James Sweetnam, 1820 Settler

Other Events and Attributes:

• 1820 Lineage: Yes
• Settler ID: 742
• Settler: 7 Jan 1820, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England

Notes:

Born at Sittingbourne, Kent, England, on the
16th August, 1812.
On 17th July, 1937, he was married in St. George's Church, Grahamstown, by the Rev. John Heavyside, to ELIZA ALEXANDRINE SMITH, born 19th May, 1819, Montmartre, Paris, France. Witnesses, Henry Talbot and Ruth Talbot née Sweetnam. Her parents were John Joseph Smith and Marie Anne Josephine Smith née de Fallaux, 1820 Settlers or Rowles' Party.

James Sweetnam died on 23rd May, 1887, aged 74 years 9 months. His widow, Eliza died on 2nd August, 1902, at Zuiwerfontein, Post Retief, Winterberg. They are both buried in the church-yard at Post Retief, where tombstones mark their graves.
They had thirteen children.

Here follows an extract from, probably, the Fort Beaufort Advocate of June, 1887:
We have been favoured with the following particulars concern¬ing the life of the late Mr. James Sweetnam whose demise we noticed in our last, and which we are sure will be read with interest by all who knew him.
James Sweetnam was born at Sittingbourne, Kent, England, 16th August, 1812. When 8 years old, his parents, with 2 of their daughters brought him to this Colony with the celebrated British Settlers of 1820. They came by the sailing vessel "Weymouth* which contained the emigrants called the "Dover Party".
At twenty years of age he arrived here in the Winterberg where a few years afterwards Miss Smith became his wife, who, in widowhood deeply mourns his loss.
Before the 1850 war he was appointed Field Cornet and resiqned after holding the appointment a good few years. During the war the burghers were under his command, and it is a significant fact that it is close to the Farm "Sittingbourne", Lower Bllnkwater, became his property by a special grant from the Government in honourable recognition of his services in the field. For several years he sat in the Divisional Council representing the Winterberg and Blinkwater Wards. About twelve years ago the honour of being a Justice of the Peace was accorded him. Nearly 10 years past (cl876), the Captaincy of the “Winterberg Greys” volunteers fell to his lot, the command of whom he also held throughout the 1878 war, and likewise the Tambookie and Basuto Wars.
Mr. Sweetnam was a Church-warden a long time and always took great interest in Church and School matters: indeed the erection of the Church and Parsonage has boon to e large extent due to his exertions. From his family, neighbours and all who knew him sufficient evidence is bourne to prove that he possessed in good measure the qualities of a Christian; a kind husband and an affectionate father. He suffered for two years from the disease (heart disease contracted through exposure to cold and damp in Basutoland war) which has just taken him away from us. For some time past he knew he could not live much longer. Before the end came he was resigned, had prayers with the family and then calmly went to sleep on Monday 23rd May, 1887. On Tuesday the deceased was buried in the church-yard, the Inscription on the coffin being "James Sweetnam born August, 1812 at Sittingbourne England".
Gathered around the grave were many friends and relatives from far and near, bearing testimony to the good character of the departed one, thus showing their last respect and esteem in which he was held. From his life and death one cannot but say that his memory will be a blessed one. Whilst others around us sleep in the dust, he, no doubt will be held in affectionate remembrance. He was blessed in this life, became a blessing amongst the people, and now we believe he is blessed in the life that is beyond us, for we feel assured that he has found in Heaven the mercy which every human spirit so much needs.


Numerous descendants of James SWEETNAM spell their surname SWEETMAN. This variance was noted and established during legal proceedings ending in 1910.
Reference: Messers Hockley and Sutton of Fort Beaufort or Successors.

Settler:
Menezes' party on the Weymouth

James married Eliza Alexandrine Smith, 1820 Settler on 17 Jul 1837 in Grahamstown, South Africa. Eliza (daughter of John Joseph Smith, 1820 Settler and Marie Anne Josephe Fallaux, 1820 Settler) was born on 19 May 1819 in Montmatre, Paris, France; died on 2 Aug 1902 in Zuiwerfontein, Post Retief, Winterberg, Eastern Cape, South Africa; was buried in Post Retief, Eastern Cape, South Africa. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
James Sweetman
marital status: bachelor
residence: of this Parish
and
Eliza Alexandrine Smith
marital status: spinster
residence: of this Parish
were married in this Church
17 July 1837 by Banns, with consent of the Matrimonial Court, by John Heavyside Acting Chaplain
This marriage was solemnized between us
groom signature: James Sweetman his X mark
bride signature: Eliza Alexander Smith her X mark
witnessed by: H. Talbot, Ruth Talbot her X mark

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9TWM-S95B

1. James Joseph Sweetnam was born on 29 Jan 1839 in Kareiga, South Africa; was christened on 31 Mar 1839 in Grahamstown, South Africa; died on 29 Jun 1922 in Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape, South Africa; was buried in Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
2. Thomas Henry Sweetnam was born on 22 Jun 1840 in Kareiga, South Africa; was christened on 22 Nov 1840 in Grahamstown, South Africa; died on 8 Aug 1905 in East London, South Africa; was buried in East London, South Africa.
3. Mary Jane Sweetnam was born on 24 Aug 1841 in Winterberg, South Africa; was christened on 23 Sep 1841 in Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape, South Africa; died on 11 Aug 1872 in Bethulie, Free State, South Africa.
4. Eliza Amelia Sweetnam was born on 28 Jan 1843 in Kareiga, South Africa; was christened on 6 Aug 1843 in Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape, South Africa; died on 20 Nov 1919 in Mossel Bay, South Africa.
5. Hannah Rosina Sweetnam was born on 28 Nov 1844 in Kareiga, South Africa; was christened on 24 Aug 1845 in St George's Cathedral, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa; died on 16 Oct 1893; was buried in Glen Grey District, South Africa.
6. John Barton Sweetnam was born on 30 Jan 1849; was christened on 4 Mar 1849 in Winterberg, South Africa; died on 7 Aug 1863 in Post Retief, South Africa; was buried on 14 Aug 1863 in Post Retief, South Africa.
7. Joseph Adolphus Sweetnam was born on 30 Aug 1850 in Kareiga, South Africa; was christened in Nov 1850 in Winterberg, South Africa; died on 5 Mar 1931 in Estcourt, South Africa.
8. Alfred Gustavus Sweetnam was born on 19 Dec 1853 in Kareiga, South Africa; was christened on 12 Feb 1854; died on 3 Jun 1929 in Grahamstown, South Africa; was buried in Grahamstown, South Africa.
9. Charles Frank Sweetnam was born on 15 Oct 1855 in Kareiga, South Africa; was christened on 10 Feb 1856; died on 29 Jul 1938 in Uitenhage District, South Africa.
10. Elizabeth Josephine Sweetnam was born on 30 Jul 1857 in Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape, South Africa; was christened on 23 Aug 1857; died on 7 Jan 1934 in Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape, South Africa; was buried in Post Retief, South Africa.
11. Theodore Sweetnam was born on 4 May 1859; died on 11 May 1859; was buried in Post Retief, South Africa.
12. Sarah Alexandrina Sweetnam was born on 14 May 1860 in Post Retief, Eastern Cape, South Africa; was christened on 26 Oct 1868; died on 26 Oct 1868 in Post Retief, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
13. Amy Henrietta Adelina Sweetnam was born on 11 Mar 1862 in Kareiga, South Africa; died on 5 Mar 1936; was buried in Port Alfred, South Africa.

Other Events and Attributes:

• 1820 Lineage: Yes
• Settler ID: 744
• Name: Thomas Sweetnam 1820
• Occupation: a Wheelwright
• Settler: 7 Jan 1820, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England

Notes:

SWEETNAM in AE Makin and SWEETMAN in MD Nash

THOMAS AND JANET (JAN E ) SWEETNAM AND THEIR DESCENDANTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

THOMAS SWEETNAM, wheelwright, aged 46, end his wife JANE, aged 39, were residents of Deal, Kent, when they signed up to come to South Africa with William Menzies* Party in 1820. This Kent Party of 51 was also known as the Dover Party because their leader William Menzies end his wife Mary were from Dover.
The ship "Weymouth" left Portsmouth in January, 1820, and arrived in Algoa Bay during May, 1820.
Thomas and Jane were accompanied by their four children, MARY born 1803, who came out as Mrs. George Hayward, JAMES born 1812, HANNAH born 1815 and RUTH born 1817. Their fifth child, RICHARD, was born during the voyage on the 7th April, 1820.
Menzies' Party was located on the upper Kareiga River, next to John Parkin's Party of thirty from Devonshire.
In 1821, soon after the party arrived in the Kareiga valley, William Menzies died at "Devonshire Farm", aged 29, leaving his young wife Mary, a widow. (On the 4th February, 1822, at Grahamstown, Mary Menzies née Whitnall, was married to Benjamin Patrick, widower, of Salem.)
After the death of William Menzies, Thomas Sweetnam took charge of the party. The area is known as "Sweetnams Post".
Thomas Sweetnam was born in Warbleton, Sussex, in 1773 or 1774, son of Thomas Sweetnam and Mary Kemp. During the Napoleonic Wars, 1802-1615, Thomas served in the Royal Navy. He was a Warrant Qfficer on H.M.S. Orion at the battle of Trafalgar, 21.10.1805, and also fought at Copenhagen, Cape St. Vincent and The Nile.
While temporarily released from the Royal Navy during the Peace of Amiens, he married, on the 26th December, 1802, JANET (JANE) BARTDN, daughter of Thomas Barton and Mary Barton of Wartllng, Sussex. Jane was born 12th April, 1780, and christened on 8th June, 1781, at Wartling, Sussex.
Two more children were born to Thomas and Jane Sweetnam, both at Sweetnam's Post on the Kareiga River. THOMAS, born on 15th August, 1822, and BENJAMIN, born on 19th March, 1826,
About 1832-1833, Thomas Sweetnam and family left the Kareiga and settled at Post Retief in the Winterberg, Fort Beaufort district. The name of their farm was "Zuiwerfontein".
Thomas Sweetnam died in October, 1857. His widow, Jane Sweetnam died in September, 1867. A tombstone marks their grave In the Church-yard at Post Retief.
Extracts "8uriels Register", of St. John the Evangelist Church, Post Retief, Parish of Winterberg, Division off Fort Beaufort : Thomas Sweetnam, of Zuiwerfontein, Winterberg, buried 22nd October, 1857, 82 years, died 19th October, 1857. Jane Sweetnam, of Zuiwerfontoin, buried 21st September, 1867, 8B years 5 months.
Fort Beaufort, is an important And progressive centre. The town is surrounded by the Kat and Brak Rivers, situated south of the Winterberg. The old Fort, built in 1822 and still preserved, was an important military centre in the Kaffir Wars of 1837 and 1846.
Post Retief, a farming area in the Winterberg, north of Fort Beaufort, surrounded by mountains, and named after Piet Retief the Voortrekker Leader who was murdered by the Zulu King, Dlngaan, on the 6th February, 1838. Post Retief was an important military post during the kaffir wars - some of the buildings and walls of the Post are still standing today.


SWEETNAM in AE Makin and SWEETMAN in MD Nash

THOMAS AND JANET (JAN E ) SWEETNAM AND THEIR DESCENDANTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

THOMAS SWEETNAM, wheelwright, aged 46, end his wife JANE, aged 39, were residents of Deal, Kent, when they signed up to come to South Africa with William Menzies* Party in 1820. This Kent Party of 51 was also known as the Dover Party because their leader William Menzies end his wife Mary were from Dover.
The ship "Weymouth" left Portsmouth in January, 1820, and arrived in Algoa Bay during May, 1820.
Thomas and Jane were accompanied by their four children, MARY born 1803, who came out as Mrs. George Hayward, JAMES born 1812, HANNAH born 1815 and RUTH born 1817. Their fifth child, RICHARD, was born during the voyage on the 7th April, 1820.
Menzies' Party was located on the upper Kareiga River, next to John Parkin's Party of thirty from Devonshire.
In 1821, soon after the party arrived in the Kareiga valley, William Menzies died at "Devonshire Farm", aged 29, leaving his young wife Mary, a widow. (On the 4th February, 1822, at Grahamstown, Mary Menzies née Whitnall, was married to Benjamin Patrick, widower, of Salem.)
After the death of William Menzies, Thomas Sweetnam took charge of the party. The area is known as "Sweetnams Post".
Thomas Sweetnam was born in Warbleton, Sussex, in 1773 or 1774, son of Thomas Sweetnam and Mary Kemp. During the Napoleonic Wars, 1802-1615, Thomas served in the Royal Navy. He was a Warrant Qfficer on H.M.S. Orion at the battle of Trafalgar, 21.10.1805, and also fought at Copenhagen, Cape St. Vincent and The Nile.
While temporarily released from the Royal Navy during the Peace of Amiens, he married, on the 26th December, 1802, JANET (JANE) BARTDN, daughter of Thomas Barton and Mary Barton of Wartllng, Sussex. Jane was born 12th April, 1780, and christened on 8th June, 1781, at Wartling, Sussex.
Two more children were born to Thomas and Jane Sweetnam, both at Sweetnam's Post on the Kareiga River. THOMAS, born on 15th August, 1822, and BENJAMIN, born on 19th March, 1826,
About 1832-1833, Thomas Sweetnam and family left the Kareiga and settled at Post Retief in the Winterberg, Fort Beaufort district. The name of their farm was "Zuiwerfontein".
Thomas Sweetnam died in October, 1857. His widow, Jane Sweetnam died in September, 1867. A tombstone marks their grave In the Church-yard at Post Retief.
Extracts "8uriels Register", of St. John the Evangelist Church, Post Retief, Parish of Winterberg, Division off Fort Beaufort : Thomas Sweetnam, of Zuiwerfontein, Winterberg, buried 22nd October, 1857, 82 years, died 19th October, 1857. Jane Sweetnam, of Zuiwerfontoin, buried 21st September, 1867, 8B years 5 months.
Fort Beaufort, is an important And progressive centre. The town is surrounded by the Kat and Brak Rivers, situated south of the Winterberg. The old Fort, built in 1822 and still preserved, was an important military centre in the Kaffir Wars of 1837 and 1846.
Post Retief, a farming area in the Winterberg, north of Fort Beaufort, surrounded by mountains, and named after Piet Retief the Voortrekker Leader who was murdered by the Zulu King, Dlngaan, on the 6th February, 1838. Post Retief was an important military post during the kaffir wars - some of the buildings and walls of the Post are still standing today.

There are records of other possible children of Thomas Sweetman and Jane:
Thomas b 1 Jul 1803 in Burwash, Sussex
Jane b 3 Apr 1806 in Burwash, Sussex
William b 7. Apr 1808 in Burwash, Sussex


Settler:
Menezes' party on the Weymouth

Thomas married Jane Barton, 1820 Settler on 20 Dec 1802 in Wartling Parish Church,Wartling, Sussex, England. Jane (daughter of Thomas Barton and Mary, - wife of Thomas Barton) was born on 12 Apr 1780 in Wartling, Sussex, England; was christened on 8 Jun 1781 in Wartling, Sussex, England; died in Sep 1867; was buried on 21 Sep 1867 in Post Retief, Eastern Cape, South Africa. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• 1820 Lineage: Yes
• Settler ID: 26
• Name: Jane 1820
• Settler: 7 Jan 1820, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England

Notes:

Settler:
Menezes' party on the Weymouth

Notes:

Married:
Name Thomas Sweetman
Spouse's Name Jane Barton
Event Date 20 Dec 1802
Event Place Wartling, Sussex, England
England Marriages, 1538–1973
Indexing Project (Batch) Number M14798-1
System Origin England-EASy
GS Film number 1067122

Thomas + Mary Kemp. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Thomas + Mary, - wife of Thomas Barton. Mary was born in 1757. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Mary Weston - wife of Thomas Barton