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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Middleton, Thomas

Middleton, Thomas , Storekeeper, Tisbury. Mr Middleton was born at Llanbister, Radnorshire, Wales, in 1816, and was brought up to farming and milling. He came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Lord Worsley,” in 1858, and walked overland to Invercargill, which at the time consisted of fourteen huts. He bought a pair of bullocks—the first team in Invercargill—and worked at hauling timber and general carrying work for some years. He then bought 213 acres of land and engaged in farming. However, owing to heavy losses, consequent on an accident, he gave up farming in 1889, and resided for some years in Invercargill. Afterwards he and his wife lived in a tent at Tisbury. On returning to their temporary abode one evening, after paying a visit to town, they were shocked at finding it totally destroyed by fire; a disaster peculiarly distressing, inasmuch as valuable securities were consumed. Mr Middleton then finally settled down at Tisbury, having built a house and shop, where he now resides, and keeps a small store. In 1891 Mr Middleton was appointed postmaster. Mr Middleton was married, in 1884, to a daughter of Mr Proudman, of Kingsland, Hereford, England; the children of the marriage all died young. Having become a widower, he married Miss Fraser, in 1892. Although eighty-eight years of age, Mr Middleton still works on his twenty-acre farm, and can read the finest print.

Gerstenkorn, photo. Mr. T. Middleton.

Gerstenkorn, photo.
Mr. T. Middleton.