Biography contributed by Katherine Blakeley.
Jeanie Hutchison was born in 1864 in Glasgow, Scotland – the daughter of David Hutchison, an iron founder, and Janet Binnie.
She moved to England where she married Rev William Saunders in 1890.
Soon after their marriage they emigrated to New Zealand and settled in Dunedin.
They had four children and when Jeanie signed the suffrage petition they were living in View Street and William was minister of the Moray Place Church.
Janet died at her home on 15 June 1934.
Her obituary said “she actively and loyally labored with her husband in the work of the Moray Place” Church. “Though of quiet disposition, never seeking prominence, Mrs Saunders displayed special tact and practicability in organising, and her work for the church and the community earned the commendation and respect of a large circle of friends”.
William died the following year – they are buried together in the Andersons Bay Cemetery.
Sources:
BDM online NZ https://bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/
DCC Cemetery Records http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/facilities/cemeteries/cemeteries-search
Free BDM https://www.freebmd.org.uk
Otago Nominal Index http://marvin.otago.ac.nz
Papers Past https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz
Scotlands People https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk