Israel Jordan, born 1834 in Bedford, Yorkshire, had previous service with the 65th Regiment of Foot from 5/7/1841 to 31/12/1853 (service number 1728). But he was employed as a labourer when he enlisted as a Private with the Taranaki Military Settlers, No 8 Coy. He served for three years with this unit and also served with the Patea Light Horse Volunteers and with the Wairoa Rifle Volunteers (5/1/1869-).

His medal claim listed the following actions: Mauku 1863, Pipiriki 7/1865, Kiorekino 4/10/1865, East and West Expeditions

Other Details from Medal Claim:

address at time of claim: Wairoa (Waverley)

occupation. Labourer

arrived in New Zealand aboard Gresham

published: Gazette, 1871; 166; AD32/3246:

reference: Richard Stowers, New Zealand Medal to Colonials

References to Israel Jordan from Papers Past:

1879: listed as a patient at the [Patea Hospital] (Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 424, 10 May 1879, Page 2)

1891 Hawera: It was resolved to supply Israel Jordan with a weekly ration or in the alternative to remove him to the Old Men's Home in New Plymouth. (Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9135, 16 July 1891, Page 2)

1892: Mr Davidson handed in land scrip belonging to Israel Jordan to the amount of 30 for charitable aid received. (Taranaki Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 9446, 19 July 1892, Page 2)

1894: In moving the motion (to re-elect representatives to the Charitable Aud Board) Mr Caplen spoke disparagingly of the manner in which the Old men's Home in New Plymouth was conducted, and said such serious complaints had been received that the sympathisers with Israel Jordan, who had been removed there from Hawera were contemplating bringing him back again." (Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XXX, Issue 2883, 29 November 1894, Page 2)

1901: New Old Peoples' Home: The Chairman said since last meeting an old man, named Israel Jordan, had come up from Hawera, without any permit from mr Sutton, as he learned the new home was open. The old man had been received and made comfortable." (Taranaki Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 11744, 20 August 1901, Page 2)