Death of a Maungaturoto Pioneer
Yet another of the fast diminishing band of New Zealand pioneers passed away on 6th September in Maungaturoto. Eleanor Jane Bailey Cullen born February 19th 1849 to William Bailey and Emma Lowe, wife of Mr Henry Cullen after an illness of many years which was borne with Christian fortitude. Mrs Cullen arrived in Auckland as a girl with her brother Mr W.J. Bailey from England (Birmingham) on the ship "Tyburnia" in 1863 and came directly to Maungaturoto assisting to prepare homes in the then virgin forest. She married Henry in 1869 one of the pioneer settler and resided in the district until the time of her death. Her name has been assocated with many Christian acts and philanthropic works until her sight failed her.
Mrs Cullen is survived by her husband and 10 children (7 sons and 3 daughters; William, Frederick, Edith, Herbert, May, Robert, Alice, Joseph, Lawrence, Francis, Madge). The funeral took place on the afternoon of the 7th conducted by the Rev. Griffiths, Congregational Minister of Waipu. Amongst the many beautiful floral emblems which crowned the coffin were 2 wreaths from the teachers and scholars of the Sunday School which Mr Cullen has been superintendent for many years. The chief mourners were her husband, all her children, sons/daughters in law and many of her grandchildren all of whom have widespread sympathy in their loss.
She is buried in Maungaturoto Congregational Cemetery.
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