Ann Maria Bruce and Sidney William Barnett were married in Mary-le-bone, London on 23rd March 1838, and their son William George was born there on 29th April 1840. On 2nd October 1841, Ann Maria, Sidney and baby William, on board the ship “Clifton” sailed from Gravesend in the south of England bound for New Zealand.
During the voyage, on 5th February 1842, when some miles southeast of Tasmania, their second son Thomas Clifton was born.
The “Clifton” arrived at Port Nicholson on 23rd February 1842.
Sidney Barnett was engaged on survey work in the lower Manawatu area and it is claimed that Ann Maria was the first white woman to live in the Manawatu. It is also claimed that their daughter Sarah Ann, who was born on 10th August 1844, was the first European child born in the Manawatu.
Sidney William Barnett died on 14th September 1847, at Foxton. The cause of death was registered as consumption.
Ann Maria continued to live at Foxton and on 3rd June 1848, she married Dr. John Maitland Best at Rangiatea Church, Otaki.
Her daughter Sarah Ann married George Enoch Trask in 1862 and her son William George married Mary Symons, daughter of Henry and Rauti in 1863.
Reproduced with permission from Mrs. Kath Walker.
Referencing:
When referencing this book please use the following:
Pioneers of Foxton : Book Two. p1. [Foxton, N.Z.] : Foxton Historical Society, 1989.