Friday 3 January 1868
BIRTH on Thursday the 2nd inst, Mrs.M.B. SHAW of a daughter.
MARRIED at Fort Peddie on the 25th December 1867 by the Rev A. Hay, assisted by the Rev W Govan, Mercy Anna, youngest daughter of Mr. S. STANGER of Aliwal North to Mr. James Wilson WEIR of King Williamstown.
DIED on Sunday 15th December 1867, Margaret, the beloved wife of W.S. COPELAND of Burghersdorp. Aged 39 years 10 months and 5 days.
“Her death was peaceful and her hope was founded in Christ Jesus her Saviour”
Friends and relatives will please accept this notice.
Friday 10 January 1868
BIRTH on the 3rd inst at St.Andrew’s College, the wife of the Rev Langford S. BROWNE of a son.
BIRTH at Frazerburg, Beaufort West, on the 13th December, Mrs. Alice HEMMING of a son.
Monday 13 January 1868
BIRTH at Grahamstown, 11th January, the wife of Mr. C.H. HILL of a daughter.
DIED on 8th November 1867, at his residence “Woodville”, Douglas, Isle of Man, William F. NELSON, late Surgeon Royal Artillery.
Wednesday 15 January 1868
BIRTH at Dugmore Villas, South Hackney, on the 13th November 1867, the wife of Mr. Warwick HILL of a daughter.
Emigration to Natal
The Natal Government offers to Immigrants from the Cape Colony the same privileges in the acquisition of land in Natal as those granted to Immigrants from the United Kingdom, namely: - To men who have the requisite knowledge of, and skill in agriculture, and who possess a capital of Five Hundred Pounds Sterling, or any yearly income equivalent thereto, a Free Grant of Two Hundred Acres of Selected Land, with a reserve of Two Hundred other Acres adjoining, which may be bought for 10s an acre at the end of five years.
A limited number of approved men of smaller means, who know how to turn the land to account, and who van provide themselves and their families until the land yields them sustenance, will receive free grants of 50 acres of good land with right to surrounding commonage, and will be assisted at the lowest possible charges to themselves to get conveyed to, and settled upon, their grants; and will also be provided with shelter on first arrival.
Actual occupation for 4 years is required before any transfer of land allotted to Immigrants is finally made.
Pastoral runs of 1,000 acres in extent may be hired from the Government on 8 years’ lease, at a rental of one penny per acre per annum, on the condition of actual stocking and occupation; Government reserving to itself the right to terminate the occupation of any portion of the runs by giving 60 days notice at the end of any one year and allowing a fair sum for permanent improvements. These runs are purchasable by the occupier at any time in the open market, the present Government upset price being 4s per acre.
Fuller particulars may be obtained on application to the undersigned at his Office in Church-square, Grahamstown.
By order of the Natal Government
Frederick HOLLAND, Broker
Special Agent of the Natal Government.
Friday 17 January 1868
BIRTH at Frazerburg, Beaufort West, on the 13th December, the wife of Robt. C. HEMMING of a son.
Monday 20 January 1868
BIRTH at Cradock, January 12th, the wife of Mr. J.E. HOWSE of a son
DIED at Grahamstown on the 17th inst, Richard Uppleby, infant son of the Rev Wm. and Anne SARGEANT. Aged 6 weeks.
Friday 24 January 1868
MARRIED January 20th at St. Mary’s, Port Elizabeth, by the Rev E. Pickering, Mr. R.E. TAYLOR of Grahamstown to Miss C.A. FLOYD.
IDENTIFICATION AND INTERMENT OF THE REMAINS OF MR. J.M. SHORT
There is not the slightest reason to doubt that the human remains discovered on Sunday, on the banks of the Kowie River, are those of the late Mr. John May SHORT. The proof of identification is complete. The stature, teeth &c, and the clothes, are those of the deceased gentleman; and although the hopes that were entertained of his still surviving are now utterly dissipated, his friends have the melancholy satisfaction of knowing his end, and of paying as much respect as possible to the few frail mortal relics.
In our last issue we published the letters addressed to Mr. C.R. GOWIE, of this city, by Dr. LE SUEUR, district surgeon, and Mr. J.B. STYLE, the field cornet. Mr. GOWIE also received the following:-
Bathurst, January 20 1868, 5 o’clock pm.
Dear Sir, I herewith enclose copy of a letter just received from the Fieldcornet of Port Alfred, reporting that the body of a white man has been found about seven miles from that place, on the banks of the Kowie River, on the Bathurst side. As I have no doubt that the body is that of the lunatic SHORT, I lose no time in making you acquainted with the fact, as no doubt you will take steps to have the remains decently interred. I have informed Mr. STYLE, the Fieldcornet, that it was my intention to communicate with you at the first opportunity, and that I was of opinion that you would arrange about the interment.
I remain, dear Sir, Yours faithfully
Geo. Rex. DUTHIE
[to] C.R. GOWIE, Grahamstown.
Mr. GOWIE, who, as curator in the estate of the deceased lunatic, has evidenced prompt and persevering attention to the duties of his office, lost no time on the receipt of these communications in responding to Mr. DUTHIE’s suggestion. He left town on Tuesday at one pm, in company with Mr. J.P. COLLYER, was at Port Alfred at six o’clock the next morning, visited the spot where the remains were found and saw them collected together, set out on his return at one o’clock and was in town again at six on Thursday morning. The circumstances attending the discovery were ascertained to be as follows: In the course of Sunday afternoon a few youngsters, intent upon getting honey, procured a boat and rowed up the river. On arriving at a place about a couple of “reaches” above the hut or building known as “King’s house”, and looking diligently in every direction for traces of honey, the eyes of one of the party were struck by an unusual object on the eastern or Bathurst bank, and turning the boat in that direction the party were much surprised to find the appearance was that of a human skull. Landing and examining the spot, they were at first unable to discover anything further, the skull lay by itself, as if it had been thrown there by chance. But on extending the area of investigation and penetrating the stumpy bush which there grows abundantly, they detected a number of other bones, partially enveloped in clothing. They returned homewards, and reported the discovery. On Monday morning Dr. LE SUEUR, Mr. STYLES and others proceeded up the river t the place, and made a sort of medico-legal investigation. The skull lay where the party had found it, within a foot of the water’s edge: the remains of the body were about three yards higher up, concealed from anyone passing up or down the river in a natural arbour or alcove, which would not reveal its secret without very close inspection; and to get there, the boys had found it necessary to take off their boots and socks and wade barefooted through the marshy ground by the water’s edge. It was evident that the skull had become detached from the vertebrae by the gradual process of decomposition, and had rolled to the position where it attracted observation. But for this circumstance the discovery must have been delayed indefinitely or might never have been made. As we remarked on Monday there are, in any land where people live, few places more solitary than the Kowie Bush from the fords above the [tideflow] downwards to within a mile of Barrington Bay. Now and then a picnic party to the Mansfield will take the road from Bathurst and keep to it; and more frequently a boat comes up the river pleasure-seeking, but in neither case are the [leafy fastnesses] penetrated. Herdsmen looking for strayed cattle and a huntsman or two are almost the only men who care much to leave the scanty beaten tracks and dive into the labyrinths of the river jungle, and they best [know] the utter loneliness of the place] and how easy it would then be to give the world and life the slip.
From the position in which the remains were found and the natural features of the locality it is conjectured that the body of the deceased gentleman was carried to the trees in the river bank where it met with temporary burial by the freshet of the 20th and 21st November, which it will be remembered swelled the Kowie to a very unusual height; and it is further conjectured that the corpse remained in that position on the subsidence of the water. It is exceedingly improbable that the deceased lay down there while alive. Reference has already been made to the difficulty of approach – the dampness and moisture. If concealment were the object, a thousand places might have been selected that would equally well have answered, without the unpleasantness and inconvenience inseparable from this. And the supposition that the body was thus landed by the freshet is strengthened by the fact that there is an eddy which, in a season of flood, diverts the onward course of any passing object coming within the circle of its influence, and naturally conducts it to the side, where any overhanging twig or bough fixes its position.
It is by no means so easy to conjecture how Mr. SHORT got into the water. Was it an intentional act on his part or was it by accident? We are inclined to conclude it was the latter. In considering this it is necessary perhaps to look at the circumstances attending his escape from Mr. ALLEN’s Hotel. We are informed by Policeman GILLARD that SHORT, whatever desire he might possess to escape from his custody, evinced no disposition to commit suicide. He fled from the hotel at two o’clock in the morning of Tuesday the 12th November. Unable or unwilling to sleep, he had sat reclining on a sofa in company with GILLARD. He had written a couple of letters at Mr. ALLEN’s to a young lady who he supposed to be visiting the Kowie and had given GILLARD particular instructions to send them express by a Kafir messenger. A few moments before leaving he said to the policeman, “John, do go to the next door and see if the Kafir has gone”. There was such an apparent earnestness in the entreaty and it had been expressed so repeatedly before that GILLARD, unsuspecting the cunning that laid beneath it, and unwilling to say that the runner was not sent, so far complied as to open the inner door and make a pretense of looking through the doorway. He was the less suspicious, as SHORT’s hat, socks and shoes were carefully put away. The opportunity, brief as it was, was immediately seized, and GILLARD turning suddenly round on hearing a movement, saw the retreating shadow of his charge bounding away from the front door with the greatest rapidity. The morning was very dark, and of course GILLARD’s eyesight was unable to penetrate beyond a few yards. All he could do was secure immediate assistance, offer £5 reward for SHORT’s recapture, and despatch Kafirs to search the bush. These exertions were redoubled and continued or several days – we need not now say how ineffectually. It is tolerably certain that the fugitive crossed the drift on his way from ALLEN’s, ran along the veld which is there dotted with bush, and pursued the road to the Mansfield until he arrived on its bank, which at that junction is four or five miles from ALLEN’s Hotel, and ten or twelve from the Kowie. Not yet considering himself safe, he attempted probably to wade the stream, and was drowned in the endeavour. The extraordinary freshet ten days later would bear the corpse into the Kowie, and in the course of a few hours deposit it where it was found on Sunday. It is difficult to conceive how he could have got into the water in any other way. The remains, and the clothing of the deceased, bear indications of having lain some considerable time. The bones are entirely denuded of flesh, excepting a little skin that was seen adhering to one of his feet, and the clothing was completely rotten, not from wear, but from the effects of long continued exposure to the weather. The principal bones were found within the clothing; but some of the ribs and many of the smaller ones had to be diligently searched for, and in several instances to be disinterred from the soil and decaying vegetation which had completely covered them. Mr. GOWIE identified the clothing without difficulty; the braided coat was purchased by the deceased at his establishment. Dr. ATHERSTONE has identified the jaw by metallic insertions in various teeth. The crucifix and rosary have been identified; they were given to him by GILLARD on his way to Bathurst. The vest and trowsers, both of light tweed, the Crimean striped shirt and the pair of braces also correspond with those which the deceased was known to wear.
The remains, collected together, were placed in a shell which Mr. JARVIS, of the Kowie Harbour Company, kindly supplied to Mr. GOWIE, and were then conveyed to town. The bones, it may be observed en passant, were white and perfect. A coffin was provided by Mr. PAXTON the undertaker, and the shell or box was packed inside it and placed, until interment, in Ebenezer Chapel, Hill-street.
At half past seven this morning the friends of the deceased, to the number of about fifty, assembled in the chapel to accompany the remains to the grave. The Rev R JOHNSTON read the 18th chapter of Ecclesiastes and the Rev R. BROTHERTON engaged in prayer. The cortege then set out and on its arrival at the Baptist and Independent Burial Ground the company formed round the grave. Here the Rev B. IMPEY read the 22nd chapter of the Book of Revelation, the Rev A. HAY delivered a short address, and the Rev R. JOHNSTON prayed. Mr. HAY, in the course of his address, alluded in appropriate and impressive terms to the suddenness with which in the case of their deceased friend, the sun of his life had descended at noon; to the satisfactory evidence he had borne, when in the enjoyment of unimpaired mental powers, of an [experimental] knowledge of the Saviour; and to the warning voice to prepare for the day and hour of which at present they knew not “when the Son of Man cometh”. Mr. C.R. GOWIE and Mr. A. HAY Junr were present as chief mourners and the pall bearers were Messrs. C. ORSMOND, C. GOWIE, W. GOWIE and GROCOTT.
Mr. SHORT was for several years a consistent member of the Baptist Church of which the Rev A. HAY is pastor, and was 31 years of age. He was a native of Minehead, Somersetshire, where his parents and family connections, we believe, are still residing.
The curator has transmitted the usual death notice to the master of the Supreme Court and in the course of a few days an executor dative will be appointed.
Monday 27 January 1868
BIRTH at Oatlands on the 24th, the wife of W.T.J. ATTWELL of a daughter.
DEATH OF THOMAS HENRY BOWLES ESQ
Registrar of the Supreme Court, Capetown
This respectable gentleman died, aged about seventy five years, somewhat unexpectedly, at his residence in Grave-street, on Saturday morning last. He had attended to his duties in Court on the preceding Thursday, but was suffering from an inflamed throat, which became rapidly worse, and he expired as stated. Mr. BOWLES was the first Registrar of the Supreme Court of the cape of Good Hope under the Charter of Justice. He received his appointment in August 1827, and arrived here in the March following, and was sworn into office on the 22nd April 1828, and held the same for about forty years. The salary was originally £600 a year, but Lord Derby, when Colonial Secretary, reduced it to £400 as part of a plan of colonial retrenchment, which was in favour in those days. Mr. BOWLES was a remarkably unassuming man, and never succeeded in obtaining an increase to his moderate salary. On the death of Mr. Justice MENZIES, Mr. BOWLES was appointed Acting Judge, which office he held for about half a year until Mr. Justice BELL came out. He was a barrister, and a man of considerable acquirements with good connections – one brother, Admiral Sir William BOWLES, being also Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom; and another, Sir George BOWLES, a General in the Army. We believe also that one of his sisters was attached to the household of Her late Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent. But the late Registrar never made use of family or other influence to advance his fortunes, and we are informed that when offered the permanent appointment of a Puisne Judge he declined to accept it. He has left many volumes of notes behind him, and always took a deep interest in the proceedings of the Court to which he was attached, and may have left the materials for its history. There is little to be said of a life so unobtrusive, but he will be missed in his place and his loss is generally regretted. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, when the remains of the deceased were interred in the family vault of the late Sir John WYLDE in St.George’s Cemetery. The service was read by the Very Rev the Dean. The pall bearers were His Honour the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice BELL, Mr. Justice CONNOR, Mr. CLOETE, Ex Judge, the Hon the Attorney General and Mr. W. PORTER, late Attorney-General. The funeral procession included representatives of the Bar and Civil Service, and others who attended as a tribute of respect to the deceased gentleman’s memory. – Argus.
Monday 3 February 1868
DIED at Bowden on the 30th January 1868. Walter Hare, infant son of John and Sidney DUGMORE. Aged 5 months and 16 days.
Friday 7 February 1868
BIRTH at Schraal Fontein, Orange Free State, on the 27th January, the wife of Joshua PRIOR of a daughter.
MARRIED at St. Bartholomew’s Church on the 5th inst by the Venerable Archdeacon Merriman, Frederick HOLLAND Esq to Jessie, eldest daughter of C.H. HUNTLEY Esq.
MARRIED in Commemoration Chapel on Monday Feb 3rd 1868, by the Rev G.H. Green, Mr. P.J. VAN DEN BERG of Rocklands, Graaff-Reinet, to Ellen, youngest daughter of the late Mr. George LEE.
Friday 14 February 1868
DIED on the 14th February at his residence, after a lingering illness, Henry WOODLAND, aged 73 years and 4 months. His end was peace.
DIED on the 10th inst, at the residence of her brother J.B. TEMLETT in Alice, after a long and painful illness, Miss Mary TEMLETT, of Grahamstown, aged 39 years.
R.R. JULER
Surgeon, Dentist, Beaufort Street
Who intends leaving the Colony in the course of a few months, is willing until the end of March to supply Artificial Teeth and conduct the various branches of Dentistry at the lowest possible prices. Teeth extracted by the anaesthetic process if preferred. Terms cash.
Monday 17 February 1868
In the Assigned Estate of William HORTON of Bathurst-street
Notice is hereby given that the said William HORTON, by Deed of Assignment, dated the 20th December 1867, assigned his Estate to the undersigned as Assignees for the benefit of his Creditors. All persons having any claims against the said William HORTON or his assigned Estate are requested to send the particulars of the same to either of the undersigned within 14 days from this date, after which date the said Estate will be distributed to and among the creditors thereof.
R. RYALL
J. RAYMENT
Assignees
Monday 24 February 1868
DIED on the 8th November 1867 at St.Helier’s, Jersey, Mr. John ANTHOINE Senr. Aged 88 years. “In the full assurance of the reward that awaiteth the righteous.” Friends will please accept this notice.
THE FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE FISH RIVER
A desire having been generally and unmistakeably expressed that efforts should immediately be made on behalf of the surviving families of Mrs. COOPER and Mr. Alfred RAY, who were drowned in the Fish River on Saturday last, it has been resolved to give a series of Literary and Musical Performances in the Albany Hall on Thursday evening next. The services of the Very Rev Archdeacon MERRIMAN, the Very Rev the Dean of Grahamstown, Mr. Advocate BARRY, Mr. Advocate THOMPSON, Mr. T.B. GLANVILLE and Mr. R.W. MURRAY MLA have been secured, and the members of the Choral Society have been invited to take part. Lady CURRIE has kindly consented to be the Lady Patroness. The programme may be procured with tickets for admission (price of tickets to be hereafter given) at Mr. BARR’s, High-street, on and after Wednesday morning next.
ACCIDENT AT COMMITTEE’S DRIFT
DEATH BY DROWNING OF MR. ALFRED RAY AND MRS R.S.COOPER
The “old, old tale” of fatal accident in this Eastern Province from the non-application of some small portion of the revenue it casts into the Colonial treasury to the bridging of the rapid and dangerous rivers that intersect it, received a sad confirmation on Saturday last. A young man, a dramatist, full of life and spirits, who appeared to have before him a long career of professional reputation, and a lady endowed with a fair share of personal attractions and histrionic talent, were both suddenly cut off in the midst of their days, “unhouselled, disappointed, unnaneled”. A sad commentary on the precarious tenure of life, and the imperfections of colonial government.
Mr. Alfred RAY and Mrs. R.S. COOPER made their last public appearance on Monday evening, the 17th inst, at the Albany Hall. There was, it will be remembered, a crowded attendance, and at the close of the evening Mr. RAY came before the curtain, thanked the Grahamstown people for their kind and liberal support, and announced the intention of himself and Mr. and Mrs. COOPER to revisit the city on their return from an upcountry tour. Mr. COOPER had already left for King Williamstown, to make preparations for Mr. RAY’s representation of “The Excursionist”. The entertainment was to have been given there on Thursday evening, but was deferred, in consequence of unfavourable weather, and if Mr. RAY and Mrs. COOPER had been successful in crossing the river they would this (Monday) evening, at the moment many of our readers are perusing this account, have been doing their best to gratify a King Williamstown audience. Unfortunately, this is not the case; and the ticket holders, of whom there was a considerable number, will be disappointed. They will, however, have the satisfaction of knowing that their little pecuniary investments have been diverted into a very charitable channel.
Mr. RAY and Mrs. COOPER, who during their stay in town were the guests of Mr. WALLACE, of the Cathcart Arms Hotel, left Grahamstown for King Williamstown by the passenger-cart between nine and ten o’clock on Saturday morning. There were four passengers; Mrs. R.S. COOPER, Mr. Alfred RAY (“The Excursionist”), Mr. CORBETT, Mr. HEATHCOAT, and Joe DENNIS the driver, and a heavy mail, including several hundred English newspapers. Mrs. COOPER and Mr. RAY shook hands with Mr. WALLACE and family on leaving the Cathcart Arms, in excellent health and spirits, apparently without the slightest apprehension of danger, and signified their intention of returning in the course of a few weeks, after visiting Cradock, Fort Beaufort, Queenstown and the upper districts. The morning was pleasant, and the passenger-cart went merrily on its way until its arrival at the point of the Great Fish River, known as “Committee’s Drift”. Here it was at once seen that danger loomed in the prospect. The river was unusually high, the stream rapid, and the difficulty of crossing it very formidable. To the reproach of our vaunted civilization, and to the deep and indelible disgrace of a Western Province Legislature, there is no bridge over this proverbially dangerous stream, although it is on the high road between Grahamstown and King Williamstown! There is a comfortable hotel on this side of the river, kept by Mr. DOVEY, and the wife of this hotel-keeper, seeing the swollen state of the river, advised Mrs. COOPER, whilst she was taking refreshment there, not to attempt the passage, as the only facility for crossing it was a flat-bottomed boat or wherry, plying to and from each bank by means of a windlass and rope. Mrs. COOPER replied, smilingly, that she was not afraid, and would venture. There were on the deck of the small wherry, in addition to the heavy mails, no less than nine persons, viz Mr. RAY, Mrs. COOPER, Mr. CORBETT, Mr. DOVEY, Mr. HEATHCOAT, the driver of the passenger cart and three Fingoes. The place selected for the “ferrying” is some quarter of a mile above the drift, and a warp is attached to either bank by poles. Running along the warp is a ring, with a rope in connection, which is fastened to the bow of the boat, and by pulling “hand over hand” the boat is taken across. This particular place is selected on occasions of floods, for the reason that it is free from the large blocks of stones with which other parts of the river are obstructed, and is the narrowest part of the stream in that direction. On Saturday the water was lashed into foam at Committee’s by eddying round and striking against the numerous rocks in the channel; whilst at the “ferry” it was coming down as smoothly almost as a sheet of glass, the surface being only occasionally disturbed by some tree torn from its roots, tearing by at the rate of railway speed. The current was not the less strong because the surface of the water was unbroken, but the pilot of the boat considered that the passing over was practicable, and after two endeavours, which had resulted in failure, the third and last was made. The boat, overladen even if the baggage had been properly placed, had the extreme disadvantage of having its cargo thrown in without much consideration for the laws of gravity. The dead-weight was placed too much forward, and this consequently brought the gunwale dangerously low. The result of this mismanagement was that, when they got into the full force of the current, in mid-stream, the boat did not rise sufficiently quick to the swell which was beating against her bows, and dipping, the water leapt in. This was the critical moment, when the exercise of a little presence of mind might have averted the catastrophe that followed. The driver of the cart foolishly took off his coat, and exhibited great excitement, and he and one or two others crowding to one side of the boat, its equilibrium was destroyed, and all were precipitated into the angry torrent. Mrs. COOPER, recognising the horror of her situation, shrieked piercingly, and moved her arms up and down with frantic and despairing energy, unhappily in vain. Mr.CORBETT informs us that Mr. HEATHCOAT jumped out and made for the Kaffrarian side of the river, whilst he jumped out with the hope of clutching the warp, which he failed to do, and that he went down some considerable depth. The water is said to have been eighteen feet deep. As he rose to the surface something touched him, which he thought was one of the bundles that were in the boat; but when he was able to look he perceived that it was Mrs. COOPER, who was struggling violently and beating the water with her hands in the endeavour to keep herself afloat. Mr. CORBETT says that he at once struck out for her, and catching her dress just above the waist, endeavoured to reach the shore, which in all probability he would have done, but that someone, he supposed to be Mr. RAY, clutched him at the back and pulled him under water. He went down and was not able for some time to free himself from the grasp that was dragging him, as well as Mrs. COOPER, to destruction. His foot then touched the ground on a stump, and the momentary check enabled him to turn partially round. He raised his eye-lids, but the water was so thick that he could not see where the face of the person was who held him. He felt, however, in the direction of the body, and striking out, touched the person, whom he now supposes to have been Mr. RAY, in the face. The arms then relaxed; Mr. CORBETT was free from the grasp and he rose to the surface very much exhausted, but comparatively free. His first care was for Mrs. COOPER; but she was not to be seen. His next care was for himself, and to ensure his own safety was a matter of difficulty. On each side the bank of the river rose up to a great height, stern and unapproachable, without a single chance of a bush or tree to clutch at, while the stream was rushing impetuously on, and carrying him on in spite of his utmost exertions. Mr. CORBETT tells us that he was getting close on to the drift – he could already see the specks of foam that were darting up from the breakers that were hurrying and eddying through the rocks there – when he discovered a spot where to land. He knew that if he could not land before he got to the drift, that it would only be as a corpse. Swimming quietly, and allowing the current to take him along, he scanned the bank on each side, and when within forty yards of the drift, he observed the branch of a tree overhanging the water, and that which appeared to be a winding path down from the top of the bank. He knew that this was in all probability his last chance, and therefore (using his own words) “I put forth all my energy to reach it; in amongst those breakers, and I knew that all was over.” Mr. CORBETT did reach and clutch the branch, and, exhausted, ascended the side of the bank. After a few minutes rest he managed to scramble to the summit by the assistance of boughs of trees and the roots of bushes. Once safe, he immediately made for the spot where the boat capsized – some quarter of a mile distant – and on arriving there found that he was the only person who had landed on this side of the river, all of the others who escaped having reached the other side. A farmer, Mr. SHEPPARD, who saw the attempt of the boat to pass over, and its failure, states that Mrs. COOPER was observed to rise once, nearly up to her waist, some distance down the stream, and to throw her hands up; she again went down, to rise no more. With regard to Mr. RAY nothing is definitely known beyond that he was never seen after the boat went down, unless on the reasonable supposition that he was the person who clutched Mr. CORBETT.
At four o’clock on Sunday morning Mr. Field-Cornet WEBB, Mr. H. DAVIS, Mr. W.H. WALLACE and Messrs. A.E. and R.W. NELSON set out from town to the scene of the disaster – their object being principally that of recovering the remains of the two deceased persons, and to see that they were provided with Christian burial. Mr. Wm. WEBB has kindly favoured us with particulars of his experiences, as follows:-
Sunday Feb 23
Having received information that Mr. RAY and Mrs. COOPER were drowned in the Fish River at Committee’s Drift I proceeded with Mr. NELSON, Mr. H. DAVIS and Mr. W.H. WALLACE to the place. We started at four o’clock this (Sunday) morning and arrived here at eight. I found Inspector SURMON, with one policeman, from Botha’s Hill, on this side of the river, and a Sergeant on the other side from Breakfast Vlei, with four policemen, all engaged in a search for the bodies. Repairing to the spot where the boat usually crosses, I perceived that three large sneezewood poles had broken off and that the windlass had capsized. This appears to have happened after the parties had fallen out of the boat, and when it was partially covered with water, the pressure of the current having caused the small rope to give way; and it appears further that the boat, thus released, was carried down the stream. Where they cross with the boat is about 400 yards up the river from the drift, and Mr. SHEPPARD and another person say they observed the bodies floating down the river some 200 yards from the place of the accident. We proceeded down the river, some three or four miles, and found the boat fast in the mud. When there, Mr. PAYNE, a farmer, informed me that they had found the body of Mrs. COOPER. It was discovered near the drift, by a coloured man. Notice had been given by Messrs. NELSON that 30s reward would be paid for the recovery of each of the bodies, and coloured people and others immediately set to work. Messrs. NELSON, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. WALLACE and Mr. DAVIS deserve great praise for the way in which they exerted themselves. He body of Mrs. COOPER was, as I have said, found in the drift, about 400 yards from where the boat capsized. WE are still in search of Mr. RAY’s. From what I hear, there is no reason to attach any blame to Mr. DOVEY respecting the boat. Mrs. DOVEY requested Mrs. COOPER not to cross; but the latter said she had no fear. The body was found fastened to a small stump in the sand. Nothing of her dress was moved, even to the hat on her head. I found on the body a small leather purse, containing twenty sovereigns. The body was found at one o’clock in the afternoon. Nothing up to this moment has been heard of her husband, Mr. COOPER.
Mr. DOVEY is still on the other side of the stream. The mail bags are on this side, and no chance of getting them off.
W. WEBB, Field-Cornet
The mail bags referred to by Mr. WEBB were partially recovered. One or two were lost; but those recovered were sent on to King Williamstown via Trompetter’s.
Mr. DOVEY, of the Hotel, who has manifested the utmost possible concern in finding the bodies and in accomplishing everything he could in the matter, makes the following statement:-
Committee’s Drift
Monday morning, Feb 24
“I am the owner of Committee’s Drift Hotel, and also of the boat. I have often crossed with thirty (30) men in the same boat. I do not think it overloaded with nine persons in it. There are two currents in the river. There was a large stump floating down the river, which struck the left bow of the boat and stove in the side of it. The water rushing into the boat, and the passengers rushing to the front and causing her to dip – the boat then went down to the length of the chain that was attached to her. I remained in the boat until she went down; when she righted I saw all the things floating down the river. I think the lady, Mrs. COOPER, had hold of Mr. RAY’s coat at the time of the sinking. My opinion is that if the passengers had sat still, I should have taken them over safely. I am also of the opinion that the poles giving way was the strain on the boat. When the boat was under water a large portmanteau struck me on the head and I caught hold of it, and that I believe saved my life. I gave a boy five shillings to go and right the boat; while doing so a large stump, say 12 feet long, came under the boat and snapped the chain. I still say she was not heavily loaded, as I took thirty men of the 9th Regiment over at one time, in full marching order; and say the men weighed each 200lbs, that would be 6000lbs weight.”
Mr. Wm. WEBB adds to Mr. DOVEY’s statement
“My belief respecting Mr. DOVEY is that there is no blame attached to him whatever, which some parties have stated. We are still in search of the body of Mr. RAY. I think there are no hopes of finding it today, as the river is rising. The body of Mrs. COOPER left here for Grahamstown last night.”
The mournful duty of bringing the body of Mrs. COOPER to town for the purposes of interment was entrusted to Mr. H. DAVIS. Mrs. DOVEY paid every possible respect to the remains before they left the hotel. Mr. DAVIS left Committee’s at 6:30pm and arrived in town at half-past ten this morning. The corpse was brought in a coffin, in a light spring-van belonging to Mr. D. PENN, which was kindly lent for the occasion. It travelled very slowly, from respect for the deceased lady and sympathy with her bereaved husband. The body now lies on Mr. STREAK’s premises, Bathurst-street, and the funeral will take place at the Church of England Cemetery tomorrow afternoon. The coffin plate bears the following inscription:
Mrs. Bessie COOPER
Drowned at Committee’s Drift Feb 22 1868
Aged 32 Years
Mr. STREAK, the undertaker, despatched two coffins as soon as possible after receiving the tidings, in one of which the unfortunate lady’s remains were brought to town. The funeral is delayed until 4 o’clock tomorrow afternoon in the hope that Mr. RAY’s remains may be recovered and be ready for interment by that time. The funeral cortege will start from the Cathcart Hotel and proceed to the Cathedral for divine service. Mr. COOPER, when the latest news reached here this morning, had not arrived at Committee’s Drift from King Williamstown.
Mr. DE KOCK, who saw the whole occurrence from the bank of the river, states that it did not occupy more than a minute and a half from beginning to end. He has no doubt, he says, that it was Mr. RAY who seized Mr. CORBETT, and thus most unwittingly defeated Mr. CORBETT in his endeavour to secure Mrs. COOPER’s safety.
We are informed by Mr. WALLACE Senr that after paying all expenses and liabilities, Mr. RAY (an assumed name, we believe) and Mrs. COOPER took from Grahamstown, notwithstanding the crowded houses at their performances, little more than £20. There is, therefore, ample room and occasion for the exercise of benevolence. Dean WILLIAMS, in alluding to the event yesterday morning in the course of his sermon, called for practical expressions of sympathy, and we have no doubt that the appeal thus made will take a much wider basis.
Telegrams were sent, without loss of time, to Mr. COOPER at King Williamstown and to Mrs. RAY at Port Elizabeth. Mrs. RAY, we learn, has a family of two or three small children and is expected in town this evening.
The passengers who landed on the other side of the Fish River were unable to proceed on their journey in consequence of the harness for the horses having been lost with the mail bags. The driver went on ahead to intercept the down mail from Kaffraria, with the suggestion that it should come on to Grahamstown via Fort Brown. It had not been received at five o’clock this (Monday) morning. The Cape mails were consequently despatched without it yesterday evening. Mr. CORBETT came to town by one of the Commissariat wagons.
Additional interest is given to this melancholy event from the circumstance that on Monday evening last Mr. RAY impersonated “The Virginian Mummy” and Mrs. COOPER took the part of “Eiley” in the Cavern Scene of “The Colleen Bawn”, in which there is a representation of a narrow escape from drowning.
Wednesday 26 February 1868
BIRTH on Tuesday Feb 25 1868 at the Commercial Hotel, Grahamstown, Mrs. James WOOD of a daughter.
DIED at Grahamstown on the 25th February 1868, Elizabeth Ann, daughter of John and Ellen DAVIES. Aged 3 years and 4 months.
In the Insolvent Estate of James McKEATING of Grahamstown
The Liquidation Account and plan of distribution in the above Estate will lie for Inspection of Creditors at the Office of the Resident Magistrate of Grahamstown from Thursday 27th February for a period of seven days, and thereafter at the Office of the Master of the Supreme Court from the 12th March for a period of fourteen days, after which, should no objections be raised, the Honourable the Supreme Court will be moved to confirm the same, and order the distribution thereof.
D.H. KENNELLY, Sole Trustee
Grahamstown, 26th February 1868
THE FUNERAL
At four pm yesterday the funeral cortege assembled in front of the Cathcart Arms Hotel to accompany the remains of Mrs. COOPER to the place of burial. The chief mourners were Mr. WALLACE Sen, Mr. W.H. WALLACE, Mr. A.E. NELSON and Mr. R.W. NELSON. The pall bearers were Messrs W. WEBB, J. BRISLIN, LINTON, EISE, GOODWIN and WILLOWS. About fifty gentleman followed in procession and along the line of route from the Hotel to St.George’s Cathedral, and from St.George’s to the Church of England cemetery, were many spectators, who appeared to sympathise sincerely with the bereaved husband and family, and to be deeply impressed with a solemn sense of the sudden visitation. Dean WILLIAMS administered the rites of sepulture. The service for the dead was felt to be doubly impressive from the character of the attendant circumstances. It was partly choral; and at the close the choir, accompanied by the organ, sung the plaintive verses from “Hymns Ancient and Modern”, of which the first stanza runs thus:
When our heads are bowed with woe,
When our bitter tears o’erflow,
When we mourn the lost, the dear,
Jesu, son of Mary, hear.
As the procession followed the deceased’s remains out of the church the organ peeled forth “The Dead March in Saul”. Mr. STREAK was the undertaker.
At the grave-side a considerable crowd of spectators were seen to have assembled, and at the conclusion of the burial service the Dean gave a short address. He regretted that circumstances prevented Mr. COOPER from being present, to take part as chief mourner in the last sad offices of religion and affection; and trusted that the people of the city in which Mrs. COOPER spent the last few days of her life would not be unmindful of that gentleman’s great loss and grief, and of the circumstances of the deceased’s motherless child. An occasion would be presented on Thursday or Friday evening next (it was then uncertain which) for a practical expression of Christian sympathy, and he hoped that the public generally, including the humbler classes, would support the laudable endeavour to raise a small fund for the survivors as freely and heartily as possible.
It is scarcely necessary to add that the Dean referred, in his words of exhortation, to the public readings and music that are in preparation, the pecuniary proceeds of which are to be handed to Mr. COOPER. The Ven the Archdeacon, the Very Rev the Dean, the Acting Solicitor-General, Mr. Advocate THOMPSON, Mr. T.B. GLANVILLE and Mr. R.W. MURRAY have been solicited, we believe successfully, to give public readings, and the Choral Society, under the leadership of the Rev R.J. MULLINS, is to undertake the musical department. We hope to see a crowded attendance.
Mr. COOPER, who has been plunged by this great disaster into the utmost possible grief is not expected in town until Thursday.
Monday 2 March 1868
BIRTH at Fort Beaufort on the 14th inst, the wife of Captain WEBSTER, 20th Regiment, of a son.
DIED at Phillipolis, Orange Free State, on the 18th February 1868, Mr. George RICKETTS, aged 33 years. His widow mourns her irreparable loss.
DIED on February 22nd at his Farm “Kams Zuerberg” in the Division of Alexandria, William MATTHEWS of Drayton, Oxfordshire, who came to this Colony some years before the British Settlers of 1820. Aged 78 years.
DIED after a few days illness at her Residence, Settler’s Hill, on Sunday the 1st March, Mrs. BENNETT Senior, widow of the late George BENNETT Esq of Austry, Mancazana. Aged 77 years and 3 months.
Grahamstown, 2nd March 1868
Friday 6 March 1868
DIED at Grahamstown on the 2nd inst, Olivia Emily, daughter of B. BROOKS, Palmiet River farm. Aged 4 years and 3 months.
Wednesday 11 March 1868
Notice to Kurveyors and Others
Adam McMURRAY having opened a Blacksmith’s and Wagonmaker’s Shop at the Kariega, respectfully thanks his friends and customers for past patronage at Daggaboer’s Nek, and begs to inform them and the public that he will continue to merit their patronage. All work undertaken will be turned out A1 as before, and at reasonable charges.
He would also announce that he has opened a Hotel on the place and trusts that by civility and the best accommodation to receive public encouragement.
NB Good Stabling, and a Groom in attendance.
Grahamstown Fire and Marine Assurance Company
Notice to Creditors
In the Insolvent Estate of James VIGNE of Fort Beaufort
All Persons claiming to be creditors under this Estate are required to take notice that the Undersigned has been duly elected to, and confirmed in, the appointment of Sole Trustee of the said Estate, and that the Master has appointed the third meeting to be held before the Resident Magistrate of Grahamstown, on the 25th March 1868, at 10 o’clock in the forenoon, for the proof of Debts, for receiving the Trustee’s Report, and also for the purpose of giving directions to the said Trustee as to the management of the said Estate; and all persons indebted to the said Estate are required to pay the same to the Undersigned on or before the said date, or proceedings will be instituted against them.
John CROXFORD, Sec. Sole Trustee.
Grahamstown Fire and Marine Assurance Company
Notice to Creditors
In the Insolvent Estate of Abner BULGIN of Fort Beaufort
All Persons claiming to be creditors under this Estate are required to take notice that the Undersigned has been duly elected to, and confirmed in, the appointment of Sole Trustee of the said Estate, and that the Master has appointed the third meeting to be held before the Resident Magistrate of Grahamstown, on the 25th March 1868, at 10 o’clock in the forenoon, for the proof of Debts, for receiving the Trustee’s Report, and also for the purpose of giving directions to the said Trustee as to the management of the said Estate; and all persons indebted to the said Estate are required to pay the same to the Undersigned on or before the said date, or proceedings will be instituted against them.
John CROXFORD, Sec. Sole Trustee.
Grahamstown Fire and Marine Assurance Company
Notice to Creditors
In the Insolvent Estate of Joseph DICKS of Grahamstown
All Persons claiming to be creditors under this Estate are required to take notice that the Undersigned has been duly elected to, and confirmed in, the appointment of Sole Trustee of the said Estate, and that the Master has appointed the third meeting to be held before the Resident Magistrate of Grahamstown, on the Wednesday the 18th March 1868, at 10 o’clock in the forenoon, for the proof of Debts, for receiving the Trustee’s Report, and also for the purpose of giving directions to the said Trustee as to the management of the said Estate; and all persons indebted to the said Estate are required to pay the same to the Undersigned on or before the said date, or proceedings will be instituted against them.
John CROXFORD, Sec. Sole Trustee.
Grahamstown Fire and Marine Assurance Company
Notice to Creditors
In the Insolvent Estate of George ORSMOND of Grahamstown
All Persons claiming to be creditors under this Estate are required to take notice that the Undersigned has been duly elected to, and confirmed in, the appointment of Sole Trustee of the said Estate, and that the Master has appointed the third meeting to be held before the Resident Magistrate of Grahamstown, on the Wednesday the 18th March 1868, at 10 o’clock in the forenoon, for the proof of Debts, for receiving the Trustee’s Report, and also for the purpose of giving directions to the said Trustee as to the management of the said Estate; and all persons indebted to the said Estate are required to pay the same to the Undersigned on or before the said date, or proceedings will be instituted against them.
John CROXFORD, Sec. Sole Trustee.
Grahamstown Fire and Marine Assurance Company
Notice to Creditors
In the Insolvent Estate of James McNALLEY of Grahamstown
All Persons claiming to be creditors under this Estate are required to take notice that the Undersigned has been duly elected to, and confirmed in, the appointment of Sole Trustee of the said Estate, and that the Master has appointed the third meeting to be held before the Resident Magistrate of Grahamstown, on the Wednesday the 18th March 1868, at 10 o’clock in the forenoon, for the proof of Debts, for receiving the Trustee’s Report, and also for the purpose of giving directions to the said Trustee as to the management of the said Estate; and all persons indebted to the said Estate are required to pay the same to the Undersigned on or before the said date, or proceedings will be instituted against them.
John CROXFORD, Sec. Sole Trustee.
Grahamstown Fire and Marine Assurance Company
Notice to Creditors
In the Insolvent Estate of Samuel DICKS of Grahamstown
All Persons claiming to be creditors under this Estate are required to take notice that the Undersigned has been duly elected to, and confirmed in, the appointment of Sole Trustee of the said Estate, and that the Master has appointed the third meeting to be held before the Resident Magistrate of Grahamstown, on the Wednesday the 18th March 1868, at 10 o’clock in the forenoon, for the proof of Debts, for receiving the Trustee’s Report, and also for the purpose of giving directions to the said Trustee as to the management of the said Estate; and all persons indebted to the said Estate are required to pay the same to the Undersigned on or before the said date, or proceedings will be instituted against them.
John CROXFORD, Sec. Sole Trustee.
Grahamstown Fire and Marine Assurance Company
Notice to Creditors
In the Insolvent Estate of Samuel H. ROBERTS of Grahamstown
All Persons claiming to be creditors under this Estate are required to take notice that the Undersigned has been duly elected to, and confirmed in, the appointment of Sole Trustee of the said Estate, and that the Master has appointed the third meeting to be held before the Resident Magistrate of Grahamstown, on the 25th March 1868, at 10 o’clock in the forenoon, for the proof of Debts, for receiving the Trustee’s Report, and also for the purpose of giving directions to the said Trustee as to the management of the said Estate; and all persons indebted to the said Estate are required to pay the same to the Undersigned on or before the said date, or proceedings will be instituted against them.
John CROXFORD, Sec. Sole Trustee.
Friday 13 March 1868
MARRIED on the 25th February 1868 at St.George’s Cathedral, Grahamstown, by the Very Rev the Dean, Mr. C.B. WELCH to Louisa, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Jas. JAY.
DIED at Separation Post, near Post Retief, Winterberg, on the 26th February 1868, Percy George, infant son of Sub-Inspector and Mrs. Edward HARVEY, Frontier Armed and Mounted Police, aged 13 months and 26 days.
DIED on the 12th March 1868, at their residence 26 Bathurst-street, Grahamstown, Sarah, wife of Charles WEBB Sen, in her 65th year. C.W. feels assured that he has the sympathy of his numerous friends.
Monday 16 March 1868
BIRTH at Fort Peddie on the 12th instant, the wife of E.Y. BROOKES Esq of a daughter.
BIRTH at Fort England, Grahamstown, on the 12th instant, the wife of Lieut. and Adjutant SKILL, 11th Regt, of a daughter.
BIRTH at Grahamstown on Sunday the 15th instant, Mrs. John RENNIE of a daughter.
16th March 1868.
Wednesday 18 March 1868
DIED at her Residence at Hoffman’s Kloof, on the 16th instant, Maria, wife of Clement John SNEYD. Aged nearly 39 years.
Friday 20 March 1868
MARRIED at Commemoration Chapel, Grahamstown, on the 11th March 1868, by the Rev G.H.Green, Mr. Ebenezer PARKER of Queenstown to Miss Susannah Hobson GRUBB, daughter of the late Mr. Charles GRUBB of this city. No cards.
DIED last evening, Edward Henry KING, eldest son of the late Mr. E.R. KING. The funeral will leave the house of his mother, in Artificer’s Square, tomorrow afternoon at 3 o’clock. Friends are respectfully invited.
DIED on the 18th March, John Northy, third son of Mr. and Mrs. LUCAS of Shenfield. Aged 1 year and 8 months.
Monday 23 March 1868
BIRTH on Sunday the 22nd inst, the wife of Mr. Thomas HOLLAND of a daughter.
Wednesday 25 March 1868
BIRTH on Saturday 21st March, at West Hill, Grahamstown, the wife of Mr. F.C. BATE of a daughter.
Fort Beaufort Mill
The Undersigned begs to thank the Public for their support hitherto, and taking into consideration the low price of Meal, he will now grind at 2s per Bag of 200lbs. W.A. is erecting a Steam Mill, and will in future be able to grind at all seasons.
Wm. AINSLIE
Mill Bank
11th March 1868
Friday 27 March 1868
BIRTH at Clarkebury on the 7th March 1868, the wife of Mr. W.J. CALVERLEY of a son. Mother and child both well.
Monday 30 March 1868
MARRIED on the 18th March 1868 (by Special Licence) at All Saints Church, Somerset East by the Rev E. Barker, Wm. Carey HOBSON Esq JP, of Ebenezer, near Graaff-Reinet, to Mrs. Robt. CHURCH, daughter of Dr. COOPER.
