COUPER Families: Wellington & Hawke's Bay, NZ
Index	LU=15Dec08	Contact: Dawn Chambers

Couper Researchers Hamish COUPER, Jo GREEN, Sue O'CONNOR, Mark TUTTY
Descendants of: And: Married: Children | |----- John Grant COUPER | b c1790 | m1 Mary INGLES | m2 Catherine | d 14 Feb 1852 Wellington, NZ | |----- Peter COUPER | bu Turakina, MWT, NZ? | |----- Donald COUPER | Of Wairarapa, NZ? | |----- Grace COUPER | m 29 Feb 1828 Francis McIVER Latheron, Caithness, SCT | Francis d 4 Sep 1885; farmer, Turakina, MWT, NZ | | | |--- James McIVER | | b c1831 Caithness, Scotland | | | |--- Janet McIVER | | b c1833 Caithness, Scotland | | | |--- Kenneth McIVER | | b c1835 Caithness, Scotland | | | |--- Donald McIVER | | b c1837 Caithness, Scotland | | | |--- Helen McIVER | b c1839 Caithness, Scotland | | |----- William COUPER b 20 Jan 1801 Latheran Wheel, Caithness, Scotland m1 1832 Janet HILLMAN m2 14 Sep 1848 Margaret KNOX d 13 Feb 1879 Havelock House, HBY, NZ bu Havelock Cemetery, HBY, NZ
Descendants of:
John Grant COUPER (1790-1852) And: Mary INGLES b c1800 d Jul 1847 bu Bolton St Memorial Park, Wellington, NZ Death notice in NZ Spectator 14 Jul 1847 Alexander Turnbull Library Ref: TL 3/1/2 19 Jan 1966 Children | |----- William COUPER b c1836 m 29 Dec 1858 Sarah Ann HALLETT d 2 Nov 1903 Frasertown, Wairoa, HBY, NZ
Descendants of:
William COUPER (1801-1879) And: Janet HILLMAN d 1840s Married: 1832 Sydney, NSW, AUS Children | |----- Elizabeth COUPER m 24 Aug 1854 Nathaniel Evanson BEAMISH Married at Mount Pleasant, Porirua, WTN, NZ Nathaniel: born c1822, son of George & Jane BEAMISH of Kelkern, Ireland Nathaniel: arrived NZ 1850 on Lady Nugent at Port Chalmers Nathaniel: moved to Hawke's Bay in 1870. Nathaniel: died 1919 aged 92yrs First postmaster at Turakina; settled Hawkes Bay | |--- George Richard BEAMISH b 1860 3 sons: Noel, Eric and Harold died 1935 | |--- Frederick Noel Hamilton BEAMISH | b 16 Apr 1888 | m Margaret MACKERSEY | d 12 Aug 1969 | 3 daughters, 1 son | |--- G. Eric H. BEAMISH | |--- Harold Francis BEAMISH b 1896
Descendants of:
William COUPER (1801-1879) And: Margaret KNOX (1832-) Married: 14 Sep 1848 1856 Family moved to Kahuranaki Station, near Havelock, Hawke's Bay Children | |----- Margaret Knox COUPER | b 17 Jun 1849 Wellington, NZ | m 1872 John ORR | d 7 Apr 1875 aged 26yrs | bu Old Napier Cemetery, HBY, NZ | John, merchant, Napier died 25 Sep 1888 aged 46yrs | | | |--- William John Knox ORR | b 5 Mar 1873 Napier, HBY, NZ | d 1 Apr 1896 drowned, Wairoa, HBY, NZ | Farmer, Wairoa, HBY, NZ | | |----- William Alexander Xavier COUPER | b 3 Dec 1850 Wellington, NZ | m 6 Jul 1881 Annabella GLASGOW | d 15 Apr 1934 aged 83yrs | bu Havelock Cemetery, HBY, NZ | |----- Janet N. COUPER | m 1872 Robert H. MACKENZIE | |----- John COUPER | b 15 Jul 1854 Porirua, WTN, NZ | m 1883 Louisa Kenzia GOLDSTONE | d 4 Mar 1927 Wairoa, HBY, NZ | bu Havelock North Cemetery, HBY, NZ | | | |--- John Frederick COUPER | b 25 Jun 1884 Wairoa, HBY, NZ | m 1908 Bertha Gertrude GREENWOOD | d 6 Oct 1969 Hastings, HBY, NZ | | |----- Mary Taylor COUPER | b 1857 Ahuriri, HBY, NZ | m 31 Jan 1883 Harry Langley DONNELLY | |----- Robert James COUPER | b 29 Sep 1858 Mount Pleasant, Kauranaki, HBY, NZ | m Emily | d 5 Aug 1917 aged 58yrs | bu Havelock North Cemetery, HBY, NZ | Emily: d 12 May 1951 aged 83yrs, bu Havelock North Cemetery | |----- Grace COUPER | b 1860 Ahuriri, HBY, NZ | d 31 May 1879 Havelock House, HBY, NZ | bu Havelock Cemetery, HBY, NZ | |----- William Grant COUPER | b Dec 1863 Napier, HBY, NZ | |----- Donald McLean COUPER | b 1864 Napier, HBY, NZ | m 30 Dec 1886 Rachel Gordon Le QUESNE | d 27 Aug 1928 aged 65yrs | bu Havelock North Cemetery, HBY, NZ | |----- B. COUPER | Daughter | |----- Isabella Russell COUPER | b 14 Dec 1865 Kahuranaki, HBY, NZ | m 10 Sep 1889 Francis Warneford SEWELL Caversham | |----- Frederick George Gray COUPER b 13 Jul 1868 Havelock, HBY, NZ m 1892 Mary Arabella Lamb 'Lily' LOWES d 1938 | |--- Harry Lowes COUPER m 1926 Ruth COX d c1957 Farmer, Waipawa, Hawke's Bay, NZ WWI: Reg No. 18625 Rifleman Father's address: Westbrook, Darling Downs, QLD, AUS
Descendants of:
William Alexander Xavier COUPER And: Annabella GLASGOW d 18 Jul 1923 aged 67yrs Dau of J. GLASGOW Married: 6 Jul 1881 "Ashley", Turakina Children (3 sons, 6 daughters) | |----- Daughter | b 21 Sep 1882 Willow Park | |----- Daughter | b 14 Feb 1888 Kahuranaki, Havelock, HBY, NZ | |----- John Harold COUPER | m 1918 Dorothy HILTON | d 1939 | Attended Wanganui Collegiate 1906 | |----- Ernest Donald COUPER | m 1920 Helen Ralson RICHMOND | d 19 Nov 1976 aged 80yrs | bu Havelock North Cemetery, HBY, NZ | Attended Wanganui Collegiate 1912/1913 | Of Te Mata, Havelock North, HBY, NZ | Rifleman 1st NZ Rifle Brigade (No. 23/1356) | | | |--- William Alexander Xavier COUPER | Attended Wanganui Collegiate 1940-1943 | Of Te Mata, Havelock North | 1939/45 US Merc. Marine (Oiler) | S. W. and C. Pacific | | |--- Marjorie (Margaret Ethel) COUPER (7th child) b 23 Jun 1894 Kahuranaki Station, Havelock North, HBY, NZ d 29 Dec 1979 aged 85yrs bu Havelock North Cemetery, HBY, NZ
Descendants of:
William COUPER (1836-1903) And: Sarah Ann HALLETT bp 1837 SOM, ENG d 11 Sep 1908 Taradale, HBY, NZ Dau of James & Elizabeth (nee BARTLETT) James: Jul 1815 - Oct 1894 Meanee Puketitiri, HBY, NZ Elizabeth: Jan 1814 - Sep 1898 Meanee Puketitiri, HBY, NZ Married: 29 Dec 1858 Schoolhouse, Napier, HBY, NZ Alexander Turnbull Library Ref: AT 13/19/4 - 14 Aug, 7 Sep 1992 William arrived NZ on the 'Samuel Cunard' 1837 Children | |----- John Alexander COUPER | b 1859 Ahuriri, HBY, NZ | |----- Walter James COUPER | b 1861 Ahuriri, HBY, NZ | m 1891 Emily Frances FOX | |----- Elizabeth COUPER | b 1862 Ahuriri, HBY, NZ | m 1879 Robert Bennett HART | Family of Dannevirke, New Plymouth & Stratford; 16 children | Alexander Turnbull Library Ref: AT 13/19/4 - 14 Aug, 7 Sep 1992 | |----- Donald COUPER | b 30 Jun 1865 Wairoa, HBY, NZ | m Emily TORR | d 12 Mar 1945 Wairoa, HBY, NZ | bu Wairoa Cemetery, HBY, NZ | |----- Jane Hallett COUPER | b 1867 Mohaka, HBY, NZ | m 1886 William BECKETT | |----- Louisa Ann COUPER | b 1869 Napier, HBY, NZ | m 12 Mar 1894 Thomas McNEIL Church of St John Baptist, Dannevirke | bu Hukerenui Cemetery, Kawakawa, NLD, NZ | Thomas: born Inveresk, Midlothian, Scotland | Thomas: son of Thomas McNEIL and Alison LANDLES | |----- Catherine "Kitty" COUPER | b 9 Mar 1871 Wairoa, HBY, NZ | m Dec 1889 Richard David MONEY | d Jun 1948 aged 77yrs Hastings, HBY, NZ | Cremated Hastings, HBY, NZ | |----- Peter Joseph COUPER | b 1872 Wairoa, HBY, NZ | m 1903 Susan Agnes JENKINS | d 6 Sep 1953 | bu Wairoa Cemetery, HBY, NZ | Corporal 10th Contingent, D Sqdn, South Africa War 1902 | Susan: d 19 May 1978 aged 91yrs, bu Wairoa Cemetery, HBY, NZ | |----- Andrew COUPER | Of Auckland | |----- Frederick Inglis COUPER b c1877 m 1904 Lily (Dolly) FOX d 19 Jun 1957 aged 80yrs bu Wairoa Cemetery, HBY, BZ WWI: 2nd reserves, storeman with 4 children Address: c/o Williams & Kettle, Wairoa Dolly: d 31 Dec 1932 aged 53yrs, bu Wairoa Cemetery, HBY, NZ | |--- Millie COUPER d 11 Apr 1932 aged 27yrs bu Wairoa Cemetery, HBY, NZ
Descendants of:
Donald McLean COUPER (1864-) And: Rachel Gordon LE QUESNE Married: 30 Dec 1886 Napier, HBY, NZ Children | |----- Cecil Donald COUPER | b 1889 Napier, HBY, NZ | m 1921 Clara Rollo CRAWFORD | cremated 23 May 1961 Purewa Cemetery, Auckland, NZ | WWI: Reg. No. 11/1676; Trooper Wellington Mounted Rifles | Clara: cremated 2 Nov 1966 Purewa Cemetery, Auckland, NZ | |----- Edna Eileen Gordon COUPER | b 1891 Napier, HBY, NZ | m 1920 James Ritcheson STEWART | d 1955 | |----- Claude Eric COUPER | b 1896 Napier, HBY, NZ | d 1914 | WWI: Reg No. 10560; Gunner | |----- Leslie Knox COUPER WWI: Reg No. 56749 Private; farmer, Owhango, WAN, NZ m 1920 Ethel Grace MORRIS d c1969 farmer, Taumaranui, WAN, NZ
Descendants of:
Donald COUPER (1865-1945) And: Emily Agnes TORR b Jun 1869 Wairoa, HBY, NZ d 14 Dec 1944 aged 76yrs Dau of John McKain TORR and Charlotte (nee LEWIS) Married: 27 Nov 1889 Children | |----- Myrtle COUPER | b 19 Sep 1892 Maru Maru, Frasertown, Wairoa, HBY, NZ | m 31 Mar 1915 Frank Neville GREEN | d 17 Jun 1964 Cook Hospital, Gisborne | Married at Couper residence, Frasertown, Wairoa | |----- Rosina COUPER | m 1912 Edward Vivian IGGULDEN | |----- Pansy COUPER | m 1914 William Henry Neville GREEN | |----- Hope Zillah COUPER b c1903 Frasertown, Wairoa, HBY, NZ m 1928 Linardo GRANT
New Zealand Gazette & Wellington Spectator 10 Oct 1840 List of Licensed Publicans in Port Nicholson William Couper, Thistle, Britannia
1841 Census Landhallow, Latheron, Caithness, Scotland Francis McKIVER, 40yrs, Farmer, b Caithness, Scotland Grace McKIVER, 30yrs, b Caithness, Scotland James McKIVER, 10yrs, b Caithness, Scotland Janet McKIVER, 8yrs, b Caithness, Scotland Kenneth McKIVER, 6yrs, b Caithness, Scotland Donald McKIVER, 4yrs, b Caithness, Scotland Helen McKIVER, 2yrs, b Caithness, Scotland
Adventure in New Zealand: an abridgement by Edward Jerningham Wakefield Chap XI p342 Captain Lewis... kept a house on Hiko's island, and was often there. A small party of very disorderly whalers had established themselves with the natives on the other end, and were positively despised by the men of the other stations, because they were often so drunk, or ill from continued drinking and debauchery, as to miss many chances of whales. An industrious Scotch carpenter, who had left a whaling-ship some years before, afforded a striking contrast to their disgusting behaviour. His name was William Couper, and I had known him when I was here before in the Tory. He kept steadily sober and industrious and was said to have accumulated a good little capital, what with mending the whale-boats and ships, and trading with the natives, who, under the influence of Hiko, had befriended and patronized him. He had patched up two old boats, and was about to take them for sale to Port Nicholson, where he thought of setting up in some line, should the place appear "likely."
New Zealand Gazette & Wellington Spectator 8 Nov 1843 Coroner's Inquest An inquest was held on Sunday morning last, at the "Thistle Inn," before J. Fitzgerald, Esq., M.D., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, on the body of Robert Franklin, a whaler, who died from the effect of a wound in his throat, inflicted by himself...
New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian 20 Mar 1847 We have the satisfaction of announcing that after a good deal of negotiation, and two days' personal conference between his Excellency and the Natives, an arrangement has at length been made, by which we may hope that the harrassing question of the Land Claims, as regards the disputed lands in this district and those at Wairau, is finally disposed of. This arrangement has been made in a fair and liberal spirit, a considerable sum of money is to be paid to the Natives claiming the land (belonging chiefly to the Ngatitoa tribe), and ample reserves are made for their use, and they have expressed themselves perfectly satisfied. As much anxiety exists to know the particulars, we have collected from different sources the following account, which we believe to be correct:- The amount of compensation in money to be received by the natives is £5000, namely, £2000 for the disputed lands at Porirua, and £3000 for the Wairau; these sums are to be divided into five annual payments, the largest instalment, amounting to £1600, will be paid this year... Three blocks of land have been reserved in the neighbourhood of Porirua for their use. The first block is bounded towards the south by a line drawn from Jackson's Ferry through section No.62 to the back of the last section (38) in the Ohariu district, and thence to the coast; and comprises the land between the south-western arm of Porirua Harbour and the sea, including that claimed by Mr Couper...
New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian 17 Apr 1850 Publicans' Licenses - Yesterday there was a numerous attendance of Magistrates at the Resident Magistrate's Court for the renewal of Publicans' Magistrate's Court for the renewal of Publicans' Licenses for the current year, and for the purpose of taking into consideration the applications for licenses for new houses. Of the new applications three were rejected, and six granted, and of the latter five are in the town of Wellington, so that the number of public houses in Wellington and its immediate neighbourhood will be increased this year to twenty-four. The names of those to whom licenses for new houses have been granted are as follows:... William Couper, Tiakwai [Wellington]
New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian 3 Apr 1852 Memorial of the Settlers of Wellington & the Neighbouring Districts on the Land claims ordinance and pasturage regulations to His Excellency Sir George Grey We the undersigned Settlers and Landowners of Wellington... William Couper, stock and landholder, Porirua Peter Couper, stock and landholder, Porirua Donald Couper, x stockholder, Porirua Road
New Zealand and Cook's Strait Guardian 7 Jul 1852 Shipping Departures - July 3 - Barque Napoleon, 400 tons, Collas for Port Phillip. Passengers - P. Couper
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 10 Jul 1852 Shipping Arrived - July 6 - barque Napoleon, 400, Collas, from Wellington Sailed - July 8 - barque Napoleon, 400, Collas, for Melbourne. Sixty passengers from Wellington.
Runs and Runholders in Early Hawkes Bay www.angelfire.com/bc/Vincina/runholders.html KAHURANAKI - William Couper 1854 - couper was born at Latheran Wheel, near Caithness in north Scotland in 1801. He came to NZ in 1840 with Janet Hillman (wife) and Elizabeth (daughter). Janet died in the 1840's in Wellington and William married in 1848 Margaret Knox (dau. of Dr Frederick Knox - one of Wgtn's first Doctors and the first Librarian. The family decided to ship to their Hawkes Bay property in 1856. MANGAKURI - W. Frederick Hargrave and Peter Couper c.1853. (Peter was the brother of William of Kahuranaki).
Hawkes Bay Herald 9 Oct 1858 On the 29th inst at Mount Pleasant, Kauranaki, the wife of Wm Couper Esq of a son.
Hawkes Bay Herald 15 Jan 1859 Married at the School House Napier, on the 29th ult by the Rev. Samuel Williams, Mr William Couper to Sarah Ann eldest daughter of Mr J. Hallett, Tutaekuri.
Otago Witness 3 Dec 1859 Hawkes Bay: The Provincial Council was to meet for the despatch of business on the 22nd ult. The sale of unagricultural land took place, pursuant to proclamation, on the 2nd inst. All the lots were sold, viz... 640 acres on W. Coupler's run, to Mr Couper, the applicant, at the upset price [of 5s].
Hawkes Bay Herald 22 Jul 1862 At Meanee Flat, on the 18th inst. Mrs William Couper Jnr, of a son
Daily Southern Cross 6 Aug 1862 Marriage On the 12th ult., at the residence of W. Couper, Esq., Kauranaki, by the Rev. H. Woodford St Hill, Thomas Lowry, Esq, of Okawa, in the provice of Napier, to Maria Townsend, fifth daughter of Geo Beamish, Esq., Turakina, Wellington.
Hawkes Bay Herald 23 Dec 1863 Son born to William COUPER Senr
Hawkes Bay Herald 23 Dec 1865 At Kauranaki, on the 14th December, the wife of William Couper Esq., of a daughter.
Hawkes Bay Herald 14 Jul 1868 At Havelock, on 13th inst, wife of William couper Esq., of a son.
Daily Southern Cross 23 Aug 1869 The fire at Waipawa, Hawke's Bay, in which the Sedgwick Arms was consumed, appeared to have arisen in a lean to in which some material was being dried for the purposes of making mattresses. Mrs Couper barely escaped with her life, her door having had to be broken open. Five men (lodgers) upstairs had also a very narrow escape; they all lost their swags. Mr Couper will be a loser to the extent of between £200 and £300 over and above his insurance.
Taranaki Herald 25 Aug 1869 Fire at Waipawa - The Sedgwick Arms at Waipawa has been burnt to the gound. Mrs Couper barely escaped with her life, her door having had to be broken open. Five men lodgers upstairs, had also a very narrow escape; they all lost their swags. The landlord, Mr Couper, who is very industrious and is generally liked, will be a loser to the extent of between £200 and £300 over and above his insurances.
Evening Post 3 Apr 1873 The conduct of Mr Worgan in reference to the leasing of the Te Kiwi block, at Wairoa, from the native owners to Mr Couper, was brought under the notice of the Native Lands Alienation Commission on the 28th ult, when Mr Sheehan, on behalf of complainants, addressed the Court, and said that the case had developed from an enquiry into the validity of Mr Couper's lease into an investigation into the conduct of the interpreter employed in the matter. Mr Sheehan contended that Mr Worgan's conduct was reprehensible, and he called upon the Commission to express its condemnation of it. Mr Lascelles addressed the Court on behalf of Mr Worgan. The Chairman said the Commission would further consider the matter, but in the meantime they should certainly make no recommendation, but if on further consideration they concluded some notice should be taken, it would be embodied in their report to Parliament.
Taranaki Herald 16 Oct 1875 Sale of Property Mr Miller sold Mr Maney's Pakouhai estate at Wairoa (5,276 acres), with 7,000 sheep, to Mr H. Nairn, for £14,300. He also disposed of the whole of the Te Kapu estate (4,677 acres) to Mr W. Couper of Havelock, at an average price of £1 15s 6d per acre.
Hawkes Bay Herald 14 Feb 1879 At Havelock House, on Feb 13, William Couper Esq., aged 78 years. The funeral will leave for Havelock cemetery tomorrow at 2pm. We regret to have to record the death of one of our earliest and most respected settlers, Mr William Couper, who expired yesterday at Havelock after a painful illness. Mr Couper arrived in Wellington, we hear, about the year 1840, and after remaining there a number of years, came to Hawke's Bay when the district was in its infancy, and remained here up to the time of his death. The funeral takes place tomorrow at 2pm.
Napier District Testamentary Register 1876-1894 Archives NZ Wellington Reference AAEC 638 74 pt1 1879/14 William COUPER died 2 Nov 1879 Beneficiaries: M. K. COUPER, widow W. A. COUPER, son J. N. MACKENZIE, dau E. BEAMISH, dau J. COUPER, son M. COUPER, dau R. J. COUPER, son D. COUPER, son B. COUPER, dau F. G. G. COUPER, dau W. ORR, grandson E. MOORE, stranger (life interest) L. ORR, stranger
Hawkes Bay Herald 2 Jun 1879 Death: On 31st inst, at Havelock House, Grace, daughter of the late William Couper. The funeral will leave for Havelock cemetery this day at 2pm.
Hawkes Bay Herald 15 Jul 1881 Marriage: Couper-Glasgow - On the 6th July, at the residence of the bride's father, Ashley, Turakina by the Rev John Ross, William Alexander Xavier, eldest son of the late W. Cooper, of Havelock, Hawkes Bay, to Annabella, eldest daughter of J. Glasgow.
Hawkes Bay Herald 30 Sep 1882 At Willow Park, on 21 Sept, wife of W. A. Couper, of a daughter
Hawkes Bay Herald February 1883 On 31st January at Willow Park, Havelock by Rev W. Nicholl, Harry Langley Donnelly of "The Willows" Hawkes Bay to Mary Taylor, fourth daughter of the late Wm Couper, Havelock
Hawkes Bay Herald 6 Jan 1887 Marriage Couper-Le Quesne - At the residence of the bride's mother, Shakespeare-road, Napier, on December 30th, by the Rev J. G. Paterson, assisted by the Rev D. Sidey, Donald McLean Couper, fourth son of the late W. Couper of Havelock, to Rachel Gordon, third daughter of the late J. Le Quesne, Napier.
Hawkes Bay Herald 17 Feb 1888 At Kahuranaki, Havelock, on the 14th February, the wife of W. A. Couper, of a daughter
Otago Witness 12 Sep 1889 Marriage On the 10th September, at St Peter's Church, Caversham, by the Rev. F. E. Watson, Francis Warneford Sewell, of St. Clair, to Isabella Russell, fourth daughter of the late William Couper, Kahuranaki Station, Hawke's Bay.
1893 Hawke's Bay Electoral Roll Annabella COUPER, Domestic duties, Havelock John Alexander COUPER, Labourer, Olrig William Alexander COUPER, Sheepfarmer, Havelock Town section 47, Havelock
1893 Napier Electoral Roll Emily COUPER, Domestic duties, Barrack Hill, Napier William Alexander COUPER, Sheepfarmer, Havelock Lot 26, surburban section 67
1893 Waiapu Electoral Roll Donald McLean COUPER, Sheepfarmer, Petane Emily COUPER, Married, Mangapoika Louisa Annie COUPER, Spinster, Frasertown Louisa Regia COUPER, Married, Frasertown Peter COUPER, Labourer, Frasertown Robert COUPER, Sheepfarmer, Frasertown Sarah Ann COUPER, Married, Frasertown William COUPER, Farmer, Te Kapu William Grant COUPER, Shepherd, Patoka
1893 Otaki Electoral Roll Frederick G. G. COUPER, Sheepfarmer, Campbelltown N. Sections 94-96,106-115 Oroua Downs
Auckland Weekly News 31 Oct 1901 Photographed was Mrs James Hallett, now 87 years, Meanee, Hawke's Bay, with her daughter Mrs W Couper of Frasertown, Wairoa and grand-daughter Mrs R Hart of Ourua, and great-grandaughter Mrs Brinsten of Dannevirke and her daughter. Mrs Hallett arrived at Wellington in 1841 and has living, three sons, one daughter, 29 grandchildren, 41 great-grand children and two great-great grandchildren.
Alexander Turnbull Library Biographical Index 1953 v2 p16 Mary (Lily) Arabella Couper, who died in Hastings on Saturday at the age of 84, was the eldest daughter of the late William and Isabella Lowes, a grand-daughter of Adam Glasgow, who brought his family from Scotland to New Zealand in 1841. Mrs Couper's mother's first husband was Donald Cameron, whose descendants have helped to build the farming industry of the Wairarapa. Mrs Couper was born at Porirua and at an early age went to live in Masterton. In 1891 she married Frederick George Grey Couper, youngest son of William Couper of Kahuranaki, who arrived in New Zealand in 1839. After their marriage Mr and Mrs Couper lived at Rongatea until 1899 when they went to Queensland, having purchased the property and home of "Westbrook" on the Darling Downs. Mr Couper died in 1938. Mrs Couper remained at Westbrook until 1949 when she came to live in Havelock North with her only daughter Mrs C. F. Mackenzie. Mr and Mrs Couper were active workers for the Presbyterian Church. In Rongotea they gave the land upon which the church now stands, and in Queensland presented to the district of Westbrook its first Presbyterian Church. Mrs Couper was loved for her tolerance, kindly wisdom and sympathy. She is survived by one daughter, two sons, Messrs H. L. Couper, Waipawa and R. H. Couper, Toowoomba, Queensland, a sister, Mrs F. C. Lewis, Masterton, nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Her second son, Mr F. A. B. Couper, died some years ago.
Wairoa Star 7 Sep 1953 There passed away at the Wairoa Hospital yesterday afternoon, one of the oldest and most highly respected residents of the district in the person of Mr Peter Joseph Couper, aged 81 years. Born in Wairoa in 1872, Mr Couper moved to Frasertown at an early age and later married and reared a family of 11, three of whom predeceased him. He was exceptionally keen on horses and for a number of years was proprietor of the Frasertown stables. After 47 years a resident of Frasertown "Old Peter" as he was affectionately known, shifted to Wairoa where he was for 15 years caretaker at the Wairoa saleyards. On retiring, Mr Couper shifted to his late residence at Kaimoana Road. He was also well known throughout the country as a popular and efficient drover. His cheery nature and generous manner will long be remembered by a large number of friends and the news of his passing will be received with deep regret. To Mrs Couper and her family - Mesdames R. Fraser (Wairoa), P. Knapp (Feilding), Messrs Dick (Hastings), Mick (Kurow), Les (Wellington), Milton (Wairoa), Claude (Opunake) and Jack (Wellington); also his brothers Andrew (Auckland) and Fred (Wairoa) will be extended sincere sympathy in their bereavement. The funeral will leave St Andrew's Presbyterian Church tomorrow (Wednesday) at the conclusion of a service commencing at 2pm.
NZ Genealogist 1976 Readers' Queries p344 315. NICHOLSON, John m Eliza STREETER at Sydney 1 Mar 1817 soon after they arrived from England - both possibly born near Newcastle-on-Tyne. Port Nicholson, NZ named after John who was Harbour Master at Sydney 1821-1842 but precise reason and date unknown. John's nephew, Wm COUPER visited NZ late 1820s, later settled Wellington then moved to Hawke's Bay. Any information on either family appreciated. (I. H. Nicholson, 102 Lewin St, Lyneham, ACT 2602, Australia)
1980 Jan 1 - Hawkes Bay Herald Tribune Last Couper of Kahuranaki Station dies Miss Marjorie (Margaret Ethel) Couper, the last of the Couper family of Kahuranaki Station, Havelock North, died on Saturday. She was 85. Miss Couper was born at Kahuranaki on June 23, 1894 and lived all her life in Hawke's Bay. She was the seventh child of Mr and Mrs W.A.X. Couper. Her grandfather, William Couper, commanded a sailing ship, trading between Australia and New Zealand in the 1820s and 1830s. In 1837, he settled in Wellington. Later he bought a farm at Porirua, and a property in the Rangitikei. In 1856, he sold these properties, and bought Kahuranaki Station of the Tukituki river. Miss Couper's grandmother was the daughter of Dr Frederick KNOX, one of the first doctors in Wellington, as well as its first librarian. She was also the niece of Dr Robert Knox, the famous anatomist of Edinburgh, Scotland. At Kahuranaki life was that of a hardy pioneering family, living in a one-roomed whare, with curtains for divisions. Women and children slept at one end and men at the other. About 1866 her grandparents, Mr and Mrs William Couper, retired to Havelock North, and her father, W. A. X. Couper took over the management of the station. In those days, Kahuranaki was still an isolated property with no road access. Communication always involved fording the Tukituki River, at which Mr W. A. X. Couper was an expert. He was also an able farmer and an excellent judge of stock. Mr Couper had a great deal to do with the Maoris, speaking their language fluently. He was regarded by them as a pakeha Rangitira. Miss Couper's mother was Annabella Glasgow of Turakina (Rangitikei). She was married in 1881 and at Kahuranaki, during the hardships of those pioneering days, brought up a family of nine children - three sons and six daughters. In 1898, under the terms of his father (William Couper's) will, when the younger son, Frederick, attained the age of 25 years, Mr W. A. X. Couper gave up the management of the station and the property was subdivided and sold. Mr W. A. X. Couper, with his family, then moved across the Tukituki to his Mount Erin property where he built the present Waihotoa homestead, which for 80 years has been the Couper family home. It was here that Miss Couper lived for the rest of her life. Miss Couper was interested in the Girl Guide movement, and for a number of years was district commissioner for Hastings. She was a strong supporter of charitable institutions, and for many years, helped with Hawke's Bay children's homes. She was a member and supporter of St Columba's Presbyterian Church, Havelock North. With her quiet and generous disposition, Miss Couper, all her life was concerned with assisting others, as well as in community efforts that needed help, while no worthy appeal was ever refused by her. There are now no surviving members of her immediate family, though their descendants still live in Hawke's Bay and in other parts of New Zealand.
NZ Genealogist Nov/Dec 1986 Members Interests p593 COUPER: Glasgow, Hawke's Bay; HALLETT: Somerset, Hawke's Bay Susan Mary O'CONNOR (nee ILLSTON) 2 Nathan Pl, Palmerston North (has moved)
Family Research Directory 1990 5684 Mrs Gay MOLLER, 53 Onedin Pl, Titirangi, Auckland 7 COUPER, Frasertown, HKY; HALLETT, Napier & Waipukurau