Patrick Pearce

Patrick Pearce was born 1801 in Carlow, Ireland, and died 27 Apr 1861 in Howick.
He married Mary Ann Allen 06 Feb 1837 in Belfast, Ireland. She was born 17 Aug 1813 in Brampton Barracks, Chatham, Kent, and died 28 Feb 1891 in Howick, New Zealand.

Born in the Parish of Carlow in the County of Carlow in 1801. Enlisted in the 51st regiment of Foot on 28 January 1817 at the age of 16 years. From 1821 to 1834 the 51st was stationed in the Ionian Islands, which at that time were a British protectorate. On the mainland the Greeks were fighting the War of Independence against the Turks. He enlisted as private with promotions to Corporal - Feb 1828, Sergeant - Jan 1830 and Colour Sergeant - July 1837.

Married Mary Ann Allen, by the Rev. T. Hinks at Belfast, Ireland in February 1837.

The 51st Regiment left England in detachments, serving as guards on convict ships. Patrick embarked for Van Diemen's Land 24 March 1838, and arrived August 1838. He was discharged at his own request 31 January 1842. Army record: Character: Has been an excellent and trustworthy and proficient officer. The Colonel of the regiment at the time of his discharge was Lt General Sir B D'Urban, KCB (after whom Durban,South Africa was named).

After discharge he served as Superintendent of the Treadmill, Launceston (c.1842-44), and Constable, Hobart 1845. James Cartledge succeeded Patrick Pearce as Superintendent of the Launceston Treadmill.

The 51st regiment embarked on board the "Lady Franklin" brig from Launceston for Hobart 3 March 1848 and sailed on 4 March 1848, being towed down the river by a steamer. Arrived in Auckland 1848 and went to Howick to join the Royal NZ Fencibles. The biographical note on him in the book "The Royal New Zealand Fencibles" states that the family came to Auckland in 1848 (page 167).

The Pearces lived at Nelson Street, Howick. Patrick also owned 11 acres to the east of Pigeon Hill.
He was a member of the Howick Militia formed in 1860.

Patrick was a teacher at the Anglican Church school in 1850 until relieved of his post and given a Staff Sergeant's rank. Sgt Pearce one of the first to greet Rev Lush at All Saints (Anglican) Church in 1850.

Rev Lush refers to Patrick Pearce in 1850: 'Patrick made his opinion of the village known as "deplorable", he described "schism, rivalry and division as rife-sin, satan and the world would do their best to hinder us from Godly union and concord". Lush stated "so very bitter is the hostility manifested against him". He taught 20 neat intelligent children and accompanied them in singing in church on his flute, he seemed a steady man and anxious to do his best in whatever he undertakes."

All Saints Church Howick historial publication records that he played the flute in All Saints Church, Howick until a harmonium was bought in 1855.

He was allocated lot 79 in the Howick district which was near the corner of Nelson and Wellington Streets. He later had an 11 acre block in Gills Road. He died at 59 of cancer of the face and neck and buried at All Saints Church Cemetery, Howick.

The Lady Franklin was a barque of 295 tons which plied the waters around Australia in the early 1800s. She was sometimes used as a convict transport. On 17 May 1844 she departed Norfolk Island carrying convicts and 24 military personnel of the 51st regiment (including Ensign Singleton) and one military person of the 96th regiment, as well as Master Willett and Dr Agnew. The Lady Franklin docked at Sydney on 26 May 1844, and then proceeded to Hobart Town where she arrived on 6 June 1844.

The 51st regiment embarked on board the Lady Franklin brig from Launceston for Hobart 3 March 1848 and sailed for New Zealand on 4 March 1848.