Only living sibling seeks information on family history
Do you have any living family members who had lived/worked in or around Nigel during 1870 and early 1900's?
Gavin Peterson (78) requires any information that will help trace his grandfather James August Peterson who emigrated from Germany to South Africa between 1870 and 1895 and lived in Nigel until his death on 13 June 1903 at the age of 47.
James August Peterson had worked as a rigger/engineer on the gold mines in Nigel. According to information available, his grandfather was married to Mabel Mary Slater and he fathered for children, of which Gavin’s father Thomas Nigel was one. He was named after the town.
Gavin said that according to his probate records, his grandfather held the freehold title on a property, claim 1146 Droogebult Nigel, which at the time was valued at £600. He was also a Freemason in Nigel
Looking at the estate accounts, Gavin discovered they were signed in Heidelberg and the names of the executors were Robert Lavers and Arthur Millar.
Gavin was unable to find more information on his grandmother and also do not know where his grandparents were married.
“I suspect she was one of a twin, because I have worked out that two of her siblings may have been twins as both were born in 1900. I also discovered that nine months after my grandfather’s death, she gave birth to twins, Margaret and Barry in 1904. The twins were baptised in Braamfontein and there was the record made “in extremis” which means in difficult circumstances,” Gavin said.
Gavin says he can only assume that after his grandfather’s death in 1903, his grandmother discovered she was pregnant, but that this is merely supposition on his part.
“I do know she moved down to Cape Town and later married Frank Leary,” he said.
Anyone who can assist Gavin with the required information can phone him on the international number +447554077027 or send an email to ghtoget@gmail.com
