ARTHUR EVERITT MURRAY 16th June 1869 - 3 March 1939.
Arthur and Tom, the 3rd and 4th sons, with only 16 months difference in their ages, were close and devoted companions all their lives. As very young men they went into a partnership which was only broken when their sons grew up, and were taken into farming partnership by their fathers. They were educated at home, as, to their sorrow, farming finances could not be stretched to cover more than their brother George's medical training in England. At the ages of 15 and 16 school books were put aside, and they became hard working assistants to Father on 'Roode Bloem'. They were in time given a share in farming profits, and by careful manaageement were able, in 1894 to buy their first farm, 'Newlands', 2,900 morgen for Two thousand eight hundred pounds.
In January 1895 Arthur married Ellie (Eleanor) daughter of the Rev. Canon Steablelr, Rector of St. James' Church, Graaff-Reinet, and an old family friend. They made their first home at Newlands. On the 31st July 1897 Arthur and Tom bought the old family farm 'Bloemhof' for Nine thousand pounds. A month later they sold Newlands to brother Wallie, and Arthur and Ellie and their home in the 'Old Cottage' first occupied by his Great Grandparents, Captain and Mrs. Robert Henry Rubidge.
In December 1898 a second son was born to them. Three years later, Ellie, expecting her fourth child, became very ill, and was taken to Graaff-Reinet. Shortly afterwards Arthur became seriously ill and was brought to 'Roode Bloem' by one of his servants.
While there, and still too ill to be told, his beloved wife and her baby died (8th January 1902). Three weeks later a heart-broken father and his three young children returned to 'Bloemhof'. With them went his sister, Edith, to care for the small family. There she remained until Arthur's second marriage.
Arthur and Ellie and their two small children moved up to 'Bloemhof' and made their home in the 'Old Cottage', first occupied by his great grandparents Captain and Mrs. Robert Henry Rubidge.
In December 1898 a second son was born to them. Three years later, Ellie, expecting her fourth child, became very ill and was taken to Graaff-Reinet. Shortly afterwards Arthur became seriously ill and was brought to 'Roode Bloem' by one of his servants.
While there, and still too ill to be told, his beloved wife and baby died (8.l.1902). Three weeks later a heart broken father and his three young children returned to 'Bloemhof'. With them went his sister, Edith, to care for the small family. There she remained until Arthur's second marriage to Ethel Marian Luscombe.
Arthur and Ellie and their two small children moved up to 'Bloemhof' and made their home in the 'Old Cottage', first occupied by his great grandparents Captain and Mrs. Robert Henry Rubidge.
OBITUARY:
MR ARTHUR EVERITT MURRAY
Born in Graaff-Reinet in 1869 the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Murray, whose death last weekend at this residence Cypress Grove is so widely regretted, was educated privately, owing to lack of other opportunity, but despite what might be regarded nowadays as a handicap he made an outstanding success of the business of farming. His first wife was Ellie, daughter of Canon Steabler and there were four children of this marriage namely Eleanor (Mrs. Val Rubidge); William S. Murray ('The Lands'); Bernard S. Murray ('Bloemhof') and the fourth child died in infancy. Mrs. Murray died in 1902 and two years later Mr. Arthur Murray married Ethel, daughter of J.N. Luscombe of Graaff-Reinet. There were six children of the second marriage, five of whom are living: Edith (Mrs. John Brodie), Mary Murray (Graaff-Reinet), Arthur Murray ('Allandale'); Ruth (Mrs. Pringle Brodie); and Joan Murray (Graaff-Reinet). The deceased started farming at an early age with his brother Tom, on 'Roode Bloem', their father's property. He was always very interested in public life and despite his retiring disposition he paid keen attention to all that was going on. He was devoted to his family - a loving and kindly husband and father. In 1890 Tom and Arthur Murray bought 'Newlands' where Arthur farmed until the fraternal partnership purchased 'Bloemhof' in a897. There for a space of 39 years, until his retirement to Graaff-Reinet the subject of this memoir spent his life, building up and developing 'Bloemhof' until today it is known far and wide as one of the best developed farms in the Graaff-Reinet district. He also purchased other farms round and about and embodied them in 'Bloemhof'. The deceased was one of the first to jackal-proof fence his farm - a step, which later on led to the system being adopted throughout the country. Mr Murray was a very keen cattle breeder and started the now famous 'Bloemhof' Friesland Stud. A man of constructive frame of mind, he made gardens and planted trees and generally beautified his farm. Messrs Tom and Arthur Murray were in partnership all their lives up to 1925. For the past year Arthur was in poor health and suffered a great deal, but he bore up well and very few people knew of his pain. Amongst his very admirable qualities, one can note his wonderful friendly nature, his uprightness, his straight-forwardness, outspokenness and transparent honest, his ready sympathy and generosity. About eleven days before his death there was a heart attack, and then the end came to this kindly, useful, righteous life at half past two on Friday afternoon 3rd March, 1939.
The funeral which took place at St. Jame's Parish Church on Saturday afternoon was very largely attended, and the Church was filled with an attentive and reverent assemblage of relatives and friends. The Rector (Rev K.A.W. Jeffry) and the Assistant Curate (Rev. E.W. Rudge) officiated in the ancient and beautiful Church of England ritual, in the Church and also at the grave side. The dominant note struck by the Rector in his brief and appealing address, while pregnant with sympathy, was that of rejoicing at the passing of a Christian gentleman into the house eternal in the Heavens. The pall-bearers were the three sons William, Bernard and Arthur and Messrs S.H. Rubidge, E.V. Rubidge and Alec Murray. There were over 60 motorcars in the cortege and the wealth of the floral tributes was almost unusual. All the servants from the farm were present to take farewell of their old and beloved master, and district and town were fully represented in those who followed to the churchyard amid the trees where the earthly remains of Arthur Everitt Murray were laid to rest.
Arthur and Tom with only 16 months difference in their ages were close and devoted companions all their lives. As very young men they went into a partnership which was only broken when their sons grew up and were taken into farming partnership by their fathers. They were educated at home, as to their sorrow, farming finances could not be stretched to cover more than their brother George's medical training in England. At the ages of 15 and 16 school books were put aside and they became hard working assistants to their father on 'Roode Bloem'. They were in time given a share in the farming profits and by careful management were able in a894 to buy their first farm 'Newlands', 2,900 morgen of 2,800 pounds.
In January 195 Arthur married Eleanor 'Ellie', the daughter of the Rev. Canon Steabler, Rector of St. James' church Graaff-Reinet and an old family friend. They made their first home at 'Newlands'.
On the 31st July 1897 Arthur and Tom bought the old family farm, 'Bloemhof' for 9,000 pounds. A month later they sold Newlands.
Possibly still-born. Her mother died on the same day.
ARTHUR EVERITT MURRAY 16th June 1869 - 3 March 1939.
Arthur and Tom, the 3rd and 4th sons, with only 16 months difference in their ages, were close and devoted companions all their lives. As very young men they went into a partnership which was only broken when their sons grew up, and were taken into farming partnership by their fathers. They were educated at home, as, to their sorrow, farming finances could not be stretched to cover more than their brother George's medical training in England. At the ages of 15 and 16 school books were put aside, and they became hard working assistants to Father on 'Roode Bloem'. They were in time given a share in farming profits, and by careful manaageement were able, in 1894 to buy their first farm, 'Newlands', 2,900 morgen for Two thousand eight hundred pounds.
In January 1895 Arthur married Ellie (Eleanor) daughter of the Rev. Canon Steablelr, Rector of St. James' Church, Graaff-Reinet, and an old family friend. They made their first home at Newlands. On the 31st July 1897 Arthur and Tom bought the old family farm 'Bloemhof' for Nine thousand pounds. A month later they sold Newlands to brother Wallie, and Arthur and Ellie and their home in the 'Old Cottage' first occupied by his Great Grandparents, Captain and Mrs. Robert Henry Rubidge.
In December 1898 a second son was born to them. Three years later, Ellie, expecting her fourth child, became very ill, and was taken to Graaff-Reinet. Shortly afterwards Arthur became seriously ill and was brought to 'Roode Bloem' by one of his servants.
While there, and still too ill to be told, his beloved wife and her baby died (8th January 1902). Three weeks later a heart-broken father and his three young children returned to 'Bloemhof'. With them went his sister, Edith, to care for the small family. There she remained until Arthur's second marriage.
Arthur and Ellie and their two small children moved up to 'Bloemhof' and made their home in the 'Old Cottage', first occupied by his great grandparents Captain and Mrs. Robert Henry Rubidge.
In December 1898 a second son was born to them. Three years later, Ellie, expecting her fourth child, became very ill and was taken to Graaff-Reinet. Shortly afterwards Arthur became seriously ill and was brought to 'Roode Bloem' by one of his servants.
While there, and still too ill to be told, his beloved wife and baby died (8.l.1902). Three weeks later a heart broken father and his three young children returned to 'Bloemhof'. With them went his sister, Edith, to care for the small family. There she remained until Arthur's second marriage to Ethel Marian Luscombe.
Arthur and Ellie and their two small children moved up to 'Bloemhof' and made their home in the 'Old Cottage', first occupied by his great grandparents Captain and Mrs. Robert Henry Rubidge.
OBITUARY:
MR ARTHUR EVERITT MURRAY
Born in Graaff-Reinet in 1869 the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Murray, whose death last weekend at this residence Cypress Grove is so widely regretted, was educated privately, owing to lack of other opportunity, but despite what might be regarded nowadays as a handicap he made an outstanding success of the business of farming. His first wife was Ellie, daughter of Canon Steabler and there were four children of this marriage namely Eleanor (Mrs. Val Rubidge); William S. Murray ('The Lands'); Bernard S. Murray ('Bloemhof') and the fourth child died in infancy. Mrs. Murray died in 1902 and two years later Mr. Arthur Murray married Ethel, daughter of J.N. Luscombe of Graaff-Reinet. There were six children of the second marriage, five of whom are living: Edith (Mrs. John Brodie), Mary Murray (Graaff-Reinet), Arthur Murray ('Allandale'); Ruth (Mrs. Pringle Brodie); and Joan Murray (Graaff-Reinet). The deceased started farming at an early age with his brother Tom, on 'Roode Bloem', their father's property. He was always very interested in public life and despite his retiring disposition he paid keen attention to all that was going on. He was devoted to his family - a loving and kindly husband and father. In 1890 Tom and Arthur Murray bought 'Newlands' where Arthur farmed until the fraternal partnership purchased 'Bloemhof' in a897. There for a space of 39 years, until his retirement to Graaff-Reinet the subject of this memoir spent his life, building up and developing 'Bloemhof' until today it is known far and wide as one of the best developed farms in the Graaff-Reinet district. He also purchased other farms round and about and embodied them in 'Bloemhof'. The deceased was one of the first to jackal-proof fence his farm - a step, which later on led to the system being adopted throughout the country. Mr Murray was a very keen cattle breeder and started the now famous 'Bloemhof' Friesland Stud. A man of constructive frame of mind, he made gardens and planted trees and generally beautified his farm. Messrs Tom and Arthur Murray were in partnership all their lives up to 1925. For the past year Arthur was in poor health and suffered a great deal, but he bore up well and very few people knew of his pain. Amongst his very admirable qualities, one can note his wonderful friendly nature, his uprightness, his straight-forwardness, outspokenness and transparent honest, his ready sympathy and generosity. About eleven days before his death there was a heart attack, and then the end came to this kindly, useful, righteous life at half past two on Friday afternoon 3rd March, 1939.
The funeral which took place at St. Jame's Parish Church on Saturday afternoon was very largely attended, and the Church was filled with an attentive and reverent assemblage of relatives and friends. The Rector (Rev K.A.W. Jeffry) and the Assistant Curate (Rev. E.W. Rudge) officiated in the ancient and beautiful Church of England ritual, in the Church and also at the grave side. The dominant note struck by the Rector in his brief and appealing address, while pregnant with sympathy, was that of rejoicing at the passing of a Christian gentleman into the house eternal in the Heavens. The pall-bearers were the three sons William, Bernard and Arthur and Messrs S.H. Rubidge, E.V. Rubidge and Alec Murray. There were over 60 motorcars in the cortege and the wealth of the floral tributes was almost unusual. All the servants from the farm were present to take farewell of their old and beloved master, and district and town were fully represented in those who followed to the churchyard amid the trees where the earthly remains of Arthur Everitt Murray were laid to rest.
Arthur and Tom with only 16 months difference in their ages were close and devoted companions all their lives. As very young men they went into a partnership which was only broken when their sons grew up and were taken into farming partnership by their fathers. They were educated at home, as to their sorrow, farming finances could not be stretched to cover more than their brother George's medical training in England. At the ages of 15 and 16 school books were put aside and they became hard working assistants to their father on 'Roode Bloem'. They were in time given a share in the farming profits and by careful management were able in a894 to buy their first farm 'Newlands', 2,900 morgen of 2,800 pounds.
In January 195 Arthur married Eleanor 'Ellie', the daughter of the Rev. Canon Steabler, Rector of St. James' church Graaff-Reinet and an old family friend. They made their first home at 'Newlands'.
On the 31st July 1897 Arthur and Tom bought the old family farm, 'Bloemhof' for 9,000 pounds. A month later they sold Newlands.
Notes from: 'My Ain Folk' by Marge Shearing.
For eight years they lived in the 'Old Cottage' and their four children were born there to them. In 1912 they built a large double storey house on the side of a hill and on the site of the old George Southey house. This stately home became the centre of a happy family life for Arthur, Ethel and their eight children. Two more daughters were born in the 'Big House'. In time they and their two unmarried daughters retired to Graaff-Reinet and Bun and his family moved from the Cottage to the Big House.
LINK WITH THE PAST SEVERED.
THE LATE AUNT ETHEL.
With the peaceful passing on of Mrs. Arthur Murray - Aunt Ethel to half the district - on Saturday afternoon, the Graaff-Reinet community is the poorer. The third daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. J.N. Luscombe, she was born in Somerset Street in the original family home, and to the opposite side of that street she came to spend the last years of her long life, lovingly cared for by her daughter, Mary. But for a few years, when the Luscombe family lived in Cape Town, her whole life was spent in this district, for when she returned as the bride of Mr. Arthur Murray it was to settle at 'Bloemhof', where she became the perfect farmer's wife and help-meet, and the gracious hostess of the big farmhouse with its ever open doors.All over South Africa are people with sweet memories stored away of the warm and happy atmosphere that permeated that home, and the carefree holidays of their youth spent at 'Bloemhof' are remembered today by several generations of nephews and nieces and friends, for she shared with her husband to the full the generous capacity of sharing the good things of life with others.
Always an active member of the Anglican Church she was a regular attendant until increasing deafness deprived her of the ability of sharing in the services,but she remained a faithful member of her Church, and her passing will leave a gap.In the hearts of all her very wide circle of relatives, friends and acquaintances she leaves a warm memory of kindly graciousness and an example of never failing thought for others which endured to the very end of her long life of eighty-nine years. To her four sisters and her brother she was a constant source of strength, and to her own big family and her three step-children she was a devoted and very wonderful mother, and the dearly beloved grandmother of her widely scattered clan of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
To all these, and especially to her youngest sister and to her daughter, Mary, her constant companion in her latter years this community tenders its affectionate sympathy. She leaves with all who were privileged to know her a fragrant and lasting memory of unselfish and gracious living.
Ethel 'Ettie' Marian Luscombe (9.12.1874 - 4.1.1964) a gentle and charming woman, and an old family friend. Not only was she a loving and understanding wife, but also the perfect stepmother to Ellie's children.
Notes taken from 'My Ain Folk' by Marge Shearing.
Mary remained unmarried. She suffered considerable ill health. She was a constant companion and help to her Mother in her old age.
Her major her interests were the Brownies. In 1972 she was presented with the Girl Guide Long Service Medal, the highest Guiding honour in recognition of her 25 years loyal and dedicated service to Guiding.Mary spent her retirement in the Red Cross Home, Graaff-Reinet.
MARY MURRAY PASSES ON.
Miss Mary Murray passed away at the Red Cross Home last night at the age of 7o after a long illness. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Murray of 'Bloemhof' and sister of Mr. Arthur Murray, Mrs. John Brodie, Mrs Ruth Brodie, Mrs Eleanor Rubidge and the late Joan Murray.
Her brother-in-law, Mr. John Brodie paid tribute to Miss Murray in an interview today.
"Mary Murray was perhaps best known for her quiet and considerate attitude to others. In her own gentle way she fulfilled many duties and works for others" he told the Advertiser.
"Perhaps one thinks chiefly of her long service as Brown Owl to the Brownie Pack. There must be many adults who can look back with kind thoughts of the care and happiness she brought to these little girls. She also taught in the St. James' Sunday School for many years. Although for the past few years she has somewhat passed out of the general run of things she will be remembered with affection and gratitude by many".
Notes from 'My Ain Folk' by Marge Shearing.
Joan (1920 - 1946) was educated at the Union High School, Graaff-Reinet and at the Collegiate School for Girls, Port Elizabeth. She did not attend university as her health at that period was not good, but by private study took the degrees of B.A. followed by her M.A. She lived at home and joined the editorial staff of the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser and showed such journalistic ability that for a time she was the Acting Editor.
She was a person of great courage and integrity and had undoubted literary talent. She wrote and sold poems and children's stories to various journals and was hoping to have a series of children's stories published but tragically she was suddenly taken very seriously ill and died on the 13th May 1946 in her 26th year.
From "My Ain Folk" by Marge Shearing
Walter was the youngest surviving son of Alfred and Mary Thurtell Murray who was born at Salem in the Albany District, Cape Colony, South Africa. As told by his parents he was the first baby to have been baptised in St. John's Church, Bathurst.
After spending his very early years on the farm 'Layton', near Salem he moved with his parents first to Somerset East in the early 1840's and later on to Cradock.
At the age of 18 he started his farming career in the Graaff-Reinet district. In the early years he made many moves i.e. 'Rushton', 'Patrysfontein', 'The Glen', 'Kalwerhoek', in 1861, Wildepaardefontein' and 'Hoeksfontein" in 1865 before finally settling down at 'Roode Bloem' in August 1875.
He bought 'Roode Bloem' farm from Mr. Probart on the 29th March 1873 paying 2,000 pounds for 3,400 morgen. He took transfer on the 3rd August (or 13th) 1873 but did not move there until two years later.
In the early days there were few schools in the frontier districts. The parents of these times are greatly to be admired for their efforts and sacrifices to give their children the best possible opportunities for education.Walter was an outstanding shot. Shortly before leaving Hoeksfontein he shot 6 Roebuck through their heads so as to have unspoiled skins with which to make a rug to take with him to 'Roode Bloem'.
Quote from Cosmo Henning:
W.E. Murray was one of those instrumental in establishing the 'Voor Sneeuberg Rifle Club' which held its quarterly competitions at Goliat's Kraal. From its initial beginning Rifle Clubs were established all over the Graaff-Reinet District......"W.E. was a crack shot, and in the Basuto War his feats were quite extraordinary with a rifle while on horseback".
In 1870 accompanied by his old and faithful servant January Olifant he went by ox-wagon to the Kimberley Rush. He owned two of the central claims of the De Beers Diamond Mine of today but owing to fever was compelled to abandon them. He was brought home, in his wagon, by old January. Owing to the great interest and part he took in the formation of the 'Voor Sneeuberg Rifle Club' he was a natural choice as leader of the 'Voor Sneeuberg Rangers' in the Giaka-Galeka War of 1878.
Extracts from Newspapers:
"When the commandeering movement failed Mr. Walter Murray resolved to raise a Volunteer Company, and for that purpose successfully appealed to his fellow burgers in the Voor Sneeuberg for assistance. Early in January 1878 Mr. Walter Murray of 'Roode Bloem', Graaff-Reinet, raised a mounted volunteer corps to go and assist the Colonial Troops to fight Sandili and Kreli. It is known as the Gaika Galeka War. The corps was styled the 'Voor Sneeuberg Rangers' and save about half-a-dozen, all the members were Young farmers. The members equipped themselves, only rifles and ammunition being supplied by the government."
The following notice appeared in the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser of January 1878.
"Voor Sneeuberg Rangers will start for the front on Tuesday 28th January 1878 going at 4 o'clock from Field Cornet Loots'. A fine lot of men. The G.R. Volunteers and others wishing to join are requested to be there on that day. We will have a few horses for men who do not possess them. We all agree to go for three months. Signed Walter Murray."
"On the 28th January 1878 some 50 Burgers of the Voor Sneeuberg Rangers left Mr. Loots' farm for Queenstown, under the command of Captain Walter Murray."
In 1902 Walter and Annie took their daughters Hattie and Annie for a trip to England. Their first and only visit to the 'old country'. There they met and stayed with many relations and family friends.
He died on 'Roode Bloem' aged 86 years and 5 months.OBITUARY:
WALTER EVERITT MURRAY.By the death in his 87th year on Friday last, of Mr. Walter Everitt Murray, one of the best known and most highly respected farmers of our district has been removed from our midst.
The funeral at 'Roode Bloem' on Saturday morning was very largely attended, friends of the family coming from far and near. The service was conducted by Rev. W. Smart the Rector of St. James and the remains were laid to rest amid a wealth of beautiful floral tributes and manifestations of sympathy and respect.
The parents of the late Mr. Murray came from Norfolk a year or two after the 1820 Settlers with 2 sons George and Alfred. Walter Murray and his sister Jane were born in Bathurst in 1837 and 1842 respectively.
His parents lived in Somerset East and Cradock until he was 18 years old. At that age he came to Graaff-Reinet district and lived at 'Patrysfontein', 'Rushton', 'The Glen', and 'Hoeksfontein, and came to his last home, 'Roode Bloem' in 1875.
At the age of 21 he married Annie Southey, eldest daughter of George Southey of 'Bloemhof' whose father, George Southey was one of the leaders of the 1820 Settlers. There were eleven children of the marriage, seven sons and four daughters - four sons and two daughters surviving him. There were 22 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren.
Two sons qualified with distinction as medical men, three are farmers.Walter Murray was a real son of the soil. He always advocated that the waters must not be allowed to run to the sea. He would have rejoiced to see the Van Ryneveld's Scheme completed.
He led the Graaff-Reinet Commando 'The Voor Sneeuberg Rangers' as Captain in the 1878 Frontier Wars and came through a very tight corner at the Thomas River fight - he and four of his men saving the remounts from falling into the natives' hands. He was one of the first men to utilise floodwater in the Graaff-Reinet district. He took an active part in the eradication of scab, and evolved the circular dip, so much in use today. He travelled throughout the length and breadth of South Africa with his two well-known chestnut mules, advocating the advantages of dipping and the eradication of scab,
A sportsman in the true sense of the word, and one of the finest bird shots of his day, he always kept some of the best sporting dogs in the district - pointers, setters and greyhounds - and many a good day's sport did his friends enjoy.
In 1870 he went on the Kimberley Rush with his old servant, January Olifant, who pre-deceased him by twelve days. He owned two of the central claims of the De Beer's Mine of today, but for fever, which compelled him to abandon them, no doubt he would have made good.
For the past 10 years he has been an invalid but accepted his disabilities with uncomplaining patience and had the devoted care of his daughters until the end. He went to see the 'Land of His Fathers' late in life but he loved the expanse of his Native Land more than the wonders of the 'Old Country'.
He was an honest and true Christian man whose word was his bond. He took a leading part in the Zwart Ruggens Farmers' Association, was one of the oldest members and was always willing to foster any sound public movement. A man without an enemy and beloved by all sections of the community.
Anna Elizabeth 'Annie' Southey
From "My Ain Folk" by Marge Shearing:
At the age of 13 Anna ('Annie' as she was known to the family) was sent by ox-wagon to Port Elizabeth, where, no doubt, her uncle Dr. Richard Rubidge put her safely on board a sailing vessel which took her to Cape Town and to the care of her other uncle, Dr. Richard Southey. From his home she attended school for four years after which she returned home in the same way as she had travelled to Cape Town. The journey by ship taking a week, and that by ox-wagon the best part of a fortnight.
'Annie' with her very blue eyes and Curley black hair was a beautiful young woman and Walter was handsome and tall. They were a fine looking couple.Their early married years were greatly saddened by the loss of their first two children. Annie went to her parents home at 'Bloemhof' for the birth of her second child and in the weeks spent there she lost both her children.
"Died at Bloemhof on the 23rd, Ellie Harriet, an infant and on the 29th William Everitt aged 13 months, the beloved children of Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Murray, Graaff-Reinet, 30 May 1861.
DEATH:
"....we deeply regret to announce the death of Mrs. Walter Murray of 'Roode Bloem'. which took place last night on the farm.
The deceased lady, who was highly respect and much loved, had suffered from a severe attack of influenza and the end came suddenly.
She was, before her marriage, Miss Anna Elizabeth Southey, daughter of the late Mr. George Southey and niece of Sir Richard Southey. To the bereaved husband, who after about 55 years of married life has now lost his life's partner, we tender our sincerest sympathy as well as to all the family.
The funeral will take place at 'Roode Bloem' tomorrow morning at 10.30 am. All friends are respectfully invited to attend. 15 October 1914."
Edith, the oldest living daughter, grew up in a home poor in worldly goods, but rich in love and living. From early years she showed signs of great intelligence and although she received only home education she grew up to be a well read and clever woman.
She was largely responsible for the education of her younger brothers and sisters. Life was full of hard work, but also of 'home made' fun in this lively and affectionate family. The hospitable home, only six miles north of Graaff-Reinet was always overflowing with visiting friends and relations.
In 1899 a family friend, Mr. John Luscombe offered to pay her fare to England if she would accompany his daughters Emmie and Florrie. The latter being engaged to be married to Frank, Edith's Younger brother. This was a great adventure which she enjoyed to the full.
They sailed on the 26th April on the 'Dunvegan Castle' and arrived at Southampton sixteen days later. On board she made friends with Mrs. Robert Louis Stevenson, widow of the author, who joined the boat at Madeira. In England she stayed in the various lovely country homes of relatives, but was always ready to return to the shopping, theatres and sightseeing in London. Sadly she and Florrie were many times frustrated in their plans because 'Emmie did not care to go".
A few quotes from her letters:
"July 5th 1899, Ormsby House, Sutton. Went for 18 mile bicycle ride through lovely Surrey country roads and villages". "I have bought 36 yards of sheeting at 1/9 1/2p a yard from the Army and Navy stores (for mother)."July 16th Halsdon Hotel, Torrington, North Devon....we are staying at a dear little old fashioned place, rather primitive in some ways, but clean and cheerful. We have two bedrooms, and a private sitting room where we have our meals which are excellent and all for one pound 5 shillings a week each. When we got here yesterday we found a most tempting little tea spread out and amongst other things a lovely dish of strawberries and a bowl of Devonshire cream! We have had clotted cream with every meal".
They returned home on the 'Carisbrooke Castle' sailing on the 28th October.
On the 8th January 1902 her sister-in-law, Arthur's first wife died and later that month she returned to 'Bloemhof' with him, to 'mother' his three little children. She lived with and cared for them until his second marriage in 1904. She was in latter years a sufferer from rheumatism and in 1912 spent some months at the Caledon Baths without much benefit.
In 1913 she, and her two sisters, bought their first car, a Chalmers. Quote from Tom's diary. "October 15th 1913. Edith did some damage with the motor today, rode into a yearling calf smashing off both horns and doing other damage, and then rode into the garden fence and so it goes with 'learners'. My turn is coming next.
Harriet 'Hattie' Eleanor Murray
'Hattie' the second of the three sisters of 'Roode Bloem' was quiet, gentle and artistic. Perhaps a little dominated by her more forceful sisters. She was the one who arranged the flowers, trimmed the hats and made the delicious turn-over tarts and burned almond sweets, well remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.
In 1902 with her parents and younger sister, she enjoyed a trip to England. The wild flowers and the beauty of the countryside remained a joyful memory for the rest of her life.
She had a little of the martyr in her make-up. On one occasion with her brother Arthur and others, she was in a paddock admiring some stud Friesland cows; suddenly the gate was opened and the huge bull, who detested white people, was driven in by a small coloured boy. Realising their danger Arthur shouted "run for the fence". Hattie, somewhat crippled by rheumatism and fearing she would delay the others called out "Save yourselves, save yourselves and let him gore me!". For this courageous offer she was teased by the family for many years. They were all saved by the small black boy running forward and turning the bull away!
Aunt Nan to the nieces and nephews brimmed over with animation and vitality. She played tennis, danced and cycled with gusto and took all members of her family to her heart with an all embracing love. She weighed under three pounds at birth but grew to a size to match her big heart.
Educated at home she took a keen interest in all people and happenings with which she came into contact. In 1902 she enjoyed every moment of a trip to England with her parents and sister, Hattie. For many years after their return would happily reminisce about the joys and excitements of that overseas holiday.
With her sisters she cared for her parents in their old age, and through long illnesses. After the deaths of her sister Edith in 1923 and her father in 1924 she and Hattie moved to their newly built house in Graaff-Reinet, and there kept open house for their relations and friends. From this time a common sight in the streets of Graaff-Reinet was Aunt Nan, at the wheel of her car, driving slowly, and seeing a friend she would stop and call out "Get in, get in and I'll drive you home". No matter how many were in the car she would just turn around and say "Move up, move up, there is always room for another!"
After some years Hattie was, through rheumatism, confined to a wheel chair. Nan cared for her until her death in 1942. Not very long after this Nan herself, and for the same reason, had to make use of the wheel chair. In spite of this she refused to have a companion-help to live with her, and until her last illness depended on her two coloured maids for all her needs.
OBITUARY:
THE LATE MISS ANNIE MURRAY.
Miss Annie Elizabeth Murray who passed away at her home in Cypress Grove on Wednesday last week was the youngest daughter of Mr. Walter Murray of 'Roode Bloem".Born at 'Roode Bloem' on August 3 1876 she grew up with a keen interest in all things around her on the farm and elsewhere.
Of a genial and forceful nature she helped her two sisters care for their parents for many years, at the same time taking great interest in all social activities, especially tennis.After her parents and elder sister's death, she came to live in Cypress Grove with her surviving sister Miss Hattie Murray, where they carried on the Murray tradition of hospitality, rejoicing in the company of their many relatives and friends. Her church and all activities connected with it played a great part in her life. After the death of her sister whom she nursed for many years she continued to live alone in the home she loved, being confined to a bath chair for many years.
Courageous and uncomplaining in spite of much suffering with her passing she has left a blank in the lives of many.