Kevin O'Brien Family Connections

Charlene Frances COOM⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾ was born. Parents: Gilberd COOM and Sonia ZACHAN.

Clare COOM⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾ was born. Parents: Conrad COOM and Michaela BROUGHTON.

Conrad COOM⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾ was born. Parents: Gilberd COOM and Sonia ZACHAN.

He was married to Michaela BROUGHTON. Children were: Clare COOM .

Gilberd COOM⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾ was born.

He was married to Sonia ZACHAN . Children were: Conrad COOM, Charlene Frances COOM, Rosalynn Ann COOM.

Rosalynn Ann COOM⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾ was born. Parents: Gilberd COOM and Sonia ZACHAN.

Marina COONEY⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾ was born.

She was married to Warren James JELLYMAN.

Alma COOPER

She was married to Leonard TROY. Children were: Brian TROY, Marie TROY, Helen TROY.

Susan Betty COOPER⁽²⁴⁾⁽²⁾ was born.

She was married to Steven Leslie GALLON. Children were: Lyle Harvey GALLON, Eric Leslie GALLON.

Jane CORBETT⁽²⁴⁾⁽²⁾ was born.

She was married to John Mervyn RENALL.

Alexander CORMACK farmer in Brubster

He was married.⁽³²¹⁾ Children were: Robert CORMACK Lieut. , Son1 CORMACK merchants in aberdeen, Son2 CORMACK merchants in aberdeen, Others CORMACK .

Alexander CORMACK - farmer of Brubster⁽³²²⁾ was born about 1770. inferred to match wife Parents: John ? CORMACK b. abt 1750 and Rachel ? DONALD ? .

He was married to Christina INNES about 1795.⁽³²³⁾ inferred to match age Children were: Lieut. Robert CORMACK, William CORMACK - wealthy Aberdeen merchant, Alexander CORMACK - wealthy Aberdeen merchant, John CORMACK - promising student died unmarried, Mrs George Gunn nee CORMACK , Mrs Donald McDonald nee CORMACK, Mrs Grant nee CORMACK.

Alexander CORMACK - wealthy Aberdeen merchant Parents: Alexander CORMACK - farmer of Brubster and Christina INNES .

Alexander D CORMACK⁽³²⁴⁾ was born on 6 Apr 1810 in (bapt Roadside)).⁽³²⁵⁾ He was a Farmer, in 1851 in Forse Inn, Latheron.⁽³²⁶⁾ 8 acres employing 2 labourers No issue
Took over Inn licence after his mother died. [ Possibly his estate that claim against refused. SC 23Jul 1981] Parents: John CORMACK and Henrita SUTHERLAND.

Alexander Mowat CORMACK (Brigham) was born on 15 Aug 1870 in Gabriels Otago goldfields.⁽³²⁷⁾⁽³²⁸⁾ He was living in 1896 in Tyne Street, Oamaru.⁽³²⁹⁾ He was living in 1908 in Tees Street, Oamaru.⁽³³⁰⁾ He was living in 1912 in Moeraki.⁽³³¹⁾ He died on 31 Jul 1954 in Oamaru.⁽³³²⁾⁽³³³⁾ He was buried on 2 Aug 1954 in Oamaru.⁽³³⁴⁾ Sec 23 Block 211

He was ill with ulcers, cut outlet off his stomach and joined it to another place.⁽³³⁵⁾ Fluent in Maori
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1908 Oamaru John C, Reed Str., fisherman [this will be be AMCs son {KAOB}]
Alexander Mowatt, Tees St., fisherman [Syd's father {KAOB}]
1911 as for 1908
[JRSD to SC 20 Apr 1981]
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'I remember my grandfather Cormack slightly, as I must have been three os so when he died, but on one occasion he came to stay with us at Moeraki, a twinkling-eyed old man with a long beard which fascinated me. I recall sitting on his chest as he lay on the sofa for a rest (?) picking up starnds of this interesting growth when my mother caught me and scolded me for being a nuisance. I recall him saying " let the little lassie stay .. she's doing no harm." [EP to JRSD 23 Jul 1981]
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(Syd) 'Looks amazingly like his father'.. [EP to JRSD 18 Dec 1982]
Parents: Alexander Mowat CORMACK and Mary Ann DAVEY.

Family lie in Oamaru cemetery - Block 211, plot 28 -
In fond rememberance of a loving husband and father Alexander M.
Cormack who passed away 31st July 1954. aged 63 years. Also his wife
Annie Edith who passed away Aug. 4th 1959 aged 80 years.
H.S.: Arched grey granite set in concrete. S.E. concrete. Sealed.

General informant for this family line is Edna Pye.

See Notes by Syd C on his whakapapa. Children were: Sidney CORMACK (Syd), Stanley CORMACK, Vera Elsie CORMACK, Myrtle CORMACK, Ina Lavinia CORMACK (Lavinia), Phyllis Annie CORMACK .

Alexander Mowat CORMACK⁽³³⁶⁾⁽³³⁷⁾ was born on 27 Dec 1839 in Forse, Scotland (County).⁽³³⁸⁾ He was baptised on 6 Jan 1840 in Latheron, Scotland.⁽³³⁹⁾ He was living between 1910 and 1925 in Deborah bay, Pt Chalmers, Dunedin.⁽³⁴⁰⁾ With son James and his wife. He was a Cabinetmaker in 1912.⁽³⁴¹⁾ He died on 4 Jan 1925 in Port Chalmers Dunedin.⁽³⁴²⁾⁽³⁴³⁾ The death registration gives the name as Mowett. He was buried on 6 Jan 1925 in Oamaru.⁽³⁴⁴⁾ Sec 46 47 Block 72 He was living 1841 census in Burrigill, (next to Forse, Latheron).⁽³⁴⁵⁾ He was also known as Alexander Mouat/Mowett Cormack and Cormick. Syd Cormack records his trade as carpenter and wheelwright ; was raceman at at goldfields. He drunk the fortune he made there (112oz gold). Fluent in Gaelic. Moved to Moeraki when 15-16.. Mowett is recorded in death registration. had been living apart from wife. Syd says he was living with James (Jim) when he died.

1878-79 Wises PO Directory has:
Cormack & Nicol, brickmakers, Lawrence, Otago.

Built the Presbyterian Church at the Blue Spur (Lawrence) in 8 weeks t open in August 1871; held 120 people. (No trace now S.C.)
[SC to JRSD]

Edna Pye has as an uncle Edmonson Living in Invercargill. Has a good deal to tell of the old Moeraki days and I have heard from him stories of my garndfather who must have been quite a tradesman. [EP to JRSD 23 Jul 1981] Parents: James CORMACK and Janet MOWAT (Jessie).

He was married to Mary Ann DAVEY on 4 May 1867 in Weslyan Parsonage Dunedin.⁽³⁴⁶⁾ Named as Alexander Cormick and Mary Ann Davey. Occupation carpenter . Witnesses: John Reid and Mary Ann Lake. Minister: A P Fitchin ? Can remember visiting my Grandmother's house in Oamaru before the move to Moeraki. (1912) [SCJul1981]

Boys had a nigger minstrel troup at Moeraki. all joined. The girls all stayed in Oamaru.
all .. were very good needlewomen.

E Pye: A. C. built staircase in Brydone. Good builder - precut most of work.

Children were: Mary Ann CORMACK (Polly), Alexander Mowat CORMACK (Brigham), Margaret CORMACK , Emily CORMACK (Em), James Tiberius CORMACK (Tive), Henrietta CORMACK (Ett), William Henry CORMACK (Milligan), John CORMACK (Mink) , Walter CORMACK, Henry Davey CORMACK, Jessie CORMACK (Jess).

Catherine CORMACK was born on 11 Jun 1810.⁽³⁴⁷⁾ She died on 11 Jun 1891 in Roadside, Hill of Forse, Latheron.⁽³⁴⁸⁾ Informant: son, William Nicoll. Parents: William CORMACK and Elizabeth (Elspeth) SUTHERLAND .

She was married to John NICOLL on 14 Feb 1833 in Forse.⁽³⁴⁹⁾ Nicoll Family gravestone, Latheron churchyard, Caithness.
Erected
By
William & Francis Nicoll
in memmory of their beloved brother
John McDonald Nicholl
who died at Forse 1st February 1861
Aged 14 years
Much and just regretted
Also their father
John Nicoll
who died at Forse 1st September 1888
Aged 80 years
Also Catherine Cormack
Wife of the above
Who died on June 11 1891
Aged 81 years

Children's Education:
The 1851 census shows the boys as scholars with no entry for the girls. Children were: Ann NICOLL, William NICOLL, Francis NICOLL, Catherine NICOLL, John McDonald NICOLL, Helen NICOLL.

Charles CORMACK⁽³⁵⁰⁾ was born before 22 Nov 1837. He died on 22 Nov 1902. He was buried in Latheron.⁽³⁵¹⁾ Parents: John CORMACK and Amelia SUTHERLAND.

Child1 CORMACK Parents: Stanley Peter CORMACK and Annette WARE.

Child3 CORMACK Parents: Stanley Peter CORMACK and Annette WARE.

Christian CORMACK Parents: William CORMACK and Janet.

Dau1 CORMACK Parents: John CORMACK and Isabella DUNNETT.

Dau2 CORMACK Parents: John CORMACK and Isabella DUNNETT.

Dau3 CORMACK Parents: John CORMACK and Isabella DUNNETT.

Daughter CORMACK (one named ?) was born about 12 Sep 1867 in Blue Spur, Tuapeka.⁽³⁵²⁾ Parents: John CORMACK and Isabella DUNNETT.

Donald CORMACK was born on 9 Jul 1774 in (Bapt Knockinnan).⁽³⁵³⁾ He was buried in Wick, old cemetery.⁽³⁵⁴⁾ Parents: William CORMACK and Unknown WMSNRSP.

Edna Margaret CORMACK (Margaret) Has an uncle Edmonson Living in Invercargill. Has a good deal to tell of the old Moeraki days and I have heard from him stories of my garndfather who must have been quite a tradesman.

'I remember my grandfather Cormack slightly, as I must have been three os so when he died, but on one occasion he came to stay with us at Moeraki, a twinkling-eyed old man with a long beard which fascinated me. I recall sitting on his chest as he lay on the sofa for a rest (?) picking up starnds of this interesting growth when my mother caught me and scolded me for being a nuisance. I recall him saying " let the little lassie stay .. she's doing no harm." [EP to JRSD 23 Jul 1981] Parents: William Henry CORMACK (Milligan) and Margaret EDMONSON.

She was married to Eric PYE.⁽³⁵⁵⁾ Children were: Rosanna PYE, Geoffrey PYE, Graham PYE.

Elizabeth CORMACK was born on 9 Apr 1769 in (Knockinnan, bapt).⁽³⁵⁶⁾ She was buried in Wick. old cemetery.⁽³⁵⁷⁾ Parents: William CORMACK and Unknown WMSNRSP.

Elizabeth CORMACK from obit Parents: John CORMACK and Isabella DUNNETT.

Emily CORMACK (Em)⁽³⁵⁸⁾ was born in 1874 in Blue Spur Otago Goldfields.⁽³⁵⁹⁾ She died on 15 Jan 1928 in Seacliff Mental Hospital Dunedin (Orakanui Home).⁽³⁶⁰⁾⁽³⁶¹⁾ She was buried on 16 Jan 1928 in Anderson's Bay Dunedin.⁽³⁶²⁾ She was a Teacher.⁽³²⁷⁾ Never married She was ill with cerebral haemorage, coroner's verdict. Lived with mother and looked after her.
No issue [SC] Parents: Alexander Mowat CORMACK and Mary Ann DAVEY.

Eric CORMACK Parents: Stanley CORMACK and Natalie STOVE.

Euphemia CORMACK was born on 27 Mar 1870 in Blue Spur Otago Goldfields. Parents: John CORMACK and Isabella DUNNETT .

Gwendolyn CORMACK (Gwen) (Private). Parents: John CORMACK (Mink) and Josephina MEYER (Josie).

Children were: Alvin SILVER, Rae SILVER, Jan SILVER.

Henrietta CORMACK⁽³⁶³⁾ (photo) was born on 12 Feb 1842 in Forse, Latheron, Caithness, Scotland.⁽³⁶⁴⁾ She was baptised on 24 Feb 1842 in Latheron, Scotland.⁽³³⁹⁾ She was a 'taught school' between 1897 and 1900 in Tuapeka Flat.⁽³⁶⁵⁾ She died on 13 Feb 1913 in 26 Gladstone Rd, North East Valley, Dunedin, NZ.⁽³⁶⁶⁾⁽³⁶⁷⁾⁽³⁶⁸⁾
OTAGO WITNESS 26 Feb 1913, p57
Heading 'PERSONAL ITEMS' -
Still another of the early immigrants to Otago in the person of Mrs Frank Nicoll passed away a few days ago. The deceased lady, who died on Thursday last at the age of 71 years was born at Forse, Parish of Latheron, Caithness, Scotland and arrived in New Zealand by the sailing ship BEN LAMOND early in 1863 and had thus just completed 50 years residence in this country. She was married 1864, and her husband and herself were among the early residents of Gabriel Gully being at Blue Spur for over 15 years. They then removed to Lawrence, where they resided until a year or 2 ago, when they cm to Dunedin. Prior to leaving Lawrence Mrs Nicoll was the victim of a severe accident and never quite regained her usual good health and strength. Until a few months ago, however she was about much as usual, but latterly she was virtually confined to bed and bore her lingering illness with the fortitude and unselfishness characteristic of her whole life. The internment took place at Lawrence on Saturday last and the service at the church and the funeral were attended by a large amber of friends of the deceased, and there were general expressions of regret at the departure of one so respected and loved. Outside of her immediate relations she was mourned by a specially large circle of friends and acquaintances. In her house she had a happy knack of making everybody feel at home. She was a staunch Church worker and being very fond of her garden, she gave great support to the Horticultural Society. Her character was widely admired and respected, she was a good woman and a kind friend, lovable, cheery and generous. Her unostentatious liberality will long be remembered by many.
She has left a memory that may well be an example to those who admired her upright life and lovable nature. She is survived by her husband, four married daughters and one son.
[JRSD JD025]

OTAGO WITNESS
Nicholl [sic] On 13. 2..1913 at 26 Galdstone Road North East Valley Henrietta, dearly loved wife of Francis Nicoll aged 71 yrs. [OW]

Causes: Arterio sclerosis, renal toxemia, cardiac failure, Evans FRSCE 12 Feb 1913 She emigrated arrriving in 1863 on 'Ben Lomond' from SCT.⁽³⁶⁹⁾ She was buried in Lawrence, Otago NZ.⁽³⁷⁰⁾⁽³⁷¹⁾ ILMO Francis NICOLL d. 9. Jun 1925 aged 84; Henrietta CORMACK beloved w. of Francis NICOLL d. 13 Feb. 1913 aged 71; also their son Francis James M.B. C.M. Edin d. 13 Dec 1899 aged 34; John Alexander d. 23 Aug 1892 aged 20 also their family John d. 1 May 1870 aged 13 months; Henrietta 31 August 1879 aged 8 months; William d. 10 Jun 1884 aged 2.

NICOLL stone is a circular pink granite column with urn on top. Wrought iron fence Surround. Concrete Seal Cover.

Undertaker: John Gilies, Dunedin.
Minister: PC Durward, Presbyterian. Not listed in 1852 census. Was she away elsewhere or at service. Alexander was put to work on fishing boat when 9 so she may have been working. Parents: James CORMACK and Janet MOWAT (Jessie).

She was married to Francis NICOLL on 10 May 1864 in Clutha Ferry, near Lawrence, Otago, NZ.⁽³⁷²⁾⁽³⁷³⁾ 1864 Marriages in the District of Ware? No.8, 10 May 1864. At the home of John Cormack.
Francis Nicol [sic] Age 24 Miner Batchelor
Henrietta Cormack Age 22 Spinster

Rev. James Kirkand Registered 11 May 1864
Solemnized in the presence of John Cormack,
Farmer, Clutha Ferry, and
William Jno. Beattie, Draper, Tuapeka For details of residences see correspondence with Presbytery.

JRSD records meeting a Mrs Nicoll, Main Street, Lybster whose late husband had a gt uncle who died at 14. (Probably John McDonald Nicoll)

See: JD0029 for Gt Extended Sluicing Coy share transfers.

SOME REMINISCENCES OF WICK HOTELS [Groat. Nov 1907 ?. p125 ]
'In 1886 the new hotel was opened, and competed with the "Caley" for the tourist and commercial traffic. At this time it passed from the hands of Mr George Leith (who succeeded his father) to that of Mr Coghill, a native of the town, recently come from the south. He was a teenant until 1868 when Mr and Mrs James Nicol took over the business. Under their able management it prospered until 1891, when they cahnged over to the Station Hotel, that being the name adopted for the hotel when Mr W. F. Ireland took possession in 1881. Mr Nicol was succeeded by Mr Wm. Stewart, who emigrated to America in 1893. He in turn was succeeded by Mr James Cormack, who has continued there since.
Children were: Francis James NICOLL, Catherine NICOLL (Kate/Kitty), Henrietta NICOLL , Henrietta NICOLL (Jo), Margaret NICOLL, William NICOLL, Jessica NICOLL (Jessie/Jay), John NICOLL, John Alexander NICOLL, George Sutherland NICOLL .

Henrietta CORMACK (Ett)⁽³⁷⁴⁾ was born before 23 Mar 1878. She died before 23 Mar 1905.⁽³⁷⁵⁾ No issue [SC] Parents: Alexander Mowat CORMACK and Mary Ann DAVEY.

Henry Davey CORMACK died in 1885.⁽³⁷⁶⁾ Parents: Alexander Mowat CORMACK and Mary Ann DAVEY.

Ian CORMACK Parents: Stanley CORMACK and Natalie STOVE.

Ina Lavinia CORMACK (Lavinia)⁽³⁷⁷⁾ Christchurch [SC] Parents: Alexander Mowat CORMACK (Brigham) and Elme Reynolds DICK (Annie).

She was married to Ron LIPSCOMBE.⁽³⁷⁸⁾ Children were: Brian LIPSCOMBE, Anne LIPSCOMBE , Philip LIPSCOMBE.

Isabella CORMACK Parents: John CORMACK and Isabella DUNNETT.

Isobel CORMACK Parents: William CORMACK and Janet.

James CORMACK was christened on 14 Aug 1804 in Roadside, Forse.⁽³⁷⁹⁾ He was living in 1841 in Burrigill, (next to Forse, Latheron).⁽³⁸⁰⁾ Census shows 1 building He died in 1851. Date of death uncertain. Not in 1851 census, Janet is decscibed then as widow. He was a Fishcurer 1841 census in Burrigill, (next to Forse, Latheron).⁽³⁸¹⁾ He was a Farmer. Parents: John CORMACK and Henrita SUTHERLAND.

He was married to Janet MOWAT (Jessie) on 22 Feb 1834 in Forse, Caithness, Scotland.⁽³⁸²⁾
Syd Cormacks notes about family (edited)
'Alexander only known from name on Alexander Mowat Cormack's death certificate, wife not known; said both died in one of the epidemics in Scotland.
James married Janet in Scotland; said objected to to daughter's marriage to to F Nicoll so Henrietta came out to NZ with Alexander Mowat Cormack; ship not known, arrived late in 1862 or early 1863.
Mathew disappeared in Australian desert, heard Alexander M Cormack and dad (his brother, Alexander) discuss this when talking about an estate (to which they had a claim) held in chancery in London; said lack of information on these two was the reason the authorities would not pay out the monies held, Dad said it would be £16000.00 for his share.
John C. was working on Govt survey in Dunedin in 1862, came out earlier, sent for Alexander M Cormack who was an orphan, evidently paid for his fare, maybe also Henriettas, as they came out on same ship.
John Cormack is well documented in many books on Otago Goldfields. Head of Tuapeka farmers union in 1870, shareholder in the whaler splendid and sealer Jessie Nichol. Sole owner of the whaler ... used as a wharf by the Norwegian whalers 1930.
Lived about 1900 in Oamaru, no further information; may have returned to Scotland.
Grandfather (Alexander M Cormack) died 4 Jan 1925 at Pt Chalmers, buried Oamaru. Used to listen to his history: was one of the 'New Chum' party (John Cormack, headman), 3rd party in Arrowtown. There is a gully on the Arrow river named 'New Chum Gully'. Party collected 110oz of gold in 6 weeks.

Alexander M had a joinery shop in Caversham, Dunedin; afterwards drank it. Addicted it whisky, reason: when about 18 took a job in Edinburgh collecting the dead with a horse and cart during one of the epidemics. Received .. per day and all the whisky he could drink; said it ruined him.
Henrietta prevented by parents from marrying F Nicoll in Scotland so ran..Had eleven children, 6 survived infancy; most left issue... Never heard Henrietta mentioned, of course I was only 7 when she died.
- Francis, a partner in the Splendid and Jessie Nichol [sic]; often heard dad talk of him.
- Jessie Nichol [sic], after whom the sealer was named, she was sailed to to England to sell; no buyers so sailed back to NZ. Sold to a man Hatch in .... Wrecked off McQuarrie Island when collecting penguin oil for Hatch.
Splendid was wrecked in Hokianga harbour, was American and after whaling finished was carrying timber to Australia, leaked badly so was beached at high water to try to find leak. When tide went out the side of the vessel collapsed, she was rotten.
Mary Ann Davey said to be the niece of Sir Humphrey davey - so far no evdence. Death certificate of father in Adelaide Australia says 'Gentleman'. He wsa also an opal miner. Mary Ann died in 1914 in Oamaru, house caught fire, died from effects.
G Dad ( Alexnder Mowat Cormack) had 4 brothers and 3 sisters, two of whom died without issue; both were school teachers. The other sister, Mrs Gibson, had three or four sons and two daughters. Harry was a 1915 war casualty in France. Jim, the oldest, was wounded in Gallipoli; afterwards had a barbershop in Nelson; one son had a hotel up Waihi way.
Brothers, John, Timaru had 1 son , 3 daughters.
James lived at Pt Chalmers, no issue.
William......
Waltyer went to 14-18 war, returned to Australia to mary a clust [sic] nurse who he met overseas. Lived at Cooma, NSW. Lost touch; his daughter used to write to Margaret, William Henry's daughter.

'Grandfather Cormack (AMC) died when I was 19, so had some years to listen to his talks with father, this is what I remember.
(James) died with his wife in a plague epidemic in Scotland son AMC was very young, Believe only child, he stated he was about 9 when put to work on an uncles (at Wick) herring boat, could not stand the sea, sick most of the time so was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker in Edinburgh, served his time there, came to NZ too late for Gabriel Gully Goldfield, but was one of the New Chum party at the Arrowtown goldrush. John Cormack was head of Party.
This brother (uncle) in Wick had 5 herring drifters, grandfather's first job.
Sure I heard grandfather say say there were 8 in the family.

Was under the impression that Grandfather came out to NZ with a sister Jessie who married Nichol as beside the whaler Splendid they also had a schooner the Jessie Nichol used for sealing and later for penguin oil recovery from the McQuarrie Island. The vessel was later sold to a chap Hatch in Invercargill who carried on; used to manufacture fine machine oil. Jessie Nichol was wrecked at McQuarrie. The Splendid was later used to carry timber from the Kaipara Harbour to Australia; started to leak so was beached to try to locate the hole. When the tide went out she was so rotten one side collapsed. You can get a copy of her picture from the Turnbull Library.

The Cormacks must be a bit short in the grain, whu did the two cousins lose touch? May have the answer: several times heard father say he visited somewhere where he had two relations living, stayed with one and was castigated by the other for not coming to stay with them first. Also Grandfather made considerable money mining. The New Chum party recovered 110oz of gold in in 4 weeks at Arrowtown. Grandfather started a furniture factory in Dunedin, was doing well, too well: went on the whisky and blew the lot. Heard him tell dad he was ruined before he left Scotland: during an epidemic the authorities offered £1-0-0 per day and all the whisky you could drink to persons going around with a cart collecting bodies of dead persons from the houses; he was on the job some time and got the liking.

The other John Cormack (1852) was a runholder to the south of Oamaru. Very hard to get info about (him). Quite sure the lutha Ferry one is our family because heard Grandfather tell stories of the goldfields before the same stories were published in the many books.

John Cormack paid a visit to the McQuarrie Isalnd in the Jessie Nichol, brought back about 30 penguins. Had a King penguin at his home in Oamaru when the firm Cormack & elder were constructing the Oamaru to Ngapara branch Railway Line. Dad says this bird was over 3 ft high. Could look over the gate; someone left the gate open and the bird go onto the street and savaged a child so had to be destroyed.

There was a railway siding on on the Ngapara line named Cormacks; saw it for the first time about 1923. The line was lifted some years ago. [SC 17 JUl 1978]

Have heard that Bloxham and Uren are relations. [SC 21Jun 1978]

Long-running dispute over succession to Earldom of Caithness in 1880s and 1890s. JRSD says half Caithness must have been involved at times. [JRSD to SC 28 Feb 1980]

Grandfather would not eat beef due to having been poisoned by beef being hung in the moonlight and also tod the story of the shooting of the thief who was robbing the paydirt stacked at the bank.
Stated that along with another miner accopanied Dr Hector (Geologist) on a trip across the Island somewhere in Canterbury. They were starving when the West Coast was reached. The first food was wolfed and made them sick, Alexander C received sardines, hated them always, the other never used milk again.

The book, The Cruise of the Catalot by Frnak Bullen is partly written after a spell on the whaler Splendid, cruising on the solander grounds west of Stewart Island.
Most names are fictitious except for the Chance and some of the American whalers.
Paddy Gilroy of the Chance, an Irishman, was well known in the south - has many descendants around southland. [SCMar1980]

The old cemetery at Thurso has a memorial to the Cormacks.
'Seems that Alexander Cormack married Christina Innes daughter of Robert Innes who should have been the Laird of Sandside Estate to the West of Thurso, if his uncle who was his guardian willed away the estate when he died, at the time Robert was about 12 years old.'

First mention of the Cormack name is in 200AD then there is plenty of history about the family as the Kings of Ireland for 2 or 3 hundred years around 500 -600AD. One King was beaten in battle and chased out of Ireland to reside in Scotland; returned to Ireland when his adversary died.
A boay supposed to be Cormack the Priest going to the Orkneys, this Priest married and left a large family. A newspaper article in the Wick paper lists around 10 categories for the trades of the Cormacks of Caithness then goes on to say that very few of them claim relationship though if any are found living south of Caithness they will be found to have migrated south.
[SC to JRSD 7 Jul 1980]

Those related seem to have went their separate ways, never kept in touch even when living at no greta distance. Henrietta Nichol lived in Dunedin before demise, Grandfather, her brother lived at Deborah Bay Pt Chalmers with his son James and wife for fifteen years previous to demise in 1925. Gandfather had money from mining and a cabinet makers factory in Caversham Dunedin but he admitted he drank it and ended up fishing at Moeraki before retirement.
Dad (AMCjr) stated several times that he went to to visit some relatives somewhere, stayed with the wrong family in the area so was never invited to visit again, maybe because he married into Maoridom, who knows now.
The family carried on the conditions of Caithness by not claiming relationship as the newspaper article implies. [SCJul81]

A detailed acount of some of the Cormack's of wick was published in the Ensign in 1895.
This has a great deal of detail. JRSD has a copy obtained by Syd on his trip to Caithness.
Other accounts are of Cormack/Sinclair/Bruce/Gunn/Sutherland connections.
There is also a copy of the history of the Cormack name.

JRSD has a note of the Sinclair Chancery case - makes our Maori land claim look amateur; an all in affray. Children were: Margaret CORMACK , John CORMACK, Alexander Mowat CORMACK, Henrietta CORMACK.

James CORMACK Parents: John CORMACK and Isabella DUNNETT.

James Tiberius CORMACK (Tive)⁽³⁸³⁾⁽³⁸⁴⁾ was born in 1876 in Palmerston (south).⁽³⁸⁵⁾ He was living 1910 -19125 in Deborah bay, Pt Chalmers, Dunedin.⁽³⁸⁶⁾ He died in Pt Chalmers.⁽³⁸⁷⁾ He was described as Funny wee man and smart dresser.⁽³⁸⁸⁾ No children Parents: Alexander Mowat CORMACK and Mary Ann DAVEY.

He was married to Mary WHITE. She came from Hampden No children but used to care for John's children during holidays. Specially cared for Olive Cormack and her family.
House at Deborah's Bay, still standing. Used to cycle to Pt Chalmers to work each day from there. (JR)

Janet CORMACK was born about 1795. Parents: William CORMACK and Janet.

She was married to George SINCLAIR on 21 Nov 1819 in Bower. Children were: Neil SINCLAIR, Ann SINCLAIR, Donald SINCLAIR.

Janet CORMACK (Jessie) Parents: John CORMACK and Isabella DUNNETT.

Jessie CORMACK (Jess) died young. Parents: Alexander Mowat CORMACK and Mary Ann DAVEY.

John CORMACK (Mink)⁽³²⁷⁾⁽³⁸⁹⁾⁽³⁹⁰⁾ (photo) was born in 1880 in Oamaru.⁽³⁹¹⁾ He was a Fisherman between 1912 and 1941 in Timaru.⁽³⁹²⁾ MZBDM M#1051/1912 He resided 22 Le Cren's Terrace Timaru in 1941. He died on 10 Jun 1941 in Timaru. Private Hospital Bidwill Street.⁽³⁹³⁾ He was buried on 12 Jun 1941 in Timaru.⁽³⁹⁴⁾ He was ill with Pelvic Colon 1yr, Colectomy 10 days, Intstinal obstruction. Nickname: Mink.(Syd Cormack) Had fishing patch at Moeraki before Timaru. After his wife died he had housekeeper and ladyfriend Mrs Darcy. "All the girls hated Mrs Darcy's guts". (JR) He was paying 35 shillings/week for each of his children at the Presbyterian Home and they had to go elsewhere for holidays. Uncle Tive (Jim Cormack) had a house a Deborah Bay and they went there.
Believed to had a fleet of fishing boats. If so these probably went to son William.

Lived next door to Meyer family when young and Jack Robertson says that he used to wheel baby Josephine around in her pram and told her he was going to marry her when she grew up..which he did.
----------
????
'Son John is said to be working in Wellington' [SC 17 Jul 1978]
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1908 Oamaru John C, Reed Str., fisherman [this will be be AMCs son {KAOB}]
Alexander Mowatt, Tees St., fisherman [Syd's father {KAOB}]
1911 as for 1908
[JRSD to SC 20 Apr 1981]
----------- Parents: Alexander Mowat CORMACK and Mary Ann DAVEY.

He was married to Josephina MEYER (Josie) on 29 Feb 1912 in Timaru, Church of the Sacred Heart.⁽³⁹⁵⁾ Children were: Josephine Ellen CORMACK (Ellen), William H CORMACK (Bill), Olive Henrietta CORMACK (Ollie), Gwendolyn CORMACK (Gwen).

John CORMACK⁽³⁹⁶⁾ was born about 1772.⁽³⁹⁷⁾ He was living on 17 Oct 1801 in Lesser Quay of Forse.⁽³⁹⁸⁾ He was living on 6 Apr 1810 in Roadside, Latheron.⁽³⁹⁹⁾ He died before census of 1841. Possible births recorded:
1. 2 Aug 1777 baptism to John Cormack in Stemster
2. 17 Feb 1771 baptism before the congregation in Secumster to Donald Cormack
3. 29 Jan 1769 baptism bef cong to Donald Cormack, Fiddler
4. 3 Jan 1768 baptism bef cong. to George Cormack in Clyth
5. 2 Dec 1765 to William Cormack in Upper Latheron. Witnesses: John Gow and John Sutherland both nigh the place.

A 'John Cormack younger in Knockinnan' was registering children c. 1778 [SARS]Hotel keeper situated at Hill of Furze. Syd visited now homestead. Passed onto widow.
Possibly Cormack 1736-1819 IGI C110382/990522

262 latheron
AMlEIA 3.1.1883 A.80 H. JOHN CORMACK farmer, smerlie, 1.10. 1895 a. 86 s. chas. 22.11.1902 a.65

288 halkirk
john cormack farner brims 2.2.1860 a.79
geo cormack 22.7.1892 a.74 w. margaret 29.5.1897 a.79
childfren george 8.5.1874 a. 21 (gfa john c. brims)
margare5t 20.12/1880 a.,42
cath greager 3.12.1887 a.,41
mary rugg 26.12.1887 a.
eld don angus d. south dalcota usa 7.1901

321 wick fs broken ed geogre cormack joiner wick imo gfa jas cormack farmer quoilee gmo elizabeth gilberdson father of jas william a joiner in wick 24.7.18[/?] Parents: John ? CORMACK b. abt 1750 and Rachel ? DONALD ?.

He was married to Henrita SUTHERLAND on 24 Mar 1798 in Latheron, Scotland.⁽⁴⁰⁰⁾⁽⁴⁰¹⁾ The 1841 census records Henrietta Cormack at Forse along with Alexander Cormack, 20, and John Cormack, 15. These ages are not consistent with her children Children were: Margaret CORMACK, John Sutherland CORMACK, Rachel CORMACK, James CORMACK, William CORMACK, Robert CORMACK, Alexander D CORMACK, Rachel CORMACK.

John CORMACK⁽⁴⁰²⁾⁽⁴⁰³⁾⁽⁴⁰⁴⁾⁽⁴⁰⁵⁾ (photo) was born on 25 Dec 1837 in Forse, Scotland (County).⁽⁴⁰⁶⁾ He was baptised on 7 Jan 1838 in Latheron, Scotland.⁽³³⁹⁾ He emigrated in 1861 from from Scotland to Dunedin on board Robert Henderson.⁽⁴⁰⁷⁾ He resided in 1862/63 in Dunstan, about Clyde, central Otago.⁽⁴⁰⁸⁾ He was living in 1869 in Munro's Gully, Tuapeka.⁽⁴⁰⁹⁾ He was living in 1869 in Munro's Gully, Tuapeka.⁽⁴¹⁰⁾ He died about 25 Jan 1908 in Hamilton.⁽⁴¹¹⁾ Staying with a maried daughter.
DEATH OF A TUAPEKA
PIONEER.
Word was received in Lawrence on Monday of the death of Mr John Cormack which occurred at the Hamilton Hospital, in the North Island, where he had been staying with a married daughter The late Mr Cormack, who, was a prominent figure in the mining industry in Tuapeka in the early days, was a native of Caithness, Scotland, where he was born In 1837. As a young man he served his time to the wheelwrighting and carpentering trade, and at the age of 24 years decided to try his fortune in New Zealand and arrived at Dunedin by the ship Robert Henderson in the year 1861.
After working for a short time at his trade in Dunedin, he found his way to Gabriels Gully, where stayed until attracted by what was known as Fox's rush, near the Arrow. At this he was very successful, and later, returning to the Blue Spur, he bought into Morrison and Co.'s claim and also acquired an interest in the Great Extended, acting as manager in the latter for some time. Later he went in for railway contracting in North Otago, in which undertaking he was fairly successful. He next turned his attention to land speculating in the same district, but unfortunately, the depression in land values, which throughout the colony about that time, proved disastrous to him, arid he returned to Tuapeka, where he occupied for some time the farm at Tuapeka now owned by Mr Samuel Young. On leaving Tuapeka West he settled his family in Lawrence and himself went to Australia, where he spent some years visiting the mining centres and also some time prospecting in New Guinea. He returned to Lawrence some few years ago, and after remaining a short, time the roaming spirit again seized him and he went to the North Island, where he has for some time past been working at his trade. He was a particularly well-informed man, and in the early days of Tuapeka took a keen and prominent interest in political matters. He leaves a family of eight daughters and two sons, all grown up, three of the former- viz.., Mrs H.Cameron and Misses Elizabeth and Isabella being residents in this district. [Tuapeka Times 25 Jan 1908, JD015]
Note also there is no trace of an entry in the NZBDM indexes for 1907-1909. The1875entry is for the Otepopo one. He was living 1841 census in Burrigill, (next to Forse, Latheron).⁽⁴¹²⁾ He emigrated by 1862 from various reports from from SCT. He was educated. He was educated served his time to the wheelwrighting and carpentry trade.⁽⁴¹³⁾ Otago Witness - 25 apr 1863 - p5 (4th col) - a story about John Cormack &
Benjamin Sutherland on the journey they made to the West Coast. They were two
of the earliest on Fox's rush. Collected a lot of jade.Passenger "Slaine Castle" (NZ Bio index)
Syd Cormack records he was in the Farmers' Union in Lawrence and says that he disappeared from NZ. But there appers to be an Isabella family line so he may died young.

John Cormack President of Farmers Union of Clutha Ferry 1889 (inception)
In index to NZ Section of Register of NZ Ships 1840-50 [?]
John Cormack, Pt Chalmers Contractor
Splendid 1874-1886
Jessie Nichol 1879-1886
Joint Owners W Elder of Pt. Chalmers
" " F Nichol

John Cormack, Tuapeka West, farmer
Othello 1885-86 342 tons

Cormack S Kaikoura (Kiaora No 171393 1940- my fishing boat)

Co-owners of the Splendid:
James Ashcroft,
Edward Barnes Cargill
Andrew Mowat
Thomas Brown
Keith Ramsey
George Spencer Smith
Andrew Thomson
John Thomson
William Thomson
Benjamin Thorpe & John Wilson
Thomas Hynamin
W Elder
John Mill
John Morrison
George Moody

The Othello:
E B Cargill
Thomas Hynamin
George Hynamin
Geoge Joacim
John Hill
Andrew Mowat of Oamaru [obit ODT 28 Feb 1912, JD028]
Miller
Keith Ramsey
George Spencer Smith
Andrew Thomson
Benjamin Thorpe and Robert Wilson
John Cormack registered owner.

Jessie Nichol:
John Cormack
W Elder
Malcolm Nichol
Charles Stewart

Keith Ramsey owned 22 other ships.

'I am sure there were 10 owners of the Splendid including F Nichol, Elder of Pt Chalmers, chemist and J Cormack were the principals with some shares being small.

Often heard Grandfather (A M Cormack) mention Frank Nichol. Can't remember hearing of Henrietta but may have coupled the two persons.
If Grandfather and your Henrietta came out on the same ship why did they nt keep in touch?
Grandfather died at Pt Chalmers 1925; buried at Oamaru. I was present.
(Grandfather) lived with No.11 (James) at Pt Chalmers from as easrly as I can remember.'
[SC]

See: History of the Early Gold Discoveries in Otago by Vincent Pyke (Dunedin 1887) for account by John of his ssociation with Ben Sutherland in the Arrow goldrush. Mentions going to Dunedin in 1862 to meet relatives off a ship, but they never arrived. This could have been Henrietta and alexander who arived later in 1863. [JRSDto RS]

Another book by Pyke: Wild Bill Enderby - supposed to be based on fact [SC to JRSD 1 Mar 1980]

See: KC McDonald, History of North Otago (1940) - John charged with negligence and acquitted, after boile blew up while constructing Ngapara branch line in 1876. See also Frank Nicoll's obituary. [JRSD to SC 28 Feb 1980]

F Nichol was not one of the New Chum party of John Cormack who worked a creek stil known as New Chum Creek on the Arrow River, above Arrowtown. [SCMar1980]

Wises Directory:
1885 Tuapeka West , farmer
1887 dto
1890 dto
1892 not listed
1894 Lawrence, mine manager
1896 not listed
1898 Portobello, settler [May not be same person]
1900 dto
1912 dto (last mention)

Not in Electoral Roll for 1903 but found -
1908 Chalmers John C, Portobello, mason
Margaret C, "
1908 Oamaru John C, Reed Str., fisherman [this will be be AMCs son {KAOB}]
Alexander Mowatt, Tees St., fisherman [Syd's father {KAOB}]
1911 as for 1908
[JRSD to SC 20 Apr 1981]

The earlier (John) had a run No.7 at Wainakarua. These runs startedfrom No.1 at Moeraki , taken up by a man during the whaling days, so this J Cormack was here by 1850.
Our John , interviewed by Vincent Pyke, Goldfields Commissioner at Tuapeka Mouth in 1872, first chairman of the Farmers Union Tuapeka Mouth, part owner of the whaler Splendid and sole owner of ship Othello 1870s. Constructed with the help of a company the Oamaru to Ngapara Railway. The book: White Stone Country by K C McDonald gives the construction date of the Ngapara line as 1877. It was discontinued in 1959 an our name station Cormacks is now unrecognisable.
John 1894 Mine Manager - that would be the coal mine of Cormack & Nichols.
Can remember visiting my Grandmother's house in Oamaru before the move to Moeraki. (1912) [SC 26Jul1981]

See: Golden days of lake County p38. Names Ben Sutherland, Harry Bowman, Dan Sutherland & George Mckenzie as partners of John Cormack.
See: Cyclopedia of NZ p679, Phillip Uren Town Clerk of Lawrence, born Cornwall 27 Nov 1841, mining engineer, came to NZ 1863.
Page 681, mr George Walker.. formed syndicate of 8 to work coal pit at Lawrence. Most left for Dunstan gold rush, some returned, Walker bought their shares then sold them to a company for £650-0-0. Ultimately sold to Messrs and Nicholl for £1200-0-0. THis woudl be John and Francis. [SC 23Jul1981]

See the article in ODT 10 Oct 1987 about Bill Fox and the Arrow gold prospecting

The earlier JC may be a relation to Dorothy McKenzie who wrote to JRSD 24 Aug 1989 saying he was married to her gtgtgfather's sister janet (jessie) McMillan in 1833; at the time he was a shepherd for Charles Suiated. His movements are covered in 'Otepopo'. .. 'My JC was born in Brubster, Reay in 1799.'

See: V Pyke, History of the Early Gold Discoveries in Otago, Dundein 1887. page 107, chap III, How Fox was found.. The writer John Cormack of Tuapeka was one of the early mining pioneers.
'In August '62 when .. & reilly made known their discovwey of gold at Dunstan, I was engaged on the Govt Survey near the .. Bush.. Parents: James CORMACK and Janet MOWAT (Jessie).

He was married to Isabella DUNNETT about Jun 1870 in Blue Spur Otago Goldfields ?.⁽⁴¹⁴⁾ See main notes ABOUT HIS FAMILY
The birth registration #490 for Euphemia gives the father as John Cormack, miner, Blue Spu and mother as 'Isabella Dunnett now Cormack'. The birth date was Mar 27 1870 and the registration date June 20 1870. The name change hints at a marriage prior to the birth being registered. There was an earlier birth recorded in 1867 of a female child.

Isabella's father's name was Coghill but she took her mother's Dunnett name for some unknown reason - see below.

One of the daughters married a (H) Cameron [Obit]

CORMACK - DUNNETT - COGHILL CONNECTION

Information (1995) from Tom King, 273 Gillies Ave, Epsom, phone 6304366.

1. Coghill family tree shows;

1801 - William Coghill born
1826? - married Harriet Dllnnett
1834 - Isabella born

2 Photo from Donald Sutherland & Marjorie Brown (brother and sister)
1316 North Arbor Ave
Casa Grande AZ 85222
USA

Photo is from Donald's grandfather's album. Grandfather was a Dunnett..

3. Family tree info presumably from

Ronald Coghill
41 Chalton Rd
Inverteil
Bridge of Allan
Stirlingshire FK9 4EF
UK.

--------------------------------------
Staying with a maried daughter.
DEATH OF A TUAPEKA
PIONEER.
Word was received in Lawrence on Monday of the death of Mr John Cormack which occurred at the Hamilton Hospital, in the North Island, where he had been staying with a married daughter The late Mr Cormack, who, was a prominent figure in the mining industry in Tuapeka in the early days, was a native of Caithness, Scotland, where he was born In 1837. As a young man he served his time to the wheelwrighting and carpentering trade, and at the age of 24 years decided to try his fortune in New Zealand and arrived at Dunedin by the ship Robert Henderson in the year 1861.
After working for a short time at his trade in Dunedin, he found his way to Gabriels Gully, where stayed until attracted by what was known as Fox's rush, near the Arrow. At this he was very successful, and later, returning to the Blue Spur, he bought into Morrison and Co.'s claim and also acquired an interest in the Great Extended, acting as manager in the latter for some time. Later he went in for railway contracting in North Otago, in which undertaking he was fairly successful. He next turned his attention to land speculating in the same district, but unfortunately, the depression in land values, which throughout the colony about that time, proved disastrous to him, arid he returned to Tuapeka, where he occupied for some time the farm at Tuapeka now owned by Mr Samuel Young. On leaving Tuapeka West he settled his family in Lawrence and himself went to Australia, where he spent some years visiting the mining centres and also some time prospecting in New Guinea. He returned to Lawrence some few years ago, and after remaining a short, time the roaming spirit again seized him and he went to the North Island, where he has for some time past been working at his trade. He was a particularly well-informed man, and in the early days of Tuapeka took a keen and prominent interest in political matters. He leaves a family of eight daughters and two sons, all grown up, three of the former- viz.., Mrs H.Cameron and Misses Elizabeth and Isabella being residents in this district. [Tuapeka Times 25 Jan 1908, JD015] Children were: James CORMACK, Janet CORMACK (Jessie), Isabella CORMACK, Daughter CORMACK (one named ?), Euphemia CORMACK , Elizabeth CORMACK, Dau1 CORMACK, Dau2 CORMACK, Dau3 CORMACK, Son1 CORMACK.

John CORMACK Parents: William CORMACK and Janet.

John CORMACK⁽⁴¹⁵⁾ was baptised in 1809.⁽⁴¹⁶⁾ He was born before 1 Oct 1809.⁽⁴¹⁷⁾ He died on 1 Oct 1895.⁽⁴¹⁸⁾ He was buried Latheron.⁽⁴¹⁹⁾ He was a farmer in Smet...⁽⁴²⁰⁾ Mrs F M Glendenning (Frances) 189 Welcome Bay Road Tauranga says she is a descendant. Parents: William CORMACK and Janet GUNN.

He was married to Amelia SUTHERLAND in 1832 in Latheron.⁽⁴²¹⁾ Children were: Charles CORMACK.

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