Jurczyńska Family

Richard Todd & Mary (nee Jurczynska), Roman Catholic Block 17 Plot 7 at Southern Cemetery in Dunedin

Maria Jurczyńska, a servant, (b. abt. 1855–d. 1918), was born in the Danzig region of West Prussia, now known as Gdańsk. Mary as she was known in New Zealand was with her twin brother when they were on their way to New Zealand during the mid-1870’s. Unfortunately, her brother was hijacked off the ship and forced into the German Army. It is believed Mary’s parents both died prior to their embarking, her father killed and mother during childbirth.

Mary married on 23 November 1875 at St Mary’s in Milton to Richard Hugh Todd (b. 1834 at Dundee–d. 1921). When the couple married, it is believed they lived in a tent beside the railway lines for a time. Richard possibly worked on the railways as one of Brogdens navvies been brought out from England. Later the family moved to High Street at Ravensbourne in Dunedin, where Richard worked as a labourer and Mary raised their family.  The family were: Robert (b. 1876–d. 1927), Sarah Ann (b. 1878–d. 1925), Mary (b. 1879–d. 1939), Elizabeth (b. 1880–d. 1959), Rose (b. 1882–d. 1903), John (b. 1884–d. 1959) and Frank (b. 1889–d. 1947). Mary died on 13 August 1918 aged 63 and is buried alongside her husband and family at the Southern Cemetery in Dunedin.

Research Sources

Catholic Diocese of Dunedin, St Mary’s Church, Milton; Baptism & Marriage Register.

New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs Naturalisations, Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Woodley Alan K, supplied documents & family information.

Websites

Southern Cemetery – Mary Todd (1856-1918) – Dunedin City Council

Compiled by Paul Klemick (2022)