Hannah Ward Barron facts for kids

Hannah Ward Barron (born July 14, 1829 – died November 10, 1898) was a very successful businesswoman in New Zealand. She owned hotels and land. She is remembered for her strength and determination.

Hannah's Journey to New Zealand

Early Life in Ireland

Hannah Dorney was born on July 14, 1829, in Cork, Ireland. She was the third child of Elizabeth Lynch and Thomas Dorney, who owned a shop. Hannah was originally named Joanna, but she soon chose the name Hannah for herself.

Growing up in Ireland, Hannah learned many skills. She could read, write, sing, and play the piano. She was also raised as a strong Roman Catholic, which was a very important part of her life.

Moving to Australia

Hannah lived through a difficult time in Ireland called the Irish famine (from 1845 to 1849). She married William Ward around October 7, 1850, in Cork. A few years later, in 1853, William traveled to London and then to Melbourne, Australia.

Hannah, who was pregnant and had two young children, followed him. She arrived in Melbourne on October 24, 1853. The young family lived in the Melbourne area. Sadly, William did not find much success there.

To help her family, Hannah started working. She ran a small shop and then a lodging house on Abbotsford Street. This house provided places for miners to stay. Over time, Hannah had more children. However, many people in the crowded city became sick. Sadly, her husband and seven of her eight sons passed away from these diseases.

New Beginnings in New Zealand

On December 31, 1862, Hannah married again. Her new husband was John Barron, a butcher from England. From then on, she was known as Hannah Ward Barron. However, this second marriage did not work out well.

Nine months later, in September 1863, Hannah and her three remaining children sailed to New Zealand. They settled in Campbelltown, which is now known as Bluff. This town is located at the very southern tip of New Zealand.

Business Success in Bluff

Supporting Miners and Sailors

In Bluff, Hannah quickly opened a shop. This shop served the miners who worked in the nearby goldfields. As time passed, the gold in the area ran out. So, Hannah changed her business.

She opened a lodge for sailors near the wharf. Her business grew very well. She was able to borrow enough money to buy land. She then turned her boarding house into the Club Hotel in Bluff.

Running the Club Hotel

Hannah became a very successful hotel owner and landowner. She managed the Club Hotel until she passed away. She was known for her hard work and business skills.

Hannah died on November 10, 1898, at her daughter Mary's home in Bluff. She was survived by her daughter, Mary Eliza Frances, and her two sons, William Thomas Ward and Joseph Ward. Joseph Ward (1856–1930) became very involved in politics. He later served as the 17th prime minister of New Zealand from 1906 to 1912, and again from 1928 to 1930.