Fred William Knight

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DescriptionFred Knight was born, to William and Ann nee Smith, on 21 December 1856 at Shirley, Hampshire, England. In 1860, the family immigrated to the Victorian goldfields where Fred's father set up two bakeries. Shortly after, in 1861, William Knight left for the Otago goldfields, leaving Fred and his two younger brothers in Australia with their mother. The family followed to New Zealand in February 1862.

Fred attended Waipori School. After school he worked at the family store. In 1882, he took over the business with long-term employee, John Fraser, as baker.

Also in 1882, Fred worked as the Waipori Registry Officer. A position he resigned from due to no payment.

Fred was heavily involved in Waipori public life. In 1879, he joined the Waipori Lodge, and was elected permanent secretary in 1879. He was the JP and coroner for the district. In this capacity, he oversaw court cases and determined causes of deaths. From 1900-1916, Fred was a lay reader and for many years, a vestryman for St Chrysontom's Anglican Church.

It is through his commitments to community that Fred met his wife Mary Snell Lean. Fred had joined the Waipori School Committee in 1878. In 1883, Mary was appointed school teacher. A position she resigned from upon marrying Fred in 1884. The couple had eight children.

Fred died in Cromwell on 30 September 1951 aged 95. He is buried in the Waipori Cemetery with Mary.

You can read more about Fred's life, including his goldmining business dealings and love of photography, on pages 171-174 of David Still's 'Gold Beneath Dark Waters | The People of Waipori.'
PhotographerUnknown DateC.1910RightsThis item is out of copyright. ContributorWaipori Goldfields Charitable Trust

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SubjectsPeople and FamiliesGoldminingPlaceWaipori Goldfields

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Fred William Knight