DEVENISH, WILLIAM (1819-66) was born at Sydling St Nicholas, Dorset, and came to New Zealand in the Timandra (1842) with his brother-in-law, Josiah Flight (q.v.). They farmed at Mangaoraka until they had to move by order of Governor FitzRoy, and then took up land at Mangorei. They brought some valuable Southdown sheep from England and at a later date introduced stock from England and Australia. Devenish married (1855) Mary (1830-1917), daughter of Thomas Hirst (q.v.). He was member of the Provincial Council for Grey and Bell for a few months before his death, which took place on 13 Nov 1866.

Taranaki P.C. minutes and Gaz; Taranaki Herald, 17 Nov 1866. Portrait: Taranaki Hist. Coll.

Reference: Volume 1, page 118

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