7 March 1871. Sudden death at Wakapuaka, Mr. H T FLOWER aged 68 years, one of the oldest settlers in Nelson Province, dropped down suddenly on Tuesday morning, while sawing a piece of firewood. His son, who was near, immediately raised him up, carried him into the house and found that he was dead. Deceased had been suffering from disease of the heart for some time past. Dr Vickerman gave him a certificate to that effect.
I was lucky enough to be in the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington one day, when I discovered that the will of Henry FLOWER was held on file. The following is a transcript of the will.
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW ZEALAND NELSON DISTRICT
In the matter and the Estate and effects of Henry Truefit Flower of Suburban North in the Province of Nelson. Farmer, deceased.
This is the last will and testament of me Henry Flower of Suburban North in the province of Nelson in New Zealand Farmer. And I hereby revoke all wills and codicils and testamentary dispositions made by me at any time or place(?) heretofore. And I give and bequeath unto my wife Margaret Flower all my personal estate and effects in whatsoever absolutely. And I give and devise all my real estate whatsoever and wheresoever situate, unto my said wife for and during the term of her natural life and from and after her decease I give and devise my said real estate unto my son Thomas Flower and his heirs and last I hereby appoint my said wife executrix and my said son Thomas Flower executor of this my will.
In witness whereof I the said Testator Henry Flower have hereunto set my hand the eleventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty nine. Signed published and declared by the said testator as (?) for his last will and testament in the presence of us present at the same time who in his sight and presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses Thomas Gilbert Teacher Suburban North Nelson George Harris Accountant Nelson.
Be it known to all men that on this day of in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy one the last will and testament of Henry Truefit Flower deceased a copy of which is hereunto annexed hath been exhibited read and proved before Christopher William Richmond Esquire a judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand and in administration of the personal estate effects and creditors of the deceased hath been and is hereby granted to Margaret Flower and Thomas Flower the executrix and executor in the said will and testament named being first legally(?) sworn faithfully to execute the said will by paying the debts and legacies of the deceased as far as the property (?) extend and the law binds and ordered to exhibit unto this board a fair and perfect inventory of the said property on or before the day of one thousand and eight hundred and seventy one(?)
Given under the seal of the Supreme Court of New Zealand this day of one thousand eight hundred and seventy one.
This document was a challenge to transcribe, and I have not been able to decipher all of the words. Check out the scanned image below, and let me know if you can get any more of the words!
