Biography contributed by Dr Nicola Francis
Esther Rogers ‘Ettie’ JONES was born circa 1867 in Laugharne, Wales, the third of 13 children of Margaret M. ROGERS (c.1839-1912) and the Rev. Griffith JONES (1832-1901), Presbyterian minister. The family migrated to New Zealand in 1883, seeking a warmer climate for health reasons.
Ettie was 26-years-old when she signed the Women’s Suffrage petition at Waipū in 1893 with her mother Margaret.
On 14 December 1900, Ettie married William DEY (c.1853-1923), Storekeeper and widower with four children, at the Presbyterian Manse, Waipū. Ettie’s father performed the marriage.
The couple lived in Hamilton where William was mayor from 1893-1899 and 1903-1905, councillor, Waikato Hospital Board and Charitable Board member and chair, and a Freemason. The family was active in the Presbyterian church in Hamilton East.
Ettie died suddenly at Auckland on 25 June 1918 and is buried at Waikāraka Cemetery, Onehunga.
Sources
Find A Grave www.findagrave.com
Papers Past, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa | National Library of New Zealand, Wellington.
Waipū Museum, The Centre, Waipū, Tai Tokerau Northland, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand Archives. http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/archives/Page173.htm