| 8. | Kidger Tucker was born on 30 Mar 1834 in Canterbury, Kent, England (son of John Tucker and Mary Kidger); died on 23 Aug 1913 in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. Other Events and Attributes:
- Occupation: a Survey Draughtsman
Notes:
he was bank manager at Craddock, farmer in the E Cape, moved to diamond fields and later to the gold fields. He was a survey draughtsman.
Personal History
by Kidger Tucker
SOURCE: Rand Pioneer Women by Shirley Maureen Williams
My earliest memory of any public event is taken to the top of a house close to the Westgate to get a good view of the Queen and Prince Albert as they passed in their carriage through Canterbury on their tour of the country soon after their marriage. I think this was in 1840 [or 1846? - very faint] as that date is the first one very impressed on my memory.
My father died while I was about 7 years old. At 12 I was sent to school at Birmingham. I had been there not a full year when my mother died. This before I was 14 yeas years of age I was left, with kind brothers and sisters certainly, but none of them wealthy and practically I had to earn a living from that time. I tried several ways of starting myself in life, but finding everything unsatisfactory in England.
I determined to go abroad and my brothers John and Henry and sister Sarah (afterwards Mrs. Francis KING) having settled in South Africa and sending home good reports, I determined to follow them. At 16 years of age - with the assistance of my brother Joseph and uncle William KIDGER - who saw me off - I took a passage in the Wigrams, a full rigged ship of 300 tons and sailed for the land of promise.
I was a boy of some spirit and enjoyed the experience immensely. The Captain (THURBELL), mates and sailors were kind and as I could sketch a bit I made drawings of the ship etc. for them and had a good time. Three months to a day the voyage lasted and I felt sorry to go ashore. I landed on the shoulders of a Fingo through the surf and was very kindly received by
the Rev. John WILSON, Wesleyan Minister then in charge at Port Elizabeth.
Landed at Port Elizabeth on 5 Oct 1850.
From Port Elizabeth I journeyed to Cradock over the Zuurberg with a Dutchman who knew no English in a Boer bullock wagon. I was astonished at the wide spreading horns of the oxen, especially the two front ones. Nowadays we seldom see them. At that time before the lung sickness almost obliterated the herds of cattle in the country they were very common in South Africa.
The journey occupied the month and I arrived in Cradock where my brothers were living on 5 Nov 1850 in the evening. In the evening a great show of fireworks, intended to commemorate the discovery of Guy Fawkes' plot was made by the young people of the town, and of course I had my share of the fun and it has served to fix the date in memory.
All I saw in Cradock was strange and new, but my long journey in company with a Dutch speaking conductor was of great service to me in the way of instructing me into the mysteries of the language of the country and I soon made myself. acquainted wit it sufficiently to enable me to take a billet as a book-keeper to one of the Cradock merchants.
In December of the same year the Kaffir War broke out and I became the youngest member of the Cradock Volunteer Corps and did my share in the work done by that body. This broke me into Colonial life. After the war I joined the prospecting party of KING and CAWOOD to Namaqualand in search of copper and gained a good deal of experience of rough pioneering which exactly suited my inclination, but in advancing my worldly position it did not go for much.
After my return to Cradock from this expedition I settled again to book-keeping and became first cashier to the Cradock Union Bank. In October 1855 I married the daughter of one of the Albany settlers of 1820, William HARTLEY of Grahamstown. This year is the year of our Golden Wedding, if we both survive the winter now upon us.
My wife's health failing in 1859 we moved to British Kaffraria where Col. MCLEAN granted me a farm on the Nagoon River, my services in the late war having been favourably mentioned to him.. On this farm I gained a good deal of experience, having to start from the grass - in building, breaking up the land and every description of actual hard work with the rawest of raw red kaffirs as assistants. On this farm we lost two children born there.
About Christmas 1862 we returned on a visit to Cradock and having a farm offered in the Cradock district we arranged to continue there and let the Kaffrarian farm.
Afterwards we moved into the Queenstown district and while there the Diamond Fields were discovered and, leaving my family in Queenstown I went (1870) to the Vaal River in charge of a party, was fairly successful, and fetched up my family. Started a business (1871) first at De Beers then at New Rus [New Rush] or Colesberg Kop, now Kimberley. Did well until the water
difficulty arose on Kimberley mine, tried du Toit's Pan, returned to Kimberley - hard uphill work.
Became chief draughtsman to Col. LANYON, until annexation of Griqualand to the Cape. Became secretary of the Central Diamond Mining Company, Kimberley, until shortly before the amalgamation with De Beers (26 Aug 1886), left with my son Henry for the Goldfields in the Transvaal.
Was present at the various proclamations of farms. Made the sale plan of Marshall's township. Floated some of the companies and was successful in many of the enterprises still in existence, but the depression? and slump in shares threw me out of the running and for the last tenure? I have kept out of the rush and bustle, preferring the quiet of office work - in which I
am presently engaged.
In 1895? I was one of the deputation sent to Cape to interview the Governor with respect to the so-called rebellion in the time of the SOUTHEY government .... Messrs RAUSCH, GOODCHILD, REID and TUCKER.
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Kidger TUCKER (1834-1913) came to South Africa as a boy of 16. He arrived on the "Wigrams" in 1850. His father was John TUCKER, a glass and china dealer in Canterbury, England (1794-1842) His mother was Mary KIDGER (1798-1847). Kidger TUCKER married Sarah Ann HARTLEY ( 1834-1919 ) at Commemoration Church in Grahamstown on 10 Oct 1855. She was the daughter of William HARTLEY, known as "the Settler Poet".
Kidger was a bank manager in Cradock, farmed in the Kingwilliamstown and Cradock districts and in 1869 joined the rush to the Diamond Fields in Kimberley. He had a general merchant's business and was a prominent operator in the diamond market.
He left Kimberley with his third son Henry, to travel to the Rand, setting out on 26 Aug 1886. Their equipment, which cost £70, was paid for by his four sons. It took eight days to reach Clerk's Dorp. [Klerksdorp?]. They spent three days in Potchefstroom and reached Ferreira's Camp on Bezuidenhout's Farm on 9 Sep 1886.
They refused three claims offered to them at Driefontein but claimed 10 at Doorfontein. He spent four months travelling from one area to another, following reports of good findings of gold. On January 12th 1857 a syndicate was formed in Kingwilliamstown for the working of the claims owned by the group. There were 22 members of the Vierfontein Farm Gold Mining Co.
Kidger was an artist and cartoonist of great ability. He was called upon to draw plans of many of the early claims and drew the original plan of Johannesburg, then called Bezuidenhout's Dorp. It was not accepted and many of the streets, such as Fox Street, were made narrower.
Kidger and his family lived on the farm "Concordia", just south of Johannesburg, between Uncle Charlie's and Baragwanath, now Crown Mines Property. He and his wife, Sarah Ann, are buried in the Braamfontein Cemetery. Of their thirteen children, four sons and four daughters survived. The youngest of these children was Ethel Hartley TUCKER (1873-1940). She was
born in Queenstown and educated at the Wellington Girl's Seminary and in Kimberley. Ethel married Clement James CROXFORD (1871-1937). He was born in Grahamstown on 30 Nov 1871, son of John CROXFORD, a well known pioneer of the Rand. Clem arrived on the Rand from Kimberley in 1887, he was educated at St. Andrew's College in Grahamstown. He worked on the Gold Mines and later, after his health deteriorated he worked on the gate at the Turffontein Race Course.
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Death of Mr. C. CROXFORD. Well-Known Rand Pioneer.
The death of Mr. Clement James CROXFORD, a well-known and popular pioneer, who arrived on the Rand from Kimberley in January, 1887, took place in Johannesburg yesterday morning, Mr. CROXFORD was born at Grahamstown on 30 Nov l871, and was a son of the late John CROXFORD who was a well- known pioneer of the Rand.
He married Miss Ethel TUCKER, the youngest daughter of the late Kidger TUCKER.
Mr.CROXFORD, who was educated at Grahamstown, worked on the first Robinson Gold Mining Co. battery as an amalgamator and later for the Klerksdorp Cold Mining Co. He then returned to Johannesburg where he had lived ever since. He was a member of the Pioneers of the Transvaal Gold Fields.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters and one son. The funeral will take place today. [no dates supplied]. Newspaper cutting.
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Ethel and Clem had four children. The eldest, a daughter, Florence. She was born on the farm "Concordia", (1897- 1986). As a child, Florrie had all her cousins at Concordia for playmates. There were about 25 cousins on the farm. One of the older cousins taught the younger ones until they were about nine years old. Florrie, at that age, went to live with her mother's sister in Judith's Paarl and attended the Troyeville Primary School. She did well and was the leader in the club swinging.
When Florrie was 16 she met George TOMLINSON (1892-1930), who was farming with his brother. They became engaged when she turned 20 but were never allowed out without a chaperone. Her father would not allow the marriage to take place until George was established on a farm of his own. They waited six years and finally married on 26 Jan 1924.
Dulcie Ethel TOMLINSON, their daughter, was born ten months later in November 1924, followed by the birth of their second daughter, Aileen Florence. She was born four years later in 1929. Dulcie married Alfred John BURROWS, born 1921.
Aileen married and is Mrs. R.G. SALMON.
Ethel and Clem's only son Cecil (Buller) was born on 17 Oct 1899.
Cecil CROXFORD was married to Winifred PEGG in Cape Town in 1926. They moved to Johannesburg and were blest with three children.
Ronald Kenneth, Neville Dennis (deceased), Eve Shirley.
Eve married Derek MOORE, and Eve is the extremely efficient Hon. Secretary of RWP. [Rand Women Pioneers].
SOURCE:
Rand Pioneer Women by Shirley Maureen Williams
#
Kidger Tucker's Diary
On 26th August, 1886.
Henry and I started for the Goldfields with scotch cart on springs drawn by four mules, taking Andries, a Basuto with us as general factotum.
The cost of the turn out was £70.
Scotch cart and mules 55.5.0.
Provisions and clothing about 51.10.0.
This money we raised by the sale of three £10. Central Shares belonging to Henry and Burt for £45.15.0. and £25 contributed by Willie and Ted.
Having made our adieus we left home at half past 4 o'clock. Sarah Anne, Willie, Ted and Mr. BARRAT accompanying us as far as Kreils Dam where we parted and took our several ways.
It being about sundown and the going heavy - the course to Felsters was missed and at about 8 o'c we outspanned and made first al fresco meal and shakedown. Slept well and rested in spite of GROWER's man demanding 20/- for damage in making a fire to cook coffee. We however did not pay - but explained how we were obliged to stop on account of having missed the road. I thought the demand was not so bad considering the fire was on a piece of bare ground say 2 ft. square, and the farm i.e. not worth more than 10/- a morgen.so that if GROWER could get his whole farm taken up for fireplaces at the price demanded he would be able to give up his butchery.
Friday morning at 6 o'c started again and stopped at Andersen's place. Had to send the mules about 2 and half miles to get water. Inspanned and started at quarter to 12 and outspanned at Grandies at 5 o'c delayed sometime filling the Vantje at a spring on the wayside. Grancus Chariots Dale. Left Grandies at 5 on to 4 o'c and stayed at Rus Vaalem at quarter to 6.
Slept!
Started at quarter to 6 on Saturday and reached the Vaal River at Blignauts Pont at 9 o'c. Found Rob DAY and Algy with KAVANGH on the other side. Joined them and had breakfast, washed and fed the mules. Bought 4 bags forage, which we tied behind the cart and pushed on at 1 o'c. Algy taking the rear, about 3 o'c discovered that Henry's mattress had fallen from the cart and sent Andries back to seek it, he riding one of Rob's horses and we spanning one of our mules in the horses place - our little brown mule having to pull Unicorn fashion in this way we travelled to Osborne Pont and shop on the Vaal River where we gave the animals a rest. The boy returned too late for the resumption of our journey, the road being new and the nights being moonless, and the horse ridden by the boy was blown up so that we administered brandy by dipper. Settled down for the night.
Henry sleeping in the cart but not too ..... owing to the voracity of the mules tied to the cart.
On August, Sunday 20th. [something wrong with this date?]
At 7 o'c we hitched the cattle to the carts and moved on as far as Christiana, a wretched poverty-stricken looking place, the Main Street being almost knee deep in loose sand, and the houses having a neglected appearance. The graveyard contains about 50 graves only one being marked by a tombstone and that a Jew's one, WICHLONEM and an enclosure of iron
railings. There appears to be a church which was once planted with flowers and cared for, but now looks like the grave of one whose husband or wife has remarried and cares no longer for the dear.
At 9 o'c we outspanned on the banks of the Vaal about half a mile north of Christiana with the village full in view, and seeking a sheltered spot made our camp fire and rested. At half past 3 we again got on the road and jogged on until 6 o'c when we outspanned where water could be had at a farm about half a mile below the road. Here we found a Dutch family on their way home to their home in the Transvaal. They had wonders to tell of the richness of their particular farms - 2 buckets of ground yielding 3 02. gold. We were just far enough away to appreciate the singing of their evening hymns amongst which we recognised the old 100th Psalm.
On August, Monday the 30th
We started at 7 o'c and at half past 10 outspanned at Bloemhoff, which is a much more respectable looking place than Christiana, but situated similarly on the North bank of the Vaal. Here I posted a letter to home and we bought some fresh meat and bread. HAGANMEYER had overtaken us just as we were inspanning in the morning and here we found him outspanned and repairing his harness. At quarter past 5 we moved on and passed one or two farms. Outspanned at a shop alongside of a large pan where flamingos -were in considerable numbers and many kaffirs [sic] returning to their homes were camped down around the kraals. Here we arrived at quarter past 6 had a river fish for supper grilled on the gridiron. Had our coffee &c and got to bed. Having left HAGANMEYER in Bloemhoff - he arrived alongside soon after we were camped down. The nights are very cold - found ice in our buckets &c.
Tuesday, 31st August, 1886.
Left the flamingo pan at quarter to 7 travelled 2 hours and outspanned for water, a Dutchman watching all the while to take the mules if they ventured through the sluit to his veldt.
Inspanned and travelled one hour - stepped in a well grassed hollow to ........[relieve?] ourselves and mules at 5 mins to 11 o'c. Very little game has yet been seen - a few springboks in one place and a few Koraans being all.
At quarter to 1 o'c we moved on and arrived at the shop of LISK and Bros at 10 to 3 o'c. Found HAGAMEYER outspanned, and at the Blacksmith's shop on the place found .... JACKSON, son of R. JACKSON who used to be Henry's storeman in Cradock. Eggs abundant at 9d. per doz.
Left LISK and Bros at quarter past 4 passing a place marked "Uitspan Hert" and outspanned at half past 5 on a neck where plenty of grass made things comfortable for the mules and horses. HAGAMEYER left just before us, but took a wrong road so we did not see him again this evening. HENDRICKS with 2 horses joined us at Sisks [?]. Algy's horses appear to be getting weak - and our little mule is not so fresh as when we started. Much of the country has been burnt.
Wednesday, 1st September, 1886.
Knee-haltered the mules and horses at 4 o'c and let them feed. Inspanned and moved on at 7 o'c travelled through burnt country until 9 when we outspanned at Leeukop, RENSBURG's farm, and made breakfast and washed. Moved on at 12 o'c and reached the farm of Klein Jan VAN DEHOOR, Jakalesfontein, at quarter past 2.
The country we passed through was very pretty and in some places well sprinkled with thorn trees.
Left Jackal's Fontein at 20 past 4 and stopped for the night at 20 past 5 at a brook of water running across a leigte [?]. Plenty of green.
Thursday, 2nd September, 1866
Started at quarter to 7. Stopped at quarter to 9, plenty of water and grass. HAGAMEYER pushing ahead of us but Algy's horses must be treated with consideration.
Went on at 11 o'c and outspanned in Clerks Dorp at 12 to purchase meat and forage. FABER (with 6 horses and 5 wagon) came over to see me, said he was also on his way to the Goldfields and hoped to meet me there.
Moved on at quarter past 3 and outspanned at half past 5. Started again at 8 and rode until quarter to 9. Had to send the mules a long way for water.
Spanned in at 10 till 12 p.m.
Friday morning 3rd September 1886.
Spanned in at 5 to 7 and reached Potchefstroom at 20 past 10.
Algy's horses being knocked up we gave him one of the mules - this detailed us a good deal. Oranges 12 for 1/-.
Spent the remainder of the day, Saturday and Sunday in Potchefstroom. INNES was away to the Barberton Goldfields, but is expected back shortly, we shall probably meet him at Wit Waters Rand. [Witwatersrand] Mary was very kind to us, asked us to put the cart and mules in the yard, but having others in company we thought it better to decline, still we spent a good deal of our time in the house writing our letters &c.
The little girls we particularly admired, eight all ......and yet the house was as orderly as a boarding school. I wrote their names in James' family bible.
On Sunday we attended the Wesleyan Church and heard Mr. THELDON in the morning and Mr. WENYAN in the evening. I took a sketch of the fort and learnt some particulars of the .......
Monday 6th Sept. 1886.
Started at quarter past 7 o'c and reached our first outspan at 25 to 10. Had breakfast, moved on at 5 to 12 stayed at 5 to 1 at Stompoor Vontein to water the mules, stayed three quarters of an hour. Travelled on and outspanned for dinner at 20 to 3.
Moved on at 5 o'c and travelled till 5 to 7, when we outspanned for the night near the Mooi River. Here a party of Boers on their way from Stellaland passed us on their way to the Gold Fields. They used some of the usual language concerning the British Government and its action with regard to Stellaland. At quarter past 7 on Tuesday morning we started out and in about an hour stopped at Wonderfontein and after breakfast visited the Cave, which consists of the interior of the rock formation probably extending under the whole of the surrounding country - a strong stream rushes along the lowest gallery - we could not follow far enough to find its source nor its end as the passages became too narrow - the [roof?] was at one time hung with stalactites but the GOTHS and vandals have been in and carried off all worth having.
SOURCE:
Rand Pioneer Women by Shirley Maureen Williams
Kidger married Sarah Ann Hartley on 10 Oct 1855 in Grahamstown Chapel (Commemoration), Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Sarah (daughter of William John Hartley, 1820 Settler and Mary Cawood, 1820 Settler) was born on 4 Mar 1834 in Morning farm, Tarka District, Eastern Cape, South Africa; was christened on 21 Jul 1834 in Bathurst, Eastern Cape, South Africa; died on 16 Oct 1919 in South Africa. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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1921 - 2010 (88 years)
