The Middlebrook Reunion Blog

Sunday, June 22, 2014

A Family Likeness

The Middlebrook Family photos show some remarkable likenesses between siblings, but not only relationships as close as that, as these photos show. Jane Thompson Middlebrook, eldest daughter of John and Mary Ann Middlebrook, ( not to be confused with her Aunt of the same name) on the left, and on the right, Ellen Hardy , 2nd daughter of Elizabeth and George Douglas Hardy were first cousins but as shown in these photos could almost be mistaken for the same woman. Jane ( known as Cis) was born in 1876 in Auckland and Ellen was born two years earlier in 1874 also in Auckland. We know the Middlebrook families connected with each other frequently despite geographical distance between them - I wonder how often Jane and Ellen's paths crossed and if they too remarked on their likeness.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Latest newsletter–June 16 2014

Welcome to new subscribers to the newsletter

We have 5 new family groups who have subscribed this week to the newsletter.
Welcome! - Its so exciting to see us growing in numbers.
Remember if you haven't already - Please fill in a Family Group Sheet so we can add you and your family to the Middlebrook Family Tree
Click here to fill one out - this can be done online

Family Bible Update

Its still missing but we now have a photocopy of some of its pages

Thanks to John Rush, ( Great Grandson of Jane Thompson Middlebrook ) we now have a photocopy of a few pages from the Middlebrook Family Bible. Most excitingly on comparing the handwriting to the will of Ellen Middlebrook ( which was hand written) its clear that some parts of it were added to by her. T

This is obviously the same bible that several other family members have transcripts taken from as the wording on the second page here is identical to those transcriptions

The words "near Leeds in the West Riding of Yorkshire " is written in the same handwriting as that of Ellen Middlebrook's will which was included in the last newsletter.
The third page includes obituary notices for various family members back in England and some unknown people - who perhaps were good friends of the family as at this point the names are not known to us.

Most of the clippings are from the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, except for the clipping regarding Bernard Montgomery which must have been placed much later by a member of the family who believed the story that several branches of the family were told - that we were related to Archbishop Frederick Farrar and therefore his grandson Bernard Montgomery. ( This of course has since been proved false).
Below are transcriptions of some of the clippings on this page- If anyone has further info on any of the "non Farrer" names and their connection to the family we would love to hear from you.

DEATH OF Mr B.P. FARRER - We regret to have to announce the death of Mr Benjamin Piercy Farrer, solicitor of Scarborough, eldest son of Dr Farrer, formerly of Brighouse. Mr B.P.Farrer who was articled with Messrs. Chambers and Chambers, solicitors, of Brighouse, was well known in this district where he practised for some time prior to his removal to Scarborough. In politics Mr. Farrer was a Conservative, and when in Brighouse, he took an active part in the Conservative ?..... He was of the founders of the Brighouse Conservative Club and was for some time a member of the Committee. Mr Farrer,who had attained the age of 41years died at the residence of his father, Eawood Lodge,Scarborough, on Wednesday afternoon. The funeral is to take place at Brighouse Parish Church tomorrow ( Saturday) forenoon, and the cortege will leave the Brighouse Railway Station at half past eleven o'clock.

Benjamin Piercy Farrer ( son of Robert Farrer who was Ellen Farrer Middlebrook's brother) 1853-1894

The dean of the surgeons of the Atlantic Fleet, if not among the steamships of the world, is Dr J. Fourness-Brice, of the steamship Cymric, of the Boston-Liverpool Service of the WhiteStar Line. Dr Brice, has practiced his profession on shipboard since 1859. He was born in England in 1826, was graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in London in 1850, and from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, in 1838.His connection with the Steamship Service, came about as the result of an accident. Had already come into extensive practice in South Yorkshire, having followed in the footsteps of a kinsman lately deceased. When one day on a foxhunt, his mount fell, and the young physician received an injury that prevented his continuing in practice. He went to America and after an extended stay, returned as surgeon on the American Steamship Congress. Dr Brice, in spite of his 78 years is an active progressive physician. When he is ashore in America he spends most of his time in the hospitals in order to keep abreast of the times. When the ship is at Liverpoool, he betakes himself to his Yorkshire home, where he enjoys the freedom of the moorlands and the society of his ...... two daughters. Dr Brice has crossed the Atlantic nearly 900 times .

FARRER - On May 15 at Beancroft House Castleford Aged 66, Charles Farrer, Registrar of Births Deaths and Marriages, Interment at Castleford Cemetery tomorrow ( Tuesday May 19), leaving the ?house at 1.00. Friends will please accept this ( this only) invitation(?)

OBITUARY- On Tuesday last, the interment of Mr Chas. Farrer, of Beancroft Road for many years, the district Registrar, took place in the grounds of the Castleford Cemetery. The deceased was held in high esteem by a large circle of friends. Mrs Farrer is also suffering from influenza. Much sympathy is expressed toward Mrs Farrer and the family.

Charles Farrer ( Brother of Ellen Farrer Middlebrook) 1825-1891

DEATHS
ARIELL - On September 9 at Thorne, Paparoa, Kaipara, William Whittaker Ariell, Esq. J.P. of Thorne, Paparoa and Doncaster, England. Aged 76 years. London and Yorkshire papers please copy.

William Whittaker Ariell died in 1897 . Could the Ariells possibly be neighbours and friends of the Middlebrook family who had land in the Matakohe /Paparoa region in early years they lived in New Zealand?

Baron Farrer, aged 80 is dead. He was Permanent Secretary to the Board of Trade,(resigning in 1886, the title of Baron, being granted to him for public service.

At this point we can not find a relationship between Baron ( Thomas Henry) Farrer and Ellen Farrer.

MARRIAGES - ELLIOT-RHODES- January 14 at the parish church, Thornes by the Rev. W.J. Pearson, vicar of St Marys Old Sculcoates assisted by the Rev.J Coombes vicar of the parish. Henry Stephen, second son of Stephen Elliott, Newmarket House, Stanley to Mary Penelope, eldest daughter of William Rhodes, Duncan House Thornes.

This connection took a little while to find but we found it!!
Stephen Elliott, the father of the groom in this marriage notice was the first son of Thomas Elliott and Hannah Elliott ( nee Thompson) Hannah Thompson was the youngest daughter of James and Elizabeth Thompson, therefore the sister of Ellen Thompson who was Ellen Farrer's Mother, making Ellen Farrer, first cousin of the father of the Groom .

(1904) Miss Jessie Fairchild, daughter of the late Mr James Robert Fairchild, of Melbourne, was married on June 1 at St Lukes, Redcliffe-square, London, to Mr Lester Browning Booty, sixth son of the late Mr James H Booty..

Jessie Mary Farrar Fairchild was the daughter of James Robert Farrar Fairchild. His father was James Farrar 1818- 1845 apparently and was married to Mary Ann Finley. We are yet to find the connection between James Farrar and our Farrer family. More research is obviously required.

SOUTH LEEDS ELECTION
London February 14 1908
The by-election for the representation of South Leeds in the House of Commons, rendered necessary by the death of Sir John Lawson Walton ( late Attorney- General), resulted in the election of Mr Middlebrook(Liberal). The voting was as follows
Middlebrook (Liberal) 5274
Neville ( Conservative) 4915
Fox (Labour) 1451

This refers to Sir William Middlebrook who was the son of George Middlebrook, brother of Thomas Middlebrook- 2x Great Grandfather of John Middlebrook ( the patriarch of our family). This makes Sir William a first cousin, 3 times removed of John Middlebrook.

WHO AM I?

This photo was from the collection of John Rush. We think she may possibly be a young Jane Thompson Middlebrook, but this is just supposition based on a comparison with some other photos we have of Jane such as the one below . Both women share similar features in the shape of their eye and brow line and similar nose ( though the older woman has slightly more prominent nose as is common in older people.)

Middlebrook Family History Website is now Live

The first stage of the Middlebrook Family History Website is now up and viewable.

All the links to the first generation are live and more will be added over coming weeks and months. There is also a link to subscribe to this newsletter and a link to the reunion on the website
You can view the website here Currently this website is being serviced with a free option which requires the small advertising banners- however its possible it can be upgraded at a later date.

Reunion Registration is now Open

We are excited to announce registration is now open for the Reunion.

The reunion will be held on January 24th and 25th 2015 at Fairway Lodge, Silverfield, Takapuna.
We have negotiated what we feel is the best price and format for our needs and we are able to offer several options in our aim to have as many attend as possible. We hope to make this event pleasurable and enjoyable as possible while making it as affordable as we can.
To that end we have formatted the two days as follows:
Saturday 24th January
11am - 4pm
The day will begin with check in where you will be issued with name tags denoting which branch of the family you belong to . This will make it easy for you to recognise those who descend from the same branch of the family as yourself.
From 12 noon we will have our photographer taking formal group photos of each branch of the family and of the whole group, along with roaming candid photos throughout the day.
These photographs will be available in an inexpensive book form, after the reunion. Orders to be taken on the day or beforehand via a form which will be included in a later newsletter.
Leading up to the reunion we will announce the price of a photographic family history book which will be available for pre-purchase and pick up at the reunion.
Finger food and tea and coffee will be supplied throughout the day and a cash bar will also be available for those who wish to make use of it.
There will be photographic and informational displays and a large family tree available for viewing.
Saturday primarily though is a mix and mingle event where we can all get to know each other.
Feel free to bring along any photos or copies, along with family mementos you wish to share or display.
Saturday Evening
This is at your leisure. We have suggestions for local restaurants for those interested.
Sunday 25th January
12 noon - 3:00pm
Buffet Luncheon
Sit down lunch with presentations and speakers (descendants) and cutting of the Reunion Cake
REGISTRATION CAN BE MADE ONLINE BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK
Middlebrook Reunion Registration Form
If you prefer to print and fill in a paper form you can download it here
Please share the registration forms with anyone who may be interested in attending

Your Stories and Photos Required

We welcome and would much appreciate your reminiscences or stories relating to the Middlebrook Family for inclusion in future newsletters , in the website, and in the to be published Middlebrook Pictorial History Book. Please send these to Lauren.

The Stewart Connection

It seems that the stories of the Stewarts and the Middlebrooks are very intertwined. Each family had a massive effect on the other. The tangled web begin in 1873 when George Vesey Stewart, arrived in New Zealand on a search to find land in which to accomplish a protestant Irish Settlement. The Survey Department put at his disposal Samuel Middlebrook, who lead him through the Bay of Plenty where Stewart chose an area now known as Katikati as the perfect area for his settlement and he was granted 10,000 acres for the purpose. The first party of settlers arrived on the Carisbrook Castle in 1875 and amongst them was Stewart Rea and his family. Rea had worked for Stewart on one of his Irish Estates.
Stewart Rea’s eldest daughter was Mary Jane, and in 1883 she went on to marry Samuel Middlebrook

The connection with the Middlebrook family did not end there though, In the early 1890s a young Ellen Hardy, daughter of Samuel’s sister Elizabeth was living in Katikati with her Grandmother. It is assumed it was at this time she met John Rowley Miller Stewart, 4th child of George and his wife Margaret.
Their paths were to cross later as John, despite his marriage and 7 children with Ellen Furness, he maintained a second home with Ellen Hardy and their 3 children, John Rowley, Ethel Muriel and Douglas Stewart. Despite his promises to the contrary, on the death of his wife, John Rowley Stewart did not marry Ellen Hardy, but married yet another woman. A heart broken Ellen was taken under the wing of John Rowley Stewarts mother, Margaret , who had recently separated from her husband George Vesey Stewart . It was on her suggestion that Ellen took on the surname Miller which had been Margaret’s maiden name.

The, actions of their father, in effect disowning them had a life long effect on the three children. The children suffered emotionally and eventually John and Douglas were to legally change their surname to Miller. Ethel spent much time in her childhood in Katikati with her “Aunt” Minnie, the 6th child of Margaret and George Vesey Stewart - and in the process became good friends with her Middlebrook cousins, the children of Samuel Middlebrook

James Thompson Middlebrook–A Timeline

Here’s a simple timeline for the life of James Thompson Middlebrook. I’m sure there are many gaps in this which I will fill in as I find more information about his life but I like this format for easily getting a snapshot of someone’s life

BIRTH – Millbridge Yorkshire 7 march 1858
BAPTISM – St Barnabas Hightown Yorkshire 4th July 1860
DEPARTURE – In August from Liverpool onboard “Shalimar”
ARRIVAL - Into Auckland In December 1862
SHOT - In the arm while “Placing the Butts” age 13 years – Tararu Creek Thames
RESIDENCE – Matakohe, Occupation Carpenter 1880 Electoral Roll
MINING CLAIM – Lucky Strike Gold Mine Te Aroha January 1881
RESIDENCE – Katikati 1882 Freeholders Roll
RESIDENCE – OIiphant Street Auckland 1883 Valuation Roll
PURCHASE – “Cains Hotel” TeWharau Loading Grounds 1884
OCCUPATION – Begins working for NZ Railways as Carpenter 1885
MARRIAGE – To Elizabeth Edgar Murray 1886
RESIDENCE - Opua Bay of Islands 1890
RESIDENCE – Opua Bay of Islands 1900
DIVORCE – Application for divorce from Elizabeth Edgar Murray 1902 on grounds of Desertion August 1902, Absolute November 1902
MARRIAGE - to Julia Bartle Sullivan 7 December 1902
BIRTH – Son Farrar Middlebrook 28th November1903
BIRTH – of Twins Eva Rhys and Nelson Bartle 26 January 1905
RESIDENCE – Opua Bay of Islands 1905
BIRTH – Son Charles Russel Middlebrook 7 April 1908
RESIDENCE – Ward Tce Kingsland 1911
RESIDENCE – Mamie St Remuera 1914
DEATH – of Stepson Frank Arnold Sullivan at the Dardanelles 1915
RESIDENCE – “Ngapuhi” Manukau Rd Epsom 1919
RESIDENCE – 13 Burch Street Mt Albert OCCUPATION Retired 1928
DEATH – November 29th 1930
BURIAL – Purewa Cemetery

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Reunion Registration is now Open

We are excited to announce registration is now open for the Reunion.

MIDDLEBROOK MEMORIES
By John McBain

I have such a wealth of memories! First off I feel very privileged to have known one of the original Middlebrook immigrants to New Zealand. John (the son) was my great-grandfather. He died in Te Awamutu in 1939, I was then aged 6.
Te Awamutu, then as now, was small town N.Z. John loved the town, loved the people and everybody loved him. By the time I was aware and had a memory of such things he was living with his daughter Ettie and son-in-law Sid, who had a house on the main street in town. On a sunny day he would be out with his stick and two steps on his way, he would be chatting with somebody. Progress was slow in a town where everybody was a friend. I was living in Te Awamutu

then too and in such a town, as a 5 year old I was free to wander on my own. Sometimes we would meet on the street and he would stop to chat, occasionally I would go to see him at his room, which had a doorway onto the large sweeping verandah. At the time I saw nothing “special” in that, he was my great-grandfather, I thought everybody had one! Now in hindsight I realise just how special that was.

But past “memories” in these newsletters have been been of grandparents, mine were John Thompson Middlebrook and wife Susie(nee Frost) I had no other grandparents, my Dad was an orphan from an early age. John Thompson had worked with his father John in the butchery almost from the beginning in Te Awamutu, so succeeded him into the business. Around 1938 they moved into a new house they had built in the town. My memories are of a refrigerator (it was a Westinghouse) in the house, so normal these days, but I had never seen one in a house before. You could put water in trays in an icebox at the top and “next day you had ice”, even in mid-summer! Hot days it was wonderful to have a cube of ice in your drink.
I would visit after school, just to get a cool drink. My grandparents also had a summer bach at Cockle Bay (now a part of Auckland). For a week in summer I would travel up there with them and my Mum came too. A week at the seaside,

Such bliss! The final year that we made the trip, a Japanese invasion was a major worry and Cockle Bay beach had been festooned with a tangle of barbed wire, with only a small gap to walk through to reach the water for swimming.

But my grandfather was having health problems. The doctor advised that his work “in and out of chillers “ was likely to aggravate the condition seriously. He really had to move! So they did, to a small farm in Manurewa. But my visits didn’t end.

Summer School Holiday I was off up to Manurewa by train. Still the worry of Invasion, my grandfather had made an “air raid shelter” in the vegetable patch. A trench with a ramp entry and timbers over the top, with a pile of soil atop the timber.
Pumpkins sprawled over all , it looked a part of the garden. Manurewa was within range of Auckland, a wondrous place for a 9 year old. Off with grandma in a taxi , which in wartime you had to share with other fare paying passengers,to save petrol. The train with engine belching steam, was at point of departing and it was a dash across the platform. Back on the farm –my grandfather had a barn, a treasure trove for a young boy. He had such a lot of tools, some I knew others I was a little unsure. Pots for nails and screws- I reached for a distant one with inquisitive fingers to identify what might be within. Certainly not the expected! It moved! In panic, I withdrew with the largest spider I had ever seen clinging to my fingers. I never returned to the barn again!

WHO ARE WE?

This photograph shows the wedding of Ethel Hardy (daughter of Ellen Hardy (Miller) and John Rowley Stewart) and William Henry Hewett on 1st September 1921.
We believe the 3 attendants could be Coopers - Children of Susan Jane (Hardy) and James Bailey Cooper. We would welcome confirmation or otherwise of this from anyone familiar with the families. Email lauren if you have any information

Will of Ellen Middlebrook

This is the will of Ellen Middlebrook. I believe it was written by Ellen herself as the handwriting and the signature on the second page match perfectly.
Here is a transcription of the will.
This is the last Will and testament of me Ellen Middlebrook Widow of the CIty of Auckland in the colony of New Zealand.. I give and bequeath to my children here-after mentioned. To my daughter Jane Thompson, the wife of Hector McRae the sum of fifty pounds sterling for her sole use and benefit, and to my sons Benjamin Middlebrook and John Middlebrook the sum of fifty pounds sterling and to my sons Samuel Middlebrook and James Thompson Middlebrook, the like sum of fifty pounds sterling held by them in promissary notes and to my daughter Elizabeth Hardy the wife of George Douglas Hardy the sum of fifty pounds sterling held by GD Hardy her husband on promissary note and the remainder of any monies possessed by me at the time of my death to be divided into six equal portions and given to my six children before named. And the piece of land belonging to me at Tawhio KatiKati to be sold on the decision of the majority of my children and the proceeds to be divided equally among my six children before named and George Douglas Hardy and John Middlebrook of Auckland to be executors of this my will . Signed by Me Ellen Middlebrook in the presence of us present at the same time who in their presence and in the presence of each other and subscribe our names as witnesses hereto. Withnes my hand this 27th of February 1892 .
What we can learn from this will.
1. Ellen was living in Auckland in 1892 when this will was written ( She had been in Katikati and Opua in the 1880s)
2. Clearly Ellen didnt think highly of Jane's husband Hector - she states that the money due to Jane is for her sole use and benefit., however she states that the money to be left to Elizabeth should be held by her husband GD Hardy.
3. Ellen still owned land in Katikati ( Tawhio seems to be a misspelling of Tahawai as there appears to be no place named Tawhio) in 1892 . She had been living there in 1881 according to an article in the Bay of Plenty Times which described the settlement and its inhabitants.
4. Ellen owned property (38 Cobden Street Auckland) which she likely purchased after this will was written.

Your Stories Required

We welcome and would much appreciate your reminiscences or stories relating to the Middlebrook Family for inclusion in future newsletters and on the upcoming website..

Middlebrook Reunion Venue and More!

We have a confirmed venue and date for the Middlebrook Reunion!

Our big news for this newsletter is that we now have a confirmed venue and dates.
The reunion will be held at Fairway Conference Centre ,17a Silverfields Takapuna.
For those who are familiar with Aucklands North Shore, this is directly behind( with nice views of) Takapuna Golf Course, and adjacent to the North Shore Events Centre.
The Venue has a lovely spacious room for us with large windows and doors that open out on to spacious decks overlooking the golf course.
The formal portion of the reunion will take place there over 2 days - Saturday January 24th and Sunday January 25th 2015.
Saturday will consist of a more casual atmosphere, with registration, family and group photographs, informational displays. A Huge Family Tree and individual family trees for each of the 6 family branches. There will be places for you to display and display any photos or family related items you might wish to share.
The main goal for this day is to allow us all to get to know each other in a casual environment.
Refreshments will be served throughout the day in the form of finger food platters, and tea and coffee, and there will be a cash bar available.
If you can only attend one day, then this would be the day to come as we would love to be able to include as many as possible in the reunion photographs.
Sunday will consist of a formal sit down lunch, with speakers ( calling now for volunteers ) telling the story of the Middlebrook family.
Additional activities will be announced later - these would be optional but could consist of dinner on Saturday night at a local restaurant, and cemetery visits.
Prices will be formalised in the next week and we will be calling for deposits from early June.
There will be an early payment discount put in place also.

A PHOTOGRAPHER IN THE FAMILY

Our family is blessed with many many photographs which allow us to get to know our ancestors so much better. Many families have very few if any photographs of their ancestors, yet we have literally hundreds and hundreds. We should be very thankful that those who went before us valued photography so much.
It was probably a little easier for the Middlebrook family, than many others because of Henry ( known as Harry) Whitnall Smith - a professional photographer married into the family in 1902 when he married Jane Thompson Middlebrook (1876-1966) - daughter of John and Mary Anne ( Tucker) Middlebrook,not to be confused with Jane Thompson MIddlebrook (1849-1935) and it appears he became the "go to man" for portraits, for many branches of the family.
This self portrait of him was sent to Jane Elizabeth( Jeannie) (McRae) Simpson and her husband Duncan .

There are many other examples of photos taken by Harry Whitnall Smith from various branches of the family such as this one of Mary Jane (Rea) Middlebrook, wife of Samuel.

and this photograph of Samuel's son John Stewart Middlebrook as a boy

and this as yet unidentified baby photo,

We would love to see other examples of family photographs, taken by Harry Whitnall Smith if you have them

Aromatic Memories of the Early 1940's

by Diarne Poole ( Eldest Grandchild of Phillip and Ellen Winifred Goodwin nee Middlebrook).

Oh, the lovely smell of pikelets cooked on Nanna's Coal range in Hobart Street, Mirimar, Wellington. A real treat for a little girl sitting in the kitchen with butter dribbling down her chin.
When Nanna and Da ( as Phillip was known to all family) left Mirimar for Auckland I only saw them occasionally until I was a teenager, going up on family holidays.
However, I still remember clearly those early days. The scent of Nanna's Ponds Vanishing cream, "Three Flowers" face powder and "Evening in Paris" perfume in the little blue bottle.
Most of all I recall the acrid smell of her little green bottle of smelling salts for when, as we are used to say, she had "an attack of the vapours".
I think this remedy consisted mainly of ammonia!!
In later years in Auckland the aroma of Nanna's roast hogget was so appetizing and very tender to eat. It was always put in the oven very early for Sunday dinner. "Five hours slow cooking dear" was her standard comment.
I believe, when in Wellington Nanna wouldnt trust the butcher's ready made mince, and would choose a piece of "best blade" and troup across the sawdust covered floor to the rear of th eshop and watch the butcher mince it up for her.
This practice continued for some years- albeit minus the sawdust floor.
Nanna was a great cook. She needed to be as Da would only eat goods that Nanna made. For years she even made her own laundry soap in the basement of their Balmoral Road Home.
I find it rather wonderful and comforting that the simple pleasures of smelling home baking, and the soft scent of cosmetics ( not forgetting the pungent smelling salts) can evoke such fond memories of special times spent with Nanna so long ago.

Your Stories Required

We welcome and would much appreciate your reminiscences or stories relating to the Middlebrook Family for inclusion in future newsletters and on the upcoming website..

Middlebrook Family Website Update

Good progress is being made on the website - it should be up and running before the next newsletter. ( albeit a work in progress)

Who are we??

These two cuties probably come from the Jane Thompson McRae (Middlebrook) branch of the family.
This photograph was taken by "The Art Studio" Whangarei.
From what I can find out about this company consisted of Adela Mary Younghusband and George Woolley it appears to have been in business in the early and mid 1920's in Whangarei and Dargaville, and later in Devonport Auckland .
This would make these two girls birth dates between approximately 1910 and 20 .-
They could possibly be Beryl and Joyce Simpson ( born 1915 and 1917 ) two of the daughters of Jane Elizabeth McRae and Duncan Simpson, though the family were living in St Heliers in the early 20's so the Whangarei Photo Studio is a bit of a mystery.
If you can identify these girls we would love to know who they are.

Recently Acquired

We have recently acquired copies of the will of Samuel Middlebrook( 1784-1846 - Innkeeper, Millbridge Yorkshire), and James Thompson ( 1748-1841) Innkeeper, Fairburn Yorkshire ( yes this is the source of all the Thompson references in the Middlebrook family)
The next newsletter will have transcriptions of the wills and information on both Samuel and James.

Middlebrook Family Pictorial History Book

We hope to have available for order and purchase at the reunion, a pictorial history book devoted to the Middlebrook Family.
In order for Lauren to complete this book, she needs copies of photos and in particular, if known, the stories relating to those photos as early as possible.
We would love to cover as many branches of the family as possible in the book, so dig out those photos and scan and send them to Lauren as soon as you can .
If you dont have a scanner one of the committee may be able to come and visit with a portable scanner.
Unidentified photos are also welcome as we have managed to identify quite a few already with comparisons to other photos, and enquiries with other family members.

We Will Remember Them Middlebrooks in World War I

With the Centennial of WW1 this year it seemed a fitting day to pay tribute to the Middlebrook sons who served in World War One.

For those who are unaware New Zealand Archives are attempting to digitise all of the WW1 soldiers records and they have made a huge indent into this mammoth task, to our benefit as we can now access many of the records of the grandsons of Ellen Middlebrook who served in WW1.
I believe Ellen would have had 13 of her Grandsons eligible to fight in the Great War .
I have found records for the following
ROBERT FARRER HARDY-
(Son of Elizabeth Hardy nee Middlebrook, and George Douglas Hardy)
Robert is listed as a Baker and Butcher, working for Briggs Butchery in Parnell at the time he was enlisted.
He was married to Florence Jessie Meldrum and had 2 children , Florence Jessie Hardy, and Robert Farrer Arthur Hardy.
Robert Farrer Hardy served a total of 1 year and 217 days during WW1 before being discharged as medically unfit. During this time he served in Egypt and then at Gallipoli .
He attested in August 1914 and was initially posted to the the Auckland Mounted Rifles, but was transferred and transferred to the N.Z.F.A. as a driver in March 1915 and then in July of that year was promoted to Bombadier . During this time he took part in the Gallipoli campaign, being hospitalised twice, once for "Debility" and the second time for Enteric Fever, which eventually resulted in his discharge back to New Zealand in 1916.

JOHN THOMPSON MIDDLEBROOK
Son of John and Mary Ann Middlebrook,
At the time of his enlistment he is listed as a butcher, working for his father John Middlebrook with a wife, Susannah and one child Thelma.
John Thompson was called up by ballot in May 1918 and in August of that year he was enlisted and sent to Camp at Trentham, where he promptly fell victim to Influenza and was hospitalised for a week
In September he was transferred to Featherston Camp with E Coy. 46th Rifles where he was demobilised in November being classed "medically unfit to travel beyond the seas"
.

NELSON VALENTINE MIDDLEBROOK
Son of John and Mary Ann Middlebrook

Nelson enlisted in July 1915 "aged 21, for the duration of the war" . At that time he was already a member of the 4th Waikato Military Reserves. He is documented to have severe scarring on both arms and his left thigh from an accident pre war at the butchery he worked in. He had with many skin grafts and poor scar tissue that is prone to break down .
He is listed as a Butcher working for his father John Middlebrook.
Nelson's WW1 file is long and detailed.
He served for 3 years 315 days, 3 years and 199 days of which was overseas in Egypt and in Western Europe
From enlistment at Palmerston North he is sent to Egypt .
He is hospitalised twice while in Egypt and then in April 1916 he embarked for France where he joined No 3 Company Field Butchery division.
In January 1918 he is promoted to the 1st NZ Field Butchery with the rank of Warrant Officer 2nd class, where he remains for the remainder of that year, before being demobilised in Glasgow in March 1919.
SAMUEL ROBERT MIDDLEBROOK
Son of Samuel and Mary Jane Middlebrook

Samuel Robert "Bert" is 31 years old when he is called up by ballot and his attestation is dated 23 May 1918.
He is married to Dorothy Clarice, and has one daughter Valerie at the time of his enlistment.
He is already a member of the 6th Hauraki Reserves Regiment and is listed as a Carpenter, working for Harris and Smith, Waihi.
Bert is transferred in September 1918 to the NZ Medical Corp at Awapuni , and from there to D.A.I.M.S in Wellington where he was eventually demobilised in 1919.
ALBERT VICTOR "VICTOR" MIDDLEBROOK
Son of John and Mary Ann Middlebrook

Victor was enlisted in July 1916 aged 21 . He served for 3 years 227 days. 3 years and 54 days of which were overseas. He is listed as a Butcher working for his father ( Incorrectly listed as T Middlebrook- with his father listed also incorrectly as James Middlebrook)
Victor spent most of WW1 in Western Europe and remained in Europe for the duration of the war serving first as a Loader, and then as a Driver.
Whilst overseas he must have met his future wife Madge Carlin whom he married in January 1919 before being demobilised in October of that year.
FRANK ARNOLD SULLIVAN
Son of Julia Middlebrook, stepson of James Thompson Middlebrook

Whilst not a blood relative, Frank Sullivan was definitely part of the family, having been 13 when his mother married James Middlebrook. Frank was a veterinary dentist when he enlisted in August 1914 Frank unfortunately paid the ultimate price for his participatio
n in World War 1 being killed in action in the Dardanelles less than a year later, on the 19th May 1915 on the very start of the Gallipoli Campaign.

There may well have been other members of the family involved in World War One. NZ Archives digitising of files is not yet complete.
If you are interested in viewing the complete files for these men you can find them and others at Archives NZ Archway site

Reunion Planning Update

Planning for the January reunion is well underway and we have narrowed down our venue choices to three. We will be making a decision on the best venue within the next two weeks. While trying to keep costs as low as possible we also want to make the venue as practical and easy to access as possible, and without knowing numbers this hasnt been an easy task, however we should have a venue finalised soon and then we can begin taking registrations

We are still missing many living people on our family tree. If you havent filled in a Family Group Sheet please click here to do so .You can fill in the form online and it will be submitted automatically.