Maker: Jane Daysh

Panel number: 142

Petition Sheet Number: 165

Person honouring: Mary Agnes Campbell

Relationship to makers: Great-great-grandmother

This is my ancestor Mary Agnes Campbell (nee Tankersley). Her husband, Hugh, and brother-in-law, John, farmed 2,500 acres at Mt Bruce, Masterton, and the family were amongst the first white settlers in the area. 

Mary Agnes herself had been born in Wellington but moved to Masterton with her parents and brothers in 1857. She joined Hugh at Ngaratanui farm (many large rata trees) where they successfully bred racehorses; the farm also sustained some 2000 Romney Marsh sheep and around 70 head of cattle. Early maps indicate that when the land was purchased at Mt Bruce a section was already owned by Mary Agnes Tankersley. This section remained in her name and at her insistence was excluded from any milling or development. Remnants of the bush on Agnes’ section considerably enhance the area today. It is also said that the foxgloves growing freely were spread from her flower garden. 

Mary Agnes is remembered for the pump organ that she donated to the Mt Bruce district for church services. Mary and Hugh had five children: Sarah Eliza Jane, Hugh (Father of my grandmother, Agnes), Mary Agnes (known as Polly), Margaret (known as Maggie), and John. Part of the original Ngaratanui farm is still owned by the Campbell family.

Panel materials: Wool, embroidery cotton, poly cotton sheeting, polyester satin lining, mutton cloth, ribbon, flower motifs. I used materials I already had, was given, or got at op shop (brown wool for woven rata tree trunk)