My grandmother Jessie was born at Danieltown [near Gummies Bush Southland] on
29 September 1895. According to records obtained from the Riverton Museum, she was
registered as Jessie Darrell, illegitimate daughter of Martha [Martha Thompson
formerly Barton, formerly Knowler, nee Darrell].
It is assummed that her father was Robert Thompson and although Martha and Jessie used
Thompson as their surname in later records, no record of a marriage between Martha and
Robert has been found. Robert Thompson's death certificate refers to a second
marriage to Martha and a daughter from that marriage who matches Jessie's age so
it is a mystery where or if the marriage took place.
Martha Thompson died at Riverton Hospital on 15 September 1908 aged 53. Her death
certificate states that she was married for the second time in Invercargill at age
30 to Robert Thompson.
Robert Thompson died in Invercargill on 28 August 1900 aged 73.
By the
age of 13 Jessie was an orphan being cared for by her half-brother
Henry Knowler, later living with another half-brother William Knowler.
Leah, William's wife, was the only sister of Norman Whipp whom Jessie was
to marry in 1920.
