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FOREWORD BY THE COMPILER This attempt to trace the descendants of Adolph Albert Ortlepp was begun at the suggestion of Trevor Poultney and with the encouragement of my husband, Leo Ortlepp. Regrettably, these two much loved members of the Ortlepp family died shortly after the search was begun, but I felt they would have wishes me to complete it. I have found it fascinating to discover the diverse lives and careers of the descendants of one man.
We had decided that we could not go further than the fourth generation born in South Africa. I hope I shall be forgiven for any omissions or errors, our forbears did not realise that they were living in history-making times and seldom recorded events or even talked much about themselves to their children.
The 'autobiography' of the family's founder, Adolph, was, in its original form, in the possession of his eldest son's family, but unfortunately has been lost, and only the translation remains. His family Bible in German, is now owned by Julius David Ortlepp. The entries were made by Adolph in Dutch, which he must have started learning shortly after his arrival in this country. My late husband, Leo visited Adolph's birthplace in 1937, and obtained from the pastor of the Evangelist Church copies of all entries in the Church register relating to the family, which, up to 1803, was named Ortleb after that date appearing as Ortlepp. There were no entries after the births of Adolph and his brothers and sisters, and it is presumed that the family moved about at that time. The occupation of the father was always stated in such entries, and Adolph's father, Christian Gottfrei, was first described as a trumpeter and then staff trumpeter. Though not wealthy, they appear to have been worthy people with a. desire for learning, and had considerable talent for music. A brother, Julius, was an oboist, and, it is said, was director of a Royal orchestra. I have seen a letter from Augusta Flauger to her brother, Adolph, in his latter days, and it is beautifully written in elegant language.
In some cases I have recorded the occupations of descendants, finding, it noteworthy that so many were attracted to the sciences and to teaching, the musical talent has been handed down very strongly. I have a copy of the programme of a concert held in Colesberg about 1866, in aide of funds for the town clock. Adolph, playing the violin, and his three daughters alternately playing the piano and singing, contributed to the greater part of the concert.
I feel that this must be one of the most interesting of South African families of comparable size and length of tradition, many have gone far afield, showing a spirit of courage and adventure. Adolph himself must have had this spirit as well as religious ardour, though he was described by his eldest son's wife to her daughter, Caroline Holmes, as the gentlest gentleman she had ever met.
Adolph arrived at Betlanie with the second party of Berlin missionaries in 1836. It is not known why he gave up mission work. It may have been because the Berlin Mission of those times was not successful and eventually dissolved temporarily (partly because of the wandering habits of the Korannas in that mission field). These facts are given by J. du Plessis in his book "A History of Christian Missions in South Africa".
Adolph was a skilled metal worker; a copper kettle of his making belongs to the family of his granddaughter, Johanna Joubert. His autobiography refers to him as a tinker, but I feel sure that this is either a mistranslation or that the trade was in those days one demanding a high standard of skill in metal work.
I am grateful to all those who have helped me with information,
HILDA M. ORTLEPP Johannesburg. April, 1966