Polish woman in Otago & Southland who registered to vote in 1893
Liverpool born Katherine Wilson Sheppard (1847-1934) was New Zealand’s most famous suffragist, responsible for New Zealand being the first self-governing country in history to give women the vote. Her cause convinced 84% of the adult female population including over 130 Polish women to register on the Electoral Roll of 1893. Many of the Polish woman who had registered were only children when they arrived in New Zealand. They embraced their new world and involved themselves in civil matters that would have been absolutely impossible back in Poland.
See More Kate Sheppard – Wikipedia
See More The General Election 1893
Barra, Eleanora Wilhelmina nee Maaś
Eleanora was born in Elbląg, Poland around 1829 and came to New Zealand on the ship Reichstag in 1874, landing at Wellington. She married Piotr Albrecht Bara on 7 Februrary 1858 at Tczew and their children were: Franciszek Joszef, August Karol, Maryanna Rozalia, Teresa Auguste, Robert Jakob, Maria Louisa, Wilhelmine Auguste and Bernhard. Eleanora entered her signature, Mrs Barrow (Barra) onto sheet 32 in the region of Waihola for the Women’s Suffrage Petition Roll. Eleonora died on 9 September 1909 at Milton and is buried with her husband at the Fairfax cemetery.
Baumgardt, Ewa Apolonia nee Flis
Eva was born in Gołczewo, Poland on 30 April 1844 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Paul Baumgardt on 19 January 1863 at Parchowo and their children were: Eva, Johan, Casimer, Anna, Paulina, August, Mary, Franz, Rosa, Julia and Eva. She appears on the 1893 Bruce Supplementary Roll No. 1 No. 391. Burgard Eva, Waihola, domestic duties, residential. Eva died on 22 February 1908 at Waihola and is buried with her husband at the Waihola Cemetery.
Bischiskie, Mary nee Gdaniec
Mary was born in Rościszewko, Poland on 16 January 1852 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Juliusz Byszewski on 27 May 1873 at Dunedin and their children were: Francis, Minnie, Martha, Albert Joseph and Julius Frederick. Mary entered her signature onto sheet 53 in the region of Dunedin for the Women’s Suffrage Petition Roll. She appears on the 1893 Dunedin General Roll No. 1003, Bischiskie, Mary, Dunedin, domestic duties, Filleul street. Mary died on 1 October 1943 at Dunedin and is buried at the Southern Cemetery in Dunedin.
Dysarch, Julianna nee Dietrich
Julia was born in Starzᶒcin, Poland on 4 January 1839 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Jan Michał Dysarch on 28 January 1868 at Subkowy and their children were: Paulina, Maryanna, Annie, John, Frank, Julianna and Rose. She appears on the 1893 Taieri Supplementary Roll No. 1 No. 3119, Dyzarski, Julia, Greytown (Allanton), domestic duties, residential. Julia died on 18 February 1928 at Allanton and is buried with her husband at the Allanton Cemetery.
Dysarch, Maryanna Elzbieta
Mary was born in Brzuśce, Poland on 20 November 1870 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She appears on the 1893 Taieri Supplementary Roll No. 1 No. 3120, Dyzarski, Mary, Greytown (Allanton), domestic duties, residential. She was naturalised as a New Zealand Citizen on 1 December 1930. Mary died on 12 June 1942 at Mosgiel and is buried with her parents at the Allanton Cemetery.
Falska, Julia nee Kustoszyńska
Juliana (Julia) was born in Sumin, Poland on 05 February 1835 and came to New Zealand on the ship Friedeburg in 1872, landing at Lyttleton. She married Jacob Felski on 12 November 1866 at Lipinki and their children were: Jozef, Anna, Mary Catherine, John William and Paulina Rosanna. She appears on the 1893 Awarua Supplementary Roll No. 1 No. 2581, Falska, Julia, Fernhills, domestic duties, residential. Julia died on 2 April 1897 at Fernhills and is buried with her husband at the Winton Cemetery.
Gdanitz, Julia nee Guzyńska
Juliana was born in Wałdówko, Poland on 2 June 1849 and came to New Zealand on the ship Reichstag in 1874, landing at Wellington. She married Tomasz Gdaniec on 15 September 1872 at Kokoszkowy and their children were: Jozef, Bernard, Francis David, Martha Frances, Thomas Carl, Martin Paul, Mary Ellen Magdalene and Agnes Anna (Annie). Juliana appears on the 1893 Waihemo General Roll No. 880, Gdanitz, Julia, Hampden, married woman, residential. Juliana died on 14 November 1915 at Hampden and is buried at the Hampden Cemetery.
Gdanitz, Mary nee Blawat
Mary was born in Poland around 1817 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Marcin Gdaniec on 3 September 1842 at Skarszewy and their children were: Julianna, Rozalia, August, Tomasz, Anna Teresa, Maryanna, Julia, Bernhard and Wilhelmina. She appears on the 1893 Dunedin Supplementary Roll No. 15122, Gdanitz, Mary, residential, Dunedin, domestic duties, Frederick street. Mary may have been a big influence to all her daughters as she made sure they were all on the electoral roll. Mary died on 3 Janurary 1897 at Dunedin and is buried at the Southern Cemetery in Dunedin.
Gurzyńska, Anna Katarzyna nee Klass
Annie was born In Klᶒpiny, Poland on 1 February 1845 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Józef Gurzyński on 2 September 1866 at Tczew and their children were: Franciszek, Jan, Franciszka, Bernard, Rose, Alexander, Joseph, Peter, Annie, Mary, Thomas, Antony and James. She appears on the 1893 Taieri Supplementary Roll No. 1 No. 3153. Gorinski, Annie, Greytown (Allanton), domestic duties, residential. Annie died on 28 September 1923 at Allanton and is buried with her husband at the Allanton Cemetery.
Halba, Brigitta nee Brzośkowska
Bridget was born in Dąbrówka Tczewska, Poland on 27 December 1839 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Jan Karol Halba on 13 November 1859 at Lubiszewo Tczewskie and unable to have children of their own, Brigitta was able to raise her nephew, Józef Walenty Anis. In Poland Brigitta worked as a governess, indicating a reasonable education. Bridget entered her signature onto sheet 32 in the region of Waihola for the Women’s Suffrage Petition Roll. She appears on the 1893 Bruce Roll No. 1113, Halba, Bridget, Waihola, domestic duties, residential. Bridget died on 7 December 1920 at Circle Hill and is buried with her husband at Waihola.
Halba, Teresa Augusta nee Bara
Theresa was born in Gniszewo, Poland on 12 Oct 1863 and came to New Zealand on the ship Reichstag in 1874, landing at Wellington. She married Jozef Walenty Halba on 30 December 1891 at Milton and their children were: John, Rosalie Theresa, John Peter, Theresa Josephine, Joseph Francis and Leonora Bridget. Theresa entered her signature onto sheet 32 in the region of Waihola for the Women’s Suffrage Petition Roll. Theresa died on 1 December 1939 at Balclutha and is buried with her husband at the Fairfax Cemetery.
Hand, Barbara nee Wełnowska
Barbara was born in Klonówka, Poland on 3 December 1870 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Henry Hand on 25 May 1891 at Milton and their children were: Agnes, Barbara, Henry, Thomas, Frances, Gertrude, Veronica, Edward, Ellen, Annie, Teresa, Joseph and Ronald. She appears on the 1893 Bruce Roll No. 1135, Hand, Barbara, Milton, housewife, residential. Barbara died on 15 July 1943 at Milton and is buried at the Fairfax Cemetery with her husband who died the same day.
Hoffman, Anna nee Onasz
Anna was born in Lubań, Poland on 6 December 1846 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married John Hoffman on 8 October 1865 at Niedamowo and their children were: Maximilian, Michael, Frank, Maria, John, August, Joseph, John, Thomas, James, Adam, Alexander and George. She appears on the 1893 Clutha Supplementary Roll, No. 3883, Hoffman, Anna, Waikaka, wife, residential. Anna died on 17 January 1929 at Roxburgh and is buried at the Gore Cemetery with her husband.
Hoffman, Mary (Maria Berta)
Mary was born in Małżewko, Poland on 23 April 1872 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married James Lamb on 22 August 1894 at Gore and their children were: James, Mary Anna, John, George, Thomas, Alexander, Frank and Dennis Joseph. She appears on the 1893 Clutha Supplementary Roll, No. 3884, Hoffman, Anna, Waikaka, housekeeper, residential. Mary died on 29 January 1953 at Roxburgh and is buried at the Roxburgh Cemetery with her husband.
Kowalewska, Franciszka Augustina
Augusta was born in Rukosin, Poland on 2 August 1868 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She appears on the 1893 Taieri Supplementary Roll No. 1 No. 3214, Kovalski, Augusta, Greytown (Allanton), domestic duties, residential. Augusta died on 16 November 1912 at Wellington and is buried at the Karori Cemetery.
Kowalewska, Jozefina nee Drozdowska
Josephina was born in Rukosin, Poland on 22 March 1835 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Lohrenz August Kowalewski on 30 October 1859 at Lubiszewo Tczewskie and their children were: Franciszek, Rozalia, Barbara, Paulina, Franciszka, Marta, Mary, Annie and Agnes. She appears on the 1893 Taieri Supplementary Roll No. 1 No. 3215, Kovalski, Josephina, Greytown (Allanton), domestic duties, residential. Josephina died on 17 August 1900 at Dunedin and is buried at the Southern Cemetery in Dunedin.
Kreft, Rozalia nee Chiłkowska
Rosalia was born in Turze Wielkie, Poland on 25 May 1848 and came to New Zealand on the ship Lammershagen in 1875, landing at Wellington. She married Jan Marcin Kreft on 15 November 1868 at Godziszewo and their children were: Franciszek, Jan, Józef, Maria, Rosalia, Albert, Martin, Barbara and Catharina. She appears on the 1893 Bruce Roll No. 1508, Kreft, Rosalia, Akatore, housewife, residential. Rosalia died on 31 July 1911 at Milton and is buried with her husband at the Fairfax Cemetery near Milton.
Kreft, Rozalia nee Gdaniec
Rosalie was born in Rościszewko, Poland on 24 January 1845 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Józef Marcin Kreft on 5 November 1865 at Godziszewo and their children were: Anna, Tomasz, Paulina, Charles, Joseph, Bernard, Wilhelmina, John, William, Frank and Martin. She appears on the 1893 Taieri Supplementary Roll No. 1 No. 3218, Kreft, Rosalie, Greytown (Allanton), domestic duties, residential. Rosalie died on 15 June 1916 at Allanton and is buried with her husband at the Allanton Cemetery.
MacDonald, Annie nee Gręca
Annie was born in Godziszewo, Poland on 16 September 1864 and came to New Zealand on the ship Reichstag in 1874, landing at Port Chalmers. She married William Robertson MacDonald on 25 December 1889 at Knox Church in Dunedin and their children were: James Frederick, Agnes Robertson and James Martin. She appears on the 1893 Chalmers Roll No. 4587, McDonald, Annie, Wickliffe Terrace, Port Chalmers, domestic duties, residential. Annie died on 27 January 1821 at Blackball and is buried at the Blackball Cemetery in Greymouth.
Michałska, Johanna Agniszka nee Rygel
Johanna was born in Kleszczewko, Poland on 12 January 1841 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Jan Christian Michałski on 12 October 1862 at Kłodawa and their children were: Maryanna, Rozalia, Franciszek, Marta, Annie, James, Johanna, Albert and Helena. She appears on the 1893 Taieri Supplementary Roll No. 2 No. 3529, Mehalski, Johanna, Mosgiel, domestic duties, residential. Johanna died on 16 May 1933 at Mosgiel and is buried with her husband at the Andersons Bay Cemetery in Dunedin.
Michałska, Rozalia
Rose was born in Kłodawa, Poland on 1 September 1867 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married David Dickson Stevenson on 5 June 1895 at Mosgiel and their children were: Eileen, William (died in Napier earthquake) and Johanna. She appears on the 1893 Taieri Roll No. 1606, Mehalski, Rose, Mosgiel Junction, factory worker, residential. Rose died on 22 March 1954 at Gore and is buried with her husband at the Andersons Bay Cemetery in Dunedin.
Orłowska, Anna Jozefina nee Maślak
Annie was born in Dalwin, Poland on 17 June 1843 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Jan Orłowski on 6 November 1870 at Godziszewo and their children were: Maria, Voleska, Francis, Julia, Minnie and Lewis. Anna entered her signature onto sheet 32 in the region of Waihola for the Women’s Suffrage Petition Roll. She appears on the 1893 Bruce Roll No. 2152, Orlawski, Annie, Taieri Beach, domestic duties, residential. She was naturalised as a New Zealand citizen on 6 June 1900. Annie died on 23 May 1925 at Dunedin and is buried with her husband at the Fairfax Cemetery near Milton.
Pistor, Julia nee Gdaniec
Julia was born in Rościszewko, Poland on 20 February 1854 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Carl Herman Traugott Pistor on 25 June 1873 at Dunedin and their children were: Carl Phillipe Heinrich and Minnie. She appears on the 1893 Dunedin Supplementary Roll No. 15970, Pistor, Julia, residential, Dunedin, domestic duties, Frederick street. Julia died on 3 March 1913 at Gisborne and is buried at the Makaraka Cemetery in Gisborne.
Rekowska, Paulina Katarzyna
Paulina was born in Stanisławie, Poland on 4 November 1859 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Franciszek Józef Barra on 14 October 1896 at Milton and their children were: James and Herbert. She appears in the 1893 Bruce Supplementary Roll No. 1 No. 3189, Rekowske, Paulina Agatha, Loudon’s Gulley, domestic duties, residential. Paulina died on 30 November 1942 at Loudon’s Gulley and is buried with her husband at the Fairfax Cemetery near Milton.
Rogacka, Paulina nee Klass
Paulina was born in Sobowidz, Poland on 22 July 1850 and came to New Zealand on the ship Palmerston in 1872, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Franciszek Rogacki on 6 November 1870 at Miłobądz and their children were: Józef, John, Francis, Anthony, Annie, Rosa, Thomas, Maria and Minnie. She appears on the 1893 Taieri Supplementary Roll No. 1 No. 3364, Rogatski, Paulina, Mosgiel, domestic duties, residential. Her whereabouts are unknown.
Rydzewski, Jozefina. nee Szczepańska
Josephine was born in Trzcińsk, Poland on 15 November 1861 and came to New Zealand on the ship Reichstag in 1874, landing at Wellington. She married John Regefsky on 12 September 1880 at Gore and their children were: Agnes Elizabeth, James, Clara Barbara, Ellen Frances, John Francis, Joseph, Josephine and Frances Victoria. She appears on the 1893 Clutha Supplemenatry Roll, No. 3995, Regefsky, Josephine, German Town, housekeeper, residential. Josephine died on 10 November 1955 at Dunedin and is buried with her husband at the Mataura Cemetery.
Smolińska, Franciszka nee Malińowska
Fanny was born in Kolińcz, Poland on 5 October 1850 and came to New Zealand on the ship Malborough in 1879, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Jan Smoliński on 17 October 1869 at Lubiszewo Tczewskie and their children were: Jakob, Maryanna, Jan, Józef, Franciszek, Martha, August, Minnie, Rosie, James, Annie and William. She appears on the 1893 Taieri Supplementary Roll No. 1 No. 3389, Smolenski, Fanny, Greytown, wife of John Smolenski, residential. Fanny died on 18 March 1913 at Dunedin and is buried with her husband at Allanton.
Świtalla, Franciszka nee Szwocha
Fanny was born in Obozin, Poland on 3 October 1829 and came to New Zealand on the ship Reichstag in 1874, landing at Wellington. She first married Józef Waliński on 31 October 1852 at Godziszewo and their children were Katarzyna, Anna, Barbara, Maryanna, Rózalia, Jan, Franciszka, Józef, Agniszka & Antoni. Franciszka then married Jan Świtalla on 1 June 1873 at Lubiszewo Tczewskie and their children were: Joseph and an unborn child. Franciszka was the region’s midwife with her daughter, Maryanna, by her side. She appears on the 1893 Taieri Supplementary Roll No. 1 No. 3407, Switalla, Fanny, Greytown, domestic duties, residential. Fanny died on 31 May 1925 at Dunedin and is buried with her husband at the Allanton Cemetery.
Świtalla, Marta Cecylia nee Piernicka
Martha was born in Kłodawa, Poland on 22 November 1865 and came to New Zealand on the ship Dallam Tower in 1875, landing at Port Chalmers. She married Jan Świtalla on 10 November 1881 at East Taieri and their children were: Joseph, Francis, John, Martha, Antony, Michael, Mary, Ann, Alice, Edward, Charles and Eileen. She appears in the 1893 Taieri Supplementary Roll No. 1 No. 3108, Switalla, Martha, Greytown (Allanton), wife of John Switalla, residential. Martha died on 30 October 1938 at Dunedin and is buried at the Andersons Bay Cemetery in Dunedin.
Todd, Maria nee Jurczyńska
Mary was born around 1855 from the Gdańsk Region, Poland and came to New Zealand around 1874. She married Richard Hugh Todd on 23 November 1875 at Milton and their children were: Robert, Sarah, Mary, Elizabeth, Rose, John and Francis. She appears on the 1893 Chalmers Roll No. 3912, Todd, Mary, Ravensbourne, domestic duties, residential. Mary died on 13 August 1918 at Dunedin and is buried with her husband at the Southern Cemetery in Dunedin.
Wiśniewska, Anna Maria nee Orłowska
Annie was born in Pszczółki, Poland on 11 August 1837 and came to New Zealand on the ship Reichstag in 1874, landing at Wellington. She married Michał Wiśniewski on 13 November 1859 at Godziszewo and their children were: Józef, Augustus, Franciszek, Jan, Franciszka, Waleria, Antoni, Bernhard, Martha, Francis, Anna and James. Annie entered her signature onto sheet 32 in the region of Waihola for the Women’s Suffrage Petition Roll. She appeared in the 1893 Bruce Roll No. 2970, Wisnoski, Annie, Waihola, domestic duties, residential. The couple saw the celebration of their Golden Wedding Anniversary with family at Waihola. Annie died on 25 December 1910 at Waihola and is buried with her husband at the Waihola Cemetery.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
- Ancestry.com
- Archway.archives.govt.nz.
- Catholic Baptism Records, St. Joseph’s, Catholic Archives, Dunedin
- Cemeteries search – Dunedin City Council
- Fairfax Cemetery Records, Dunedin Public Library
- Hamburg Passenger Lists
- Kate Sheppard: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Sheppard
- New Zealand Electoral Rolls 1893
- New Zealand Electoral Rolls • FamilySearch
- Paperspast.natlib.govt.nz
- Polish BDM, Pelplin Archives
- Waihola Cemetery Records, Dunedin Public Library
Compiled by Paul Klemick (2022).