Ostler, Emma Brignell (c. 1848–1922)

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Ostler, Emma Brignell (c. 1848–1922)

New Zealand teacher, temperance reformer, suffragist, and landowner. Name variations: Emma Brignell Roberts. Born Emma Brignell Roberts, in 1848 or 1849, in Essex, England; died April 14, 1922, in Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand; dau. of Thomas Roberts (cleric) and Mary (Griffith) Ostler; m. William Henry Ostler (runholder), 1868 (died 1879).

Immigrated to Australia with parents (1852); relocated with husband to New Zealand, where they purchased Ben Ohau station (1874); lost everything when husband died and moved to Waitohi Flat to pursue position as teacher (1887); began to secure and clear land, making fortune in land leases and real estate; actively supported women's suffrage; held office with New Zealand Women's Christian Temperance Union, and was vice president of New Zealand Alliance (1898–1918).

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 2).