The Second Generation in New Zealand
The Rabbitt family, even in Ireland, has always been prolific and this tendency continued when the family became established in New Zealand. The three brothers all married women with Galway connections and all named their first son “William” in line with the Irish naming pattern of naming the first son after the father’s father.
From the original three brothers who made their lives in New Zealand, a total of 23 names were added to the lists of family members. This is an increase ratio of; (over 7 to 1), which "fortunately", has not been maintained over the latest generations
This generation of the family was affected by the early deaths of seven of its 23 members. The families of John and Mary; and Patrick and Norah, were significantly reduced by these early deaths, and in no cases where an early death occurred had any issue been produced. (This illustrates the point, that our earliest ancestors in New Zealand were still living a relatively hard pioneering life in developing areas. The prevention of illness and access to medical services were much different from the standards of today.)
From the original three brothers who made their lives in New Zealand, a total of 23 names were added to the lists of family members. This is an increase ratio of; (over 7 to 1), which "fortunately", has not been maintained over the latest generations
This generation of the family was affected by the early deaths of seven of its 23 members. The families of John and Mary; and Patrick and Norah, were significantly reduced by these early deaths, and in no cases where an early death occurred had any issue been produced. (This illustrates the point, that our earliest ancestors in New Zealand were still living a relatively hard pioneering life in developing areas. The prevention of illness and access to medical services were much different from the standards of today.)
The family of John Rabbitt (1855 - 1941) and Mary (nee Scully)
Click on the picture for detail of their 10 children; born between 1885 and 1901
The family of Patrick Rabbitt (1858 - 1924) and Norah (nee Madden)
Click on the picture for detail of their 7 children; born between 1894 and 1909
The family of William Rabbitte (1873 - 1938) and Honor (nee Fahey)
Click on the picture for detail of their 6 children; born between 1904 and 1921
