Biography contributed by Wendy Napier-Walker
Jessie Tavendale was born Jessie Suttie on 18 May 1853 in Arbirlot, Angus, Scotland to John Suttie and Ann Fairweather. She was christened on 15 June 1853 in Boysack, Angus, Scotland.
Jessie married James Tavendale on 11 December 1874 in the Church of Scotland, Inverkeilor, Angus, Scotland.
Jessie, James and their daughter Annabella emigrated to New Zealand on the ship Cicero on 1 February 1875, arriving in Lyttelton on 19 May 1875. James’ occupation is given as Farm Labourer.
Jessie and James had nine children; Annabella born 1874 in Scotland, James Jnr born 1877, David born 1879, John Patterson born 1882, Charles born 1886, Jessie Jane (Wall) born 1888, Mary (Wall) born 1890, William born 1892, Christina born 1895.
The Waitaki electoral rolls for 1895 record James and Jessie living in Waimate. James was a farmer. In 1905-06, 1911 and 1919 they were living at Kapua, located just south of Waimate. After the death of James in 1927 Jessie is recorded as living at Arno.
In Jessie’s Will she left her motorcar to her son John Patterson Tavendale.
James Tavendale died on 26 July 1927, age 74 years. He was a Farmer. He is buried in the Waimate Old Cemetery, Presbyterian section, Plot 000320.
Jessie Tavendale died on 24 June 1931, age 78 years. She is buried in the Waimate Old Cemetery, Presbyterian Section, Plot 000321. Also buried in the same plot is her son Charles Tavendale who died on 11 December 1901 age 15 years.
Sources
Ancestry – Public family trees
Archives New Zealand Passenger Lists 1839 – 1973 – James Tavendale
NZ electoral rolls for Waitaki, Otago
NZ DIA Death index – 1927/8474 James Tavendale
NZ DIA Death Index – 1931/4594 Jessie Tavendale
Waimate District Council Cemetery Records online
Archives New Zealand Probate Records 1843 – 1998 – Jessie Tavendale 1931 P3386-P3393
