Maker: Gerry Edwards

Panel number: 149

Petition Sheet Number: 181

Person honouring: Emma McBean

Relationship to makers: None

Emma Rowell was born in New Zealand in 1869. Her parents, James and Emma Rowell met on the ship ‘Clontarf’ which bought them to Christchurch in 1859. The Rowells were one of Canterbury’s first pioneer families. Emma was one of eleven children - four sons and seven daughters.

Emma married George McBean in 1891. They lived at Waihora, Springston South in Canterbury and in 1888, George purchased the land on his own accord. Together they had four children: Isabella Maude, James Douglas, George Allan, and Freda Rowell. Their son James died in March 1917 after being discharged from the Army due to a chronic ear condition. 

Emma and George were highly respected members of their community. George was instrumental in establishing the Springston South School, and Emma held charity events at their home, raising funds for causes such as St George’s Hospital and the Influenza Relief Fund. George was noted as one of the most successful farmers in the district, and was known for his exhibitions of stud Southdown sheep at the local Agricultural and Pastoral shows. George died in October 1939 and at age 74, Emma died in 1943. They are buried together, along with their son James, at St Mary’s Churchyard in Springston.

Panel materials: Cotton fabric with acrylic wool thread. Only purchase was backing for the cotton [$1.50], Everything else was from home supplies!