Agnes (Laurenson) Moffat (1835 - 1910)

Born 12 Apr 1835 in Vesquoy, Walls, Shetland, Scotland

Ancestors

Wife of James Moffat — married 26 Jan 1860 in Wattsness,Walls,Shetland island

Descendants

Died 5 Aug 1910 at age 75 in Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Jack Richardson [send private message]

Biography

Agnes was born in 1835. Agnes Laurenson ...

mother of seven children

Sources

• posted by jack Richardson 2x great grandson

A recent check on the internet website in the year 2003 indicates the origin of the name Laurenson is Scottish and the Coat of Arms contains gold with two chevrons and a black sailing ship. The crest is a lion's head with a crown. The family motto is Creag an tuirc. A small excerpt from this Laurenson family history is as follows : Spelling variations include : MacLaren, MacLaron, MacLaurin, MacLarty, MacClarence and many more. First found in Argyllshire where they were seated from early times and their first records appeared on the census rolls taken by the ancient Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects. Some of the first settlers of this name or some of its variants to land in the USA were: John and Patrick McLaren who settled in South Carolina in 1716 ; Archibald Mc Laren settled in Havannah in 1821 ; Daniel,David,James, John, Lawrence, and Peter McLaren all arrived in Philladelphia Pa. between 1840 and 18 and others.

Among some of the papers stored within the Moffat Family bible held by Maurice Moffat, formerly of Oroua Downs and now retired to Palmerston North, is a Certificate of Merit , which was presented to Mrs A Moffatt by the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association, for hand-knitted socks exhibited at the Associations show at Palmerston North on 2,3, and 4 November 1904.

Death Notice

MOFFATT----- On 5th August, at her residence, Park Road,widow of the late James Moffatt, in her 77th year. Deeply regretted.

The following articles appeared in the local newspaper of the day;--

Keen regret was expressed on Saturday at the news of the death of Mrs Moffatt as announced by us. Mrs Moffatt was a most loveable personality and everyone who knew her liked her.Her goodness of heart was all embracing. Her death occurred by a strange coincidence on the 28th anniversary of her widow-hood, Mr Jas. Moffat having died three years after they came to Palmerston. The funeral yesterday was attended by many old settlers and the service was conducted by the Rev. Mr Doull. The sons and daughters are ;-- Messrs William Moffatt [ Himitangi ] , James Moffatt [ Palmerston North ], Frank Moffatt [ formerly secretary Wanganui Racing Club ], Mrs T W Brown [ Waikanae ], and Miss Moffatt [ Palmerston North ]. They have had many evidences of the sympathy felt for them in their loss.

Another article read;--

The year 1910 has been a tragic one for the pioneer settlers. Their ranks have been sadly thinned by death. Another of the little band passed away last night in the person of Mrs Moffatt senr.of Park Road. It is thirty one years since Mrs Moffatt arrived in the Manawatu with her husband, Mr Jas. Moffatt, and family, and during that long period the deceased lady never had an illness. She was of the kindest disposition, and had a host of friends among the early inhabitants of Palmerston North. Mr Moffat had only settled here about three years when he died, and his widow was left with three boys and two girls. A strange coincidence in connection with the sad occurrence of last night was that the deceased lady died on the 28th anniversary of her husband's death. Mrs Moffatt was 77 years of age, and her family are ;--Messrs William Moffatt [ Himitangi ], James Moffatt [ Palmerston North ], Frank Moffatt [secretary Wanganui Racing Club ], Mrs T W Brown [ Waikanae ], and Miss Moffatt [ Palmerston North ]. The funeral will take place to-morrow afternoon.