Hendrik Venter

  Many people assume that another name for Hendrik was Heinrich Conradt von Dempter, from Hameln, Germany. However, he has never used the name "Conrad" (or Heinrich) and none of his children ever used the name and surname, or named their children accordingly. There is also no record in the Cape Archives and the Archives in Den Haag that he came from Hameln, or that he was originally known as von Dempter. There are, however, several records that he came from Hamel. Nobody can even prove that Hendrik and Heinrich was the same person.

  Therefore, we don't know when Hendrik was born (probably the mid 1600's) or who his parents were. (Not yet, anyway) From Hendrik's behaviour in the Cape we can derive that he was from Hamel, France, and this is supported by the Cape Archive entries, his marriage to a French woman, the fact that he settled amongst the French, his doctor was French, his son, Pieter, married a French woman etc. etc. - See later for references.

  The progenitor of South African Venters and the person we know as Hendrik Venter, probably arrived in the Cape on 12 October 1679. This date can be calculated since the ships arriving at the Cape have been recorded, including the number of people (slaves, soldiers, passengers etc.) and the ship logbooks, general ledger, journals etc. We know for sure that Hendrik was in the Cape by 1682 already (and a free citizen). We have at least two records proving this. (ARA VOC 4018 Cassaboek of 1682 and tax returns J183 of 1692) We know that VOC staff (soldiers) had to work for three years to become "free" and therefore Hendrik would have had to join the VOC late 1678, early 1679. Therefore, if the entries and dates in the archives are correct, then Hendrik could only have arrived in the Cape on the "Vrije Zee". - Vrije Zee: General Ledger and journal, 1679 (1679 Part I/I.2.b.4) Scheepssoldijboeken (5219) and journal maintained on the ship Vrije Zee 1677 – 1678 Part I/I.1.o Scheepsjournalen (5057).

  Notably, the surname "Venter" was sometimes referred to as "Venters" (See Anna's estate distribution) or "Fenter" (KAB MOOC8/52.46b dated 11 September 1797, referring to Jan Adriaan Fenter. Recorded in the Inventories of the Orphan Chamber, Cape Town Archives Repository, South Africa).

Hendrik was from Hamel in France..... (and his name was NOT originally Hendrik!):

  Noted events in his life were:

  The VOC hired Hendrik out to Willem Looth in 1682 for three months (ARA VOC 4018 Cassaboek - TANAP) even though he was already a free citizen. This indicates that Hendrik remained a Company official after becoming a free citizen. This is not unusual, since Willem Looth was also a Company official as well as a free citizen (Resolutions of the Council of Policy of Cape of Good Hope, Reference code: C. 12, pp. 95−107.). Willem was a game hunter and provided the Company with meat, under contract. Another example is Jan Holsmit (Hendrik was contracted by the VOC to him too) who was both a Company employee (a corporal - Resolutions of the Council of Policy of Cape of Good Hope, Reference code: C. 19, pp. 74−76.) and a free citizen (a Shoemaker - Resolutions of the Council of Policy of Cape of Good Hope, Reference code: C. 15, pp. 96−101.)

  The VOC hired Hendrik out several times, between 1683 and 1689:

- Three months, to Willem Looth (ARA VOC 4019 Cassaboek of 1683, page 756, left side)
- Three months, to Willem Looth (ARA VOC 4021 Cassaboek of 1684, pages 831 and 840, left side)
- Three months, to Willem Looth (ARA VOC 4022 Cassaboek of 1685, pages 560, 565 and 575, left side)
- ¾ Months, to Willem Looth (ARA VOC 4022 Cassaboek 1686 - 1690)
- 5½ months, to Claes Hendricksz (ARA VOC 4022 Cassaboek 1686 - 1690)
- 6 Months, to Jan Holsmit, 1689 (ARA VOC 4022 Cassaboek 1686 - 1690)

  There is no record anywhere in the archives that Hendrik was a tailor at some point. His son Pieter, however, did make clothes before he took up farming.

  On 22 February 1690, Hendrik obtained a house in Stellenbosch, from Hendrik Cornelisz for 1400 Gulden. First payment of 700 Gulden, due 1691. Second payment of 700 Gulden, due 1692. (Title Deeds T272) The Cadaster records: Transfer nr 272, for property nr. 2085 (House and erf Stellenbosch), sold by Hendrik Cornelisz to Hendrik Venter for 1400 Gulden. This was NOT the farm Nazaret. Hendrik Cornelisz only obtained the farm Nazaret two years later, in 1692. (Hendrik Cornelisz obtained the farm Nazareth on 17 September 1692 - Cadaster M3/4900, Title Deeds CTD 16 and CTD vol. 1 folio 55 [SG Dgm No. 28/1692]). However, between 1692 and 1710, the farm Nazaret was subdivided and Hendrik Cornelisz sold it to (or a portion) Jan Hartog, who in turn sold it in 1706 to Willem Adriaan van der Stel (Transfer nr 684, for property nr. 85 (farm Nazareth 117.335 morgen), sold by Jan Hartog to Willem Adriaan van der Stel for 1200 Gulden, cash.) Between 1692 and 1710, Hendrik obtained a portion of Nazaret and he sold it in 1710 to his brother in law (Transfer nr 824, for property nr. 85 (farm Nazareth 50.520 morgen), sold by Hendrik Venter of Hamel, to Johan Villioen for 1000 Gulden, cash.)

  On 1 May 1690, Hendrik Venter bought Jan, aged 27 (from Madagascar) for 90 Rijksdalers from Jacob Rootstein. (Cape Slave Transactions, P156 - A.J. Böeseken) In Prof Shell's version, the slave's name is Jacob, and Hendrik sold him in 1696 to Intje Poetje. (Cape Slave Deeds, R Shell)

  Hendrik married Johanna Mostert, daughter of Johannes Cornelius Mostert and Alida van Hulst, on 17 Jul 1690 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Johanna Mostert was born before 10 Mar 1675, christened on 10 Mar 1675 and died in Jan 1691.) Therefore, Hendrik married Johanna when she was only about 15 years old.

  Hendrik Venter borrowed 600 Gulden from the VOC (Bond), 30 August 1691. (MOOC 14/1 Vol 1 - TANAP)

  Hendrik next married Anna Villion, daughter of Francois Villion and Cornelia Campenaar, on 9 Dec 1691 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Anna Villion was born before 19 May 1678 in Cape Town, South Africa, christened on 19 May 1678 in Cape Town) Therefore, Hendrik married Anna when she was only about 13 years old. (VC644, marriages, page 88, 1691)

  First child from this marriage, Bonivatius Venter, born 12 January 1692 and baptised on 1 December 1692 as Bonivaas. Witnessess: Dietrich Putter and Marij Rosser. (Church records VC632) This means Bonifatius was born out of wedlock.

  Tax returns of 1692 (J183): Stellenbosch: Hendrik Venter and Anna Vilgon. With one son (probably Bonifatius). One labourer, one slave (probably Jan from Madagascar). Land owner for 10 years. Farming for 10 years. This means Hendrik has been farming since 1682 and therefore a free citizen since then.

  Francois Venter was baptised on 10 October 1694. Witnesses: Radlof Pasman and his wife. (Church records VC632)

  On 16 November 1694, Hendrik hired a soldier named Bartel Garwilingst, as a builder, from the VOC, for a period of one year at a fee of 9 Gulden per month. (CJ 2827.28)

Note that Hendrik signed (marked) contracts with "HF" and not "HV" as one would have expected: (also see images)

DEPOT KAB
SOURCE CJ
TYPE LEER
VOLUME_NO 2872
SYSTEM 01
REFERENCE 28
PART 1
DESCRIPTION VENTER, HENDRIK. VRYBURGER. KONTRAKTE.
STARTING 16940000
ENDING 16950000

  On 13 September 1696, Hendrik sold Jacob, aged 34 (from Macassar) for 133 Rijksdalers, to Intje Poetje ("free black"). (TN&S, Cape Slave Deeds, R Shell, and Cape Slave Transactions, P156 - A.J. Böeseken)

  Hendrik hired on 16 November 1698 a soldier named Radloff Gramschap, for general work, from the VOC, for a period of one year for a fee of 11 Gulden. (CJ 2872.102)

DEPOT KAB
SOURCE CJ
TYPE LEER
VOLUME_NO 2872
SYSTEM 01
REFERENCE 102
PART 1
DESCRIPTION VENTER, HENDRIK. VRYBURGER. KONTRAKTE.
STARTING 16950000
ENDING 16980000

  Pijeter (Pieter) Venter baptised on 18 October 1699. Witnesses: Pieter Filjon and Fijtje Schalck. (Church Records VC632)

  Cornelia Venter baptised on 15 October 1701. Witnesses: Hercules des Pres and Cornelia Viljon. (Church Records VC632)

  Registration: Farm Vlijsbank to Hendrik, dated 14 August 1704. (Title Deeds CTD 17.18) The title deeds in the Cape Archives dated 14 August 1704, and signed by the Governor, Louis van Assenburgh, records the award to ''Hendrik Venter landbouwer'' of 59.450 morgen situated on the Berg River in the Drakenstein district, near the current town Wellington. It is possible that the name "Vleeschbank" (now Vleisbank) means ''staging post'' and that this was a suitable marshalling post on the Berg River, where cattle were collected from the surrounding area, before being sent to Cape Town.

  Hendrik obtained the farm Vleesbank, 59.450 morgen, 25 August 1704. (MOOC 8/2.78 - TANAP) Today, it is not quite clear which farm is/was Vleesbank, since there are several farms in the area with this name and many of the farms have been rezoned, subdivided or even possibly recombined. (Vleesbank B, De Vleeschbank, Vleysbank and Vleeschbank) Hendrik was authorised to use his land for ''bezaaien, beplanten, bepoten, betimmeren en erflijk te bezitten'' (sowing, planting, grazing, planting trees, and living on) - and a portion of his crops were to be sold to the Company. The farm is described as being on the Berg Rivier, With Riebeeck Kasteel lying North-West, two hours from Jan Botma, half an hour from Dirk Coetzee and one hour from Guilliam des Toy (now spelt du Toit). It is close to the present day Hermon Station.

  Jan Hendrik Venter baptised on 7 November 1706. Witnesses: Pouwlis van Dale and Maria Rossar. This child did not survive. It is not known when he died. (Church Records VC632)

  Jan Hendrik Venter baptised on 17 November 1709. Witnesses: Jacob Cloeten and Pargaretha Pasman. (Church Records VC632)

  Hendrik sold Nazaret to his brother in law, 1710: Transfer nr 824, for property nr. 85 (farm Nazareth 50.520 morgen), sold by Hendrik Venter of Hamel, to Johan Villioen for 1000 Gulden, cash. (Cadaster M3/4900) Nazaret: To the East was land belonging to Francois Villon and Jacob Cloete; to the North uninhabited mountains: to the West land belonging to Arie Gerritsz; and immediately to the South undeveloped land.

  Frederik Venter baptised on 25 October 1711. Witnesses: Fredrik Viljon and Anna Sabina Venter. (Church Records VC632)

  Hendrik borrowed 400 Gulden from the VOC (bond), 6 April 1712. (MOOC 14/1 Vol 1 - TANAP)

  Hendrik contracted smallpox and died sometime before 18 April 1713 because on this date, his estate inventory and tax was published. (inventories of the Orphan Chamber, Cape Town Archives Repository, Reference MOOC 8/2.78) Chales du Plesis was the doctor attending to him during his illness.  (MOOC 14/1 Part I.54.)

  Hendrik's burial took place on 2 May 1713. (MOOC 14/1 Part I.54.) Unconfirmed records indicate that he died in Riebeeck Kasteel, and was buried in the (presumably) Riebeeck Kasteel area, which is close to his farm Vleesbank.

  Anna Villion, Hendrik's wife, died shortly after him, and she was buried 11 May 1713. (MOOC 14/1 Part I.54.) Her estate inventory and tax was published 15 June 1713. (MOOC10/1.80)

  Hendrik's estate sold Vleesbank to Nicolas Gockelius for 1400 Gulden in June 1713. (MOOC 13/1/1) Also recorded as such: The Deeds Book. The Cape cadastral calender 1677-1731: Leonard Gulek & Robert C.-H. Shell

  On 26 July 1713, Hendrik's estate paid Rd:s 8 to Reinier van de Sande for rental of an ox (horse) wagon for two days. This was to transport belongings to Stellenbosch, to be sold. (MOOC 14/1 Vol 1)

  The estate paid Paul Roux for burial clothes for Hendrik and salary (funeral costs) dated 9 August 1713, for ƒ37½. (MOOC 14/1 Part I.54)

  The estate paid Francois Guto Rd:s 2:0:4 towards costs for the burial of Anna, Hendrik's wife, on 2 November 1713. (MOOC 14/1 Vol 1)

  Hendrik's estate paid 452 Gulden to the VOC, February 1714. (MOOC 14/1 Vol 1)

  Hendrik's estate paid Rd:s 10 towards the Venter orphans (two days holiday). 18 June 1714. (MOOC 14/1 Vol 1)

  Hendrik's estate paid Rd:s 33 for a medical account (1712 - 1713) to Charles du Plesis, approved by Adriaan van Kervel, Secretary, dated 16 August 1714. (MOOC 14/1 Part I.54)

  The estate paid ƒ120 towards boarding and other costs for his daughter Cornelia Venter, for 10 months (September 1713 - December 1714), dated 15 October 1714, signed by Hercules des Pres. (MOOC 14/1 Part I.54)

  Hendrik's Venter estate paid ƒ36 towards boarding and other costs for his son Frederik Venter, for three months (October 1714 - December 1714), signed Hercules des Pres. (MOOC 14/1 Part I.54)

  The estate paid Rd:s 30 for a medical account for Pieter Venter, where ten bones were removed, to Pasques de Chavonnes, dated 15 October 1714. (MOOC 14/1 Part I.54)

  Hendrik's estate paid ƒ96 towards boarding and other costs for his son Pieter Venter, for the period December 1713 - July 1714, dated 15 January 1715. (MOOC 14/1 Part I.54)

  The estate paid Rd:s 2 from the beginning of February, and Rd:s 12 until end of July towards boarding and other costs for Hendrik's daughter Maria Venter. Signed by Hofman, Drakenstein, on August 1715. (MOOC 14/1 Part I.54)

  Hendrik's estate paid VOC 237 Gulden, 18:s 4:p to settle loans on 21 September 1715. (MOOC 14/1 Part I.54)

  Hendrik's estate paid VOC Rd:s 79 3/8 to settle loans  on 29 September 1715. (MOOC 14/1 Part I.54)

  The estate paid Rd:s 5:0:1 to Jacobus Uytema for tuition of the Venter children on 17 July 1717. (MOOC 14/1 Vol 1)

  Hendrik's children:

  Unnamed / unknown from the first marriage with Johanna Mostert, probably died during, or soon after birth.
 Bonivatius, recorded in the Cape Records until at least 1739.
 Francoijs, presumably died between 18 April 1713 and 15 June 1713, since he is not listed in his mother's estate.
 Anna Sabina, died before 14 June 1713.
 Pieter, died between December 1757 and 30 July 1758.
 Cornelia, died after 25 March 1742.
 Maria, died after 5 May 1743.
 Jan Hendrik, died between 7 Nov 1706 and Nov 1709.
 Jan Hendrik (the second), died after 1738 and had descendants.
 Frederik, died after December 1714.

  The puzzling aspect of the above list of children is that there should have been only eight alive at the time when Hendrik died. However, his estate liquidation and distribution record indicates nine! (MOOC 8/2.78)

Hendrik married Johanna Mostert, daughter of Johannes Cornelius Mostert and Alida van Hulst, on 17 Jul 1690 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Johanna Mostert was born before 10 Mar 1675, christened on 10 Mar 1675 and died in Jan 1691.)

Hendrik next married Anna Sabina Villion, daughter of Francois Villion and Cornelia Campenaar, on 9 Dec 1691 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Anna Sabina Villion was born before 19 May 1678 in Cape Town, South Africa, christened on 19 May 1678 in Cape Town, South Africa and died before 11 May 1713.)

  Noted events in their marriage were:

• Church Register, Cape Town Congregation, Cape Archives, VC603, VC604, VC605, VC644 marriages, page 88, 1691.

Den 9 10bris sijn in den huijwelijke staedt vereenignt aen Stellenbosch Hendrik Venter van Hamel wedu' met Anna Viljon jonge dogter van de Caep