John Harris and Emma Ching

John Harris and Emma Ching, nee Jellyman later Simmonds  - Seaview Cemetery: Block 24, Plot 479

Headstone of John Harris and Emma Ching Seaview Cemetery

The following information is taken from: Coaley to Stoke and beyond: the Jellymans by P.Lomath and D.Flanagan.

John Ching was born 12 May 1844, in Stoke near Nelson, to Richard and Jane (nee Harris). He married in approximately 1864 and died 14 December 1870. John was one of six sons.

Emma Jellyman was born 4 April 1843 and attended Stoke School until about the age of 10. Emma was the daughter of Enoch and Ann Jellyman who arrived on the Bolton in 1842.

Enoch and Ann lived in Poormans Valley, now Marsden Valley. Emma married John Harris Ching a near neighbour in approximately 1864. The family were living in Wakapuaka when, in December 1870, John had an accident when his horse lost its footing around Rocks Road, not on the track but in about a foot of water. Unfortunately he drowned. John was aged only 27.

Emma was left a widow with four small children. In 1882 Emma married Edward Joseph Simmonds [who had also been married to Ann Ross] at Waimea West. Emma had lived in Stoke for the past 11 years prior to this. Edward died a few years later but Emma managed the farm they were living on until Edward’s son was able to manage on his own. Emma was back in Stoke by 1914 and died, still living in Stoke, in September 1921 aged 78. She is buried with her first husband.

2017 (updated 2021)

Story by: Cheryl Carnahan