Herbert Parkes Swainson (abt. 1868 - 1924)

Born about 1868 in Wellington, New Zealand

Ancestors

Husband of Miringa Riria (Werihana) Swainson — married 1895 in Otaki, Kapiti, Wellington, New Zealand

Descendants

Died 5 Jan 1924 at about age 56 in Otaki, Kapiti, Wellington, New Zealand

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Biography

Herbert was born about 1868. He was the son of George Frederick Swainson^[1] and Mary Ann Arrowsmith.

He married Miringa Riria Werihana (aka Lydia Wilson) in 1895.^[2] The children of Herbert and Miringi were:

1. Erita Mary
2. Matia Parkes (b. 1900)
3. Topeora Maewa
4. Hapata Lucas
5. Walter Edward
6. Wiremu^[3]

He passed away in 1924. ^[4]

The death occurred at Otaki Hospital on Saturday morning of Mr. Herbert Parks Swainson, a well-known identity of the district. Deceased, who was 56 years of age, was in his usual health until a few days before his death, and on New Year’s Eve conversed with friends in his usual manner. On Wednesday, however, he complained of feeling ill and was admitted to the hospital. The late Mr. Swainson, who was highly educated, was born in Wellington, and as a boy attended the Wellington College, with Mr. J. P. Brandon (Mayor) Mr. W. H. Field, M.P., Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P., and Mr. W. Barton. After completing his term he took up a position on the Annedale Estate (Wairarapa) and later came to Otaki, where he indulged in coaching to and from the station. He then became proprietor of the Central Hotel, and made many friends, after which he left for Nelson to take over the Post Boy Hotel. Previous to going south, however, he did farming, and at one time owned the Ringawhati estate. At Otaki he married Miringi Werihana, a chieftainness, and grand-daughter of the famous chief, Te Rauparaha. Deceased leaves a widow, two daughters and three sons, to mourn their loss. Mrs. Kotua, at one time a highly-respected resident of the Crucelles, is at present in Otaki, Matia is chief clerk in the Federal S.S. Company, Topora, also well-known, married a renowned chieftainness, while Lucas and Tuma reside in Otaki. The deceased was a brother to Mr. Ernest Swainson, of Rata, while another brother (Jack) now of Melbourne, is well-known in this district, having boon senior partner of tho once well-known firm of Messrs Swainson and Bevan. Miss Swainson, a sister, at present in England, was at one time principal of the Girls’ School, at Fitzherbert Terrace, Wellington. The late Mr. Swainson, who possessed many friends, was interred at the Native cemetery on Sunday, when the Rev. O. F. Petrie, M.A., and the Rev. Temuera Tokoaitua conducted an impressive service. Many floral tributes, etc., were laid on the coffin.^[5]

Sources

1. ↑ Auckland Museum - Collections Online Item 1 -- Hand-drawn, three-generation descendancy chart beginning with illustrator and naturalist William Swainson (1789-1855). It traces descent only through his second son, George Frederick Swainson (1829-1870). (1 leaf) Item 2 -- Display sign relating to a carving done by Piwiki, a celebrated chief and famous carver of the Huia tribe, presented to Miringa Swainson on the occasion of her marriage to Herbert Parkes Swainson. Also featured is a whakapapa of Miringa Swainson and Heni Te Rau (Mrs Brown), descendants of Ngati Toa chiefs and twin brothers, Rakaherea and Maui. (1 leaf)
2. ↑ New Zealand Births, Deaths & Marriages Online Marriage: 1895/1912 Lydia Wilson and Herbert Parkes Swainson
3. ↑ New Zealand Births, Deaths & Marriages Online Births:

   1897/5465 Swainson Erita Mary Parents - Meringa and Herbert Parkes

   1903/16110 Swainson Topeara(sic) Maewa Mirangi Herbert Parkes

   1906/7663 Swainson Hapata Lucas Miringa Herbert Parkes

   1910/860 Swainson Walter Edward Riria Miringa Herbert Parkes

   1911/17564 Swainson Wiremu Lydia Herbert Parkes

   1960/145317 Swainson Matia Parkes Lydia Herbert Parkes

4. ↑ New Zealand Births, Deaths & Marriages Online Death: 1924/1142 Swainson Herbert Parkes 55Y
5. ↑ Otaki Mail, 9 January 1924, Page 3