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Ship 'Sarah M.'

 This vessel arrived at the Heads on the 30th December, 1862 and her passengers being landed at Dunedin on the 1st January, 1863 so we find some passengers say they arrived in NZ in 1862 and others 1863.

The passenger lists has proven elusive so this is a reconstruction, an ongoing project. Due to the passage of time many records no longer exist. For the most part records of government-assisted rather than paying passengers survived. Immigration increased during the Otago gold rush so the practice of publishing full passenger lists in newspapers was abandoned. If you know the names of any passenger names please email me. THANKS. So far have 88% of the passengers' names i.e. 128 names out of 145 passengers including the names of 77 women. 57 women were on the 1869 debtors list.

  Otago Daily Times 1 January 1863 Page 4
Port Chalmers, December 30 Arrivals.
Sarah M., ship. 1010 tons, Raisbeck, from London; general cargo, 145 passengers. R. B. Martin and Co. agents.

The ship Sarah M., from London, with 145 passengers and 75 females of the number single females, arrived in the forenoon. Captain Raisbeck reports having left London on the 24th September, Gravesend on the 26th, and the Downs on the 23th. Had contrary winds in the Channel, and left the Start on the 3rd of October. To the Line had favorable weather, crossing it on the 1st of November. Passed the meridian of Greenwich on the 21st Nov. and of the Cape. Thence had strong westerly winds till reaching the New Zealand coast, when light and baffling winds were experienced. During the passage various sources of enjoyment for the passengers were instituted, and all arrived well and in good spirits. Neither births nor deaths occurred during the passage, and the only chronic case of sickness was that of a young woman who suffered from mental affliction. The majority of the number were conveyed to town in the afternoon by the Lady Barkly.

Otago Daily Times 9 January 1863 Page 3  SHIP SARAH M.
WE the undersigned Passengers hereby beg to testify our gratitude and thanks to Captain Raisbeck, for his uniform kindness and attention throughout our passage from London to Otago; and, further, to express our high opinion of his able seamanship, and general good management. And in offering him all the compliments of the present festive season, we most sincerely unite in wishing him health and prosperity throughout his future career. (Signed) [by 43 passengers]

Otago Daily Times 9 January 1863 Page 3  SHIP SARAH M.
WE the undersigned, feel that we cannot leave the ship Sarah M. without expressing our gratitude for our dear Captain's kindness to us during our voyage from London to New Zealand. We hope we appreciate your kind forbearance with us on many occasions: also, your kind generosity in giving us so good a dinner on this festive day. We all wish you a merry Christmas, and a very happy New Year. We earnestly hope you may be preserved to return to your native land in safety.
    The time will soon arrive when we shall bid you, farewell; in some respects we regret it, but in others rejoice; although, in all probability, we shall never meet again, yet the Sarah M. and Captain Raisbeck, will ever be erased from our memories [70 names]

Social and Domestic

Approximately 12,000 young women travelled to New Zealand as "Government" immigrants in the 1850s and 1860s. Emigration agents in London and Edinburgh representing the provincial governments in NZ were instructed to recruit single women suitable for domestic service. Otago was over run with men after the discovery of gold in 1861 and focused recruitment on single women. Between October 1862 and April 1863 1,300 single women arrived in Dunedin direct from London and the Clyde. Caroline Alpenny, who had known Maria Susan Rye in London, was put in charge of all the female emigrants on board the ship Sarah M. to Otago.  Caroline Cadette Bollin had married William Morris Alpenny, an artist. During the 1850s Caroline Alpenny went to Ireland; she divorced William Alpenny in 1859. 26 Dec. 1867 she married Geo. R. Howard. Caroline Howard was also well known throughout Otago during the 1860s as a businesswoman and public figure. On 11 June 1874 she had married Edward Litt Laman Blanchard, whom she had known for some 20 years. As Caroline Blanchard she continued to assist women wishing to emigrate. She died in London on 29 November 1907.

Otago Witness 24 Feb. 1866 pg13 Emigration and Colonisation. How it is viewed in England.
"Ma, said a young lady to her mother, "what is emigrating?"
Mother: "Emigrating, my dear, is a young lady going to New Zealand."
Daughter: "What is colonising, Ma?"
Mother: "Colonising, dear, is marrying there, and having a family."
Daughter: "Ma, I should like to go to New Zealand."

Marriages within the first decade of arriving

Elizabeth BENSTEAD  m. Charles Augustus Gustavus HILGEBDORF in 1863
Annie BUTLER married James BUTLER in 1865
Agnes E. DUNBAR married Alfred F. GWATKIN in 1867
Matilda EDGAR married Robert WILSON in 1875
Mary Jane FORDE married William OGILVIE in 1863
Eleanor Elizabeth HAYES married William Huson PAY in 1863
Jane HURST married Thomas MEEK in 1865
Martha GALTON married John MCDONALD in 1863
Bertha Jane LLOYD married Charles Frederick Edward BATES in 1865
Bridget McGRATH married Peter PRYDE in 1864
Elizabeth MILLSON married David EVANS in 1865

Ellen ROCHE married Denis DELANEY in 1868. Ellen Delaney died at Twelve Mile 29th Sept. 1901. Her husband was Denis Delaney, farmer of Twelve Mile near Greymouth, NZ.

Mary ROCHE married James DUGGAN in 1869
Hortense RICHARD married Maurice Alexander SHLONBAG in 1879
Ellen Maria STURDY married Samuel Gill in 1870
Emma THATCHER married Phillip M. Griffith in 1868 

Mrs Caroline C. ALPENNY aka Mrs Caroline Cadette Howard later Mrs Edward Blanchard died in London in Nov. 1907.
Caroline C. Alpenny was living at Chingford, North East Valley, on the 13th April, 1865. Caroline married George Richard HOWARD on 26 December 1867 in NZ. Caroline was a divorcee not a widow. G.R. Howard was a widower. He died in April 1872.

Auckland Star 28 January 1882 Page 2 PROPOSED IMPORTATION OF DOMESTIC SERVANTS.
A Public meeting convened by the Mayor with the view of taking steps to co-operate with the Women's Emigration Society of London for the purpose of obtaining a supply of carefully selected domestic servants was held late yesterday afternoon in the Y.M.C.A, rooms. The attendance was small, and the bulk of those present were ladies. His Worship (Mr J. M. Clark) in opening the proceedings said that although the meeting was small the publication of their objects might secure for them more general interest in the community.
    The society is indebted to the kind assistance of one member of the committee, Mrs Caroline Blanchard (well known for many years as the accredited Government agent for female emigration to the colonies of Queensland and New Zealand). This lady grants interviews, by appointment, to intending emigrants introduced by the society; personally superintends the arrangements for their embarkation gives them all needful information respecting outfit, &c. commends them to the care of the authorities belonging to each ship, and, whenever possible, visits them on board. 

Otago Daily Times 20 September 1866 Page 9 (Supplement)
Mrs Caroline C. Alpenny, of this city, who has interested herself in connection with the immigration of women from Great Britain, recently delivered successfully two lectures at Macrae's Flat Diggings—the first on the "Moral and Intellectual Influence of Woman on Society ; the second, in the "Moral and Intellectual Influence of Literature and Literary Institutions."

Otago Witness 27 December 1867 Page 10 MARRIED.
On the 26th Dec, at St. Paul's Church, by the Rev. E. G. Edwards, M.A., George Richard Howard, widower, to Caroline Cadette Alpenny, widow, both of Dunedin.

Feilding Star 15 January 1908 Page 4
The death occurred on 29th ult., of Mrs Caroline Blanchard, widow of the late Mr E. L. Blanchard. Mrs Blanchard was one of the pioneers in the movement for the emigration of women, to the British colonies which her energy and interest did much to promote. She had travelled extensively in Australia and New Zealand, and was for many years emigration agent for the Governments of New Zealand, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. Her services in this direction were recognised in 1890 by the grant of a Civil List pension. She married Mr Blanchard in 1874, and has been a widow since 1889. She was also one of the first dramatic critics of the Daily Telegraph.

Otago Daily Times 17 January 1908 Page 6
The Mrs Caroline C. Blanchard, whose death was recorded in the personal note's from our London correspondent, published in our yesterday's issue, will be remembered by old residents of Dunedin by her former name of Mrs Caroline Alpenny. She introduced a number of single women immigrants in the early days of the city, and subsequently married Mr Howard, who was a chemist in Princes street. After his death she married Mr Blanchard.

Press 17 December 1889 Page 2
How little some hard working men manage to save is strikingly shown by the will of Mr Edward Litt Laman Blanchard, late of 114, Victoria street, dramatic author, who died on September 4th, which was proved on October 16th, by Mrs Caroline Cadette Alpenny Blanchard, the widow and sole executrix, the value of the personal estate amounting to £441. The testator devises and bequeaths all his real and personal estate, including all his copyrights, manuscripts, books and papers, to his wife, for her own sole and separate use.  

Newton Molyneux Montgomerie Davidson b. 1866 eldest son of C.M.D. Davidson, M. R.C.S., Lincoln England

William Eames married Jane Diana Walker Mackie in 1866
MARRIED Eames—Mackie— At Clyde on Feb. 7th, by H. Stratford Esq, William Eames Esq, of Farringdon, Hants. England, to Jane Diana Walker Mackie, daughter of James Mackie, Edinburgh, Scotland.

EDGAR, James

Mr & Mrs Edgar
James Edgar

Evening Star 28 December 1936 Page 10 MR JAMES EDGAR
By the death on Saturday of Mr James Edgar, after a long illness, the city has lost one of its most highly respected citizens, a man whose residence in Otago extended over 60 years, for a large part of - which he was a prominent figure in insurance circles in Dunedin. Mr Edgar was born in Dudley, Worcestershire, England, on April 10, 1856, and came out to New Zealand with his parents in the sailing ship Sarah M., which was commanded by Captain Razeback and arrived at Port Chalmers towards the end of 1862. He was educated at the “ old stone school,” in Great King street, in which Mr Alexander Stewart, for many years head master of the Union Street School, and Sir Robert Stout were teachers. Oh January 31, 1870, after a competition, Mr Edgar secured the position of junior in the entering room of Messrs Sargood. Son, and Ewen, of this city. He left the service of that firm to take up the position of accountant in the office of the Victoria Insurance Company under Mr W. Devenish Mears, who was' then general manager of the company. He also served in the same capacity under Mr J. Walter Brindley, who succeeded Mr Mears a few years later. He spent some years in the service of the Victoria Insurance Company, and then accepted an offer to take over the management for Otago and Southland of the New Zealand Insurance Company. In 1898 the Victoria Insurance Company required a general manager for New Zealand owing to the retirement of Mr Brindley, and Mr Edgar left the service of the New Zealand Insurance Company to take up the position, which he filled for more than 28 years. Finally at his own request he was relieved of his duties, and on September 30, 1926, he retired into private life. For many years he was a member of the council of the Fire Underwriters’ Association of New Zealand. Mr Edgar’s marked business abilities, and genial nature won for him a host of friends, and he was held in the highest esteem and respect. Mr Edgar took a keen interest in bowling, his association with that pastime dating back for more than half a century. He was secretary and treasurer of the Dunedin Bowling Club for a term, and held the position of president in 1884. Later on he took an active part as one of the promoters of the Otago Bowling Club. He also held official positions in connection with lawn tennis and curling, having been president of the Arthur Street Tennis Club and secretary of the Dunedin Curling Club, The latter body went out of existence many years ago, though it was a flourishing organisation in the early days. Mr Edgar was one of the promoters of the Otago Club Company, which was incorporated in 1887, and of which he was a member for the remainder of his life. He occupied the position of honorary treasurer of the club for many years. Mr Edgar was a very keen angler, and at- one time held the position of president of the Otago Acclimatisation Society. He was predeceased by his wife 20 years ago, and is survived by two sons —Mr Cyril Edgar, of Beaumont, and Dr Noel Edgar, of Milton—and a daughter. Mrs Ernest Holmes, who lived with her father at Dunedin.

 Geiseg, Gieseg, Giesig, Geisig, Giesey ... what was her maiden name?

Mataura Ensign 11 January 1900 Page 2
We regret to record the death of Mrs H Geiseg, of Gore, which occurred on Tuesday morning last. The deceased lady arrived in Dunedin on New Year's Day, 1863, by the ill-fated ship Sarah M., which was never heard of utter leaving on the return voyage. She came to Gore in its early days, arriving in the year of the big flood — 1878 and being married to Mr Henry Geiseg in the following year. Mrs Geiseg was greatly esteemed by all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance. The funeral took place this afternoon, the service at the grave being conducted by the Rev. G. Heighway. Amongst those who followed the remains were a number of the members of Lodge Harvey, of which Mr Geiseg is one of the original members and in the concerns of which he has always taken an active and prominent interest.

Otago Witness, 17 August 1899, Page 32
Letters of naturalisation have been issued to Henry Gieseg, Gore.

In 1900 only eight people remain on the sections they occupied then—viz.: Mrs Geisig ...

Giesig, Henry  Age 87 in 1922 Cemetery GORE Location Plot 15, Block 44.

NZBDM website - marriages
1879 - GIESEG, Henry & HOLZHAUSER, Emily
1901 - GIESEG, Henry & PAY, Alice Maud
1935 - GIESEG, John Henry & HORRELL, Dorothy Mavis

1893 & 1896 Electoral Rolls - Mataura
GEISEG, Emma - Gore, wife
GEISEG, Henry - Gore, labourer, freehold, Sec 35, block 16, Gore

HOBBS

Otago Daily Times 26 September 1863 Page 8
SHOULD this meet the eye of William Henry Hobbs, late of Chatham, Kent, England, came out to New Zealand in the ship Sarah M., his brother would be glad to hear from him. Address 18 Palmerstreet, Emerald Hill, near Melbourne, Victoria.— Frederick Hobbs.

HOMER

Terra Incognita Australis : William Henry Homer and Charles Homer's migration to New Zealand from London, England
Date: 2013 By: Homer, George Charles. Publisher: Dunedin George C. Homer. 2013. 281 pages.
The family history of two brothers, William and Charles Homer, who emigrated from London to Otago in 1862 on the ship "Sarah M" during the gold rush period. William had previously fought in the Crimean War, and was in India during the Indian Mutiny. The brothers headed into the Central Otago goldfields, then over to the West Coast goldfields around Hokitika. William Homer (1835-1894) was later a settler at Martin's Bay, and was a surveyor in Fiordland. He explored the Upper Hollyford Valley, and suggested that a tunnel be built. The Homer Tunnel is named after him. Charles Homer (1841-1900) returned to England and married. The couple emigrated to Otago in 1878, and settled in South Otago, then moved to Southland, where they settled at Orepuki. William died 24th January 1894, late of Glenorchy, miner.

William H. Homer (1838-1894) and George Barber discovered the Homer Saddle on 27 January 1889. Homer suggested that a tunnel through the saddle would provide access to the Milford area.

HOWELL

Thomas Cecil Howell arrived per Sarah M.
James Howell (1852-1936) died aged 82
William Howell
Mr William Gardner Howell (d. 1890) &
Mrs Mary Ann Howell nee Coombs (d. 22 June 1895 aged 62)

Otago Daily Times 1 April 1949 Page 2 REUNION AT WAIPIATA
A reunion of the descendants of the late James and Thomas Howell was held at Waipiata on Friday last. James and Thomas Howell, with their parents, arrived at Port Chalmers from Cardiff, in Wales, in the ship Sarah M. on December 31, 1862. They lived in York place for a few years, and then made their way to Central Otago, which at that time was in a very primitive state. Undaunted by the rough conditions, they established their home at Waipiata, and ultimately obtained fairly large sheep runs. The name of Howell was, and still is, much respected throughout Central Otago and Maniototo district. Both James and Thomas Howell have now passed away, but their descendants reside in various parts of New Zealand. The reunion dinner, which was attended by 30 descendants, was held at the residence of Mr William Howell, Waipiata. It was at this spot, known as One Tree Farm, that the two brothers made their first home. Among the visitors were three brothers-in-law of James and Thomas Howell. These visitors travelled respectively from Auckland, Mataura and Dunedin. Mr R. Patterson, a very old friend of the family, presided, and after the toast of “ The Howell Family,” which was received with musical honours, reference was made to those who had passed away. A dance was afterwards held in the Waipiata Hall, and was attended by a large and representative gathering.

Evening Star 16 November 1936 Page 9 OBITUARY MR JAMES HOWELL
The death occurred at Musselburgh last week of Mr James Howell, one of the early pioneers of the province of Otago. Born in 1853, Mr Howell arrived from England with his parents by the ship Sarah M. on December 31, 1862, and was educated at the old Stone School under Mr Robert Stout (afterwards Sir Robert Stout).  As a young man he served an apprenticeship to the butchery trade, but later he was attracted by the lure of mining, his success in which enabled him to start in business as a carting contractor, his bullock teams being in constant demand for the transport of material to the goldfields, from Palmerston to the Maniototo. Next Mr Howell turned his attention to farming, acquiring a section, near Waipiata, which became well known as One Tree Farm. In conjunction with the farm he carried on a butchery business for many years. Mr Howell had a notable record of community service in the district. For a number of years he was a member of the Maniototo County Council, was chairman for a term of the Maniototo branch of the Farmers’ Union and was a member of the committee of the Domain Board at Waipiata and Kyeburn.He was also one of the founders of the Waipiata Athletic Club. To the Education Board he made a grant of the site for the first school at Waipiata, and was first chairman of the School Committee. He had a considerable knowledge of animal ailments, and in the days before a veterinary service became available his service? were constantly in demand. He is survived by his widow and a family of five sons and four daughters. These are Messrs George, James, and Frank Howell, of Middlemarch, Thomas Howell (Kelso), William Howell (Waipiata), and Mesdames Adam Harris (Clinton), F. Hore (Kyeburn), A. Pitts (Dunedin), and W. .Rutherford (Ranfnrly). He had 31 -grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Mr William Howell, of Ashburton, who is now the sole survivor of the passengers by the Sarah M., and two sisters, Mrs L. Hammond (Auckland) and Mrs William Tannock (Southland).

Martha McDonald - nee GALTON b. 1838

Evening Star 9 August 1926 Page 5
Mrs Martha M'Donald died a few days ago in her 89th year at the residence of her eldest son, Mr Alex. M'Donald, at Ravensbourne. Mrs M'Donald came out in the ship Sarah M. in 1863. Her husband died about fifty years ago, and she was left with a young family of five boys and two girls to bring up. Two of her youngest boys were drowned in the wreck of the ill-fated Wairarapa on October 29. 1894. Mrs M'Donald leaves two sons and two daughters to mourn their loss.

Of the 235 passengers and crew on board, it is thought that 130 people lost their lives, making this the third worst shipping disaster in New Zealand's history.
George McDonald Crew, Deck Boy Perished age 16 DOD 20 Oct. 1894
John McDonald Crew, Brass Boy Perished  age 15 DOD 20 Oct. 1894

New Zealand Herald 22 November 1894 Page 6
At Arid Island there is only one grave, that of the ship's boy, McDonald.

 Excursion To The Great Barrier New Zealand Herald 30th January, 1898 page 5
The Northern Steamship Company ran a special excursion to the Great Barrier yesterday, which proved a great success. The steamer Waiotahi left Auckland at 10pm on Tuesday with a large number of people on board, and a large crowd assembled on the wharf to see her off. The deck was screened off, and beds made up on it, as well as in every part of the saloon. A bright, clear night and a calm added much to the enjoyment of all. At 6am Arid Island was reached, and a boat was sent on shore containing Mrs. MacDonald [sic], the mother of John McDonald, who is buried on the island. Canon Haselden showed her the grave, and after the bereaved mother had spent a short time and placed a cross on it, they returned to the steamer.
    The party then went to the Whangapoua burial ground where Mrs. MacLeod was taken to see the grave of her husband. Here a headboard was erected and some wreaths placed on the graves. Both Mrs. MacDonald [sic] and Mrs. MacLeod came from Dunedin for this trip.
    After a good breakfast, the Waiotahi steamed round the Needles and went to the scene of the wreck. A boat went over the spot where the wreck had lain, but not a sign of the unfortunate vessel can now be seen.

In 1863 Martha Galton married Jno McDonald in NZ. Children of Martha and John McDonald.
1864 McDonald Alexander
1867 McDonald Mary Elizabeth
1869 McDonald Martha Wright
1870 McDonald Donald Christopher
1873 McDonald Martha Ann
1876 McDonald George Leggett b. to Martha Milburn and John McDonald
1878 McDonald John Galton  b. to Martha Milburn and John McDonald

NORTHERN CEMETERY, Dunedin - MCDONALD, MARTHA
Age 88 Years
Date of Death 1 Aug 1926
Occupation:- WIDOW
Native of:- DORSET,ENGLAND
Years in NZ:- 63
Place died:- DUNEDIN
Location Block 87. Plot 37
Date of Burial 3 Aug 1926
The following burials are also in this Plot
MCDONALD CHARLES WILLIAM 24 Years, Burial, Died 22 Jun 1909,
MCDONALD DONALD CHRISTOPHER 58 Years, Burial, Died 20 Nov 1929, native of Dunedin. Sailmaker. Address 840A KING STREET, DUNEDIN

MURLEY

Rebecca Murley married John Shields in 1863.
Elizabeth S. Murley married Peter James Bell in 1871.

Press, 8 October 1928, Page 2 Mrs Elizabeth Jamieson Bell
Relict of the late Mr Peter Bell, of Timaru, died recently at Wanganui. Mrs Bell (nee Murley) was a Londoner by birth, of French Huguenot and connected through her family with several well-known artists who were prominent in her generation. Her grandfather served under Lord Nelson at the Battle of the Nile, and she was the possessor of what is probably the only medal held by anyone in New Zealand granted for participation in that event. On this account she received a special invitation from the admiral to visit the ships when H.M.S. Hood and Renown were in New Zealand waters. Mrs Bell's family were connected with shipbuilding and worked under "Money Wigram," who built some of the well-known fast sailing ships of the period. Her family came to New Zealand on the Sarah M. and landed in Dunedin in the 'sixties, when they built the lighters for carrying goods from the emigrant ships. Mrs Bell has seen primeval wilderness grow into the fine city Dunedin is to-day. She is survived by six sons, Messrs W. J. Bell, of the Christchurch "Sun," E. J. and R. J. Bell, of Wanganui. J. J. Bell, Hataitai, P. J. Bell, Lower Hutt, and A. J. Bell, Geraldine, and one daughter, Mrs Hope Lewis, of Eastbourne. [Angus Jamieson Bell died 21st Jan. 1964. Aged 91 years. Buried at the Geraldine Cemetery.]

ROBERTSON Margory
Marjory married John McLaren in 1865

Otago Daily Times 31 January 1928 Page 10
Mrs Marjory McLaren, who died recently at Lawrence at the age of 88 years, was one of the oldest identities of the Tuapeka district. She came to Otago in the ship Sarah M. in 1863, and this proved to be the last trip of the vessel to the colonies, as she was wrecked on the return journey. The late Mrs M’Laren, shortly after her arrival in Dunedin, was in the first rush to Gabriel’s Gully gold diggings, and later resided at Blue Spur with her family for 27 years. She then moved to Lawrence, where she remained until the time of her death. She is survived by three sons, five daughters, 13 grandchildren, and three great-grand-children. 

 Southland Times 7 May 1872 Page 2
A most peculiar case of disputed identity has turned up in Auckland. Mr 3 Norman having applied to administer the estate of the late Mr Norman, of the United Service Hotel, the application was opposed by Mr J. "F. Jones, from Dunedin, a son-in-law of the deceased. We gather the following particulars from telegrams in the Otago Times : — " Mr Jones identifies the applicant as a Mrs Robertson, sent by him from Dunedin in 1866, to act as barmaid for Mr Norman, and swears that the real Mrs Norman is in London, whither Mr. Norman, till 1867, regularly remitted £300 yearly. He also swears that Mr Norman and his wife had travelled on the Continent, leaving their two children at school in Paris. The applicant swears that she herself and Mr Norman were married at Boulogne ; that she left the children at school in Paris, and travelled elsewhere on the Continent ; that she received £300 yearly, and that she would produce the bank pass-book kept by her to show it. She also swears that she came out to Mr Norman by the ship Electra in 1866, and that this will be corroborated by a fellow passenger. She swears that she was never in Dunedin, and that her marriage certificate and private papers were burned by Mr Norman one Sunday while she was at church. The Judge refused to grant her administration, and the estate remains in the Curator's hands till her identity is proved. From the affidavits in the case it appears that Mr Jones and Albert Griffiths swear that the applicant is Mrs Robertson. Norman's daughter, however, swears the contrary, and declares that she herself is one of the girls put to school at Paris, and that she lived with her father and mother in London. Loritz Liers says that he knew Mrs Robertson as a barmaid and milliner in Dunedin, and swears that the applicant is not the same person. Hoffmann, a music master, and Brown, an hotel-keeper, identify her as. Mrs Norman, and state they knew her in England. Garratt, an express driver, swears that he was a fellow-passenger with her in the Electra, which left London on the 1st October, 1866. The case is creating a great sensation."
    The Mrs Robertson referred to is supposed to be a lady who came out from London in the year 1862 to Dunedin, in the ship Sarah M., and who is well known to many residents in Dunedin at the present time. Her husband, who is now residing in Dunedin, was an officer in the army, and was once employed as a clerk by Mr Norman, at the Criterion Hotel, while his wife kept a milliner's shop in the immediate neighborhood. 

WOOTTON nee Ellen Jackson

Ellen Jackson married Samuel Wootton in 1863 in NZ

Gift to Early Settlers Museum
Evening Star 13 May 1943 Page 3
From Mr J.B. Wootton, St. Kilda, framed portraits of his late parents, Mr and Mrs Samuel Wootton, Lawrence; mother, Sarah M, 1862.

Children of Ellen and Samuel Wootton.
1864 Wootton William Samuel
1865 Wootton Samuel
1867 Wootton George
1869 Wootton Margaret Etta  in Lawrence, 4th Sept. Died Gisborne w/o Amos Joseph Sutton. M. 1909.
1875 Wootton Henry Grainger
1876 Wootton Alfred
1878 Wootton Matilda d. 19th Jan. 1880 aged 18 months.
1879 Wootton Albert Frederick
1881 Wootton James Bertie d. 29 Aug. 1952, aged 72 years.

WOOTTON, ELLEN
Age 71 Years
Date of Death 12 Oct 1912
Last Address  14a Glasgow Street, South Dunedin.
SOUTHERN CEMETERY Block 7AP. Plot 22
Date of Burial 14 Oct 1912
Occupation:- WIDOW
Place died:- DUNEDIN
The following burials are also in this Plot WOOTTON SAMUEL 82 Years, Burial, Died 11 Nov 1906. Occupation:- BAKER, late of Lawrence, lately King Edward St, Dunedin.
Also their son Harry Grainger died 24th Nov. 1897 aged 22 years and 5 months.

Otago Witness, Feb. 27 1863 - Entered Outwards
Sarah M., 1010, Raisbeck, for Guam, in ballast. 

There is only one vessel listed under the name Sarah M in the relevant Lloyd's Registers. She is no longer listed in the 1870 edition. Here are the details:
SARAH M - 1855-1869
Master: Captain W. Bell (1855-57); Captain A. Shaw (1858-69)
Rigging: Ship; sheathed in felt and yellow metal; partly fastened with iron bolts
Tonnage: 1,108 tons using old measurements and 1,011 tons using new measurements
Dimensions: 177.8 feet long, 32.2 foot beam and holds 21.1 feet deep
Construction: 1854, in New Brunswick
Owners: A. Seely
Port of registry: St. John, NB
Port of survey: London
Voyage: sailed for India (1855-59); Australia (1860-64); New Zealand (1865-69)