Notes provided by Helen Edwards, who has carried out extensive research on the women who signed Sheet 156, including mapping where they lived. Download pdf of this research here.
Louisa Julia Garratt, nee Hill [Louisa Garratt, Roslyn] (No. 22)
Land description: Allotment 13, Block 3, Township of Roslyn. Address: 28 Hart Street. Age in 1893: 37 years. Religious denomination: Anglican.
Louisa Julia Hill was the daughter of James Sloper Hill, a barman, and Julia Rosa Russell. She was born in Southwark, London, on 13 May 1855, and baptised in Melbourne on 31 July. In 1890 she married John Garratt, in St Matthews Church, Dunedin. John, who was born in Tillicoultry, Clackmannan, had emigrated with his parents, John Garratt senior (born in England) and Jeannie Monteath, in 1861. John junior was a coachbuilder in the firm of Reid and Gray. He had bought the future 28 Hart Street, across the road from his family home at (27) Hart Street, in 1887, and on 7 June 1892 he leased it to his parents for 5 shillings a year. Two days later, Louisa became the owner of John and Jeanie’s property, but for the next decade it is hard to tell who lived in which house. John and Louisa moved to High Street (Highgate), but returned to 28 Hart Street, which they named ‘Whispington’, about 1908. While they remained there, they held many memorable children’s parties. Their only child, Nellie, was dux of Kaikorai School in 1905. John retired in 1920 and they moved to South Canterbury. Louisa died at the Mayfield home of her daughter, Nellie Kingan, in 1933, aged 77 years, and John in 1939. They are buried in the Ashburton Public Cemetery.
Obituary; Mr John Garratt. Press, 26 September 1939. (Papers Past)