Antonette Elizabeth Scrivener nee Christiansen
Antonette Elizabeth Christiansen, known as Eliza to the family, was born in Denmark on 22 June 1873. Note that Antonette is recorded in many ways throughout family documents, including Anntonette and Antionette. Eliza came to New Zealand with her parents Soren and Gyda Christiansen in 1875 on board the ''Humboldt''.
The family eventually settled in Midhirst, where Eliza attended school at the Wortley Road School. Wortley Road School appears to have been later amalgamated into Waitoriki School near Inglewood. Eliza's exercise book from this time shows her practicing her writing skills by setting out poems and lace making patterns. Eliza was married to Alfred Thomas Scrivener in the Wesleyan Chapel, Midhurst, Taranaki on 29th October 1889. The local newspaper reported that three weddings were held at the Chapel on that day, and recorded "At 8.30am the first bridal party made its appearance. The bride, Miss Antionette Christiansen, was attended by a few friends, and the bridegroom, Mr Alfred Scrivener, was supported by Mr S. Serjeant. Rev. Mr Pinfold officiated on each occasion. After the ceremony the friends present testified their good wishes by plentifully pelting them with rice and old shoes...'' Alfred continued his career as a storekeeper after their marriage, but later turned to farming. Eliza and Alfred had seven children, including four daughters and three sons. In 1949 Alfred and Eliza celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary at Hikurangi, where they had moved in order to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Eliza died on 27th May 1960 and is buried in the Maunu Cemetery in Whangarei, alongside her husband. |