Robert Walker ASHCROFT (1870-1937)
* was born in Lancashire. He arrived into Auckland, NZ on the 'British King' 2 May 1884 with his parents, James Ashcroft (1841-1930) & Henrietta Louisa Riley (1837-1904) and his 4 brothers Septimus, Peter & twins Arthur and Alfred. They settled in Napier which is where they met the Cobb family. Robert married on 25 Jan 1894, in the Cobb family home in Napier, to:
Elsie Day COBB (1871-1957)
* Elsie was born 23 Oct 1871 in Christchurch, Dorset, England, the eldest daughter of 16 children (11 sons) to Joseph Edward Cobb (1839-1911) & Harriet Sophia Day (1846-1929). She arrived in Wellington 1 Dec 1884 with her parents and eight siblings, on the ship 'Lady Jocelyn'. They moved to Napier on 5 Jan 1884. When she was 21 she and her mother signed the 'Women's Suffrage Petition' in Napier

the children of ROBERT & ELSIE:
. . 1 . .
1894 - 1900 George Alfred Ashcroft
* born in Napier 28 Dec 1894
... GEORGE died in Dannevirke 8 June 1900 aged 5
Daily Telegraph, 11 June 1900
ASHCROFT On June 8th 1900, at Dannevirke, George Alfred, eldest son of Robert and Elsie Ashcroft, aged 5½
* He is buried in unknown location at Settlers Cemetery, Dannevirke

. . 2 . .
1896 - 1959 Eric Arthur Ashcroft
* born in Napier 8 Feb 1896. He was a cheesemaker in Mangamaire, Manawatu (between Pahiatua & Eketahuna) when he enlisted for war. He served as Rifleman 24/337 with the B Company, NZ Rifle Brigade, 2nd Battalion. He embarked in Oct/Nov 1915, his next of kin was his mother, Mrs E. D. Ashcroft, c/o G. W. Cobb, Martinborough (his mother's brother). He was discharged in Aug 1917 with inflammation of the heart and after contracting mumps.
... Eric married Esther Maude GRIFFIN (1885-1957) in Auckland. Esther was the 2nd of 6 children of Edmund Alvin Griffin (1860-1917) from Castlemaine, Victoria & Jessie Mary Ann Tapp (1860-1927), born NZ.
Waikato Times, 21 Feb 1920
ASHCROFT - GRIFFIN A quiet and pretty wedding was solemnised at St Mary's Pro-Cathedral, Parnell, on Wednesday 11th February, when Miss Esther Maude Griffin, second daughter of Mrs and the late Edmund A. Griffin, was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr Eric A. Ashcroft, eldest son of Mr and Mrs R. W. Ashcroft of Hamilton and late of Wairarapa. Rev Dr O'Callaghan officiated. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr R. T. (Roydon Trevor Whitney) Griffin, looked sweet in a dainty dress of white Kobe silk, with the usual veil and orange blossoms. She was attended by her sister, Miss R. (Ruby Catherine) Griffin and Misses Dorothy Ashcroft, sister of the bridegroom and Joan Pain (Joan Elwyn Adele), niece of the bride (3 year old daughter of her sister Ethel Ruahine Pain), who carried bouquets of pale pink and asparagus fern. The bridegroom's gift to the bride was a pendant of fold and aquamarines and to the bridesmaids plain gold bangles. After the ceremony the wedding party adjourned to the Domain Kiosk. where the bride's mother entertained about thirty guests. The usual toasts were honoured and responded to. Subsequently the happy couple left, amidst the many good wishes of numerous friends, for the first stage of their wedding trip. Mr and Mrs Ashcroft sail per Moana for California at an early date.
they had a son, Eric Robert 'Bob' Ashcroft (1927-2007). Bob was 7 and living in Palmerston North when he lost his eye in an accident. He had attended a xmas party and was given a toy gun with a tin barrel. As he arrived home he tripped as he ran across the road and fell on the barrel which penetrated his eyeball. It could not be saved. He married Vivienne Joyce & had 5 children. Dr Eric Ashcroft wrote "The Standard 3 - Form 2 Drug Abust Prevention Kit; an evaluation in 1989" a resource designed to assist police, education officers and teachers to jointly enable and educate young people to make sensible choices about drug use. In 1995 a drug education programme for parents and caregivers "Dare to Support your Kids" and many others. He died at Wellington.
please note I have Eric as a son of Eric & Esther going by the memoriam for James Ashcroft below in 1938 .."Inserted by Eric and Betty and grandson Bob, Palmerston North"
* Esther died in Auckland 3 April 1957 and cremated Waikumete
Eric next married Clarice Evelyn Cobb (1907-1969). Clarice was his 1st cousin, the daughter of his mother's brother Percy and birth sister of his adopted sister Joy (child . 7 . below)
Eric died in Auckland 1 Nov 1959 aged 65. He is buried Plot 517, RSA area at Papatoetoe

. . 3 . .
1898 - 1965 Robert Peter 'Bert' Ashcroft
* born in Dannevirke on 9 Oct 1898
In Aug 1894 Bert was appointed to preach at the Greenmeadows Church's 7pm service. He was a farmer in Arapae, King Country when he enlisted for war in 1917 and served as Private 79854 with the 41st Reinforcements H Company, NZEF, embarking 27 July 1918 on the Ulimaroa but never saw active service. His next of kin was his mother at Arapae, King Country.
... Bert married Alice BROOME in 1921 and had 1 son & 3 daughters Elwyn 'Joy' Ashcroft (1923-1994 +John Henderson 'Jack' Oudney); Hazel 'Rae' Ashcroft (1927-2013 +Ken Sandford) & Valerie Ashcroft (adopted out)
Bert died 10 May 1965 aged 66 in Manurewa.
* Alice died 23 May 1981. They are buried Plot 464 at Papatoetoe cemetery.

. . 4 . .
1901 - 1975 Joseph James George 'Joe' Ashcroft
. born in Palmerston North 15 Dec 1901
In Nov 1923 Joseph was fined 20s in Hamilton Court for not holding his hand out to indicate his turning on his motor cycle and another breach of the motor by-laws the following year.
... Joe married Ethel Sarah McKee MONTGOMERY (1904-1995) in Otahuhu on 21 April 1926 & had 3 children, Edith Mary Ashcroft (1927-1927); Robert James 'Bob' Ashcroft (1930-2007 +Brent +Bell); Elsie Eunice Ashcroft (1933- + Norman Leslie Hooson)
* Joe & brother Harold were 'called up' in the Ballot in Nov 1942, both giving the same address, 4 Fourth Avenue, Northland.
Joe died in Whangarei 14 May 1975 aged 73
* Ethel died 18 March 1995 aged 90 & they are buried together Plot 2656 Maunu cemetery

. . 5 . .
1904 - 1982 Harold Day Ashcroft
* born in Hawera 10 March 1904
In Oct 1928 Harold was in an accident at the junction of Avenue Road 6 Panmure Road, Otahuhu, between his motor-cycle and a motor car driven by Henry Lloyd. He received severe bruises on his left arm and ankle and, suffering from shock, was taken to the hospital.
... Harold married Maria 'Hilda' PIPPEN (1906-1991) in 1930 & had 4 children. Hilda was an adopted daughter of Edward 'Peter' Bede Pippen (1874-1958) & Margaret Mary Agnes Prendergast (1880-1940) from NSW who were living near Te Kuiti in 1908 & Thames in May 1910 when a son Leo Martin Pippen died aged 16 months. They were in Paeroa in 1938 when their youngest son, also Leo Martin Pippen (1911-2002) became engaged to Helen Mary 'Nell' Reily.
* Harold & Hilda were living in Mercer in Jan 1934 when they had a daughter in Otahuhu. They lived in Hauraki, Kaipara, Marsden and Whangarei.
* Harold & brother Joe were 'called up' in the Ballot in Nov 1942, both giving the same address, 4 Fourth Avenue, Northland.
Harold died in Whangarei 6 Oct 1982 aged 78
* Hilda died in 1991 and they are buried together in Maunu Cemetery

. . 6 . .
1906 - 1978 Dorothy Henrrietta Ashcroft
* born 20 March 1906 in Pahiatua
In Feb 1917 Dorothy & brother Harold were presented with a special attendance prize at the Sunday School picnic at Arapae. The prize was donated by their grandmother Mrs James Ashcroft who ran the Sunday School, assisted by two of her sons.
... Dorothy 1st married Alfred Robert FALLOWS (1899-1930) on 10 Dec 1924 & had 2 children. Alfred was born 15 Feb 1899 to William Isaac Fallows (1866-1948) & Bertha Susannah Douglas (1866-1931). His parents were born in Auckland but married in Victoria, Australia.
Waikato Times, 17 Dec 1924
FALLOWS - ASHCROFT A very pretty wedding was solemnised at St Paul's Church on Wednesday, December 10, when Miss Dorothy Ashcroft, daughter of Mr and Mrs R. W. Ashcroft, of Hamilton, was married to Mr Alfred Fallows, eldest son of Mr and Mrs W. Farrows, of Puni, Pukekohe. The ceremony was performed by the bride's uncle, Revd. A. Ashcroft (president of the Methodist Conference). Mr T. S. Webster presided at the organ. The bride looked very charming, as she entered the church on the arm of her father, in a dainty frock of cream brocaded crepe de chene, she also wore the orthodox veil and orange blossoms and carried a lovely bouquet of tiny lillies and asparagus fern. She was attended by two maids, Miss Ethney Cobb, cousin of the bride, who wore a pretty silk frock of white and mauve and carried a mauve bouquet and Miss Joyce Ashcroft, sister of the bride, in a sweet little frock of white and blue silk with a bouquet to match. After the ceremony the guests were entertained at the residence of the bride's parents where a sumptuous feast was spread and partaken of, the usual toasts being honoured. The happy couple then left, amidst the best wishes of their many friends, by motor on the first stage of their wedding trip. The young couple were the recipients of many useful presents, including a set of cutlery and silver from the staff of the New Zealand Loan and mercantile Co., of which Mr Fallows is a member.
Evening Post, 26 Sep 1930 WHAKATANE - A motor-car accident occurred in the Waimana Gorge and Alfred Robert Fallows, a traveller, resident of Hamilton, lost his life.
Mr Kirk, a settler, of Waimana, riding through the gorge, noticed the marks of a car leading over the bank on Douglas Hill. On investigating he saw a car submerged in the Waimana River, 40ft below. He reported the matter to the police at Taneatua.
The car was recovered from the river this morning and the body of the victim of the accident was recovered later about three-quarters of a mile lower down the river. The body was removed to Whakatane.
Mr Fallows was 32 years of age and a son of Mr W. J. Fallows of Pukekohe. He leaves a wife and two children. He was well known in Hamilton. For a number of years Mr Fallows was secretary of the Hamilton Suburban Tennis Association and a member of the Waikato Hockey Association executive. At the time of his death he was sitting as Noble Grand of the M.U. Oddfellows Lodge. He was on the staff of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Co. for 14 years. Twelve months ago he joined the Goodyear Rubber Co. at Hamilton as a traveller. He left Hamilton on Tuesday morning for Gisborne. He was expected back last night
Alfred's HEADSTONE
In Loving Memory Of
Alfred Robert
Beloved husband Of
Dorothy Fallows
Died 26th Sep 1930 aged 31.
To Memory Ever Dear.
... Dorothy next married Vivian George RANBY (1906-1989) in 1932. Vivian was born 23 March 1906 in Pahiatua, the 8th of 9 children of Joseph William Ranby (1861) & Emma Maud Wilton (1866-1935) who married 8 April 1885 in Kuripuni, Masterton and are buried Hamilton East.
* In Oct 1940 Vivian was in the First Ballot of the Auckland District 'call up' for Home Defence.
Vivian next married Katherine Mary McDonald (1929-1985). A daughter, Joy Ranby, died 2 April 2021 in Auckland
... Dorothy next married Neil LARSEN & had 2 daughters. This was 'possibly' Neil (Neils/Nils) Larsen, 1 of 11 children of Peder 'Peter' Larsen (1841-1909) & Margrethe Olsen (1847-1935) of Denmark, who settled in Mauriceville, Wairarapa. In 1923 there was a Neil Larsen in Arapae. At the time of his mother's death in 1935 (see her link), Neil was living in Te Kuiti. Or none of the above
... Dorothy next married William George BUDD (1895-1990). William was born in Masterton, the 4th of at least 9 children of Henry William Budd (1870-1959) & Maria Cristina Christensen (1872-1952) who are buried in Te Kuiti
Dorothy died 19 Feb 1978 aged 72 in Te Awamutu
* William George Budd died 25 June 1990 aged 94. They are buried together at Te Awamutu

. . 7 . .
1912 - 1994 Joyce Harriett 'Joy' Ashcroft
* born Cobb on 9 May 1912, Joy was the youngest daughter of Elsie's brother Percy Cobb & his wife, Charlotte Mary Drury. Charlotte died in the 1918 Flu Pandemic aged 37, leaving 3 young daughters who were placed in a children's home. Joy was taken in by Robert & Elise, officially adopted in 1923 when she was 10 and her name became Ashcroft. Joy married Walter 'Nelson' BURGESS (1913-2002) as his 2nd wife in 1938 and they had 3 children. Nelson served in WWII as Sergeant 562756, with the 27th Machine Gun Battalion, enlisting from Thames, Coromandel in 1944. His next of kin was Joy at 68 Brown St., Thames. They also lived in Hauraki, & Auckland and were divorced there in 1967. In 1981 Joy was living in Mount Albert.
Joyce Harriet Burgess died 17 Oct 1994 in Christchurch.
* Nelson 1st married Edith Alice Robinson in 1914. He married Joy in 1938. He next married Ellen Aldyth Elsa 'Pat' (nee Pryce, previously Campbell 1912-1993). Ellen is buried in Papatoetoe with her 1st husband. Nelson died 2 Sep 2002 in Auckland & buried Waikaraka.


Timeline NOTES
Evening Post, 27 July 1900, 3 COLONIAL INVENTIONS
ROBERT WALKER ASHCROFT, tinsmith, William John Maddren, mechanic and Septimus Ashcroft (his brother), store-manager, all of Wellington, improved means for putting up butter and the like into regular quantities

In 1904 Robert & Elsie were living in Hawera
In June 1905 they were living in Pahiatua
In 1911 they were living in Newman
In 1913 they were living in Eketahuna
In 1916 they were living in Te Kuiti
1 Dec 1917 Robert and Elsie wrote a letter to the Defence Officer in Te Kuiti giving their consent for their 19 year old son Robert to enlist for war. They were then living in Arapae, 7km north of Piopio.
In 1921 they were living in Frankton Junction, Hamilton

On 18 Dec 1929 they were living in Auckland.
COBB - On Wednesday, December 18, 1929, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs R. W. Ashcroft, Church Street, Otahuhu, Harriet S., beloved wife of the late J. E. Cobb, of Napier; aged 84 years.

On 10 Sep 1930 Robert's father James was living with them in Otahuhu when he died aged 89
Mr James Ashcroft, who died at Otahuhu on September 10, aged 89 years, was born in Lancashire and came to New Zealand in 1884, settling in Napier district. On his retirement he came to live in Auckland. He is survived by the following sons:- The Rev Arthur Ashcroft of Oamaru, Mr Robert Ashcroft of Otahuhu, Mr Peter Ashcroft of Napier and Mr Septimus Ashcroft of Hastings. The mother of Mr Ashcroft was one of four sisters who were the descendants of John Guy, who, 200 years ago, founded and endowed Guy's Hospital. Dr D. W. Ashcroft is about to enter that hospital to complete his medical training.


ROBERT WALKER ASHCROFT died in Auckland 24 March 1937 aged 65 after a long illness.
Manawatu Standard, 25 March 1937 ASHCROFT - On March 24th 1937, at Otahuhu, Auckland, Robert Walker, dearly beloved husband of Elsie Day Ashcroft; in his 66th year - A patient sufferer at rest. Much loved father of E. A. Ashcroft and brother of Rev A. Ashcroft, both of Palmerston North
Obituary of Mr R. W. Ashcroft Mr Robert Walker Ashcroft, who was born in Lancashire, England in 1870, passed away at Otahuhu, Auckland, last month. He came to New Zealand in 1884 with his parents and brothers. He is survived by Mrs Ashcroft, four sons and one daughter; also by nine grandchildren. Rev Arthur Ashcroft of Palmerston North, is one of his brothers, the others being Peter of Napier and Septimus of Hastings. The deceased took an active part in the life of the Dominion, being an enthusiastic Mason and a preacher. He was a member of the Royal Sanitary Institute and from a gift of invention he enriched the country of his adoption. As a maker of violins he won and enviable reputation. Being of a cheerful and kindly disposition he made many friends and his surviving relatives have the happy memory of a husband and father much beloved.
ELSIE DAY ASHCROFT died in Auckland 12 July 1957 aged 85
* They are buried next to each other in Otahuhu Cemetery.
Their HEADSTONE
ASHCROFT
In Loving Memory Of
Robert Walker
Dearly loved husband of Elsie D. Ashcroft
died 24th March 1937 aged 66 years
And His Beloved Wife
Elsie Day
died 12 July 1957 aged 85 years
God's precious gift remembrance.

Auckland Star, 24 March 1938
ASHCROFT - In dear loving memory of Robert Walker Ashcroft, who passed on for higher service March 24, 1937. Inserted by his wife and daughter, Dorothy.
ASHCROFT - A tribute to the memory of kind and loving father, who was called away March 24, 1937.
...... He was a man among the few,
...... God's choicest gift, a man who's true.
Inserted by Eric and Betty, and grandson Bob, Palmerston North

They are buried Area 2, Lot No 787, at Otahuhu Cemetery
Their HEADSTONE READS:
In loving memory of Robert Walker
Dearly loved husband of Elsie D. Ashcroft
Died 24th March 1937 aged 66
and his beloved wife Elsie Day
Died 12 July 1957 aged 85
God's precious gift remembrance

PHOTO
Headstone of Dorothy Henrrietta Budd (child .6.)
Plot 1453, Block B4, Row 34 at Te Awamutu