Pope, Maria Sophia (1818–1909)

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Pope, Maria Sophia (1818–1909)

New Zealand shopkeeper. Name variations: Maria Sophia Bloor. Born Maria Sophia Bloor, Aug 20, 1818, in London, England; died Nov 18, 1909, in Timaru, New Zealand; dau. of John Wesley Bloor (timber merchant) and Ann (Banson) Bloor; m. Thomas Pope (dyer), 1835 (died 1850); children: 2.

Immigrated to New Zealand (c. 1858–1860); opened the 1st variety shop in Christchurch (1862), a venture that expanded to include several branches.

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