Grace Jane Riggs

There were occasionally instances where the Society helped mothers to accompany their children to the Colonies. In 1835 it was reported in the 5th Annual Report of the CFS (p11)10 that three families went to the Cape. Mrs Riggs, a widow, was the matron in charge of four boys and 12 girls on the Thomas Snook in June 1834. Included in the party were:

• Riggs, Grace Jane as a House servant to Rev. B. Shaw. Grace died on 11 December 1843 aged 56 years and 8 months. Her Death Notice KAB MOOC 6/9/31 Ref 6543 describes her as a widow, but her children were named Riggs. Her occupation was that of “monthly nurse.”
• Sarah May Riggs married Henry White
• Grace Jane Riggs married Joseph Morgenrood
• Harriet Caroline Riggs Died 1878, South Africa KAB MOOC 6/9/163 - 5359 married William Wells/Wills
• John Riggs
• Riggs, Harriet as a House servant to J. Calf
• Riggs, John as a House servant to George Lt. Col. Craigie
• Riggs, Mary Anne
• Riggs, Sarah as a House servant to Capt. C.J. Selwyn

From the CFS 4th Annual Report we learn that Mrs G Riggs was a widow with 5 children. One daughter was born ca 1817, a son born ca 1822 and 3 other daughters. She was given six shillings a week as relief from the Parish of Marylebone, and had also had some earnings from nursing. Her eldest daughter was apparently unable to keep her siblings, in particular a twelve year old brother, under control while her mother went to work. These circumstances resulted in Mrs Riggs placing her son in the care of the Society. The Ladies Committee of the CFS were persuaded by Mrs Rigg’s good character to place her in charge of the party aboard the Thomas Snook. The Parish of Marylebone sponsored her to nominate the rest of her children, and they all sailed to the Cape, departing from Gravesend on 10 April 1834 and arriving at Cape Town on 26 June 1834. John George Riggs, the son, seems to have continued his troubled existence at the Cape.

CSC 1/2/1/73 Ref 20 Transcribed by Anne Clarkson Circuit Court for the Division of Cradock 1 May 1863

That John George Riggs, now or lately a carpenter, and now or lately residing at Hartebeest Fontein in the Division of Cradock, is guilty of the crime of Murder in that upon the ninth day of February 1863 the said John George Riggs did wrongfully, unlawfully and maliciously kill and murder Ernest August, whose occupation and place of residence in his lifetime are to the Prosecutor unknown.

The accused pleaded guilty of culpable homicide.

Sentence: To be kept in solitary confinement for the term of three months