Chapter 11 - Anna Johanna Marais (1924 - 2002)

Anna Johanna Marais was born on the 9th of December 1924 in Roodepoort to Johannes Francois
Marais (1897 - 1948) and Anna Johanna Marais born de Villiers (1898 - 1985).

Anna was educated in Johannesburg and her occupation was a Book Keeper. 

In 1956 she Married "Harold James Kemp" in a registry court in Mbabane Swaziland.   There are no birth records found for him, although there are several WW1 records in the South African Military Archives.  It seems he changed his name a few time in different variations.   

Before 1914 there is no record of him at all. 

Having done my DNA matching, there are no KEMP matches or even many English names. 

Chapter 10 - Johannes Francois Marais (1897 - 1948)

 Johannes Francois Marais  - My Grandfather

Born:  Jan 9th, 1897 in Tzaneen, Northern Transvaal South Africa to Francois Johannes Marais and Elizabeth Heubrecht Marais (Born Bekker) 

Died:  Sep 3rd, 1948 in Discovery Hospital, Roodepoort, South Africa - Buried in Roodepoort Cemetery. 

On the Form of Information of a Death below, the Informants signature is E.F. Zentgraf who was his wife's sister:

Eugenie Francis Zentgraf (born de villiers) 1903 - 1996

Anglo Boer War

At the Age of 4 years old Johannes Francois Marais was captured with his pregnant mother and half siblings and taken to the POW Boer concentration camp in Pietersburg.  

His Mother died in the concentration camp and the newly born infant died the day after. 

A few months after arriving in the POW camp in Pietersburg they were transferred to Howick were they remained until the end of the War. 

His Father Johannes Francois Marais who was also captured was sent to a POW Camp in India and returned in 1902. 

Johannes Francois Marais born 1897 - Married Anna Johann Marais (born de Villiers) in 1922

Annie De Villiers

Born:  June 3rd, 1898 (Roodepoort)

Died:  April 1st, 1985 (Krugersdorp) 

They had 9 children 7 Sons and 2 Daughters 

1923 - Birth of son: Johannes Francois Marais - July 1, 1923

1924 - Birth of daughter: Anna johanna Kemp (born Marais) - Dec 9, 1924

1926 - Birth of son: Frank (Francois Johannes) Marais - Sep 21 1926

1928 - Birth of son: Barend Rudolph (Benjamin) Marais - June 1 1928

1930 - Birth of son: Johannes Stephanus Phillipus Marais - Sep 5 1930

1932 - Birth of son: Sarel Marais - Sep 22 1932

1934 - Birth of daughter: Huibrecht Elizabeth Fouché (born Marais) - July 19 1934

1936 - Birth of son:  Pieter Gysbert Robert Marais July 26 1936

1941 - Birth of son: Lourens Niklaas Marais Feb 2 1941

Chapter 9 - Johannes Francois Marais (1867 - 1950)

 Johannes Francois Marais, b2c2d1e3f4g10h2i2 - My Great Grandfather 

Birth: February 25, 1867 Cape Province, South Africa

Death: March 05, 1950 (83)  Tzaneen

Immediate Family:

Son of Johannes Francois Marais, b2c2d1e3f4g10h2 and Sophia Cecilia Marais, b2c2d1e2f4g5h9

 

 Husband of Aletta Susanna Marais (born Bekker) 1873 - 1893

Birth of daughter: Johanna Katrina Botha (born Marais)  Middelburg, Transvaal  Apr 2 1891

Birth of daughter: Aletta Susanna van Der Zee (born Marais) Aug 19 1893

 

Husband of Elizabeth Heubrecht Marais (born Stapleberg) Great-grandmother 1877 - 1901

Birth of son: Johannes Francois Marais Tzaneen Jan 9 1897

Birth of son: Master Marais - Birth: Pietersburg Burgher Concentration Camp May 13 1901 (Died May 15 1901)

The Anglo Boer War (1899 - 1902)  

In May 1901 Johannes and Elizabeth lived on the Farm Woodbush in Magoebaskloof, Northern Transvaal South Africa, they were captured by the British and all the Woman and children were sent to the British Concentration Camp in Pietersburg. 

Johannes Francois was sent to India as a POW where most of the Boers who were captured were sent. 

Elizabeth was heavily pregnant at the time and gave birth to a son on the 13th of May, 1901 she died on the 14th of May and the cause of death was entered as parturition and exhaustion. 

Her Son who was unnamed died the following day 15th of May 1901 Cause: congenital debility.

Elizabeth's father who signed her death certificate, Hendrik Johannes Bekker died a few days later on the 18th of May 1901. 

Here is a photo of the Pietersburg BC

Prisoners of War

Surname                 Marais

Name                 JOHANNES FRANCOIS

Age                         33

Address                 PIETERSBURG

District                 ZOUTPANSBERG

Where Captured HAENERTSBERG

When Captured 1901/05/04

Camp                 TRICHINOPOLY

Country                 Indië

Ship (To)                 Onbekend

Ship (Back)

POW Number         18892

Ref ID                     18062

After Johannes Francois Marais returned from the POW Camp in India in 1902 he married for a 3rd time. 

Husband of Helena Dorothea Petronella Marais (born Stapelberg) 

Birth of Son: Andries

Birth of Son: Unknown

    

Brother of 

Pieter Schalk Marais, b2c2d1e3f4g10h2i1; 

Jan Gabriel Gabriël Marais, b2c2d1e3f4g10h2i3  

Engela Helena Elizabeth Marais

Death Notice of Johannes Francois Marais - 1950 signed by his Daughter Johanna Botha (Marais) 

 

Chapter 9 (b) - The Anglo Boer War 1899 - 1902

 In modern society suffering caused by war is still a reality. 

South Africa experienced this suffering during the Anglo-Boer War, also referred to as the South African War of 1899-1902.  The war started in October 1899 and finished on the 31st of May 1902.

The outcome was bitterness, hatred, dispossession and division for many decades to come.

n Pretoria, representatives of Great Britain and the Boer states sign the Treaty of Vereeniging, officially ending the three-and-a-half-year South African Boer War.

The Boers, also known as Afrikaners, were the descendants of the original Dutch settlers of southern Africa. Britain took possession of the Dutch Cape colony in 1806 during the Napoleonic wars, sparking resistance from the independence-minded Boers, who resented the Anglicization of South Africa and Britain’s anti-slavery policies. In 1833, the Boers began an exodus into African tribal territory, where they founded the republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. The two new republics lived peaceably with their British neighbors until 1867, when the discovery of diamonds and gold in the region made conflict between the Boer states and Britain inevitable.

Minor fighting with Britain began in the 1890s and in 1899 full-scale war ensued. By mid-June of 1900, British forces had captured most major Boer cities and formally annexed their territories, but the Boers launched a guerrilla war that frustrated the British occupiers. Beginning in 1901, the British began a strategy of systematically searching out and destroying these guerrilla units, while herding the families of the Boer soldiers into concentration camps. By 1902, the British had crushed the Boer resistance, and on May 31 of that year, the Peace of Vereeniging was signed, ending hostilities.

The treaty recognized the British military administration over Transvaal and the Orange Free State, and authorized a general amnesty for Boer forces. In 1910, the autonomous Union of South Africa was established by the British. It included Transvaal, the Orange Free State, the Cape of Good Hope and Natal as provinces.

Chapter 8 - Johannes Francois Marais (1843 -1922)

Johannes Francois Marais, b2c2d1e3f4g10h2 (4th Generation) 

Birth: June 24, 1843 Cradock, Eastern Cape

Death: Sep 16, 1922 Molteno, Eastern Cape

Son of Jan Gabriel Marais, b2c2d1e3f4g10 and Engela Helena Botha, b1c7d4e14f1

Husband of Sophia Cecilia Marais, b2c2d1e2f4g5h9 and Jeanetta Catharina Cloete

Father of :

Pieter Schalk Marais, b2c2d1e3f4g10h2i1; 

Johannes Francois Marais, b2c2d1e3f4g10h2i2; Born 1867 (Great Grandfather) 

Jan Gabriel Gabriël Marais, b2c2d1e3f4g10h2i3

Engela Helena Elizabeth Marais

Brother of 

Jacobus Marais, f4g10h1; 

Jan Gabriel Marais, b2c2d1e3f4g10h3; 

Engela Helena Marais, b2c2d1e3f4g10h6; 

Charl Petrus Marais, b2c2d1e3f4g10h7; 

Sophia Cecilia Marais, b2c2d1e3f4g10h5 and 1 other

Johannes Francois Marais Death Certificate 1922 in Molteno 

Chapter 7 - Jan Gabriel Marais (1820 - 1888)

 Jan Gabriel Marais - Direct ancestor (5 generations)

Born: Apr 19 1820

Died: Aug 3 1888

Jan Gabriel Marais (1820 - 1888)

Jan Gabriel Marais

Born 19 Apr 1820 in Cradock, Cape Colony, South Africa

ANCESTORS ancestors

Son of Jacobus Marais and Sophia (van Heerden) Marais

Brother of Elizabeth Maria Marais, Rachel Dorothia Marais, Charl Petrus Marais, Sophia Cecilia (Marais) Gilfillan, Pieter Schalk Marais, Anna Elizabeth Marais, Rachel Jacoba Marais, Hester Johanna Marais and Jacobus Daniel Marais

Husband of Elizabeth Catharina (van Heerden) Marais — married [date unknown] [location unknown]

Husband of Engela Helena (Botha) Marais — married before 1841 [location unknown]

DESCENDANTS descendants

Father of Jacobus Marais and Jacob Jacobus Marais

Died 3 Aug 1888 in Maraisburg, Cape Colony, South Africa

Jan Gabriel Marais, 1820 - 1888

Jan Gabriel Marais was born on April 19 1820, in Roodewal, Cradock, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa, to Jacobus Marais and Sophia Maria Marais (born van Heerden).

Jacobus was born on June 8 1779, in Stellenbosch, Breede River DC, Western Cape, South Africa.

Sophia was born Circa March 30 1782, in Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa.

Jan was baptized on May 14 1820, in Cradock, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

He had 9 siblings: 

Anna Elizabeth Ritchie (born Marais), 

Elisabeth Maria van Wyk (born Marais), 

Sophia Cecilia Gilfillan (born Marais), 

Rachel Dorothea Marais, 

Charl Petrus Marais, 

Pieter Schalk Marais, 

Rachel Jacoba Smit (born Marais), 

Hester Johanna Marais  

Jacobus Daniel Marais.

Jan married Engela Helena Marais (born Botha) and they had the following Children:

Jacobus Marais.

Jan Gabriel Marais.

Engela Helena Marais.

Charl Petrus Marais.

Johannes Francois Marais.

Sophia Cecilia Marais.

Anna Remerta Marais.

Jan lived at Hofmeyr, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

His occupation was Boer / Farmer.

Jan passed away on August 3 1888, at age 68 in Maraisburg, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

He was buried in 1888, in Hofmeyr, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

                                            ********************

There is another Reference to Jan Gabriel Marais in Myheritage:

Jan Gabriel Marais, b2c2d1e3f4g10, 1820 - 1888

Jan Gabriel Marais was born on April 19 1820, in Roodewal, Cradock, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa, to Jacobus Marais and Sophia, Maria Marais.

Jan was baptized on May 14 1820, in Cradock, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

He had 9 siblings: Elisabeth Maria van Wyk, Rachel Dorothea Marais, Charl Petrus Marais, Sophia Cecilia Gilfillan, Pieter Schalk Marais, Anna Elizabeth Marais, Rachel Jacoba Smit, Hester Johanna Marais and Jacobus Daniel Marais.

Jan married Elizabeth, Catharina Marais on December 27 1840, at age 20 in Cradock, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

They had 7 children: Jacobus Marais, Jan Gabriel Marais, Engela Helena Marais, Charl Petrus Marais, Johannes Francois Marais, Sophia Cecilia Marais and Anna Remerta Marais.

Jan married Engela Helena Botha on December 27 1840, at age 20 in Cradock, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Jan lived in Hofmeyr, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Jan passed away on August 3 1888, at age 68 in Maraisburg, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

He was buried in 1888, in Hofmeyr, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

There is also a reference in Wikitree

Jan Gabriel Marais, b2c2d1e3f4g10, 1820 - 1888

Jan Gabriel Marais was born on April 19 1820, in Roodewal, Cradock, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa, to Jacobus Marais and Sophia, Maria Marais.

Jan was baptized on May 14 1820, in Cradock, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

He had 9 siblings: - 

Elisabeth Maria van Wyk, 

Rachel Dorothea Marais, 

Charl Petrus Marais, 

Sophia Cecilia Gilfillan, 

Pieter Schalk Marais, 

Anna Elizabeth Marais, 

Rachel Jacoba Smit, 

Hester Johanna Marais

Jacobus Daniel Marais.

Jan married Elizabeth, Catharina Marais on December 27 1840, at age 20 in Cradock, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

They had 7 children: 

Jacobus Marais, 

Jan Gabriel Marais, 

Engela Helena Marais, 

Charl Petrus Marais, 

Johannes Francois Marais, (Great Great Grandfather) 

Sophia Cecilia Marais 

Anna Remerta Marais

Jan married Engela Helena Botha  in Cradock, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Jan lived in Hofmeyr, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Jan passed away on August 3 1888, at age 68 in Maraisburg, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

He was buried in 1888, in Hofmeyr, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Chapter 6 - Jacobus Marais 1779 - 1847

 Jacobus Marais Direct ancestor (6 generations)

June 27 1779

Apr 14 1847

Jacobus Marais (1779 - 1847)

Jacobus Marais

Born 27 Jun 1779 [location unknown]

ANCESTORS ancestors

Son of Charles Marais and Rachel (Hugo) Marais

Brother of Anna Margaretha Marais, Charles Francois Marais, Elisabeth Aletta Marais, Rachel Susanna Marais, Rachel Magdalena (Marais) du Toit, Anna Elizabth Marais, Petrus Johannes Marais, Philippus Petrus Marais, Johannes Stephanus Marais, Maria Johanna Marais, Daniel Jakobus Marais, Martha Cecilia Marais, Jan Gabriel Marais, Rachel Susanna Marais [half] and Jacobus Marais [half]

Husband of Sophia (van Heerden) Marais — married 23 Nov 1798 [location unknown]

Husband of Martha Magdalena (van Zyl) Marais — married 8 Jul 1822 [location unknown]

DESCENDANTS descendants

Father of Elizabeth Maria Marais, Rachel Dorothia Marais, Charl Petrus Marais, Sophia Cecilia (Marais) Gilfillan, Pieter Schalk Marais, Anna Elizabeth Marais, Rachel Jacoba Marais, Hester Johanna Marais, Jacobus Daniel Marais and Jan Gabriel Marais

Died 14 Apr 1847 [location unknown]

Chapter 5 - Charles Marais 5th (1748 - 1825)

Charles Marais 5th - Direct Ancestor (7 Generations)

Born : Oct 13, 1748 - Drakenstein, Western Cape, South Africa

Died:  Jul 31May 20, 1825 - Worcester, Western Cape, South Africa

Charles Marais

Born 13 Oct 1748 in Dutch Cape Colony [South Africa]

ANCESTORS ancestors

Son of Charle Marais and Elisabeth (du Toit) du Plessis

Brother of Charl (Pretorius) Marais [half], Maria Susanna Marais, Francois (Du Plessis) du Plessis [half], Jan Abraham du Plessis [half] and Margrietha Elisabeth (dù Plesies) Hough [half]

Husband of Rachel (Hugo) Marais — married [date unknown] [location unknown]

Husband of Hester (Moller) Marais — married [date unknown] [location unknown]

DESCENDANTS descendants

Father of Anna Margaretha Marais, Charles Francois Marais, Elisabeth Aletta Marais, Jacobus Marais, Rachel Susanna Marais, Rachel Magdalena (Marais) du Toit, Anna Elizabth Marais, Petrus Johannes Marais, Philippus Petrus Marais, Johannes Stephanus Marais, Maria Johanna Marais, Daniel Jakobus Marais, Martha Cecilia Marais, Jan Gabriel Marais, Rachel Susanna Marais and Jacobus Marais

Died 20 May 1825 in Worcester, Cape Colony [South Africa] 

 

Chapter 4 - Charles Marais 4th (1722 - 1750)

 Charles Marais 4th - Direct Ancestor (8 Generations)

Born : Feb 27, 1722 - Drakenstein, Western Cape, South Africa

Died:  May 25, 1750 - Graaf-Reinet Eastern Cape, South Africa

Charle (Charles) Marais

Born before 27 Sep 1722 in Drakenstein, Dutch Cape Colonymap

ANCESTORS ancestors

Son of Charles Marais and Maria (Rousseau) Pretorius

Brother of Johanna (Pretorijs) Theron [half], Maria (Pretorius) Theron [half], Johannes Lodewicus (Pretoriùs) Pretorius [half], Magdalena (Marais) Theron, Pieter Schalk Marais, Daniel Marais, Pieter Marais, Johannes Stephanus Marais and Anna Marais

Husband of Anna (Pretoriús) de Beer — married [date unknown] in Unmarried Parents

Husband of Elisabeth (du Toit) du Plessis — married 28 Oct 1744 in Tulbach, Cape of Good Hope

DESCENDANTS descendants

Father of Charl (Pretorius) Marais, Maria Susanna Marais and Charles Marais

Died after 1 Oct 1750 in de Caep de Goede Hoop, Dutch Cape Colony

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Marais-39#Death

1738 April 21. ... the minor Anna Pretorius, who by her Honor: with the farmer Charle Marai for proper education and upbringing ... was placed here for a considerable time, had passed her so far, that she with rejections of all honor, reputation and fame through the virtuous conversation with the son of eevengem. Charle Marais had been pregnant and recently suffered a craam and gave birth to an ill-conceived child

he above mentioned Information is the result of a baby boy Charl born out of wedlock. Anna Pretoriús was orphaned at the age of 14 and placed with the Marais family to further her education. When she was 19 and her guardian's son Charles Marais was 16, Anna fell pregnant and had as son in 1738. 

Chapter 3 - Charles Marais the 3rd (1695 - 1767)

 Charles Marais 3rd - Direct Ancestor (9 Generations) 

Born : 1695 - Paarl Drakenstein, Western Cape, South Africa

Died: Dec 30th 1767 Drakenstein, Western Cape, South Africa

Parents:  Charles Marais and Anne Marais (bor des Ruelles)

Siblings:  Anne, Catharina, Daniel, Jean, Etienne, Debora, Anna-Margareth, Maria, Jacques, Hester and Izaak.

Wife:  Maria Pretorius (born Rossouw)

Maria was married to Lodewyk Pretorius in 1712 they had 3 Children

                            Maria Pretorius - 1714

                            Johanna Pretorius - 

                            Johannes Lodewicus Pretroirs - 1717

Lodewyk Pretorius died in 1718 and Maria then married Charles Marais they had 7 children together

Children: Charles, Magdelena, Pieter, Danie, Johannes, Stephanus and Anna

Charles Marais in 1730 was a corporal in the Local militia. 

Through marrying Maria Roussouw he became the owner of "Rust en Werk" in Daljosafat, origionally owned by Roussouw's first husband, Lodewyk Pretorius. 

SYNOPSIS for Maria Marais (Previously Pretorius / Born Rossouw)

Maria "Maria Pretorius" Pretorius / Marais, A1b2 (born Rossouw), 1693 - 1766

Maria Pretorius / Marais, A1b2 (born Rossouw) was born in 1693, in Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa, to Pierre Rousseau and Anne Rossouw (born Retief).

Pierre was born in 1666, in Blois Mer, France.

Anne was born in 1671, in Blois, Frankryk, Orleanais, France, Blois, Orleanais, France.

Maria was baptized in 1693, in Paarl.

She had 12 siblings: Pierre (Pieter) Rossouw, Elisabeth du Toit (born Rossouw), Anna Hugo /Blignaut (born Roussouw), Madeleine du Plessis (born Rossouw), Martha du Toit (born Rossouw), Pierre Rossouw, Gabriel Rossouw, Aletta Marais b2c2 (born Rossouw), Hester Roussouw, Daniel Rossouw, Andries Rossouw and Regina Rossouw.

Maria married Lodewijk Pretotius on December 12 1711, at age 18 in [1711] 13 ditto [xbr] Ludevicus Pretorius jongman met Maria Rousseaux van Cabo jonge dr. Stellenbosch..

Lodewijk was born in 1688, in Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.

His occupations were Landbouwer and Farmer.

They had 3 children: Anna Theron (born Pretotius), Maria Theron (born Pretotius) and Johannes Lodewikus Pretotius.

Maria married Charles Marais (born Marais, b2c1) circa 1720, at age 27 in Drakenstein, Suid Afrika, Kaap, Drakenstein, Kaap.

Charles was born in 1695, in Paarl, Drakenstein, Caap de Goede Hoop, Suid Afrika.

His occupation was Farmer- Rust en Werk in Daljosafat.

They had 7 children: Charles Marais, Magdalena Theron (born Marais), Pieter Marais, Daniel Marais, Pieter Marais, Johannes Stephanus Marais and Anna Marais.

Maria passed away in November 1766, at age 73 in Rust en Vrede, Dal Josaphat, Kaap.

Scandal:

Charles Marais is mentioned in a court case in 1733 when a young Worker "Gerrit Coetzee" was arrested for Sodemy on the farm "Rust en Werk" owned by Charles Marais at that time. 

Which you can read about in this article:  JOURNAL ARTICLE

Sodomy, Race and Respectability in Stellenbosch and Drakenstein, 1689 — 1762: The Story of a Family, Loosely Defined

SUSAN NEWTON-KING

Chapter 2 - The son of the Father - Charles Marais 2nd, 1668 - 1711

Charles Marais the 2nd was born to Charles Marais (Father) and Catherine Tabourdeaux  (Mother) in 1668 in Le Plessis Merle, Hurepoix, France. 

Life Story:

Charles Marais 2nd - Direct Ancestor (10 Generations) 

Born : 1668 - Plessis Marle, France

Died: May 16, 1711 - Stellenbosch, district Western Cape, South Africa.

The Marais family having left on board the "Voorschoten" from Delft Harbour, Rotterdam in the Netherlands in 1667, arrived in Saldanha Bay on the 13^th of April 1688.  It then sailed on to the Cape and arrived the 8^th of May 1688.

This is a picture of Delft in the Netherlands.

Occupation

Farmer,  - Le Plessis Marle, Drakenstein. De Fontuin, Wagenmakersvallei 

In Jan 1692 he married Anne Marais (born des Ruelles, Le Ruelle).  

1693

Birth of daughter: Anne Marais -  Paarl, Drakenstein, Caap de Goede Hoop, Suid Afrika

1695

Birth of son: Charles Marais -  Paarl, Drakenstein, Caap de Goede Hoop, Suid Afrika

1696

Birth of daughter: Catharina Catherina Catherine Marais - Cape Colony, South Africa

1698

Birth of son: Daniel Marais - Paarl, de Caep de Goede Hoop, Dutch Cape Colony [South Africa]

June 8 1698

1700

Birth of son: Jean Marais - Paarl, de Caep de Goede Hoop, Dutch Cape Colony [South Africa]

Mar 7 1700

1701

Birth of daughter: Hester Cordier (born Marais) -  Swellendam, de Caep de Goede Hoop, Dutch Cape Colony

1703

Birth of son: - Estienne Marais - Drakenstein,, Dutch Cape Colony Dec 9 1703

1705

Birth of daughter:  Debora du Toit (born Marais) - Drakenstein, Cape Province, South Africa

Oct 4 1705

1706

Death of daughter: Anne Marais -   de Caep de Goede Hoop [South Africa]

1707

Birth of daughter: Anna Margaretha Celliers (born Marais Rossouw) -   Wagenmakersvallei, Dutch Cape Colony [South Africa]

1708

Death of daughter: Catharina Catherina Catherine Marais

1708

Birth of daughter: Maria Frick (born Marets Marais) - Wagenmakersvallei, Cape, South Africa

 Oct 14 1708

1709

Birth of son: Jacque Jacques Marais - Drakenstein, Dutch Cape Colony Sep 22 1709

1711

Birth of son: Izaak Isac Marais - Drakenstein, Dutch Cape Colony Apr 15 1711

1711

Death - Stellenbosch, Dutch Cape Colony, South Africa

May 16 1711

Charles Marais farmed "Le Plessis Marle" in Drakenstein and "De Fortuin" bought from Willem Adrian van der Stel and bordering on "Wel van Pas" in Wagenmakersvallei.

Chapter 1(b) Charles Marais and the Farm "Le Plessis Marle" or "Plessis Les Marle"

Charles Marais (Marré) (Maternal 11th Great Grandparent) and his wife Catherine Taboureux, presumably along with their 4 children (Claude, Charles, Izaac and Maria), are given 60 morgen of land in the Simonsberg area of Groot Drakenstein. He calls his farm Le Plessis Marle in recognition of his place of origin south of Paris, France. 

However the Farm is referred to as  “Plessis les Marle” in my research. 

Of the three children, his oldest son Claude Marias, goes on to become the first Elder of the French Church, and by the time his second wife dies in 1729, owns four farms, Meerlust, Lekkerwyn, le Plessis Marle and Welvanpas.

“Plessis les Marle” as it is referred to today have this history on their website: 

Charles Marais, a Huguenot peasant from Le Plessis Marly in the Ile de France region wanted a better life for his family. They were plagued by drought, famine, crippling taxes and ensuing poverty. These factors coupled with religious persecution saw them setting sail for the Cape in 1687 where they settled in the Groot Drakenstein Valley.

In 1693, Cape Governor Simon van der Stel granted land to the Marais family. They named it after their hometown, Le Plessis Marly. Later in the hands of his grandson, Jacob, the estate grew to one of the finest in the region. It was Jacob who built the manor house in 1764 that remains one of the earliest and finest examples of Cape Dutch architecture today.

Chapter 1 - Charles & Catherine Marais (neé Tabourdeaux) Leaving France for the Netherlands and then South Africa 1638 - 1689

I have been doing a lot of research into my Genealogy since I had my DNA done!  It has been so interesting and fascinating.  

My Mother's maiden name is Marais and her father was born a Marais but we will go into that further down the line, so lets work our way back to the first Marais that arrived in South Africa. 

Charles Marais 1  Direct ancestor (11 generations)

Born: Mar 30 1638 in Plessis Marle, France

 Died: Apr 3 1689 Le Plessis Marle, Drakenstein district Western Cape, South Africa.

 

Charles (Charl) Marais was born on March 30, 1638 in Domaine Plessis-Mornay, Longvilliers, Hurepoix, Isle de France, France, which according to Google is just outside of Paris near to Versailles. 

Charles Marais would be my Maternal 11th generation great grandfather .

Who were the French Huguenots?

Huguenots were French Protestants in the 16th ad 17th centuries who followed the teachings of the theologian John Calvin.   They were persecuted by the French Catholic government during a violent period, Huguenots fled the country in the 17th Century, creating Huguenot settlements all over Europe, in the United States and Africa. 

So Charl Marais married Catherine Tabourdeaux , Catherine was born in 1640 and we assume that they would have been married in 1658. 

They had 5 children:
                                        Claude Marais in 1662

                                        Jacques Marais in 1666

                                        Charles Marais in 1668 (Direct Ancestor 10th generation)

                                        Marie-Madeleine Marais in 1673

                                        Isaac Marais in 1677

They were all born and lived in Le Plessis-Marlé, Hurepoix, Ile-de-France, France.

In 1687 when Charles was 49 years old, they fled France for the Netherlands, in my research I came across a document:- A South African Diary: Contested Identity, My Family - Our Story Compiled by: Dr. Anthony Turton tony@anthonyturton.com  

He is obviously related to me as his notes that Charles Marais is his maternal 9th Great grandparent. 

Here is an extract taken from his diary. 

14/9/87 Turton Genealogy: Charles Marais (Marré) (Maternal 9th Great Grandparent) and his wife Catherine Taboureux, having fled from Paris as a result of religious persecution, renounce Catholicism in the Waalse Kerk in Den Haag.  

21/12/87 Turton Genealogy: Charles Marais (Marré) (Maternal 9th Great Grandparent) and his wife Catherine Taboureux, along with their 4 children (Claude born 1662; Charles born 1668; Izaac born 1667 and Maria born 1682), depart from Delft harbour on the ship "Voorschoten" destined for the Cape, escaping religious persecution in Europe. They are part of the French Huguenot movement.

1688 

1688 Around 200 French Protestant refugees, known as French Huguenot’s, arrive in the Cape, driven out of Europe by the policies of King Louis XIV, who on the advice of his mistress Françoise de Maintenon, decides to drive out Protestantism. This loses a cadre of highly skilled people to the New World, including the likes of Du Pont and Courtauld, who go on to make a major contribution to the Americas. This new class of immigrant is more industrious than the VOC employee or the Vryburgher, resulting in a shift in productivity in the emerging Cape settlement. 

13/4/88 Turton Genealogy: Charles Marais (Marré) (Maternal 9th Great Grandparent) arrives in the Cape at Saldanha Bay with his wife Catherine Taboureux and four children on board the ship Voorschoten. They originate from Plessis Marle, south of Paris in France and are part of the French Huguenots. The story of Charles Marré becomes linked to the story of Jean Prieur Du Plessis by virtue of the autopsy that the latter performs after the murder of the former (see 23/4/1689).  The ship is damaged in a bad storm and they transfer to the ship "Jupiter" where they sail onto Table Bay. 

1/12/88 Turton Genealogy: Charles Marais (Marré) (Maternal 9th Great Grandparent) and his wife Catherine Taboureux, presumably along with their 4 children (Claude, Charles, Izaac and Maria), is given 60 morgen of land in the Simonsberg area of Groot Drakenstein. He calls his farm Le Plessis Marle in recognition of his place of origin south of Paris, France. (One source refers to the farm name as “Plessis les Marle” – see notes by Adela Meyer – mwadela@mweb.co.za). Of the three children, his oldest son Claude Marias, goes on to become the first Elder of the French Church, and by the time his second wife dies in 1729, owns four farms, Meerlust, Lekkerwyn, le Plessis Marle and Welvanpas. It is interesting to note that Piet Retief is born years later at Welvanpas, creating a direct link between my early family and the Great Trek (see various references in 1837; 1838; 1839; 1884; 1885, 1985 and 1992). 

29/3/89 Turton Genealogy: Charles Marais (Marré) (Maternal 9th Great Grandparent) is attacked by a Hottentot on his farm Le Plessis Marle (Plessis le Marle). He dies on 3 April 1689 from his injuries. This incident shows that life in the Cape is hard, unpredictable and violent. Significantly, three of my oldest traceable biological ancestors that settle in the Cape, die as a result of violence (see details of the death of Jacob Cloete on 25/3/1693, the death of Charles Marais (Marré) on 3/4/1689 and also the murder of Geertjen Gerrits (Maternal 9th Great-Grandparent) by the slave Claas van Malabar in March, 1692). 

5/4/89 Turton Genealogy: Simon van der Stel writes in his diary that a Hottentot headman (Captain) called Thomas hands over another Hottentot (unnamed) for the murder of a French “refugee” living in Drakenstein (Charles Marais, my Maternal 9th Great-Grandparent). This indicates that justice is carried out swiftly and through the traditional leadership structures of the Hottentot people. 

23/4/89 Turton Genealogy: Simon van der Stel writes in his diary that the convicted Hottentot has been sentenced to death. The sentence (translated) states that, “The Hottentot named Edescha, also known as Dikkop, residing under the authority of Hottentot Chief Thomas, is aged around 25. On the 29th of March at about one hour before sundown, Edescha accompanied by two other Hottentots from the same kraal, entered the garden of the French farmer Charles Marré (Marais) at Drakenstein, to ask for watermelons. Refused permission by Marré, the accused picked these nonetheless. 

An argument ensued and the accused attacked Marré twice, using stones, hitting him twice on the left hand side of his groin, causing the victim to be taken to his house in order to recover. 

Edescha then fled back to his own people, where upon hearing of the death of Marré, took flight, to be recaptured by his own people in the name of justice. 

The surgeon of Stellenbosch, Jan du Plessis, after performing an autopsy, reported in writing that he had found a massive contusion on the left hand side groin of the deceased, along with a severed blood vessel, that had resulted in internal bleeding, resulting ultimately in death.” 

This is an early example of the level of sophistication of the Dutch system of justice, because a coroner’s investigation leads to a written report being entered into the court records, providing a forensic link in the chain of causation that led from the throwing of the projectile by the accused Edescha, to the death of Charles Marré (Marais). 

The coroner’s report has been reported in English as follows: “I have been in Drakenstein and have examined Charles Marais, who died after being struck in the left groin by two stones thrown by a Hottentot on 29th March. 

I opened the wound in the presence of Monsieur the Landdrost Jan Mostert, Hendrik de Cochè and Jacques de Savoye.   I found a great inward and outward contusion and the heart artery broken, which having collected much blood, overwhelmed the heart and caused death.   In token of the truth hereof I have signed it, J. Prieur du Plessis”.   It also gives an insight into human security at the time.  

In 1690 Catherine marries Daniel des Ruelles and goes on to have 3 more children. 

Ann des Ruelles born 1691

Daniel des Ruelles born 1692

Esther des Ruelles born 1692

SYNOPSIS:

Charles Marais from Lesierre du Plessis near Marle, and later Plessismornay near Longvilliers, a district of Paris, fled to the Netherland where, on the 14th of September, 1687 in the Waalse Kerk, Den Haag, he renounced the Roman Catholic Church. 

He and his wife (Catherine Taboureux) left Delfshaven on 31st December 1687 aboard the Voorschoten.  They  arrived in Saldanha Bay on the 13th April 1688, embarking on the Jupiter for the trip to Cape Town.  He was hit by a stone in the groin on his farm Le Plessis Marle by a Hottentot, Edessah, following an argument centered around a green watermelon.  He died on the 3rd of April 1689.  

In 1690 Catherine married Daniel des Ruelles of Picardie, France. 

Huguenots of South Africa

"The Huguenots of South Africa 1688-1988", Tafelberg Publishers Limited, Cape Town, 1988 (Contributor June 19, 1999 Sonia Tkachuk van Heerden) in Olivetreegenealogy.com Ships Carrying Huguenots to South Africa - Ships Passenger List for Huguenot Ship Voorschotten to South Africa 1687.

Set sail from Delftshaven (belonged to the Chamber of Delft), Zeeland, Netherlands, December 31, 1687.

Flyboat with 3 masts and a rounded hull, 130 Dutch feet long - capable of carrying 150 people, captain Fs. Vellerius (Valerius) April 13, 1688 arrived at Saldanha Bay, transferred to ship Jupiter and April 26, 1688 arrived at Table Bay with 192 people:

Anne Souchay

Charles Marais from Plessis, France -

Catharina Taboureux Marais

Claude Marais - 24

Charles Marais - 19

Isaac Marais - 10

Marie Marais - 6

Philippe Fouche

Anne Fouche

Anne Fouche - 6

Esther Fouche - 5

Jacques Fouche - 3

Marguerite Basche Bruere - 23

Estienne Bruere, wagon-builder - 23

Jacques Pinard - 23 - carpenter

Esther Fouche Pinard - 21

Pierre Sabatie, from Marriere - 23

Jean Leroux - 21

Gideon Malherbe - 25

Marie Grillon Malherbe

Jean Paste - 25

Paul Godefroy - 22

Gasper Flouche - 21

Gabriel Le Roux - 17

On another page of the same website the following names are mentioned:

Charles Marais (abt 1640-1689) and Catherine Taboureux (abt 1642-1729)

Claude Marais (1662-aft.1729)

Charles Marais (1668-1711)

Isaac Marais (1677-?)

Maarie-Madeleine Marais (1682-1716)

Philippe Foucher (abt 1657-1708) and Anne Souchay (abt 1659-aft 1708)

Anne Foucher (1681-1713)

Esther Foucher (1683-1689)

Jacques Foucher (1685-1689)

Marguerite Basche (1665-1688)

Estienne Bruère (1665-aft 1722)

Jacques Pinard (1665-1712) and Esther Foucher (1666-1697)

Pierre Sabatier (1665-?)

Jean le Roux (1667-1711)

Gédéon Malherbe (1663-1713)

Jean Machepaste (1662-1689)

Paul Godefroy (1665-1699)

Gaspard Foucher (1667-1688)

Gabrièl le Roux (1669-1711)

My "Marais" Lineage 1638 - Today

This Blog contains the Ancestry of my Mothers Father

Charles Marais 1  Direct ancestor (11 generations)

Born : Mar 30 1638 in Plessis Marle, France

Died: Apr 3 1689 Le Plessis Marle, Drakenstein district Western Cape, South Africa

Charles Marais 2nd - Direct Ancestor (10 Generations) 

Born : 1668 in Plessis Marle, France

Died: May 16 1711 Stellenbosch, district Western Cape, South Africa.

Charles Marais 3rd - Direct Ancestor (9 Generations) 

Born : 1695 - Paarl Drakenstein, Western Cape, South Africa

Died: Dec 30th 1767 Drakenstein, Western Cape, South Africa

Charles Marais 4th - Direct Ancestor (8 Generations)

Born : Feb 27, 1722 - Drakenstein, Western Cape, South Africa

Died:  May 25, 1750 - Graaf-Reinet Eastern Cape, South Africa

Charles Marais 5th - Direct Ancestor (7 Generations)

Born : Oct 13, 1748 - Drakenstein, Western Cape, South Africa

Died:  Jul 31, 1782 - Worcester, Western Cape, South Africa

Jacobus Marais - Direct ancestor (6 generations)

Born: June 8 1779 in Stellenbosch, South Africa

Left the Cape at some stage for Cradock, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa

He died in Cradock, South Africa on Apr 14 1847

Jan Gabriel Marais - Direct ancestor (5 generations)

Born: Apr 19 1820 in Cradock, South Africa

Died: Aug 3 1888 in Maraisburg Eastern Cape, this was later renamed to Hofmeyr as there was already a Maraisburg in the Transvaal.

Johannes Francois Marais - Great-great-grandfather (4 generations)

Born: June 24 1843 in Cradock, South Africa

Died: Sep 16 1922 in Molteno, South Africa

Johannes Francois Marais - Great-grandfather (3 generations)

Born: Feb 25 1867 in the Eastern Cape, South Africa is the Johannes Francois Marais that was captured and sent to India as a POW during the Anglo Boer War.

Died: Mar 5 1950 in Tzaneen, South Africa

Johannes Francois Marais - Grandfather (2 Generations)

Born: Jan 9 1897 in Tzaneen, South Africa

Died: Sep 3 1948 in Roodepoort, South Africa

Anna Johanna Marais - Mother (1st Generation)

Born: Dec 9 1924 in Roodepoort, South Africa

Died: Sep 11 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa

Rose-Marie Kemp - Me

Born: Apr 2 1964 in Durban, South Africa

Emily Rowe - My Daughter

Born: June 4 2003 in Dublin, Ireland