The history of the Wright families in southern Africa

COMPILED BY JACK WRIGHT: BRATISLAVA, SLOVAK REPUBLIC

Volume 1, Issue 1 May 2006

The ancient history of the Wright families

Ancient History to the Middle Ages There is no record as to the ancient history of the Wright family name. Before the Special points of inter- development of last names, est: surnames, one personal name was generally suffi- cient as an identifier. Dupli- • THE WRIGHTS AND THE cations, however, began to MCINTYRE CLAN occur so often that additional • OUR differentiations became a necessity. Thus, in England, • for example, a person living • FINDING THE RIGHT near or at a place where WRIGHT apple trees grew might be called John where-the- apples-grow, hence, John Appleby. Regional or habi- Anglo Saxon (clear) and Celtic (shaded) Kingdoms of the tation names, such as Wood 7th Century or Woods, Moore, Church, or frequently spelt as le the Scottish lowlands. It was Hill, constitute a large major- Wrighte, Right, Write, founded by King Ida, who ity of English surnames. Sur- Wrighte, Alwright, Allwright reigned around the middle names reflecting medieval and Oldwright in many such of the 6th century AD. life and occupations also records. These spelling Around the beginning of the form an enormous group, Inside this issue: variances occurred fre- 7th century, King Ethelfrith Smith being the foremost quently within the family united Bernicia and the along with its equivalents in name, often due to scribes neighbouring kingdom of THE MCINTYRE CLAN 2 Spanish (Ferrer), German and church officials spelling Deira to the south to form THE MCINTRYE TARTAN 4 (Schmidt), or Hungarian the name in the manner in the powerful state of North- (Kovacs). Among other Eng- WHERE THE RESEARCH 5 which they “sounded” it. It umbria. The Boernician lish last names denoting an STARTED was not uncommon to have race of the north was a occupation are Chapman THE WRIGHT COAT OF 6 the spelling changed - even mixture of Scottish Picts and (merchant or trader), Miller, ARMS during the person's own Angles, dating from about Baker and Wright – being a EARLY CONDITIONS AT 8 lifetime. the year 400 A.D. By 1000 wheelwright, shipwright or THE CAPE A.D. this race had formed other form of artisan. The Origin of the surname into discernible Clans and FINDING THE RIGHT 9 word “wright” originates WRIGHT The family name WRIGHT is families, perhaps some of from the old English word believed to have originally the first evidence of the 72ND HIGHLANDERS 12 “wyrtha” denoting “one who descended from use by the family structure in Britain. JAMES NEHEMIA 14 worked in wood, a carpenter Boernicians – originating WRIGHT—AN HISTRO- or joiner” from Bernicia, an Anglo- From these fighting clans of CAL OVERVIEW the border in the Berwick- The name “Wright” further Saxon kingdom which occu- PLANNED FOR ISSUE 2 21 shire region – there are appeared in a number of pied the territory between records of Wright’s who other references – but was the Tyne and the Forth riv- ers in northern England and were first settled in Plow- The history of the Wright families in southern Africa

land in Holderness, dating numerous knighthoods. Nota- baptismal and parish re- back to very early times ble amongst the family cords, tax records and car- and there are records of name during the early his- tularies), and have indicated them later moving north into tory was Earl of Elgin and that the first written record Durham, where they were Kincardine. The Clans or of the surname “Wright” seated at Bradbury and families to the north of the was found in Berwickshire, Sedgefield, Northumberland border became Scottish af- where those “wrights” had and Berwick. Their estates ter about the year 1000 been seated from ancient in Yorkshire were at Bolton- A.D., and to the south they times. upon-Swale, Botton Hall, became English. Neverthe- Thus, both the English and and Sigglesthorn Hall. Some less, despite the border, Scottish Wrights have the later branches of the family many would still be united same common ancestor(s) - moved south, acquired es- clans but yet loyal to the with each line going it’s own tates in Brattleby in Lincoln, defence of their respective Glenoe village way as from the 1st Cen- Mottram as well as Bickley countries. taury in Cheshire. The first use of the surname, WHEN THE QUEEN Meanwhile in the north, Tho- or name differentiator COMMISSIONED THE LONDON mas Wright of Alnwick “Wright” appear in a num- HIGHLAND SOCIETY TO SEARCH OUT THE " OF documented and recorded ber of ancient European " AND REPORT BACK his clan of Wrights in 1342 manuscripts - (including the TO HER IN THE YEAR 1745. THE – being knights of Aberdeen Exchequer Rolls of Scotland, OLDEST EXAMPLE OF TARTAN and Berwick. The Wright the Inquisitio, the Ragman THEY RETURNED WITH WAS THE MACINTYRE & GLENORCHY, name has been honoured by Rolls, the Domesday Book, SAID BY THEM IN THEIR OFFICIAL REPORT TO BE THE OLDEST SAMPLE EXTENT IN THE HIGHLANDS. IN FACT IT WAS The Macintyre Clan SAID TO BE SO OLD THAT NO ONE REMEMBERED WHETHER IT meant shipwright. Although, STARTED AS A DISTRICT TARTAN The Clan Origin of the Clan Name OR AS A MACINTYRE TARTAN! A “Clan” is a traditional saoir also means carpenter. At the beginning of the 2nd HENCE ITS OFFICIAL social unit in the Scottish When there is no written century, Conn of the Hundred DESIGNATION AS MACINTYRE & Highlands, consisting of a Battles was the High King of GLENORCHY! history, weight must be given number of families claiming to the stories passed down Scotia. Cabris Riada, a a common ancestor and through the ages by clan grandson or nephew of following the same and seanachies be- Conn, established a colony in hereditary chieftain. A clan cause these individuals were and the western is- is distinguished from a held in high esteem and lands. One of Cabris’s sons, lineage in that a clan were trusted with the solemn merely claims common duty of preserving the his- ancestry; a lineage can be tory of their chiefs. Although traced to a common many of these tales sound progenitor. A clan may far fetched, we know that have several lineages. new clans and surnames Many families, called were often established after “” normally comprise a a heroic act or acquisition of clan - and the Macintyre new territory through inheri- clan contains families such tance or warfare. These sto- as Tyre, MacTear, Wright ries had common threads and McEntire. and were important enough Meaning of the name Macin- to be told and retold. As- suming the legends are tyre based on facts, or are alle- Macintyre in Gaelic is Mac- gories representing real The Macintyre , described in an-t-Saoir and means Chil- heraldic terms as “a dexter hand events, the following sum- holding a dagger in Proper” dren of The Wright. In an- mary seems reasonable. with the motto of “Per Ardua” cient Scotland, “wright” meaning—”Through difficulties”

Page 2 Volume 1, Issue 1

The Macintyre Clan cont. Colla Uais maintained and enlarged this colony, called Dalriada. From 800A.D. to1100 A.D., the ancestors of those who would eventually be called Macintyre, Mac- Donald, MacDougall, and MacNeil, lived on the islands west of Scotland. It was from these early times, before written history, that the first Macintyre legends origi- nated. The Thumb Carpenter The original story favoured by Duncan Ban Macintyre, the Gaelic poet, concerns these earliest ancestors. As the story goes, an ancestor of a MacDonald living in Sleat, finding his boat about to sink from a leak, stuck his thumb in the hole, chopped it off and hammered it firm, so saving the boat and crew. For this heroic act, he was called the thumb carpenter or Saor-na- h-ordaig and, according to custom, his son was the first to be called Mac-an-t-Saoir, son of the carpenter and his de- scendants were called Sons of the Wright. Geographic Origin The weight of available leg- ends suggest that the ances- tors of the Macintyre's came from the islands off the west- ern shore of Scotland and eventually to Glenoe on the mainland. Combining the leg- ends with known historical facts, gives credence to the The historical location of the Macintyre clan idea that by around 1150 Clan Macintyre was formed battle for King Robert the Bruce Today’s Wrights of Scottish origin by Maurice MacNeil, The at Bannockburn. Supplying he- can thus rightfully claim to be Wright. We can also be reditary pipers to another clan members of the McIntyre clan and fairly sure that by 1314 suggests that the Macintyre's the Wright —even till today! there was a recognized Clan were a well-established clan Macintyre, because pipers that existed for many genera- identified by the Menzies as tions before 1314. Macintyre's led them into

Page 3 The history of the Wright families in southern Africa

The Macintyre Tartan Some writers give the origin of the term 'tartan' as the French tiretane, although this may simply refer to a type of material of French origin, rather than any pattern on the cloth. In earliest times, Highlanders were known to wear clothes dyed with local The Macintyre red modern plants, mosses and berries dress tartan and woven into distinctive striped or checked patterns. However, the weave of the cloth, and the way it was worn, tended to be dictated by the custom in a particular Scottish Tartans World Register: Buchan area, rather than a family Buchan Cumming MacIntyre District Tartan WR1991 or clan. MacIntyre and Glenorchy. Adopted by the Buchan family around 1965, on account of their long association with the Cummings which began with The use of different patterns the marriage of Margaret, daughter of King Edgar, to William Coymen, and colours of tartan to sheriff of Forfar in 1210. The name, Buchan, though a family name, is territorial in origin. The sett is asymmetrical. identify different families and clans is a very conten- tious issue amongst histori- ans. In the absence of any real evidence to the con- trary, it seems that this prac- tice dates back only as far as the early 19th century. The Macintyre modern hunt- Prior to this, clansmen of all ing tartan standing seemed to have worn a mixture of tartans without any sense of a stan- dardised 'clan' design. Probably the first known mention of tartan in Scotland dates from 1538 in the re- cords of the Exchequer Rooms of the James V's Lord Scottish Tartans World Register: Macintyre Treasurer, there is an order Macintyre Clan Tartan WR743. There is a doublet in Kingussie Museum for a bale of cloth of dated 1800 in this tartan. It also appeared in the 'Heland tartane', the mate- (1842) and in the Lord Lyon's Register of Arms (1955).. rial being used for 'hoiss to the Kingis Grace', perhaps a scribed (1747-1782). The such as Ancient, Modern, new pair of tartan trews principle was given impetus Reproduction, Weathered or (trousers) for the king. by the romanticisation of the Muted. Gael during the early As Wright of Scottish de- The Tartan Explosion 1800s and by the explosion scent, the Macintyre tartan is The growth of clan and fam- of tartan weavers seeking thus the “recognised” tartan, ily tartans began with the new markets for their prod- with the most “original” be- standardising of the tartans ucts. There also emerged ing that of the Macintyre The Macintyre ancient hunting used by Highland regiments from this time the practice of tartan Clan Tartan (WR743) pic- in the British army during the producing a number of vari- tured above. years when tartan was pro- ants of a particular tartan

Page 4 Volume 1, Issue 1

This research: Where it all started

The e-mail to the right, dated Octo- ber 2003 set the research process in Dear long last seen nephew, Jackie motion. I had for some time being Sorry to have kept you waiting so long for a reply, but I think I can claim to be the world's trying to assemble a number of facts worst correspondent. from various living family members as to our origins—but the e-mail Firstly, we're enjoying New Zealand very much, it is totally different to what we were used to. We live in a country town in which the population amounts to about 10K. We rent a cot- received from Vernon Wright, in tage on a farm 16 kms out of town and it is absolutely fabulous. New Zealand, provided the initial factual data to make research vi- I've had to dig into the recesses of my brain (?) to remember things I was told as a child. able. Our ancestor, I believe, came from Scotland before the 1820 settlers arrived. Possibly in the early 1800s or even late 1790s. It is also possible that he was either a member of or At first, we thought that the original was affiliated to the British forces, who came as occupationary forces at the time. His Wright which he referred to was the name was either John Colin or James Colin. And that is all I know about him. 1820 settler John Cecil Wright— Our, ie your Dad's and my, Grandfather’s names were Barend Matthys George. He was mar- particularly because of the fact that ried three times and your Grandad was the second youngest of at least 9 children. At the he had a son called John Colin time of Dad's birth they resided at Prince Albert, but later moved to Beaufort West. One Wright. This was eventually ruled of Dad's older brothers, John, died in Cape Town in the early 1950s The names of this out because of a genealogical re- John's children as far as I can remember is as follows: Hennie, farmed at Malelane in the port found in a book published by Tvl., Ben, at one time had a furniture factory at Waterval Boven, John, Willie and a sister Malherbe, called “Stamouers van Caris lived and died in Pretoria, Jimmy was a Pastor in the AFM and also passed away in the die Suid Afrikaanse Volk” wherein Tvl., Thys and Fred were also pastors and died in C.T., Pieter died at Malmesbury in the mid he makes reference to a Jamis Ne- 1950s. There was a sister Chrissie who was a cripple and I don't really know what happened hemia Wrecht who had a son called to her. These names are not in any particular order, they've come up as I remember them. John Collin as well as son named Dad's younger brother was named Fred and he lived and died at Bellville, Cape, His children Barend Matthy George. We then were : George, Ferdinand, Colin, Thelma, Ivor and Vera. How many of them are still alive I don't know. Dad was actually a member of what was The Transvaal Police from 1912 to 1919, knew we were onto the right line— and was stationed in the Western Transvaal on the diamond diggings, ie Christiana, Maquas- but Malherbe indicated that James sie. He then joined the SAR & H and remained with them till he went on pension. After pen- Nehemiah was a soldier from Den- sion he was re-appointed to a casual, when needed, position. mark, and that simply did not make Now to come a bit closer home. Our eldest brother, Barry, served his apprenticeship as a sense! Only after two years of fitter and turner at the Simon's Town Naval Dockyard. After which he worked on a mine searching, we found a marriage for a short spell and then joined the SAR & H at the Salt River Works. After being trans- register entry for James Nehemiah ferred to Natal he resigned and emigrated to Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia , where he Wright who married a Booyens lady worked in the motor trade until just before he passed away. in Beaufort (now known as Beaufort I sincerely hope that I've been of some assistance in your mammoth task. We wish you West). Malherbe had also reflected every success and will look forward to seeing what you have found. If there is anything not his Jamis Nehemiah Wrecht as hav- quite clear, please contact us again. ing married a Booyens. Please give our love to the rest of the family and we wish you all a very Blessed Christmas This proved that the Jamis Nehemiah and Prosperous New Year. God bless Your far away Uncle, Vernon. Wrecht quoted by Malherbe was ----- Original Message ----- James Nehemia Wright; and on the From: Jack Wright marriage register entry, his place of birth was recorded as Scotland. The To: verden@i………………..nz facts now correlated to the “hand- Sent: Monday, October 13, 2003 9:23 PM me-down” history passed on by Subject: WRIGHT Family History Vernon. Once we had the name of My dear, far away Uncle Vernon the original settler providing a solid I have been trying, in the bit of spare time I have - to research and document our family research base, we were able to history. Went well to a point, but then the sources of information seemed to dry up. My work forward from him, as well as Dad (Leo) suggested I pass some of the questions on to you - and I trust you could be of backwards from living family mem- assistance. I will gladly forward all research as found and entered into the database on to bers. you if you so wish. His Scottish ancestors though, still Your views as well as any information which you can add would be most appreciated. elude us! Trust you are supporting the wright side in the rugger!!!!!!

Page 5 The history of the Wright families in southern Africa

The Wright Coat of Arms (Achievement) Original Achievement barrel cylindrical helmet. original progenitor. The first recorded coat of • In , the • It is interesting to note arms of the WRIGHT family escrol containing the that the originators of this was a simple crest, depicting motto is always depicted “standard achievement” three leopard heads and at the upper extremity of did not add supporters— two silver bands (left), de- the achievement - which is normally in the form of scribed in heraldic terms as not visible on the animals, supporting the “, two bars , in “recognised standard.” shield on either side. In chief three leopards heads” We thus need to add the terms of Scottish heraldic The Leopard heads indicate motto “Meritez” to the rules, these supporters courage and the Azure top of the achievement. are only added if (blue) symbolises the planet granted by the Lord Lyon Venus and denotes truth and • To be heraldically exact, either on a hereditary loyalty. This coat of arms an achievement is always basis or for the lifetime of has subsequently been re- “topped” by a crest— First recorded Wright coat a particular person. of arms placed by more artistically and in our case, this crest orientated designs. We are should be that of the • Also, correctly so—the uncertain as to the origin of Macintyre Clan; achievement has no base the tree leopard heads! (correctly termed a • Between the Helmet and “compartment”) - usually The coat of arms (more cor- the Crest, there is nor- depicted as a grassy rectly known as the mally a wreath consisting mound, rocks or the sea; “Achievement”) which has of the colours of the stan- as a base or compart- become commonly accepted dard—red and gold, as ment was only granted as the “standard” for the for the Macintyres, in our by the Lord Lyon as a Wright’s of Scottish descent, case. special addition for per- requires some analysis—as sons of high rank and even this Achievement (left) • Notice the two silver distinction. is not completely correct, if it bands across the is to be accepted as the “recognised standard” - The “corrected” achievement “standard” from which we they are drawn in the is therefore a more appro- are to proceed, assuming fashion of adjacent con- priate, and more heraldi- we apply the correct heral- vex arcs of a circle—this, cally correct achievement dic rules and norms. in heraldic terms, is known for us to use as the basis of as a Engrailed Boundary. our Wright family coat of Heraldic Corrections! A band demarcated by a arms. We would thus need to ap- straight line is the “blood ply the following corrections: line” - that of these con- Heraldic Precedence vex arc is that of the sec- What is often, but incorrectly ac- • The helmet is, in heraldic ond son—the third son cepted as the “recognized standard” terms, an indication of would have the band Scottish WRIGHT coat of arms. rank. The helmet is de- demarcated with concave Incorrect because the central band picted as looking straight arcs (Invected band), the indicates it to be that of the second ahead (affronty) - this is fourth son by the shape son of the pro-genitor, rather than the reserved for “sovereigns shield of the first son. of battlements on the top and princes of the blood.” of a castle, known as a The lowest rank, afforded “Embattled Boundary” an achievement—would etc. So, we need to re- be that of a “esquires vert back to the straight and gentleman” and I line band—if we want to presume that would be accept the “baseline” more applicable to our achievement” as being dear James Nehemia that associated with The “corrected” Wright Wright, implying a steel James Nehemia, our Achievement / Coat of Arms

Page 6 Volume 1, Issue 1 Scottish heraldic succession of the Achievement

Originally, an achievement • Fourth son red () third, a star, the forth a dove, was not specific to a family, fifth a circle, sixth a flory but to a person! From the • Fifth son blue (Azure) (fleurs de lis), seventh a rose etc. days of knights in armour, a • Sixth son black () helmeted knight, in full ar- mour could be identified by • Seventh son green (Vert) the particular design on his • Eighth son purple shield. These recognition marks were governed by a (Perpure), etc. strict code—still applied The next generation is de- today, and administered by marcated by varying the the Lord Lyon. According to dividing lines which separate these rules, the first son, al- the shield into bands—the ways adopts the shield of first son once again retains his father—and each succes- the original shield of the A WRIGHT achievement of Eng- sive son is afforded a dif- lish, rather than Scottish origin. father, the second son has a Note the star and three “fluers” ferent boundary colour Engrailed Boundary, the The achievement for Leo Christie, which provide a “genealogical about the shield: third an Invected boundrary the second son of Christian Henry fingerprint” for the individual etc. • First son—as for father, with the exception of the The below Embattled The next generation are de- addition of a darche boundary defines the fifth marcated by the use of dou- THE IMPORTANCE OF THE (castle type shape) in the son. ble symbols as described OFFICE OF THE LORD LYON IS above—i.e. the first son re- DERIVED FROM THE event of the father still COMBINATION OF FUNCTIONS being alive (with this dar- tains the original, the second VESTED IN HIM WHICH ARE NOT che being removed from son a double crescent, third a ONLY HERALDIC, BUT ALSO double star etc. GENEALOGICAL AND the achievement on the CEREMONIAL. HISTORICALLY, death of the father— HIS APPROVAL AND PRESENCE reverting back to the WAS REQUIRED FOR THE CROWNING OF SCOTTISH original achievement); KINGS—AND TODAY, HIS ROLE IS THAT OF JURISDICTION IN • Second son— Gold (or QUESTIONS OF “NAME” AND Or in heraldic terms), CHANGE OF NAME AS WELL AS ALL QUESTIONS RELATING TO • Third son— Silver THE SUCCESSION OF CHIEFSHIP, (Argent); PEERAGES AND OTHER TITLES OF HONOUR. The James Nehemiah achievement has been adjusted to that of his second son, Barend Matthys George by the addition of the gold surround. Barend Matthys’s achievement has been adjusted The achievement of John Barnard, by the use of an embattled the third son of Leo Christie. Note boundary—indicating the fifth son the star represents a third son, in of Barend Matthys—that of this case a double star also repre- Christian Henry sents a further generation third son.

In the case of a first son the The next generation is de- achievement of the father is fined by the addition of The second son of James Nehemia retained, except in cases (assuming the “corrected standard symbols added to the where the father and son are as base) would thus be afforded shield—once again, in the both alive. In this case, the the above achievement—the next generation—the eldest first son adds a “darche” “standard” plus a band of Or A variant of the “English Standard” (gold) about the shield. This son bears the achievement during the fathers lifetime. of the father, the second son achievement for subsequent English would therefore be the achieve- as opposed to Scottish Wrights. ment of Barend Matthys George has an added crescent, the

Page 7 The history of the Wright families in southern Africa

Scottish heraldic succession of Achievement cont. Traditionally, women are not The shields to the right pro- allocated an achievement— vide an index to the succes- but in special cases where sion shields of our early an- this is done, they tradition- cestors: ally adopt an elliptical or

“zulu shield” shaped shield.

The achievements of James Nehe- mia WRIGHT and the 1st genera- tion of sons—from which all of our respective family trees have sprouted.

The achievement of Colin John— first son of Leo Christie with added darche James Nehemia Wright (0) Early conditions at the Cape This excerpt from Africana stroyed our crops totally, the latter are good herdsmen and Notes and News provides a second some families saved wagon drivers, but are very indif- vivid insight into life as a enough for subsistence – the ferent labourers. Only a few of John Collin settler farmer in the late third all of us had enough for them, indeed, are contracted as Wright (0-1) 1820’s: bread; and some had a consider- servants to us. The majority are a The following letter from the able surplus, which they sold at a sort of tenants at will, who culti- Cape has reached us through high price. vate a little corn for bread, and a a channel which enables us to few vegetables, but live chiefly This season, all the land is on the produce of their flocks and vouch for its accuracy. Extract ploughed, I think, that can be of a letter, date “Craigrennie, herds, of which some of them Barend irrigated by our fountains, and have a considerable stock. But Matthys Bavian’s River, district of without irrigation we can raise Wright they are chiefly of importance to Graaff Reynet, September 25, nothing in this dry part of the (0-2) 1823.” us from their acquaintance with colony. The whole extent of our the country and their fitness for I received your letter on a later cultivation does not exceed sev- repelling our natural foes, the journey I made to Albany; and to enty acres, which you will think Caffres and Bushmen, who some- relieve in some respects the appre- very little; but I assure you it is times disturb us, though they hensions which you express for thought a good deal in this part have never yet ventured to steal Benjamin of the world for three or four Matthys us, I shall briefly describe our from us. We have fourteen of Wright (0-3) present situation. families. But we have not water these Hottentots with us, who for more, and , if we had, we are all excellent shots, and fit, You are aware, I suppose, that could not expect, in ordinary when mounted and armed, to we are located in a different years, any profitable market. We encounter several hundred district, and at a great distance do not, therefore, calculate on our Caffres. We only muster our- from the other English settlers. agriculture here for profit, but selves seven settlers fit to bear We are, in fact, about 150 miles only for sustenance. It is to live arms, besides the two English Henry John further into the interior than any Wright (0-4) stock we look for marketable servants. The number originally other party. This position, which produce, though, from the slender located here was ten men, besides was at first rather discouraging, means that most of this party women and children, but one or has turned out in the end a fortu- possess, it will be a considerable two of our number besides the nate circumstances; for the rust time before our herds and flocks three Scotch servants having left or blight, which has destroyed increase sufficiently to afford the location, our armed force is so almost totally three successive large profits. far reduced, that, on a late alarm crops in Albany, has affected us of Caffre depredations in our here less malignantly, and we We have got two Europeans and vicinity, we applied for support trust it has now left us alto- a little clan of bastard (or mixed) to our Landrost (or chief local gether. The first season it de- Hottentots in their room. The Magistrate) Captain Stock-

Page 8 Volume 1, Issue 1

Early conditions at the Cape enstroom, who immediately came salubrity of the climate, and the still more helpless, and it is lamen- over to visit us himself, and left scattered population, has hitherto table to see (what I have actually ten armed boers to guard us till the prevented any contagion. Medical seen) half-pay Captains hewing danger or apprehension abated. assistance is not to be had. The and sawing timber for sale, or surgeons that came out with the driving their own wagons, ladies But I must now say a few words settlers have all deserted the loca- of genteel connections and delicate respecting the condition of our tions – for though there was habits performing all the offices of countrymen in Albany. I am sorry plenty to do there was no money cook, maid and scullion – milking to say that the reports that have to pay them. And so little feeling cows – digging the garden, ets. reached you respecting their pov- is there for them in other quarters, Etc. with tattered clothes, meager erty and distress prevails among that a military surgeon was sent looks, and despairing hearts! them to a great extent; and, what down to Cape Town the other day, renders their situation more de- and attempted to be broke, for Something has been done to allevi- plorable, a great proportion of merely attending when off duty ate this distress by a society for those who are suffering most are some female settlers in extreme relief of distressed settlers at Cape persons who have seen better days, Town – but their funds seem to be danger, in the vicinity of his post. and are now reduced not merely to slender and ill supported – and, perform the most laborious and Another great annoyance also is, a unless Government step forward, menial services , but, what is sort of militia system established or, more effectual aid appear from worse, many of them are half here called the Albany Levy – some other quarter, I fear there starved and scarcely half clad. which is extremely oppressive and will be very deplorable results unpopular. (Continued on page before next crop is ripe. At present Their funds are totally exhausted 16) it looks generally well, though the – all assistance from Government rust has again appeared in several has long ago stopped – and most The class of settlers who have quarters in the Cape wheat. But it of them are living solely on a little suffered least is the mechanics and is yet two months till the com- maize or pumpkin soup. Many labourers, who have now generally mencement of harvest, and the have not tasted bread or butcher left their locations, and found result cannot be certainly antici- meat for several months. sufficient employment, and good pated. wages, in other districts. But this The consequence of this wretched renders the heads of parties, and I am, etc. fare is, that a good deal of disease those who brought out some little prevails among them – though the funds, as independent settlers, C.R.

Finding the right James WRIGHT In our search for the right 3. James Wright, discharged Wright, there was always an from the 72nd Highlanders in enigma related to which 1816 James Wright was the correct James Wright (James #1): James Wright…… The re- Born in 1790 joined the search tale went as follows: 1820 Dayason Settler party We knew that there were at from London with a recorded least three James Wright’s occupation of that of a who arrived at the Cape in butcher. He was 29 when he the early 19th C: arrived at the Cape. He departed the UK on 12 Feb 1. James Wright, aged 29, 1820 on the ship Zoroaster bachelor - who was part of as part of the Dayason Party Dayason’s 1820 Settler and after arriving in Simons Party, Bay the party transferred to 2. James Wright, aged 29 the ship Albany and finally Landing in Algoa Bay: 1820 when discharged from the reached Algoa Bay. Dyason Royal Africa Corps in 1824 and Party were allocated land on the Torrens River in

Page 9 The history of the Wright families in southern Africa Finding the right James WRIGHT Cont.

munities, most of them were well as two sons (from the either transferred into the Hall/Wicks marriage), which 72nd Highlanders or used as from his reply - he clearly labourers to construct the had lost contact with. He Franschoek Pass and were recorded his address as later shipped off to Sierra James Wright, Butcher, Gra- Leone. hamstown - care of Mr. Regardless, it appears as if Charles Webb (Snr.), our dear James Wright Painter, Grahamstown. The managed to secure a mili- reply letter is counter signed tary discharge, whilst still in by Mr. Charles Webb, the Cape. Philip records Painter, of Bathurst St, Gra- James Wright’s discharge hamstown as well as by Mr. papers as dated 25 Jun Robert WEBB, Butcher, also 1824, but they are actually of Bathurst St, Grahamstown dated 19 Jun 1824. Entry (dated 13 Aug 1860). 3066 of the discharge pa- The colours of the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders when they were still known as the 78th Foot, or Ross-shire Buffs James Wright (James #2): pers states that James The Royal Africa Corps was Wright, (pervious occupation made up from men of rather that of a butcher, 5” tall the Eastern Cape in a settle- tarnished reputation…ex with fair hair and blue ment which became known convicts and deserters eyes), is discharged formally as Lushington Valley. This (“worthless and unmanage- from services rendered in James then married Mary able people... [and] I shall the RAC as part of Dyason’s Anne Hall (b 1792) on 5 take the earliest opportunity Party and is transmitted to May 1827 in Grahamstown. I can of removing them to the Magistrate of Albany!!!. She was the widow of Cape Town, as neither the This means that James Robert Wicks and already settlers nor the ordinary WRIGHT 1 and James had five children from the inhabitants here would be WRIGHT 2, must be the Wicks marriage. James and safe in the vicinity of such same person! James (1&2) Mary Anne had two children congregated banditti as most probably enrolled in (William Murray Wright these men will form when the Royal Africa Corps and John Edward Wright [b. collected" - Sir Rufane shortly after his arrival at 6 Mar 1834]). It appears Donkin 1821) from the Col- the Cape and was as if their marriage did not ony and other English regi- (presumably therefore) per- last and James was a bit of ments. The main body of mitted to take his discharge a "sower of wild oats", as it the regiment arrived in when the unit was shipped is recorded in his reply to a South Africa in 1817 and off to Franchhoek in 1823, notice enquiring as to his (surprisingly) conducted prior to their South African whereabouts as published in themselves rather well in the disbandment in 1824. the government gazette Battle of Grahamstown (on Having been transmitted to issued on request of Isaac 22 April 1819). Rather than the care of the Magistrate Dayason as to whereabouts disband the entire regiment of Albany, he was com- of this James WRIGHT – he for fear of letting loose the pelled to join the Albany replied that he has (or had) “bandits” on the settler com- a daughter in Australia as Levy which had been

Discharge paper entry in the Cape Archives—entry 3666 for James Wright (James 2)

Page 10 Volume 1, Issue 1 Finding the right James WRIGHT Cont.

Discharge paper record in the Cape Archives for James Wright #3 and comrades in arms—from the 72nd Highlanders (James #3: Entry 065) formed in 1822 whereby all probably in Division 3, com- record of his death. men from ages 16 to 60 manded by Capt Henry James WRIGHT (James were required to provide Crause. #3). From Philip’s research, military service in one of the We know that service in the we know that a James two yeomanry or the five Albany Levy was exceed- Wright was discharged from infantry divisions. The ingly unpopular, and in a the 72nd Seaforth Highland- mounted men (Yeomanry letter dated 8 Apr 1823, a ers in 1816. The discharge Regiments) were under the number of enlisted men pro- papers state “…. No securi- command of Lieutenants J. tested against service in the ties required – these men Willis and Charles Crause. Levy. One of the signatories being discharged from HM The infantry divisions to this letter was “James 72nd Regiment” dated 20th (actually of Company Wriglit” – I am certain, this May 1816. James was dis- strength) were led by Lieu- was our dear James Wright. charged along with James tenants W. Austin, Adam Mulholland, James Gilfillan, John Crause and So James was back in Tor- McGregor, David Mitchell, Captain Henry Crause. John rens river valley by 1824. John McCausland, Thomas Crause was in command of He married Mary Wicks Beebles and Robert two divisions. The divisions (nee Hall) in 1827 had two Donaldson. There is a foot- were structured, based on sons by 1834 and she left, note, clearly added later – where their men were drawn probably with the children that a duplicate of the dis- from – Division 1 from the not too long thereafter. charge papers for Robert area between the Lydenoch However, the influence of Donaldson was issued on 13 and Fish Rivers, Div 2 be- the “congregated banditti” Dec 1820. tween the Kowie and Lyde- comrades in the Royal Af- noch rivers, Div 3 the Torrens rica Corps had probably The 72nd Regt were de- River Valley and Div 4 from taken their toll, as there are ployed to the Cape for a the Blaauwkrantz river val- records of two court pro- first tour of duty between ley (Div 5…. I don’t know!). ceedings against James Jan 1806 to Oct 1810 and So, if James was then mus- Wright in the Grahamstown then again from Feb 1816 tered into the Albany Levy region, both for theft - as to Mar 1822. During this (also known as the Albany well as records pertaining to second tour of duty, they Armed Inhabitants) and he a request for remission of were billeted in Grahams- From the signature of “our” James had originally settled in the sentence. From his letter in town. It is important to note WRIGHT (James Nehemiah WRIGHT) Torrens River Valley in reply to the government that after the Napoleonic it is evident that he was not a prolific 1820, one may presumed gazette enquiry, he was wars, many “displaced ser- writer, or otherwise… did not get to that he returned there after back in Grahamstown in vicemen” whose armies had signing his name all too often! At the time of this signature he was at least his discharge. So, he was 1860. To date, we have no been overrun by the French seventy years old.

Page 11 The history of the Wright families in southern Africa

Finding the right James WRIGHT Cont. joined the British military. them remained in the Col- - in their marriage certifi- For this reason, British regi- ony, rather than returning to cate dated 15 Nov 1823, ments contained a high pro- Europe. this Jamis who married portion of foreigners – par- Johanna Booyens is re- Back to James #3……. in ticularly German, Dutch, flected as James Nehemiah “Family History of the South Flemish and Slavs. There WRIGHT from Scotland…… African Nation” Malherbe was constant pressure from Wrecht – Wright – Same reflects a Jamis Nehemiah their “mercenaries” to be person! Wrecht as being a dis- disbanded, so as to allow charged soldier from Den- So this James is “our” James them to return to their home mark who elected to remain - of whom we now have a countries. Although many of at the Cape. This Wrecht, detailed history and per- these foreigners requested - according to Malherbe, haps, a bit more clarity as and were granted their dis- married a Johanna to his origins. charge – a large number of Jacomina Booyens, however

The 72nd Seaforth Highlanders Regiments of the Alderney Garri- son : Duke of Albany's Own High- Establishment 1,130 men were raised, 900 local inhabitants who sup- landers, 72nd Highland regiment in 1810. Being a Highland Regiment of them being Highlanders of ported their cause. After does not necessarily mean which 500 were raised from much haggling and debate, that such regiment was bil- the Earl of Seaforth’s own the matter was resolved and leted in Scotland or that it’s estate and the remainder of the regiment marched back troops were of Scottish ori- the men from the estates of into Leith with the Earl of gin. It does however mean the Mackenzies of Scatwell, Seaforth and General Skene that the regiment subscribed Kilcoy, Applecross and Red- at their head—with pipes to the traditions, dress and castel, all of whom had sons playing. This mutiny became culture of the highlands—with or brothers n the regiment. known as “the affair of the , trews, pipes featuring The remaining 230 men were Macraes.” prominently in the regimental raised from the Lowlands, of Action in the East Indies disciplines and regulations. whom 43 were English and On the 12th June 1781 the Many fine highland regiments Irish. The regiment became regiment embarked for the were not Scottish at all—but known as the 78th Regiment. East Indies, then being 973 merely subscribed to the Mutiny strong in rank and file—but highland traditions. The regiment was embodied due to severe scurvy, on arri- The Earl of Seaforth lost his at Elgin and in May 1778 it val in Madras, they had lost estate and title due to him was inspected by General 247 men on the voyage and having taken part in the Skene and was declared of all that landed, only 369 Jacobite Rebellion of 1715. duly constituted and opera- were fit to carry arms. Sea- ln 1778, his grandson, Ken- tional. After being marched forth too, had succumbed on neth Mackenzie, re- to Leith for embarkation to the journey. purchased the estate of his the East Indies, a revolt arose Change of Name grandfather and in 1771 the due to differences regarding On 12th September 1786 government restored to Ken- pay and bounty and the the regiment was renum- neth, the title which his regiment marched out of bered as the 72nd Regiment grandfather had lost; that of Leith with pipes playing but and once again saw action in the Earl of Seaforth. As a with two plaids fixed on India in the Mysore campaign sign of gratitude, he raised a poles, instead of their col- until March 1797 it was re- regiment on his estate in ours. They took up position moved to Pondicherry for 1778, for general services to on a hill at Arthur’s Seat, preparations to return to the Crown. close to Edinburgh and re- England. . mained there for several This offer was accepted by days—being fed and pro- In 1804, in preparation for his Majesty, and a corps of vided with ammunition by the an expected French invasion,

Page 12 Volume 1, Issue 1 The 72nd Seaforth Highlanders cont. lead by Napoleon a second Indian troops in the capture being transferred to other battalion was added, formed of Mauritius. When the regi- regiments in Europe. It was from men raised in Aberdeen ment arrived off the Isle de at this time that James Nehe- under the “Limited Service France, it was found that the miah Wright took his dis- Act.” Indian army had already charge in Cape Town under landed and was rapidly ad- the “Limited Service Act”, and Deployment to the Cape vancing against he French elected to remain in the In 1805, the 72nd com- forces. The regiment landed Cape rather than to return manded by Lt. Col. Colqu- on 10th December 1810 and home to Scotland. houn Grant embarked on a secured the surrender of the secret mission as part of a Deployment to Grahamstown Island returning to the Cape force command of Sir David In June 1817, four companies soon thereafter. Baird for the Cape of Good of the 1st Battalion were Hope, then possessed by the Loss of the Kilts moved to Grahamstown to Dutch. In 1809 King George III ap- relieve the 21st Light Dra- proved the regiment discon- goons and were distributed The force was ordered to tinuing to wear the Highland in a line of posts along the seize the Cape of Good John MacDougall (III) costume and the 72nd ceased Great Fish River to defend Lieut 72nd Highlanders ) Hope from the Dutch so as to to be on the Highland estab- the frontier against maraud- Died unmarried oldest son of John prevent their capitulation to MacDougall II lishment and assumed the ing Xhosa raiders. the French—this was eminent, uniform of the Line (i.e. 72nd due to Napoleon having in- Post 1816 Foot), but in 1823 it again vaded Holland at the time, The regiment remained at the became a Highland regiment, with the House of Orange Cape, always leaving a de- this time with trews instead of tottering on the brink of col- tachment at the frontier, until kilts. lapse, The English were keen December 1821, when it to prevent the French gaining In September 1811 the embarked for England. control over the sea route to strength of the 1st Battalion In 1823 the title was the east and thus, rather than was augmented to 1,000 changed to "The 72nd or the having the Cape become a rank and file and this was Duke of Albany's Own High- French colony, decided on a achieved by drafts from the landers" and the Highland pre-emptive invasion— lead 2nd Battalion, then in Ireland. costume was re-adopted. by Baird. It was at this point that James Nehemiah Wright joined the The 72nd was with the High- The Cape campaign 1st Battalion in the Cape. land Brigade, under Sir Colin The expedition anchored in Campbell, at the siege and False Bay on the 4th January Foray to India capture of Sevastopol in 1806 and on the morning of The 1st Battalion remained at 1855 and two years later it the 6th, the Highland Bri- the Cape until June 1815 led the assault at the storm- gade—comprising the 71st, when it again embarked for ing of Kotah during the In- 72nd and 93rd regiments ef- India, bearing on it’s colours dian Mutiny. During Indian fected a landing and drove “Cape of Good Hope” for Mutiny the they were present the Dutch from the beach eminent services in South Af- at the taking of Cawnpore Regimental colours: Carnatic, Hin- head. After running skir- rica. When the regiment and formed part of the force doostan, Mysore, Seringapatam, mishes, the brigade fought arrived in India in September which relieved Lucknow on Egmont-op-Zee, Mandora, Cape of it’s way to Wineberg and 1814 the war against the Good Hope 1806, Maida, Corunna, 23rd September 1857, re- occupied the barracks on Rajah of Nepaul had ended Busaco, Fuentes d'Onor, Java, Al- maining at the Residency until maraz, Salamanaca, Vittoria, Pyre- 10th January 1807. Further and they were once again it was finally relieved on 17th nees, Nivelle, Nive, Orthes, Toulouse, battles were encountered at ordered back to the Cape November. No fewer than Peninsula, Waterloo, South Africa Hout Bay and eventually, the Town in March 1816. 1835, Alma, Sevastopol, Koosh-Ab, eight V.C.s were awarded to expedition had seized the Persia, Delhi 1857, Lucknow, Central With the war in Europe hav- members for gallantry in the whole Cape. India, Peiwar Kotal, Charasiah, Ka- ing ended, the 2nd Battalion Mutiny campaign. bul 1879, Kandahar 1880, Afghani- Mauritius which was then still in Europe stan 1878-80, Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt Afghan War 1882-84, Nile 1884-85, Chitral, The 72nd remained at the was disbanded in London- The 72nd took part in the Tirah, Atbara, Khartoum, Defence of until 1810 when it embarked derry with the men from this Afghan War of 1878 and Ladysmith, Paardeberg, South Africa 800 troops to take part with unit taking their discharge or 1899-1902, Gulf 1991 was congratulated on its gal-

Page 13

The history of the Wright families in southern Africa

The 72nd Seaforth Highlanders cont. lantry at the assault and cap- Army and took part in the donia and Palestine. Only the ture of Peiwar Kotal. It led battle of Tel-el-Kebir. It fur- 1st and 2nd battalions were the attack at the battle of ther distinguished itself at regulars, the others consisted Charasiah in 1879 and par- Atbara and Omdurman in of the Special Reserve and ticipated in the famous march 1898. Territorial units. to Kandahar in 1880. The South African and Great War’s WWII In 1881 the 72nd and 78th During the South African War In the 1939-1945 war it were united as the "Seaforth of 1899-1902 the 2nd Battal- served in almost every thea- Highlanders". In 1882 the 1st ion served throughout the tre of war including France Battalion again assumed the campaign as part of the and Belgium, middle East, and from that date the Highland Brigade. North Africa, Sicily, Italy, uniforms of the two battalions North-West Europe, Java In the war of 1914-1918 the have been identical. and Malaya. regiment consisted of 19 In 1882 the 1st Battalion battalions and saw much The Highlanders are still an Highlanders in the Gulf War assisted in the suppression of hard fighting on the Western active serving regiment in the the mutiny of the Egyptian Front, Mesopotamia, Mace- British Army.

James Nehemia Wright: An historical overview c. the son of John thew Gardner; or We are not certain where Wright and Janet James Nehemiah Wright Thearn born on 23rd f. the son of John was born – we know it was Oct 1797* and bap- Wright and Jean in Scotland, but the exact tized on 29th Octo- (Unknown), born location is uncertain. ber 1797 in the 16th Nov 1799 in the Based on the Scottish nam- parish of Abbey Parish of New or ing patterns, his father was (Paisley), county East Kirkpatrick, most probably a John Colin Renfrew in Scot- county Dunbarton- Wright and his mother had land; or shire in Scotland. a first name of Jenny or Jane. Based on these as- d. the son of James We do know that he joined sumptions, it is quite prob- Wright and Jean the military at an early age able that he was either: Bell in “Panleth – and was eventually dis- Gorm” born on 29th charged from the 72nd a. the son of John Jan 1798 and bap- Highlanders in 1816 in Wright and Jean tized on 2nd Febru- Cape Town, South Africa. Murry, born in ary 1798 in the Par- At that time, the British Fourthpark parish ish of Mousewald in Military had introduced a Rothwell, county the county of Dum- limited term of service, Dumfries, Scotland - fries, Scotland; or introduced under the born on 9th Jan “Limited Services Act” 1792; or e. the son of John which required recruits to Wright (a weaver) sign up for a period of b. the son of James and Jean McMurry three years. As we know Wright and Jean born on 11th June that James received his Bell, born in Parsteth 1798 in the parish discharge in June 1817, he in the Parish of of Glasgow, county must have joined the regi- Mousewald in the The original properties as laid out in Lanark where the ment in June 1814 – and county of Dumfries, Beaufort in the early 1830’s. We baptism was wit- recruits were on average, know that as late as 2005, Wrights Scotland on 20th Jun nessed by David aged between sixteen to still lived in one of these original prop- 1795*; or erties—that of 86 Bird Street Wright and Mat- twenty – making his birth

Page 14 Volume 1, Issue 1

James Nehemiah Wright Continued date somewhere between 1794 and 1797 (therefore those marked * amongst the possible dates of birth above, are the most likely candidates). We also know that he must have joined the 1st Battalion of the regiment, as it was that battalion which was deployed to the Cape at the time of his discharge.

To support the notion that he joined in 1814 – we know from the regimental history, that a significant number of recruits were added between 1811 and 1814. The Highland regi- ments at that time, re- cruited largely from their place of origin, and for the 72nd that was Leith – which narrows down the options as to his birth to that of about 1780 (±5-10 years), as the parish in prevent the Boer farmers have had the option of which the presumed birth living in the are, from either extending his term was recorded – is rela- sending their cattle across of service for a further tively close to Leith. the river, to graze in the three years, taking his Xhosa tribal lands. discharge and being In 1814, the unit had al- shipped back to Scotland ready been deployed to In June 1815, James’s or remaining at the Cape. the Cape , having arrived company received orders He applied for permission from a foray which suc- to march to Grahamstown to remain at the Cape and cessfully “liberated” Mauri- and then to Algoa Bay to this was granted on 20th tius from the occupying embark for India, in sup- June 1816. French forces in a series port of the campaign of battles augmented by against the Rajah of Nep- We are not too sure of his Indian troops between aul – after a three month whereabouts directly after 1811 and 1813. So, journey, the 1st Battalion discharge – but records James joined in 1814 was arrived only to find that indicate that there was a sent to supplement the the war had been success- severe shortage of labour 72nd companies deployed fully concluded, and they in the Cape at that stage on the Great Fish river, were ordered back to – he most probably took protecting the settlements Cape Town, landing back up one or two meagre from the Xhosa cattle rus- there in March 1816. At jobs and due to the eco- tlers which regularly this stage – James’s term nomic difficulties of living crossed the river from of service under the three in the early Cape Town, what is today known as year contract had reached eventually decided to Transkei – but also, to maturity and he would move into the unexplored

Page 15 The history of the Wright families in southern Africa

James Nehemia Wright Continued

territories to the North the evils of the demon successful missionaries. East in search of a better drink but the hard dry life. We next encounter a land mostly defeated their James met and married record which indicates him efforts. To maintain law an Afrikaner girl by the as being resident in Beau- and order, the Governor name of Johanna fort in 1823. of the Cape, Lord Charles Jacomina BOOYENS, Somerset, decided on the known as “Jenny”. Her By the mid-1700s farmers 27th November 1813 to ancestry is worth further on the first great trek into establish the town Beau- description – as she was the hinterland had moved fort on the prosperous the daughter of Barend north to find new grazing farm Hooyvlakte at the Matthijs BOEIENS and and settled along the Nu- foot of the mountains. It Elisabeth Johanna weveld Mountains. Below was named Beaufort after VENTER. This Barend these long blue moun- Henry Somerset, the 5th Matthijs BOEIENS was the tains, the vast plains with Duke of Beaufort, who grandfather of James and teeming game herds be- The Beaufort West Dutch Reformed was the father of Gover- Jenny’s second son, and church—where James Nehemia and came a hunter’s heaven. nor Lord Somerset and in accordance with the Jenny were married Then came the traders, the region was divided Scottish naming patterns, adventurers, explorers, into ten districts, or Field that’s where the names smugglers and outlaws Cornetsies. The town was “Barend Matthys George” and inevitably, lawless- renamed Beaufort West in entered the WRIGHT line. ness erupted. Amongst 1869 to prevent confusion This Barend BOEIENS was these outlaws were the with the other Beaufort – the eventual descendent men who had been ban- Fort Beaufort, on the east- of Jhoon Pieter BOJENS ished to the Beaufort area ern frontier of the Colony. born in France in 1670 after the Slagtersnek Re- and Battina Moline RUS, bellion as the Government As a discharged soldier, also born in France. considered the Karoo suf- from a well respected Joohn’s son, Pieter ficiently isolated to stop unit, James probably BOEIENS is progenitor them causing further trou- found employment as a James’ wife, Jenny. This ble. They established “bywoner” on one of the Pieter BOEIENS, married themselves in the harsh newly established farms – Gertruida BLOM on May arid world of the Nu- providing his services in 30, 1717 in Drakenstein, weveld mountains. Smug- the form of general labour Paarl, South Africa. gling was rife: arms, am- but also that of providing Gertruida BLOM was the munition and liquor, in protection to the farm- descendent of Louis de particular, fetched top stead, landowner and BERAULT, born in Nor- prices and were in con- herds – from the roaming mandy, France in 1650 tinuous demand. The hunters, smugglers, con- and Catharina van de missionaries came and victs, explorers and un- KAAP. Catharina was an tried preaching against Indian slave, (hence the surname “van de KAAP”) originating from Goa, on the Malabar Coast of In- dia. She must have ar- rived at the Cape in circa. 1670 – and was married to Louis de BERAULT on March 21, 1683 in Cape Town.

The original wagon train which carried passengers and mail between the Cape and Beaufort in the 1850’s James and Jenny were

Page 16 Volume 1, Issue 1

James Nehemia Wright Continued

available wives or hus- in the Traka Field Cor- married in Beaufort on bands to be selected as netsy of Beaufort. November 15, 1823 in the potential spouses being local Dutch Reformed Afrikaans too, the family The Traka Field Cornetsy Church. The marriage effectively lost it’s Scottish is located north east of register reflects James’ manners, adapting to that Prince Albert—and was, at name as “Jamis Nehemiah of a frontier Afrikaner so- that time—still part of the WRIGHT” and records his ciety. There is however Breaufort District. By place of origin as Scot- only one record (that of 1835 James and Jenny land. We are uncertain as Willem Lambert WRIGHT) had left Beaufort and to how James – effectively of the family being in- were living amongst the a newcomer to the Col- volved on the side of the tough rural communities ony, married an Afrikaner Boers in the Anglo Boer east of Beaufort. Their – we do however know Wars of 1899 to 1904 – only daughter, Jane that the Dutch Reformed almost as if there was an Levina was born in 1838— church in Beaufort was, unwritten rule, not to go but we are not certain as save for Swellendam or against roots, origin and to exactly where her birth Uitenhage, the only place history! took place. Barend Matthys George WRIGHT, in that region where they the second son of James Nehemia could get married. Even and Jenny WRIGHT There are records of a We next find James and today, there are strong comet with an extremely Jenny in Prince Albert – as Afrikaans roots amongst long tail being sighted in their third son, Benjamin the descendents of James the Karoo in 1825 – we Matthys WRIGHT was and Jenny. It is apparent can only presume the fas- born in the hamlet of that in the early 19th Cen- cination of those early Prince Albert on June 8th, taury in frontier South settlers, viewing such a 1840 and baptised in the Africa, the church was the celestial wonder in the Dutch Reformed Church in chief binding, dictating dark, Karoo nights. 1826 Prince Albert. and social factor, particu- saw a severe drought as larly in the more remote well as a devastating lo- At this time, when a man communities. The only cust plague which de- wanted a grazing run, or church in the Gouph re- stroyed that vegetation an extension of his allo- gion, was the Dutch Re- which managed to survive cated grazing lands, he formed Church which was the drought. No sooner looked out for a good lo- established in Beaufort in had the locust plaque sub- cation of suitable grazing 1819 and in Prince Albert sided, than Prince Albert and set up a visible bea- in 1842 – and these and the surrounding Ka- con – and then sent a re- church records clearly roo was struck by a vio- quest to the government show that all the Wright lent earthquake at 7 the to be permitted to occupy children were baptized morning of 4th September the grazing run. A com- subsequently baptised in 1826. mission, consisting of two either one of them– and or three Heemraden or were similarly The next bit of data re- Field Cornets were then “aangeneem” into the flects the birth of their directed to inspect the church as well. We can first son, John Collin locality and report as to only surmise that (a.) be- WRIGHT. His birth is re- whether the grant of this cause the community was corded as having taken land would interfere with predominantly Afrikaans in place on August 28, 1827, the rights of anyone else Beaufort and Prince Albert also in Beaufort West. and whether the applicant in the 1820’s – 1880’s, Their second son, Barend was a “proper” person to and (b.) because of the Matthys George WRIGHT have a loan place as- influence of the church, was born on 6th July 1835 signed to him. If the re- and (c.) because all of the

Page 17 The history of the Wright families in southern Africa

James Nehemia Wright Continued

port was favourable, a manent tenure and sec- James and Jenny left lease was made out – the ondly, all lands were Prince Albert in 1840 a rent being the same in all rented at the same price year later he requested instances, that of 24 Rix and thirdly, land was not permission to be allocated Dollars a year. The size of properly demarcated and land – under the govern- the allocated land was half caused significant conflict ment quitrent farm alloca- an hour’s walk in every between neighbours- and tion policy. The first quit- direction from the central lastly, loan pieces could rent farm in the area beacon and the lease was not be divided amongst (Zeekoegat) was allocated th for a period of one year heirs. On the 6th April to a Jan L. Venter on 15 only, but it became prac- 1813, a proclamation was April 1841 and soon there- tice to renew the lease by issued whereby occupants after James was granted the mere payment of the of loan pieces to have the rights to a farm, annual rent to the govern- their tenure converted to named “van Aardsfon- ment. The occupant that of perpetual quitrent. tein,” located to the north could dispose of the prop- The size of the new quit- east of Prince Albert at an erty at any time by trans- rent farms was limited to annual rental of 110 Rix ferring the lease and sell- be 3,000 morgen, and the Dollars. ing the capital improve- quitrent was determined ments (called “opstalle”). by the quality of grazing, Back in October 1813 a The Governor of the Cape, although the quitrent was Boer farmer by the name Sir John Craddock consid- generally limited to not of Frederick Cornelius Be- ered this land tenure sys- exceed 250 Rix Dollars per zuidenhout living in the tem to be fatally flawed, year. Baviaans River region of as it did not provide per- the eastern frontier, had been charged with the offence of mistreating a coloured servant. The law enforcement process had been significantly strengthened under British rule, as opposed the prac- tices under the Dutch gov- ernment – and Bezuiden- hout, understandably be- ing accustomed to the Dutch government legal inefficiencies, repeatedly ignored the summonses issued appealing to him to report to the circuit court at Graaf Rienet. He was subsequently sentenced to one months imprisonment in abstentia. In 1915 the court duly instructed the local landdrost, field cor- nets and a section from the Hottentot Corps to arrest Bezuidenhout – who on becoming aware Possibly the original homestead of the farm “van Aardsfontein,” photographed April 2006 of the arrest party’s inten-

Page 18 The history of the Wright families in southern Africa

James Nehemia Wright Continued tions, took refuge in a cave not too far from his farm. With his wife be- side him, he put up signifi- cant resistance but after a two hour gunfight, was killed by the arresting offi- cers and Hottentot sol- diers. At his funeral, at- tended by friends and family, his brother Johan- nes declared that he would never lay down his arms in the face of British rule – at least not, until the Hottentot Regiment had been disbanded and until he had wreaked vengeance on the authori- ties under who’s orders the soldiers had acted. He managed to convince a number of mourners to share his views and before the funeral had dis- banded, an insurrection The Traka region—north east of Prince Albert, towards Graaf Reinet. It was in this arid region where James and was planned. During the his sons commenced their farming operations following days, the plot- ters had engineered a plan to entice the Xhosa, called Slachters’ Nek in then Governor of the under the leadership of preparation for the libera- Cape, Henry Somerset Gaika, to join them in tion of their captured (who refused to give their uprising against the compatriots as well as for clemency to those sen- British. the start-off of the rebel- tenced to death) for their lion. A fire-fight ensued role in the Rebellion of Their plot was uncovered during which a number of October 1815 and six of thanks to one of the co- the rebels escaped and them were sentenced to conspirators confessing some Hottentot soldiers as death and were hung on their plans to the authori- well as rebels were killed van Aardt’s farm at the ties – which lead to the – the balance were even- junction of the Baviaans arrest of one of the re- tually rounded up and and Fish rivers. Seven of bels. The balance, imme- sent to Uitenhage for trial. the remaining rebels who diately rode up as a com- Having been found guilty, were also found guilty but mando and insisted on the they were transferred to who escaped the death release of their comrade the farm of Willem van sentence, were banished from the military authori- Aardt, next door to Sla- from the Graaf Reinet, ties, but to no avail. As chters’ Nek for the execu- Uitenhage and George days passed, their num- tion of their sentences. districts into what was bers swelled by like then the outskirts of the minded followers joining A number of the Boer re- Colony – a place called their ranks and they even- bels were found guilty “the Gouph.” The Gouph tually gathered at a farm under guidance of the is the region where James

Page 19 The history of the Wright families in southern Africa

James Nehemia Wright Continued

Nehemia Wright gained dry) river which runs in a watched, we presume – rights to the farm “van north-south direction, well as Pritchard duly went Aardsfontein.” It is farm to the north east of Prince about the process of re- is located – est. 120km NE Albert, in the direction of cording an inventory of all of Prince Albert – and I Willowmore, which bisects assets on the farm in am certain that one of the van Aardsfontein preparation for the sale of those banished, occupied farm. We may thus pre- execution, which was to and named the farm “van sume that Henry James take place early in the A normal clyster syringe (in Aardsfontein” in memory was actually born on the New Year. front) and the nozzle for a of the place where their farm. syringe designed for self- administration (in the back). co-conspirators were exe- It took close on six The latter avoided the need cuted by hanging. It must have been in Oc- months for the legal proc- for a second party to attend tober or November 1855, ess to follow its course, an embarrassing procedure. th At this time, presumably just after the weekly mar- and on 17 June 1852 the in order to improve the ket had been established sale in execution was con- farm and to commence in Prince Albert, that the ducted on van Aardsfon- farming operations, he messenger of the court tein. The items fetching borrowed ₤362 by mort- arrived to issue James the highest values were: gaging the farm to Pieter Nehemia with a summons • A Dutch Bible, sold to J. Johannes Swanepoel (an for the outstanding debts H. Venter for £19.0.0 amount of ₤225.0.0) and which he owed Charles to James Christie (for Pope. The faming having • A Brace and a set of ₤137.0.0). These mort- been tough, he could not bits, sold to J. H. Venter gages would eventually settle the debts before the for £11.0.0 lead to the loss of the due date and on 30th De- • A lot of sheep shears, farm! In 1842 James was cember 1855, Charles sold to J. Cloete for involved in a legal case Pritchard, a wealthy sheep £12.0.0 against Charles Pope due farmer and recognised to the non payment of a expert at farm appraise- • An interesting set of promissory note which ment as well as D. J. de items were three lots of James had issued in 1840 Wit, the local Landrost - “Lucifers”, sold G. to the value of 110 Rixdol- arrived to take into hand Marincovitz, A. Venter lar (being that of the first and to record all James’ and J. Cloete for £0.6.0 years quitrent for van worldly possessions! per lot – as were seven Aardsfontein) and an ad- James owed ₤432 12’ 6’ – lots of “Clysters” sold to ditional £38, which James due to Pieter Johannes various people for was compelled to pay by Swanepoel an amount of prices ranging from order of the court. £262 2’ 6’ and James £1.0.0 to £0.10.0 Christie of Beaufort an In 1844 James’s and amount of £137 due on • H. Cloete bought Jenny’s fourth son, Henry arrears payments on the James’ horse for John, was born and his promissory notes he had £99.0.0 whilst cows birth is registered as being earlier signed. He also fetched between in the Kouka region of owed Willem Gouws of £17.0.0. and 22.0.0. Prince Albert and was Prince Albert and amount his bulls fetched be- baptised by the Dutch of £8, an amount of £4 tween £13.0.0. and Reformed church Rever- was due to George Hegtes £35.0.0 end P. K. Albertyn – who’s of Beaufort and the • James’ second eldest signature features promi- Widow Strydom of Beau- son, Barend Matthys nently in the early family fort was owed £4. James Land Assessor and wealthy farmer: bought his fathers two Charles Pritchard circa 1883 baptism records. The never disputed any of guns for £37.0.0 and Kouka is a large (often these amounts and wilfully

Page 20 The history of the Wright families in southern Africa

James Nehemia Wright Continued

£41.0.0 as well as his left Prince Albert for good, tion documents presented fathers wagon and oxen albeit with a large amount to him by Pritchard for a fee of £260.0.0 of money in their pockets. He never officially took up There is a record of him • The farm Van Ardsfon- farming thereafter – but witnessing the community tein was sold to P. left it up to his wife to at of property will of his son Swanepoel for the least manage the financial Barend Matthys George BIBLICAL NAMES: IT princely sum of affairs. Records show and Susana Maria Mostert WAS COMMON £4,500.0.0 th that she once again took 16 July 1857. After the PRACTICE AMONG • It is also interesting to up farming in the Amas death of his wife Jenny, QUAKER, SCOTTISH note that the assessor, River district close to James signed a Power of AND DUTCH FAMILIES Attorney authorising the Charles Pritchard – was Beaufort until immediately TO GIVE THEIR prior to her death in 1871. Beaufort West attorney to an active and successful CHILDREN BIBLICAL At her death, her estate act on his behalf in the bidder on the auction! CHRISTIAN NAMES. papers indicate that she matter of the winding up THIS PRACTICE After settling the costs of left a fairly sizeable sum of Jenny’s estate – this BECAME BRIEFLY the auction as well as the to her husband and five Power of Attorney was st FASHIONABLE IN associated legal costs, children. signed on 1 July 1972. James was left with VICTORIAN BRITAIN — ₤4899.4.0 with which to We do not know when We can only presume that HENCE THE NEHEMIAH pay the ₤432 12’ 6’ out- James died – naturally, it James died soon thereaf- IN “JAMES NEHEMIAH standing debt which lead must have been after the ter at the ripe old age of WRIGHT”. to his liquidation! He paid date of the auction, as he somewhere in his eighties. his debt and he and Jenny signed the writ of execu-

Contributions, comment and criticism welcomed. Planned for Volume 1 Jack WRIGHT Issue 2 • WRIGHT’S IN THE LITTLE [email protected] KAROO • JAMES WRIGHT’S 1ST SOUTH +33 68 258 70 62 AFRICAN DESCENDENTS

• SOUTH AFRICA TIMELINE— WHO LIVED WHEN

• ROOTS IN SCOTLAND, BUT WHERE?

• MORE INDIVIDUAL ACHIE- MENTS (COATS OF ARMS)

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