Betty Joan Stevens (Andrews) - Relationship to Samuel Marsden

"It is believed..." by who, on what basis?

Not specifically, just one Kiwi try to help out another :)

I didn't realise yesterday that Elsie was your grandmother.

Elsie (born 1892) could not be a "niece" of Samuel Marsden, just based on his birth 1765 and both his parents being deceased before 1790, but perhaps she is a descendant of one of his brothers? Which might make her a "great niece" or similar.

On Geni Rev. Samuel Marsden has 3 brothers listed:

• Charles Marsden
• Thomas Marsden
• John Marsden

Thomas apparently died aged 6 so couldn't have had descendants.
John apparently died 1832 - Horsforth, Yorkshire but doesn't seem to have had descendants either?
Charles married and apparently had at least one son: Thomas Marsden

Here's an interesting coincidence, Thomas (Rev. Samuel's nephew) has a granddaughter named Beatrice Catherine Marsden (named for her mother).

I can't find an Elsie in that family but the appearance of Beatrice certainly suggests there is a connection.

PS: I assumed when you mentioned Samuel Marsden initially you meant Rev. Samuel Marsden apologies if I have been barking up the wrong tree.

Looking at various internet trees Beatrice Joan Stevens mother Elsie MARSDEN was born 1893 with parents Richard MARSDEN and ? DALY.

Rev. Samuel Marsden And his siblings were born 1765 to 1785 - there are quite a few generations missing.

NZ birth record

• 1894 - Elsie May MARSDEN, father Richard, mother Lucy Ann

NZ Marriage Record

• 1892 Richard MARSDEN married Lucy Ann DAILEY

I did some merges

The earliest MARSDEN ancestor is John Marsden born 1837 England and his wife Ellen Marsden also born England. They emigrated from England to New Zealand

What is the source for Rev. Samuel Marsden 1765-1838 being the father of John Marsden born 1837.

Who is John’s mother?

Samuel MARSDEN’s wife Elizabeth Marsden died 1835 aged 63

https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/marsden-samuel-2433 Has only 1 son Charles and 5 daughters alive when Samuel died.