Margaretha “Margaret” Emma Bensemann’s husband, Henry Beuke, died in Germany.
So Margaretha (1812-91) emigrated, with her sons, Johann Diedrich, 17, Johann Heinrich, 14 and her three young daughters.
They arrived at Port Nelson on July 06, 1864, aboard the barque ‘Violet’.
Fritz Christian Bruning (1842-1900) was Margaret Beuke’s second husband. He was involved with Lutheran Church activities, ran a small home farm and was called upon to butcher cattle and pigs for neighbours.
In processing the animals, he was assisted by his stepson, Johann Diedrich Beuke (1847-1914), who subsequently obtained a slaughterhouse license.
Johann Beuke was generally better educated than most of his compatriots and was of a scholarly disposition. He was also ambitious, believed land ownership was the key to wealth, and purchased as many sections in the Neudorf-Rosedale district as he could afford.
On August 28, 1872, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ranzau, Johann Beuke, J.P. wed Wilhelmina “Christina” Carolina Fredericka Lankow (1851-1923), who was born at Hope.
As she was the practical farmer, Johann left the day-to-day farm chores to her.
An intellectual man, he was involved in village activities, particularly in support of the Lutheran Church.
In the wider sphere, he was a member of the Central Board of Education, a councillor and one-time chairman of the Waimea County Council.
Christina and J.D. Beuke had three children - Amelia Sophie Maria (1875-1946), wed Atherton Herbert Fletcher (1871-1946); Margaretha “Amy” (1876- 1953), wed William Christian Joachim Stade (1873-1940) with no children, and Henry “Harry” Conrad Beuke (1882- 1956), who wed Bessie Florence Johnson (1876-1953) on February 28, 1905.
Bessie taught at the Neudorf School from 1901-04 and was a foundation member of Moutere Women’s Division of Federated Farmers, and the branch’s first president.
Fifty-two Moutere farmers formed a local branch of the ‘New Zealand Farmers’ Union’ in 1901.
Mr. J.D. Beuke was elected first chairman, and Joseph Heine was elected first secretary. Another 26 local farmers joined later.
Johann D. Beuke was also a licensee of the Moutere Inn. His son, Harry, followed in his footsteps as a county councillor.
In 1909 Johann was celebrated for his public service. That included his work for the Waimea County Council, Nelson Charitable Aid Board, Nelson Licensing Committee, Nelson Education Board, Nelson Harbour Board and Upper Moutere School Committee, among others.
At an event run by the council, a gold watch and greenstone pendant was presented to Johann.
On the watch was inscribed: “Presented to J.D. Beuke, Esq., by his Moutere friends on his retirement.”
Written by Graeme K. Tyree. Exploring Our Local History column is proudly brought to you by Waimea Richmond Funeral Services.
