Shipwright John Blair Thompson watched his 11 year old daughter Isabella skip away from him, her happy laughter pouring into his ears. She had every reason to be joyful and excited, the school picnic was a few days away and the whole township of Lyttelton always looked forward to such an event. It was to …
Thomas Smith Duncan (1821 – 1884) Died of old age Place of Death: Christchurch Behind the naming of the suburb of Strowan. Was the founder of the law firm of Duncan Cotterill. Buried at St Paul’s Anglican Church Cemetery, Papanui, Christchurch The story of Thomas Smith Duncan: http://www.peelingbackhistory.co.nz/strowan-thomas-smith-duncan-1821-1884/ Photo taken by Annette Bulovic.
Thomas Smith Duncan was a bit of a rascal who fled his homeland with a young charge of the family. Together they fled Perth, Scotland and headed south to the village of Gretna Green and got married. In what could be regarded as Scotland’s “Las Vegas”, the township is still known for its runaway/quickie weddings! …
In 1857, Canterbury founded law firm Duncan Cotterill was opened in Lyttelton by Thomas Smith Duncan (pictured). Duncan, a Scottish lawyer by trade, started his Canterbury life as a bit of a rascal, having fled his homeland with a young charge of his employer. They ran away together to the village of Gretna Green and …
