TOPIC:

Hello,

I am new to this website so please bear with me

My relative William John Drew Bates was born in Bursledon, near Southampton in 1876. He was the son of John Frederick Bates and his wife Alice nee Amber. I can find him Southampton in 1891 but not after that. I have recently discovered that he was married in 1901 in Transvaal, South Africa to Francina Johanna Hendrina-Josephine Johanna Kruger. There was an application made for a special marriage license as Josephine was a Minor. She was assisted in the Anti-nuptial contract Agreement by her Father. They were married out of Community of Property.

I have come across a record of an AB repatriated Seaman named William John Bates of the right age returning to Southampton on 20 November 1925. Departing Durban South Africa on the Kinfauns castle of the Union Castle Mail Steamship Company Ltd.

Now my question is, would it be possible that William Bates was in SA in 1901 serving in the Boer War and met a young girl over there and married her in 1901?

Many Thanks in advance for any help I am offered.

Hi

He died in 1955 in South Africa

His estate file is available from the SA National Archives

DEPOT KAB
SOURCE MOOC
TYPE LEER
VOLUME_NO 6/9/23869
SYSTEM 01
REFERENCE 6963/55
PART 1
DESCRIPTION BATES, WILLIAM JOHN DREW. ESTATE PAPERS.
STARTING 19550000
ENDING 19550000

Thank you Adrian123456,

I will go and have a look now.

Have a great day!

Hi luckylainey,
I am related to you!! William Bates was my Great grandfather on my mother's side. Mother is Patricia Hughes born Wilson.
I live in South Africa and would love to hear from you
Wendy Meyrick (Hughes)

Wendyirene I have sent you a private message.

Hi Lainey
My email address is wendy@ipss.co.za if you want to contact me privately :)
Kind regards
Wendy