McMANUS family:
William McManus and Margaret Cassandra were married in Ireland where they were both born. They were living in England when they left their home with their children William 13yrs, Annie Maria 5yrs, Charles 2yrs and baby Theresa. They left London on the "Forfarshire" in  March 1875 but unfortunately the voyage was to be a very tragic one for Margaret. The family were at sea for barely a month when little Theresa was struck down by Apoplexy on April 14th. Approximately one month later, on May 21st, William snr died of consumption. He had had Pneumonia and his Doctor had recommended a sea voyage, and to go and live in a warmer climate, so New Zealand was chosen. Margaret, who must have been heartbroken by this time and wondering why they had left England, was left with a teenage son and two young children to continue the journey. This was not the end of anguish for the family as on June 28th, just over 2 weeks before their journey was to end, young Charles, who was having teething and convulsion problems, also died, so two babes from the one family were consigned to the deep. On the same journey were a William Morgan and wife Mary, and as Margaret was later to marry a man of the same surname maybe they took her under their wing. Perhaps they were connected to her future husband. Widow Margaret married Captain Samuel Morgan in 1882 in Auckland, New Zealand. Oral acounts say he was a kindly man. They had one son Francis in 1884. William McManus jnr became a Captain and worked around New Zealand on the "Kapanui" and various coasters no doubt influenced by his kindly stepfather. In 1888 William married into my family with his marriage to Rose Bassett. They lived in Morningside, Auckland for most of their married life and were apparently a devoted couple but had no children. Bill in later years had a stroke and was nursed until he died in 1936 by his wife Rose. For reasons as yet unknown Rose went to Oamaru after his death and is buried there. The only remaining McManus child from the voyage was Annie Maria, and whether from stress or dislike, Annie had a very difficult time getting along with her mother, who not only had lost so many of her family, but also had the money from the sale of her house in London stolen by an unscrupulous agent. Her stepfather often slipped Annie a sovereign after her mother had been especially nasty. She was fortunate to be able to attend a Private girls school in Anzac Ave, Auckland until she was about 13yrs old when it was decided to move the family to Gisborne for fresher air. Captain Morgan died in 1894 and is buried in Makaraka Cemetary, Gisborne. Margaret died in 1926, I'm not sure where. Annie married Albert Lewis in 1894 and she and her husband lived for some of their marriage in Te Karaka. They had three daughters and two sons. This is a summary of the lives of a family who left London with such great expectations, and found their lives to change in a way that was unimaginable. If you have a connection with this family or woud like to know more please contact Doreen Pennell.