1868 Helena Jane was born in Liverpool
to Thomas McGrevy and Susan nee Baker.
1871
for the census the
family are at 6 Collins Street (off Park Road and very close to where the rest
of their relations are living). Three of the couple's children are with them
now, Thomas Samuel was born in 1872 whilst their fifth, James was born in 1875 two months after Thomas had died.
Thomas McGrevy, head, marr, 34, sail maker,
Cumberland
Susan McGrevy, wife, marr, 30, Lancaster, Liverpool
Clara McGrevy,
daug, 7, scholar, Lancaster, Liverpool
Helena McGrevy, daug, 3, scholar,
Lancaster, Liverpool
Mary McGrevy, daug, 5 months, Lancaster, Liverpool
They
are sharing the house with Matthew Dirst (?Hirst), married, 37, sail maker,
Lancaster Liverpool and his wife Sarah, 36, Lancaster Liverpool. These people
may or may not be related.
1875 Helena's
father Thomas
died of pneumonia on 6th January 1875 in Liverpool (Mar qtr. W. Derby 8b 240)
aged 37, two months before his wife gave birth to their fifth and last child James McGrevy
(1875).
In the following year his widow, Susan McGrevy (nee Baker) emigrated to New Zealand. She
left with her parents James Baker and his wife Anne Baker (nee Lowby)
and James Baker's brother. Susan took
with her, her four surviving children Clara Louisa, Helena Jane, Thomas Samuel
and James, Mary having died young.
They headed for the gold rush town of Thames some 100 miles from Auckland.
