All That Has Past: The Twins, Henry and David Galvan

Henry Harry and David Galvan were the last children born to Catherine in 1870. Sadly, Catherine did not survive their birth.

David Galvan (1870 - 1937)

David was born in 1870 and married Alice Berg in 1898. He lived his life in the Raglan, Te Mata and Kawhia district.

David and Alice had three children - William David Galvan (1899 - 1959), Leslie (Les) Christopher Galvan (1901-1947) and Arthur Richard Galvan (1906-1967). In the 1928 Electoral Role, David is noted as being a blacksmith living in Te Mata.

David passed away aged 67 on 3rd October 1937. His grave is unmarked along with other Galvan family members in the Raglan Lawn Cemetery. Alice remarried John Harold Westworth in 1937. She passed away on 5th July 1958 aged 76 and is buried at Maunu Cemetery in Whangarei with John. John and Alice lived at 71 Mill Road, Whangarei.

Obituary, 6 October 1937

MR DAVID GALVAN

The death has occurred of Mr David Galvan, of Te Mata, aged 67. Mr Galvan was born at Raglan in a house which is still standing. As a young man he moved to Kawhia, where he was engaged as a Blacksmith. He later went to Te Mata and he was one of the best known settlers of the district, being a highly regarded figure among the Maoris. He is survived by three sons.

Alice and John's Grave, Maunu Cemetery, Whangarei

Henry Galvan

Henry grew up to be a miner and was recorded as last living in Kaikoura, Westport at the time of his death. Sadly, he passed away in Hospital in Wellington in 1912 aged 42, following a tragic tramcar accident in Willow Street, Wellington. His elder sister Mary published his death notice.

Trams were the main form of transport in Wellington. Photo from the February 1912 Tram Strikes in Wellington as documented in newspapers.

GALVAN

In loving memory of our darling brother, Henry Galvan, late of Raglan, who was killed by a tramcar on February 27th 1912, at Willow Street. Wellington! Also of our dear brother Timothy, who was drowned in the Flora McDonald on the Manukau Bar. R.I.P.

Dear are the graves where my brothers are laid, sweet is the memory that never will fade; Flowers may wither, leaves fade and die, if others forget you, never will I. Inserted by their loving sister, Mary.