Morell, Morrell, Morel's of Fiji

Bula Vinaka,

In the late 1800's, brothers, Horace Edward Morel and Raymond Morel left England and set out on a what may have been the journey of their lifetime that took them to Fiji.

Their voyage across the globe is an all consuming passion of mine to piece together their adventure through the many stops they made on their way to the Pacific.

Today, there are 7 generations (last count) of descendants from Horace Edward Morel who have multiplied back across the globe.

The whereabouts of the descendants of Raymond Morel are still uncertain but there are some indications of re-settlement in New Zealand. Current research contacts are yet to confirm these queries.

Although there are 3 known versions of the family name; Morell, Morrell, Morel, we know who we are and it's with this blog that I hope we will be able to share our information and piece together our Family History.

Our Pacific Paradise of NAQARA Island, that sits on the southern tip of the main island of Viti Levu, is a central point of reference within the family circles. With your feedback and the research at hand, I endeavour to narrow down the different versions of how the island of Naqara came into the family.

The following extracts are courtesy of The National Archives of Fiji and The Encyclopedia of Fiji.

1. Horace Edward Morel

• Born in 1829 in Wiltshire, England,


• Married to Scylli, who was 26 years of age when they had their first child,


• Worked as a trader and cattle dealer,


• Was 49 years of age when the first of his four children were born,

- Edward Gibert Morel (M) born 1878,

- Adrian Raymond Morel (M) born 1879,

- Louis Aston Morel (M) born 1881,

- Rose Morel (F) born 1884.

2. Raymond Morel

• Born 14th September, 1838 in Wiltshire, England,


• Educated at Mount St. Mary's Jesuit College, Derbyshire,


• Left England in 1862 for New Zealand,


• There and subsequently in various parts of Australia, he engaged in gold-digging and in the early 1870's landed in Fiji,


• Was first in the field of inter-island trade and communication with a steam yacht appropriately named "Pioneer",


• Received a subsidy from the Cakobau government to carry mail and passengers from the old capital to outlying coastal settlements for many years,


• Then went into planting, taking up land in Navua and experimenting first of all with coffee,


• This was unsuccessful however cattle-raising which he later tried was a success,


• Was the first to supply fresh meat regularly to the settlers, who till then had lived mostly on salt beef & pork,


• Got married on July 31st 1889 in Auckland (NZ) to Meta Getika Scheauch of Germany,


• Was 53 years oldwhen the first of his four children were born,

- Adele Meta Morel (F) born 1890,

- Elizabeth Florence Morel (F) born 1892,

- Horace Valentine Morel (M) born 1895,

- Carl Raymond Morel (M) born 1897.

The two brothers were also involved in the purchasing of land in the Navua and Rewa area during 1879 - 1887.

1. LCCR 360 - Land known as Tikola Isle in Rewa,


2. LCCR 390 - Land known as Yakainase in Rewa,


3. LCCR 391 - Land known as Nakelimusu in Rewa,


4. LCCR 518 - Land known as Vakaraka in Navua,


5. LCCR 519 - Land known as Laqere in Navua.

This blog shows a revised edition to the earlier version posted during the week. A technical error erased the original version so I hope to learn from that.

To the family members who have so kindly assisted me with this research, Vinaka Vakalevu.

To the extended family who read this blog, your submissions to this ongoing research and corrections and amendments to my postings will be most appreciated.

I hope that we will be able to finally piece together our Family History and keep records for generations to come.

*Picture
Front (L-R) Matthew, Raymond, Uncle Bill, Cathy
Back (L-R) Shaqa, Michael, Ebony, Mili, Albert

* Next update will be on the 3rd Generation (ie. Descendants of Horace Edward Morel & Scylli).

Moce mada.