Wednesday 18 September 2013

Arthur and Matire Ormsby

                                    Arthur and Matire Ormsby

                                                    Written by David Bell

Before discussing Arthur and Matire, it might be useful to look at the early history (as much as I have on hand) of the Ormsby clan.

THERE ARE at least three theories on the origin of the Ormsby name. The name has its provenance in Scandinavia, the first Ormsby ancestors being of Viking stock. The most prevalent, but not necessarily correct, claims it comes from the word 'orm' meaning elm - the tree. The second theory is that it originates from the word 'orme' meaning snake. The snake is often equated to a dragon. The latter, I believe, may be the correct meaning, the snake (dragon) being a powerful viking religious symbol denoting strength and power. It is also commonly found on viking longboats and in their legends and stories.

There are three variations to the spelling of name; Ormsbee, Ormsbey, and the more familiar, Ormsby. In each instance the suffix to Orm denotes 'proximity to an elm tree' if using the elm theory or 'people of the snake' if the snake theory is favoured. However, some historians also state that while the name Orm is of Viking origin, Ormsby (as we have it today) is actually English, hailing from the days when the Ormsby family owned substantial lands in Lincolnshire with the suffix, 'by', indicating land holdings or 'farm'. Therefore, the name Ormsby could mean: those who come from a place near or by an elm tree, they of the snake clan, or people of the Orm estate. 


As is well known, the Vikings were skilled mariners and traders, travelling great distances in their longboats in search of riches. They were also formidable warriors and colonizers.


About the year 750 A.D. a man of about thirty years called Orm from the Scandinavian Peninsula joined up with a Viking Sea Captain and set off on a raid to Scotland planning to plunder the settlements along the coast and, if possible, capture some land for themselves. 

Orm was born in what is today's Sweden, probably around 720 A.D. He was renowned for his great strength and skill in battle. However, it appears he also suffered from a battle condition attributed to the viking spirit called berserker, a violent and overwhelming rage. In other words, in the heat of battle he would go 'berserk' and fling down his weapons to rush unarmed at the enemy and rip them apart with his bare hands.

The story of Orm is a great one. I'm not certain as to its veracity as the Vikings were marvelous story tellers not averse to embellishment when recounting heroic deeds. Be that as it may, this is the history handed down over the centuries and I for one am happy to own it. The rest of the story of Orm is taken verbatim from an article in the 'Genealogical Quarterly' of the Society of Australian Genealogists, the informant being noted as A. T. (Tony) Ormsby, a Sydney Solicitor.

THERE ARE MANY stories told about Orm, some of which have some foundation in truth. It is said that he used to wield a sword with one hand that any other man would have great difficulty wielding with two hands. He is also said, on one occasion, to have crushed the skull of a large bear which attacked him, with one blow of his fist. It was Orm's boast that he could wrestle and defeat any two strong men of his day.

When he joined the Viking Sea King who was going to the Scottish coast, he and the handful of men under his leadership in their longboat, were welcomed as an addition to the party. At that time Orm was in his prime and must have been about thirty years of age. As they neared the coast of Scotland, the Scots came out in their own ships to give battle. The Viking Sea King, fearful that the Scots were too strong to overpower, and wishing to spur his ships to greater effort, called them together and promised that he would grant the rule of the captured territory to the first man who put his foot on Scottish soil.

The battle with the Scots was fought about half a mile from the coast of Scotland and as the Scottish ships drew closer, the Vikings swarmed on board. Although outnumbered three-to-one by the Scots, they were able to defeat them.

                                                  

When Orm's ship came alongside one of the chief Scottish ships, Orm was the first to board and it is said that with one blow of his mighty sword he killed the three leading Scots before being overcome by one of his berserker fits. Flinging aside his sword he rushed at the nearest foe-man and lifting him high in the air, smote his head on the side of the ship bashing out his brains. But, in doing so, he neglected his other foe-man, and as he turned to defend himself, the broad axe of a Scottish Chieftain severed his leg just above the knee. Notwithstanding this, Orm encircled the the Scot in his arms and crushed the life from him.

Evidently, this incident marked the end of the battle and Orm's crew had between them succeeded in killing the crew of the Scottish boat which outnumbered them three-to-one. Then, with the crude surgery the Vikings had, they succeeded in bandaging Orm's leg and as night drew near they spent it about one mile from the coast of Scotland.

The next morning Orm, despite his frightful injury, insisted on taking the leadership of his crew and as the viking ship neared the coast, he picked up his severed leg and threw it onto the shore before the others had the opportunity to land, thus claiming the reward for having been the the first man of the crew to put his foot on Scottish soil. The Viking King kept his word and Orm became the ruler of the captured territory.


After subjugating the Scottish people, Orm settled in the new country and a few months later went back to Scandinavia and returned with his wife; unlike most of his crew who took fresh wives from among the wives of the Scottish Chieftains who had been slain in the battle previously.

Orm had only one wife and as far as the records show he remained true to her during the whole of his lifetime. After making a settlement he never went a-viking again and it is believed he lived to a considerable age and despite being handicapped by the loss of his leg, he was still reckoned as one of the strongest men in the land.

Orm had seven children, three girls and four boys. The girls married and nothing more is known of them. Two of the sons, in accordance with Viking custom, went away to distant lands and no true record of them is known; although it is believed that one of them penetrated by ship as far as the Mediterranean and then journeyed overland to India. A certain Ormun Khan, a border tribesman in the north of India and of Pathan ancestry who later fought for the British in the Great War (W.W.I), was reputed to have been a direct lineal descendant of one of Orm's children, but, although there are many legends to this effect, very little is known of this Indian branch of the family.

Of the other two of Orm's sons, both married and had families, although one died in battle at an early age. The other was a man of tremendous strength like his sire and renowned for his fighting ability. It is definitely known that he had four children and that from these are descended the Ormsby clan. It was a while later that the 'bey', 'bee', and 'by' was added, meaning, "the place over which Orm ruled." In time it became 'Ormsby', meaning Orm's place.



THE SETTLEMENT grew and prospered and after many generations began to quarrel with the government of England. After considerable fighting the King of England offered to grant the title and land in Lincolnshire to the current Ormsby ruler if he would agree to relinquish his control and live peaceably as an English subject. The Ormsby leader accepted and moved (presumably with his family) to Lincolnshire, England. The rest of the Ormsby tribe (those who never went to Lincolnshire) remained in Scotland and continued their struggles with the crown. When the king finally subjugated Scotland many moved to Ireland. As a result the Ormsby family became very numerous throughout the British Isles.


The Lincolnshire family integrated into English life and went on to become very prominent and wealthy members of society. Then, about the middle of the eleventh century, England came under attack from William the Conqueror of Normandy. The titled heads of the Ormsby family mixed into the fray against the Normans and by some circumstance ended up abducting the daughter of an important Norman nobleman. This noble maiden captured the heart of the leading Ormsby's eldest son, Richard. The son aided her to escape and accompanied her to her native land where they were married. This brought Norman praise upon the head of the young Ormsby and he was knighted, Sir Richard de Ormsby, Knight of the Norman crown. He then entered the war under William the Conqueror and returned to England fighting on the side of France.

William the Conqueror defeated England in the Battle of Hastings, 1066 A. D. and later awarded Richard Ormsby all the land his family had owned before the conquest. Sir Richard de Ormsby became the head of the family and his descendants come down to the present day.


It should understood, however, that there are many branches on the Ormsby tree. The Ormsby name is found in nearly every corner of the world, especially those countries that came under the English Empire. There are large Ormsby family groups throughout the British Isles, Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and scattered around Europe.

The Ormsby family in England adopted a crest depicting a man's arm holding in its hand a severed leg in the act of being thrown. Undoubtedly, this is to hold in memory the history of how the Ormsby family came into existence.


                                               

                                               The Ormsby Coat-of-Arms or family crest; note 
                                      the hand holding the severed leg.

AND SO to Arthur Sydney Ormsby of Puketotara, New Zealand. How did he end up so far away from mother England; here is a chart showing his line right back to Orm.

Chart 12.

Jean W. O. McGruther+Peter L. A. Bell
                   I
Daisy Te Kura Ormsby+John McGruther
                   I
Arthur Sydney Ormsby+Matire Wright

                   I
Robert Ormsby+Pianika Te Raku  
                   I
Bishop Owen Ormsby+Anne Phibbs
                   I
Gilbert Ormsby+(1)Mary Lloyd (2)Catherine Mahon

                   I
Sydney Ormsby+Sussannah Lloyd
                   I
Gilbert Ormsby+Sarah hill
                   I
Major Robert Ormsby+Miss Gilbert
                   I
Sheriff Edward Ormsby+ ?
                   I
Edmond Ormsby+(1)Sussanna Kelke (2)Elizabeth Newman
                   I
Thomas Ormsby+Miss Malby
                   I
Phillip Ormsby+ ?
                   I
William Ormsby+ ?
                   I
     John Ormsby+ ?
                   I
William de Ormsby+ ?
                   I
Richard de Ormsby+ ?
                   I
Roger de Ormsby+ ?
                   I
Sir John de Ormsby+Anne Lanworth
                   I
William de Ormsby+ ?
                   I
Anskitell de Ormsby(abt. 1307-1370)+ ?
                   I
Sir Richard de Ormsby+ ?
                   I
Sir Oswald de Ormsby+ ?
                   I
Sir Oswald de Ormsby+ ?
                   I
Sir William de Ormsby+ ?
                   I
Sir Richard de Ormsby (b. abt 1045)+ ?
                   I
About 300 years to Orm the Viking around 720 A. D.



AS CAN be seen from this illustrious genealogy, the Ormsbys go back a very long way and were well up in English and Irish society, even rubbing shoulders with royalty. As a result of their place in society extensive genealogical records have been kept through the centuries and this chart is only our direct family line back to Sir Richard de Ormsby, the man who sided with France and assisted William the Conqueror in the Norman invasion of 1066 A. D. From Sir Richard it's just a three hundred or so year hop to the great Orm himself. It has to be one of the best family genealogical records in existence with thousands of Ormsbys all over the world.

Left: Robert Ormsby (1823 ~ 1920), the 'father' of the name Ormsby in New Zealand.  

Arthur Ormsby was the son of Robert who came out to New Zealand with his older Brother George. George had spent some time in Australia doing survey work on what is today the city of Melbourne. He later shifted to Auckland, New Zealand, and Robert joined him there. Robert later moved to the Waikato where he worked as a courier delivering documents and mail across the province. It was while on that job he married a Maori woman of rank from Kawhia and together they produced 13 children. Arthur was number three. All Robert's sons acquired lands around the Pirongia, Ngutunui regions and set up large farms. Arthur's land was at Puketotara, about ten miles from Pirongia along the road to Kawhia. 


Arthur married Matire Wright, and together they had 14 children: John, Emma, Annie, Arthur, Richard, Hannah, Anthony, Daisy, James, Stanley, Ngarangi, Joseph, Robert, and Charlie. All these were born and raised at Puketotara on the family farm he and Matire broke in from the bush. by the time his life was ending he had provided farms around Puketotara-Ngutunui for all his offspring, giving them a sound start in life. 
Arthur was committed to his community and engaged in numerous civic duties. He became a highly respected member of the district.

                               Seven of the fourteen children of Arthur and Matire. From Left to right: Richard (Dick),
                               Daisy, Robert (Bob), Hana, Johnny, Ngarangi, and Sydney.

Puketotara was on the road to Kawhia and his house was always open to travellers; many weary wanderers enjoyed the hospitality of Arthur, Matire and the family.

Arthur was also a respected historian; especially regarding local Maori and community history. He even had a regular column in the Waikato Times and the local Waipa paper where he wrote very eloquently on things like the old tribal wars, the battle of Henga-aka-aka, Tainui, the Maori-Pakeha conflicts such as the war in Waitara and so forth. He was also a repository of knowledge in Tainui genealogy.

An interesting incident article in the Waikato Times in which Arthur was being charged with unlawfully taking a horse is a fascinating snippet of his life and times. It is too lengthy to write in full so the following is an abbreviated account of the affair.

Arthur found himself in court defending a claim that he he took a horse he was not entitled to and now must pay thirty one pounds and eight shillings in compensation and expenses to the plaintiff, a Mrs Ratapu. Mrs Ratapu contended, "I reside at Whatiwhatihoe (near Pirongia). I know the horse...it is a light grey horse with a dark mane and tail. I have not sold or parted with the horse, or authorised anyone to do so. On the 29th of April (1883) I lost the horse; it was taken out of my paddock. I saw a person riding it on the road and leading his own horse; it was Wati Pumi (Arthur Ormsby). I sent Hemi Mohi to get it back. I have summonsed Wati Pumi for the return of my horse. If the horse is not returned to me I want eight pounds, the value of the horse. I claim also nine pounds, fifteen shillings; five shillings a day from the 29th of April when it was taken away." In addition to these sums Mrs Ratapu was claiming for solicitor's fees, interpreter's fees, expenses, and cost of messenger appointed by the Te Awamutu Court.

It gets complicated. Apparently the horse belonged to one Takua, who was a slave to Mrs Ratapu, which probably meant the horse should be considered Mrs Ratapu's because the slave was her property. Hemi Mohi testified that he asked Wati Pumi for the horse and that Pumi refused to give it to him. Tangi Moana, who is stated to be Ratapu's husband, said he saw Pumi with the horse but didn't do anything. Hemi Mohi was sent because he knew better how to deal with Europeans. Tangi went on to say, "I did not sell Wati Pumi a horse in October 1883. I did buy a pig from him for one pound which I afterwards paid to his wife. I never said the horse was to be payment for the pig." He went on to say that the original owner of the mother of the horse was his slave Takua, and he, Tangi Moana, was to be given the fourth born foal and all others after which he was to share with Takua's daughter, a half-caste. But the girl and her mother ran away to their people in Taranaki. He said the girl ran away because he wanted her for a wife and it appears she became so soon after. What he said next must have raised a few eyebrows in the court. In his own words, "The girl, like her mother, belonged to me as my slave. I killed and ate her mother, and the girl also was my slave, and had no claim on the horse."  

Then, Wati Pumi was given his say. He stated that an old native, Rimu Manuka, came to him to purchase a pig. He didn't want to part with any of his pigs but Rimu was persistent and he relented. At that time Tangi Moana was there watching Wati handling a colt. Tangi asked him if he would buy a colt from him. Wati declined so Tangi tried another tack and said that because Rimu had pig to feed his folk he also needed one to feed people who were putting in his potatoes or he would be ashamed. Wati didn't take the bait at first but then Tangi turned on the spin by explaining that the colt was young and unbroken and he didn't want it as he was too old to break it in. Wati gave in and a happy Tangi said he would bring the horse around the next morning. Wati says, "To my surprise he kept his word but I didn't succeed in catching the horse he pointed out because it was running with my own horses. I left it there and being pleased with him said I would now give him a pig."

A day or two later the horse in question was caught and to Wati's surprise was not an unbroken colt but an older, trained horse worth much more. He went to Tangi explaining the matter but Tangi insisted it was the correct horse and told him to come back to him if anyone troubled him about it. Some time later Tangi returned and explained that he had indeed made a mistake and wanted Wati to meet with him to sort the matter out. Wati was plowing and said he would come later. In the meantime Tangi hurried to Wati's house and paid one pound to Wati's wife, Matire, in payment for the pig he had acquired earlier, saying he was in big trouble. To this point no mention had been made of Mrs Ratapu, Tangi's wife. The first time Wati heard her name was when he was summonsed. 

there are several more twists and turns but to cut this long story short it ended like this: The court struck out all Mrs Ratapu's claims except the ones for the horse and the loss of its use. Ratapu claimed the horse as belonging to her because her slave gave it to her. When Tangi Moana took the horse from her paddock and gave it to Wati Pumi she thought she had lost it until she spotted Pumi with it some time later. She believed he took it from her paddock and got angry when he refused to give it back so she took him to court. She knew nothing of the pig deal. When the whole thing turned to custard Wati tried to get it resolved through a rununga (local native council) but Ratapu refused to agree. As it turned out, Tangi Moana shouldn't have taken it from the paddock to trade for a pig, and when he was found out and in trouble, he hurriedly paid Matire for the pig so he could get the horse back...so it seems. Old Tangi Moana appears to be the real villain in the case and any claim to honour would surely have been scorned after his matter-of-fact admission that he killed and ate his slave girl's (who was also now one of his wives) mother. Our ancestor, Arthur, renowned for his willingness to help the locals, seems to have been the victim of his own softness. As he stated, "I was not in any way suspicious about the affair. I have the horse now. I value it at nine pounds. It is a better horse than I expected."

The verdict handed down by the court was as follows: That Tangi Moana had no right to dispose of the horse for a pig, which he had no doubt done; that the horse must be returned to the owner, Ratapu, or the value claimed being eight pounds; the court would allow no costs.

All up a pretty fair decision I think.

(For the full report google Wati Pumi papers past) 

Arthur Died 6 January, 1926 at his home at Puketotara. His obituary in the local newspaper adds a little more to our knowledge of one of our greatest characters on the family line. 

When, therefore, the news became current that Mr Arthur Ormsby of Puketotara, had passed away at his home, practically every household participated in the general regret at the removal of one of our earliest settlers. All the way from Waipa to Kawhia there are landed interests which have belonged, or are still in the possession of the family, and Arthur, with his brother, John Ormsby, have been the recognised links between the incoming white man and the original Maori population. 

As a settler and businessman at Te Raumoa, and at Kawhia, Mr Ormsby was among those that first attempted the civilisation of the wild wastes between the harbour and the railway, and a large family of sons and daughters continue to uphold the family tradition.

He took the keenest interest in public affairs and was always ready to assist in Philanthropic movements, the Memorial Hall at Pirongia, to which he was a liberal contributor both in cash and kind, being among the latest enterprises with which he was connected.

His home was synonymous with hospitality, and many a traveller can recall with gratitude the welcome at a dwelling where nothing was too much for the town wayfarer when roads were non-existent and houses far and few between.

His wife, the sister of the late Mrs Grey of Awaroa and Mrs Kendall of Te Mata, was a true help-meet during the hard struggles of early back-block days and fully seconded her husband's generous nature. Of the family, Mr J. A. Ormsby (Otorohanga), R. and A. Ormsby (Te Kuiti), A. S. Ormsby (Te Raumoa), and R. Ormsby (Oparau), are best known, while Miss Daisy (now Mrs J. McGruther of the Rarotonga Educational staff) was also a familiar figure in this district. The funeral obsequies took place at the family cemetery (Te Akarauti) near Puketotara last Saturday and was largely attended by both races.


Grandfather Arthur passed from this life 26 January, 1926 and lies at rest at Te Akarauti. His wife, Matire, joined him nine years later, 29 August, 1935.

Written by David Bell

Sources used

1. Local information from Mac Bell, family Kaumatua and historian.

2. Newspaper obituary.

3. Extensive Ormsby genealogical records. 


4. Waikato Times, Rorahi XXIII, Putanga 1933, page 3.



Some additional interesting material on the Ormsby name

The surname has appeared with the following spellings:
Ormesby Surname
Ormsby Surname
Ormsbee Surname
Ormsby Last Name Meaning
An old tradition, dating back before the year 1050, says that the first original ancestor of Ormesby-Ormsby-Ormsbee was Orm, so called because he came from a Place of Elms (Etymology Dictionary by William Arthur, M.D.). Orm was the old Scandinavian word for Elm or Elm Tree, or Elm Trees. Bey, By, Bye were places, any places where people resided.
Ormsby Surname Origin
The original Orm lived in the Scandinavian Peninsula. He was a Lord. (Lord meant, not nobility but a person who owned or who controlled large tracts of land) Orm did. In that section, and during those times a rich man might have as many wives as his possessions might support. Orm had several and raised a large family of boys. As the boys grew to manhood, Orm followed the custom of those times and gave each of his male offspring a portion of the land he owned. When the youngest and last son reached manhood there was no more land, so this latest son required to seek and forge for himself.

He joined a Viking crew under the leadership of an old experienced Viking, who during about the middle of the eighth century plundered the coast of Scotland in one of those Long Ships of Rowing Galleries popular at that time among Vikings and Pirate Sea Kings.

On one of his excursions to Scotland, the Scots were better prepared and came out upon the sea to give battle. The Scots were getting the best of the fight when the old Viking called his crew together, together, asked them to fight harder, and promised to make that particular one the ruler of captured territory who should be the first to set foot on Scottish soil.

During the fight which ensued Young Orm had his leg severed just above the knee by the broad sword of the Scots. He tied it up. The Viking won, and as they neared the Scottish soil Young Orm suddenly arose, picked up his severed leg and threw it overboard onto the land and claimed the reward as being the first to put his foot on Scottish soil. He finally recovered from his wound and the Viking kept his word making Young Orm the ruler of the captured territory.

The termination bye meaning a place or settlement was added later, undoubtedly from the colony over which Orm was made ruler.

Many generations passed during which there was continual conflict between the Ormesbys and the King of England. The King's troops could not subdue the Ormesbys and the Ormesbys could not conquer England. At the time of the conflict with England which terminated in the complete subjection of Scotland, the Ormesbys had become a powerful clan and England offered a baronage to the then Ormesby leader if he would renounce his allegiance to Scotland and to his Clan and move himself and his personal family to Lincolnshire.

Ormesby did so renounce his Clan and Allegiance to Scotland and moved to Lincolnshire. Those who remained in Scotland fought until they could carry on the war no longer. A part of them submitted to English rule and remained in Scotland where the family still exists in large numbers. The greater part, however, refused to submit and emigrated to Ireland (northeast) where they are still a numerous people. Others moved to various sections, probably changing names according to the customs of the time.

The Ormesbys of Lincolnshire eventually became a massive family, and in the middle of the eleventh century, in a war with France, in which William the Conqueror played such an important part, the then, Baron Ormesby captured the daughter of a French Nobleman and held her for high ransom. The Baron's son, whose name was William, in defiance to his father's project fell in love with the supposedly beautiful girl; helped her to escape, and went with her back to the Northerly part of France known as Normandy. Here, because of his heroic act, he became a hero to the Norman people. William the Conqueror then took him into the army, and after the subjection of England in 1050 dispelled the leading Baron of the Ormesbys and in his place established Young William, giving him the title of William de Ormesby, Knight. Many of the Ormesbys, byes, bys, bees of today claim descent from this character, meaning, or should mean no doubt, to the clan of people whom he headed.

The story of Orm and the Viking expedition has come down from the time recording began, and is supposed to account for the tradition regarding the severed leg used in the Ormsby Coat-of-Arms. More of the story accounts for the way the historic William de Ormesby, Knight, of whom so many descendants are proud, come into being.
Source: London England, Genealogist

Additional Facts of Interest:
Ormsby is a combination of the old Scandinavian personal (as distinguished from family) name "ORM" and the Danish word "BY" or "BYE" meaning "Town". Its original signification therefore, was "ORM'S Town" or possible estate. The Village of Ormsby in North Riding of Yorkshire, England is one surviving example of its original use as a place name. As a patronymic, Ormsby belongs to that large class derived from geographic locations.

William Elliot Ormsby wrote, in 1941, about Sir Richard de Ormesby:

The name of Ormsby is of Saxon origin and founded before the Norman Conquest. The name means, literally, "The dwelling of Orme." It was first spelled Ormesby meaning "By the Orme." It was taken by the man who lived there. That man was Sir Richard De Ormesby. He owned a large estate which he called Ormsby, leaving out the "e". That estate is now Ormsby Parish, in Lincolnshire, England. The castle he lived in was "The Orme". . . Sir Richard was established at "The Orme" in the early eleventh century. Because of his bravery, honest, and integrity, "William the Conqueror" allowed him to keep all his property and lands after the Conquest (1066) . . . They (various Ormsby spellings) all have Sir Richard as a common progenitor. (Provided by William Elliot Ormsby's great, great-grandfather, Heather Byrd).
Source: Colonial Families of America


The Ormsby Surname


The following was taken from the London, England Genealogist. An issue prior to 1905.
The surname has appeared with the following spellings:
Ormesby
Ormsby
Ormsbee
An old tradition, dating back before the year 1050, says that the first original ancestor of
Ormesby-Ormsby-Ormsbee was Orm, so called because he came from a Place of Elms (Etymology Dictionary by William Arthur, M.D.). Orm was the old Scandinavian word for Elm or Elm Tree, or Elm Trees. Bey, By, Bye were places, any places where people resided.
The original Orm lived in the Scandinavian Peninsula. He was a Lord. (Lord meant, not nobility but a person who owned or who controlled large tracts of land) Orm did. In that section, and during those times a rich man might have as many wives as his possessions might support. Orm had several and raised a large family of boys. As the boys grew to manhood, Orm followed the custom of those times and gave each of his male offspring a portion of the land he owned. When the youngest and last son reached manhood there was no more land, so this latest son required to seek and forge for himself.
He joined a Viking crew under the leadership of an old experienced Viking, who during about the middle of the eighth century plundered the coast of Scotland in one of those Long Ships of Rowing Galleries popular at that time among Vikings and Pirate Sea Kings.
On one of his excursions to Scotland, the Scots were better prepared and came out upon the sea to give battle. The Scots were getting the best of the fight when the old Viking called his crew together, together, asked them to fight harder, and promised to make that particular one the ruler of captured territory who should be the first to set foot on Scottish soil.
During the fight which ensued Young Orm had his leg severed just above the knee by the broad sword of the Scots. He tied it up. The Viking won, and as they neared the Scottish soil Young Orm suddenly arose, picked up his severed leg and threw it overboard onto the land and claimed the reward as being the first to put his foot on Scottish soil. He finally recovered from his wound and the Viking kept his word making Young Orm the ruler of the captured territory.
The termination bye meaning a place or settlement was added later, undoubtedly from the colony over which Orm was made ruler.
Many generations passed during which there was continual conflict between the Ormesbys and the King of England. The King's troops could not subdue the Ormesbys and the Ormesbys could not conquer England. At the time of the conflict with England which terminated in the complete subjection of Scotland, the Ormesbys had become a powerful clan and England offered a baronage to the then Ormesby leader if he would renounce his allegiance to Scotland and to his Clan and move himself and his personal family to Lincolnshire.
Ormesby did so renounce his Clan and Allegiance to Scotland and moved to Lincolnshire. Those who remained in Scotland fought until they could carry on the war no longer. A part of them submitted to English rule and remained in Scotland where the family still exists in large numbers. The greater part, however, refused to submit and emigrated to Ireland (northeast) where they are still a numerous people. Others moved to various sections, probably changing names according to the customs of the time.
The Ormesbys of Lincolnshire eventually became a massive family, and in the middle of the eleventh century, in a war with France, in which William the Conqueror played such an important part, the then, Baron Ormesby captured the daughter of a French Nobleman and held her for high ransom. The Baron's son, whose name was William, in defiance to his father's project fell in love with the supposedly beautiful girl; helped her to escape, and went with her back to the Northerly part of France known as Normandy. Here, because of his heroic act, he became a hero to the Norman people. William the Conqueror then took him into the army, and after the subjection of England in 1050 dispelled the leading Baron of the Ormesbys and in his place established Young William, giving him the title of William de Ormesby, Knight. Many of the Ormesbys, byes, bys, bees of today claim descent from this character, meaning, or should mean no doubt, to the clan of people whom he headed.
The story of Orm and the Viking expedition has come down from the time recording began, and is supposed to account for the tradition regarding the severed leg used in the Ormsby Coat-of-Arms. More of the story accounts for the way the historic William de Ormesby, Knight, of whom so many descendants are proud, come into being.
Additional Facts of Interest:
From: Colonial Families of America
Ormsby is a combination of the old Scandinavian personal (as distinguished from family) name "ORM" and the Danish word "BY" or "BYE" meaning "Town". Its original signification therefore, was "ORM'S Town" or possible estate. The Village of Ormsby in North Riding of Yorkshire, England is one surviving example of its original use as a place name. As a patronymic, Ormsby belongs to that large class derived from geographic locations.
William Elliot Ormsby wrote, in 1941, about Sir Richard de Ormesby:
The name of Ormsby is of Saxon origin and founded before the Norman Conquest. The name means, literally, "The dwelling of Orme." It was first spelled Ormesby meaning "By the Orme." It was taken by the man who lived there. That man was Sir Richard De Ormesby. He owned a large estate which he called Ormsby, leaving out the "e". That estate is now Ormsby Parish, in Lincolnshire, England. The castle he lived in was "The Orme". . . Sir Richard was established at "The Orme" in the early eleventh century. Because of his bravery, honest, and integrity, "William the Conqueror" allowed him to keep all his property and lands after the Conquest (1066) . . . They (various Ormsby spellings) all have Sir Richard as a common progenitor. (Provided by William Elliot Ormsby's great, great-grandfather, Heather Byrd).
Jim Ormsby <jimormsby@hotmail.com>
May 12, 2002
My name is Jim Ormsby and I am from a little hick town on the Gulf Coast called Clute, Texas. I started doing Ormsby family research in 1969, when I was in my mid-twenties. It had to be done by hand in those days, and it took weeks to get an answer, if you ever got one. I did a lot of research through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Genealogical Library in Salt Lake, and became very familiar with the Family Research Centers in England, including the Heraldic Historical Records of the Library of London. I hope you won't mind my making a few comments about our family's origin.
We are not decended from the native peoples of Scotland, but from Vikings. The Historical Records Center in London is quite clear on the matter; our root name is ORME, not ORM, and all the early generations after the original ORME spelled the name ORMESBY, not ORMSBY. It was only after there came to be political differences and split alliances that the name began to be spelled differently, as to differentiate one family's alliances from another. ORME means "snake", although not as docile as "elm tree", it is most significant from a Viking standpoint. The snake is a very powerful symbol in Viking religion and represents virility and strength. Based on heraldic records information, I believe that ORME came from Orme, Denmark, which was an ancient Viking settlement, around the year 495, and as your paper indicates, became a ruler of a portion of Scotland around that time. Descendants of ORME added the "sby" to indicate that they came from the land of ORME, and the name was further changed as political and territorial necessity required. Heraldic records show that there were three distinct family shields, depending on the era, and each has in common the arm holding the leg as if to throw it, giving credence to the legend of ORME's ascension to kingship as true. When written records began to be made around 700 or so, such legends were written as fact, when most could not be verified. The Coat of Arms seems to verify ORME's legend as fact.
This is the second record I have seen that mistakenly gives our family root name as ORM, and I hope you do not take offense at my aggressive posture regarding this issue. My own father paid about $500 for a so-called "family crest research" back in the 1970's. I was in the middle of my own research at the time, and he did not know of my results until I had proof and verification of my findings. When he proudly showed me his "official" documents, listing our family shield as having "a dove rising on the wind" in one corner, and (I don't even remember what the other items were) other ridiculous things, I couldn't contain my displeasure, but I didn't want my dad to feel bad, so I didn't say anything right away, rather waited about six months to show him my research and the true shields and crests that I obtained from the Library of London. I appreciate all the work that is done in the name of good, even the mistakes. My intention is to correct a mistake, not to insult the researcher, who has spent much time and effort to come to their conclusion. I might suggest that for truly ancient records about family histories, that one go to the likeliest place where those records might be found and depend on them, not someone else's opinion, even mine. Opinions are like armpits, everyone has at least two.

As genealogists say, good luck and good hunting! JimBO

Orm – The Viking Warrior
Posted on March 7, 2015
ORM was a Viking, probably one of the Halfdans, who was born in the early part of the eighth century in what is now known as Sweden, around 750 AD, “Orm of the Scandinavian Peninsula,” joined a group of sailors, under the leadership of a Viking Sea King who had ambitions of  plundering the coast of Scotland and capturing land for Viking settlements.
According to legend, ORM was noted for his tremendous skill in battle together with his great strength. However, it seems that in battle he was apt to become subject to strange fits of berserk rage and frequently flung down his weapon and would rush unarmed to meet his adversary, which eventually would lead to his downfall.
There are many stories told about ORM, some of which may have some foundation of truth. It is said that he used to wield a sword with one hand that any other man would have difficulty in wielding with two hands. It is also said, on one occasion, to have crushed the skull of a large bear, which attacked him, with one blow of his fist. It was Orm’s boast that he could wrestle and defeat any two strong men of his day.
Nevertheless, when he joined the Viking sea king’s adventure, at the age of about 30, he led a handful of men, in their Viking longboat and were enthusiastically welcomed into the invading army. As they neared the coast of Scotland, the Scots came out in their own ships to engage in battle. The leader of the Viking forces, fearful that the Scots may be too strong, called his men them together and in an effort to spur-on his army, promised that he would grant the rulership of the captured territory to the first man who put his foot on Scottish soil.
The battle with the Scots was fought about a mile from the coast of Scotland, and as the Scottish ships drew closer, the Vikings swarmed on board. Although outnumbered three to one by the Scots, the fearsome Vikings won the day. When Orm’s ship came alongside of one of the Scottish ships, ORM was the first to board, and it was said, that with one blow of his mighty sword he killed the three Scots, and then slaughtered a further six until he was overcome by one of his notoriously, uncontrollable fits of rage.
Flinging aside his sword, he rushed at his nearest Scot and, lifting him high in the air he bludgeoned the head on the side of the ship. However,  in doing so he neglected other Scot fighters, and as he turned to defend himself, the broad axe of the Scottish Chieftain severed his leg just above the knee. Not to be beaten, the story has it, that ORM picked up the Scottish chief in his arms and “bear-hugging” him, crushed him to death.
This incident marked the end of the battle with ORM and his crew victorious despite being outnumbered – three to one. Using the basic surgery that the Vikings possessed, they succeeded in bandaging Orm’s leg and as the night was drawing near, the invading army spent it off the coast of Scotland. The next morning, despite his frightful injuries, Orm insisted on leading his crew on the invasion, and as the Viking ship neared the coast Orm picked up his severed leg and threw it on the shore before the others had the opportunity to land; so claiming the reward for having been the first man to put his foot on Scottish soil!
The Viking chief kept his word and Orm became ruler of the captured territory. After subjugating the Scottish people, he settled in the new country, a few months later sailing back to Scandinavia to return with his wife and establish a life in Britain.
Orm had seven children, four boys and three girls. The girls married and nothing further is heard of them. Two of the sons in accordance with the Viking customs went away to far distant lands and whilst information is scant, it is believed that one of his sons reached the  Mediterranean Sea and eventually travelling to India.
The other two of Orm’s children both married and had children although one died in battle at an early age. The surviving son was a man of tremendous strength like his father and it is known that he eventually, had four children and that the family that gradually migrated south towards what is now Lincolnshire. During this migration, these descendants populated many parts of the North of England.
Born in 965, or thereabouts, it was an heir, and prominent thane, retaining the family name, Orm, and holding a number of significant estates, that gave his name to our village (amongst a number of others including Ormskirk and Ormesby).
Marrying into royalty, with Etheldreda daughter of Siward, the Earl of Northumbria and niece of Duncan, King of Scotland – (this) Orm had a son Gamel (now taking the surname de Spofford) who eventually acquired significant,and large, estates in the counties of York, Lincoln, Derby, Stafford, Salop and Chester.
Upon the death of the Earl of Northumbria, Edward the Confesser intervened in the succession and appointed Tostig Goodwinson (the king’s brother in law) to the position. Tostig was extremely unpopular with both his subjects and peers alike, and in 1064 ordered the murders of a number of neighbouring, critical lords, including Gamel.
Gamel’s son, Gamelbar inherited the family estates and further developed his position as a successful thane. In 1065, and to avenge his father’s murder, Gamelbar led a revolt against Tostig, marched to York and defeated his house troops. The “bloody” feud continued between the two houses until, in 1065, King Edward sent his brother-in-law Harold to secure a truce.
Successfully accomplished, Harold recommended that Tostig be stripped of his title and be exiled. Upon King Edwards death in 1066, Harold became king, although the succession was disputed by many parties including Harald Hardrada of Norway, claiming that Edward had promised him the crown and to establish his claim, he immediately launched an invasion.
Unsurprisingly, Tostig joined forces and  between them they succeeded in conquering York. Upon learning of the fall of York, the now King Harold, “force marched” his troops to the north where he caught Tostig and Hardrada by surprise. They were defeated at the Battle of Stamford Bridge with both Tostig and Hardrada killed.
However, even as the fighting was being concluded, news reached the King about William’s, norman army landing on the south coast of England. He immediately put his exhausted, and still bloodied army on a march south to meet them.10 days later, they met at the battle of Hastings, where Harold died (as did his two remaining brothers) – and the successful, William became “William the Conqueror”.
During this time, Gamelbar de Spofford remained loyal to King Harold and in 1068 participated in a revolt against King William and his Norman court to restore the English crown. However the revolt was defeated with William exacting his revenge for the treason, stripping the de Spofford family of all of its estates , castles and mansions.


 

 

 



 



 



 


Monday 9 September 2013

Robert Ormsby



      
               Robert Ormsby
                                                         Written by David Bell                                                     
Robert Ormsby 1823 ~ 1920

Robert Ormsby was born in Ireland, 13 June, 1823. His father was the Reverend Owen Ormsby, Rector of Ballymascanlon, County Louth. His upbringing was good for the times, his family possessing considerable lands and wealth, and his father being a Rector suggests he also would have had a strong Anglican-Christian home life. He also had access to a good education and attended Trinity College in Dublin from 1841 to 1844.  It appears, though, that he wasn’t the greatest of scholars, his success in the academic world being rather limited. Nevertheless, he valued learning and all through his life encouraged education…more on his forays into the field of education will be discussed later in this article.

One year after his stint at the Dublin College, he left Ireland for New Zealand. Colonisation was in full swing at that time and I would suppose he was caught up in the spirit of adventure and the possibility of wealth and fortune on the other side of the world. Additionally, George, his older brother had earlier left the motherland and after some time in Australia doing survey work for what is today the city of Melbourne, took up residence and a government post in Auckland, New Zealand. Robert joined him and gained temporary employment as a government courier conveying messages to and from the British military settlements throughout the Auckland-Waikato regions. Along with this he conducted school lessons for the children of these outposts, an indication of his personal commitment to education. Whether or not he received remuneration for these efforts I can’t say.

Somewhere during his time as a courier he must have secured a bit of land, for a jury list states that he was a farmer of Manukau. Also during his courier days he had a life-changing experience; he got lost in thick bush somewhere near Kawhia and nearly died. He was found in a delirious state by a young Maori chief of the area and taken back to his village and given over to his sister, one Rangihurihia (also known as Pianika Te Raku-Takiari), to nurse back to health. Under her care he made a full recovery. It is said that he fell in love with his nurse and the two married. Another story says that her father, Te Raku Whakapuhara Takiari, a Maniapoto chief, insisted they marry in such a way that it was an offer Ormsby could not refuse!  Perhaps it was a bit of both because unlike so many other white settlers who married into Maori tribes to get land then dumped their native wives when they had served their purpose, Robert Ormsby remained faithful to Pianika for the rest of their lives.

                                
Below: Meri Rangihurihia Pianika Te Raku-Takiari
                               (3 September, 1828-1905), wife of Robert Ormsby.
It was a good marriage but by no means a fairy tale one. Robert’s Maori wife was a strong and independent Maniapoto of high birth with a hot temper. Her mother was Matekorama Rangihemoana Te Ra, a woman of great note in the area. Pianika was also cousin to both Ngati Maniapoto's renowned fighting chief, Rewi Manga (more commonly known as Rewi Maniapoto) and Ngati Toa's ferocious Te Rauparaha. Little wonder she was noted for her fiery spirit. Robert gave her a name of his own which she became known by; he called her Bianca after the character in the novel, The Taming of the Shrew. Pianika is te-reo for Bianca.
Pianika was thoroughly Maori and knew little of Pakeha culture. The differences between her and her husband could have been insurmountable if not for Robert’s sincerity and fidelity; no doubt a product of his strict Christian upbringing. Nevertheless, he had to make concessions and sacrifices in his own life so that his marriage would endure. For example, his son Jeremiah once wrote to him asking why a man of his reputation and standing did not take a more prominent role in the affairs of the community. Robert wrote back to his son as follows: 

My Dear Jerry,
I got your letter of 19th by way of Te Raumoa, for the stupid girl in Pirongia sent it there. You say I am not a sociable sort of man which is quite true. Most people like to give as good as they get. I never can have things as nice as people who have European wives and therefore I keep strangers at a distance and keep myself at a distance from them.
You seem to think that fortunes are always made by what is called ‘sharp practice’ and perhaps most are, especially in these colonies, but there are some who can say that they have made their money honestly. In fact it seems as natural for some men to grow rich as for the greater number to become poor. One of the greatest blessings that a man with money can have is that he can keep his children, or some of them, about him.

I had a letter from William lately, he seems to be doing well and to like his work. I could wish he had more fancy for farming but I suppose what he is at pays better.

By last account the Boers seem to be getting it, they will not have much to boast this time. England seems to be sending a proper number of men. I heard an old soldier once that she generally sends ten when she should send fifty.

Nothing new or uncommon here; we are both pretty well but of course failing. You know how glad we will be to see you if you come at Christmas.

Ever you’re affectionate father,

R.O. Sen.

The letter is dated 28 October – year unknown but probably towards the later part of his life as he states that both he and Pianika are ‘failing’, suggesting old age was upon them. I would guess the year to be around 1910 to 1912.

From this letter we can glimpse some valuable insights as to the character of Robert. I sense a man who was not afraid to speak his mind and a man with a keen sense of family as shown by his comment about the greatest blessing a rich man can have; he obviously loved his children of which there were thirteen. His offspring (all males but two) included the following from oldest to youngest: Gilbert William – Robert – Arthur Sydney (our line) – John –Mary Hinetu - Anthony – Richard (died in infancy) - Annie – Jeremiah – Charlie – George – Benjamin – William.

The letter also shows a man committed to his marriage and the institute of marriage, insomuch that he willfully gave up his own social needs for his wife. The fact that he remained true to her is a testament to his character.   

He was obviously a scrupulously honest person, choosing to earn his living by honest toil. He never did make a great fortune but he made sure all his children were well cared for. I get the sense that he put honesty and integrity before pecuniary gain.

I believe he did his best to make sure his children were well enough educated for the times and history shows that all of them were literate and active members of society. Our own Arthur, his third son, became a respected local historian and community leader, for example.

Land, I suppose, became his greatest temporal legacy to his posterity. Although he wasn't a farmer himself, he encouraged his sons to work the land until eventually the Ormsby clan owned vast amounts of it from Puketotara to Kawhia. It’s pretty much all gone now, only a couple of farms in the Puketotara-Ngutunui districts remaining in hands of Keith Ormsby (great grandson to Robert) and Raymond Ormsby (great-great grandson), the last two guardians of the old Ormsby Empire. His more lasting but less tangible legacy would be his indomitable spirit and sense of family.

From Robert Ormsby has grown what is arguably the largest and most identifiable family in New Zealand. There are thousands of unrelated Bells, Smiths, Jones’ and so-on, but there is only one Ormsby. If you have the name Ormsby there is only one family and one heritage you belong to and it leads right back to Grandfather Robert.

Robert must have earned the respect of his wife’s tribe because he was soon adopted as a member of Ngati Maniapoto. Pianika’s lineage is a strong one; she was the daughter of Te Raku, a paramount chief and a direct descendant of Hoturoa, the Tainui Captain. She was also closely connected to the famous Maniapoto chief, Rewi, as well as having strong ancestral ties to Te Rauparaha of Ngati Toa.

Their first home after they were married was at the Anglican Mission at Mangapouri where he worked as a school teacher. In 1857 he lived at a place called Turitea Valley where he travelled to many areas as an itinerant teacher organising schools in newly settled communities. During the 1860’s he taught in places like Tamahere and Hautapu (near Hamilton) and eventually Alexandra, or Pirongia as it is now known.

In Alexandra he set up a school but was later required by the authorities to agree to be a settled resident of the town and to pass an examination set by the Central Board of Education, presumably to make sure he had some bona-fide credentials to operate a school. This meant he had to reapply for the position because the Central Board of Education was now in charge. In September, 1872, he was appointed as the school’s first headmaster with fifty pounds per annum as salary. A Mrs Dillon was also hired as a part time sewing teacher for ten pounds per annum.  In September the following year, he agreed to open an evening school but had some kind of dispute over the salary. Added to this was his refusal to adhere to Board regulations and some complaints about his harsh disciplinary methods; all adding up to a bumpy start to his teaching days at Pirongia.

It got worse. In 1874, an inspector’s report gave a negative account of the standard of work achieved by the school and in 1877 he ran into big trouble regarding his disciplinary measures.  In the book by L. H. Barber titled, A View From Pirongia, we read:

Robert Ormsby was not a typical late nineteenth century colonial headmaster. He was an unfortunate choice, although a Hobson’s choice as far as the Board was concerned, for there were no other applicants. Ormsby had come to New Zealand from Ireland, having failed to complete a Classics degree at Trinity College, Dublin. With some help from his father, a Church of England Rector, Ormsby immigrated to New Zealand and first tried his luck as a farmer at Manukau, married a Maori chief’s daughter and began work as an itinerant teacher.
Ormsby was a harsh disciplinarian who soon after his appointment to Alexandra School clashed with the school board over the treatment of pupils. The Board, chaired by Major Mair, received a complaint from the parents of children kept in during the dinner hour and refused all food and water during the school day. The school board decreed that henceforth the headmaster could only detain pupils after three o’clock in the afternoon.

On 9 March, 1877, the board was faced with another case and conducted a serious inquiry regarding allegations that a student was left ‘beaten and bleeding’ by Ormsby. After hearing evidence the board decided that Ormsby would be suspended if any further charges were proved against him.
In mitigation of Ormsby’s strictness it must be recorded that he played a useful role as a supporter of the Alexandra musical Society, a group that met in the schoolhouse from 1874. He also keenly supported the Alexandra Literary Society and the chess club, and allowed these groups to use the school. The Alexandra Institute Library, founded in 1871, had Ormsby to thank for the balance of novels by Charles Dickens and Lord Litton (and other notable authors) and scientific and farming works purchased largely with Auckland Provincial council funds. Ormsby also acted as a spokesman for local Maori in the Te Awamutu courthouse.

It should also be remembered that beatings, sarcasm, rote learning and patriotic indoctrination were normal aspects of late Victorian education. Ormsby was not exceptionally vicious.
When the Maori wars broke out in the mid 1860’s he was being drawn into a situation where he would have to pick a side; he didn't want to have divided loyalties so he moved to Auckland with his family. Only his third eldest son, John, remained at Pirongia because Pianika’s parents grieved at their grandchildren being taken to a distant place, and John was greatly loved by them. Robert reluctantly left the boy in their care and he was raised by them for several years in true Maori fashion. When the wars ended John returned to be with his parents and siblings and became a prominent player in civic affairs in his mother’s Maniapoto territory by helping set up local bodies in Otorohanga and Te Kuiti. He also became a valuable advocate for Maori in the land courts, his fluency in both the Maori and English languages and a life-knowledge of both cultures being advantageous. Robert’s other son, Jerry, also became prominent in local body affairs.  Robert and his family have made a significant contribution to the early history of the Waikato and King Country.                 
Robert and some family members - Robert is seated in the back.
(Double click to enlarge the picture)
Robert Ormsby died at Otorohanga on Thursday 23 December 1920 aged ninety seven. His death certificate states the cause as 'senile debility over several years'. He was buried 26 December in the Ormsby cemetery (Te Akarauti) a few miles from Pirongia on the Kawhia Road. His wife, Meri Pianika, died eight years earlier on Thursday 5 January 1905, aged seventy seven.


                                            Above: Death Certificate For Robert Ormsby

Headstone for Meri Pianika, Robert Ormsby's Maori wife,
Te Akarauti cemetery.

The following is an article rewritten word-for-word  from the front page of the King Country Chronicle Tuesday, March 27th edition on the occasion of the Ormsby family reunion held at Te Kuiti. It provides some extra insights into the lives of Robert and Pianika.
For 120 Years Ormsby Family Has Belonged To K.C.
REUNION OF DESCENDANTS OF 1844: UNION BETWEEN DUBLIN GRADUATE AND MAORI CHIEFTAINESS
It was in the year 1844 that Mr Robert Ormsby married a chieftainess of the Ngati-Maniapoto tribe, "Grandmother in her kiwi cloak and huia feathers, Grandfather with his books and travel-worn irish linen." Such was the word-picture that Mrs Rangi Emery, herself an Ormsby, called up of the ceremony when at the Te Kuiti Maori Pa Hall last Saturday night. Over 250 descendants of Robert Ormsby gathered in the first reunion ever held of a family which has played a major part in the history of the King Country area.
The reference to books recalled that Robert Ormsby was a graduate of Dublin University, a man of culture whose name has figured in English and Irish history since his ancestors came from Normandy with William in 1066: but it is stated that the bride's genealogy could be traced much further back, to before the birth of Christ.
Robert Ormsby had come adventuring and exploring to New Zealand with his elder brother who had just completed the survey of what is now the city of Melbourne. He became lost in the bush at the back of Kawhia and was found in a delirious state by a young chieftain of the tribe, and was restored to health by his sister's nursing. She was Pianika, a young girl of the Maniapoto, with whom he fell in love and married, to become adopted into the tribe.
Negotiations during the Maori war period, the immediate post-war years; the founding of the King Country's first post-war school at Te Kopua near the Ormsby homestead; the petition that made the King Country a dry area; the hospitality shown to travellers, particularly those between Kawhia and the Waipa; the founding of the first local bodies of the King Country and of district efforts within this area...with these and many other activities the name of Ormsby is closely bound.
Major Contributions to King Country History
Descendants of pakehas who came early to this territory, to be treated as men of consequence within the tribe, have contributed much to this district's story ~ the Hetets, the Searanckes, the Turners, the Davis', the Emerys, the Bells and the Nikoras...but perhaps the none so greatly over so long a period as the Ormsbys...
The reunion was a memorable one comprising a banquet in the pa hall, and afterwards a dance at the Civic. At the dinner, members of the family and guests, were welcomed by the master of ceremonies, Mr R.P. Emery.
The chairman of the Maniapoto Tribal Committee, Mr Chas Davis, welcomed the Mayor, Mr K. W. Low, the chairman of the Waitomo County Council, Mr J. M. Somerville, other guests and members of the Ormsby family to the marae of the Maniapoto tribe.  
"Little did those two in their romance back in 1844 realise that their union would lead to such a great gathering as this, carrying with it the hallmark of all that is good in both the Maori and pakeha sides of the people of New Zealand," he stated.  
Those present stood in silence to mark the toast to "absent friends."

Proposing the toast to "the past," Mr J. M. Somerville mentioned that the old world genealogy of the Ormsbys contained a great many names of soldiers, and in New Zealand too, the family had produced many who had gone forth to fight for their country ~ he recalled Lt. "Bus" Ormsby, who had died for his country in the early years of World War II.

Great Public Spirit

The family, too, had shown a great public spirit ~ the Waitomo County's first clerk was John Ormsby, and Jerry Ormsby had been a member for many years. He also noticed a great many were prominent church men, men of strong Christian conviction.

"The example of your family has been a fine one for the community, showing the way we can in New Zealand become in reality one people," he added.

The Mayor, Mr K. W. Low, proposed a toast to the "present."

Emboldened By the Courage of the Past

"We are emboldened by the courage of the past, take courage from the deeds and the spirit of these ancestors who are yours, seeking from their lives something to guide us in our future", said Mr Low.

Members of the Ormsby family who spoke for their various branches were Mr Sydney Ormsby, who still resides on the ancestral home near Ngutunui, and who represented the Maniapoto-Waikato branch; Mr Paki Ormsby of Tauranga representing the Gilbert Ormsbys, descended from the eldest son of the family, who had now nearly a hundred descendants alone; John Ormsby of Hastings; Jerry Robert Ormsby, who represented the Jerry Ormsby family in Te Kuiti, and Jim Ormsby, of Auckland.

'The Most Important People' of the Clan

"The young are New Zealand's most precious assets," said the principal of the Te Kuiti High School, Mr P. J. Kane, in toasting the future, and quoting from the injunction of her Majesty the Queen to Lord Cobham on the eve of his departure to New Zealand. To him the very name "future" was synonymous with children ~ and looking around the marae that evening he had seen many of these "most important people of the Ormsby clan."

"See that they are given every opportunity, see that they have adequate schooling," he enjoined those present, stressing that at any worthwhile school in the country ~ including those at Te Kuiti ~ no differentiation was made between Maori and pakeha.

Stress that our evolving culture, our New Zealand heritage, lay in the hands of two races, was laid by Mrs Emery, in responding for the Ormsby family. It had been a saying of Grandfather that "happiness is a by-product of the useful life."

"Let us then go forward, go forward in our work and in our play with the Christian freedom that has been vouchsafed us, linking with others as we do so and with both races working for the common New Zealand heritage," was her injunction. 

The master of ceremonies, her husband, Mr R. P. Emery, thanked members of the district committee and all who had helped in organising highly successful and momentous function.

Songs by Kiri Te Kanawa and Gillian Redstone were greatly enjoyed.

Following the banquet the beautifully iced cake was cut by Mrs Grace McNaught and by Mr Whau Ormsby of Ngaruawahia ~ this was symbolically decorated, with a map of Ireland, a sailing ship, a map of New Zealand, Maori symbols, and a central crest showing the jackboot of the Ormsby coat of arms, and the patu of the Maori.

On Sunday, in the vicinity of three hundred gathered at the Ormsby homestead, the home of Mr Sydney Ormsby, near Ngutunui, and not far from the old mission station at Te Kopua. There the thanksgiving service,  a most impressive one, was conducted by Rev. Wi Huata. 

End of article.

A notice was inserted in the middle of the article which read:

MAORI EDUCATION FOUNDATION WILL RECEIVE ABOUT 50 POUNDS
The Maori Education Foundation will benefit to the extent of about 50 pounds as a result of the Ormsby family reunion at Te Kuiti on Saturday. Members of the family contributed to the expenses of the function, and present indications are that there will, in spite of the lavish catering, be a surplus of approximately this sum, which will be donated to the foundation. 

Written by David Bell
Sources used:

1.      L. H. Barber, A View From Pirongia, p. 78
2.      Korero of our family kaumatua, Mac Bell
3.      Notes from the Paki Ormsby Family History book.
4.      Copy of letter from Robert to his son, Jeremiah dated 28 October (year uncertain-         probably between 1910 and 1913).
5.      Newspaper clipping titled: Pioneer of Land – King Country owes much to the Ormsby family.
6.      For 120 Years Ormsby Family Has Belonged To K.C., King Country Chronicle ~ No. 1586, Tuesday, March 27th, 1962.