Jacobus Johannes Erasmus

The Whites of Enkeldoorn 1880-1980 is a history of the families of European descent who settled in the area of Enkeldoorn (renamed Chivi) Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). Author - Sarel van der Walt.

ERASMUS Jacobus Johannes (Kosie) 13-10-1899 / 26-9-1965 (Brother-in-law of Francis Eagar) came to the Enkeldoorn area in January 1914 as a 15 year old schoolboy, in the care of his sister and brother-in-law, Francis and Elizabeth Eagar, when Francis accepted a post with the Rhodesian Education Department as school teacher. The first school was on Mooilaagte where Kosie attended school. The school was moved to Change and shortly afterwards Francis was transferred to Iron Mine Hill. Kosie accompanied his sister and brother -in -law.

Kosie did not want to proceed to senior school and having attained standard seven elected to be a farmer, he was keen to do woodwork and Francis suggested that he build a wagon, Francis bought the necessary metal parts and Kosie made the rest using bush timber. Francis was transferred back to the Enkeldoorn area to take charge of the Ngesi Poort school and the move was made easy, with Kosie's wagon and oxen Francis had acquired.

Kosie continued to live with the Eagars and when Francis bought Ngesi Poort farm, he took charge of the farming, concentrating mainly on growing wheat under irrigation.

He married Henrietta Carolina Lamprecht 28-2-1907 / 2-6-70.The young couple lived with the Eagars for four years before moving into their own house.

Francis was approached by the owner of Rusfontein asking for advice. He had a Farm-bank loan of one hundred pounds with overdue interest amounting to another hundred pounds which he was unable to pay. The Bank was taking posession prior to selling the farm. Francis saw it as an opportunity for Kosie to get on his own feet and proposed that they buy the farm on half shares, Kosie was glad and agreed.

They bought Rusfontein in partnership. They paid the debtor one hundred pounds and assumed responsibility for the Landbank bond obligations The move to Rusfontein was a great day for Kosie and his young wife. Moving with a wagon, built with his own hands and pulled by his own span of oxen.

Kosie grew wheat with success, selling the crop at one pound and two shillings per bag. He later bought his Brother-in -law's share of the farm.