Description
Typed letter from Rev. M. G. R. Morris, The Rectory, Lampeter Velfrey, Narberth, Dyfed SA67 8UH, dated 22 November 1984. Mrs Cynthia Wierzbicki had written to Morris on behalf of Mr Exley. Morris provides detailed information about the Davis/Lomax family who emigrated to New Zealand, establishing the connection to the Exley family through Esther Lomax’s marriage.
Transcription
The Rev. M. G. R. Morris The Rectory M.A. R.D. Lampeter Velfrey Narberth Llanteg (083 483) 241 Dyfed SA67 8UH
22nd November, 1984.
Dear Mr. Exley,
Mrs. Cynthia Wierzbicki has written to me telling me of her ‘phone call to you on my behalf.
Long after my mother died, my eldest brother discovered some letters from cousins we knew nothing of, who had emigrated to New Zealand last century. My mother was Emily Louisa Davis before her marriage. Her parents were William Charles Davis and Anne Keighley, and her paternal grandparents were Charles Davis and Elizabeth (surname unknown). Charles was born 17th July 1843. His parents were James Davis and Sarah; Sarah died in 1898. James and Sarah had several children: James, a soldier; two other sons (apparently); a daughter Annie, who married a Mr. Wooldridge and died after 1914; my great grandfather; and a daughter Esther, born at Farley Hill south-east of Reading on 27th January 1832. In about 1850 she married James Lomax, born in Lambeth, London, 17th March 1823. They went to New Zealand, where she died 19th February 1914 and he died shortly after, 20th September of that same year. Their children were Eliza, who married; Jimmie, whose wife died in 1912; Henry, a storekeeper; Willie; Percy, who died (?) in a motor accident; Sarah; a son and daughter whose names do not appear in the letters; and a daughter Esther, born 1st October 1856, who in 1873 married a Mr. Exley and had two sons, one of whom at least married. In 1913 James and Esther Lomax, Esther Exley’s parents, had 9 children, 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. (I see from glancing through the letters again that Percy did not die in the accident.) The family settled first, I think, at Wanganui. In 1914 they were at Pevensey House, Mona Bay, and two years later at 18 Lindum Terrace, Oriental Bay, Wellington.
As well as the few letters, which go back to 1857, my brother has a few photos, not all definitely identified. One may be of James Lomax, Esther Davis’ husband, whose father apparently bore the same name. If indeed it proves that you and I are related, then I would be delighted to send you photocopies of my brother’s transcripts of the letters.
Though my mother was born as long ago as 1899 (she died in 1969), I was born in 1941. Tracing the family tree has become an absorbing though intermittent hobby. My main interest is local history. Apart from the Esthers and Lomaxes, my only connection with New Zealand is an old friend, well, a shade younger than me, Mrs. Janabelle Histed, who lives in Remuera, Auckland. She is my son’s godmother, though I haven’t seen her since she was over here over twenty years ago.
I am not at all certain that of all the four Exleys and seven Lomaxes in the Wellington telephone directory Mrs. Wierzbicki hit on the right one with you! But what little she told me sounded promising: apparently your wife is also interested in genealogy. I believe that you have a son, though whether he is Mr. R.R. Exley of 63 Hine (?) Road, Wainuiomata, or Mr. T. Exley of no. 112 I’m not at all sure. Anyway, I would be delighted to hear from you, with any information about the family, should we be related (perhaps quite closely). There is lots more I could tell you too, but I’ll wait to see if I’m on the right track!
All good wishes, Yours sincerely, Geoffrey Morris
Extracted Claims
- Esther Davis (b. 1 Oct 1856) married “a Mr. Exley” in 1873 and had two sons — this is Esther Lomax (b.1832)‘s daughter
- Actually, correction: Esther (b.1832) married James Lomax. Their daughter Esther (b.1856) married Mr Exley in 1873
- The “Mr. Exley” who married Esther Lomax (b.1856) in 1873 is Albert Edwin Exley (1852-1918) (confirmed by cross-reference with Meryll’s tree which shows Albert Edwin m. Esther Lomax)
- James Lomax (b.1823 Lambeth) and Esther Davis (b.1832 Farley Hill, Reading) emigrated to NZ
- The Lomax/Exley family settled at Wanganui, later Wellington
- Charles Davis (b.17 July 1843), parents James Davis and Sarah
- Rev Morris was writing to an Exley in Wellington (likely Lionel Edward or Robert Ross)
- Mrs Cynthia Wierzbicki facilitated the connection