Catherine 'Kate' Butler, born in Kilmore in 1847, married into an amazing New Zealand pioneer family. Her father-in-law, Henry Redwood, pictured above,was known by the title "Father of the New Zealand Turf", and one of Henry's brothers, Francis Redwood, was the Archbishop of Wellington.
Kate's sister, Margaret, went to Wellington, New Zealand, in 1873 with the Sisters of Mercy.In May 1874 the Melbourne Sisters of Mercy took responsibility for the Wellington convent.There are two possible means by which Kate Butler may have met her future husband...she may have been visiting her sister Margaret in Wellington, or may have met Henry Redwood's son in Melbourne during one of the Redwoods' forays to Victoria to compete in the State's racing carnivals with their New Zealand-bred horses(Henry's final venture to Victoria with his horses was in 1879).
Whatever the case, in 1880, in New Zealand, Catherine 'Kate' Butler married Joseph Henry Redwood, son of Henry Redwood and Elizabeth Palmer (who had married Jan 23, 1845, Waimea).Joseph was born on 27 Feb 1847 in Waimea, Nelson, New Zealand. Following is a brief biography of his life as found on the website http://www.nzetc.org
"Redwood, Joseph Henry, Spring Creek. Mr. Redwood is the eldest son of Mr. Henry Redwood, who is well known in connection with racing matters throughout New Zealand as the Father of the Turf. He was born on the 27th of February, 1847, was educated at the Nelson public school, and at ten years of age became a jockey. His riding weight was then only four stone four pounds, and he was the lightest weight that appeared on colonial race courses for many years. Mr. Redwood continued to ride for his father for about seven years. He then went to the Wairau, and assisted his father for a few years in farm work, and in the flour mill; and in 1870 he and his brother entered into partnership and took over the whole property, which they have since conducted under the style of Messrs Redwood Brothers. The farm consists of about 1200 acres of rich level land, situated near the township, and is one of the most valuable properties in the province. It is devoted to sheep grazing and agriculture, and the homestead, which is prettily situated on the right bank of Spring Creek, is modern and complete. The flour mill, which adopted the roller system in the year 1885, is driven by water power, and is one of the most efficiently equipped mills in Marlborough. Many of the methods employed were originated by the proprietors, Mr. Fred Redwood, the junior partner, being a mechanical engineer of ability, and they have since been adopted by flour mill owners all over the colony. The buildings are of wood and iron, lighted throughout by electricity, and possess a five sack plant. The whole of the grain used is grown on the farm, and the Hungarian roller flour manufactured by Messrs Redwood Brothers is favourably known all over New Zealand. Redwood Brothers have recently (1905) erected an up-to-date mill in Blenheim. It is a four-storied building, fitted up with the most modern machinery, driven by a fifty horse-power Tangye engine, and is said to be one of the best mills in New Zealand. Mr. Redwood has been chairman of the Spring Creek Road Board for twelve years, and of the Spring Creek River Board continuously for twenty-five years. He was a member of the Marlborough Provincial Council, and of the Marlborough Education Board for several years, of the Wairau Hospital and Charitable Aid Board for a term, and has also been a member of various minor bodies. Mr. Redwood is the Government nominee of the Marlborough Land Board, and of the Marlborough Land Purchase Board, of which he has been a member since its inception."
I can only find one child born to Kate and Joseph- Hamilton Joseph Redwood, born 1884(married Margaret Clouston on November 14,1906,Blenheim, New Zealand)
Kate Butler Redwood died in Sydney in 1912, aged 62.Her husband Joseph died in New Zealand in 1918, aged 71.
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