Simmons Family Tawa Flat and Porirua

[Lynley Chapman]

Hi,

My SIMMONS family arrived off the Berar in Wellington in early 1875,
ex Gravesend. Thomas and Pemley lived in Kent and emigrated to NZ
with their oldest son Arthur Thomas, born 1870, Alfred Ernest, born
1872 but who died of Scarlet Fever on the voyage out and their oldest
daughter Agnes Ann born 1874.

They lived for some time in Tawa Flat. Arthur was registered at the
school there in 1875. Thomas was an agricultural labourer and the
family were assisted migrants so I am guessing Thomas worked on a farm
or farms in the years in the Tawa area.

Sometime in the 1880's or early 1890s the family moved to Porirua
where they lived in Ferry Lane at least for some time. Thomas
continued to work as a farm labourer but also as a roadman and general
labourer.

Pemley died in 1907 and is buried in Karori Cemetery. Thomas died as
a patient of Porirua Mental Hospital in 1924 and was buried in Porirua
Cemetery.

Thomas and Pemley had several more children:
Albert Edward born 1876
Eliza Jane, born 1878
William George Henry, born 1881
Ernest Albert, born 1883
Mary Ann Elizabeth, born 1885
Henry Thomas, born 1888

If anyone can help me with any information about this family and its
time in these areas I would be very grateful. I am happy to share
anything I have found. NB I have searched Paperspast, Electoral
Rolls, Wises, BDMs, WW1 records, local school records, Porirua
Library, Porirua Museum, PCC resources and Arthur Carmen's book.

Thanks Lynda for setting up this forum. I look forward to being a
part of it.
Best wishes
Lynley Chapman,
Whitby Porirua