John was the son of Patrick McQuilkin (1796 - 1886). The family lived in a small farm cottage at East Torr, County Antrim. His siblings were Mary, Alexander (who died at 6 months), Patrick, James and Alexander. Oral tradition and DNA links with people from Rathlin, indicate that the family was originally from Rathlin Island and possibly Scotland. John married Mary Sweeney, born in Cove, Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland, whose father was a Coast Guard at Torr Head, 18.06.1867 in the Craiga Chapel, Cushendall. They emigrated to New Zealand soon after. John prospected for gold and worked for the County Council as a roadman. They had a small farm in the Hau Hau, just out of Hokitika. Mary and John had eight children. He died in Hokitika 08 June 1915. He was 87 years old and is buried in his family plot on Moses Road in the Hokitika Cemetery. Mary died in the Home of Compassion, Wellington where their two daughters were Sisters of Compassion, 12 November 1927 and she is buried with John in Hokitika.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 3rd Aug 1835 | |
| Date of Death | 8th Jun 1915 | |
| Names of Siblings | Patrick mcQuilkin, Mary McQuilkin | |
