The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Brasell, John
Brasell, John , Farmer, Maerewhenua Settlement, Duntroon. Mr. Brasell was born on the 11th of September, 1846, in Buckinghamshire, England, and came out to Timaru in 1882 by the ship “Lancashire Witch.” He was brought up to country life in the Timaru district, and found employment in fencing, shearing and other country work until settling in North Otago in 1876. He was employed on the Maerewhenua estate for some time, and on the opening of the page 569 settlement acquired under a lease in perpetuity a section of twenty-two acres, on which he erected his cottage. Mr. Brasell has lately been employed by Mr. James Helley, of Awaiti Farm. He was married, in 1874, to a daughter of Mr. John Smith, of Manawatu. Mrs Brasell died in 1887, leaving three sons.