Biography contributed by Karen Pullar, Great Grand Niece
Born 16 September 1870 in Belfast, Mary was the fourth child and eldest daughter of John a tenter in the linen mills and Jane Hawthorn. The family left Ireland due to John’s health.
Mary emigrated to New Zealand in 1884 on the Doric with her father and two of her older brothers. Mary’s mother, oldest brother, and five younger siblings arrived on the Aorangi, a year later.
The family initially lived in Auckland where they had an Irish linen and damask warehouse in Victoria Street, before opening a shop in Queen Street. 1886 the family took up land in Mareretu which they cleared and farmed.
When Mary signed the petition, she was living with her parents in Mareretu, and was involved in “domestic duties”. Mary took a keen interest in the social life of the community – singing at local concerts, hosting a soiree and concert, and was on the committee of the local library. She was renowned for the help and cheerfulness she brought to all who needed it.
1909 Mary married Douglas Worsley Hill, a farmer of Paparoa. They took up land at Matakohe before moving to Whenuapai where they farmed until 1940 when they retired to Takapuna.
Mary suffered a very severe illness and was bedridden for 10 years before her death. During this period, she retained a keen intellect and kept up a large correspondence with relatives and friends. She was devotedly nursed by her daughter.
Mary died in Takapuna 6 January 1948 and is buried in the St. Mary’s Pioneer Cemetery in Torbay. Mary was survived by her husband, daughter - Miss Joan Hill of Takapuna, and son - Mr Roydon Bruce Hill of Tikipunga.
Images:
Portrait of Mary McCarroll (date unknown)
Sources:
BDM online NZ https://bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/
McCarroll Family Bible
Papers Past https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz
1948 Obituary - Northern Advocate, 9 January 1948, Page 2 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NA19480109.2.9
1892 Hosting soiree and concert - New Zealand Herald, 2 March 1892, Page 6 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18920302.2.64
1893 – Singing at Concert in Mareretu - Wairoa Bell, 29 December 1893, Page 8 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIBE18931229.2.22
1894 Elected to committee of local library – New Zealand Herald, 11 May 1894, Page 6 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18940511.2.69
1909 Report of Wedding - Observer, 24 July 1909, Page 8 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TO19090724.2.12