Grahamstown Journal 1875 - 1 - January to March
Friday 8 January 1875
DIED suddenly on 2nd January, at her residence, Beaufort-street, Grahamstown, Charlotte JORDAN, aged 30 years. Friends at a distance will please accept this notice.
DIED at Aliwal North, early on Christmas morning 1874, on his 69th birthday, Thomas BUTLER Senr, after a short and painful illness, deeply regretted by his bereaved widow and a large circle of relations and friends.
Mrs. BUTLER herewith tenders her sincere thanks to Dr. ZEELERBERG and Rev Messrs ROSSITER and KRIEL for their kindness and attention during the illness of her late husband.
Anna Maria BUTLER (born STEYNBERG)
Aliwal North
Dec 28th 1874
DIED at East London, 31st December, James Edward McCARTHY, Surgeon. Aged 49 years.
Friday 15 January 1875
MARRIED at St. Bartholomew’s Church, Grahamstown, on the 12th January 1875, by the Rev C. Packman MA, Mr. John C. LUCAS of Queenstown to Miss Annie Elizabeth GUEST, eldest daughter of Mr. Herbert GUEST of this city.
DIED suddenly on the 6th January 1875, at the residence of his father, Mr. H. GARDNER, Fish River Randt, James Thorpe, aged 19 years 3 months and 2 days. Friends at a distance will please accept this notice.
Monday 18 January 1875
BIRTH at Salem on 17th January, the wife of Mr. T.F. BERRINGTON of a son.
The Rev W. IMPEY, general superintendent of the Wesleyan Missions, Grahamstown district, is about to leave Healdtown, where he has resided for several years, being president of the Wesleyan Training Institute at that place, and will again take up his residence in this city.
ACCIDENTS
The Queenstown paper of Friday the 15th says that on Wednesday evening last Mr. BROWN’s children were playing at some game at a table on which was a lamp. When from some as yet unexplained cause was knocked over, setting fire to the wearing apparel of Mr. BROWN’s eldest daughter, a little girl of some eight or nine years of age. Owing to the fright which she had received, the unfortunate child rushed outside, which of course only increased the intensity of the flames. Ultimately the fire was subdued, but not until the poor little girl had received such injuries that she now lies in a precarious condition. We have since heard of the little sufferer, who, notwithstanding the constant attendance of Drs. DYER and ROLAND, gradually sank under her injuries and expired yesterday morning. We tender our sincere sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. BROWN in their sad bereavement.
Another accident comes from the direction of Capetown. On Saturday afternoon, says the Standard of the 12th, an accident of a very serious nature happened to Mr. H. VON SPREKELSEN, the chief mate of the Emily, a German barque lying at the south-east quay. It appears that shortly before three o’clock he, with five of the crew, went aloft to furl the mainsail, he taking his station on the main yard, and when hauling on the gasket it broke and he fell to the deck. He was picked up and carried in to the cabin immediately, and Dr. WEHR was sent for, but before he could arrive, Dr. COLLINS of the Simon, who was fortunately in the Docks, went on board and it was found that the left arm was broken just above the wrist, and the first and second finger of the right hand were put out of joint; his breast was also very much bruised. It was thought at first that his ribs were broken, but on examination it was found they were not. Yesterday morning he seemed better, but his left side is much swelled and he is unable to move. As soon as possible after the accident the unfortunate man was removed to the hospital.
Friday 29 January 1875
DIED at Grahamstown on Thursday the 28th inst, John Arthur, aged 7 months and 27 days, infant son of Sydney and M.A. CARLISLE.
Monday 1 February 1875
BIRTH on the 30th ultimo at West-Hill, the wife of Mr. Justice SMITH of a son.
CHILD BURNED TO DEATH
Yesterday afternoon a woman named Annie MILLER, living at St.James’ Walk, Harrington-street, left three children in her house while she went to the Shambles. On her return she found the body of one, a girl little over three years old, lying in the bedroom, dead and dreadfully burnt. From the statement of the other children, who were found hiding in another room, it appears that the deceased was playing with some matches when she set her clothes on fire. It is somewhat singular that none of the neighbours own to have heard any screams or cries for help.
Cape Standard, Jan 26th.
TRAGEDY AT WATERFORD
A lamentable occurrence took place on Saturday last in the house of a farmer at Waterford, named GROBBELAAR, resulting in the death (it is feared by his own hand) of a young man named Zacharias DE BEER. From what we have been able to gather the deceased was paying his addresses to GROBBELAAR’s daughter Maria, but the match did not meet the approval of deceased’s father. On Saturday last he called at GROBBELAAR’s house, with his gun, and while he and the object of his affection were alone in the “voorhuis” the gun was discharged, blowing out the young man’s brains. The statement of Miss GROBBELAAR is that she had just been joking with him and he said to her “You laugh now, but you will perhaps cry before the evening”. She had poured him out a cup of coffee, and was in the act of presenting it to him when the gun went off. Mr. Field-cornet RAFFERY was soon on the spot. He found the body of the young man lying across the “rustbank” and the gun had fallen between his legs. The charge had entered beneath his chin and passed out of the crown of his head, bespattering the wall and the ceiling with blood and brains. The remains of the young man were interred on Monday.
Uitenhage Times of Jan 20
Friday 5 February 1875
MARRIED at Southwell, Lower Albany, on the 27th January 1875, by the Rev R.W. Stumbles, William Neil, eldest son of the late John DOUGHERTY to Catherine, third daughter of Mr. William GRADWELL of Wolf Crag.
MARRIED at St.Saviour’s Cathedral, Maritzburg, Natal, on the 13th January by the Right Reverend Henry Callaway DD, Bishop of St.John’s, assisted by the Very Reverend the Dean of Maritzburg, Robert O. SMITH, son of George SMITH Esq of Barley Lodge, Trinity, Edinburgh, to Helen Isabella, youngest daughter of James HAW Esq of the Firm James HAW & Comp’y, Maritzburg, Natal.
DIED at Lindale, near Salem, on the 2nd inst, James Edward, beloved son of S.E. and Sarah AMM, aged 10 months and 14 days.
Feb 3 1875
DEATH OF CAPTAIN CLARKE
We deeply regret to hear, just as we go to press, of the death of Captain CLARKE, of the 75th Regt, who has been for some time in charge of the garrison at this port. We have not time to give more than the fact in this issue. Deceased had been ill for some time, but a fatal result was hardly anticipated. He had made himself very popular since his residence amongst us, and great sorrow is manifested at the sad event.
East London Dispatch of the 2nd inst.
Monday 8 February 1875
DIED at Fort Brown on the morning of the 5th February 1875, of Dyptheria, Clarence Truro, the second son of F.W.K. and A.E. WYLDE, at the age of 2 years and 11 months.
SAD ACCIDENT
From Frenchhoek we learn that Mr. ZEEMAN was buried there a few days ago, having died in consequence of an accident. The man was seventy years old, and was returning from a trip, when coming in the neighbourhood of Malmesbury he fell under his wagon, the wheels passing over his body and head, killing him on the spot. How the accident exactly happened no-one can say, because there was nobody at the time on the wagon, and it was dark. But it is supposed that the old man, having walked a little, tried to climb on his wagon, and that his foot slipped, causing him to fall under the wheels. – Argus
MATRIMONIAL
On Tuesday last the Rev Ezekiel LONES led to the hymeneal altar Charlotte Elizabeth, daughter of the Rev W.J. DAVIS, Superintendent of Wesleyan Missions in the Queenstown District. The happy event took place in the Wesleyan Chapel. A large number of people were gathered together to witness the pleasing ceremony, as the event excited considerable interest. The father of the bride and the Rev H.H. DUGMORE were the officiating ministers. The bride and bridegroom were attended by three bridesmaids and best man, who all looked exceedingly charming. We wish them much joy in their wedded life.
Queenstown Free Press of February 4th.
MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE
On Tuesday evening about six o’clock, an accident, which we are sorry to say terminated fatally, took place at the residence in Port Elizabeth of the Rev Samuel RAPAPORT, Hebrew Minister of that town. It appears that while Mrs. RAPAPORT was engaged in the loft her clothes accidentally caught fire, and she was severely burnt about the upper part of the body. A relative who was in the house at the time succeeded in extinguishing the flames, and sent immediately for medical aid, Drs. DUNSTERVILLE, [obscured] and THOM being promptly upon the spot. Everything which medical skill could devise was done to alleviate the sufferings of the unfortunate lady, but she succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday evening. Mrs. RAPAPORT was thirty-eight years of age, and leaves a large family to mourn her untimely end. She was interred in the Jewish Cemetery at the North-end last evening. – Herald.
ACCIDENT
We regret to learn that some time back, while engaged in working his printing machine, Mr. QUIN the elder, the proprietor of the Fort Beaufort Advocate, met with an accident by which his left hand was caught in a cog wheel, which cut off the ends of several fingers. – Examiner
WANTED
Mr. Christopher Thos. HARRISON and Miss Eliza HARRISON of Little Harrowden, Northampton, England, and who were lately residing at Durham, Natal, are requested to communicate either with Harry ESCOMBE Esq, Durban, or with the undersigned. Any information on the subject of their present residence is required.
CORYNDON & SIDDALL
Kimberley, Griqualand West
25th January 1875.
Friday 12 February 1875
BIRTH at Queenstown on Saturday 30th January 1875, Mrs. Thomas W. EDKINS of a son.
DIED at Grahamstown on Feb 11th, Sarah Ann, the beloved wife of Henry SCHLETTE in her 40th year.
DIED on the 3rd inst at Standerwig, Hymond’s Party [sic], Division of Bathurst, George HODGKINSON Senr, aged 74 years 1 month and 14 days, after an illness of about two months. Deceased was one of the British Settlers of 1820. His end was peace.
DIED at Trumpetter’s Drift on Thursday morning the 4th February 1875, Harriet MONTGOMERY (born FULHAM), the beloved wife of William MONTGOMERY, aged 32 years, leaving a young family of five children to mourn their irreparable loss.
Mr. MONTGOMERY hereby begs to express his sincere thanks to all those friends who so kindly tendered their help and sympathy during his sad calamity – of that of his late wife.
Monday 15 February 1875
DIED on the 9th February 1875, at Doorn Draaig, District of Graaff-Reinet, Joshua CAWOOD, aged 71 years, one of the British Settlers of 1820.
MR.STEPHEN DELL
This gentleman has, we are glad to learn, so far recovered from the accident which caused him a badly fractured leg, as to bear removal from the residence of Mr. B. ROBERTS, where he was laid ever since the accident, to his home at Barville Park.
THE LATE MRS. WELLS
We announce with deep sympathy for the bereaved husband, Mr. W.H. WELLS, of the Penny Mail, the death of his wife, which occurred during last night. For many years the deceased lady suffered from pulmonary affection and some time ago, as all thought, approached very near death’s door; but a wonderful change for the better then ensued, and led to the hope that an active life might yet be spared her. These hopes, alas, were soon dispelled; as paralysis seized the unfortunate lady on Friday last, followed by another attack last night, which was fatal.
DEATH OF AN 1820 SETTLER
Mr. George HODGKINSON, one of the 1820 Settlers, died at Hyman’s Party Location on the 3rd inst, in the 75th year of his age. The deceased came to the country with the Nottingham Party, and was located at Clumber, where he resided for many years, having become the owner of the farm “Tigerspring”. It is worthy of note that of the 52 members of the party with which deceased came to the country, seven still survive. Of these four acted as pall bearers and two others followed the coffin. The deceased leaves a large family of mourners, including fifty-four grandchildren.
Friday 19 February 1875
MARRIED at Kuruman on the 13th February 1875, by the Rev John S. Moffat, Charles A. WILLMORE, third son of the late Gregory WILLMORE, of Grahamstown, to Esther Laura, eldest daughter of John CHAPMAN Esq of Kuruman. No cards.
DIED at Kuruman Mission Station on the 31st January 1875, Walter Frederick, third son of the late Mr. John RICHARDS of this City, aged 25 years and 7 months.
DIED at Macfarlane, Chumie, on the 9th day of February 1875, at the age of 78 years, after a long period of painful suffering under sickness, Alexander McDIARMID, Missionary of the Free Church of Scotland in South Africa, after labouring in that Mission field for upwards of 47 years.
FORT BEAUFORT
Thursday
Mr. STRINGFELLOW, ex-Magistrate of Fort Beaufort, died on Wednesday. Aged eighty-six. He was much respected. Funeral takes place this evening at four.
Friday 26 February 1875
BIRTH at Grahamstown on the 22nd inst, the wife of Mr. J.M. GIBSON of a son.
MARRIED at Fort Peddie on the 18th February 1875, by the Rev W. Verity, Herbert Augustus JENNER Esq, Sub-Inspector F.A.M. Police, eldest son of Colonel A.F. JENNER, late 11th Regt, to Maude Mary, fourth and youngest daughter of F.C. WEBB Esq.
REV G. CHAPMAN
We regret to hear of the death of the Rev gentleman’s youngest child, a boy of about eight years of age. A few days since it seems that the little fellow fell from a fig-tree, suffering a compound fracture of the arm. Lock-jaw seems to have supervened, from which death ensued three or four days ago.
Friday 5 March 1875
SUDDEN DEATH
A very distressing instance of sudden death took place in Port Elizabeth on Sunday evening last. Miss Sophia BOWDLER, a step-daughter of Mr. WELLS, who keeps a shop near Baaken’s River, attended Divine Service at St.Mary’s Church in the evening, and although she felt somewhat ill, did not return home until its conclusion. Shortly after she reached the house she was seized with a fit, and convulsions supervened, from which she never rallied, and died about midnight. She was only twenty-four years of age.
DROWNED
A very melancholy affair occurred near Hankey on Saturday last. It appears that several young ladies, who attend the excellent educational establishment there, among whom where Miss Alice HALLACK, aged thirteen, and Miss HUGHES, a few years older, proceeded to the river during the afternoon to bathe. The two young ladies we have named, who were attached friends, went on in advance of the party, and quickly plunged into the water. Whether the river was deeper than usual, or they were carried away by an eddy, is not precisely known, but when their companions came in sight they were found struggling and sinking. An alarm was immediately raised, and some coloured people rushed to the spot and by their assistance the bodies were recovered; but although strenuous efforts were made to restore animation, death had already taken them for his own. The sad tidings reached Port Elizabeth on Sunday and Mr. and Mrs. Russel HALLACK accompanied by the Rev J.C. [MACINTOSH] immediately left for Hankey to attend their daughter’s funeral. Miss HUGHES was, we understand, a [sister]of the Hon. Mr. HUGHES. Very great sympathy is felt for the bereaved in their sad and sudden [obscured].
Friday 12 March 1875
DIED at Breakfast Vley, after thirty-six hours’ illness, at 5 o’clock on the morning of the 8th March 1875, of convulsions and diarrhea, William Richard Augustus, second son of William and H.E. POUTZ, at the age of 2 months and 28 days.
Sergt-Major POUTZ herewith tenders his sincere thanks to Mr. and Mrs. NAUDE, Mrs. BARNS and Mrs. WATSON, and other friends, for their kindness and attention during the illness of his son.
LAMENTABLE ACCIDENT FROM FIRE
Yesterday evening a little girl of 8 years, the youngest daughter of Mr. Alex. GOWIE of this city, was seriously injured through her clothes taking fire. The immediate cause of the accident is shrouded in uncertainty, but it is known the child was playing with fire at the kitchen stove, and it is supposed must have been lighting paper, holding the blaze, as children will, until it began to make itself felt at the fingers, and then dropped it on her print frock. The first intimation given to the family was the screaming of the child, who ran into a passage and was picked up by the mother, who had her hands severely burnt in frantic attempts to beat out the flames, and it was not until Charles GOWIE rushed down stairs and threw his jacket round the child that the flames were subdued. The injuries to legs and back are very great and caused some hours of extreme agony, although Dr. THORNE was immediately called in and applied the usual remedies. She now lies in a critical state, and bears the pain with much patience for one so young. Mrs. GOWIE will, no doubt, heal in time, but must always present a scarred appearance. The rings had to be cut from her fingers.
Monday 15 March 1875
FRIGHTFUL TRAGEDY AT HELL POORT
MURDER, AND SUICIDE OF THE MURDERER
The town was yesterday afternoon greatly excited by the report that a murder had been committed in the direction of Hell Poort. Mr. HUNTLEY, with characteristic energy, proceeded to the spot at once, when he found the bodies of Mr. and Mrs. TIVEY, and took the depositions which will be found below. Mrs. TIVEY was formerly the widow THORNTON, and had only been married to TIVEY since the 9th February last.
The following is Field-cornet LAPPAN’s account of this tragical affair:- Deceased, Henry Lawrance TIVEY, had been drinking during the week, and on the Friday previous he had been drinking and had a quarrel with his wife, whom he called all sorts of ill names. On the following day (Saturday) at 4pm he was also quarrelling, and she called to a man named HOPKINS in the shop for help. In the meantime she ran out from the kitchen door and called out “Oh God! BELL, help me!” William BELL, the person called, stood up to meet her, when she put her hands on his shoulders and Mr. TIVEY ran out with a gun and shot her in the back with a charge of shot. She then sat down on the door step for a minute and fell down, exclaiming “Oh God, help me!”. HOPKINS then turned her uppermost and called out to BELL to come and help to pick her up, when TIVEY said “pick her up and I’ll pick you too up directly and pay you for it afterwards”. BELL and HOPKINS then left the place, and when they were some distance away they turned round and had a look and saw TIVEY looking for them round the outhouses with a gun in his hand. He went round the hill as if in search and then returned to the hotel and shot himself in the left side, with a bullet which ascended upwards to the left shoulder, passing through the heart. He was buried on the place and his victim brought to town.
The following is the evidence taken by the Magistrate on the spot, at Hell Poort, in the district of Albany, on Sunday the 14th March 1875.
Appeared – Thomas William BELL who being duly sworn states: I am a groom in the employ of Mr. GRAY, Post Contractor, and have charge of the post horses at the place. About four o’clock yesterday afternoon I was sitting in front of the forage house, at the back of the kitchen, when Mrs. TIVEY, wife of the innkeeper, Henry TIVEY, both now deceased, ran out of the kitchen towards me. I immediately got up, when she caught hold of me and exclaimed “Oh, God help me!”, just then she was in front of me, with both her arms on my shoulders, and whilst in this posture her husband, who followed her out of the kitchen, fired from the kitchen door and shot his wife, she immediately fell by the side of me, I was stupefied at the minute, and felt helpless. A man named HOPKINS was also standing a few yards from the place where Mrs. TIVEY fell, and when she called out “Oh God, help me!” her husband said “Yes, help her and I will pay you”, or words to that effect, he also said “I will serve you the same way” he had the double barrelled shotgun now produced in his hand, and fearing that he would carry his threat into execution, HOPKINS and I at once retreated, leaving Mrs. TIVEY lying where she fell. HOPKINS and I then hastened to Mr. SMITH at the adjoining farm for assistance, and upon my return shortly afterwards I found TIVEY also dead. When TIVEY shot his wife, HOPKINS, myself, a deaf and dumb girl and a little boy named WISE were the only persons about the premises. TIVEY had been drinking for some weeks past, but yesterday he appeared to know what he was about. He and his wife had angry words together on the previous day. I have just seen the dead bodies of TIVEY and his wife in the adjoining bedroom. TIVEY was about 7 yards off when he shot his wife; they were only married last month.
Benjamin HOPKINS states:- I am a labourer in service of Mr. Edward SMITH, at the adjoining farm. At about four o’clock yesterday afternoon I came to TIVEY’s shop to purchase some articles, and after I had been served by a lad named WISE, and whilst waiting for change, I heard the report of a gun, and at once went outside to see what the matter was. I then saw TIVEY, now deceased, standing at the kitchen door with a gun in his hand, and his wife in a sitting posture in front of the forage house, and the last witness BELL a couple of yards from Mrs. TIVEY. I just heard her call out “Oh God! HOPKINS help me!” and she immediately fell to the ground. I went up and asked BELL to help me lift her when TIVEY said “yes, help her and I will help you and pay you for it” and as he said this he turned round to go in to the kitchen door, and as I thought he was going to reload the second barrel I became alarmed, and both BELL and I at once left hurriedly for Mr. SMITH’s farm to get assistance. After we had proceeded a short distance I looked round from the adjoining hill and saw TIVEY outside with the gun, and it appeared to me as if in search of BELL and myself. I did not return to the place, consequently do not know what happened afterwards. [This witness HOPKINS has only one arm]
Thomas WISE states: I am fourteen years of age in service of late TIVEY. Yesterday afternoon whilst in the shop serving the witness HOPKINS we heard the report of a gun. HOPKINS and I at once went outside when I saw Mrs. TIVEY lying in front of the forage house, BELL was standing near her, and my late master Mr. TIVEY with a gun in his hand in front of the kitchen door. BELL and HOPKINS left at once, and shortly afterwards I heard TIVEY call out to BELL to come and make a prisoner of him, but BELL was then out of sight. TIVEY then sent me to Grahamstown for Dr. WILLIAMSON, and on my way I called at Mr. VAN DER MERWE’s, close to the place, and reported what had taken place. When I left, TIVEY and a deaf and dumb girl were the persons about the premises. I think Mrs. TIVEY was dead before I went for the Doctor. TIVEY had been drinking but knew perfectly well what he was about.
Thomas VENABLES states: I am a carrier, residing at Mr. VAN DER MERWE’s farm, Nemands Kraal, close to this place: yesterday afternoon a lad named WISE called at the farm and reported that TIVEY had shot his wife. I and several others immediately came to the place, and only found a deaf and dumb girl on the premises. I made signs to her, she pointed to the bedroom. Mr. Piet VAN DER MERWE opened the bedroom, when we saw TIVEY and his wife lying dead, a gun was by the side of TIVEY, and I at once sent for the Field-cornet.
Friday 19 March 1875
BIRTH at Fort Beaufort on the 11th inst, the wife of Mr. D.T. SMAILES of a daughter.
MARRIED by special licence in Commemoration Chapel, Grahamstown, on the 17th March 1875, by the Rev W. Tyson, Wesleyan Minister, William Wreford PADDON Esq, Diamond Merchant, of Kimberley, Griqualand West, to Amy Isabella, second daughter of C.R. GOWIE Esq, Prospect Cottage, Grahamstown.
Thursday 25 March 1875
BIRTH at Kentbury, British Kaffraria, on the 15th inst, the wife of Mr. E.C. FLETCHER of a son.
EASTER MONDAY, should the weather prove favourable, will be a lively day. Picnic parties have been organised, the Templars are to have a gathering at “Gooseberry Farm”, and several pedestrian excursions are talked of. An exciting cricket match is also to draw crowds to the City Lords, where a picked crew of Elevens, to represent the Forrester and Oddfellow Brotherhoods, are to do friendly battle. Wickets are to be pitched at 11 o’clock sharp, and the Grahamstown will issue notes for acceptance in the afternoon. A cold collation, under the efficient catering of Mr. and Mrs. FONNELL, will be spread in the Pavilion, and marquees and tents will, it is expected, spring up mysteriously, provided with all that fastidious appetites may require. The following have been selected to “handle the willow” on the occasion:
ODDFELLOWS | FORRESTERS |
PITT, J. (Captain) | JONES, C. (Captain) |
DEXTER, J. | SHAW, W. |
ESTMENT, O. | SHAW, W.B. |
ESTMENT, W. | SHAW, J. |
McDONALD, J. | ARNOTT, W. |
CLARKE, A. | HIGGINS, J. |
GRADY, J. | MILBOROUGH, C. |
UPTON, J. | LONG, S. |
JOHNSON, B. | ESTMENT, C. |
BRIGHT, W. | STREAK, R. |
WINTER, J.P. | HOGGAN, J. |
Tuesday 30 March 1875
DIED at Salem on the 20th inst, Ann Amelia, the beloved wife of Mr. P. AMM Senr, aged 57 years.
Salem, 24th March 1875
DEATH OF MR. W.C. MINGAY
We regret to state that the sickness of this gentleman terminated fatally at Fort Beaufort on Friday last. Mr. MINGAY had for many years acted as clerk and bookkeeper in the establishment of Messrs RICHARDS, GLANVILLE & Co, but was about three months ago transferred to the reporting department of the Journal. As a reporter he was distinguished for accuracy and discrimination. He was able to distinguish salient points, and could work out the thread of a speech and clothe it in the speaker’s own words, at the same time that all redundancies were thrown out. In a word, he possessed that art of the good reporter which preserves faithfulness and yet imparts an element of interest to the most uninteresting speech. To him were we indebted for the report of the Bathurst Harvest Home; and concerning his report of the proceedings in BENJAMIN’s matter it is only necessary to say that to it we mainly attribute new orders for the Journal from Capetown, Port Elizabeth, King Williamstown, Queenstown, Potchefstroom and other places within and without the colony. Mr. MINGAY, about two weeks ago, went to Fort Beaufort to report for this paper the proceedings of the Farmers Congress. His industry put us in possession of the proceedings up to Wednesday night, which he transmitted in the following letter:
Fort Beaufort, Wednesday night
Mr. RICHARDS, Journal Office
Dear Sir,
I send copy up to tonight, having condensed today’s on purpose to get it off, thinking Congress would sit this evening, but they could not because the place of meeting was engaged for another purpose. Not much chance of getting away before Saturday. This has been a terrible task for me, as I have hardly been able to hold up my head from a bilious attack. The copy is properly numbered throughout.
Yours truly,
W.C. MINGAY
We were thus enabled to publish the first two days’ proceedings in advance of our contemporaries. On Thursday he again attended the Congress, but was compelled, about midday, to retire to a bed from which he never got up. Mr. HELLIER did all that a feeling heart could suggest, and we are glad to say that the last hours of the deceased were spent among friends, resident in Fort Beaufort. On Saturday morning Ms. MINGAY was about to start for Beaufort in the post cart, when a telegram announcing the fatal issue reached town and, being quite unfit for the journey, she remained in town. Mr. MINGAY was a man of considerable culture, his knowledge of music being generally admitted. He was at all times willing to assist in public entertainments, which will in future be conspicuous for the absence of that aid to which in the past they have been so much indebted. He has often rendered assistance to the Cathedral choir, and hence the Very Rev the Dean made feeling allusion to this melancholy event after his sermon on Sunday evening. Being in almost destitute circumstances, a collection was made on the widow’s behalf at the Cathedral service on the same occasion, and a list has been opened at the Journal office, to which all sympathisers can subscribe. Mr. Justice DWYER, with that spontaneous feeling which distinguishes him at all times, has already voluntarily sent a liberal contribution towards this object. Mr. MINGAY is the fourth reporter who has died on the Journal staff within the past fifteen years. Mr. YOUNG, Mr. SUTTON and Mr. CROOK were the other three.
Thursday 31 March 1875
DIED at Fort Beaufort, March 25th 175, aged 33 years and 7 months, William Charles MINGAY, son of the late Mr. Wm. G. MINGAY, Professor of Music, Coppenhall, Cheshire, England, and grandson of Admiral James MINGAY.
SHOCKING SUICIDE
Much excitement was caused in town yesterday by a report that Mr. Edward WELLMAN, for many years meat salesman in the employ of Mr. Alfred BUCKLEY, had attempted suicide by poison. Upon enquiry this was found to be too true. The circumstances appear to be as follows:- On Monday the deceased, with his daughter, had been invited to dine with a relative. For some reason she was allowed to go alone, expecting her father to follow. He did not do so, however, and on her return home about 8 o’clock in the evening she was horrified to see him lying on the floor, insensible and apparently lifeless, and that he had attempted his life with a razor. Medical aid was called, and Dr. WILLIAMSON was promptly in attendance. The examination of the wounds proved that the gashes had not been effectual in severing the throat, and that the cause lay elsewhere. Search was made, and a 2 oz phial which had contained laudanum was found, nearly empty. The stupefaction of the unfortunate man was now accounted for, and every remedy was tried, even to galvanism, without any success in rousing him. He remained in this condition for about sixteen hours, and died, as above stated. He leaves a son and two daughters grown up, who have thus to deplore the untimely end of their only parent. No reliable cause can be assigned for the horrible deed, but it had been remarked that his manner had become very strange, and his spirits much depressed for some time past. His funeral will take place tomorrow morning at nine o’clock. We purposely abstained from alluding to the sad case in our issue yesterday, thinking it possible that life might have been spared, and an unpleasant publicity obviated.
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