Enquiry re the Bridgeman Family.

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Description I have been researching my Grandfather, who was supposedly the only family from Ireland to come to New Zealand. While researching his time here in NZ I discovered he had an aunty as next of kin in Christchurch.

Further research revealed his father's brother was here and the aunty was his uncle's wife. In fact, it seems that perhaps John Bridgman went back to Ireland to bring my wayward Grandfather out here. His uncle John Bridgman arrived in New Zealand in the late 1800's. There have been many family stories that have become tangled between the two men.

John was in the Armed Constabulary in Co Limerick, Ireland. He may have left the Armed Constabulary or was transferred to NZ to keep an eye on the unruly Irish gold miners. He may have married Mary Frances Deehan about 1879 but I cannot find a marriage record. What I do know is that on the Electoral Rolls, he was farming in Okarito in 1881-82.
Mary Deehan or Bridgman ran two hotels in Okarito named Brian Boru and Royal Hotel. She also ran a store and Post Office.
Mary died in Okarito on 2 May 1899. They had one child Kate Angela Bridgman. I cannot find a divorce record, as John married Mary Okeefe in 1889 in Christchurch. Mary has used the name Deehan and Bridgman in varying records. I am keen to find any photos and sources for these times as I have only got the New Zealand, City & Area Directories for sources.
Many thanks in advance ContributorDonna Bridgeman

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CommentsJo-Anne Sunbeam
Hi, the fact that Mary Frances Deehan had a will in 1899 under the name DEEHAN,,suggests to me that she and John Bridgeman were not married. She leaves her several farms to her son, John Edward Deehan and to her daughter Kate Angela Deehan, my farm of 90 acres and a section of land the Hibernian Hotel stood on. Plus lots more, Mines, Sections, Race horses etc. This was a seriously well off lady. And it seems the relationship between Mary and John ended acrimoniously. There is a nice twist in the will. The will is obtainable at New Zealand Archives. Cheers.

Donna Bridgeman
Jo-Anne Sunbeam I have wondered if they actually ever married. But like me, Mary may have reverted back to her previous name as Deehan is not her maiden name. I have her will and it was definitely holding some great resources. I really need some other sources of these three people and am also interested in more information on the hotels Mary owned. Going by how John's life was after his time with Mary and Kate I think he had been trying to get his hands on some of Mary's money and properties. But that is only my opinion and not proof of that.
Unfortunately, I live in the North Island and unable to travel to Christchurch

Jo-Anne Sunbeam
Donna Bridgeman The marriage in Victoria, Australia shows Owen Deehan to Mary Frances Deehan in 1859. Is it possible she was his cousin. Also She had in Okarito, Mrs Dehan's Hotel (Late Pat Sweeneys Hotel) Burnt down 4 May 1869, Westport Times. The Club Hotel, 9 May 1884, West Coast Times. And a Cousin who died in Okarito, Sarah Kearns, age 45, cousin to Mrs Dehan of Okarito, died 27 Nov 1878. (29 Nov 1878 West Coast Times) Sorry if you have all this info...just looking.

Donna Bridgeman
Hmmm theres some new interesting info there. Thank you Jo-Anne Sunbeam.definitly some food for thought and to follow up with

Heather Newby
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Admin
Donna Bridgeman what was your Grandfather`s name

Donna Bridgeman
Heather Newby, my grandfather is James Bridg(e)man and his uncle is John Bridgman

Kerry Weir
Try Christchurch library genealogy section

Donna Bridgeman
Unfortunately, Kerri Weir, I am in the North Island and unable to travel down South

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Enquiry re the Bridgeman Family.

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