A Low

Surname:

Low

Given names:

Given address:

Mornington

Sheet No: 117

Town/Suburb:

Mornington

City/Region:

Dunedin

Notes:

Biography contributed by Katherine Blakeley

Elizabeth Ann Colville/Lizzie Crabb was born about 1856 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa – the daughter of David Crabb, a ship’s carpenter, and Margaret Leslie. (See 117 Margret Crabb)

She came to New Zealand with her parents in the 1870s and she married Alexander Low on 22 July 1881 in Dunedin.

Alexander worked for the New Zealand Drug Company which later became Kempthorne and Prosser.

They had six children, the eldest who died in early childhood and when Elizabeth signed the suffrage petition they were living in Maclaggan St, Mornington.

In 1894 they moved to Wellington and Alexander’s colleagues presented Elizabeth with 'a handsome brooch, set with diamonds'.

Alexander died in Wellington in 1911 and Elizabeth died on 22 August 1933 – they are buried together in the Karori Cemetery.

Elizabeth was remembered at a service at St Andrew’s Church at Roseneath. She 'was well known and respected for her support of church and charitable societies.' Reference was made to Elizabeth’s 'support of the church at Roseneath and of her work in connection with the Bible Society, the Presbyterian Orphanages, and the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union. She had been an enthusiastic worker for Dr. Barnardo’s Homes, the Women’s Nation Reserve, and the Mother’s League, and her support would be greatly missed by these societies.'

The following year 'a brass tablet memorial was unveiled and dedicated in affectionate regard for the devoted service' given by Elizabeth.