Alice May (May) Donnelly, Arrived in Otago in 1867 as a child b. 5 Nov 1862 Carlsruhe, Victoria, Australia d. 3 Jun 1937 4 East Avenue, St Kilda, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand

1862 - 1937 (74 years)

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Name	Alice May (May) Donnelly
Suffix	Arrived in Otago in 1867 as a child
Born	5 Nov 1862	Carlsruhe, Victoria, Australia
	1862 births in the District of Kyneton in the Colony of Victoria: Alice May Donnelly (not present), born Nov 5th 1862 at Carlsruhe Father William Donnelly, engineer, age 30, birth place Limerick, Ireland. Married 1859 Nov 5th at Kyneton [sic], issue living and deceased William Henry, 3 months [decd]. Mother Rosannah Galbraith, widow of James Belliss, age 28, birth place Galway, Ireland Informant William Donnelly, engineer, residence Carlsruhe, father of child. Witnesses: no medical attendant, Mrs Pennington, certified by father. Registered 1862 Dec 26th at Kyneton.
Gender	Female
Emigrated:	c 1867	from Australia (Queensland?) to Otago, New Zealand
	May joined the Otago Early Settlers' Association and on her membership application form had to provide her year of arrival and the name of the ship. Toitu Otago Settlers Museum cannot trace her original membership application. However as her death and year of arrival (but not the name of the ship) was noted in the Association's minutes in 1937, we can be fairly confident that she thought she arrived in Otago with her mother Rose in 1867, but could not remember the name of the ship. We know: 1. from the letter written by May's uncle James Galbraith to her half-brother James Belliss, that after arriving in Otago from Australia, Rose, May and James stayed for a short time with James Galbraith and family before going up to the diggings. 2. from the reports of her mother Rose's death in the Dunstan Hospital, that Rose had spent the winter of 1868 (Jun-Aug) up at Campbell's Gully and that before that she has been resident at Blacks (Ophir), Central Otago. 3. May's father William Donnelly had "absconded" from the Carlsruhe/Kyneton area in Jun 1863 and that the family may have gone to Queensland before Rose and May moved to Otago. Accordingly, either Rose and May arrived in Otago in 1867 in time to live at Ophir and then go up to Campbell's Gully for the winter of 1868, OR Rose's recollection was wrong and they arrived perhaps in 1866, or earlier. I feel sure Rose's recollection was likely that "I arrived in Otago when I was [5] years old". Perhaps her recollection was wrong and Rose, May and James arrived earlier?
Residence:	Oct 1868	After her mother Rose's funeral, May's uncle, James Galbraith takes May (age nearly 6) back with him to Dunedin
	James was then living with his wife and young family in his Pier Hotel, cnr Crawford and Jetty Streets, Dunedin. May as young child must have been truly amazed at the sumptuous modern surroundings of the Pier Hotel compared to her home up at Campbells Gully diggings just a week or so earlier.
Legal:	11 Aug 1869	James Galbraith appointed legal guardian of his nephew James Belliss and niece Alice May Donnelly, the surviving children of his deceased sister Rose Donnelly
Residence:	1870	The farm of Charles Hammond (father-in-law of May\'s uncle, James Galbraith) at Merton, Otago
	Age 7, May moved into the care of Charles Hammond at Merton [year calculated from her Intention to Marry record]
Education:	3 Mar 1871	May wins a school prize at Merton school
	The annual examination of the Merton District School took place on the 3rd inst, in the presence of a large number of parents and visitors, who watched the performances of the classes, which were conducted by the teacher, with great interest. At the close, several gentlemen expressed themselves as highly pleased with the result of the past year\'s work, as evidenced by the manner in which the pupils had acquitted themselves. Prizes were awarded to.those who had distinguished themselves; The following is part of the prize list:—... Third division — Alice M. Donelly, 1; Sarah Hunter, 2. [Otago Daily Times 8 Mar 1871]
Education:	1873	Enrolled at St Dominic's School in Dunedin, alongside her Galbraith female cousins
	[source: Family information] We must assume May boarded (with her uncle, James Galbraith, presumably using money from her mother's estate to pay the boarding/school fees) DOMINICAN CONVENT BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL FOR YOUNG LADIES. THE Course of Instruction comprises an English Education in all its branches, French, German, and Italian Languages and Literature, Music, Singing, Plain and Fancy Work, Drawing, Painting, etc., etc. For Terms and further particulars, apply to the LADY SUPERIORESS, DOWLING STREET, DUNEDIN. Visiting hours from 2 to 4 p.m. Private Lessons in the Languages and Accomplishments are also given at the Convent. [New Zealand Tablet 3 May 1873]
Event:	13 Nov 1882	Presentation to May by the Sabbath School of Merton, Otago
	MERTON. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) November 13th. Presentation.— A very pleasing ceremony took place here on Saturday last, at the schoolhouse, when Mrs A. Donald was presented with a handsome workbox and writing-desk from the scholars attending the Merton Sabbath school, Mrs Donald has been a teacher in the school for over three years, and has gained the affection of every scholar therein, which the present testimonial will show. The teachers, scholars, and a few wellwishers of the school were present. The meeting was opened by singing a hymn, after which the chairman (the Rev. A. J. Finlayson) engaged in prayer. The Chairman addressed the scholars, and pressed upon them the great importance of laying well to heart the instruction given to them by their teachers. Mr Allan, the superintendent of the school, stated that a great want was felt owing to the backwardness of Christians in not coming forward to assist in the school, the teachers at present being only two male and two female, with an average attendance of from 40 to 50 scholars. The Chairman, in a few appropriate remarks, and in the name of the school, handed to Mrs Donald the testimonial, which had the following inscription beautifully engraved on the lid: To A. M. Donnelly. Marriage present from Sabbath-school, Merton; 25th October, 1882 - Mr C. Hammond made a few remarks to those present, approving of the sentiments evinced in the manner in which the testimonial had been got up, and asking the scholars always to learn their lessons well:- for what was learnt young was not forgotten when old.- The Chairman then closed the meeting with praise and prayer.[Otago Witness 18 November 1882] MERTON. FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. November 20th. Presentation. -On Saturday, November 11th, Mrs Alex. Donald was presented with a Victoria workbox and writing-desk, combined, on behalf of the Sabbath school here. As I observe a full account of the presentation in last week's Witness, I need not say anymore about it. On Wednesday, November 15th, Mrs Donald was again called upon, and the Rev. Mr Vanes, Wesleyan minister, presented her with a silver teapot and brooch on behalf of the congregation who worship in the school on Wednesday evenings, Mrs Donald having led the singing there for a considerable time. Mr Donald returned thanks for the handsome present, and gave them all a cordial invitation to tea, to try the new teapot. [Otago Witness 25 Nov 1882]
Event:	Oct 1932	Alexander and May celebrate their Golden Wedding
	GOLDEN WEDDING. DONALD — DONNELLY. — On October 25, 1882, at Merton, by the Rev. A. M. Finlayson, Alexander Donald, of Omoa, Lanarkshire, Scotland, to Alice May Donnelly, of Merton. Present address: 4 East avenue, St. Kilda, Dunedin. [Otago Daily Times 25 Oct 1932]
Event:	1937	May must have been a member of the Otago Early Settlers Association
	OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS - MEETING OF COMMITTEE. The monthly meeting of the committee of the Otago Early Settlers’ Association was held yesterday afternoon... The following deaths were recorded during the month: ... Mrs Alice Donald, St. Kilda (74), arrived 1867... [Otago Daily Times 14 Jul 1937]
Died	3 Jun 1937	4 East Avenue, St Kilda, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
	DEATHS. DONALD. —On June 3, 1937, at her residence, 4 East Avenue, St. Kilda, Alice May, dearly loved wife of the late Alexander Donald; in her seventy-fifth year. “At rest.”— The Funeral will leave the residence To-morrow (Saturday), the 5th inst., at 11 a.m., for the Anderson’s Bay Cemetery.— R. M‘Lean and Son, funeral directors. [Evening Star 4 Jun 1937] Death certificate: Place of registration: Dunedin Died 3 June 1937 at 4 East Avenue, St Kilda, Dunedin Alice May Donald, widow, female, age 74 Cause of death: Senility, cardiac failure Seen by Dr R F Allan, 3 June 1937 Father: - Donnelly Mother: Rose Donnelly nee Galbraith Father's occupation: - Buried 5 June 1937 at Andersons Bay Born Victoria, 70 years in NZ Married at Merton age 20 to Alexander Donald, no widower Living issue: males 51, 45, females 53, 49, 46, 43.
Buried	5 Jun 1937	Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
	Andersons Bay Cemetery burial register: Alice May Donald, died 3 Jun 1937 aged 74 years, widow, resident of 4 East Avenue, St Kilda, born Australia, last came from Owaka, lived 70 years in Province [1866/1867], buried 5 Jun. Informant R McLean & Son. Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin: Block 136 Plot 10 Purchased by M. Alice Donald 1936 White marble book - concrete cover over grave Inscription: Alexander Donald, died 4 July 1936 Alice May Donald, died 3 June 1937 [Tilleyshort, monumental mason]
Person ID	I17	Donald
Last Modified	29 May 2022

Father	William Donnelly, Civil Engineer and surveyor in Kyneton, Victoria, b. c 1831, County Limerick, Ireland (possibly at Ballybricken, Caherelly, Co Limerick) , d. Feb 1866, ?possibly in Jubbulpore (Jabalpur), Bengal, India (Age ~ 35 years)
Relationship	Birth
Mother	Rosannah (Rose) Galbraith, Hotelier in Victoria, & Otago Goldfields, b. c 1827, Ballinasloe, Galway, Ireland , d. 29 Sep 1868, Dunstan Hospital, Clyde, Central Otago, New Zealand (Age ~ 41 years)
Relationship	Birth
Married	6 Nov 1859	St Francis RC Church, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
	Marriage certificate: Marriages solemnized in the District of Melbourne. Married 6th Nov 1859 at church of St Francis, Melbourne. William Donnelly, bachelor, birth place Co Limerick, Ireland, surveyor, age 28, residence Kyneton, father John Donnelly, builder, mother Mary Herbert. Rosannah Belliss, widow since 1856 [sic], 2 children living and 0 dead from former marriage, born Co Galway, Ireland, Hotel keeper, age 25, residence Kyneton, father John Galbraith, farmer, mother Mary Adams. I do hereby certify that I am a member of the R. Catholic Church (signed) William Donnelly. Married in the church of St Francis, Melbourne. The marriage was solemnized between us (signed) William Donnelly, (signed) Rosannah Galbraith, according to the rites of the R. Catholic Church before me Patrick Madden, officiating minister, in the presence of us (signed) Timothy McCarthy, (signed) Mary Ryan.
Family ID	F16	Group Sheet \| Family Chart

Family Alexander Donald, Farmer at Omimi, Seacliff, Otago, b. 5 Mar 1856, Porter's Lodge, Woodhall estate, Bothwell, Lanarkshire, Scotland , d. 14 Jul 1936, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand (Age 80 years)

Married 25 Oct 1882 in the home of Mr Charles Hammond, Merton, Otago, New Zealand

Notice of intention to marry:
Date of Notice: 17 Oct 1882
Alice May Donnelly, spinster, housekeeper, age 20 years, dwelling place Merton, Otago, length of residence 12 years.
Alexander Donald, bachelor, farmer, age 25 years, dwelling place Merton, Otago, length of residence 8 years.
Place where marriage to be solemnized: Mr Charles Hammond's residence, Merton.
Name of person giving consent for minor: Charles Hammond, guardian
Date of certificate: 17 Oct 1882
Name of officiating minister: Rev. A. M. Finlayson, Pres., Blueskin.
[courtesy Helen L.]
Marriages in the District of Merton
25 Oct 1882 in the residence of Mr Charles Hammond, Merton
Alexander Donald, age 25, farmer, bachelor, born Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland, present residence Merton, usual residence Merton, father David Donald, farmer, mother Jane Donald, maiden surname Robb
Alice May Donnelly, age 20, spinster, born Victoria, present residence Merton, usual residence Merton, father [blank], mother Rose, maiden surname Galbraith
Witnesses R. B. Hammond, Merton, farmer and M. A. Bacon, Dunedin, dressmaker
Alex. M. Finlayson, Officiating minister [Presbyterian]
GOLDEN WEDDING. DONALD — DONNELLY. —On October 25, 1882, at Merton. by the Rev. A. M. Finlayson, Alexander Donald, of Omoa, Lanarkshire, Scotland, to Alice May Donnelly, of Merton. Present address: 4 East avenue, St. Kilda, Dunedin. [Otago Daily Times 25 October 1932]

Children

	1. James Donald, died an infant, b. c 13 Sep 1883, Otago, New Zealand [Birth]
+	2. Rose Galbraith Donald, b. c 7 Apr 1884, Otago, New Zealand , d. 5 May 1979, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand (Age ~ 95 years) [Birth]
+	3. Charles Hammond Donald, Farmer and publican in Otago and South Canterbury, b. 22 Apr 1886, Seacliff, Otago, New Zealand , d. 20 Dec 1958, Main North Road, Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand (Age 72 years) [Birth]
+	4. Anne (Annie) Donald, b. c 8 Apr 1888, Otago, New Zealand , d. 1982 (Age ~ 93 years) [Birth]
+	5. Janet Ritchie (Net) Donald, b. 22 Jul 1890, Omimi, Otago, New Zealand , d. c 29 Jul 1970, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand (Age 80 years) [Birth]
+	6. James Galbraith (Jim) Donald, JP, Farmer at Paerau, Chairman Maniototo County Council, b. c 19 Apr 1892, Seacliff, Otago, New Zealand , d. 2 Jan 1966, Palmerston, Otago, New Zealand (Age ~ 73 years) [Birth]
+	7. Alice Mary (Pop) Donald, b. c 5 Dec 1893, Otago, New Zealand , d. c 26 Mar 1966, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand (Age ~ 72 years) [Birth]

Last Modified 22 May 2022

Family ID F8 Group Sheet | Family Chart

Photos » Slide Show		May Donald c 1889 (courtesy Richard Sutherland)
		Alex and May Donald and their three eldest children - Rose (eldest), Charles and Anne c 1889 (courtesy Rich Sutherland)
		Badly damaged photo of May Donald and daughters: standing l to r Anne and Rose, sitting l to r , Alice, May, Janet. Likely taken at Omimi (courtesy Rich Sutherland)
		May Donald nee Donnelly c 1889 courtesy Rich Sutherland, colourised by Helen Innes