George Edgecumbe
{{Short description|New Zealand newspaper proprietor and businessman}}
{{distinguish|George Edgcumbe (disambiguation){{!}}George Edgcumbe}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = George Edgecumbe
| order = 13th Mayor of Hamilton
| image = George Edgecumbe.jpg
| caption =
| predecessor = William Dey
| successor = Robert William Dyer
| birth_name =
| birth_date = 4 January 1845
| birth_place = Chippenham
| death_date = 11 March 1930
| death_place = Remuera, Auckland
| spouse = Annie Hume m. 27 April 1871
| relations =
| occupation = Publisher
| honorific-prefix =
| honorific-suffix =
| term_start = 1899
| term_end = 1901
}}George Edgecumbe (4 January 1845 – 11 March 1930) was a New Zealand newspaper proprietor and businessman. He was born in Chippenham, Wiltshire, England on 4 January 1845.{{DNZB|title=George Edgecumbe|first= Jeff|last= Downs|id=2e2|accessdate=23 April 2017}}
George's father was Henry Edgecumbe, a grocer, or confectioner{{Cite news|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/circular-to-bankers-aug-27-1840-p-8/|title=Circular To Bankers, Aug 27, 1840, p. 8|date=1840-08-27|work=NewspaperArchive.com|access-date=2018-09-02|language=en}} and later a brewer and mason, who immigrated from Devon{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18850720.2.42|title=OBITUARY. (New Zealand Herald, 1885-07-20)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} with his sons, George, Frank{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18850627.2.10|title=DEATH OF MR HENRY EDGECUMBE. (Waikato Times, 1885-06-27)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-03}} and John Sloper (b 1849), on the John Duncan,{{Cite web|url=http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc02Cycl-t1-body1-d3-d3-d20.html|title=Hamilton|website=nzetc.victoria.ac.nz|access-date=2018-09-03}} arriving in Auckland on 23 January 1864.{{Cite web|url=http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Bre01Whit-t1-body-d149.html|title=The John Duncan|website=nzetc.victoria.ac.nz|access-date=2018-09-03}} They moved to Ngāruawāhia and he died in 1885.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hamilton.govt.nz/our-services/cemetery-services/about/Documents/Hamilton%20East%20Cemetery%20Heritage%20Walk.pdf|title=Hamilton East Cemetery one hour Heritage Walk|website=Hamilton City Council|access-date=1 September 2018|archive-date=9 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209065232/https://www.hamilton.govt.nz/our-services/cemetery-services/about/Documents/Hamilton%20East%20Cemetery%20Heritage%20Walk.pdf|url-status=dead}}
Trader
In 1873 George took over Charles Bell's general store opposite the wharf{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18720509.2.18.4|title=Page 4 Advertisements Column 4 (Waikato Times, 1872-05-09)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-02}} at Ngāruawāhia,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18730923.2.13|title=Page 3 Advertisements (Waikato Times, 1873-09-23)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-02}}{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18731115.2.15.1|title=Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Waikato Times, 1873-11-15)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-02}} which he ran until 1876,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18760201.2.15.3|title=Page 3 Advertisements Column 3 (Waikato Times, 1876-02-01)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-02}} when he became an agent and accountant,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18760905.2.19|title=Page 3 Advertisements (Waikato Times, 1876-09-05)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-02}} though he'd previously promoted his brother, John's, Karakariki mill.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18720709.2.2.1|title=Page 1 Advertisements Column 1 (Waikato Times, 1872-07-09)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-02}} He was probably helped with just remaining credit-worthy{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18750710.2.13|title=Auckland Telegraph. (From our Special Correspondent.) Meeting of Edgecumbe's Creditors. (Waikato Times, 1875-07-10)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-02}} by marrying the bank manager's sister.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DSC18650222.2.15|title=NEWCASTLE (NGARUAWAHIA). (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) February 17. (Daily Southern Cross, 1865-02-22)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-02}}
Newspapers
He was at the meeting which decided to form the Waikato Times and joined its staff in Ngāruawāhia, moving with it to Hamilton in 1875.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19300312.2.91|title=OBITUARY. (Auckland Star, 1930-03-12)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}}{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18750128.2.6|title=The Waikato Times. "OMNE SOLUM FORTI PATRIA." THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1875. (Waikato Times, 1875-01-28)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-02}} George became manager in 1878{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18780404.2.13.2|title=Page 2 Advertisements Column 2 (Waikato Times, 1878-04-04)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-02}}{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18800429.2.8|title=GOLD-BEARING STONE AT NGARUAWAHIA. (Waikato Times, 1880-04-29)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-02}} and took control of the paper in 1882.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18820518.2.5|title=Hamilton, May 13th, 1882. (Waikato Times, 1882-05-18)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} The Times increased its Bank of New Zealand loan, until the bank leased it back to George. However, in 1896, the bank sold the masthead and property to the Waikato Advocate.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/waikato-argus|title=Newspapers {{!}} Explore {{!}} Waikato Argus|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} George's version of events was set out in the first issue of his Waikato Argus, when he said he'd arranged with the late F. A. Whitaker M.P. to be the proprietor.{{Cite web|title=Page 6 Advertisements Column 2 WAIKATO ARGUS|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIGUS18960711.2.29.2|date=11 July 1896|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|access-date=2020-05-05}} George wished to retain a conservative{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18910923.2.23|title=THE WAIKATO SEAT. (Auckland Star, 1891-09-23)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} paper and started the Waikato Argus on 11 July 1896,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIGUS18960711.2.29.2|title=Page 6 Advertisements Column 2 (Waikato Argus, 1896-07-11)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} with Henry Holloway as editor. Henry had also been the first editor of the Waikato Times and was again editor when the lease was lost. Although popular in Hamilton{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIGUS18960716.2.15|title=The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1896.|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} and winning a case against BNZ,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIGUS18960919.2.24|title=BANK OF NEW ZEALAND ESTATES COMPANY {LIMITED) V. GEORGE EDGECUMBE. (Waikato Argus, 1896-09-19)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} George had opposition, as evidenced by an Auckland paper writing, "The B.N.Z. Estates Company 'chucked' George Edgecumbe out of the Times, and he has started the loathsome contemporary across the road, and is making things warm for the Bank and the Government generally."{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TO18960926.2.17|title=A Quill for Everyone. (Observer, 1896-09-26)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} When the Waikato Argus merged with the Waikato Times in 1914, George became chairman of the company for a few years.
Other interests
George was also chairman of Waikato Horticultural Society,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18880317.2.25|title=WAIKATO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. (Auckland Star, 1888-03-17)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} South Auckland Racing Club,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18900908.2.62|title=MEETINGS. (New Zealand Herald, 1890-09-08)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} Auckland Education Board (1903-1914),{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19140806.2.22|title=Auckland Star, 1914-08-06|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} Grand Master of masonic Lodge Beta,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18840705.2.8|title=MASONIC. Installation Ceremony and Ball, Lodge Beta, Hamilton. (Waikato Times, 1884-07-05)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} the first chairman Hamilton High School Board, a member of Waikato Hospital Board, a member of Hamilton Club, Hamilton Bowling Club, the Church of England, president of Hamilton Football Club (rugby),{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIGUS19001008.2.18|title=HAMILTON FOOTBALL CLUB. (Waikato Argus, 1900-10-08)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} president of Hamilton Cricket Club{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18920917.2.16|title=HAMILTON CRICKET CLUB. (Waikato Times, 1892-09-17)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} and on the Central Power Board.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19300314.2.123|title=LATE MR. GEORGE EDGECUMBE (Auckland Star, 1930-03-14)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}}
Civic duties
He was chairman of the Ngāruawāhia Town Board from 1875 to 1878,{{Cite book|title=Meeting of the Waters|last=Latta|first=A. M.|publisher=Ngaruawahia Lions Club|year=1980}} a member of Hamilton Borough and City Council (1885-7, 1905-7) and mayor from 1899-01. Edgecumbe Street in Whitiora was renamed after him in 1923{{Cite web|url=http://ketehamilton.peoplesnetworknz.info/hamilton_streets/topics/show/1046-edgecumbe-street|title=Edgecumbe Street|last=Lanum|first=John|website=ketehamilton.peoplesnetworknz.info|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}}
Family
He retired to Remuera, in about 1919,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19190926.2.20|title=PERSONAL (Waikato Times, 1919-09-26)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}}{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19200110.2.10|title=LADIES' WORLD (Waikato Times, 1920-01-10)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} where he died in 1930, leaving three sons and four daughters.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIKIN19300313.2.24|title=OBITUARY. (Waikato Independent, 1930-03-13)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} Another daughter had died in 1919{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190813.2.15|title=WAIKATO NEWS. (Auckland Star, 1919-08-13)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} and his wife, Annie (née Hume, married 1871),{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18960428.2.51|title=PERSONAL ITEMS. (New Zealand Herald, 1896-04-28)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} had died on 28 May 1924.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19240530.2.2.3|title=DEATHS. (New Zealand Herald, 1924-05-30)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} His eldest son was also named George{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18940425.2.76|title=COUNTRY NEWS. (New Zealand Herald, 1894-04-25)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} and other sons were born in 1881{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18810319.2.7|title=Birth. (Waikato Times, 1881-03-19)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-02}} and 1886,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18860209.2.6|title=Birth. (Waikato Times, 1886-02-09)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} and daughters in 1873{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18730521.2.8|title=BIRTHS. (New Zealand Herald, 1873-05-21)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}} and 1874.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18840124.2.8|title=Birth. (Waikato Times, 1884-01-24)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}}
References
{{Reflist}}
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{{s-bef|before=William Dey}}
{{s-ttl|title=Mayor of Hamilton|years=1899–1901}}
{{s-aft|after=Robert William Dyer}}
{{s-end}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Edgecumbe, George}}
Category:19th-century mayors of places in New Zealand
Category:20th-century mayors of places in New Zealand
Category:New Zealand businesspeople
Category:People from Chippenham