Brain, Joseph Denham, 1841-1924 (Person)

SummaryCaptain Joseph Denham Brain (1841–1924) was a shipbuilder and community leader in Tauranga. Originally from the Isle of Wight, he served as ship’s carpenter and mate on the “Rangiriri” and the “Pioneer” gunboats during the New Zealand Wars. He established a shipyard in Tauranga, building vessels such as the cutter Dream and several scows. Brain contributed to local infrastructure, constructing bridges, wharves, and the first concrete retaining wall along The Strand. Active in regattas and local governance, he served on the Tauranga Borough Council. He built the Brain Watkins House, now a museum, where he lived with his wife, Kate Ellen Brain, and their five daughters

Photographs

Brain's boatyard c. 1900

Brain's boatyard c. 1915

Joseph Brain's Boatyard c. 1915

Brain's Boatyard c. 1913

Publications

Flyer and article for Brain Watkins House c. 1989

Courtesy Tauranga Historical Society Blog

Usage

Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our heritage resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted within.CopyrightTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesLicenseCC BY 4.0AcknowledgementTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries, Brain, Joseph Denham, 1841-1924 (Person)

Personal Information

Date of Birth1841Date of DeathMarch 12, 1924

Partner

PartnerBishop, Kate Ellen

Relates To

Start here:Brain Watkins House, 1881- (Place)

Admin

AuthorTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesType of ContributionLibrary authorityTaxonomyStories | People

Menu

Brain, Joseph Denham, 1841-1924 (Person)