Robert Latta and Jean Linn were both born in Scotland and emigrated to Australia with their families.
The couple married at Macclesfield in South Australia, later boarding the City of Hobart which arrived at Port Chalmers on June 8, 1863.
They had three children with them - Thomas, Matthew, and a baby - and originally lived in Balclutha, where Mr Latta was a brewer.
On January 10, 1866, the Clutha River flooded and Mrs Latta and the family were rescued with others at 2am and taken to higher ground. Mr Latta lost all his barley and his kiln.
Another five children were born in New Zealand. Mrs Latta died in 1875 in Owaka, and Mr Latta returned to Australia, where he died in 1891.
Three of his five sons - Tom, Matt, and Charlie - were partners in the first Latta Bros Sawmillers. They started business in 1893 at Hunts Rd, and later moved to Ratanui, Owaka Valley, Tawanui, and Newhaven before selling out and retiring.
The second firm of Latta Bros Sawmillers were the sons of Tom Latta - Sid, Tom, and Bert. Marie Latta said about 70 people from Auckland to Bluff attended the two-day reunion in Owaka.
The celebrations began with a remembrance candle-lighting ceremony, the unveiling of a seat outside the Owaka Museum and family photos. A dinner was held on Saturday night.
The reunion finished yesterday with a tour of the area.
