Transcript of undated letter written by Mary Jane Murray (nee Hingston). Letter obtained from the Alex Turnbull Library in Wellington. The letter does not say who it is addressed to. F.E.M. Stuart.
“Your Grandfather, William George Cornelius Hingston, was born in London May 6th 1802 and died on September 19th 1891 at his residence Wairoa, Bay of Islands.
He was twice married, first to Miss Stoddard daughter of Admiral Stoddard, but she and her only child did not long survive.
Your Grandfather’s second marriage was to Jane Featherston, oldest daughter of Captain Featherston. This took place at the Bay of Islands in December 1840, and with this memo I enclose a list of the births of their family.
Your Grandmother died at Wairoa on July 27th 1867, being then about 52 or 54 years of age. Both re buried side by side in the cemetery (Church of England) at Paihia, Bay of Islands.
Your Grandfather had two brothers and two sisters, the brothers both married but left no family. The sisters Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Poil; the latter had two daughters. Mrs. Hall had two sons and one daughter.”
“Copy of Birth dates written by my father, the late W.G.C. Hingston, excepting the last two entries, these being written by my mother’s sister, Harriet Featherston”. M.J. Murray.
John Wright Hingston - Born August 7th 1842
Margaret Wright Hingston - Born August 11th 1844
George Cornelius Hingston - Born February 11th 1846
Murray Hingston - Born July 16th 1847
William Bruce Hingston - Born June 12th 1849
Harry Clement Hingston - Born July 27th 1851
Harriet Elizabeth Hingston - Born July 27th 1853
Frederick Vincent Hingston - Born June 18th 1855
Mary Jane Hingston - Born January 8th 1857
Wright was one of twins, the other, William George – died in his sleep when three weeks old, and is buried at Omata, Bay of Islands.
Harry died when about two years of age; his grave surrounded by a stone wall, is on the rocky point to the eastward of the old homestead at Wairoa.
Transcribed by Frances Stuart. Added to the site 16 Apr 2013. Chris Burgoyne