Ralph, Margaret (c. 1822–1913)

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Ralph, Margaret (c. 1822–1913)

New Zealand landowner, innkeeper, mining entrepreneur. Name variations: Margaret Riley, Margaret Schlinker. Born Margaret Riley, in 1822 or 1823, at Strabane, Co. Tyrone, Ireland; died Mar 6, 1913, at Auckland, New Zealand; dau. of John Reilly and Esther (Yates or Gates) Reilling; m. Anthony Ralph, 1837 (died 1873); m. Albert Schlinker (farmer), 1876 (died 1913); children: (1st m.) 12.

Immigrated with husband to New Zealand (1849); established hotel in Rahuipokeka (Huntly, late 1860s); discovered coal on their property and began coal mining business with sons (1876); acquired considerable landholdings and personal wealth.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 2).

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