Samuel Middlebrook

1856-1945

 

Samuel Middlebrook was born on 30 March 1856, making him 6 years old when he arrived in New Zealand.  His formative growing years therefore being spent in New Zealand, he, at a very young age became fluent in Maori and this became arguably the biggest single influence on the course of his life.  The age at which he left home is not known but by the age of about 17 he was in Tauranga, and in the employ of the Lands and Survey Department. His knowledge of Maori being vital in his role as guide to George Vesey Stewart, who was looking for land for a planned settlement of Irish Protestants to occur in the near future. This was the second party the young Sam had led into the Bay of Plenty, and Vesey Stewart chose the area now known as Katikati for his settlement. At some point after the first party of settlers arrived, Samuel joined them, along with his Mother Ellen who purchased property in the area. Samuel set up a butchers shop, and later sold that and laid his hand to many ventures in the region, from milling to mining to dentistry to baking. 

He married Mary Jane Rea, daughter of Stewart Rea, a member of the first party who arrived on the Carisbrook Castle in 1875.. Mary Jane eventually moved to Auckland, but Sam remained in Katikati, living on his boat the Finella, for many years, before moving to Waih,where he died,  for the last few years of his life

 

 

FAMILY OF OF SAMUEL MIDDLEBROOK