suffrage_petition
Surname: 
Rowe
Given names: 
A.
Given address: 
East Belt
Sheet No: 196
Town/Suburb: 
Linwood
City/Region: 
Christchurch
Notes: 

Biography and images contributed by Angela Potts.

Annie Rowe (nee Wheeldon).

Born 1850 Jersey, Channel Islands died 1923 Christchurch New Zealand.

Annie Wheeldon was the daughter of William Wheeldon, a shipwright, and his wife Ann from Jersey St Peter. She arrived at Lyttelton as an assisted immigrant on the ship Ballochmyle in June 1874. She married Charles William Rowe at the Congregational Church in Phillipstown, Christchurch on 29 February 1876. Four children were born between 1877 and 1887 – three daughters and one son.

Charles Rowe is recorded in the 1882 Freeholders of New Zealand as owning land in Lyttelton borough valued at £550. His daughter Annie, after spending time at Lyttelton School, was admitted to East Belt School on 4 October 1886. When she left on 28 August 1891 she had attained the level of Standard VI. Her destination of 'home' suggests that this was the end of her schooling. Their second child (Ted) Edward Charles Rowe attended East Belt, then to Christchurch Boys for secondary education. Many accounts are listed showing activities during the 1890s for their children’s excellence via the state and involvement with Band of Hope through the East Belt Wesleyan Sunday School.

By 1893 Annie Rowe had learnt independence with the loss of parents and found a better way of life in New Zealand that was beneficial for her children in education and activities. Undoubtedly Annie Rowe had some positive affinity with Kate Sheppard’s ideals and was inspired and encouraged by the statement that 'if we (women) have to obey the law, then we ask for a voice in making the law.' Annie also registered to vote and is recorded in the 1893 Christchurch Electoral Roll as a housewife living at 28 East Belt, Christchurch.

Images

Annie Rowe

Portrait of Annie Rowe

Annie Rowe's headstone

Headstone inscription for Charles and Annie Rowe at Linwood Cemetery, Christchurch:
In loving memory of Charles William loved husband of Annie Rowe died 26 May 1911 aged 63yrs
Also Annie his wife died 20 February 1923 aged 71 years.

Main source

[1] The Inconspicuous Arrival of Charles William Rowe by Angela Potts (2014) ISBN 978-0-473-24260-2

Click on sheet number to see the 1893 petition sheet this signature appeared on. Digital copies of the sheets supplied by Archives New Zealand.

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