The issues of 30 April, 21 and 28 May and 28 June are missing from the collection at the British Library

Tuesday 2 April 1872

MARRIED at Jericho, District of Uitenhage, on the 25th March 1872, by the Rev. E.D. Hepburn, assisted by the Rev. James Fish, Mr. John THEOPHILUS, of Port Elizabeth, to Emily Augusta, eldest daughter of John BIRCH Esq., J.P.

DIED at Middelburg on March 24th 1872, at the residence of Dr. COWARD, John Oliver REEVE, of Graaff-Reinet, in the 30th year of his age. Also, on the same day, Herbert COWARD, son of Dr COWARD, in the 9th year of his age.

THE LATE TRAGEDY AT MIDDELBURG
(Abridged from the Graaff-Reinet Herald of March 30)
The return of Messrs. SMITH and GATES from Middelburg enables us now to put before our readers the facts of the sad and melancholy event recorded in our last issue, whereby the lives of Mr. REEVE and the youngest son of Dr. COWARD have been cruelly sacrificed. It will be remembered that Dr. and Mrs. COWARD were on a visit to Graaff-Reinet the week before last, whither they had arrived from a trip to various parts of the colony, which had been undertaken owing to the ill-health of Dr. COWARD. While on this trip, Miss COWARD was left at home in charge of her brothers and sisters. Among the servants was a Bushman girl, who was continually endeavouring to frighten the children by going out at night and making the most hideous noises. Miss COWARD spoke to her on the subject; but as she did not desist from the foolish practice, it was mentioned to Mr. HAUPT, as also the fact that the girl was in the habit of admitting, what we suppose we must call her lover, into the house at night. Mr. HAUPT, we understand, spoke to the girl on the subject, who thereupon threatened Miss COWARD that “she must take care of what she would do.”
Having thus premised, we return. Dr. and Mrs. COWARD left Graaff-Reinet on their way home last Tuesday week, 19th inst. Mr. REEVE, who had been on one of his periodical business tours, and had returned not feeling in his usual health, determined to visit Middelburg for a few days in the hopes of benefitting by the change. He therefore left on Wednesday, and arrived at Middelburg on Thursday, the guest of Dr. COWARD, to whose daughter he was shortly about to be united. On the morning of Friday, a curry was prepared for breakfast, of which the Doctor, Mr. REEVE and Miss Maud COWARD partook, all of whom, shortly afterwards, fell sick. This Dr. COWARD attributed to the curry being too rich, and no further notice was taken of it, especially as, in the course of the day, they recovered. On Saturday, at dinner, all the family sat down to the meal, together with Mr. REEVE. Immediately after partaking of soup Mr. REEVE rose, and apologised for leaving, saying he felt sick; and he was followed by the remainder at table, who felt the same sensation. Dr. COWARD then suspected from the symptoms that they had partaken of poison in the soup, and did all he could to counteract its effect, although suffering himself from the same cause. Unfortunately, his efforts were of no avail as far as his youngest son and Mr. REEVE were concerned. During the day Mr. REEVE suffered not the slightest pain, and as evening approached, appeared to have a conviction that his case would terminate fatally. He desired to have a clergyman present, and the Rev. C.S. MORGAN at once went to his bedside, and never left him until he breathed his last. The rev. gentleman speaks in the highest terms of Mr. REEVE’s Christian resignation in this trying hour. With a mind singularly calm and composed, he viewed his dissolution with perfect resignation to his Heavenly Father’s will, and at seven o’clock on the Sabbath morning quietly and peacefully breathed his last. The youngest son of Dr. COWARD followed him at one o’clock the same day. The funeral took place last Tuesday, the service being performed by the Rev. Canon STEABLER.
Dr. COWARD, although seriously affected by the poison himself, used his utmost endeavours to counteract its effects in all the victims, but Mr. REEVE and his youngest son were beyond his skill. Suffering as he was, he continued his exertions towards the remaining members of his family. The Magistrate of Middelburg, C.W. ANDREWS Esq., immediately sent to Cradock for Dr. GRAY, whose professional skill was exerted to save the victims of this foul deed, and we are happy to be able to record that, together with the exertions of Dr. COWARD previously, in the remaining cases he has been successful, with the exception of the poor cook, who was dying when Messrs. SMITH and GATES left. Dr. COWARD, Mrs. COWARD, and the remaining members of the family, although confined to bed, were slowly recovering, and no further fatal terminations are expected. Dr. GRAY held a post mortem examination on the body of Mr. REEVE, the result of which has not yet transpired. The excitement created in Middelburg by this awful calamity was intense, so great indeed that no Divine service could be held on the Sabbath. The good people of Middelburg proffered their kind assistance to the afflicted family in any way that they could be of use, and the services rendered by Mr. HAUPT are spoken of in the highest terms.
The supposed author of this dire calamity is the Bushman girl before referred to. It is suspected that her fiendish spirit adopted this method of revenge for Miss COWARD having acquainted Mr. HAUPT in the first instance, and her father afterwards, of her conduct during his absence. The girl is in gaol awaiting her trial, together with the being she calls her lover. It is reported in Middelburg that this fellow confessed to a fellow-prisoner that he could not rest because he had given the poison to the girl, which had caused this terrible calamity.
The receipt of the awful news in Graaff-Reinet was received with incredulity. The mind seemed completely paralysed by the enormity of the crime, and a settled gloom appeared to prevail over the town. All the flags were hoisted at half-mast, and every outward mark of sympathy was shown by all classes of the people.
The following is an extract from a private letter, received here by a relative of the bereaved family, and written by Mrs. COWARD:-
Middelburg, March 29
Doubtless before you receive this you will have heard of our sad loss. We have indeed been in great tribulation, but am thankful to say I hope the worst is now over. I think I told you in my last that Mr. REEVE was very poorly. There is now no doubt there was some scheme to poison us all. He, poor fellow, as well as our darling little Dottie, has fallen a victim to the foul plot. Dear James is still very ill, and poor Edith in a sad state. Maudie and myself are much better, thank God, and able to move about the house a little, yet still very weak; what we have suffered both bodily and mentally no tongue can express. There is no doubt but poison was used, and Fachie, our small Bushgirl, was the tool employed, but for what reason we are not yet able to say. The Law is now busily employed here in trying to find out the originators of the plot, and for the preservation of those that are spared hope they may be fortunate in bringing the right people to justice. This indeed is a sad ending to our trip. We returned so well and strong, and all around us gave us such a hearty welcome – yet three days after our arrival we were all at death’s door. Even the servants were ill, and had it not been for the kindness of strangers could not possibly have survived. The particulars are so distressing that I cannot enter into them more fully. God grant that my dear husband may be spared, and that Edith may be restored to health. She, poor girl, is at present very low. We miss our darling Dottie so much; his voice and footsteps are continually fancying, and thus the sad reality comes across us. An express was sent on Sunday morning to Graaff-Reinet to my brothers and some friends of Mr. REEVE, and Mr. STEABLER, the clergyman, started off for here. I assure you it has been a great comfort to have my sister with me in this trying hour, she is such a good little soul.
[Transcriber’s note: The full name of “Dottie” was Herbert Charles COWARD. His burial record along with that of John Oliver REEVE can be seen here.] 

Friday 5 April 1872

BIRTH on the 30th March 1872, at Willow Cottage, Port Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. Jeremiah EDWARDS of a daughter.

MARRIED on the 25th March at St.Paul’s Church, by the Rev. S. Brook, James E. WETTON to Mary Clark BAILEY.

MARRIED on 2nd April at Trinity Church, by the Rev. W. Greenstock, Frederick, second son of James LEVICK Esq., Sydney, N.S.W., to Anna, second daughter of the late John JENNINGS Esq., Solicitor, Port Elizabeth.

SUDDEN DEATH
A boatman named ABRAHAMS died suddenly on Wednesday morning. He left his house early, but speedily returned, and laid down, complaining that he was ill – in fact, telling his wife that he was dying. Before medical assistance could be obtained he was dead. In the opinion of Dr. BOSENBERG the man died from the rupture of a blood vessel in the head. – Post.

Tuesday 9 April 1872

DIED at Mossel Bay on Wednesday the 3rd April 1872, Mr. Dirk Jacobus ASPELING, aged 41 years and 6 months.

Friday 19 April 1872

BIRTH at Parkvill House, Forest Hill, England, on the 1st March 1872, the wife of Thomas TILBROOK Esq. of a daughter.

DIED on Saturday 9th instant, at the residence of her son, Mr. H. WHITE, at Leyton in Essex, after a short illness, in her 85th year, Sarah BRIDGMAN, only sister of the Honourable Robert GODLONTON M.L.C., of the Cape of Good Hope.
[Death registered at GRO as Sarah BRIDGEMAN]

Friday 26 April 1872

BIRTH at Dordrecht on the 16th inst, Mrs. Horatio HUTCHONS of a daughter.
Dordrecht, April 17 1872

BIRTH on the 21st instant at Graham’s Town, the wife of Mr. J.W. GEORGE of a son.

BIRTH on the 24th inst, Mrs. Charles T. JONES of a daughter.

Friday 3 May 1872

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS
In the Intestate Estate of John CORNS of Port Elizabeth
All persons claiming to be Creditors of the above Estate are requested to file their Claims at this Office, Main-street, Port Elizabeth, within six weeks from this date; and Debtors thereto are required to settle their Accounts at the same place, within the same period, or legal proceedings will be instituted against them.
W. SELWYN
Executor Dative
Port Elizabeth, May 2 1872

Tuesday 7 May 1872

SERIOUS ACCIDENT
On Monday morning last, Mr. SWARTS, the poundmaster of Graaff-Reinet, was out shooting at Pienaar’s River. He had with him a double-barrelled gun, the charge in one of which he had shot off; on proceeding to reload, the other barrel by some means went off, the charge shattering two fingers of the right hand. Dr. ALSBERG was called in, and entertains hopes that nothing more serious will ensue,

We have to record the death of Mr. Patrick RYAN, formerly Garrison Sergeant-Major of Graham’s Town, and latterly proprietor of the Restaurant. Mr. RYAN has for some time been suffering from dropsy, which disease carried him off on Friday morning last, at eleven o’clock.

Friday 10 May 1872

MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR
Intelligence reached town yesterday that the body of Mr. S. PEGLER, of Keiskama Hoek, had been found drowned in that neighbourhood. As Mr. P. had, it is said, been out collecting the taxes, it is surmised that he has met with some foul play, and the District Surgeon, Dr. EGAN, has in consequence gone out to hold a post-mortem. The Rev. Father FAGAN has also proceeded thither to inter the corpse this afternoon. -Watchman.

Tuesday 14 May 1872

DIED at Rondebosch on the 2nd May, Sophia, wife of Mr. Walter BOLUS.

DIED March 20th 1872, at Dashwood Road, Banbury, in the 67th year of her age, Priscilla, widow of the late Rev. Horatio PEARSE, for some time General Superintendent of Wesleyan Missions at Natal, South Africa.

BIRTH on the 28th April at the residence of B.N. GOLDMANN Esq., Burghersdorp, Mrs. J. FRIEDLANDER, of Middelburg, of a daughter.

Friday 17 May 1872

BIRTH on the 27th April last, at Kenmare House Gardens, the wife of H.M. Herbert ORPEN of a son.

MARRIED on the 7th May 1872, at St.George’s Cathedral, by the Rev. Dean Williams, Jarvis Reckless, second son of Mr. G. PALMER of Graham’s Town, to Louisa Ann, eldest daughter of the late John ROBEY, of Manley’s Flat.

DIED on the 2nd instant at the New Rush, Thomas Theed MARTYN, aged 24 years, youngest son of T. MARTYN Esq., of Woodend, Kimbolton, England.

DIED at De Beer’s New Rush, Diamond Fields, on the 18th April, Mr. P.E.F. ROCHER, aged 22 years. Deeply lamented by his family and friends.

DIED on Thursday May 9 1872, after a long illness, borne with great patience and Christian fortitude, Emma Catharine, the dearly beloved wife of Walter SMITH, of the Hermitage, Oatlands; age, 42 years and 2 months.

Friday 24 May 1872

WEDDING
The Bay and docks looked all alive yesterday, with every vessel rigged out and dressed with bunting of all sorts in the gayest fashion. The occasion of this display was the wedding of Capt. WARLEIGH, of the steamer Celt, with Miss WOOD, a daughter of Mr. WOOD of the Commissariat Department. The happy event was arranged some time ago to come off on the present occasion, and the ceremony took place at St.George’s, when there was a large assemblage to witness it. Capt. WARLEIGH is a universal favourite as one of the most energetic and successful commanders in the service of the Union Company; and the fair bride is known in her own circles as worthy of such a bridegroom. The Celt, of which Capt. WARLEIGH is commander, and which leaves for England tomorrow, presented quite a conspicuous appearance above all the rest in the Bay, dressed out, as she was, with flags from stem to truck and truck to stern. – Argus.

Friday 31 May 1872

RIET VLEY HOTEL
The Undersigned begs to inform the Inhabitants of the Eastern Province and Travellers in general that he has reopened the above Hotel, formerly conducted by Mr. John THOMAS, and hopes by civility and attention to the comfort of Travellers and Visitors to merit a share of public patronage.
Attached to the above is a General Store, where Farmers and Carriers can be supplied with every description of Goods, at a moderate charge.
The best of Wines and Spirits always on hand. Good Forage, and a Groom in attendance.
W.A. WERNER

Tuesday 4 June 1872

MELANCHOLY DEATH
We hear that the driver of the Fort Beaufort and King William’s Town post-cart, whose horses were found grazing with their harness on near the latter town, has been found dead in a bush, wrapped up in his blanket, where he must have crept for shelter from the cold and rain, after finding it impossible to get along in the dark. A passenger who left Fort Beaufort with him is said to be missing. We have heard no names mentioned. – Journal.

THE LATE DR. GIBSON
This gentleman, we (Star) regret to say, died in the Albany Hospital on Wednesday last, from the effects of a malignant attack of dysentery which came on at the Diamond-fields. Dr. GIBSON came to town some weeks since in Cobb & Co’s coach from the Fields, accompanied by his friend, Dr. EDDIE, of Winburg O.F.S., whose attention during his illness was unremitting; everything that could possibly be done was tried for the unfortunate gentleman, but without avail.

Friday 7 June 1872

BIRTH at Colesberg Kopje, New Rush, Diamond-fields on the 17th May 1872, Mrs. C. BREDELL of a daughter.

DIED at New Rush on Sunday last, the 12th instant, after a long and severe illness, Mary, the beloved wife of D.J. PAXTON Jun., aged 22 years and 2 months.

DIED at Port Elizabeth on the 6th inst, Mr. Charles LUCAS, aged 39 years and 9 months.

Mr. James BOTTON Sen., an old resident of Somerset East, died on the Queen’s Birthday. He had only lately been married for the third time.

Friday 14 June 1872

BIRTH at Port Elizabeth on Friday the 7th June 1872, the wife of Augustus KAEMPFFER Esq. of a son.

DIED on the 27th May at Kleinfontein, District of Queen’s Town, Ann, wife of Thomas BAILEY, born McEWAN, aged 32 years, 1 month and 24 days, deeply regretted by her bereaved Husband and 4 young Children, and a large circle of friends.

Tuesday 18 June 1872

BIRTH at Port Elizabeth on the 12th instant, the wife of William T. EADY Esq., late of Richmond, Surrey, of a Son and Heir.

MARRIED at St.Mary’s Church on the 1st instant, Robert William WRIGHT to Agnes, youngest daughter of the late G.E. JOSEPH.

MARRIED on the 4th June in Wesleyan Church, by the Rev. Jas. Fish, R.D. THOMAS to Miss S.M. MARSH.

DIED at his Residence, North End, June 18 1872, W.A. BUTLER Esq., aged 38 years and 8 months. Relatives and friends will kindly accept this notice.
The Funeral will take place tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon at 3 o’clock.
T.H. McGREGOR

LAMENTABLE GUN ACCIDENT
A few days ago Mr. F. HAY, a farmer in the neighbourhood of Fort Brown, had the misfortune to shoot his nephew, a youth of sixteen, mistaking him for a buck while out hunting. A charge of loopers entered the poor lad’s back, and he succumbed to his wounds after a few days’ suffering. The grief of his uncle was terrible to witness.

Friday 21 June 1872

BIRTH at Port Elizabeth on Thursday 20th June 1872, the wife of L.L. MICHELL Esq. of a son.

DIED at Richmond Villa on the 20th instant, aged 9 months and 7 days, John Campbell, beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. M.M. TAIT
Port Elizabeth, June 21 1872.

BIRTH at Tarkastad on the 12th inst, the wife of J. RAMPF Esq. of a daughter.