Joseph Galvan was the fifth child of Richard and Catherine Galvan
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| Raglan Settlers at the Royal Hotel circa 1890-1895 |
Joseph was born on in Emerald Hill, Melbourne, Victoria on 10th September 1862. He is pictured as an adult outside the Hotel above front row 3rd from right, with his younger brother Michael behind him middle row 5th from left.
There is no doubt Richard and Catherine were making a new life for themselves and Australia was their first stop.
During the Victorian Gold Rush Emerald Hill was a Canvas "tent" Town and became a slum, home to tens of thousands of migrants from all around the world. From 1855 however many of the residents moved into prefabricated cottages (Tin houses) in south Melbourne, such as the buildings in Coventry Street.
Constructed in Britain, these tin houses were dismantled, labelled and then packed into crates and shipped abroad. They could be assembled easily and so were popular with settlers. Given the era, it is very possible that this is the style of home the Galvan family lived in while in Melbourne.
The family lived in Melbourne for 2-3 years before journeying on to New Zealand in 1863 as Richard Galvan had been employed as a blacksmith with the troops during the Waikato Wars. Joseph would have been around one year old at that time they arrived into New Zealand.
One of nine children, Joseph would have grown up at the family homestead on Cliff Street with his siblings. His mother Catherine sadly passed away in 1873 aged just 39 giving birth to her twins. Joseph was just 10 or 11 years old.
Joseph Galvan c 1890-1895
28-33 years of age
CAVALRY ENCAMPMENT AT RAGLAN
Waikato Times - 28th November 1889
On Friday last the cavalry underwent inspection, Col. Shepherd examing the arms, etc., and the troop assembling at the parade. On Saturday the cavalry sports took place, and a large number of settlers were present during the day. Judges, Co. Sheperd, Capts. Coleman and Bruce, Lieuts. Gresham and Somerset.
Two hundred yards race, Open to All Comers. - 1st prize, 10s: 2nd. ss. Punga (native), 1st ; Joseph Galvan, 2nd. High Jump.- Prize, 10s. King, 1st: Pnnga, 2nd
Joseph is also recorded in 1895 as residing in Te Mata with his older brother John, they are noted as "settlers". John did marry Martha in 1893 however that is no reason for Joseph to not be living with a close family member.
We are unsure when Joseph passed away. However he is recorded to be buried with his father Richard Galvan at Raglan Lawn Cemetery. Five of his relatives are buried close by in the same cemetery.
I do not yet know too much of Joseph's life so would love any information on him.
In November 2019, my family visited the grave of Richard and Joseph which is currently unmarked. We placed a planter pot with a metal red rose and a laminated name plaque. We hope to put a proper memorial plaque in place soon.
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