Queenstown Free Press 1892 1 January - March
Friday, January 8, 1892
Wedding at Queenstown.
A Quiet but pretty wedding took place at the English Church on Saturday afternoon, the contracting parties being Mr. George MURPHY, of Winburg, O.F.S., and Mrs. NICHOLS, widow of the late Mr. Thomas NICHOLS and daughter of Mr. J. FOTHERINGHAM, of this town. The interesting ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. GORDON, assisted by the Rev. S. SHAW. A considerable number of local residents were present to witness the ceremony, and everything passed off most successfully.
A Fatal Balloon Accident.
A Horrible Death.
A fatal balloon accident happened on December 10th. Lieut. MANSFIELD, of the Royal Naval Reserve, was the victim. He was making an ascent at Bombay before the Governor and a large crowd, when the balloon that was carrying him upwards burst and collapsed. Before he could disentangle the parachute, he came to the ground and was dashed to pieces. The deplorable accident seems to show that the method of detaching the parachute from the balloon is not equal in mechanical contrivance to the parachute itself. A very slight mischance to the balloon serves to entangle the parachute in the ropes, and then all is over. The unhappy man who has perished was seen desperately pulling at the machine as he came down. The collapse of the balloon of course brought down the whole mass upon his head, and, as the parachute was underneath, his escape was impossible.
Tuesday, January 12, 1892
BIRTH.- At Johannesburg, on 22nd December, the Wife of Mr. R.W. WRIGHT, of a Daughter.
MARRIED.- On the 2nd January, 1892, at St. Michael's and All Angels' Church, Queenstown, by the Rev. Julius GORDON, assisted by the Rev. Seymour SHAW, George MURPHY, of Winburg, Orange Free State, to Annie GENTLE, daughter of John FOTHERINGHAM, Esq., and Widow of the late Thomas NICHOLS, Esq., C.E., of Queenstown.
A Mother Killed in Saving her Child.
A house in Newton, Swellendam, occupied by Nella SEPTEMBER, and her daughter Martha, collapsed at midnight on December 31st. Nella escaped. Martha, in trying to rescue her infant, was buried under the ruins and killed. The child was rescued alive, the mother's body having protected the infant.
Friday, January 15, 1892
BIRTH.- At Queenstown, on the 12th January, the Wife of F.E. HOCKEY, of a Son.
DIED,- at Hillisdale, Gwatyu, on Monday, the 11th January, 1892, Henry J.W. ROSS, second son of the late Captain Charles ROSS, of the old Cape Mounted Rifles. Age 62 years 11 months.
Death of Mr. H.J.W. ROSS.
We regret to have to record the death, at Hillisdale, Gwatyu, on Monday, of Henry J.W. the second son of the late Captain Charles ROSS, of the old C.M.R., at the somewhat advanced age of 62 years 11 months. The deceased gentleman was very much respected by all who knew him, and he was known universally. We will refer in our next to his honoured life. The interment of the mortal remains took place at Queenstown on Wednesday afternoon, amidst manifest tokens of mingled regret and esteem. The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Messrs. MARSHALL Bros., and were carried out satisfactorily.
Tuesday, January 19, 1892
The Late Henry John William ROSS,
More particularly known as Henry ROSS, was the second son of Captain Charles ROSS, an old Peninsular officer. He was born at Grahamstown in 1829, and was one of the first settlers in the newly-conquered territory named the Division of Queenstown. He was highly commended for bravery (of which his family preserve documentary evidence) during the war of 1850-1, by Major TYLDEN, then in command at Whittlesea, and was appointed by Sir Harry SMITH a Captain in the native levies. Served at the battle of Imvani where the enemy received a crushing defeat, which action restrained them from pressing on our outposts, particularly that at Whittlesea where the cattle garrison was beleaguered. Also at Thaka Mtcheka, took part in the fight on the top of the mountain, many of the enemy meeting another death by throwing themselves over the krantzes rather than be killed by the colonial forces. When the country became settled and in the early days of Whittlesea, he is well remembered as a frequent visitor from his farm Fairfield, and no one loved more to expatiate on the stirring events which preceded the peace, at the once a week post day social reunions. He possessed much kindness of heart and exercised genuine hospitality, when, as most of the early settlers of the day, his abode was a hartebeest house in the wilderness, and that hospitality was further extended and continued when he built a substantial house, friends and strangers being alike welcome. His remains were laid in the family vault in the Queenstown cemetery on the thirteenth January, the service at the church and grave being conducted by the Ven. Archdeacon COAKES. He leaves a widow, four sons, and three daughters to mourn his loss.
The Horrible Murder at Pretoria.
Incredible and Fiendish Brutality.
One of the most atrocious murders that ever occurred in the Transvaal took place on Friday last in the Brickfields, a low neighbourhood, about a mile out of town on the road between Pretoria and Johannesburg. In this plague-spot a respectable bricklayer names BUNCE resided with his wife and child. About half-past eleven a man named WHITLOCK came to the house while BUNCE was away and attempted to assault Mrs. BUNCE. Mrs. BUNCE, who was only sixteen and of very attractive appearance, offered a desperate resistance. This must have enraged the ruffian to such an extent that he took up a carving knife and commenced to slash her about the head and neck. After he had cut her throat he assaulted her. While in the midst of his fiendish brutality, his actions were observed by a lad named CARBIS, who from his perch in a building situated above he cottage, where the fell deed was perpetrated, could see right into the kitchen, the room where the tragedy
took place. WHITELOCK came out of the room and washed his blood-stained garments in a rivulet hard by. In the meantime the police and the District Surgeon were acquainted with the murder, and at once proceeded to the spot and found the unfortunate woman, stripped of all her clothing, lying on the floor, with the walls and furniture bespattered with blood. Her face was literally hacked to pieces, and the back of her head battered in with a piece of iron. WHITELOCK was captured in the vicinity of the murder, and arraigned before Mr. Landdrost SMIT to-day, the Court being densely crowded. Prisoner maintained a sullen silence, and asked no questions. Evidence was taken, and it was perfectly clear that WHITELOCK was the murderer. The case was remanded.
A Sad Occurrence.
Early on Wednesday morning W. SIMPSON, late of the B.S.A.P., fatally injured himself with a rifle shot at his hut in the causeway. He was suffering at the time from the effects of drink. The wounded man was taken up to the Hospital, where he succumbed the following day; his funeral taking place on Friday. He was only 27 years of age.
Friday, January 22, 1892
DIED.- At Queenstown, 20th January, 1892, Lilian May, youngest child of James A. and J.A. BREMNER, aged 1 year and 6 days.
SAD CASE OF SUICIDE.
A sad case of suicide took place last Wednesday at Cookhouse. A young man named HOADLEY, employed at the station, left home in the morning, and, according to the "E.P. Herald," instead of going as usual to his work, as it was thought, he took the Somerset Road, and when a short distance out shot himself in the head with a revolver. On Thursday morning a diligent search was made for the body, when it was eventually found in a lonely spot in a valley. The unfortunate young man had evidently made a great determination to end his life, as he had surmounted innumerable difficulties. The place approaching the spot is thickly grown with prickly pear, and, as showing evidence of the determined manner of deceased, the hands and face were covered with scratches and blood. The search party found a revolver lying by his side, charges, the bullet having entered the head by the left ear. Deceased was well known at the station here, where he was
formerly employed. The cause of the suicide is not known at all, and what makes the case more strange is the fact that he was shortly to be married to a local young lady. Everything appears to have promised a smooth and happy career for the young man's future life, for not only was he to be married but it is stated that only recently he inherited some money. The body was brought here and interred on Friday, when a good number of his companions attended the funeral.
Tuesday, January 26, 1892
BIRTH.- At Queenstown on the 19th inst. The wife of E.A. TAPLIN, of Cale, of a Daughter.
DIED.- On 22nd January, 1892, Emilie Martha (born STILWELL) the dearly loved Wife of A.B. FISHER, Newcastle, Natal.
DIED.- At Lily Vale, district of Queenstown, Jane, relic of the late Mr. Thomas BARRABLE. Born in Devonshire, England, Sept 1st, 1806, died at Queenstown, South Africa, 21st January, 1892, aged 85 years, and five months.
DIED.- At Madagascar on Oct. 23rd, last, of fever, Eugene Warner CHABAUD, beloved youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis CHABAUD, formerly of this District. Deeply regretted by a large circle of friends and relatives.
Death and Funeral of Mrs. T. BARRABLE.
We regret to announce the death of Mrs. BARRABLE, the respected widow of the late Mr. T. BARRABLE, and mother of Mr. D.S. BARRABLE, proprietor of this journal. Mrs. BARRABLE was generally beloved and esteemed by all who knew her – and her friends were many – and her death, at the ripe old age of eighty-five years and five months, cast a deep gloom over the relatives and friends. The death took place during Thursday night at Mr. G. MORRIS' farm, Mrs. MORRIS being a daughter of the deceased lady, and after death the body was removed to Mr. D.S. BARRABLE's residence, "Cosy Nook," Queenstown, where numerous messages and expressions of sympathy were received during Friday.
The interment of the mortal remains took place on Friday afternoon. ...
SAD DEATH IN MADAGASCAR.
In the obituary notices of this day's issue – our readers will see with regret the death of Mr. Eugene CHABAUD – the youngest son of Mrs. Louis CHABAUD and formerly of this town. From information lately received through Mr. RECKNOYELD? The Vice-Consul at Tamatave, it appears that he took the fever while prospecting and succumbed apparently for want of medical assistance and proper diet, nursing &c. The deceased left Johannesberg some some seven months ago with many others, under delusive promises from a Captain DANSON who gave out that he had certain concessions from the Government there for gold mining purposes and on the strength of which obtained some £700 in cash from a number of prospectors, who when they landed found the claims repudiated by the Government officials. Nothing dauntad however, young CHABAUD and many other started up-country. Wagons, carts, horses, and working bullocks are unknown things in Madagascar. Toiling and working under a boiling sun speedily brought on fever, and the want of good medical advice, proper diet, &c., soon laid our young townsman in his untimely grave.
DEATH OF MRS. A. FISHER.
The intelligence reached here on Friday of the illness of Mrs. A. FISHER, eldest daughter of Mr. A. STILWELL, of "Glenthorne," in this district, and wife of Mr. FISHER, Bank Manager, of Newcastle, Natal. Shortly after this came the sad news of the death of Mrs. FISHER. No particulars are to hand. We express our sincere sympathy with the family and friends in their bereavement. Mrs. FISHER was well-known in these parts and was generally beloved.
ANOTHER SAD DEATH.
The funeral took place on Thursday of the infant child of Mr. and Mrs. J.A. BREMNER. The little girl, who was only one year and a few days old, died of acute inflammation, after an illness of only about ten hours. Drs. BATCHELOR and WEAKLEY were in attendance; but their efforts were unavailing, and death supervened. General sympathy, in which we unite, is with the bereaved father and mother in their sorrow.
THE TENNYSON SETTLEMENT
Mr. R.W. MURRAY writes in "South Africa": - The Tennyson Settlement which is some six miles distant from "Fair Hope," is where the experiment of settlement was made by Mr. Arnold WHITE on behalf of the Lady OSSINGTON Fund. At the Tennyson Settlement 25 families were placed; their passage were paid, and they were provided with full rations for six months and half rations for three months beyond that time. Upon the money advanced to them for their passage they were charged 5 per cent, of which 2 per cent, was to be placed towards a sinking fund. The houses were built, the lands enclosed and cultivated, when they arrived, 400 bags of grain having been sown. The cottages were well built of brick, and on the arrival of the settlers the houses were so furnished that all they had to do was to come into them and to find everything ready for their reception, even to the laying of their fires. Each family had 50 acres of arable land, with water
for irrigation laid round the settlement, and they also enjoyed pasturage rights. For two years the settlers were to live rent free, and after that to pay 7s. per acre in perpetuity, if they so desired; but in the event of railway communication giving them facilities for reaching the markets, they were to pay 12s. 6d. per acre per annum. There were no other charges either in the matter of road taxes. Of the 25 families which came out, not half now remain at the settlement, for the simple reason that they have left to better themselves. It could not be expected that artisans who could earn from 10s. to 15s. a day in the neighbourhood would be content to remain growing vegetables or farming in any other way when they could make so much more money by going to other trades. Some of these settlers are now in very good positions indeed, in such capacities are inspectors of Divisional Councils, or foremen of labourers working on the railway, whilst the girls of the families find situations as servants, and I was told many instances of the excellent wages which they were obtaining. It seems a pity that the houses which were built are left unoccupied, for I take it that the colonization scheme was really intended to relieve the congested centres of population of the mother country, and as families which came out should remain, that is, of course, a different matter. As to what is the policy of the English Country Colonisation Association, I am not prepared to speak. Anyhow, those I did see at the settlement spoke very highly of the capabilities of the soil, and of the thankfulness they entertained for having been sent out. There are, however, some grievances of a trivial nature which are about to be looked into, and which my recording would lead to no good end; it is sufficient to know that the families sent out by this Association are all the more prosperous and more happy for having crossed the seas. I think, however, I may suggest that the allotment of 50 acres of ground to each family coming out is too large. In the first place, it is impossible that people coming out from home without any means of their own can put 50 acres of ground under cultivation for some time after their arrival, and it is much better that they should have small allotments which they can look after only partially pay attention, leaving the greater portion neglected. Again, if they have to pay 7s. per acre, that is also another burden upon them if too much land is given to them.
A Suicide.
W. HOLLINS, and elderl man, committed suicide at Grey's Hospital, Martizburg, during Saturday night or early on Sunday morning, by hanging himself with a sheet. Deceased had previously attempted to take his life during the week, and having been arrested by the police was admitted to the hospital for treatment. During Saturday he displayed an appearance of returning sanity, but as soon as the watch set upon him was released he at once took his life.
Tuesday, February 2, 1892
NOTICE.
Destitute Child – Queenstown.
Whereas KLEINBOOI, a native boy, aged about 13 years, has been found in a state of destitution on the farm Schietfontein in this District the residence of Mr. William Fredrick WATHALL, notice is hereby given that unless the said KLEINBOOI be claimed within six weeks from the date hereof, by some relative or friend, fit, proper, and willing to maintain him, he will be apprenticed to the said William Fredrick WATHALL, as the law directs.
KLEINBOOI states that his father is dead, that his mother lives at Kooka in Kafirland, that she has several children to maintain, and that as there was no food, he left his home to seek for employement,
EGBERT GARCIA, R.M.
Resident Magistrate's Office,
Queenstown, 21st January, 1892
BIRTH,- At the High School House, Mrs. H. ELLIOTT, on January 29th, of a daughter.
We learn from the Fauresmith paper that an accident of a distressingly sad nature in its results took place on the farm Spitskop on the Philippolis Road last Friday. It appears that two youngsters, named MYBURG and MILES, aged 12 and 7 years respectively, were playing near the farm house when by some means the larger of the two boys got hold of a loaded pistol belonging to his father. After skylarking with the weapon for some time, young MYBURG said to young MILES, "I'll shoot you," and pointing the pistol towards the latter it exploded, the bullet entering his head through the eye, completely penetrating the brain, with the result that young MILES died on the spot. Great sympathy is felt for the parents who about two years ago lost a boy through the bite of a snake on the same farm.
At the Capetown Criminal Sessions on Tuesday, Frank MILLER, a seaman on the ship "Brynhilda," was charged with the murder of Lourens V.D. HEEF, stoker on board the Dutch man-of-war "Koningin Emma." After evidence had been taken his Lordship summed up at 3 p.m. The jury retired to consider their verdict, and, on returning after half-an-hour's absence, gave a verdict of guilty of culpable homicide, coupled with a recommendation to mercy, on account of prisoner's youth, and the fact that he was drunk when the crime was committed. In sentencing the prisoner, his Lordship said the case was not an extreme one, but still a great deal of culpability attached to the prisoner. The jury had, however, found there was no malice on his part, and the justice of the case would be met by three years' imprisonment with hard labour.
Friday, February 5, 1892
DIED.- At his Farm "Glen Rock," Griqualand East, on the 2nd January, 1892, William Henry WEBSTER (one of the original grantees of this division), in the 67th year of his age, deeply regretted. Leaving a widow, nine children, and a numerous circle of relatives and friends to mourn their loss.
Mr. SPURGEON's DEATH.
A cable announces the death of the Rev. C.H. SPURGEON. Mr. SPURGEON, who died at Mentone, was one of the greatest of modern preachers, and the Baptists by his death are bereaved of an earnest worker in their cause. A letter was recently read from Mr. SPURGEON at the Metropolital Tabernacle, which was highly characteristic of the writer. He wrote:- "I believe I am right in reporting a greater change in the disease than could be spoken out before. It is still a great drain upon me, but as it has improved so far, I believe it will make more rapid diminution. What a joy it will be to be within measurable distance of the time to return to my pulpit and to you! I have not reached that point yet." ...
Tuesday, February 9, 1892
WEDDING AT MOUNT FRERE.
The Assembly Hal at Mount Frere was on Saturday the scene of a very pretty wedding, when the marriage of Mr. Percy FREEMANTLE to Miss Ada Blanche COWEN took place. The Rev. F.H. HOWLETT officiated, ...
The bride was given away by her brother, Mr. Gerald COWEN,...
Friday February 12, 1892
BIRTH.- At Whittlesea, on the 8th inst., the Wife of Dr. MURRAY, of a Daughter.
DIED.- At Queenstown, on February 8th, 1892, John Benjamin PALMER, of the Farm "Who can tell," Queenstown, son of the late George PALMER, of Grahamstown, aged 42 years.
Grahamstown papers please copy.
DIED.-On the Farm "Napoleon," on the 3rd February, 1892, Mr. John RALPH, aged 69 years, 8 months and 10 days. Deeply regretted by a large circle of relatives and friends.
DEATH and FUNERAL of Mr. J.B. PALMER.
We regret to have to record the death, at the age of forty-two years, of Mr. John Benjamin PALMER, which took place on Monday at Queenstown. Mr. PALMER had undergone much suffering, which was brought on by an unfortunate accident some years since, when he, riding on a journey to Grahamstown, in company of his brother, rode against a chain which was stretched across the road to do duty for a toll-bar, both his and a led horse falling on him. He was injured internally; but, with his usual characteristic of indomitable courage, he, after consulting a medical gentleman, insisted on proceeding with the journey. – The funeral obsequies on Tuesday afternoon were attended by the Mayor and several Town Councillors of Queenstown, together with friends and relatives. The service was read by the Rev. A. GRANT, assisted by the curates of the English Church, Queenstown. We sympathise deeply with the sorrowing relatives in their house of trouble.
DEATH of Mrs. H. WELLS.
It is our sad duty to record the death of Mrs. H. WELLS, of Lady Frere, which took place on Monday at Queenstown. Mrs. WELLS had been a sufferer for some months from blood poisoning, and, though every effort was made and the best possible medical aid secured, she gradually pine away and succumbed to the dreadful disease. Mrs. WELLS was well known in Queenstown in the early days, when, as Miss DIDCOTT, she often appeared in public entertainments, and took part in the singing, her voice being very greatly appreciated and admired. We tender our sincere sympathy with the bereaved friends. – Most of the members of the family were present at the funeral. A wire was sent to the mother of the deceased; but it was fortunately received too late for Mrs. DIDCOTT to start for Queenstown by the fast train which came into collision with the light engine on Monday afternoon. Mrs. DIDCOTT came by the train following; but was too late to be present at the
sad end.
THE WILL OF THE LATE MR. H.J. W. ROSS.
The will (dated the 9th October, 1880) of Henry John William ROSS, who died on the farm Hillisdale, Ward Gwatyu, Queenstown district, on the 11th January, 1892, was filed on the 4th February by his surviving spouse Harriet Emily ROSS (born McDONALD). This was a joint will, and directed that at the death of the survivor three of the children, Jessie, Catherine McARTHUR, and Percival Harold – should be sole heirs in equal portions.
FATAL COLLISION ON THE RAILWAY.
A DRIVER KILLED.
SEVERAL INJURED.
MR. D. FRAME Interviewed.
A serious railway collision took place on Monday afternoon on the Eastern Railway System. The train which left East London at 1.20 for Capetown came in collision with an engine from Toise River, at a spot where the drivers could not observe either engine. The shock was terrible, and the driver of the engine was killed, and the driver and stoker of the train and four lady passengers were injured. The stoker of the engine escaped unhurt. The engines are considerably damaged, but the carriages only slightly injured. The accident is said to be due to the engine not stopping at Peelton to let the train pass...
Caualties.
Sam SQUIRE, driver, dead (remains sent this morning to East London for interment.)
Jacob AYLING, "fast mail," fireman, seriously injured, Grey Hospital...
The Late Father TROY.
We take the following from the "Catholic Magazine" for February:- If there be any truth in the words of the poet, that
To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die,
The young priest for whom the Catholics of this Province now mourn is not in truth dead, for the name and memory of Father TROY will long live in the hearts of Catholics of Grahamstown and Queenstown, to whom he was both father and friend. Nearly twelve years ago the thirty-odd students who made up the new logic class at All Hallows College, and who were only beginning to know each other, found their number increased by two new arrivals. It was the duty of the senior in the class to prepare a list of the students' names for each professor, and (for what reason it would be hard to say), I was the senior, though the junior in years, and I therefore went to take the names of the two new-comers. The one was a still living friend, the other was John TROY, both from the Cape. We were therefore fellow-missioners, and this alone should have made us friends, but his simple, open, straightforward manner soon won the hearts of all, and the friendship
which sprang up between us in the old logic hall in 1880 increased with years, and was only broken (as far as this world was concerned) when a few days ago I stood over his grave in the quiet cemetery at Queenstown. On this friendship I found my claim to write a few words in memory of my dead friend.
Though he came from the Cape, he was not Africander. Born and reared among the lovely hills and valleys of Wicklow, a short distance from the beautiful "vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet" – the Vale of Avoca ' his thoughts were directed towards Africa by a visit to his neighbourhood of the present Bishop of this Vicariate. In 1876, as a boy of 15 years, he left his home and accompanied Bishop RICARDS to Grahamstown, where, shortly afterwards, he entered St. Aiden's College as a student with the ultimate view of becoming a priest and working among the Catholics of his new home. In 1880 he returned to Ireland, and on a fair September morning he arrived at All Hallows. He had not yet seen his mother, and though the ties which bound him to her drew him towards beautiful Wicklow, duty and obedience led him to the College gates, and the meeting of the two was postponed until the Christmas vacation. Two days would have brought him
there and back, but this walking steadfastly in the path of duty and obedience were fully characteristic of the man, a trait in his character which circumstances brought out and developed in his after life as a priest. During his college career he never made and enemy. Foremost in every game, the hero of the annual cricket match, he neverthesless did not permit his pastimes to interfere with his studies, and in old prize-lists now before me, calling up dead memories, the name – John TROY- figures as a prize-winner in every subject of the course of studies. In June 1883 he received Minor Orders, and even his near friends were astonished at the deep earnestness with which he prepared for this step; again in the June of 1884 we knelt at the same altar to receive the order of subdeaconship. From this time his earnestness increased: already he talked of his future work in Africa, and his whole time was given to his studies to the exclusion
sometimes of even his beloved cricket. At the end of 1884 Dr. RICARD requiring a priest, he prepared with great seriousness for his ordination, which took place in Wexford in January, 1885. After a few weeks only, passed in his home with his mother, he left Ireland again and for the last time, for though we often talked of the time when we also might see again the pleasant spots we knew well, his eyes were never again refreshed by the green hills and valleys of his native land.
He remained in Grahamstown, replacing Father FANNING, who had gone home, and it was not long before its people recognized the sterling worth of the young priest who had come amongst them. Every home was frequently brightened by his kindly presence, he had a willing ear and a kind word for all in the hour of trouble, many a death-bed was robbed of its bitterness and sorrow by kindly words of comfort the young soggarth knew so well when and how to pour into the ears of the sufferers, and many still in Grahamstown and Queenstown knew how true were the words of the old song applied to him –
"And when my heart was dim,
Gave while his eyes did brim
What I should give to him,
Soggarth Aroon."
As was natural, he took a great interest in his old college, St. Aiden's, frequently visiting their sports, filled with zeal for their welfare, and the St. Aidanites lost a true friend in the priest who could become a school boy again, yet never for a moment forget the dignity of his calling. His very presence in the playground, his simple manliness, his unassuming care for them which never degenerated into patronage won all their hearts and old boys, now occupying responsible positions in all parts of the Colony, bear testimony to the open, straightforward, manly spirit he ever inculcated among them, more by its striking presence in himself than by formal words of advice. "Paddy," the pony, and his rider were familiar figures in the streets of Grahamstown, and when "Paddy" stood riderless in some out-of-the-way spot, his master was within the nearest house, exhorting, advising, consoling some member of his flock. At the annual Christmas
Cricket Match at St. Aidan's, in 1890, its moving spirit was missed from his place, and it was whispered that he was sick and seriously too. Hard work among the people, daily teaching in the school he had taken in had to save it from breaking up, were too much even for him, and an attack of bronchitis left him weak and with impaired lungs. He visited Capetown and Kimberley, but without deriving much benefit from either place, then took another place in Fort Beaufort for some months, and when he left, the people bore ample testimony to the warm place he had won in their hearts in that short time. The fatal disease kept its course remorselessly, and the Bishop finally sent him to Queenstown, in the hope that its dry air and height above the sea would at any rat ward of the enemy and keep him amongst us a little longer. Here at last he found the work he longed for, for he always wished to work in the great district we call the frontier, but he
came...to it with the sorrowful conviction, deep and pathetic, that the strength of his young life was gone, that he had come there to die. Nothing daunted, however, for he had good spirits, he set about organizing this vast mission, visiting himself every accessible corner of it, returning worn out, perhaps with bleeding lungs, and then after a few weeks in the hospital or resting at home, he was out again among the townspeople or visiting some distant farm or town. He founded a library in order to supply those living on distant farms with sound Catholic reading, and he lived in the hope of one day seeing, if the town progressed, a Catholic school there for his little ones, a convent, and some day perhaps a church worthy of the town and the frontier. But it was not to be. In July of this year he became worse, and visited Grahamstown to try the effect of its familiar air. He returned, however, no better, yet longing to be back at his post.
The end was not far off. The racking cough became daily more violent and painful, and he faded into a very shadow of his former self. A fortnight before he died I could not believe that the wreck before me was all that remained of the stalwart form of my school-fellow and friend, and when the time came to part, as I knelt by his chair to receive his blessing, we both knew and keenly felt that our next meeting would be in the far-off land. We hoped it would be in the new "College of All Saints," the All Hallows of Heaven. A few days afterwards we laid him in the grave. The rain fell heavily all day, but the sun peeped out and lit up the sky as we left the church for the graveyard, and we had scarcely returned when the sky again darkened and the rain fell in torrents. Heaven itself seemed to welcome him... - only 31 - ...
James KELLY.
Friday, February 19, 1892
BIRTH.- At Queenstown, on the 14th February, 1892, the Wife of Mr. C.J. PRICE, of Bold Point, of a Son.
Sad Death at Queenstown.
A Military Funeral.
We regret exceedingly to record the death of one of the young men of the town. John Scott STANLEY was about twenty-one years of age, and he served in the capacity of salesman at Messrs. SOWDEN, MITCHELL and STODDART's for some months. He suffered considerable from a dreadful internal complaint, and beyond doubt was consumptive. He underwent an operation at the Hospital on Sunday; but died on Wednesday at the Institution. The deceased friends, we believe, live in Scotland. Mr. STODDART, as representing the firm here, has shewn marked attention and kindness to the young man all through, and the fellow employers of the deceased are earnestly conscious of Mr. STODDART's extreme large-heartedness. The funeral was arranged to take place yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, and the Volunteers and Band were to have mustered at 5 o'clock at the Town Hall, proceeding thence to the Hospital, and from there to the cemetery. The deceased was a
Private in the Q.R.V. The Rev. J.P. RITCHIE was to be the officiating minister. The event is sad in its every phase. A young man away from home, living in comparative obscurity and dying amongst strangers...
WEDDING.
Mr. John L. MACLEAR, eldest son of Mr. G.W.H. MACLEAR, of the Royal Observatory, Capetown, and grandson of the late Sir Thomas MACLEAR, H.M. Astronomer at the Cape, was married at Johannesburg on January 29th (writes a correspondent of the "Argus") to Miss Annie Des VASAGES, daughter of Mr. DES VASAGES, M.L.A., Cape Colony. The Rev. Mr. MARTENS officiated. Mr. J. ALLEN was best man, and the two sisters of the bride acted as bridesmaids...
Tuesday, March 1, 1892
DIED,- At Bongolo, on the 26th February, 1892, Mr. J.J. KNOUST, aged 60 years. Deeply regretted by a lasge circle of relatives and friends.
BIRTH,- At Queenstown on the 25th instant The Wife of Sup-Inspector REIN, Cape Police of a Son,
BIRTH,- At Queenstown, on the 25th inst., the wife of H.R. McCOMB of a Daughter.
Tuesday, March 15, 1892
BIRTH,- At Oxton on the 3rd March, 1892, at the residence of G.H. BARNES, Esq., the wife of Mr. G.B. STUBBS of a son.
DIED,- At Victoria West, on the 13th of March, 1892, Gustav Laurence Bevry, infant son of Rev. and Mrs. MAEDER, of Victoria West.
Friday, March 18, 1892
GOLDEN WEDDING.
Mr. and Mrs. G. BARNES, sen, celebrated their golden wedding on Wednesday. Many were the good wishes and testimonies of regard they received on the auspicious occasion, from their large and numerous circle of relatives and friends. Very seldom does it fall to the lot of a married couple to be spared to celebrate the half century anniversary of their wedding day. Mr. and Mrs. BARNES have our heartiest congratulations, and our best wishes for their continued welfare. May they be spared yet a long time to enjoy the love and esteem in which they are held by their children and grandchildren, and their numerous friends.
Mr. BARNES was born in Grahamstown before the arrival of the first settlers. He left Grahamstown and lived in the Hanglip valley where he followed farming pursuits for some time. Ultimately he settled in Queenstown where he has now been living for many a year, and where he enjoys the highest regard and esteem of all his fellow townsmen, his quiet unassuming ways and his kind heartedness making friends for him everywhere.
Friday, March 25, 1892
Death of Mr. Stephen JOHNSON, M.L.A.
It is our ("Journal's") sad duty to announce the death yesterday, at Fort Beaufort, of Mr. Stephen JOHNSON, M.L.A., Member for Victoria East. He had long been ailing, and it was known that the end was only a question of a short time. The deceased gentleman was one of the best-liked men in the Province, and especially in Grahamstown, the interests of which he had so much at heart, that his presence in Parliament virtually secured to Grahamstown and additional representative. At the same time Mr. JOHNSON served Victoria East faithfully and well, and was most assiduous in his Parliamentary duties, as long as health would permit. At his express wish, to which he gave utterance shortly before death, his remains will be interred in the Grahamstown cemetery, and the funeral will take place from the Cathedral at 4 o'clock this afternoon. To the bereaved family we express the sincere sympathy felt for them in Grahamstown.
Shocking Fatal Accident on Kimberley Floors.
With sincere regret and sympathy we have to record the painful and violent death of one of Kimberley's most promising young men, Mr. Hendry BLOWEY, a highly respected member of the staff of the De Beers Consolidated Mines, Ld. Mr. BLOWEY was employed as machine manager on what is known as the Central North Floor, and close upon midnight on Tuesday, he was engaged at the gear, being always noted for his strict and conscientious attention to duty. While examining the machinery one of his feet became jammed in the cylinder and the other also stuck fast in another part of the gear, which continued in rapid motion, the result being that poor BLOWEY's body was mangled in the most shocking manner. He was conveyed to the Hospital with as much rapidity as tenderness as care would permit, and he lingered for about four hours, being conscious all the time, yet bearing his horrible injuries with heroic bravery and patience. His mother, wife, and other
relatives were present at his beside, and although taken from them in so tragic a fashion, they have this consolation that while in life he was ever dutiful, loving, and God-fearing, at the very portals of death he proved himself worthy of the crown.
Mr. BLOWEY was only 22 years of age and had been married about fifteen months. In addition to his mother and sisters, he leaves a widow and infant child to sorrow for his untimely end. Mrs. BLOWEY (his mother) had been on a visit to Klipdam, and, strangely enough, had only just returned to Kimberley a few hours before the melancholy accident to her son. Deceased was a general favourite among his companions and associates. He was a native of Cradock, in which district the news of his death will be received with widespread regret. The funeral on Wednesday afternoon was attended by about a hundred mourners , and included a large and representative gathering from the Central floors. The Rev. J.D. KESTELL conducted the funeral service in an affectingly impressive manner.- "D.F. Advertiser."
Tuesday, March 20, 1892
We regret to hear of the death on Monday last of the Hon. P.W. MICHAU, M.L.C., of Cradock, from influenza.
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