the BLEWDEN GROOMS
Alfred James Blewden (1885-1979)
son of William BLEWDEN & Ann SOAR (Bower)
married Alice May STAFFORD in 1909
their known children
* 1910 - Alison May Blewden
* 1912 - Alfred David Blewden
ALICE died 15 February 1974 aged 86
ALFRED died 18 April 1979 aged 93
* they are buried Plot 077, Row 6, Block M at Purewa, Auckland

* Frank Blewden (1872-1944)
son of William BLEWDEN & Ann SOAR (Bower)
married Sarah 'Nellie' WINDSOR in 1897
their known children
* 1898 - William Herbert Blewden
* 1900 - Iris Cordelia Blewden
* 1906 - Frank Bower Blewden
* 1908 - Alan George Blewden
FRANK died 4 October 1944 in Auckland, He is buried Lot 426, Area 3 at Otahuhu. His headstone reads In loving memory of Sarah (Nellie) Blewden died 2nd Feb. 1943 aged 68 yrs and her husband Frank died 4th Oct 1944 aged 72 yrs.?

* Thomas Blewden
son of William BLEWDEN & Ann SOAR (Bower)
married Alice May ASHWORTH 5 June 1901 at St Paul's Presbyterian Church, Napier
their known children
* 1902 - Eileen May Blewden
* 1905 - Alma Victoria Blewden
* 1907 - William Raymond Bower Blewden

---
* William Blewden (1826-1888) - Auckland Builder
married Ann SOAR (nee BOWER) (1840-1917) in 1884
NOTES there was an Ann Soar who arrived on the Tybernia into Auckland on 4 Sep 1863. On that passenger list there is a Mary Ann Soar with her (supposed) husband John H. Soar and (their sons) John Bower Soar (1857-1925) & William Charles Soar (1859-1941). So, was the above Ann Soar who married William Blewden in 1884 the same person? and a widow by then?

Auckland, 12 March 1886
Scaffolding Falls with Three Men
The Denizens of Freeman's Bay were thrown into a state of great alarm and excitement this afternoon by the unwanted occurrence in that quiet neighbourhood of a very serious accident. Three plasterers were busily at work upon a scaffolding drawn up to the third story of the brick hotel which is in course of erection at the corner of Victoria and Vernon-streets, when suddenly, with a great crash, the boards seemed to give way in the centre. Two of the men tumbled heavily to the ground, while the third was happily near enough to reach and support himself upon a cornice .. One of the two stunned men was seen to be JOHN SOAR, stepson of Mr BLEWDEN, the contractor for the erection of the hotel .. (more at the link)

* on BDM the children listed as being born to a William and Ann Blewden from 1866 to 1885 (I will list them here as someone may recognise them)
* 1866 - 1960 Henry Blewden
- Henry died 17 September 1960 aged 94. He is buried Plot 077, Row 6, Block M at Purewa, Auckland
* 1867 - 1954 Emma Amelia Blewden
* 1869 - 1924 Thomas Blewden
* 1872 - 1944 Frank Blewden
* 1874 - ? Annie Elizabeth Blewden
* 1876 - 1957 May Florence Blewden
* 1878 - 1924 Arthur Blewden (born 11 Nov 1878 twin)
* Arthur wasn't married. He died 4 June 1924 aged 45 in Auckland. He is buried Lot 295, Block A, Area 1 at Hillsborough Cemetery.
Headstone
In loving memory of Arthur Blewden died 4 June 1924 aged 46 Erected by his loving sister Emma
* 1878 - 1917 Jessie Blewden (twin)
* 1880 - 1965 Edith Ellen Blewden
* 1882 - 1975 Amy Jane Blewden
* 1885 - 1979 Alfred James Blewden

this raises a number of questions
* were they all of 'this' William & Ann or 2 families?
* did Ann & John Soar separate but not divorce/die until after 1884, thereby making Ann unable to marry until then

the VALUATION of WILLIAM's PROPERTY
Borough of Newton Valuation 15 January 1888
Occupier's Name - BLEWDEN, William
Occupier's Occupation - Contractor
Property Description - Sub. 5 and 7 of Allot. 1 and 2 Princes Street
Rateable Value - £40.0.0 ()Jan 2012 equivalent of $7,900
Date - 15 Jan 1888
Entry Number - 31
Owner's Occupation - Occupier
Record Title: - Borough of Newton Valuation List Richmond Ward

the DEATH of WILLIAM BLEWDEN
Wanganui Herald, 29 Oct 1888
The body of a man was found in the harbour at half-past 4 this morning. Two letters, one unopened and address to Thos. Blewden, contractor, Union or Cook street, Auckland, were found in the pocket. The body has not yet been identified
South Australian Register, 30 Oct 1888
Mr William Blewden, a well-known contractor, was found drowned in Wellington Harbour. He was on his way to Melbourne
Evening Post, 30 Oct 1888
At the request of the widow of Mr William Blewden, the Auckland contractor, whose body was found on Te Aro beach yesterday, the arrangements for the interment of his remains have been undertaken by Mr Allan Maguire, contractor for the Te Aro reclamation. Deceased leaves a large family of eight sons and six daughters, several of whom are grown up, while others range from twelve to seventeen years of age
Evening Post, 30 Oct 1888
An Unexplained Fatality
An inquest was held at the City Morgue this morning, before Mr Robinson, R.M., on the body which was found on the beach at Te Aro yesterday, and which has since been identified as that of William Blewden, contractor, of Auckland. Mr Wm. Eades was foreman of the jury.
Inspector Thomson was the senior police officer present
Dr Cole, who had made a post mortem examination of the body said that he found a quantity of sand and shelly gravel both inside and outside the clothing, and in the mouth and nostrils, as if it had settled there for some little time. The only marks of external injury were abrasions on the forehead, and at the back of the head, and cuts on the outside of two fingers of the right hand. These might have been caused by washing against the rocks, and though the bruises on the head might have stunned a man, they would not have been sufficient to cause death. On opening the head, he found the brain abnormal as to weight, shape, consistency and colour, while the upper convolutions were flattened, these appearances indicating that deceased had suffered from chronic inflammation of the parts, probably for some years. Witness thought he must have manifested during life some symptoms of both mental and physical aberration. Did not think it necessary to examine the body further. The congestion and distention about the vessels of the brain would almost of themselves be sufficient to account for death. The body had none of the ordinary appearances of drowning, and could not have been very long in the water. Deceased's eyes were evidently defective, and he thought being seized with giddiness. Could not say, from the examination, what was the cause of death, but could be certain that death was sudden, from the fluidity of the blood.
- to Inspector THOMPSON - This very abnormal condition of the brain might decidedly have developed suicidal tendencies. All the marks on the body were such as might have been caused by washing against rocks after death
- Constable DOYLE proved to finding the body and James G. Spence identified it as that of William Blewden, an Auckland contractor. The latter witness had known deceased for some years, and had never noticed any signs of mental aberration, or seen him the worse for liquor, His eyesight, however, was very defective
- Patrick HOULIHAM, plateplayer, employed on Mr A. Macquire's reclamation contract, said he saw deceased pacing to and from on the footpath in Willis-street at 4 o'clock on Sunday afternoon. Witness remarked to a friend that the deceased then looked half silly. He was them walking up and down, with his head sunk on his breast, as though thinking, but did not appear to be drunk
- Constable GILLESON deposed that he had ascertained on board the s.s.Tarawere that deceased was a passenger by that vessel from Auckland to Melbourne, and that on his way to Wellington he had been so uneasy and troublesome that the steward was obliged one night to lock him in his bunk. He left the vessel at 7 o'clock on Sunday evening, and was not seen on board again. The steward came to the Morgue, and identified the body as that of the passenger he had alluded to. Inspector Thompson explained that as the steward would have lost his employment if he had been detained to give evidence, and as his testimony would not have been material, it was not thought necessary to keep him in Wellington.
- Inspector Thompson said that deceased had a very expensive lawsuit in Auckland last year, and had once had some very serious losses, which he thought, had affected his mind considerably. The doctor's description of the condition of deceased's brain had not at all surprised him.
The jury returned an open verdict of Found Dead
* he is buried unknown plot. Section C of E at Bolton Street Cemetery, Wellington

DEATH of ANN BLEWDEN
Auckland Star, 26 Feb 1917
Another old resident of Auckland, Mrs William Blewden, died yesterday, aged 78 years. Deceased was born in Nottingham, England, and came to Auckland in the ship Tyburnia in 1863. She was married to the late Mr William Blewden, who was a contractor in Auckland for many years, and amongst other works constructed the first reservoir at the corner of Ponsonby Road. Mrs Blewden is survived by 13 children, 34 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren
Ann is buried Plot 49A, Block O, Area 2 at Waikaraka cemetery. Her headstone reads: In loving memory of Ann beloved wife of William Blewden died 25 Feb 1917 aged 77 yrs
16 June 1917 Ann's estate was certified for stamp duty and was valued at £3091 (equivalent in June 2012 of $366,000)

* William Herbert Blewden (1898-1974)
son of Frank BLEWDEN & Sarah WINDSOR
grandson of William BLEWDEN & Ann SOAR (Bower)
married Olive Esther GARMSON in 1925

* William Raymond Bower Blewden (1907-1992)
son of Thomas BLEWDEN & Alice May ASHWORTH
grandson of William BLEWDEN & Ann SOAR (Bower)
married Phyllis Ebbitt BROCK in 1930

the BLEWDEN BRIDES
* Amy Jane Blewden (1882-1975)
daughter of William BLEWDEN & Ann SOAR (Bower)
married Joseph Ivory STICHBURY in 1907
their known children
* 1911 - Joan Amy Stichbury

* Annie Elizabeth Blewden (1874-?)
daughter of William BLEWDEN & Ann SOAR (Bower)
married George Orlando CUMMINS in 1901
no children found - in fact they disappear after this

* Edith Ellen Blewden (1880-1965)
daughter of William BLEWDEN & Ann SOAR (Bower)
married Alexander BURNS in 1909
their known children
*1909 - Dulcie Burns
* 1911 - Gibson Alexander Burns

* Eileen May Blewden ()
Eileen was born 31 March 1902 to Thomas BLEWDEN & Alice Mary ASHWORTH
granddaughter of William BLEWDEN & Ann SOAR (Bower)
she married Peter Sydney ENTING on 3 Dec 1924
- Peter was born 27 November 1900, 7th of 7 children of Laurenz Moritz ENTING (1858-1907) & Selina Amelia Gertrude HEWALD (1868-1932) who married 21 June 1887 at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Napier (Selina is buried in Timaru)
EILEEN MAY died 17 June 1983 aged 81
PETER SYDNEY died 7 February 1991 aged 90

* Emma Amelia Blewden (1867-1954)
daughter of William BLEWDEN & Ann SOAR (Bower)
married Thomas Henry TOWNSEND (1859-1918) in 1898
their known children
* 1898 - Edward Henry Townsend
* 1900 - Alfred Charles Townsend
* 1902 - Frank Leopold Townsend
* 1904 - Gladys May Townsend
OF INTEREST
Auckland Star, 6 Jan 1925 - SOAR, On January 6 1925, at the Auckland Hospital after a long and painful illness, John Bower, the dearly beloved husband of Catherine Mary Soar (nee Douglas m. 1916) and beloved father of Roy, Charles and William Soar, Mrs Easton (Gladys May Soar (1896-1974) m George Easton in 1923) and Mrs Knaggs (Irene Alice Soar (1900-1970) m Leonard Gilbert Knaggs in 1924), and eldest son of the late Ann Blewden of 92 Cook Street West aged 68 years. The funeral will leave the residence of his daughter, ?? Road, Edendale, for Hillsborough Cemetery to-morrow (Wednesday) at ?p.m.
* Mrs C Soar and family, Kaipara Flats (Rodney), desire to thank all kind friends who sympathised with them in their recent sad bereavement, also for cards, letter, telegrams and floral emblems received, also doctor and nurses of Ward 14, especially Sister Sutherland, of the Auckland Hospital
* Mr Soar, a very well known figure in this and surrounding districts passed away recently in Auckland. Chimneys for miles round have been put up by this much honoured gentleman. The whole district has felt the deepest sympathy for the bereaved family
Auckland Star, 6 Jan 1926 - SOAR, In loving memory of John Bower Soar, who died January 6 1925. At Rest. Inserted by Mr and Mrs C. Townsend, 6 St James St
Auckland Star, 31 July 1941 at his residence, 13 Smith Street, Newton, (suddenly), William, beloved husband of Emily Soar (nee HASLAM m 1887). aged 82 years. Funeral leaves McIvors Limited, Karangahake Road 1.30 p.m. Saturday, for Hillsboro Cemetery

* Jessie Blewden (1878-1917)
daughter of William BLEWDEN & Ann SOAR (Bower)
married Arthur Leslie CASEY in 1911

* May Florence Blewden (1876-1957)
daughter of William BLEWDEN & Ann SOAR (Bower)
married Henry LYMAN in 1894
their known children
* 1896 - Henry Wilfred Lyman
* 1899 - Amy Ann Lyman

* a Richard Soar married Lydia Amelia CARTER in 1886
their known children
1887 - Claude Christopher Richard
- Claude married Gladys Catherine RYAN in 1915
1888 - Harold Victor Soar
- Harold married Gladys Ellen MAY in 1916
1890 - Frederick Charles Soar
- Frederick married Flora Edna DAVIES in 1920
1891 - Ethel Amelia Soar
- married Arthur Frederick Massey in 1913
1893 - Frank Bower Soar
- Frank (son of Mrs Ansen and the late Richard Soar) married Rene Pearl BRETT 9 Oct 1916 in Ponsonby
* Richard died 1 March 1910 aged 47 (born 1862/3) he is buried Lot 37, Block N, area 2 at Waikaraka
Auckland Star, 1 March 1910
On March 1st, at the Auckland Hospital, Richard, the beloved husband of Millie Soar, after a long and painful illness, in his 48th year. The funeral will leave his late residence 48 Albany-rd., at 2.30 p.m. Wednesday, March 2nd, for Waikaraka Cemetery. Friends please accept this intimation
* his widow, Lydia Amelia 'Millie' next married Frederick ANSEN. She next married O. J. MORELL in 1913
13 Aug 1927 (in her obit they have 2 different names)
Mrs L. A. MORELL. The death took place at the age of 61 years of Mrs Lydia Amelia 'Mille' Morell, after a very short illness. With her husband, Mr O. J. Morell, she had latterly lived at Paparata. He first husband was the late Mr Richard Soar. The following children survive:- Mrs A. F. Massey, Henderson; Messrs C. C. Soar Dargaville, H. V. Soar Pukemiro; F. C. Soar Onehunga; and F. B. Soar, Raetihi

MISC. NOTES that may or may not be of this family
1 March 1875 John Soar was charged with assaulting his wife, Anne Soar, by striking her repeatedly, kicking her, and knocking her down. Mr Joy stated that the prosectrix regretted having laid the charge. The prisoner said that he would plead guilty; he was ashamed of what he had done; but had been subject to a series of petty tyranny at the hands of his wife. He owned to striking her, but said the striking didn't last for two minutes. The informant said that she did not wish to press the charge against her husband, and the Bench reluctantly complied with the application of the learned counsel, and discharged the prisoner
17 Nov 1876 7th suicide
At the Provincial Hospital, John Soar, aged 39 years (birth of c1837); native of NOTTINGHAM, England
- I have a strong feeling that this is Ann's husband. She was born 1838 and also from Nottingham

NOTES
* according to amscott (see comments below) Peter Sydney Enting was married to Beatrice Lillian SCOTT

Beatrice Lillian Scott was born 23 March 1904
daughter of George Litson SCOTT (1874-1943) & Mary Beatrice MILLS (1877-1962)
no marriage found but Beatrice was an 'Enting' when she died 15 Sep 2003 aged 99

* Mary Beatrice MILLS was a daughter of Henry MILLS & Jane Fagg BATEMAN
their known children
* 1877 - 1962 Mary Beatrice Mills
as above
and twins ..
* 1881 - Lilian Jane Mills
* 1881 - Elizabeth Annie Mills

George Litson SCOTT was a son of George SCOTT (1832-1877) & Elizabeth VICKERS (1845-1922)
their known children
* 1866 - 1925 Emily Elizabeth Scott
married Octavius Wedderburn HOMES (1864-1917) from Herefordshire and had 7 children

* 1868 - 1925 Mary Ruth Scott
married Arthur HARRIS (1866-1929) and had 8 children

* 1869 - 1932 Alfred Victor Scott
married Grace WOODCOCK of St Just, Cornwall and had a son Alfred (who was to marry Cecilia Evelyn UNWIN in 1919, and had 4 known sons)

* 1872 - 1936 Sarah Scott
married Samuel John HULL (1865-1903) in 1895 and had 4 children
* 1 son, Henry Vickers Hull was KILLED IN ACTION in France
Sarah remarried in 1905 to John George BALL (1867-1959) and had 4 children
note - John George Ball had married Sarah's sister Eliza Scott in 1895 (see next)

* 1873 - 1901 Eliza Scott
married John George BALL (1867-1959) in 1895 and had 4 children
Eliza died in 1901 aged 28
John next married her sister Sarah (see above)

* 1874 - 1943 George Litson Scott
as above

PHOTO
George Litson Scott
buried PLOT 395, ROW 130, BLOCK M at Timaru cemetery
wife Mary Beatrice was buried with him on Xmas Eve 1962

Related Journals

• BLEWDEN family New Zealand