Rachel

Rachel (Ray) Barnett

(25 October 1877 - 10 September 1939)

Family background
Rachel (Ray) Barnett was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 25 October 1877. She was the eldest child born to Walter Henry (Harry) Barnett (1 Aug 1844 - 7 May 1908) and his wife Elizabeth Lanfear (9 Oct 1853 - 17 Aug 1937), who were both English-born immigrants to New Zealand.

Ray was one of eleven children:

• Rachel (Ray) Barnett (25 Oct 1877 - 10 Sep 1939)
• Harriet Louisa (Loo/Lou) Barnett (6 Nov 1878 - 22 Mar 1965)
• Isabella (Bell) Barnett (31 Aug 1880 - 16 May 1959)
• Emily (Em) Barnett (24 Aug 1882 - 2 July 1970)
• Sydney (Syd) Walter Barnett (26 June 1884 - 20 Aug 1971) 
• Alice Nellie Barnett (8 Aug 1886 - 4 Mar 1888)
• Chrissie Barnett (24 Dec 1888 - 8 Jan 1889) 
• Stanley (Stan) James Barnett (20 Dec 1889- 31 July 1964)
• Bertie (Bert) Edward Barnett (31 Dec 1891 - 8 Mar 1917)
• Arthur William Barnett (24 Oct 1895 - 27 Mar 1980)
• Baden (Bay/Barney) Thomas Barnett (29 Aug 1900 - 15 Jan 1993)

Childhood

Ray's father initially worked as a carpenter in Christchurch, and later operated a second-hand trading business at 80 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch.

On 6 November 1878, when Ray was one year old, her sister Harriet Louisa (Loo/Lou) Barnett was born. Two more sisters, Isabella (Bell) Barnett and Emily (Em) Barnett were born in 1880 and 1882 respectively.

In 1884, shortly afterward her brother Sydney (Syd) Walter Barnett was born Ray's father decided to move the family to Auckland. The following newspaper advertisement from The Star, 23 September 1884, lists all of the Barnett's household goods, including a horse, a dog with her pups, some chickens, and a family Bible, that were to be sold at auction prior to their relocation to Auckland:

Ray was about nine years old when her family moved to Auckland. Shortly after their arrival, her sister, Alice Barnett was born. Sadly, she died aged 18 months after suffering from diarrhea and convulsions. Another sister, Chrissie Barnett was born prematurely on Christmas Eve 1888, but died 15 days later. Both babies were buried in unmarked graves in Waikumete Cemetery. The death certificates of both babies listed the Barnett family as living on James Street (St James Street), Arch Hill, Auckland.

Four more brothers were born in Auckland, and completed the family: Stanley (Stan) James Barnett, in 1889, Bertie (Bert) Edward Barnett, in 1891, Arthur William Barnett, in 1895, and finally, Baden (Bay/Barney) Thomas Barnett, in 1900.

Nothing is known about Ray's education. It is likely that she received some schooling in Christchurch. We know that her sister Em attended Newton West School for a short time and later, the Richmond Road School. Perhaps Ray also attended these schools briefly. In all likelihood, she was probably at home helping her mother with the younger brothers and sisters.

Life in Auckland

The Barnett family moved around quite a lot once they arrived in Auckland. We know that on 19 May 1891, when Em was enrolled in the Richmond Road School, the Barnett family lived on Hepburn Road, in central Auckland. 

• Wises NZ Post Office Directories give the following locations for Harry:
• 1891 - James Street, Arch Hill (Kingsland). From Cracroft street, the house was after the Oxford Street intersection.
• 1892/93 - Richmond Road, on the right hand side from Ponsonby Road, and after the Brown Street intersection.
• 1898/99 - Howe Street - The house was situated after the Beresford Street intersection.
• 1900 - Beresford Street - The home was on the right hand side from Pitt Street, after the Day Street intersection and a few houses before Howe Street.
• 1902 - Arney Street 

Em and her siblings were sent by their mother to the Plymouth Brethren Church. Em recalled later that she was 12 and her sister Bell, 14, when they joined the church. It is unknown whether Ray joined too.

The photograph below was taken at the end of 1895 or early 1896, when Arthur was just a few months old.

The Barnett family c 1885
Photographer unknown.
(Photo courtesy of L Prole)

A difficult life

According to a letter written by Em (dated 6 July 1964), we know that their father, Harry, was an alcoholic and was frequently drunk and violent. In the letter (written to Em's son, Maurice), she wrote how her three older sisters, Ray, Loo and Bell all left home (without warning) at their earliest convenience to get away from the dysfunction and abuse. The sisters all lived around Wellington.

Around this time, we know (according to Em's marriage certificate) that Harry Barnett was working as a general dealer.

Family weddings

Ray may have attended the wedding of her sister Em (20,) to Charles (Charlie) Robert Bland (17 Aug 1864 - 13 Feb 1931) on Wednesday, 12 November 1902. The ceremony was held at the home of Reverend C H Garland of the Methodist Church, Karangahape Road, central Auckland. The Blands initially settled in Birkenhead, on Auckland's North Shore.

Ray's sister Bell, married English born Symon Henry Williams (9 Mar 1870 - 9 Jan 1958) on 24 or 25 December 1902. Symon and Bell lived on a farm in Foxton.

On 2 March 1907, Ray's sister Loo married Joseph Nicholas Williams (24 July 1886 - 24 Nov 1976) in the registry office, Palmerston North. [Joseph Williams was the brother of Symon Williams, who had married Bell Barnett.]

There was another Barnett wedding in 1907 when Em's brother, Sydney, married Ethel Amy Trevelyan (10 May 1886 - c17 Nov 1976).

Father's death

At least one week before Ray's father Harry died, he was bed-ridden with a lot of pain. Em recorded in her diary that he was unconscious a lot of the time. On Monday 4 May 1908, Ray was at her parent's home along with Em and her husband, Charlie. Ray asked Charlie to assist with their father. The next day, when an ambulance was called to take Harry to the hospital, Charlie and his mother-in-law accompanied him. 

On Wednesday 6 May, Ray and Em went with their mother to the hospital to see their father. He was in a lot of pain. Em noted this in her diary: "Ray excited and would not leave when I told her." The excitement spoken of here was probably something to do with her beau, Jack. 

Ray's father died around 11 pm on Thursday, 7 May 1908. Most family members gathered at the hospital at 2pm on Sunday 10 May, then drove to Waikumete Cemetery. There, the Grand Master of the Orange Lodge conducted the burial service. Harry was buried not far from the graves of his daughters, Alice and Chrissy, both of whom died as infants. 

Rachel Barnett
Date and photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of L Prole)

Marriage and family

Twelve days after her father died, Ray (30) married 23 year old John (Jack) White (22 Sep 1884 - 15 July 1916). Jack was an Auckland-born descendant of a prominent pioneer missionary family. Ray and Jack married at the Parsonage in Ponsonby, Auckland, on Tuesday 19 May 1908. According to Em's diary, after the wedding, Ray, Jack, along with Ray's mother and sister Loo, dined at Trevelyans. (We believe this to refer to some Barnett family friends.)

Jack and Ray settled in Masterton. Jack worked there as a telegraph linesman. Both of their children were born in Masterton:

• Elizabeth May White (5 July 1910 - 4 Apr 1999) who was known as May
• John (Jack) Angus White (31 Oct 1912 - 7 Feb 1984)

In 1911 Em's mother moved to Foxton to be closer to her married daughter Isabella Williams.

The war years - World War I
New Zealand declared war on the Germans and their allies on Tuesday 4 August 1914 and immediately mobilised thousands of young men to go off to fight in Europe. The war affected all families in New Zealand, including the Barnett and White families.

When Jack (31) enlisted for war on 16 November 1915, the White family were living at 110 Pownall Street, Masterton. On his medical examination form it was noted by the medical officer that Jack was a "good strong man".

Ray's brother, Bertie (Bert), was working as a chauffeur in Auckland at the beginning of the war. He enlisted to serve as a tunneler, and departed New Zealand on the ship Ruapehu from Auckland, on 18 December 1915.

Less than six weeks later, on 5 February 1916, Jack, a rifleman, embarked on the ship, Mokoia from Wellington and headed off to the front line. It was a journey he would never return from. Unfortunately, Jack (31) was killed in action on 15 July 1916 in the Somme, northern France. His death was a result of shell-fire. Jack was buried at the Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, France, Plot I. D. 21.

Jack's death notice was printed in the Wairarapa Daily Times on 29 July 1916:

Following his death, this photo of Jack was printed in the Auckland Weekly News on 17 August 1916:

Jack's memorial photo in the Auckland Weekly News
Photo courtesy of the Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections
AWNS-19160817-40-11

Ray continued to live in Masterton following Jack's death.

Rachel White with her children, Elizabeth May White and John Angus White
c1916 Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of L Prole)

John Angus White & Elizabeth May White
c1917 Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of L Prole)

When the Barnett family received word that Bert had died of disease on 8 March 1917, it affected the family deeply, especially Ray's younger brothers, Arthur and Stan, who had both enlisted and were preparing to head off to front line duties themselves.

Arthur left for the front line on 2 April 1917.

On the first anniversary of Jack's death, Ray and her children put the following heartfelt tribute to him in the Wairarapa Age, 16 July 1917:

Ray's brother Stan departed for the war on 13 October 1917. Stan had received a severe gunshot wound to his chest while on front line duty on 1 September 1918. He was evacuated to a military hospital in England, then eventually sent back to New Zealand where he was discharged from military service due to his wounds.

Celebrations & commemorations 
World War 1 ended officially on 11 November 1918 and the news reached New Zealanders on the morning of the 12th.

Because of Jack's service during the war, he received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal, as well as a plaque and scroll. These were sent to Ray in 1921 and 1922.


Life after Jack's death
Very little is known about Ray's life following the death of her husband. We know that she continued to live in the family home in Masterton. 

Ray's brother Stanley married Mary Pemberton Procter (4 Sep 1897 - 6 Dec 1997) in 1921. Another brother, Arthur, married Elizabeth (Beth) Chamberlain (dates unknown). The marriage date is unknown. Both brothers lived in Foxton, close to their mother.

Jack's name was engraved on the Wairarapa Soldier's Memorial, which was unveiled and dedicated in Queen Elizabeth Park, Masterton, on 16 September 1923. Ray and her children were probably present at this ceremony. Click here to see photos of the memorial.

Ray's youngest brother, Baden, married Winifred (Win) Beatrice Howard (29 Dec 1908 - 30 Aug 2004) in 1933. They lived in Hamilton.

From left: Rachel White nee Barnett, Elizabeth Barnett, and
Isabella Williams nee Barnett c1937
Date and photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of  L Prole)

On 17 August 1937, Ray's mother, Elizabeth Barnett (83) died in Foxton. She was buried two days later at the Foxton Cemetery, Anglican Block, Row 3, Plot 28.

The 1938 New Zealand Electoral Roll lists Ray (a widow) living with her adult children at 110 Pownall Street, Masterton.

Ray died on 10 September 1939 aged 61. She was buried at the Archer Street Cemetery, Masterton. Plan V, Row 14. Click the link here to see some photos of Ray's grave. The gravestone reads:

In 

loving memory of 

RACHEL WHITE
Died 10 Sept 1939 

aged 61.
Also Rfl. JOHN LEIGH WHITE 

beloved husband of above 

killed in France, 15 July 1916 

aged 31. 

The children of John & Rachel White

John Leigh White and his wife Rachel Barnett, had two children:

• Elizabeth May White (5 July 1910 - 4 Apr 1999) known as May
• John (Jack) Angus White (31 October 1912 - 7 Feb 1984)

Elizabeth May White 

• Elizabeth May White was born on 5 July 1910, and was probably named after her maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Lanfear (9 Oct 1853 - 17 Aug 1937), and given the middle name May after Jack's youngest sister, Annie May White (1889 - 12 Jan 1905), known as May, who died aged 15 after being thrown from a horse.
• On 31 October 1912, when May was two years old, her brother John (Jack) Angus White was born.
• May's father, John, was killed in action during World War I. He died on 15 July 1916.
• The 1938 New Zealand Electoral Roll shows that May was living with her mother and brother at 110 Pownall Street, Masterton. She was listed there as a spinster.

Elizabeth May White
Date and photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of L Prole)

• May's mother, Rachel, died in 1939.
• The 1941 World War II Nominal Roll gives May as her brother's next of kin. Her address is given as Raukawa Health Camp, Otaki. May was a nurse.
• May married John (Jack) Harold Larsen (19 Sep 1910 - 14 Oct 1991) in 1945. Jack was born in Shannon, near Palmersto North, New Zealand, and was of Swedish/Norwegian descent. 
• Jack and May had a stillborn son (b1946), followed by two daughters (still living), both of whom were born in Palmerston North.
• May's brother Jack died on 7 February 1984, in Wellington.
• May's husband Jack died on 14 October 1991, in Wanganui.
• May (88) died at the Sunhaven Rest Home in Palmerston North, on 4 April 1999. She was cremated.

John (Jack) Angus White 

• John (Jack) Angus White was born in Masterton on 31 October 1912, and was probably named after his father. 
• On 15 July 1916, when Jack was almost four years old, his father, John, was killed in action during World War I. 
• The 1935 and 1938 New Zealand Electoral Rolls record John (motor mechanic) living at 110 Pownall Street, Masterton.
• Jack's mother, Rachel, died in 1939.
• Jack was listed on the 1941 World War II Nominal Roll. His details show him as being single, living in Masterton, and working as a garage attendant. His next of kin is his sister, Miss E M White (address is given as Raukawa Health Camp, Otaki).
• Jack married Phyllis Marion Howat (10 Jan 1919 - 15 Jan 1997). Phyliss was born in Woodville. Jack and Phyllis had at least one son (and possibly a daughter).
• The Electoral Roll of 1972 shows Jack and Phyllis were living at 114 Kelburn Parade. He was working as a clerk. She is listed as married. 
• Jack died in Wellington Hospital on 7 February 1984, aged 72. The last address given for him was 58 MacLean Street, Paraparaumu Beach, Wellington. Jack was cremated and his ashes were buried at the Paraparaumu Beach Cemetery, SCP A03, RSA Ashes Wall.
• Phyllis died in Paraparaumu on 15 January 1997.

Bibliography

Anonymous. (1884, September 23). Advertisements. The Star. 2. Retrieved from http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TS18840923.2.10.6

Anonymous. (1916, July 19). Death. Wairarapa Daily Times. 4. Retrieved from https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WDT19160729.2.9

Anonymous. (1916, August 17). New Zealand's Roll of Honour: Non Commissioned Officers and Men who have Suffered in the Great War. The Auckland Weekly News. 40. Retrieved from http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aucklandcity.govt.nz%2Fdbtw-wpd%2FHeritageImages%2Findex.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0=%3D%22AWNS-19160817-40-11%22

Anonymous. (1917, July 16). Roll of Honour. In Memorandum. Wairarapa Age. 4. Retrieved from https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAG19170716.2.12


Death certificates - L Prole

Last updated 28 March 2020