Maker: Graham Rogers

Panel number: 440

Relationship to maker: Great-aunt of mother by marriage

Maria was born in 1849 in County Cavan, Ireland.

As Maria Stephens Harris, a widow with two children, she emigrated to Christchurch. Her second marriage to Samuel Vogan (born 1848 in Cornasaus, County Cavan, Ireland) took place in Christchurch in 1880. Samuel adopted Maria’s two children and two further children were born in Christchurch. 

Samuel and Maria owned a corner grocery store at 180 Strickland Street, in Sydenham. Later they moved to Harakeke Street in Riccarton.

Samuel died in 1918 aged 70. Maria died in 1928 aged 79. They were buried together at Sydenham Cemetery in Christchurch.

Panel materials: All the materials used to create this panel were recycled and purchased from various op shops/secondhand stores in Motueka.