M. A. Jones

Biography and photo contributed by Vivienne Morrell

Mary Anne Jones (née Hodder) was born on 11 November 1854 to Walter and Emma Hodder. In 1875 she married James Jones (1845-1918), son of Henry and Mary Jones of Masterton. Both Mary’s parents and James’s parents emigrated to New Zealand on the same ship, the London, arriving in Wellington in 1842. [1] In 1881 James established a general store and cartage business in Eketahuna. In the mid-1880s he advertised as Eketahuna General Store, Temperance Hotel and Carrying Depot, also offering accommodation. [2] Mary and James had four children.

In the 1897 Cyclopedia of New Zealand entry for Jones and Co. it was noted that “Mr. Jones is ably assisted in the management of this business by his wife, who is recognised as an exceedingly capable business woman, and by his son, Mr. Leonard Walter Jones.” [3]

The Jones family were involved in the Methodist church – James being superintendent of the Sunday school, and their daughter being church organist. [4] Mary Jones died on 20 June 1917 and she is buried in Masterton [5].