McKain, Douglas Mary (1789–1873)

views updated

McKain, Douglas Mary (1789–1873)

New Zealand nurse, midwife, and landowner. Name variations: Douglas Mary Dunsmore. Born Douglas Mary Dunsmore, July 20, 1789, in Glasgow, Scotland; died April 3, 1873, in Eskdale, New Zealand; dau. of John Dunsmore (alehouse keeper) and Mary (Paterson) Dunsmore; m. William McKain, 1808 (died 1837); children: 13.

Emigrated from London to New Zealand (1840); purchased land in town and leased cottages to immigrants (1850s); served as midwife and general nurse in Wellington for 20 years.

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