South African mines, Arthur Knight

[RedBun]

Hello

I recently discovered my ancestor, Arthur Knight, travelled from Notts to the South African mines in 1898, returning on the outbreak of the Boar War.

My question is, does anyone know of any records that might still exist and be accessible relating to men who did this, or even have any background information about the period?  I assume they were diamond mines?  However he obviously didn't make his fortune as he died in 1908 from consumption leaving his widow penniless with 5 kids.

Many thanks

Redbun

[meles]

Depends on the location for what they were digging out. Kimberley - diamonds. Johannesburg - gold.

Google NAAIRS for SA records. Very good  , very slow 

meles

[RedBun]

Unfortunately I don't know anything more about him.  However I followed your advice (thank you) and there is a record for an Arthur C Knight enquiring about a Robert William Hodges.  This is in the Pietermaritzburg Archives Repository.

Whether it's him I've no idea, but it's a place to start!  I though maybe passenger lists would be another good place to look.

Many thanks

Redbun

[meles]

The passenger lists might give you a clue. But they usually just give the dates of travel.

If you can find him in the UK censuses, then that might be helpful, as you will have a profession, which will be an idea to what he did in SA.

If you're stumped, post what you know here. Some people here seem to find facts out of thin air!

meles

[RedBun]

He's in the 1891 and 1901 census here as a miner, having left his first wife (or she having left him?) by 1901, and living with a few of his children and his common-law wife and the first of 5 of their kids.

I only know this from Barnardos records I ordered a few months ago; before this didn't even think I'd find his name!

Anyway, being called away now; will check in tomorrow.

Thank you