Thomson, Jane (1858–1944)

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Thomson, Jane (1858–1944)

New Zealand mountaineer. Name variations: Jane Coutts. Born May 18, 1858, at Kaiapoi, New Zealand; died July 17, 1944, in Christchurch, New Zealand; dau. of Donald Coutts (farmer) and Anne (Mackay) Coutts; m. John Thomson (civil engineer), 1879 (died 1923); children: 1 son.

Began mountaineering in her mid-40s and was one of first women to cross Copland Pass through Southern Alps; made numerous ascents and was second woman to successfully climb Mt. Cook (1916); member of New Zealand Alpine Club.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 3).

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