David Wilson HAMILTON was an early pioneer of New Brighton, Christchurch, New Zealand. His story is interesting and through this archive I will try to create an impression of him and his family. DWH was a Carpenter and at some point in 1854 he purchased a run down building in Ashford on the Water for 15 pounds. (record at Derbyshire Archives). Perhaps he intended on renovating it for sale prior to departing to New Zealand.
In 1856, he, Martha his wife and 5 children left Derbyshire for London, leaving their home behind for new adventures on the other side of the world.
They departed London on the 5 Jul 1856 on-board the “Joseph Fletcher” and stepped ashore at Lyttelton, near Christchurch on the 24 Oct 1856 . They lost a child on the trip and David’s wife (Martha) died at Lyttelton, 2 weeks after arriving. From that point on, he was a father of 4, with no house, some money and literally no way back.
The house in the image above is “The Grange” that DWH would eventually build in New Brighton, which survived until the 1970s until road straightening forced its demolition.
David Wilson HAMILTON (centre, sitting) and some of his family. David died in 1887. Frances nee MOSS to his right died in 1899. Photo from Elizabeth Weissenstein.
David Wilson HAMILTON and Frances HAMILTON nee CHARLES nee MOSS. It might be prudent to point out that DWH married 3 times and is buried with 2 of them at Holy Trinity Church, Avonside, Christchurch. His first wife, Martha nee HANDLEY is buried at Lyttelton Cemetery in an unmarked grave. Photo from Elizabeth Weissenstein.
David Wilson Hamilton, Tram Secretary complaining about the state of the road. Image Elizabeth Weissenstein
Enoch HAMILTON as appearing in a round-framed picture in my Mother’s hallway.
The following section details my direct HAMILTON family, particularly Conrad and Dorcas, who lived most of their lives around Tai Tapu. Conrad was a man of the land who along with Dorcas, had 5 children. There is one wrinkle in this and that in the form of Frederick Ernest HOSKIN. He is actually Dorcas’ first child, so there are really 6 children and hopefully, you can meet them all here.
Conrad and David HAMILTON as boys in the late 1800s, near Springston where Enoch farmed.
Wedding Day Photo – Dorcas HOSKIN and Conrad HAMILTON. They were married at the Bride’s parents house on Days Road. 18 September 1912.
Same day, different arrangement. Photo from Denise HOSKIN.
Conrad HAMILTON according to his daughter, Ida, was fantastic as an employee, but not quite so much as self-employed.
Dorcas and Conrad. Photo from Denise HOSKIN.
Dorcas, Pat STARK nee CHAMBERS, Conrad, Philip and Jane MANSON, Ida CHAMBERS nee HAMILTON and Ruth MANSON nee HAMILTON.
Of all things about Dorcas, her round glasses are something that has defined her through her life.
Conrad, Len and I believe Hilton HAMILTON. Somewhere around Tai Tapu or Selwyn Huts, Canterbury, New Zealand. 3 generations of rogue.
Len, Ida and Lil Hamilton
Children of Conrad and Dorcas HAMILTON. At back from left, Ida, Ruth, Lilian. In front Dave and Len. But we need to include Ernie here too.
Len HAMILTON and Doris BLOWERS on their wedding day in 1933.
Dorcas, Ruth and Conrad. Ruth married Snowy MANSON.
Ruth and Snowy MANSON on their wedding day with Bridal party. 1946
Lil’s wedding day with Snowy BENNETT. From Left, unknown, Ruth, Snow, Lil and Ida. The 3 women being sisters and children of Dorcas and Conrad HAMILTON.
Snow and Lil on their big day.
1946 at Addington in Christchurch, Dave and Stella married.
Stella McKAY married David, youngest son of Dorcas and Conrad HAMILTON. Dave was a favourite uncle of mine and I truly loved visiting their home in Tai Tapu on the corner of Lincoln-Tai Tapu and Akaroa Main Roads. Dave left us in 2003 and Stella now lives in Halswell
Ruth and Stella on Stella’s wedding day.
My grandparents, Harold CHAMBERS and Ida HAMILTON, were married at Tai Tapu, Canterbury, in 1938
