Pre-Order now, due for release late April 2025

History from the Grave

Uncovering the Lives of Havelock’s Early Settlers

A fascinating new book, History from the Grave, by historian Don Auckram, delves into the lives of those buried in the old Havelock Cemetery, uncovering the rich and sometimes tragic history of Marlborough’s Pelorus District. This meticulously researched 498-page hardback book, featuring 167 photographs, 12 maps, 10 genealogy charts, and even six historical recipes, brings the past to life in an engaging and accessible way.

Don Auckram has dedicated three years to uncovering the stories of the 675 burial plots in the old section of the Havelock Cemetery, crafting a vivid portrait of the region from 1857 to 1920. The book introduces readers to an array of remarkable figures, from intrepid pioneers and visionary entrepreneurs to resilient women and notorious characters.

Among the captivating stories included are:

·       John Wilson, the first European settler in the Pelorus District, who sparked the 1864 Wakamarina Gold Rush.

·       William Ross Brownlee, known as the ‘King of Sawmillers,’ who led the industry for over 50 years, constructing tramlines and operating multiple sawmills.

·       John Bown, a gold miner turned farmer, who cleared over 800 acres and became the ‘King of Pelorus Valley.’

·       Henry Godsiff, an innovative farmer-turned-entrepreneur with ventures in varnishes.

·       James Akersten, a photographer whose stunning images helped put the Pelorus region on the tourist map - despite his personal struggles with alcoholism.

·       Ellen Goding, a single mother and determined businesswoman who ran her own hotel in Havelock.

·       Jock ‘Wildman’ Langmuir, a locomotive driver with a penchant for disappearing into the bush.

·       The tragic stories of three men boiled alive in a locomotive accident and John Henn, whose gruesome sawmill death shook the community.

The book also details key historical moments, including the arrival of the first settlers, the founding and growth of Havelock township, the establishment of early hotels, the challenges faced by Taranaki refugee families, and the impact of gold rushes and sawmilling on the region’s development.

With a foreword by the Rt Hon Gerry Brownlee, whose ancestor William Ross Brownlee played a pivotal role in the region’s sawmilling industry, History from the Grave is a must-read for history enthusiasts, genealogists, and anyone with a connection to Marlborough’s past.