Margaret Graham Grant

Margaret was born Margaret Graham Grant on the 31st of July, 1869, at Tokomairiro, Otago, New Zealand, the 2nd of 8 children of William and Ellen (Buchanan) Grant. Being the only daughter and the second eldest in a family of eight, Margaret's services were required at home after she left school. At 29, on the 6th of July, 1898, she married David Wyllie at West Taieri Presbyterian Church, Otago, New Zealand. and they had 3 children: William (Jim), David (Graham) and Ella. After her marriage to David Wyllie in 1898 she continued to live in Outram, in the township for the first six years and then at "Balmoral", the home built by Donald Borrie, until her death in 1932. She took a keen interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the district, and was a staunch member of the Presbyterian Church, joining in all its activities and holding the position of secretary of the P.W.M.U. for many years. She was the first organist at West Taieri Church, her appointment being made when there was considerable opposition from a section of the congregation to installing an organ, "a kist of whistles", as it was called. She took a keen interest, too, in the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union. When "Balmoral" was conducted as a Guest House from just prior to World War I, it became well known beyond the immediate locality of Outram. Many Dunedin families returned year after year to enjoy the pleasures of a country holiday.  At 63, on the 27th of August, 1932, she died at her residence Balmoral, Outram, Otago, New Zealand and was buried in the West Taieri Cemetery.