Nellie (Sharratt) Mitcham (1883 - 1920)

Born 1883 in Auckland, New Zealand

Ancestors

Wife of Frederick George Mitcham — married 30 Jan 1906 in Auckland Registrars Office

Descendants

Died 1920 at about age 37 in Auckland, New Zealand

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Biography

Nellie Sharratt was recorded at birth as Ellen Sharratt, and I have that record so can confirm those details, but that is the only formal record that states Ellen, all others state Nellie throughout her life. To avoid any further confusion I am now changing her to Nellie on this record but the original must be quoted Birth record researched by Rosemary Cunningham, hired through the New Zealand Society of Genealogist's.

1884, 21 Auckland District, Folio 57. When and Where born 9th Dec 1883, Lorne Street, Auckland Name of Child and if present Ellen, not present, Sex F Father; Name, Rank, Age, Birthplace William Henry Sharratt, Miner, 33, Berkshire Marriage Illigitimate Mother: Name Age Birthplace Harriet Earys formerly Messiter, 30, Tasmania Informant W H Sharratt Father, Lorne Street & Mother Harriet Eayrs, Lorne Street Registrar and Date J Owen Lord 7th January 1884

I have searched for a birth record on NZBDM a number of times without success, but the answer possibly lies with the following records.

NZ BDM 1884/502 Family name Earys Ellen, Daughter of Harriet and William Henry (Sharratt not Eayrs)

NZ BDM1884/3037 Family name Messiter, Given Names Nellie Henrietta Mother's given name Mary Purely speculation but of interest as Harriet's mother was Mary Messiter, Father's given names not recorded. Mary Messiter Harriet's mother died in 1874 . Harriet could have been tempted to hide her indiscretion, her pregnancy, by using her mothers name. The researcher felt that could be the case.

Background: Harriet's 1st husband headed north to the Coromandel Goldfields after his shoe and boot shop closed in Christchurch, recorded in Papers Past. Whether James and Harriet travelled together or whether she trailed behind him with the children is unknown. We do know that some of the children went into the Thames orphanage, and assume that was after their parents had separated and Harriet was left without means of support. She became housekeeper to William Henry Sharratt, and a second family followed. In New Zealand Law at that time according to members of the Pukekohe Genealogists group I was a member of in 1985/86 a divorce could not occur until a couple had not seen each other for fourteen years. William and Harriet married on 31st Oct 1895 which suggests their being free to marry by law by then. By then they had 5 children.

James Eayrs died in 1886, thus freeing Harriet to marry again. Source to be added shortly

New Zealand, Copy of Certificate of Marriage, and is noted "This is not a certificate" and stamped 14 Feb 1994. No 15. Marriages in the District of Auckland. When and Where married 1906, 30 January, Registrar's Office, Auckland. Names and surnames of the Parties. Frederick George Mitcham 28. Gardener.Birthplace Onehunga. Nellie Sharratt 22. Spinster. Birthplace Auckland Residence for each is Auckland. Fathers name and surname: Isaac John Mitcham, Sailmaker Mother's name and surname: Sarah Mitcham. Maiden Surname: Harrison Father's name and surname: William Henry Sharratt, Storeman Mother's name and surname: Harriet Sharratt, Maiden surname, Messiter

E.H. Lyons Registrar, his signature follows the statement "I certify that the above is a true copy of the entry in the Register-book of Marriages kept by me. Witnesses W.H.Sharratt and Walter Denison, Jeweller.

Newspaper entry Mitcham . On January 20th at the Auckland Hospital Nellie, beloved wife of F.G. Mitcham, age 36 yrs. The funeral will leave her late residence No. 12 Hector St. Herne Bay for Waikaraka Cemetery tomorrow Thurs at 2pm.

I have a copy of Nellie's death certificate, not an actual certificate.

No. 78, Date: 20 January 1920 Auckland Hospital, from 12 Hector St. Auckland Name: Nellie Mitcham Married age 35 Cause of death: 1. Pneumonicoccal Peritonitis, 2. over 3 days, D McQuire (Dr.?) 4. 20 January 1920. Parents: Father, William Henry Sharratt, Storeman No details of mother. Date of burial: 22 January1920, Waikaraka cemetery. Funeral service conducted by Rev F W Young, Anglican Place of birth: Auckland, Years in locality: Life Residence: Auckland Spouse: Frederick George Mitcham Surviving children: Males 3. age 13, 12, and 9, Females 2. 4 yrs, and 12 months. Undertaker: James Weir Registrar: Signed with a flourish I couldn't read. Date 23 Jan 1920

Note: this was my mother's fifth birthday, she was born 23 Jan 1915

Auckland City Burials in the Waikaraka Cemetery. Name: Nellie Mitcham Died : 20 January 1920, Aged: 35 yrs Location Area 2, Block L, Lot 13 Occupation: Housewife Late residence: 12 Hector St. Herne Bay Denomination: Anglican Funeral Director: J Weir & Co.

Sources

• birth record

death record