Person:George Freemantle (1)

During the month he got married (April, 1840) it is recorded that George Freemantle was a mason at Grahamstown. In 1841, their first child, a daughter called after Elizabeth's sister, Marianne, was born but she died six weeks later and was buried in the Methodist cemetery in Grahamstown. A second daughter, Louisa Ann, was born at the beginning of the next year. In all they had twelve children, and they lived in Grahamstown until after the birth of their fifth child in 1848. During this time George had formed a partnership with Phillip Penny, but this was dissolved on 31.5.1842. In 1848 the family moved to the Somerset district and bought a farm called 'Pendry'. George continued to farm there for about two years, until they moved to Cradock and thereafter to Middelberg. It is also recorded that he was in Grahamstown on 15.10.1850 soon after the birth of his son, George, in Somerset East. Sadly baby George, their only son, died aged three. After the news of the discovery of the first diamond was confirmed, they moved to Hopetown, where their youngest child was born in 1867. Sometime later they moved on again, towards Kimberley, where George was 'accidently drowned in the Riet River, at the diggings.' His occupations are designated as farmer and mason. He was drowned on 10.5.1878. His widow, Elizabeth, remained living in Kimberley, and died in that town more than ten years later on 16.1.1889.

1. ↑ Web site
   Freemantle Family History Online: <http://www.genealogy.amay.co.uk/> Compiled by Ruth Francis May (nee Freemantle).