Robert Ogilvie Scott, SV/PROG

Moodie's party ???

Death Notice

The two silver teaspoons in the picture, are kept in the George Museum. It was said that he brought six teaspoons, with his initials engraved, all the way from Scotland.

There are two theories about his birth date. The first date was determined when his age given on his Death Notice (73y 4months and 6days) was deducted from the date that he had died (4 May 1873) - thus 1799. His Death Notice was signed by his widow with a X. His parents' names were given as James Scott and Jane Ogilvie.

Now for the second theory. A lot of research was done by Jenny McWilliams and Doug Bailey, for which I thank them. From Scottish records, an old will as well as inscriptions on a gravestone, it seems as if Robert Ogilvie might have been 10 years older. A certain James Scott and Jean (also spelled Jane) Ogilvie christened their son Robert (born 15 Dec. 1789) on 24 Jan. 1790 at Ewes, Dumfries, Scotland. This James Scott was the son of Thomas Scott (and Jean Veitch) who in his turn was the son of John Scot(t). In South Africa Robert Ogilvie had sons whom he named after his ancestors: James Robert and Thomas Johannes/John. His other sons and eldest daughter were named after his wife's family and after himself. His second daughter was named Jane Margaret (his mother's name being Jane). All this makes a lot of sense - only one problem - his given age when he died.

His father James died on 6 April 1825, aged 82. Was his father ill and did Robert Ogilvie go back in the "Garland" to visit his father? We don't know. However, all these make sense and I believe that he was in fact born in 1789.

Then what I found in the Cape Archives:

• 1832 Application for appointment as poundmaster.
• Resignation of situation of gaoler
• 1835 Reimbursement of fine 1836
• CO 3990:85 Refund of fine he paid on behalf of John Hestler. Hestler, aged 70+ was fined £1 or 1 month hard labour. Scott took pity and paid the fine. However, when Hestler died 3 days later, the Scotsman requested a refund!
• 1843 Requesting payment from government for road repairs.
• 1844 Request for extension of payment of security
• 1852 Requesting grant of piece of land in George
• 1870 Regarding beacons of his farm in Outeniqualand
• Requesting re- survey of land

Yvonne Theon