JOHN LUCAS METCALFE

John Lucas METCALFE was born in 1842 in Wakefield, England, the oldest son of Anthony METCALF and Sarah OVEREND.  Sarah died two years later and Anthony married Harriet MARTIN.

In the 1881 Census John Lucas Metcalfe is living at 171-172 Snargate Street, Dover.  He is married to Susey M. Metcalfe and they have an 11-year-old daughter, Minnie Metcalfe.  Also in the household is 17-year-old Marianne BASSETT, listed as “servant” and “assistant” in John’s fancy goods business.

John Lucas Metcalfe and Marianne Bassett next appear in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, in 1894 when John dies and is buried in the local cemetery.  Marianne is left to raise their six surviving children, a son having predeceased John.

Marianne and the children eventually settle in Auckland, New Zealand, where she becomes a registered midwife and a local identity—known as “Nurse Metcalfe”.

Does anyone know of a photograph of John Lucas Metcalfe or have any information on his wife and daughter left behind in England, or how/when he and Marianne Bassett moved to Australia and New Zealand?

The only picture we have of Marianne. 

If anyone can help please contact Barbara at barbmet@xtra.co.nz