Annie “Gettya” Gunn (nee O’Connor) 1853 – 1939

Annie was the eldest daughter of Daniel and Annie O’Connor (Ann Dwyer). Annie was born in Ballarat, Australia – her father was a miner. She and two of her older siblings we understand were born in Ballarat, Australia (a Gold mining town) and came to New Zealand. (Check following the Gold no doubt in Coromandel town).

*****Check does Annie marry John McNeil O’Connor first and have a daughter Mary *****

Annie married John Henry Gunn on 19 March 1878 at St Patricks Cathedral, Auckland – John was listed his occupation as a Miner. They met and lived in Coromandel (town) where both family’s lived?

Annie died 16 January 1939 in Auckland Hospital (she was residing in Wellington Street, Auckland) about 85 years old

John McNeil O’Connor xxxx –xxxx

John McNeil O’Connor is  named on Annie’s eldest daughters marriage certificate as being her father. He is listed as a miner.

John Henry Gunn 1845 – 1915

Born between 1845-1850  in Upper Canada, British America. Reportedly the second son of Robert Alexander and Mary Gunn. His death certificate states he was from Canada and had been in NZ for over 60 years – so arrival in NZ he would have been a child under 10 years old. His parents are only listed as Gunn on his death certificate.

From the New Zealand Herald 3 July 1876 we have John mentioned, as one of two men, Jacob Vanderspenk were committed for trial, on the charge against them of abstracting stone from the Golconda mine – Bail was allowed.

Refer Thames Advertiser, 8 July 1876 – Jacob Vanderspeck and John H. Gunn surrendered and were tried for specimen stealing from the Golconda mine, Coromandel. The jury acquitted the prisoners. 

He married Annie O’Connor at St Patricks Cathedral in Auckland on 19 March 1878, at the age of about 27-22, Annie was 24 years old.

We know he had a brother Robert Alexander Gunn – also a miner and lived in Coromandel town – both had been mining in the area since the 1860’s.

We know he got into some further financial problems – The Auckland Star records on 10 September 1895;

ALLEGED QUARTZ ROBBERY – SENSATION AT COROMANDEL – ARREST OF THE GUNN BROTHERS

Last evening Detective McIlveney and Mr Mahon effected the arrest of John Henry Gunn and Robert Alexander Gunn on a charge of larceny. At the magistrate’s Court this morning the accused were brought before Mr T. W. Rhodes, J.P., and charged with the theft, between the months of May and September, of gold-bearing stone, valued at 531 3s 6d (2013 equivalent of $92,760), the property of Harry Battens, manager of the Kapanga mine.

Detective Herbert, on behalf of the police, asked for a remand until to-morrow. He explained that there were others implicated, and likely to be arrested. The accused were arrested only last night, and as it would take some time to prepare the case of the prosecution it was probable he would again ask for a remand to-morrow.

Mr W. A. Carnell, who appeared for the prisoners, asked that the prisoners be admitted to bail. In support of his application he pointed out that the accused were well known, and bore a high character in Coromandel. They were residents of upwards of 30 years, and were much respected.

Detective Herbert requested that if bail were allowed it should be in a substantial sum.

The Bench expressed the opinion that it was only fair to the accused, that in the circumstances they should be admitted to bail.

Mr Carnell suggested that the amounts should be 100 each. They were not like alleged common malefactors. Until proved otherwise the men were deemed innocent. He asked the Bench to consider the fact that if they were incarcerated the stigma would be attached to their names.

Mr Rhodes said that if the charge was a serious one the bail should not be made too light. The accused would be required to enter into their own recognizance in the sums of 100 each, and to find two sureties of 100 each.

John Henry Gunn is an associate with Arthur James Andrews in a tribute in the Kapanga mine, and Robert Alexander Gunn has a subsidiary interest in his brother’s partnership. The arrest of the brothers Gunn comes as a great shock to the community, they being residents of many years standing in Coromandel, and have hitherto been regarded as men of unimpeachable character.

At four o’clock this morning Detective McMahon and Constable Fraser left for Kuaotunu, and Detective Herbert at ten a.m. received a telegram to the effect that Arthur J. Andrews, who is suspected of being implicated in the alleged theft, had been arrested. He was brought to Coromandel this afternoon and charged with the same offence. Mr Walker appeared for accused, who was remanded, similar bail being allowed.

It may be mentioned that Andrews was recently married, and was spending his holiday at Kuaotunu with his wife, who accompanied him back to Coromandel in the pouring rain.

The police authorities are very reticent about the whole proceedings, but it is understood that a considerable amount of specimens were stolen in addition to the amount specified in the charge. It is currently reported that keeping watch and following the supposed trails of the Royal Oak robbery led to the discovery of the present case.

New Zealand’s first two hard-rock gold mines are visible in this 1860s view of Driving Creek, Coromandel Peninsula. The Kapanga mine, in the foreground on the left, produced some 71,454 ounces of bullion (gold and silver) over the next 50 years. Nearby Scotty’s mine, on the ridge at upper left, was a financial failure.

John died 3 October 1915 in the family home 8 Summerset Place, Auckland aged 70.

He was buried on 5 October 1915 at Waikumete Cemetery ROMAN CATHOLIC DIVISION C Row 4, Plot 60 – picture of grave stone

His death Certificate states he was married in Coromandel and was 27 years of age (if he was 27 when he got married in 1878 he would have been born about 1851!)

 

Refer Evening Post, 6 October 1915 – An old colonist, Mr John Henry Gunn, 70 years of age, died at his residence, Somerset-place, Newton, Auckland, on Saturday. The deceased was born in Canada and arrived in New Zealand over 60 years ago

Refer Auckland Star, 2 October 1918 – GUNN – In loving memory of John Henry Gunn, who died October 2, 1915 – The rolling stream of time rolls on – But still the vacant chair – Recalls the love, the voice, the smiles – Of him who once sat there – Inserted by his loving wife, Annie Gunn

Refer Auckland Star, 2 October 1919 which reads – GUNN In loving memory of John Henry Gunn, who died October 2, 1915 – My heart still clings to memory dear – Of one who is called to rest- And those who think of him to-night – Are those who love him best – Inserted by his loving wife, Annie Gunn. 

Refer New Zealand Herald, 2 October 1924 which reads – Gunn In loving memory of John Henry Gunn, who died October 2, 1915 – Sunshine passes, shadows fall – Love and remembrance outlive all – Inserted by his loving wife, Annie Gunn.