Saturday 6 October 1855

We give mention with much pleasure to a short sketch of the career of the late Mr. GILFILLAN, Civil Commissioner and Resident Magistrate of Cradock. The memoir will be read with interest by those who were acquainted with the deceased. His life was eminently one of usefulness and activity in promoting the advancement, and in defence of his country.
Mr. GILFILLAN
William Frederick Andrew [sic – should be Anderson] GILFILLAN, the subject of the following sketch, was of an ancient and Scottish family, and began his career, as his Grandfather and Father had done before him, by entering the Army, arriving in this Colony in the year 1812 as an Ensign in the 60th Rifles, and after serving with his regiment, which was chiefly stationed on the Frontier, in 1819 returned with them to England. The battalion to which he belonged being disbanded, he was placed on half-pay. Returning to the Colony in the following year, he devoted himself to farming pursuits, residing for several years near the Kowie Mouth, and holding at one time command of a Company of the Albany Levy, a force organised by Sir Rufane DONKIN for the defence of the Frontier.
The war of 1833 breaking out, deceased was obliged to leave his farm, and seek shelter for his family in Bathurst, being immediately elected to the command of the refugees assembled there, and was actively engaged for some time in repelling Kaffir inroads and protecting the property of the district. After the abandonment of that place, he received from Sir Harry (then Colonel) SMITH, the command of a Company of the Hottentot Levy, with whom he served during the whole war, acquiring the esteem and approbation of that gallant soldier, by whom he was entrusted with the command of Fort Murray and the formation of the post known as Botha’s Post. While employed upon this last service, he received from Sir Andries STOCKENSTROM the appointment of Civil Commissioner and Resident Magistrate of Cradock. No one, it will readily be conceded, could be more competent than that distinguished individual to judge of the fitness of a person to perform the duties of this responsible office, to gain the esteem and confidence of the inhabitants, and to aid in the defence of a border district; the wisdom of the selection made by him in this instance has been abundantly proved by the honorable way in which the subject of this memoir has, for the last nineteen years, performed his more direct duties to government and the difficult and delicate duties of a Magistrate among a mixed population, gaining at the same time the esteem of all classes of the community.
But deceased, although of an extremely conciliatory disposition and desirous of popular regard and favour, attached to his adopted country, and remarkably free from injurious prejudices against the majority of its inhabitants, was yet a man of firm will, eminently loyal, and warmly attached to the land of his birth. These feelings were strongly manifested when the exigency of public affairs obliged the government to detach a body of Her Majesty’s troops to the assistance of our Allies on the N. E. boundary, when, in opposition to the general feeling of the community, he did not hesitate even to hazard his popularity amongst them, by promoting the object of that expedition by every means in his power, and by the extension of his hospitality to the officers and attention to the comforts of the men, to evince his heartfelt interest in the fortunes of his countrymen and attachment to the government which he served.
These anxious and critical times passed away, and the occurrence of the war of 1845-6 afforded him an opportunity of proving an equal zeal for the welfare and defence of his adopted country. After, as Commandant of the Division, providing for the defence of the borders, he proposed to the authorities that a party of military should be united to the Burgher Force under his command, and an inroad made into Kreli’s country to recover the plundered colonial cattle collected there. This plan being approved of, deceased led his contingent to Fort Beaufort; but the design being abandoned, he returned to his own district, and was from that time to the close of the war unremittingly employed in raising and organising volunteer corps and native levies, visiting the various posts on the border of his division, collecting and forwarding supplies, and charged with the whole care of the commissariat of the Burgher Forces of the division that were in the field. These important and valuable duties being performed—in addition to his civil appointment, with no additional assistance from a clerk or any remuneration—not without seriously encroaching upon his own private income.
After a short interval of repose, war again breaking out in [1850], one half of the district was suddenly overrun and devastated. This took all his energy to meet the emergency, and he was nobly followed by the townsmen and inhabitants of Cradock. The invaders were met and forced back. Relieved by the appointment of competent Commissariat Officers from many of those duties which had pressed so heavily upon him in the last war—the duties of his civil appointment being performed by his clerk, Mr. Robert BAYES, so as to relieve him from any anxiety on that account —he placed himself at the head of the Burgher Force of the Division, who had manifested some reluctance to keep the field without their old commander. For upwards of a year Mr. GILFILLAN was constantly in the field, operating either with his own force or parties of the military against the enemy. Many of his old companions will well remember his conduct at the [Bravant] and [Bagena], and on the critical and eventful day of the Balotta, and can bear willing testimony to his indomitable courage, energy, and fertility of resource in the hour of danger; and to the esteem in which he was held and to his honorable example may be ascribed in a great degree the distinguished and patriotic conduct of the inhabitants of Cradock in the late and former wars, and consequently, under Providence, the check given to the enemy in the Division which he commanded.
This hasty and imperfect sketch of the most remarkable events in the life of a man who has been honourably known on this Frontier for the last 43 years is all the general reader will care to know -too familiar, unfortunately, with details of Kaffir strife, they care not for details of personal adventure or suffering, and, indeed, though no-one ever more fearlessly exposed himself to danger, or was more prodigal of effort at the call of duty, many on this exposed frontier have done as well and suffered far more than the subject of this sketch, for it pleased God to bestow upon him many earthly blessings and to be his stay and protector in the hour of peril. How often has his family in the time of war seen him depart at the head of some gallant band, and days and nights of watchfulness and prayer passed away, and rejoiced at his return in strength and health; while friends around them mourned the loss of some dear relative. Deceased would often express his heartfelt gratitude to the Almighty for the many blessings he enjoyed; his family, too, remembering the tender mercies of their Heavenly Parent in times past, will not despair for the future, nor dare to sorrow as those who have no hope, but will be enabled to bow with meek submission to the will of God.
Deceased was a loving and affectionate husband and father, and leaves a large family to lament his irreparable loss, and a name which will be long and honorably remembered on this Frontier, for the political circumstances of this Frontier are too grave, the lives and property of the inhabitants too often perilled, to permit them to forget or disregard the noble example of courage and devotion, in their defence, afforded by the life of the good citizen and gallant soldier whose loss we now lament.

Saturday 13 October 1855

MARRIED at Fort Beaufort on Wednesday 10th instant, by the Revd. E.D. Hepburn, Wesleyan Minister, John FOTHERIGHAM Esquire, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, to Elizabeth Sarah BILLINGHAM, eldest daughter of William HYMAN Esquire of Uitenhage.

DIED at Glen Burnie near Somerset, on the 29th September 1855, Elizabeth LEPPAN, (second) wife of Mr. Christopher J. LEPPAN, aged 23 years and 8 months, leaving a widow with six children to mourn the untimely end of a kind mother and affectionate wife.

DIED at Grahamstown on the 11th October 1855, Isabella, widow of the late Philip LUCAS Esquire, of Grahamstown, aged 81 years and 4 months.

DIED at "Rust", Zwager's Hoek, on the 22nd inst, Daniel Jacobus MALAN, in the 81st year of his age. Much and justly regretted by a numerous circle of relatives and friends.

DIED at Hopewell on the 5th instant, Florence Hogben, infant daughter of Thos. And Mary GILBERT, aged 6 months.

Saturday 20 October 1855

BIRTH at Grahamstown on the 13th inst, Mrs. Horatio SCOTT of a son.

DIED at Eland's Post on Monday morning the 15th inst, after a short but painful illness, Mr. David BOYD, Chief Constable of that district, aged 34 years. Deceased came to this colony in 1847 to join his Regiment (the 75th) from which he received his discharge when it left the colony. He served in the Levies during the wars of 1846 and 1851, and his death is attributed to exposure during these eventful periods. He was a good man in every sense of the word. His bereaved widow and three young children deplore his loss.

DIED at Beauty Vale, near Graham's Town, on the 9th instant, Catharine, widow of the late Rev. Christopher Andrew SASS. Aged 64 years, leaving four children to lament the loss of a kind and affectionate mother.

DIED at Cape Town on the 29th September 1855, Mr. John Murray AITCHISON, late of the Surveyor-General's Department, Natal.

Saturday 27 October 1855

DIED at Grahamstown on the 18th instant, at his residence, John Phillip CAMM Esq, aged 56 years.
October 1855.

BIRTH at Prospect District of Queenstown on the 21st inst, Mrs. W.H. WEBSTER of a son.

BIRTH at Grahamstown on the 23rd instant, Mrs. W.H. PIKE of a daughter.

Saturday 3 November 1855

MARRIED at Wander Heurd on the 1th October by the Rev W Murray of Middleburg, Mr. James RAWSTORNE to Miss Rachel Charlotte Munro GILFILLAN, fourth daughter of Adam GILFILLAN Esq.

BIRTH, November 3rd, Mrs. E.T. TAYLOR of a son.

BIRTH on Friday the 2nd instant, at Roseneath Cottage, Graham's Town, Mrs. John CAMPBELL of a daughter.

Saturday 10 November 1855

NOTICE
In the Insolvent Estate of Hugh Reid Porter BARCLAY of Alice.
The Undersigned have been duly appointed by an order of the Circuit Court the Provisional Trustees of the above Estate. All persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to pay the same forthwith to either of the undersigned, or proceedings will be instituted against them.
Edward HAW
James SAVORY
Joint Trustees

Mrs. ADCOCK's Private Board and Lodging House
Nearly opposite the London House
Main-St, Port Elizabeth
Families as well as other visitors will here find comfort, combined with very moderate charges.

Saturday 17 November 1855

BIRTH at King William's Town on the 11th instant, the wife of Mr. James W. HURLEY of a son.

BIRTH at Grahamstown on the 12th inst, Mrs. T. McNALLY of a daughter.

MARRIED at Somerset East on the 6th instant, by the Rev W. Holden, Mr. Robert Christopher DOYLE, Builder, to Elizabeth DOLD, widow of the late Mr. William Andrew DOLD.

MARRIED on the 6th instant by the Rev W. Holden, Mr. J.C. HYMAN, eldest son of the late William HYMAN Esq of Uitenhage, to Miss Sarah Elizabeth DOLD, eldest daughter of the late Mr. William A. DOLD.

Thos. HAYWARD
Stonecutter and Mason
Begs to return thanks to the inhabitants of this city who have patronised him since he has been in business, and hopes by strict attention and substantial workmanship still to merit a share of public patronage.
Thomas HAYWARD also informs the inhabitants of the Eastern Province that he still carries on Masonry and Stone-cutting in all its Branches.
Tombs and Tombstones erected in the shortest possible time.
Mill-stones made to order equal to any imported.
Stone rollers for gentlemen's garden walks or lawns.
Square Flagging, Curb Stone &c &c and always on hand for sale Lime of the best quality.
All orders thankfully received and punctually attended to.
Thos. HAYWARD
City of Grahamstown
3rd November 1855
PS Six good masons wanted, to whom liberal wages and constant employment will be given. Apply to Thomas HAYWARD, Mason &c, City of Grahamstown.

Saturday 24 November 1855

NOTICE
Henry J. BUTT, lately discharged from the 91st Regiment, and now under contract to me for ten months from the 3rd July last as a general Servant, having absconded from my Service about the 23rd October 1855, it is requested that no person do hire the said H.J. BUTT after this Notice without my concurrence. When he left my service he was in my debt about £7. Information of BUTT's whereabouts will be thankfully received.
David DAVIES
Alice, November 5th 1855.

Saturday 1 December 1855

MARRIED in St.George's Cathedral, Grahamstown on the 28th November 1855, by the Revd, John Heavyside, Colonial Chaplain, Mr. Nathaniel COCK, youngest son of Wm. COCK Esqr, to Mary Ann Sarah BARBER, only daughter of the late Mr. Walter Mills BARBER.

MARRIED in St.Mary's Church, Port Elizabeth on Thursday 22nd November by the Rev W.H. Fowle, Colonial Chaplain, Mr. George Bell MARSHALL to Mary Elizabeth Lombard, eldest daughter of Mr. Edmund L. KIFT.

MARRIED at St.Mary's Church, Port Elizabeth on Thursday 22nd November by the Rev W.H. Fowle, Colonial Chaplain, Christian William, third son of Peter HEUGH, to Elizabeth Ann, third daughter of Mr. Edmund L. KIFT.

DIED at Cradock on Thursday 22nd November, Frederick Donald, infant son of Edward Andrews CAMPBELL.

Saturday 8 December 1855

DIED at Fort Beaufort at the residence of Mr. N. ELLIOTT, on the 11th October last, Mary, widow of the late William HOLDER, aged 69 years, deeply regretted by a numerous circle of relations and friends. Deceased was one of the original Settlers of 1820. Her end was peace.

Saturday 15 December 1855

DIED at his residence near Fort England on Wednesday evening the 12th December 1855, William REYNOLDS, aged 61 years and 6 months, leaving a wife with 11 children to deplore her irreparable loss. He was an affectionate Husband and a fond Father to his children.

Saturday 22 December 1855

BIRTH at Milbery Grove, Fish River on the 5th inst, Mrs. Joshua TROLLIP of a son.

DIED at his residence in Somerset-street, Grahamstown, John Henry, the second son of Mr. William GLASS. Aged 3 years 3 months and 7 days.

Saturday 29 December 1855

BIRTH at Beer Kraal, near Somerset East, on the 19th inst, Mrs. James ALLWRIGHT of a son.

BIRTH at Gletwyn, near Grahamstown, on the 24th instant, Mrs. Herbert RUBIDGE of a son.

DIED in Grahamstown on Monday 17th instant, Sarah Mary, wife of William CONNELY of Howison's Poort. Aged 37 years.

DIED at Fort England, Grahamstown, this morning, Saturday 29 December, Mr. William SHEPHERD, aged 69 years. Deceased came to this country amongst the Emigrants of 1820, and has ever since that period resided in the District of Albany. Forming one of what is termed the Salem Party, he dwelt for a short time in the Village of that name, whence he subsequently removed to Grahamstown, where he has ever since maintained the character of a respectable and useful citizen, the supporter of every useful and benevolent Institution, and the warm advocate of religious and civil liberty in its most extended sense. Having always been a consistent member of the Baptist Church at this place, his end was in accordance with his religious professions and principles. He finished his course in "the full assurance of hope" leaving a Widow and numerous family to deplore the loss of one who in life was their best earthly friend, and whose memory must ever live in their tenderest affections.