The Risley Family

Abigail (Risley) Dunkling

Birth: 1832/3 in Edmonton, Middlesex, England

Father: John Risley

Mother: Sarah (Page) Risley

Married: Edward L. Dunkling on 4 August 1866 in St Mary le Strand, Westminster, Middlesex, England

Edward was born in 1831/2, in Enfield, Middlesex. There were two Edward Dunklings baptised in Enfield in this period - on 8 May 1831 an Edward Dunkling was baptised, the son of William Dunkling and Maria, and on 8 April 1832, an Edward Dunkling was baptised the son of John Dunkling and Sarah. We find both Edwards in later records - one married Louisa and the other married Abigail Risley. Edward was a shoemaker (1871) and bootmaker (1881, 1891, 1901). He married, secondly, Elizabeth Cavill in 1876 in Strand district. Elizabeth died in 1883. Edward died in 1917 in Edmonton district, aged 86.
Census & Addresses:
1871: 9 Church Lane, Edmonton, Middlesex
1881: The Shoe Shop, The Green, Edmonton, Middlesex
1882: The Green, Winchmore Hill N, Middlesex   (London Electoral Register). Edward is listed as "occupier as tenant of house"
1891: The Green, Edmonton, Middlesex
1901: The Green, Southgate, Middlesex
1911: Enfield, Middlesex

Children:
Death: 1870, in Edmonton district, England, aged 37

Census:
1841: Bury Street, Edmonton, Middlesex
1851: Bury Street, Edmonton, Middlesex
1861: Bury Street, Edmonton, Middlesex

Sources

Alfred Risley

Birth: 12 September 1838, in Edmonton district, Middlesex, England

Baptism: 7 October 1838, in St Mary, Hornsey, Middlesex, England
Alfred is recorded as born on September 12, the son of Joseph Risley, gardener resident at Fortis Green, and his wife Alice

Father: Joseph Risley

Mother: Alice (Simmons) Risley

Death: 1842, in Edmonton district, Middlesex, England

Burial: 9 February 1842, in St Mary, Hornsey, Middlesex, England
Alfred Risley is recorded as 3 years old, resident at Fortis Green. He is immediately preceded in the burial register by his 10 year old brother, James.

Census:
1841: Felix Place, Hornsey, Middlesex

Sources:

Alice (Risley, Barker) White

Birth: 24 October 1854, in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, England

Baptism: 26 November 1854, in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, England
Alice is recorded as the daughter of William and Emily Risley, born on Oct 24. William is listed as a gardener, of Kingston.

Father: William Risley

Mother: Emily (Ward) Risley

Married (1st): Richard Donthorn Barker on 26 February 1879 in St Peters Cathedral, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
Richard Donthorn Barker is recorded as a bachelor, aged 33. He is a merchant, resident in Maritzburg. Alice Risley is recorded as a spinster, aged 24, resident in Maritzburg. The marriage was performed by Bishop John William Colenso ("Jno. Natal") and witnessed by William Risley and Jno. ?.

Children:
Harry White, Alice (Risley) White and children
Harry White, Alice (Risley) White and children, from left to right, Noel, Harry, Alice and Kenneth
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Married (2nd): Harry White on 30 April 1883 at St Peter's Cathedral, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
Harry White is recorded as a bachelor, of full age. He is a merchant, resident in Pietermaritzburg. Alice Donthorn Barker is recorded as a widow, of full age, resident in Pietermaritzburg. The wedding was performed by Thomas Colley and witnessed by Jos. Risley, W. A. Hadock and Clara Risley.
The Natal Witness 2 May 1883
MARRIAGE:- White - Barker, - On the 30th April, at St. Peter's Cathedral, PMBurg, by the Venerable Archdeacon Colley, - Harry White, eldest son of C. F. H.White Esq. of College House, Edmonton, Middlesex, to Alice Douthora, widow of the late R.D.Barker Esq. of PMBurg, and daughter of W. Risley Esq. of PMBurg.

Entry in the front of large prayer book entitled Fletchers Family Devotion
MARRIAGES.
On the 30th April 1883
at St Peters Cathedral, Maritzburg, Natal, S. A.  Harry White and Alice Donthorn Barker were united in Holy Matrimony by the Revd. Archdeacon Colley.
"Harry White Son (eldest) of Cornelius Francis Hundley White, College House, Upper Edmonton, nr London."
"Alice Donthorn Barker, second Daughter of William Risley of Pietermaritzburg, Natal and widow of the late Richard Donthorn Barker, who died in Pietermaritzburg on the 14 August 1880.
Issue from first marriage. One Son. Reginald Donthorn Barker born on the 2nd December 1879.

Children:
 Notes: Alice emigrated to Natal aboard the Natal Star, arriving in Durban on 1 February 1867. She is recorded as aged 12, and surety was stood by her father, William Risley, who had emigrated earlier, and her uncle, Joseph Risley, both of Pietermaritzburg. Accompanying Alice on the Natal Star were her mother, Emily, and siblings Emily, Arthur, William J., Fred H., John E., Clara and Joseph.

Later in life, Alice took on lodgers to help make ends meet, and one of her boarders was the author Harry Camp Lugg.

Death: 28 January 1909 at 390 Longmarket Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, aged 54
The cause of death is listed as burns and shock.
South Africa 27 February 1909 p485
NATAL LADY'S TRAGIC DEATH. 
MRS. H. WHITE, a resident of Longmarket Street, Maritzburg, died recently under very painful circumstances. She had taken a ricksha from the Market Hall to her residence, and upon stepping out of the vehicle her dress, composed of light silk material, suddenly broke into flames. She screamed for help and rushed into the house, where the neighbours rendered her every assistance, but she died a few hours afterwards. It is supposed that the ricksha puller had been smoking and left something alight which caught the dress and when Mrs. White stepped on to the pavement the wind caused the flames to break out. The deceased lady, who was 54 years of age, was well known in Natal, and had lived in Maritzburg for several years. She was the daughter of the late Mr. William Risley, of Maritzburg, and had been twice married, being at the time of her death a widow. She left four sons and a daughter, besides brothers and sisters. Her eldest son is Mr. R. D. Barker in the Natal Public Works Department. Her other sons are Mr. H. N. H. White (of the Attorney-General's Department), Mr. K. V. White (of the Natal Bank), and Mr. N. M. White. Mrs. E. F. Ford and Mrs. Edmondson, of Maritzburg, are sisters of the late Mrs. White, and her brothers are Mr. J. E. Risley, of Durban, Mr. H. F. Risley, of Harrismith, Mr. F. W. Risley, of Zululand, and Mr. Joseph Risley, of Maritzburg, all well-known Colonists. Great sympathy is felt for the bereaved relatives. 

Alice was returning from the wedding of her niece, Mary Gladys Edmondson to Alfred Potterill at the time of her tragic accident.

Grave of Alice (Risley, Barker) White
Grave of of Alice (Risley, Barker) White in Commercial Road cemetery, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
photograph from KZN: A Photographic and Historical Record
Buried: Commercial Road cemetery, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
The inscription reads:
In Loving Memory of our dear mother
ALICE WHITE
who died at Pietermaritzburg
29th January 1909
Aged 54 years and three months
Rest in Peace

Will: dated 26 June 1905
Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1909 vol 34 #212 film 007866827 images 461-8
  THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF ME, ALICE WHITE (born Risley) formerly the wife of the late RICHARD DONTHORNE BARKER, and now the wife of HARRY WHITE of Pietermaritzburg, Natal Clerk
  I declare that my domicile is Natal, and that community of property was excluded from my marriage with the said Harry White by Ante Nuptial Contract.
  I hereby revoke, cancel and make void all wills, or other Testamentary Acts which I may heretofore have made or executed whether jointly with my husband or not and desire that the same may be of no force or effect whatever.
  I give and bequeath all my Estate and Effects movable and immovable in possession, reversion, remainder or expectancy wheresoever situated, and nothing whatever excepted to James King of Lynedoch, Nottingham Road, Natal, Farmer, John Edward Risley of Durban, Agent, and Reginald Donthorne Barker, my son (hereinafter with their successors called the Trustees) upon trust to hold and deal with my Estate and Effects, with power to convert the same, and that whether consisting of movable or immovable property, into money by public auction or privately, and to deal with and apply the Estate and income thereof as follows:-
  1. To pay and apply the income arising from my Estate towards the maintenance, education and support of my minor children until such time as the youngest of such children attains majority, and on the happening of such event I direct my Trustees to divide my Estate and Effects equally amongst all my children who may have survived me including my said son by my said first husband the said Reginald Donthorne Barker the lawful issue of any child or children who may have pre-deceased me to take the share to which their deceased parent would have been entitled if in life per stirpes, that is, although the period of payment to the beneficiaries of their shares under this Will is postponed until the youngest of my children attains majority, it is my intention that such shares shall vest in them immediately on my decease.
  2. The shares of any of my said grandchildren who may take any benefit under this Will on account of any of my said children pre-deceasing me shall be retained by my Trustees until they respectively attain the age of twenty one years complete but such shares shall vest in them on my death. This condition however, shall not affect the paying out to my children of their vested shares in my Estate on the youngest of my children attaining majority as before provided for.
  3. Although the income from my Estate is directed by me to be paid towards the maintenance, education and support of my minor children until the youngest attains majority, it is my intention that should there in any one year be any surplus after providing for the said minor childrens' maintenance education and support, in such manner as may, in the sole discretion of my Trustees be sufficient and proper taking into account their position in life, that such surplus be divided equally amongst the major children, and the children of any pre-deceasing major child per stirpes, and if the income on the vested shares of my minor children in the Estate is sufficient to provide in the discretion of my said Trustees for their proper education, maintenance and support, my desire is that the income of my Estate should be divided amongst all my children and grandchildren in the proportion to their vested interests in the capital of my Estate, but that always only after the proper education, maintenance and support of my said minor children has been properly provided for out of the whole income of my Estate as aforesaid and in such application of the income hereunder I desire my Trustees' to have and use the fullest discretionary powers and the beneficiaries in my Estate must leave the matter of the application of such income entirely to my Trustees discretion and decision.
  4. As a direction to my Trustees I would suggest if it can be arranged and worked amicably that my said children, minors and majors, in so far as they have not married or acquired homes of their own, should reside in family and keep house together, and in providing for the support, maintenance and education of my minor children from the income of my Estate, and in the application of any income that may be available after the proper maintenance, education and support of such children is provided for my Trustees should keep this suggestion in view, and if need be the whole of the income of my Estate can be employed in the up keep of such home, keeping in view of course the proper education and upbringing of my minor children and that notwithstanding any other direction to my Trustees herein contained as to the disposal of such income and in order that they may give the better effect thereto, if they consider it advisable to adopt said suggestion I authorize them to dispose of the property in Longmarket Street presently belonging to and occupied by me together with such furniture belonging to me as shall not be required for the purposes of furnishing the hereinafter mentioned cheaper house property and in place thereof to hire a smaller and cheaper house property for the occupation of my said children, or so many of them as agree to stay in family together, until the youngest of said children attains majority.
  5. In the event of my daughter ALICE MILDRED WHITE surviving me and being at the date of my death still unmarried, I direct my Trustees to pay to her on her attaining the age of twenty one years the proceeds of the sale of the surplus or balance of the furniture or other household effects, which, in their opinion are not required for the furnishing of any smaller house they may hire in giving effect to the suggestion or direction contained in the preceding condition hereof, which surplus furniture I direct them to sell in such manner as they deem advisable. As to the quantity and class of furniture or household effects if any, so to be sold, my Trustees shall be the sole judges. The remainder of my household furniture and effects shall belong to and form part of my Estate. Notwithstanding this special bequest to my said daughter, she shall nevertheless share equally with my other children in the vesting and division of the remainder of my Estate. In the event of my said daughter predeceasing me, or being at the date of my decease married, or in the further event of her dying before attaining the age of 21 years, when the proceeds of the said surplus are directed to be paid to her, or in the event of the family or portion of them not agreeing to reside in family together or should the Trustees for any reason consider it not advisable to keep together a home for my said children or any of them, or should they consider that the whole furniture should forthwith be sold, or should all of my furniture in the opinion of my Trustees be required for the said home, and they resolve for this or any other reason as might appear to them proper that the furniture should be retained by them, in the Estate in whole, then and in any such event this special bequest to my said daughter of the surplus furniture or household effects or the proceeds thereof before referred to, shall at once become in-operative, and have no force or effect whatever. I recognize possible difficulties in the way of my Trustees administering and dealing with my Estate as directed in this and the preceding condition, namely conditions 4 and 5 hereof, especially in the event of any dissensions occurring amongst the members of my family, and I therefore make my said Trustees the sole judges as to whether the said conditions 4 and 5 hereof shall be acted upon or partially acted upon by them, or completely ignored, and my Estate dealt with as provided in the remainder of my Will, and in the event of their deciding to give effect to the said conditions 4 and 5 or any part thereof in the administration of my Estate by them, it is my desire that they shall have the fullest discretionary powers and their actions in administering the Estate according to the suggestions or directions contained in the said conditions 4 and 5 hereof shall in no wise be open to question by any of the beneficiaries under this Will.
  6. My Trustees shall further have power if they consider it advisable in the interest of any of my children major or minor, or any grandchild who may have become interested in the Estate to advance the whole or any part of any such child or grandchild's vested share in the Estate for the maintenance, education or advancement in life of any such child or grandchild, and the decision of my Trustees as to whether or not it is advisable to advance the whole or any part of any child or grandchild's share as aforesaid shall not be open to question by any person in any way interested in the Will or otherwise.
  7. My said Trustees are authorized to invest all moneys belonging to my Estate in any sort of public stocks, or funds or Government securities of Great Britain or of any British Colony or Dependency, or of any State or Country in South Africa, or upon first mortgage of immovable property in South Africa or elsewhere, or in the purchase of any such immovable property or in or upon the public securities, stocks, mortgages, debentures or securities of any Corporation, public body or Company, Municipal Corporation or otherwise in South Africa, and to vary from time to time or to transfer such stocks, funds or securities into or for others of a like nature, hereby authorized, all in the discretion of my said Trustees.
  8. The receipt of my Trustees shall effectually discharge any person making any payment or transferring any security or properties to my Estate or to the Trustees and any such person shall not be bound to see the application thereof, and if any Trustee hereby appointed shall die in my lifetime or if any of them shall after my death die or resign or refuse to act, or be incapable of acting, then and in every such case, it shall be lawful for the surviving or continuing Trustee or Trustees to appoint a new trustee or trustees in place of the Trustee or Trustees dying or ceasing to act, and upon every such appointment the number of Trustees may be augmented or reduced, but so that there shall always be at least two Trustees.
  9. I appoint the said James King, John Edward Risley and Reginald Donthorne Barker, Executors of this my Will and Guardians of any minors who shall become in any way interested in my Estate, and I authorise and empower the Executors for the time being to pay or compromise or compound any debts owing by or to me or my Estate, or to accept any composition or any real or personal security for any debts due to me or my Estate, and to allow such time for the payment or composition either with or without security, as the Executors may deem reasonable to to refer to arbitration, and to settle all accounts, questions or things which shall be owing or claimed to be owing to me or my Estate and generally to in realising my Estate in such manner as they shall think fit or expedient without being liable for any loss occasioned thereby, and I give my Executors and Guardians the same powers of making appointments of any person or persons to act as Executor or Executors or Guardian or Guardians on the ceasing to act of any of my said Executors and Guardians, as I have hereinbefore conferred on my Trustees.
  10. I intend that my Trustees and Executors shall possess all the powers and authorities as are required and allowed in Law and I declare that the powers conferred on my Trustees and Executors herein are not to be considered as in any way restrictive, as it is my desire that in all things concerning the administration and realisation of my Estate and the investment of the Trust Funds thereof, they shall have the widest possible discretion, including power to borrow money for any of the purposes hereof, or the better to give effect to my expressed or apparent intentions, and that on the security of any part of my Estate movable or immovable, and on such conditions as they may consider advisable, and I further declare that they shall have fullest power of assumption, substitution and surrogation.
  11. Any share of my Estate which shall under this Will fall to be paid to any female shall not be affected by or subject to the jus mariti or right of administration of any husband she may have married prior to or may marry subsequent to the vesting of any such share in her and such share shall not fall into or form any part of the community of goods or property that may exist between her and the husband she has married or may marry but shall form part of her own separate Estate and shall be quite distinct from any such community and shall not be affected by the debts or deeds of her husband. I also empower my Trustees if from any cause they deem it advisable to place the share of the Estate falling to any female in Trust to be held for her behoof and benefit and that subject to such terms and conditions as they think necessary and advisable to impose.
  I reserve to myself the power from time to time and at all times to alter or add to this my Will either by a separate Act or at the foot hereof, desiring that all such alterations or additions shall be as valid and effectual as if inserted herein, and that although not executed according to the requirements of the law.
  All of which I declare to be my last Will and Testament desiring that it may have effect as such or as a Codicil or other wise as may be found to consist with Law.
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF I execute these presents at Pietermaritzburg in the Colony of Natal this the Twety sixth day of June 1905.
"Alice White".
SIGNED by Alice White (born Risley) the Testratrix of this Will in the presence of us then present both together and affixing our signatures hereto as witnesses to the said Will in the presence of the said Testatrix and of each other.
"Robert Fuller".
"A.C.Klapka".
 
Census & Addresses:
1861: Blyth (West Side), Blyth, Nottinghamshire
1909: 390 Longmarket Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1909 vol 34 #212 film 007866827 image 460)

Sources:

Ann Risley

Birth: 22 September 1811

Baptism: 20 October 1811, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Ann is recorded as born on Septr 22, the d. of William, labr of Winchmore Hill, and Ann, his wife

Father: William Risley

Mother: Ann (Hopes) Risley

Sources:

Annie Josephine Risley

Birth: 19 June 1862

Father: Joseph Risley

Mother: Annie (Cox) Risley

Death: 8 July 1880 at Ivy Cottage, Pietermaritz Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, aged 18, of tuberculosis
Annie Josephine Risley died on July 8 1880 at Pietermaritz St, P.M.Burg. She is recorded as 18 years old, the daughter of Jos. Risley. The cause of death is listed as pulmonary consumption.

Natal Witness 10 July 1880 transcribed at Mole Genealogy
(Name, Gender, Age, Date of Event, Date of Advert, Details)
Risley, Annie Josephine  f  18yrs 21 days, 8-July-1880, 10-July-1880
at Ivy Cottage PMBurg, the beloved daughter of Mr and Mrs Jno Risley

Grave of Annie Josephine Risley
Grave of Annie Josephine Risley in DRC and Presbyterian cemetery, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
photograph from KZN: A Photographic and Historical Record
Buried: DRC and Presbyterian cemetery, Pietermaritzburg, Natal. The grave is located in Old Lot No 1I (New Lot No 1B) Area 5.

Sources:

Arthur Risley

Birth: 1853/4, in Kingston, Surrey, England

Father: William Risley

Mother: Emily (Ward) Risley

Notes: Arthur emigrated to Natal aboard the Natal Star, arriving in Durban on 1 February 1867. He is recorded as aged 12, and surety was stood by his father, William Risley, who had emigrated earlier, and his uncle, Joseph Risley, both of Pietermaritzburg. Accompanying Arthur on the Natal Star were his mother, Emily, and siblings Emily, Alice, William J., Fred H., John E., Clara and Joseph.

Census:
1861: Blyth (West Side), Blyth, Nottinghamshire

Sources:

Arthur Jack Charles Risley

Birth: 2 April 1893, at Desart, Pietermaritzburg, Natal

Baptism: 28 February 1894, in St Peter, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
Arthur Jack Charles is recorded as born on 2nd April 1893, the son of Joseph Charles and Harriette Risley. Joseph is a trader, resident in Desart, P.M.Burg. The baptism sponsors are Charles B. Goodwill, John Welch and Maria E. Doig.

Father: Joseph Charles Risley

Mother: Harriet (Ellis) Risley

Education: Durban High School and Maritzburg College, Pietermaritzburg.

Notes: Arthur played cricket for Natal in 1921/2. He played in only one match, scoring 4 runs in his two innings.

Death: 20 January 1969 in Durban, Natal, South Africa

Burial: 22 January 1969 in Addington, Durban, Natal, South Africa

Sources:

Caroline Risley

Birth: 1833/4, in Middlesex, England

Baptism: 23 March 1834, in St Mary, Hornsey, Middlesex, England
Caroline is recorded as the daughter of Joseph Risley, gardener of Fortis Green, and his wife Alice.

Father: Joseph Risley

Mother: Alice (Simmons) Risley

Death: 1842, in Edmonton district, Middlesex, England

Buried: 10 March 1842, in St Mary, Hornsey, Middlesex, England, aged 8
Caroline Risley is recorded as 8 years old, resident at Fortis Green

Census:
1841: Felix Place, Hornsey, Middlesex

Sources:

Catharine Risley

Baptism: 7 December 1794, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Catharine is recorded as the daughter of Randall and Elizabeth Risley

Father: Randall Risley

Mother: Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Risley

Sources:

Charles Risley

Baptism: 6 May 1791, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Charles is recorded as the son of Randall and Eliz.th Risley

Father: Randall Risley

Mother: Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Risley

Sources:

Clara Risley

Birth: 4 December 1856, in Uxbridge, Middlesex, England

Baptism: 22 March 1857 in St John the Baptist, Hillingdon, Middlesex
Clara is recorded as the daughter of William and Emily Risley. William is a gardener, of Hillingdon.

Father: William Risley

Mother: Emily (Ward) Risley

Death: 16 September 1857, in Uxbridge district, Middlesex, England

Sources:

Clara Ann (Risley) Edmondson

Clara Ann (Risley) Edmondson
Clara Ann (Risley) Edmondson
photo from Joy Pieret
Clara Ann (Risley) Edmondson
Clara Ann (Risley) Edmondson
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Birth: 29 September 1859, in Blyth, Nottinghamshire, England

Father: William Risley

Mother: Emily (Ward) Risley

Married: Alfred Edmondson on 23 November 1885 in St Peters Cathedral, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
Alfred Edmondson is recorded as a bachelor, of full age. He is in the civil service and resident in Pietermaritzburg. Clara Ann Risley is recorded as a spinster, of full age, resident at Chase Valley, Pietermaritzburg. The marriage was performed by Thos. Colley, Archdeacon and witnessed by William Risley, Matilda Risley, Emily Ford and Frederick William Risley.

Children:
 Notes: Clara emigrated to Natal aboard the Natal Star, arriving in Durban on 1 February 1867. She is recorded as aged 4, and surety was stood by her father, William Risley, who had emigrated earlier, and her uncle, Joseph Risley, both of Pietermaritzburg. Accompanying Clara on the Natal Star were her mother, Emily, and siblings Emily, Arthur, Alice, William J., Fred H., John E. and Joseph.

In 1882, Clara was engaged to marry Robert John Hall, and when the engagement was called off, Clara sued Robert for £2,000 damages for breach of promise to marry. The parties eventually reached a settlement of £100 for costs and £500 placed into trust from which Clara received the income during her lifetime and after her death the capital was inherited by her children (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1927 #12526 film 007866867 image 339). Clara was also romantically linked to a family friend, Robert John King. Robert's great-grandson, also Robert King, writes "at one stage Robert was thought to be about to propose to Emily's sister Clara Risley and they caused a scandal riding up from Pietermaritzburg to Lynedoch (King home, Nottingham Road) without a chaperone".

Death: 9 July 1927, at 108 Boshoff Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa
The cause of death is listed as cerebral haemorrhage and apoplexy of duration a few hours.

Buried: English cemetery, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa

Will: dated 1 September 1902. Will no. 403/1927 held in Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1927 #12526 film 007866867 images 334-5
THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me CLARA EDMONDSON (born Risley) wife of ALFRED EDMONDSON of Pietermaritzburg, in the Colony of Natal.
  I hereby revoke, cancel, annul and make void all Wills, Codicils or other documents of a Testamentary nature heretofore made and executed by me.
  I nominate, constitute and appoint JOHN EDWARD RISLEY of Durban, Natal, Clerk, to be the Executor of this my Will and Trustee and Administrator of my estate and effects, giving and granting to such Trustee all such Powers and Authorities as are required or allowed in Law, especially those of assumption, substitution and surrogation.
  I give, devise and bequeath the whole of my estate and effects, movable and immovable, personal and real, corporeal and incorporeal, and whether the same be in possession, reversion or expectancy, nothing excepted, unto my three children, MARY GLADYS, VIVIAN and IRENE, in equal shares and proportions, and the lawful issue or lawful descendants of such of them as may predecease the period of division.
  In all cases where females take benefit under this my Will, the same shall be free from the jus mariti and right of administration of any husbands they may marry.
  I reserve power of revocation of this Will, and also power to make all such alterations or additions hereto from time to time and at all times hereafter, desiring that any such alterations or additions in whole or in part under my signature, whether by a separate act or at the foot hereof shall be held as valid and effectual as if inserted herein.
  All of which I declare to be my last Will and Testament desiring that it may have effect as such or as a Codicil or otherwise in such manner as my be found to consist with Law.
  THIS DONE AND EXECUTED AT PIETERMARITZBURG aforesaid this first day of September in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Nine hundred and Two.
    "C. Edmondson".
SIGNED by the said Clara Edmondson (born Risley) the Testatrix of this Will in the presence of us then both together, and affixing our signatures hereto in the presence of the Testatrix and of each other.
"John Lister,"
"Leo. J. King"
  
Addresses:
1902: Pietermaritzburg, Natal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1927 #12526 film 007866867 image 334)
1927: "Chase View", 108 Boshoff Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1927 #12526 film 007866867 image 333)

Census:
1861: Blyth (West Side), Blyth, Nottinghamshire

Sources:

Clara Maria (Risley) Lister

Clara Maria "Daisy" (Risley) Lister and Eileen Mary Lister
Clara Maria "Daisy" (Risley) Lister and Eileen Mary Lister
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Birth: 13 June 1870, in Pietermaritzburg, Natal

Father: Joseph Risley

Mother: Annie (Cox) Risley

Married: John Dunheved Lister on 15 July 1890 in St Peters Cathedral, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
John Dunheved Lister is recorded as a bachelor, of full age. He is a solicitor, resident in PMBurg. Clara Maria Risley is recorded as a spinster, aged 20, born in PMBurg. The marriage was performed by Arthur H. D. Edwards, and witnessed by Jos. Risley, Wm. Lister and Lillie Mary Murray.

Children:
Notes: Known as "Daisy"

On 23 July 1891 Clara gave birth to a still born son
The Natal Witness - Deaths 1891
(NAME, Gender, AGE, Date of Event, DATE OF ADVERT, Details)
Lister m still born, 23-July-1891, 27-July-1891,
at PMBurg Street the wife of John Lister of a son

Death: 9 May 1941, at 1.15 am, at Grey's Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa
The cause of death is listed as haematemesis of duration 8 days, gastric ulcer of duration years and mitral regurgitation of duration years.

Buried: English Church cemetery, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa

Addresses:
1941: 164 Longmarket Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal   (Natal Civil Records Deaths 1941 Pietermaritzburg film 007751169 image 21)

Sources:

Cyril Joseph Risley

Cyril Joseph "Bull" Risley
Cyril Joseph "Bull" Risley from a team photo of the Durban High School cricket team in 1910
(click for full picture)
photograph posted at DHS Foundation Facebook page
Birth: 26 May 1895, at Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal

Baptism: 26 June 1895, in St Peter, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
Cyril Joseph is recorded as born on 26th April 1895, the son of Joseph Charles and Harriet Risley. Joseph is a clerk, resident in P.M.Burg. The baptism sponsors are David C. Dick, father and Annie Risley.

Father: Joseph Charles Risley

Mother: Harriet (Ellis) Risley

Maritzburg College Band 1909
Cyril Joseph Risley is the side drummer standing on the right in this photograph of the Maritzburg College band in 1909
photograph from Pietermaritzburg College Magazine December 1936 p28
Education: Maritzburg College, Pietermaritzburg, Natal and Durban High School, Durban, Natal

Beatrice Mary (Walker) Risley
Beatrice Mary (Walker) Risley
This photograph was sent by Beatrice to her mother in England between 1936 and 1938.
photograph posted by sami on RootsChat.com (4 December 2012)
Married: Beatrice Mary Walker on 4 August 1921, at St Mary, Greyville, Durban, Natal, South Africa
Cyril Joseph Risley is recorded as a bachelor, aged 26. He is an clerk, resident at 25 Claribell Road, Durban. Beatrice Mary Walker is recorded as a spinster, aged 24 and resident at The Lodge, Compton Hall, Wolverhampton, Staffs. The wedding was witnessed by A.J. Risley, Rhy Risley and H. Ascough.

Beatrice was born on 3 December 1896, in Tettenhall, Staffordshire, England, and baptised in Tettenhall Wood on 3 January 1897, the daughter of Edward Walker and Gertrude Pearson. She died on 27 July 1976 at the Old Age Home in Odendaalsrus, Orange Free State, South Africa, where she had resided for about 18 months. The cause of death is listed as thrombosis (trombose). Documents related to her will and estate can be found at Orange Free State Estate Files film 005176788 image #251. There is a memorial to Beatrice and her husband at the Stellawood cemetery and crematorium in Durban, Natal.
Census and Addresses:
1901: Henwood Lane, Tettenhall, Staffordshire
1911: Compton, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire
1921: The Lodge, Compton Hall, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire   (Natal Civil Records Marriages Durban 1921#260)
1976: Mev Steyn Ouetehuis, Odendaalsrus, Orange Free State   (death notice in Orange Free State Estate Files film 005176788 image #251)

Occupation: Clerk (1921); Swimming Instructor (1957)
Bull Risley was the swim coach at Clifton Preparatory School in the 1950s. A former student, Ian Robertson, remembers him:
Clifton Preparatory School in the 1950s
Boys used the pool for recreation after school, often under the gaze of the swimming coach Bull Risley, who we thought resembled a giant bullfrog.  He sat immobile in a wicker chair, cloaked in a raincoat to protect himself from our splashes, and croaked out his commands in rasping tones.

Notes: Cyril was known as "Bull Risley". He served in France during World War I, where he met Beatrice, an English woman serving in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. Beatrice went to South Africa after the war where she and Bill were married.

Death: 9 June 1957 at Addington Hospital, Durban, Natal, South Africa, aged 62
The cause of death is listed as acute left ventricular heart failure, of duration half and hour, due to chronic pyelonephritis and diabetes mellitus of duration 13 years

Memorial to Cyril Jospeh Risley and Beatrice Mary (Wlaker) Risley
Memorial to Cyril Joseph Risley and Beatrice Mary (Walker) Risley in Stellawood cemetery and crematorium, Durban.
photograph by Henry Rudman posted at eGGSA
Cremation: 11 June 1957, at Stellawood cemetery and crematorium, Durban, Natal, South Africa
The memorial reads:
In Loving Memory of
CYRIL JOSEPH RISLEY
Beloved husband of Beatrice and father of Mary
Passed away 9th October 1957 aged 62 years.
BEATRICE MARY RISLEY
Passed away 22nd July 1976 aged 79 years
Dear mother of Mary
"At Rest"

Addresses:
1921: 25 Claribell Road, Durban, Natal   (marriage registration)
1950: 17a Venice Road, Durban, Natal  (Braby's Natal Directory 1950 p328)
1957: 17A Venice Road, Durban, Natal   (death registration)

Sources:

Dulcie Edith Annie (Risley) Logan

Birth: 9 August 1896 at Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal

Baptism: 17 September 1896, in St Peter, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
Dulcie Annie Edith is recorded as born on Aug 9th 1896, the daughter of Joseph Charles and Harriett Risley. Joseph is a clerk, resident in Town Lands. The baptism sponsors are father, mother, Edith May Ellis and Mary Agnes Fenwick.

Father: Joseph Charles Risley

Mother: Harriet (Ellis) Risley

Married: Kenneth Ainsley Logan on 25 October 1922 in St Mary, Greyville, Durban, Natal, South Africa
Kenneth Ainsley Logan is recorded as a bachelor, aged 32. He is a clerk, resident at 19 Botanic Gardens Road, Durban. Dulcie Edith Annie Risley is recorded as a spinster, aged 26, resident at 64 Eighth Avenue, Durban. The marriage was performed by William Maddock and witnessed by A. J. Risley and Allan Logan.

Kenneth was born on 4 January 1890 in Blackburn, Inanda district, Natal, the son of William Henry Logan, a planter, and Margaret Elizabeth Gamley. Kenneth played cricket for Natal, playing in 4 first class matches in which he took 20 wickets and scored 4 runs. He died on 2 March 1978, in Durban.
Addresses:
1922: 19 Botanic Gardens Road, Durban, Natal   (marriage register)
1938: 129 Trematon Drive, Durban, Natal   (death notice of brother, Allan)

Sources:

Edmund Risley

Birth: 20 March 1801, in Edmonton, Middlesex, England

Baptism: 19 April 1801, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Edmund Risley is recorded as born on 20 March, the son of William and Ann, of Winchmre Hill

Father: William Risley

Mother: Ann (Hopes) Risley

Married: Charlotte Meek on 23 December 1822, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Edmund Risley is recorded as a bachelor, living in the parish of Edmonton. Charlotte Meek is recorded as a spinster, living in the parish of Edmonton. The marriage, by banns, was officiated by Francis Ellaby, curate, and witnessed by Ann Risley and John Risley.
In a deposition requesting the publication of banns, Edmund Risley is recorded as a servant, living in Winchmore Hill and Charlotte Meek is recorded as a lodger in the house of William and Ann Risley in Winchmore Hill. The banns were published on Sunday 8 December 1822, Sunday 15 December 1822 and Sunday 22 December 1822.

Charlotte was born in 1796-9, in Herefordshire. She was a laundress. Charlotte died in 1875, in Lambeth district, Surrey, aged 76.

Census:
1841: Edmonton, Middlesex
1851: Lambeth, Surrey
1861: Bedford Cottages, Lambeth, Surrey
1871: Fenwick Place, Lambeth, Surrey

Children: Occupation: Gardener (1851); Servant (1861)

Notes:
Edmund is mentioned in the will of his father, William Risley, dated 3 October 1846 (National Archives PROB 11/2056/312)
I give all my Estate and Effects (except my wearing apparel which I give unto my son John Risley) to my wife for her life and after her decease I give the same to my sons John and Edmund in equal shares absolutely

Death: 1865, in Lambeth district, Surrey, England

Buried: 2 April 1865 in Lambeth, Surrey, England, aged 65

Census:
1841: Edmonton, Middlesex
1851: Lambeth, Surrey
1861: Bedford Cottages, Lambeth, Surrey

Sources:

Eliza Risley

Baptism: 17 February 1805, in Weld Chapel Southgate, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Eliza is recorded as the daughter of Wm and Ann Rizley

Father: William Risley

Mother: Ann (Hopes) Risley

Sources:

Eliza Risley

Birth: 1828/9 in Edmonton, Middlesex, England

Father: John Risley

Mother: Sarah (Page) Risley

Occupation: Dressmaker (1851)

Census:
1841: Bury Street, Edmonton, Middlesex
1851: Bury Street, Edmonton, Middlesex

Sources

Emily (Risley) Ford

Emily (Risley) Ford
Emily (Risley) Ford
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Birth: 29 November 1852, in Kingston, Surrey, England

Baptism: 26 November 1854, in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, England
Emily is recorded as the daughter of William and Emily Risley, born on Nov 29 1852. William is listed as a gardener, of Kingston.

Father: William Risley

Mother: Emily Mason (Ward) Risley

Married: Edward Funnell Ford on 28 September 1875, at St Peters Cathedral, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
Edward Funnell Ford is recorded as a bachelor, aged 34. He is an engineer, resident in Maritzburg. Emily Risley is recorded as a spinster, aged 22 and resident in Maritzburg. The wedding was performed by Bishop John William Colenso ("Jno. Natal") and witnessed by Wm. Risley and A. T. Ford.
Natal Witness 8 October 1875
Edward Funnell eldest son of Mr Edward Ford formerley of Warblington House, Emsworth, Hants. To - Emily, eldest daughter of William Risley of PMBurg, Natal

Children: Notes: Emily emigrated to Natal aboard the Natal Star, arriving in Durban on 1 February 1867. She is recorded as aged 13, and surety was stood by her father, William Risley, who had emigrated earlier, and her uncle, Joseph Risley, both of Pietermaritzburg. Accompanying Emily on the Natal Star were her mother, Emily, and siblings Arthur, Alice, William J., Fred H., John E., Clara and Joseph.

Emily's father-in-law, Edward Ford suffered from an ulcer on his leg in old age and Emily told Robert King's father that a task in her first years of married life, until Edward died in 1880, was to have to clean and bandage the leg every day, not a pleasant experience for a young bride, on top of giving birth to sons in 1876, 1878 and 1880.

The Daily Tribune - Wednesday October 26, 1938
WAGONS BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES TO THIS WOMAN PIONEER
   As the Voortrekkerwagons creaked over the Pietermaritzburg streets this morning they reminded the respected senior generation of the days when wagons were not historic relics but were almost the sole means of transport.
   It was in one of those lumbering vehicles that an excited little 14-years-old girl made her first journey to the village which was to be her "home" for the remainder of her life. In the midst of the Centenary celebrations today, Mrs. E.F. Ford, the little girl of yesterday, recalled another gala day. It was the day when the whole of Durban went on holiday to celebrate the opening of the long anticipated lighthouse. It was on that same day that Mrs. Ford, her mother and six younger brothers and sisters disembarked from the sailing vessel Natal Star, in which they had sailed from England.
   "We thought Durban was a lovely place", smiled Mrs. Ford to a Daily Tribune reporter. "Everyone was on holiday, just as they are to-day. Flags were flying everywhere. Even the boats on the bay were decorated."
   Their first home was a rambling thatched roofed cottage with mud floors in Pietermaritz Street, opposite Temple Street.
   Mrs. Ford went to school in Miss Newcombe's "Select Establishment for Young Ladies" in Pietermaritz Street. Her brothers were foundation members of Hilton College, under Dr. Neunham. Youth was hardy in those days. "After the holidays the boys thought nothing of walking home from school", said Mrs. Ford.
   Mrs. Ford's father was one of the earliest city councillors of Pietermaritzburg.
   A few months later she moved with her husband to Chase Valley. There they set to work building a home for themselves out of the veld. They planned gardens and planted citrus trees, laying the foundations of what is now a thriving citrus farm, Kingston Lodge.
       QUEER FARM NAMES
   The Fords lived there for 40 years. A well-known neighbour of theirs was Judge Phillips, owner of "The Chase". He had wonderful gardens and planted trees imported from all parts of the world. The judge had a humerous taste as far as the names of his various homes were concerned. His first farm at Karkloof was called "The Start". Then he moved to "The Chase", and he ended his journey at a farm at Cope's Folly, appropriately named "The Finish".
   Mrs. Ford still remembers how wildly excited she was when her husband bought their first motor car. It was a regal affair that looked nice but had very limited capabilities. It was one of the earliest models and travelling in it was hazardous, to say the least. It took it all its time to get along itself without any passengers sitting in it, said Mrs. Ford.

Death: 5 July 1943, at 167 High Ridge Road, Durban, Natal, South Africa, aged 90
The cause of death is listed as myocarditis, of duration 10 days, contributed to by chronic uraemia of duration 2 months.

Emily (Risley) Ford funeral July 1943
The grave of Emily (Risley) Ford and Edward Funnell Ford in Pietermaritzburg, covered in flowers at Emily's funeral in July 1943. Edward's headstone on the right in this photograph was replaced by the joint headstone with Emily shown below.
photograph courtesy of Robert King
The headstone of Edwared Funnell Ford and Emily (Risley) Ford
The headstone of Edward Funnell Ford and Emily (Risley) Ford in the Commercial Road cemetery, Pietermaritzburg.
photograph by Robert King
Buried: Commercial Road cemetery, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa, in the same grave as her husband, located in Block A Row C Plot 31.
The inscription on the headstone reads:
In treasured memory of
our deeply loved parents
EDWARD FUNNELL FORD
born 10th April 1844
called to higher service
15th June 1924
and
EMILY FORD
(née RISLEY)
born 29th November 1852
called to higher service
5th July 1943
Labour and seek no reward

Census & Addresses:
1861: Blyth (West Side), Blyth, Nottinghamshire
1943: 167 High Ridge Road, Durban, Natal   (Natal Civil Records Deaths 1943 film 007751181 image 1188)

Photographs:

Emily Risley   Ford family group with bicycle   Tennis party at Kingston Lodge   Ford family at Kingston Lodge   Ford family at Kingston Lodge   Garden party at Kingston Lodge circa 1907   Ford family at Kingston Lodge Christmas 1912   John Herbert James King and Emily Winifred Ford wedding   The wedding of George Herbert Ford and Lulu Iris Borain   Emily (Risley) Ford's 80th birthday with family   Emily (Risley) Ford's 80th birthday with grandchildren   Emily (Risley) Ford

Emily Risley
This photo was carried by Edward Funnell Ford with a lock of her hair in an envelope when he went to the diamond mines of Kimberley while courting her.
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Emily (Risley) Ford is seated second from left in this Ford family grouping, probably at Kingston Lodge
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Emily (Risley) Ford is seated right in this photograph of a tennis party at Kingston Lodge
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Fords at Kingston Lodge
L to R. Back: Alfred, Winifred, Joseph, George. Front: Edward Funnell, Emily née Risley, John, Edward William. Very front: Wilfred
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Emily (Risley) Ford is seated fifth from left in the front row in this photograph of a garden party at Kingston Lodge circa 1907
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Emily is seated fourth from left in the front row in this photograph of a garden party at Kingston Lodge circa 1907
photograph courtesy of Robert King

Fords at Kingston Lodge, Christmas 1912
Emily (Risley) Ford is seated second from right.
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Emily is leftmost in the middle row in the wedding photograph of John Herbert James King and Emily Winifred Elizabeth Ford on 22 April 1914
photograph courtesy of Robert King

Emily is seated second from the right in the wedding photograph of her son, George Herbert Ford, and Lulu Iris Borain on 26 March 1919
photograph courtesy of Robert King

Emily's 80th birthday, at Kingston Lodge, in November 1932. She is seated centre.
Back: Frederick William Risley, Wilfred Ford, George Ford, Alfred Ford, Laura (Scarlett) Ford, Ada (Wallis) Ford, Mona (Borain) Ford, John King (behind), Joseph Clifford Ford, Lulu (Borain) Ford, Nella (Borain) Ford and John Bartle Ford. Front: May (Foaden) Ford, Emily (Risley) Ford, Winifred (Ford) King.
photograph courtesy of Robert King

Emily's 80th birthday in November 1932. She is second from left in the middle row.
In this photograph, taken at Kingston Lodge, Emily is surrounded by 19 of her 21 grandchildren born by that time, as well as a grand-niece.
Back: Cecil Ford, Dennis King, Peggy Ford, Herbert Ford, Frances Ford, Nell Ford, Laurence Ford behind her, Margaret Potterill (great niece), Joyce Ford, Mervin King, Jack Ford, Alan Ford.
Middle: Jean Ford, Emily Ford née Risley, Royden King.
Front: Bettie Ford, Mollie Ford, Madge Ford, Peter Ford, Dulcie Ford and Errol Ford.
photograph courtesy of Robert King

Emily (Risley) Ford
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Left Arrrow scroll with your mouse to see more pictures; click on an image for enlargement Right Arrrow
Sources:

Esmé Louisa Risley

Birth: 9 October 1902

Baptism: 2 November 1902, in Harrismith, Orange River Colony
Esmé Louisa was baptised the daughter of William Frederick and Mary Ann Risley. William is recorded as a clerk, of Harrismith. The sponsors of the baptism were father, Henrietta Burns and Priscilla Eleanor Gilbert.

Father: William Frederick Risley

Mother: Mary Ann (Burns) Risley

Death: 13 August 1986, in Durban, Natal, South Africa, of congestive heart failure

Sources:

Frederick William Risley

Frederick William Risley
Frederick William Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Frederick and William Risley
Frederick (left) and William Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Emily (Risley) Ford's 80th birthday with family
Frederick William Risley is leftmost in the back row at the 80th birthday of his sister, Emily (Risley) Ford at Kingston Lodge in November 1932.
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Frederick and William Risley
FOUNDATION PUPILS OF HILTON COLLEGE
Among the first pupils whom William Orde Newnham enrolled in 1872 were twin brothers, William Frederick Risley and Frederick William Risley. This photograph of them was taken in old age, when William Frederick was living in Harrismith and Frederick William in Pietermaritzburg. William Frederick (seated in this photograph) died on 11th August, 1935 at the age of 77 years, while Frederick William (standing) died in 1952 at the age of 94 years. They were bom on 17th April, 1858 at Uxbridge, Middlesex, England and arrived in the Colony of Natal when they were eight years old. We reproduce this photograph in the hope that it will be of interest to older generations of Old Boys.
photograph reproduced in The Hiltonian February 1965 p97
Painting by Frederick William Risley
Oil painting by Frederick William Risley
painting in possession of Chris Gosnell
Birth: 17 April 1858, in Uxbridge, Middlesex, England

Baptism: 11 July 1858, in St John the Baptist, Hillingdon, Middlesex, England
Frederick William was baptised the son of William and Emily Risley. William is listed as a gardener, of Hillingdon.

Father: William Risley

Mother: Emily (Ward) Risley

Notes:
Frederick was a twin brother to William Frederick Risley

Frederick emigrated to Natal aboard the Natal Star, arriving in Durban on 1 February 1867. He is recorded as aged 6 (an error - his twin brother is listed with the correct age of 8), and surety was stood by his father, William Risley, who had emigrated earlier, and his uncle, Joseph Risley, both of Pietermaritzburg. Accompanying Frederick on the Natal Star were his mother, Emily, and siblings Emily, Arthur, Alice, William J., John E., Clara and Joseph.

Frederick was a foundation member of Hilton College, Hilton, Natal, South Africa, in 1872, starting there the day the school opened. The "little Risleys" are mentioned in the diary of Duncan McKenzie who was also a founder pupil at Hilton. It did not take long for them to get in a scrape, as recounted in this anecdote published in Lift Up Your Hearts pp 175-6 (Neville Nuttall, 1971):
EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF DUNCAN McKENZIE (1877)
9th June 1877
   It is about a year since I left Hilton College, but nevertheless I intend to return back to my school days and relate a few interesting happenings of that period...
...
  The first day we arrived at Hilton, we did not like it. We never knew a soul, and the look of Mr. Newnham's big sjambok was quite enough for me, as he came walking up to meet us; but when we came to hear that he had no less than three, it frightened the lives out of us.
  The big one he called Lamb's Tail, the second Cat's Tail and the third Rat's Tail.
  Mr Crowe, the senior master also had one, a two-tailed one, so there were no less than four sjamboks in the school.
  The first row that we got into was on Wednesday afternoon when some of us set off to get some maas at some native's kraal.
  When we got there, there was no one at the huts except children, whom we told to go and call their parents.
  As it was getting late we told a little girl to get us some maas, which she did, and we paid her for it, and ate until we had had sufficient, and then set to and splashed all the youngsters with the remains, making their heads white; but when they started crying, we decided it was time to leave. We had only gone about 300 yards when we saw the kraal head, Gwen, arriving at a fast pace. He never stopped to ask his children anything, as he could see what had happened, so we started running; but we had about two miles to get back to school and were all in a big fright, especially the little Risleys. One of them was singing out not to leave him, as he was tired, so I caught his hand and helped him along. We hid in the gum trees near school, until we thought all danger was over.
  As however some boys told us that Gwen had been to see Mr Newnham, we waited in suspense, and sure enough next morning after prayers, Mr Newnham said "Will all the boys that went to Gwen's for maas yesterday please stand up." Up we stood, and he carried on, "Boys, you have only been here a few days and I am sorry to say that you have misbehaved yourselves, so you must pay 6d each for the maas, and you ought not to have taken advantage of the children when their parents were away. That will do." And right glad we were to get off so lightly."

Frederick performed well academically, receiving a prize at Hilton's first prize-giving, as recorded in this report from the Natal Witness on 27 December 1872:
HILTON COLLEGE
On Wednesday 18th instant the pupils of Hilton College were assembled for the purpose of distribution of prizes previous to breaking up. A few friends had been invited to be present and it had been intended that the masters and senior pupils should act the Merchant of Venice in the evening, but the sudden and dangerous illness of Mrs Newnham put a stop to those festivities.
The pupils being all assembled, the Principal addressed them in a few words. He pointed out the principle which guided him in adjudging prizes and stated that he would never give a prize for mere cleverness; that industry and good behaviour were what he desired to encourage; that it was nothing to him if through the colony "Hiltonian" and "cleverness" became synonymous; the desire of his heart was that "Hiltonian" and "gentleman" should be convertible terms; that he had to thank the parents of many of his pupils for their liberality, whereby they had enabled him to mark the merits of many scholars whom he would have had to pass over had he only depended on his own purse; that those boys who had not obtained prizes must not be discouraged or think that they were thereby marked out as bad or idle; that his pleasant though difficult task had been, where all were good, to separate the very good.
He then called each prize-winner and with a pithy exhortation delivered him his prize or prizes. The names are as follows:
First Division, including Fifth and Sixth Forms: A. Baker, universal proficiency; J. Polkinghorne, 1st prize, distinguished advance; W. Birkett, 2nd do.; A. McKenzie, 3rd do.; W. Henderson, 4th do.; J. Polkinghorne, 1st prize, distinguished industry; W. Birkett, 2nd do,; R. Dixon, 1st prize, special advancement; J. Allison, 2nd do.; G. Robinson, 3rd do.; S. Middleton, 4th do.; G. Salmon, 1st prize, general advancement and honourable conduct; G. Law, 2nd do.; E. Acutt, 3rd do.
Second Division, including Third and Forth (sic) Forms: C. Henderson, 1st prize, super-eminent advancement; A. Butcher, 2nd do; C. Henderson, 1st prize, distinguished industry; A. Ross, 1st prize, special advancement; W. Leathern, 2nd do.; F. W. Risley, 3rd do.; J. Peniston, 4th do.; W. Bowes, 1st prize, general advancement; H. Acutt, 2nd do.
Third Division, including First and Second Forms: E. Randles, super-eminent advancement; H. Brickhill, 1st prize, distinguished advancement; -. Middleton, 2nd do.; -.Macfarlane, 1st prize, special advancement; A. Newnham, 3rd do.

Occupation: Carpenter.
A newspaper article about Frederick's father in 1908 mentions Frederick as being "one of Natal's most energetic prospectors".

Notes:
In 1880, Frederick was a sponsor at the baptism of his nephew, John Bartle Ford in St Peters, Pietermaritzburg.  In 1913, Frederick made an application "for permission to shoot game on native trust lands in the Mapumolo division". Frederick's death notice records that he was single.

Death: 24 August 1951, in Hillcrest, Pinetown district, Natal, South Africa, aged 93
The cause of death is listed as arterio sclerosis, of duration 1 month and senile decay of duration 2 months
The Hiltonian November 1951 p58
RISLEY—Frederick William Risley died recently in Maritzburg, at the age of 93. He was one of the few remaining old colonists of Natal, and came to the province with his parents in 1867. He was also one of the foundation scholars of Hilton. On leaving school he lived for a time on the Rand and later on in Zululand, finally returning to Maritzburg, where he lived until his death.

Burial: Commercial Road cemetery, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa

Census & Addresses:
1861: Blyth (West Side), Blyth, Nottinghamshire
1950: "Kingston Lodge", 69 Campbell Road, Chase Valley, Pietermaritzburg, Natal   (Braby's Natal Directory 1950 p1542)
1951: Kingston Lodge, Chase Valley, Pietermaritzburg, Natal   (death notice)

Sources:

George Risley

Baptism: 31 January 1790, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
George is recorded as the son of Randal and Eliz.th Risley

Father: Randall Risley

Mother: Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Risley

Sources:

Helena Kate (Risley, Coltson) Reid

Birth: 1867/8, in Pietermaritzburg, Natal

Father: Joseph Risley

Mother: Annie (Cox) Risley

Married (1st): Charles Cecil Davies Coltson on 27 April 1893 in St Peters Cathedral, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
Charles Cecil Davies Coltson is recorded as a bachelor, of full age. He is an accountant, Bank of Africa, resident in Pietermaritzburg. Helena Kate Risley is recorded as a spinster, of full age, resident in Pietermaritzburg. The marriage was witnessed by C. H. Dwyer and Lillie M. Mullay.

Children:
Married (2nd): Ellis Ramsay Reid on 23 November 1901 in Garrison Church, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
Ellis Ramsay Reid is recorded as a bachelor, of full age. He is a Lt Colonel Army Pay Corp, resident in Pietermaritzburg. Helena Kate Coltson is recorded as a widow, of full age, resident in Pietermaritzburg. The marriage was witnessed by J. O'Hara and James King.

Children:
Death: 19 July 1924, in Lexden district, Essex, England, aged 56

Headstone of Helena Kate (Risley, Coltson) Reid
Headstone of Helena Kate (Risley, Coltson) Reid in St Michael's churchyard, Berechurch, Colchester, Essex
photograph contributed by wertypop at findagrave.com
Buried: St Michael's churchyard, Berechurch, Colchester, Essex, England
The headstone reads:
In Dearest Memory of
Helen(a) Kate Reid
Died 19th July 1924

Census & Addresses:
1893: Pietermaritzburg, Natal   (Natal Civil Records Marriages Pietermaritzburg 1893 #466)
1901: Pietermaritzburg, Natal   (Natal Civil Records Marriages Pietermaritzburg 1901 #62)
1911: 11 The Retreat, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire
1918: Blenheim Blackheath, Colchester, Essex   (R.A.F. Next of Kin Card)

Sources:

Henry Risley

Birth: 17 August 1864, in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England

Baptism: 17 August 1864, in St Mary (Priory), Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England
Henry Risley is recorded as the son of William and Emily Risley, of Worksop. William's occupation is Gardener.

Father: William Risley

Mother: Emily (Ward) Risley

Death: 18 August 1864, in Worksop district, Nottinghamshire, England

Sources:

James Risley

Baptism: 30 April 1780, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
James is recorded as the son of Randal and Eliz.th Rizley

Father: Randall Risley

Mother: Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Risley

Sources:

James Risley

Birth: 8 August 1813

Baptism: 29 August 1813, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
James is recorded as born on Augst  8th, the s. of William, labourer of Winchmore Hill, and Ann, his wife

Father: William Risley

Mother: Ann (Hopes) Risley

Burial: 3 August 1819, aged 6
James Risley is recorded as aged 6, resident at Winchmore Hill

Sources:

James Risley

Birth: 22 November 1831, in Middlesex, England

Baptism: 25 December 1831 in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
James is recorded as born on 22 November 1831, the son of Joseph Risley, gardener of Winchmore Hill, and his wife, Alice

Father: Joseph Risley

Mother: Alice (Simmons) Risley

Death: 1842, in Edmonton district, Middlesex, England

Burial: 9 February 1842, in St Mary, Hornsey, Middlesex, England
James Risley is recorded as 10 years old, resident at Fortis Green. He is immediately followed in the burial register by his 3 year old brother, Alfred.

Census:
1841: Felix Place, Hornsey, Middlesex

Sources:

John Risley

Birth: 15 June 1799, in Edmonton, Middlesex, England

Baptism: 20 July 1799, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
John Risley is recorded as born on June 15, the son of William, labourer of Winchmore Hill, and Ann, his wife

Father: William Risley

Mother: Ann (Hopes) Risley

Married: Sarah Page on 7 August 1825 in St Lawrence Jewry with St Mary Magdalene Milk Street, London, England

Sarah was born in 1796/7, in Hertfordshire. She died on 28 March 1860, in Edmonton district, England, aged 63, and was buried in Edmonton churchyard, Middlesex.
Census:
1841: Bury Street, Edmonton, Middlesex
1851: Bury Street, Edmonton, Middlesex

Children:
Occupation: Agricultural labourer (1851), agricultural foreman (1861); gardener (1871)

Notes:
John is mentioned in the will of his father, William Risley, dated 3 October 1846 (National Archives PROB 11/2056/312)
I give all my Estate and Effects (except my wearing apparel which I give unto my son John Risley) to my wife for her life and after her decease I give the same to my sons John and Edmund in equal shares absolutely

Death: 13 December 1877, in Edmonton district, England, aged 78

Gravestone of John Risley, Sarah Risley and William Risley
Gravestone of John Risley, Sarah Risley and William Risley in Edmonton churchyard, London
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Buried: Edmonton churchyard, Middlesex, England
John was buried in the same grave as his wife and nephew
The inscription reads:
Sacred / to the memory of
SARAH / wife of John Risley
who departed this life / March 28th 1860 in the 61st year / of her age.
Also of the above
JOHN RISLEY,
who departed this life / Decr 13th 1877, aged 78 years.
Also in Affectionate Remembrance of
WILLIAM RISLEY,
nephew of the above:
who entered into rest 29th November 1894, / aged 65 years
"Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy / laden and I will give you rest."
"So He giveth his beloved sleep."

Census:
1841: Bury Street, Edmonton, Middlesex
1851: Bury Street, Edmonton, Middlesex
1861: Bury Street, Edmonton, Middlesex
1871: Edmonton, Middlesex

Sources:

John Risley

Birth: 1826/7 in Edmonton, Middlesex, England

Father: John Risley

Mother: Sarah (Page) Risley

Married: Elizabeth Ann Greening in 1879 in Edmonton district, England

Elizabeth was baptised on 17 August 1845 in St John the Evangelist, Eton, Buckinghamshire, the daughter of William and Ann Greening.
Census & Addresses:
1871: Edmonton, Middlesex
1881: Kings Road, Brighton, Sussex
1890: 5 Linden Road, West Green, Tottenham, Middlesex   (husband's probate)

Occupation: Dealer in Shares (Broker)

Death: 7 July 1890, at 5 Linden Road, West Green, Tottenham, Middlesex, England

Probate:
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations)
1890
RISLEY John. Personal Estate £346 10s.
  30 July   The Will of John Risley formerly of 38 Cornhill in the City of London and of 8 Beaufort-villas Chesnut-road Tottenham but late of 5 Linden-road West Green Tottenham in the County of Middlesex who died 7 July 1890 at 5 Linden-road was proved at the Principal Registry by Elizabeth Ann Risley of 5 Linden-road Widow the Relict the sole Executrix.

Census:
1841: Bury Street, Edmonton, Middlesex
1861: Tottersalls Hotel, 81&82 St Georges Square, Portsea, Hampshire
1871: Edmonton, Middlesex
1881: Kings Road, Brighton, Sussex

Sources

John Edward Risley

John Risley
John Edward Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
John Risley
John Edward Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
John Edward Risley, Edward Funnell Ford, William Frederick Risley and Alfred Edmondson
(left to right) John Edward Risley, Edward Funnell Ford, William Frederick Risley and Alfred Edmondson
photograph courtesy of Robert King
John Edward Risley
John Edward Risley
photograph from The Natal Who's Who
Birth: 6 January 1863, in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England

Baptism: 4 February 1863, in St Mary (Priory), Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England
John Edward Risley is recorded as the son of William and Emily Risley, of Carlton Road. William's occupation is Gardener.

Father: William Risley

Mother: Emily (Ward) Risley

Education: Maritzburg College, Pietermaritzburg, Natal

John Edward Risley business advertisement
Advertisement for the business of J. E. Risley
from The Natal Agricultural Journal and Mining Journal, 26 July 1907 p13
Occupation: Agent and Broker

Notes:
The Natal Who's Who 1906 p166
RISLEY, John Edward;  b. 1863, in Worksop, Notts.; y.s. of late William Risley, an old an respected early Colonist, and one of the pioneers of Kimberley. Educ. St Mary's and High School, Pietermaritzburg. Add., Commercial Broker and General Agent, 1, Challinor's Chambers, Field St., Box 837; Telegraph Add., "Commercial," Durban. Clubs: Durban Turf Club, R.N.Y.C.  Came to Natal at an early age, and spent practically all his life here. 25½ years with A. Fass & Co., Merchants, Durban, and has therefore a full grasp of all requirements, both local and up-country.

John emigrated to Natal aboard the Natal Star, arriving in Durban on 1 February 1867. He is recorded as aged 5, and surety was stood by his father, William Risley, who had emigrated earlier, and his uncle, Joseph Risley, both of Pietermaritzburg. Accompanying John on the Natal Star were his mother, Emily, and siblings Emily, Arthur, Alice, William J., Fred H., Clara and Joseph.

In his will, John bequeaths a lifetime annuity to Myra Barthram (born Stevens) with additional support for three of her children, Eva Barthram, John Barthram and Edward Barthram, through their minority. It is not clear to me, but it seems that the residue of his estate is also bequeathed to Myra - no other persons are mentioned in the will apart from his Trustees. Myra Stevens was a mixed race woman born in 1859/60, in the Cape Province, the daughter of Sarah and Charles Stevens. She married Alfred Barthram, a policeman, on 30 July 1878 in Durban - Myra was only 18 at the time and the marriage license lists, curiously, that consent was provided by "friends". Henry Albert Barthram was born on 12 July 1887 and baptised on 3 September 1887, the son of Alfred and Myra Barthram. Charles Thomas Barthram was baptised in Durban on 27 September 1890, the son of Alfred Barthram, labourer, and Myra. Eva Catherine Barthram was born on 2 June 1895 and baptised in Durban on 11 August 1895, the daughter of Alfred and Myra Barthram. Eva died on 6 December 1962 in Pietermaritzburg. John Francis De Souza Bartram was born on 7 January 1897 and baptised in Durban on 21 March 1897. When Myra's mother, Sarah, died on 10 May 1916, she was living at 10 Melbourne, Durban, three doors down from 4 Melbourne Street, where John Edward Risley was living at he time of his suicide in 1918. I have not been able to find a baptism record for Edward Barthram. I believe that John Francis may have changed his last name to Risley - when Charles was married in Durban on 22 December 1921, and his brother Henry, then living in Basutoland, was also married in the same place just four days later, some three years after John Edward Risley's death, both those marriages were witnessed by a J. F. Risley, and J.F Risley's signature there is identical to that of John Francis Risley's signature on his own marriage certificate. I can find no further record of John Francis Barthram, or Bartram, but the marriage certificate of John Francis Risley ties him to the marriages of the elder Barthram brothers, and his age and place of birth given at his death in 1949 correspond exactly with that of John Francis Barthram. Myra died at her home at 63 St George's Street, Durban, on 12 August 1929, from diabetes mellitus, at which time she is recorded as a widow, and was buried in the West Street cemetery in Durban.

These facts support, although do not exactly prove, the family story that John Edward Risley cohabited with and fathered children with a woman of colour, whom he did not marry.

Death: 31 July 1918, at Ocean Beach, Durban, Natal, South Africa, aged 55
The cause of death is listed as drowning suicidal.
Pietermaritzburg College Magazine August 1919 p9
OBITUARY.
In Memoriam
J. E. RISLEY,
Drowned at Durban, July 31, 1918.
AVE ATQUE VALE.

Burial: 1 August 1918, in St Peter and St Saviour, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa

Will: dated 24 September 1907, filed 20 August 1918
Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1918 #2901 film 007866804 images 692-4
  THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me, JOHN EDWARD RISLEY, of Durban, in the Colony of Natal, Agent, I being at the execution hereof, of sound mind, memory and understanding, and capable of performing any act requiring thought, judgment and reflection, do hereby declare to cancel, annul and make void all Wills, Codicils or other testamentary acts heretofore made and executed by me.
  I hereby leave, give, devise and bequeath all my property, estate and effects, personal and real, moveable and immoveable, and whether in possession, reversion, remainder or expectancy, and wheresoever situated, nothing whatever excepted, unto FREDERICK WILLIAM DORE, of Durban, Accountant, and WILLIAM DOULL, of Durban, Solicitor, jointly and severally, and the survivors or survivor, acceptors or acceptor of them (hereinafter call "my said Trustees") IN TRUST for the following uses, intents and purposes :-
  1. To pay my just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses.
  2. To continue the business at present carried on by me under such management and on such terms and conditions as my Trustees may deem expedient, or otherwise, in their discretion to sell and dispose of the said business on the best terms obtainable.
  3. After payment of all salaries and all other expenses necessary in and about the conduct of my said business to pay to MYRA BARTHRAM (born Stevens) a sum of Fifteen pounds (£15) Sterling per month for the support and maintenance of herself and her three children hereinafter mentioned until such time as the youngest of these children shall have attained the age of twenty one years.
  4. When the youngest of the said three children, EVA BARTHRAM, JOHN BARTHRAM, and EDWARD BARTHRAM attain the age of twenty one years the aforesaid payment of Fifteen pounds (£15) per month to the said MYRA BARTHRAM shall cease and determine, and in lieu thereof a monthly payment of Ten Pounds (£10) Sterling shall be paid to the said MYRA BARTHRAM for her own absolute use and benefit during the term of her natural life.
  5. To invest the proceeds of the sale of my said business, should my Trustees decide to sell that business, and any other moneys that may be found in my estate, in mortgages or landed property, in the purchase of landed property, and in such other securities as my Trustees may consider good and to realise  such investments and reinvest the proceeds and to pay out of the interest or profit arising from such investments the annuity to MYRA BARTHRAM referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4 hereof; provided that my Trustees shall not be allowed to invest any part of my estate in anything of a speculative character such as Stocks or Mining Companies or in any Company or Corporation whatsoever where there is any liability in respect of its shares.
  With power to my said Trustees at any time to advance out of my Estate any such sum or sums as they may deem desirable or expedient to any or either of the aforesaid EVA BARTHRAM, JOHN BARTHRAM and EDWARD BARTHRAM in the interests of his, her or their education or advancement in life, any such sum or sums so advanced to be deducted from the share or shares falling due to his, her or them under this my Will.
  The lawful issue of any of the above named beneficiaries shall take the place of his, her or their deceased parent by right of representation, and in the event of any of the said beneficiaries dying without leaving lawful issue the shares of such beneficiary shall accrue to the survivor or survivors of said three children.
  Any benefits conferred herein upon females shall be for their sole use and enjoyment, free from the control, liabilities and obligations of any husbands they may marry.
  I hereby nominate, ordain, constitute and appoint the said FREDERICK WILLIAM DORE and the said WILLIAM DOULL and the survivors or survivor, acceptors or acceptor of them, jointly and severally, to be the Trustees of this my Will and Administrators of my estate and effects, giving and hereby granting unto them all such powers and authorities as may be required or allowed in law, especially the powers of assumption, substitution and surrogation.
  All of which I declare to be my Last Will and Testament, desiring it to have effect as such or as a Codicil or otherwise as may consist with law, reserving to myself the right from time to time, and at all times to cancel, amend or alter this Will at pleasure by a separate act or at the foot hereof.
  THUS DONE and EXECUTED at Durban, this twenty fourth day of September in the Year of Our Lord One thousand nine hundred and seven in the presence of the subscribing witnesses.
  J. E. RISLEY
SIGNED by the above named Testator, JOHN EDWARD RISLEY in the presence of us then present, both together and affixing our signatures as witnesses in the presence of the Testator and of each other
Wm S. Fraser  Clerk to Livingston & Co. of Durban  Solicitors
A T Goddard  Clerk to Livingston & Co.  

Addresses:
1902: Durban, Natal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1927 #12526 film 007866867 image 334)
1905: Durban, Natal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1909 vol 34 #212 film 007866827 images 461-8)
1907: Durban, Natal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1918 #2901 film 007866804 image 692)
1918: 4 Melbourne Road, Durban, Natal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1918 #2901 film 007866804 image 691)

Sources:

John Gray Montague Risley

Birth: 19 January 1899

Baptism: 19 February 1899, in Harrismith, Orange Free State
John Gray Montague was baptised the son of William Frederick and Mary Ann Risley. William is recorded as a clerk, of Harrismith.

Father: William Frederick Risley

Mother: Mary Ann (Burns) Risley

Notes: John likely died as an infant or as a child under the age of 16.

Sources:

Joseph Risley

Baptism: 2 July 1788, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Joseph is recorded as the son of Randal and Elizth Risley

Father: Randall Risley

Mother: Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Risley

Sources:

Joseph Risley

Birth: 1806

Baptism: 12 October 1806, in Southgate Chapel, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Joseph s. of Willm and Ann Rizley

Father: William Risley

Mother: Ann (Hopes) Risley

Married: Alice Simmons on 12 March 1827, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Joseph Risley is recorded as a bachelor of the parish of Edmonton. Alice Simmons is recorded as as spinster of the parish of Edmonton. The marriage, by banns, was officiated by Thomas Bissland and witnessed by John Risley and Wm Hiosens(?).
Banns were published in All Saints, Edmonton on Sunday 25 February 1827, 4 March 1827 and 11 March 1927.

Children: Occupation: Labourer (1829) and gardener (1831 - 1838)

Notes:
Joseph is mentioned, and noted to be deceased, in the will of his father, William Risley, dated 3 October 1846 (National Archives PROB 11/2056/312)
I give the same to my sons John and Edmund in equal shares absolutely provided that in case either of my said sons should die during the lifetime of my said wife I give the share of the son so dying to my Grandson William Risley son of my late son Joseph Risley absolutely

Death: 1841, in Edmonton district, Middlesex, England

Buried: 2 June 1841 at St Mary, Hornsey, Middlesex, England, aged 34
Joseph Risley is recorded as 34 years old, resident in Fortis Green.

Sources:

Joseph Risley

Joseph Risley
Joseph Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Joseph Risley
Joseph Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Birth: 1835/6, in Hornsey, Middlesex, England

Baptism: 8 May 1836 in St Mary, Hornsey, Middlesex, England
Joseph is recorded as the son of Joseph Risley, gardener of Fortis Green, and his wife, Alice.

Father: Joseph Risley

Mother: Alice (Simmons) Risley

Joseph Risley and Annie (Cox) Risley
Joseph Risley and Annie (Cox) Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Married: Anne Cox on 28 October 1856, in St Mary, Hornsey, Middlesex, England
Joseph Risley is recorded as a bachelor, of full age. He is a gardener, resident in Kingston, the son of Joseph Risley, gardener. Anne Cox is recorded as a spinster, of full age, resident in Hornsey. She is the daughter of Frederick Cox, inn keeper. The marriage, by banns, was officiated by Richard Harvey, rector, and witnessed by John Cox and Susan Allisam.
Banns of the marriage between Joseph Risley, bachelor of the parish of Hornsey and Anne Cox, spinster of the parish of Hornsey, were published on the previous Sundays, 12 October 1856, 19 October 1856 and 26 October 1856.

Annie (Cox) Risley
Annie (Cox) Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Annie (Cox) Risley
Annie (Cox) Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Annie was born in 1830, in England, the daughter of Frederick Cox. She died on 7 June 1903, at the home of her daughter, Mary Fenwick, Erf no. 74, Heidelberg, Transvaal, aged 72. The cause of death is listed as apoplexy, of duration six days. She is buried in the DRC and Presbyterian cemetery, Pietermaritzburg, Natal. The grave is located in Old Lot No 1I (New Lot No 1B) Area 5.

Children:
Notes:
Joseph's parents died while he was still young and Joseph was left in the care of his elder brother, William. Joseph, like his brother, emigrated to Natal and settled in Pietermaritzburg. He became a partner in the grocery firm Harwin & Risley on Church Street in Pietermaritzburg. Joseph was one of the City Fathers. We find a reference in 1875 that the "Tender Board recommends Messrs. Harwin and Risley for the supply of candles to Legislative Council".

Death: 27 March 1892, at Pietermaritz Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, aged 56. The cause of death is listed as disease of the liver.

Newspaper cutting containing obituary (undated)
  Death of Mr. Joseph Risley.
  It is with sincere regret that we have to record the demise of another old and esteemed citizen in the person of Mr. Joseph Risley, who passed away peacefully whilst sleeping at two o'clock yesterday morning. Deceased had been suffering for some time from yellow jaundice, the immediate cause of death being flooding of the heart. The deceased, who was 56 years of age, came to Natal with the pioneer colonists in 1856, and was engaged successfully in business for a time in Church Street. In the days of the first rush to the Diamond Fields Mr. Risley left the City for Kimberley, where he was again successful. Returning, as did many of the old colonists, to Maritzburg, he joined Mr. Harwin and engaged in business in Church Street for a number of years. Some 15 years ago the partnership was dissolved, and since that time deceased has lived in retirement from business cares. Deceased engaged actively in public life, and took a great interest in municipal and other affairs pertaining to the welfare of Maritzburg. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, deceased being followed to his last resting-place by a large concourse of representative citizens, including the officers and members of the Loyal Natal Unity Lodge of Odd Fellows, of which Order he was an active and zealous member. The mourners were his son, Mr. Charles Risley, and Messrs. J. King, E. F. Ford, A. Edmondson, J. Risley, J. Lister, and H. White. A large gathering of citizens also assembled in the Presbyterian Cemetery, in which burial-ground deceased was interred. The Rev. J. Gould-Smith conducted the last sad rites at the grave. Among the older residents and friends of deceased assembled around the grave we noticed His Worship the Mayor (Mr. R. Mason) and Messrs. R. H. Mason, J, J, Chapman, E. S. T. Stantial, J. Polglase, W. E. Bale, W. Lister, B. S. Kelly, O. Hosking, Dr. J. Allen, and many others.

Buried: Presbyterian cemetery, Pietermaritzburg, Natal

Will: dated 11 January 1876 with a codicil dated 6 October 1890 and a second codicil dated 24 March 1892, filed 22 February 1904
Transvaal Probate Files 1904 #4629 film 007805516 images 1008-13
  THIS IS THE LAST WILL and TESTAMENT of me JOSEPH RISLEY of the firm "Harwin and Risley" of Pietermaritzburg in the Colony of Natal South Africa, Merchant, married at Hornsey in England in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland to my present wife Annie Risley (born Cox) but without ante-nuptial Contract or Marriage Settlement I DO HEREBY under and by virtue of Law XXII 1863 (Natal) entituled "To prevent community of goods attaching to certain marriages and to enable the spouses of such marriages to devise their properties" and under and by virtue of all other powers in that behalf enabling me but subject to certain Articles of Partnership entered into between me and John Harwin of the said City of Pietermaritzburg on or about the twenty seventh day of April 1867, revoke all former Wills and testamentary dispositions made by me I GIVE DEVISE and BEQUEATH all my Estate and Effects both real and personal moveable and immoveable wheresoever situate and whether the same be in reversion remainder or expectancy unto ROBERT HUGHES MASON and THOMAS HENRY TAYLOR both of Pietermaritzburg aforesaid their heirs executors administrators and assigns respectively UPON TRUST that the said Robert Hughes Mason and Thomas Henry Taylor or the survivor of them or the heirs executors or administrators of such survivor or other the Trustees or Trustee for the time being of this my Will (hereinafter referred to as my Trustees or Trustee) shall permit my said wife to have the use of the real or immoveable property or any part or portion thereof and the entire annual rents revenue and income of the real and personal property during the term of her natural life and until she marry (if she does marry again after my decease for the support and maintenance of herself and the several children of our marriage until such children respectively being sons have attained the age of sixteen years or being daughters are married a son attaining such age or a daughter being married having no claim to further support or maintenance under this trust AND on the death or remarriage of my said wife I will and direct direct that the Trustees or Trustee for the time being of this my Will as soon as conveniently may be shall sell the real or immoveable property in my Estate and shall call in sell and convert in to money such parts of my personal and moveable estate and effects as shall not consist of money and shall invest the proceeds of such sales calling in and conversion and such monies of the Estate on good security and shall stand possessed thereof IN TRUST out of the annual income and revenue thereof to maintain and educate any minor child or children of our marriage until such child or children being a son attains the age of sixteen years old or being a daughter shall marry and thereafter shall pay over the money proceeds of such investments to the children of our marriage then living and to the issue of any deceased child in such shares or proportions as my said wife by Deed may appoint provided such Deed is executed by her before she marries again if ever she does remarry and failing such appointment or so far as the same may not extend then I direct that the same shall be paid in equal shares to all the children of our marriage then living who being a son or sons shall attain the age of twenty one years or being a daughter or daughters shall attain that age or shall marry the lawful issue of any deceased child taking per stirpes the share that would have been payable to his or her deceased parent had such parent been alive or should only one child of our marriage of the issue of a deceased child be then alive then to such child or issue as the case may be absolutely the issue if more than one of any deceased child taking share and share alike a minor child of such issue being entitled to his share on attaining the age of twenty one years and a minor female child of such issue being entitled to her share on attaining that age or marrying AND I hereby declare that it is my desire and intention that the Trustees or Trustee of this my Will in all matters connected with the administration of my Estate shall study to carry out the wishes of my said wife Annie Risley so long as she remains unmarried after my death AND I hereby declare that if my Trustees hereby constituted or or either of them shall die in my lifetime or if they or either of them or ant Trustee appointed as hereinafter provided shall after my death die or desire to be discharged or refuse or become incapable to act in the trusts of this my Will then and in every such case it shall be lawful for my said wife during her life if she does not remarry and after her decease or remarriage for the continuing Trustees or Trustee or the Executors or Administrators of the last acting Trustee to appoint any other person or persons to be a Trustee or Trustees in the place of the Trustee or Trustees so dying or desiring to retire from or refusing or becoming incapable to act as aforesaid and upon every such appointment the said property and premises shall become vested in every such new Trustee for all the purposes of this Will as fully and effectually as if I had hereby constituted him as a Trustee PROVIDED ALWAYS that any Trustee or Executor for the time being of this my Will shall be chargeable only for such property and monies as he or she shall actually receive and shall be answerable and accountable only for his or her own acts receipts and defaults and not for those of any other person AND ALSO that any Trustee or Executor for the time being of this my Will may reimburse himself or herself or pay out of the trust premises all expenses incurred in or about the execution of this my Will I DEVISE unto my said trustees all Estates vested in me as Trustee or Mortgagee upon the Trusts and subject to the equities affecting the same Respectively AND I APPOINT my said wife Annie Risley and the said Robert Hughes Mason and Thomas Henry Taylor to be the Executrix and Executors of this my Will and I APPOINT my said wife Guardian of our infant children.
  In Witness whereof I the said Joseph Risley have hereto set my hand this eleventh day of January 1876 One thousand eight hundred and seventy six.
JOSEPH RISLEY
SIGNED and declared by the said Joseph Risley the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us both being present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names As Witnesses
E. Homersham Wiltshier
W. E. Purn

  THIS IS A CODICIL TO THE WILL of me Joseph Risley, which Will bears date the eleventh day of January (1876) One thousand eight hundred and seventy six Whereas I have therein appointed Robert Hughes Mason and Thomas Henry Taylor both of Pietermaritzburg in the Colony of Natal their heirs executors administrators and assigns respectively the Trustees or Trustee and Executors or Executor of the said Will - And Whereas I am now desirous of nominating my son-in-law JAMES KING of Lynedock Nottingham Road, Colony of Natal aforesaid in the place and in the stead of the said Thomas Henry Taylor, Now Therefore I do hereby appoint the said Robert Hughes Mason and the said James King their heirs executors administrators and assigns respectively the Trustees or Trustee and Executors or Executor of the said Will  AND I DIRECT my said Trustees or Trustee upon the decease of my said wife to divide the annual rents revenue and income of my real and personal estate equally between my several children if they are all agreeable OTHERWISE I DIRECT my said Trustees or Trustee to dispose of the whole of my real and personal estate for the best price obtainable and thereafter to divide the proceeds thereof equally between my several children. In all other respects I confirm the said Will.
  Dated this sixth day of October (1890) Eighteen hundred and ninety.
    JOS. RISLEY
Signed by the said Joseph Risley and declared by him to be a Codicil of his said Will in the sight and presence of us both present at the same time who in his sight and presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as attesting Witnesses
O. Hosking
And. Maited Turnbull

THIS IS A CODICIL TO THE WILL of me Joseph Risley of Pietermaritzburg Gentleman which Will bears dated the 11th day of January 1876, And Whereas I have therein appointed Robert Hughes Mason as one of the Trustees and Executors of the said Will And Whereas I am now desirous of nominating my son-in-law John Lister of Pietermaritzburg, Solicitor in the place and stead of the said Robert Hughes Mason Now Therefore I do hereby appoint the said John Lister and the said James King mentioned in the Codicil to said Will bearing dated the 6th. October, 1890 to be Executors or Executor and Trustees or Trustee of my said Will hereby giving and granting unto them all such powers and authority as are required or allowed in law especially those of assumption substitution and surrogation I HEREBY DECLARE it to be my wish and desire and hereby empower my said Executors as soon as conveniently may be after my death to sell and dispose of to the best advantage any or all of my immoveable properties other than my property situate in West Street in the Town of D'Urban and that situate in Church Street, Pietermaritzburg and at the date of the execution of these presents being in the occupation Messieurs Nathan Brothers and to apply the proceeds of such sales First:- In paying off any Mortgages that may be on the properties and Secondly:- In paying off the Bonds now existing over aforesaid properties situate in West Street D'Urban and Church Street, Pietermaritzburg. After the death or remarriage of my wife Annie Risley I hereby direct my said Executors out of the readiest moneys in my said Estate to pay to my daughter Kate Helena the sum of (£500) Five Hundred Pounds Sterling for her own use and benefit absolutely and free from the control of any husband she may hereafter marry, and I hereby declare that this bequest shall not be included in computing the said Kate Helena Risley's portion of my said Estate. In all other respects I confirm the said Will dated 11 January 1876 and Codicil dated 6th October, 1890.
DATED this 24th day of March 1892 at Pietermaritzburg aforesaid.
    JOS. RISLEY
   SIGNED by the said Joseph Risley and declared by him to be a Codicil to his said Will, the interlineation of the word "moneys" on the 6th line of this page having first been made in the sight & presence of us both present at the same time who in his sight and presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our named as Attesting Witnesses.
Witness:-
And. Maited Turnbull, Solicitor.
M.A. Thring.              

In 1925, 33 years after Joseph's death, some additional assets to his estate came to light. Both of his executors (James King of Lyndoch, Nottingham Road, and J.D. Lister of Pietermaritzburg) were also dead by then, and Joseph's daughter, Mary, applied to the courts for a summary appointment of a successor. Joseph's remaining heirs in 1925 were Daisy Lister, Alice King and Mary Fenwick - Kate Reid having died in England some months earlier.

Census & Addresses:
1841: Felix Place, Hornsey, Middlesex
1851: Fortis Green, Hornsey, Middlesex
1856: Kingston, Surrey   (marriage record)

Sources:

Joseph Risley

Birth: 1 April 1861, in Blyth, Nottinghamshire, England

Father: William Risley

Mother: Emily (Ward) Risley

Married: Margaret (Wheeler) Watson on 30 June 1898 in St Mary, Johannesburg, South African Republic
Joseph Risley is recorded as a bachelor, aged 39. He is a carpenter, resident in Johannesburg. Margaret Watson is recorded a widow, aged 44, resident in Johannesburg. The marriage was performed by John L. Darragh and witnessed by E. R. Moorby and W. Watson.

Margaret was the daughter of James Napoleon Wheeler, an early settler at Port Natal who arrived on the Pilot in March 1842, and two months later helped to row Dick King across the Bay to escape the Boer seige of Port Natal and ride to Grahamstown for help. She married firstly Francis Lane Watson on 2 January 1871, in Greytown, Natal, and had five children, Lilian, Hugh, Daisy, Walter and Francis. Francis Lane Watson drowned on 23 January 1883 in Howick, Natal. Margaret died on 26 May 1926, at Chelmsford Road, Durban, Natal. The cause of death is listed as chronic interstitial nephritis of duration years and uraemia of duration 10 days. She was buried in Stellawood cemetery, Durban.
Addresses:
1926: 53 Leathern Road, Durban, Natal

Occupation: Carpenter

Notes:
Known as Joe.
Joe emigrated to Natal aboard the Natal Star, arriving in Durban on 1 February 1867. He is recorded as aged 3, and surety was stood by his father, William Risley, who had emigrated earlier, and his uncle, Joseph Risley, both of Pietermaritzburg. Accompanying Joseph on the Natal Star were his mother, Emily, and siblings Emily, Arthur, Alice, William J., Fred H., John E. and Clara.
In 1873, Joe was a member of the St Peters choir in Pietermaritzburg. A newspaper article in 1908 about Joseph's father mentions Joseph as being "on the Rand".

Joe Risley headstone
Headstone of Joseph Risley
photograph by Ryan Griffiths at eGGSA library
Death: 17 July 1934, at Addington hospital, Durban, Natal, South Africa
The cause of death is listed as acute bronchial asthma concurrent with chronic myocarditis, of duration 3 weeks

Buried: Stellawood cemetery, Durban, Natal, South Africa.
Joe and Margaret are buried together. The headstone reads:
In Loving Memory of
JOSEPH (JOE) RISLEY
BORN APRIL ? 1861
DIED JULY 17th 1934
ALSO HIS WIFE
MARGARET RISLEY
DIED MAY 25th 1926
AGED 71 YEARS

Will: dated 4 August 1932, filed 24 July 1934
Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1934 #21169 film 007867948 image 1133
  THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me, JOSEPH RISLEY, of Centenary Home, Bartle Road, Durban, in the county of Durban, Natal, made this fourth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and thirty two.
  I hereby revoke all wills made by me at any time heretofore. I appoint my nephew, RUPERT S. FORD, of Durban, Natal, to be my executor, and direct that all debts and funeral expenses shall be paid as soon as conveniently may be after my decease.
  I give and bequeath unto my nephew RUPERT S. FORD, all my property movable and immovable.
    J. Risley
Signed by the Testator "J. RISLEY" in the presence of us, present at the same time, who at his request in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses:
"H.COMBER" 435, West Street. Durban
"J.H.COOMBER" 14, Barclay Mansions, Durban. 

Census & Addresses:
1861: Blyth (West Side), Blyth, Nottinghamshire
1932: Centenary Home, Bartle Road, Durban, Natal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1934 #21169 film 007867948 image 1133)
1934: Centenary Home, Bartle Road, Durban, Natal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1934 #21169 film 007867948 image 1128)

Sources:

Joseph Charles Risley

Joseph Charles Risley
Joseph Charles Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Birth: January/February 1866, in Pietermaritzburg, Natal

Father: Joseph Risley

Mother: Annie (Cox) Risley

Married: Harriet Ellis on 1 February 1893 at Slang Spruit, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
Joseph Charles Risley is recorded as a bachelor, aged 26, He is a farmer, resident in Maritzburg. Harriet Ellis is listed as a spinster, aged 24, resident in Umgeni. The marriage was witnessed by Arthur E. Ellis and Kitty Francis.

Harriet was born on 12 January 1868, in Pietermaritzburg, and baptised on 13 February 1868, the daughter of Arthur Edward Ellis, a carpenter, and Elizabeth Platten (Francis) Ellis. She married secondly Clark Ascough on 25 July 1908 in St Cyprian's Church, Durban. Clark died on 9 August 1953 in Durban, and Harriet died in 1958.
Address:
1901: 333 Berg Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal   (Parish records of St Peters Pietermaritzburg Baptisms 1901 p86 #990)
1903: 284 Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files GS film 001295192 image 01014)
1911: 281 Avondale Road, Durban, Natal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files GS film 001295292 image 00820)

Children:
Occupation: Farmer (1893); Trader (1894); Clerk (1895, 1896); Government Conductor (1898); Clerk with the Army Service Corps (1900)

Notes: Joseph Charles Risley or Charles Joseph Risley? The man's marriage certificate, death certificate and gravestone all name him as Joseph Charles, but the legal proceedings around his intestate estate clearly name him as Charles Joseph, in some places even correcting where he is simply named as Joseph with an inserted "Charles" before the "Joseph". On his marriage certificate which names him as Joseph Charles, he signs his name as Chas. Risley. The baptism records of his five children list him four times as Joseph Charles and once as Charles Joseph. In his father's obituary, he is named as Mr. Charles Risley. My best guess through these discrepancies is that he was actually named Joseph Charles, but used the name Charles (probably to distinguish himself from his father).

Death: 19 July 1900, at 333 Berg Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, of croupous pneumonia, aged 34 years and 5 months
Joseph Charles Risley died on 19th July 1900 at 333 Berg St, PMBurg. He is recorded as a clerk, aged 34. The cause of death is listed as croupous pneumonia.

Joseph Charles died intestate. A number of documents regarding the administration of his estate can be found at Pietermaritzburg Estate Files GS film 001295192 image 01015

Buried: 21 July 1900, in DRC and Presbyterian cemetery, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, aged 34. The grave is located in Old Lot No 1I (New Lot No 1B) Area 5, grave #219.

Addresses:
1894: Desart, Pietermaritzburg   (baptism record of son Arthur)
1896: Townlands, Pietermaritzburg, Natal   (baptism record of daughter Dulcie)
1900: 333 Berg Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files GS film 001295192 image 01014)

Sources:

Joseph Charles Ellis Risley

Birth: 25 February 1901, at 333 Berg Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal

Baptism: 14 April 1901, in St Peter, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
Joseph Charles Ellis is recorded as born on Feb. 25 1901, the son of Joseph Charles (dec.) and Harriet Risley, of 333 Berg Street. The baptism sponsors are John Eric Short, John Edward Risley and Annie Ellis Locker.

Father: Joseph Charles Risley

Mother: Harriet (Ellis) Risley

Married (1st): Zilla Thelma Thompson on 5 April 1930, at St Aidan, Yeoville, Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa
Charles Ellis Risley is recorded as a bachelor, aged 29, born in South Africa. He is a clerk for South African Railways, resident at Cedarville, East Griqualand. Zilla Thelma Thompson is recorded as a spinster, aged 26, born in South Africa. She is resident in Johannesburg. The wedding was witnessed by L. Howard and J. Grant.

Joseph and Zilla were divorced in 1945.

Zilla was born in 1903/4, in South Africa.

Married (2nd): Mary Kathleen (Heasman) van Wyk on 5 August 1950 in Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa
Joseph Charles Risley is recorded as a divorcé, aged 49, born in Natal, South Africa. He is a clerk for South African Railways and resident at the Crown Hotel, Pietermaritzburg. Mary Kathleen van Wyk (born Heasman) is recorded as a divorcée, aged 40, born in Transvaal, South Africa. She is a shop assistant, resident at 62 Chapel Street, Pietermaritzburg.

Mary was born on 18 February 1910, in the Transvaal, and baptised on 3 April 1910 in St Peter Krugersdorp, Transvaal, the daughter of Henry James Heasman, a police constable of Krugersdorp, and Jacobia Hendrick Heasman. She married, firstly, Tjaart Petrus Van Wyk on 1 July 1928 in St Mary, Potchefstroom, Transvaal. This marriage ended in divorce in 1944. Mary's occupation is listed as shop assistant on both of her marriage records, in 1928 and in 1950.
Addresses:
1928: Kruger Street, Potchefstroom, Transvaal
1950: 62 Chapel Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal

Occupation: Clerk for South African Railways

Death: 29 December 1961, at Grey's Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa
The cause of death is listed as right lobar pneumonia of duration 6 days and chronic cor pulmonale of duration 10 years.

Cremation: Mountain Rise, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa

Addresses:
1930: Cedarville, East Griqualand, Cape Province   (1st marriage record)
1950: Crown Hotel, Pietermaritzburg, Natal   (2nd marriage record)
1961: 113 West Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal   (death record)

Sources:

Joshua Risley

Birth: 24 April 1798

Baptism: 20 May 1798, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Joshua Risley is recorded as the son of Randall and Elizabeth Born April 24 Baptised May 20 Laborer Palmers Green

Father: Randall Risley

Mother: Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Risley

Burial: 12 August 1798, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Joshua Risley is recorded as aged 10 months the son of Randall and Elizabeth Laborer Winchmore Hill

Sources:

Mary Risley

Birth: 1826/7, in Middlesex, England

Father: Joseph Risley

Mother: Alice (Simmons) Risley

Notes: Mary is possibly the "Mary Ann Risley" who married Samuel Welford on 24 November 1847 at Islington, St Paul, where the bride is described as a spinster of full age, residing at 2 Elizabeth Place in Holloway, London, and daughter of Joseph Risley, gardener.

Census:
1841: Felix Place, Hornsey, Middlesex

Sources:

Mary Agnes (Risley) Fenwick

Mary Agnes (Risley) Fenwick
Mary Agnes (Risley) Fenwick
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Birth: February/March 1864, in Pietermaritzburg, Natal

Father: Joseph Risley

Mother: Annie (Cox) Risley

Married: John Fenwick on 27 June 1888 at St John's Presbyterian church, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
John Fenwick is recorded as a bachelor, aged 28. He is a salesman, resident in Durban. Mary Agnes Risley is recorded as a spinster, aged 24, resident in Pietermaritzburg. The marriage was witnessed by Jos. Risley and A.H. Fenwick.

John was born on 7 November 1859 in Whithorn, Wigtownshire, Scotland, the son of John Fenwick and Elisabeth Wales. He was a storekeeper and farmer. John died on 15 February 1913, at Lynedoch (the home of his sister-in-law), Nottingham Road, Natal, South Africa. The cause of death is listed as diabetes and gangrene of lungs.
Will: dated 17 March 1905; filed 17 April 1913 held at Transvaal Probate Files 1913 #22037 film 007805969 images 726-7
    LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
BE IT HEREBY KNOWN UNTO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
  That on this the Seventeenth day of March in the year of Our Lord One thousand Nine Hundred and Five, in the presence of us the undersigned witnesses, personally came and appeared:
      JOHN FENWICK
          and
    MARY AGNES FENWICK born RISLEY
both residing at Heidelberg District Heidelberg, in the Colony of the Transvaal, married in community of property according to the laws of this Colony but married without community of property according to the laws of the Colony of Natal.
  And these testators, being in health of body, of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, and capable of doing any act that requires thought judgement or reflection declared it to be their intention to make and execute their last will and testament.
  Wherefore hereby revoking and anulling all wills, codicils and other Testamentary acts heretofore passed by them or either of them, the Testators declared to nominate and appoint the survivor of them, to be the sole and universal heir of the first dying, of all his or her estate, goods, effects, stock inheritances inheritances, chattels credits and things whatsoever and wheresoever the same shall be, nothing excepted, which shall be left at the death of the first dying of them, whether movable or immovable and whether the same be in possession reversion, remainder or expectancy.
  The Testator JOHN FENWICK declared to nominate and appoint WALTER RAWLINSON and ADRIAAN VON GEUSAU to be the joint Executors of this his will and Testament and the Administrators of his Estate and effects hereby giving and granting unto them all such powers as are required or allowed in law.
  The Testatrix MARY AGNES FENWICK declared to nominate and appoint her husband the said JOHN FENWICK to be the sole Executor of this her will and testament and Administrator of her Estate and Effects, hereby giving and granting unto him all such powers as are required or allowed in law.
  The Testators declared to reserve to themselves the power from time to time and at all times hereafter, to make all such alterations in or additions to this will as they shall think fit, either by a separate act or at the foot hereof, desiring that all such alterations or additions so made under their own signature, shall be held as valid and effectual as if they had been inserted herein.
  All of which having been clearly and distinctly read over to the Testators they declared that they fully understood the same and that it contains their last will and Testament, desiring that it may have effect as such or as a codicil or otherwise in such manner as may be found to consist with law.
  Thus done and passed at Heidelburg, aforesaid the day month and year afore written in the presence of the undersigned witnesses.
    Jno. Fenwick
    Mary Agnes Fenwick (Risley)
AS WITNESSES
W.C.Brown
H. Burnett
 
Census & Addresses:
1861: Whithorn, Wigtownshire
1905: Heidelberg, Transvaal   (Transvaal Probate Files 1913 #22037 film 007805969 image 726)
1913: Heidelberg, Transvaal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1913 #23 film 007866871 image 935)

Death: 23 July 1942, at Grey's Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa, aged 78 years and 4 months
The cause of death is listed as bronchiolitis of duration 14 days and arterio sclerosis of duration 15 years.

Buried: General cemetery, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa

Will: dated 3 July 1941, with a codicil dated 6 August 1941; filed 30 July 1942. Will no. 852/1942 held at Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1942 #35082 film 007869094 images 2066-70
THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me MARY AGNES FENWICK, of Pietermaritzburg, Widow.
  I cancel and annul all wills or other testamentary acts heretofore made or executed by me.
  I nominate and appoint JOHN OSWALD SMYTHE and ALFRED VIVIAN EDMONDSON, both of Pietermaritzburg, to be the executors of this my will and administrators of my estate and effects, giving and granting unto them all such powers and authority as are required or allowed in law. I direct that they shall not be required to give security for the due administration of my estate as either executors or administrators.
  It is my desire that I be buried beside my late husband. I direct that my executors shall arrange for the necessary inscription to be made upon the gravestone, and that any expense incidental thereto shall be paid out of my estate.
  I direct that out of the readiest moneys in my estate shall be paid my just debts and the expenses of administration.
  I give and bequeath to the administrators of my estate my holding of Pietermaritzburg Municipal Corporation (1930-40) Stock amounting to £3,500, whatever its value may be, to be held by them in trust, to pay the interest therefrom to my niece, EILEEN MARY WELLS, for a period of fifteen years from the date of my death. I direct that my administrators shall, upon the expiration of such period of fifteen years, pay over to my said niece one-half of such stock, and hold the remaining moiety to pay the income therefrom to my said niece for her life, and upon her death to pay over the same to her children in equal shares. If my said niece shall die before the expiration of such period of fifteen years, I direct that the whole of such stock shall be held by the administrators of my estate to pay and apply the income therefrom for the maintenance, education and advancement in life of any child or children of my said niece in equal shares, share and share alike. If there shall be no children surviving my said niece the capital fund shall be divided between such other beneficiaries hereinafter mentioned as may then be living, proportionately to the bequests made to them respectively.
  I make the following special bequests, which I direct shall shall be paid to the several beneficiaries within one year from the date of my death.
  I give and bequeath to my niece, ALICE DAISY KING, the sum of ONE THOUSAND POUNDS (£1,000).
  I give and bequeath to my niece, FLORENCE KATHLEEN COLTSON, the sum of ONE THOUSAND POUNDS (£1,000).
  I give and bequeath to ALFRED VIVIAN EDMONDSON, the debentures which I hold, amounting to two thousand on hundred pounds (£2,100) in the Durban North Estate, whatever their value may be. I make this bequest to him in gratitude for all the kindness he has shewn me and the help he has given me from time to time.
  I give and bequeath to my nephew, RANDAL ARTHUR LISTER, the sum of TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY POUNDS (£250).
  I give and bequeath to my nephew, JOHN BRYAN WALTON LISTER, the sum of FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS (£500).
  I give and bequeath to my cousin, GLADYS MARY POTTERILL, the sum of FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS (£500).
  I give and bequeath to my cousin, JESSIE IRENE MARKHAM, the sum of FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS (£500).
  I give and bequeath to ST.PETER'S CHURCH, MARITZBURG, the sum of ONE HUNDRED POUNDS (£100), directing that the said sum shall be paid to the churchwardens of the parish of St.Peter, to be applied by them to such purposes in connection with the said parish as they may think best.
  I give and bequeath the three hundred shares held by me in the Randfontein Estates Goldmining Company, Limited, to the administrators of my estate, to be held by them in trust for RAE ANNE EDMONDSON. I direct that they shall not be required to give security in connection with the administration of this trust. The said shares shall be held by them with power to sell or transfer the same, and to invest the proceeds, either in the purchase of other goldmining shares or in any other form of investment, and to apply the income from time to time received in respect of such shares, or the proceeds thereof, for the education and benefit of the said RAE ANNE EDMONDSON until she shall attain majority and upon the attainment by her of majority to transfer to her the said shares, or any other shares held in place thereof, or the proceeds thereof. In the event of her death before attaining majority I bequeath the said shares, or the proceeds thereof, for division among the next of kin of the said RAE ANNE EDMONDSON.
  I give, devise and bequeath to the said ALFRED VIVIAN EDMONDSON my house property in Pietermaritzburg, described as Subdivision f,g,h,i, of Erf 82 Burger Street.
  The residue of my estate, if any, I give and bequeath to be divided equally between my nieces, FLORENCE KATHLEEN COLTSON and EILEEN MARY WELLS and the child or children (if there be more than one in equal shares) of the said Alfred Vivian Edmondson; the amount falling to be paid to or divided between the child or children of the said Alfred Vivian Edmondson to be held by him in trust for such child or children until the attainment of majority, the income therefrom to be used and applied by him for the maintenance, education and advancement in life of such child or children.
  It is my will that any bequests to females shall be taken by them for their sole use and enjoyment, and free from the debts, engagements or control of their husbands.
  I reserve to myself the power to alter or add to this my will at any time, either by a separate act or at the foot hereof.
  All which I declare to be my last will and testament, desiring that it may have effect as such, or in such manner as may consist with law.
  IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand in Pietermaritzburg on the 3rd day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and forty-one.
    MARY FENWICK
Signed by the testatrix, the said MARY AGNES FENWICK, in the presence of us then present both together, who in the presence of the testatrix and of each other have subscribed our names hereto as witnesses.
ETHEL FROUDE
M.R.ARMITAGE

THIS IS A CODICIL to the last will and testament, dated the 3rd day of July, 1941, of me, MARY AGNES FENWICK, of Pietermaritzburg, Widow.
  The provision in my said will concerning the Pietermaritzburg Municipal Corporation Stock is not sufficiently clear regarding the devolution of the stock, or moiety thereof, upon the death of my niece, Eileen Mary Wells. It is my will that the trust fund held by the administrators of my estate in terms of my will shall be paid to and divided between the children of the said Eileen Mary Wells in equal shares, share and share alike; provided, however, that if any child shall then be a minor, his or her share shall be held by my administrators in trust until the attainment of majority of such child.
  All which I declare to be a codicil to my last will and testament, desiring that it may have effect as such, or in such manner as may consist with law.
  IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand in Pietermaritzburg this 6th day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and forty-one.
    MARY FENWICK
Signed by the testatrix, the said MARY AGNES FENWICK, as and for a codicil to her last will and testament, in the presence of us then present both together , who in the presence of the testatrix and of each other have subscribed our names hereto as witnesses.
ETHEL FROUDE
M.R.ARMITAGE  

Conflicting legal opinions interpreting some provisions in this will can be found at Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1942 #35082 film 007869094 images 2097-2102

Addresses:
1905: Heidelberg, Transvaal   (Transvaal Probate Files 1913 #22037 film 007805969 image 726)
1913: Heidelberg, Transvaal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1913 #23 film 007866871 image 935)
1942: Victoria Hotel, Pietermaritzburg, Natal   (Natal Civil Records Deaths 1942 Pietermaritzburg film 007751171 image 3011)

Sources:

Matilda (Risley) Risley

Matilda Risley
Matilda (Risley) Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Matilda Risley
Matilda (Risley) Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Birth: 1835/6 in Edmonton, Middlesex, England

Father: John Risley

Mother: Sarah (Page) Risley

William and Matilda Risley
William and Matilda Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Married: William Risley on 6 May 1879 in the parish of St George Hanover Square, Middlesex, England
William Risley is recorded as a widower, of full age, the son of Joseph Risley, a nurseryman. William is a nurseryman, resident in St George Hanover Square. Matilda is recorded as a spinster, of full age, the daughter of John Risley, a farmer. She is resident in Edmonton. The marriage, by license, was officiated by Charles Edward Greenside and witnessed by William Pidsley and Emily Annie Brownett.

William Risley and Matilda Risley were first cousins, William's father, Joseph Risley, being the younger brother of Matilda's father, John Risley.

Notes: Matilda was a witness to the wedding of Clara Risley and Alfred Edmondson on 23 November 1885 in Pietermaritzburg, Natal.

Death: 30 August 1909, in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, England, aged 73

Will: dated 5 August 1905, with a codicil dated 18 September 1908, proved 13 September 1909
Pietermaritzburg Estate Files #37/61 film 007866875 image 441-4
IN HIS MAJESTY'S HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE.
  BE IT KNOWN that upon search being made in the Principal Probate Registry of the High Court of Justice it appears that on the thirteenth day of September in the year of our Lord 1909 the last Will and Testament with one Codicil thereto of MATILDA RISLEY late of Biggleswade in the County of Bedford Widow deceased who died at Biggleswade aforesaid on the thirtieth day of August 1909 was proved in the said High Court of Justice by HENRY CHAUNDLER the Executor named in the said Will save as to property situate in Natal and which Probate now remains of record in the said Registry
The true tenor of the said Will and Codicil is in the words following to wit:-
  I MATILDA RISLEY of Biggleswade in the County of Bedford Widow hereby revoke all former Wills by me made and declare this to be my last Will and Testament  I appoint WILLIAM FREDERICK RISLEY (son of my late husband WILLIAM RISLEY) and EDWARD F FORD (a son in law of my said late husband) to be EXECUTORS of this my Will so far only as relates to my property and effects situate in the Colony of Natal AND for all other purposes I appoint HENRY CHAUNDLER of Biggleswade aforesaid Solicitor to be EXECUTOR of this my Will  I give and devise all the messuages stores and landed property belonging to me situate at Pietermaritzburg in the Colony of Natal (subject to any mortgages or charges thereon) and also all rents or profits arising therefrom due from the tenants thereof or in the hands of my Agent ay Pietermaritzburg at the time of my death unto the said WILLIAM FREDERICK RISLEY and EDWARD F FORD UPON TRUST that they or the survivor of them or the executors administrators or assigns of such survivor shall as and when they think fit sell call in and convert into money the same and after payment thereout of all costs and expenses connected therewith and any charges or duty payable thereon shall stand possessed of the residue UPON TRUST to divide the same equally between such of the seven children of my late husband WILLIAM RISLEY living at my death or the issue of any of such children as may have died in my lifetime such issue to take equally their respective parents share  I give my diamond locket and gold necklet to ALICE MILDRED WHITE a granddaughter of my late husband  I give to my niece ANNIE ADA MATILDA COLLINS a leagacy of twenty pounds  I give to my nephew EDWARD JOHN ERNEST DUNKLING a legacy of twenty pounds  I give to my niece KATE REID my cluster diamond ring  I give to my niece SARAH ANN WRIGHT my other two rings my oval table my wardrobe my bedroom furniture and bedding and half of my table and bed linen and a legacy of forty pounds  I give to the said HENRY CHAUNDLER a legacy of one hundred pounds UPON TRUST for LEONARD GARNER and MARJORY RISLEY GARNER (the two children of my late niece FLORENCE JENNETT GARNER) as and when they attain the age of twenty one years and in case either of them should die before attaining the age of twenty one years then I direct that the survivor of them shall take the share of the one so dying  AND I direct that the said HENRY CHAUNDLER shall accumulate the income of the said one hundred pounds or the residue thereof until the said LEONARD GARNER and MARJORY RISLEY GARNER shall respectively attain the age of twenty one years or apply it for their maintenance or otherwise as he shall in his absolute discretion deem proper  I give to the said HENRY CHAUNDLER a legacy of twenty pounds for his trouble in acting as executor of this my Will and I direct that he shall be entitled to charge my estate for all business done by him in relation to my estate or the trusts of my Will in the same manner as he would have been entitled to charge in case he had not been executor hereof.  I give and devise all the residue of my property as well real as personal subject to the payment of my debts and funeral expenses (including the erection of any monument to my memory which the said HENRY CHAUNDLER may think fit) and the legacies given by this my Will and the testamentary expenses and duty payable in respect of my property situate in England unto my niece ELIZA DOWNEY  IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereto set my hand this fifth day of August one thousand nine hundred and five
MATILDA RISLEY
Signed and acknowledged by the said MATILDA RISLEY as and for her last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at her request in her presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Winesses the words "my Oval Table my wardrobe" having first been interlined on the first page hereof and by us observed
A.K. BROOKES   A.LAWRENCE LEWIS   Clerks to Messrs CHAPMAN & CHAUNDLER  Solrs  Biggleswade

  THIS is a Codicil to the hereinbefore written Will of me MATILDA RISLEY of Biggleswade in the County of Bedford Widow  I revoke the legacy to the said EDWARD JOHN ERNEST DUNKLING of twenty pounds  I revoke the bequest to the said SARAH ANN WRIGHT of my other two rings and I give such rings to the said MARJORY RISLEY GARNER  I revoke the legacy to the said SARAH ANN WRIGHT of forty pounds and in place thereof I give her a legacy of twenty pounds  I direct that the duty payable out of my residuary estate shall include any legacy settled estate or other duty payable in respect of all specific or pecuniary bequests of my property situate in England  In all other respects I confirm my said Will IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of September one thousand nine hundred and eight  MATILDA RISLEY  Signed and acknowledged by the said MATILDA RISLEY as and for a Codicil to her last Will in the presence of us who in her presence at her request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses  A.K.BROOKES  P.R.CHAUNDLER  Clerks to Messrs CHAPMAN & CHAUNDLER Solrs Biggleswade

IN FAITH and testimony whereof these Letter Testimonial are issued  GIVEN at London as to the time of the aforesaid search and the sealing of these presents this fourth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and nine
    (Sgd) ROBT. A. PRITCHARD  Registrar  (Seal)

Probate:
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations)
RISLEY Matilda of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire widow died 30 August 1909 Probate London 13 September to Henry Chaundler solicitor Effects £405 3s. 5d.

Census:
1841: Bury Street, Edmonton, Middlesex
1861: Broadheath, Wandsworth, Surrey
1871: Edmonton, Middlesex
1891: Bycullah Road, Enfield, Middlesex
1901: Hitchin Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire

Sources:

Randall Risley

Married: Elizabeth Hutchinson on 4 January 1773, in St Luke, Finsbury, Middlesex, England
Randall Rizlee is recorded as a batchelor of the parish of St Luke. Elizabeth Hutchinson is recorded as a spinster of the parish of St Luke. The marriage, by banns, was officiated by John Davis, curate, and witnessed by William Mears and William Passell.

Children: Occupation: Labourer

Death: 14 September 1837, in Hampstead workhouse, Edmonton district, Middlesex, England
Randal Risley is recorded as a pauper, aged 84. The cause of death is "mortification from ossified vessels". The informant was W. Barroclough, master of the Workhouse Hampstead.

Burial: 17 September 1837, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Randall Risley is recorded as aged 88, resident in Hampstead.

Sources:

Randal Risley

Birth: 28 September 1799

Baptism: 1 December 1799, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Randal Risley is recorded as the son of Randal and Elizabeth Born September 28 Baptised December 1. Laborer Winchmore Hill

Father: Randall Risley

Mother: Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Risley

Burial: 5 January 1801, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Randal Risley is recorded as aged 1 the son of Randall and Eliz.th Lab.r Palmers Green

Sources:

Rhy Ida Harriet (Risley) Mitchell

Birth: 22 October 1898, at 27 Boshoff Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal

Baptism: 8 April 1900, in St Peter, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
Rye Harriet Scott is recorded as born on October 22 1898, the daughter of Charles Joseph and Harriet Risley. Joseph is a government conductor, resident in P.M.Burg. The baptism sponsors are Annie Donaldson, Elizabeth Cooper Scott and William Thomas Scott.

Father: Joseph Charles Risley

Mother: Harriet (Ellis) Risley

Married: Alec Wilson Mitchell on 6 March 1931, at St Paul, Durban, Natal, South Africa
Alec Wilson Mitchell is recorded as a bachelor, aged 43, born in Wales. He is a cable operator, resident at Esplanade, Durban. Rhy Ida Harriet Risley is recorded as a spinster, aged 31, born in South Africa. She is resident at 231 Windermere Rd, Durban. The wedding was witnessed by A. J. Risley and C. Vaughan Thomas.

Alec was born in 1888, in Penarth, Glamorganshire, Wales, the son of William and Harriett E. Mitchell. He died in 1954.
Census and Addresses:
1891: Bradford Place, Penarth, Glamorganshire
1901: Cutliffe Grove, Bedford Western Ward St Paul, Bedfordshire
1931: Esplanade, Durban, Natal   (Natal Civil Records Marriages Durban 1931)

Death: 30 October 1964, at Entabeni Hospital, Durban, Natal, South Africa, aged 66
The cause of death is listed as status asthmaticus, of duration 24 hours

Cremation: Stellawood crematorium, Durban, Natal, South Africa

Addresses:
1931: 231 Windermere Rd, Durban, Natal   (marriage registration)
1964: 68 Grandborough, South Beach, Durban, Natal   (death registration)

Sources:

Robert Risley

Baptism: 2 June 1793, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Robert is recorded as the son of Randall and Elizabeth Risley

Father: Randall Risley

Mother: Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Risley

Sources:

Samuel Risley

Baptism: 18 January 1779, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Samuel is recorded as the son of Randal and Eliz.th Risley.

Father: Randall Risley

Mother: Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Risley

Sources:

Sarah Alice (Risley) King

Sarah Alice (Risley) King
Sarah Alice (Risley) King
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Birth: July/August 1858, in Pietermaritzburg, Natal

Father: Joseph Risley

Mother: Annie (Cox) Risley

Married: James King on 17 June 1880 at St John's Presbyterian church, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
James King is recorded as a bachelor, aged 34. He is a farmer, resident at Lynedoch, Co. P.M.Burg. Sarah Alice Risley is recorded as a spinster, aged 21, resident in Pietermaritzburg. The marriage was witnessed by Robt. King, Charles J. Smythe and Lily Campbell.

Children:
Notes: Sarah and James signed a lengthy ante-nuptial contract in which James assigned one quarter of his farm "Lynedoch" (734 of  3,083 acres) to trustees in favour of his wife, with the condition that he could continue to operate it during his life, in exchange for the marriage not being in community of property. The purpose seems to have been to protect the remainder of Lynedoch to the King family in the event of there being no children from the marriage.

Death: 23 February 1931, at Lynedoch, Nottingham Road, Lions River, Natal, South Africa, aged 72 years and 6 months

Will: dated 29 December 1910. Will no. 135/1331 held in Pietermaritzburg Estate Files GS film 001295410 image 01279-84
THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me SARAH ALICE KING (born Risley) wife of JAMES KING of Lynedoch, Nottingham Road, Lions River Division, County of Pietermaritzburg, Province of Natal, Farmer.
  I cancel annul and make void all former Wills or Codicils or any Deeds or Documents of Testamentary nature heretofore executed by me.
  I nominate constitute and appoint my husband the said JAMES KING and my three sons CHARLES JOHN RISLEY KING, LEOPOLD JOSEPH KING and ROBERT ARCHIBALD KING or the Survivor or Survivors of them to be the Executors of this my last Will and Testament and Trustees and Administrators of my Estate and Effects (hereinafter called the said Trustees) hereby giving and granting to the said Trustees all such powers as are usually conferred upon them by Law and especially those of assumption substitution and surrogation.
  I hereby nominate and constitute my husband the said JAMES KING to be the sole guardian of my minor children whom failing the Trustees of this my last Will and Testament.
  I give devise and make over to the said Trustees the whole of my Estate and Effects movable and immovable, personal and real, corporeal and incorporeal and whether the same be in possession reversion remainder or expectancy nothing excepted but that in trust only for the ends uses and purposes following, namely :-
First: Out of the first and readiest of my means and estate to pay all my just and lawful debts death-bed and funeral expenses and the expenses incidental to the carrying out of these presents.
Second: That whereas I am the owner of one-quarter undivided share of the farm Lynedoch, I direct my Trustees to allow my said husband the free and undisturbed possession and usufruct of the same for the remainder of his natural life should he survive me, and on his death or re-marriage I bequeath the same to my eight sons absolutely, share and share alike: should any of my said sons predecease my husband, then on the death of my husband the issue male of such predeceasing child or children shall take his father's share by representation, but failing such issue male such predeceasing child's or children's share shall be divided equally amongst the remaining surviving sons; And should any of my said sons desire a division of the said farm I direct and empower my Trustees to give effect as far as possible to such wish; And I declare it to be my wish and intention and the bequest of the said one-quarter share of the said farm to my said sons is made on condition that no son shall sell or dispose of his share or interest in the said farm to any person other than one or more of his brothers.
Third: I direct my Trustees upon my death to hand over to my daughter Alice Daisy the whole of my jewellery silver plate and other personal effects as her own property absolutely.
  As to the remainder and residue of my Estate and Effects I direct my Trustees to equally divide the same amongst all my children directing that my Trustees shall be the only judge of such division of the remainder or residue of my Estate.
  In all cases where females take benefit under this my Will and Testament the same shall be exclusive always of the "jus mariti" and rights of administration of any husband that they may marry and I reserve to myself the power from time to time and at all times to make all such alterations in and additions to this my last Will and Testament as I may think fit desiring that the same shall have effect as such or as a Codicil or otherwise as may consist with Law.
  Thus done and executed at Lynedoch on the 29th day of Dec. 1910.
Signed by the said Sarah Alice King the Testatrix in the presence of us both present at the same time who in her presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto set our names as witnesses.
E. B. Jaffray
B. McKenzie

Sources:

Sophia Risley

Birth: 1787/8

Father: Randall Risley

Mother: Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Risley

Burial: 22 March 1801, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Sophia Risley is recorded as aged 13, the daughter of Randal and Elizabeth, labourer of Southgate

Sources:

Sophia Risley

Birth: 17 October 1808

Baptism: 25 December 1808, in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Sophia is recorded as born on Octobr 17, the d. of William, labourer of Winchmore, and Anne, his wife

Father: William Risley

Mother: Ann (Hopes) Risley

Sources:

William Risley

Birth: 1774/5, in Middlesex, England

Baptism: 3 September 1775, in Southgate Chapel, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
William is recorded as the child of Randall and Elizabeth Risley

Father: Randall Risley

Mother: Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Risley

Married (1st): Ann Hopes on 20 July 1795, in St Andrew, Enfield, Middlesex, England
William Risley is recorded as a bachelor of the parish of Enfield, and Ann Hopes is recorded as a spinster of the parish of Enfield. The marriage was by banns and conducted by Richard Newton, vicar. The marriage was witnessed by Charles Baldam(?) and Elizabeth Hopes.

Children: Married (2nd): Elizabeth (_____) Egerton on 24 June 1833, in Shoreditch St Leonard, Middlesex, England
William Risley is recorded as a widower, of the parish of St Leonard Shoreditch. Elizabeth Egerton is recorded as a widow, of the parish of St Leonard Shoreditch. The marriage, by banns, was officiated by Walter Kelly, curate, and witnessed by Geo. Yarrow and Jemima France. Although the marriage record states the bride's name as "Elizabeth Egerton", she signs the register as "Sarah Egerton".

Elizabeth _____ was born in 1773/4, in Buckinghamshire. She was married first to _____ Egerton. Elizabeth died in 1852, in Edmonton district, Middlesex, and was buried on 5 December 1852 in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, aged 78, at which time her abode is recorded as Winchmore Hill.
Census & Addresses:
1841: Winchmore Hill, Edmonton, Middlesex
1851: Winchmore Hill, Edmonton, Middlesex
1852: Winchmore Hill, Edmonton, Middlesex   (burial record)

Occupation: Labourer (1799, 1808, 1811), "farmer and cowman" (1844) and dairyman (1846)

Notes: On 15 September 1844, William's dairy farm in Winchmore Hill was the scene of a brutal assault on a policeman investigating milk theft from William's herd.

The Illustrated London News 21 September 1844 p186
        ACCIDENTS AND OFFENCES.
  ATTEMPT OF ONE POLICEMAN TO MURDER ANOTHER.—On Monday Mr. Mores and Mr. Busk county magistrates, sat at the Police-station, Edmonton, to investigate the following charge:—Patrick Harvey, 392 N, police-constable, was placed before them for examination. The facts were stated to be, that Mr. Risley, a cow-keeper, at Winchmore hill, had repeatedly complained that some parties unknown were in the habit of stealing milk from his cows in the field, and early on Sunday morning Policemen Hannett, who was doing duty, placed himself in the field to detect the delinquent. About four o’clock he observed the prisoner, who was on duty as constable of the beat, make his way stealthily down the fence into the field, and begin to draw milk from one of the cows into a bottle; and while he was so occupied, Hannett advanced, and laid hold of him to take him in custody to the station house; the prisoner, however, render desperate by the detection, and unable to break away from him made a sudden attack upon him with his truncheon, beating him in the most dreadful manner about the head, until the truncheon broke. Hannett, however, still kept his hold, until his cries of “murder” brought the cow-keeper’s men to his assistance, when the prisoner was secured and given in custody to Sergeant Hill at the station. Hannett was found to be so seriously injured, that on Sunday morning one of the magistrates proceeded to take his deposition, as he then appeared to be in immediate danger of death, but he afterwards rallied. The prisoner declined making any defence at present, and the magistrates remanded him for a fortnight.

The record of the trial of Patrick Harvey at the Old Bailey provides some interesting background on William's dairy operation, and William testified at the trial. Excerpts from:
The Proceedings of the Old Bailey
PATRICK HARVEY.
Breaking Peace: wounding.
21st October 1844
...
ROBERT HANNANT (police-constable N 325.) I have been in the police force eight years—about the 15th of Sept. I was instructed by my sergeant and Mr. Risley to watch one of Risley's fields, at Winchmore-hill, Edmonton—I went there a little before two o'clock in the morning, and placed myself in a tree in the field—I had been there an hour and a half, or more—there were cows in the field—about twenty minutes to four o'clock I saw the prisoner come towards the tree where I was, within six or seven yards of where I stood—he was in his police clothes—he was a policeman at the time, and was on duty near that spot, in the road, about 120 yards from the spot in the field where I saw him—the cows were lying within thirty yards of me—he turned to where the cows laid—he put one of them up and drove it towards the fence—I saw him stoop towards the cow, as if in the act of milking it—it was a dark morning, but the cow was white—I stepped up nearly to him, and heard as if milk rattled into some vessel—I think he saw me, for he got up from the cow—I approached him, and said, "Harvey, you villain, what are you about?"—he said, "What do you mean?" and at the time I heard something rattle behind him in his pocket, as if it was milk—it was the noise of something running down on the ground—I flew to get hold of it—I went up to him, and got hold of his hand, which was behind him—he had his great-coat on, which had pocket behind—I succeeded in getting hold of his hand, and felt it was wet—he tried to trip me up—we had a scuffle, and both fell—I was on the top—I succeeded in taking a bottle from his great-coat pocket—it contained milk—being white, I could see, and it was warm—while he was on the ground, he said, "Hannant, for God's sake, forgive me, I know I am guilty; forgive me, for the sake of my wife and dear children; for God's sake, forgive me"—I said I could not—he then asked me to let him get up, which I did—I had hold of his collar—he asked me to take hold of his hand which I did—he asked what I intended to do with him—I said I would treat him as I would anybody else—I shifted my hand from his collar to his wrist; and while in the act of putting the bottle into my own coat pocket, he attempted to get from me—my hat came off in the struggle, and he struck me a violent blow two or three times with his stave—the first blow was on the top of my head—I found myself stunned, and lost my sight, with that blow—I could not hear or see—I shifted my hold then, and got hold of his collar—he struck me two or three times—I think I recollect his Have breaking—I think then we went on the ground, but I lost my recollection for a time from the effects of the blow—when I came to my recollection, I was up, and had hold of him by the collar, and he was biting my hand to get clear from me—here are the scars now—I felt my head, and felt a hole in it and the blood was running from all quarters of my head—I said, "Harvey, you villain, you have murdered me"—he said, "No, I have not; leave go of me, and lay on my coat"—he was then in the act of getting his coat off, and threw it down on the ground, asking me to lay on it—I said, "No, Harvey, I will never leave you while I have life"—I called, "Murder," and Risley's boy, William, came to my assistance—I told him I had caught Harvey milking his master's cow, and asked him to assist me—Harvey said, "No, I have caught Hannant, "meaning me—we took him out of the field, into the road to Risley's house, the boy holding him with me—when we got near the house, the boy let go, to undo the door, and Harvey made another desperate effort to get away—he dragged me along six, seven, or ten yards, trying to get away—I have measured it since, and it is fourteen yards—assistance came, and we got him into Risley's house, as the boy came back—Risley came down, and we got further assistance—I got exhausted, and was obliged to sit down—Risley fastened the door to keep him in—I said, in Risley's presence, "Harvey, how could you serve me in the way you have done?"—he said, "B—y into you, it serves you right; you are always after me; you have always been watchine me, or dodging after me, when you have no business;" or some such words—Mr. Cresswell, the surgeon, afterwards attended me—I was not conscious of anything but the stave being used till I was stripped in the house—I then said he must have stabbed me, and found I had been stabbed in each arm, and, on looking at my coat, I found it was stabbed through—I had also one wound in my throat, others on my head and face, and one right through—I could put my tongue through one—I had a stock on—Mr. Cresswell my wouds—I was carried home afterwards—I gave the bottle of milk to Mrs. Risley—I had a stave in my hand a little before the prisoner came into the field, and after I got into Risley's house, I think the prisoner said, "Where is your stave?"—I looked for it, and could not find it—I did not use it at all in the struggle—I never could have strength, for I was stunned from the first blow.
...
WILLIAM FREEMAN . I am in the service of Mr. Risley, a farmer and cowman on Winchmore-hill. On the 15th of Sept., about four o'clock in the morning, I was alarmed by a noise, and heard Hannant the prosecutor's voice—I heard him cry "Murder!"—I knew his voice—it came from the further side of master's field, where the cows were—I did not hear any other voice calling for assistance till I got close to them—I went into the field, and found Hannant and the prisoner struggling—the prosecutor called to me, "Bill, come to me, he has almost killed me, "and said, before I got up to him, "I have caught Harvey milking your cows"—the prisoner said, "No, I have caught him at it"—he was trying to get away—the prosecutor said, "Take hold of his hand or arm, and help to take him out of the field, for he will get away from me now"—I took hold of him, and assisted Hannant in taking him to master's house—when I got near master's house I let go of him, to go and unlock the door—he then tried to get from the prosecutor—I ran back, and Hannant said, "Come, Bill, or else he will get from me"—I ran back, and succeeded in getting him into master's house—I got a light—Hannant's face was covered with blood, also his cape, and the front part of his coat—his strength was almost exhausted—he could scarcely stand upright—I saw no mark of injury on the prisoner—there was some of the blood which had come from Hannant on him—master got up, and Mr. Cresswell, the surgeon, was sent for—Hannant gave mistress a bottle with milk in it—it was afterwards given to sergeant Emery—I had got up that morning to watch the cows, having lost milk before—Hannant was aware that I was going to get up that morning—I was up at the time the alarm morning—I was up at the time the alarm was given.
Cross-examined. Q. This was the time you usually get up, was it not? A. I generally get up about five o'clock, but I had been up an hour and a half—master called me at half-past two o'clock—I know the prosecutor perfectly well, and so does my master—I do not know the prisoner so well—I never heard a complaint made to the prisoner about our missing milk.
MR. PRENDERGAST to HANNANT. Q. Do not you know that the prisoner was aware of the complaints about the milk being missed? A. I told him Risley had complained to me about it.
WILLIAM RISLEY . I am a cow-keeper at Winchmore-hill. In consequence of missing milk from the cows I gave Hannant directions to watch the field where they were, and on the 14th of Sept., about four o'clock in the morning, I was called up—my boy had got up about two o'clock—I called him, but he did not go out till about four o'clock—when I was called up I heard the prosecutor say, "For God's sake, Risley, come down, for I am a murdered man"—I went down stairs—my boy, who had the key, unlocked the door—I went out and saw the prisoner trying to get from the prosecutor, tassling with him—they were about twelve yards from the door when I first saw them—my boy assisted in bringing the prisoner into the house, and while he was there Hannant said, "You cruel wretch, how could you use me so?"—he answered, "B—y into you, it serves you right; you are always looking after me"—I saw that they were all bloody, and the prosecutor was wounded wonderfully—my wife had much to do to stop the blood—the prisoner was not wounded at all—I had not given the prisoner permission to go into the field.
Cross-examined. Q. You had complained of the loss of your milk? A. Yes, to many people—I knew Hannant in the neighbourhood, but I was not more intimate with him than the prisoner—I do not know that the boy got up when I called him—he generally gets up at five o'clock.
...
JOHN MITCHELL . About six o'clock on the morning of the 15th I went to Mr. Risley's field where the cows had been, and found this chisel—there was blood on it, much more than there is now—it was quite fresh blood, and on the spot where I found it there was a great quantity of blood, as if somebody had been bleeding there, and marks of a struggle having taken place—it was fifty or sixty yards from the tree further from Risley's house than the tree—I know Horlin's field—there are two or three gardens between that and Risley's field.
...
JAMES RADFORD . My father has a field at Winchmore-hill, near Mr. Risley's cow field—on the Saturday, two or three days after the prisoner was found there, I found a stave in my father's field—they would not hare to cross my father's field, from where the cows were, to get to Risley's—there is a road between our field and Mr. Risley's—the road goes down past Mr. Risley's house—my father's field is one side of the road, and Mr. Risley's on the other—I took the stave up, and gave it to Risley's man, Freeman.
Cross-examined. Q. To get to the cow field at Risley's house do you go by a road at all? A. Yes, you can go to the house from the field without going along a road, but not without breaking bounds.
COURT. Q. Is there a gate from the field to the road? A. Yet—you go out at the gate into the road to get to the house.
...
WILLIAM RISLEY re-examined. I called my boy up about two o'clock in the morning, to go to watch the cows—I had told him that the night before—I had also told Hannant about it, about eight o'clock the night before—I told him I had missed milk a good many times, and thought it was done on Sunday night—I told him I had got a lad and another man coming to watch that same morning, and I wished him to watch that night, until my lad and man earae, which I thought would be between three and four.
GUILTY on 4th and 5th Counts. Aged 26.— Transported for Fifteen Years.

Death: 17 December 1846, in Winchmore Hill, Middlesex, England, aged 71
William's death is recorded as occurring on Seventeenth December 1846 at Winchmore Hill. He is a milkman, aged 71 years. The cause of death is age and debility, of duration 3 months. The informant was Sarah Beard, of Winchmore Hill, Edmonton, present at the death.

Buried: 24 December 1846 in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England, aged 71
William Risley is recorded as 71 years old, resident in Winchmore Hill

Will: dated 3 October 1846
This is the last Will and Testament of me William Risley of Winchmore Hill in the parish of Edmonton in the county of Middlesex Dairyman I give all my Estate and Effects (except my wearing apparel which I give unto my son John Risley) to my wife for her life and after her decease I give the same to my sons John and Edmund in equal shares absolutely provided that in case either of my said sons should die during the lifetime of my said wife I give the share of the son so dying to my Grandson William Risley son of my late son Joseph Risley absolutely provided and I direct that my said estate and effects shall not nor shall any part thereof be sold during the life of my said wife notwithstanding the same estate and effects or some part thereof may be of a perishable nature without her consent and that she shall be at full liberty to use and enjoy the same estate and effects and to carry on my business for her own benefit and for that purpose to employ the proceeds of any part of the same estate and effects that may be sold and generally to deal with my said estate and effects as if they were her own And I appoint my said wife sole Executrix of this my will I revoke all former wills, dated this third day of October one thousand eight hundred and forty six.
        Signed by
George Fisher of Hoppers Road Winchmore Hill
in the presence of the above named Testator Wm Risley and by his direction and acknowledged by the said Testator to be his last will and testament in the presence of us present at the same time who at the said Testator's request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses.
Richard King Winchmore Hill Shoemaker
John Yeo at Mr Hannes next house to the testator
George Fisher of Hoppers Road Winchmore Hill

Probate: granted 22 May 1847 to Elizabeth Risley, widow, the relict
    In the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
      In the Goods of William Risley
Appeared Personally George Fisher of Hoppers Road Winchmore Hill in the County of Middlesex Servant to the New River Company, Richard King of Winchmore Hill aforesaid Shoemaker and John Yeo formerly of Winchmore Hill aforesaid but at present of No 9 Birds Buildings Lower Road Islington in the same County Police Officer and jointly and severally made oath that they are the attesting witnesses to the last will and testament of William Risley late of Winchmore Hill aforesaid deceased and which will is hereunto annexed and begins thus "This is the last Will and Testament of me William Risley of Winchmore Hill in the parish of Edmonton in the county of Middlesex Dairyman" ends thus "dated this third day of October one thousand eight hundred and forty six" and is thus subscribed "George Fisher" And these deponents further made oath that on the said third day of October last they these deponents attended at the house of the said Testator for the purpose of attesting the execution of the said will by the said Testator and that there was also present John Radford Esquire of Winchmore Hill aforesaid the drawer and writer of the said will And these deponents further made oath that the said Testator being unable to either read or write the said John Radford in the presence and hearing of all these deponents read the said will over audibly and distinctly to the said Testator and asked him if he fully understood and approved of the same to which the said Testator replied that he did and he the said Testator then asked this deponent George Fisher to sign the said will for him which the deponent accordingly did by signing his own name George Fisher at the foot or end thereof in manner and form as the same now appears in the presence of the said Testator and these deponents Richard King and John Yeo all present at the same time and these deponents further made oath that after this deponent the said George Fisher had so as aforesaid signed his name for the Testator he the said Testator in the presence of all these deponents acknowledged the said name to have been so written and signed for him and by his direction and acknowledged the paper writing to be and contain his last will and testament and requested all these deponents to witness the said will which they then accordingly did by signing their respective names thereto in the manner and form as the same now appears in the presence of the said Testator — George Fisher — Richard King — John Yeo — On Thursday the 20th day of May 1847 the said George Fisher Richard King and John Yeo were duly sworn to the truth of this affidavit Before me A. F. Bayford  Just. Fred J. Clarkson Noty

Proved at London the 22nd May 1847 before the worshipful Augustus Frederic Bayford Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the oath of Elizabeth Risley widow the relict the sole executrix to whom admon was granted having been first sworn duly to administer.

Census & Addresses:
1841: Winchmore Hill, Edmonton, Middlesex
1846: Winchmore Hill, Middlesex   (will)

Sources:

William Risley

William Risley
William Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
William Risley
William Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Birth: 7 February 1829, in Edmonton, Middlesex, England
A biography written in a South African newspaper, The Natalian on September 11, 1908 states that William was born in Muswell Hill, but this likely a mis-remembering for Winchmore Hill where we know his father lived at the time and which corresponds with the 1861 census which states William's birthplace as the parish of Edmonton, Middlesex (the Natalian article also mis-states William birth year as 1828, rather than the 1829 documented in his baptism record)

Baptism: 8 March 1829 in All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex, England
William is recorded as born on 7 February 1829, the son of Joseph and Alice Risley. Joseph is a labourer, of Winchmore Hill.

Father: Joseph Risley

Mother: Alice (Simmons) Risley

Married (1st): Emily Mason Ward on 22 June 1851 in St Michael Chester Square in the parish of St George Hanover Square, Middlesex
William Risley is recorded as a bachelor, of full age, the son of Joseph Risley, gardener. William is a gardener, resident at Besborough Lodge, Putney. Emily Mason Ward is recorded as a spinster, of full age, the daughter of Thomas Ward, clerk. She is resident at 31 Eaton Square. They were married after banns by J. H. Hamilton, witnessed by George Delang and Alicia Gandy.
Banns of the marriage between William Risley, bachelor of the parish of St Mary Putney, Surrey, and Emily Mason Ward, spinster of the parish of St Luke Chelsea, Middlesex, were published on the previous Sundays, 1 June 1851, 8 June 1851 and 15 June 1851.

Children:
William and Matilda Risley
William and Matilda Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Married (2nd): Matilda Risley on 6 May 1879 in the parish of St George Hanover Square, Middlesex, England
William Risley is recorded as a widower, of full age, the son of Joseph Risley, a nurseryman. William is a nurseryman, resident in St George Hanover Square. Matilda is recorded as a spinster, of full age, the daughter of John Risley, a farmer. She is resident in Edmonton. The marriage, by license, was officiated by Charles Edward Greenside and witnessed by William Pidsley and Emily Annie Brownett.

William Risley and Matilda Risley were first cousins, William's father, Joseph Risley, being the younger brother of Matilda's father, John Risley.

Occupation: Gardener and florist
Gardeners Chronicle 8 October 1887 p421
AFRICAN TUBEROSES. — Grown by WM. RISLEY, Natal, now arrived in fine condition. For sample and price, apply at the Office of Mr. WM. G. MACGREGOR, Langbourne Chambers, Fenchurch Street, E.C.

At the time of his death, William was working as a florist for Floral nursery on Southbury Road, Enfield, Middlesex.

Notes:
The newspaper article quoted below indicates that William emigrated to Natal in 1860 and was followed by his wife and children in 1866. This is inconsistent with the 1861 census and his seventh child being born in Nottinghamshire in August of 1864. It seems more likely that William only went to Natal some time in 1864 or 1865.

William is mentioned in the will of his grandfather, also William Risley, dated 3 October 1846 (National Archives PROB 11/2056/312)
I give the same to my sons John and Edmund in equal shares absolutely provided that in case either of my said sons should die during the lifetime of my said wife I give the share of the son so dying to my Grandson William Risley son of my late son Joseph Risley absolutely

In the 1870's William purchased a farm in the Chase Valley, near Pietermaritzburg, which he named Muswell Hill, supposedly after his birthplace in London although, as discussed above, it is more likely that he was born in Winchmore Hill.

William was a sponsor at the baptism of his grandson, Edward William Ford, in 1876, and a witness to the wedding of Clara Risley and Alfred Edmondson on 23 November 1885 in Pietermaritzburg, Natal, meaning that he and Matilda returned to South Africa after their marriage in England for a period before their eventual return to England.

Biography: Extract from The Natalian - September 11, 1908          PIONEERS OF NATAL
    THE MEN WHO MADE THE COLONY
      "There were Giants in those Days"
         WILLIAM RISLEY
     "An honest man's the noblest work of God"
  Who of old Natal, and especially of the old days of Pietermaritzburg, does not remember the rugged, kindly face and the short, sturdy well-knit form of William Risley — once so well known in our streets, on our Market Square or throughout the colony!
    In the Days of his Youth
  The subject of this biography was no means born in the lap of luxury. He first saw the light in 1828 at Muswell Hill - then quite a country place but now a thriving suburb of the great metropolis of the Empire - and from his earliest boyhood his was a life of strenuous effort and of hard work. Losing his father and mother at an early age, he was left with the care of a younger brother on his youthful shoulders, but nobly and well he performed the self-imposed task. This brother was the late Joseph Risley (also well-known and well-remembered in Pietermaritzburg), who afterwards became a partner in the then firm of Harwin & Risley (now Harwin & Co.) and was for some time one of our most respected City Fathers.
    His Education
  William Risley was not only a self-made man - he was a self-educated man, and he has often told the present writer with glee, how after his day's work was done, he copied an old English dictionary, from end to end, three times, so as to perfect himself in the spelling and meaning of every word in the English language! Truly a Herculean task and one which only a youth of the dogged determination of a subject of "this autobiography would" attempt. But horticulture was his hobby, and he made himself a theoretical and practical master of the art in every branch, and all its attendant industries. He served for many years in various large nurseries, and afterwards in sundry positions of high trust on gentlemen's estates in the old country, thus perfecting his earlier technical education.
     His Advent in Natal
  But all this arduous toil was telling even on William Risley's splendid constitution, and it became necessary for him to seek a warmer climate than that of old England. He had married a most estimable lady, and, leaving her in charge of their family of seven young children (of whom his eldest sons were twins), he came to this colony in the year 1860, and proceeding at once to Pietermaritzburg, he commenced business as a practical gardener and florist in Pietermaritz Street, in what was then known as "Winter's Field," near the foot of Raven Street, - a couple of hundred yards from where the "Natalian" office in Church Street now stands. He varied his hard work at this occupation by occasional shooting trips, for he was a splendid shot and an expert taxidermist, and he was one of the first of Natalians to send Home cases of specimens of South African birds and fauna. Many of to-day's followers of the art of taxidermy in Natal owe their knowledge to lessons from William Risley.
  During this period he, with the most laudable of intentions, attempted for Natal what has proved such a curse in the eastern colonies of Australia. He introduced some thirty pairs of rabbits, but they increased and multiplied and spread to such an extent that Mr. Risley speedily saw that what he had intended as a blessing would become a curse, so he summoned the assistance of some local sportsmen, and in a day's "battue" put an end to the existence of "bunny" in Natal.
     As Farmer and Transport Rider
  But as to-day, so then — business in this city, in the sixties, was not flourishing, and in partnership with his old friend, William Pidsley, William Risley tried his hand at farming on one of the late Mr. Vanderplank's blocks of land in the neighbourhood of New Leeds. Their efforts met with some success, and with the addition of several up-country transport-riding trips the partners succeeded in making farming, on modern systems, pay. But William Risley's energetic nature required greater scope than that accorded by the tenure of a leasehold farm, and after a few years the opportunity he sought occurred.
    As Diamond Digger and Gold-Seeker
  His wife and family had joined him here in 1866, coming out in the ship "Natal Star" (Captain Hodge), and in 1869 the news of the first discovery of diamonds in West Griqualand reached Natal, and William Risley, accompanied by four other old Pietermaritzburgers - "Ben" Moody, McGregor (subsequently Mayor of Kimberley), James, and Burmiston, set off for the new El Dorado to try their luck.
  The usual vicissitudes of the pioneer digger's life attended them, and after a year of hard work resulted in bare living expenses - and often very poor living at that. On his first arrival, in what is know Kimberley, he "pegged", five claims, but as subsequently the mining law allowed only two to one man, he gave one away, sold one for £5, and parted with one for a secondhand umbrella - and not too good an umbrella either!. And such is the irony of fate that no sooner had Risley thus disposed of some of his surplus ground than the claims he had parted with began to yield diamonds galore, while the two he had retained proved for months practically barren! For a time it looked as though there was nothing for it but a return to Natal empty-handed and with empty pockets, but at last the fickle goddess, Fortune, smiled upon Risley's efforts; and, having once turned her face in his direction, made such ample amends for previous neglect, that in 1871 the temptation to look once more upon the scenes of his boyhood proved stronger than the mere amassing of wealth, and he took a trip Home. And he made the same mistake as was made by hundreds of others ---- the continuity of the lasting powers of the greatest diamond fields the world has ever seen. His claims were in the very heart of the Kimberley Mine, and had he only "held on" until the great amalgamation came off, William Risley would have become a multi-millionaire. But, unfortunately for himself in a way, he was one of those "of little faith", so instead of placing his property in the hands of responsible friends for a time, he sold out - lock, stock, and barrel, and sailed for the dear home-land.
  On his return to South Africa he tried his luck for some months at alluvial gold digging at the Pilgrim's Rest Fields, but with only limited success.
    As Seedsman and Florist
   Returning to Natal, he successfully set to work to re-establish his old seed and nursery business, this time purchasing the block of ground in Church Street, in this city, on which now stands the millinery establishment of the Misses A. & A. Meadows. He also secured a farm in the Chase Valley, where his eldest daughter and her husband (Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Ford) now reside and this farm supplied and fed an ever-increasing business. His noble wife and his sons and daughters, all lent a helping hand, and the business prospered, and rapidly became the most flourishing seed and plant business in Natal - in fact its fame spread throughout the length and breadth of South Africa. It was at Mr. Risley's farm, in the Chase Valley, that the tuber-rose industry was initiated, and for some years there it flourished, and only a change of fickle fashion prevented it becoming a permanent local industry. William Risley, too, may be styled the "father" of Natal's wattle bark industry, for he was the first to recognise the enormous possibilities it contained for the colony.
    A Great Bereavement
   In 1878 William Risley suffered an irreparable loss in the death of his wife who had so bravely struggled with him in days of poverty, and who had so nobly helped him towards prosperity. His family lost a dearly-loved mother, and the whole community lost a true friend and a grand example. The death of Mrs. Risley made a breach in the charitable ranks of Pietermaritzburg which was hard to fill. Her charity was "not as sounding brass" - it was unostentatious, unassuming; and kindly. Her left hand hardly knew what her right did, but to this day many can testify to the many solid acts of true Christian kindness of one who had well bourne her burden and share in the hard work, and difficult struggles, in the early days when Natal was in the making. The late Mrs. Risley did the present writer many a little kindness in his early days in this colony, and he salutes her memory with deep respect. May she rest in peace!
    Closing Scenes
   For some eight years after his sad loss, William Risley remained in Natal, and for a brief period he was a member of the Town Council of this city, but to a man of his energy and vitality the pettiness of parish politics were repugnant. As a councillor, he believed rather in the "fortiter in re" than the "suaviter in mode", and as he abhorred narrow-mindedness, he retired from the Council Chamber, to the regret of a great majority of his fellow citizens. In conjunction with Mr. P.R. Murphy, he was for many years a churchwarden of St. Peter's Cathedral, and nothing pleased him better than to give picnics to the choir and Sunday School children of the church. One of my earliest recollections of this city is a picnic given by Mr. Risley at The Chase on New Year's Day of 1877, and a most enjoyable day it was. His experience in arboriculture and horticulture was such that even to-day his notes are Natal's highest authority, and are to-day referred to as final on abstruse points.
  He married again, and decided to end his days in his native land, and he accordingly returned to England, and at Muswell Hill he successfully produced roses, carnations, grapes, tomatoes, etc., etc., for the Covent Garden market. But increasing years and the hardships, privations, and exposures of his early days made him a martyr to rheumatism, and his latter time was aggravated by its ravage. ........... Muswell Hill ....... he died on the ... November 1894, in the sixty-sixth year of his age and the mortal remains of one of the men who had helped not only to make the colony, but who been largely instrumental in making this city, were laid to rest in Edmonton Church-yard. "Peace to his ashes, rest to his ransomed soul".
  William Risley was essentially one of the men who, by sheer pluck, by hard work, by an indomitable will, were the Pioneers of Natal. He was no frothy politician, no windy orator. He believed in the old Latin motto, "Res non verba", and he acted up to it. Men of William Risley's stamp are the men wanted in Natal to-day.
    His Descendants
   Of his family, one of his sons is in one of the largest business houses in Harrismith; another is one of Natal's most energetic prospectors; a third is on the Rand; and the youngest is a leading agent and broker in Durban. His oldest daughter is the wife of Mr. E. F. Ford, the well-known carriage-builder and wagon-maker; and the two others are well-known and highly respected residents in this city.
  William Risley lived an earnest, energetic, strenous life, and his example is one which is worthy of every imitation by Natalians of the generation of to-day.
         By "AJAX"

Death: 29 November 1894, at Floral Nursery, Southbury Road, Enfield, Middlesex, England, aged 65
Middlesex Gazette 1 December 1894 p3
   DEATHS.
RISLEY.— On 29th Nov., at Floral Nursery, Southbury Road, Enfield, William Risley, after a long illness, in his 66th year.

Gravestone of John Risley, Sarah Risley and William Risley
Gravestone of John Risley, Sarah Risley and William Risley in Edmonton churchyard, London
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Buried: Edmonton churchyard, Middlesex, England
William was buried in the same grave as his uncle and aunt, John and Sarah Risley
The inscription reads:
Sacred / to the memory of
SARAH / wife of John Risley
who departed this life / March 28th 1860 in the 61st year / of her age.
Also of the above
JOHN RISLEY,
who departed this life / Decr 13th 1877, aged 78 years.
Also in Affectionate Remembrance of
WILLIAM RISLEY,
nephew of the above:
who entered into rest 29th November 1894, / aged 65 years
"Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy / laden and I will give you rest."
"So He giveth his beloved sleep."

Will:  dated 29 March 1889
THIS IS THE LAST WILL of me WILLIAM RISLEY of Natal House Bycullah Road Enfield Middlesex Gentleman I nominate and appoint Peter Rathbone Murphy of Oldbury Villas Southbury Road Enfield Gentleman Executor of this my Will I direct the payment of my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses so soon as convenient after my decease I give devise and bequeath unto my dear Wife Matilda Risley all my estate and effects both real and personal whether in possession reversion remainder or expectancy for her sole separate and absolute use and benefit I revoke all prior Wills IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 29th day of March One thousand eight hundred and eighty nine -- WM RISLEY -- Signed by the said William Risley the Testator in the presence of us both present at the same time who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses - GEO CHAS H JENNINGS Solr 69 Leadenhall Street London - W E CHILD Clerk to Messrs Jennings & Son 69 Leadenhall Street Solrs London

ON the 31st day of December 1894 Probate of this Will was granted to Peter Rathbone Murphy the sole Executor

Probate:
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations)
RISLEY William of Floral nursery Southbury-road Enfield Middlesex florist died 29 November 1894 Probate London 31 December to Peter Rathbone Murphy gentleman Effects £376 7s. 11d.

Census & Addresses:
1841: Fortis Green, Hornsey, Middlesex William is listed as a 9 year old servant in the household of Edward Atkinson, perfumer.
1851: Putney, Surrey William is listed as a servant, 22 years old, born in Edmonton, Middlesex. His occupation is "Gardeners Under"
1851: Besborough Lodge, Putney, Surrey   (marriage record)
1858: Hillingdon, Middlesex   (baptism of sons William and Frederick)
1861: Blyth (West Side), Blyth, Nottinghamshire
1863: Carlton Road, Worksop, Nottinghamshire   (baptism record of son John transcribed at FreeReg)
1891: Bycullah Road, Enfield, Middlesex

Sources:

William Risley

Birth: 1832/3 in Middlesex, England

Father: John Risley

Mother: Sarah (Page) Risley

Census:
1841: Bury Street, Edmonton, Middlesex

Sources

William Frederick Risley

Frederick and William Risley
Frederick (left) and William Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
John Edward Risley, Edward Funnell Ford, William Frederick Risley and Alfred Edmondson
(left to right) John Edward Risley, Edward Funnell Ford, William Frederick Risley and Alfred Edmondson
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Frederick and William Risley
FOUNDATION PUPILS OF HILTON COLLEGE
Among the first pupils whom William Orde Newnham enrolled in 1872 were twin brothers, William Frederick Risley and Frederick William Risley. This photograph of them was taken in old age, when William Frederick was living in Harrismith and Frederick William in Pietermaritzburg. William Frederick (seated in this photograph) died on 11th August, 1935 at the age of 77 years, while Frederick William (standing) died in 1952 at the age of 94 years. They were bom on 17th April, 1858 at Uxbridge, Middlesex, England and arrived in the Colony of Natal when they were eight years old. We reproduce this photograph in the hope that it will be of interest to older generations of Old Boys.
photograph reproduced in The Hiltonian February 1965 p97
Birth: 17 April 1858, in Uxbridge, Middlesex, England

Baptism: 11 July 1858, in St John the Baptist, Hillingdon, Middlesex, England
William Frederick is baptised the son of William and Emily Risley. William is listed as a gardener, of Hillingdon.

Father: William Risley

Mother: Emily (Ward) Risley

Education: Hilton College, Hilton, Natal
William was a foundation member of Hilton College in 1872, starting there the day the school opened. The "little Risleys" are mentioned in the diary of Duncan McKenzie who was also a founder pupil at Hilton. It did not take long for them to get in a scrape, as recounted in this anecdote published in Lift Up Your Hearts pp 175-6 (Neville Nuttall, 1971):
EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF DUNCAN McKENZIE (1877)
9th June 1877
   It is about a year since I left Hilton College, but nevertheless I intend to return back to my school days and relate a few interesting happenings of that period...
...
  The first day we arrived at Hilton, we did not like it. We never knew a soul, and the look of Mr. Newnham's big sjambok was quite enough for me, as he came walking up to meet us; but when we came to hear that he had no less than three, it frightened the lives out of us.
  The big one he called Lamb's Tail, the second Cat's Tail and the third Rat's Tail.
  Mr Crowe, the senior master also had one, a two-tailed one, so there were no less than four sjamboks in the school.
  The first row that we got into was on Wednesday afternoon when some of us set off to get some maas at some native's kraal.
  When we got there, there was no one at the huts except children, whom we told to go and call their parents.
  As it was getting late we told a little girl to get us some maas, which she did, and we paid her for it, and ate until we had had sufficient, and then set to and splashed all the youngsters with the remains, making their heads white; but when they started crying, we decided it was time to leave. We had only gone about 300 yards when we saw the kraal head, Gwen, arriving at a fast pace. He never stopped to ask his children anything, as he could see what had happened, so we started running; but we had about two miles to get back to school and were all in a big fright, especially the little Risleys. One of them was singing out not to leave him, as he was tired, so I caught his hand and helped him along. We hid in the gum trees near school, until we thought all danger was over.
  As however some boys told us that Gwen had been to see Mr Newnham, we waited in suspense, and sure enough next morning after prayers, Mr Newnham said "Will all the boys that went to Gwen's for maas yesterday please stand up." Up we stood, and he carried on, "Boys, you have only been here a few days and I am sorry to say that you have misbehaved yourselves, so you must pay 6d each for the maas, and you ought not to have taken advantage of the children when their parents were away. That will do." And right glad we were to get off so lightly."

Mary Ann (Burn) Risley and William Frederick Risley
Mary Ann (Burn) Risley and William Frederick Risley
photograph courtesy of Robert King
Married: Mary Ann Burn on 12 August 1889 in St John the Baptist, Harrismith, Orange Free State
William Frederick Risley is recorded as a bachelor, aged 31. He is a clerk, resident in Harrismith. Mary Ann Burn is recorded as a spinster, aged 23, resident in Addington, Durban. The marriage was performed by G. E. Scratchley and witnessed by Richard Knight Lucas and Harry White.

Mary Ann was born in 1866, in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, England and baptised on 18 April 1866 in Newcastle upon Tyne, the daughter of John Gray Burn and Barbara Maria Sibbet. In 1881 her occupation is recorded as dressmaker. Mary Ann died on 1 November 1950 in Harrismith Hospital, Harrismith, Orange Free State, aged 84. The cause of death is listed as peritonitis / heart failure of duration a few days and diverticulitis, old age of duration 1 week. She was buried in Harrismith cemetery.
Will: dated 4 November 1948
Orange Free State Estate Files 1950 #1253 film 004087975 image 990
    LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
  I, the undersigned, MARY ANN RISLEY (born Burn), Widow, of Vowe Street, Harrismith, desiring to make my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoke all wills, codicils or other testamentary acts heretofore made by me, and declare this to be my last Will and Testament :-
    1.
  I bequeath the whole of my estate and effects, nothing excepted, to my daughter ESME LOUISA RISLEY.
    2.
  I also nominate and appoint my said daughter, ESME LOUISA RISLEY as Executrix of my Will and Administratrix of my Estate and I hereby stipulate that the Master of the Supreme Court shall not require her to provide any security for the due fulfilment of her duties.
    3.
  Lastly, I reserve to myself the right to make all such alterations in, or additions to this my Will as I may deem fit, either at the foot hereof or by a separate act, desiring all such alterations and additions so made under my signature, to be considered part hereof.
  SIGNED at HARRISMITH, this 4th day of NOVEMBER 1948.
  (Sgd.) M.A. Risley
As Witnesses :-
1. (Sgd.) Beno Sammel
2. (Sgd.) M. van Reenan

 Census & Addresses:
1871: Tynemouth, Northumberland
1881: Alexandra Place, Newcastle upon Tyne St Andrew, Northumberland
1950: 64 Vowe Street, Harrismith, Orange Free State   (Orange Free State Estate Files 1950 #1253 film 004087975 image 989)

Children: Occupation: Clerk. When still a young man, William entered the service of Messrs. Parker, Wood and Co., and was associated with that firm for 18 years, the last few years being as manager of the Harrismith branch. In the early 1900's, William moved to the firm of Randles, Bro. & Hudson, general merchants at Market Square, Harrismith where he managed the large branch.
The Orange River Colony p132 (Macmillan & Ferguson, 1905)
  RANDLES, BRO. & HUDSON, General Merchants, Market Square.
THE proximity of Harrismith to Natal has long made it an important centre for the establishment of depôts of some of the principal mercantile houses of that Colony. Occupying a leading position among these is the extensive branch of Messrs. Randles, Bro. & Hudson, (the great Durban firm of general merchants,) which has very materially helped to sustain the commercial activity of Harrismith during the last thirty years. The firm's premises cover an area of two erven, and the stocks retained therein are so numerous, that it is impossible, within the space at our disposal, to give even the briefest description of any of them; so that we can only refer in general terms to the products of science, art and invention which they embody. It would be difficult to mention any section of trade in which Messrs Randles, Bro. & Hudson do not engage; and their goods represent the highest productions of almost every department of industry and commerce. From many sources have the wares come, from the many chimneyed cities of Europe and America—clothing and groceries, drapery and domestic utensils, boots and oilmen's stores, crockery, furniture, ironmongery, fancy goods, timber, agricultural implements—in short, practically anything and everything that the heart of man can desire or the mind of woman conceive for creature comfort, for the adornment of the home or the person, or for the cultivation of the land. The establishment thus affords many object lessons in the ramifications of modern commerce and the multifarious requirements of civilised life that cannot fail to be deeply interesting and instructive. But it is needless to say, those who visit it—and they are many—do not so for mere sight seeing and amusement; for it holds out more powerful attractions—the attractions of low prices and high qualities, compared with which all other aspects of the stock are a negligeable quantity. Importing their goods direct from the manufacturers in enormous shipments in order to meet the demands of their numerous branches in Natal and the Transvaal, Messrs Randles, Bro. & Hudson are able to sell at prices that are often the despair of smaller firms. Besides the long and honourable record of the house in question forms one of the most notable examples of South African commercial achievement; so that it is not surprising to find that the people of the Harrismith district accord to the local establishment such a large and well deserved patronage. Its management was taken over a short time ago by Mr. W. F. Risley, who for eighteen years was engaged in a similar capacity with another large firm in town. Under this gentlemans' skilful and enterprising administration it is no exaggeration to say that a marked improvement has already been evinced throughout its numerous departments, and the spirit of thorough courtesy and competency is all prevalent. Where such a condition of affairs exists, it may be taken for granted that there will be, as in the case before us, a full accomplishment of those high commercial aims which invariably spell prosperity, and which have secured for Messrs. Randles, Bro. & Hudson a position among their contemporaries none the less enviable because it is the consummation of earnest hope and long-continued endeavour.

Notes:
William was a twin brother to Frederick William Risley.

William emigrated to Natal aboard the Natal Star, arriving in Durban on 1 February 1867. He is recorded as aged 8, and surety was stood by his father, William Risley, who had emigrated earlier, and his uncle, Joseph Risley, both of Pietermaritzburg. Accompanying William on the Natal Star were his mother, Emily, and siblings Emily, Arthur, Alice, Fred H., John E., Clara and Joseph.

In 1873, William was a member of the St Peters choir in Pietermaritzburg.

Death: 11 August 1935, at Harrismith Hospital, Harrismith, Orange Free State, South Africa, aged 77
The cause of death is listed as (a) influenza (b) pneumonia (c) heart failure, of duration 1 week

Buried: Harrismith, Orange Free State, South Africa

Obituary:
Harrismith Chronicle Saturday 17 August 1935:
      OBITUARY
    WILLIAM FREDERICK RISLEY
  We regret to record the death of Mr. William Frederick Risley, who died at the local Hospital on Saturday after a long and painful sickbed.
  Mr. Risley, who was born at Uxbridge in England, in April, 1958, was one of twins, his brother being named Frederick William.
  He lived in England until he was seven years old, and then came out to South Africa with his parents in the "Natal Star", an old sailing vessel, arriving here in February, 1867, after a voyage which was notable for its many vicissitudes. Their arrival at Durban coincided with the opening of the first lighthouse at the Bluff, and the town as a result was "en Fete". After staying in Durban for a couple of years they moved to Maritzburg, and Mr. Risley's brother related how one the most interesting sights of those days was the strings of ox wagons coming down to the coast from the interior. They often attained a length of 40 miles, and were packed closely from the Maritzburg Market Square to "World's View", where the new broadcasting station is now situated.
   When still a young man, Mr. Risley entered the service of Messrs. Parker, Wood and Co., and was associated with that firm for 45 years, the last few years being as manager of the local branch.
   With his twin brother and Mr. George Law, Mr. Risley was a foundation pupil of Hilton College at Maritzburg, the three of them enrolling the first morning the school opened.
   In Harrismith Mr. Risley was known to everyone of the older citizens, and during his long stay here, his quiet, unassuming and honest nature, endeared him to a very large circle of friends, all of whom will mourn his death. He was a Christian in the very best sense of the word, and one whose life can be taken as a model by the younger people of Harrismith.

Will: dated 13 May 1906
Orange Free State Estate Files 1935 #26995 film 004047221 images 530-1
     BE IT HEREBY MADE KNOWN
  THAT on this the Thirteenth day of May Nineteen Hundred and Six appeared before us undersigned witnesses WILLIAM FREDERICK RISLEY of Harrismith, Orange River Colony, Merchant, and MARY ANN RISLEY born Burn his wife.
  AND these Appearers, being in health of body, of sound disposing mind, memory and understanding and capable of any act that required thought judgment or reflection, declared their intention to make and execute their last will and testament wherefore, hereby revoking and annulling all wills, codicils and other testamentary acts heretofore passed by them or either of them.
  THE Appearers declared to nominate and appoint the survivor of them to be the sole and universal heir of the first dying, all of his or her estate, goods, effects, stock, inheritances, chattels, credits, and things whatsoever and wheresoever the same may be, nothing excepted, which shall be left at the death of the first dying of them, whether movable or immovable, and whether the same be in possession, reversion, remainder or expectancy.
  THE Appearers declared to nominate and appoint the survivor of them to be the Executor or Executrix of this their will, Administrator or Administratrix of their estate and effects and guardians of their minor children, hereby giving and granting unto each other reciprocally all such powers as are required or allowed in law, and especially those of assumption, substitution and surrogation.
  THE Appearers declared to reserve to themselves jointly during their joint lives, the power from time to time, and at all times hereafter to make all such alterations in or additions to this will as they shall think fit, either by a separate act or at the foot hereof, desiring that all such alterations or additions so made, under their own signature, shall be held as valid and effectual as if they had been inserted herein.
  ALL which having been clearly and distinctly read over to the Appearers, they declared that they fully understood the same and that it contains their last will and testament, desiring that it may have effect as such or as a codicil or otherwise in such manner as may be found to consist with law.
  THIS DONE and PASSED at Harrismith, Orange River Colony the day month and year aforesaid in the presence of the subscribed witnesses.
    Sgd.W.F.RISLEY
    Sgd.M.A.RISLEY born Burn
  SIGNED by both the said William Frederick Risley and Mary Ann Risley (born Burn) in the presence of us both present at the same time who at their request in the presence of both of them and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as attesting witnesses
  Sgd.ALFRED E.MANN
  Sgd.T.B.BREMER

Census & Addresses:
1861: Blyth (West Side), Blyth, Nottinghamshire
1909: Harrismith, Orange River Colony   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files vol 37 #61 film 007866875 image 438)
1935: 60 Vowe Street, Harrismith, Orange Free State   (Orange Free State Estate Files 1935 #26995 film 004047221 image 529)

Sources:

William Frederick Ward Risley

Birth: 13 October 1896, in Harrismith, Orange Free State

Baptism: 15 November 1896, in Harrismith, Orange Free State
William Frederick Ward was baptised the son of William Frederick and Mary Ann Risley. William is recorded as a clerk, of Harrismith. The sponsors of the baptism were Thomas Frederick Andrews, William Frederick Risley and Mary Ann Risley.

Father: William Frederick Risley

Mother: Mary Ann (Burns) Risley

Occupation: Bank clerk

Death: 12 November 1924, at the General Hospital, Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa, aged 28
The cause of death is listed as a fractured skull - homicidal.

Buried: Harrismith, Orange Free State, South Africa

Addresses:
1924: Queen Street, Pretoria, Transvaal

Sources:

Winifred Alice (Risley) Hamilton

Birth: 14 November 1890, in Harrismith, Orange Free State

Baptism: 7 December 1890, in Harrismith, Orange Free State
Winifred Alice was baptised the daughter of William Frederick and Mary Ann Risley. William is recorded as a clerk, of Harrismith.

Father: William Frederick Risley

Mother: Mary Ann (Burns) Risley

Married: John Matthew Hamilton on 23 September 1920 in St John the Baptist, Harrismith, Orange Free State, South Africa
John Matthew Hamilton is recorded as a bachelor, aged 47. He is a farmer, resident at Cedarmont, Standerton, Transvaal. Winifred Alice Risley is recorded as a spinster, aged 29. She is a school teacher, resident in Harrismith, O. F. S. The marriage was performed by William Austin, and witnessed by William Frederick Risley and William Frederick Ward Risley.

John was born on 9 December 1872, in Carnwath, Lanarkshire, Scotland, the daughter of Matthew Hamilton and Janet White. He was a farmer on the farm "Garngour", in Standerton district in the Transvaal. John died on 15 July 1945, at Berea Nursing Home, Durban, Natal, South Africa, aged 72. The cause of death is listed as arteriosclerosis - asthenia, of duration two weeks. He was buried at Harrismith cemetery, Harrismith, Orange Free State, South Africa.
Will: dated 12 February 1943
Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1945 #1421 film 007869133 images 1940-7
    LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
  THIS IS the Last Will and Testament of JOHN MATTHEW HAMILTON, presently of Cedarmont, Standerton District.
1.  I hereby revoke, cancel and annul all previous Wills, Codicils or other testamentary writings heretofore made or executed by me, and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament.
2.  I hereby bequeath the sum of £500:0:0 (FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS) to my sister-in-law, ESME RISLEY, presently of Harrismith, Orange Free State.
3.  I hereby bequeath the sum of, £100:0:0 (ONE HUNDRED POUNDS) to the STANDERTON HOSPITAL to endow a bed to be known as the JOHN MATTHEW HAMILTON bed.
4.  I bequeath the rest and residue of my Estate and Effects, movable and immovable and wheresoever situate and whether in possession, reversion, expectancy or contingency to my Administrators and Trustees hereinafter named, with authority to them to receive such rest and residue and to invest it
(a) On First Mortgage of immovable property situate in the Union of South Africa; provided that my Administrators and Trustees may invest in a mortgage other than a first mortgage  upon any such immovable property if they are registered in any Deeds Office or the Rands Townships Office as the holders of all existing bonds over any such property; and/or
(b) In Government or Municipal Stock; and/or
(c) On Fixed Deposit in any of the Banks doing business in the Union of South Africa; and/or
(d) In the Shares of such public companies as my Administrators and Trustees in their discretion may deem desirable;
(e) any other class of investment which my Administrators and Trustees in their discretion may deem fit;
with the power of changing from one form of investment to another, and oyt of the income therefrom to pay to my wife, WINIFRED ALICE HAMILTON (born Risley), the sum of £50:0:0 (FIFTY POUNDS) per month during her lifetime, and to pay the rest of such income in equal shares to my children,
  MARY JANE HAMILTON
  GAVIN HAMILTON, and
  ELIZABETH WHYTE HAMILTON,
or to their respective descendants by representation per stirpes, during the lifetime of my aforesaid wife.
  In the event of disagreement between the said Administrators and Trustees as to any investments, the dispute between them to be settled by Arbitration.
  In the event of the aforesaid income not amounting to the sum of £50:0:0 (FIFTY POUNDS) per month, then my Administrators and Trustees shall have the right to make up from the rest and residue of my Estate, such income to an amount of £50:0:0 (FIFTY POUNDS) per month.
5.  On the death of my aforesaid wife, WINIFRED ALICE HAMILTON (born Risley), the rest and residue of my Estate and Effects, movable and immovable and wheresoever situate and whether in possession, reversion, expectancy or contingency, shall be divided equally amongst my children,
  MARY JANE HAMILTON
  GAVIN HAMILTON
  ELIZABETH WHYTE HAMILTON
or their respective descendants by representation per stirpes, provided that the share of such rest and residue due to any child shall not be paid over to him or her until he or she shall respectively attain the age of 30 years, and until my children respectively do attain the age of 30 years his or her portion shall be held in trust in manner heretofore provided, and he or she shall receive the income only on such share of the Capital as may be due to him or her; provided further that my Administrators and Trustees shall in their absolute discretion be entitled to pay to any or each of my aforesaid children at any time a sum of money not exceeding £5,000 (FIVE THOUSAND POUNDS) as a portion of the share of his or her inheritance, conditionally that such payment does not minimise the payment of £50:0:0 (FIFTY POUNDS) per month to my aforesaid wife.
  The portion of income that accrues for the benefit of my daughter ELIZABETH WHYTE HAMILTON shall not be paid to the Master of the Supreme Court but shall be paid to my wife for the maintenance and education of my daughter, ELIZABETH WHYTE HAMILTON.
6.  In the event of any of my aforesaid children predeceasing me and leaving no descendants, or predeceasing my said wife and having no descendants then the portion of my Estate which would otherwise have accrued to such predeceased child or children shall not be deemed to have vested in such child or children but shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of this my Will and the beneficiaries under this my Will, subject to the aforesaid monthly payment of £50:0:0 (FIFTY POUNDS) to my wife, shall be my remaining children or their respective descendants by representation per stirpes.
7.  I direct that no beneficiary of my Estate shall be called upon to collate any property or any sum of money or any other gift given by me to him or her for any purpose whatsoever during my lifetime.
8. I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my wife, WINIFRED ALICE HAMILTON (born Risley) and JAMES WADDINGTON LANGSTAFFE, Solicitor of Johannesburg, or the survivor of them to be the Executors of this my Will, Administrators of my Estate, property and effects, and Trustees upon the special trust and confidence hereinbefore set forth, hereby giving and granting to them all such powers and authorities as are required or allowed in Law, and especially that of Assumption. I direct that my Executors, Administrators and Trustees in any of these capacities while both are acting together as such shall be exempt from furnishing any security whatsoever either to the Master of the Supreme Court or any other official for the due and faithful administration of my Estate.
9.  My Administrators and Trustees shall be paid a Commission of 5% (Five per centum) on the income of the trust as compensation for their services and the fact that one of my Administrators and Trustees is an Attorney, Notary and Conveyancer shall in no way debar him or his firm from having and receiving the usual charge and costs relating to any legal work that may be performed by him or his firm.
10.  I direct that any bequest accruing to any of my female beneficiaries (including my aforesaid daughters) shall be such female beneficiary's sole and absolute property, free from the jus mariti and from all interference, assistance or control of their respective husbands, in the event of their marrying. Any such bequest shall not form part of the estate of any husband of any of the said female beneficiaries or of the joint estate of any of the said female beneficiaries and their respective husbands, and in the event of the insolvency of any of the respective husbands such bequest or any property acquired therewith or with the income or proceeds thereof shall not form part of such husband's estate or the joint estate of such husband and any of the said female beneficiaries.
11.  I reserve to myself the right at any time hereafter to make all such alterations in or additions to this my Will as I shall think fit, either by a separate act or at the foot hereof, desiring that all such alterations or additions so made under my signature shall be held as valid and effectual as if they had been inserted herein.
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand at JOHANNESBURG, this 12th day of FEBRUARY, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and Fortythree in the presence of the subscribing witnesses.
  SIGNED and DECLARED by the Testator, the said JOHN MATTHEW HAMILTON as and for his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who in his presence, and in the presence of each other, all being present at the same time have hereunto set our hands.
    J.M. HAMILTON.
AS WITNESSES:
1. H. MAXWELL.
2. M. MORRAGH.   
 
Census & Addresses:
1881: Carwath, Lanarkshire, Scotland
1920: "Garngour", Cedarmont Station, Standerton district, Transvaal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1945 #1421 film 007869133 image 1961)
1943: Cedarmont, Standerton district, Transvaal   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1945 #1421 film 007869133 image 1940)
1945: 2450 Marine Drive, Brighton Beach, Durban, Natal   (Natal Civil Records Deaths Durban 1945 DGS 007751188 image 2714)

Occupation: School Teacher

Memorial plaque for John Matthew Hamilton and Winifred Alice (Risley) Hamilton
Memorial plaque to John Matthew Hamilton and Winifred Alice (Risley) Hamilton 
photograph by Peet Schabort at eGGSA library
Death: 29 July 1966, in Durban, Natal, South Africa, aged 75
The cause of death is listed as carcinoma of the pancreas, of duration 8 months, and intestinal haemorrhage, of duration 8 hours.

Memorial: A memorial plaque to John and Winifred is found in the Wall of Remembrance, Church of St Francis of Assisi, Val, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Addresses:
1920: Harrismith, Orange Free State   (Pietermaritzburg Estate Files 1945 #1421 film 007869133 image 1961)

Sources:
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