Thomas John DRAKE born 1814 Deptford, KEN, ENG

Index LU=10Sep09 Contact: Dawn Chambers

Descendants of: John DRAKE
And: Elizabeth FREAK (1795-1828)
Married: 15 Nov 1813 Saint Mary, Newington, SRY, ENG

Descendants of: Thomas John DRAKE (1814-1889) TIMELINE
And: Ceres Selina WALTERS (1813-1898)
Married: 20 Dec 1836 Saint Paul, Deptford, KEN, ENG

Children
|
|----- Ceres Selina DRAKE
| b 27 Apr 1839 Hackney, MDX, ENG
| b Jun Qt 1839 Hackney, MDX, ENG [Sarah Selina Drake]
| d 28 Jul 1896 Johnsonville, WTN, NZ
| bu 30 Jul 1896 Bolton Street Memorial Park, WTN, NZ
|
|----- Thomas John DRAKE
| b 4 Aug 1841 Wellington, NZ
| m 30 Mar 1869 Helen Russell KNOX
| d 20 Jul 1906 Levin, MWT, NZ
| bu 23 Jul 1906 Levin Cemetery, MWT, NZ
|
|----- Mercy DRAKE
| b 28 Sep 1843 Wellington, NZ
| m 23 Dec 1876 Thomas Hunt JENKINS
| d 22 Jul 1906 New Plymouth, TNK, NZ
| bu Eltham Cemetery, TNK, NZ
|
|----- Francis DRAKE
| b 24 Aug 1845 Wellington, NZ
| m 28 Aug 1906 Janet Elizabeth (Jessie) CRAWFORD Eltham, TNK, ENG
| d 5 Oct 1929 Epsom, Auckland, NZ
| bu 6 Oct 1929 Waikumete Cemetery, Auckland, NZ
| 1887-1890: Sheepfarmer at Waikawa, Horowhenua [Electoral Rolls]
| 1893-1903: Farmer, Te Horo, Horowhenua [Otaki Electoral Rolls]
| Jessie: born c1861 Indigo Creek Ovens, VIC, AUS
| Jessie: dau of Alexander John Crawford and Elizabeth (nee Crawford)
| Scholefield Papers, Wellington Public Library
| Jessie: buried by the Salvation Army at Waihi, Auckland
| Francis: buried by the Salvation Army at Auckland
| [From letter written by Loeta Constance Drake 16 Sep 1939]
| |
| |--- Daughter
| b c1909
|
|
|----- Amelia DRAKE
| b 5 Sep 1847 Wellington, NZ
| d 10 Oct 1905 Wellington, NZ
| bu Bolton Street Memorial Park, Wellington, NZ
| 1896-1899: Lady, Te Horo, Horowhenua [Otaki Electoral Roll]
|
|----- Walter DRAKE
| b 11 Nov 1849 Wellington, NZ
| d c1929 Queensland, AUS
| 1887 Sheepfarmer at Waikawa, Horowhenua [Foxton Electoral Roll]
| 1892-1898 Sheepfarmer, Johnsonville
|
|----- Arthur DRAKE
| b 10 Mar 1852 Johnsonville, WTN, NZ
| m 24 Sep 1885 Harriet HALSE
| d 27 Jul 1916 Manakau, MWT, NZ
| bu Manakau Cemetery, MWT, NZ
| 1890-1903: Sheepfarmer at Waikawa, Horowhenua [Otaki Electoral Rolls]
|
|----- Elizabeth DRAKE
| b 26 Apr 1854 Johnsonville, WTN, NZ
| m 9 Jun 1886 William Naylor JENKINS
| d 23 Aug 1942 Opunake, TNK, NZ
| bu 25 Aug 1942 Eltham Cemetery, TNK, NZ
|
|----- George DRAKE
b 2 Mar 1856 Johnsonville, WTN, NZ
alive in 1898
Scholefield Papers, Wellington Public Library
"Sailed from Wellington to Sydney and was never heard of again.
The family had detectives & police searching for him for some
years, but they never found a clue. He had a considerable sum
of money which he carried with him & it was thought that he
must have been murdered - Australia was a rough place in those
early days. He was on good terms with his family & a general
favourite & after a lapse of years they mourned him as dead.
Uncle Walter Drake went over there with the idea of tracing him
& also Mrs Chambers & her mother of Opunake, but without avail.
Great grandfather Capt John Drake was in command of a convict
ship which used to run to Australia & that may have gone
against him (George Drake) if he had claimed relationship.
[From letter written by Loeta Constance Drake 16 Sep 1939]

Descendants of: Francis DRAKE (1816-1861)
And: Elizabeth HEDLEY (1817-)
Married: 11 Jun 1840 All Saints, Newcastle upon Tyne, NTH, ENG

Descendants of: Thomas John DRAKE (1841-1906)
And: Helen Russell KNOX (-1912)
Married: 30 Mar 1869 Wellington, NZ

1896-1902 Farmer, Ohau, Horowhenua [Otaki Electoral Rolls]

Descendants of: Arthur DRAKE (1852-1916)
And: Harriet HALSE (1865-1965)
Married: 24 Sep 1885 St Mary's Church, New Plymouth, TNK, NZ

Descendants of: Percival Penly DRAKE (1873-1939)
And: Edith Mary Jane SIMPSON
b 1872 Wellington, NZ
m1 1893 George BARNES
d 10 May 1940
bu 12 May 1940 Levin Cemetery, Horowhenua, NZ

Married: 1902

Descendants of: Harry Douglas DRAKE (1880-1956)
And: Lily May JUKES
b 13 Jul 1891 Ohau, MWT, NZ
d 30 Dec 1960
bu 31 Dec 1960 Raetihi Cemetery

Married: 10 Jun 1908 Eltham, TNK, NZ

Bishops Transcripts St Mary's Newington, SRY LDS Film 307696 - Marriage p135 No. 403
John DRAKE of this parish, batchelor
Elizabeth FREAK of this parish, spinster
Were married in this Church by Banns by Robert DICKINSON curate
Witnesses: Wm. WILLIAMS and T. MASON (both 'professional' witnesses)

Baptism entries St Alphage Greenwich & Saint Giles Camberwell, SRY, ENG
Occupations and residences of John and Elizabeth Drake
1814 Greenwich Road, Greenwich; chief mate of an Indiaman
1816-1819 Bridge St, Greenwich; mate of an Indiaman & Captain in Royal Navy
1823-1827 Camberwell & Peckham, mariner

The Law Advertiser 1824 p397 Assignees chosen
JAMES, H. J. Errington Paxton Jun., Fitches-court, Noble-street, builder
John Drake, Peckham Rye, master mariner

WILLIAMS, Joseph Errington Paxton Jun., Fitches-court, Noble-street, builder
John Drake, Peckham Rye, master mariner

Land Tax Assessments Camberwell SRY
LDS Film 993687

Peckham Rye: Proprietor John Selwyn, 6 properties; rental Ł16, assess 8s
These properties are not listed in 1824.
1. 1825-1826 Charles MARTIN
1. 1827-1831 WEBLING
2. 1825-1825 J. G. WALKER
2. 1826-1827 L. WALKER
2. 1828-1828 T. HARRISON
2. 1829-1831 Empty
3. 1825-1831 Mary WATSON
4. 1825-1826 John DRAKE
4. 1827-1827 Empty
4. 1828-1831 Miss ALLEN
5. 1825-1831 John TURNER
6. 1825-1831 James FAGG

The Monthly Magazine 1826 p679
A list of Bankruptices announced between 22 Oct & 22 Nov 1826 extracted from the London Gazette
Drake, J., Havell-street, Camberwell, merchant; Solicitor, Hutchinson, Crown-court, Threadneedle-street

Caledonian Mercury 25 Nov 1826 Bankrupts from the London Gazette
J. Drake, Camberwell, Surrey, merchant and ship owner

The London Gazette 16 Jan 1827 p18
Whereas the acting Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued forth against John
Drake, of the Schooner Rising-Sun, and of No.4 Hewell-street, Camberwell, in the County of Surrey,
Merchant, Ship-Owner, Dealer and Chapman, have certified to the Right Hon. the Lord High Chancellor
of Great Britain, that the said John Drake hath in all things conformed himself according to the
directions of the several Acts of Parliament made concerning Bankrupts; this is to give notice, that
by virtue of an Act passed in the sixth year of His present Majesty's reign, his Certificate will
be allowed and confirmed as the said Act directs unless cause be shewn to the contrary on or before
the 6th day of February next.

The London Gazette 22 May 1827 p15
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt, bearing date the 16th day of November 1826, awarded
and issued against John Drake, of the Schooner Rising Sun, and of No.4 Howell-street, Camberwell,
in the County of Surrey, Merchant, Ship-Owner, Dealer and Chapman, intend to meet on the 12th day
of June next, at Ten in the Forenoon, at the Court of Commissioners of Bankrupts, in Basinghall-Street,
in the City of London, to Audit the Accounts of the Assignees of the estate and effects of the
said Bankrupt under the said Commission.

The Asiatic Journal & Monthly Miscellany 1828
Death: Oct 21 at Camberwell, aged 33, Eliza, wife of Mr John DRAKE,
late of the Hon. E. I. Company's Service.

The Times 28 Oct 1828 p4 Death
On the 21st inst., at Havill-street, Camberwell, aged 33, Eliza, the
wife of Mr John Drake, late of the East India Company's service,
second daughter of Thomas Frank, Esq., of Greenwich.

India Office Record Reference: Z/O/1/10 Miscellaneous Bonds 1829
Bond No. 7075
Date of Instrument: 2 Jan 1829
Description of Instrument: Bond & Covenant
Names: Richard DRAKE
Description: Free Mariner
Presidency: Madras
Amount of Security: Ł500
Sureties:
1. John DRAKE, Somerset Place, Havil Street, Camberwell, Gentleman
2. John B. GOOCH, China Terrace, Lambeth, Merchant

Marriage by license 11 Jun 1840 All Saints Parish Church, Newcastle on Tyne, NTH, ENG
Francis DRAKE, of full age, bachelor, Gentleman of Higham Place
Father: John DRAKE, Captain in the East India Company's service
Elizabeth HEDLEY, of full age, spinster of Shield Field
Father: Thomas HEDLEY, merchant
Witnesses: Thos HEDLEY, Septima Harriet HEDLEY, Jane Parker HEDLEY,
C. H. DOBSON and Marie Bulmer HEDLEY

The Newcastle Courant 12 Jun 1840 Marriage
At All Saints on the 11th inst., Francis, second son of Captain John Drake, H.C.S., London,
to Elizabeth, fifth daughter of Thomas Hedley, Esq., of the Shieldfield.

The Northern Liberator and Champion 13 Jun 1840 Marriage
On the 11th inst., F. Drake, Esq., of Higham Place, to Miss Elizabeth Hedley, of
Shield Field.

1840 Jul 11 - The New Zealand Gazette
List of Passengers

In the barque "Aurora" Captain Heale, from London: Mr Samuel Parker
and lady, Mr G. T. Palmer jun., and lady, Mr T. J. Drake, lady &
child, Mrs R. Stokes, Mrs R. Parke, Miss Morgan, Major Baker, Messrs
J. W. Child, W. Deans, W. and C. Maxwell, J. and F. Deighton, George
White, and C. M'Gurk; R. Stokes, Esq., surgeon.

1840 Oct 18 - New Zealand Journal
Extract of a letter from Mr Thomas Drake, Passenger by Aurora, to his father.

Brittania, Port Nicholson, New Zealand, April 2, 1840
Dear Father, I write to inform you of our safe arrival here; we had a
very pleasant passage of four months from Gravesend. We arrived at
Port Hardy on the 17th of January, and at Port Nicholson on the 18th.
We are all quite well, and have been so since we left England. Little
Ceres has grown a very fine and beautiful child - is very much admired
by everyone. Our fresh provisions lasted all the way to Port
Nicholson; there was plenty of wine, spirits and porter, and on the
whole we lived very well indeed. Our cabin was the most comfortable
one in the ship. We had several gales; in one off the Cape we lost our
fore-topmast, and main and fore-top-gallant masts, and yards &c. The
worst gale was between the Cape and New Holland; it lasted 2 days and
a night. We sailed at 14 knots an hour, with close reef foresail; the
waves were exceedingly long, and as high as our foretop: we were often
quite buried in the sea. The Aurora was the first ship that arrived;
we only had one death, and that was a child who was very bad when it
came on board. The Tory made a very quick passage here, only 93 days
from Ushant; she purchased this port and about 800,000 acres of land
before the Sydney folks knew of her leaving England; they were close
at her heels, expecting to buy this place before her arrival.

My articles purchased at Wood's came out in the Glenbervie; I was
surprised you did not write as you said you would. We fell in with a
large ice island with a number of large pieces near it, on Christmas
day, while at dinner; we were sailing with a fair wind at 10 knots an
hour. We met some others two days afterwards between the Cape and New
Holland, about 41 deg. south latitude.

There are 3 ships here from Sydney and Port Philip with horses,
cattle, and sheep; there have been several brigs and schooners from
Sydney, and the north of New Zealand, with provisions, potatoes,
pigs &c; there have been 12 ships lying here at once. I understand
that there are a great number of people leaving New South Wales, Port
Philip and South Australia, owing to the drought and great price of
provisions, and coming to New Zealand; there were six-and-twenty
came here last week in a schooner from Port Philip. I suppose before
this you have seen the chart of Port Nicholson, which was surveyed by
the nautical surveyors in the Tory; it is a very magnificent port
indeed. Ships can come in or out against the wind, the entrance being
sufficiently large to tack about. The opposite part of the bay was
originally selected by Col. Wakefield and the surveyors of the Tory
for the town, and named Thorndon, after Lord Petre's estate; the
harbour is name Lambton, after the Earl of Durham. The site of
Thorndon is most desirable for a commercial town; it is a most
beautiful spot and exceedingly healthy, and the land is cleared; it
contains about 1,500 acres; quite sufficient for the town.
Clay in abundance for bricks, of very superior quality and all other
materials for building. The foundation for houses and cellars is
excellent, dry and level; plenty of most excellent water.

The natives plant and sow all the year round, the climate is so
equable. Large vessels can very nearly lay alongside the town. The
district of Britannia is a beautiful large valley, with several
smaller valleys branching out of it, right and left. The soil is
exceedingly rich, and nothing can equal the luxurience of the many
beautiful shrubs and plants. It is delightful to hear the sweet notes
of the numerous birds here; the pigeons are very fine and large. The
climate is exceedingly salubrious and the woods are as green in winter
as in summer.

The only house when I came here was the Company's provision store,
built by the natives; they have built all our temporary houses on the
beach for us at a cheap rate. They have built several at Thorndon on
speculation, the better sort plastered with clay &c., the roof lined
with bark and then thatched, and when fitted with doors and windows,
are far superior to any houses brought from England, and do not cost
one-fifth so much.

There is an abundance of fish here, but no fishers at present; the
natives supply their own wants, and being employed building &c.,
they have plenty to do. It has been a loss of time and capital the
town not being ready, but now Thorndon is selected, it is worth
waiting for, and will be surveyed within a month. Lambton
harbour is the finest in the world; it is very spacious, and the
anchorage very safe indeed, and is well protected from all winds.
Town and country land must be exceedingly valuable about Port
Nicholson. There is no port to equal it in New Zealand, having a large
extent of excellent land in the vicinity of the port, and being
connected to the immense tracts of splendid country right and left of
it. Your most affectionate Son, T. J. Drake

New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator 21 and 28 Nov 1840
Building allotments to be let. The Town Acre opposite to Mr Wade's, No.
on the plan of the town 467, beautifully situated on a bank, commanding
a fine prospect of the port. A stream of excellent water runs through
the acre, which also possesses an abundance of fire-wood. Apply to Mr
Drake.

1841 Census Alfred Place, St Mary Newington, SRY, ENG
John DRAKE, 55yrs, E.I.C.S., not born in the county

1841 Census Selwood Terrace, Brompton, Kensington, MDX, ENG
William NICHOLSON, silversmith, 40, born in county
Ann NICHOLSON, 40, not born in county
Mercy DRAKE, 17, Independent, not born in county
Emma DRAKE, 16?, Independent, not born in county
Sarah TURNER, 18?, female servant, born in county

The Bankrupt Directory 1843
Drake, John, Havell St., Camberwell, merchant & ship owner, Nov. 21, 1826

Marriage by license 29 Mar 1843 Millbrook Parish Church, Southampton, HAM, ENG
Henry George HARRIS, of full age, bachelor, accountant of Lambeth
Father: Nathaniel HARRIS, wine merchant
Elizabeth DRAKE, of full age, spinster of Millbrook
Father: John DRAKE, no occupation given
Witnesses: Milicent Augusta HARRIS & Richard BARBER

New Zealand Colonist 4 Apr 1843 p2
Since our last publication, we have been gratified by a visit to the
Wellington Brewery, erected by Messrs Drake and Northwood, a building
of no mean pretensions, both as to the size and the arrangements, and
we cannot help congratulating our fellow colonists on this great
addition to our self-production and comforts. The outlay must have been
very considerable, but we hope the proprietors will reap the benefit
of their spirited undertaking, which we have no doubt they will. Mr
Masters has also a small brewery, and another one is about to be
erected on Te Aro Flat.

New Zealand Gazette 8 Apr 1843
We have neglected to notice the establishment of two breweries, one on
Te Aro Flat, by Mr Masters, and the other one on Wellington Terrace, by
Messrs Northwood and Drake. Real Port Nicholson ale and beer can now be
purchased, and we think the colonists will encourage that which is
produced in their own place.

New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator 14 Oct 1843 p3
Police Court 12 Oct 1843. Mr Thomas Drake appeared to answer a
complaint of setting fire to some rubbish on his own premises. Mr
Holroyd attended for Mr Drake. The charge was of a frivolous
character, and not being within any statutable enactment, the
magistrate very properly dismissed the case without a hearing.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian 2 Jan 1847
Wanted: From 1000 to 1500 bushels of Chevalier Barley for Malting. Apply to
Drake & Northwood, Wellington Brewery, Wellington Terrace.
Wellington 1 Jan 1847.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian 10 Feb 1847
List of all persons qualified to serve as Jurors for the District of
Port Nicholson, for the year, 1847.
Thomas John Drake, Wellington Terrace, brewer
Thomas Northwood, Wellington Terrace, brewer

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian 7 Apr 1847
Wanted: From 1000 to 1500 bushels of Good Malting Barley. Apply to
Drake & Northwood, Wellington Brewery, Wellington Terrace.
Wellington 1 January 1847.

1851 Census 33 Camphill, Deritend, Aston, Warwickshire
William HETHERINGTON, Head, 41, Annuitant, b Reading, Berkshire
Kezia HETHERINGTON, Wife, 38, b Middlesex
William HETHERINGTON, Son, 11, b Aston, Warwickshire
Emma DRAKE, Visitor, 26, b Surrey

William HETHERINGTON, son of George and Jane of Robley, Hampshire
m 7 Oct 1848 Kezia CRANSTONE at Alton, HAM, ENG
Kezia bp 16 Dec 1812 Turnham Green, London dau of William & Kezia CRANSTONE

1851 Census Londoun Villas, Bridge Road, All Saints, Marylebone, LON, ENG
William NICHOLSON, Head, 53, Manufacturer in silver, b Shoreditch, MDX, ENG
Ann NICHOLSON, Wife, 54, b Selbourne, HAM, ENG
Mercy DRAKE, Under care of, Unm, 27, Annuitant, b Peckham, SRY, ENG
Frederic HOPKINS, Visitor, Unm, 21, b St George's Boro
Student at New College, St Johns Wood
Josiah MILLER, Visitor, Unm, 19, b Putney, SRY, ENG
Student at New College, St Johns Wood
Charlotte GARRETT, General Servant, Unm, 22, Winscombe, SOM, ENG

1851 Census New St John Road, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands
Francis DRAKE, Head, 34yrs, General Merchant, b England
Elizabeth DRAKE, Wife, 34yrs, b England
Frances E. DRAKE, Dau, 8yrs, b England
William H. DRAKE, Son, 7yrs, b England
Francis DRAKE, Son, 2yrs, b St Heliers, Jersey
Mary Ann PRAWL?, servant, 20yrs, unmarried, b St Helier, Jersey

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian 3 Apr 1852
Memorial of the Settlers of Wellington and 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, in the
Colony of New Zealand, beg respectfully to express to your Excellency
our strong sense of the serious evils to our interests, and injury to
the colony, arising from the Act to regulate the affairs of certain of
the New Zealand Company's settlements, passed during the last session
of Parliament....

Thos. J. Drake, signatory, landowner, Porirua

The Times 15 Feb 1853 Marriage
On the 6th December 1852 at Islington Chapel by the Rev B. S.
Hollis, George Frederick, son of James Hopkins Esq of Huston-square,
St Panema, and nephew of Henry Hopkins Esq of Hobart Town to Emma,
youngest daughter of Capt John Drake, late of the H.E.I.C.S.

1861 Census 18 Duhamel Place, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands
Francis DRAKE, Head, 44yrs, Coal agent, b England
Elizabeth DRAKE, Wife, 44yrs, b England
Frances Elizabeth DRAKE, Dau, 18yrs, unmarried, b England
William H. DRAKE, Son, 17yrs, unmarried, b England
Mary DRAKE, Dau, 9yrs, scholar, b St Heliers, Jersey
Ellen DRAKE, Dau, 4yrs, scholar, b St Heliers, Jersey
Elizabeth GREEN, House servant, 40yrs, married, b England

1861 Census Christs Hospital, Christchurch, St Botolph Without Aldersgate & St Sepulchre, MDX, ENG
F. DRAKE, Pupil, 12yrs, b St Helier, Jersey

1861 Census 20 Marlborough Hill, Hamilton Terrace, All Saints, Marylebone, LON, ENG
William J. NICHOLSON, Head, 62, Silver Manufacturer, b Shoreditch, MDX, ENG
Ann NICHOLSON, Wife,64, b Selbourne, HAM, ENG
Emma HOPKINS, Visitor, Unm, 36, b Peckham, SRY, ENG
Mercy DRAKE, Visitor, Unm, 34, b Peckham, SRY, ENG
Emma KNIGHT, Servant, Unm, 24, b Pimlico, MDX, ENG

William James NICHOLSON
b 23 Mar 1798
bp 13 May 1798 Saint Leonards, Shoreditch, LON, ENG
Son of William and Lydia NICHOLSON

The Times 24 May 1861 p1 Death
On the 18th inst., after prolonged illness, Mr Francis Drake, of St
Heliers, Jersey, and formerly of Newcastle-on-Tyne, aged 44

The Newcastle Courant 31 May 1861 Death
At Jersey, on the 18th inst., Francis Drake, Esq., formerly of the
Branch Bank of England, in this town.

The Times 30 Sep 1864 p1 Marriage
On the 27th inst., at St Saviour's, Jersey, by the Very Rev. the Dean,
Griffith Hedley, son of the late George Howell, Esq., of Dublin, to Alice
Mary, second daughter of the late Francis Drakes, Esq., of St Helier's,
Jersey. No cards.

The Newcastle Courant 7 Oct 1864 Marriage
At Jersey, at St. Saviour's Church, on the 27th ult., by the Very Rev. the
Dean of that island, Griffith Hedley, son of the late George Howett, Esq.,
of Dublin, to Alice Mary, second daughter of the late Francis Drake, Esq.,
formerly of this town.

The Cork Examiner 4 Oct 1864
Marriage: September 27 at St Saviour's Jersey, Griffiths Hedley, son of the
late George Howell, Esq., of Dublin, to Alice Mary, second daughter of the
late Francis Drakes, of St. Helier's, Jersey.

Evening Post 1 Apr 1869 Marriage
On the 30th ult., by the Rev. J. S. Muir, Thomas John Drake, of Porirua,
to Helen Russell Know, daughter of Dr John Knox, M.D., Johnsonville.

Evening Post Friday 16 Apr 1869
... HRH the Duke of Edinburgh took an opportunity of commemmorating
his visit to New Zealand by planting four trees in the Government
house grounds. The ceremony took place in the presence of his
Excellency the Governor, the Hon. E. W. Stafford, Captain Pitt
Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency, attended by the Government gardener.
The following is a list of the names of the trees planted, by whom
presented and their habitats. 1. Abies Nordmannia, The Crimea and the
Caucasus by Mr Hale of Nelson. 2. Podocarpus Totara, New Zealand by
Mr Drake of Johnsonville. 3. Cedrus Pensilis, Tasmania by Mr Drake
of Johnsonville. 4. Arancaria Excelsa, Norfolk Island by Mr Epps of
Nelson.

1871 Census No.4 Ocean View, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands
Elizabeth DRAKE, Head, widow, 54yrs, Annuitant, b England
Mary DRAKE, Dau, 19yrs, Annuitant daughter, b St Heliers, Jersey
Ellen DRAKE, Dau, 14yrs, Annuitant daughter, b St Heliers, Jersey
Elizabeth GREEN, Domestic servant, 22yrs, unmarried, b St Heliers, Jersey

1871 Census 3 Norfolk Square, The Palace, Brighton, SSX, ENG
Ann PICKNELL, Head, 53yrs, Unmarried, b Brighton, SSX, ENG
Elizabeth PICKNELL, Sister, 69yrs, Unmarried, b Brighton, SSX, ENG
Mary PATRICK, General Servant, 18yrs, Unmarried, b Brighton, SSX, ENG
Ann NICHOLSON, Visitor, Widow, 74yrs, b Selbourne, Hants
Emma HOPKINS, Visitor, Widow, 46yrs, b Peckham, SRY, ENG
Mercy DRAKE, Visitor, 47yrs, Unmarried, b Peckham, SRY, ENG

1871 Census 39 Aberdeen Park Road, Islington East, London, ENG
Charles J. THACKER, Head, 32yrs, Commercial clerk, b Dublin, Ireland
Elizabeth THACKER, Wife, 31yrs, b Stafford, Staffordshire, ENG
Charles B. THACKER, Son, 5yrs, scholar, b Walworth, SRY, ENG
Mary E. THACKER, Dau, 4yrs, b Brixton, SRY, ENG
Sarah BURGIN, Mother-in-law, widow, 76yrs, b Stafford, Staffordshire, ENG
Jennette BURGIN, Niece, 14yrs, b Stafford, Staffordshire, ENG
John J. FAULKNER, Boarder, Unmarried, 22yrs, Solicitor, b Cranford, NTH, ENG
Francis DRAKE, Boarder, Unmarried, 22yrs, Banker's clerk, b St Heliers, Jersey

Taranaki Herald Wednesday 1 Sep 1875
Birth: On the 22nd August, at Ahuahu, the wife of T. J. Drake, of a son.

1881 Nelson Electoral Roll
William Hedley DRAKE, Bank Manager, Nelson

1881 Census Park Road 7 Wingfield? Villas, Twickenham, MDX, ENG
Griffith H. HOWELL, Head, 47yrs, Journalist, b Dublin, IRL
Alice M. HOWELL, Wife, 35yrs, Newcastle, NTH, ENG
Frederick B. HOWELL, Son, 13yrs, scholar, b New Zealand
Annie HEALY, 21yrs, General Servant, b St Helier, Jersey

1881 Census Broseash House, Streatham, London, ENG
Ann NICHOLSON, Head, Widow, 35yrs? , Independent means, b Selborn, Hants
Mary DRAKE, adopted daughter, unmarried, 57yrs, Independent means, b Peckham Rye, SRY, ENG
Emma HOPKINS, adopted daughter, unmarried, 56yrs, Independent means, b Peckham Rye, SRY, ENG
Frederick BULLER, Married, 39yrs, Gardener, b Chertsey, SRY, ENG
Mary BULLER, Married, 41yrs, Servant, b Chobham, SRY, ENG
Mary Ann WARREN, Unmarried, 21yrs, Servant, b Mitcham, SRY, ENG
Mary Ann VANCE, Unmarried, 17yrs, Servant, b Poplar, MDX, ENG

Notes written on the back of a photograph of Captain Willie
Drake by Eunice Elizabeth Mewis CHAMBERS nee JENKINS
Thomas John Drake son of Capt Drake of East India Company who was in
command of the first shipment of convicts to Van Diemen's Land.
Probably taken in 1888.

[The first convict ship direct to Tasmania was in 1812 and was called
the Indefatigable and captained by Jn. Cross]

1889 Jun 22 - Evening Post
Another old resident passed away yesterday afternoon in the person of
Mr Thomas John Drake, settler, of Johnsonville. Mr Drake had been a
sufferer for some years from an internal complaint, and during the
last 18 months had lived almost altogether in the city for the purpose
of consulting Dr Kemp. He died about 4 o'clock yesterday at a
residence in Sydney-street. The deceased gentleman arrived in the
colony early in the forties and started the first brewery in the
district. Upon his retiring from business he purchased his present
property at Johnsonville, and in this and in the surrounding districts
he was very well known. He lived a very unostentatious life. Mr Drake
was about 75 years of age at the time of his death, and he leaves a
wife and family.

London Gazette 13 Mar 1891 p2
7th Battalion, the Rifle Brigade (the Prince Consort's Own), William
Hedley Drake, Esq., late Captain, Royal Naval Artillery Volunteers,
to be Captain. Dated 14th March, 1891.

1891 Census 3 Camp View Road, Wimbledon, SRY, ENG
Mercy DRAKE, Head, Unmarried, 67yrs, Living on own means, b Peckham Rye, SRY, ENG
Emma HOPKINS, Sister, Widow, 66yrs, Living on own means, b Peckham Rye, SRY, ENG
Kate FREEMAN, Cook, Unmarried, 20yrs, b Wallingford, Berkshire
Mary A. MILSOM, Housemaid, Unmarried, 27yrs, b Wandsworth, Surrey

1891 Census 3 Church Hill, Ramsgate St Peter, KEN, ENG
Susan ABBOTT, Head, 49yrs, Lodginghouse Keeper, b Marylebone, MDX, ENG
Jane B. FLOWERDEN, Companion, 29yrs, Dressmaker, b Marylebone, MDX, ENG
Frances E. DRAKE, Lodger, 48yrs, Living on own means, b Newcastle, NTH, ENG

1891 Census 20 Beaufort Rd, Ferney, Kingston, SRY, ENG
Griffith Hedley HOWELL, Head, 56yrs, Living on his own means, b Dublin, IRL
Alice Mary HOWELL, Wife, 45yrs, b Newcastle, NTH, ENG
Vivian Hedley HOWELL, Son, 25yrs, unmarried, clerk in Bank of England, b Maitland, NSW, AUS
Rose Emily CLEMENTS, Housemaid, 23yrs, unmarried, b Kingston, SRY, ENG
Kate CLEMENTS, Cook, 21yrs, unmarried, b Kingston, SRY, ENG

1891 Census Le Coin Road, Petit Coin No.1, St Brelade, Jersey, Channel Islands
William Hedley DRAKE, Head, 47yrs, Captain 7th Battn Rifle Regiment, b Newcastle upon Tyne
Harriet Helen DRAKE, Wife, 44yrs, b St Brelade, Jersey
Thomas William JESSEY, Butler, 49yrs, married, b England
Mary JESSEY, Cook, 51yrs, married, b England
Mary Louisa JESSEY, maid, 12yrs, b England

1891 Census 11 and 12 Craden St, St Martin in the Fields, London
Lucy C. HENLEY, Head, Single, 48yrs, b Newcastle, NTH, ENG
Mary HENLEY, Sister, Single, 42yrs, b Frinsbury, LON, ENG
Geo. K. TAYLOR, Lodger, Married, 60yrs, retired Major General Army, b Guildford, SRY, ENG
Adela B. TAYLOR, Single, dau of Geo. K., b Old Charlton, KEN, ENG
Thos. Arth. BENNETT, Single, 47yrs, Manager of London..., b Salisburty, WIL, ENG
Rose CROCKFORD, Cook, Single, 25yrs, b St Martin, London
Eugenie MACEY, Housemaid, Single, 19yrs, b Greenhithe, KEN, ENG

Adelaide MILLS, Single, 27yrs, Cook, Summertown, Oxon
Edith MILLER, Single, 23yrs, Housemaid, b London
Cornelius WALTON, Visitor, Single, 36yrs, A Engineer, b Southport
Francis DRAKE, Visitor, Married, 42yrs, Banker, b Jersey
Chas. SMITH, Visitor, Married, 42yrs, Director of Company, b Lynn
Margaret SMITH, Visitor. Married, 24yrs, b Nottingham
Sophia BOWER, Head, Widow, 32yrs, Lodge Proprietress, b London

Evening Post 29 Jul 1896
Death: On the 28th July, 1896, at her mother's residence, Johnsonville,
Ceres Selina, eldest daughter of the late T. J. Drake.

New Zealand Mail 30 Dec 1897 p18b
Report of sudden death of 24 year old Maori at Waikawa, near Otaki. With
another had been engaged in draining the property of Messrs Drake and
Halstead and sleeping in the woolshed there.

The Times 18 Dec 1899 Death Notice
HOPKINS - On the 14th December at No. 3 Camp View, Wimbledon, suddenly
Emma widow of the late Revd George Frederick Hopkins aged 74 years

Evening Post 10 Feb 1900
HOPKINS- At her residence, Porirua, Wimbledon Common, Surrey, Mrs Emma Hopkins,
daughter of the late Captain John Drake, East India Company Navy, and sister of the
late Mr T J Drake, late Johnsonville, New Zealand.

Emma HOPKINS (nee DRAKE)
Will dated 2 June 1891
Probate 21 Mar 1900
Gross Value of Estate: 1,594 pounds 17s 8d
Net Value of Personal Estate: 1,514 pounds 3s 6d
Resworn Dec 1900: 4,796 pounds 4s 7d

This is the last Will and Testament of me Emma Hopkins of No. 3 Camp
View Wimbledon Common in the County of Surrey widow. I appoint my
friend Edward August to be Executor and trustee of this my Will and
I bequeath to him the sum of fifty pounds for the trouble he will have
in the execution of the trusts of this my will.

I bequeath all my household furniture pictures plate plated articles
jewellery linen china glass wearing apparel wines consumable stores
and provisions and other household effects unto my sister Mercy Drake
absolutely.

I devise and bequeath all my real and leasehold estates unto the said
Edward August or other the trustees for the time being of this my
Will upon trust after payment of the ground rent and the expenses of
keeping the same in repair and insured against loss from fire to pay
the net income arising therefrom to my said sister Mercy Drake during
her life And after her decease I devise and bequeath the same real and
leasehold estates unto Millicent Eliza Harris and Harriet Mercy Harris
the daughters of my late sister Eliza Harris or such one of them as
shall be living at the time of my decease and if both of them are then
living in equal shares as tenants in common.

I bequeath the residue of the personal estate to which I shall be
entitled at the time of my decease to the said Edward August upon
trust to convert and get in the same and to invest the monies to arise
therefrom in his name or in the names of the trustee or trustees for
the time being of this my will in or upon any of the public stocks
funds or securities of the United Kingdom or my real or leasehold
securities in England or Wales with liberty for the said Edward
August or other the trustee or trustees aforesaid to vary and
transpose the investment from time to time for any other investment
of the description aforesaid and to pay the net annual income arising
therefrom to my said sister Mercy Drake during her life and after the
decease of my said sister to stand possessed of the aforesaid stocks
funds or securities and the annual income thereof upon trust for
Ceres Selina Drake Mercy Jenkins Amelia Drake and Elizabeth Jenkins
the daughters of my brother Thomas Drake of Johnsonville Porvina [sic]
Road New Zealand or such of them as shall be living at the time of my
decease and if more than one in equal shares as tenants in common.

I revoke all former Wills or testamentary writings by me at any time
heretobefore made or executed in witness whereof I have hereunto set
my hand this second day of June one thousand eight hundred and ninety
one - Emma Hopkins - Signed by the said Emma Hopkins the testatrix
as and for her last Will and Testament in the presence of us both
present at the same time who at her request in her presence and in the
presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses
John Brown, Gentleman 4 Camp View Wimbledon Common - Mary Ann Milsom
3 Camp View Wimbledon Common on the 21st day of March 1900. Probate
of this Will was granted to Edward August the sole Executor.

Edward August of Preston Villa Alexander Road Gipsy Hill, Surrey
Bank Official

London Gazette 19 Jun 1900 p40
Emma Hopkins, Widow, Deceased. Pursuant to the Statute 22nd and 23rd Victoria,
chapter 35, intituled "An Act to further amend the Law of Property and to relieve
Trustees."

Notice is hereby given that all persons having any claim against the estate of
Emma Hopkins late of 3, Camp-view, Wimbledon Common, in the county of Surrey,
Widow, deceased, who died on the 14th day of December, 1899, and whose will was
proved in the Principal Registry of the Probate Division of Her Majesty's High
Court of Justice on the 21st day of March, 1900, by Edward August, the executor
therein named, are hereby required to send particulars in writing of their debts,
claims, or demands to us the undersigned Solicitors for the said executor, on or
before the 28th day of July, 1900, after which date the said executor will
distribute the assets of the testatrix amongst the persons entitled thereto,
having regard only to the debts claims and demands of which he shall then have
had notice; and he will not be liable to any person of whose debt claim or
demand he shall not then have had notice. Dated this 16th of June, 1900.
G. J. Vanderpump and Son 13, Gray's-inn-square, London, W.C. Solicitors for the
said Edward August the Executor.

The Times 26 Jun 1900 p2
Emma Hopkins widow deceased. Pursuant to the Statute 22nd and 23rd Victoria
Chapter 35 intituled "An Act to further amend the law of Property and to
relieve Trustees" Notice is hereby given that all persons having any CLAIM
against the ESTATE of EMMA HOPKINS late of 3 Camp View Wimbledon Common in the
County of Surrey widow deceased who died on the 14th day of December 1899 and
whose will was proved in the Principal Registry of the Probate Division of Her
Majesty's High Court of Justice on the 21st day of March 1900 by Edward
August the Executor therein named are hereby required to send particulars in
writing of their debts claims or demands to us the undersigned Solicitors for
the said Executor on or before the 28th day of July 1900 after which date the
said Executor will distribute the assets of the testatrix amongst the persons
entitled thereto having regard only to the debts claims and demands of which
be shall then have had notice and he will not be liable to any person of whose
debt claim or demand he shall not then have had notice. Dated this 16th day of
June 1900. G. J. Vanderpump and Son, 13, Gray's Inn Square, London W.C.
Solicitors for the said Edward August the Executor.

1901 Census High St, Sandwich, St Clement, KEN, ENG
Frances E. DRAKE, Head, 58yrs, Unmarried, Living on own means, b Newcastle on Tyne, NTH, ENG

1901 Census No.17 Clarendon Road, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands
William Hedley DRAKE, 57yrs, Army Captain, b England
Harriet Helen DRAKE, 54yrs, wife, b St Brelodes, Jersey
Mary JESSEY, cook, 61yrs, widow, b England
Mary Louisa JESSEY, housemaid, 21yrs, unmarried, b England
Florence Maud GODRICH, maid, 17yrs, unmarried, b St Heliers, Jersey

1901 Census Ferney, Byfleet, SRY, ENG
Alice M. HOWELL, Head, Widow, 55yrs, Living on own means, b Newcastle, NTH, ENG
Vivian H. HOWELL, Son, 35yrs, unmarried, Living on own means, b Maitland, NSW, AUS
Rose E. CLEMENT, Housemaid, 32yrs, unmarried, b Kingston, SRY, ENG
Kate CLEMENT, Cook, 30yrs, unmarried, b Kingston, SRY, ENG

The London Gazette 24 Mar 1903 p16
William Hedley Drake, Esq., formerly Captain 5th Battalion Rifle Brigade,
to be Major on the Retired List. Dated 18th October, 1902.

The Times 11 Feb 1905 Death Notice
DRAKE - On the 11 inst at 3 Camp View, Wimbledon, Mercy, the only
surviving child of the late Capt Drake aged 81.

Will of Mercy DRAKE dated 3 Feb 1905
Probate 10 March 1905
Gross Value of Estate: 3,647 pounds 8s
Net Value of Personal Estate: 3,561 pounds 1s 8d

This is the last will and testament of me Mercy Drake of 3 Camp View
Wimbledon Common in the County of Surrey Spinster I appoint my friends
Edward August of Preston Villa Alexandra Road Upper Norwood in the
County of Surrey Gentleman and Edward James August of the National
Provincial Bank of England 123 Fenchurch Street in the City of London
Bank Manager hereinafter called "my trustees" to be the Executors and
Trustees of this my will.

I bequeath the following legacies videlict to the said Edward August
the sum of fifty pounds To the said Edward James August the sum of
fifty pounds To Elineta Mercy Drake daughter of my (late) nephew
Francis Drake the sum of fifty pounds and to Delilah Potter spinster
now housemaid in my employ the sum of twenty five pounds all such
legacies to be paid free of legacy duty.

I bequeath my half share and interest in the leasehold premises 73
and 75 Finchley Road St Johns Wood London N W and 1 Boundary Road St
Johns Wood aforesaid And I devise and bequeath all other (if any)
my real and leasehold estate to Millicent Eliza Harris and Harriet
Mercy Harris the daughters of my (late) sister Eliza Harris in equal
shares as tenants in common

I bequeath all my household furniture pictures plate plated articles
jewellery linen china glass wearing apparel wines consumable stores
and provisions and all other my household effects to the said Edward
August for his own use and benefit but in case he shall not be living
at the date of my death then I bequeath the same to the said Edward
James August for his own use and benefit

I bequeath the residue of the personal estate to which I shall be
entitled at the time of my decease to my trustees Upon trust to sell
call in and convert into money the same or such part thereof as shall
not consist of money and with and out of the moneys produced by such
sale calling in and conversion and with and out of my ready money to
pay my funeral and testamentary expenses and debts and the legacies
bequeathed by this my will and to pay the balance of all such moneys
to Alice Howell (widow) and Fanny Drake spinster daughters of my
(late) brother Francis Drake Mercy Jenkins Amelia Drake spinster and
Elizabeth Jenkins daughters of my brother Thomas John Drake of
Johnsonville Parrirna [sic] Road New Zealand or such of them as shall
be living at my decease and if more than one in equal shares Provided
always that if any of my said nieces shall predecease me leaving a
husband living at the time of my decease her said husband shall take
the share of his deceased wife and if any of my said nieces shall
predecease me without leaving a husband who shall be living at my
decease but leaving a child or children who shall be living at my
decease such child or children shall take the share of his or her
deceased mother and if there is more than one such child then they
shall take their parents share equally between them

And hereby revoking all former wills and testamentary writings at any
time heretofore made by me I declare this to be my last will and
testament

In witness whereof I have to this my last will and testament contained
in this and the preceding sheet of paper set my hand this third day
of February One thousand nine hundred and five -- Mercy Drake --
Signed by the said testatrix Mercy Drake as and for her last will and
testament in the presence of us both being present at the same time
who at her request in her presence and in the presence of each other
have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses -- E J Moran 2 Camp
View Wimbledon Common Widow -- Clarence G Moran 2 Camp View Wimbledon
Common Barrister at Law.

On the 10th day of March 1905 Probate of this Will was granted to
Edward August and Edward James August the Executors.

Eltham Argus April 8 1905
Death. Drake--on the 11 Feb 1905 at 3 Campview Wimbledon, Surrey.
MERSEY, the only surviving child of the late Captain Drake, East
India Company's Service. Aged 81 years. Wellington papers please copy.

London Gazette 14 Apr 1905 p33
Re Miss Mercy Drake, Deceased. Pursuant to the Act of Parliament, 22nd and 23rd Victoria,
chapter 35, intituled "An Act to further amend the Law of Property, and to relieve Trustees"

Notice is hereby given, that all creditors and other persons having any claims or demands
against the estate of Mercy Drake, late of No. 3, Camp-view, Wimbledon Common, in the
county of Surrey, Spinster, deceased (who died on the 11th day of February, 1905, and
whose will was proved in the Principal Registry of the Probate Division of His Majesty's
High Court of Justice, on the 10th day of March, 1905, by Edward August and Edward James
August, the executors therein named), are hereby required to send the particulars, in
writing, of their claims or demands to me, the undersigned, George James Vanderpump, on
or before the twenty-ninth day of May, 1905, after which date the said executors will
proceed to distribute the assets of the said deceased amongst the persons entitled thereto,
having regard only to the claims of which they shall have had notice; and they will not be
liable for the assets of the testator, or any part thereof, so distributed, to any person
or persons of whose claims they shall not then have had notice - Dated this 10th day of
April, 1905.

Evening Post 14 Oct 1905
Death: On Tuesday, the 10th October, 1905, at Wellington,
Amelia Drake, of Muritai, Wellington, daughter of the late
Thomas John Drake of Paparangi. Jersey papers please copy.

Taranaki Herald 23 Jul 1906
Death: At Westown, New Plymouth, on 22nd July, 1906, Mercy wife of
Thomas Jenkins, of Eltham, aged 63yrs. (Other papers please copy.)

UK National Probate Entry 1906
DRAKE, Amelia of Muritai Wellington New Zealand spinster died
10 October 1905 Probate Wellington to Richard Clement Kirk
solicitor. Sealed London 18 December.
Effects 1,314 pounds 5s 8d in England.

The Times 16 Oct 1909 Death
DRAKE - On the 13th Oct., Frances Elizabeth, aged 67, eldest daughter
of the late Francis Drake, of St. Heliers, Jersey

Auckland Land Board Minutes 25 Sep 1913
Archives NZ Auckland Reference BAAZ Series 4019 Item 10 page 147
Entry 73 Renewable Lease Section 36 Block IV Aroha Survey District
138 acres. Annie CRAIG to Jessie DRAKE of Paeroa
Selected 29 Nov 1911 by present holder. Residence not complied.
Improvements required Ł35 effected Ł51. Consideration Ł19 and back
rent Ł21. Reason, financial difficulties. Transferee [aged] 52 years,
married, one child, landless except 2 acres residence site.

The Times 7 Jan 1918 Death
DRAKE - On the 2nd Jan., William Hedley Drake, late Captain, 5th
Battalion Rifle Bridade, and late Major, 6th Provisional Battalion.

The Times 10 Jan 1918 Death
DRAKE - On the 2nd Jan., at Bryn Willow, Paignton, William Hedley Drake,
late Captain, 5th Battalion Rifle Brigade, and late Major, 6th Provisional
Battalion, aged 74.

Auckland Star 1 Aug 1928
Drake's Drum - Famous Sea-Dog's Fortune - Estate of several millions
A possible Auckland claimant

From the vortex of dramatic stories of the inheritance of untold
wealth, there occassionally comes one which startles the world by its
genuineness, its lack of pretence. Vague tales of vast fortunes lying
in Chancery, of persevering claimants hopefully working day after day
trying to prove their rights, are frequently blazoned round the world,
but few of them are followed by the actual release of the moneys and
most people are inclined to be incredulous about narratives of the
possibility of families receiving great riches.

Hundreds of heritages must have fallen into the Chancery Courts, but
it is not common to hear of the loss of any which carries a title. Yet
that is what happened eventually to the estate of Sir Francis Drake,
whose baronetcy, it seems lapsed about the year 1800. If Mr H. R.
Jenkins, a Remuera resident, is able to establish a connection with
England's famous Elizabethan sea-rover, he will be among the claimants
to an enormous fortune.

There is always a fascination in genealogy, and few stories could be
more interesting than that which Mr Jenkins can tell. Only last
Thursday did he realise fully the possibility of sharing in this
estate, when his attention was drawn to a message from Montreal that
400 residents of New Brunswick had claimed that they were heirs to
Sir Francis' fortune.

Although the history of the Drake family for some hundred years after
1700 is rather vague, Mr Jenkins hopes to be able to prove his
relationship with others who are known to have descended from the
great admiral. One of a family of twelve sons, Sir Francis Drake,
who was born 1540, died without an heir, and the title passed to one
of his brothers. Sir Francis Henry Drake, who was alive in 1794, seems
to have been the last baronet. There was, in 1718, a Sir Francis Drake
who had a brother John. It is through the branch of the family
descended from John Drake that Mr Jenkins intends to claim.

A New Zealand Pioneer
When the Crown absorbed the East India Trading Co. the first
commission given to Captain Drake, who had been a servant of the
company, was the command of the first shipload of convicts for Van
Diemen's Land. On this trip he became acquainted with New Zealand,
and when he returned to the Old Country he induced several men to join
him in forming the New Zealand Land Co., of which he himself was a
director. When, in 1840, Edward Gibbon Wakefield brought five ships
to these shores, Captain Drake's son, Thomas John Drake (who was Mr
Jenkins' grandfather) was on one of them - the Aurora.

Another son of Captain Drake was the manager for the Bank of England
in Madrid, and his son, Captain Willie Drake, represented the Drake
family at the quatercentenary celebrations in England in 1888 of the
defeat of the Armada. To Captain Willie Drake was granted the right
to bear the Drake coat of arms on his carriage.

There are, in New Zealand, a horn drinking cup (held by Mr Jenkins'
aunt, Mrs W. N. Jenkins, of Eltham) known to have come from one of the
old families of Drakes, and a gold plate bearing the coat of arms,
which has not been traced since a recent fire destroyed a house in
Waihi. Mr Jenkins has a ring and a metal plate, each of which bears
the arms. From the accompanying illustration it will be seen that
there are two mottos on the escutcheon. One "Auxilio Divino" means
"By divine assistance" and the other "Sic Parvis Magna" means "Thus
great things from small". Alongside the words "Auxilio Divino" is a
hand which, it is intended, draws the ship safely round the world.

These two mottos are mentioned in a letter which Mr Jenkins holds, and
which was written from Biarritz, France, in 1883, by Fanny Drake, a
niece of the Thomas John Drake who settled in New Zealand. In the
early fifties Fanny Drake worked resolutely on the establishment of
the claim, and in her letter to Thomas John Drake she says:-

"At Christmas I had a great deal of correspondence about the Drake
claim, from Willie; Chancery documents to look over and give my
opinion on.... I am making very good progress, and Mr Drake, with whom
I am in correspondence, is very sanguine as to ultimate success. Of
course, every link in the chain of evidence must be complete. Thank
you so much for the certificates and all the information you sent me.
Everything bearing on the case is useful. I remember when poor papa
went over to grandpapa, he said the fish-counters and the signet-ring
etc., were gone. Nothing of any value whatever was left. But I think
I'll pull through without the fish-counters. You know our two mottos
are 'Auxilio Divino' and 'Sic Parvis Magna' so I firmly believe that
by Divine assistance, I shall, by my small power, be able to do great
things. Poor papa always gave us such good advice and example. I have
always tried to follow it, and on reading the will of Sir Francis
Drake who died in 1718, I find he gave the same in writing to his
children."

This advice, a copy of which was enclosed with the letter, and which
was referred to as "a legacy to all Drakes" read:- "Next, I commend
to my children to live always in fear of God, to live and be helpful
to each other, to do honestly that good in the world that it should
please God to give them opportunity for." August 26, 1717.

"I claim our descent from John, the brother of Sir Francis" continues
the letter. "It only remains for me to get all the proof and
certificates, and of course, that can be done sooner or later. If I
had had the means I'd have got them last summer. Since then I have
had to get copies of the will of Sir Francis Drake, 1717, and Sir
Francis Drake, 1794 and the Chancery papers relating to them. Mr
Drake is most kind in giving me every information and assistance, so
I think we shall win. The American Drakes are very anxious to be
brought amongst the claimants, but so far have not succeeded..."

It is thought that the Mr Drake mentioned in the letter is a Dr Drake,
whom, it is known, Fanny Drake met by chance while she was working
on the claim. Neither had ever heard of the other, yet they found
that they were both working to the same end. Afterwards, they combined
their efforts.

It will be seen that Fanny Drake was a sister of Captain Willie Drake,
and therefore, she is a second-cousin to Mr Jenkins. Whether she is
still living Mr Jenkins does not know, but when he went to England in
1926, and visited another branch of the family, he was told that she
was alive. One of the characteristics of the Drakes, Mr Jenkins says,
was that they were deeply religious. It is obvious from the letter
and from the exerpt from the will, that both Fanny and Sir Francis
Drake bore this trait. Another singularity is that few of the Drakes
married.

It was stated in the message from Montreal that the estate contained
two castles in England, family plate and jewellery of untold value,
and 13,200,000, but Mr Jenkins is sure that this is a low estimate.
When Fanny Drake started to work on the claim, he avers, it was known
to be worth more 50,000,000. To-day its value must run to nine
figures.

Bromley Cemetery, Christchurch - Headstone Inscription
Block 10 Row B. Francis, husb of Ellen Drake d 19 Sep 1936

The Times 30 Jul 1937 Death
DRAKE - On July 27, 1937, at "St. Aubin", 127 Torquay Road, Paingnton,
Harriet Helen, widow of Major William Hedley Drake and daughter of Dr
Alexander Low, of Maison de Coin, St. Aubins, Jersey, in her 91st year.
Service at Christ Church, Paignton, at 11 o'clock to-day (Friday).
Interment at Collaton.

Scholefield Papers, Wellington Public Library
Letter written by Loeta Constance Drake 20 Jul 1939 from Roslyn Rd, Levin
"Our family claim decent from the early Vikings & were an old family
long before the time of Sir Francis Drake. The old coat of arms had
Wivens or dragons on it, & was much older than the one mentioned in
paper. We also have a medal which was struck to celebrate the quatercentenary
celebrations at Plymouth Hoe in 1888."

[The first convict ship direct to Tasmania was in 1812 and was called
the Indefatigable and captained by Jn. Cross]

And Not to Yield by Thora Parker (1987)
Thomas received a letter from England inviting him to go to Plymouth
to attend the three hundredth anniversary of the Spanish Armada,
1588-1888. Sir Francis Drake's original knighthood was raised to a
baronetcy, but this had lapsed during the years, and all the Drake
fortune had gone into Chancery. The authorities were trying to
establish who had the right to represent Sir Francis at the historic
tri-centennial, and Thomas John was chosen for this honor. Thomas's
nephew, Captain Willie Drake, son of his younger brother, played the
part, and sent the photograph back to Thomas John Drake.