This previously unidentified image was produced by Crombie Photographers, a studio operating in Auckland between 1855 and 1872. It was taken after the Industrial Exhibition of 1862, as their honorable mention award is referred to on the reverse of the carte visite. Part of a group of loose images found at the home of George BARTLEY, it is believed to have once belonged to Edward Bartley.
We can now identify the subject as Emelius LE ROY. The Le Roy and Bartley families both came from St Peter Port Guernsey. They are also linked by family connections to GUILLE and HAMON of Sark, Guernsey and Jersey.
Research at the Auckland Naval Museum reveals that Le Roy, born in Guernsey about 1827, was a sailmaker who joined the Royal Navy before settling in Auckland in 1850. He established a sail making business in that town, as well as operating a schooner between Sydney and Auckland.
Robert and Edward Bartley were early members of the Auckland City Rifles, established to defend the population and property in the event of hostile incursions. Le Roy also joined the organisation in late 1857 in preparation for its official establishment in 1858. The force was intended both to support the garrison and take part in active service.
This carte visite was probably produced in 1868,the year the Rifles were disbanded. In February of that year Le Roy was promoted lieutenant of the Auckland Naval Volunteers
Research at the Auckland Naval Museum reveals that Le Roy, born in Guernsey about 1827, was a sailmaker who joined the Royal Navy before settling in Auckland in 1850. He established a sail making business in that town, as well as operating a schooner between Sydney and Auckland.
Robert and Edward Bartley were early members of the Auckland City Rifles, established to defend the population and property in the event of hostile incursions. Le Roy also joined the organisation in late 1857 in preparation for its official establishment in 1858. The force was intended both to support the garrison and take part in active service.
This carte visite was probably produced in 1868,the year the Rifles were disbanded. In February of that year Le Roy was promoted lieutenant of the Auckland Naval Volunteers
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| Auckland Star 16 April 1901 |
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| Image from The Cyclopedia of Auckland p33 |
Emelius Le Roy married Catherine Tabel in Auckland, in 1855 (refer Sydney Morning Herald 15 March 1855). Extensive genealogical information on the ancestors and descendants of this couple is available on line at: http://www.thebarrier.co.nz/History/LeRoyFamily.htm
and: http://www.taylor-thomas.org.uk/familytree/family.php?famid=F1233&ged=Taylor-Thomas%20family.ged
