James Bowie Reid (1891 - 1980)

Born 3 Sep 1891 in Otakihi, North Otago, New Zealand

Ancestors

Husband of Adelaide Beatrice (Moffat) Reid — married 1931 in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

Died 7 May 1980 at age 88 in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

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Biography

James Bowie Reid was born at Otakihi, North Otago, New Zealand 3 September 1891.^[1] As shown on his war records, is father was David Reid of Papakaio, North Otago. DOB confirmed [1891/16998, NZHR, BD&M]

His father’s full name was David Lesley Reid b. 1857 d. 1940/22883 aged 83 [New Zealand historical Records BDM]. Mother: Jessie Reid b. Frew married to David Lesley Reid, 1881/1225 [NZHR-BDM]. Sadly Jessie died at childbirth in 1899 [Family Knowledge].

Jim’s siblings included: Jane Elizabeth Reid b. [1882/12729 NZHR, BD&M] Ethel Amanda Reid b. [1886/18511 NZHR, BD&M Alexander Leslie Reid b. [1889/6669 NZHR BD&M] Jessie Victoria Reid b. [1897/15932] George Daniel Reid b. [1899/11768]

Adored "Grandad" (Step Grandfather) of Bernie, Linda and Mary.

"Jim" served in WW1 at Gallipoli and the Western Front. His last address before enlisting was Otakihe, North Otago. Was listed as Private: 8/2708, Single.

Jim had told the family that he took part in the 3rd landing at Gallipoli. The Battalion was evacuated to Egypt December 1915. Then sent to France, April 1916. The Battle of the Somme was between 1 July and 18 November 1916.

Jim was injured at the Somme and evacuated to England. Jim received a shrapnel wound to his lower leg and he stated that by the time he was evacuated 3 days had past and his wound was gangrenous. His injuries and transport to England are confirmed in his Military Personnel Files [National Library Government N.Z.] 30/9/16: “Missing in the Field”; 4/10/1916: Casualty Dressing Station 6/10/1916: Embarked for England [National Library Government N.Z.].

Jim married Mary Percy 7 April 1920 at Waitati, Otago, New Zealand [Myheritage- Holyport Website]. NZHR-BD&M-1920/6481. Mary was the eldest daughter of David Percy who was a schoolmaster at Papakaio. James (Jim) were married in the Presbyterian Church at Waitati [Papers Past: Otago Daily Times, Issue 17909 14 April 1920].

Mary and Jim divorced in 1930 [Archway.archives.govt.nz].

In 1927 Jim became bankrupt and at the time was a sheep farmer at Omarama, Otago [Archway.archives.govt.nz].

Jim married Beatrice [Adelaide Beatrice Moffat/Calder in 1931/9197 [NZHR, BD&M] they lived at Beatrice’s house in Maxwell Street, Riccarton, Christchurch. Jim purchased the large section behind the house where he grew a vast variety of fruit and vegetables. They were mainly self sufficient in fruit and veg. At times, Jim sold the surplus at the front gate.

After Beatrice died, Jim was able to remain in the house until he could no longer manage independently. He then moved into Averill House, Christchurch. Sadly, the lovely old house and Jim’s section, was sold and the Riccarton Mall carpark is situated on the site. (personal memories- Mary Calder) Jim died at Averill House on the 7 of May 1980.^[2]

Sources

1. ↑ [1] James Bowie Reid, 1891; citing Birth, New Zealand, registration number 1891/16998, Archives of New Zealand, Wellington. "New Zealand, Civil Records Indexes, 1800-1966," database, FamilySearch.
2. ↑ [2] James Reid, died 27 May 1980; citing BillionGraves (http://www.billiongraves.com : 2012), Burial at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens and Christchurch Crematorium, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.

• New Zealand Army WW1 Nominal Rolls, 1914-1918; New Zealand Army WW1 Casualty List, 1914-1919,
• Military Personnel File: National Library Government New Zealand.
• Bankrupt-1927: Archway.archives.govt.nz- Dunedin bankruptcy files (fifth series), Dunedin High Court.
• New Zealand Historical Records:

Parents Marriage - 1881/1225

Birth-3 September 1891/16998

Married- Mary Percy: 1929/6481

Married- Adelaide Beatrice Calder b.Moffat-1931/9197

Died- 7 May 1980 [Letter 19 May 1980 fromPublic Trust Office, Oxford Tce., Christchurch ] [1980/47153, NZHR, BD&M].

• Archway.archives.govt.nz-Auckland Divorce Files: Reid James Bowie- Mary 1930, High Court Auckland Department of Justice.
• Family History / personal memories Mary Calder
• Papers Past: Otago Daily Times, Issue 70909 14 April 2920.
• ancestry.com