Wrigley, Thomas, 1817-1894 (Person)

SummaryThomas Wrigley (1817–1894), merchant and civic figure. Born Stockport, England; arrived New Zealand 1858. Began business at Maketū c.1861; moved to Tauranga 1863. Established stores at Tauranga, Maketū, Ōpōtiki, and Ateamuri. Built brick store in Hamilton Street 1879–80; destroyed in the Tauranga fire of May 1881, following earlier fire losses at Maketū and Rotorua. Further major loss with destruction of flax mill at Umuhika c.1891.

Public roles in Tauranga: Town Board member, Justice of the Peace, County Chairman, Mayor 1883–1885 (with councillors Buddle, Tunks, Lundon, Louch, Maxwell, Gray, Conway, Jordan, Ellis). Sold Tauranga business to Mr Badger; moved to Rotorua 1891 and resumed trading.

Travelled to England April 1894; died Stockport, 24 August 1894, shortly before intended return to New Zealand. Remembered for integrity and long service to Tauranga. Survived by wife Julia and three daughters: Kate (m. Willie Commons), Mary Isabel (m. Percy Asher), Margaret (m. George Cook).

Photographs

Record of the Mayors of Tauranga

Supporting Notes

Photocopied letter regarding Thomas Wrigley

Usage

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Personal Information

First Name(s)ThomasSurnameWrigleyDate of Birth1807Date of Death1894-12-31Place of DeathEnglandOccupationMayor of Tauranga

Whānau

ChildrenCommons née Wrigley, KateAsher née Wrigley, Mary IsabelCook née Asher, Margaret

Partner

PartnerWrigley, Julia

Admin

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

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Wrigley, Thomas, 1817-1894 (Person)