Biographical information provided by Raewyn Vogel for the He Tohu exhibition:
Fanny Worsdell (nee Simkins) was born on 16 March 1831 in Andover, Hampshire (England), the daughter of William and Susan. She married George Worsdell in Andover on 19 September 1852, and had ten children together (one died in infancy).
On 20 January 1875, Fanny arrived in Otago with seven of her children aboard the Wild Deer (occupation 'servant'). Her husband, who travelled to Otago separately, was a 'Fellmonger and Dealer' (a dealer in hides or skins, particularly sheepskins, who might also prepare skins for tanning).
Fanny died at the age of 65 at her residence in Normanby, North East Valley on 8 March 1898. Her Trust Estate was auctioned in 1905 and included two Freehold Lots, Main Road NE Valley – both with houses. The second property included 'Andover Villa' with property and outbuildings. The first property sold at auction for £265 and the second for £365. She was survived by her husband, who died in Oamaru on 26 March 1905.
Click on sheet number to see the 1893 petition sheet this signature appeared on. Digital copies of the sheets supplied by Archives New Zealand.
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