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Nineteenth Century New Zealand Artists: A Guide & Handbook

WILLIAMS, Edward Marsh 1818–1909

WILLIAMS, Edward Marsh 1818–1909

Born England 1818, eldest child of Rev. Henry Williams. With his family left for New Zealand arriving at Bay of Islands 3 August 1823. In 1834 sent to England to study medicine but returned on account of health 1837. In February 1840 was primarily responsible for translation of the Maori version of the Treaty of Waitangi, and from 27 April to 2 July accompanied Major Bunbury as Assistant and Interpreter on the cruise of the Herald as far south as Stewart Island collecting “signatures” to the Treaty. As Clerk of the Court and interpreter he was with the first party of officials at the founding of Auckland, 18 September 1840. In 1843 married and with wife Jane Davis taught at Te Waimate Mission station until 1846, then farmed at Awatona. 1861 was Resident Magistrate for Bay of Islands; 1881 appointed Judge of the Native Land Court based in Auckland though he travelled over North Island. Retired 1887 but lived in Auckland until 1902 when moved to Te Aute, Hawke's Bay, where he died. He translated into Maori well over 210 hymns and also “Pilgrim's Progress”. Edward Marsh Williams drew HMS Herald in Sylvan Cove, 1840.