Capt Edward Garwood ALSTON [3934]

  General Notes:

Alston, Edward Garwood (1862-1935)
British Natural History Museum (BM)
Collection Dates. 1885-1899
Specification - Plant collector
Description - Alston, E.G. Group: S. Organisations: GRA, K. Collected: (1885-1899) Southern Africa: South Africa. Associates: MacOwan, P. (1830-1909), Schönland, S. (1860-1940)
Country - South Africa
Biography Edward Garwood Alston managed an agricultural settlement at Van Wyk's Vlei, Carnavon District, Cape Province, from where he sent plants to MacOwen and Schönland. He was a member of the Philosophical Society of South Africa and the Royal Society of South Africa. Cotyledon alstonii Schönland & Baker f. (= Adromischus alstonii (Schönland & Baker f.) C.A. Sm.) and Trichocaulon alstoniii N.E. Br. (= Hoodia alstonii (N.E. Br.) Plowes) are named after him.
Source:
http://www.aluka.org/action/showMetadata?doi=10.5555/AL.AP.PERSON.BM000029581&pgs=
http://karootowns.com/carnarvon.htm

ANTENUPTUAL CONTRACT.
KNOW ALL MEN WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, That on this the twentieth day of December in the Year of Our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and Ninety-nine before me PIETER MICHIEL BRINK, of Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope, Notary Public by lawful authority duly sworn and admitted and in the presence of the subscribed Witnesses personally came and appeared CHRISTOFFEL HENDRIK BRAND, of Cape Town, being duly authorised thereto by Powers of Attorney granted to him by Edward Garwood Alston of Klerksdorp in the South African Republic and drawn up at Kimberley on the 16th day of December 1889 in the presence of and certified by competent witnesses which powers of Attorney were exhibited to me and now remain in my protocol, of the one part; and the said Christoffel Henrik Brand, J.A. son, being duly authorised thereto by a Power of Attorney granted to him by ANNA CORNELIA ALBERTA DE BRUYN of Van Wyk's Vlei in the District of Carnarvon and drawn at Van Wyk's Vlei on the 14th day of December 1889 in the presence of and certified by competent Witnesses, which power of attorney also exhibited to me and now remains in my protocol of the other part; both of oompetent ages. AND the Appearers declared that whereas a Marriage has been agreed upon and is intended to be shortly had and solemnized between the said Edward Garwood Alston and Anna Cornelia Albertina de Bruyn, they do, by these presents contract and agree, each with the other as follows: FIRST - That there shall be no Community of Property, or of profit or loss between the said intended Consorts. but that he or she shall respectively retain and possess all his or her estate and effects, movable and immovable in possession, reversion, expectancy or contingency as fully and effectually as if the said intended Marriage did not take place.
SECOND - That the one of them shall not be answerable for the debts and engagements of the other of them, whether contracted before or after the said intended marriage.
THIRD - that all inheritances legacies gifts, or baguette which may devolve upon, or be left, given or bequeathed to either of the said intended Consorts shall be the sole and exclusive property of him or her upon or to whom tne same shall devolve or be left, given or bequeathed.
FOURTH - That each of the said intended Consorts shall be at full liberty to dispose of his or her property and effects by Will, codicil or other testamentary disposition as he or she may think fit without the hindrance or interference in any manner of the other of them and that the marital power which the husband by law possesses Is expressly excluded and he is hereby deprived of it over the estate of his said intended spouse.
FIFTH - That there shall be no community of property or loss between the said consorts but that each of them shall respectively retain the profits made by or accruing to him or her and shall in like manner separately and solely bear and sustain the losses happing to him or her during the subsistence of the said intended marriage.
SIXTH - That the Said Anna Cornelia Albertina de Bruyn shall have and continue to hold, possess and enjoy the sole exclusive and uncontrolled administraticn and alienation of all the property and affects which she is now possessed of and entitled to and of all other property which she may hereafter acquire during the subsistence of the said marriage without the interference, control or assistance of the said Edward Garwood Alston and every marital power which the said Edward Garwood Alston shall or may have or be entitled to or acquire by virtue of the said Marriage shall be and the same is hereby excluded from all the property estate and effects of the said Anna Cornelia Albertina de Bruyn so fully and absolutely as if the said intended marriage had not taken place.
In consideration of the said intended marriage between the said parties hereto the said Edward Garwood Alston agrees to settle as he hereby does, on the said Anna Cornelia Albertina de Bruyn, a certain Life Policy effected by him on his life in the Royal Insurance office for the sum of Five Hundred Pounds Sterling and numbered No.43596 with all the profits due and accruing thereon and he hereby agrees to cede assign set over and transfer all right and title he may have therein together with all the profits due and accruing thereon as of aforesaid and be hereby also undertakes to keep the said policy in full force and to pay all premiums of assurance as the same may become due or may be necessary to keep the said policy in force.
AND the said Anna Cornelia Albertina de Bruyn through her said Attorney hereby accepts the said gift.
UPON which conditions and stipulations the said Edward Garwood Alston and the said Anna Cornelia Albertina de Bruyn through their said Attorney declared it to be their intention to solemnise the said intended marriage mutually promising to allot each other the full force and effect hereof under obligation of their persons and property according to Law.
THUS DONE, contracted and agreed at Cape Town aforesaid, the day, month and year aforesaid in the presenoe of Nicholas Solomon Louw van Wyk and Johan David Leibbrandt both of Cape Town, as Witnesses, who together with the Appearer and me the Notary have duly subscribed to the original hereof now remaining in my protocol.
Quod Attestor
P M Brink
Notary Public.
Registered 20 Dec 1889 AB 1105 8346.
Cape Town Registrar.

This comprehensive pre-nuptual agreement would suggest that Anna was entering into her marriage with Edward as a woman of means or expected means. Her father is recorded as a veeboer (livestock/cattle farmer) it suggests his holdings were substantial ?.

  Research Notes:

DEPOT KAB = Cape Town SOURCE DOC = Registrar, Deeds Office, Cape Town
TYPE LEER. VOLUME_NO 4/1/377. SYSTEM 02. REFERENCE 895. PART 1
DESCRIPTION MORTGAGE BOND. EDWARD GARWOOD ALSTON.
STARTING 18940000. ENDING 18940000

Edwards death notice and marriage agreement.
eGGSA Documents. Pietermaritzburg Archives Repository
ALSTON Edward Garwood - died 1 Dec 1934
http://www.eggsa.org/documents/main.php?g2_itemId=272696

Images courtesy of M Robinson & Family.

  Other Records

1. Edward Garwood Alston: Will, 13 Dec 1892, Carnarvon SA.
WILL NO,1008/1934.
WILL OF A SINGLE PERSON
Filed 29/12/34.

BE IT KNOWN, that on this, the 13th day of DECMBER in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety Two, in the presence of the undersigned witneses, personally appeared EDWARD GARWOOD ALSTON of VAN WYKS VLEI, DISTRICT of CARNARVON
And the Appearer being of a sound and disposing mind, memory, and understanding, as appeared at the passing of these presents, declared HIS intention to make and execute HIS last Will and Testament; wherefore hereby revoking and annulling all Wills and Codicils, and other Testamentary Acts heretofore made and passed by me, the said Appeaser hereby declared
to . . . . . [?]
The Appeaser further declared to nominate and appoint HIS wife ANNA CORNELIA ALBERTINA ALSTON BORN de BRUYN together with the CHILD OR CHILDREN WHICH SHALL OR MAY THEREAFTER BE BEGOTTEN BY THEM DURING THEIR MARRIAGE to be the sole and universal HEIRS of all the Estate and Effects which shall be left by him after HIS death, whether moveable or immoveable, and of what nature or kind soever and wheresoever situate, or whether the same be in possession, reversion, remainder, or expectancy, nothing excepted.
And the said Appearer further declared to nominate and appoint
ANNA CORNELIA ALBERTINA ALSTON, born DE BRUYN
to be the Executrix of this HIS Will, and Administrator of HIS Estate and Effects, hereby giving and granting unto HER all such power and authority as are required or allowed in law, and especially those of Assumption, Substitution, and Surrogation.
Lastly, the Appearer reserved to HIMSELF the power, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, to make all such alterations in, or additions to, this Will as HE shall think fit, either by a separate act or at the foot hereof, desiring that all such alterations or additions 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 that it contains HIS last Will and Testament, desiring that It may have effect as such, or as a Codicil, or otherwise, in such manner as may be found to consist with law.
Thus done and passed at CARNARVON, the day, month, and Year aforesaid, in the presence of the Witnesses.
Edward G Alston.
As Witnesses.
P S D Smeer.
J Marais

2. Edward's activity in 2nd Boer War, 1899-1902, South Africa.
Meeting of politicians and Army men during Boer War, Edward G Alston is standing in the back left, Lord Basil Blackwood¹ is probably centre front in the party. Alston is believed to have had an Intelligence role.

A further meeting. L to R : Edward G Alston, Lord Basil Blackwood, Mr Prichard, Capt Hyde, Mr H F Wilson²

Further images of Edward G Alston in uniform.

A sketch of a Boer Officer on notepaper probably with the South African Govt Crest on it, endorsed: "This is a portrait of Commandant Oosterburge [?] please circulate it among A.I.G.'s for purpose of identification"
On the bottom it reads "Drawn & sent to EGA by Lord Basil Blackwood, Deputy Judge Advocate Genl. 1900"

Footnotes.
1. Lord B Blackwood in 1900, was taken to South Africa by Lord Milner, who had been appointed High Commissioner of South Africa in 1897 and assembled a body of talented young assistants who became known as "Milner's Kindergarten". Blackwood was employed in the Judge Advocate's Department for a year, then was Assistant Colonial Secretary of Orange River Colony from 1901 to 1907.
He was an accomplished illustrator.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil_Temple_Blackwood

2. Probably Field Marshal Henry Maitland Wilson, 1st Baron Wilson, GCB, GBE, DSO (5 September 1881 \endash 31 December 1964), also known as Jumbo Wilson, he was a senior British Army officer of the 20th century. He saw active service in the Second Boer War.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Maitland_Wilson

Images courtesy of M Robinson & Family.

3. Edward Garwood Alston: Letter to his wife Annie, 8 Apr 1900, Victoria Rd.
Victoria Road.
April 8th 1900
My dear Annie
Thanks very much for your letter which only reached me this evening, I was glad to know papa had reached you safely & well & if I can possibly manage it I shall take a run down to town though unless I am discharged my stay is bound to be a very short one. There has been nothing worth writing about the last two days & last night the train was too late you see I half expected a letter from papa & so waited to see what he was going to do. The Duke of Marlborough General Rundle and Winston Churchill passed here this evening I saw the first two but not the latter the Duke is a poor specimen of a man & I wonder he chances so much as the journey here!
As you say I am quite a swell here now I am in better fitting clothes & if you see me in the illustrated papers I hope you will know me for these snap shooting officers are constantly clicking me off! The sinking of the Mexican has been a source of much trouble about letters & photographs but the news tonight that most of the mails were saved has made the faces of the officers change very much/we have 2 Colonels
Page
4 Captains 2 Majors and 8 or 10 Lieutenants here; two of the latter shiver when they see me because I take pleasure in showing them the beauties of our spiders & scorpions etc; they don't appreciate my methods but the others do! Our Colonel who is called the A.I.G. (Assistant Inspector General) is very nice & I am glad to say takes a sensible view of the trouble with the rebels he ought to be General commanding -
We have heard nothing of Schroder he has certainly left Uppington.
Fondest love to you my darling and to the little ones, I am glad you wrote to Gertie? & I think they will go.
Your loving husband
Eddie
Ref; Michelle Robinson copy on file

4. Edward Garwood Alston: Letter to his daughter Alma & her husband Eddie (Norbye), 24 Oct 1934, Avondale Rd Durban.
221 Avondale Road
Oct 24 1934
My dear Eddie & Alma
Thanks very much for your long and extremely kind letter to which I would have replied earlier but thanks to a dose of Beraham [?] I have been feeling washed out and incapable of writing a letter!
I am feeling somewhat better now but not quite up to the mark yet. Both mother and I are most grateful to you for your kindly offer and I would personally not hesitate to accept it if it was within my power to do so and I know I would be perfectly happy with you.
However there are several things in the way? just now and some probabilities which may not be easy to overcome which we can discuss. First of all there is the possibility of your being transferred elsewhere, a matter of some importance when you have an extra couple on your hands though of course you may be fortunate enough to get a good place that will do away with any trouble of that kind. Then we have to consider carefully the disposal of the furniture a great part of which is Vivienne's [8249] this will take some time to arrange and as she will not be here before the (middle)
Page
middle of next month, if then, I cannot say how matters will be arranged: she will have to get a home in P.M.B. to put things in and is anxious that we should stay with them & near them! Well that has best to remain in abeyance for the present I have only just time to write these few lines and will write more later on. Garwood an Ness over here for a couple of days. Ness has gone back to P.M.B. but Gar is staying here as his headquarters will be here now as Asst Engineer to Mr Malarnt? he has been properly appointed at L150-500 per annum and has been very fortunate. He is much better now but has had a big cut to get rid of the appendix which was in a bad state and had already burst: We had a letter from Viv who is at Ceres and appears to be quite cheery, she does not mention coming back as yet - so she is apparently enjoying herself.
Mother sends fond love to you both in which I cordially join. Please excuse hurried note it is later then I thought.
Thank you so much again
Yre afft Father
E G Alston
Ref; Courtesy Michelle Robinson.

Edward died 1 Dec 1934 his excellent hand gives no indication but his reference "to a dose of Beraham [?]" in the letter I have not been able to unravel. His Obituary refers to "a trying illness" ?.
The envelope appears not to match.

5. Edward Garwood Alston and Family.
Transcription of the illuminated address given Edward by the DeWetsdorp community.
DeWetsdorp O.F.S.
March 1913
E. G. Alston Esq.
Dear Mr Alston,
On the eve of your departure from amongst us, after a residence in our midst of Eight years, we the undersigned friends of yours cannot let the occasion pass without expressing our regret that such a severance is necessary.
We wish you to know that although you must leave us for another sphere of labour, the bond of friendship which you have cemented among us will make us follow with interest your path in the future, and often recall to us your residence in DeWetsdorp whilst we carry on our daily work. We shall reflect on the sympathy with which you always assisted us, your ever-ready help in public matters, and the tolerance which enabled you patiently to listen to all sides before forming opinions. The rare willingness with which you were always prepared to assume office (however arduous and irksome such office might be) without any hope of reward, except the goodwill of your co-workers, will always be a pleasant recollection to us. Your untiring zeal for whatever work you took upon yourself, whether as a member, and then Secretary of the School Board, as Councillor and Mayor of the Municipality, or as a supporter of the many Recreation Clubs in the Town, is marked by the progress of these institutions during your connection with them. In particular we wish to acknowledge with gratitude, your devotion to the cause of Education, but the manifold interests with which you have identified yourself make it difficult for us to distinguish one from another.
You carry with you the affection and respect of us all, and we trust that happiness, contentment and prosperity will mark your path in life, and that the goodwill which we offer you will in a small degree denote the kindly feeling with which we bid you and yours "Adieu".
Yours very sincerely,
Ref: In the possession of Jolyon H A Stack 2011.

Images with his wife and children possibly taken in Durban ?

6. Edward Garwood Alston: Death certificate and Obituary, 1 Dec 1934.
Captain G. G. Alston
Great Knowledge of Union
Early on the morning of December 1 there passed to his rest Captain G. G. Alston at the age of 73, after a trying illness born with a wonderful patience and cheerful courage.
The funeral took place at Stellawood Cemetery on Sunday afternoon, and was conducted by the Rev W. H. Martin, of St Thomas Church.
Captain Alston was the eldest son of the late Mr Garwood Alston, of Great Bromley Hall, Essex, and of Cape Town, and he had a most distinguished career.
Owing to his extensive knowledge of the country and its people both Briton and Boer, he was a valued officer of the Field Intelligence Department. He was a personal friend of the late Lord Miller, on whose staff he worked with his friend and colleague, Lord Basil Blackwood. After the war he was a member of the Compensation Commission, and he was appointed as escort to the late Joseph Chamberlain on his tour through the country.
From 1912 to 1914 Captain Alston was Mayor of Dewetsdorp, and during that time his activities were many. He was largely instrumental in obtaining the extension of the railway line from Waterworks to Wepener. He was Chairman of the Farmers Association, Secretary of the Bloemfontein South School Board and Master of the Masonic Lodge at Dewetsdorp.
The town and the surrounding farmers presented an illuminated address to Captain Alston when he left for Ceres in 1914. Here he became Deputy Mayor and continued his work for the good of his neighbours. A few years ago he retired to Durban.
Captain Alston was a Fellow of the Royal Society. In research work he materially assisted Professor McOwen and Dr Marloth, and he was presented with a beautiful set of scientific books in recognition of his work. He was the discoverer of the lovely scarlet mesembryanthemum which was named after him.
Beloved by all who knew him, no one ever appealed to him in vain for help, wise council or sympathy. He leaves a sorrowing widow, and only son, Mr Garwood Alston, of the Irrigation Department, and four married daughters, Mrs Stack of Durban; Mrs De Marillac, of Johannesburg; Mrs Norbye, of Orchard Cape, and Mrs Vincent of Maritzburgh.
His motto was "Immotus": steadfast he was in honour, in friendship and in love.
Among those who sent wreaths were the following: His loving wife; Garwood and Ness; George and Bess; Ivy and Nip; Alme and Eddie; Vivienne and Frank; Mr and Mrs Kleyne and the family; Irrigation Department, Pretoria; Mr and Mrs Alston and children, Durban; grandchildren; headmaster and staff, Bulwer Park School; Engineer and staff, Native Affairs Department; Captain and Mrs Smith, Maritzburgh; Mr and Mrs Shaw and family; Mr and Mrs Burgess and family; Mrs Chaplin and Jesse; Mr and Mrs Slabbert and family. A touching tribute was a wreath from Frank, the faithful houseboy.
Ref: Newspaper Obituary. (In possession M Robinson 2011)

Edward married Annie Cornelia Albertina de BRUYN [8241] [MRIN: 2729], daughter of Annis Jacob Daniel de BRUYN [20046] and Anna Johanna Cornelia de WIT [20047], circa 1890 in Carnavon Cape South Africa. (Annie Cornelia Albertina de BRUYN [8241] was born in Jun 1868 and died on 28 Jan 1940 in Robertson Cape Province SA.)