Grahamstown Journal 1851 - 2 - April to June
Saturday 5 April 1851
SHEEP FARM in the Division of Graaff-Reinet TO LET
To let, a first rate (gebrooke veld) sheep farm in the fine division of Graaff-Reinet. Its extent is
4,000 morgen
and is situated 3 hours ride from the town of Graaff-Reinet in the immediate neighbourhood of Messrs. SOUTHEY's and other English farmers of the Sneuwbergen.
It has a good new house on it with corn land, vineyard and orchard attached.
For particulars apply to
S. PROBART, Graaff-Reinet
DIED at the Izele River, British Kaffraria, on Friday evening March 28th 1851, Mr. James BROWNLEE, son of the Rev. J. BROWNLEE of the London Missionary Society, King William's Town, and brother of Chas. BROWNLEE Esq, the Gaika Commissioner, aged 27 years. The lamented deceased fell beneath the assegai of the enemy, whilst bravely leading on a small band of gallant Fingoes to the rescue of stolen cattle. He leaves a young widow and a most affectionate circle of relations and friends to mourn their premature loss.
DIED at Seven Fountains, aged 84 years and 2 months, William NORMAN, a native of Northampton, and one of the Settlers of 1820. He was brought to a saving knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, under the ministry of the Rev. James CAMERON, in his 72nd year, and enjoyed a sense of pardon and acceptance from the time of his conversion until, in Christian triumph, he exchanged on the 21st ult mortality for life. His remains were interred at Salem on the 23rd.
MORE MURDERS BY REBEL HOTTENTOTS
This afternoon intelligence reached town that some wagons on their way through the Queen's Road had been attacked by Rebel Hottentots, that an Englishman named ASHLEY had been shot dead, and another Englishman named RADFORD so dangerously wounded that it was not thought possible to bring him to town without surgical aid, except at the risk of sudden death. The district surgeon, Dr. ATHERSTONE, immediately proceeded towards Bothas Hill, at the foot of which he met the sufferer, but in a perfectly hopeless state, the ball having entered the back and passed out at the abdomen. From information since obtained the following appears to be the facts of the case: The two unfortunate men were in charge of two wagons that had been employed with others for the conveyance of supplies to the Frontier Posts. They were on their return, but had gone forward from Fort Brown without waiting for the other wagons, or for the escort, consisting of a party of Fingoes on foot, and a party of STUBBS' Mounted Rangers, under the command of Mr. LEPPAN. It would seem that six wagons had thus gone ahead of the train – four of which were some distance in front of the other two – and passed through the dangerous Pass of Ecca, or Queen's Road, without molestation. The two hindermost wagons had got to the 10 mile stone, where the road makes a sharp turn, one side being a high scarped bank and the other a dense and deeply wooded ravine, when the attack was made, the assassins firing on the poor men behind them at a few yards distance. ASHLEY fell dead on the instant, being struck by two balls, one of which passed through the heart. RADFORD, though shot through the body, contrived to conceal himself in the bush – the rest of those with the wagons escaped, covered by the thicket unhurt. The murderers then proceeded to fire the wagons, breaking open the wagon chests and appropriating their contents. After this they commenced to cut the oxen from the tracktow, but by this time the advanced guard of the escort came up, and the murderers decamped into the thick bush, carrying off two guns, one a double barrelled, and other booty. None of the oxen were taken, the escort coming up before the villains had time to drive them off. ASHLEY lay in the road quite dead, his 'after sambok' being still in his grasp. RADFORD made his appearance at a little distance, bathed in blood, but was able to make known to the escort that the murderous outrage was committed by four Hottentots, who allowed them to pass and then fired on them in the rear. Mr. LEPPAN succeeded with great trouble, the Fingoes showing great disinclination to afford assistance, in getting the wagons through the pass, bearing the wounded man and the body of poor ASHLEY. We regret to add that RADFORD died on reaching town. He is described to us as a very industrious man. He leaves a wife and family of 8 children to deplore his untimely fate.
THE LATE MR. JAS. BROWNLEE
The following only came to hand yesterday, and though in great part a repetition of what has been furnished by other contributors, we give it in full; the writer being well qualified from his position to state with precision all the facts of the case, as also to speak with confidence of the lamented deceased.
It is with no ordinary feelings of pain and regret that we announce the death of Mr. James BROWNLEE, brother of Chas. BROWNLEE Esq, the Gaika Commissioner, and son of the Rev. J. BROWNLEE, with whom, as well as with the bereaved family and friends in general, we feel assured the whole community will deeply sympathize. The circumstances of his death are as follows: on Friday afternoon of the 28th ult a herd of cattle was taken by a considerable force of Kaffirs at some little distance from King William's Town. These cattle belonged to the Fingoes connected with the Rev. J. BROWNLEE's Station, and upon the alarm being given, Mr. James BROWNLEE immediately started in pursuit at the head of a small number of natives. Pushing on they soon came in sight of the cattle, and though greatly outnumbered, endeavoured to retake the cattle from the enemy. They were soon overpowered, however, having to contend with vastly superior numbers. In fact they were completely entrapped, the principal part of the Kaffir force not having been observed till too late. Mr. James BROWNLEE became the chief object of attack, and received a mortal wound in the back from an assegai. Two Fingoes endeavoured to support him to his horse, but he was unable to mount, and soon afterwards expired. The little party having lost their brave leader, and expended all their ammunition, were reluctantly obliged to leave him and one of their comrades, and retire under favour of the night then setting in. Assistance was promptly sent out by command of His Excellency the Governor, but from some cause or other never reached the scene of action. It was late, therefore, before the anxious family could ascertain how matters stood. At length Mr. BROWNLEE's servants returned, and communicated the painful intelligence to his brother. On it being made known to His Excellency, a strong patrol was ordered to leave in the night for the Izela, with directions of course to bring in the bodies. The Fingoe was still alive, though badly pierced in the breast. Mr. BROWNLEE's corpse was lying by his side, but without the head, which the Kaffirs had cut off and carried away. Their object in thus mutilating the body is too painful to dwell upon. The funeral took place on Sunday morning last at 9 o clock and was numerously attended by all classes of the community. Nearly every officer in the garrison, as well as most of the residents of the town, took this opportunity of manifesting their respect for the deceased and their sympathy for the bereaved family. The Christian natives too deserve mention. Numbers of them joined the procession, and were evidently affected at the loss which they and their esteemed Minister had suffered. The service was read by the Rev. John W. APPLEYARD, at the close of which the Rev. J. SCHULTHEISS addressed the natives in the Dutch language.
The late Mr. BROWNLEE was yet in the prime of youth. He was a young man of excellent understanding and judgement, and held in deservedly high estimation by all who had the privilege of his acquaintance. In him the Government has lost a valuable servant, and the community at large a valuable member.
Saturday 12 April 1851
BIRTH on Sunday morning the 6th instant, at King William's Town, Mrs. W. SIMPSON of a son
DIED at Graham's Town on Saturday evening the 5th April 1851, Mr. Henry Thomas JENNINGS, aged 76 years. Deceased was one of the oldest English inhabitants of the town, and was universally esteemed for his quiet, unobtrusive manners. He had been for several years before his death a consistent member of the Wesleyan church. His end was peace.
DIED at Burgher Dorp on the 30th March, Christopher F. BIRD Esq, late Capt. in HM 55th Rgt, aged 50 years.
TO DR. EADE
We the undersigned Volunteers of Somerset, Graaff-Reinet and Baviaan's River, belonging to the Command of Commandants W.D. PRINGLE and Wm. BOWKER, deem it due to you, on our return from the storming, capture and destruction of Fort Armstrong, and the overthrow of the Kat River Hottentots and Caffer Rebels, to express to you our thanks for the readiness with which you acceded to our request to accompany us in a professional capacity to attend and administer relief to such of our party as might fall wounded in the battlefield. Your ready acquiescence and presence were of themselves efficacious to the drawing out in their country's cause of many a brave man who felt satisfied that they would receive from you, in the event of casualty, every necessary medical assistance.
We thank you again for the efficient performance of the duty you undertook to render, and are grateful to a Higher Power for the preservation of so many of our lives, beset as we were on every hand by imminent danger on the 22nd ult.
W.M. BOWKER, Field Commandant
B. BOWKER
O. BOWKER
W. Cole CURRIE
Wm. SHAW
Ben. SOLOMON
R. IMPEY
T. CURRIE
A.P. RUBIDGE
Herbert H. BROWNE
Somerset, 8th March 1851
Mr. John HARTLEY
Plumber
Begs to inform the inhabitants of Graham's Town that he has recently imported a
Forcing Pump
For the purpose of clearing water pipes of dirt or other obstructions, without the necessity of taking up the pipes, and parties inconvenienced in this way will meet with prompt attention on application to
William HARTLEY
Bathurst Street
Graham's Town, April 4th 1851
Saturday 19 April 1851
BIRTH on Monday 14th instant, the wife of James BLACK Esq of a daughter
BIRTH at Swellendam on Tuesday 14th instant, Mrs. R. SOUTHEY of a son
DIED at Shilo on the 2nd instant, of inflammation of the lungs, William WEBSTER, son of Mr. Thos. WEBSTER Sen, aged 17 years. Deceased had distinguished himself in all the engagements with the Kaffirs and Hottentots, both at Whittlesea and at Shilo, particularly on the day of the attack on the latter place, viz 1st February last. By his kind and obliging disposition he had endeared himself to all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, which was fully attested by the numbers who followed him to the grave, including nine of his brothers. He was buried at Whittlesea with military honours on the 4th inst.
Saturday 26 April 1851
MARRIED at Somerset (East) on the 10th instant, Robert Paxton, only son of the late Rev. Charles CHURCH, Chaplain in the H.E.I.C.S, to Mary Ann, eldest daughter of Charles COOPER Esq, FRCS, Surgeon and Medical Officiate of the above place.
BIRTH at Graham's Town on the 18th instant, Mrs. John RICKIE of a daughter
Saturday 3 May 1851
BIRTH on Monday 14th instant the wife of Mr. R.J. PAINTER of Fort Beaufort of a son
DESERTED
From the service of the undersigned, to whom he is under indenture
George KIDSON
Aged 19 years, in height about 5 feet 5 inches, dark complexion, square built, by trade a carpenter and builder. All persons harbouring or employing the abovementioned after this notice will be proceeded against according to law.
Thomas WALKER
Carpenter and Builder
Graham's Town 1st May 1851
NOTICE
The following notes of hand were in the possession of Mr. Henry CASTINGS, when murdered lately by Rebel Hottentots near De Bruins Poort. They were payable at Mr. H. SPARKS, but he being from home the notes were being taken back by him to the undersigned.
When drawn
Oct 1st 1850 £58
Oct 1st 1850 £28:10
Oct 9th 1850 £95
The above were payable four months after date. All the above were overdue and were endorsed by me.
William TROLLIP
Fatherland, Willow Tree
Daggaboers Neck
April 8th 1851
Saturday 10 May 1851
Any person acquainted with James GILBERT, formerly a musician in the Royal Horse Guards Blue, and afterwards entering again in HM Service on board a man-of-war (and through the whole of the Chinese war) are earnestly requested to communicate with the undersigned.
William GILBERT
Royal sappers and Miners
Graham's Town 5th May 1851
PS the abovementioned person is supposed to be residing in the Cape of Good Hope as a teacher of music.
FOR READY MONEY ONLY
Ladies in the country requiring any description of DRAPERY GOODS are respectfully informed that by sending their orders (accompanied by remittance) to the General Drapery Warehouse they will find that the greatest attention is paid to such favours, and goods thus ordered will be packed securely and sent by the earliest opportunity to all parts of the Colony.
James FORDRED
Two doors above the Frontier C & A Bank, Graham's Town
Saturday 17 May 1851
BIRTH on the 1st instant at Carl's Rust, the wife of Mr. William AUSTIN of Great Fountain, near Sidbury, of a son.
DIED on Friday 2nd instant after a long and tedious illness, borne with fortitude and resignation, Jane, the beloved wife of Mr. Thos. ROBSON of Groote Vlagte, Swager's Hoek. During life much and deservedly respected and in death universally lamented by those with whom she was acquainted.
Saturday 24 May 1851
BIRTH at Graham's Town on the 23rd inst, Mrs. Robert MURTON of a daughter
DIED on the 3rd April at the residence of Widow Mrs. Jacob VAN REENEN, my eldest daughter Miss Elizabeth Gesina, aged 15 years and 11 months; and at my residence in Cape Town on the 23rd April last, my beloved mother Mrs. Gesina CAMERON, aged 68 years, relict of the late Captain J. W. K. CAMERON (Dingwell, Ross-shire, Scotland) late HM 55th Regt. Of Foot.
British Kaffraria 16th May 1851.
DIED at Alice on Sunday the 11th inst, Mary Elizabeth, only child of Mr. Charles WILLIAMS, aged 1 year and 11 months.
Saturday 31 May 1851
BIRTH at Graham's Town on Saturday 17th May 1851, the wife of W.H. GILL Esq, Cape Mounted Rifleman, of a son.
DIED at De Bruin's Poort, Albany on Friday 23rd inst, John TOMLINSON of Etwall, Derbyshire, aged 31 years. Deceased was on his way to Somerset when he was waylaid and shot, supposed by lurking Hottentots or Kaffirs, leaving his relatives and friends to deplore his untimely fate.
DIED at Cradock on the 17th May 1851, William BEALE, the third son of George BEALE, aged 18 months.
THEOPILUS
On Saturday evening last three stranger Kaffirs made their appearance at this location, and were questioned by Moses JACKABO as to their movements, who sent to Mr. DELL for assistance to examine them. That gentleman rode over to Theopolis with 15 of his people and put some questions to the Kaffirs, to which evasive and contradictory answers were given. They said, however, they had been in Mr. PULLEN's service, and had come to visit their father, a resident at the location, named Mutje, and that they were of Pato's Tribe. Two of them had blood stains on their shirts, which gave the impression that they had been implicated in the murder of the three Hottentots at Wolf's Crag on the 22nd instant. Field Cornet GREY was informed of these men having been arrested, and recommended their being sent to Bathurst. This was accordingly done, and Mr. DYASON investigated the matter, but failed to obtain any proof of the men being concerned in the murder alluded to. The four prisoners ( the three visitors and their host) reached Graham's Town, under an escort of 18 coloured persons on Wednesday evening, where they now remain in custody for further examination. The Hottentots at Theopolis appear to have operated very properly in this matter. An application has been made to have their gun locks restored to them, which were taken away by Commandant CURRIE's Party in January last, but the request is reserved for further consideration. The escort obtained, however, powder and lead from the Civil Commissioner.
Saturday 7 June 1851
Francis Arthur MACK
Who landed ex 'Casper' Eldred at the Cape in March 1850 is requested to address his brother as before. Any person communicating any information as below will be sincerely thanked.
20 Claremont Square, London, April 11th 1851
Saturday 14 June 1851
BIRTH on the 11th inst, Mrs. J.S. WRIGHT of a son
DIED at Kamastone Wesleyan Mission Station on the 30th inst, Sarah Annett, aged 8 years 5 months and 25 days, eldest daughter of John and Christiana AUSTEN, after a severe illness of twenty eight days.
DIED at Cradock on the 1st instant, at the residence of his son-in-law Mr. J. WALKER, at the advanced age of 83 years, Mr. Jonathan WAINWRIGHT, formerly of Leeds, Yorkshire. Deceased was distinguished through a long and arduous career, and in the midst of extensive commercial engagements, for two qualities rarely found united in the same individual – great simplicity and unconquerable energy of character, while from his youth, piety was his predominant principle. "Diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Of late years, from deafness and other infirmities, to the world he was little known; those alone most intimately acquainted with him can appreciate the sterling worth of his character.
Saturday 21 June 1851
BIRTH at Graham's Town on the 18th inst, the lady of Staff Surgeon Dr. N. O'CONNOR of a son
BIRTH on the 18th inst, Mrs. W.C. BOUWER of a daughter
DIED at Graham's Town on the 15th instant, John HELEY, only son of the late Widow HELEY of Howard's Party, aged 20 years 4 months, after a severe illness of one week.
DIED at Graham's Town at 5 o clock this morning, Mr. W. PRYNN, aged 78 years, of Cornwall, England. Deceased came to the Colony with the Salem Party of Settlers in 1820.
REMOVAL
Thos. STYLE
Begs to inform the inhabitants of Graham's Town and the Eastern Province in general that he has removed his HOTEL from High Street to
Bathurst Street
On the premises for many years occupied by the late Mr. W. KIDSON,
Where he hopes by the same attention to travellers, and his customers in general, that has hitherto characterised his Establishment, still to merit a share of their support.
Two or three respectable young men can be accommodated with board and lodging on moderate terms.
Saturday 28 June 1851
DIED at Cradock on Saturday 14th June 1851, Jacobina Wilhelmina, the beloved wife of J.G. VAN BUUREN Esq, aged 34 years 4 months and 14 days, leaving a husband and eight children, with a large circle of relatives and friends, to deplore her loss. She was a believer in Jesus Christ and her end was peace.
DIED at Fort Beaufort on Thursday the 19th inst, Maria, the beloved wife of H. ROBERTSON Esq, Dep.Asst.Com.General, aged 21 years and 2 months. Suddenly called away in the prime of her youth, she has left a disconsolate husband to mourn his irreparable loss.
DIED on the 17th June 1851, Charles William WHITING, aged 31 years. Deceased was on his way to Cradock when he was waylaid and murdered by Kaffirs on the Fish River Rand. He has left a wife and one child to deplore his untimely end.
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