See also Caversham research databases
Biography contributed by Katherine Blakeley
Mary Browning was born in 1862 in Worcestershire, England – the daughter of James Browning, a brickmaker, & Ann Kings.
She emigrated to New Zealand with her family in 1873 on the Carnatic and they settled in Dunedin.
Mary had a son in 1881 who died the following year, aged 10 months.
She married James Hill, a 54-year old mariner, on October 12th 1882 in Dunedin.
They had 7 children, one who died in infancy, and when Mary signed the suffrage petition, they were living in Caversham.
They later lived at Taieri Mouth where James worked as a fisherman.
He died in 1902 and is buried in the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.
Mary re-married in 1903 to, carter, Harry Rackley.
They had twins the following year, both who died in infancy and they later adopted a son.
Harry died in 1944 – he was cremated and his ashes were scattered.
Mary died at her home on February 6th 1951 – she is buried with her mother in the Andersons Bay Cemetery.