Harriet A. Roche

Harriet A. Boomer ( Mills; 10 July 1835 – 1 March 1921), better known by her married name Harriet A. Roche, was a Canadian author.

Roche first came to Canada from England with her sister and her mother in 1851, after her mother accepted a teaching position in the Red River Colony. Roche and her mother returned to England in 1857. In 1858, she married Alfred Robert Roche. The couple traveled to the Transvaal in 1875, but became ill. Alfred died during their return voyage. Roche married her second husband, Rev. Micail or Michael Boomer, of the Diocese of Huron, Ontario, Canada in 1878. She published two books about her experiences: On Trek in the Transvaal; or, Over Berg and Veldt in South Africa (1878) and Notes From Our Log in South Africa; and, On Foot Through the Colonies At the Paris Exhibition (1880).

Overview Roche was born on in Bishop's Hull, England, to solicitor Thomas Milliken Mills and his wife Ann Benton Mills. They were followed by her older sister Mary Louisa (Miss Mills). A new building was erected for the school and it was given the name of St. Cross. Mrs. Mills is said to have been very thorough in her instruction and management. The young ladies were trained in all the social etiquette of the day in addition to the more solid education imparted. Miss Mills (the elder daughter) assisted her mother with the music and modern languages. Miss Harriet Mills (the younger daughter) was more of a companion to the girls, and accompanied them on walks, in winter on the frozen river, in summer towards the plain.

Soon after her elder daughter's marriage Mrs. Mills left Red River. Harriet and her mother returned to England in 1857, where her mother was appointed the principal of Queen's College, Harley Street, London, England. Harriet attended the lectures to continue her education.

First marriage On 11 March 1858, Roche married Alfred Robert Roche

When her husband went to the Transvaal in 1875, Roche accompanied him to South Africa. Both became ill, Mr. Roche severely so. They tried to return home in early 1876, but he died at sea on 4 December 1876, during the journey.

Second marriage

After her return to Canada, Roche married her second husband, Rev. Micail or Michael Boomer, of the Diocese of Huron, Ontario on 17 November 1878.

Roche's second book, Notes From Our Log in South Africa; and, On Foot Through the Colonies at the Paris Exhibition, was published in London, Ontario by the Free Press Printing Company, 1880. The title page indicates the author as "Harriet A. Boomer, author of On Trek in the Transvaal". Dean Boomer died March 4, 1888. At some point after Dean Boomer's death, she published Little Miss Ellerby and her big elephants: respectfully dedicated to all whom it may concern, a juvenile "dream" that is really about reducing parish debt.

Roche died on 1 March 1921, in London, Ontario, Canada.