Thomas Wills
Details
Date of death / Date closed
12 Nov 1917
Place of death / Place closed
Person/Corporate type
Individual
Biography
Thomas John Wills arrived in New Zealand on the 'Timandra' with his parents, James and Betsy Wills, when he was ten years old. The family settled at Bell Block but as a young man Thomas also spent time in Mokau. He married Martha Bishop on 2 December 1858 and settled and farmed at Bell Block. Thomas and Martha had eight children. Thomas was fluent Maori and assisted his friend Reverend John Whiteley in settling disputes between Maori and Pakeha. Thomas took an active part in the Waitara land wars and was made lieutenant under Captain Good. During the Wars Thomas Wills was frequently called upon for fluency in Maori. He received a New Zealand medal for his war service. Following the Wars, Thomas farmed around Urenui, Bell Block, Inglewood and, later, Hawera. Thomas Wills died in Hawera on April 12 1917.
