Robert Maunsell (1810-1894) – A Remarkable Journey of Faith and Cultural Understanding. Born on 24 October 1810 in Milford, County Limerick, Ireland, Robert Maunsell’s life was destined for extraordinary accomplishments. As the seventh child of Frances Magrath Fitzgerald and George Maunsell of Milford, he was part of a family deeply ingrained in the customs and banking industry.
Robert’s journey began at Trinity College Dublin, where he graduated with honours in Classics in 1833, showcasing his intellectual prowess. Eager to pursue a spiritual path, he enrolled in the Church Missionary Society Training College in Islington, London. There, he studied under Samuel Lee, a renowned scholar of Māori.
In 1835, Robert embarked on a life-changing voyage with his wife Susan Cherry Pigott, settling in Australia before venturing to New Zealand on the ship Active. Their arrival in Paihia, Bay of Islands, in November of that year marked the start of their missionary work.
Establishing a mission station on the southern side of Manukau Harbour in August 1836, the Maunsells dedicated themselves to spreading Christianity and education among the Māori population. In 1839, they relocated to Maraetai at the Waikato Heads, where they founded a model school and saw a significant rise in Māori pupils.
Robert Maunsell’s linguistic prowess and understanding of Māori culture played a pivotal role in his work. He became the first Anglican clergyman in the area and conducted the first Christian service in Auckland in 1840. His profound knowledge of the Māori language led him to translate the Bible into Māori, an achievement that remains highly esteemed.
A respected figure within the Māori community, Robert published several books on language and culture, including the influential “Grammar of the New Zealand Language” in 1842. His dedication and contributions were recognized by Trinity College, Dublin, which bestowed upon him an honourary doctorate.
Following the passing of his first wife in 1851, Robert married Beatrice Panton in 1852. Despite being evacuated from Kohanga during the turmoil of the 1860s, the Maunsells returned to continue their teaching and preaching efforts as soon as possible.
In 1882, Robert Maunsell retired from active missionary work and settled in the parish of St. Mary’s in Parnell, Auckland. He spent his remaining years there until his passing in 1894.
Robert Maunsell’s indomitable spirit, dedication to the Māori people, and unparalleled linguistic contributions continue to inspire and shape the understanding of Māori culture in New Zealand. His legacy stands as a testament to the power of faith, education, and cultural appreciation.
The History and Lineage of the Maunsell Family in Ireland
The Maunsell family, also known as Mansell or Mansel, has a rich history rooted in Graigue, County Limerick. The family’s lineage can be traced back to Alphra Maunsell, who married Sir William Crawford of Kent and bore a daughter named Ann, who remained unmarried.
Alphra’s son, Thomas Maunsell, married Mary Maunsell, daughter of George Booth, Esq., of Cheshire, in May 1650. Thomas was the son of Robert Naylor of Canterbury and a cousin of Richard Boyle, the first Earl of Cork. Thomas and Mary had several children, including Catherine and Margaret. Margaret married her cousin, John Drew of Kilwinnny, County Waterford, in March 1659, and their wedding was attended by the Earl of Cork, who generously contributed to Margaret’s fortune.
During the rebellion of 1641, Thomas Maunsell, who held the position of the Very Rev. Robert Naylor, Dean of Lismore and later Dean of Limerick, fell victim to rebel plunder, losing property worth £1,797 and an annual income of £500.
The Maunsell family had several other daughters: Sarah, who married Ridgate; Catherine, who married Theophilus Eaton; Alice, who married a man named Andrews from County Tipperary; and Mary, who married Richard Bettesworth. Mary’s descendants include Philip Ridgate, whose daughter Catherine married Edward Maunsell, the great-nephew of Sarah Maunsell.
After her husband’s passing, Mrs Maunsell returned to Ireland and resided with her third son, Captain John Maunsell, in Ballyvoreen near Caherconlish. She passed away before 1662, and her final resting place is in the chancel of the church in Caherconlish. Captain John Maunsell erected a memorial in her honour, along with those of his wife, Mary Maunsell (nee Booth), his sister Alphra Peacock, and Alphra Peacock’s daughter Anne.
The eldest son of Thomas and Mary Maunsell was Thomas Maunsell of Mocollop, one of the 49 officers who defended the Castle of Mocollop in County Waterford. The family’s connection to Mocollop is significant in their history.
The Maunsell family’s legacy in Ireland is marked by their noble lineage, military service, and intricate family connections. Their story continues to be woven into the historical tapestry of the region.
Limerick Gazette
