When looking for information about the Venter family, or just history in general, it is important to remember that up to the mid to late 1980's, the world was not as "connected" as it is now, and computers were not as readily available either. Birth-, Marriage- and Death Certificates were handwritten and captured onto a computer system later. Sometimes mistakes crept in during the capture process. Obviously, earlier records were only handwritten and whilst there is a process to digitise and put into electronic format, on the go, not everything is necessarily available. There are still thousands of files and microfilm (and books) in various archives, that one would need to consult.

 There is no such thing as the "correct" spelling of a name, particularly in genealogy. Variations abound, and they change with time. Indeed, there is often not a "correct" name for a particular person. As examples, in South Africa, the surname Venter was also recorded as "Venters", "Velter", "Fender" and "Fenter" amongst other variations. Even our relatives, the Viljoens, have this. Their surname was spelt "Villion", "Viljon", "Finjon", "Filton", "Filion", "Flunjon", "Signon" (See marriage register of Francois and Cornelia, parents of Hendrik's second wife Anna - Church Register, Cape Town Congregation, Cape Archives, VC603, VC604, VC605, VC644, marriages, page 81, 1676). Even the name "Hendrik" had several versions: "Hendrik", "Hendrick", "Henderik" etc. Also, as an example, the name Hieronimus became Hendrik in the Cape.

 Therefore, particularly when searching "old" records, you should search for variations of names and surnames, including "sounds like". Ideally, you should somewhat understand the concept of linguistics. Also, widen the date ranges of your search to a tolerance of about 10% either way. The dates you have in mind, may not be the dates at all!

 We recommend you read "Introduction to the Resolutions of the Council of Policy of Cape of Good Hope" by Dr. Helena Liebenberg.

 Some of the best advice and guidance available, was done by Daniel Jacobs. It is really a good document and will guide you on how to go about doing research. This document is available in Afrikaans only. Unfortunately, the website where the document could be found, is no longer active. We can, however, put you into contact with Daniel at his last known e-mail address. Please contact us for the details.

 The websites listed here, are particularly aimed at South Africans:

  National Archives of South Africa (NAAIRS) - Old Web Site
  National Archives of South Africa (NAAIRS) - New Web Site
  Department of Justice (Estates, Trusts and Insolvencies)
  TANAP (Old Cape Archives)
  TANAP (VOC Archives)
  VOC Passenger and Crew Lists
  VOC Detailed Ship Lists (1595 - 1795)
  VOC Ship List Website
  Rijksarchief in Den Haag
  Digital Resources: Netherlands and Belgium
  e-Family
  e-Family First 50 years project
  British Concentration Camps of the South African War
  The Genealogical Society of South Africa
  Links Provided By eGSSA
  Church Records By eGSSA
  The Baldwin Project
  The Cape Colony
  SA History Online - Additional resources
  Taaloord - Dr. Helena Liebenberg
  Cape Transcripts - Transcription of Estate Papers and TEPC
  South Africa - A chronology - List of events in South Africa, chronologically, from 1652 - 2009