Genealogy Chat

GOLDEN WEDDING AND CHRISTENING AT GREYVILLE---------- All roads led to Greyville on Monday 9th October 1950, when the Golden Wedding of Mr and Mrs Harry Grey COLLETT was celebrated; and the first child of Mr and Mrs John Collett was christened. The reception was held on the lawns in front of the homestead, where chairs and tables were arranged. The wedding cake on one, with a bowl of beautiful tulips. These from Mrs Penny Wright's garden at Bowden were very much admired. Mr and Mrs John Collett and his brother, Pye, received the guests, who numbered about 200. The Collett Clan were there in full force. Miss Myra Collett, sister of Mr Harry Grey Collett, was there and the only one who attended the marriage of Mr and Mrs Harry Collett 50 years ago. An Orchestra of six members from Bloemfontein rendered old time tunes, and the playing of "Here Comes The Bride" heralded the coming of Mr and Mrs Harry Collett among the guests, who gathered around to congratulate the happy old couple. Mrs Collett looked charming in an old gold two piece, with a hat to match, and she wore a double string of pearls. Later the first baby of Mr and Mrs John Collett was christened by Rev. W.H. Shepherd of Middelburg, when the infant received the name of Colin Dale. everyone listened intently to the service, the infant calmly looking quite unconcerned with the proceedings. Mr Ted Gilfillan in a short speech proposed the health of the bride and groom, and their eldest son John responded and told the guests that they were afraid their mother would not be able to attend the ceremony as she had been ill. But they were not unduly worried as their mother had had the same attack thirty years ago, and was still with them to celebrate the golden wedding. Mr Collett thanked the ladies who had helped with all the preparations for the celebrations, particularly Mrs Ted Gilfillan and her daughter Mary, Mrs K. McEwan, Mrs Gordon Gilfillan. Delicious refreshments were served through the afternoon. Mr Harry Collett also said a few words and said he thought John had exaggerated somewhat in his reminiscences of the past. Mr Duncan Bowker,, son of Mr and Mrs Jack Bowker, then proposed the health of Colin Dale, and said they were especially pleased because not only was he the first son and heir of Greyville, but they could look forward to twenty years hence when he would be able to take over the Secretaryship of the Farmers' Association. The Orchestra rendered beautiful music throughout the afternoon, and this was much appreciated by the guests, who all noted that it was "A very jolly party". A short history of the Collett family:- James Lydford Collett was born in London in the year 1800. At the age of 15 years he was articled to an attorney in London. He asked his father to grant him permission to emigrate to one of the colonies, but his father refused so he stowed away on a sailing vessel bound for Australia. At CAPE TOWN he was put ashore and got quite a good clerical job there. In 1820 he was sent to PORT ELIZABETH to assist with the landing of the settlers. He joined one of the parties, and married a settler's daughter, Miss Rhoda Trollip. In course of time they settled in the Cradock district near Fish River Station. The old homestead was called Grass Ridge, and he acquired in all 60,000 morgen of ground, becoming a wealthy farmer and a member of Parliament. He was one of the first men to breed merino sheep on a large scale and used to enter as many as 500 merino rams for one sale. He had a large family of 5 sons and 5 daughters all of whom married and in turn raised large families. His five sons were John who inherited Grass Ridge and is the father of the present Fish River Colletts. The second son James settled at Rhyneheath Graaff Reinet, but his sons have all left that part now. The third son William is the father of the Middelburg Colletts, of which Harry Grey Collett was the eldest. The family consisted of 6 sons and 5 daughters. James' two youngest sons George and Joseph went to the Transvaal. During the Anglo Boer War while Harry was on active service he met Elizabeth Susannah Shone, who was the only daughter of Mr and Mrs George Clarkson Shone of Clifton, Bedford. Elizabeth had ten brothers. Her grandparents were 1820 settlers. On 9th October 1900 Harry and Elizabeth were married under a big apricot tree on the farm Highlands in the Steynsburg district, which belonged to two of Miss Shone's brothers. To-day 9th October 1950 Mr and Mrs Harry Grey Collett are celebrating their Golden Wedding. They have reared seven children 4 sons and 3 daughters. One daughter Alice died at the age of 21 while nursing at the Settlers Hospital, Grahamstown, and they have 16 grandchildren all of whom were present at this celebration. ----------------