Maker: Wendy Welsh

Panel number: 113

Petition Sheet Number: 119

Person honouring: Mrs Jos Abernethy

Relationship to makers: Great-grandmother

Margaret Smith Abernethy (nee Bissland) was born in 1868, the second daughter of William and Sarah Bissland of Howe St, Dunedin. Her father died in 1873, leaving five children.

In 1891 Maggie married Joseph Abernethy, a linotype operator for the Otago Daily Times and Otago Witness. They had six children in Dunedin: Ronald Galt born 1892, Harold Waldo born 1895, Joseph Harvey born 1898, David Gordon born 1899, Mavis Esma born 1910 and Roy Campbell born 1911. 

Margaret signed the Petition as Mrs Jos. Abernethy, Howe Street, Dunedin. By 1917 Joseph had set up business as an art dealer on George Street, the family owning Abernethy’s Fine Pictures. After Joseph’s death in 1949, Maggie continued to live at 20 Eden St, Dunedin with her son David, until her own death on 11 December 1963.

Panel materials: Tartan to represent our Scottish heritage. Six lace flowers attached with buttons to represent Margaret’s six children. Photofabric to include photos of Margaret and her sisters, and the Abernethy’s family business. Braid to frame the photos. I purchased these materials at minimal cost.