Richard Chidley Reynolds

Richard was born 17 January 1853 at Camelford, Cornwall and arrived in New Zealand with his family in 1868. He joined the Cambridge Cavalry Volunteers in January 1872 but did not serve. The following excerpts are taken from Richard's diary 1877, from 'First Families' by Ruth Wilkinson, sponsored by Keith Reynolds and Ruth Hardcastle 1972.

• "Friday 26 January Started from 'Trecarne' [Pukekura] for Taylors; drafted 60 head of cattle and took them as far as Murray Bros en route for Thames.
• 15 March Sold 'Trecarne'
• 7 April Mr Keals and Henry went up to Pukekura to have a look at where to put the new house.
• 9 May Mr Fantham and family came to take possession of 'Trecarne'.
• 9 July Levelling in ditch by road in front of house, Pukerimu. [Wai Valley]"

Richard married Susan Brown, the daughter of Rev James and Mary Brown, 31 January 1879 and their children were William, Maude, Blanche and Frank. Susan was found drowned 12 December 1891 and at the end of the year Richard and children moved to 'Trecarne' at Pukekura. (Richard's father William had died September 1891.) Richard married his second wife Margaret 'Madge' Kells on 31 October 1893. Their children were Mabel, Emily, Laura, Gladys and Keith. Madge was an ardent worker for the Patriotic Committee during World War One and was one of eight New Zealanders to receive the Medal of Queen Elizabeth from the Belgium Government. Richard became a noted breeder of Aberdeen Angus, Milking Shorthorn, Jersey and Hereford cattle and was recognised as one of the best judges of stock in the country. He was also a keen member of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society and did much to liberate game around Cambridge. On all his properties Richard planted plantations of trees and Cambridge has him to thank for many of the trees around the town. During World War One his 1485 acre property at Monavale was sold to the Government and cut up into 25 smaller farms for soldier settlers. Richard died 29 January 1928 and is buried at the Cambridge Cemetery, Hautapu. Margaret died in 1960. Source: http://cambridgemuseum.org.nz/Biographies/biosQ&R.htm#CCV45

Image: http://cambridgemuseum.org.nz/Photos/CbMusColl/ReynoldsR.htm