Born in Brixham, Devonshire, England, Ebenezer Goddard Norris was a prominent merchant, shipowner, and civic leader in 19th-century Tauranga. Raised in England, Norris assumed family responsibilities after the death of his parents, guiding his siblings’ emigration to New Zealand in 1851. He managed the historic Stone Store in Kerikeri and later served in the New Zealand Wars, earning the rank of Captain in the Tauranga Rifle Volunteers. Norris married twice—first to Charlotte Kemp, daughter of missionary James Kemp, and later to Amelia Harriet Campbell. Active in civic affairs, he served multiple terms as Chairman of the Tauranga District Highways Board and was a candidate for mayor. In 1874, he built the family residence, Barbreck House, on Devonport Road between First and Second Avenue, having initially resided at High Trees on Harington Street. He also operated a general store on Wharf Street, just off The Strand. Norris was buried in Tauranga Mission Cemetery.SourcesFamily's History is Bought to Life: Bay of Plenty Times 6 May 1972The life and times of Captain Ebenezer Norris by Mrs. A.A. McKenzie: Journal of the Tauranga Historical Society number 45
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Personal Information
First Name(s)Ebenezer GoddardSurnameNorrisDate of Birth20 August 1830Place of BirthBrixham, TorbayDate of Death27 August 1890Place of Burial/CremationTauranga Mission Cemetery
Whānau
MotherSarah ClarkeFatherGregory NorrisChildrenAda Kate NorrisColin Campbell NorrisAmy Marian NorrisGregory George NorrisRuby Rosamund NorrisConstance Amelia Norris
Partner
PartnerCharlotte Kemp
Partner
PartnerAmelia Harriet Campbell
Admin
Type of ContributionLibrary authorityTaxonomyStories | People