William Hawke (abt. 1867 - 1934)

Born about 1867 in Formosa, Japan (now Taiwan)

Husband of Adelaide Esther (Sowman) Hawke — married 26 Aug 1897 in Nelson, New Zealand

Died 24 Nov 1934 at about age 67 in Nelson, New Zealand

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Biography

William Hawke (Abt.1867-1935) adopted a European name in New Zealand. His death certificate records that he was born about 1867 in Formosa, Japan (now Taiwan). His parents are named as Ah Hee and Len Sin. His marriage registration records his name as Ah Hawke. The birth registration for his son, Herbert Wilfred Hawke, records that he was born in Canton, China. His birth name was probably Hee Ah, however, in New Zealand he is known as William Hawke.

William was a fine Asian gentleman (who, Adelaide always insisted, was from the Philippines). He came to New Zealand as a cook on a ship, and eventually became chef at Wainui House, an elite boarding residence in Nile Street East. In his later years, William became a dealer in imported Chinese silks and was appointed official Chinese interpreter in Nelson.

William and Adelaide set up house in Nile Street East across the road and just short of Wainui House. Their house, at 134 Nile Street East, is still there and has been restored.^[1]

• Marriage: Regd. 1897/1948 Bride: Adelaide Esther Sowman, Groom: Ah Hawk
• Death: Regd. 1935/23475 Hawke William, Age: 68Y
• Burial: 26 Nov 1935 Wakapuaka Cemetery, Nelson. Grave WKRC02062, Roman Catholic Area, Plot 062, Block 02, Age 68

Sources

1. ↑ Blue-eyed, Fair and Stocky A Sowman family history by Robert J Sowman and Peter E Sowman. First published in Oct 2008. Reprinted with corrections 2010, 2011. (ISBN 978-0-473-13932-2)

• Sowman family history by Robert Sowman (2000 - Unpublished)
• B.D.M. Historical Records Online [1]
• Death Certificate for William Hawke
• Burial Wakapuaka Cemetery [2]