Biography and images contributed by Diana Morris, great granddaughter of Jessie.
Jessie Imlah was born on 24 August 1847 in Monquhitter, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Her parents, James Imlah and Catherine George, were publicans at the Cuminestown village Inn.
Jessie married John Reid, a teacher from Peterhead, in 1871 and ten years later, with their five children, they sailed to Wellington on the Perthshire then on to Dunedin on the Wairarapa arriving January 1882. They had three more children born in Dunedin.
As a family they moved several times, taking up teaching positions at Sandymount, Ravensbourne, Herbert and Totara, all in the Otago Province, before retiring to Oamaru in 1913.
It appears that Jessie (who belonged to the Ladies Guild) and John were actively involved in their local community. The Otago Witness of 30 September 1903 says ‘ they always had a hearty welcome for everyone who went to the house and always ready and willing to lend a helping hand in any work….’.
In 1993 Jessie’s granddaughter, Helen Dickson nee Reid, wrote of her memories of her grandmother;
‘Apparently whilst there in her home in Oamaru I was house trained and she (Jessie) commented “aie she’s a neat clean wee thing”.’
‘I never heard of tempers, cruel words or any unkindness.
‘Slight but erect stature,….regarded as handsome in appearance…..dressed in black or nearly so, a white blouse high necked was allowed…..fond of clothes and some jewellery.’
Helen also noted that the ‘Only criticism from my father (Jessie’s youngest child, Henry) who adored his mother, was that she was not a perfect housekeeper.’
Henry, ‘gave his mother a book of Scottish songs to play on the piano as the family gathered around and sang songs of their homeland.’
Jessie Reid died at their home in Oamaru on 25 November 1919 aged 72 years.
Jessie Reid with her son, Henry.
Jessie and family, 1894.
References
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/otagowitness - 30 September 1903
Hand written notes dated October 1993 and titled; Family Memories from Helen Dickson (nee Reid).