Georgina Penny, signatory

Georgina Penny (nee Blaymires), was born in 1868, the second daughter of Robert, a Picton settler, and Kate (nee Murray) Blaymires. Her grandparents were assisted immigrants who arrived in Picton in 1859.

Georgina Penny (1868—1958). Image supplied by author

Georgina married Edward Henry Penny in 1890 and they had eight children:

• Ellen (Nell) Agnes (Mrs McLean 1892-1974)
• Samuel Murray (1894-1915)
• Walter Blaymires (1896-1917)
• Gertrude Phyllis (1899-1978)
• Edward York (1901-1988)
• Alice Lorna Jean (Mrs Robb, formerly Mrs Donnell 1903-1971)
• Henry (Harry) Arthur (1905-1970)
• Kathleen Muriel (Mrs Bright 1908-1952).

Georgina Penny and family. Image supplied by author

Georgina and Edward lived with their family in a house in Park Terrace, Blenheim. Edward purchased a general stationery business in 1893, known as Penny’s Bookshop. Over the next few years Georgina’s family were involved with the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and their interest may have led her to sign the Suffrage Petition.

Edward was elected Councillor of the Blenheim Borough Council in 1900. In 1906 and again in 1911 he was elected Mayor and Georgina was Mayoress. She lost her two eldest sons in World War One and her husband in 1926. She died in 1958 and is buried in the Omaka Cemetery with her husband, one son and a daughter-in-law.

Story by: Marlborough Museum and Archives