First European Child Born On The Plains – 7th January 1844

On 7th January 1844, a daughter was born to Samuel and Jean Manson, at Putaringamotu (Riccarton) on the Port Cooper (Canterbury) Plains. She was the first European child to be born on the plains and her name was Jeannie. Just two years before, her parents had been employed by John Deans back in Riccarton, Scotland. …