Charles Pye - Further Information

Further Information

Charles Pye's birth date is unknown. His baptism occurred on 24 September 1820 at St Mary's church, Castle Church, Staffordshire. Charles was probably a few months old when he was baptised. His death certificate and obituary state he was 56 years old when he died, which suggests he was born prior to July 1820.

Pye was commissioned into the 53rd Foot in 1858. He became adjutant in 1859 and was promoted lieutenant in 1861. He retired in 1862. He, his wife and stepdaughter emigrated to New Zealand in August 1862. He was commissioned as Inspector & captain into the Colonial Defence Force (or New Zealand Militia), taking part in active operations during the Maori Wars.

After settling in Papakura and Karaka Hill, New Zealand, Charles Pye actually died in Australia on 12 July 1876, aged 56 whilst visiting his father in Kirkstall, Victoria. He was taken ill with bronchitis which proved fatal and was buried in the Tower Hill cemetery at Koroit near Warrnambool. Memorials honouring Captain Pye can be found at Stafford, UK (his birthplace) and Kirkstall near Koroit, Vic (his deathplace).