Edith (Gadd) Taylor (1893 - 1940)

Born 3 Oct 1893 in Halesowen, Worcestershire, England

Ancestors

Wife of Alexander Taylor — married 24 Oct 1914 in Christchurch, New Zealand

Died 8 May 1940 at age 46 in Christchurch, New Zealand

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Helen Gadd [send private message]

Biography

Edith was born on 3 October 1893 at Halesowen, Worcestershire, the daughter of David Gadd and Rose Amelia Godfrey.

In the 1896 Kelly’s Directory of Worcestershire her father David was listed at Maltmill Lane, Halesowen.

On 14 December 1899 the family left from London, England on the Duke of Portland for Brisbane, Australia. They arrived on 7 February 1900 and settled in Ipswich, Queensland. Edith was then aged 6.

Then in 1903 the family moved on to Christchurch, New Zealand.

The School Registers for Christchurch East School record Edith, born 3 Oct 1893, had previously attended a school in Ipswich. The name and address of her parent or guardian was shown as David Gadd of 50 St. Asaph St, Christchurch. Edith’s date of admission was 1 February 1904 and she left on 3 July 1907, her destination simply stated as home.

Edith, or Edie as she was known to family as, sent a photograph of her hockey team to her cousin Nellie Gadd, daughter of paternal uncle Herbert Gadd. It reads - Dear Mellie [crossed out] Nellie, I hope you like the first name I was giving you. Rosie [Nellie's sister] has got a cold so she is home from school today. This is a photo of our hockey team as you will see. I look a bit niggery. I wore a tussar silk blouse that day instead of my hockey blouse and it looks beastly. You can see we did not know we were going to have our photo taken. You must hurry and come down before hockey stops. Love from Edie x x

Edith Gadd married Alexander Taylor on 24 October 1914 at Christchurch.

From The Press dated 11 April 1916, Pg 9 [in part] - BOOM IN RECRUITING. SIXTY ENLISTMENTS YESTERDAY. CAUSE OF THE INFLUX. ATTITUDE OF MARRIED MEN. The number of enlistments in Christchurch yesterday was the highest recorded for several months, being higher than the number of enlistments in this city on the day after the parade of the Eighth Reinforcements. Another 60 registrations were received. ... Following are the names of some of the men who registered yesterday:- [list included] Alexander Taylor, 238 Bealey avenue, Christchurch, Wool hand – Infantry.

Edith and Alexander had a son named Robert Alexander Taylor born on 22 July 1916 at Christchurch. Robert died on 27 July 1916 aged just 5 days. The cemetery records state Robert died of a cerebral compression due to a difficult labour.

In a letter written by Herbert, or Bert, Gadd, a cousin of Edith's, to his mother dated 12 August 1916 (from Trentham Army Camp) is the comment - "I am sorry to hear of the death of Edie's child and it will be a sad blow to them."

In amongst the addresses of friends and relatives Bert has listed "Mrs A Taylor, Madras St, Christchurch, NZ".

Alexander Taylor attested for General Service with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force [WWI] on 20 November 1917 at Christchurch, No. 3/4236. Personal details obtained from his records show he was born on 14 April 1892 at Christchurch and was then aged 25 years, 8 months. At the time of attesting he was living at 238 Bealey Ave, Christchurch and was employed as a woolhand or woolclasser by T T Robson, Avonside, Christchurch [wool-scouring & fellmongery works manager]. Alex had married Edith Taylor on 24 October 1914 in Christchurch. Religion was Church of England.

His physical description stated Alex was 5 feet, 4 ½ inches in height and 114 pounds in weight. He was of fair complexion with grey eyes and light brown hair. It was noted he had a left inguinal hernia (incomplete). Alex had previously been examined for military service in May 1916 and found unfit due to a back injury.

On 18 February 1918 Private Taylor was posted to NZMC Awapuni. On 22 February 1918 he was transferred to Rotorua, where he was employed as a medical orderly. He was granted sick leave in September 1918 and given a free pass to Christchurch.

Alex was demobilised on 31 January 1919 [best guess – very difficult to read]. He was issued a Certificate of Leave in Lieu of Discharge from 31 January 1919.

Alex then attested for Service with the NZ Medical Corps, No. 345, on 24 April 1919 at Rotorua. His records show he actually posted to NZAMC at King George V Orthopaedic Hospital on 1 February 1919. Alex was then discharged on 27 June 1920.

Notes of a court decision dated 14 August 1919 stated Alex was subjected to heavy strain whilst engaged in the execution of his duty and that a left inguinal hernia resulted. The presence of large congenital rings was a determining factor although patient had previously done a good deal of heavy manual work without a hernia resulting. It was determined that Alex was in no way to blame for this accident and that he was on duty at the time when it happened.

Edith moved to Rotorua while Alex was there. Her address was recorded as c/- Mrs Vernall, Ranolf St, Rotorua.

The 1919 electoral roll for Rotorua confirms Alex and Edith were living at Ranolf St and Alex was employed as a soldier.

This couple then had a second son named Richard Alexander Taylor born 28 February 1925 at Christchurch.

From The Press dated 2 March 1925, Pg 1 – BIRTHS. TAYLOR – On February 28th, at Nurse Miles’, Tiverton Hospital, Brighton, to Mr and Mrs A Taylor (nee Gadd), of Marriott’s road, North Brighton – a son. No visitors.

The 1928, 1935 and 1938 electoral rolls show the family was living at Marriotts Rd, New Brighton, Christchurch. Alexander was stated as having no occupation.

Edith Taylor died on 8 May 1940 at Christchurch aged 46 years.

She was buried at Bromley Cemetery on 9 May 1940 [Block 1, Plot 273 - next to her parents].

Alexander entered into an affair with Isabella Gadd, the second wife of Edith's brother Richard Gadd.

In an affidavit they stated - We the undersigned Alexander Taylor of New Brighton Christchurch War Pensioner and Isabella Gadd wife of Richard Gadd of Wellington Blacksmith Do Hereby Admit and Acknowledge that on divers occasions during the past twelve months we have had sexual intercourse with each other And we Declare that this admission of adultery is made freely and voluntarily and without inducement from any third party. Dated at Christchurch this 6th day of July 1943 Alexander Taylor and Isabella Gadd. Signed by the said Alexander Taylor and Isabella Gadd in the presence of Geo. P. Purnell, A Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand.

Richard and Isabella's divorce was finalised on 17 December 1943.

Alexander then married Isabella.

In the 1946 to 1954 electoral rolls Alexander and Isabella were living at 71 Ascot Rd, New Brighton. Richard was also living with them in the 1946 roll.

Alexander Taylor died on 18 November 1956 at Christchurch.

Alexander was buried on 21 November 1956 with his first wife Edith Taylor at Bromley Cemetery, Christchurch. A memorial to Tottie [no other details] is attached to the concrete surround [see photograph].

A transcription of his will can be seen on his biography.