Biography

Emma George (1843-1906)

Emma George was born Emma Oliver in 1843 at Chevening, Sevenoaks, Kent, in England. She was the daughter of John and Maria Oliver. At the age of 18 she was employed as a general servant in Croydon Surrey. She married Henry Godfrey in 1865 at Croydon and they had three children.
William Henry Godfrey born 1868, George Godfrey born 1870 (died 1871), and daughter Louisa born in 1872.

They emigrated to Dunedin aboard the Corona which departed from Gravesend on November 2nd 1875 and arrived at Port Chalmers on February 5th 1876. Beset by heavy weather, unfavourable winds, and with an outbreak of disease this would prove to be a harrowing voyage resulting in the deaths of 8 passengers.

Settling in Dunedin Emma and Henry had another daughter, Ethel who was born in 1876. Henry who worked as a plumber died a year later in June 1878 and was buried here in the cemetery. In order to pay the bills Emma became a laundress.

In Dec 1879 Emma married Edward George at her home in Stafford Street, Dunedin. Emma died in Dunedin Public Hospital on the 21st of June 1906 and is also buried here at the Northern Cemetery.