Thomas and Sarah Scrivener nee Manning
Thomas Scrivener Snr was born on 5 October 1800 in Belstead Suffolk, to John and Susan Scrivener nee Hasleton. Thomas married Sarah Manning at Sproughton in Suffolk, in 1827.
The 1851 Census shows Thomas living at 107 Union Street St Mary's Ipswich, Suffolk. His occupation is listed as baker and grocer. Thomas and Sarah emigrated to New Zealand on board the ''Tasmania'' in 1853, along with their son Thomas Jnr. Also listed on board the ''Tasmania'' are Daniel and Sarah Smith, with their daughter Ellen. This is possibly the daughter Sarah Smith nee Scrivener mentioned in Thomas Snr's last will and testament. There is a fascinating chapter on Thomas Scrivener in 'Wanganui Old Settlers', published 1902, which describes Thomas as a market gardener, and details how Thomas came to have the nickname 'Local Boords'. Thomas died in 1863, while Sarah passed away in 1881. They are both buried in Wanganui Old Cemetery. Sarah's obituary in the Wanganui Chronicle in 1881 reads as follows: One by one the pioneer settlers are passing a'way, and it is with regret we have now to record the death of Mrs Scrivener (mother of Mr Thomas Scrivener, of this town), who died on Friday last at her son's residence, River Bank, at the ripe old age of 82 years. Mr Scrivener, husband of deceased, arrived with his family in Wellington in March, 1853, by the Tasmania, the last boat laid on by the Canterbury Special Settlement Association, and shortly after left for Wanganui. Having purchased some land in the Avenue, which was then a dense swamp, he was the first to build and cultivate the soil in that locality. After a residence of about 9 years he died, leaving Mrs Scrivener and one son. The deceased lady till within the last few months had been hale and hearty, but latterly it became evident that she could not last much longer, and after a short confinement to her bed she quietly passed away. Mr Scrivener has our kindest sympathies in this his hour of sorrow. |