Messrs Webster in carrying on [their merchant] business in New Plymouth." A Freemason, Past Master, Churchwarden, "staunch Churchman and for many years an office-holder of St Mary's Church, one of the positions he held being Member of the Trust Board"; Settler, Pioneer and farmer; of 465 Devon Street, New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand.

Background

He was the 5th son of Dr Dugald McKellar, MD, and Annette Clarke, of Battersea, London, then Madeira. He was born on 17 December 1838, two years to the day after his elder brother, Dugald. He was baptised at St Mary's Church, Battersea, on 8 March 1839, two years to the day after his elder brother Dugald.

Madeira

In 1840 the family went to Madeira for the benefit of their father's health. His father died there in 1849.

Education

He was educated at a Private School in England.

New Zealand

On 10 June 1852 Annette McKellar and nine of her ten surviving children embarked for New Zealand. They sailed from Madeira with two servants onboard the St Michael barque that had originated from London and brought the constitution to New Zealand. The ship went to New Plymouth, then Auckland, arriving at New Plymouth on 2 December 1852.

Following their arrival in New Plymouth, the family settled on land that Annette McKeller purchased at Omata, south of New Plymouth, and began farming.

Taranaki War

Due to hostilities during the Taranaki War (17 Mar 1860-18 Mar 1861) the family fled back to New Plymouth for a time. On 28 March 1860 James McKellar "took part in the Battle of Waireka and other engagements, rising to the rank of Captain."

Career

"In 1868 he commenced business in New Plymouth, and shortly afterwards joined Mr F L Webster" [his brother-in-law].

Marriage and family

On 9 June 1874 by the father of the bride, Rev H H Brown, he married Caroline Brown, with issue two daughters and one son.[1]

On 9 June 1924 they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

Death and burial

He died on 14 November 1924 at his residence, 465 Devon Street, New Plymouth, aged 85. He was buried in Te Henui Cemetery, New Plymouth. His wife died in 1940 and was buried with him.

Sources

1 Jul 1874, Marriages, TH, Papers Past, NLNZ.[2]

Obit 14 Nov 1924 Hawera Star, Papers Past, NLNZ.[3]

Obit 15 Nov 1924 TDN, Papers Past, NLNZ.[4]

Obit 15 Nov 1924, Stratford Post, Papers Past, NLNZ.[5]

Obit 17 Nov 1924, EP, Papers Past, NLNZ.[6]

Obit 19 Nov 1924, NZH, Papers Past, NLNZ.[7]

Marriage reg 1874/9022; death 1924/9539, age 85, NZBDM.[8]