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Second Edition: Carroll, Carrell, Carrel Book

JOHN and TALITHA CARROLL
From Jersey to Wanganui
By Anthony Carrell

ISBN 978-0-473-72239-5

This book, written by Anthony Carrell, was first published in September 2019. Sadly, Anthony passed away less than three years later, in July 2022.

The book had gone out of print, but his wife, Chris, kindly sent Brian Oliver of nzolivers a USB drive with some of Anthony’s working material and research, along with a set of original papers.

As at September 2024, Brian has now republished Anthony’s book, reconstituting the original text and photos and converted it into electronic form, compatible for printing.

Brian's paternal grandmother was Maud Carrel. He remembers her well, even though was only six years of age when she died. Maud was the granddaughter of John and Talitha Carroll.

Anthony is also a descendant of John and Talitha.

Anthony has written this in an informative, detailed, and interesting way, describing the life of John and Talitha and their children. John Carroll was born in Tipperary, Ireland in 1830 and his wife Talitha, was born the same year however, in Somerset, England. John moved to to Jersey circa 1850 to work as a labourer on a major project at the time, the St Catherine’s Bay Breakwater. Talitha had moved to Jersey about ten years earlier with her parents. John and Talitha met Jersey and in 1853 they married. Anthony narrates an interesting story of two marriage ceremonies, each representing their different religious faiths, Catholic and Anglican.

Just over twenty years on, and eleven children later, the family moved to New Zealand in 1874. Railway expansion here offered employment opportunities. The twelfth child was born in Wanganui, the year following their arrival. The family had settled in Wanganui, living for a year in the Rutland Stockade - then being used as immigration accommodation.

Brian was personally fascinated to read about them living there, it providing a connection to his Oliver heritage. Earlier, we mentioned Brian's grandmother was Maud Carrel. She married Louis Oliver, who was a grandson of Thomas Higgie. It was Thomas Higgie who was contracted to build the Barracks for the Stockade during the years 1845 to 1847. It was used by British troops and also as a refuge for settlers should Maori attacks occur. A fascinating link .

A treatment behind the different spellings of Carroll, Carrell, and Carrel is covered by Anthony. And, different places where John and Talitha lived are given generous treatment. In fact, the book is full of interesting history, background information, maps and photos. There are about 90 photos and illustrations throughout the 79 pages of the book. These are broken down into 15 chapters plus appendices of family tree, family profiles and photos.

Brian thoroughly recommends this book for all descendants of John and Talitha and also those with an interest in Jersey and in New Zealand settler history. An easy read, a great work by Anthony - a valuable addition to your genealogy library.

• Please include your physical address suitable for a courier
• Payment will be required to a New Zealand bank account, details of which will be supplied upon receipt of order

• Nationwide (non-signature)        $12.00
• Nationwide (Signature required)   $15.00
• Nationwide Rural (non-signature)  $19.50
• Nationwide Rural (Signature req)  $23.00

For shipping to addresses outside of New Zealand, please see below:

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