Sarah Ann (Palmer) Harman (1849 - 1930)

Born 1849 in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom

Wife of William Henry Harman — married 6 Sep 1868 in Heath Town, Staffordshire, England

Descendants

Died 29 Jun 1930 at about age 81 in Avondale Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand

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Biography

Sarah Ann Palmer married William Henry Harman on 6 September 1868 at Holy Trinity Church, Heath Town, Staffordshire. Their marriage certificate recorded Henry was a bachelor aged 21 and an engineer. His father was named as William Henry Harman, an engineer. Sarah was a spinster aged 20. Her father was named as John Palmer, a pudler [sic]. At the time of their marriage they both gave their address simply as Heath. Their witnesses were Clara Harman and H. Harman. ^[1]

Known children of this couple were Frank Harman [born 1869], Ellen [1870], Amy Eliza Harman [1873], George Harman [1874], Harry Harman [1877], Maud Harman [11 February 1882] and twins Fred and Leonard Harman [30 April 1885]. The children were all born in Heath Town/Wednesfield except for the twins who were born in Auckland, New Zealand.

Son Frank Harman died in 1871 aged 2 years. ^[2]

He was buried on 25 January 1871 at Holy Trinity Church, Heath Town [Grave no. 5/31]. His parent's address at the time of his death was Thorncroft [Thorneycroft] Lane. ^[3]

In the 1871 census William and Sarah were living at 3 Thornycroft [sic] Lane, Wednesfield. William, aged 23, was working as a colliery stationary engineer. Sarah was aged 21. Daughter Ellen was not recorded living with them and has not been located elsewhere. ^[4]

Daughter Ellen Harman died on 20 June 1872 at Thornecroft [sic] Lane, Wednesfield aged 1 year, 5 months of scarlet fever, 6 days. Her death certificate further recorded Ellen was the daughter of William Henry Harman, a forge engine worker. The informant of her death was her father William, of the same address. He was present at the death. ^[5]

She was buried on 23 June 1872 at Holy Trinity Church, Heath Town [Grave no. 5/31]. Her address was then recorded as Prestwood St. ^[6]

In 1881 the family was living at Essington Rd, Heath Town. William, aged 33, was then described as a forge engine driver. Sarahann [sic] was aged 31. Amie [sic] was aged 8, George aged 6 and Harry was aged 3. ^[7] William's brother John Harman and family were living next door.

School Admission Registers from Heath Town Church of England (Controlled) School recorded George Harman, born 10 June 1874, commenced school there on 7 November 1881. He had previously been in the Infant Department. His parent was named as William Harman of Prestwood Rd.
Amy Eliza Harman, born 29 November 1872, commenced school there on 6 November 1882. She had previously been in the Infant Department.
Amy was re-registered on 18 September 1883. It was noted she had previously been at this school so she may have been absent due to an illness. Her parent was named as William H Harman of Prestwood Rd. ^[8]

William, Sarah and family immigrated to New Zealand aboard Victory, sailing on 29 March 1884. The Assisted Emigrants Register recorded William was aged 36 and a labourer, Sarah was aged 35, Amy aged 10, George aged 8, Harry aged 6 and Maud aged 1. They were incorrectly recorded as being from Yorkshire. ^[9]

From New Zealand Herald dated 29 May 1884, Pg 5 -
IMMIGRANTS PER VICTORY.
Yesterday was quite a gala day at Onehunga, the occasion being the landing of the immigrants per Victory from London, who had been brought on to the Manukau by the Union Company’s s.s. Rotorua. The steamer arrived at the wharf shortly after midday, and the work of landing the immigrants was commenced without delay, there being present to supervise the work – Mr. O. Mays, the Immigration Officer, and Mr. Thomas Henderson, jr., the manager of the Union Steamship Company. All were safely landed with their baggage without a hitch, and a special train having been provided all were brought into Auckland, reaching town about two o’clock. Of all the immigrants for Auckland, one died during the passage of the Victory from London to Wellington, a Mr. Harrison, of heart disease. He leaves a wife and nine children. The remainder of the passengers have arrived in excellent health. The following is a complete list of the names of those who arrived yesterday:- Included in the list were William, Sarah, Amy, George, Henry, and Maud Harman. ^[10]

Daughter Amy Harman died on 17 June 1885 at Onehunga, Auckland aged 13 [sic] years of acute rheumatism, heart disease and anasarca. Her death certificate further recorded her parents were William Henry Harman, an engine driver, and Sarah Ann Harman formerly Palmer. Amy had been born in Staffordshire and had lived in NZ for 12 months. The informant of her death was her father William Henry Harman of Onehunga. ^[11]

From The Auckland Evening Star dated 20 June 1885, Pg 2 –
DEATHS.
HARMAN. – On June 17, at Auckland, Amy Harman; aged 12 years. – Midland Counties papers please copy. ^[12]

Son Harry Harman died on 25 July 1885 at Onehunga aged 8 years of rheumatic fever, cardiac disease and anasarca. His death certificate further records his parents were William Henry Harman, an engineer, and Sarah Ann Harman formerly Palmer. Harry had been born in Staffordshire and had resided in NZ for 12 months. The informant of his death was his father William Henry Harman of Onehunga. ^[13]

From The Auckland Evening Star dated 15 August 1885, Pg 5 –
DEATHS.
HARMAN – On July 25, at Church street, Onehunga, Harry, second son of William H. and Sarah Ann Harman; aged 8 years. ^[14]

Son Fred Harman died on 17 January 1886 at Onehunga aged 8 months of dentition and diarrhoea. His death certificate further recorded his parents were William Henry Harman, an engine driver, and Sarah Ann Harman formerly Palmer. Fred had been born in Onehunga and had lived there for 8 months. The informant of his death was his father William Henry Harman of Onehunga.
Fred was buried on 18 January 1886. ^[15]

And son Leonard Harman died on 11 March 1886 at Onehunga aged 10 months of diarrhoea and convulsions. His death certificate further recorded his parents were William Harman, an engineer, and Sarah Ann Harman formerly Palmer. Leonard had been born in Onehunga and had lived there for 10 months. The informant of his death was his father William Harman of Onehunga.
Leonard was buried on 13 March 1886. ^[16]

In the 1896 Electoral Roll for Parnell William, a fireman, and Sarah, a dressmaker, were living at Brighton Road.
In the 1905-06 and 1911 rolls the family was living at Hobson Park Road. William was still working as a fireman, Sarah as a dressmaker, son George was a tinsmith and daughter Maud a tailoress. ^[17]

Maude [sic] Harman married Edmund Kenneth Bruce McIntyre in 1908. This couple continued to live with the Harman family after their marriage.

William Henry Harman died on 21 December 1913 at Hobson Park Rd, Parnell aged 67 years of carcinoma of oesophagus, 11 months, and exhaustion. His death certificate further recorded William was an engineer. His parents were named as William Henry Harman, an engineer, and Caroline Harman formerly Bloxwich. He had been born in Wolverhampton, England and had lived in NZ 29 years. William had married Sarah Ann Palmer at age 20. At his death Sarah was aged 65. He then had two living children, a male aged 30 and a female aged 33. ^[18]

From The Auckland Star dated 22 December 1913, Pg 16 –
DEATHS.
HARMAN. – On December 21st, at his late residence, Hobson Park Road, Parnell, William Henry Harman, dearly beloved husband of S. A. Harman, aged 67 years, late of Heath Town, Wolverhampton. Interred this day at Purewa. ^[19]

A copy of his will can be read in his biography.

Following William’s death Sarah, son George and daughter and son in law Maud and Edmund McIntyre continued living at Hobson Park Road. Edmund was a railway employee in the 1914 roll and in later rolls a storeman.
Hobson Park Rd was renamed Birdwood Crescent and from the 1919 electoral roll onwards their address was shown 15 Birdwood Crescent, Parnell. ^[20]

Sarah Ann Harman died on 29 June 1930 at Avondale Hospital, Auckland aged 85 years of senile decay and heart failure (Coroner's verdict). Her death certificate further recorded her usual address as 15 Birdwood Cres, Parnell. Sarah had been born in Wolverhampton, England and had lived in New Zealand for 50 years. Her parents were named as William Palmer, an engine driver, and Sarah Ann Palmer, maiden name unknown. She had married William Harman in England at age 18. At her death Sarah had two living children, a son aged 56 and a daughter aged 48. ^[21]

Her will read -
THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me SARAH ANN HARMAN of Hobson Park Road Parnell in the provincial district of Auckland in New Zealand widow. I REVOKE all former wills and testamentary writings by me at any time heretofore made I APPOINT my son George Harman of Parnell aforesaid Tinsmith and my daughter Maude McIntyre wife of Edmund Kenneth Bruce McIntyre of Parnell aforesaid Tinner executor and executrix of this my will and I declare that the term “my executors” where used throughout this my will shall mean and include such executor and executrix and the survivor of them and the executors and administrators of such survivor. I GIVE the whole of my property both real and personal whatsoever and wheresoever situate to my executors upon trust to divide the same equally between them the said George Harman and the said Maude McIntyre and I DECLARE that if any child of mine shall predecease me leaving issue such issue shall take and if more than one equally between them the share which his her or their parent would have taken if living AND I DECLARE that my executors shall have power at their discretion to sell call in or convert into money my estate or such part thereof as shall not consist of money and may invest any moneys for the time being in their hands in such securities as may be authorised by law for the investment of trust funds
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto subscribed my name this twentieth day of January one thousand nine hundred and fourteen
Sarah Ann Harman
SIGNED by the testatrix the said Sarah Ann Harman as and for her last will and testament in the presence of us being both present at the same time who at her request in her presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses – H Sexton Solicitor’s Clerk Auckland and [unreadable signature] Solicitor Auckland

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW ZEALAND
Northern District
IN THE ESTATE of SARAH ANN HARMAN late of Parnell in Auckland New Zealand Widow deceased
WE, GEORGE HARMAN of Parnell in Auckland New Zealand Tinsmith and MAUDE McINTYRE wife of Edmund Kenneth Bruce McIntyre of Parnell aforesaid Tinsmith severally make oath and say as follows:-
1. THAT we knew Sarah Ann Harman late Parnell aforesaid when living and that the said Sarah Ann Harman resided or was domiciled at Parnell in Auckland aforesaid within this Judicial District and that the nearest Registry Office of this Court to the place where the said Sarah Ann Harman resided or was domiciled is at Auckland
2. THAT the said Sarah Ann Harman died at Auckland aforesaid on or about the 28th [sic] day of June 1930 as we are able to depose from having seen her body after death
3. THAT we believe the partly typed and party written document mow produced and shewn to us bearing date the 20th day of January 1914 to be the last Will and Testament of the said deceased and that we are the Executors therein named
4. THAT we will faithfully execute the said Will by paying the debts and legacies of the said deceased as far as the property will extend and the law binds
5. THAT to the best of our knowledge information and belief the estate effects and credits of the said deceased in respect of which Probate is sought to be obtained are under the value of £2000
SWORN at Auckland by the said GEORGE HARMAN this 14th day of July 1930 George Harman
Before me [signed] A Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand
SWORN at Auckland by the said MAUDE McINTYRE this 14th day of July 1930
Maude McIntyre
Before me [signed] A Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand ^[22]

William Henry Harmen [sic] and Sarah Ann Harman were buried at Purewa Cemetery [Block F, Row 47, Plot 182]. ^[23]

Sources

1. ↑ "England Marriages, 1538–1973 ", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NVMT-LG8 : 12 March 2020) Parish Register
   Parish Marriage Register can also be viewed at Find My Past - Staffordshire Marriages
2. ↑ https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/indexes_search.asp
   GRO Death Index
   HARMAN, FRANK Age at death 2
   GRO Reference: 1871 M Quarter in WOLVERHAMPTON Volume 06B Page 358
3. ↑ "England, Staffordshire, Church Records, 1538-1944," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QL7C-HWWK : 8 July 2020)
   Parish Burial Register can also be viewed at Find My Past - Staffordshire Burials
4. ↑ 1871 census RG10/2949 58 Pg 32
5. ↑ Death certificate [PDF] from GRO
   https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/indexes_search.asp
   GRO Death Index
   HARMAN, ELLEN Age at death 1
   GRO Reference: 1872 J Quarter in WOLVERHAMPTON Volume 06B Page 352
6. ↑ "England, Staffordshire, Church Records, 1538-1944," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QL7H-RNQY : 8 July 2020)
   Parish Burial Register can also be viewed at Find My Past - Staffordshire Burials
7. ↑ 1881 census RG11/2812 111 Pg 39
8. ↑ Wolverhampton City Archives, Archive reference D-EDS-52_4_1
   Also available to view at Find My Past - National School Admission Registers & Log-Books 1870-1914
9. ↑ "New Zealand, Archives New Zealand, Passenger Lists, 1839-1973," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FSYL-861 : 8 July 2019)
10. ↑ Newspaper can be viewed at Papers Past - https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers
11. ↑ Death printout from NZ Historical BMD Online
    https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/home
    Registration Number: Family Name: Given Name(s): Age at Death:
    Death 1885/2143; Hannan [sic]; Amy; 13Y
12. ↑ Newspaper can be viewed at Papers Past - https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers
13. ↑ Death printout from NZ Historical BMD Online
    https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/home
    Registration Number: Family Name: Given Name(s): Age at Death:
    Death 1885/3140; Harman; Harry; 8Y
14. ↑ Newspaper can be viewed at Papers Past - https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers
15. ↑ Death printout from NZ Historical BMD Online
    https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/home
    Registration Number: Family Name: Given Name(s): Age at Death:
    Death 1886/507; Harman; Fred; 8M
16. ↑ Death printout from NZ Historical BMD Online
    https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/home
    Registration Number: Family Name: Given Name(s): Age at Death:
    Death 1886/2361; Leonard Harman; 10M
17. ↑ New Zealand Electoral Rolls
    Some rolls are available to view at Ancestry.com. New Zealand, Electoral Rolls, 1853-1981 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010
18. ↑ Certified copy of Death
    NZ Historical BMD Index Online
    https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/home
    Registration Number: Family Name: Given Name(s): Age at Death:
    Death 1913/8101; Harman; William Henry; 67 yrs
19. ↑ Newspaper can be viewed at Papers Past - https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers
20. ↑ New Zealand Electoral Rolls
    Some rolls are available to view at Ancestry.com. New Zealand, Electoral Rolls, 1853-1981 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010
21. ↑ Certified copy of Death
    NZ Historical BMD Index Online
    https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/home
    Registration Number: Family Name: Given Name(s): Age at Death:
    Death 1930/2233; Harman; Sarah Ann; 85 yrs
22. ↑ Archives New Zealand: R9383466
23. ↑ http://www.purewa.co.nz/search/