Marthinus Wilhelmus Theunissen

The Theunissen family lived at "Vergelegen" for over a hundred years. It was bought in 1798 by Marthinus Wilhelmus Theunissen, who was married to Sara Catharina Malan, the daughter of previous owners.

Marthinus Wilhelmus served in the Stellenbosch Commando and distinguished himself at the Battle of Blaauwberg in1806 when Dutch forces finally capitulated to the British.

Wine farmers prospered under British rule, because preferential tariffs were given to Cape wines in Britain during the Napoleonic Wars.

Marthinus Wilhelmus acquired more farms, naming one "Republiek", and built a new cellar at "Vergelegen". A yellowwood screen with a glazed fanlight was installed in the homestead and camphor wood from the plantations was used in ceilings, doors and furniture.