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Letters from Jane and William Williams to Catherine Heathcote, October 30, 1835

documentary heritage
  • Description

    Jane begins by expressing her deepest sympathies over the death of Catherine's husband Edward Heathcote. She goes on to write of Messrs Maunsell and Applegate who arrived in Sydney, her family's transfer to the Waimate Station, and the opening of William Williams boy's school. Further mention is made of the Irish couple, whom she writes, had helped her greatly in managing a family and household of twenty one people.

    She writes of Marianne Williams charge of the English and Maori girls schools, as well as the infant school at Paihia, which, she writes, was taught by a Maori woman. Jane also invites Kate to join them in New Zealand to help Marianne with the English school.

    Williams letter to Catherine, dated October 31, 1835, is also in regard to her bereavement. Williams goes on to write on the progress of the schools, and of Marianne's employment amongst Maori. He also extends an invitation for Catherine to join them in New Zealand, as well as of other friends that have recently arrived, such as the Morgan's, Wades, Chapmans, and Browns. Finally, he writes of their printing press and the edition of the Gospel of Luke nearly completely translated.

  • Other Id

    14403 (Presto content ID)

    MS-1991-75-714 (Reference Number)

  • Department

    Manuscripts

Images and documents

Catalogue

  • Object Type

    manuscript

  • Name/Title
    Letters from Jane and William Williams to Catherine Heathcote, October 30, 1835
  • Primary Maker

     Algar Williams

  • Date
    1835
    1783-1963
  • Physical Description

    4pp on 1 leaf ; 224mm x 363mm Folded to 224mm x 182mm

  • Language
    English
  • Collection
    Algar Williams
  • Level of Current Record
    Child
  • Is Part Of

    Williams Family Papers, 1783 - 1963

  • Public Access Text

    [Keywords: Correspondence, Colonialism, Missionary Women, Missionary Wives, Missionary Families, Missionary Schools, Female teachers, nate]

  • Subject Notes
    Jane Williams (nee Nelson, 1801-1896) was the wife of William Williams, and a force for Missionary work in her own right. Trained as a school teacher, she taught Maori women and girls the art of domestic 'English' life. During her husbands frequent absences, Jane managed the day to day running of their mission. She is remembered as a bright, intelligent, courageous and cheerful soul.
    [Further reading: Faith and Farming: The legacy of Henry Williams and William Williams. pg. 275]
  • Copyright
    No known copyright restrictions
  • Last Update
    07 Jul 2023
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