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!
[1] Mrs. Latham was: Jane Dixon born 20-7-1830 in Dublin, died 5-11-1898. Buried at ‘Roodebergkloof’ farm – 12 miles from Garies, Namaqualand. Jane Dixon and William Latham married in ± 1852.
[2] Benjamin Dixon married Jane Ledevia (neè Manifold). Their children: Jane, Rebecca, Benjamin, James, Matt – all born in Dublin; Richard presumably born on ship coming from England to South Africa; Tom born in Cape Town; Joseph, Robert and Willy were born later in South West Africa.
[3] Mr. Morris – Dixon’s partner. Mr. & Mrs. Morris and 2 children.
[4] Thomas Lawton, who financed the trip.
[5] Arrived in Walvis Bay June 1844.
[6] Kamiesberg.
[7] Lelifontein : Wesleyan Mission Station on top of the mountain, Namaqualand.
[8] Benjamin Dixon was using James Alexander’s map he made on his previous trip in 1837.



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