Biography contributed by Wendy Napier-Walker
Sarah Berry was born Sarah Latham in 1849 to James Latham and Eliza Mogford at Porlock, Somerset, England. Sarah was baptised on 27 February 1851 at Porlock.
Sarah Latham married George Weston Berry on 25 December 1875, in Cardiff, Wales.
Sarah, George and daughter Eliza migrated to New Zealand on the Marlborough. Sarah and George arrived in Lyttelton on 14 December 1878. Elize died at sea on 9 November 1878.
After a brief stay at Akaroa, Sarah and George took up residence in the ‘old Waimatemate [original name] settlement”, where Sarah lived until the time of her death. Their cottage was built by George.
Before coming to New Zealand Sarah was a member of the Congregational Church. When the Salvation Army commenced operation in Waimate she linked up with them.
Sarah and George had a family of nine children.
In her obituary, Sarah Berry was widely and affectionately known as Mrs 'Bush' Berry.
In her capacity as a nurse,'her help and advice at times proved invaluable. Her heart went forth in sympathy to those in trouble or distress, and her hand to those in need. Her kindly smile and ready help will be much missed. She was also a keen horticulturist'.
'Have a robust constitution, and being a noted pedestrian – Mrs Berry has walked approximately 30,000 miles between her home and Waimate township, (probably a record for a woman)'.
George Berry pre-deceased Sarah and died on 22 June 1921, age 74 years in Waimate and is buried in the Waimate Old cemetery, Presbyterian section, Row 7, Plot 000595.
Sarah died on 30 September 1928 in Waimate age 79 years. She is buried in the Waimate Old cemetery, Presbyterian section, Row 7, Plot 000596.
Sarah left her estate to her daughter, Annie Neely, wife of James Andrew Neely, Mill Road, Waimate.
Sources
Ancestry Family Tree
Free UK BMD Marriage Sarah Latham/George Berry, 1875 December Quarter Cardiff 11a 456
NZ Archives - NZ Passenger Lists 1839 – 1973 – George Berry
NZ DIA Death Index 1921/2515 – George Berry
Waimate Daily Advertiser 9 October 1928, pg 3
Waimate District Council online cemetery database
NZ DIA Death Index 1928/9161 – Sarah Berry
The Collections Archives NZ – Sarah Berry Probate Record (R21846946)