Mildred Louise Hyatt’s family (Married Cyril Dunsford)

Mildred’s mother was Marion [Hyatt] nee Mary Ann Ames born in 1856 in Stow, Suffolk, England and her birth was registered Jul/Aug/Sept Q3 in 1856 in England). Her father Robert Ames was born about 1825 in Mendlesham, Suffolk, England and in Dec 1847 married her mother Lydia Ames (nee Cadge), born about 1829 in Stowmarket, Suffolk, England. The family lived at 78 Gipping Rd in Stow, sub-district Stowmarket. They had 4 children Emma Ames (b~1850), Spencer Ames (b 1853), Mary Ann Ames (b 1856) and Eliza Ames (b 1860).

Mary Ann’s sister Eliza Ames married Thomas Hunnebell in 1882 and their daughter Grace Hunnebell married Mary Ann Ames’s eldest son George Spencer Hyatt (possibly named after his uncle Spencer Ames) when he was over in England from New Zealand in 1918 at the end of WWI, i.e. George Hyatt married his first cousin Grace.

Sources: English 1861 census, 1871 census, 1901 census, Mary Ann Ames birth registration, Eliza’s marriage registration.

Mary Ann Ames immigrated to New Zealand, departing Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland on 12 July 1878 in the ship "Invercargill" and arriving in Otago, New Zealand on 2 Oct 1878 as a nurse. For passengers on Invercargill on that trip see: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~donegal/family/invercargil1.htm

Figure 1 Mary Ann Ames - Assisted immigration

Figure 2 SS Invercargill

The ship left Glasgow sailing past Portugal and down the coast of Africa then around the Cape of Good Hope to New Zealand. A diary by James Harrison of the voyage of the ship in 1878 can be found here: http://www.jhdiary.info/

What did Mary Ann Ames do from Oct 1878 till 1882?

On 17 July 1882 Mary Ann Ames married Thomas Jameson Cunningham. She is shown as a 26 year old domestic servant, born in England. The New Zealand marriage certificate shows her father as Robert Ames, labourer, and her mother as Lydia Ames. The marriage cert shows the groom as Thomas Jameson Cunningham, a miner born in Scotland, with usual residence in Kaitangata (8 km south east of Balcutha). His father was Alexander Cunningham, mine manager. Witnesses are Thomas M Shepherd, store man, of George St, Dunedin and Margaret Jane Fraser of Cumberland St, Dunedin. [Note a family of Cunninghams came out on the same ship as Mary Ann Ames].

In 1884, Thomas is in Kaitangata, wanting to take a couple of loads of soil off one of the street lanes. Reported in Bruce Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 1612, 23 May 1884, Page 3.

In 1895 T. Cunningham is still in Kaitangata per an article in Otago Witness, Issue 2180, 12 December 1895, Page 23. Source:

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=OW18951212.2.75.15&srpos=74&e=01-01-1878-31-12-1900--100--1----2james+cunningham--

There are no records of any children from the marriage.

That Mary Ann Ames was Milly’s mother is further supported by Noel Dunsford, who said he and his twin brother Neville were related in two ways to their Aunty Grace Hyatt, ie: Grace was their uncle George Spencer Hyatt’s wife and that Grace’s mother and their grandmother “Marion” were sisters.

BUT some problems creep in when she later has children with George William Hyatt. Some facts become inconsistent, particularly details about their marriage and what their children understand. The conflicts are:

o George Spencer Hyatt said in his Army records in April 1917 that his mother had been in NZ for 35 years which would have had her coming to NZ in 1882, whereas Mary Ann Ames arrived in 1878 and was married to Cunningham in 1882.

o The birth records for Oscar and Mildred refer to her as “Marion”, not “Mary Ann” Ames. Her grandchildren also referred to her as Marion. Although Mildred’s (her daughter) death certificate refers to her mother as Mary Ann Hyatt nee Ames.

o Oscar and Mildred’s birth records say Marion Ames’s birth place was Sussex, about 8km south west of London, where Mary Ann Ames’s birth place was Suffolk, about 80K North East of London, according to UK census records.

o Oscar and Mildred’s birth certificates say Marion and George were married in November 1879 in Boston. This was 1 year after Mary Ann Ames arrived in New Zealand in 1878 and 3 years before she married Thomas Jameson Cunningham. Also the ship Mary Ann came to New Zealand in came via the bottom of South Africa so it is impossible that this could be true. In addition, George was in New Zealand at least by Feb 1878.

o Mary Ann Ames’s birth year was 1856, supported by census records in the UK and by her marriage details in New Zealand to Thomas Jameson Cunningham. Marion’s birth year was 1859 according to Oscar and Mildred’s birth certificates.

o George William Hyatt said in a court case in 1884 that he was already supporting a child, probably George Spencer Hyatt by Mary Ann Ames.

Nevertheless, it was Mary Ann Ames who had George William Hyatt’s children, whether married or not. They probably told a few falsehoods for the sake of the children.

George William Hyatt’s story – Part 1

Mildred’s father was George William Hyatt. George was born in USA about 1855 or 1856. George’s son George Spencer Hyatt’s New Zealand Army records from 1917 say his father George William Hyatt was born in Florida, USA, and that he had been in NZ for 35 years which would put his arrival in NZ at about 1882. The 35 was crossed out and replaced with “15 years deceased” which would put his death at 1902. The same Army records also said his parents were not NZ naturalised. Mildred’s and Oscar’s NZ birth certificates indicate their father George was born in 1856 and say George was born in Boston, and this is more likely to be correct since the information would have come from George.

George was a very colourful character in all senses. Firstly he was born in USA and was an African-American (“Negro”). George stated at one time that he was a “thoroughbred negro”. He was also quoted as saying he was an American citizen and his family had been there for generations.

From a process of elimination of the 1870 census records of Geo or George Hyatts in the USA, there remains one possibility (if George was still in USA in 1870 which is likely since he would have been only 15 or 16):

George Hyatt, 15, born 1855 (race not specified) living with Isabella Hyatt, 35, female. They were living at 1 Kings Court [8th ward 24th District in County of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania on 28th Nov 1870]. It would seem Isabella may have been in service to John and Bridget Cushen and their 6 children.

Figure 3 Extract from 1870 Philadelphia USA census

The early 1860s saw the American Civil War with tremendous upheavals for black Americans. For some reason George decided to go to New Zealand, perhaps following gold.

George’s Story - Part 2 Dunedin

In the infant village of Dunedin, an Australian struck gold in 1861, beginning an international gold rush. In August that year, on a single day, 65 vessels were counted at anchor in the Otago Harbour. People awoke to see empty hillsides suddenly covered with white tents. The Tuapeka wilderness was soon supporting 11,500 diggers. Dunedin, as port of entry, doubled its population to 5,850 in 6 months, trebled again within 3 years and, by 1870, was unchallenged as New Zealand's largest and richest city. Many people were drawn to Dunedin and it would seem George was one.

George may have come to New Zealand via Fiji some time after September 1869 because Grace Hyatt (married to George’s eldest son George Spencer Hyatt) had a copy of the first Fiji Times edition printed in September 1869 on tapa cloth [since lost].

According to Oscar’s and Mildred’s birth certificates, George and Marion were married in November 1879 in Boston. George was in New Zealand from 1878 and so was Marion (Mary Ann Ames), so this is very unlikely.

The first evidence of George in Dunedin, New Zealand, is in 1878 when he is claiming unfair dismissal from an employer, James M’Graw, a tailor and clothier with a shop at Princes Street, employing tailors. James M’Graw was a fairly litigious character, often suing customers for payment. He was also a Director of the Caledonian Society of Otago and a native of Bairhead, a suburb of Glasgow.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4979, 1 February 1878, Page 3 (from Papers Past)

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thursday, 31st January. (Before J. Bathgate, Esq., R.M.) George Hyatt v. James M'Gaw.— Claim 7 pounds 10s, for wrongful dismissal. Mr Stout appeared for the defendant, who paid the sum of 5 pounds into Court, and judgment was given for that amount.

George then worked as an attendant in the Otago Turkish Baths in Moray Place, just off the Octagon in Dunedin. When the baths were completed in December 1874 at a cost of over 7000 pounds they were opened with much pomp and ceremony and the Otago Witness reported that “The citizens of Dunedin may now be congratulated on the possession of such a luxury as a real Turkish Bath. The public, who, we feel sure, will gladly avail themselves of the opportunity of enjoying what has come to be regarded not only as a delightful luxury but almost a necessity in all civilised countries.”

In the same month as winning his case of unfair dismissal, George took over the management of the Dunedin Turkish baths. Not only did he have plans for Dunedin but, as the following article shows, his entrepreneurial nature is becoming evident.

Evening Post, Volume XVI, Issue 46, 6 February 1878, Page 2

“Mr. George Hyatt late of the Dunedin Turkish Baths arrived in Wellington to-day by the Hawea, with the object of forming a company to start Turkish Baths in this city. This is an institution much needed in Wellington, and should command large public support.”

Back in Dunedin the Otago Daily Times reports, Issue 5125, 22 July 1878, Page 2

“We have been requested to draw attention to the fact that Mr George Hyatt is now the lessee of the Turkish Baths in Moray Place. Mr Hyatt was formerly attendant at the Baths.”

George is now advertising his business in all the local papers including the New Zealand Tablet, 25 October 1878 “HAVING obtained a lease of the TURKISH BATHS, Moray Place, I intend carrying them on in all their Branches, Turkish, Warm, and Swimming Baths, under my own superintendence. Visitors will receive every attention from the attendant.” GEORGE HYATT.

A year later in 1879 George’s inclination that the Dunedin Baths venture was not as profitable as he might have first thought came in a letter to the Editor of the Otago Daily Times, dated 14 Feb 1879.

BATHS - TO THE EDITOR

“Sir, ln your issue of to-day my attention is drawn to one of your leaders, and likewise to a letter signed "Cockney." First, in reply to your leader, in which I quite coincide as far as the requirements of the city are concerned; but, Sir, I fear your Argus eye has never detected the large swimming bath at the Turkish Baths, that contains 30,000 gallons of water, and which is always kept at a tepid heat, and this at the small cost of threepence if the bather brings his own towel. Now, Sir, from practical experience I can inform you that this bath does not pay, for their paying for the water, the cost of fuel for heating the bath, and the attention required for the same, for which I could give you figures, only it would trespass too much upon your space; but at the present time I must say the public do not patronise the bath so much as could be expected, especially for learning their children to swim, for this bath is built upon the most approved method for learners, but still could accommodate twenty times more bathers than at present. There is certainly one day in the week (Wednesday) when the bath is closed against gentlemen, being entirely devoted to ladies, and several classes of ladies are instructed on that day by a skilled lady practitioner, and why should the ladies of Dunedin not be taught swimming as well as the gentlemen? And I can safely say that 90 percent, of those that have learnt to swim in Dunedin have learnt at these baths.

The water and fuel supplies in Dunedin at this time were controlled by private enterprises.

And then, in reply to “Cockney” who presumably supplied the water at the time…

"I would simply ask him if his remuneration for his valuable services is not twice or three times as much in the grand old city he mentions. Fuel the same, and the expense of erection over three times as much, so that if he will kindly multiply the present cost by three he will find that a cheaper bath is given in Dunedin than London (pro rata). Then, should he not like to meet in the bath any of our industrious mechanics, let him select any other gentlemen's day, excepting Saturday afternoon; and in reply to any of his further remarks, I beg to refer him to the reply to your leader. —I am, &c, GEORGE HYATT”.

Unfortunately, “Cockney’s” original letter is not available. This shows George’s venture was not only more marginal that he might have first thought, but also that George was an educated man with excellent written English. George continued advertising the baths every week.

Another example of George’s entrepreneurial nature arises in 1881. Benjamin Straohan, well known in Wellington as a barber and phrenologist [George was also was a barber, as were many other American Blacks at the time], was visiting Dunedin to promote a local lecture and appealed to George to lend him money. (It was possible George met him when he visited Wellington earlier). Benjamin Straohan showed George promisory credit notes from a Wellington leading citizen, but obscured the name so George could not read it. George provided the cash for his tour but was not repaid. George sued the fellow “negro” in the Dunedin Supreme Court, but without success. Subsequently Benjamin Straohan attempted to sue George for damages, asking for £500, but was also not successful.

George and Marion’s first child

George and Mary Ann (Marion) had their first child, George Spencer Hyatt, on 2 October 1883 or 1884, born in Dunedin. George Spencer Hyatt later says in his Army records he was born on 2 October 1884, but I suspect it may be 1883 because in a court case in 1883 George William Hyatt claims he is already supporting a child. [There is no evidence Mary Ann and Cunningham had a child by her previous marriage]. There is also no evidence of a birth certificate for George Spencer Hyatt.

The baths and “an extraordinary affiliation case”

In 1883, George is still regularly advertising the baths. The baths continued to return less than George thought reasonable and on 21st August 1883 a letter from George was read to a meeting of the Dunedin Council where he asked for a reduction in the charge for the supply of water. The Council must have taken over the water supply for George said “if the water was free he would reduce rates he charged for the tepid baths by half; and issue a seasonal ticked at 1 penny a bath.” The Council voted that a reasonable reduction should be considered.

But late in 1883 an incident occurred that probably had a major detrimental effect to George’s business.

Otago Daily Times, DUNEDIN ITEMS. Nov. 9. A JUSTIFIABLE ASSAULT.

“An extraordinary affiliation case occupied the attention of Mr Carew, R.M., to-day. Hannah O'Connor (nee Coyne) sued George Hyatt, a negro, for maintenance of a child, of which she alleged he was the father. The defendant denied that he ever knew the woman, and asserted it was a case of extortion. His Worship asked for medical evidence and Dr Davis said from an examination of the child he saw nothing to suggest that it had mixed blood in its veins. It would be a freak of nature to find no traces of colour in & child of which a negro was the father. The case was dismissed. The mother said that she was a widow and did not want to involve her late husband’s name, O'Connor.”

At the time of the case, George said he was already supporting one child [which would have been his first son George Spencer Hyatt, born in 1883 to Marion].

In the Otago Daily Times, Tuesday, January 8. (Before E. H. Carew, Esq., R.M.) CITY POLICE COURT.

“Neglected Child.—John O'Connor, aged three months, was brought before the Court as a neglected child. — Sergeant Bevin stated that the mother was a young woman named O'Connor, but neither she nor the father was in Dunedin. The child had been left in charge of a woman, but she had already three children of her own, and refused to support it any longer. His Worship asked whether any effort had been made to discover the parents, because this should be done before the Act was put into force. Sergeant Bevin said that steps were being taken, but with very little hope of success. The child was of extremely sickly appearance. Mr Carew expressed the opinion that the Industrial School was scarcely a proper place for it - it should be sent to the Hospital. If it were made easy for illegitimate children to get into the school in this way it might lead mothers to connive with other women to take charge of their children for a short time, and, by clearing out, leave them to be a burden on the State. The case would be adjourned for a week, to enable the police to pursue their inquiries.”

A short time later the child died in possibly suspicious circumstances. An inquest into the baby’s death was held and reported in the Otago Daily Times on 17 January 1884.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held at the Australasian Hotel yesterday, by Dr Hocken and a jury, upon the body of an infant, John O'Connor, who died on Tuesday morning. The Coroner said that this was the case of an illegitimate child, John O'Connor, who had been left by his mother in the charge of a woman named Catherine Dewar about 10 weeks ago, and had died on Tuesday last. The jury had, of course, seen the wretched condition in which the child was. It was in the last stages of emaciation, and it was for them to say whether the death of the child was caused by one of those numerous wasting diseases which attacked children, or by the neglect of the woman who had charge of it. He was glad of an opportunity to hold this inquest, as there had been many cases brought under his notice in which young children entrusted to the care of others had died under circumstances not quite free from suspicion. It might be that the jury would like to give some expression of opinion on the subject of what was known as "baby-farming," to the effect, perhaps, that those women having charge of children should all be respectable and we'll able to take care of them. The jury had noticed the squalid condition of the house in which the child had been, and the general surroundings, which were not suited to the general care of children, It might be that this woman was not at fault, but he merely wished to draw attention to those facts. Catherine Dewar was called, and The Coroner said: Before taking your evidence, I may say that I do not know how the verdict will go, and whether the jury will consider you to blame in the matter, and that your neglect was the cause of death, in which case you would be guilty of manslaughter; but, if you choose, you need not say anything at all. Witness: I would rather speak the truth, sir.

The Coroner: Very well. You quite understand that what you say I shall take down, and it may possibly be used against you. Catherine Dewar, living in a right-of-way off Maclaggan Street, deposed that the deceased child had been under her care for the last 10 weeks, and was three months old at the time of its death. The mother's name was Hannah O'Connor, and she brought the child to witness, promising to pay 10s a week for it in advance. She paid £1, but never paid any more, and witness had never seen her since. She left Dunedin, having given witness two gowns and two flannels for the child, but they were quite ragged. She also gave three shirts and two binders. The child was in a very bad state, and seemed to have been sadly neglected when witness took it. She told the mother so, and the latter said she know it. Some days the child seemed pretty fair, and would take the bottle, but some days it would not. Witness then fed it with a spoon. The child never seemed able to suck right—whether from weakness or not, witness did not know. Witness fed it at first on thin maizena (a boiled milk and cornflour dessert mixture), and then on bread - and - milk, which it seemed to like better. She was feeding her own baby, which wan 11 months old, on bread and milk. Sometimes the deceased would sleep for 12 hours, and could not be roused to take any food, and at other times it would take a crying fit for the same time. The child also seemed to be an idiot; it had no fear at all, and its limbs were stiff when it was brought to witness. The child had a slight cough during the last fortnight, but it did not seem of much consequence. The witness used to give deceased about a saucerful of bread and milk twice a day, and drinks of milk and water and sugar in between. He never seemed to make any progress one way or the other, and looked just the same when he died as when first brought to witness. Witness had been to the police several times to get the child taken off her hands, as she could not afford to keep it. She was told the police could have nothing to do with it, and that as she had taken the responsibility she must find the mother and summon her. The policeman noticed at the time what a delicate child it was, and said he did not think it would live many days. Witness afterwards saw Sergeant Bevin, who also told her that she must find the mother, and said it was a dodge between the two to get the child thrown upon the Government. Witness afterwards went to Mr Gourley, who directed her to go down to Mr Carew's office, but the latter was not at home. Mr Gourley told her in that case to come back to him, which she did, and he told her to be at the police-station at 10 o'clock on Monday morning. In the morning Mr Carew told her to see Mr Weldon, as he could do nothing until tile police laid information. On Tuesday weak information was laid in the Police Court, and the case was adjourned for a week, for the police to try and find the mother. Mr Carew said the child was more fit for the Hospital than the Industrial School, but witness was not able to take it to the Hospital then, as a person next door was ill, and witness was engaged to attend her. She also could not leave her own children. The deceased died on Tuesday morning. The night before witness had lifted it up to give it a drink, which it would not take. The child slept downstairs, and witness went downstairs and saw it about 4 o'clock. At 8 o'clock in the morning when she saw it was dead. Witness had three children of her own. She had also had charge of two others. One was now seven weeks old, and she had had it for three weeks, and the other, eight months old, died of convulsions a week before Christmas. Witness had charge of the latter for a month. She took it to Dr Macdonald immediately before it died.

The Coroner: Then you, a skilled woman with children, saw the child in this miserable condition and thought nothing was the matter with it? Witness: It seemed always the same. The Coronor: But did not your common sense tell you that you should get advice for it, without Mr Carew having to tell you? Witness: I was not able to get to the Hospital. To Mr Weldon: Witness had only three children of her own in the house when she took charge of deceased. Three children had died in her house since October last. One (seven mouths old) was seen by Dr Martin, and the next by Dr Macdonald. Witness only knew the mother of the deceased slightly. The police had told witness to take the child to the Hospital before the Tuesday morning that it was brought before the Court, but it was not easy for her to get away. Witness did not go to the police again, because she thought they were angry with her. Mr Weldon: I suppose by anger you mean that they thought you were acting in collusion with the mother to throw the child upon the country; Dr de Zouche deposed that he saw the deceased on Tuesday, the 15th. The child was hot insufficiently dressed, but it was in a state of extreme emaciation. That day (Wednesday) witness made a post mortem examination, and found that nil the organs of the body were perfectly healthy, but there was no fat under the skin as there usually is in children. There was farinaceous food of some kind with milk in the stomach—a small quantity. Wasting, or marasmus, was the cause of death in witness' opinion—from want of power to assimilate the food given to it. Bread-and-milk was a very improper food to give a child of that age. It could not digest the bread. Maizena was also quite wrong. These things would interfere with the proper digestion of the milk. The appearances were such as would be met with in a case of starvation. A child might be starved with plenty of food if of the wrong quality. The child must have been for weeks in a bad condition. A medical man would have given instructions how to feed it. There was no reason why it should not have lived. If it had had medical attendance 10 weeks before, it would have had a much better chance of living. All children brought up by hand ran a great risk. The child, though three months old, was only 20½ inches in length. It must have been wasting for weeks. Mary Hogg, living in Hanover Street, deposed that the mother of the deceased stayed with her for six months before its birth. It was born in the Hospital, and directly the other left the institution she returned to witness' house. The child was then a delicate looking little thing—small and thin. The mother got a nurse to look after it, and the latter kept it for a fortnight. The child did not look so well when it came back. It stayed with its mother at witness' house for two days, during which the mother took care of it and fed it with milk. It was then taken away. Witness saw the child about a month afterwards at Mrs Dewar's place, but did not notice much difference in it, although it was very thin. Witness told Mrs Dewar she should take it to the Hospital, or get some doctor to see it. Mrs Dewar said she had not much time, with her own children to look after, but that she would take it to the Hospital. Witness knew Mrs Dewar had not clothes enough for the child to keep it comfortable. It seemed well looked after on that occasion. Witness saw the child again on January 3, and there was not much difference in it. When it took food it used to throw it up. The mother when she went away said she was going to earn some money, and wanted to bring the father up before the Court again. The father was Mr Hyatt, who had the Turkish Baths. Sergeant-major Bevin was then called, and during his evidence the woman Dewar fainted, and had to be conveyed out of the room. The witness spoke of the difficulty the police were in as to getting these illegitimate children admitted to the Industrial School, They understood that some mothers entered into a contract with other women to try and get rid of their children in this way. Mr Weldon: There is no doubt about it. The witness said she knew the mother in this case. She was what they called a "smart" woman, and would stop at nothing to get "shot" of the child. Constable Crawford also gave evidence, The Coroner, in summing up, said that the child appeared to have been moderately well cared for, and the woman Dewar seemed to have done her best, but her misfortune was in giving it wrong food, where she was chiefly to blame was in not getting medical advice when told to do so. He suggested that the jury might add a rider to their verdict regarding legislation re the practice of baby-farming. The Jury, after some deliberation, returned a verdict of "Death from natural causes," and added a rider as follows:-" The Jury learn from the evidence that something very much [like] 'baby-farming' exists in Dunedin, and they are therefore of opinion that the Legislature should pass an Act similar to that in force in the Home Country, whereby proper provision should be made and license issued in cases where children are put out to nurse."

George’s acquittal of involvement the year before is still not enough for the public. George defends himself in a letter to the editor of the Otago Daily Times.

Otago Daily Times , Issue 6842, 21 January 1884, Page 4

AN EXPLANATION. To the Editor,

Sir, — In your report of the inquest on the body of the child O'Connor [the child referred to above that had subsequently died], I observe that my name has got mixed up, and that in that report I am represented as being the father of the child. Now your readers will very well remember that I was charged before Mr Carew, H.M. with being the father of the child in question, but on the medical and other evidence that gentleman dismissed the case. In fact the case was got up against me at the instigation of a party whom I could name, solely with the view of levying black mail. I need scarcely add that it reflects very little credit on Sergeant Bevin for dragging my name into the case, as the trial before Mr Carew and the inquest before the coroner had no connection with each other. l am, &c, George Hyatt. Turkish Baths, Moray place, January 19.

George, a respectable business proprietor of the baths, is first accused of fathering an illegitimate child to a white woman, then implicated in the death of the baby, even after the same paper has reported on George’s innocence of fathering the child. Adding salt to the wound, it was the same paper George has been patronising with advertisements for years.

An aside about Hannah O'Connor

On further investigation of Hannah O'Connor, it seems she was no angel. The baby John died in Jan 1884 and was three months old when it died. It would have been born about Dec 1883 so, on 30 May 1983, when Hannah O’Connor would have been about 4 months pregnant:

Otago Daily Times report from the Police Court:

A Disorderly Female.—Hannah O'Connor was charged with having behaved in a disorderly manner in Maclaggan Street. —Mr Callan appeared on behalf, of the person assaulted, Denis Mannix, and asked that evidence might be taken, as his client wished to have the accused bound over to keep the peace. —His Worship explained that the charge was not one for a personal grievance, and he would be satisfied to deal with it as stated in the information. If Mannix had any grievance it would be for him to lay a direct charge. Accused would be fined 20s, or 48 hours imprisonment.

And ten years later, when she is in Christchurch

Lyttelton Star 11 October 1893 reports:

Husband and Wife.— Hannah O'Connor charged her husband, James O'Connor, with failing to provide her and her eight children with proper means of support. After hearing the evidence of both parties his Worship said that from the evidence of the complainant herself it appeared that she had lived with her husband agreeably enough for a number of years, and he advised them to go home and make their troubles up. They had a large family, and it appeared to him they had plenty there to engage their time and attention. There was certainly nothing in which the Court could interfere.

Bad publicity and the Board force George out

It seems George Hyatt had been used by Hannah O'Connor and George’s claims of attempted blackmail were correct. This sort of publicity is not what any business wants, let alone one asking the good citizens of Dunedin to send their children along to be taught to swim. With the lack of profitability of the Turkish baths and probably a reduction in custom due to all the gossip:

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6795, 24 November 1883, Page 2 reported:

NEW INSOLVENTS

The following debtors have filed notices of insolvency during the past week: George Hyatt, of Dunedin, Bathkeeper. -Debts, £2124 15s; assets, £1705.

A report in the Christchurch Times on 4 Feb 1884 reports George’s bankruptcy in Dunedin. Shortly afterwards in February 1884, the board of the Turkish baths charged George with fraudulent insolvency. George was tried in Geraldine and, after a couple of hearings, the charge of fraudulent insolvency was dismissed, with the Judge saying there is no evidence.

DUNEDIN. Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXVIII, Issue 10558, 1 April 1884, Page 2 March 30. The Grand Jury threw out the bill in the case of Hyatt, for alleged fraudulent insolvency.

Archway has a record HYATT George - Dunedin - Turkish Bath Proprietor, Bathkeeper 1883-1883 (R19948953). Agency DAAC, Series 18118, accession D256, box 559, record# 1291. Archives New Zealand, Dunedin Regional Office, 556 George Street, Dunedin 9016, PO Box 6183, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9059, Ph: 03 477 0404, Fax: 03 477 0422, Email: dunedin@archives.govt.nz

The next proprietor of the Turkish Baths was R Phelan. An entry in the New Zealand Encyclopaedia lists the names of the Dunedin Turkish Bath managers, except for George, whose entry says “the bathhouse was managed by a Negro for 3 years”. The Otago Daily Times reports George’s bankruptcy discharge notice on 7 June 1884.

George’s story Part 3 - Onehunga

Oscar Ulles Hyatt, George and Marion’s second child, was born on 12 October 1885 in Onehunga, New Zealand (Ref 1885/14474 Hyatt, Oscar Ulles, mother’s name Marion, father’s name George). George is 29, described as a hairdresser, born in Boston; Marian Hyatt, formerly Ames, 29, born in Sussex. When and where married: November 1879, Boston.

And a new business

George Hyatt established a stationery and hairdresser shop in Queen Street, Onehunga. In May 1888, according to the Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 109, 9 May 1888, Page 8, G. Hyatt is suing W.Filmore for 3 Shillings for Evening Stars supplied. Judgment and costs were awarded to George of 6 shillings.

Onehunga was growing and, although it was bigger than Auckland at the time, in 1877, the Mayor of Onehunga had to personally lend 500 pounds to metal the road from the wharf to the borough boundary (Great South Road) as the Bank of New Zealand considered the young municipality did not have enough security. Onehunga had a good port and had grown because of its role during the New Zealand “Maori” Wars of the 1860s. The port was pivotal in the provisioning of soldiers in the Waikato and the Fencibles, retired English army men under 45, had been imported to protect Onehunga and contributed to expansion of the area.

Not only is George in business but he must have thought himself fairly popular because, in 1889, he put his name forward to be a Councillor in Onehunga.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 209, 3 September 1889, Page 5

ONEHUNGA BOROUGH.

But only 9 days later, the Auckland Star (Volume XX, Issue 217, 12 September 1889, Page 5) reported “today Mr Hyatt had retired from the contest.”

Birth of daughter

On 25 October 1889, George and Marion’s first daughter Mildred Louise (Milly) was born in Onehunga, Auckland. Mildred’s death certificate from 1920 says her father was George William Hyatt and his occupation shopkeeper; her mother “Mary Ann” Hyatt (Nee Ames) - [This information would have been provided by her husband Cyril Dunsford or her mother Marion].

The years 1889 until 1903 in Onehunga were said to be “rather troublous” in a book by Janice C Mogford, Onehunga A brief history.

There is a New Zealand Census record for George in Manukau in 1890. Also in that year, an advertisement appeared in the Auckland Star for G.Hyatt, acting as an “agent”, Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 15, 18 January 1890, Page 5.

And, Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 164, 14 July 1890, Page 4

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 41, 19 February 1890, Page 8

George suffers another blow

On 16 February 1891 George was in the papers again when the house the family was living in was destroyed by fire.

During the preceding period there had been a strategy of steady growth in Onehunga and nearly all the buildings had been constructed of wood, many roofed with either Kauri or Totara shingles, highly inflammable material. In 1887 a Volunteer Fire Brigade had been formed under Captain Jack O’Hara assisted by eight firemen. The first fire station was a small shed just large enough to contain a small hand reel, a twelve foot ladder, 250 feet of hose, a fire hydrant and two leather buckets.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 39, 16 February 1891, Page 3

In June 1891 George is sued

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 142, 17 June 1891, Page 8

ONEHUNGA R.M. COURT

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 158, 6 July 1891, Page 3

ONEHUNGA B.M. COURT.—THIS DAY.

Bankrupcy again, 1891

BANKRUPTCY. IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BANKRUPTCY" HOLDEN AT AUCKLAND.

In the matter of "The Bankruptcy Act, 1883," and amendments thereof, and of the Bankruptcy of George Hyatt, of Queen-street, Onehunga, Hairdresser, a Bankrupt. Notice is hereby given that the above named George Hyatt has this day filed a petition to be adjudged a bankrupt. The First General Meeting of creditors will by held at my office, Customhouse Buildings, Custom - street, Auckland, on WEDNESDAY, the 21st day of October, 1891, at 11 a.m. Proofs of debt must be furnished prior to the meeting. Proxy forms can be obtained at my office. No proof can be admitted, except under order of the Court, after the expiration of four months from the date of the filing of the petition. Accounts sent in unsupported by proof of debt as prescribed by law cannot be recognised. Dated this 14th day of October, 1891. JOHN LAWSON. Official Assignee in Bankruptcy. Mr C. "VV. Cave Palmerston Buildings, Auckland, Solicitor for the Bankrupt.

A report in the Auckland Star added …

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 244, 14 October 1891, Page 8

George Hyatt, hairdresser, of Queen- Street, Onehunga, has filed a petition praying to be adjudicated a bankrupt. His total debts are estimated at £172 17s and total assets at £30 15s.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 250, 21 October 1891, Page 5

GEORGE HYATT'S CREDITORS.

A LIVELY MEETING.

There was a rather interesting encounter between George Hyatt, a man of colour, carrying on business as a hairdresser a& Onehunga, and his creditors at the office of the Official Assignee the morning. There were present, beside the debtor, the following creditors :—Messrs Hammond (representing self, Messrs Brooking, Moody, and Morris), Keesing, Parnell, Balfe and Brookfield—representing debts amounting to about £125. The assets were stated to include £40 book debts, estimated to produce £5, and furniture valued at about £20.

In cross-examination by various creditors the debtor stated that one time he made about £3. as a hairdresser in Onehunga, but recent opposition in the business had reduced his income by £2 per week. He further admitted to clearing about £3 or £4 per week from the sale of newspapers, but could not see his way to make any offer towards payment of his debts.

Mr Brookfield said the debtor had paid rent for a house a part from his shop, sent his children to a private school, and lived in a very extravagant manner.

The debtor characterised this assertion as absolutely untruthful, and added that when the fire took place at his place they lost everything except the clothes they stood in. Subsequently he asserted that it cost himself and family about £2 per week to live, and that they paid 9s per week rent for the shop and dwelling house they now occupied.

Mr Parnell thought it scandalous that the debtor should be sending his children to a private school while they could be educated at the State schools free of cost.

The debtor, in reply, urged that the cost was trifling, and that his wife had a small business of her own in the sale of cakes, lollies, etc.

Having been challenged to state by which creditors he was pressed, he (debtor) named Mr Brookfield for £3 and Mr Mosely for £16, whereupon it was pointed out that his filing would cost £10, that this would have satisfied the pressing creditors and that the others were prepared to wait. The debtor charged Mr Parnell with having stated at Onehunga that he would oust the debtor from his store.

Mr Parnell: "I deny that." Asked whether he was not still agent for the State, the debtor said the agency had been taken from him, and upon being further pressed he admitted that it had only been transferred to his wife.

Mr Parnell thereupon observed: "You have shown a deal of cunning and a deal of depth, for which I. give you credit." Mr Lawson thought the debtor should offer at least £1 per week to pay his debts off in full.

The debtor insisted that he was not in in a position to do so.

Mr Lawson Well, you have been given a chance to do the honest thing." The Official Assignee further informed the debtor that he should also get his children educated at the public school. Mr Parnell- moved, and Mr Keesing seconded, that the creditors agree to accept 20s per week from the bankrupt, in liquidation of their claims until paid," and this proposal was carried by 5 to 1, representing £97, as against £39. Mr Lawson stated that he would have some talk with the debtor privately and that if the debtor could not see his way to conform to the resolution, he (the Assignee) would have to take other steps. The meeting then terminated.

By July 1993, George is still trading, although his wife was the agent and he was still in bankruptcy. An ad in the Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 163, 12 July 1893, Page 4 lists the Star Agencies and G Hyatt, Onehunga, as being able to receive ads on behalf of the Star.

By September 1893, George has applied for a discharge from Bankruptcy.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 213, 8 September 1893, Page 1

IN BANKRUPCY

In the matter of "The Bankruptcy Act, 1883,'--and the amendments thereof, and in the matter of George Hyatt, of Onehunga, Hairdresser, a Bankrupt. Notice is hereby given that application will be made to this honourable Court, on MONDAY, the 25th day of September, 1803 (the day appointed by the Court for that purpose), at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, or as soon thereafter as Counsel can be heard, for an Order of Discharge in favour of the above named Bankrupt, Dated this 8th day of September, 1693

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 227, 25 September 1893, Page 2

So George was back in business again at the end of 1893.

Yet another fire

Witnessed by an article in the Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 7164, 12 September 1894, Page 3.

The library in Queen Street, c1890.The Railway Terminus Hotel is in the background, at the corner of Queen and Princes Streets, on the site previously occupied by the Courthouse Hotel, was opened in 1871 and later became known as The Post Office Hotel.

But fortunately this time, George continued in business as can be seen from an ad. in the Auckland Star in 14 Dec 1984

In 1895, George was running two businesses, his stationery newsagent / hair dressing business on one side of the road, and a fruit and vegetable shop on the other … when … once again he hits the papers, this time because of a nation’s prejudice against Chinese gold miners, after the gold has run out.

AN ONEHUNGA CASE. Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 53, 4 March 1895, Page 4

AN ONEHUNGA CASE.

At the Onehunga Police Court; to-day, before Mr Bush, S.M., George Hyatt was charged by Inspector-Sergeant Grune with keeping his shop open on Saturday after 1 o'clock in the afternoon. , Mr Campbell appeared for the defendant and Sergeant Greene for the prosecution. Bernard Green said he was Inspector under the Factory Act, 1894, also of Shops Act., (The Gazette and copies of his appointment were handed in. He knew defendant, Mr George Hyatt, he kept two shops; on the east side, a fruit shop, etc., and on the west side a news agency, and hair-dresser's shop. One Saturday, the 23rd of February, the stationer's shop in connection with his west side shop, was kept open to the public, Mr Hyatt was engaged at his trade of hairdresser. There was a youth named John Oats employed in the shop selling papers. The fancy goods in the shop were covered by a cloth. The young lady assistant usually serving was not present, but she had been employed during the week in the shop. Mr Hyatt, the defendant, was not of European extraction, but a negro and a citizen of the United-States of America, where he was born. Other hairdressers in Onehunga had to close on Saturday afternoons —except one; to whom the Act does not apply.

By Mr Campbell: There was a division in the shop, the hairdressing room being partitioned off. Witness did not see Mr Hyatt sell stationery, but knew he was engaged as a hairdresser. John Oats was a Star runner employed by Mr Hyatt. Witness had seen him occasionally.

By the Bench: I object to him keeping his shop open. This merely, covering part of his goods and selling others must break up the closing arrangement altogether.

Miss Effie Muir said, she bad been an assistant to Mr Hyatt. The business was composed of the following branches: Fancy goods, tobacco and cigars, stationery, and newspapers, home magazines and others “English Graphic” etc. There was a curtain over the goods. Anyone could take goods from the counter by pushing aside the curtain. There was but one door to the shop.

John Oats, a boy, said he was in Mr Hyatt's shop on Saturday. He sold some Stars, but no other papers. Mr Hyatt was engaged hair dressing. Witness was engaged as Star runner for Mr Hyatt.

Mr Campbell- pleaded that the real offence of the defendant was that he was of the wrong colour. The New Zealand Government has no authority— no more than the Town Council of Onehunga to make laws impugnant to the grand and glorious laws of England.

A spectator here interjected " Hear, hear!” whereupon the S.M. said he would send to prison the person who made such an unseemly demonstration.

Mr Campbell pointed out that in the charge the shop in question was said to be on the east side of the street, whereas it was on the west.

The S.M. agreed with-the Counsel, that the objection was fatal, and dismissed the case.

This was followed up in newspapers all over the Dominion …

TELEGRAMS, Otago Daily Times , Issue 10301, 7 March 1895, Page 2

Hr Hyatt, hairdresser, of Onehunga, who was prosecuted for having his shop open while he was not exempt, not being of European or New Zealand extraction, has laid his case before the American Console. He is an American citizen, and claims that the Government of New Zealand cannot take away his right to have his shop open and make an exception of him because he is not of New Zealand or European extraction. Mr Connolly promised to bring the matter under the notice of the Government of the United States. Hyatt's case was dismissed on a technicality.

The Auckland Star gives more information about Georges Businesses in its report

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 50, 28 February 1895, Page 5

George’s case was used a couple of weeks later, as an example of prejudice, in an address to the Chamber of Commerce by Mr McLellan as reported in MR MCLELLAN’S ADDRESS Evening Post, Vol XLIX, Issue 52, Saturday, March 2 1895, P.2 to the Chamber of Commerce mentions the case above. On page 16 there follows:

“An interesting point in connection with Mr. Reeve's famous piece of legislation [*The Undesirable Immigrants Bill] is (says the Auckland Herald) to come before the Onehunga Police Court on Monday. Mr. G. Hyatt, hairdresser, Onehunga, has received a summons for keeping his shop open on Saturday afternoon. Mr. Hyatt does a small stationery business, and has a hairdressing saloon. On last Saturday the place was all barricaded off except the hairdressing place, but still Mr. Hyatt comes under the lash of the law. He would be exempt, because he does not employ any assistant, but then no exemptions are given to shops " except they are owned or conducted by a person of New Zealand or European extraction." Mr. Hyatt is a native of America, where his forefathers have lived for generations, but he has negro blood in his veins. Therefore, he is to be hunted out of the country by a Liberal Government, and prevented from earning his living . . . And this persecution of a negro or mulatto is done by a Parliament which sent a remonstrance to the Czar on account of his treatment of the Jews in his dominions!”

* Note: the Undesirable Immigrants Bill - As explained by the Hon Mr Reeves himself to the Workers' Union Conference at Temuka, as reported by the Temuka Leader: “This matter of undesirable immigrants was one worthy of the study, reflection, and careful consideration of every intelligent man and woman in New Zealand. All the smart jokes made about the Bill were not sufficient to dispose of the matter. What was the attention of Liberals directed to now but the raising of the standard level of civilisation, the standard of comfort, the standard of education, and the standard of refinement; to make the masses here better and more prosperous than they are in other countries. He believed they had achieved some measure of success already, but he hoped the time would come when they should achieve greater success — when New Zealand would be the envy of the whole world. This was their ideal, and he thought it a reasonable one. It was their duty to themselves, to their children, and the country to see that undesirable immigrants shall not flock in to drag down the level of civilisation here. The time of our forefathers, when they had to employ means to get people here, had now passed, and they had to consider at present whether it was advisable to admit everyone here that chooses to come. They owed a duty to New Zealand, and it would be folly for the people to allow lunacy, crime, and coloured labour to rush in from other countries in any numbers. They held a huge meeting on this question in Christchurch a day or two ago. The Question was no laughing matter, and he could tell -them why. Some seven years ago they passed an Anti-Chinese Immigration Bill. For the first five years, every year more Chinese went away than came here; in one year more than 100 going out than came in. But in the fifth year only eighteen more went out than came in. Then the sixth year something like 134 more came in than went out. Now was the time to take action, while the question was young, and before it was so big as to cause friction. The Imperial Government could not say we were doing anything to irritate the Chinese. In dealing with the people of Asia they were not dealing with any petty thing, they were reckoned by hundreds of millions — not millions. We did not want the Chinese, Assyrians, nor even the Japanese here. New Zealand was a white man's country, and a white man's country it ought always to be.”

To show how the rural sector felt about the issue at the time, George’s story is taken up in NOTES OF THE WEEK -Otago Daily Times, Issue 10303, 9 March 1895, Page 4.

Mr Hyatt, hairdresser, of Onehunga, an American citizen, is dissatisfied with our millennial shop hours law, and well he may be. He goes a little too far, however, and claims that "the Government of New Zealand cannot take away his right to have his shop open and make an exception of him, because he is not of New Zealand or European extraction." The claim is ridiculous. Though the law may be a bad one it is made by a popular Parliament, endowed with power to make laws for the "peace, order, and good government" of New Zealand. We believe that the "highest tribunal in the land" (not the Waste Lands Committee) has held that this impliedly includes the bad government of New Zealand. Good or bad, the legislation of the colony in that respect does not stretch beyond that of a single State of the American Union; and a State of that Union claims less legislative authority than is given to a constitutional colony of our Empire. Mr 'Hyatt, whom, from his disclaimer of "New Zealand or European extraction," we take to be of Africo-American origin, as barbers in his own country often are, may be quite right in claiming that our Parliament has no power to interfere with his sacred rights, but that must mean so long, as he stops at home. He complains that our laws "make an exception of him"; we have seen nothing in the Act suggestive of this. Should Mr Consul CONNOLLY carry out his promise to "bring the matter under the notice of the Government of the United States," we can only say that this speaks volumes for the care taken by Federal officers of their nation's citizens, but we hardly think that it will result in a serious diplomatic question. However, after what we have heard of the "WEBSTTER land claims," we need not feel surprised if it does.

It was not only George who was curtailed by the Half Day holiday on Saturday, Many other shop keepers in Onehunga were affected as well.

THE HALF-HOLIDAY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 72, 26 March 1895, Page 5

But, it would seem that the ever enterprising George found a way around the problem he encountered. He took in a New Zealand partner, Alfred Henry Ormrod. So the business was now exempt from the prohibition preventing George opening on Saturdays. This continued until George “retired” in 1896, aged only 39 or 40 years.

Dissolution of Business 1896

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, issue 103, 4 May 1896, Page 1, Col 5

DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP. The business of Stationers, Tobacconists, News Vendors and Hairdressers, heretofore carried on by the undersigned under the name, style, or firm of Hyatt and Ormrod has this day been DISSOLVED by the retirement therefrom of Mr George Hyatt. The business will be continued by Mr ALFRED HENRY ORMROD, who will receive all accounts due to, and pay all debts owing by the late firm. Dated this 30th day of April, 1896. GEORGE HYATT. ALFRED HENRY ORMROD, Witness : w. Thornk, Solicitor. Auckland.

In the book, Untold Stories of Onehunga, p28, is a description of the business after George had left.

Figure 4 Ormrod took over George's business - from “Untold Stories of Onehunga” p28

The last New Zealand Census record for George is in 1896 in the Manukau area.

A year later George is in the papers again, on 6 Feb 1897. George is sued…

George’s story Part 4 - Ohinemuri

In about 1897 the railway was put through to Paeroa opening up the gold mining country around Waihi and the Karangahake. Gold had ceased being mined about 10 years before but a new process brought new life to the old mines. George again is following the gold trail and ends up in Karanghake [without his family this time?]

In April 1897 George is about to start up a resturant in Karanghake but has a bit of of his usual bad luck. According to the Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume VII, Issue 384, 14 April 1897, Page 2.

FIRE IN KARANGAHAKE.

A destructive fire took place in Karangahake on Monday morning at the same time as the Paeroa fire by which Messrs Adams Bros.' store was completely destroyed. The fire originated in the front part of the 'building, either in the shop 1 or in the office. There was no one on the premises at the time, Messrs Adams Eros, being in Paeroa, but as soon as the alarm reached here they got a buggy and went out to Karangahake. The man who bakes for Adams Bros. was going to work about 3 a.m., when he observed flames issuing 'from the building. He immediately gave the alarm, and a number of people soon collected. A bucket brigade was formed, and water obtained from the pipe for the water supply for the town, which stood about thirty yards from the burning building. It was, however, to late to put the flames out, and all that could be done was to save the adjacent buildings. Hardly anything was saved, everything being burned, but fortunately the books of the firm were in the safe, and they were thus saved. The adjoining premises were occupied by a man named G. Hyatt, who intended starting business as a restaurant that morning. Although this building was not destroyed by fire considerable damage was done to it by water, and the sidewall greatly charred. Very little wind was blowing at the time or the building adjacent to Messrs Adams. Bros, would inevitably have been destroyed.

In a follow up in the Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume VII, Issue 387, 28 April 1897, Page 2, George gives a bit more information.

… George Hyatt deposed that he was awakened at 2 o'clock on the morning of the fire by noises in Adams Bros.' premises as if someone was moving something. He called to Hickton who was sleeping in the room with him and who also heard the noises. They thought it was burglars, but on going out they saw the premises were on fire, smoke "was issuing from the drapery department. ' he fire seemed to hayve originated about the centre of the building and not in the baker's oven. After heaving the evidence of the baker, W. Tinny, J. H. Turner, and A. W. Ellis the jury retired, and on their return brought in a verdict: " That no evidence of the origin of the fire doth appear to the jury," with a rider, "That as Messrs Adams Bros, are very heavy losers by the fire, so suspicion whatever attaches to them."

Next, George is running a boarding house in Karangahake, as an advertisement in the Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume VII, Issue 400, 19 June 1897, Page 4 shows.

George is living in a “Whare” (makeshift building) at the Cross, providing lodging. Golden Cross was a mining camp on the site of the Golden Cross section of the Waitekauri Company’s mine. It sprang into existence as a township about 1896, and was connected by about 5 miles of road with Waitekauri, and was just out of Paeroa. The district advanced with the development of the Waitekauri and adjacent mines, and progressed rapidly after 1896. A small group of shops supplied all the needs of the miners and settlers.

A web site “EARLY WAITEKAURI SETTLERS” Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 1, June 1964 by J. Kinsella mentions residents near the town “(American Negro) George Waite [probably Hyatt]”. http://www.ohinemuri.org.nz/journal/01/early_waitekauri_settlers.htm

Ohinemuri web site - http://www.ohinemuri.org.nz/

An entry in Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume VII, Issue 441, 10 November 1897, Page 3 shows George suing a couple of men for money owed for lodging.

S.M. Court.

(Before E. S. Bush, Esq., S.M.) Fexday, Not. 5, 1897. G.Hyatt v. E. Edwards, claim £2 2s 6d for board and lodging. .Mr Mueller for plaintiff. Judgment for 27s 6d, with costs. G.Hyatt; v. R. Richards, claim £3 5s. Mr Mueller ror plaintiff. Judgment for 35s, with costs.

And some also suing George

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 134, 10 June 1897, Page 9

Laurie v. G. Hyatt, claim £7 G8 6d, costs £1 8s 6d

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 142, 19 June 1897, Page 3

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Olsen v. G. Hyatt claim £32, costs, £3 1

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 245, 21 October 1897, Page 5

MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Charles Clarke v. George Hyatt £5 8s 9d, costs £1 3s 6d

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 251, 29 October 1897, Page 5

D. Roberts v. Geo. Hyatt, £8 6si lid, costs 8s

Then, George, the fruit seller from Onehunga is caught selling fruit without a license. The annual meeting of the Sports Club was held in February of each year at the Waitekauri racecourse.

On 5 April 1898, Timaru Herald, Volume LX, Issue 2670, 5 April 1898, Page 2 (reported from national press – originating from an article in Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume VIII, Issue 482, 6 April 1898, Page 2)

At Paeora Police Court five cases in connection with the recent Sunday sports held at Waitekauri, Golden Cross, on February 20th, were dealt with, namely, Police v. Michael Bowren, Arthur Leonard, and Frederic Keenes, for betting, and George Hyatt and Thomas Learning for selling fruit. All the defendants pleaded guilty, and were fined 1s and costs 17s 6d in each case. Defendants are local men.

Later the same month George is again up against the law, this time selling grog to miners at his place, again without a licence.

The Mataura Ensign , Issue 19 April 1898 reported that

“Owing to the suspicion that a colored man named Hyatt was selling grog at Golden Cross, Waitekauri, a raid was made on Hyatt's camp on Saturday, when the police secured seven five-gallon beer kegs and a number of bottles. Seven charges of grog selling have been preferred, and two charges under the Beer Duty Act for not defacing stamps.” He pleaded Guilty and was fined £5 and costs in each of 6 cases or 14 days.

It seems the fine of £30 plus costs, a total of £41 13s may have been beyond George’s capacity to pay for, in May 10 1898…

The days of grace which were allowed George Hyatt, the sly grog seller of the Cross, having expired on Thursday, it became the duty of Constable Moore to enforce the warrant, which had been issued in case of non-payment of the fine. For some days past Hyatt has not graced Waitekauri with his presence, although previous to the hearing of the case it was his custom to appear daily in the streets of the town. So marked was his sudden disappearance that it almost seemed as though Hyatt intended to elude the vigilance of the law. As it was, it so happened that the Constable in the execution of the warrant espied the refugee standing at the door of a whare between Te Whariki and the Cross, where he had evidently been keeping cover. Hyatt, when he saw the constable approach, attempted to get away, but after a clever dive under the table and a short sprint, finding the constable was more than a match in a hundred yards, he surrendered, and was during the day safely ensconced in the lock up prior to his removal to Auckland gaol.—Waitekauri Age.

George was out of goal after 14 days. But the constabulary were keeping an eye on him. In the Thames Star, 28 November 1898 he is caught again -

Alleged Sly Grog Selling.

The Waitekauri Age has the following: "The police have been engaged of late in watching the movements of a colored man named George Hyatt, who was recently sentenced to a term of imprisonment for sly-grog selling at the Cross, and who returned to the scene of his former exploits not long ago. On Saturday last, Constable Moore, accompanied by Detective Herbert, proceeded to the Cross after nightfall, and stationed themselves by the wall of Hyatt's shanty. Inside could be plainly heard a party of men amusing themselves by playing at cards and assuaging their thirst from time to time. In a spirit of fun born of the occasion one of the party remarked innocently enough, “Look out! The police might be outside." Never was a remark more appropriate, for at that very moment the constables entered suddenly. The surprise was so complete that if the party had dropped through the roof among the cards on the table it could not have heightened the effect. The police then took the names of those present and possessed themselves of a bottle containing a little whisky, and a two-gallon keg of beer. Information has been laid against Hyatt for sly-grog selling.

George goes to Gaol

Under the catchy newspaper heading “Sly Grog Seller”, George’s activities were reported all around New Zealand. This time the court had had enough and at the end of the trial the judge imposed what another newspaper referred to as an exemplary sentence.

Thames Star of 20 December 1898 reports - Sly Grog Selling at Waitekauri.

FINES AMOUNTING TO OVER £100 IMPOSED, Paeroa, December 17.

At the Police Court on Thursday George Hyatt was charged with sly grog selling at Golden Cross, Waitekauri. There were four charges. Accused failed to appear. Sergt. Brenan outlined the case to the effect that the men were in Hyatt's, paid their money and had the drinks, and meantime the police entered. E. Bourke gave evidence as to having drinks with others. Hyatt supplied the drinks. He paid one shilling. Had other drinks, but did not know if these were paid for. Was there when the police entered. Was there about an hour. Messrs Ahem, Fletcher, and Sanders gave evidence of their having drinks in Hyatt's. Fletcher and Sanders ''shouted." Each witness said he did not; see any money pass. To the Bench: The drinks were only given out when asked for.

Fletcher, in his evidence, said that he did not pay Hyatt, but he deducted two shillings (price of the drinks) from the' account that he owed witness when he settled.

Sanders said he paid Hyatt two shillings. Constable Moore, police. constable at Waitekauri, said he remembered going to Golden Cross with Detective Herbert, to watch Hyatt's place, as it was rumored he was selling grog. They got to the side of the whare and heard voices inside. Presently, they saw a man go in. They heard drinks called for on two occasions. This was between 9 and 10 p.m. Witness heard someone say "Let us have another one before we go—fill 'em up again." We got close to the door, and the door was just then unbolted to let someone out. We went in, and took names of those inside. Witness saw five glasses on the table. He examined the glasses, and found two smelt of whisky, in the others beer. He looked through the premises and found a two gallon keg of beer in a room adjoining, and a flask containing a drop of whisky. Witness did not take possession, as at the time there was not sufficient evidence. Accused had now left the district. The summons was served at Te Kuiti. To Sergt. Brenan: The premises were not licensed. The police put in two previous convictions. Accused was on each of the four charges, fined £25, with costs of court 17s, and 38s witnesses' expenses or in default two months in Auckland gaol in each case, sentence to be cumulative. This means a fine of £100, or eight months' imprisonment. A warrant was then issued for Hyatt's arrest.

George’s story part 5

Where did George get to after he got out of Gaol? Did he say in New Zealand? Did he die here? Did he emigrate?

There are two other entries of interest after this date. One possibly for Marion Hyatt in the Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 255, 27 October 1899, Page 6

S M Court Yesterday

J. H. Colwill V. Mrs Hyatt, claim £1 / 1s, costs 7/s

And the other for a George Hyatt, in Auckland in 1904. Was it George William Hyatt or his 10 year old son George Spencer Hyatt? George Spencer Hyatt later said that his father died in 1902 so maybe it was some other George Hyatt.

NEWS AND NOTES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 268, 5 December 1904, Page 1

A narrow escape from drowning occurred on Sunday corning last near Stanley Bay, says the Auckland Herald. A lad named Coldicutt fell off the piledriver anchored near the Calliope Dock. His cries attracted the attention of Mr George Hyatt, who was reading on the cliff above. This gentleman promptly divested himself of his coat and hurried to the rescue of the now exhausted boy, and brought him ashore. Several assisted to bring the lad round, and he was removed to his parents' residence in a friend's boat. A small boy named Croll tried his best to help the boy Coldicutt ashore, but found him too heavy, and had to come ashore tired out with his exertions.

Newspaper articles over the time show an interesting change in terminology when dealing with George’s nationality. Running a legitimate businesses in Dunedin and Auckland during the 1880’s George is described as “negro”. Involved in illicit selling of grog in the 1890’s newspapers refer to him as “coloured” or “colored”. Between these times there had been considerable public discussion about the desirability of non-white races in NZ, which may account for the negative colour distinction of the time. In addition there was close interest in New Zealand papers on changes to civil rights in America after the 13, 14^th and 15th Amendments to the American Constitution, and giving rights to African Americans.

For a time in 1887 there was heated discussion in the new papers about:

THE DEBATE ON THE NEGRO QUESTION in the Auckland Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2139, 11 January 1877 Page 3 and others - where the Grand Lodge America, England and New Zealand, pondered on whether to admit Negros or not.

Negros were ridiculed all through the 1880s with entries such as: Auckland Star, Volume XV, Issue 3740, 5 August 1882, Page 2

The following is the verdict of a negro jury:—" We, do undersigned, being a koroner's jury to sit on de body ob de nigga Sambo, now dead and gone afore us, hab been sittin' on de said negro aforesaid, find dat de said negro aforesaid did, on de night ob de tweenth oh November, come to del by falling from de bridge ohar de riber, where we find he was subsequently drown, and afterwards washed on de riberside* where we 'pose he was froze to def”.

And others such as in the Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3458, 3 September 1881, Page 2

The average English and American brain is said to weigh 45.7 ounces, against French," 44.6; German, 44.1; Italian, 44; Negro, 40.5.

African Americans, although freed in the United States, often did not have the means to use the freedoms they had been given. By the 1870s, many sought opportunities abroad, especially in new British colonies such as in the gold fields of New Zealand.

George was obviously hard working, industrious, entrepreneurial and believed he was as good as anyone else. In the early days New Zealand needed working people of any colour, white, yellow or black. As the 1880s wore on and New Zealand established itself with more British stock, suppressed prejudices surfaced. Maybe trying to make an honest living surrounded by these prejudices just became too hard for George, leaving him no alternative but to make a living any way he could. George would appear to have been a good father and husband, providing for his family. Despite the financial burden, he put his children into a private school for children darker than the British (predominately Maori and Pacific Island) like his own. Maybe he wanted to protect them from what he had suffered in both America and New Zealand. At some point Marion left George. Maybe George became bitter, or maybe she just could not take any more financial hardship.

These are questions about George still waiting to be answered, along with confirmation of where he came from and where he went. In some ways George is just as much an enigma now as he has been to the generations that followed him.

Children of George William Hyatt & Mary Ann (Marion) Hyatt (nee Ames)

1. George Spencer Hyatt - born 2 October 1884 in Dunedin, New Zealand. George died in 1935, at aged 52.

1. Oscar Ulles Hyatt – born 12 October 1885 in New Zealand and died in 1966 in Hawaii.

2. Mildred Louise Hyatt born on 25 October 1889 in New Zealand and died the day after giving birth to twin sons (Neville Owen and Noel Ames) on 10 Dec 1920.

Their stories follow.

George Spencer Hyatt Born 2 October 1884 in Dunedin, New Zealand. George died 2 December 1935, at age 52 (record 21838). George’s war diary exists and Kevin Dunsford has it. George’s Army records say he was 5 foot 7 and ¾ inches tall, weight 161lbs, complexion dark, brown eyes, and religion C of E, teeth fair!

Figure 5 - 3/4 portrait of Private George Spencer Hyatt, Reg no. 52046

Figure 6 Full portrait of Private George Spencer Hyatt, Reg no. 52046, Specialists Company - Signal Section, 29th Reinforcements, wearing crossed flags patch signifying Assistant Instructor in Signalling

George was in the N.Z. Army during World War I, 1914-1918, Specialists Company - Signal Section, 29th Reinforcements. Above he is wearing crossed flags patch signifying Assistant Instructor in Signalling]

Photographer: Schmidt, Herman John Date: 1917

Source:

http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/heritageimages/keyword.htm&QF0=ID&QI0=31-H3148&MR=1&TN=heritage&RF=FullHTML&RL=0&NP=2&AC=QBE_QUERY

We still have his Soldier’s diary for 1918 marked 52046 PVT G. S. Hyatt.

George’s Cenotaph records

http://muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/general/Cenotaph/99190.detail?Ordinal=331&c_embarkingtransport_search=hmnzt+91&c_embarkingtransport_logic=or

HYATT, GEORGE SPENCER - WW1 1914 - 1918 52046 - ARMY a.
Record AGENCY AABK, SERIES 18805, BOX 42, RECORD NO. 0058614, location: Archives New Zealand, National Office, Wellington,10 Mulgrave Street, Wellington 6011, PO Box 12-050, Wellington 6011, Ph: 04 499 5595, Fax: 04 495 6210. Email: reference@archives.govt.nz

The last employment George had before going into the Army was as a clerk at the New Zealand Herald newspaper. At the time he was living at 21 Russell Street, Devonport, Auckland, along with his sister Mildred and mother Marion (Mary Ann). His war records show he served in France and the Sudan. While in France he was evacuated “sick” on 4 April 1918 and admitted to a field hospital, then transferred to a hospital in Rouen before being admitted to a hospital in Bathhurst, England, on 7^th May 1918 where he was classified “unfit” on 4 July 1918. He was in London 6 May 1918 till 8 Nov 1918. On 27 August 1918 in Coventr, George married his cousin Grace (living at 28 Churchill Avenue, Folishhill? Coventry in 26.9.1918). He left for NZ on 8 November 1918 on the “Tofua?” arriving at Port Chalmers on 21 Dec 1918, with an intended address of P.O. Swanson, Auckland (13 Byron Avenue Auckland has been crossed out, which is where his sister Milly was living with Cyril).

George was discharged as a Lance Corporal, 19 Jan 1819, as “no longer fit for war service (defective vision and night blindness)”. His wife Grace said that George had been gassed in France during WWI but this is not noted in his war records. His certificate of character was “Good”. He was awarded two war medals, The British War Medal and Illuminated Certificate of Service. He died in Auckland on 2 Dec 1935 from sickness.

George Spencer Hyatt married Grace May Hunnebell, single, on 27 August 1918, in Coventry (George’s Army records).

Grace May Hunnebell. Born 1877 in Coventry, Warwickshire, England. According to the 1901 Census, when Grace was 9, she lived with her family at 22 Stockdale Road, Battersea, London, England. (See information about Mildred Hyatt’s mother Mary Ann Hyatt (nee Ames). Grace’s mother Eliza Hunnebell (nee Ames) and Mary Ann Hyatt (nee Ames), were sisters, so Grace married her first cousin. Grace became Marion’s daughter-in-law as well as Marion’s niece. In this way, also, Noel and Neville Dunsford were related in two ways to Grace.

George Spencer Hyatt and Grace had one son, Hugh (Huey) Hyatt who died in 1938, aged 18. He was the same age as Noel & Neville Dunsford, and Grace and George raised the three of them for their first year (after Milly’s death shortly after the twins’ birth).

Figure 7 - Hand coloured photo of Hugh from a locket belonging to his mother Grace.

George Spencer Hyatt died on 2 December 1935, at age 52 (record 21838) from lung problems from when he had been gassed during WWI.

Figure 8 George Spencer Hyatt death certificate

Grace later remarried William (Will) Vincent in Auckland. Will had the farm next to Grace in Swanson in Auckland and they combined resources. Noel says, until then, Will was a confirmed bachelor but Grace was a good cook. She probably needed help on her farm so they joined forces. They had citrus trees and a chicken farm. Later they “retired” to Wade River Road, Arkles Bay, Whangaparaoa, north of Auckland where Bill built the local church and Grace ran a stationer’s shop. When she retired, she took a trip back to England when she was aged 58, leaving Auckland on Shaw Savill Line’s ship Akaroa and arriving in Southampton England on 3 May 1948. Noel said that Grace was overseas when he and Doreen were married and “Uncle” Will gave them a cutlery service as a wedding present.

After Will died around 1973, Grace continued living at Wade River Road house until she needed to be hospitalised with dementia. She left her house to the twins, whom she had looked after and probably suckled with her own son Huey for the first year of their lives.

Figure 9 Grace and Bill (Will) Vincent

Oscar Ulles Hyatt

Oscar was born on 12 October 1885 in Onehunga New Zealand. (Ref 1885/14474 Hyatt Oscar Ulles Mother’s name, Marion, father’s name George).

Figure 10 Oscar's birth record

On his birth records his parents claimed they were married in November 1879 in Boston. This is also repeated on Mildred’s birth record but I suspect the claim is a fabrication of their parents (see Marion’s story).

Oscar died on 12 May 1966 in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, aged 80. The US Federal Census for 1920 for people born in New Zealand, living in Hawaii, has two entries:

HYATT OSCAAR 33 M T NZEA HI HONOLULU HONOLULU 1920
HYATT OSCAR 31 M T NZEA HI HONOLULU HONOLULU; HONOLULU CITY 1920

Source:

http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/NEW-ZEALAND/2010-03/1268666672

Figure 11 Copy of Oscar's death certificate

Figure 12 Death notice for Oscar (paper unknown)

In 1895 Oscar, 9 and George, 11, were at Prince Albert College, probably along with younger sister Milly (although she may have started the following year).

1895 was the first year the Prince Albert College held swimming sports

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 70, 23 March 1895, Page 2

PRINCE ALBERT COLLEGE SWIMMING SPORTS.

The first annual swimming sports in connection with the Prince Albert College, were held yesterday afternoon in the Albert-street Baths, in the presence of the parents and friends of the boys. Mr T. Jackson and Mr Bollard acted as judges, and Mr Pemberton as starter. The results of the principal races were as follows…

36yds Race. under 12 - O. Hyatt, 4s., 1; G. Hyatt, Scratch, 2.

Oscar, even at 9, must have been a very talented piano player. Near the end of 1895 a report in the Auckland Star mentioned the two brothers again…

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 268, 9 November 1895, Page 2

AUCKLAND BAND OF HOPE UNION.

Another large audience assembled last night in the Foresters' Hall to witness the continuation of the contests held under the auspices of the Auckland Band of Hope Union. Mr T. J. Eull presided. Tho following were the items gone' through :— Song, Lizzie Hill, 10 (Christian Standard), "Tho Drunkard's Child;" recitation, Lilian Bunker, 13 (Church of Christ), "The Bothering Errand ;" song, Lizzie Bevan, 11 (Church of Christ), " Say a Kind Word ;" vocal sight teat, Marion Kelly (Church of Christ); song, Elizabeth W. Lemmon, 11 (St. John's Wesleyan), "The Little Bow of Blue;" Bong, Susie Moore, 11 (Arch Hill Wesleyan), "Oh, Touch Those Chords;" recitation, Nora Spedding, 13 (Tabernacle), "The Liquor Interest ;" song, George Higgott (United Methodist Free Church), "Alone on the Raft;" song, William Musker (Pittstreet Wesleyan), " Thou Art Passing Hence;" recitation, Margaret Carnahan, 12 (United Methodist Free Church), "My Drink;" song, Robert A. Scott (St. John's Wesleyan), " Sleeping Camp :" song, " Joaiah Cunningham, 20 (Kingsland), "The Last Muster;" spelling bee, George Hyatt, 11 (Pitt-street Wesleyan), Ernest Boulton, 10 (Pitt-street Wesleyan), Thomson Thorne, 8 (St. John's Wesleyan), and Oscar Hyatt, 9 (Pitt-street Wesleyan). During the performance an impromptu essay was written; there were three entries; the subject was, "Should the Liquor Traffic be Regulatod ?" The Rev. A. Peters and Mr F. M. Hay judged the elocution; and the Rev. J. Crump, Messrs Thomas Cranwell and J. L. Innes the music. Mr VV. J. Macdermott, the Secretary, announced the results of the previous evening's contests as follows: —Piano, sight test, 12 to 16 years, three entered: Ist prize, Cissy King, Pittstreet Wesleyan. Piano solo, under 12 : 2nd prize. Vera May Daialey, Newton Excelsior. Piano solo, over 16 years, six entered: Ist prize, Eva Wood, Newton Excelsior ; 2nd prize. Thomas Fiuor, St John's Wesleyan. Piano duet, under 12 years : 2nd prize, Geo. and Oscar Hyatt, Pitt-street Wesleyan. Piano duet, 12 to 16 years, two entered: Ist prize, Mary and Jessie Thorne, St. John's Wesleyan. Modal Band of Hope oral address: 2nd prize, J. W, J. Preston, Pitt-street Wesleyan. Impromptu speech, four entered: 1st prize, Thomas F. Hill, Tabernacle.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 303, 21 December 1895, Page 2

Schools Breaking Up

Oscar (O.W Hyatt) received a prize for reading, drill and gymnastics, lower school and George S Hyatt for science.

The head master said the school started in Feb with 35 pupils and at the end of the year had 39.

In 1906, aged only 21, Oscar was an accomplished pianist and performing with Broady’s Vaudeville Co where he was reported as being a “Brilliant Pianist and Musical Director”. On May 29^th and 30^th he was playing in Whangarei at Theatre Royal.

In 1907, and again in 1908 he was appointed conductor and pianist of the Government Orchestra in Rotorua for the tourist season from 1^st December to 30^th April. According to an article titled “Government Seating”, the orchestra was “to play more or less sweet strains in the bath-house at stated hours of the day. These hours were from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.; from 8 p.m to 9.30 p.m. in the bath-house; and from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. in the gardens. This totals up seven hours per day.” The orchestra consisted of a pianist, a violinist, a double - basso, and a clarionetist. The conductor received only £3 per week, while the other performers able to pocket the “stupendous sum” of £2 10s per week which was said to be hardly enough to pay board and live on.

Source: http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TO19091225.2.6&srpos=8&e=-------10--1----0Government+Orchestra+Rotorua--

After the 1908 season with the Government Orchestra, Oscar joined “Fairs Pictures, and Select Entertainers” as pianist and conductor, touring to Fiji and then though New Zealand.

FAIR'S PICTURES & ENTERTAINERS.

The above" company pay a return visit to Tauranga on Friday and Saturday next, October 2nd and 3rd. Since their last visit here they have toured through the South Sea Islands; Where they did excellent business and are spoken of very highly by the press. The Suva –Times say's, Fair's lecture Company opened in the Town Hall to a packed house and those who were fortunate enough to go came away; very well satisfied with the evening's amusement... Mr Fair has one of the most up-to-date picture shows now - touring the colony, a great number of the films being beautifully hand coloured. With the latest appliances which this company have the films are reproduced in a clear and distinct manner. Miss Hettie Roscdale, who was a great favourite when last she visited Tauranga, is still a member of the company, and will introduce some of the latest serio songs. Mr Oscar Hyatt, the pianist, "Is a musician of high order, having been twice selected as conductor of the Government orchestra, Rotorua.

Bay Of Plenty Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 5263, 28 September 1908. – Papers past.

By Feb 1910 Oscar had joined “Premier Entertainers”, as pianist, and was accompanying artists invited from overseas and New Zealand to perform around Northern New Zealand with the latest and greatest in moving picture entertainment.

Figure 13 Bay Of Plenty Times, 4 February 1910

Oscar communicated with his sister Marion. Neville Dunsford, Oscar’s nephew, said Oscar was stranded in Hawaii while traveling with a musical company that went broke in the South Pacific. According to Patricia Hyatt, Oscar came to Hawaii in 1911. (Source: Patricia Hyatt, Oscar’s daughter in law).

What was Oscar doing 1911 – 1915?

On 10^th June 1915 Oscar aged 28 married his first wife Aspasia Ellie Adamopoulos (last name “Adams” was noted on the marriage license).

Aspasia was 19 years old, born on 12 October 1894, in Athens, Greece. She had been in Hawaii for about 1 year at the time of her marriage to Oscar. Aspasia’s mother Hzaria Moute ”Adams” was a witness at the wedding as was William Warren.

Figure 14 Oscar's first wife (Ewlie) Aspasia Adamopoulos possibly on her wedding day with her mother on left. The man may be the other witness William Warren.

Figure 15 Oscar Hyatt and Aspasia Ellie Adamopoulos Marriage Cert

It is interesting to note that Oscar believes in 1915 that his father George William Hyatt was “British Caucasian”. After observing the birth of his own children he obviously changes his mind. By the time of his second marriage he says his father is ”Polynesian (British), born in New Zealand”. It is obvious that Oscar has no idea of the origin of his father at all. Also, Oscar’s birth certificate says his second name is Oscar Ulles Hyatt but in both his marriages this is now Oscar Ulysses Hyatt. In his first marriage certificate, his mother’s maiden name is Marion Ames but on the second it is Mary Ann Ames.

Oscar and Aspasia must have been divorced. She died on 5 June 1940 in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

Children of Oscar and Aspasia

1. Oscar Phriescos (“Mike”) Hyatt b 29 Dec 1916, died 25 Aug 1976; m 12 April 1946 Arlene Duncan, d 22July 1921; Children:

· Hilary Hyatt b 16 Feb 1950; (m1) 8 May 1976 Ronald C. Fischer; died 1979; (m2) 11 June 1983 Peter Bell Sachs b 18 March 1957; Children:

· Jacob Samuel Sachs b 16 Nov 1990.

· Michele Lynne Hyatt b 26 Jan 1952; m 8 may 1970 Barry Warren Smith d June 1972; Children:

· Gina Renee Smith b 14 Dec 1970;

Michele m(2) 28 Aug 1973 Randall Fleetwood Crouch; Separated; Children:

· Michael Edward Krajeski Jr b 30 Nov 1987

Michele gave birth to children:

· Alex Daniel Sanchez b 9 Jan 1994.

· Lanny Spencer Hyatt b 5 Jan 1957.

· Garry Scott Hyatt b 10 Jan 1959 d 29 May 1994; m Cheryl Moats; Children:

· Hilary Michelle Hyatt b 10 Feb 1988.

2. Ellie Matha Hyatt b 8 Oct 1917 m Harry Ewin “Bud” Bennett b 15 April 1922 US; Children:

· Mary Louise Bennett b 9 June 1944;
(m1) 15 Oct 1963 Louis D. Rodeman b 2 Aug 1940 died 24 Sept 1975; children:

· Leisa Lynne Rodeman b 21 June 1964; Leisa Lynne Owsley

(m1) Aug 1986 William Gronroos b 12 Mar 1965; died Oct 1990; children:

· Maththew William Gronroos b 30 Mar 1988

(m2) Leisa Owsley Gronroos m 14 Jan 1995 Scott Alan Showalter b 21 July 1961; died 28 Oct 2004; and Maththew William changed name to Showalter.

· David Paul Rodeman b 29 May 1966 as David Paul Owsley m 1989 Nancy Lushansky b 16 July 1966; Children:

· David Paul Owsley Jr b 5 Nov 1993

· Charles Harrison Owsley b 28 June 1998

· Gregory Scott Rodeman b 22 Feb 1969

· Jason Bennet Rodeman b 9 Dec 1970; as Jason Bennet Osley m 31 Mar 2003 Terri Lynn Sonka b 17 June 1971

(m2) 16 April 1977 Michael Tim Owsley; Oct 1980 Michael Tim Owsley adopted 4 children from previous marriage. Children:

· Michael Tim Owsley Jr. b 5 Dec 1968; m 20 Nov 1994 Monica Lynn Bogges b 15 March 1974; Children:

o Bailey Lynn Owsley b 7 June 1995

o Gage Michael Owsley b 9 Aug 1997

· Tawni Danielle Owsley b 5 Aug 1970; m 6 July 1991 William Bret Holland b 26 Sept 1968; Children:

o Kaitlynd Marian Holland b 15 Qug 1993

o Haylee Kristen Holland b 6 Nov 1995.

· Peggy Ann Bennett b 8 Oct 1948; m 17 4 April Gary Clarke Ernest b 19 Feb 1948; children:

· Jenny Lynn Ernest b 24 June 1977

· Robin Leigh Bennett b 1950; m Aug 1972 Nick James Ortega b 2 Dec 1949; children:

· Kellie Niicole Ortega b 2 Dec 1975

· Lindsay Rochell Ortega b 11 Sept 1979

3. Marion Louise Hyatt b 13 Dec 1918, died 1960; m Harold Donaldson US; Children:

· Don Leroy Donaldson b 1942

· Penny Sue Donaldson b 194?

· Kathy Donaldson b 1948

· Jennette Donaldson b 1950

4. George Christopher Hyatt born 2 Feb 1921, died 7 Jan 1991 m 1 April 1944 Dorothy Alden Roman b 5 April 1923; children:

· Dorothy Susan Hyatt b 4 March 1949; m 10 July 1971 Gary Paul Wuchner; divorced 16 Sept 1987; Address in 1982: Susan Wuchner 19646 Stern lane, Huntington Beach, CA 92648; Children:

· Wesley Vincent Wucher b 16 April 1976

· Zachary Paul Wulcher b 3 June 1979

· Gene Alan Hyatt b 22 Aug 1952; m 21 June 1980 Randi Ann Buckman; Children:

· Kjersti Christine Hyatt b 21 June 1983

· Kristeb Michelle Hyatt b 10 July 1984

· Katherine Marie Hyatt b 13 Nov 1985

· Kari-Anne Alexis Hyatt b 31 Sept 1990

· George Chris Hyatt II b 4 Nov 1954; m 5 July 1980 Cheryl Lynn Cooper b 19 Dec 1957; children:

· Summer Nicole Hyatt b 5 Feb 1986

· Casey Aaron Hyatt b 22 July 1987; died 6 Sept 1987

· Joshua Jordan Hyatt b 4 April 1989

· Jennifer Christine Hyatt b 6 July 1991

· John Walter Hyatt b 3 Oct 1958; m 29 Nov 1985 Shirley Michell Hedge b 27 July 1964; children:

· Rebekah Ann Hyatt b 20 Nov 1987

· Megan Michelle Hyatt b 23 June 1989; died 18 7 1989

· John Hyatt b 13 Feb 1991

· Andrew Jordon Hyatt b 24 Nov 1993

· “a baby due” Oct 1995

5. Edward Spencer Hyatt Born 20^th October 1922, died 1978;

(m1) Barbara Jane ? divorced; Children

(m2) Margaret Long; Children:

· Steven Daniel Hyatt

· Stephanie Hyatt

· James Edward Hyatt

Figure 16 Oscar's son George Christopher Hyatt & his wife Dorothy

In 1920 Oscar was in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was a music publisher, particularly of sheet music. For example, FOR YOU A LEI - Key of F Major, by John Noble & Oscar Hyatt, arranged for MBUS by Frank Leong - a moonlight beach ukulele strummers chord sheet.

For You a Lei by John Noble & Oscar Hyatt

CHORDS USED IN THIS SONG B7 E7 A Bm F# A7 D Dm

"For You a Lei" by John Noble & Oscar Hyatt Intro: It is time to say goodbye, dear Dry your tears and don't you cry Take this flowered lei and while we're apart Keep wearing it around your heart Verse: For you a [Bm]lei of [E7]flowers [A]rare For you a [Bm]lei to [E7]hold and [A]wear For you a [F#]lei to caress When [B7]you go away Throw your troubles away And be [Bm]happy and [E7]gay A lei of [Bm]love I [E7]give to [A]you To think of [A7]me when you are [D]blue Wherever you may [Dm]be On the [A]land or on the [F#]sea For you a [Bm]lei to re[E7]member [A]me

Figure 17 Example of music published by Oscar in 1925. A picture of Oscar appears on the cover.

On 27 Feb 1925, Oscar now 37 married again to 21 year old Theresa Aheong Chang, born 24 September 1903, in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. The marriage was witnessed by David Y. Akana and the bride’s parents Mr & Mrs Chang.

Theresa’s father was Chang Tim (born in China) and mother Jufala Akin (Mary Uhalu on the marriage certificate) born 1840. They were married at 226 N School Street.

Figure 18 Oscar Hyatt and Threresa Chang's marriage cert

Children of Oscar and Theresa

1. Charles Spencer Hyatt born 16 March 1930, died 2007. Charles married Patricia.

2. Phillip Chang Hyatt, born 7 March 1932 – son, still living, married Madeline.
Address in 1994: 51-506 KAM Highway, Kaaawa, Hawaii 96730, tel 1 808 237 8005.
Children:

· Terri-Ann Opu’ulani Hyatt b 6 July 1957, m 20 Feb 1976 William Scott Quin b 4 Nov 1976. Children:

o Sherri-Anne Kuakakahikealiiwahinenani’opuna Quin b 4 Nov 1976.

o Candace Moanikeala Quinn b 6 June 1980; m 7 Feb 2005 Ikaika Jones b 22 05 1979. Children:

§ Dominic Keahio’laikaikao’kalani Jones b 20 Aug 1999

§ Dyson Kekoa’o kalani Jones b 28 Aug 2003

o William Keoni Quinn b 25 July 1985

o Marvina Kahoao’kekai b 11 Ov 1991.

· Carla Marie Kehaulani Hyatt b 17 Oct 1958; m 4 May 1991 George
Albert Davis. Sepertated 1996. Children:

o Carlene Rachel Mahielani David b 10 May 1993.

· Brian Micheal Ah-Fai Hyatt b 7 Aug 1960. M 24 Oct 1987 MonaLassa Kahoohihi Kukahiwa DeOcampo b 5 Aug 1976; Children:

o James Kaai O’Kuahiwi Reedy Mervin Kukahiwa DeOcampo adopted 5 March 1977, b 5 Sept 1976; m 24 May 1977 Kawena Barabra Ka’io b 4 May 1978. Children:

§ Brandon Blair Kaai O’Kuakahiwa DeOcampo b 15 Feb 1997.

o Christina Kanaina Hyatt b 17 April 1981; m31 Jan 2004; children:

§ Shaneen Manawale’a Gilbert-Santiago b 14 Oct 2001 (step daughter)

o Breze Kaino Hyatt b 14 April 1983; m 2 march 2002 Craig Hanaiei Derasin b 19 April 1983; children:

§ Staryt Conchita Ann Mapuana Derasin b 19 Feb 2003.

· Patricia Ahaka’okuani Hyatt b 25 June 1962; eceased 13 Aug 2000 Colon Cancer; m 6 Aug 1994 Gary Ronald Cooper b 12 June 1961. Children:

o Siobhan Ahakaokalani Cooper b 16 June 1997.

· Stephanie Haupu Hyatt b 12 Aug 1964; partner John Herman Ancog b 9 Aug 1962; children:

o Kawehi O’Nalani Ancog b 17 April 1997.

o Makanamaikalani Ancog b 15 Feb 2001.

· Renee Kaimihau Hyatt b 21 Aug 1968; m 23 May 1992 Vaughn Kaimoku Arnold b 29 Dec 1995; Children:

o Taylor Ilikea Arnold b 13 Feb 1993.

o Jessie Mahina Arnold b 10 Dec 1994.

o Rusty Kalena Arnold b 22 Aug 1996.

o Kekamaolakainoa Noeau Arnold b 22 Aug 2002.

Theresa Aheong Hyatt nee Chang died in 1993 in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

Figure 19 Oscar Hyatt (right) with 2nd wife Theresa and son (possibly Charles)

Figure 20 Oscar in Honolulu

Mildred Louise Hyatt (Milly) born on 25 October 1889 in Onehunga, New Zealand.

Figure 21 Figure 16 –Mildred (Millie / Milly) Louise Hyatt

Marriage - 1889/11857 - Mildred Louise Hyatt, Father George Hyatt, Mother Marion

Death - 1920/5015 - Mildred Louise Dunsford, aged 30Y

Figure 22 Mildred's birth record 25 October 1889

Neville thought that Mildred was called Millicent, although he said that Cyril and Mildred’s mother always referred to her a “Milly” in conversation. He said it was not until he saw Milly’s birth certificate that he realised her name was Mildred.

From at least the age of 7 in 1896 through to at least 1898, Milly attended the private Prince Albert College in Queen Street, Auckland, along with her brothers. She may well have been there before as both her brothers were at the school in 1895.

Prince Albert College was established before 1895, but operated before then as a Wesleyan college for educating Maori and Pacific clergy in Pitt Street. After 1895 it was renamed to Prince Albert College and opened up to males and females of all Christian faiths but they had to practise as Wesleyans at school. It specialised in taking in Maori, Pacific Islanders and later children from homes of need.

In May of 1896, father George “retired” at about age 40 from the barber and stationery business in Onehunga, his business partner taking it over. It is not known if Milly and her brothers were sent there because they were dark, and might find it easier, or in need. The College had a very high educational standard.

Milly’s school reports from 1896 to 1898 show a diligent, intelligent young girl who learnt quickly and gave “very great satisfaction” to her teachers.

PRINCE ALBERT COLLEGE..

The annual distribution of prizes to pupils of Prince Albert College. Upper Queen Street, took plane on Dec. 18 in the lecture hall of the Y.M.C. A., the room being full of pupils, parents, and friends. Mr Theo. Cooper presided. The prizes won at the College sports were presented by Mr Cooper, und after an exhibition of Indian club swinging by Miss E. Daweon, the distribution of the school prizes was proceeded with. The following is the prize list:— GIRLS' DIVISION…. Form I. Milly Hyatt, general improvement.

Source: Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 305, 23 December 1896, Page 6

Figure 23 Millie’s death certificate

Now back to Dunsfords in New Zealand where Milly married Cyril Owen Dunsford.

If you have any corrections, comments or additions please contact Kevin Dunsford, PO Box 31 087, Milford, Auckland 0741, New Zealand.

Email kevin@dunsford.co.nz

Tel +64 9 410 3696