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Kąkol Family

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SURNAMES & THEIR ORIGINS

 

KĄKOL (Pol) kąkol. Meaning: corn cockle.

MALECKI (Pol) malec. Meaning: The little man. This was both a nickname for a physically small man and a pet name for a child, which sometimes retained in adult life.

PACA (Lith) Pac. First name especially common in northeastern Poland.

WITTING (Ger) Witt x Weiß. Meaning: white, esp. a person with light coloured hair.

 

Filip Jakob Kąkol, a small farmer, (b. 1837–d. 1918)  was born at Kaczki on 25 April 1837, the son of Franciszek Kąkol (b. 1808–d. 1883) and Barbara Paca (b. 1810–d. 1869), Filip married on 8 September 1861 at St. Jakuba in Kłodawa to Brigitta Malecka (b. abt. 1834 at Subkowy–d. 1925), the daughter of Michal Malecki (b. 1805–d. 1874) and Kristyna Witting (b. 1807–d. 1852). Prior to marriage, at Stanisławie, Brigitta gave birth to; Jan Michal (b. 1857) and Anna (b. 1860–d. 1860). The family born at Trąbki Wielkie were: Franciszka (b. 1862–d. 1868), at Rościszewko; Anna Maria (b. 1864–d. 1864), at Godziszewo; Rozalia (b. 1865–d. 1949), at Stanisławie; Michal Jan (b. 1868–d. 1951) and at Dąbrówka Tczewska; Maryanna (b. 1871–d. 1872). They left the village of Dąbrówka-Tczewska for Hamburg where they set sail aboard the Palmerston on 29 July 1872, arriving at Port Chalmers near Dunedin on 6 December 1872.

 

Rosalie Secher (nee Konkel)

Listed aboard were: Philip Jacob Konkel age 35, Brigita 38, Rosalia 7 and Michal 4. The family was sent south to Scroggs Creek on contract work with Brogden and Sons to lay the southern railway through the Taieri. The family born at Allanton were: August (b. 1873–d. 1929) and Frank (b. 1875–d. 1954).

“Waste Lands Boards. The regular weekly meeting of the above Board was held on Wednesday Present — Messrs A. C. Strode (in the chair), H. Bastings, Butterworth, and Clark. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. GREYTOWN. Messrs E. Rogatsky, P. Jacob Kankel, and John Wrobloskie, with three other Germans, applied to purchase areas held by them in the township of Greytown at L 3 per section, viz.; Section 13, block XII., sections 17 and 18, block XII., and having occupied and built upon the land by authority of the Government. Mr Henry Houghton, German Consul, appeared on behalf of the applicants.” Otago Witness, 19 August 1876, p 10

At Allanton, Philip bought sections 17, 18, 19 and 20 of Block twelve on 11 May 1880. According to the 1882’ Return of Freeholders, Jacob owned one acre to the value of £150 at Allanton. During 1883 the family sold their property to Frederick Tikey and moved to Dunedin where they settled in the district of Pine Hill overlooking a grandeur view of the city. Here a small number of fellow countrymen where already residing. Mr Murphy of Pine Hill recalled the family lived in a corrugated iron house in Cromley (Cowan?) Road near where the trig station is today. Philip worked here as a bushman and sold wood and timber all around Dunedin.

“CITY POLICE COURT. Saturday, January 8. (Before Messrs De Lacey and Gregg, J.P.’s.) Henry Box was charged with assaulting Jacob Kunkel at Pine Hill on the 28th ultimo, by presenting a revolver at him and saying “I’ll blow your brains out.” Mr Reid appeared for the complainant, and Mr Gallaway for the defendant. Mr Gallaway contended that there was no offence disclosed, as there could not be an assault unless the revolver was loaded.—The case was adjourned until Thursday so that it might be heard by the Resident Magistrate.” Otago Daily Times, 10 January 1887, p 4

“PETITIONS. J. Konkel and four other ratepayers in the Pine Hill district petitioned the council to have about 11 chains of road at Wahles Hill (Pine Hill district) metalled.— Referred to the inspector for a report as to what the settlers would do themselves towards effecting the work asked for.” Otago Witness, 3 December 1891, p 20

“WAIKOUITI COUNTY COUNCIL. The ordinary meeting of this County Council was held in the Council Chambers, Hawksbury, on Friday, at which there were present: The Chairman (Mr J. Green), and Crs W. J. Bolt, J. Crickmore, J. Douglas, and J. Porteous. Reporting on the petition of Mr J. Konkel and others, asking for a piece of road formation between sections 47 and 53, North Harbour and Blueskin district, the inspector stated that the petitioners had done some formation which it would lie necessary to go over again before metal is put on. This was the only outlet these people had, and until a month or so ago they had to sledge everything to and from their properties to the road. The petitioners were willing to supply the stone if the council broke and spread it. The Inspector was instructed to call for tenders for the formation of the road, and breaking and of metal thereon as soon as the settlers interested supplied the necessary spalled stone in such places along the road as the inspector may direct.” Otago Daily Times, 21 December 1891, p 4

“Plans and specifications for Contract 459 may he seen at Mr J. Konkel’s, Pine Hill, and for the whole of the works at the County Office.” Otago Daily Times, 23 January 1892, p 3

“CLOSING THE PINE HILL ROAD. A meeting of residents and settlers in the Pine Hill district was held in the schoolroom on Wednesday evening. As showing the interest taken in the object for which the meeting was convened, we may mention that the assemblage was by far the largest yet gathered in the district. Mr John Campbell, who was voted to the chair, explained that the meeting had been called for the purpose of entering a protest against the action of the City Council in endeavoring to get an Act pushed through Parliament this session to give them authority to close the present road through the Botanical Gardens Reserve, and to substitute therefor another road which was far from convenient, to the settlers of Pine Hill. He hoped that everyone present would have something to say on the subject, so that the matter could be well ventilated. Afterwards he would ask one and all to step forward and sign the petition which he had prepared for presentation to Parliament…  Mr Konkel: They cannot take our road away from us. We will stand by our rights. We will not give it up. Let them make us a good road round by the river, and then we will talk about giving up this road. (Applause.)…” Evening Star, 22 June 1899, p 2

Bridget’s younger sister Anna and husband Antoni Piernicki also left Allanton to reside at Pine Hill. Bridget was naturalised as a New Zealand citizen on 14 August 1899 and Philip was naturalised on 18 May 1900. It is said that the youngest sons, August and Frank, provided the entertainment with the fiddle and accordion for the local district dances.

“CITY POLICE COURT. Friday, February 6. (Before Messrs J. Braithwaite, R. Ewing and J. Arkle, J.P’s.) Alleged Breach of the Peace—Augustus Konkel, Francis. Konkel, and John Woods were charged with, on January 21, at Pine Hill load, using behaviour with intent to provoke, a breach of the peace.—Mr Hanlon appeared for the two Konkels, and Mr Hay (instructed by Mr Irwin) for Woods.—On Mr Hanlon’s application, Mr Hay consenting, an adjournment was granted till February 12, Mr Hanlon agreeing to pay the expense of the police witnesses. A further charge against Francis Konkol and Augustus Konkel of using obscene language, on the same occasion was similarly adjourned.” Otago Daily Times, 7 February 1903, p 3

“CITY POLICE COURT. Tuesday, June 15. (Before Mr H. Y. Widdowsen, S.M.) Drunkenness—A first offender, who did not appear, was fined 10s, in default 24 hours’ imprisonment. August Konkel a resident of Pine Hill, who was born in New Zealand of German parents, was charged with drunkenness in King street on June 14, this being his second lapse within the past six months. He was also charged with using obscene language in King street. —Senior Sergeant Dart, who prosecuted, stated that the accused was arrested by Constable Rutherford. He was drunk, and made use of obscene expressions, and besides that he said, “I am a German and no Britisher can lock me up.” He continued to use such expressions all the way to the police station and also after he was in the cell. Senior Sergeant Dart said he purposed having inquiries made as to the accused’s nationality before liberating him. His language was strongly un-British and pro-German.—For the first offence the accused was fined 20s, in default three days’ imprisonment, while for the second be was fined 40s, or 14- days’ imprisonment. He was given until next day at 10 a.m. to find the money.” Otago Daily Times, 16 June 1915, p 10

Philip died suddenly at his residence in Upper Pine Hill on 16 June 1918 aged 81 years.

A man named Philip Jacob Konkel, 82 years of age, died suddenly yesterday afternoon at his home, where he resided with his relatives, at Pine Hill. As he had not been attended by a doctor for at least 2 years, the coroner was informed, and an inquest has been deemed necessary.” Otago Daily Times, 17 June 1918

“An inquest was held at the Morgue yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of Philip Jacob Konkel, who died suddenly at his home at Pine Hill on Sunday afternoon. The enquiry was held before Mr. J. R. Bartholomew, S. M. (Coroner), and the police were represented by Senior Sergeant Murray. Evidence was given by Michael John Konkel, (son of deceased), and Dr. Evans. On Sunday afternoon the deceased, who was 81 years of age, was seized with a fainting turn, to which he had been subject for the last two years. He died very quickly. Two years ago, he was attended by Dr. Batchelor for heart weakness. The medical evidence was to the effect that the cause of death was cardiac failure, due to senile decay. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.” Otago Daily Times, 18 June 1918

Bridget died on 17 December 1925 aged 91 years and is buried in the Southern Cemetery in Dunedin.

“DEATHS. KONKEL.—On December 17, 1925, at her residence, Pine Hill, Bridget, relict of Phillip Jacob Konkel; aged 92 years. R.l.P.—Requiem Mass To-day (Friday), the 18th inst., at 9 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Cathedral.” Otago Daily Times, 18 December 1925, p 8

 

Remains of Konkels corrugated iron cottage at the entrance of block 32 on Cowan Road, previously owned by Gdanitz and Perniski, taken 2015 courtesy of Paul Klemick

 

Rosalia Konkel was born at Godziszewo on 24 October 1865.  She married on 15 September 1886 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Dunedin to Adolf Secher (b.1860). They soon had a daughter, Martha Magdalene (b. 1887) born in Dunedin. In 1896, Rosalia was then married to John William Alexander Barrowman. Rosalia died on 4 November 1949 aged 84 and is buried at the Southern Cemetery in Dunedin.

 

Michael John Konkel was born at Stanisławie on 20 September 1868.

“CITY POLICE COURT. Tuesday, March 17. (Before E. H. Carew, Esq., E.M.) Hawking Without a License.—Michael Konkell, a lad, was charged with hawking in the city without a license.—There was not sufficient evidence to prove “hawking,” and his Worship dismissed the case. Sam Hung, Fook Lee, Vow Lea, Yong Yick, Ah Sang, Goon Fat, Tong See, and Choi moi-sun were similarly charged, and fined 5s each.—Mr E. Cook appeared for a number of the accused. —A case against Sam Yet fell through, as the constable could not identify him as the man who was driving the cart which was used in hawking the vegetables.” Otago Daily Times, 18 March 1885, p 4

Michael married on 29 September 1897 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Dunedin to Margaret Thompson Barrowman (b. 1867 at West Lothian–d. 1945). The family born at Dipton were: Francis Jacob Ignatius (b. 1898–d. 1962), at Dunedin; Agnes Winifred (b. 1904–d. 1978) and Margaret Mary (b. 1906–d. 1954). Michael was employed as a labourer and wood carver and was naturalised as a New Zealand citizen on 2 March 1909. Margaret died on 13 June 1945 and Michael died on 13 July 1951 aged 82. He is buried at the Andersons Bay Cemetery in Dunedin.

 

Philip Jacob Konkel and Rosalie Barrowman (nee Konkel), Roman Catholic Block 37 Plot 1 at Southern Cemetery in Dunedin

References

Pobόg-Jaworowski, J. W, History of the Polish Settlers in New Zealand, ed. Warsaw; Chz “Ars Polonia.” 1990, p 22.

Research Sources

Archives New Zealand, Passenger Lists, 1839-1973, FamilySearch.

Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara O Te Kawanatanga; Land Records.

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

Godziszewo, Kłodawa, Konczewice, Lubiszewo Tczewskie, Subkowy & Trąbki Wielkie Parish Records, Pelplin Diocese, Poland.

Jenkins Karen, Portobello, supplied family information (1999).

August Konkel and Bridget Konkel (nee Malecka), Roman Catholic Block 65 Plot 11 (site of grave, bottom-right) at Southern Cemetery in Dunedin

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

New Zealand Government Property Tax Department, from the rates assessment rolls, Return of Freeholders of New Zealand 1882, published 1884.

Websites

Andersons Bay Cemetery – Michael John Konkel (1868-1951) – Dunedin City Council

Archway.archives.govt.nz.

Papers Past (natlib.govt.nz)

Southern Cemetery – Bridget Konkel (1833-1925) – Dunedin City Council

Headstone1

Michael John and Margaret Konkel, Block 88 Plot 31 at Andersons Bay Cemetery

Southern Cemetery – Philip Jacob Konkel (1837-1918) – Dunedin City Council

Southern Cemetery – Rosalie Barrowman (1865-1949) – Dunedin City Council

 

 

 

 

 

Compiled by Paul Klemick (2022)

 

 

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