John Short (1) was born to George Short, a farm? labourer, and his wife Rachel (Scott). The couple lived in Hawick, near Jedburgh, Roxburgh, Scotland.

Margaret Wood(s) was born to John Woods, a farmer, and Francis (Scott). The family lived in Ballinaboy, Ireland. She was born Margaret Woods, but on her marriage certificate the 's' has been dropped from Woods. Her exact date of birth is unclear (her birth certificate is unavailable as fire has destroyed the birth records), however her baptism certificate from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland state she was baptised on 2 Jun 1844. It also states her place of birth as Ballynabury.

Some time prior to 1877, John was married to his first wife. No details of her are know at this time.

In January 1877, John's first wife died, possibly in childbirth. There were no children from this marriage.

John Short (1) came to New Zealand, on the ship 'Canterbury', arriving in Otago in December 1877. He moved to South Canterbury for work prior to coming to Bannockburn.

John went to work for William Bell and John Kane in their Bannockburn coal pit in Adams Gully (see Id #386). It is not known how long John worked in this mine or where he lived at the time.

On December 30, Mr John Short (1), widower and miner, married Margaret Wood, spinster. They were married in the Presbyterian Church. The minister was the Rev. J L Blackie, and the witnesses were William Rankin (storeman) of Cromwell, James Crombie (miner) of Bannockburn, and Isobel Hutton. It appears that Margaret Woods and her sister Jane Ann Woods (who married a Spence) came out to New Zealand on the ship 'Glenmark' arriving in Lyttleton on 14 Nov 1867. Another sister Mary (who married a Crombie) came out on the ship 'Mermaid', arriving in January 1869.

Around 1881 John Short may have built, or had built dwelling #28, with it's separate kitchen, dwelling #444 on Terrace (Hall) Road - for himself and Margaret. Building #444 was built first, and was used for the accommodation for Margaret and John. (It became known as the 'old kitchen') As the family came along, dwelling #28 was built, just a square building for sleeping and a fireplace. The internal walls were added as the family grew. The house was later built onto again, consisting of a dining room, lounge and another fireplace.There was a special little room at the back of the fireplace where the heat from the bricks and the stones would dry their clothes which hung on nails in the wall during the harsh winter months. There was also a bench seat in there. (This room was later boarded up, and still later was turned into part of the lounge by Derek Short)

It is possibly around this time that Mr John Short (1) moved from coal mining in Adams Gully to gold mining in Pipeclay Gully. He spent the rest of his working life mining here with Adam Aitken, Charles Ray, James Crombie, Archibald Preston and John Lynn.

On January 13 1883, John (1), along with John Lynn, and Archibald Preston, purchased a mining claim of 5 acres on Doctors Flat along with a branch water race and Rays Dam (see #172)

On May 9 1890, John (1) along with John Lynn and Charles Ray, purchased a residence area of one acre between Barnes and Shambrooks residence areas, Pipeclay Terrace (see #20)

John (1) was appointed as the chairman of the Bannockburn School Committee, a position he also held in 1896 and again in 1900. He was very involved in supporting the school.

John Short (1) was also involved with the Presbyterian Church in Bannockburn. He was appointed as the superintendent of the Sunday school, a position he held until 1906. For many years John held the position of treasurer of the church committee.

On November 20 1901, at the residence of John Short (1), Mr William Richard Parcell, 29 years, coal mine manager, was married to Frances Margaret Crombie, 22 years. The officiating minister was the Rev. Thomas Tait. The witnesses were Miss Frances Jane Ann Short and Nestor Parcell (storekeeper, Clyde). It appears that the couple made their home in dwelling #59.

On January 5 1910, Miss Margaret Mary Short died of typhoid at the age of 22 years. She was buried in the Cromwell cemetery.

John Short (2) was married to Miss Anne Manson, daughter of George and Emily Manson of dwelling #264.

Around 1914, Miss Frances Jane Ann Short moved to Dunedin to a position of head waitress at the Presbyterian Knox College.

On November 18 1913, Miss Rachael Ellen Scott Short was appointed to the position of the Bannockburn Postmistress. She continued to live with and care for her parents in dwelling #28.

John Short (1) had a pet calf, cat and dog, who all followed him when he walked down to the Bannockburn Store and home again - much to the neighbours amusement. The health of Mr and Mrs Short deteriorated with age and Mr Short was not able to care for his wife properly due to failing eyesight.

Miss Frances Jane Ann Short moved back home to Bannockburn (from Dunedin) - to look after her elderly parents.

On December 25 1930, Mrs Margaret Short died at the age of 87 years. She is buried with her daughter (Margaret Mary) in the Cromwell cemetery.

on August 17 1935, Mr John Short (1) died at the age of 89 years. He was buried with his wife Margaret, and their daughter Margaret Mary in the Cromwell cemetery.

Frances and Rachael Short continued to live in dwelling #28 after their fathers death.

Frances Short was known to have smoked two Cuban cigars a day - one in the morning and one at night. Rachael Short was fond of riding pillion on her nephew, Dick Short's motorbike.

The house was 'modernised' with the conversion of the sisters old bedroom on the southern side into a bathroom. A kitchen was also constructed off the southern side (after Rachel set fire to the 'old kitchen'), along with alterations and a new entrance porch on the western side. At this stage the old separate kitchen (#444) became and extra bedroom, storeroom, and a wash house behind.

In December 1948, Rachael retired as the Bannockburn Postmistress after 35 years of service. She received a mantle clock for her services from the Post Office.

In old age, the short sisters eyesight failed - however having lived in the same house for most of their lives they were able to find their way around reasonably well. The locals did provide assistance and support.

During the winter months the Short sisters would spend time in the Ranui rest Home in Alexandra.

Around 1985, Mr John Richard Short, a nephew of Frances and Rachel moved from Dunedin to take care care of his aged Aunts.

On April 2, Frances celebrated her 100th birthday. A celebration was held by the Bannockburn community for Fanny at the Coronation Hall (#57) with 250 people attending. Numerous stories were told at the celebration. The master of ceermonies, Mr Graham Todd, told of his frustrations at sharing the party line telephone no 152 with the Short sisters and eight others. "After many attempts to make a telephone call, I would sternly say 'working' and they would clear the line. Then as soon as I rang off they would reconnect with their friend down the road to work out the latest crossword together." Among the many telegrams received by Frances was one from Buckingham Palace from the Queen, signed "Elizabeth R" (see photo no 277). Another telegram from London was from the opera singer Patricia Payne. Other telegrams received included those from the Prime Minister, Mr Lange and Mrs Lange, the Governer General, Sir David Beattie, the M P for Otago, Mr Warren Cooper and his wife Lorraine, and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Peter Tapsell. Frances received 12 bouquets of flowers during the luncheon and afternoon tea at the hall which was hosted by the Banncokburn women's division of the Federated Farmers. Both Miss Fanny and Miss Rachel Short were foundation members of the 76 year old division.

On October 12 1987, Rachel Ellen Scott Short died at the age of 96 years. She is buried in the Cromwell cemetery.

On February 29 1988, Frances Jane Ann Short died at the age of 102 years. She is buried in the Cromwell cemetery with her sister Rachel.