Notes from Terry Moulin, 2002:
A ploughman in Ireland.
Arrived on the "Mary Sheppard" 20 Aug 1873, docking at Lyttleton from Plymouth, England
Wed at 24 yrs old & lived at Carlayhey, Raphoe.
He was 28 years old when Joe was born.
Died accidentally falling off a load of straw as per Jury verdict.Notes from Nick Holmes, 2016:
Christchurch Press, 13 March 1885: A fatal accident occurred at the Cashmere Homestead on Wednesday afternoon. William Holmes, a carter, employed upon the estate, fell from a load of straw, and died within a few minutes of the occurrence. An inquest was held yesterday afternoon before J.W.S. Coward, Esq., Coroner, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The deceased was thirty-eight years of age, and leaves a widow and five children. He had been employed on the Cashmere estate for thirteen years.Update from Nick Holmes, 2018: Papers Past reveal William Holmes was a member of the Loyal Orange Lodge, No. 2, Purple Star, a Protestant secret society. As per his death & funeral notices in the Christchurch Press, 13 March 1885.
Notes from Terry Moulin, 2002:
Sarah was 25 yrs old when she emigrated on the "Mary Shephered" on 20 Aug 1873. with Andrew 3, Mary 1.
She had boys later to William, and was rumoured to have had 2 girls (Sadie & Queenie) to Robert Watson (her granddaughter (Joseph's youngest daughter Ray) said she remembered Queenie and that she had a "lazy eye").
However, her children refute this when contesting her estate in the Supreme court. It has since been shown that Sadie and "Quiny" were Sarah's granddaughters via Mary Jane (HOLMES) HANSON.
Lived in Halswell, Christchurch in 1886.Update 2015: Newspaper article found (Christchurch Press, 15 November, 1889)
"Robert Watson was charged with assaulting his wife, Sarah Maria Watson, on the 8th November. The complainant stated that they were driving home from the Show on the date in question, and the defendant called in at the Junction Hotel. Complainant told him not to be long, as the cows had to be milked. She waited till near dark, when she sent her little boy in for him, but he did not come, and she drove home. The defendant arrived home shortly afterwards, and assaulted her by beating and kicking her. Dr. Patrick gave evidence as to the nature of the injuries the complainant had received. The injuries could not have been caused by a fall from the trap. The defendant said he very likely ill-used the woman, but he was too drunk to remember. He was annoyed by her driving home without him. They had only been married three years. The Bench strongly advised the defendant to give up drink, and warned him that if he came up again on the same charge, he would be bound over to keep the peace. He would be fined 20s and costs."The little boy referred to is likely to be Sarah's youngest son Thomas, who would have been 6 years old at the time.
Notes from Terry Moulin, 2002:
Crippled and lived with his brother Joe at Sydenham Park when his sister Ray was young.
Never married.
Was 14 years old when his Dad died.