Sophia Anstice

(1849 -1926)

Notable Women Walk

Sophia Anstice, previously King nee Catesby was born in London and baptised in 1849.

In 1873 she married  Edwin King and with their small daughter emigrated to Nelson. Edwin developed tuberculosis and died in 1880.

Sophia had already set up business as a dressmaker in Hardy Street when she married John Anstice six years later in 1886. She bought a property on the corner of Hardy and Hope Streets and was soon operating a flourishing dressmaking and drapery business from the shop she named St Alban’s House.

She set up branches in Murchison, Takaka and Motueka and travelled to London to buy from her relatives in the drapery trade. They operated a well known business called Catesby and Son.

Sophia had a son and a daughter from her marriage with Edwin King and two sons from John Anstice. Her husband John died 1917 and Sophia in 1926.

Image: Courtesy Nelson Provincial Museum, Tyree Studio Collection, 40029/3

Further reading

Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (DNZB)

Read more about Sophia Anstice at DNZB.

Burial records

• King Edwin S. buried 17 February 1880, aged 33 years.
• King Edwin Henry buried 16 June 1909, aged 36 years.
• King Harriet Louisa buried 9 November 1880, aged 21 months.
• Anstice Sophia buried 4 August 1926 aged 77 years.

Headstone transcription

In Loving Memory of Edwin George King who died February 16th 1880 aged 33 years. “For ever with the Lord”. Also Harriet Louisa King beloved daughter of the above who died November 7th 1880 aged 1 year 9 months. “Safe in the arms of Jesus”. And Edwin Henry King beloved son of the above, and affectionate husband of Emma Louisa King who died June 14th 1909, aged 35 years. “Blessed are the dead which lie in the Lord, they are not dead whose memory lives. In hearts that knew their worth.”

In Loving memory of Sophia Anstice formerly King nee Gatesby. Born in London 5th November 1848, arrived in Nelson by ship Chile, 28th October 1874, died Nelson 1st August 1926. A beloved wife and mother. “She hath done what she could.” Mark 14.8.

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