Johann Hitzeroth, b7

NOTE: On Johann Christoffel Hitzeroth's gravestone he has been given the title of Baron. Source: eGSSA.org

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Source: Doreen Hitzeroth, 1995, The Hitzeroths of the Saltpan

"On 12th August 1850 this Saltpan described on the Deed of Sale as being situated in Coega in the Division of Uitenhage was bought jointly by Johan Christoffel Hitzeroth and Jacob Frederick Hitzeroth. This, with one thousand, two thousand and twenty five morgen of land surrounding the Saltpan. The purchase price was £3,600.

"It was the Hitzeroth brothers who first worked the pan systematically. At one time up to one hundred and fifty workers were employed on the pan. Salt was used over large areas of the Eastern Cape.

"The salt produced was of fine quality and once won First prize for the best salt exhibited in London.

"In Mr. W.S. Sellick's book "Uitenhage: Past and Present", Mr. Sellick says that soon after the death of J.C. Hitzeroth the property was put up for auction and declared not sold on a bid of £10,000. It was subsequently sold privately to Mr. T.W. Gubb for £10,500, when, as a limited liability company, the Zwartkops Saltpan Company was formed.

"The Hitzeroth family prospered in Uitenhage. They lived in Nos. 11 and 13 Cuyler Street (now Nos. 15, 15a, 17, 17a, 19a and 19b). This house had grounds that stretched as far as John Street. In 1840 the Wesleyan Church bought the land in John Street from the Hitzeroths. The church, now the Methodist Church, was built in 1871.

"They also owned the block bounded by Caledon Street at the top, Baird Street and Market Street, which at that time was bounded by the Swartkops River. The municipal valuation lists for 1868 show that they also owned land in North Street.

"Johan Christoffel built a home for his family in Caledon Street. The remaining ground outside the gardens were given over to growing potatoes.

"The family house subsequently became the Royal Hotel. Whilst it was still in the family they were stricken by the death of George Edward Dunstaville. George, aged nine, fell from the upstairs balcony while playing.

"In addition, they acquired large tracts of land in the Swartkops Valley. Sand Farm, later known as Farm Hill place No.286, folio/s Deed 120, was bought by Jacob Frederick Hitzeroth.

"The properties and building allotments forming Redhouse were portion of the very extensive farm properties acquired by the Zwartkops Valley Syndicate from the Hitzeroth Estate. Swartkopswagen Drift and the farm Fishwater Flats beings part of these.

"In the nearby city of Port Elizabeth the large store at the bottom of Jetty Street, the adjoining Palmerston Hotel, the shops occupied by Messrs Swallow & Sutcliffe and Mr. H. Kelly, plus the ground occupied by Woolworths.

"Hitzeroth Street in Sidwell being named after the brothers Hitzeroth who owned the Red Lion Hotel in Evatt Street. Among other interests were shares in the Woolwashers in Uitenhage, plus many overseas interests."

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Uitenhage, Royal Hotel, 1875

Mark KARP, Evening Post

Source: Rootsweb.com

The Royal Hotel was once home to one of the members of the HITZEROTH family. The home was later altered and enlarged to become the Royal Hotel. Heinrich HITZEROTH came to the Cape in 1789. His son, Johann Christoffel HITZEROTH settled in Uitenhage in the 1820's. He built the mausoleum in the Cemetery where HITZEROTHs lie buried.

In 1875 the Royal Hotel was a single story building. CARTON, the builder, had a big task putting on the heavy double accommodation. There are all kind of odd levels and passages in the building. At some time the building was changed and concrete verandahs were added. In total, the Royal Hotel had twenty eight bedrooms with seven private bathrooms.

Mr. FULLER ran the 'Royal Hotel', regarded as the leading hotel in Uitenhage. He loved horse riding and he was often seen out with his Airedales. Mrs. FULLER was French and she started the Royal Café.

Mr. & Mrs. JAMES also owned the hotel, later run by their grandson, Georgie SIMPSON. Mrs. HENEGAN now ran the café and morning teas were served on the verandah of the Royal Hotel.

Very important people stayed over at this hotel. Engineers concerned with the building of the Dolly Dam, and Mrs. REED, a very wealthy woman to name but a few. Mr. MOSEL, the Mayor of Uitenhage also lived here. He was born a cripple and was confined to a wheel chair.

In 1934 the Royal Hotel was the venue for Peter ELLIOT, who received an engraved silver cup at a special achievement reception. One of the many events that took place at the Royal Hotel was the monthly meetings of the Riebeeck College Old Girls' Association.

Reverend JEFFREYS officiated the wedding ceremony between M. W. H. COUTENARY, Occupation, Assistant Postmaster of Cradock and Miss YULE. A silver service was presented to the bridal couple by the boarders of the Royal Hotel.