BEETHAM, WILLIAM (1809-88) was born in Yorkshire and lived there for many years. In 1835 he married Mary, daughter of Philip Horsley. He studied art and became an accomplished portrait painter. He was living at Frimley, Surrey, when he decided for the sake of his family to emigrate to New Zealand. They sailed in the William and Jane (1855). His objective was Canterbury, but he was attracted by Wellington and decided to settle at the Hutt. In 1856, in partnership with John Hutton, he took up 10,000 acres of land in the Wairarapa, upon which he settled his sons. In his later years he again devoted himself to painting, making some very good portraits (including Featherston, Te Rauparaha, Wakefield, Te Puni and Wi Tako). In 1885 he returned to England on a visit. He died on 3 Aug 1888.

Cycl. NZ, i; Ward; Evening Post, 4 Aug 1888.

Reference: Volume 1, page 43

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