Maker: Janne Wilcox-Clarke

Panel number: 303

Petition sheet number: 361

Person honouring: Kate Stapleton

Relationship to maker: Geographical

Kate came from the west of Ireland to the south of New Zealand, probably with her parents.

She was born Catherine Sheehan in Cork, Ireland, 1865. Her mother was Honorah Sheehan and her father was John Sheehan. She had six brothers and sisters.

Kate married John Stapleton in 1884, at around 18 years of age. Electoral rolls record him as a labourer or fireman. They had at least four children.

Kate signed the petition in Seawood Bush near Invercargill when she was 28, and was enrolled for subsequent elections.

She died aged 79 in 1944, the year after her husband. They were buried at Eastern cemetery.

I also live in Invercargill and I’m familiar with Seaward Bush. Chesney Street was rural when Kate lived there but is now part of the urban Invercargill landscape. I have driven down her street.

Panel materials: A professional printer printed a map of Seawood Bush with Chesney Street on it – where Kate lived when she signed the petition. The DMC cottons I used were from my own collection.