FREE, WILLIAM HENRY (1826-1919) was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, and at an early age joined the army. He was a corporal in the 58th regiment when he came to Tasmania in the military guard on the convict ship Anson. Crossing to New Zealand with his regiment, he served in 1845-46 at the battles of Ohaeawai (where he distinguished himself by saving wounded under fire) and Ruapekapeka. He then settled in Taranaki. When the war broke out there he was a colour sergeant in the Taranaki volunteers, with whom he served with distinction at Waireka and Mahoetahi (1860). Free represented Omata in the Taranaki Provincial Council (1865-69). He died in 1919.

Taranaki P.C. Proc.; Cowan (p).

Reference: Volume 1, page 158

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