Biography contributed by Denika Mead (Kate’s great, great, great granddaughter), based on information provided by Jenny Vierkotten (Kate’s granddaughter).
Else (Kate) Cathrine Mortenson (nee Andersen) was born on 1 March 1872 in Thisted, Denmark. Her parents were Margetha (nee Nielsdatter) and Neils Andersen. Kate sailed to New Zealand on the ship the Fritz Reuter with her parents on 26 November 1874 when she was very young. They encountered heavy seas so intense they had to return to Cuxhaven. They set sail again on 10 December, but there were still problems to come on the journey, namely an epidemic of scarlet fever and typhoid. Thirteen deaths were recorded, one being Kate’s sister, Karen. Battling on, the ship eventually arrived safely in Napier in March 1875.
The family lived in Dannevirke for a short time before settling in Western Spit, Napier. Kate’s father worked as a fisherman, a tailor and a labourer. Kate attended the Port Ahuriri school.
Kate was one of seven siblings but unfortunately her sister and two of her brothers died young. Marius who was born during the voyage died as in infant from dysentery. Arthur died young from whopping cough.
Kate married Soren (Sam) Mortensen on 8 January 1890 and went on to have 8 daughters. At the time of the petition Kate had two young daughters Catherine and Evelyn.
The family survived through the 1931 Napier earthquake but sadly four months later Sam was killed in an accident at work.
Kate died on 12 April 1935 aged 63 and is buried with Sam at Park Island Cemetery, Napier. She was remembered by her family as a loving and caring woman.