Elizabeth Annie Edgecombe

Elizabeth Annie Edgecombe was born Elizabeth Annie Smith. Her mother was Emma Taplin of Timaru. Her father was John Darling Smith of Mataura. Elizabeth's mother was born without a womb and was reckoned unable to conceive. She had a son, Thomas Frederick born full term, weighing 1000grammes on 08th April 1907, then a daughter Elizabeth Annie born, full term weighing 750grammes, on 16th June 1910. Emma had a damaged heart due to neglected Rheumatic fever so was unable to take anaethestic. The doctor had been at a party and was called to the birth, he gave her anaestietic when Elizabeth was born her mother's heart stopped. The doctor decided that Elizabeth was a lost cause, being so small, so tossed her on the floor and got to work on the mother. He had to get her breathing again, which he did. Some time later the Matron went to tidy up and get that poor little thing ready for buriel, imagine her surprise when she picked up the baby and found her breathing and very much alive. She rushed into the doctor's office shouting "She's alive, she's alive" "Well you know what to do" said the doctor. So Elizabeth was wrapped in cotton wool and popped into a shoe box. She grew into a strong, energetic woman, barely knowing a days illness until her brain tumour, at age sixty five, which took her life.