Biography

Margaret Smith (née Gollar) (1864 – 1899).

Margaret Smith was born in Dunedin on 27th April 1864 and christened at St Joseph’s Cathedral on 17th May 1864. She was the daughter of John and Ann Gollar. The family seem to have been very keen on having professional photographs taken, which is unusual for the times as the cost was enormous. Margaret died at the young age of 34 of puerperal septicemia; her doctor was Robert Martin.

Margaret and John Smith had three stillborn children following the birth of Elizabeth (“Girlie”) in 1892. These births took place in 1884, on 21st March 1896, and again on 28th January 1899. Margaret died eighteen days later, weakened by childbirth. It seems tragic that these babies were buried in an unmarked grave with their maiden aunt, also named Margaret Smith (Class 2, Plot 18, Block 94). Her husband John looked after the four children Ida, Ethel, John and Girlie following the death of their mother, but he also died early about three years later. From then on “Granny Gollar” (Ann Gollar) and their maiden aunt Elizabeth brought up the children.

Others buried here: Margaret’s husband John.

See also:

1. Margaret’s parents Anne and John Gollar (at Block 162 Plot 8A).

2. Margaret’s brother William and his family (at Block 172 Plot 16).

3. Margaret’s daughter Ida May (at Block 56A Plot 4).

4. Three stillborn children of Margaret (1894, 1896 and 1899) (at Block 94 Plot 18).

Margaret and husband John Smith
Source: Deniece Gresham