William Elvy was born 18 September 1875 in Nelson, Nelson Region, New Zealand to William Elvy (1834-1896) and Emma Jane Cross (1834-1928) and died December 1972 of unspecified causes. He married Eleanor Louisa Youmans (1873-1968) .
William John Elvy worked as a draughtsman in the Blenheim office of New Zealand's Lands and Survey Department. Over a period of three decades, he wrote papers and books about the history of Marlborough. He became foundation secretary and in later life a private member of six scenic reserve boards in the Marlborough area.
He was also an executive member and eventually president of the Automobile Association (Marlborough).
In 1970 his work was recognised by the granting of the title of MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire).
One of his books, Kaikoura Coast: The History, Traditions & Maori place-names of Kaikoura, is available for sale from the Kaikoura District Library.
Siblings
Children
| Name | Birth | Death | Joined with |
| Nola Kate Elvy (1908-1908) | |||
| Kenneth William Elvy (1909-1999) | |||
| Isobel Gertrude Elvy (1911) | |||
Footnotes (including sources)
| ‡ General |