Biography contributed by Katherine Blakeley.
Mary Ann Snelling was born about 1851 in London.
She married Henry Robert Moody, a boot riveter, in 1867 and they had 3 children before they emigrated to Otago in 1874 on the Carnatic.
They had a further 6 children after their arrival, one who died in infancy – when Mary signed the suffrage petition the family were living in Maryhill Terrace, Mornington, Dunedin.
Henry died in 1916 and Mary died at her home on March 26th 1934. They are buried together in the Southern Cemetery.
Her obituary said she was “well known and respected in the district, not only as one of the church workers in St. Mary’s parish (she being one of the first members of that church), but also as a visitor to the sick and needy generally, her sympathetic aid being much appreciated. Mr Moody helped very much in the formation of the Mornington School Drum and Fife Band, and after his death sixteen years ago Mrs Moody was one on the band’s ready supporters. As a mark of respect and acknowledgment of her loyal co-operation the band attended and played the hymns at the funeral.”
Sources
Click on sheet number to see the 1893 petition sheet this signature appeared on. Digital copies of the sheets supplied by Archives New Zealand.
Community contributions