The Dorsland Trek (The Thirstland Trek)

A project in its infancy - much of the following is from Wiki - so input is desperately needed please! CJB

The Dorsland Trek (Thirstland Trek) is the collective name of a series of northwards explorations undertaken by South African settlers in the second half of the 19th century in search of political independence. The participants, trekboere (migrating farmers) from the Orange Free State and Transvaal, are called Dorsland trekkers.

The first group of the Dorsland Trek started off in 1874 under the leadership of Gert Alberts. A number of different groups of farmers, taking different routes, followed the first. They set off from the areas around Rustenburg, Marico, and Pretoria, the main aim were the Humpata highlands of south-western Angola. On their journey the settlers had to traverse the vast arid areas of the Kalahari through what today forms Namibia and Botswana. It was these hard conditions that gave the trek the name Dorsland Trek.
The first trek departed from Pretoria and headed into the Kalahari in what was then Bechuanaland (now Botswana). Then headed into what is now the Southern Kalahari area of Namibia across the point which is now Rietfontein. After this leg of the journey, the trekkers who had survived starvation and thirst travelled through the relatively ‘water-rich’ country and headed onwards towards what is now Angola. In northern Namibia, they faced their second major challenge, malaria, which decimated them even further.

The settlers entered Angola by crossing the Cunene River at Swartbooisdrift. After their arrival not all of the them were satisfied with the conditions. The Portuguese colonialists encouraged the Boers to settle but did not allow the use of Afrikaans at schools, and they attempted to convert them to Catholicism. As a result a number of trekkers turned southwards back into South-West Africa, some returned to where they came from. A number of farmers settled in the Otavi - Tsumeb - Grootfontein triangle and in the area around Gobabis. A number of trekkers returned southwards. On their trek northwards, they had been met with and been assisted by the trader William Worthington Jordan. This trader negotiated a farming and mineral concession with Chief Kambonde for the land stretching downwards from north-eastern Etosha, covering the area on which Otavi, Grootfontein and Tsumeb now lie. He allowed 46 families to settle in the area. Their intent was to proclaim a republic named Upingtonia, however this never materialised.

It is recorded that, in time, most of the Boers returned to Humpata. Some took a different route and crossed Kaokoland. On their way southwards they discovered water at Sesriem and named it accordingly: Ses riem, six belts, was the depth of the canyon.

(Wiki page information)

http://africangenealogy.blogspot.nl/2013/04/angola-humpata-baptisms... Transcribed list of baptisms in the Reformed Church in Humpata, Angola]

Thirstland Trek and Van Rensburg Family Author: A.M. van Rensburg (b4 c2 d1 e6 f5 g5 h3 i2)

This is a very detailed account of the treks and worth exploring - plenty of information there!

DIE DORSLANDTREK, 1874-1881, author Dr Nicol Stassen (2015) https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=927150047317824&set=gm.1015...

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AFRIKANERS IN ANGOLA, 1928-1975, author Nicol STASSEN (2009), Eerste uitgawe, eerste druk. ISBN 978-1-86919-340-9. [In eie besit. By Voortrekker Monument bekom op 8 OKT 2022 in Pretoria]

Bladsy 108, 109, 116, 237. 622 (Register). ALBERTS, G. A. J. (Gert)

Bladsy 108
Die eerste trek onder leiding van Gert Alberts sou later as die Van der Merwe-Alberts-trek bekend staan.

Bladsy 109
Gert Alberts se trek het in September 1875 vir drie maande hier [Ghanzi] oorgebly en daarna getrek na Rietfontein (naby Gobabis).

Bladsy 116
"Gert Alberts again said that his father [Andries] prophesied that the Transvaal was but a resting place for them for a time, and that they like the Children of Israel will have to cross the river Jordan. If not they their children."

Bladsy 237
Gert Alberts se visioen is reeds onder die trekredes van die Dorslandtrek bespreek.

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The Dorsland Trek consisted of a number of Treks

• 1875 Trek led by Gert Andries Jacobus Alberts
• 1877 Trek of Lourens Marthinus du Plessis and Jan Christoffel Greyling
• Trek to Inkuane/Enkawaan
• Trek to Tlakane/Klackani
• Trek to Meer / Botletle river
• 1893 Trek which trekked more south west heading via Rietfontein.

Particpants

• Jan Christoffel Greyling was born 27 Sep 1831, the first child son of Barend Christian Greyling b11c2d6 and Margaretha Johanna Maria Delport He married Susanna Catharina Magdalena Dreyer. He died about 1897.
• Widower Frederick Rudolphus Janse van Rensburg (de Villiers and Pama b1c1d6e7) aged 82 went on this Trek. He married twice. His first marriage was to a De Jager and his second wife was a Du Plessis. The latter was a sister to Lourens Marthinus du Plessis.
• Anna Maria Grobler formerly Bothma nee du Toit
• Cecilia Anna Bothma nee du Toit
• Gerhardus Johannes du Toit
• Roelof Petrus du Toit
• Willem Abraham du Toit
• Gerhardus Johannes du Toit
• Johannes Jochemus du Toit
• Elsje Magdalena Eloff nee du Toit
• Johanna Glaudina van Aswegen nee du Toit

Links

Dorsland Festival 2008 Afrikaans

Translated Extracts - (CJB)"

There was a Dorsland Trek memorial celebration held 22 to 26 August 2008. This was an 80-year commemorative celebration at the camp site Okapuka Swartbooisdrif near Kunene.

Thought that this was of interest -

Restoration of graves and historical sites,

Mention is made of a neglected grave of the trek leader, Gert Alberts in Angola and the tomb in Etosha.

See eGGSA Gravestone project Dorslandtrekker grave

Some Dorsland Trekkers:

Pieter Biewenga * 28/6/1865.
x 2/6/1902 Swarts,Johanna Catharina Marthina * 27/6/1883 Humpata. xx 13/9/1926 Grobler, Susanna Hendrina Francina Dorothea * 14/6/1893 xxx 11/7/1928 Potgieter, Sara Maria Helena * 20/1/1909 [Geref.Mombola]

Bianco,"n Portugees) x Oosthuizen, Aletta Susara Elizabeth [S.A.W.]

Biewenga, Pieter * 26/5/1904 x 27/4/1927 Steyn, Cornelia Magdalena * 9/9/1907 [Geref. Mombola/Adm. Luimbale]

Black, Dirk Peter * 1855 x Chibia Rooms Katolieke Kerk voor 1900 Camacho, Miguelina [Persoonlike medeling; Joseph Peter Black, Lubango, 1972]

Boje, Antonie Christiaan C. * 1861 Graaf Reinette x 2/5/1984 Kirsten, Aletta Johanna Christina * Zeerust. [Geref. Hum/A84]

Botha, Dirk Jacobus Gerh. S. * 16/1 1906 x 29/8/1928 Swarts, Anna Sophia Maria * 20/5/1907 s.v.C.J.G.S.Botha en C.J. Oosthuizan d.v. Izak J. Swarts en P.Z. van Wyk. [S.A.W.]

Badenhorst, Casper Hendrik x voor 1904 NN, Isabella Susanna [Geref. Mombola]

Balhao, Manuel Da Silva 24/4/1885, wewenaar (Ook Baiao) x 4/12/1920 Opperman, Johanna Elizabeth * 4/10/1884 d.v. P.A. Opperman en H.S.J. Labuschagne [S.A.W./Adm. Humpata]

Barret,Anthony * 8/2/1882 x 17/4/1902 Coetzer, Wenselina Christina * 7/5/1883; [Geref. Cubal]

Beetge, Johannes Andries Izak * 1863 Lydenburg x 7/1/1895 De Jager, Susara Elizabeth * 1878 Middleburg [Geref. Humpata/A84]

Behan, Filipus Jacobus * 30/5/1898 x 20/2/1920 Groesbeek, Margie Petronella * 1901 xx De Jager, Francina Elizabeth, * 15,2/ 1919 Woonagtig te Cuvelai [Adm. Caconda/Van der Walt]

Bester, Jan Johannes * 29/7/1890 x 25/3/1925 Labuschagne, Christina Johanna Sophia * 29/9/1892 s.v. Andries J. Bester en Emma F. Lombard d.v. Daniel J. Labuschagne en Helena J. van der Merwe [S.A.W./Adm. Humpata]

Bezuidenhout,Jacobus Herklaas x 25/1/1897 Greyling. Elizabeth Helena Johanna [Geref. Cubal]

HIER VOLG 'N VERKORTE BIBLIOGRAFIE VAN DIE BELANGRIKSTE BOEKE EN ARTIKELS OOR DIE DORSLANDTREK EN DIE ANGOLA-BOERE:

• Alberts, Andries. 1990. In Vreemdelingskap: Lewensbeskrywings van Dorslandtrekkers, Angola-Boere en Suidwesters, plus ware verhale oor duikers, gemsbokke, olifante, waterputte en die skryfster Hettie Smit. Groblersdal: A. Alberts.
• Alberts, Andries. 1997. Swart weerlig: Ware verhale en lewensbeskrywinge plus drie legendes uit Angola en Namibië. Groblersdal: A. Alberts.
• Alberts, J.L.M. 1998. Geliefde dienskneg: Biografie van Pieter Biewenga. Predikant van Humpata en Que. s.l.: s.n.
• Burger, Nicolaas Albertus. 1978. “Die Dorslandtrek. ’n Histories-geografiese studie, 1870–1954”. D.Phil.-proefskrif, Universiteit van die Oranje-Vrystaat.
• Buter-Pretorius, Etrese. 2005. Was ek ’n voël, dan vlieg ek weg: Die Geskiedenis Van Vier Families; Pretorius–Kruger–Riekert–Holtzhausen. Pretoria: Durrant & Viljoen.
• Coetzee, J. Albert. 1925. Dorsland-trekkers. Potchefstroom: Dirk Pons & Ko.
• Coetzee, J. Albert. 1926 (1925). Die swerwers: Sketse uit die Dorsland Trek. Tweede druk. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik, Bepk.
• Coetzee, J. Albert. 1926. Die trekgees. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik, Bepk.
• Coetzee, J. Albert. 1942. Dorsland-awontuur. Johannesburg, Pretoria, Potchefstroom, Krugersdorp, Klerksdorp, Germiston, Boksburg, Benoni, Brakpan & Pietersburg: Voortrekkerpers Beperk.
• Coetzee, J. Albert. 1977. Groot Avontuur: Sketse uit die Dorslandtrek (Eeu-gedenkuitgawe). Pretoria-Noord: Die Transvaalse Uitgewersmpy. Bpk.
• Davies, Joan. 1942. “Palgrave and Damaraland”. Suid-Afrikaanse Argief-jaarboek, 5(2), pp. 91–204, Kaapstad: Staatsdrukker.
• De Klerk, D. 1985. The Boers in Portugal. Lisbon: D. de Klerk.
• De Klerk, W.A. 1951 (1949). Drie swerwers in Suidwes. Tweede druk. Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel.
• De Klerk, W.A. 1962 (1953). Drie swerwers oor die einders. Derde, verbeterde uitgawe. Kaapstad, Bloemfontein & Johannesburg: Nasionale Boekhandel Beperk.
• De Klerk, W.A. 1964 (1959). ’n Swerwer op die sonpad. Eerste uitgawe, tweede druk. Kaapstad, Bloemfontein & Johannesburg: Nasionale Boekhandel Bpk.
• De Klerk, W.A. 1964. Die Laer. Kaapstad: Nasionale Boekhandel Beperk.
• De Klerk, W.A. 1977. The Thirstland. London: Rex Collings.
• De Kock, W.J. 1948. “Ekstraterritoriale Vraagstukke van die Kaapse Regering (1872–1885) met besondere verwysing na die Transgariep en Betsjoeanaland”. Argief-Jaarboek van die Suid-Afrikaanse Geskiedenis, 11(I), Kaapstad: Staatsdrukker.
• De Oliveira, Mário António Fernandes. 1968. Angolana (Documentação sobre Angola), I (1783–1883). Luanda: Instituto de Investigação Científica de Angola & Lisboa: Centro de Estudos Históricos Ultramarinos.
• De Oliveira, Mário António Fernandes, & Do Couto, Carlos Alberto Mendes. 1968. Angolana (Documentação sobre Angola), II (1883–1887). Luanda: Instituto de Investigação Científica de Angola & Lisboa: Centro de Estudos Históricos Ultramarinos.
• Dias, Gastão Sousa. 1938. Artur de Paiva. (2 dele). Lisboa: Divisão de Publicações e Biblioteca, Agência Geral das Colónias.
• Dias, Gastão Sousa. 1949. Jornadas Heróicas de Artur de Paiva. Lisboa: Divisão de Publicações e Biblioteca Agência Geral das Colónias.
• Duparquet, Carlos. 1953. Viagens na Cimbebasia. (Versão e prefácio de Gastão de Sousa Dias). Luanda: Museu de Angola.
• Feesprogram. Gereformeerde Kerk Gobabis, S.W.A., 25 Augustus, 1951. 1951. Windhoek: Suidwes Drukkery.
• Felner, Alfredo de Albuquerque. 1933. Angola: Apontamentos sôbre a ocupação e início do estabelecimento dos Portugueses no Congo, Angola e Benguela. Extraídos de documentos históricos. Coimbra: Imprense da Universidade.
• Felner, Alfredo de Albuquerque. 1940. Angola: Apontamentos sôbre a colonização dos planaltos e litoral do sul de Angola. 3 Volumes. Lisboa: Divisão de Publicações e Biblioteca, Agência Geral das Colónias.
• Ferreira, O.J.O. 2017. Portugese nadraai van die Rebellie (1915–1915). Pretoria: Die Erfenisstigting.
• Fisch, Maria. 2012. “Burentrecks durch den Norden Namibias nach Angola 1876 bis 1921 und Rückwanderungen 1928 und 1958”. Manuskrip.
• Friedenthal, J.M. 1939. Die doodsengel op die waspoor. Bloemfontein, Kaapstad & Port Elizabeth: Nasionale Boekhandel Bpk.
• Green, Lawrence G. 1952. Lords of the last Frontier: The Story of South West Africa and its people of all Races. Cape Town: Howard B. Timmins.
• Hattingh, Johannes Leon. 1975. “Die trekke uit die Suid-Afrikaanse Republiek en die Oranje-Vrystaat, 1875–1895”. D.Phil.-proefskrif, Universiteit van Pretoria.
• Heese, Hans Friedrich. 1974. “Genealogie as Hulpwetenskap van die Geskiedenis met verwysing na die Boeretydperk in Angola 1881–1928”. MA-verhandeling, Universiteit van Kaapstad.
• Heese, Hans Friedrich. 1976. “Die Afrikaners in Angola, 1880–1928”. D.Phil.-proefskrif, Universiteit van Kaapstad.
• Immelman, Doc. 1970 (1968). Die Tyd van die Klippe. Tweede druk. Kaapstad & Johannesburg: Tafelberg-Uitgewers Beperk.
• Jooste, J.P. 1974. Gedenkboek van die Dorslandtrek. Potchefstroom: Potchefstroom Herald (Edms.) Bpk.
• Meier, F.W. 1988. Van Waaikraal na Brandwag: Dorslandtrekker Willem François Joubert. Amsterdam: F.W. Meier.
• Meyer, E.T. 1969. Die koms van die Angolaboere na Suidwes-Afrika in 1928–1929. Windhoek: E.T. Meyer.
• Moodie, Duncan Campbell Francis. 1888. The history of the battles and adventures of The British, the Boers and the Zulus, &c., in Southern Africa From the time of Pharaoh Necho, to 1880 With copious chronology, Vol. II. Cape Town: Murray & St. Leger, Parliamentary Printers and Government Bookbinders. pp. 300–377.
• Mouton, C.J. 1995. Togte in Trekkersland. Windhoek: C.J. Mouton.
• Postma, D. 1897, Eenige schetsen voor eene geschiedenis van de Trekboeren thans bekend onder den naam van de Gereformeerde Gemeente te St. Januario Humpata, district Mossamedes, Provincie Angola, op de Westkust van Zuid-Afrika. (De Trekboeren te St. Januario Humpata). Amsterdam & Pretoria: Boekhandel Höveker & Wormser.
• Preller, Gustav S. 1941. Voortrekkers van Suidwes: Geskiedenis van die land en sy volke met hul oorloë; van die orsland-trek; die Smit-trek uit Piketberg en die Duitse en Britse veroweringe. Kaapstad, Bloemfontein & Port Elizabeth: Nasionale Pers Beperk.
• Prinsloo, J.G. & J.G. Gauché. 1933. In die woeste weste: Die lydensgeskiedenis van die Dorslandtrekkers opgeteken uit die mond van ’n Dorslandtrekker. Pretoria: Firma J.H. de Bussy & Kaapstad: H.A.U.M. v/h Jacques Dusseau & Co.
• Russell, Margo & Martin Russell. 1979. Afrikaners of the Kalahari: White Minority in a Black State. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Schinz, Hans. 1891. Deutsch-Südwest-Afrika: Forschungsreise durch die deutschen Schutzgebiete Gross-Nama- und Hereroland, nach dem Kunene, dem Ngami-See und der Kalaχari. 1884–1887. Oldenburg & Leipzig: Schulzesche Hof-Buchhandlung und Hof-Buchdruckerei (A. Schwarz).
• Serton, P. (ed.). 1954. The narrative and journal of Gerald McKiernan in South West Africa, 1874–1879. (First Series No. 35). Cape Town: The Van Riebeeck Society.
• Stals, E.L.P. 1988. Die Van der Merwes van Ehomba. [Windhoek]: Gamsberg.
• Stals, E.L.P. (ed.). 1991. The commissions of W.C. Palgrave, special emissary to South West Africa, 1876–1885. (Second Series No. 21). Cape Town: Van Riebeeck Society.
• Stals, E.L.P. & Antje Otto-Reiner. 1999. Oorlog en vrede aan die Kunene. Windhoek: E.L.P. Stals.
• Stassen, Nicol. 2009. Afrikaners in Angola, 1928–1975. Pretoria: Protea Boekhuis.
• Stassen, Nicol (ed.). 2010. William Chapman: Reminiscences, including an account of the entry of the Trek Boers into Angola and of their sojourn there during the forty-eight years they struggled in that country under Portuguese rule. Pretoria: Protea Book House.
• Stassen, Nicol. 2011. The Boers in Angola, 1928–1975. Pretoria: Protea Book House.
• Stassen, Nicol. 2015. Die Dorslandtrek, 1874–1881. Pretoria: Protea Boekhuis.
• Stassen, Nicol. 2017. The Thirstland trek, 1874–1881. Pretoria: Protea Book House.
• Stassen, Nicol. 2018. De Jagers in die Dorsland. Pretoria: Protea Boekhuis.
• Steyn, Polla (red.). 2008. Gedenkblad van die Dorslandtrek, Angola-Boere en nasate. Windhoek: Dorslandtrek Gedenkfeeskomitee.
• Strydom, C.J. Scheepers (samest). 1976. Afrikaners in die vreemde. Kaapstad: Tafelberg-Uitgewers Beperk.
• Tabler, Edward C. 1973. Pioneers of South West Africa and Ngamiland, 1738–1880. Cape Town: A.A. Balkema.
• Trümpelmann, G.P.J. 1948. “Die Boer in Suidwes-Afrika”. Argief-jaarboek vir Suid-Afrikaanse geskiedenis, 11(II). Kaapstad: Staatsdrukker.
• Van der Smit, George Diederik. 1995. Biografie en Geslagsregister van Pieter van der Smit en eggenote Martha Maria (gebore Prinsloo). Potchefstroom: G.D. van der Smit.
• Van der Smit, George Diederik. 2006 (1995). Die eensame graf by Mombolo: Die lewensverhaal van Pieter van der Smit. Tweede uitgawe. Pretoria: Protea Boekhuis.
• Van der Merwe, P.J. 1951. Ons halfeeu in Angola (1880–1928). Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel.
• Van der Westhuizen, H.G. 1994. Herder van Angola. Pretoria: Kital.
• Van der Walt, A.J. 1928 (1919). Noordwaarts! ’n Verhaal uit die Dorsland-Trek. Kaapstad, Stellenbosch en Bloemfontein: Nasionale Pers, Beperk.
• Van Tonder, J.M. 2003. Kerk in ’n beter land: Die kerkverhaal van die Dorsland- en Angola Trekkers 1873–1937. Krugersdorp: J.M. van Tonder.
• Veth, P.J., & Snelleman, Joh. F. (reds.). 1887. Daniël Veth’s Reizen in Angola. Voorafgegaan door eene schets van zijn leven. Haarlem: H.D. Tjeenk Willink.
• Viljoen, Jurie (samest.). 2001. Pioniers van die Dorsland. Windhoek: Jurie Viljoen.
• Viljoen, Jurie (samest.). 2003. Swartbooisdrif – 75 Jaar: ’n Kort historiese oorsig van die trekbeweging van Afrikaners na en van Angola, 1874–1929. Windhoek: Jurie Viljoen.
• Von Moltke, J. 1945 (1943). Jagkonings. Tweede druk. Kaapstad, Bloemfontein & Port Elizabeth: Nasionale Pers, Beperk.
• Von Moltke, J. 1958. Veldsmanne. Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel (Edms.) Bpk.

ARTIKELS

• Bourke, D.R.W. [Earl of Mayo]. 1883. “A Journey from Mossamedes to the River Cunéné, S.W. Africa”. Proceedings of the Royal Geographic Society and Monthly Record of Geography, Jul., pp. 458–473, 504 (kaart).
• Clarence-Smith, W.G. 1976. “The Thirstland Trekkers in Angola – Some reflections on a frontier society”. University of London Institutes of Commonwealth Studies. Collected seminar papers no. 20. The Societies of Southern Africa in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Volume 6. London: Institute of Commonwealth Studies.
• Fisch, Maria. 2012. “Burentrecks durch den Norden Namibias nach Angola 1876 bis 1921 und Rückwanderungen 1928 und 1958”. Journal Namibia Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft, 60, pp. 45–115.
• Hattingh, J.L. 1975. “Die trekneiging by die Afrikaner tussen 1875 en 1895”. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Historiese Joernaal, 7. Nov., pp. 43–61.
• Immelman, Doc. 1977. “Dorslandtrek: ’n Terugblik na 100 jaar”. S.W.A. Jaarboek, pp. 43–44.
• Jordan, W.W. 1881. “Journal of the Trek Boers”. Cape Quarterly Review, 1, pp. 145–175.
• Jordan, W.W. 1881. “Journal of the Trek Boers”. The Friend of the Free State and Bloemfontein Gazette, 17 Nov.
• Jordan, W.W. 1883. “From Damaraland to the Nhemba country”. Cape Quarterly Review, 2, pp. 519–539.
• Jordan, W.W. 1888. “Journal of the Trek Boers to Mossamedes”. In Duncan Campbell Francis Moodie. The history of the battles and adventures of The British, the Boers and the Zulus, &c., in Southern Africa From the time of Pharaoh Necho, to 1880 With copious chronology, Vol. II. Cape Town: Murray & St. Leger, Parliamentary Printers and Government Bookbinders. pp. 300–332.
• Jordan, W.W. 1888. “The (Thirst Land) trek Boers June, 1881.—From Damaraland to the Nhemba country”. In Duncan Campbell Francis Moodie. *The history of the battles and adventures of The British, the Boers and the Zulus, &c., in Southern Africa From the time of Pharaoh Necho, to 1880 With copious chronology, Vol. II. Cape Town: Murray & St. Leger, Parliamentary Printers and Government Bookbinders. pp. 354–375.
• Stassen, Nicol. 2010. “Die Dorslandtrekke na Angola en die redes daarvoor (1874–1928)”. Historia, 55(1), Mei, pp. 32–54.
• Von Moltke, J. 1974. “Zur Geschichte des Durstlandtreks: Republik Upingtonia”. Afrikanischer Heimatkalender, pp. 65–70.s