Garwood ALSTON [3772]

  General Notes:

Garwood emigrated to South Africa about the age of 18, a qualified engineer, and in 1861 he was appointed Goverment Land Surveyor, Cape Province. Garwood actively collected natural history specimens, published some meteorological investigations, and practiced agriculture in the Carnarvon district, particularly at Van Wyk's Vlei, during the latter part of the nineteenth century.
Over four decades the high quality of his survey work led to frequent government contracts to carry out important surveys. In 1871 and 1872 he was engaged to extend the survey performed by Thomas Maclear to measure an arc of the meridian in the western parts of the Cape of Good Hope, by connecting Maclear's Kliprug and Kebiscow stations to the village of Calvinia by a double series of primary triangles. During 1894 he surveyed the boundaries of a proposed Bushmanland Game Reserve just south of the Gariep and west of Pella mission station. Nothing came of this proposal, but his survey showed that the river was in places up to 14 km further north than indicated on existing maps, so that the Cape Colony was larger than had hitherto been assumed. During 1898 he was engaged to perform the primary triangulation to connect the eastern end of the geodetic chain in British Bechuanaland with the northern end of the Kimberley arc surveyed by Colonel W.G. Morris, a 110 km chain of triangles along the Kimberley-Vryburg railway line. This was followed by a similar survey to connect the western end of the British Bechuanaland chain to the northern end of Maclear's arc of meridian. He completed the field work in October 1899 and recommended several improvements in the construction of beacons (then piles of loose stones) and in observational procedures. Even Alston's earliest work was so highly regarded that the Surveyor-General decided in 1901 to integrate a survey he had carried out in 1864 into the secondary triangulation of the Colony, which was then in its early stages.

Alston's work required him to move about the Colony and adjacent territories regularly. During the 1880's he lived mainly at Van Wyk's Vlei, where he managed an agricultural settlement which was started in 1884. During 1888 and 1889 he was at Parys in the Free State, and in 1890 at Klerksdorp in the Transvaal, but from 1891 to after 1900, again had his base at Van Wyk's Vlei. In 1906 and 1907, when he would already have reached retirement age, his address is given as Roodepoort (an agricultural settlement near present day Koppies) in the Free State.

His interest in natural history is evidenced by a number of donations of specimens to local museums. In 1885 and 1886 he sent many insects, with natural history notes, to the South African Museum from Van Wyk's Vlei, following this up with further donations of insects from Parys in 1888 and 1889, Klerksdorp in 1890, British Bechuanaland in 1891, Bushmanland in 1894, 1896 and 1899, and from Van Wyk's Vlei in 1897, many of them rare or new to the museum's collection. His other donations included some semi-fossilized shells, snakes, scorpions, and solifugae from Van Wyk's Vlei in 1897 to 1899. As a result he was named in 1899, one of only nine "correspondents" of the South African Museum, who as regular contributors of specimens received the museum's publications free of charge.

Alston's botanical collecting was on a smaller scale. He sent some succulents from the Carnarvon district to the Government Herbarium in Cape Town in 1895, and again from around Garies in Namaqualand in 1897. The next year he donated plants collected during his survey in British Bechuanaland. He also sent live succulents from Namaqualand to the Albany Museum in Grahamstown in 1899. He is commemorated in the species names of the succulents Trichocaulon alstonii and Adromischus alstonii.
In 1886 the Colonial Botanist, P. MacOwan, obtained seeds of the Australian salt bush, Atriplex nummularia and A. inflata, from Australia and gave them to Alston for test planting at Van Wyk's Vlei. He raised the plants successfully and in 1893 distributed seed to farmers in many parts of South Africa. He described the experiment in a pamphlet published in Cape Town by the Department of Lands, Mines and Agriculture in 1893. In some of the saline soils of the Karoo the first-named species has spread widely and is an important fodder plant. It is popularly known as Alston's Saltbush. (Michele Robinson writes: Strangely, there is a goat in Australia called the Alston Boer goat did that have something to do with Garwood?)
Another of his contributions to agriculture was an article in the Cape Quarterly Review (Vol. 1(4), July 1882, pp. 616-620) on the detection of break-outs by ostriches or other animals from their camps by incorporating the fence in an electric circuit - a very early application of electricity in South Africa.

Alston's first contribution to meteorology consisted of a short paper on meteorological data in the Cape Monthly Magazine (Series 2, Vol. 7, 1873, pp. 31-32, 383-384) in which he advocated that meteorological observations should be made systematically at selected stations.
In 1882-1883 he published a description of the climate of the region between Calvinia-Carnarvon (http://karootowns.com/carnarvon.htm) in the south and the Gariep in the north in the Cape Quarterly Review (Vol. 1, pp. 544-554; Vol. 2, pp. 135-150, 312-320).
Years later he made a comparison of the water supply (precipitation) and loss (evaporation, run-off, and percolation) at Brandvlei Dam in the Karoo to conditions in New South Wales, Australia.
This study was published in the Transactions of the South African Philosophical Society (Vol. 9, 1895-6, pp. 8-19). He became a member of the society around this time, and was still a member of its successor, the Royal Society of South Africa, in 1917.
His other publications included a paper on Van Wyk's Vlei (Transactions of the South African Philosophical Society, Vol. 8, 1890-1895, pp. 35-40), a response to the Report of the Commission on Van Wyk's Vlei in 1892, and an open letter to the Commisioner for Public Works on Van Wyk's Vlei in 1906. (Albany Museum. Report for 1899.)
References:
Cape of Good Hope (Colony). Report of the Surveyor-General for 1879, 1880, 1894, 1898, 1899, 1901.
Gunn, M. & Codd, L.E. Botanical exploration of southern Africa. Cape Town: Balkema, 1981.
Royal Society of South Africa. Transactions, 1908, Vol. 1, 1917-18, Vol. 6, lists of members.
Smith, C.A. Common names of South African plants (Australian salt bush). Pretoria: Botanical Research Institute, 1966.
South African bibliography to the year 1925. London: Mansell, 1979.
South African Museum. Report for 1885 to 1899.
South African Philosophical Society. Transactions, Vols 8-18, 1890-1907.

Venter, R.J. Bibliography of regional metereological literature, Vol. 1: Southern Africa, 1486-1948. Pretoria: Weather Bureau, 1949; in 1888, Thomas Bain was "detached" from the Roads Department and appointed Geological and Irrigation Surveyor of the colony.
In this new post he first visited Van Wyk's Vlei, where Mr Garwood Alston had surveyed lines of furrows to divert the Carnarvon River and together they proceeded to Prieska, where they found that irrigation of the town lands by the Orange River would not work. This work was entrusted to Bosman's direction, but was carried out by the surveyor Garwood Alston from 1898. Bosman, assisted by Andrews, reduced the observations and adjusted the triangles, completing the work in 1901. The incorporation of both Bosman's and Alston's surveys into the Geodetic Survey of South Africa amply confirmed the high quality of the work.

Donations to South African Museum: 1893 (Lepidoptera and Coleoptera from Concordia, Little Namaqualand); 1894 (Pella); 1896; 1897.
Source: http://www.museums.org.za/bio/people/alston-g.htm National Archives of Sth Africa
Alston collected natural history specimens in1899 which included three species of coleoptera new to the South African Museum. Source: Cape Town Museum:

Van Wyksvlei Dam
Garwood Alston, an engineer, had seen the possibility of building a dam to provide water to the farmers in the region. Construction of the Van Wyksvlei Dam started in 1882 and was completed in 1884 - this was the first dam in the country to be built by the state. There are several large salt pans in the district.
Ref: http://www.visit-south-africa.co.za/P21834.html http://karootowns.com/vanwyksvlei.htm

M Robinson writes in 2011:
Garwood lived in this town (Vanwyksvlei), which is really "nowhere" It is in the Northern Cape and it seems a bit of a "dustbowl"
He owned a farm called "Leewkolk", of 11,630 morgen (1 Morgen = 0.856 532 Hectares)
which was eventually sold for L3100 to settle the estate

Alston, Garwood
Surveyor and part-time naturalist.
"In October 1899 surveyer Garwood Alston completed his observations of the triangles connecting the western part of the Bechuanaland survey with the northern part of the arc of meridian measured some 60 years earlier by Thomas Maclear (1794-1879). . . . . Alston also continued collecting natural history specimens which this year [1899] included three species of coleoptera new to the South African Museum."
Donations to South African Museum: 1893 (Lepidoptera and Coleoptera from Concordia, Little Namaqualand); 1894 (Pella); 1896; 1897.
SOURCE (http://www.museums.org.za/bio/people/alston-g.htm)

Port Nolloth
Sept 18th 1900
My dear Edward
Your two letters of Friday and Saturday both came to hand per Nautilus & I was pleased to get them I have no news for you, this is a too much out of the way place for that to turn up often. Lieut McFarlane came back by German boat & leaves tomorrow for Okiep he seems to have had no idea that you were in "his" office. About the German S.W.A. I can find out nothing save that every steamer takes a few men to SwakopMund (Namibia), what for I cannot hear. Harry Pilkington came back from Keetman's Hoop (on the Orange River) on Saturday and says everything is quite quiet there. The traffic manager here has seen no suspicious cases passing and will keep his eye open. He is the only man to whom I have mentioned (the)
Page.
the substance of your letter except today to Lieut M F. It will be old story to you to tell you that almost every German colonist hereabouts and all of them I suspect over the Orange River are ill friends to us if not active enemies, and, as a matter of business, your Dept will know that Germany has sunk wells and made all surveys of routes etc with a view to a possible passing of an army from the coast to the Kalahari, and they seem to have a more intimate knowledge than we have of the practicable routes thence North and South Eastwards and of the seasonal conditions that govern or bar them. As a Military Nation this would be only natural to their position as our neighbours but they do hate us with a cordiality that I cannot account for on reasonable grounds "at all at all" and there want of liking for us makes me wish more than ever to see the old wish of (mine)
Page.
mine for one flag for all South of the Zambezi to be fulfilled. Perhaps after the Republics have been effectively settled England may make exchanges with Germany and Portugal to the comfort of all concerned, for not even under the aegis of the British flag can South Africa ever aspire to the dignity of a Country with a German boil on the one rib and a Portuguese blain on the other. Certainly the "pride of possession" is the measure of the value of their South African territories to Germany and Portugal and decent exchanges would be to their pecuniary advantage.
We have De Marillac here for a day, excitable boastful and sanguine as ever; I rather like him as a study, his public aim is barely in the right direction and he is only absurd in trying to put all things straight "off his own bat" (I)
Page.
I was glad to get the batch of photos Mary sent & now want yours - the public one most - Harrys, Herberts Annies & Gerties to fill up the list. By the way the "cutting" you did not enclose of course I am the more curious to know what it was about.
Post is advertised to close at 4:30 p.m. but I fancy the Nautilus will not get away till late tomorrow so I may get a chance to write another letter but it is now time to close this.
Best Love to all my boys and girls.
Your affectionate father
Garwood Alston
Written on envelope flap.
Have seen him, treated me well, claims to be in your service under McFarlane. Has been in German service over river, about 28 years old, apt to drink occasionally and become gassy, can be valuable if sincere.
Printed on envelope flap.
From
C.E.W. Gunning-Wheeler,
General Dealer,
Steinkopf,
Namaqualand.
Ref: Letter in the possession of M. Robinson 2011.

Garwood died whilst on a visit to his son Herbert.

WILL OF GARWOOD ALSTON
11 March 1918
BE IT HEREBY MADE KNOWN. that on the 11th day of March 1918 at Cape Town, before us, the undersigned witnessess, personally came and appeared GARWOOD ALSTON of Cape Town.
And the Appearer being in health of biody and pf sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding and capable of doing any act that required thought judgement or reflection declared his intention to make and execute his Last Will and Testament wherefore herby revoking and annulling all Wills Codicils and other Testamentary Acts heretofore passed by him the Appearer declared to nominate and appoint his children to be the sole and universal heirs of all his Estate Goods Effects Stocks Inheritances Chattels credits and things whatsoever and whersoever the same may be nothing excepted shich shall be left at his death whether moveable of immoveable and whther the same be in possession remainder or exoectancy.
And should one or more of such children happen to die in the lifetime of the Appearer then the lawful descendants or issue of such ceseased child or children shall come into his her or their place by represntation according to the laws of Succession. And it is the special wish and desire of the Appearer that the children of his deceased son WILLIAM DUNCAN ALSTON shall be included as one of the above heirs of his Estate. much children coming into theire deceased father's place by representation
It being the special wish and desire of the Appearer that his sons shall provide and care for the Appearer's unmarried daughter MARY FRANCES ALSTON so long as she remians unmarried.It being the wish and desire of the Appearer that his aftermentioned Executors shall have full discretionary power to sell either by Public or Private Sale the landed propeerty at any time they deem it advisable and after paying off all Mortages and other just debts incumbrances charges costs and expenses to divide the proceeds in terms of this Will.
The Appearer further declared to nominate and appoint his two sons EDWARD GARWOOD ALSTON and HERBERT JOHN BAILEY ALSTON to be the Executors of this Will and Administrators of his Estate and Effects hereby granting unto them all such powers as are required or allowed in law and especially those of Assumption.
The Appearer declared to reserve to himself during his life the power from time to time and at all times hereafter to male all such alterations in or additions to this Will as he shall think fir wither by a separate act or at the foot hereof desiring that all such alterations or addition so made under his own signature shall be held as valid and effectual as if they had been inserted herein.
All which having been clearly and distinctly read over to the Appearer he declared that he fully understood the same and it contained his last Will and Testament desiring that it may have effect as much or as a Codicil or otherwise in such manner as may by found to consist with law.
THUS DONE AND PASSED at Cape Town the Day Month and Year aforesaid in the presence of the Witnesses.
Garwood Alston,
AS WITNESS: Grace E Johnson, Doris E Hague.

  Research Notes:

National Archives of South Africa (NASA)
Database: Cape Town Archives Repository
DEPOT KAB = Cape Town. SOURCE CO = Colonial Office
TYPE LEER. VOLUME_NO 4113. SYSTEM 01. REFERENCE 39. PART 1
DESCRIPTION MEMORIAL. GARWOOD ALSTON APPLICATION FOR EMPLOY
MENT.
STARTING 18600000. ENDING 18600000. DEPOT KAB. SOURCE CO. TYPE LEER
VOLUME_NO 4166. SYSTEM 01. REFERENCE A55. PART 1
DESCRIPTION MEMORIAL. GARWOOD ALSTON. REGARDING SURVEY OF THE KENHARDT GRANTS. STARTING 18710000. ENDING 18710000. DEPOT KAB
SOURCE CO. TYPE LEER. VOLUME_NO 4166. SYSTEM 01. REFERENCE A59 PART 1
DESCRIPTION MEMORIAL. GARWOOD ALSTON. REGARDING CROWN LANDS ON THE NORTHERN BORDER STARTING 18710000. ENDING 18710000. DEPOT KAB
SOURCE DOC = Registrar, Deeds Office, Cape Town
TYPE LEER. VOLUME_NO 4/1/377. SYSTEM 02
REFERENCE 896. PART 1
DESCRIPTION MORTGAGE BOND. GARWOOD ALSTON. STARTING 18940000
ENDING 18940000. DEPOT KAB. SOURCE DOC. TYPE LEER. VOLUME_NO 4/1/440
SYSTEM 02. REFERENCE 2752. PART 1
DESCRIPTION MORTGAGE BOND. GARWOOD ALSTON.
STARTING 18950000. ENDING 18950000

On line data:
Garwoods will and estate affairs 63 images headed:
ALSTON Edward Garwood abt 1838-1922
http://eggsa.org/documents/main.php?g2_itemId=272943
http://eggsa.org/documents/main.php?g2_itemId=273062

pdf Images on file of above.

Alstoniana puts Garwoods birth date at 13 May 1838.

Images courtesy of M Robinson & Family.

For more information on the South African branch of this interesting family, contact edward@thekingscandlesticks.com and he will put you in contact.

  Other Records

1. Census: England, 7 Jun 1841, Cold Hall Gt Bromley. Garwood is recorded as aged 3 born Essex

2. Census: England, 30 Mar 1851, Kelvedon School Kelvedon ESS. Garwood is recorded as a scholar aged 12 born Gt Bromley ESS

3. Garwood Alston: Will and Estate Documents, 1922-1938, Courtesy eGGSA Documents. Image 01

4. Garwood Alston: Will and Estate Documents, 1922-1938, Courtesy eGGSA Documents. Image 02

5. Garwood Alston: Will and Estate Documents, 1922-1938, Courtesy eGGSA Documents. Image 03

6. Garwood Alston: Will and Estate Documents, 1922-1938, Courtesy eGGSA Documents. Image 04

7. Garwood Alston: Will and Estate Documents, 1922-1938, Courtesy eGGSA Documents. Image 05

8. Garwood Alston: Will and Estate Documents, 1922-1938, Courtesy eGGSA Documents. Image 06

9. Garwood Alston: Will and Estate Documents, 1922-1938, Courtesy eGGSA Documents. Image 07

10. Garwood Alston: Will and Estate Documents, 1922-1938, Courtesy eGGSA Documents. Image 08

11. Garwood Alston: Will and Estate Documents, 1922-1938, Courtesy eGGSA Documents. Image 09

12. Garwood Alston: Vanwyksvlei Dam, 1884, Designed and Engineered by Garwood. Vanwyksvlei Dam from the air and entrance

Garwood married Elizabeth Anna Petronella de WITT [3933] [MRIN: 1350], daughter of Hendrick Pieter Herman de WITT [20045] and Elizabeth PEDDER [20044], on 14 Jun 1860 in St George Cathedral Cape Town SA. (Elizabeth Anna Petronella de WITT [3933] died on 5 Apr 1895.)