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Jessie Elizabeth Isabella Powell
Description
TitleJessie Elizabeth Isabella Powell
Alternative NameBessie Powell
Jessie Elizabeth Isabella Roseveare
SummaryCanterbury amateur photographer, dressmaker and housewife
DescriptionJessie Elizabeth Isabella Powell, known as Bessie, was an only child, born in Greenpark in 1905 to Isaac and Jessie Powell (nee McIntosh). Bessie lost her father when she was five, and grew up in Glenroy with her mother, who was the fourth daughter of Isabella and Ewen McIntosh: Ewan was the head shepherd for Sir John Hall at Terrace Station for 37 years.
Bessie married local Glenroy farmer Henry John Roseveare (known as Harry) in 1938, who she had known since they were together at Glenroy School as children. They had one daughter, Jennifer. Bessie and Harry moved to Wairakei Road in Christchurch in the 1950s, where Harry became a groundsman at Rangi Ruru School, and later a park caretaker and nurseryman. Bessie and Harry both died in 1978: Harry suddenly on 17 April, and Bessie on 30 June.
Bessie's occupation is officially listed as a 'housewife' throughout her married life, however she was an accomplished dressmaker, sewing for both her family and clients. As a young woman she was an avid photographer, taking photographs throughout the South Island on her travels.
First NameJessie
Middle NameElizabeth
Isabella
Last NamePowell
OccupationHousewife
Date of Birth9 November 1905
Place of BirthGreenpark
Date of Death30 June 1978
Age at Death73
Parents or Next of KinIsaac William Powell
Jessie McIntosh Powell
Other Biographical InformationMarried Henry John Roseveare (known as Harry) of 'Rockwood' in Glenroy on 16 February 1938 at St. Mary's Church, Merivale.
Harry and Bessie were both committee members of the Glenroy Tennis Club in 1932.
Harry and Bessie had one child, Jennifer (later Jennifer Mills).
Alternative NameBessie Powell
Jessie Elizabeth Isabella Roseveare
SummaryCanterbury amateur photographer, dressmaker and housewife
DescriptionJessie Elizabeth Isabella Powell, known as Bessie, was an only child, born in Greenpark in 1905 to Isaac and Jessie Powell (nee McIntosh). Bessie lost her father when she was five, and grew up in Glenroy with her mother, who was the fourth daughter of Isabella and Ewen McIntosh: Ewan was the head shepherd for Sir John Hall at Terrace Station for 37 years.Bessie married local Glenroy farmer Henry John Roseveare (known as Harry) in 1938, who she had known since they were together at Glenroy School as children. They had one daughter, Jennifer. Bessie and Harry moved to Wairakei Road in Christchurch in the 1950s, where Harry became a groundsman at Rangi Ruru School, and later a park caretaker and nurseryman. Bessie and Harry both died in 1978: Harry suddenly on 17 April, and Bessie on 30 June.
Bessie's occupation is officially listed as a 'housewife' throughout her married life, however she was an accomplished dressmaker, sewing for both her family and clients. As a young woman she was an avid photographer, taking photographs throughout the South Island on her travels.
First NameJessie
Middle NameElizabeth
Isabella
Last NamePowell
OccupationHousewife
Date of Birth9 November 1905
Place of BirthGreenpark
Date of Death30 June 1978
Age at Death73
Parents or Next of KinIsaac William PowellJessie McIntosh Powell
Other Biographical InformationMarried Henry John Roseveare (known as Harry) of 'Rockwood' in Glenroy on 16 February 1938 at St. Mary's Church, Merivale.Harry and Bessie were both committee members of the Glenroy Tennis Club in 1932.
Harry and Bessie had one child, Jennifer (later Jennifer Mills).

Image
Connections
CollectionBessie Powell's photographs of monuments, 1927
ImageWedding of Isaac Powell and Jessie Macintosh, 1902
Jessie Elizabeth Isabella Roseveare (Bessie) (nee Powell)
More Information1938 Wedding notice of Bessie Powell and Harry Roseveare
1932 Committee report from the Glenroy Tennis Club, where Bessie and Harry were committee members
1978 Jessie Roseveare death notice
1978 Harry Roseveare death notice
ImageWedding of Isaac Powell and Jessie Macintosh, 1902
Jessie Elizabeth Isabella Roseveare (Bessie) (nee Powell)
More Information1938 Wedding notice of Bessie Powell and Harry Roseveare
1932 Committee report from the Glenroy Tennis Club, where Bessie and Harry were committee members
1978 Jessie Roseveare death notice
1978 Harry Roseveare death notice
Attribution
Researched ByJennifer Mills and Sarah Davy
Written BySarah Davy
Written BySarah Davy
Jessie Elizabeth Isabella Powell. Selwyn Stories, accessed 11/02/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/6020






