The Latham-Diary

Read here about the diary of Jane Latham (nee Dixon), daughter of one of my forebears, Benjamin Dixon, my mother, Dinah Dixon's great-great-grandfather - she was thus the 5th generation. The diary is about their "great trek" to Walvisbay in Southwest-Africa (Namibia). Their trek with ox wagons took place between 1843 and 1844. Roaming between Walvisbay and the Cape continued until about 1861. What a wonderful privilege to know what happened in the lives of my forebears, 170 years ago!
[116] Goanikontes.
[117] Should be Tom.
[118] Should be Tom.
[119] Robert who died at Goanikontes in early 1851 being 15 months old.
[120] James Benjamin Bassingthwaighte born 15-7-1853 in Goanikontes.
[121] Mr. Wallaston.
[122] Three miles from the present Walvis Bay.
[123] Goanikontes.
[124] No definite date when Jane married Latham but estimate 1852.
[125] Near Rooibank.
[126] Lovdy : Ledevia Maria Bassingthwaighte born 11-6-1855 at Sandfontein near Rooibank in the Bay – Rebecca’s second child.
[127] Matchless Mine – end of 1855.
[128] James Benjamin Bassingthwaighte – Rebecca’s first child.
[129] Runcie : Miner, trader, farmer, settler. A Scot who was on the staff of the Matchless Mine in 1857 and later became a dealer in cattle.
[130] Chapman and Edwards arrived in Walvis Bay from Lake Ngami in 1855 and trekked back to Ngami in November 1856. (“Pioneers of South West Africa and Ngamiland” page 21).
[131] Otjimbingwe.
[132] James Chapman (1831 – 1872) : Hunter, trader, explorer, naturalist, photographer, settler, farmer.
[133] James Benjamin Bassingthwaighte : Frank and Rebecca Bassingthwaighte’s eldest son – born 15-7-1853.
[134] Rev. Bam – Missionary – was buried at Rooibank – December 1855.
[135] Kamiesberg – early to mid 1856.
[136] Halifax.



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