Dreams of a New Land

Francis, who had reached two and a half and could speak well, was an able helper. When in March 1833 a little brother whom they named George arrived, great was the joy in the household. He also appeared to be a healthy child and was little trouble or worry, and so the shock was great when Sarah entered his room one day when he was four months old, to find him dead in his cot. From this, it took Sarah a long time to recover. Tragedy had struck this happy family, but none could have guessed all the heartaches that were still to line the coming years for them.

In May 1834 Alexander was born and he too began to fill her days with pleasure. He was from the start an ailing child, but he had all the care and devotion a mother could give. Her belief that this would help him grow strong proved wrong, as at one year of age he quietly slipped away. A little more than one year passed after this when another son, John, was born but his life lasted only a few days.

Sarah was fast becoming an old woman with such tragedy. She moved about as in a dream. She seemed almost soulless and no longer cared about her surroundings or other people. Her family existed almost without her, and as time passed and she knew she would have yet another child, there was an inward fear that this too could bring heartache, and more of that she could not endure, of that she was certain.

Francis was by now almost seven years old and had taken to living much of his life outdoors with his father. He was ever alert and questioning, forgetting nothing his father explained to him. He could already identify with lively description any tree, bird or grass.

In May 1837 Sarah gave birth to another son, whom they called James. He was strong and lusty and this immediately helped her over the almost insurmountable tragedies she had experienced. She threw off the past and with full powers again, set happily into rearing this boy. There was again complete harmony and a deep happiness for the parents as well as young Francis. Everything went well and with two happy boys, the baby growing fast and adored by his big brother, what more could be wished for.

It was at this time that Alexander bought his own farm. It was lovely grazing country with a very comfortable home, where he could run a large flock of sheep, and on the back rougher country have beef cattle, so they made the move to Rugby, Warwickshire, settling on their own property.

This had been Alexander’s hope, and now with two strong sons he felt he had attained an important milestone in their lives.

Two years after the arrival of James, still another son was born. He was named Henry and brought happiness when he thrived just as his two living brothers had done. The past slowly faded, or so it seemed. The happiness that enveloped Sarah continued. It was with a lively happy household, both Alexander and Sarah planned for their sons’ future, working hard with this one aim.

Then another son arrived. This little one, whom they named Enoch, was a small puny child, forever whimpering. Even at the start of his little life they felt he would not be long with them. Fortunately, Sarah, who had been through such intense sorrow, took up her burden with a happier heart, never really giving up hope. Her whole day was spent with the little boy and her strenuous efforts kept him going. Nevertheless, she could see that he did not improve. He was very thin and his mother uncomplainingly spent whole sleepless nights with him.

Amidst all this, when things at times were pretty desperate, because Enoch at two years of age still could not walk or talk, the greatest of joys came to them all. It was a baby girl born 2nd October 1844. Annie Maria, it seemed, bounced into their lives capturing their hearts. Her brothers adored her from the start and very soon she was taking notice and adored their attention. She grew fast and the older boys were allowed to do much for her.

When little Enoch, that sad frail little boy of four years, passed away, the family, Sarah included, accepted with quiet sadness his passing. Just four months later William, the ninth child of Alexander and Sarah, was born. Time passed happily and the family were growing up, with Francis, the eldest, now sixteen years of age. He was a strong lad and worked long hours alongside his father. A very deep confidence had grown between them.

Alexander was pleased with the moves and progress he had made. He had believed though that Chester would be so much warmer and more free from fog as to help them all be healthier and stronger but, ‘Brandon’ as they called their farm, was not any better climate-wise than either of the two previous homes. The whole family worked hard both on their farm with their father and in the home garden and orchard.

It was no chore to any of them as they had surely inherited the love of all living things. Time slipped by. A good living was assured and the family were growing up. Francis received wages from his father, but put most of it away in the bank. He too wanted land of his own and he knew that in the near future he would want to find his own property.

The family seemed set for happiness, but unbeknown to anyone except his father, Francis was planning other things. Even his father scarcely took him seriously at this stage when he began discussing the possibilities of taking up land in New Zealand. Above all, he wished to make a better life not only for himself but for all of them and he believed he had a way if only he could get the confidence and full co-operation of his parents in the plan.

It was just at this time when the colonisation had begun in all seriousness in New Zealand, a small group of islands on the other side of the world. It was this plan and country that attracted Francis. The discussion with his father, at first light-heartedly, and after a few weeks, in deadly earnest, now occupied his thoughts throughout his working day. He rode into town and had long discussions with a representative of the New Zealand Land Co, after which he became more serious than ever.

He was now fully convinced that they would all benefit greatly by selling ‘Brandon’ and going to New Zealand. At ten shillings an acre for good land, they could buy up enough for each of the boys to have a share. He understood they would have to work hard, but who would mind this in a country that was reputed to have almost one long summer and a deep fertile soil that was only in the early stages of cultivation in a few areas.

In actual fact, the agent for the New Zealand Land Co was right there in their own district, selling this land in five hundred acre blocks. Francis wanted desperately to buy a block and go out there immediately.