It is nearing the end date for the page. We have achieved a goal which will allow us to restore the grave thanks to your generous giving.
I will keep you posted on the progress of the restoration.
Mary Ann Symonds was the last of the Toms siblings to die. She had travelled to Northampton with her son Charles and daughter Sophia in May 1984 soon after her brother Daniel had died. Sadly she died in October in that year at 77 Hervey St Northampton. A memorial to her death is on this headstone - attached is what 77 Hervey St Northampton looks like today.
Charles and Sophia returned to New Zealand in January 1895.
Hi, I found the John Toms grave at the back of St Wennas church in Cornwall. ( His wife was also Mary). John Toms was born at Sandplace near Looe. His grand daughter was Jane Morshead born at Polgover Farm. This is up the road a bit near Widegates. Jane married James Symons. Their family came to Wellington in 1841. James drowned in the Otaki River and is buried at the top of the Otaki Cemetary. Jane remarried Jon Wright and is at the old Bolton St Cemetary close to the road. There were a number of Symons and Morshead around the Foxton area. Some went to Taranaki, some others to Hawkes Bay. The family back then were often involved in forestry and farming. It’s interesting how the family names from way back identify some connections. Good luck with your grave, I always go to graveyards with a spade and try to tidy them up!
Thank goodness for the internet and the accessibility of National Archives. I have found another deed dated fourteen months after the family's arrival on the New Era.
I had thought they had arrived with few assets however according to the deed John could afford 40 pounds for 80 acres in September 1856. He wanted to buy land adjoining "that already purchased by my son Charles Toms". For those of you who are more knowledgeable about this kind of transaction it would be good to know what role each of the players had.
Hi All
For those of you who like history - I have found the Land Deed for John Toms in 1870/71 for 150 acres from William Fox. It was at New Zealand National Archives.
I have 3 copies of this photo - I wonder if other extended family members have the same photo
John Toms survived all his New Zealand based sons, Charles, Joshua and John Goodman. He died in February 1893. Daniel in England died a year later. Mary Ann his surving daughter was the executrix in his will.
Thanks to a recent generous donation we have reached the half way mark. Thanks to all of you have donated already - do spread the word to your extended families, every little bit counts.
