Ann Goodin

Ann came to NZ with her family in 1874. They arrived in Wellington on the sailing ship "Waikato" and a few days later went to Wanganui by paddle steamer. Her family settled in Feilding,living in a V hut, then in a small cottage near the railway line, on Beattie St. Ann had been to school only in England till she was 9 years old. In Feilding she had to go to work minding the school master's three children. It seems there was no school to attend in Feilding at that time, so he kindly gave her lessons every night. Ann vividly remembered the first Church service ever held in Feilding. The Rev.Peter Jones,a Methodist minister, preached on a box at the site of the present square.

Ann was a great reader, could converse cleverly on any subject put forward, and was much respected by both men and women. After marrying John Goodin when aged only 16 yrs, she bought up her family and partnered her husband in their many ventures, eventually retiring to New Plymouth in 1918.

They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary there.

Last Address: New Plymouth-80 Vivian St.