Background
Maria grew up in a Unitarian household. The early death of her father, Christopher Richmond, caused financial strife for the family.
Maria grew up in a Unitarian household. The early death of her father, Christopher Richmond, caused financial strife for the family.
At the age of 28, Maria and her family left for along with the Hursthouses, Richmonds, and Ronalds. They arrived in Auckland 25 May 1853. They then settled in the early New Plymouth colony.
When she and Arthur moved to Nelson in 1867 she became active in the community.
She promoted women"s suffrage, campaigned for a girl"s college and ran a debate team The Atkinson"s allowed the newly opened Nelson College for Girls faculty to use their home Fairfield House.