Ann Campbell ran a popular summer boarding house at Taieri Mouth and was famous for her kindness and hospitality. She was born at Montrose, Scotland on 12 May 1834 to Peter Campbell and Jane Fraser. In 1850 she emigrated to New Zealand with her family on the Ajax. On arrival in Dunedin, Ann and her sister helped their mother Jane run a boarding house in Walker Street. Ann soon left to work as a housemaid in the home of Captain Cargill and his wife. Within a year of her arrival Ann married Antonio Joseph, pictured to the left of her on the wall. Antonio was a former whaler, who had deserted from the Favourite in 1847 to settle in Otago as a trader. They went on to have nine sons and three daughters together. By 1856 Ann and Antonio had settled at Taieri Ferry where for two years they ran the Bush Inn and Taieri ferry tollhouse at Henley.
Like many Otago men, Antonio was drawn by the gold rush to try his luck in Central Otago. He was also one of the many who returned unsuccessful and the family then settled at Taieri Mouth. Ann and her daughters established a summer boarding house there that became highly successful. Ann had health struggles for many years in the lead up to her death but this did not diminish her generosity of spirit. She extended help to anyone in need and became loved by many for her kindness and hospitality. She died on 5 January 1903, survived by Antonio, six sons, and two daughters.
Mrs Antonio Joseph (née Ann Campbell)