Mary E Kissling

Mary Eliza Kissling

b. Mary Eliza Haultain in Drypool, York, England on 9 Mar 1848                                 d. Auckland 17 Nov 1890

Came to New Zealand with her parents in 1849. Her father was Colonel Haultain who subsequently became a member of parliament.

Mary in 1868, aged 20

photo courtesy Chris & Betty Haultain collection

in The Haultain Family Tree, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington

Mary married William Henry Kissling, a lawyer on 11/11/1869; they had two daughters.

When her husband died, she offered to work voluntarily at Auckland Hospital as acting Lady Superintendent.  She occupied this role for two months.  [She had no nursing training]

Appointed Lady Superintendent Wellington Hospital Jan 1884, remaining in this role until the arrival of  Miss Kate Marsden in April 1885.  For a time whilst she was at Wellington Hospital, the Medical Superintendent was Dr Edward Duncan Mackellar whom she would marry in 1885.

                                        Mary as Lady Superintendent, Wellington Hospital