M. Jackson

Biography contributed by Katherine Blakeley

Margaret Ann East was born in 1865 in Auckland, New Zealand – the daughter of Richard Rodger East and Mary Ann McMurray. 

Her father was a Private in the 40^th Regiment of Foot who had come to New Zealand to fight in the New Zealand Wars. The regiment returned to England in 1866 and the family travelled as well, following the regiment to Lancashire and Ireland. Her father’s army enlistment ended in 1874 and the family returned to New Zealand in about 1876, settling in Dunedin.

Margaret married Adam Arthur Jackson, a commercial traveller, in 1888; they had no children.

In 1912 Margaret was elected to the Otago Hospital Board, she had previously been a member of the Ladies’ Benelovent Advisory Committee. Margaret was a prominent member of the St Vincent de Paul Society and did valuable work ministering to the wants of the aged and infirm, and those in need.

Adam died in 1918 and Margaret died on 19 May 1926. They are buried together in the Southern Cemetery. Margaret’s requiem Mass held in St Joseph’s Cathedral, Dunedin was 'full to the doors' and she was described as 'one of Dunedin’s most prominent social workers':

'In addition her philanthrophic service was at the disposal of every organisation whose object was that of doing good to the community at large, and her private purse was often used in dispensing charity which official channels could not grant.'

'[She was a frequent hospital visitor] where her kindness of heart and cheerfulness helped many a sufferer. Among the social workers of Dunedin, of all denominations, Mrs Jackson was known by the significant title of “mother”.'

Sources

BDM online NZ https://bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/
DCC Cemetery Records http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/facilities/cemeteries/cemeteries-search
Family Search https://www.familysearch.org 
Otago Nominal Index  http://marvin.otago.ac.nz
Papers Past  https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz