I am looking for my great grandfather - Schlimmer

[Sallyschlim]

Hi everyone!

Just wondering if anyone can help me; I have hit a brick wall!

My great grandfather is Frederick Schlimmer (died 21/1/1944 age 77 so born in 1866).  I have his death certificate and marriage certificate (shows place of birth as Middleburg, Cape Colony).  He was married to Robina Milligan and then Hilda Alford.  His brother’s name was Ignatius Schlimmer (born Uitenhague).

He became a member of the Rand Pioneers in 1889.  My mother tells me that he and his brother were orphans and even possibly stowaways (from Germany)!  The story goes that the brothers sold water to the miners in the early gold / diamond rush days. I have a copy of his will and he left money to a number of orphanages and children’s homes in Johannesburg. So it makes me think that perhaps there is something to the story that he is an orphan.

Anyway, just wondering if someone has any idea as to how I can progress forward. I would love to know where he came from.  Are there any books on the gold rush in South Africa that anyone could recommend I read?  I have scoured the internet and would really appreciate any help.

Thanks so much, cheers Sally

[Retsina]

Hi Sally

I'm also looking for my grandfather's Rand Pioneers record circa 1895. The Brenthurst Library in South Africa (www.brenthurst.org.za) has some documentation relating to the Rand Pioneers and Rand Women Pioneers Associations.  Perhaps they would be able to help with your research.

[pampoen]

Perhaps this book might have something in it https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=11407595662&searchurl=tn%3Drand%2Bpioneers%26sortby%3D17%26fe%3Don&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title1

[Sallyschlim]

Thank you so much for the response Retsina and Pampoen.

I have already contacted the Brenthurst Library but it appears that I will need to make a visit there to obtain any information.  I live in Australia though!

Pampoen I certainly will purchase the book. I actually have purchased two other books online soo ... my reading list is growing.  The history of that era is so interesting.

Thanks again!

[Retsina]

Hi Sally

Thanks for the info re the Brenthurst records. Seems to be quite difficult to access any South African historical records online.  Also interested in this period of history.  Can you let me know what other books you have read about this period please?

[Sallyschlim]

Hi Retsina, it sure is!

So here is the list ...

1. Archive.org - free online books - SA Mining Journal 21st Anniversary Number / The Transvaal and it’s Mines
2. A uni dissertation ... uir.unisa.co.za - The History of Silver Mining in Greater Johannesburg (gave me good tips on where to find reference material)
3. An on line paper - Asbestostrust.co.za - a paper on the asbestos mining industry (I actually did find a reference to my grandfather!)
4. Books purchased off AbeBooks - Eric Rosenthal Gold, Gold, Gold! / The Randlords, The Men Who Made SA - still to get them
5. Kindle via Amazon - 15 Great Randlords

That’s it ... where do I find the time ... the cat wants attention, hubby is grumpy, the kids entertain themselves as they are teens and I drag myself to work the next day having stayed up too late!

[pampoen]

Hi Sally I also live in Australia. Have you thought about going to your state library and asking what records they would have on the South African Gold Rush?

[Sallyschlim]

Ooh yes ... thanks, I will look into it! Pampoen, have you any idea as to how to contact the Braamfontein Cemetary, my Grandfather was buried there? I have emailed them, but the email just bounced back and nobody answers the phone.  Or alternatively, perhaps you know of someone who could go around there for me. Never though that I would be so excited to see a grave!

[Sallyschlim]

Correction ... he was buried at Brixton but the records are at Braamfontein, right?