Friday 1 June 1900

A SOLDIER’S MEMORIAL
In coming across the dead body of one of our comrades who had fallen in action (writes a correspondent), we found a little Church of England prayer book in his pocket, and while on the battlefield – very likely during one of the lulls in the fighting – he had scribbled, in pencil, the following lines on the fly leaf of the book. “Robert BRIGGS is my name, [....burn] is my dwelling place, and Heaven is my expectation, and when I am shot in the war, this little book will tell of the hour when he is quite forgotten.”

Tuesday 5 June 1900

DEATH OF REV. T.D. PHILIP
The death is announced of the Rev. Thos. Durant PHILIP B.A. of Graaff-Reinet, at the age of eighty one. For thirty years the devoted missionary had laboured at Hankey and later at [......] and Lovedale.

DEATH OF MISS KINGSLEY – FATAL PARACHUTE DESCENT
Journal Special
Capetown, Monday
Miss KINGSLEY, the famous West African traveller, who died at Simonstown yesterday, from the effects of an operation, was nursing the sick Boer prisoners there. By her own request she was buried at sea today, the body being taken out in a gunboat.
MICHAELIS, the parachutist, ascended from the Good Hope Gardens this afternoon, but fell in the Molteno Reservoir, and was drowned. The body is not yet recovered.

A DARING ESCAPE
Mafeking, May 30th (Reuter)
The following is the story of the escape of Samuel BOND, L.H. WHITFIELD, Fred WRIGHT, Percy WRIGHT, R.S. WRIGHT, Maurice [GR...], Peter DE VILLIERS and Piet MUGGERIDGE, who were imprisoned in Zeerust gaol for refusing to go and fight against the British. On the evening of May [23]rd, just after roll call, having obtained a revolver from a friend in town, they rushed and held up the Boer wardens, seven in number, locked them up in the gaol, and forced the head warder at the point of the revolver to deliver the keys of the other doors. They overpowered and knocked on the head a burgher, who, though imprisoned for refusing to fight, tried to prevent them from escaping. They then released 33 native prisoners, seized six rifles, and made good their escape.
WHITFIELD up to this time was armed only with a cricket bat, the prisoners having been playing cricket with the warden in the afternoon. After their escape they walked all night towards the west, and at daybreak got on a high kopje, and put up cover against possible attack. They called the hill “Fort Victoria” in honour of the Queen’s Birthday. After two nights on the veld they received news through some friendly farmers that Boer troops were marching on Zeerust. Soon after they met [PLUMOT], from whom they received [pardon].
Their original intention had been to hold the gaol, [....] all arms, and if possible armed a number of British inhabitants and overpowered the Landdrost and Commandant and started a revolution in the town. The idea, however, was abandoned, as the afternoon before the escape they received news from a friend saying the police had arrived. They therefore determined to make their escape.

Thursday 7 June 1900

PASSED AWAY at Mount Frere on May 11th 1900, John VAUGHAN, aged 43 years, deeply regretted.

PASSED AWAY, June 2nd, at Lindale, residence of Mr. S.E. AMM, Philip Evan, only son of H.H. and Alice AMM, of Johannesburg, aged 15 months.

A HERO’S DEATH
Further particulars are [to hand] of the unfortunate ambuscading of a party of Colonials at Vryheid. Lieut. LANHAM, who met his death in the encounter, comes from a highly respected family at Stoneham, near Grahamstown, who have been settled in the district for nearly half a century. Nurse LANHAM, of the P.E. Provincial Hospital, is a sister to the deceased officer, who leaves a widow and two children to mourn their loss. The LANHAM family have received many expressions of deep sympathy in their bereavement. Lieut. LANHAM died, as those knowing him fully expected he had done, fighting to the end, the word “surrender” having no place in his vocabulary. He had been heard to declare repeatedly that he would never fall into the hands of the Boers alive. This [determination] and spirit were due to the shameful treatment he received at the hands of the Boers at Krugersdorp shortly before war was declared. He was a [man of his word], and when called on to [.....] he would be [,,,,,] and [....]worthy. [Nevertheless he] fell riddled with bullets.

Saturday 9 June 1900

Mr. W.R. CHALMERS, so well known and respected on the Border, has left East London b y the [N...... ...th] for Port Elizabeth, where he will take up his permanent residence. He takes with him the kind wishes of [..........]

We learn that an event of interest took place in the Dutch Church at Somerset West on Sunday last. The infant son of Mr. J. [LAUBNER] was presented for baptism, and the name was announced as Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger. Oma Paul has evidently still some admirers left in the Colony.

Monday 11 June 1900

DIED at Grahamstown on the 10th June 1900, Ethel Maud, eldest daughter of James Montague and Elizabeth STONE, aged 24 years.

ENTERED INTO REST, at Bloemfontein Hospital, on May 19th 1900, Herbert Gray WEBSTER, aged 35 years and 10 months.
“Peace, perfect peace.”

DIED at Grahamstown, June 10th 1900, Ben Shaw Horton IMPEY, aged 53 years.
The Funeral of the late Rev. Ben IMPEY will leave his late residence, Oatlands Road, tomorrow (Tuesday) morning at half past eight o’clock. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.
A. WILL, Undertaker

OBITUARY
It is our sad duty today to record the death of Miss Ethel Maud STONE, eldest daughter of our respected fellow citizen, Mr. J.M. STONE of this city, which took place yesterday morning at about 5 o’clock. Miss STONE had been ill for the past 10 days, but every hope was entertained of her speedy recovery, and the sad end came very suddenly, and as a great shock. The shock will be felt not only by her many relatives, but by all the large circle of friends. The deceased young lady was 24 years of age. The funeral will take place this afternoon at 3:30 o’clock. We tender our sincere sympathies to the bereaved relatives.
The sad news of the death of Herbert Gray WEBSTER was received by many sorrowing relatives and friends, who deeply mourn his loss. He was the eldest son of Mr. Henry WEBSTER, formerly of Grahamstown, and being early thrown upon his own resources, he took upon himself the entire care of his two youngest sisters and brother. The last few years of his life were spent in Johannesburg, where he became a Sabbath School Teacher, and a member of the choir of the Presbyterian Church at Jeppestown, proving himself an ever willing and cheerful helper. He won the respect and confidence of all who knew him. As a refugee he came to Grahamstown, and early in December left with the 1st City Volunteers to fight for his Queen and country. Just before the forward movement from Bloemfontein, he was prostrated by fever, and after five weeks of suffering entered into rest on May 19th. He was a devoted brother and faithful friend.
Mr. Ben IMPEY, one of the best known of Grahamstown’s citizens, died last night at his residence, Oatlands Road. Mr. IMPEY has been an invalid for many years past, and his health has gradually been failing for months, so that his death was not wholly unexpected, though it was necessarily a great shock. Mr. IMPEY was one who always took a keen interest in the welfare of the city, and his loss will be deeply felt by all who had the honour of knowing him. We hope to publish in our next a fuller obituary notice of this useful life, and therefore today will just conclude these few remarks by expressing our heartfelt sympathy with the relatives and family. The funeral will take place tomorrow at 8:30 am.

Tuesday 12 June 1900

A PRETTY WEDDING
HOLMES – WEDDERBURN
This morning the West Hill Wesleyan Church was the scene of a pretty wedding, the occasion being the marriage of Albert H. HOLMES of Johannesburg to Miss Daisy WEDDERBURN, second daughter of Mr. A. WEDDERBURN of Bloemfontein. The Church was very tastefully decorated and the service was fully choral, the [majority] of the Choir under the leadership of Mr. John WEDDERBURN being present.
The ceremony was performed by Rev. A.T. RHODES, Secretary to the Conference. The bride, who looked charming, was given away (on the unavoidable absence of her father) by her uncle, Mr. John WEDDERBURN, one of the most respected citizens of Grahamstown. The bridesmaid was Miss [Frances] WEDDERBURN, older sister of the bride. Mr. D.M. BROWN of Port Elizabeth was the best man.
The bride wore a pretty travelling costume of grey, which was the tasteful work of Messrs. Muirhead & Gowie, while the bridesmaid wore a cream dress with hat to match, also from Messrs. Muirhead & Gowie. The wedding party carried lovely bouquets from the famous gardens of Messrs. W. & C. Gowie.
Miss SHORT presided at the organ and gave a fine rendering of the joyous Wedding March at the conclusion of the ceremony. After the wedding Mr. and Mrs. HOLMES held a reception at the temporary residence of the bride’s father on West Hill, where numerous congratulations were received, and the usual toasts honoured. The presents were numerous and costly.
The happy couple left by the morning’s train for Port Elizabeth and [thence] to England. We wish them not only a happy honeymoon but a prosperous voyage over life’s ocean.

OBITUARY
REV. B.S.H. IMPEY
Ben Shaw Horton IMPEY, second son of the late Rev. W. IMPEY, was born in 1847, and was consequently 53 years of age at his decease. On his mother’s side he was of a descent that will ever be highly honoured in this Colony, being grandson of the venerated Rev. William SHAW, the founder of Wesleyan Missions in the Eastern Province and Kafirland, and his father, the Rev. W. IMPEY, succeeded Mr. SHAW as the General Superintendent of those Missions, and held that important office for many years. His widow, Mrs. IMPEY Sen., still survives to mourn the decease of her husband and her two sons, and with her, as with the widow and family of Mr. Ben IMPEY, we deeply sympathise in their bereavement. The deceased was named after another Wesleyan Minister, Rev. H. HORTON, and was educated first in this Colony and afterwards in England. On his return to the land of his birth he entered the Wesleyan Ministry, and was stationed for years at the Diamond Fields, and subsequently at the great mission station of Annshaw (named after Mrs. SHAW, the wife of Rev. W. SHAW), in both which appointments he did excellent service, which was highly appreciated. Retiring about 10 years ago from the Ministry, he accepted a confidential position with the firm of Wood Brothers of this city, and settled down in Grahamstown, where he continued to dwell uninterruptedly till his death. He married Miss E.J. HELLIER, a daughter of J.B. HELLIER Esq., (so well known and valued by Colonial farmers for his efforts to promote the progress of agriculture in this Colony, and at present Editor of the Cape Agricultural Journal), and two sons and four daughters are left to mourn his loss. As a citizen he was active and earnest in the cause of progress, and will be remembered as a President of the Employe[e]s’ Association, which succeeded in obtaining the preservation of the Saturday half-holiday, so much prized by employers and employees alike. He was also Secretary to the Jubilee Festivities Committee in 1897, and for his indefatigable services in that commission he received special thanks, and the present of a timepiece. In short, it may be said that in every progressive movement, especially such as concerned the welfare of the working classes, he took an energetic interest. He was one of the original Directors of the Grahamstown Building Society, and continued to hold that office till his death. He was for many years Auditor to the Eastern Province Guardian Society, and other civic institutions. It may be truly said of Mr. IMPEY that he was universally beloved and esteemed, and enjoyed a high reputation for straightforward integrity. During his residence here he was a worshipper at Christ Church, Oatlands, while a few years ago he showed his [catholicity] of spirit by taking charge of a Men’s Bible Class which met at Commemoration Church. Never very strong in constitution, he was of late years a constant sufferer from a throat complaint, which was pronounced by his medical attendants to be incurable, and which has caused, earlier than had been expected, his lamented decease, for which, however, as a Christian of confident life, he was fully prepared.
THE FUNERAL
The Funeral of the late Mr. IMPEY took place this morning and was largely attended by all classes and sections of the community. The pall bearers were Messrs. Hon. W. AYLIFF, J. WOOD M.L.A., C.W. DOLD, E.B. DRIVER, W. WICKS and T.A.E. GARDE. The chief mourners were Mr. H. WOOD and Master Horton IMPEY (son). The burial service was conducted by Revs, Canon MULLINS and M. NORTON, the first portion of the service being held in Christ Church. Deceased was laid to rest in the family vault in the Wesleyan Cemetery, where the remainder of the service was conducted by the same clergymen. Every denomination in town was represented by its ministers. The coffin was of polished oak with heavy brass fittings, and bore the inscription “Ben Shaw Horton IMPEY, died June 10th, aged 53 years.”
Many wreaths and other memorial floral tributes were [......] and were placed on the coffin. Mr. A. WILL conducted the funeral arrangements in his usual satisfactory manner.

Wednesday 13 June 1900

MARRIED: HOLMES – WEDDERBURN
At West Hill Wesleyan Church, by Rev. A.T. RHODES, on June 12th 1900, Albert Herbert HOLMES, of Johannesburg, to Daisy, second daughter of Mr. A. WEDDERBURN, of Bloemfontein, O.R.C.

AN OLD SETTLER
Mrs. LAKE Sen. (says the Budget) spent her 90th birthday amongst her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren on 25th May. We heartily congratulate the venerable lady. Mrs LAKE is one of the very few remaining of the 1820 settlers who have done so much for South Africa. The old lady is enjoying excellent health, and for her years is strong and active.
[Transcriber’s note: She was born Sarah GRIFFIN, daughter of Thomas GRIFFIN of Bailie’s Party]

Thursday 14 June 1900

BIRTH at Beaufort Street, Grahamstown, on the 10th June, the wife of W. HALL, Salem, o a son.

FATAL ACCIDENT
A fatal accident occurred at Otto’s Kopje Mine on Saturday. It appears (says the D.F. Advertiser) that a wire rope in connection with the hauling gear snapped, as the result of which a truck ran back, killing James [MACNAMARA], an overseer, and a native.

Friday 15 June 1900

MARRIED at St.Michael and St.George’s Cathedral, Grahamstown, on the 14th June 1900, Reginald Steward, fifth son of Herbert GUEST, Grahamstown, to Lucy Edith, third daughter of James FRANCIS, late of Alice, Victoria East.

WEDDING BELLS
Yesterday at St.George and St.Michael’s Cathedral Mr. R.S. GUEST, fifth son of Mr. Herbert GUEST, was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Lucy FRANCIS, third daughter of Mr. James FRANCIS, late of Alice District. The bridesmaids were the Misses Ida and Kate FRANCIS, sisters of the bride, while Mr. Herman GUEST, of Klerksdorp, ably supported the bridegroom. The bride, who looked charming, was given away by her brother, Mr. William FRANCIS of Alice. The Rev Mr. DEVONSHIRE tied the nuptial knot. The bride’s dress, which was a cream [......] with white satin bodice, was the handiwork of Miss DREDGE, and the bridesmaids’ dresses of dove-coloured cashmere with claret-coloured velvet trimming, were made by Miss SHALLER. The hats (lovely creations) of bride and bridesmaids were made at the up-to-date Millinery Establishment of Mr. R. Restall STOCKS. We offer our congratulations to the happy couple and wish them a long life of perfect happiness.

Saturday 16 June 1900

DIED at St.John’s Wood, London, on 21st May, John HOLMES (late WHITE & HOLMES), aged 70 years.

KILLED IN ACTION
At the Relief of Mafeking, on May 16th 1900, George, third son of Alexander LOGIE, of this city, aged 38 years.

Tuesday 19 June 1900

DIED at his residence, Frere Villa, Beaufort Street, Grahamstown, on Saturday afternoon, June 16th 1900, Charles Ross GOWIE, aged 81 years and 6 months. Deeply lamented.

A VETERAN SETTLER
On the 5th inst there passed peacefully away on his farm on the Salmon River, at the ripe age of 86, one of the best known and most respected farmers in the person of Mr. James LANG Sen. The deceased gentleman had been upwards of half a century in South Africa, having arrived in [1848] in the sailing ship Gilbert Henderson, proceeding in the first instance to Grahamstown, where he was in business for a period of ten years. Subsequently he settled down on his farm [illegible], where he passed the remainder of his days. [Next sentence illegible]. He leaves a family of ten daughters and one son, besides numerous grandchildren.

OBITUARY
LATE MR. C.R. GOWIE
The late Mr. Charles Ross GOWIE was born in England in 1819 and left the Town of Hull and the Old Country on May 17th 1843 on the Clipper Ship ‘Bowes of Streatham’, Capt. FLEMING. After a voyage of 3 months the anchor was dropped in Algoa Bay on August 11th. Mr. GOWIE kept a most interesting diary of the voyage during which we find recorded details of a mutiny on the way out. The crew was drunk and mutinous and several were put in irons, but the passengers were prepared for any contingency and had their cabin doors fastened at night and loaded firearms at their sides. Their lives were undoubtedly in great danger, and the passengers were formed into watches to guard the mutinous sailors. At the close of the voyage the passengers wrote a joint letter to the Editor of the Grahamstown Journal testifying to the splendid conduct of Capt. FLEMING. To evidence the [anxious] matters of those bygone days, Mr. GOWIE in his diary [says] “Today I have [commenced] to [put my pen to paper]. We have all agreed to [detail our report] of him.”
Mr. GOWIE, who had come out in the same ship as Mr. BLAINE and from the Bay came to Grahamstown, where he arrived in [184?] and entered the business of BLAINE Bros. Mr. GOWIE spent the major part of his [..] years life in the Colony in this City and those who knew him during his business life speak of him as active, energetic and upright. He was the life (and one of our friends) of BLAINE’s. After 14 years’ service during which it was his boast he was never one day absent from business, he left BLAINE’s and became [senior] partner in the firm of Messrs. GOWIE, FORDRED, ATKINS & Co, and on the liquidation of this firm in [18..] started business on his own account as Outfitter in the [New Hive], Bathurst Street. Mr. GOWIE’s life was indeed an active one and he [....] his business [......] In truth he took a keen interest in matters appertaining to the good of the town and country and for the welfare of his fellow citizens generally.
In Church work he was an energetic and useful member of the Wesleyan Church and filled various offices, being one of the original Trustees of Commemoration Church and for many years was the effective superintendent of the Sunday School connected therewith. He was a staunch temperance worker and was D.D.C. W.C.I. of the Grand Lodge of South Africa. For nearly twenty-two years he was [....] the Temperance [....], and did an [enormous] amount of [work] [.........] with the organising of [.....].
On the discovery of the Diamond Fields [in 1870] Mr. GOWIE left this City and [started a business] which prospered in Kimberley as Outfitter and Draper. The [first shop] he opened in Kimberley was composed of a [window] frame covered with [tar] and brought by him from the wreck of the [....] at Port Elizabeth. After many years of a useful business life in Kimberley he retired and settled in the City, where he lived until his death.
Mr. GOWIE was married in 1846 to Miss SMITHSON, the wedding taking place from the home of Mr. [....] [CAWOOD] at Port Elizabeth. He had 11 children by this marriage, eight sons and three daughters.
Mr. GOWIE was […]ed […] his presence and erect bearing, being in his youth and even in his old age a […] English gentleman. He had always a cheerful word or […] for everyone, and by his death a great many citizens will feel that a gap has been made in their circle of friends.

[Transcriber’s note: This notice was barely legible and very difficult to read, but some of the dates have been confirmed from other sources. Charles Ross GOWIE’s gravestone says he was actually born in 1818 in Aberdeen, Scotland. The notice of his marriage to Mary Ann SMITHSON in the Grahamstown Journal of 7 March 1846 says that she came from Hull, Yorkshire, which is possibly how the writer of the obituary thought he was born in Hull. His marriage certificate says the ceremony took place in the Wesleyan Chapel, Port Elizabeth. This marriage states he was a widower, and I have found his first marriage to a Lois SMITH in Hull in 1839, where his father was listed as James GOWIE, tailor. There is a marriage in Aberdeen, Scotland, on 13 February 1816 between James GOWIE, tailor, and Mary ROSS. Charles’s death certificate confirms that he had eleven children.]

Wednesday 20 June 1900

PASSED AWAY at Grahamstown, June 19th 1900, Mary, relict of the late Charles LEVEY, aged 76 years.
The Funeral of the above will leave her late residence, Chapel-street, tomorrow (Thursday) morning at 9 o’clock. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.
A. WILL, Undertaker.

Thursday 21 June 1900

DIED at Boshoff, Orange River Colony, on 17th Feb, James ROGERS, aged 68 years.

[next two issues illegible]

Monday 25 June 1900

DEATH. It is with deep regret that we have to chronicle the death of Master Frank HUTCHINSON, the youngest son of Mr. David HUTCHINSON of this city, at the early age of 11 years. It is just five weeks ago since he told his mother he was not feeling well, and although medical aid was secured, and loving attention bestowed upon him, he gradually grew worse, and at half past one on Friday afternoon last he passed peacefully away. He was a bright and promising lad, and loved by his companions, as evinced by the large number (6 of whom acted as pall bearers) that followed him to his last resting place. The burial service was conducted by the Rev. J.M. [DOWE..], and the funeral arrangements, which were in the hands of Mr. A. WILL, were all that could be desired. We extend our sincere condolence to the bereaved family.

DEATH OF A GRAHAMSTOWN BOY
It is our sad duty to record the death of Castell Guybon ATHERSTONE at the age of [21] years, and son of the late Dr. Edwin ATHERSTONE M.D.
Castell ATHERSTONE left Grahamstown as a trooper with A. Squadron of Nesbitt’s Horse, and had since been in most of the engagements up to the present. The duties of the detachment to which he belonged were scouting in advance of Lord ROBERTS’s column. He was admitted to the hospital at Kroonstad, and died on the 22nd inst. of enteric fever.
Col. NESBITT O.C., Nesbitt’s Horse, has been for some time past endeavouring to arrange for the return of young ATHERSTONE to accept a commission as Lieutenant in another Squadron. The deceased held the rank of Lieutenant in St.Andrew’s Cadets.

Tuesday 26 June 1900

A PRETTY WEDDING
On June 20 at the Wesleyan Church, Russell Road, Port Elizabeth, a very pretty wedding was celebrated by the Rev. W. FROST, the contracting parties being Mr. John R. GIBSON (bookkeeper to Messrs. Bisacker, George & Co) and Miss Susy PEARCE of Oxford. The bride, who was given away by her brother-in-law, Mr. J.S. HUDSON, looked charming in a gown of white flowered silk, beautifully trimmed with chiffon lace, orange blossoms and lilies of the valley. The veil of embroidered Brussels net thrown back from her face was fastened to her hair with orange blossoms and lilies of the valley to match: she carried a shower bouquet. The bridesmaid, Miss Jessie PEARCE, sister of the bride, was attired in a pretty white lustre, trimmed with silk, and her hat of white chipped straw was prettily trimmed with white chiffon and lilies of the valley: she also had a lovely bouquet. The two little flower girls, Misses May McQUEEN and Mildred HUDSON, looked sweetly pretty in merveilleux dresses of pink and white, with bonnets to match and pretty little baskets of pink and white flowers. The bridegroom was attended by Mr. Thomas LOGIE, of Grahamstown, who ably acted as best man. Mr. Lee DAVIS presided at the organ. The presents were numerous and costly. The gift of bridegroom to the bride was a beautiful diamond bracelet. After the ceremony reception was held at Mrs. HUDSON’s, Heatherwold, Walmer Road (sister of the bride). Messrs. A. and D. JACOBSEN very suitably supplied the carriages.

DEATH OF MRS. DOWEY
A venerable inhabitant of Alice passed away on Tuesday in the person of Mrs. DOWEY Sen. Se had reached the age of [80] and was well known and much respected. The funeral, which was well attended, took place on Wednesday.

Wednesday 27 June 1900

MARRIED on the 20th June at the Wesleyan Church, Russell Road, Port Elizabeth, by the Rev. W. Frost, John R. GIBSON, of Port Elizabeth to Susy, fifth daughter of the late Stephen PEARCE of Oxford, England.

Friday 29 June 1900

MARRIED: SISSONS – TIMM
At the Wesleyan Church, Clumber, on Tuesday June 26 1900, by the Rev. T.D. Rogers, Richard SISSONS, of Indwe, to Violet Eveline, third daughter of Enos TIMM Esq, of Freestone, Clumber.

WEDDING BELLS AT CLUMBER
SISSONS – TIMM
On Tuesday the 26th June [an interesting ......] took place in the Wesleyan Church, Clumber, the occasion being the marriage of Mr. Richard SISSONS of Indwe to Miss Violet Eveline TIMM, third daughter of Mr. Enos TIMM of Freestone Farm, Clumber. The Church was prettily decorated with [.....] and arum lilies and there were a lot of persons assembled to witness the event. The ceremony was performed by the Rev T.D. ROGERS, the [Wesleyan] Minister. The bride, who was given away by her father, looked charming; she was attended by four bridesmaids, Miss Winifred M. TIMM, the sister of the bride, and Miss Ellen PURDON and Miss [C....] TIMM [....................] and Master [.....] TIMM as page boy. [The rest of the notice is virtually illegible]

PRETTY DOUBLE WEDDING
Yesterday afternoon the Baptist Church was the scene of a very pretty wedding when Misses Mary and Amy SOUTH, stepdaughters of Mr. Luke BLACKBEARD of this City, were joined in the bonds of holy matrimony to Messrs. Richard M. CHRISTOPHER (of East London) and C.J. PEARSON (of Port Elizabeth). The Brides were dressed alike and looked charming; their dresses were the work of Messrs. Muirhead & Gowie. The dresses were white with white satin [....] trains fastened at the shoulders and the orthodox wreath and veil finished the charming costumes.
Miss S. MEAKER and Miss P. SOUTH made charming bridesmaids. Their dresses, which were made by Miss DREDGE and Miss WATSON respectively, were a work of art and looked lovely. Both the Brides and bridesmaids carried bouquets, which were the production of Messrs. W. & C. Gowie.
Mr. A.M. DEMAINE and Mr. W. CAMPBELL were the best men, [.....] lively and ably assisted their principals. Mr. Luke BLACKBEARD gave away the brides and the Rev. G.W. CROSS performed the nuptial ceremony and [led] the double [.....]
Mr. R. GOWIE most ably presided at the organ and the service was fully choral. The choir was full and the Church, both upstairs and down, was packed, the congregation extending even out to the street.
The presents were numerous and costly and congratulatory telegrams were received. A splendid equipment of carriages was provided from Mr. F. VAN DER AS's renowned livery stables, and Mr. R. MILLER kindly lent his pair of horses to draw the bridal carriages.
Last night the engine which drew the train conveying the two newly-married couples played quite a musical selection on the steam hooter, a novel departure, which was most pleasing. The happy couples left for Port Elizabeth where they will spend a few days, after which Mr. and Mrs. CHRISTOPHER will sail for Capetown and Mr. and Mrs. PEARSON for East London. May all joy and happiness attend them on their journey through life.
[Transcriber’s note: The marriage entry shows that the initials of the second bridegroom should be C.I., not C.J., standing for Charles Isaac]

Saturday 30 June 1900

MARRIED: PEARSON – SOUTH
At the Baptist Church by the Rev. G.W. Cross, Charles I. PEARSON, son of Stephen PEARSON Esq., late of P.E., to Amy S. SOUTH, daughter of the late G. SOUTH Esq., of Grahamstown. No cards.

MARRIED: CHRISTOPHER – SOUTH
At the Baptist Church by the Rev. G.W. Cross, Richard M. CHRISTOPHER, son of the late J. CHRISTOPHER Esq., Llanelly, South Wales, to Celia Mary SOUTH, daughter of the late G. SOUTH Esq., of Grahamstown. No cards.