George Wornall
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Original information:
George Alexander Wornall emigrated to Canterbury when he was one, with his parents Samuel (1810-March 6, 1892), an agricultural labourer, and Esther (29, d. January 23, 1909), and his older brother Richard (1845-1921).
At some point, the Wornall family shifted to Sefton (The Terrace), Leithfield; in 1900, Mrs Wornall still lived there. According to records, George Alexander was a “famous athlete’’, and a farmer, with his brother Richard, at Broomfield.
Readers’ response:
Samuel and Esther Wornall had seven children − Richard (1845-January 18, 1921) and George Alexander (1849-July 1, 1919), who travelled with them to Canterbury; Sarah (b. June 15, 1851); Johanna (November 1, 1852-August 13, 1924); Samuel Jun. (January 3, 1856- May 27, 1884); William (b. November 2, 1857); and Ralph (August 14, 1859-November 11, 1927).
According to the family, George Alexander was born in County Wicklow, Ireland. He was educated at Papanui, Christchurch. In 1867, George moved with his parents to The Terrace, near Leithfield.
George was a prominent Oddfellow, passing through all the district chairs. He was also secretary to the North Canterbury Caledonian Society, a member of the Amberley School committee, chairman of the Broomfield School committee and chairman of the Kowai Road Board.
He was active in athletics, winning the quarter-mile hurdle race for three years in succession at Latimer Square. At one time he held the New Zealand record for a standing high jump.
George married Margaret Lennox on December 28, 1873, and they had two sons, George and Samuel. 1
Footnotes:
1. Extract from The Cyclopedia of New Zealand, vol. 3, Canterbury Provincial District