Samuel Osborne-Gibbes facts for kids

Sir Samuel Osborne-Gibbes, 2nd Baronet (born 1803 – died 1874) was an important person who lived a very interesting life. He was an officer in the British Army, a Freemason, a plantation owner, and a politician. He was born in England but spent his early years on his father's sugar plantation in Barbados. After his parents passed away, he moved back to England to be raised by his uncle.

Later, he returned to Barbados to manage the sugar plantation. He stayed there until 1833, when slavery was ended. He then moved back to England, but in 1850, he sailed to Sydney, Australia. In 1855, he moved again, this time to New Zealand, where he lived for the rest of his life. He became one of the most important Freemasons in New Zealand and served as a member of the New Zealand Legislative Council from 1855 to 1863. His special title, Baronet, was passed down from his grandfather and later went to his son, Edward.

Early Life and Education

Samuel Osborne-Gibbes was born in England in 1803. His full name at birth was Samuel Osborne Gibbes. He was the grandson of Sir Philip Gibbes, 1st Baronet. Both of Samuel's parents died when he was very young, and he was living in the West Indies at the time. He was brought to England and cared for by his uncle, Lord Colchester, until he became an adult.

As a young boy, he was a Page of Honour for the Prince of Wales, who later became King George IV. He had private teachers in London and Paris. In 1817, he joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to train as an officer. After graduating in 1819, he served in the 96th Regiment of Foot. He also worked as an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to the Governor of Nova Scotia. He eventually left the army as a captain. He also attended St John's College, Cambridge in 1820.

Life in Barbados

Samuel inherited a sugar plantation in Barbados from his father. He lived there from 1821 until 1833. In 1833, the British Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act. This law ended slavery on the island, and all enslaved people were freed. When slavery ended, he received money from the government. He then sold his plantations, including one called Springhead.

Family Life

After leaving Barbados, Samuel returned to England. He had married Margaret Moore in Ireland on 28 September 1825. Sadly, his first wife passed away in 1847. The next year, he married for a second time to Anne Penny. She was from the County of Dorset. Sir Samuel had several children from both of his marriages.

Moving to Australia

While in England, Samuel Osborne-Gibbes mostly lived in Exeter and Weymouth, Dorset. In late 1850, he decided to leave England for good. He and his second wife sailed to Sydney, which was then a colony in Australia called New South Wales. He might have chosen Sydney because his friend, Colonel Gibbes, lived there. Colonel Gibbes was in charge of Customs in Sydney. Samuel and Colonel Gibbes became friends and often attended events together. Samuel lived in Sydney for about four years and was part of the city's high society. In 1855, he became a leader in the Freemason organization in New South Wales.

Life in New Zealand

In 1855, Samuel Osborne-Gibbes, his wife, and their children moved permanently to New Zealand. More of their children were born there. He bought about 279 acres (1.13 square kilometers) of farmland in Whangarei, on New Zealand's North Island. He built a house there and named it "Springhead," just like his old home in Barbados. He became involved in the local community. In 1855, he helped start the Waitemata Lodge, which was the first Masonic lodge in the Auckland area, and he became its first leader.

On 2 October 1855, he was chosen to be a member of the New Zealand Legislative Council. This was an important political group. He remained a member until 6 October 1863, when he resigned. He knew many important people in New Zealand, including Alfred Ludlam, a well-known politician.

Towards the end of his life, Samuel faced some money problems and had to sell most of his land and other things. He passed away on 12 November 1874. He was buried at Christ Church in Whangarei. The funeral service was led by the Bishop of Auckland, William Cowie. Many friends, community leaders, Freemasons, and soldiers attended. He had become one of the most respected Freemasons in New Zealand. His second wife, Lady Gibbes, lived for 44 more years, passing away in 1918. She was survived by two sons, including their son Edward, who became the 3rd Baronet, and four daughters.

See also

• Osborne-Gibbes Baronets