Levy Solomon Jane Harvey Wellington 1840s

SOLOMON LEVY (1817-1883), Hebrew name Shlomo, son of Yaakov, the Levite, was born 16 Jan 1817. He married Jane Harvey on 26 Nov 1844 at the First Independent Church, Wellington, when she was 14.

NOTE the First Independent Church was later known as the Terrace Congregational Church. In 1842 a small group of Congregationalists, recently arrived from England, gathered together in a private home under the leadership of Jonas Woodward. They formed the first Congregational Church in Wellington, opening a chapel in Pipitea Street, Thorndon. After a series of earthquakes which badly damaged the chapel, they moved to Woodward St in 1849. In 1888 the congregation moved to a substantial wooden complex that included a church and hall, newly built on the corner of Bowen Street & The Terrace.
photo the "new" Terrace Congregational Church
This remained the place of worship until 1954.
Now St. Anselm's Union Church, 30 Makara Rd., Karori

JANE HARVEY (1828-1901) was born 16 Dec 1828 in Newton St Loe, Somerset, England to Elizabeth Frances Crosz (1802-1875) of Bath, Somerset and her 1st husband, Aaron Harvey. She arrived in New Zealand on the 'Birman' in 1842, with her sister, Mrs Thomas Wilson (later Mrs Edwin Jackson).

Solomon & Jane had 13 children
(all born Wellington)
. 1 .
1842 - 1914 Annie Elizabeth Levy
born: 24 June 1842
Annie married:Folk COHEN (1845-1915) in Wellington 1874
their known children:
1875 - 1902 Lewis Albert Cohen
1888 - 1974 Leah Gladys Cohen (+Cane)
ANNIE died: 3 April 1914 at her residence, 321 Willis St and buried Jewish plot 1.B, Karori
Evening Post, 4 April 914
Regret will be felt at the death of Mrs Folk Cohen, wife of Mr Folk Cohen, ex city councillor. The deceased lady - although for some time she has been far from strong - was possessed of infinite spirit and activity and was ever ready to help in any good cause. In all civic matters where a woman's help was needed she was prominent and she held the position of vice-president of the Richmond Free Kindergarten and was also associated with the Wellington Boy's Institute and various other institutions. Born in Wellington, she lived here all her life of sixty one years. Among the many to whom her death came as a shock were Mr and Mrs McLaren (late Mayor and Mayoress), who have known her for many years and who fully recognised her unbounded zeal in all work for the interest of the city. Of last year's Carnival, as well as this year's - when her spirit triumphed over weakness - she was the life and soul of all the details entrusted to the woman. She was a daughter of Mr Solomon Levy and a sister of Mrs Townsend (of Roxburgh street), Mrs Ballard (formerly of Oriental Bay), Mrs Hutchings (of Wanganui), Mrs Marks (of Sydney) and Mr George Levy (of Wellington Telegraph Department); and a niece of the late Thomas McKenzie, of Wellington. She leaves one married daughter (Mrs Cane). Mr. Cohen will have many sympathisers in his bereavement.
* Folk died 28 April 1915 & buried with her
Evening Post, 29 April 1915
Mr Folk Cohen, one of the best known business men in Wellington, died suddenly in Upper Willis street last night. For some months past he had been in failing health, but was able to attend to business. Yesterday morning he went to his shop and in the afternoon he recorded his vote in connection with the local bodies' elections and the half holiday poll. At 5 o'clock, feeling that he required rest, he went to bed. During the evening he was quite cheerful and chatted freely with some relations. Shortly before 11 o'clock he became seriously ill and before a medical man could be summoned he was dead. The late Mr Cohen, who was much respected, was born in London seventy years ago and had lived in Wellington for half a century. When he was nine years of age he accompanied his parents to Melbourne, where he resided for ten years. He then went to Westland, attracted thither by the gold discoveries, after a short residence in that part of New Zealand he came on to Wellington. For a number of years he was employed in local drapery establishments. In the 80's he started in business in Willis street, as a clothier and mercer on his own account and continued in the trade until his death. His wife, who was a daughter of the late Mr Sol. Levy, died a year ago. Mr Cohen always took a great interest in fire brigade matters. As soon as he settled in Wellington he joined the Volunteer Fire Brigade, then under Captain Lewis Moss and he was one of the founders of the Wellington Fire Police, occupying the position of treasurer of the corps for about fifteen years. He was a chartered member of the Excelsior Lodge of Druids and a member of Masonic Lodge Leinster. In 1904 he was elected a member of the City Council and held a seat on that body until two years ago. In his younger days he took a keen interest in athletics and had a great reputation as an oarsman, being a member of the well known "Independent" crew. For ten years he was treasurer of the Wellington Hebrew congregation. He has left a daughter, the wife of Mr H Cain (sic), of this city. The funeral will take place at 2.30 p.m. tomorrow

. 2 .
1845 - 1909 Alfred Lipman Levy
born: 30 Dec 1845
Alfred married: Mary Ann MORDIN (1845-1883) in 1867
their known children:
1868 - 1947 Ellen Jane 'Nellie' Levy (+Rev Peryman)
1870 - 1948 Amelia Mary Levy (+Hurrell)
1871 - 1877 Henry Aaron Levy
1873 - Alfred John Levy
1875 - Wilfrid Lawson Levy
1878 - 1898 James Mordin Levy

• Mary Ann died of consumption in Palmerston North 10 June 1883 aged 38

Alfred next married: Annie Elizabeth Pinfold (1861-1888) in NZ 1884
their known children:
1885 - 1935 Jessie Gordon Levy (+Butzbach)

• Annie died 30 Nov 1888 in Leichhardt, NSW aged 27

Alfred next married: Bettea OLSEN (1864-1943) in 1891
ALFRED died: 16 April 1909 at Camperdown, Sydney & buried Rookwood
NOTE on daughter Nellie who was a teacher at Petone School when she voted in 1893. She helped to gather names for the suffrage petitions and the difficulty getting some women to sign. Her name appears on the earlier 1892 suffrage petition and she may have already been a member of the W.C.T.U. at that point.
In 1897 Nellie married Reverend Samuel Huxtable Dewsbury Peryman (1867-1945), a Wesleyan minister. His mother and sister-in-law had both also signed the suffrage petition in Canterbury. Nellie remained active in leadership roles of the W.C.T.U. and became editor of its monthly paper 'The White Ribbon' in 1913, a position she held until 1945.
In the 1925, Nellie Peryman wrote an article and short booklet entitled "How We Won the Franchise in New Zealand." In it she wrote the lines which were chosen in 1993 to appear on the Kate Sheppard Suffrage Memorial .. at this link you can hear Nellie speaking in 1943 (with photo). The oldest recording of a 1893 suffrage voter.

. 3 .
1848 - 1921 Kate Sophia Levy
born: 1 Feb 1848
Kate married: Edward HUTCHINGS in 1869
their known children:
1870 - Minnie Hutchings
1871 - Harry Hutchings
1873 - 1947 Edith Hutchings (+Barnes)
1876 - 1941 Kate Hutchings (+Lewis)
1878 - 1900 Alfred Hutchings
1881 - Norah Hutchings (+Abbott, Sydney)
1883 - 1894 Jessie Hutchings
1885 - 1947 Solomon Hutchings
1886 - 1971 Louise Hutchings (+Guy)
1889 - 1889 Isabel Hutchings (11 months)
Evening Post, 16 Sep 1899
An Old Defence Grievance. With regard to the petition of Edward Hutchings and two others, of Wellington, to receive consideration for military services to the colony, the Petitions Committee report that the petitioners are entitled to 20 pounds each by way of refund of moneys actually paid out of pocket at the time the members of the Wellington Defence Force, at their own expense, made their way to the front.

• Edward died 1 Jan 1915 in Wellington

KATE died: at the home of her daughter Kate Lewis in Wanganui 11 Sep 1921 & is buried Bolton St with Edward
Evening Post, 12 Sep 1921
Hutchings - On the 11th September 1921, at the residence of her daughter (Mrs Peter Lewis), Wanganui, Kate Hutchings, wife of the late Edward Hutchings, aged 76 years; mother of Mrs T. Barnes and Mrs S. Guy, Ngaio and Mrs F Abbott, Sydney. No flowers

• The Friends of the late Kate Hutchings are invited to attend her Funeral which will leave the Mortuary Chapel of E. Morris jun., 60, Taranaki street, Tomorrow, Tuesday, at 2 p.m., for the Sydney Street Cemetery.

. 4 .
1850 - 1877 Henry Aaron Levy
born: 11 March 1850
Henry died: of consumption at his father's home, Lambton Quay on 11 Jan 1877 & buried PLOT 26.A Bolton Street
Evening Post, 12 Jan 1877
Levy - On the 11th January, at the residence of his father, Lambton Quay, Henry Aaron, second son of Mr. Solomon Levy, aged 27 years.

• We regret to record the death, at his father's residence last evening, of Mr Henry Levy, second son of Mr. Solomon Levy. The deceased, who formerly was connected with the Wellington Independent, has been ailing for some time past and latterly it became evident that he was suffering from consumption, and that his case was hopeless. He was universally liked and esteemed and his early death will be much and widely lamented

. 5 .
1855 - 1952 Eliza Jane Levy
born: 9 March 1855
Eliza married: John MARKS in 1871

• John was born in London and was a Jeweller

their known children:
1872 - Amy Marks
1873 - Ida Marks
1875 - Albert Marks
1876 - Nelly Marks
1877 - Edith Marks (+Kinniburgh)
1879 - 1935 Percy Marks
1881 - Emily Marks

• The family then moved to Sydney

ELIZA died: in 1952 in Sydney, Australia
NOTE on son Percy, like his father, Percy was a jeweller. He delighted in presenting jewellery of his own design to celebrities. At a dinner in honour of Pavlova each female guest was presented with a silver-papered 'chocolate', in reality a black opal. Others to receive gifts were Dame Nellie Melba, Elsa Stralia, the American bandmaster J. P. Sousa and Amy Johnson. The opal presented to the Duke of Gloucester in 1934 was chosen and mounted by him. He was awarded King George V's Silver Jubilee medal in 1935 .. more at his link

. 6 .
1857 - 1924 Emily Frances Levy
born: 4 June 1857
Emily married: Joseph TOWNSEND (1850-1905 )in 1877 in Wellington
their known children:
1878 - 1950 Jessie Elizabeth Townsend (+Stark)
1880 - 1922 William Henry Townsend
1882 - 1968 George Geith Townsend (+English)
1890 - 1974 Jack Dunbar Townsend (+Wood)
1894 - 1955 Beryl Eileen Townsend (+Stedman)
EMILY died: 17 July 1924 at 36 Roxburgh Street, Wellington & buried Karori
* Joseph was an accountant in Wellington, he died 28 Feb 1905 & is buried with Emily
Evening Post, 28 Feb 1905
Mr Joseph Townsend, who has been connected with Messrs. Johnston and Co., merchants, in Wellington for the past twenty seven years, died at his residence in Roxburgh street this morning, aged fifty four. The late Mr Townsend was born in London and before coming to the colony he was in one of the largest counting houses in the metropolis. Shortly after his arrival in Wellington he entered Messrs. Johnston and Co.'s service and for many years before his death he was the firm's chief accountant. He was also Secretary of the Wellington Public Hall Company. He had been in ill health for a considerable time and on Saturday last underwent an operation. Quiet and unassuming and of a kindly disposition he made a large circle of friends and was generally respected. He has left a widow (a daughter of the late Mr Solomon Levy) and a family of three sons and two daughter. His eldest son (Mr William Townsend) is with Johnston and Co., and another son (Mr G. Townsend) is the accountant of the New Zealand Electric Light Company

. 7 .
1859 - 1948 Miriam Louise Levy
born: 26 July 1858
Miriam married: James Gardiner BALLARD in 1880
* James was Chief Postmaster of Wellington
their known children:
1882 - 1980 Leonard Broughton Ballard
1885 - 1973 Ethel Beatrice Ballard (+Roberts)
* James died 20 Feb 1914
Evening Post, 21 Feb 1914
The death occurred in Wellington on Friday of Mr James Gardiner Ballard, one of the first officers in the Post and Telegraph Department of the Dominion, he having joined that branch of the Civil Service at Christchurch in 1866. Mr Ballard's father was one of the pioneers of the Canterbury district and held an official position in the Immigration Department for many years, dying in 1877. His mother, also an old Canterbury settler, is still living in Dunedin and has reached the age of 96 years. Mr Ballard was stationed at Waipukurau as postmaster during the Maori troubles of 1869 and had occasionally to assist in manning the stockade there on account of frequent rumours of Native outbreaks. He also held the position of chief postmaster at Blenheim and officer-in-charge of the Telegraph Office at Dunedin, being ultimately appointed Inspector of Telegraph Offices upon the creation of that Position in April 1907. Failing health brought about his retirement on pension in 1909 and he succumbed to an affection of the heart on Friday at the age of 63 years. Mr Ballard leaves a widow (a daughter of the late Mr Sol. Levy, one of Wellington's earliest settlers) and a son and daughter (Mr Leonard Ballard and Mrs T. Roberts, of Dunedin). The funeral took place this morning, the interment being made in the Bolton-street Cemetery. The chief mourners were Mr Ballard's son, and his nephews (Messrs. W. and G. Townsend) and his brothers-in-law (Messrs. Folk Cohen and George Levy). The pall-bearers were Messrs. Dall (Assistant-Secretary), Buckley (Chief Electrician), Hawk (Superintendent Telegraph Office) and Andrews (Senior Clerk, Telegraph Division). Among others present were Mr J. F. Andrews, I.S.O., Secretary to the Cabinet, and Mr J. Stephens, late inspector of the National Bank. The floral tokens from Mr. Ballard's associate in the Department and his private friends were very numerous and beautiful.
MIRIAM died: 1 Jan 1948 at the residence of her daughter, Mrs P. E. Roberts (Ethel Beatrice), Manly St., Paraparaumu & buried Bolton St.

. 8 .
1862 - 1864 Ellen Harriet Levy
born: 5 May 1862
Ellen died: 8 Nov 1864 at her father's home, Lambton Quay, Wellington & buried Bolton St

. 9 .
1864 - 1949 George Benjamin Levy
born: 28 April 1864
George married: Florence Marion AUSTIN (1869-1905) in 1895
they had twin daughters:
1895 - 1905 Brenda Frances Levy (aged 10 in Nelson)
1895 - 1976 Lois Kate Levy (+Cartwright)
* Florence died in Nelson 6 Aug 1905
George next married: Catherine Matilda MOULDEY (1866-1917) on 9 July 1908
their known children:
1909 - 1970 Colin Halford Levy (+Bushell)
* Catherine died in Wellington 20 Dec 1917
George next married: married Clementina Lucille Louisa CALKIN (1872-1940) in 1918
* Lucille had 1st married Joseph Tuffley Cowdell (1862-1907) in 1894 & had 5 children. She died in Otahuhu 12 Oct 1940
GEORGE died: 8 March 1949 in Otahuhu Auckland
NZ Herald, 9 March 1949
Levy, George - On March 8, at Auckland, loved father of Lois (Mrs Cartwright) and Colin, late of P. T. Department; in his 85th year. Service at McIvor and Company's Chapel, Otahuhu, at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday), funeral then leaving for the Otahuhu Public Cemetery

. 10 .
1865 - 1866 Ernest Thomas Levy
born: 5 Aug 1865
ERNEST died: 1 June 1866 aged 10 months at his father's home, Lambton Quay, Wellington & buried Bolton St

. 11 .
1867 - 1903 Frederick Arthur Levy
born: 28 March 1876
Frederick married: Florence EYLES (1867-1964) in NZ in 1887
their known children:
1890 - 1916 Arthur Mervyn Levy (KIA on the Somme)
On Aug 4 1899 in Wellington Divorce Court, Judge Edwards granted a decree nisi in the case in which Mrs Florence Levy applied for a dissolution of marriage with Frederick Arthur Levy of Sydney. At the first hearing His Honor said it appeared the husband was domiciled in Melbourne and he was doubtful he had jurisdiction, but today he said he was satisfied he had jurisdiction.

• Florence next married Anders Christian Knudsen 'Canute' Hauberg (1856-1944) in 1904. They are both buried Wakapuaka, Nelson.

FREDERICK died: in Sydney, Australia 25 July 1903

. 12 .
1868 - 1879 Edith Mary Levy
born: 22 July 1868
EDITH died: 11 Nov 1879 at her father's home, Roxburgh St, Mt Victoria, Wellington aged 11 & buried Bolton St
Evening Post, 11 Nov 1879
Levy - At her father's residence, Roxburgh street, Edith Mary, sixth daughter of Solomon Levy, aged 11 years

. 13 .
1870 - 1888 Ernest Harvey Levy
born: 4 Aug 1870
ERNEST died: 5 Feb 1888 at his mother's home, Roxburgh St, aged 17 & buried Bolton St

Evening Post, 30 Oct 1883
DEATH of SOLOMON LEVY
Very deep and widespread regret was experienced today on receipt of the intelligence of the death of Mr Solomon Levy, one of our oldest and most respected settlers, which took place about 6 o'clock last evening at Blenheim, whither, accompanied by his wife, he had gone to visit a daughter.
Although the deceased gentleman had not been well in health for some time, having recently suffered from heart disease, the news of his death was rather unexpected, as his friends in town had been lead to believe that his health was being benefited by the change.
Mr. Levy left Wellington on the 22nd inst., and died, as already stated, on the 29th, the immediate cause of death being apoplexy. He was 66 years of age at the time of his death.
Mr Levy arrived here about February 1840 (31 Jan 1840 with his brother Benjamin in the ship Oriental - his future wife Jane Harvey arrived on the the Birman 1 March 1842) second memorable pioneer expedition, putting in an appearance about ten days or a fortnight after the Aurora. On board was his brother, the late Mr Benjamin Levy. Landing at the Hutt Mr Levy afterward removed to the site now occupied by the city of Wellington.
For a considerable time he exercised his trade as a carpenter. Subsequently he proceeded to Victoria to try his fortunes on the goldfields, where he met with much success. He was married in Wellington, his wife's maiden name being Harvey.
Returning to this city from Victorian goldfields, he became a commission agent, a profession which he also successfully followed.
At one time he acted as a collector on behalf of the Education Board and for a large number of years he was rate collector for the City Council.
His popularity and geniality of disposition rendered him exceptionally qualified to fulfil the duties of such a position, and, to use an expression which was commonly heard at the time "it was really a pleasure to pay Mr Levy." Owing however to ill health, the deceased was compelled to sever his connection with the Corporation, greatly to the regret of all with whom he had been associated.
For 25 years he performed the duties of trustee on behalf of the Britannia Lodge of Oddfellows, from which office he also retired on account of ill health, and the occasion of his leaving was made the opportunity of presenting a testimonial to him for the services he had rendered on behalf of the brotherhood. His degree in the Order was Past Provincial Grand Master and though he had been connected with the lodge for many years, he never on a single occasion found it necessary to apply for the benefits to which he was ordinarily entitled.
He was also a member of the Pacific Lodge of Freemasons for some years and in connection with the subject of friendly societies in this city it may be mentioned that he read an address to the Governor on the laying of the foundation stone of the Oddfellow's Hall, which has since been replaced by the existing Central and Colonial Insurance Company's buildings on Lambton Quay.
He had a large family, most of the members of which are still living, and occupy respectable positions.
He was a member of the Jewish faith, and thoroughly proficient in the Hebrew language, having for some time, in the early days, acted as teacher of Hebrew to the children of Jewish parents.
He was one of the founders of the Wellington Synagogue and a member of its building committee.
As one of the pioneer settlers he, of course, bore his share of vicissitudes of early colonial life, and during the troubleous times with the natives he joined the militia, and helped to protect the hearths and homes of the colonists from the raids of the Maoris.
He was universally esteemed for his numerous excellent qualities - for his probity, philanthropy, and urbanity and the thousand and one deeds of kindness and charity to which testimony is not wanting in abundance. Of him it can truly be said that even his most intimate friend could hardly point to any bad trait in his character or disposition. All his affairs have been left in complete order almost up to the day of his death, and his widow is left comfortably off.
Out of respect to his memory the flag over the Corporation offices flew at half-mast today and sincere expression of regret at the sad occurrence were heard on every side.
The remains will be brought over to Wellington in the s.s. Waihi for interment and it is proposed to give the deceased a public burial
Evening Post, 2 Nov 1883
The funeral of the late Mr Sol. Levy took place yesterday afternoon. The cortege left the deceased gentleman's late residence in Roxburgh street shortly after 4 o'clock. It extended over a quarter of a mile in length, being composed of representatives of the Rechabite Society, Ancient Order of Druids, Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, about a score of carriages containing the immediate friends of the deceased, and between 300 and 400 gentlemen of foot, among whom were the officials of the Corporation, with which Mr. Levy was connected for some years. Along the line of route most shops were closed as the procession passed by, and altogether the spectacle was highly impressive, providing the very great esteem in which Mr. Levy was held by the community at large. The burial service was conducted by the Jewish rabbi, Rev. H. Van Staveren and the arrangements for the funeral were creditably carried out by Mr W. F. Parsons, undertaker

Evening Post, 4 Jan 1901
DEATH of JANE Levy - On the 3rd January, at her residence, 26 Roxburgh street, Jane, relict of the late Solomon Levy, aged 71 years
FUNERAL NOTICE
The Friends of the late Mrs Jane Levy, relict of the late Solomon Levy, are respectfully requested to attend her Funeral, which will leave her late residence, 26 Roxburgh street, on Sunday, 6th January, 1901, at 9 a.m., for the Sydney street Cemetery.
E. Morris, Jun., Sanitary Undertaker, 10, Taranaki st. Telephone 937
OBITUARY
In our obituary of today notice is given of the death of Mrs Solomon Levy at her residence in Roxburgh street. Mrs Levy came to the colony with her parents in the ship Birman in the year 1842. With her sister, Mrs Edwin Jackson, she went to the Bay of Islands a short time after their arrival in Port Nicholson and remained there some time. After her return to Wellington she was married to the late Solomon Levy, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. J. Woodward, Congregational minister. She and her husband then resided at Mount Cook for some years and afterwards went into business on Lambton quay. The venture proved a successful one and the business premises were afterwards disposed of to Hallenstein Bros. Mr and Mrs Levy then retired into private life, taking up their residence finally in Roxburgh street.
Mrs Levy was a member of the Congregational Church and took an active part in promoting the church's welfare and her good work will be greatly missed by the congregation. At every bazaar or sale of work she was a large contributor and she also assisted in person. Mr Solomon Levy predeceased his wife by seventeen years. There are eight children surviving, five having died. There are also numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren

There is a book written by Rachel F. Baskerville
Jane Harvey and Solomon Levy : a New Zealand family

PHOTO LEVY SOLOMON
He helped to found the Jewish synagogue in Wellington, taught Hebrew to Wellington's Jewish children for many years, but was himself married to his sister's Christian shipmate, Jane Harvey and their 13 children were raised Christian.