Hirst, Grace (1805–1901)

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Hirst, Grace (1805–1901)

New Zealand merchant, farmer, nurse, and midwife. Name variations: Grace Bracken. Born Grace Bracken, June1805, in Yorkshire, England; died Sept 8, 1901, at New Plymouth, New Zealand; dau. of Jonathan Bracken (paper manufacturer) and Grace Appleyard; m. Thomas Hirst (wool classer and buyer), 1829 (died1883); children: 11.

Immigrated to New Zealand (1851); established business selling imported goods from England (1850s); farmed small holding at Bell Block, producing butter, cheese, and other domestic products for market; served community as nurse and midwife; later invested in land and mortgages.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 1).