James HENNINGS

TOMBSTONE remembering the deaths of Fannie Hennings (wife of James Hennings) and James Hennings who was lost at sea and Charles Hennings who was buried at sea.

James Hennings who was the son of William Hennings and Adi Mere Tuisalalo married Fannie (Fanny) Eva Orbell at Levuka 28th December 1888. They had six sons and four daughters. James Hennings was a trader and sailor, he died at the age of 64 when his cutter the "Tui Cakau" was lost at sea during a storm off the island of Wakaya. On board the cutter were James, his three grandchildren, the captain, engineer, 3 crew and 2 Indians whose bodies were never found presumed dead having drowned at sea.

Charles Hennings mentioned in the inscription on the tombstone refers to Charles the brother of William Hennings (I stand corrected). Charles had contracted tuberculosis and when his health deteriorated, a sea trip to Vancouver was recommended. However, he died on board the RMS Warrimoo 10th October 1896 and was buried at sea, the funeral service conducted by the captain of the ship Captain Hepworth.