Elizabeth Pepperell, mother of Elizabeth Pepperell Parker (E P P), arrived in New Zealand in 1864. He husband Richard and family came with her (see below). Her husband died on the voyage so it is assumed the father of E P P was a Mr. Parker. Because the New Zealand marriage records were very poor at that time, assuming she did marry, there are 7 possible Parker who she could have married. Two of these 7 died in 1866 & 1867 being Henry Parker and Joseph Parker respectively so it is probable that either Henry or Joseph was the father of E P P. The fact that E P P had a son Joseph George would suggest E P P’s father was Joseph Parker. Perhaps either Elizabeth & Richards marriage record or Elizabeth death record resolve this uncertainty.

Elizabeth Pepperell did remarry in 1869 (1869/2823 Elizabeth Pepperell & Charles Downham.


Pepperell Richard C 35 Devonshire Farmer - Died on board
Elizabeth S 37
William P 11
Rose Ann 9
Richard A 7
George Henry 5
Flora J 2

British Empire
Ship: 2600 tons
Captain: Thomas B Callenan
Surgeon Superintendent: Andrew Nash
Sailed London 15th May 1864 - Arrived Lyttleton 6th September 1864
At the time of her arrival in Lyttleton, British Empire was the largest ship to enter the port. On board she had 33 cabin passengers and 366 immigrants. She was a vessel dogged by bad luck. While being towed down the river from Bristol, her bow stuck on a projecting part of the bank. The river was tidal and the tide in this instance was running out very fast. It swung the stern of the ship around until it caught the opposite bank, leaving British Empire high-and-dry. In this position several lighters and small vessels were actually able to sail under her. Understandably considerable strain was placed on the ship and when she was refloated repairs were required. She was eventually wrecked along with many other vessels during a tidal wave at St Thomas in the West Indies.
White Wings - Sir Henry Brett