Fanny Crane

Fanny nee Burton (b. 1850 d. 1925) m. James Robert Crane (b. 1850 d. 1923) in Rotherham, Norfolk, United Kingdom on 15 June 1874.

The family emigrated to New Zealand on the S.S steamship Victory in 1884 with seven children ranging in ages from 9 years, including a set of twins aged 4 years to a baby aged 3 months. Life was tough in Rotherham with strikes at the steel mills and less than desirable living conditions. Her brother Christopher and family were already in Wanganui, New Zealand. 

In a letter written by Mrs Burton, (Fanny’s mother) of Parkgate, Norfolk to her son Christopher dated 1883 she mentions that their ship, the Victory’s departure is delayed by 3 or 4 months:

‘as well as the expense and trouble it is a great drawback, still I think when they land they will do well for Crane can turn his hand to so many trades,  He has been brought up to the farming business as well as his own trade, he can mend shoes and you know he can shave and cut hair independent of the tailoring so I hope he will manage to bring up his family more respectable than he can here under present circumstances and I am sure poor Fanny will try her best.  She is very anxious to get away  and does not seem to fear the voyage at all…’

Fanny had three more children. She was small in stature and very resourceful. Her husband set up a very successful hair cutting business and they were involved in School and civic affairs. The family were respected citizens in the early days of Wanganui. They moved to a small farm at No. 2 Line where they lived out there later years. James died 1923 aged 72 years.  

Fanny died 5 th May 1925 aged 75 years. ‘A life well lived.’

Biography contributed by Lois Herdman, great-granddaughter

Sources

• UK BDM 
• Oral family history 
• NZ BDM
• NZ electoral rolls
• PapersPast

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Fanny Crane nèe Burton