01.02 Margaret Grant Ayson (McNeil) 1835 - 1875
Margaret Ayson, the eldest daughter of Peter Ayson of Corydon, married John McNeil, of Balclutha, the son of James McNeil, who established the first ferry on the Clutha River. Her wedding was the first in the Warepa district. The year was 1859. The Rev W. Bannerman officiated and their honey-moon trip was a ride to Balclutha on horseback.
John McNeil was the first white man to settle on the Balclutha side of the river and through his Iife he took an active part in the development of the town and district.
When Balclutha was made a borough, John McNeil was the first Mayor, thus Margaret was the first Mayoress.
He was also the first Chairman when the Clutha County was formed and was elected as member for Clutha on the Otago Provincial Council where he did good work for the district. He was the first to advocate the construction of the railway to the Catlins River (Owaka ).
Margaret died at the early age of 40, but her husband lived to 69 years.
The Children of Margaret and John McNeil
James McNeil
John McNeil
Peter McNeil
Annie Macfarlane McNeil
Margaret McNeil
Duncan McNeil
Douglas, McNeil
Mary Ellen McNeil
Jessie Christina McNeil
Acknowledgement:
The Ayson Story. Glenshee to Otago 1853 - 2000
Published Clan Ayson Of New Zealand Society
Grave Restoration.
The Clan Society and family restored the graves of Margaret and John McNeil at Old Balclutha Cemetery. A plaque was also installed in memory of their son John McNeil who is buried next to his parent in a previously unmarked grave.
