The Grahamstown Journal

Monday 2 February 1885

BIRTH at Sarnia Cottage, 2nd Feb, the wife of D. KNIGHT of a daughter.
[See issue of 12 February]

Wednesday 4 February 1885

DIED at Somerset East on Sunday February 1st, Wilmot Glanville, infant daughter of the Rev. Charles and Annie PETTMAN

DIED at her residence, Hope Fields, District Riversdale, on the 23rd January 1885, Elizabeth, the beloved wife of Frederick Thomas PAINTER, aged 73 years and 7 months. Deeply lamented by a bereaved husband, a very large family of children and grandchildren, and a large circle of relatives and friends.

DEATH OF THE REV. EDWARD PICKERING
We (P.E. Telegraph) regret to learn that the mail which reached here on Sunday last brought the news of the death of a respected member of the Church of England, the Rev. E. PICKERING, who for many years resided in Port Elizabeth. The deceased came to the Colony nearly thirty years ago, then a comparatively young man, and for a considerable period was Incumbent of St.Paul’s Church. On the retirement of the Rev. Mr. FOWLE he was offered the position of Colonial Chaplain and Rector of St.Mary’s Church, which position he held until failing health compelled him to leave the Colony, when he was succeeded by the Rev. A.T. WIRGMAN. Since then the Rev. Mr. PICKERING had resided in England, an affection of the throat preventing him from preaching or taking an active part in church work. In his early days he was an eloquent and powerful preacher, and his services were most attractive, whilst in private life he was greatly esteemed. We tender our heartfelt sympathy to the widow and family in their sad bereavement.

Tuesday 10 February 1885

THE LATE MISS WEBB
The Transvaal Advertiser understands that intelligence has been received that the body of the late Miss WEBB has been found. The friends of the unfortunate young lady have left Pretoria for the purpose of bringing the remains in for interment.

KILLED BY LIGHTNING
The Burghersdorp Gazette relates a shocking lightning casualty: Mrs. SMIT was seated at a window when the lightning passed over her head, causing instantaneous death, without leaving any mark of having touched her. There were also some very severe hailstorms limited only to a few narrow localities.

Thursday 12 February 1885

DIED at Sarnia Cottage, Oatlands, Grahamstown on Wednesday evening Feb 11th 1885, Ida Emmeline, the beloved wife of Daniel KNIGHT, aged 26 years.
FUNERAL NOTICE
The Funeral of the late Mrs. D. KNIGHT will move from the Cottage at Oatlands at half past 8 tomorrow (Friday) morning. All Friends are invited to attend. No special invitations.
A. WILL, Undertaker.

IN MEMORIAM
It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death, shortly after confinement, of this lady, the daughter of Mr. Thos. I. COCKCROFT of this City, and wife of our esteemed fellow-citizen Mr. D. KNIGHT, Church-square. Though retiring in disposition, she was much beloved by her own circle of friends for her cheerful and affectionate nature, and her untimely decease in the prime of life is felt by them as a severe loss. She was a sincere and consistent Christian, and till a few months since an acceptable teacher in the Sunday School attached to Commemoration, of which Church she had long been a member. She expired last night, leaving to her afflicted husband the little infant which can never in this world know its mother, and the memories of a happy married life of six years. The funeral will move from the Cottage, Oaklands Road, tomorrow (Friday) morning at half past eight, when all friends are invited to attend. To the bereaved husband, parents and relatives of the deceased we offer our most cordial sympathy in this severe affliction.

Saturday 14 February 1885

THE LATE MRS. D. KNIGHT
The Funeral of this lamented lady took place yesterday morning. After service had been held at the residence in Oatlands Road, the procession headed by Rev. J. WALTON, Revs. W. HOLDEN, J. FISH, R. MATTERSON and N. ABRAHAM, with Messrs. R. RICHMOND, J. SLATER, C.J. ROBERTS and W. STOCKS as pall-bearers, was duly formed. A long train of sympathising friends, comprising many of our most esteemed citizens, followed the deceased to her long resting place in the Wesleyan Cemetery, where, after the concluding appropriate service, the coffin, covered with beautiful wreaths, was laid in the ground belonging to her father, Mr. T.I. COCKCROFT.

Monday 16 February 1885

MISS BAXTER’S WILL
By the will of this wealthy lady, of Ellengowan, Scotland, Mrs. BELL of Queenstown, a connection of Mr. Herman BELL of this town, has received a legacy of £3,000. Under the will recently registered in Edinburgh, £70.000 are given in private legacies and £21,000 to public bodies. Miss BAXTER also bequeathed £110,000 towards the promotion of a College in Dundee. Other legacies have been left to the servants of the deceased lady.

Wednesday 18 February 1885

FATAL ACCIDENT
A melancholy and, we (Watchman) are sorry to say, fatal accident occurred at the Queenstown Railway Station on Saturday evening. It appeared that the foreman porter named William J. [CARLIN] was engaged in shunting operations in the Station yard whilst getting ready the 7:10pm up train to Kingwilliamstown. Through some cause or other he unfortunately got the heel of his boot fixed between the points on the guard-rail and the truck came upon him before he could release himself. Falling beneath the wheels the poor fellow was carried some considerable distance, and when extracted from the wheels of the truck it was found that he was quite dead. The right leg and arm were completely severed from the body, and the back part of the head was carried away. Death must have been instantaneous. The deceased was a steady young man of about twenty-seven years of age, unmarried, and a native of England. Much regret has been expressed at the poor fellow’s frightful death. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon at Queenstown, and was largely attended by Railway employees and friends.

Thursday 19 February 1885

BURNT TO DEATH
It is rarely, fortunately, that we (Independent) have to chronicle such a serious catastrophe as occurred in Main-street, Bultfontein, early yesterday (Wednesday) morning. Fires in the township have been frequent enough, and attended with more or less serious results to property, but cases in which human life has been sacrificed have not been numerous. On this occasion, however, we have to record the death of two persons, viz. Mrs. DURACHE and her son, Mr. John DURACHE, both well-known in the community. The lady was between 60 and 70 years of age, and the other victim about 45. Many of the circumstances are still shrouded in somewhat of mystery, but the main particulars elicited are as follows:- The couple resided in Main-street, near the tram line of the Bultfontein Homestead Co. Between two and three o’clock yesterday morning some of the residents in the vicinity were made aware that the residence was on fire. Soon a small crowd had collected and it rapidly became evident that the fire had got the upper hand. The doors and windows were closed and there was no outward indication that anyone was within. One or two persons attempted to enter the house but the volume of smoke was too strong and prevented the realisation of their intentions. Some further alarm was caused by the explosion of a number of cartridges, which the crowd seemed to imagine was the discharge of firearms. Ultimately the police succeeded in forcing an entrance, and the fire was extinguished. The house, a little iron one, has only the walls standing now, and all that remains of Mr. DURACHE and his aged mother are two small lumps of charcoal. One black piece, which is said to be all that remains of poor Mrs. DURACHE, was found under the bed, while another charred piece was found near the window. This latter is all that the fire left of Mr. DURACHE. It is said that a drunken man, on the night of the fire, was heard to say something about a fire he had seen, but he failed to make himself understood at the Dutoitspan gaol. It is extraordinary that no-one saw the fire before, as it must have been burning for some time before it was discovered. It is supposed that Mrs. DURACHE, who was old and feeble, must have got up during the night and lit a candle, which must have set light to the canvas partition that divided her room from her son’s. DURACHE, it is supposed, must have been half suffocated before he awoke, and the fire it is thought must have gained such a headway that his efforts to open the window and escape were cut short by the smoke and flames. It is sincerely to be hoped that the two victims were suffocated before the flames reached them. Mr. DURACHE has been many years on the Fields, and was, we believe, at the time of his death, a wealthy man.

Friday 20 February 1885

MARRIED at the Wesleyan Chapel, Fort Peddie, by the Father of the Bride, Chas. Henry, eldest son of Chas. Jos. STIRK Esq of Grahamstown, to Emma Grace, eldest daughter of Rev. E. GEDYE of Fort Peddie.

SEVEN FOUNTAINS CHAPEL
In consequence of the regretted death of Mrs. JAKINS, of Seven Fountains, the opening of the new Chapel at that place is postponed at the request of the Chapel Committee. Further notice will doubtless appear.

MARRIAGE
Our Peddie correspondent described the marriage of Mr. Harry STIRK, son of C.J. STIRK Esq, and Miss GEDYE, eldest daughter of the Rev. E. GEDYE. Mr. STIRK and his fair bride reached town yesterday morning and left via Port Alfred for the Kasonga. We join with their numerous friends in wishing the couple long life and prosperity.

Monday 23 February 1885

BIRTH at Oatlands, Grahamstown on the 22nd February 1885, the wife of C.H. ABBOTT of a daughter

ANOTHER OLD COLONIST GONE
The Natal Mercantile Advertiser says: The late Captain Spencer F. DRAKE, whose death occurred somewhat suddenly on Tuesday morning at his residence near Pinetown, was a very old colonist, having been known in Durban for about 30 years. In the days of Captains McDONALD and MURISON he had command of a vessel which used to trade between Natal and Capetown. When he left the sea he settled for a short time in Durban, and kept the Central Hotel. He subsequently went to Pinetown and purchased the farm Sarnia, near the town. He lived there quietly for many years. In 1873 he went as conductor of the transport which accompanied Sir Theophilus SHEPSTONE in his expedition to Zululand, and he was at Port Durnford when Cetywayo embarked for Capetown. In 1881 he was appointed wharf master by the new Natal Harbour Board, a position which he resigned after a few months. He was a very genial man, and as a friend of his puts it, could, by his lively stories, “either make your hair stand on end of make your sides split with laughter.” He was an enthusiastic freemason, and his funeral at Pinetown was attended by many members of the craft as well as by a large following of the public.

Tuesday 24 February 1885

DIED at Adelaide House, Pearson Street, Port Elizabeth, on Sunday 22nd Feb, Flora Glanville, infant daughter of B.D. and J.F.A. GODLONTON, aged 1 year and 26 days.

Wednesday 25 February 1885

DEATH OF T.P. WATSON ESQ C.E
The numerous friends of this gentleman throughout the colony, writes a contemporary, will learn with deep regret that the last mail from England brought the news of his death. The sad event occurred at Cheltenham, where he had been residing for a short time, and was terribly sudden and quite unexpected. He had enjoyed apparently very good health up to the time he retired to bed on the night of the 22nd January: in fact during the evening he had written a couple of letters to his relatives here, one of which (unfinished) was found in his bedroom, indicates that he was then in excellent spirits and full of hopes of enjoying a pleasure that he had planned. As he was an early riser, and did not leave his room at the usual time next morning, some concern was manifested by his friends, and on entering they were startled to find him lying dead, having evidently passed away quietly and painlessly in his sleep. Death resulted from disease of the heart. The late Mr. WATSON was widely known throughout this colony, and wherever known was highly respected for his integrity of character and kindly and unassuming disposition. For many years he held the position of Chief Resident Engineer of Railways, and enjoyed the confidence of every administration under whom he served, whilst the works he carried out were among the best constructed in the colony. He retired only a few months since on a pension, his office being abolished on the completion of the railway system he had so ably directed. He leaves an only son, and to him and other relatives in the colony we tender our most respectful condolences on the sad bereavement that has so suddenly overtaken them.

Friday 27 February 1885

GUN ACCIDENT
A sad and fatal accident (writes a contemporary) has just happened near Komgha. A lot of lads had got possession of some guns and were amusing themselves by firing off caps. Unfortunately one of the guns was loaded, and it went off and killed a lad named Arthur SMITH, aged fifteen years, almost instantaneously.

Saturday 28 February 1885

THE MURDER OF JAMES HONEY
Various statements have appeared in the press lately in regard to the death of Mr. James HONEY. Whilst some of the writers describe him as a sort of freebooter who met his death through defiance of the law as it then existed in Stellaland, others take a more serious view, and declare that he was no worse than his neighbours, and that the very serious charge of murder clearly stands against those who actually committed or authorised the deed. It appears certain that he was shot in a very cold-blooded manner, and the following account of his death, given by the Kimberley Advertiser, will just now be read with more than ordinary interest:-
As the murder of James HONEY is now a prominent subject, and those supposed to be implicated are likely to be tried, our readers may be interested in the sad particulars of the tragedy and the circumstances that led up to it; we therefore give the same as related to us shortly after the occurrence. It appears that on 7th Feb 1883 W. HORWITZ, J.W. HONEY, J. STREAK and F.J. WELLS were living on the Hartz River. HONEY informed his comrades that he understood the Stellaland Boers intended to arrest the whole party, but he did not know for what reason. As the Stellaland Survey Commission was occupied in the farm question close by, it was resolved by the above-named parties that they would ride over and ascertain what grounds there were for the report mentioned by Mr. HONEY. They were received by the Land Commission in a very friendly manner, and not until HONEY asked a question was anything said about an intention to arrest them. The Administrator, Gert VAN NIEKERK, replied that it was so, and when asked on what charge he answered, for horse stealing and high treason against the Republic of Stellaland. HONEY then asked “Where are your witnesses?” and said “have the case tried”. The answer was “Come on Friday the 9th February to Commando Drift” (about two hours from the place where they were then at) “and the witnesses shall be there and the case tried.” After this the individuals previously named had a friendly parting with the Commission and returned to their farm. On the next morning Mr. HONEY started for Mamuso, David MASSOUW’s territory, and on the road had to pass where the Commission were at that time. Some of the names of the Commissioners were as follows:- Gert VAN NIEKERK, Administrator; Adrian Le REY, the Boer who afterwards shot Capt. WELLS; COLLIERS, general; Piet VAN VRIEDE Jun; DIEDRICKS, Captain of Police; and about 20 others. HONEY saddled off and had dinner with them, but whilst he was busy saddling up again the Boers surrounded and seized him. The same night he was taken by force over the Kafirland border into the Transvaal, as his captors said, with the intention of handing him over to the authorities. Information of this movement having been brought to Messrs. HORWITZ, STREAK and WELLS, they at once saddled up and started for Christiana to see what the Boers were doing with HONEY. When within about 15 miles of Christiana, and on the main road, they passed a house, and saw that there were several armed men about the premises; amongst whom they recognised Adrian LE REY, DIEDRICKS, IRELAND, ENGELBRECHT and O. HOMAN. The three travellers had only their revolvers under their jackets, which they did not show, neither did they attempt to go towards the house. Without being challenged they suddenly heard a shot and captain WELLS fell from his horse wounded. This shot was fired by Adrian LE REY, who has since been tried for the offence at Potchefstroom, and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour. He only served part of his time, and when released boasted that the President dared not keep him in custody any longer for good reasons. HORWITZ and STREAK then wished to dismount and assist their wounded comrade, but Adrian LE REY shouted “pass on, or I will shoot all of you”. WELLS, then lying wounded on the ground, said “For God’s sake ride on, and let the Boers assist me”, and as they rode away they saw HONEY looking out of the window of the house. STREAK and HORWITZ then rode into Christiana to the Landdrost’s office, and made a sworn declaration that WELLS had been shot by LE REY. After shooting WELLS, tying his hands, dragging him wounded to the house and otherwise inhumanely treating him, the Boer party then proceeded with their two prisoners, HONEY and WELLS, to within an hour of Christiana, and left them in charge of about ten armed men at the house of Gert VAN NIEKERK, the Administrator of Stellaland. Adrian LE REY and DIEDRICKS then proceeded to Christiana and told the Landdrost that they wished to charge HONEY with the theft of eighty-six head of cattle stole some months previously from Transvaal territory, further stating that they had their witnesses present. The Landdrost, without waiting for HONEY, then investigated the charge, and after examining the witnesses, who were Kafirs, declared the charge to be ridiculous and entirely unsupported, stating that the case could not be proceeded with. He (the Landdrost) then warned HONEY’s accusers against taking him over the Transvaal border again, and ordered them to release him at once at the peril. Whilst LE REY and DIEDRICKS were in Christiana, COLLIERS, the general, came to the house where HONEY and WELLS were kept prisoners, and WELLS declares that on the same night (9th) the Boers took HONEY away into Stellaland, the names of some of the party being COLLIERS, IRELAND, DIEDRICKS and ENGELBRECHT. It appears that the party slept at Kopjie Enkle, just over the border of Stellaland, that night. On the next day (10th), COLLIERS (General), DIEDRICKS Sen. and Jun. took HONEY on the road to Vrijberg, since which time he has never been seen alive. On enquiries being put to these men as to what had become of HONEY they declared that he had escaped; but notwithstanding this assertion all HONEY’s friends, and the public generally, believed that he had been murdered. Everything possible was done after the 10th February, the date of his murder, to gain information on the subject and to discover his remains, and Stellaland was scoured both by white men and Kafirs employed for the purpose. It was not, however, until about the 11th May that the scene of the foul murder was discovered, when some natives of Matlabin’s tribe found his remains, with his clothes stuck away in an ant-heap, his saddle close by, and his horse lying shot dead a few yards away. In the pocket of his coat was found some letters addressed to him from his wife, and as to the dreadful atrocities committed upon him the appearance of the remains told a terrible tale. It was only on Sunday May 21st that it became known to three of the late HONEY’s friends, and they started at once for Stellaland, and in the dead of the night succeeded in bringing out his remains. They took them first to the Landdrost of Christiana, who said that the Transvaal Government could not have anything to do with the affair. The sad vestiges of this terrible episode were then brought into Kimberley, where on the 28th May 1883 they found at last a resting place, and all the circumstances as now stated were then fully reported to the local authorities. Such are the circumstances surrounding this awful episode of the death of HONEY, and the attempt on the life of Captain WELLS. Almost two years have elapsed since the foul deed was perpetrated, and no doubt the murderers and accomplices though that time would lend its mystifying influence and secure their escape from justice.

Wednesday 4 March 1885

SUICIDE AT RICHMOND
A very sad case of suicide has occurred at Richmond. A Mr. Sidney LATCHAM six or seven weeks ago entered the employment of Mr. J.R. WILLS as salesman. He lodged with Mr. J.W. INDGE, who was formerly in Mr. WILLS’ employ. On Wednesday morning (says the Era) Mrs. INDGE sent the servant to Mr. WILLS’ store to call Mr. LATCHAM to breakfast; but she returned with the information that he had not been to business. On searching his room it was found that the whole of his clothes was there, together with his shoes. This appeared mysterious, and enquiries being made, a coloured man gave information that just at dawn of day his attention had been drawn to a white man quite naked in the veld near one of the bathing holes in the bed of the river, about 500 or 600 yards from his house. A number of people immediately repaired thither, and Master ATKINSON, youngest son of the editor of the Era, dived into the water to a depth of some 16 or 20 feet. Upon coming to the surface he reported that the body was lying at the bottom. Being a youth of only 16 years of age he was not strong enough to recover the body, so his elder brother plunged in, followed by Messrs. G.H. CALLAGHAN, M.P. VILJOEN Jun, Barend ESTERHUIZEN and others. The body was then recovered. The deceased had not felt well lately and complained of being unable to obtain sleep, but he still attended to business. On Tuesday evening he retired to rest early. The deceased was in the habit of going to the river every morning to bathe, and it appears that he must have had a sudden fit of temporary insanity, for he walked from his lodgings past a number of houses in a perfect state of nudity except his flannel jersey. At the corner of the house leading into the yard, his bathing towel and one sock were picked up, thus confirming the view that the unfortunate gentleman was suffering from temporary insanity. The death of his mother a few months ago, and the breaking off of an engagement with a young lady also recently, had considerably affected his mind at times, but not to the extent as to cause him to commit deliberate suicide.

Friday 6 March 1885

BIRTH at Grahamstown on the 23rd Feb, the wife of John Day MARTIN of a daughter.

DIED at Queenstown on March 3rd 1885, Elizabeth Jolly, the beloved wife of F.W. CROSBY Esq, Stationmaster at Tylden, fourth daughter of Mr. S.S. GEACH of Grahamstown, aged 23 years and 6 months.

Saturday 7 March 1885

FELL ASLEEP at King Williamstown on the 3rd March, Evelyn Pakenham, infant daughter of Colonel MINTO, aged 1 year and 7 months.

DIED at Grahamstown on March 6th 1885, Ernest Price, beloved son of Charles and Sarah Ann WEBB, aged 9 years 2 months and 12 days.

COL. MINTO
A very large circle will sympathise, says the Cape Mercury, with Colonel and Mrs. MINTO in the sad loss they have sustained by the death of their youngest child – a baby girl about eighteen months old, which occurred on Wednesday.

Monday 9 March 1885

DEATH BY INSECT BITE
Our readers (says the Natal Mercury) will be sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Hy. [LOVIE], superintendent of the [obscured] depot. The deceased had been in the service of the corporation for some years, and during that time he had won the highest respect of everyone with whom he came in contact. He was in town and appeared all right on Saturday morning, but in the evening he complained of feeling unwell, and as his face had swollen considerably a doctor was sent for. On Monday the deceased was worse, and his symptoms became more acute up to the time of his death, which took place early Wednesday morning, the cause, in the doctor’s opinion, being blood poisoning. How it arose is not altogether clear, but the deceased was stung on Thursday last by a bush-fly, about an inch long, and it is conjectured that the blood poisoning from which he died was caused by this insect.

CAPTAIN PATRICK GOULD
The Watchman writes: We regret exceedingly to learn that our old townsman, Captain Patrick GOULD, for so many years the honest and consistent representative of this Division in the House of Assembly, and who worked for Frontier interests with such thoroughness and whole-heartedness, is lying on a bed of sickness from which there is but little hope of his ever returning again, and we feel sure that a little kindly sympathy on the part of his old friends and political supporters would do much just now to lighten the burden of his weakness and sufferings.

Tuesday 10 March 1885

DEATH BY SNAKE BITE
We (Burghersdorp Gazette) record, with the deepest sympathy for the family, the death by snake bite on Sunday last of Mr. F. KNOBEL’s child, a promising lad of some 5 years old. The child was amusing himself near a stone wall and was bitten in the hand while pulling at a brick, in three different places. The father almost immediately applied a tight ligature and sucked at one of the wounds, not knowing of the others. Medical aid was got from town, but despite all that could be done the lad succumbed in about an hour and a half after he was bitten. Snakes this season are plentiful, and this is the second instance in this week of fatal results from snakebite. It is a pity that a never-failing remedy like Croft’s Tincture is not kept at hand in places where snakes are likely to be about.

Friday 13 March 1885

ATTEMPTED MURDER
Reuter’s telegram says a man named ROBSON, charged with attempted murder of Michael BOSCH, was arrested in Somerset East on Sunday, brought up for examination on Monday and remanded till Thursday. BOSCH is slightly wounded in the neck. Both parties are farmers at Brak River. Jealousy is supposed to be the cause of the crime.

DISTRESSING ACCIDENT
The Watchman writes: On Monday morning Mr. Henry STRATFORD, acting Field-cornet for Ward No. 1, reported to Mr. HEMMING C.C and R.M. that a woman named Mrs. HODGKINSON, residing on Bank’s Farm near Mount Coke, had been accidentally shot by a spring gun on Sunday evening. From particulars we have since learned that lately Mr. HODGKINSON had been much troubled by natives entering his mealie fields on Sunday evening. About seven o’clock he, accompanied by his wife, proceeded to a mealie field situated near their dwelling house for the purpose of setting a spring gun, but on arriving at the spot found that he had not sufficient length of wire to accomplish his object. Mrs. HODGKINSON then went back to the house for the purpose of getting more wire, but during her absence her husband found that by altering the position of the gun he had sufficient wire, and set the gun. Mrs. HODGKINSON had by this time arrived near the spot with the additional wire, but from some unaccountable cause her husband unfortunately failed to warn her in time that the gun was set, and the poor woman treading on the wire which was attached to the trigger of the gun & immediately went off, and she received the contents of the gun, which was loaded with buck shot, all over the body. As soon as possible the injured woman was removed home and medical assistance summoned from town. Dr. CHUTE who went out on Monday found Mrs. HODGKINSON in a very low state, and gave instructions to have her removed to town, which she safely reached on Monday evening, but owing to the low condition in which she was, no attempt was made to extract the pellets from her body. The accident caused quite a sensation in the neighbourhood when it became known and much sympathy was felt for the injured woman and her husband, whose forgetfulness had led to the unfortunate accident.
[Transcriber’s Note: A very short extract from the Dispatch concerning the same accident to a “Mrs.HOSKINSON” described her as “a married lady with some twelve children”, which would seem to indicate that she was Elizabeth Ann MOULD, wife of George HODGKINSON.]

Monday 16 March 1885

AN OCTOGENARIAN
Tomorrow will be the 80th anniversary of Mr. William WENTWORTH Sen. of Collingham, who arrived in this Colony with the British Settlers of 1820. His father was located at Collingham, and the paternal grant is still in the venerable son’s hands. We are happy to say he is still in vigorous health.

Tuesday 17 March 1885

A PATRIARCH
A few days ago (writes the Somerset East Advertiser) there departed this life at Pearston a Dutch farmer of the old school, Mr. Gideon VAN EEDEN, who had attained the advanced age of 79 years. Mr. VAN EEDEN was widely known, and up to his death had retained all the vivacity of youth. Three times married, and having had by his wives no less than twenty-seven children, Mr. VAN EEDEN became before his death literally the head of a tribe, at the time of his death the number of his actual descendants being 245. Many of his children are the parents and grandparents of very fair collections of olive branches, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh being at the head of little clans consisting of 54, 40, 22, 20, 12, 32 and 14 members. Faithful to at least one of the commandments, the VAN EEDENS have certainly done their best to replenish the earth.

Wednesday 18 March 1885

Many will regret to hear of the death of Mr. Emil ZARNIKOW, the former energetic proprietor of the Railway Hotel. He was remarkably enterprising, and if good times had continued the expenses he was put to in carrying out his progressive ideas would have been abundantly covered. For some time Mr. ZARNIKOW sat on the Town Council.

FATAL ACCIDENT
We (Aliwal Post) regret to learn from Burghersdorp that on Tuesday last a man named BROWN, who was working upon the line, was run over by an engine, and although the Doctors were speedily at hand and amputated one leg, he died almost immediately from the shock and loss of blood. Singularly enough, another fatal accident occurred on the same day, a mounted native having run over a lad named BIRNIE and killed him on the spot.

FATAL ACCIDENT THROUGH NEGLIGENT RIDING
We (Albert Record) have to record the death, through the tramping and kick of a horse, of the son of Mr. BIRNIE of Burghersdorp. On the afternoon of Tuesday last the little fellow, aged about three years, was playing with another child in front of the house, when a bastard, named VAN BUREN, mounted on a brown horse, turned into the street in which they were, and putting heels to the animal, got it into a hard gallop. The children, alive to the danger, made for BIRNIE’s house, while the course of the horse inclined towards them. The rider pulled the animal up so close to the children that it chopped at deceased and, in turning, kicked him on the left temple. VAN BUREN, instead of rendering assistance, or riding for medical aid, at once spurred the horse and galloped away. The mother had to come out and lift and carry her dying child into the house. Drs. BATCHELOR and KANNEMEYER were called in, but it was at once seen that the little fellow was beyond hope, and shortly after midnight he expired. The medical opinion is that the kick entirely displaced the upper portion of the skull, causing injury to the brain. The funeral, which was well attended, took place on Thursday morning. An inquest was held on Wednesday, and VAN BUREN was arrested the same evening on a charge of culpable homicide.

Thursday 19 March 1885

KEKEWICH – PERRY. This morning, the 19th March 1885, at Victoria West, F.B. KEKEWICH Esq to Miss Louisa PERRY of Middelburg.

FATAL ACCIDENT TO A RAILWAY PORTER
The Cape Times has the following: An accident attended with fatal results occurred on Saturday morning at Wynburg Station. It appears that while a shunter named Thomas SMITH was shunting a train, at about half past seven in the morning, his foot caught in the connecting rails attaching the single line of rails to the double line running at either side of the arrival platform, and the wheels of one of the carriages ran over him, breaking the leg above the knee. At the same time the grease box of the carriage crushed his right side, and must have caused some internal injury. As soon as possible the injured man was extricated from his terrible position and conveyed in a special train to Capetown where, Dr. HERMAN having been called in, directed his removal to the hospital. He was at once removed to the New Somerset Hospital, but died an hour after admission. SMITH was a single man, and had been some time in the employment of the railway authorities.

Friday 20 March 1885

MR. C. BROWNLEE
The many friends of this gentleman will greatly regret to learn that very unsatisfactory accounts have been received from England as to the state of his health. Since he left the Colony, cancer of a very distinct type has developed, and he has undergone no less than four operations, with no beneficial results.

FATAL GUN ACCIDENT
On Saturday last (says the Colesberg Advertiser) at Knel, Hantam, a young girl, daughter of Mr. Johannes KOEKMOER, was sweeping a room in which a loaded gun had been placed on a chair, the latter standing somewhat insecurely owing to the loss of a leg. How the accident happened no-one can say, as the unfortunate girl was alone in the room, but the probability is that in sweeping she caused the broken chair, and of course the gun, to fall over, and that the latter came in contact with something which caused it to be discharged. Mrs. KOEKEMOER was working close by in the kitchen when she heard the shot and ran to ascertain the cause, only to find her daughter lying dead with a bullet-wound entering the abdomen near the navel, and the chair and gun lying partially on the corpse. The bullet, after entering the unfortunate girl’s body, took an upwards course and lodged behind the shoulder. Much sympathy is felt with the parents, who have thus suddenly lost a daughter who bade fair to be a credit to them. The remains of the poor girl were buried the following day.

A FATAL KICK
A sad and fatal accident, says the D.F. Advertiser, occurred on the road to the farm Rietfontein, some distance from Beaconsfield, on Friday last, whereby a young man named Jacobus RUSSOUW, a resident of this township, met with his death in a most painful manner. Mr. RUSSOUW was engaged in driving Mrs. LE ROUX to the farm of Mr. ERASMUS, as above named, where her husband was residing. While on the road the horses in the cart became knocked up, or at any rate refused to perform their task, and RUSSOUW sprang off the cart and plied the whip rather freely. The result was that one of the animals became restive, and kicked the unfortunate young fellow a violent blow to the stomach, rendering him for a time insensible. The position of the lady passenger in the cart was a most unenviable one, but with the utmost humanity she did all she could for the unfortunate man, who had sustained injuries so severe. Mrs. LE ROUX walked for upwards of an hour where she procured water with which to alleviate poor RUSSOUW’s sufferings, and after much delay the cart with its injured driver and the lady was conveyed to Boshof, where RUSSOUW died, after six hours spent in the greatest agony. Deceased was only 23 years of age. His parents reside in Capetown.

DEATH OF MR. P.G. TIMM
The Budget records the death of Mr. Percy Guard TIMM, son of Mr. R. TIMM of Mount Pleasant, near Clumber, who died on Friday last, the 13th instant, aged 21 years and 4 months. Deceased was a young man of many excellent qualities, was well known and a general favourite. He bore a long illness with Christian fortitude, and died confessing his faith in Christ. The funeral, which was a very large one, took place on Saturday. The service was conducted in a most impressive manner by the Rev. W.S. CALDECOTT. Much sympathy is felt with the bereaved family.

Saturday 21 March 1885

DEATH OF A FARMER
A Mr. HOWELL of Kareiga Mouth was killed yesterday under the following circumstances. Having left town with his wagon to return home, and having reached WEBBER’s farm, he was urged by the native driver to outspan there, as the oxen were thoroughly tired. Mr. HOWELL, however, refused to do this, and in starting again (if we are correctly informed) he fell from the wagon, and the wheels passing over the upper part of his back, life was almost immediately extinct. Deceased was not sober at the time, and had it is said not been so on the previous evening, when he attended the Salvation Army meeting and had to be ejected. After the fatal accident the wagon proceeded homeward with the body of its deceased master. No inquest was held.

DEATH OF A CLERGYMAN
The Rev. Alfred BELLVILLE F.R.G.S., who was attached to the Zambesi Mission to Central Africa, under Bishop STEER, died at Bellair on Thursday, having laboured in Natal for some years past.

Monday 23 March 1885

MARRIED at Kimberley on the 10th March 1885, at St.Augustine’s Church by Canon Balfour BA, George Blackstone WILLIAMS, Assistant R.M., second son of the late Rev. H.B. WILLIAMS, Rector of Bradford Peverill, Dorset, to Elizabeth Mary, eldest daughter of N. COCK, and granddaughter of the late Hon’ble W. COCK, Port Alfred.

SUDDEN DEATH
The F.B. Advocate writes: A Mr. NICOLL, who had recently retired from the Cape Police on account of ill-health, was found dead in his bed on Sunday morning. The poor fellow intended leaving for England on Wednesday, and was looking forward to the pleasure of meeting parents and friends. He retired to rest early on Saturday evening, remarking that he felt much better; but when the servant carried a cup of coffee into his room early next morning he was dead. A post-mortem examination was held on Monday, the result arrived at being that death was due to the rupture of a blood vessel in the lungs, which were much diseased. The funeral took place the same day. It is said that deceased was a son of Brigadier-General NICOLL.

DEATH OF MR. ZARNIKOW
Mr. Emil ZARNIKOW, the genial host of Grahamstown and this city, died suddenly at his mother-in-law’s residence, Hope Cottage, Wynberg, on Monday night. Mr. ZARNIKOW went out by the one o’clock train from Capetown to see his mother-in-law, Mrs. RATHFELDER. He then complained of being ill, and had to lie down. He gradually became worse until he succumbed, at about twelve o’clock on Monday night. The medical men who attended him attributed his death to an apoplectic fit. He will be buried in the family vault at Diep River, this morning at ten o’clock. We regret to hear that Mrs. ZARNIKOW has taken her sudden bereavement so much to heart that she is dangerously ill. Mrs. RATHFELDER, her mother, has also been very ill for some time past, and the state of her health is so critical that the sad news has not yet been broken to her. Mr. ZARNIKOW, for some time, was proprietor of the Albion Hotel, corner of Long Street and Strand Street; for several years he had the Crown Hotel at Claremont, which he purchased from Mr. SCHUSTER, and then he took the Railway Hotel at Grahamstown. For the last few months he has been carrying on a club next to the Drill Hall in Loop Street. He leaves no children. During his stay in Capetown (says the Argus) he made a large number of friends, who will hold his memory in affectionate remembrance.

Tuesday 24 March 1885

DEATH OF R. STEWART ESQ.
We are sorry to learn from P. GORDON Esq, the manager of the Standard Bank here, that a telegram has been received in the Colony from England announcing the death of the General Manager, Mr. STEWART, who had for some time been in ill-health.

Thursday 26 March 1885

IN MEMORIAM
Mr. ROBERT STEWART
The E.P. Herald writes: The public of this Colony, and indeed of South Africa generally, received with surprise and with deep regret the announcement yesterday of the death, in England, of Mr. Robert STEWART, the Chief Manager of the Standard Bank. Mr. STEWART, who was about 55 years of age, came to this country in 1864, having previously held office in the Cardiff Branch of the National Provincial Bank of England. The Board of the Standard Bank appointed Mr. STEWART at a critical time in the history of the Bank and when its shares were at a heavy discount, owing to the losses incurred in the Cape business. To what a pitch of prosperity Mr. STEWART brought the Bank when he left the Colony in 1876 is well-known. The position he then assumed as Manager in London, and afterwards as Chief Manager, enabled him to continue to watch the interests of the institution without cessation, and the ability and zeal he has always displayed, and the vigilance and thoroughness of his far-sighted policy, have combined to make the Bank a “household word” throughout South Africa. His successors in office in this country were at first Messrs. Gilbert FARIE and H.C. ROSS, but upon their subsequent retirement the administration devolved upon Messrs. Lewis MICHELL and Edmund THOMAS, who are still in command. The news of Mr. STEWART’s death having arrived by cable, full details are not yet forthcoming, but we understand that private advices by recent mails intimate that his health had broken down under the long strain. The directors, shareholders and officers of the Bank will all alike feel his loss: few men were more widely known and esteemed, and to his widow and children we most sincerely and respectfully tender our sympathy in their irreparable bereavement.

Tuesday 31 March 1885

BIRTH at Grahamstown on the 29th instant, the wife of Mr. W. HOLLAND of a daughter.

A CHILD SHOT
A coroner’s enquiry, writes the Dispatch, was held by Fieldcornet VOGEL at the Kwelera on Friday the 20th inst, into the circumstances attendant on the death of Betta SCHRIBER, a German girl, aged 8 years. From the evidence it appeared that the unfortunate child accidentally shot herself while handling a loaded gun, which had been lying under a bed in a building near Mr. STOLZ’s house, where on the date in question the SCHRIBER and STOLZ children were playing. The shot entered the mouth, and death occurred in a few moments.

Saturday 4 April 1885

DIED on March 4 1885, at Powerscroft Road, Lower Clapton, Middlesex, Marian, the wife of the Rev. John LARDNER-BURKE MA LLD.

FINED FOR DESERTION
Robert McCARTNEY, until recently a member of the Cape Police, Kimberley, was brought up at the Court of the Police Magistrate there, charged with deserting from the Police Force stationed at Kimberley in the month of March 1885. The case being proved, the Magistrate said he hoped the sentence he was about to pass will be a warning to those who until recently were the prisoner’s comrades. He inflicted a fine of £40 or, as an alternative, six months’ imprisonment with hard labour.

Tuesday 7 April 1885

SAD ACCIDENT
A Queenstown contemporary writes: Master Clement BROWN, son of Mr. S.J. BROWN of Lily Vale, we regret to say met with a rather serious accident on Wednesday evening. The lad, a fine healthy young fellow of fourteen, was home on his holidays from school, and in the absence of his father, who was in Queenstown, he looked after the loading up of a wagon of pumpkins for the Queenstown market on the following morning. It happened that as the wagon moved off from the homestead, some of the ostriches, which were rather vicious, broke loose from the camp and followed the wagon for a considerable distance, unobserved by the youth, who busied himself in looking after the oxen. One of the male birds made a furious charge from behind and kicked the young fellow a distance of almost five yards, right under the wheels of the wagon, one of which passed clean over his legs. He was picked up almost insensible and conveyed to his home. A messenger was dispatched to town in hot haste informing Mr. BROWN of the sad event, and he at once posted Dr. BATCHELOR to Lilyvale. We are not yet in a position to state the exact nature of the injuries sustained, but it is to be feared they are rather serious, as the wagon was heavily laden. Needless to say the mishap caused a rude shock to Mr. and Mrs. BROWN and in tendering them our sympathy we trust their boy will speedily get over whatever injuries he has sustained.

Wednesday 8 April 1885

OBITUARY
We (P.E. Telegraph) regret to have to record the demise at the early age of thirty-two years of Lieut. Ernest BIRT, who was so well-known in connection with Prince Alfred’s Guard, with which he was always a popular officer. He accompanied the contingent that served in Basutoland during the war, and was wounded in one of the engagements. He also served in the Transkei; and always took an active part in any movement connected with the corps with which he was so long associated. His early death will be sincerely regretted by his brother officers and a wide circle of friends in Port Elizabeth. The cause of death was dysentery, from which he had been suffering for some weeks past, and which has been very prevalent for some months past.

Friday 10 April 1885

DIED at Queenstown on the 4th April, Annie Edith, youngest daughter of W.M. and M.E. STAPLES. Friends at a distance please accept this notice.

BRITISH SETTLERS
Today is the anniversary of the landing of the British Settlers. Since the last anniversary death has thinned the ranks of the few remaining veteran colonists, removing the two most distinguished, the Hon. Robert GODLONTON and the Hon. George WOOD Sen. The Hon. S. CAWOOD, we are glad to say, is still a vigorous representative of the men of 1820. The flags were flying in honour of the day, and the bells rang at twelve. Special sermons are to be preached in Commemoration Church on Sunday.

MARRIAGE
St.Mary’s Church (writes the Telegraph) was filled with a large and highly fashionable congregation on Tuesday last to witness the marriage of Mr. H. LESLIE, master of the Port Elizabeth School of Art, and Miss Ellen Niven FRENCH, a member of the Royal Academy of Music, and the representative of Trinity College, London, with which she has for some years past been associated in the local examinations. Miss Mary FRENCH and Miss WALLIS as bridesmaids, and the best man were Mr. W. ANDERSON and KIRKWOOD, whilst Miss V. ISITT, the Lady Principal of the Ladies’ Collegiate School, and Mr. H.W PEARSON, Mayor, chairman of the committee, performed an important part in the ceremony, the former “giving the bride away” to her future husband. The marriage service was very impressively conducted by the Rev. Dr. WIYMAN, who was assisted by the Revs. T. BENNETTS and C. MAYO, and the proceedings were greatly enlivened by the organist and choir ably rendering a selection of appropriate music.

Saturday 11 April 1885

BIRTH at Port Elizabeth on April 5th, the wife of Arthur H. REID C.E. of a son.

Monday 13 April 1885

It is with extreme regret that we (Queenstown Representative) record in this issue the death (at the early age of 19) of Miss Annie STAPLES, daughter of Mr. William STAPLES of this town. The deceased young lady had been in declining health for a considerable time, and though her removal was not altogether unexpected it has nevertheless plunged into the deepest grief her parents, by whom she was fondly loved, and a large circle of relatives and friends to whom she had endeared herself by her many excellent traits of character – an amiable and gentle disposition, and a winning, affectionate manner. After a lingering illness, which she bore with Christian resignation, she passed away peacefully and calmly on Saturday morning, surrounded by her family and friends, and retaining her consciousness to the last. Her remains were interred on Sunday afternoon, the funeral cortege being large and [sympathetic], including representatives of nearly every family in Queenstown, and many from the district where Mr. STAPLES and his family have been long known. Messrs. MACKAY, JOHNSTON, ABEL and ROBERTS acted as pall-bearers and, on arriving at the Presbyterian Church, where the deceased worshipped, the coffin, which was strewn with immortelle, was taken inside and the solemn service for the dead read by the Rev. J. RITCHIE, pastor, who afterwards delivered an impressive address to the assembled mourners. The same gentleman also conducted the service at the grave.

Tuesday 14 April 1885

DIED on March 14 at Powerscroft Road, Lower Clapton, London, the Rev John LARDNER-BURKE MA LLD, formerly Principal of Bective College, Dublin, and curate of Castlehyde, Diocese of Cloyne.

Thursday 16 April 1885

We learn that this is the birthday of Mrs. ROBERTS, who thus enters her ninetieth year. Although we have other honoured survivors of the original band of British Settlers amongst us, and these, such as Mrs. AYLIFF and Hon. S. CAWOOD, need only be named to show that full Settlers’ honours are justly attributable to them, yet we believe that Mrs. ROBERTS is the last Grahamstown resident who at the Jubilee in 1870 was reckoned among the formal list of Settlers. Mrs. ROBERTS is now residing with her son, Mr. John ROBERTS, and although she is, we are sorry to learn, in weak health at present, we would wish her happy returns of the day, and should rejoice if it please Providence that she might still remain awhile with us as a living memory of the honoured Settlers of 1820. We should be glad if correspondents in other parts of the Colony would let us know of other Settlers who still survive. At present we are not aware of any other survivors of the Settlers throughout this Colony, than the following; Mrs. PEEL of Clumber, Mr. PANKHURST of King Williamstown, Mr. HARTLEY of Kimberley, , and Mr. W. HARTLEY of Bathurst; but there may be others. On this subject we might give a suggestion that has been made to us. It is that Government should be memorialised to make the 10th April an annual holiday for the Colony, or if preferred, at least for the Eastern Districts. We think the sons and grandsons of the Settlers might well take up this idea. Let us have another social meeting, and put it into shape. This would furnish a lasting memorial of the Settlers. And we could make it our annual Arbour Day, on which a main part of the festivities should be the planting of trees in all parts of the country. This was the way in which the Settlers’ memory was appointed to be kept alive at the Jubilee celebration; and we could not have a nobler plan for “keeping their memory green” than by increasing the foliage of the Colony. What do the descendants of the Settlers, and those also who, like the present writer, are connected to them by affinity, say to these proposals? We might form a Committee, or perhaps the existing Committee could be enlarged, for the purpose. Another thought we should like to see worked out is that the Home or Colonial Government, or both, might be addressed by a general memorial, pointing out the great results which have flowed from the Settlement of 1820, and urging that another emigration scheme for the interior districts just annexed be formed, for the colonisation of those rich countries and the enrichment of British and Colonial commerce.

Saturday 18 April 1885

BIRTH at Grahamstown on the 15th inst, the wife of W.P. OXENHAM, Station Master, of a son.

Friday 24 April 1885

BIRTH at Beaufort House on the 16th April 1885, the wife of Mr. E.B.C. HOOLE of a daughter.

Monday 27 April 1885

SERIOUS ACCIDENT
We regret to hear of a very serious accident to Mr. John SPEAR of Grasslands. Mr. SPEAR was firing a rifle which exploded in his hands, the fragments flying into his face, which we learn was cut and disfigured in the most frightful manner. His eyesight is said to have been endangered. One of the arms was also severely injured. Medical assistance was secured with all possible speed, and every attention was paid to the sufferer. We sincerely hope that medical skill may prevent the loss of eyesight and restore Mr. SPEAR to speedy convalescence. Since writing the above we have heard further particulars, from which we fear that the injuries caused were more severe than we at first supposed. We learn now that one eye at least is lost, one ear blown off, and the right hand shattered. Dr. DILLON is still at Grasslands. The rifle used was a Remington.

Tuesday 28 April 1885

THE ACCIDENT TO MR. SPEAR
We are glad to say that the accounts circulated yesterday of the accident to Mr. J. SPEAR, of Grasslands, were much exaggerated. Mr. SMITH, a farmer in that neighbourhood, saw Mr. SPEAR yesterday and reports that he is progressing favourably. It appears that Mr. SPEAR was shooting at a hawk with the rifle barrel of a double barrel rifle and smooth, when the cartridge in exploding seems to have forced the breach open, while at the same time it divided the barrels near the breach. The powder and flame flew in Mr. SPEAR’s face, slightly affecting the right eye which would be sighting, and blocking the closed left eye. At the same time the side of the face received a few scratches. Mr. SMITH reports that Mr. SPEAR can partially see with the right eye, and will, it is expected, regain the sight of both eyes in a few days. We join with Mr. SPEAR’s numerous friends in congratulating him on having escaped the fearful accident reported yesterday to have happened to him. Dr. DILLON, who returned last night, reports very favourably of his patient, who was able to take lunch yesterday. The right eye is still swollen and closed, but no permanent injury is expected.

Wednesday 29 April 1885

IN MEMORIAM
EDGAR LONSDALE CAPT. C.L.
It is with a profound sensation of regret, says the Kokstad Advertiser, that the intelligence of Captain LONSDALE’s death was received last week. A sad and unexpected ending to the few gala days which Kokstad annually allows herself. Though known to be in extremely delicate health for the past year – so delicate indeed that on several occasions the gravest fears have been entertained – still the late officer’s spirit and pluck were such as almost to justify the hopes of his friends that he would yet live to refute all the prognostications of his medical advisers. Only last January he returned from consulting Dr. ALLEN in Maritzburg, so ill from the effects of the journey that he was scarcely expected to live through the night. Devoted nursing in his home, however, and the constant attention of Drs. GUILD and McCREA, pulled him round again, and if, during the last months, there was no increase of strength, at least there seemed no apparent sinking. Captain Edgar LONSDALE was the eldest son of the late Colonel William LONSDALE of HM 4th King’s Own Regiment, afterwards High Commissioner of Victoria, a man whose high public and private character obtained for him the greatest regard and esteem in that colony. Deceased, who was born in Melbourne, 26th November 1839, obtained his commission as Ensign in HM 19th Regiment [29]th November 1859. He was Lieutenant in 1862, and Captain in 1870. He served in the East Indies from August 1865 to December 1866, and from January 1869 to October 1871, exchanging into the 7th Royal Fusiliers in January 1873, and retiring on temporary half pay in July 1875. He joined the 104th Fusiliers in September 1876, and from this regiment was transferred to the 75th Foot in November of the same year. Captain LONSDALE retired from the service on February 7th 1879, and two years later left England by medical advice and sailed for South Africa. Here he raised and commanded “Lonsdale’s Rifles” under the Cape Colonial Government, and served in the Basuto War from March 1st 1881 to December, when the corps was disbanded. On his return from the front he was Acting A.A.G. Colonial Forces for some time and was appointed Captain and Adjutant of the Cape Infantry in 1882 at Kingwilliamstown, from which place he was transferred to Kokstad three years ago. Capt. LONSDALE was a true type of the chivalrous, high-minded and conscientious soldier, whose ill health and the physical suffering to which he was constantly a martyr never interfered with the faithful performance of his duties. In him the Government has lost a valuable servant, his comrades a generous, kindly friend, and his subordinates one who ever made their interests and welfare his own. Unselfish in his thoughts for others, rigid in the maintenance of right against wrong, patient under personal discomfort and, as has been said before, bravely struggling against weakness and pain which would have entirely prostrated most men, Captain LONSDALE was to be seen every morning, up to within a week or two of his death, at his post at the camp. Last Monday week, however, the 6th inst, he for the first time acknowledged himself too weak to leave his bed; the undaunted spirit seemed at last broken, and four days afterwards, at 7pm, on the 9th April, he peacefully breathed his last, in the presence of those who loved him best and valued him most.

Thursday 30 April 1885

BIRTH on Tuesday April 28th, the wife of Mr. R.H. RICHMOND, Lawrance-street, Grahamstown, of a son.

MARRIED on the 30th April 1885 at Commemoration Church, Grahamstown, by the Rev. R. Matterson, Alfred Carter GALPIN, eldest son of Mr. Henry C. GALPIN, to Lettie, youngest daughter of Mr. Brooke ATTWELL.

Monday 1 May 1885

UNIVERSITY OF THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE
SCHOOL ELEMENTARY EXAMINATION 1884
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICTS

FIRST CLASS
  1 W.G. BENNIE, Lovedale
  3 W. FOWLDS, Pub. Sch, Grahamstown
  7 Edith FEATHERSTONE, Colleg’te Girls Sch, K.W.Town
  8 M. PEEBLES, Colleg’te Girls Sch, K.W.Town
  9 Mary O’CONNOR, Conv. Sch. K.W.Town
11 Fanny BROWN, Wesl High Sch, Girls, Queenstown
13 E.M. QUAIL, P School, Clumber Pt.Alfred
14 D.G. COLLETT, P School, Uitenhage
15 W.M. CLOETE, Bowden Academy; Lucilla SPRIGG, P School, Panmure
18 Alice SMITH, Colleg’te Girls Sch, K.W.Town
19 Martha DALL, Miss Hall’s High School, Graaff-Reinet
20 W. ESPIN, S.Andrew’s Coll, Grahamstown
23 Alice TIDMASH, Wes High Sch for Girls, Grahamstown
25 G. CHRISTIE, Grey Inst, P.E.
28 J. DALLAS, Pub. School, East London W.
30 Maria DANCKWERTS, Miss Blaine’s School, Fort Beaufort
33 A.H. WARREN, Pub. School, Komgha
34 H. WARREN, Kei Road Sch K.W.T.
39 J.P. ANDERSON, Gill Coll, Somerset East
40 P. DINGLE, Pub. Sch, Grahamstown
41 Frances TUDHOPE, Miss Blaine’s Sch, Fort B.
52 T. PATERSON, Grey Inst, Port Elizabeth
53 Kate JEROME, Wesleyan High School for Girls, Grahamstown
55 Isabella MURRAY, Priv. Tuit. Grahamstown; L. POTGIETER, Gram. School, Alexandria
59 Grace MURRAY, Coll. Girls’ School, K.W. Town
61 F.W. ROSS, P. Sch, Lady Grey (Aliwal North)
63 Florence ORGILL, Conv. Sch, Grahamstown
64 C.P. DU PLESSIS, P.S, Middelburg
66 A. ROBERTS, P.S, Cradock
71 Carolina LEVINGS, Convent School, Grahamstown
75 W. KENNERLEY, S.And. Coll, G’town; R. REID, Grey Inst, Port Elizabeth; Alice TUDHOPE, Miss Blaine’s S, F.Beaufort
79 M. GREY, P.Sch, Cradock
81 G. BOMPASS, P. Sch, Panmure; M. LANGFIELD, Dale Coll, K.W. Town
85 W. YATES, Dale Coll, K.W. Town
86 Clarence SKEAD, Grey Inst, P Elizabeth; Evelyn TILLBROOK, Wesl High Sch for Girls, Grahamstown
89 F. FLYNN, Dane Coll, K.W. Town
91 Enid RENNIE, Wesl High Sch Girls, Grahamstown
93 Helen GIDDY, Convent Sch, K.W.T.
96 A. SISSING, Dale Coll, K.W. Town
99 Martha CLACK, Lovedale Institution; A.C. FULLER, Dale Coll, K.W. Town
103 Lulu BARRABLE, Coll. Girls’ Sch, K.W.T.
104 Grey Inst, Port Elizabeth
107 A.E. PULLEN, P.S. Komgha; Henrietta WILLIAMS, Convent Sch, Grahamstown
110 E. HAYES, S.August. Sch, Port Elizabeth; J.H. KLASIN, P.S. Middelburg; Edith LOMAX, P.S. Southwell, P.Alfred
115 Cuthbert SKEAD, Grey Inst, Port Elizabeth
118 G. COPELAND, P Sch, Grahamstown; Susan SCHIMPER, Miss Hall’s High Sch, Graaffreinet
120 A. HOFMEYR, Gill Coll, Somerset East; W. McINTYRE, Dale Coll, K.W. Town
125 G. KNOBEL, P.S. Panmure; Alice WEBB, P.S. Panmure
132 R. HARPER, Grey Inst, Port Elizabeth; G. LAWRANCE, P Sch, Grahamstown
137 Jessie SHEPERD, P Sch, Colesberg
138 Sam MAQUAIN, Lovedale Inst.
142 M. McDONALD, Grey Inst, Port Elizabeth
144 T. GARDNER, Bowden Academy
149 W. CRITCHFIELD, Convt. of Sac. Ht, East London
152 A.R. INNES, Grey Inst, Port Elizabeth
153 Cecilia MELKINYS, Lovedale Inst.
158 Gertrude LONGDEN, The Oaks S, Somst East
162 Mabel ROWLES, Coll Girls’ School KWT; L. WRIGHT, P.S. Panmure
165 Mary AMM, Wesl. High Sch for Girls, Grahamstown; Mary CRITCHFIELD, Conv. Sch KWT
168 R.J. WEBB, P.S. Dordrecht
170 W. SIMPKINS, Conv. Sac. Heart, East London; W. WATSON, Gill Coll, Somerset East
175 Edith TURPIN, Dioc. Girls’ Sch, Grahamstown
176 Lettie HART, Conv. Sch, KWT; Lavinia KILFOIL, Agnes REILLY, Miss Watson’s Sch, Bedford
182 H. MURRAY, E. London W.
187 S.B. BARTLETT, P.S. Clumber, Pt.Alfred; E. COLLETT, Cradock
189 H. ANDRE, Dale College, K.W.T.
193 Edith BROWN, Coll Girls’ Sch, KWT; Petronella MEYER, Riebeck Col, Uitenhage; H. POTGIETER, Gram. Sch, Alexandria
200 A. GARDINER, Bowden Academy
201 J. DAVITT, St.August. Sch, Port Elizabeth
204 Maud McCABE, Conv. Sch, Grahamstown; J.B. RENNIE, P.S. Bedford
206 G. HERBERT, Grey Inst, Port Elizabeth
207 Edith STAPLES, Wesl High Sch for Girls, Queenstown; J. BROTHERTON, Lovedale Institute
210 Josephine KITCHINGMAN, D.R. Seminary, Somerset East
212 A. MUNDELL, P.S. Tarkastad; Janet WALKER, Dioc. Girls’ Sch, G.T.
216 F. MILLER, P.S. Cradock
223 Katie HARPER, Conv. Sch, K.W.T.
227 Mary BRENNAN, Conv. Sch, K.W.T; Martha OCHSE, Miss Hall’s Hh Sch, G.R.
229 P. CRAVEN, S.And. Coll, G.T.
230 S. MOFFAT, St.Andrew’s Coll, Grahamstown; Ada ROTHMAN, Miss Hall’s Hh Sch, G.R.
232 T. KENNEDY, P.S. Cradock; F. MEADWAY, Miss Hall’s Hh Sch, G.R.
236 Ruth BRISTER, Miss Peacock’s Sch, Port Eliz; G. SEARLE, Priv. Tuit. P. Eliz.
238 C. CAIRNCROSS, Commercial Sch, Gr.T; R. RORKE, P. Sch, Fort Beaufort
243 G. WALKER, Grey Inst, P. Eliz.
244 E.A. BUTLER, Gill Coll, Somerset East; Mildred HUTCHINS, Miss Henchman’s Sch, Fort Beaufort
246 Ida PALMIER, Mrs. Bergh’s Sch, Uitenhage
249 Agnes ANDERSON, Miss Hayne’s High Sch for Girls, Somerset East
251 Rosa LANGE, Riebeck Coll, Uitenhage; J. MTOMBENI, Lovedale Institute
253 Charlotte HOFMEYR, D.R. Sem, Som. E.

SECOND CLASS
256 L. LANDREY, Coll. Girls’ Sch, K.W.T.
257 C. RAMSBOTTOM, P.S. Aliwal North
258 Annie PEARTON, P.S. Peddie
262 Linda BROWN, Wes High Sch Girls, Q.T.
264 R. MORTIMER, S.And Coll, Grahamstown
266 R. PRICE, P.S. Panmure
269 C. GRAHAM, P.S. Seymour; Emily WRIGHT, Wes H.S. Girls, Queen’s T
271 Minnie REYNOLDS, Wes H.S. Girls, Gr.T.
279 Winnifred COTTERELL, Conv. Sch, KWT; Annie WEBSTER, Conv. Sch, KWT
282 Grace BRENT, Miss Hall’s H S, Graaffreinet; F. WATSON, Holy Rosary Conv, Port Elizabeth
285 Mary TANCRED, St.Mary’s S, Kimberley
286 N. KUMALO, Lovedale Institute
288 P. WEDDERBURN, Public School, Grahamstown
292 F.G. BARNES, Academy, Bowden
295 J. MOSS, Public School, Dordrecht
298 H. McDONALD, High School, Queenstown
299 Mabel LONSDALE, Coll. Girls’ School, Kingwilliamstown
301 Katie WIDDICOMBE, Wesleyan High School Girls, Queenstown
302 E. GRIFFIN, Public School, Dordrecht
304 C. BAKKES, Public School, Alexandria; Katie NOONAN, St.Mary’s School, Kimberley; G. SMITH, St.Andrew’s College, Grahamstown
310 Hendrina SCHIMPER, Miss Hall’s High School, Graaffreinet; W. McWILLIAMS, Dale College, Kingwilliamstown
312 H. FRASER, Dale College, Kingwilliamstown; A. SHAW, Public School, Seymour
316 F. BRADLEY, Dale College, Kingwilliamstown; Ada KEMSLEY, Miss Peacock’s School, Port Elizabeth
319 Annie BOTHA, Public School, Seymour; Winifred KING, Miss Watson’s School, Bedford; H.A. VORSTER, Graaffreinet Coll.
324 Ada COWEN, Coll Girls’ School, Kingwilliamstown; J. LOCKE, Private Tuition, Grahamstown; Elizabeth VAN DER MERWE, Miss Hall’s High School, Graaffreinet
327 O.C. [OEHLOY], Gill College, Somerset East
328 J.N. HOFMEYR, Gill College, Somerset East; C. ORPEN, St.Andrew’s Coll, Grahamstown
333 M. BATES, Ladies’ College, Port Elizabeth; J. McGILLIVRAY, Lovedale Institution; J. SOUTHEY, Dale College, Kingwilliamstown
336 A. RAU, Public School, Panmure
343 Caroline COLE, All Saints, Wynberg; Mary SUTCLIFFE, Ladies’ College, Port Elizabeth
347 Florence GRAHAM, Public School, East Kowie
351 Minnie ADAMS, Tarka Sem, Tarkastad; G. BARKER, P S, Tarkastad; G. BROWN, P S, Komgha; Lydia ROWLAND, Rockland Sem, Cradock
361 A.C. GEARD, Graaffreinet College; E. ROBERTS, Public School, Grahamstown
363 J. BLAKEWAY, St.John’s College, Umtata; A. GLADWIN, Public School, Bedford
369 Florence SMITH, Wesleyan High School for Girls, Grahamstown
371 Alice LIND, All Saints, Wynberg
372 D. BAILIE, Dale College, Kingwilliamstown; E.J. MURPHY, Wesleyan Grammar School, Queenstown; G.P. VISSER, Graaffreinet College; J.J. WEBB, Public School, Komgha
379 R. HAYTON, St.Andrew’s College, Grahamstown
381 B.B. MURRAY, Dale College, Kingwilliamstown
382 W.J. DAVIDSON, Public School, Adelaide
383 R. HARDWICH, Public School, Komgha; M.K. McLEA, Graaffreinet College; B. MATETE, Lovedale Institution
389 M. DONNELLAN, Dale College Kingwilliamstown
391 J. EDWARDS, Public School, Grahamstown
393 Nellie FULLER, Coll. Girls’ School, Kingwilliamstown
394 G. OLIVER Diocesan Gr School, Port Elizabeth
396 Eliza BAKER, High School, Queenstown; Lilian WINDER, Coll. Girls’ School, Kingwilliamstown
398 J.A. THERON, Graaffreinet College
402 F. DUGMORE, Academy, Bowden; T. ROBINSON, Public School, Dordrecht
407 Estelle PULLEN, Holy Rosary Convent, Port Elizabeth
408 Florence GREEN, Riebeck Coll, Uitenhage
409 H. COWEN, Public School, Uitenhage
410 M. FOXCROFT, Public School, Peddie
415 H. DRAYTON, P. Sch. E. London W; G. RANDELL, Dale College, E. London W
421 H. COWIE, P S Komgha; Henrietta TAYLOR, Rockland Seminary, Cradock
424 P. DYER, S.Andrew’s Coll, Grahamstown; Edith LEARY, Umtata; Walter LEARY, St.John’s Coll, Umtata
429 Annie MAKUEGA, Lovedale Inst.
430 P. BEKKER, P S Stellenbosch
431 W. ERASMUS, Gill Coll, Somerset E; V. RAMSBOTTOM, P S Aliwal North
432 Christina LAMB, P S Montagu
439 G. FARRELL, P S Alice; T. RANDELL, Coll. Girls’ Sch, KWT
443 W. CLARKE, P S Alexandria
446 Kate CRAMOND, S.Mary’s Sch, Kimberley; Inez HAYTER, Dioc. Girls’ Sch, G.Town
452 M. THORSEN, P Sch, Q.Town
454 A. HARDING, P Sch, Dordrecht; J.C. WARREN, Kei Road Sch, KWT
456 Ellen DIXIE, Miss WATSON’s Sch, Bedford; Agnes HOLLAND, Miss Henchman’s Sch, Fort Beaufort
458 Florence ATTWELL, P S Panmure; S. COURT, S.Andrew’s Coll, G.Town; Catherine DICK, Lovedale Inst; O. HART, P S Panmure
464 Laura AYLIFF, Rockland Sem, Cradock; Bennetta LEPPAN, P S Southwell; J.C. SWART, P S Aberdeen
474 Ada NELSON, Dio. Girls’ Sch, Grahamstown
477 J.F. v HEERDEN J.P. Son, Gr-reinet Coll.
478 F. POTGIETER, P S Adelaide; Frances WIGGIL, Cont. School, K.W. Town
480 Katie HURWORTH, Miss Hull’s High Sch, Graaff-Reinet; Lily [SOCCULL], Ladies’ Coll, P.E.
482 W.A. McCALLUM, P S Alice
485 Charlotte WOODROFFE, Miss Hayne’s High School for Girls, Somerset East
489 F. SMITH, St.Paul’s Girls’ School, Port Elizabeth
491 Matilda SOBIKWA, Lovedale Inst.
492 Maria PIETERSEN, Rockland Seminary, Cradock
494 L. CRAWFORD, St.Paul’s Girls’ School, Port Elizabeth; Edith FLETCHER, Sch. Industry, Wynberg; G. O’HARA, P S Cathcart
500 Alice CLINTON, Conv. Sch. Grahamstown; Amy STILLWELL, West High Sch. Girls, Queenstown
502 C. PERKS, Public School, Cathcart
503 Sarah SCHIMPER, Miss Hall’s High Sch, Graaffreinet
506 E. HUMPHREY, Dale Coll, KWT
508 T. HAGAN, High School, Queenstown; Sophia INGLESBY, Good Hope Sem, Capetown; A. KEMSLEY, Grey Institute, Port Elizabeth
511 J. SISSISSON, St.Andrew’s College, Grahamstown
514 Ada HARPER, Miss Bergh’s School, Uitenhage; Susan HUMPHREYS, P School, Aberdeen
516 Katie BOLAND, Holy Rosary Convent, Port Elizabeth
517 Annie SMITH, Rockland Seminary, Cradock
518 T. VISSER, Graaffreinet Coll.
520 G.S. GARDNER, High School, Queenstown
522 Edith LEA, Miss Henchman’s School, Fort Beaufort
523 H. THOMSON, Dale College, Kingwilliamstown
525 A.J. HOLFORD, Healdtown
Signed
W.L. CLEMENTSON, H.M. FOOT, G. MACONOCHIE, J.M. RUSSELL, W. THOMPSON
Examiners
J. CAMERON, C. ABERCROMBIE-SMITH
Moderators
University Chambers, 24th April 1885

Saturday 2 May 1885

SCHOOL HONOURS EXAMINATION 1885
EASTERN DISTRICTS
The following are the results of the Honours Examinations, published by the University authorities on Tuesday afternoon.
 2 H.P. TOWNSEND, Grey Institute, Port Elizabeth
 6 W. CALDECOTT, Public School, Grahamstown
11 R. ATTWELL, Public School, Panmure
13 R. VAN MEULEN, Public School, Grahamstown
15 H. VILJOEN, Public School, Richmond
19 M. MOFFAT, St.Andrew’s College, Grahamstown
21 Maud LEATHERLAND, Coll Girls’ School, Kingwilliamstown
23 M. GUMPORT, Grey Institute, Port Elizabeth
25 L. GIDDY, Dale College, Kingwilliamstown
26 D.H. DOWSETT, Dis Gr School, Port Elizabeth
33 A. BROWN, Dale College, Kingwilliamstown; H.M. TABERER, St.Andrew’s College, Grahamstown
37 Lilian GORDON, Coll Girls’ School, Kingwilliamstown
41 D.A. DU PLESSIS, Pubic School, Aberdeen
Signed
J.H.BRADY, A. FISCHER, H.M. FOOT, F. GUTHRIE, C.H. HAHN Jun, P.D. HAHN, P. McOWAN, N. MANSFELT, W.B. WORSFOLD
Examiners
J. CAMERON, C. ABERCROMBIE-SMITH
Moderators
University Chambers, 28th April 1885

Monday 4 May 1885

ANOTHER PATRIARCH
On the 15th March an old gentleman of the name of Adriaan NIEMAND had his thirty-second child christened in the Dutch Church at Winburg O.F.S. The number of his children and grandchildren (writes the Express) is close upon three hundred; and at the recent military review the old man took part in all the cavalry evolutions.

Tuesday 5 May 1885

MATRIMONIAL
The following notice appears in the European Mail:
MORGAN – WALTON. March 28, at St.Mary Abbott’s, Kensington, Harry De Riemer MORGAN, of Exeter College, BA, son of the late E.J. MORGAN of Nice, France, to Caroline Eliza, third daughter of the Rev. John WALTON MA of Grahamstown, South Africa.

Wednesday 6 May 1885

DROWNED
A correspondent of the Wynberg Times writes under date Sir Lowry’s Pass, April 30:
A sad case of drowning occurred here yesterday at our watering place, Fish Hoek. Mr. VAN SCHOOR, a retired man living at Klapmuts, while fishing on the rocks at the Point, was washed off the rocks, and before any assistance could reach him was drowned. He leaves a wife but no family. Body not found, and not likely to be – too many sharks about that particular spot. Last year, in April, a Mr. LE ROUX f French Hoek was washed off the same rock and drowned.

FATAL GUN ACCIDENT
The Capetown Express writes: A fatal gun accident occurred last evening at Mouille Point: the unfortunate victim to his own carelessness being a young man named VIERZIGMANN was proceeding to the beach for the purpose of duiker shooting, and thinking his gun was unloaded, was leaning over the muzzle when it suddenly went off. The rifle was loaded with ball cartridge, and the bullet entered his body, passed just over the region of his heart, and penetrating the body, passed close to a gentleman who was near at the time. Assistance was at once procured, and a passing cab being hailed the injured man was conveyed to his house, but Dr. WRIGHT, assistant-surgeon at the Hospital, declared that the poor fellow was past medical help. All that could be done was done for the poor sufferer, but after lingering till 11 o’clock he expired, uttering almost with his last breath “I did not know the gun was loaded”. The deceased was well-known, was much respected, and great sympathy is expressed for the bereaved family. This morning Dr. ROUX gave evidence and described the nature of the injuries which has caused death. The inquest was adjourned.

TESTIMONIAL TO AN ENGINE DRIVER
Our readers (says the Telegraph) will remember that on the night of the 4th ult John REED, the driver of the 71 down train from Grahamstown – a train in which were several passengers – by the manifestation of quickness of perception, presence of mind and promptness of action averted what would have been a terrible calamity. The points had been shifted; and the death which in all likelihood stared the travellers in the face was averted by the decision and coolness of the driver. The amount of £9:5s having been spontaneously offered by a few of the public, Mr. WYLDE C.C & R.M. handed it to Mr. REED on Monday. The following “note” appended to the subscription list has been kindly handed us:
The subscription £9:5s was this day (Monday) handed by Mr. A. WYLDE C.C.& R.M. to Mr. John REED, engine driver of No. 71 down train, who on the night of March 5th 1885, at 24-mile siding, saved the lives of the passengers and prevented the destruction of property by his skill and efficiency in the performance of his duty by the observing and instant stoppage of the engine – then off the line. The Civil Commissioner highly commends Mr. REED’s conduct on the occasion, and hopes that the public notice which is taken of the matter will act as an incentive to similar watchfulness on the part of the engine drivers.
(Signed) Alfred WYLDE, C.C. & R.M.

Thursday 7 May 1885

BIRTH at Lovedale on April 30, the wife of the Rev. Dr. STEWART of a son

Saturday 9 May 1885

DIED at Ngamakwe on the 5th instant, William E. JEFFREY, aged 35 years and 2 months, after a short illness. Friends at a distance will please accept this notice.

SAD CASE OF DROWNING
The Argus to hand writes: At the Central Jetty, yesterday, Mr. W.E. WEATHERBY, a genial old man well-known about Capetown, but more especially in shipping circles, was found drowned in the sea at the Central Jetty. For very many years Mr. WEATHERBY had been messenger to the Port Captain, having only retired on a pension a few years ago, his place being filled by Mr. BASHFORTH. He was a man about sixty years of age, but did not look fifty, and always had a smile and a pleasant “Good Day” for everyone he met in the street. On shipping matters he was an authority, there being hardly a vessel of which he did not know the number, her tonnage, the name of the captain and officers &c. In his youth Mr. WEATHERBY was a man in easy circumstances. He then owned a schooner which was trading on the coast of New Zealand. On one of these trading expeditions the vessel was taken by the Maoris, who murdered her crew, and kept the deceased a prisoner amongst them. Eventually he escaped to the Cape after a captivity of six months. How the unfortunate accident that caused his death happened will no doubt appear at the inquest. It is stated that he left his house at two o’clock in the morning, without assigning any reason why he left or where he went to. His body was found floating in the sea at about eleven o’clock.

DEATH OF MR. W.E. JEFFERY
We (Free Press) regret to hear of the death of Mr. W.E. JEFFERY, at Nquamakwe, on Tuesday morning last. Mr. JEFFERY was well known in this district, having grown up at Kamastone with his father, the Superintendent of natives there. Mr. JEFFERY married a daughter of the late Rev. W. SHEPSTONE. He was for some time clerk to the Resident Magistrate at Glen Grey, and was afterwards removed to Nqamakwe, in a like capacity there. We believe the lamented deceased had been suffering some time from liver complaint, but none of his friends anticipated his sad end was so near. We tender our sympathy to the widow and family in their bereavement.

Monday 11 May 1885

BIRTH at Grahamstown on the 11th inst, the wife of H.C. CYRUS of a daughter.

Thursday 14 May 1885

FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT
The Cape Times to hand writes: A railway accident occurred last night at the Newlands Railway Station, whereby a young man named John PRATT, a seaman, met with his death. The deceased, who came down from Port Elizabeth a week ago in search of work, had been spending the day with his brother and a friend at Wynberg, and left there for Newlands, where he resided, by the 7:35 train, accompanied by the others. On arrival at Newlands, whether by an oversight or some other cause, the deceased failed to get out, and the train was just starting when he jumped from the carriage. The result was that he fell between the platform and the footboard of the carriage, and was dragged along for some yards by his legs. The train, in the meantime, being unable to stop, proceeded on its way to Rondebosch, whence it returned to Newlands to pick up the injured man, who had meanwhile been raised on to the platform of the station. Dr. STEVENSON, of Rondebosch, was sent for, and as soon as he arrived examined the deceased. He found that PRATT’s right leg was broken, and that his left leg was much cut about. He at once applied a tourniquet to the artery of the right left [sic: leg?] and set the limb as well as he was able under the circumstances, and then saw him put into the train for Capetown. The poor fellow, however, who was unconscious for most of the time, never rallied, and he died in the train just as Salt River was reached. Drs. FALKINER and FISK met the train on arrival at Capetown and had the body removed to the police stretcher which, by orders of Dr. FISK, had been sent down to the railway station a few minutes before, for removal to Dr. FALKINER’s surgery on the railway line, where it was deposited for the night. The external examination made by the two last named doctors showed that the deceased had received a compound comminuted fracture of the right leg, and several deep cuts on the left one, but no other injury was discernible. But it is thought probable that he was injured internally also. The body was seen last evening by Mr. CROSBY R.M., and the inquest upon it will be held today.

Saturday 16 May 1885

DEATH OF MR. SYDSERFF SENR.
The Queenstown Free Press writes: Mr. SYDSERFF Senr. died very suddenly at Imvani, at the residence of his son, Mr. Alex. SYDSERFF, on Wednesday night, in his 89th year. Mr. SYDSERFF came out with the PRINGLE Party and settled at Baviaan’s River, where he remained until a grant of land was made to his son at the foundation of Queenstown in 1851 0r 1852. He then removed with Mr. Alexander SYDSERFF to take possession, and remained on the land now occupied by Mr. DARKE at Klassmidt’s Bridge, until the removal of the family to the Tylden and Imvani districts. Early in the year Mrs. SYDSERFF Senr passed to her rest, and now we have again the melancholy duty of expressing our sympathy with Mr. Alex. SYDSERFF and his family in this further break in their circle.

Monday 18 May 1885

NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In the Insolvent Estate of Thomas WHITING
[51/523]
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 Wednesday 10th June 1885 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 that date, or proceedings will be instituted against them.
Ben. B. ATTWELL, Sole Trustee
Grahamstown, April 28th 1885

NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In the Insolvent Estate of William Tyndal LUCAS
[51/249]
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 Wednesday 10th June 1885 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 that date, or proceedings will be instituted against them.
Ben. B. ATTWELL, Sole Trustee
Grahamstown, April 28th 1885

ANOTHER SHOCKING SUICIDE IN KIMBERLEY
(Advertiser, May 13)
Kimberley early yesterday morning was again startled into a state of excitement, and a feeling approaching to alarm, when the news spread that another merchant, well known in business circles, had taken his own life by shooting himself with a revolver. The suicide in this instance, so quickly following on the tragedy of Saturday morning, was Mr. Bernhard RINTEL, also carrying on business in Jones street. Mr. RINTEL’s wife and family are at present in Capetown, and since their departure he has been living in lodgings in Woodley street. A resident of many years standing on the Diamond Fields, he had experienced all the vicissitudes of prosperity and misfortune, and although he had partially retrieved the position he had lost at his insolvency some time ago, it was pretty generally known that of late he had again become involved in difficulties. During the last few days he was observed to be nervous and excitable, but those who saw him on Tuesday night vary in their statements as to his temperament and demeanour. Some assert that he displayed great excitability and distress of mind, while others state that he seemed to be in better spirits than he had for some time. He had, however, dropped numerous hints in the course of the day as to his financial position. It appears that it was after midnight ere he retired to rest, and he was not again seen alive. Our report of the inquest discloses all the circumstances that are known of the sad affair, and we may only add that the reason why the landlord of the deceased did not detect anything like the sound of a pistol or revolver shot in the noise which he heard early in the morning is sufficiently accounted for by the explanation given by Dr. MATTHEWS, that if the weapon was held close to the head it would greatly diminish the report. The inquest was held by His Worship G.B. WILLAMS Esq, A.R.M. in the course of the morning and afternoon.

Tuesday 19 May 1885

DEATH FROM EXPOSURE
The Mercury writes: The body of a white man, named Robert GOODWIN, was found this morning on the main road between the Bridge and the West Bank outspan. The poor fellow was a sawyer, and had brought a load of slabs for sale. Arriving at the outspan rather late at night, he left the wagon in charge of his natives and walked into town. Returning, it is thought under certain influences, he was overcome on the road and miserably perished in the rain and piecing wind. The body was taken to the mortuary at Grey Hospital. An inquest was held, when the verdict was that death had resulted from exposure.

Wednesday 20 May 1885

FATAL ACCIDENT AT KAAPSCHE HOOP
The Transvaal Advertiser writes: An occasional correspondent writing on the 4th inst says: A very sad gun accident has occurred since my last. A young man named HORTON of Pinetown, Natal, was shot by accident at Jamestown, Kaap Valley, on Friday morning, 1st May. It seems his brother-in-law, Mr. ANDREWS, was fastening up some things on his cart when the rifle, which was on the cart, by some means went off. The bullet, after passing through a plank and mattress, struck Mr. HORTON in the hip, inflicting a frightful wound. He lingered till 3am on Sunday morning. It has cast a gloom over the place; he was only 17 years of age and leaves two sisters here to mourn his loss. The deceased was greatly respected in camp. Mr. {B…A], Clerk of the Court here, started down to hold an inquiry into the sad affair.

WEDDINGS
This morning at Commemoration Chapel was celebrated the marriage of Miss EARLY and Mr. Alfred FLETCHER, son of Mr. W.A. FLETCHER. For such an early hour of nine the attendance of spectators was very large. The bride looked charming indeed in her bridal dress. She was supported by Miss M. FRANCIS and kittle Miss Ellie EARLY, whose best men were Mr. A. FLETCHER and little Montague STIRK. The bride was given away by Mr. T.H. PARKER, her uncle, and the ceremony was performed by the Rev. R. MATTERSON. We wish the young couple every happiness.
Two other weddings were also celebrated this morning at the Baptist Chapel by Rev. L. NUTTALL, namely those of Mr. T.F. HUTCHINSON and Miss E.J. DICKS, and Mr. M. POTE and Miss Emily DICKS. The fair brides were sisters, and we wish both couples happiness and prosperity.

Thursday 21 May 1885

MARRIED in the Baptist Chapel, Grahamstown by the Rev. L. Nuttall, on Wednesday May 20 1885, Thomas Francis HUTCHINSON to Eleanor Jane, eldest daughter of Mr. George DICKS of Grahamstown.

MARRIED in the Baptist Chapel, Grahamstown by the Rev. L. Nuttall, on Wednesday May 20 1885, Milton POTE of Hopewell, District of Somerset, to Emily Florence, second daughter of Mr. George DICKS of Grahamstown.

Friday 22 May 1885

MARRIED in Commemoration Chapel on Wednesday 20 May 1885, by the Rev. R. Matterson, Alfred Augustus, fourth son of Mr. W.A. FLETCHER of Grahamstown, to Mary Bush, eldest daughter of the late Mr. John EARLY.

ANOTHER PATRIARCH
A correspondent writes to the Dispatch from Burghersdorp: In your last issue you make much of an old Dutchman with 32 children and 300 grandchildren. We can boast of an old man named Jan OLIVER, 86 years old, who has 35 children, and it is said that his grand and great grandchildren number in all about 503. He is hale and hearty, and often is seen in the village, to which he rides two hours on horseback. His chief characteristic is unbounded loyalty to the Queen, which mounts in his old age as almost a monomania. He brings it up on all occasions and in any company, and often speaks out in a manner that disgusts his Bond friends. It is said that one of his sons, a married man, living with him, having joined the Bond, the old gentleman, hearing of it at night, there and then packed him off with his family, bag and baggage! On being told of the probabilities of a Russian war the other day, he said “Write and tell the Queen that Old Commandant Jan OLIVER will put a commando of his own sons in the field to fight for her”

Saturday 23 May 1885

DEATH OF MISS STYLE
It is with sincere regret that we (Budget)have to record the death, at an early age, of Miss Carrie STYLE, whose family has been long resident and much esteemed in this port. Miss STYLE was of a very delicate constitution, and for some years past had been suffering from that insidious enemy to youth, consumption. The best available medical advice, change of climate, and indeed every remedy that the most tender and anxious solicitude could suggest, were resorted to, but in vain, and a few weeks ago the poor young lady returned to her home to pass her last hours with her family. The disease latterly took a very acute form, accompanied by the most intense and prolonged sufferings, always, however, supported with an unrepining patience and Christian resignation, which made her a bright example of genuine and deep-seated piety. Everything that the most affectionate care could devise was done to mitigate her pain, but on Monday morning, after a night of much agony, the end came, and surrounded by loving and sorrowing friends, her tried and suffering spirit passed way. They thought she slept, but she had entered into rest.

Wednesday 27 May 1885

MARRIAGE
The Alice Times writes: There was a large and attractive gathering at the Baptist Church on Wednesday morning last, when Mr. J.C. FAIRLIE, son of Mr. A.C. FAIRLIE of Fort Hare, was joined in the bands of matrimony to Miss Mary E. BROTHERTON, second daughter of the Rev. R.H. BROTHERTON, of Alice. The fair bride was accompanied by Misses TEMPLETT, A. POLLOCK, Rhoda and Lucy BROTHERTON as bridesmaids, whilst Messrs. W.F. and O.F. BROTHERTON acted as best men to the bridegroom. The Rev. R.H. BROTHERTON, assisted by the Rev. Dr. STEWART, conducted the marriage ceremony.

Thursday 28 May 1885

SURPRISING AND SUDDEN DEATH
A correspondent of the Mercury writing on May 13 says: There was a large gathering of Dutch farmers on the farm of Mr. FROULE, in the Aliwal District, on Friday last, for the purpose of rifle shooting. The prizes were a number of oxen too wild to take to market. It was also arranged to have a dance party in the evening. But the sudden and strange circumstance on the beginning of the day’s amusement cast a gloom over the whole of the day’s proceedings. The farmers were all assembled at the range to commence firing, when a Mr. BRITZ from the Orange Free State was ordered to take the first shot. He was lying on his back taking aim, a Mr. POTGIETER held his hat as a shade for the sight from the glare of the sun. BRITZ was taking an unusually long aim, and the Boers called out “Wat can lang […el] vat jy, Britz”. After their patience was exhausted the gun was taken from him, and Mr. BRITZ was found to be seriously ill, and was removed to the homestead, where he breathed his last within five hours, never having spoken a word from the time of his lying down to shoot. It is said he died from heart disease, it may be so. Yet it proves the necessity of a coroner’s inquest. Mr. BRITZ was a middle aged man with every appearance of health. He leaves a wife and twelve children to mourn their sudden and irreparable loss, and they are without any means of support. It is needless to say they have the sympathy of the entire community.

Saturday 30 May 1885

DEATH OF MRS. WILSON
We regret to learn that Mrs. WILSON, wife of the Rev. John WILSON, Wesleyan Minister, died yesterday at Askeaton, near Cala. Mrs. WILSON had been in extremely delicate health for a considerable time. We tender our respectful sympathy to Mr. WILSON and his children.