Matilda Furley

Matilda Furley (née Webb) (30 May 1813 – 22 October 1899), was a New Zealand storekeeper, baker, butcher, hotel-keeper and community leader. She was one of the founders of the Onehunga Ladies' Benevolent Society.

Early life

Matilda Webb was born in North Nibley, Gloucestershire, England, On 30 May 1813. Her family had a long history in the wool trade and by age 12 Matilda was working at a wool mill in Dursley her father owned. Matilda married Samuel Furley, a weaver, 9 May 1835 at Oldham, Lancastershire. They had three daughters.

Life in New Zealand

In either 1840 or 1841 the Furleys arrived in Auckland. They first lived on Princes Street, Auckland, and later at Mechanics Bay. During this time the Furleys had a general store on Queen Street. In 1844 the Furleys sold the store and moved to Onehunga. Matilda bartered with Māori for pigs and other produce. From this she became a butcher for the small town. Matilda was active in the Onehunga community and was a member of St Peter's Church, the local Anglican church.