My Family Heritage - Brian McQueen » Francis "Frank" King (1828-1894)

Persoonlijke gegevens Francis "Frank" King 

• Roepnaam is Frank.
• Hij is geboren op 12 maart 1828 in Grahamstown, Albany, Cape Colony, South Africa.

  Let op: Was ouder dan 65 jaar (91) toen kind (Alan Maxfield Hawthorn King) werd geboren (7 februari 1920).

  Entry Number: 131

• Hij is gedoopt op 31 augustus 1828 in Grahamstown, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.
• Beroep: Mayor (1st) in Bedford, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
• Woonachtig: Port Elizabeth, Cape Province, South Africa.
• Hij is overleden op 19 februari 1894 in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape Colony, South Africa, hij was toen 65 jaar oud.

  Let op: Was 9 maanden voor de geboorte (7 februari 1920) van kind (Alan Maxfield Hawthorn King) al overleden (19 februari 1894).

• Hij is begraven op 19 februari 1894 in Bedford Cemetery, Port Elizabeth, Cape Province, South Africa.

  Let op: Was 9 maanden voor de geboorte (7 februari 1920) van kind (Alan Maxfield Hawthorn King) al begraven (19 februari 1894).

• Een kind van Thomas Francis King en Sarah Honey

Gezin van Francis "Frank" King

(1) Hij is getrouwd met Elizabeth Anne Hartley.

Zij zijn getrouwd op 5 april 1849 te Grahamstown, Cape Province, South Africa, hij was toen 21 jaar oud.

Spouse: Sarah Kidger King (born Tucker)

Kind(eren):

1. Thomas William King  1850-1932 
2. George Maxfield King  1851-1926 
3. Francis David Joseph King  1852-1852
4. Alan Maxfield Hawthorn King  1920-1988

(2) Hij is getrouwd met Sarah Kidger Tucker.

Zij zijn getrouwd april 1853 te Cradock, Cape Province, South Africa, hij was toen 25 jaar oud.

Marriage to: Sarah Kidger Tucker

Kind(eren):

1. John Henry King  1855-1934 
2. Sarah Elizabeth King  1856-1877 
3. Eleanor Mary King  1858-1918 
4. Jemmia King  1860-1860
5. Jemima King  1860-1860
6. Harriet Louisa King  1862-1932
7. Alice Maude King  1862-1867
8. Florence Cornelia King  1864-1905
9. Fanny King  1864-1905
10. Winnifred Beatrice King  1869-1916
11. Francis Joseph King  1871-1937

Notities over Francis "Frank" King

FRANCIS KING

Francis, eldest of 13 children of Thomas Francis King and Sarah Honey was born in Grahamstown, but spent his early years at Reed Fountain, a settler allotment near Port Alfred where his parents were living at the time. By 1833 his parents had moved to Grahamstown and it was here that he received his education. His father was a well-known building contractor and ran a substantial business and at an early age, Frank as he was affectionately known, acquired a thorough knowledge, in practice and theory of the industry. He had studied as an architect under the Royal Engineer Clerk of Works in Grahamstown, but did not make much use of his knowledge as a means of livelihood. Of generous disposition he was always willing to share his knowledgeand skills and drew up plans and specifications for many churches and other buildings in various parts of the Colony, seldom asking a fee. Along with two of his younger brothers he assisted his fatherin the construction of the imposing Commemoration Church in Grahamstown. In September 1849 Frank was admitted as a partner in his father's building business in Grahamstown, trading under the name asT King and Son, Builders. He left the partnership when he moved to King Williams Town around 1854.

As an eighteen year old, he took part in the 1846 Frontier War serving as a member of Capt. Stubbs' Rangers, a fighting unit mainly involved in protecting Grahamstown from attack. From time to time the unit went on patrol and had many adventures and narrow escapes, going as far afield as Cradock and Somerset East. In the Umlangeni War of 1851/2 he again served under Capt Stubbs.

In 1849 he married Elizabeth Ann Hartley, only child of William Hartleyand his second wife Hannah Baker. According to the Grahamstown Directory they lived in Bathurst street. Within three years the couple had three sons, but tragedy struck with the birth of the third son when Elizabeth died within a week of giving birth. The child, Francis David died a few days later and mother and child are buried in the old Grahamstown cemetery.

Just how a grief stricken father of two boys under the age of three coped is hard to imagine, but living close to his parents would have been a great help. Frank's deceased wife's eldest half sister, Sarah Ann Hartley had married Kidger Tucker, a Bank Manager at Cradock and it was probably through her that he met his second wife Sarah, younger sister of Kidger Tucker.

Frank and Sarah Kidger Tucker were married in Cradock in April 1853 and it must have been at this time that he decided to quit the building trade for he became agent for Cawood Brothers, large military contractors in King Williamstown. Soon after their marriage, they moved to King Williamstown where their five eldest children were born. In January 1858, Frank was granted land in Kaffraria on the Great Northern Road, not far from King Williamstown, in recognition of military service in the Frontier War of 1851/52. He must have occupied the land some time before registration in 1858, for he was able to dispose ofittowards the end of 1860. One of the conditions stipulated that the farm be occupied within three months of the date of notice and that the grantee must personally occupy the farm for three years before being able to dispose of the property. It is likely then that Frank and his family moved to the farm from King Williamstown around 1857, retaining his position as agent for Cawood Brothers.

Towards the end of 1861 Frank resigned from Cawood Brothers and took his family to the farm Elizabeth in the Bedford district and joined his brother George who had been farming there for the previous four years. Their father Thomas Francis had purchased the property in October 1855, being a 2000ha portion of Sir Andries Stockenstrom's estate Maastrom, adjoining the newly established village of Bedford.

The two brothers formed a partnership, leasing the farm from their father until August 1869 when they purchased the property. They continued farming Elizabeth together until May 1878 when the partnership was dissolved - George retaining the upper section that became known as Elizabeth Farm and Frank keeping the lower portion which he called Kingsvale. George had built a home and sheds on Elizabeth Farm by the time of the arrival of Frank who moved into the hartbees house on Kingsvale, vacated by his brother. It is not known when the present homeon Kingsvale was built, but being a builder by trade and father of a growing family, it is likely that Frank constructed the house within a short while of his arrival, probably in 1862/3.

Known throughout his life for his enormous energy and enthusiasm for anything he did, Frank was very much a public spirited man and soon after his arrival was appointed a Justice of the Peace as well as Field Cornet for the Kowie Ward of the Bedford division, positions he held for many years. In 1882 he retired from farming, handing over his farming interests to his sons and moved intoBedford where he purchased a double storey house which he called "The Oaks". The house was later taken over by the Convent and then more recently demolished to make way for an Old Age complex. Two years after taking up residence in Bedford, he was elected Bedford's first mayor, an office he filled no less than eight times until his death in 1894.

Active in church affairs, for many years he held the office of deacon of the Bedford Free Church, one of the many buildings he designed. He was also a member of many local institutions - the Public Library; School Board; Agricultural Society and Farmers' Association invariably serving on the committees of all. But, first and foremost he was a farmer making a name for himself as a thorough and enterprising farmer. When he was in partnership with his brother George whose main interest focussed on cattle, building up one of the finest Shorthorn herds in the country, Frank devoted his attention to Merino sheep, establishinga pure bred flock of Spanish merinos that became one of the best known throughout the country. This was to form the nucleus of the stud flocks later to gain even wider recognition under two of his sons, Thomas at Kingsvale and John Henry of Highland Home in the Winterberg.

Frank established the pure bred flock of Spanish Merinos when he and his brother in 1862, purchased from Lieuts Griffiths and Daniels, two retired English officers, ewes and rams, progeny of sheep imported from Spain in the early 1830's. A few years later the two brothers acquired from Messrs Wood Brothers of Grahamstown, forty ewes and one ram of imported Josephine Merinos, which came from the Imperial Flock of France. From then until 1872, imported Rambouillet rams were used in the stud. At the disolution of their partnership in 1878, Frank took over the sheep stud and formed a partnership with his eldest son Thomas continuing with selective breeding. Then in 1890 a ram was purchased from the estate of JT Irvine of Waterford. This ram "Sir Thomas IV" was a pure bred Tasmanian and was awarded the Gold Medal and Championship of the Port Elizabeth and Kimberley Exhibition in 1891 for the best South African bred ram. A year later an Eskvale Tasmanian ram was used with great success. The flock was split up after the death of Francis in 1894 when it was divided between his sons Thomas and John Henry.

Adventure was no stranger to Frank. At an early age he took a prominent part in an expedition to Namaqualand to look for the Copper mines. Whether the results of this expedition precipitated the floating of the Grahamstown and Namaqualand Copper Mining Company by his father Thomas Francis and Cawood Brothers in 1855, or was a consequence of the Company's formation, remains a mystery. Apart from a cutting pasted into a scrap album that belonged to the writer's grandmother (Harriet King, daughter of Frank), the only other reference to the expedition is contained in an obituary. The reference concludes - "His experience on that journey was worthy of being permanently recorded".

The following is an incident that occurred during that journey.Unfortunately there is no indication from which publication the account was extracted. The writer was given a leather scoop used by Frank King to collect water during the expedition, as well asan ostrich egg.

CAPTURED BY BUSHMEN

An exciting true incident

By Beta

Mr Francis King is a farmer, resident in the Eastern Cape Province of Cape Colony. This gentleman has had many adventures,both in times of war and peace. He and a friend were once travelling together to Namaqualand to explore the copper mines. This lies about three hundred miles west of Cape Town. The travellers were onhorseback and unarmed. Far away in the wilds they were suddenly surrounded by Bushmen. These savages seized the bridles of the horses and stopped them. Mr King knew from their general character and movements that their design was robbery, and perhaps murder. Doubtless, however, fearing that the travellers had arms concealed about their persons, they offered no violence beyond holding them firmly.Mr King's companion was greatly alarmed and said: "We're sure to be killed." The first-named, however, replied: "Jim, don't show the least fear; keep perfectly cool, and we may providentially find a way of escape".

After the captives had waited some time, a square, burly-looking fellow came up. This man had six toes on each foot. He at once joined the rest in holding on to the bridles and stirrup leathers of their captives. Mr King happily soon discovered that this six-toed guard could speak a little Dutch, so he said to him: "Take us to the water - we want to drink".

The Bushmen then immediately set off with the two travellers, holding to their bridles on each side. After travelling in this fashion for about two miles, they came to a spring. Here the gentleman dismounted, and, holding their horses with one hand, managed to get a little water. They were exceedingly thirsty. Mr King now conversed familiarly with the savages, as if they were friends. Hetold them he wished to buy ostrich feathers and requested the Bushmen to fetch some.

Two of them ran away, and, after an absence of nearly an hour came back with a few plumes. Mr King paid for these, and said: "I require a great deal more. I want you all to go and bring me all the feathers you can get. I will pay you a good price for them". Under the impulse of the moment, theyall now started off to get the feathers.

As soon as the savages were out of sight, the captives, now free, mounted their horses and rode for dear life. It was now afternoon. They travelled all night and till late in the afternoon of the next day before they stopped even long enough to make a cup of tea. As the fugitives were going along, a bees' nest was espied in the rocks. At sunset they camped for the night, the distance between them and the Bushmen being now about forty miles.

The weary travellers had just partaken of a cup of tea, and were congratulating themselves on their narrow escape, when lo, the six-toed fellow and his party arrived!

They came and seated themselves in a circle around the whites, without saying a word. Mr King talked Dutch to Six-toes, but he made no reply. He, however, continued to chat and laugh, as if nothing had happened, meanwhile thinking of some plan of escape. He knew that if fear was shown, or if the Bushmen suspected that the travellers were unarmed, death was certain. Suddenly the wily farmer thought of the bees' nest, and said to Six-toes: "Wouldn't you like me to show you a bees' nest?

You all must be hungry after your journey, and I am sure a little honey will do you good'.

Then the dreaded savage began to speak, but in a very surly spirit. Mr King said: " Come with me, and I shall show you a bees' nest, and you can have as much honey as you like". He hereupon rose at once followed by the Bushmen.

Jim now becamealarmed and said: "Frank, you are not going to trust yourself alone with these savages, I hope".

Mr King replied: "Get the horses ready, and take them to the other side of theridge beyond the bees' nest, and wait there till I come."

He took the Bushmen to the nest, and they promptly and in great haste worked their way into the rocks, for the purpose of getting thehoney. Finally, one of them drew out a fine piece of comb, full of honey, when Mr King snatched it out of his hand and began to eat. The natives looked at him and began to mutter, butthe bold farmer said to them: "Dig away, you'll find plenty of honey there." So they went to work with greater eagerness than ever, while Mr King walked backwards and forwards, eating a little honey,humming a tune, watching his opportunity. While the savages were thus occupied, each selfishly trying to get the largest share of honey, the captives got out of sight, and ran for life. The horses were ready, and put to their best speed for thirty miles. In almost utter exhaustion the jaded animals were turned loose. The weary travellers half buried themselves in the sand, and were soon fast asleep.

They had not long been in the arms of Morpheus, when Mr King was awakened by something cold touching his toe. It was a bright moonlight night, and the fugitives at once recognised the dog of those Bushmen. The animal, however, to their delight, ran away without barking at them. Mr King shook Jim, and whispered to him to keep a sharp watch, but not to move unless attacked. Ina few minutes the pursuers were heard passing at a short distance. They had lost scent of the whites, took another direction, and were seen no more.

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About fourteen years after Frank's adventure and soon after the discovery of diamonds, he and his brother George were amongst the first diggers in what was then termed Colesberg Kopje, a small hill later called Kimberley Mine. During the ensuing rush the koppie was literally dug away leaving the Big Hole on its site. While neither brother made a fortune, they must have come back the richer for they were both able to purchase land. Frank acquired land in the Winterberg that formed part of the farm later known as Highland Home where his son John Henry farmed.

A year or so before Frank died, he became very ill during an outbreak of influenza and never really recovered. It was thought that it may have been as a result of that attack that he developed a severe disorder of the kidneys. He was sent to Port Elizabeth for an operation by his medical advisers and although the operationwas a success, he failed to rally because of his weakened condition. He died on Sunday 19th February, 1894. He was buried in the picturesque Bedford cemetery beside his eldest daughter, Sarah Elizabeth (Lily) Webber who had died soon after childbirth.

Frank had twelve children, three from his first marriage of whom two survived and nine from his second wife, six of whom survived him. He was recognised as a progressive and successful farmer and as an inspiring and wise leader in local and public affairs. But he was essentially remembered for his gentle andcheerful disposition, transparent sincerity, warm and friendly nature, his unassuming acts of charity and self-denying acts of kindness to those less fortunate than himself. He was indeed much lovedby all. All these qualities are encapsulated in his obituaries, one of which ends with these appropriate lines:-

"Walk as he walked in faith and righteousness;

Strive as he strove, the weak and poor to aid;

Seek not thyself but other men to bless;

So win, like him, a wreath that will not fade."

Francis King

http://trees.ancestry.com/rd?f=image&guid=108acc9f-5af3-4d15-b144-0196bf4176b6&tid=6768410&pid=-1075769574

Thomas Francis King

http://trees.ancestry.com/rd?f=image&guid=48917f03-a680-4b1a-b7fc-079f14f9f080&tid=6768410&pid=-1075769574

Francis King

http://trees.ancestry.com/rd?f=image&guid=916752f5-00c6-47ae-97c9-7261f1fa4950&tid=6768410&pid=-1075769574

Francis King Headstone

http://trees.ancestry.com/rd?f=image&guid=30299140-03d5-47f9-8000-e7021f544880&tid=6768410&pid=-1075769574

My father states there must be a mistake in the ...

My father's impressions are that the house they lived in was leased from the Earl of Northampton for 99 years and he soldthe house for 61 years to the head clerk of Mounder [?] and Hobsons - Earl of Blackfriars Bridges - we had possessions for about 10 years and lived there some years after you came to London. The plotsof ground 16 and 17 were also sold for 61 years - these were sold - about - 1803 - sold to Mr Wynne a bricklayer or builder, Wynncett [?] Walk, Spice [?] Fields.

The above wasfound among Mr Francis King's papers after his death at Bedford, SA, by his son.

Thomas William King

Kingsvale

Bedford

South Africa

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