Page 9 Advertisements Column 2

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11295, 22 August 1922, Page 9

Mrs Herbert Cossey, of Drury, whose death took place on Monday, in her 102n<l year, was born at Sherborne, Dorset, England, on December 23rd, 1820, and arrived in New Zealand with her husband. Mr William Cossey, in 1847. After residing at O'nehunga for some years they moved to Drury 70 years ago, and Mrs Cossey had resided there ever since. Her husband died and was buried there 38 years ago, aged 80 years. At her death, Mrs Cossey could claim 129 descendants. These comprised four sons (ell living, the eldest being 74), and two daughters. 31 grandchildren, 87 greatgrandchildren, and five great-great-grand-children. The eldest son, Mr James Cossey. still resident at Drury, was the father of 18 of the 31 grandchildren. "A worker all her days,” was the epitome of Mrs Cossey's life supplied by a greatniece. She had been the active wife of a settler on land at Drury, and after a century of cheerful service, retained jat the end of it her health, her good spirits, and possession of all her faculties. TJntil two months ago she was able to get about, and did a good deal of sewing and reading without assistance of glasses. Few adventures seemed to have disturbed the passing of years at Drury. In the ’sixties, however, came the Maori wars, and Mrs Cossey with other women from surrounding farms, went into Drurv for the protection afforded bv General Cameron’s headquarters garrison of 3000 men stationed there. Fighting took place during the night, and the women were given sanctuary in the church erected by Bishop Se’lwyn. Its timbers, curiously enough, had been taken from a kauri tree of 9 feet girth, cut on Mr Cossev’s farm. Dustin'* were successful tn winning tbe Championshio nf New Zealand for best Decorated Wedding C»ko nt the \ T .Z. Bakers' ExhibiH on. Order yours .rora Dustin’s Ltd.. Wanganui, Palmer* ston North. Wellington. —Advfc. *