Edward came out to NZ as a young man and initially went to the Woodcock family at Whitecliffs. This was his sister's brother-in-law. He married on the 4th November, 1889 to Mary Elizabeth Fitton, a young lady who had emigrated with her adopted family - the Coopers - to Duvauchelles Bay on Banks Peninsula in Canterbury. Mary Elizabeth was born 20 Feb 1866 in west Gorton, Lancashire to Peter Fitton, a blacksmith, and Elizabeth Hannah, nee Middlebrook. The wedding was held at St. John's Church, Duvaucelles Bay by the Rev. McKenzie-Gibson followed by the reception at the Duvaucelle's hotel where Mr. Cooper was the then publican.
Young Edward Cooper Joyce with his mother Mary Elizabeth Fitton and his grandmother Maria Cooper.
10 months later the next Edward was born. Edward Cooper Joyce entered the world on the 3rd August 1890. Following him came Myra in 1892, Edith Isadora onthe 29th November 1896, Norah in 1902 and finally Mary on the 18th May 1911.
The marriage got a good write up in The Akaroa Mail on the 5th November and there was also a photographer as well as a reporter there.
WEDDING PARTY OUTSIDE DUVAUCELLES HOTEL
EDWARD JOYCE AND MARY ELIZABETH FITTON
The NZ Family.
Edward Cooper Joyce
The First NZ Joyces - Edward and Mary Elizabeth
Edward and Mary Elizabeth with some gradcildren.
Rear from left - Raymond Carver, Edward Joyce.
Front from left - Mavi Joyce, Jack Lisle, Nola Joyce.
MYRA CARVER, EDITH LISLE and MARY ELIZABETH JOYCE.
MYRA CARVER, EDITH LISLE and MARY ELIZABETH JOYCE.
Back - Edith Lisle, Ted Bowden?, Norah Bowden.
Middle - Mary Joyce, Myra Carver, Mary elizabeth Joyce.
Front - Edward Joyce, Arnold Lisle, Jack Lisle.
Nola Joyce Wedding with Joyce clan.
Three generations of Edward.
Mary Joyce Wedding to George Burt. Bridesmaids Mavis Joyce and Jill Lisle.
Mary Joyce.
Mary Joyce and George Burt.
Mary Burt nee Joyce.
Arnold and Edith Lisle with Jack and Jill.
Jack Lisle, Mavis and Nola Joyce.
Mavis Joyce.
Nora Joyce.
John Cooper and his wife Maria (possibly nee Dean) were residing at 109 Church Lane, Gorton, Lancashire with a 14 year old Mary E. at the time of the 1881 cencus. John was a brick making builders contractor.
Mariage notice on 7 Nov 1889, page 4 Lyttleton Times read:-
"JOYCE - FITTON Nov 4 at St John's Duvauchelles Bay by Rev. McKenzie - Gibson, Edward Joyce to Mary Elizabeth Fitton adopted daughter of John Cooper all of Duvauchelles Bay."
