Arthur Smith (1866 - 1938)

Born 21 Dec 1866 in Auckland, New Zealand

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth Jane (Mould) Smith — married 25 Dec 1891 in Congregational Church, Maungaturoto, New Zealand

Husband of Isabella (Stewart) Smith — married 19 Feb 1908 in St Andrews Presberian Church, Auckland

Descendants

Died 6 Oct 1938 at age 71 in 9A Esplanade, Mt Eden, Auckland. New Zealand

Problems/Questions Profile managers: K Smith [send private message], Tracie Curtis [send private message], and Jacqui Curtis [send private message]

Biography

Arthur was the first child in the family to be in New Zealand.

His family arrived on the "Nelson" into Auckland on the 21 Jan 1865, carrying immigrants and soilders. Passenger list reads: James and Mary; Sarah Eliza, James, Ernest, Sarah Ann, Harry, and Russell - (no mention of baby Allfred Charles)

The family say that when they arrived into New Zealand their primary language spoken was French. The family had to quickly learn to speak in English - as well as learn to understand the language of Maori.

However as late as the 1930's, the language spoken at all family gatherings such as Christmas, was French. It was so normal that many of the family are unaware that they spoke French. Over several years I asked many of elderly gt-grandchildren about this topic. They new they spoke different words, but several didn't know they were speaking another language. By adulthood that had forgotten their French language. If you listen to how they pronounce some words, you'll see they have anglicized many French words used in the English vocabulary.

Sources

• Birth, marriage and death certs.

NZ marriage records Death & burial information - several source (newspapers, etc.)

Family Bible Directly from the family - they knew each other well from the large and regular family gatherings. Interesting to note that only French was spoken at the family home.