Clara Eathorne

Biography contributed by Wendy Napier-Walker

Clara Eathorne was born Clara Harris in May 1861 in Grade, Cornwall, England to James Harris and Mary Ann Mitchell Trerise. Clara was baptised on 28 March 1862 in Grade, Cornwall. At the time of Clara’s baptism, the family was residing at Bruggan.

On 1 October 1878 Clara married John Eathorne at St Keverne, Cornwall, England. Witnesses to their marriage were Richard M Tripcony and Thomas Henry Plomer.

Clara and John Eathorne left London on the ship Piako, arriving in Lyttelton, New Zealand on 5 March 1879.

Shortly after leaving Cornwall their first child was born on 15 January 1879. Their first child was not named in the register recording the birth however his name is James Boyd Eathorne. Eight other children were born to them in New Zealand: Mary Jane born 1881; William John born 1884; Edwin John born 1887; Albert born 1890; Susan Ann born 1896; Victor Samuel born 1899; Archibald McKenzie born 1902 and Jessie (date unknown).

The electoral rolls from 1896 record Clara and John living in Waimate.  From 1911 they lived in Augustine street, Waimate and from 1935 until her death Clara lived at 35 Parsonage Road, Waimate.

Clara also signed the 1892 Women’s Suffrage Petition.

Clara Eathorne died on 2 December 1946 age 86 years. She is buried in the Waimate cemetery, Plot 0001000 next to John Eathorne who died on 19 October 1927 age 70 years in Plot 000099.

Sources

Cornwall OPC Baptisms – Clara Harris
Cornwall OPC Marriages – Clara Harris/John Eathorne
Timaru Herald 6 March 1879 Page 2
1892 Women’s Suffrage Petition
NZ Birth Index Records
NZ Electoral Rolls
Waitaki District Council cemetery records
NZ Archives NZ Probate Record 1842 – 1998 – Clara Eathorne
Ancestry Public Member Trees