Biography

Margaret Jane Smith 1857 – 1887

Margaret’s birth certificate from Scotland states that she was born at 123 Landen Street, Glasgow, at 8.15am on 21st July 1857. John signed the papers as “John Smith Junior” and gave his occupation as a “Metal refiner, Master”.

Not much is known about the early years of Margaret’s life, which is sad, as she and her brother John were so young when they were brought to this country. Research by John Smith has revealed that Margaret contracted tuberculosis and, as no sanatorium existed in Dunedin at that time, she was sent to Seacliff Lunatic Asylum where she died from phthisis. She never married, and died at the young age of 29 on the 8th March 1887 (death certificate no. 1887/135/476). Not even a simple headstone marks her grave at Class 2, Plot 18 of Block 94 in the Northern Cemetery, Dunedin, and yet there was an inheritance waiting for her in Scotland, as the legal documents from her grandfather’s estate show. Over the following twelve years her grave was disturbed three times to bury her brother John’s stillborn babies, who now lie with their aunt.

Burial records state: “Margaret Jane Smith died March 8 1887 aged 29 years. Resident of Albany Street. Born Scotland lived 23 years in NZ. Last came from Scotland. Buried March 12 1887.”

Others buried here: Three stillborn children (1894, 1896 and 1899) of Margaret’s brother John.

See also:

1. Margaret’s brother John Morgan Smith (at Block 172 Plot 11A).

2. Margaret’s grandmother Jane Marr at (Block 94 Plot 17).