Friends hear about early ancestors

Reflection on Dannevirke’s past goes long into afternoon at Gallery of History

Friends Of The Dannevirke Settlers Cemetery met to hear about early ancestors on Sunday, September 4.

Originally planned to be held in October of 2021, the event had to be postponed due to Covid.

With families coming from as far as Auckland Napier and Gisborne, president Sharyn Burling said they had to set a date that hopefully would not be affected by the pandemic and September 4 was chosen.

Even then the venue had to be changed from the cemetery to the Gallery of History owing to inclement weather. The forecast and eventuality of a howling gale made the cemetery site too unpleasant.

Visitors were welcomed to the Gallery of History by its president Nancy Wadsworth and Sharyn Burling, president of the Friends Of The Settlers Cemetery, outlined its history.

Four families presented summaries of their ancestors’ connection to the Settlers Cemetery - the London, Burrell, Leach and Drinkwater families.

Wonderful stories of ancestors were told, some who emigrated at the tender age of 16, married and had up to 15 children.

Heartache often followed, due to the difficult times and many early deaths were the norm, especially during the 1918/19 Spanish flu. One family lost three siblings.

A recent discovery from one family was of a birth that wasn’t recorded, but the death was, and was buried without a marker. Perhaps the birth date not being recorded may be due to the times they were living in, as it was only three months after their marriage.

Many thanks were given to The Gallery of History for the venue and afternoon tea, with discussions going late into the afternoon.

The group of families and friends hearing of settlers at the Dannevirke Gallery of History on Sunday, September 4.

Cath Cameron describes the original London pioneers.

Host Sharyn Burling speaks about the Settlers Cemetery.

George Burrell talks about his ancestors.

Ann Berry talks about the Drinkwater family.