Edward Marsh Williams

Edward Marsh Williams was the eldest son of Henry and Marianne Williams (nee Coldham). He was born in Hampstead, London, England on 2 November 1818.

Growing up amongst Māori at Paihia, Edward soon became fluent in Te Reo and was familiar with the Māori culture.

On 4 February 1840, Edward (aged 22) and his father were given one night to translate the technical language of Captain William Hobson and James Busby's draft of the Treaty of Waitangi into Māori. The meaning of the English version was not exactly the same as the meaning of the Māori translation. All but 39 chiefs signed a Māori-language copy of the Treaty. Māori and Europeans had different understandings and expectations of the treaty.

Edward later sailed with Major Thomas Bunbury on the HMS Herald to the South Island to gather signatures to the Treaty.

Edward married Jane Davis, the daughter of the Rev Richard Davis, on 9 February 1843.

He would become a government interpreter, Clerk to the Court, and the first postmaster at Auckland. He also served as Resident Magistrate for the Bay of Islands and was appointed a judge of the Native Land Court in 1881.

Edward died in Te Aute, Hawkes Bay, on 11 October 1909.