History of Gordon Alexander Gibb's parents and uncle

History of Gordon Alexander Gibb's parents and uncle

15th November 1859 - 11th February 1917

The Powell family arrival in New Zealand. On the 15th November 1859 William Powell married Emma Thomas in the parish church of Hansworth, Stafford, England. William Powell worked in a glass blowing factory in Staffordshire. In 1885 the family emigrated to New Zealand in a sailing ship with their five children, Mary, Joseph, Herbert, Harriet and Elizabeth. At that stage two of the sons had died in England. The family arrived at the Port of Napier and went to Pukehou in a bullock wagon. Howard, their next child, was born in Pukehou, New Zealand. There was no school in Pukehou, so the children had to walk to school in Kaikoura [Kaikora] (Otane). The classes went to Standard Seven. After a few years daughter Mary, the oldest, married John Gibb. It seems John Gibb was a guard on the train running between Napier and Wellington. They had a family of five - Ella, Walter, Allie, Elsie and Gordon. We know little about their early history. Mary died young and the family then moved to Dannevirke, New Zealand. Ella, the oldest child of John and Mary Gibb, mothered the family while they were being educated. Gordon worked with his uncle Howard Powell in the building trade until Gordon volunteered for service in World War I. Walter was called up at the same time returning home at the end of the War, but Gordon was killed in action. That was a sad day for us as Gordon was so full of life.

Created by: , Yvonne127598

  • Born 1890

    Died 1917

    New Zealand Expeditionary Force 10/2943 Wellington Infantry Regiment 1st Battalion