PIONEER’S DEATH.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20260, 31 July 1937, Page 8

PIONEER’S DEATH.

MEMBER OF 4th WAIKATOB. LATE MRS E. M. WILLIAMSON. The death occurred at her residence, Cook Street, to-day, of Mrs Elizabeth Mirriam Williamson, one of the oldest residents of Hamilton, aged 89. Mrs Williamson was a daughter of the late Mr and Mrs E. J. Pearson, and was born in London. The family came to New Zealand via Sydney, arriving at Auckland early in 1864. For some months they lived at Howick, but later embarked on the Rangiriri, and after an eventful three-week Journey up the Waikato River, they landed in the settlement of Hamilton. Mrs Williamson's father was a member of the 4th Waikatos, and she was one of the oldest members of the 4th Waikato Association.

A member of the 57th Middlesex Regiment, the "Diehards,” Mr Williamson, prior to his marriage in 1870, saw service in all the major engagements in the Maori Wars, including that at Orakau, Sentry Hill, Gate Pa and Pipiriki. After receiving his discharge, Mr Williamson married and settled in Hamilton, being in business as a blacksmith. Subsequently, he took over the Tauwhare Hotel and Mrs Williamson could clearly recall an incident when Te Kooti and his followers roused the household in ihe dead of night and demanded food. Mr Williamson compiled with the request, fearing an outbreak of lawlessness. However, Te Kooti himself refused to eat. Mr and Mrs Williamson and their family returned to Hamilton 12 years later and apart from residing in Te Aroha for 12 years, they were residents of Hamilton until 'their deaths. Mr Williamson was engaged for some time on the construction of the Hamilton railway bridge, and in her lifetime- Mrs Williamson has seen the construction of all three bridges now spanning the Waikato River, including the new structure at Fairfield. It Is believed that she shares this memory with only one other resident of Hamilton, Mr Thomas Took, of Claudelands. Mrs Williamson Is a sister of Messrs T. E. Pearson, of Sydney, and formerly of Hamilton, and the late G. Pearson, of Claudelands. Mrs H. E. Tristram, of Hamilton East, is her only surviving sister. Mr Williamson died 17 Of her eight children, six survive her, these being Messrs ,T. Williamson (Penrose), R. J. Williamson (Auckland), A. J. Williamson, F. W. Williamson and \. C. Williamson (Hamilton), and Miss ,T. Williamson (Hamilton). There are 26 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.