MRS MARY ANN YOUNG’S NINETY-THIRD BIRTHDAY

Northern Advocate, 23 March 1937, Page 4

MRS MARY ANN YOUNG’S NINETY-THIRD BIRTHDAY

j Onerahi’s oldest resident, Mrs Mary Ann Young, celebrated the ninetythird anniversary of her birthday on March 19. About 20 relatives and friends assembled at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs E. Beasley, where, during- the afternoon, three bouquets were presejited to Mrs Young, who. was also ‘the recipient of many beautiful and useful presents. It was a happy moment when the old lady stood up to cut the cake made and presented by Mrs Beasley. At the conclusion of the function, Mrs Young thanked those present for the enjoyable time she had had, and also for the good wishes and congratulations bestowed upon her Mrs Young, formerly, Mary Ann Ansell, was born at the Three Kings, Auckland, in the year 1844. At the age of 17, she, married Mr Henry Young, who came from England to take up farming in the then new land. For several years the young couple resided at Fatea, and from there they moved to Wanganui. Otonga was the next place of settlement, and for many years they farmed in that vicinity. Of the nine children, only three were reared—two sons, Ernest, of Kioreroa, and Herbert, of Mt. Wellington, Ellerslie, and one daughter, the late Mrs C. Wilson, of Kawakawa. Mr and Mrs Young then moved to Waikaraka, where they resided for a great number of years, later leaving for Moerewa. After the death of Mr Young some 14 years ago, Mrs Young came to the Whangarei district, spending a great part of her time in Onerahi, where she now resides. This remarkable old lady enjoys good health, and can still take her daily walks unaccompanied. She possesses all her faculties to a marked degree, and even now often reads a book. Very interesting are the tales she loves to narrate of the hardships and struggles endured by the early pioneers.

There are fourteen great-grandchild-ren living and one great-great-grand-son.