Ellen McElroy

Biography contributed by Gabrielle Wilson

Ellen Fleming was born in 1853 in Aughavanagh, Ireland. In 1875, she emigrated to New Zealand with her parents on the Carisbrook Castle. Ellen married Warkworth farmer William McElroy in 1876 and the couple had two sons: William (b. 1877) and Arthur (b. 1880). William Snr died in 1881 while felling trees. Ellen moved to Mahurangi in 1901, where she was regarded as a lovable and caring woman, respected for the hardships she endured as a single mother and a pioneer. Ellen shared a close relationship with the local Māori community, within which she found many dear friends.

Ellen died in her Mahurangi home on 17 January 1935.