Biography contributed by Bernadette Siebert
Elizabeth Cooper the daughter of labourer William, was born about 1832 in England, possible Cheshire. Her husband George Barker was born about 1832 in Sheriff Hutton, Yorkshire, England, to small farmer Ambrose and Mary nee Wilson.
Elizabeth and George were married in July 1864 at St Margaret’s, York and immediately embarked aboard the Talbot and arrived in Auckland in December that year. The couple made their way to Mahurangi, north of Auckland where they acquired 80 acres and stayed the rest of their lives. George was involved with the Mahurangi Cooperative Society for some years, including being a director in 1877.
George died in 1898 aged 66 and the newspaper reported, 'was a settler of 30 years' standing, and had gone through his share of that pioneer work which falls to the lot of all who take up settlers' work in a new country, and devote their life's energy in subduing the wilderness into a more civilised condition. The deceased leaves a wife to mourn her loss, but no children'. His will left all his real and personal estate to his wife Elizabeth.
Elizabeth died in June 1907 at Warkworth aged 75. The newspapers reported, 'Cheshire papers please copy' which is probably where Elizabeth came from. Elizabeth’s probate left 250 pounds to John Little of York, nephew of her late husband (by his sister Mary) and the rest to Jane Bailey wife of the executor Thomas of Warkworth. She signed her will with her mark, as she was illiterate.
Sources
Archway probate Elizabeth George
PAPERS PAST New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10792, 29 June 1898, Page 5
PAPERS PAST New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13470, 21 June 1907, Page 1
PAPERS PAST Daily Southern Cross, Volume XX, Issue 2316, 22 December 1864, Page 4
PAPERS PAST New Zealand Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 4751, 7 February 1877, Page 2
Marriage certificate 17 July 1864 (sighted)