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Queenstown Free Press

Transcribed by Sunelia Heath from the original newspapers held at the Queenstown Museum

Queenstown Free Press 1868 4 October - December

Friday, October 16, 1868

BIRTH – On the farm Drummond, Division of Queenstown, on Monday, the 12th October, 1868, the wife of Mr Donald W McDONALD, of a son.

DEPLORABLE ACCIDENT. – The Civil Commissioner of Albany yesterday morning received a telegram from the Civil Commissioner of For tBeaufort stating that the bodies of a Mr. and Mrs. REYNOLDS had been brought into that town, the unfortunate persons having been killed by upsetting of a wagon. It appears that the unfortunate deceased were journeying to the Queenstown district on a bullock-wagon with a half-tent to it. On Sunday evening last they had arrived at the Tower, a few miles on this side of the town, where the road takes a sharp turn, having a high mountain on one side and a deep ravine on the other. It is supposed that the driver was asleep or neglectful in turning this corner, for the wagon capsized, smashed in the tent, and crushed both Mr. and Mrs. REYNOLDS to death. Mr.REYNOLDS had been for some years past a resident of Chalumna, British Kaffraria, and only married about three months. He was on his way to the Queenstown district, where he intended starting in business. Both he and his wife arewell known here, and respected amongst their acquaintances. – Anglo-African.

MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT AT DANS HOEK TOWER...[The father of the late Mrs. REYNOLDS was in town thismorning, and is as may be naturally inferred, very deeply affected by the unexpected and melancholy catastrophe. Mr.REYNOLDS was married three months since, in the Peddie district, and not one month ago as stated in the telegram. Mrs. REYNOLDS maiden name was Elizabeth Emily WICKS. The father set out this afternoon, by the kind assistance of Mr. J. WEBB, who offered him the use of a cart and horses, to discharge the mournful duty of seeing that the remains of his deceased daughter and her husband receive respectable interment. The deceased, REYNOLDS, was a carrier, and had two brothers residing at Fort England named respectively James and George REYNOLDS. They have all numerous friends in town, who deeply sympathise with them in their present sorrow]

Tuesday, October 27, 1868 [Should read Friday, October 23,1868]

ANOTHER SETTLER GONE. – Every now and then we are reminded that our forefathers, the founders of this settlement, are fast disappearing from our midst, gathering to a better home. Yesterday evening Mr. W. EALES breathed his last. Deceased came to this colony with the original Settlers, in 1820, and saw many ups and downs during the early career of the inhabitants of the colony. He settled in Queenstown on its first formation, and has always been recognized a quiet, inoffensive person. Mr. EALSE has a large family connection, and was generally respected by every one.

Tuesday, October 27, 1868

DIED, at Queenstown, (Calderwood Street) South Africa, on Thursday, 22nd October, 1868 – Mr. William EALES, aged 75 years and 7 months, - Deceased was one of the British Settlers of 1820. He leaves a large family, and a numerous circle of friends to mourn their loss. – His end was peace.

BIRTH, at Dordrecht, on the 24th inst, Mrs. C.C.KEMPER, of a Son.

SAD ACCIDENT. – On Saturday evening a little girl of Inspector EVANS met her death in the following manner: - It appears the parents, together with the child, had been out spending the evening, and it being late, the servant was sent home to put the child to bed. Upon Mrs. EVANS going up to the room, sometime after, she found the poor thing covered up with pillows, and quite dead, from the effects of suffocation. It is supposed that the girl, for the safety of the child, had piled a number of pillows round it, which by some means were pulled down, and thus caused its death. Advertiser & Mail.

DEATH OF MR A.J. VAN JAARSVELD. – Mr. VAN JAARSVELD, the Prov. Fieldcornet of Wipener (Jammerberg), we regret to learn, died at Corannafontein, near Smithfield, on Sunday last, the 18th inst., in consequence of the wounds received at the hands of a Basuto, as last weeknarrated, at Cita’s Town, near the T.Kimi, on the 9th inst. Mr. VAN JAARSVELD was buried on his farm on Monday last, and adds another to the long list of victims of the protest and deputation to England policy. We cannot blame VAN JAARSVELD, who proved himself to be one of the bravest and most active or our burghers, and did his utmost to carry out the instructions of the“powers that be,” but we do blame those who so employed him. Mr. VAN JAARSVELS had a first-rate farm, with a good dwelling house, close to Smithfield, which he purchased a few years since from Mr. T.W. VOWE, of this town, but left his quiet home, impelled, nodoubt, thereto by a sense of duty to his adopted country. VAN JAARSVELD only removed from the Cape Colony a few years since. – Friend.

FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT. – On Sunday evening the last train from Wynberg knocked down and went over a young lad named A. MOSTERT, who was killed upon the spot. It appears that at about half-past six o’clock, the deceased together with his brother were driving some cows through one of the crossings between the Salt River and Observatory Railway Stations, for which purpose they had opened the gates After the cattle had got over, the deceased was told by his brother to go across and close one of the side gates. He had no sooner got over than the train was observed coming along, upon which the deceased was told to stop where he was until it had passed. He must either have misunderstood his brother or have done it from sheer foolishness, for just as the engine was about ten yards from the spot, he attempted to run cross the line, but before he got over, the engine was up to him, and the front part of it knocked him down with violence between the two rails. The engine driver did all in his power to stop the train, but the distance was too short, and it passed over him. The ash-pans beneath the furnace on all the Wynberg engines being but a very short distance from the ground, the poor fellow was pretty well smashed before the train could be stopped, and was, of course, taken up dead. We are happy to say the officers in charge of the train are free from all blame. – Advertiser & Mail.

Friday, October 30, 1868

BIRTH, at Queenstown, on the morning of the 30th October, 1868, Mrs. David S. BARRABLE, of a Daughter.

Friday, November 6, 1868

SUICIDE. – We regret to state that Farrier Major FISHER, of the C.M.R., committed suicide yesterday afternoon by shooting himself through the head. It appears he had been drinking hard during the last few days, and yesterday asked leave of absence that he might try to rectify himself. This was granted, and not long afterwards the report of a gun was heard, and the unfortunate man found in the agonies of death having shot himself as stated. He lingered a few minutes and then expired. – Watchman.

Tuesday, November 10, 1868

DEATH RESULTING FROM ACCIDENT. – A fortnight ago a young mannamed HALL, a carpenter, was working at the Riet Valley coffee estate, when his adze slipped and cut his foot, dividing the main artery. Medical assistance and every attention were given, but without avail, the poor fellow having lingered on until Sunday last,when he expired. – Natal Mercury.

DISTRESSING ACCIDENT. – An accident happened in Cape Town, through which a little girl, the daughter of Mr. B.N. VOLSTEEDT, of Cape Town, lost her life. The child, it appears, was playing about, and pulled down a box of matches from a shelf. The matches ignited, and, before any assistance could be given, her clothes had caught fire, and she was seriously injured about the head, arms, and breast. Mrs. VOLSTEEDT, in endeavouring to stifle the flames, suffered injury to her hands. The child lingered in great pain through Sunday night, and died on Monday night.

DEATH FROM THE DISSELBOOM AGAIN. – We regret having to record one of those shocking accidents whish happily so seldom sadden our columns. On Monday evening last between 7 and 8 o’clock, a young man named Henry LEWIS, who was recently in Mr. DUNNING’s employstarted for Durban in charge of a friend’s wagon, and when a few miles from town, left his post to speak to a driverof another some little distance ahead of him . Though warned not to get upwhile the wagon was in motion as the disselboom was higher than usual, the man attempted to mount, and, missing his footing, fell back, and was instantly crushed to death by the near front and hind wheels passing over his chest. Deceased was only 25 years of age. This is not the first time life has been lost in this way, and might have been saved, had a few pence been expended in placing a small wedge as is now done in but a few cases. His remains were brought into Grey Hospital and the funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon – Natal Witness.

Friday, November 13, 1868

MARRIED at Thaba ‘Nchu on the 2nd November instant, by the Rev. James SCOTT, Wesleyan Minister, - Mr. Charles Henry WEBSTER, to Hester Ann, daughter of John THORNE, Esq., of Capetown. – No Cards.

DIED at Buffel Doorns, on the 20th of October, 1868, an apoplectic fit, the beloved wife of Mr. Robert HARTLEY, aged 30years. She leaves a husband and four young children to mourn her irreparable loss.

Tuesday, November 17, 1868

We regret to announce the death of J. BURNET, Esq., C.C.& R.M. of Aliwal. Deceased had been suffering for some time, but on Saturday became much worse, and departed this life on the evening of that day. Deceased was must respected both in public and private life, and his name will be long remembered for the prominent part he took in matters connected with the Orange River Sovereignty.

Tuesday, November 24, 1868

BIRTH – on the 21st November, 1868, the wife of Mr. Geo. W. STOWN, of Queenstown, of a daughter.

DIED – On the farm Dony Draai, near Whittlesea, on the 13th instant, Mr. James THOMPSON, aged 59 years.

NOTICE. Robert STEVENSON, aged about 13 years, whose mother is dead; and his father, Hugh STEVENSON, having left him in Queenstown in a state of destitution, - Notice is hereby given, that unless the said Robert STEVENSON be claimed within SIX weeks fromthis date by some relative able and willing to take charge of him, he will be indentured to some fit and proper person in terms of Act no. 15, of 1856/ Charles D. GRIFFITH, Res. Mag.Res. Mag. Office, Queenstown, 7th Nov., 1868

Tuesday, December 8, 1868

DIED at Queenstown, on the 3rd Dec., 1868, Ernest Wakeford, only son of Mr. And Mrs. S.R. GARDNER, aged two months and then days.

NOTICE to Creditors & Debtors
In the Estate of the late Stephen TROLLIP, of Queenstown.
ALL persons claiming to be creditors in the above Estate are required to file their claims at the office of the second undersigned, in Queen’s Town, within Six weeks from this date, and all persons indebted to the said Estate are required to pay their debts to Mr. C.E. NICHOLLS, at the storesof Messrs. S. TROLLIP & Co, Queenstown, or to the second undersigned, within the same period.
Thos. LANGFORD, R. JEFFERSON (Executors Dative.)
Queenstown, November 9th, 1868.

TWO CHILDREN DROWNED. – Two children named WYTON fell fromthe wharf in Mossel Bay one day last week, and were drowned before they could be got out.

DEATH FROM LIGHTNING. – While on a tour through New England last week, Mr. A.J. KIDWELL was called upon in his capacity as provisionalFieldcornet, to hold an inquest over the body of a man named John LANCY, who was struck by lightning on the 27th November Mr. KIDWELL was at the farm of the deceased half an hour before he was killed, and when he left him a quarter of an hour before his death he was as merry as a lark; the lightning was most vivid and each flash accompanied by deafening peals of thunder. The lightning struck deceased at the back of the neck, passing round the left side of his neck, down his chest and out at the hem of his trowsers, causing instantaneous death. Fifteen hours after his death he turned quite yellow, but the parts where the lightninghad passed over him turned as black as charcoal. In 18 hours after death the smell of sulphur was something beyond description, and no one could enter the room where the corpse lay, without turning sick at the stench. A person named Thomas QUILL thus describes the occurrence: He said he was on the his way from the lands to the house, and when within one hundred yards from the house, observed a streak of lightning come direct from the heavens, and penetrate the kraal about thirty yards from the house. He then saw something like a cake of manure fly over the wall. He at once proceeded toward the kraal, went in and found LANCY laying on his back with his mouth open. He lifted the body, and found life to be extinct. The object which he saw fly over the wall was LANCY’s hat, which was completely torn and burnt by the lightning.

Friday, December 11, 1868

DIED at Glen Grey on the 25th ultimo, Miss M.A.STANFORD, greatly beloved by all who knew her. She died in faith, and her last words were – “O, cheer thee; God is near thee.”Dec. 4, 1868.

MELANCHOLY DEATH. – A sad death occurred on the Stormberg on Sunday last. Two young men belonging to a wagon outspanned at Lemoen Kloof, proceeded up the hill; arriving at the top one of them had moved a large stone intending to send it down the kranz the ground went away from under him and away he went. We are not aware of the distance, but it is said to be very deep and steep. Death must have been almost instantaneous. The body was recovered and interred on Tuesday last, the Rev. Z. ROBINSON officiating. The unfortunate youth was named Chas.PATERSON, son of “Old PATERSON,” the saddler, some years back a resident ofQueenstown.

Tuesday, December 15, 1868

BIRTH, on the 21st November, 1868, the wife ofMr. Geo. W. STOWN, of Queenstown, of a daughter.

DIED on the 9th December, 1868, Frances Sophia, wife of Mr. George W. STOW, and fourth daughter or the Rev. John HEAVYSIDE,aged 29 years.

Friday, December 18, 1868

BIRTH, near Bushman’s School, on the 13th inst.,Mrs. R.J. STONE, of a Son.

Tuesday, December 22, 1868

SAD AND FATAL ACCIDENT – A very sad and distressing accident happened yesterday morning, by which the eldest child of Mr. John WEAKLEY, Jr., a little fellow nearly two years of age, lost his life. The little fellow had just a short time before gone out with the native servant who was carrying a baby to the front of the house. Unperceived he got away from the servant, and went into the garden at the top end of which there is a small shallow dam, such as common in most of the gardens in this town. Into this dam he fell, and there his little lifeless body was found a few minutes afterwards. It was at first fondly hoped that life was not quite extinct, but although Dr. THORN and Dr. KRANTZ were almost immediately on the spot, human skill was of no avail. The little spirit had fled. We need say naught of the deep sorrow and grief of the parents, nor of the general sympathy felt for them in their heavy affliction. This is the second accident of the kind which has happened in this town during the past year. We have always considered these garden dams as very dangerous, when there are little children running about, and we do hope parents will take a warning from this second sad bereavement, and either fill up such dams or have them railed round.

Tuesday, December 29, 1868

DIED – At Queenstown, on the 24th Dec., 1868, -Thomas, the infant son of William John and Marian NETTELTON, aged 4 months, 21days.

THE LATE MR. J.W. KEMP. – This town has to lament, in the death of Mr. Joshua Williamson KEMP, the loss of one of its ablest and most respected ex-residents. Coming to this colony at an early age, Mr. KEMP laboured long, assiduously, and with the greatest integrity, as a mercantile man, in the building up of that fortune which in the evening of his days he retired to the Mother Country to enjoy. Few men ever would move more unobtrusively in society than Mr. J.W. KEMP, and none with a more courteous and benevolent bearing towards the younger members of our community. – Herald.

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Queenstown Free Press 1869 1 January - March

Friday, January 8, 1869

DIED at Umtinto, from the effects of a wound occasioned by the accidental discharge of his gun, on the 2nd January, 1869, HenryColton WEBSTER, aged 27 years.

A SAD AND MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT occurred at the Umtinto, by which Mr. Henry Colton WEBSTER (brother of Mrs JEFFERSON), lost his life on Wednesday the 30th December, about 36 miles beyond Clarkebury. Mr. WEBSTER having occasion to clean his gun, went to the wagon, and while in the act of drawing it towards him it went off, the whole of the charge of buck and small shot being lodged in the shoulder. The bone was terribly shattered, the muscle and fleshy part of the arm completely torn away. No Europeans were nigh. Mr. WEBSTER got the native boys to assist him in binding up the wound, and then started them off, one to Mr.ROWLES’ trading station, and the other to another station. Eight hours elapsed before any assistance arrived, and during the whole of that time he was exposed to the hot December sun without shelter, having nothing but a buck wagon. Mr ROWLES arrived, inspanned the wagon and took him to his house. The messenger was despatched to Queenstown for medical attendance but did not arrive until Friday night at 10 o’clock. Dr. KRANTZ, accompanied by Mr. Daniel WEBSTER, started shortly after. On their arrival at Clarkebury, on Sundayafternoon, they met the people returning from the funeral. The lamented deceased died on Saturday night and was buried on Sunday. Mr. E. WEBSTER, who resides in Kaffirland, about 70 miles from the place where the accident occurred, started at once on hearing of it, but losing himself in a fog only arrived shortly after his brother’s death. The Rev. P. HARGREAVES succeeded in crossing the rivers and reached Mr. WEBSTER on Saturday morning, and was with him until life had departed. Every kindness was bestowed by Mr. and Mrs. ROWLES, who did everything in theirpower to alleviate the suffering of the dying stranger, who bore his agony without a murmer though often writhing in pain.

Tuesday, January 12, 1869

DIED, on the 7th January, 1869 Frances Caroline Philipson, - only child of George William and Frances Sophia STOWN, aged one month and seventeen days.

Tuesday, January 19, 1869

In the Estate of the late John S. WRIGHT, Esq., of London.
The Undersigned has also received instructions from the Executor in the above Estate, to sell on the above day, the valuable farm “Napoleon,” belonging to this estate, nearly adjoining Wellington, and similar to the same as to its grazing qualities. The farm is nearly 1,500 morgen in extent, and has extensive river frontage. The Terms of Credit will be Liberal, and parties in want of really good Farms should attend these Unreserved Sales, which will take place on the farm Wellington. Diagrams can be seen, and all information had at the Auctioneer’s office. Note the Day: Wednesday, 3rd February next
F.B. BROWN, Auctioneer.
John E. WOOD, Executor Dative in above Estate.

Tuesday, February 2, 1869

BIRTH, at Dordrecht, on the 24th January, 1869, the wife of Mr W MASKREY, of a daughter.

DIED, on Sunday, the 31st inst., John Joseph, twin son of Edward and Mary JEFFREY, aged 11 months. Friends at a distance will please accept this notice.

FATAL ACCIDENT – On Saturday last as Mrs. VAN AARDT, accompanied by her mother, was proceeding in a bullock wagon to Nachtmaal at Balfour, in going along a sideling road, with a precipice and the river below, the oxen took fright and bolted. Mrs.VAN AARDT jumped from the wagon and was very seriously hurt. The wagon went over the precipice, but caught in a tree, otherwise would have fallen into a deep hole in the river. On assistance recovering the wagon it was found that the old lady was so injured as to be dying, and only breathed twice after being removed from the wagon.

Tuesday, February 9, 1869

SAD ACCIDENT. – An accident occurred at Konbo’s Kraal, about the 14th Ultimo, thirty-five miles from Alexandria. Mr. John OOSTHUISEN was thrashing corn withthe machine, and asked his wife to bring him some water to drink. In doing so she came too near the works and the wind blew her dress, which unhappily was caught by the connecting rod. In a moment she was drawn under and her back broken. The machine was stopped before it had drawn in the upper part of her body. She died a few minutes after being released.

Tuesday, March 2, 1869

FOUND DEAD. – A woman named SCOTT whose husband (then in the employ of Messrs GODFREY and Co.) died very suddenly a little more than a year ago, was found dead in her house on Friday last. She resided in a small cottage at the North end of the town, and on the day in question a neighbour not having noticed her about as usual asked one of her children where her mother was, who replied that she was still lying down inside. This answer not being satisfactory, she went in to see for herself, and then discovered the poor woman lying dead in one of the rooms. A medical gentleman was called in, who gave it as his opinion that she had been dead two days and most likely had been suffocated in her own blood. She appeared to have fallen down and to have struck her face on the floor with such violence as to cause considerable hemorrhage from her nose and mouth. She leaves four young children totally unprovided for. – Telegraph.

Friday, March 5, 1869

BIRTH, at Queenstown, on 2nd the wife of Mr.George MANNING, of a Son.

Tuesday, March 16, 1869

BIRTH, on the 6th March, at Burghersdorp, the wife of John HEMMING, Esq., C.C. & R.M., of a daughter. 

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Queenstown Free Press 1869 2 April - June

Tuesday, April 20, 1869

BIRTH, - at Grahamstown, on Thursday, 15th April,1869, the wife of C.D. GRIFFITH, Esq., Civil Commissioner and Resident Magistrate of Albany, of a Son.

DIED at Queenstown, on Wednesday, 14th instant, Zenobia Adelaide, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Richard WRIGHT aged 2 years and 27days.

Mr. John RICHER died very suddenly in Capetown, and was buried on the day fixed for his wedding, April 27, 1869

DEATH OF SAMUEL KAMA – From Middle Drift we learn that the eldest son of the chief KAMA died last week, and was buried with great ceremony. The cause of death was consumption – K.W.T. Gazettte.

THE LATE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF DROWNING. – The result of the investigation held by Dr. GRIMMER, district surgeon, and Mr. MERRIMAN, civil commissioner’s clerk, into the circumstances attending the death of Hans LESSING, who was drowned in a dam at Roode Poort, near Colesberg, fully proves the case to be one of determined suicide. The hands were tied behind in a very ingenious manner. Slits were cut at each end of a piece of reim, and slip nooses made, through which deceased must have passed his hands, afterwards pulling the nooses tight round his arms. A large stone was attached to the neck, and the spoor shows that deceased ran down the steep bank of the dam, and plunged into the water, which is somewhat deep. The deceased was missed and traced about an hour after the occurrence must have taken place. The deceased is said to have been of unsound mind for some months past. – Colesberg Advertiser.

No papers for May

Tuesday, June 8, 1869

INQUIRY HAVING BEEN MADE FOR Samuel GOODWIN, it is requested that any information respecting him may be communicated to the Colonial Office. GOODWIN is stated to have arrived in this colony between 30 and 40 years ago. He served in Her Majesty’ 38th Regiment and was in action at Waterloo.

Tuedsay, June 15, 1869

FATAL ACCIDENT. – A very melancholy accident happened near Port Elizabeth on Saturday morning last. A woodcutter named BENECKE, having his gun with him was, during his breakfast hour, on the look out for game. He had seen a buck run through the bush, which however escaped him. Shortly afterwards, seeing the bush in the same direction agitated as he believed by another buck, he took aim, and as soon as the object became indistinctly visible he fired. Rushing to the spot, instead of a buck he discovered his own step son, a boy of six years and a half, who was bringing him his breakfast, lying dead, two of the loopers with which the gun was loaded having passed through his head. The poor man appears very much distressed, and there seems to be not the slightest doubt but that the melancholy affair was purely accidental. – G.T. Advertiser.

Friday, June 25, 1869

DEATH OF MRS. CHRISTIE. – We notice with regret the sudden death of this respected lady on Thursday last at Mowbray. She was the eldest daughter of the late Dr.PHILIP, and sister to the Rev. W.B. PHILIP of this town.

Tuesday, June 29, 1869

DEATH OF MRS. SOUTHEY. The Standard says: “It is with very sincere regret we have to announce the decease, on Sunday lst, of Mrs. SOUTHEY, the much-esteemed wife of the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Mrs. SOUTHEY had been for more than two years an invalid, and during the past few months had suffered intensely. The deceased lady, born Isabella SHAW, was 59 years of age at the time of her death, and came to this Colony with her parents when extremely young. The SHAWs settled down in the neighbourhood of Grahamstown, and Mrs.SOUTHEY was married we believe, in 1831 – exactly thirty-eight years ago. Her parents died while on the Frontier, and two of Mrs. SOUTHEY’s brothers were killed in the Kafir War of 1835. Mr. SOUTHEY’s part in that war is well known in the Colony, and, together with her husband the deceased lady at that time underwent many severe trials. Mrs.SOUTHEY spent the greater part of her life on the Frontier. She lived in Grahamstown shortly after her marriage, and again when Mr. SOUTHEY was appointed Secretary to the Lieut.-Governor. She also resided for several years at Graaff-Reinet, and for a considerable time at Swellendam, in which place Mr. SOUTHEY held the office of Civil Commissioner, and where his wife was much esteemed for her benevolence and kindness of heart. Mrs. SOUTHEY expired at nine o’clock on Sunday evening, at her residence Plumstead, Wynberg and leaves five sons, of whom only two were present at her death-bed, to mourn the loss of one of the most affectionate of mothers.” [A great number of families, relatives of deceased, will be thrown into mourning in this town and district by this sad affliction. – Ed. F.P.]

 

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Queenstown Free Press 1869 3 July - September

Tuesday, July 6, 1869

DIED, at Tenter Gate, Upper Zwaart Kei, on the 3rd July, 1869, Clarence William, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. M. POWELL, aged 5 months and 25 days.

Friday, July 9, 1869

DIED at Queen’s Town, of Diptheria,on the 5th July, 1869, Edith Hillaria, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. CROUCH, aged 22 months and 17days.

Tuesday, July 20, 1869

BIRTH at Queenstown, on the 13th instant, Mrs. E.PARKER of a daughter.

DEATH OF AN OLD COLONIST. – The announcement of the decease, yesterday morning, of Ewan CHRISTIAN, Esq., of St. George’s Street, will cause very sincere regret to many residents in Capetown and the country districts generally. The deceased gentleman was, perhaps, the oldest English representative of mercantile interests in theColony, having taken a leading place amongst the commercial men of Capetown from the cession of the Colony to Great Britain. Indeed, a record of Mr CHRISTIAN’s connection with the Cape would date from more than fifty years ago; and up to the day of his death he continued to take an active part in business. He first came here in 1796 as a midshipman on board the flagship of his uncle, then the Naval Commander-in-Chief on this station; and he subsequently settled in Capetown. Mr. CHRISTIAN was well known as one of the members of the elective Legislative Council before the promulgation of the Constitution Ordinance, and Cape Commissioner in administration of the Patriotic Fund raised after the Crimean War. For many years he was a director of the Colonial Bank, South African Assurance Company, and Cape of Good Hope Marine; was Vice-Chairman of the Savings Bank, and Cape Town Agent to the Eagle and Imperial Assurance Companies of London. Mr. CHRISTIAN’s death occurred quite suddenly. Last summer he suffered at times from attacks which were supposed to be caused by a tendency to apoplexy; but as the cool weather came on, he completely recovered, and was to be seen almost daily taking his accustomed walk. On Sunday last he attended at the Cathedral with Mrs CHRISTIAN, and partook of the Sacrament. Yesterday morning, at half-past nine, he went to the office to finish some letters for the steamer leaving in the afternoon; and shortly before ten repaired to his private house adjoining for breakfast, and enjoyed apparently a good meal. At about eleven he was returning to the office, and was seen by a servant to take hold of a pillar for support and faint away. The servant, who had seen him fall back, went to his assistance, lead him into the house, and seated him in a chair. In a few moments Mr. CHRISTIAN was no more. The intelligence of his death was telegraphed at once to his family connections in the Colony, and they, with Mrs. CHRISTIAN, are to be condoled with on the loss of so good and kind a husband, father, and friend. Mr. CHRISTIAN was in his eighty-sixth year. –Standard.

Friday, 23 July, 1869

BIRTH at Queenstown, (name of villa not known) on the 13th instant, the wife of Mr. Eb. PARKER, of a daughter.

DEATHS. – The European Mail of June 9 records the death of Stephen Day MANDY Esq., late of Graham’s Town; and the death of Grace, the widow of the late Hon Wm. FIELD, Esq.

APPREHENSION OF JAN BOTHA'S MURDERER. – The murderer of the unfortunate young man above named was brought into town on Sunday last bySub-Inspector CATHERINE, of the F.A.M. Police, and lodged in gaol. The circumstances attending the capture of this villain, reflects great credit on the officer named, and is another forcible illustration of the efficiency of our Frontier Police. It appears that Mr. CATHERINE, not knowing what course the murderer had taken when he fled from the scene of his crime, at once instructed his detectives (also natives) to watch closely the movements of the culprit’s wife, who was at that time still at BOTHA’s hut who he had reasonable suspicion would leave that place for Kafirland. The woman started, the detectives of course unknown – started with her. After proceeding over the boundary, we believe beyond the Kei, the women and the detectives were met by the murderer, who it seems considered himself quite safe was he expressed his satisfaction at having escaped the police, and boasted of what he could now do if they came to take him. One of the detectives returned to the officer, and the result was that at daylight on the morning of the 7th instant the murderer was in the hands of justice. The Kafir is Gaika. We believe he admits to having committed the crime laid to his charge. The prisoner has been fully committed for trial. – Frontier Mail.

Tuesday, July 27, 1869

BIRTH, at Waterfall, on 23rd July, the wife of Rev. Z. ROBINSON, of a daughter.

Tuesday, August 3, 1869

BIRTH at Dordrecht, on 30th July, Mrs. Horatio HUTCHONS of a daughter.

Friday, August 6, 1869

DIED, at Queenstown, on the 3rd August, 1869, Edward Russel BELL, Esq. Aged 71 years.

Tuesday, August 10, 1869

BIRTH at Oxton Cottage, on the 25th July, Mrs.John ?UTHERLAND, of a son.

Tuesday, August 24, 1869

BIRTH at the Mission House, T’Somo, Transkei, on the 6th August, the wife of the Rev. W.B. RAYNER, of a Son.

BIRTH at Queenstown, on the 16th instant, the wife of Mr. James HODGES, of a daughter.

Tuesday, September 14, 1869

DIED at St. Mark’s, on the 5th September, 1869, Annie Kathrine, infant daughter of the Rev. B.L. KEY.

Tuesday, September 21, 1869

BIRTH at Burghersdorp on the 13th instant, thewife of Wm. Bisset BERRY, M.D., of a daughter.

ACCIDENTAL POISONING. – Two boys, one of 10 the other of 12 years of age, named VAN DER WESTHUIZEN, residing at Modder River, near the farm of Mr F. McCABE, in this district, died last week from the effects of a posionous root eating in the veld while out herding the sheep. The poisonous plant is a kind of bulb growing abundantly in all parts of the State, and commonly known by the name of Tulp. On the return of the boys sick to the house, the parents, having no other remedy at hand to contract the poison, administered mild, which in one case acted as an emetic but to no purpose; the one died almost immediately, and the other merely lingered in great agony for a few hours. Parents should be careful to warn their children to avoid eating the Tulp. The boys, it is said, first made fire and roasted the root or bulb, and then ate it.

A MELANCHOLY accident occurred at Middelburg, on Saturday 5th inst. It appears that whilst Mr.SCHLEMER and his family, including his son-in law and some other friends, were walking on the banks of the Brak river, a woman commenced playing with a shoemaker, engaged on the farm, and tried to push him into the water. She at last succeeded, but he holding fast to her dragged her with him into the river. Mr T RUTLAND (Mr SCHLEMMER’s son-in-law) seeing the man struggling in the water, though he could not swim, jumped in to his assistance against the advice of his wife and friends who did all they could to keep him back, but in vain. No sooner was he in the water than the drowning man grappled him and both sank and were drowned. The woman who was the cause of this sad affair was saved, her clothes buoying her up. I believe the ...... er’s name was ZIMMERMANN, a German. What makes it worse there were..... the wife, father, mother, sister, and brother-in-law of Mr. RUTLAND, and also and Mr.CARTER, The bodies were recovered two hours afterwards.

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Queenstown Free Press 1869 4 October - December

Tuesday, October 12, 1869

BIRTH, at Queenstown, on the 4th instant, Mrs.Charles H. WEBSTER, of a daughter.

Tuesday, October 26, 1869

THE MURDER AT DORDRECHT. – Dordrecht is noted for murders committed in the town or its vicinity. Much indignation has been expressed at a brutal murder just perpetrated. It appears that HendrikTRUEBRIDGE, a Hottentot, in the employ of KUTSANGER, came into Dordrecht for a holiday. After being there a week Abraham DRAGONDER arrived from the Free State with a drove of cattle belongingto Mr. C.H. WEBSTER. TRUEBRIDGE and Abraham met at Jobson’s canteen on Wednesday evening; having drank very hard they began to quarrel about a sister-in-law of TRUEBRIDGE’s of whom Abraham professed to be enamoured. During the quarrel Abraham threatened to poison or murder TRUEBRIDGE, and on their way to the huts assaulted him with a Kerrie, a companion assisting him. They leave TRUEBRIGE and about half an hourafterwards return to the huts, and again meet an Abraham renews the assault on him in company with his friends. This time TRUEBRIDGE retaliates on Abraham, who at once draws a knife from his belt and stabs TRUEBRIDGE in the left side of the abdomen. Dr. FULLS was promptly in attendance. Everything that could be done was done to save the poor man’s life without avail. He lingered until the following Wednesday – just a week – and died in great agony. Both the culprits were at once apprehended and sent under escort to Aliwal and there lodged in gaol. Dr. ZIERVOGEL held a post mortem on the body on Sunday.

Tuesday, November 2, 1869

The body of Mr. Henry RADBURN, who was drowned while attempting to cross a drift of the Baaken’s River on Saturday last, has been recovered, and was interred in the Scotch Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon.

Tuesday, November 23, 1869

BIRTH – at the Commercial Hotel, Dordrecht, on the 19th ult., Mrs. John GAMMIE, of a son.

Tuesday, December 7, 1869

OBITUARY – Another familiar and well-known face has disappeared from our midst. Mr W. WEDDERBURN, sen, on New-street, died last evening rather unexpectedly, after a series of fits, at the advanced age of “three score years and ten.” Mr WEDDERBURN was one of the settlers of 1820, and lived to see a numerous family of children and grand-children grow up around him. – Grahamstown Advertiser.

Tuesday, December 14, 1869

OBITUARY. – The Bay papers announce the death of Mr. G.W.PACKENHAM, and the Grahamstown papers that of Mr. W.J.EARLE, both gentlemen well known throughout the Eastern Province.

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