Walter and Rachel Chisholm

James, separated from his own family, came up to live with his aged mother, then remarried. He shifted to Ellerslie, taking Rachel along them, where he worked as a horse trainer. When Rachel died in 1921. she too was buried here at St Ninians Cemetery.

"An old and highly-respected resident of Avondale, Mrs Rachel Chisholm, died on Wednesday at the age of 78. Mrs. Chisholm, who was a native of Ireland, went to Australia at an early age. Some years later she and her late husband settled in New Zealand, establishing their home in the Avondale district. Mrs. Chisholm having an extensive knowledge of the treatment of ailments common among children, made herself indispensable to the early settlers in the days when it was difficult to obtain the services of medical men. She was, in addition, a great social worker, and up to within n few days of her death took a keen interest in the Avondale Methodist Church. The interment took place on Thursday afternoon in the Avondale Presbyterian Cemetery." (NZ Herald 18 June 1921)

Sources: Audrey Barney, "Robert Chisholm of the Whau" Clan Chisholm Newsletter June 2007 (.pdf); Papers Past.