CHAPTER XXIV - MR. VAN RIEBEEK'S ADMINISTRATION—(continued)

Summary

A commencement having been made, there were a good many persons desirous of becoming corngrowers and gardeners. Most of them, however, soon found such occupations unsuited to their habits, and either re-entered the Company's service, or went back to the fatherland. The names of some who remained in South Africa have died out, but others have numerous descendants in this country at the present day. There are even instances in which the same Christian name has been transmitted from father to son in unbroken succession. In addition to those already mentioned, the following individuals received free papers within the next twelvemonth:—

Wouter Mostert, who was for many years one of the leading men in the settlement. He had been a miller in the fatherland, and followed the same occupation here after becoming a burgher. The Company had imported a corn mill to be worked by horses, but after a short time it was decided to make use of the water of the Fresh river as a motive power. Mostert contracted to build the new mill, and when it was in working order he took charge of it on shares of the payments made for grinding.

Hendrik Boom, the gardener, whose name has already been frequently mentioned.

Caspar Brinkman, Pieter Visagie, Hans Faesbenger, Jacob Cloete, Jan Reyniers, Jacob Theunissen, Jan Rietvelt, Otto van Vrede, and Simon Janssen, who had land assigned to them as farmers.