Information on Whitehead Families in South Africa

Question

My Great Great Grandmother was Mabel Elizabeth Whitehead born 28 Sept 1883, married to Barend Petroa Pretorius, she died in 1959 and was buried in Brixton, Johannesburg, South Africa.

They had 10 children, Her one daughter is my Great Grandmother Mabel Maud Sarah Whitehead born Pretorius in  19 Sept 1915 Married possibly 3 times. Died in 1999 Durban South Africa.

1. husband Labuschagne - one child named Theo Labuschagne born abt 1934

2. Jan Harm Hermanus Stephanus (Jan ) Du Plessis born 10 Oct 1907, died 8 Jun 1945, Lawley, Welkom, South Africa (My Great GrandFather) they had 6 children.

3. Pieter Willem Martin Lessing Born 2 May 1916, died 23 April 1997 they had 7 children.

 

I would be greatful if I could have any information on the whitehead lineage before my Great Great GrandMother, or even the immigrants Named Whitehead to South Africa

 

sincerely

Chantel van Jaarsveldt

Answer 1

Hi, My name is Bob (Robert John) Whitehead. I believe that my forebears may have come from Ireland, England, (and who knows where)then South Africa, at some time. My forebears include people from both Ireland and South Africa(?), One of them was supposedly a "Pirate" or Licenced Privateer (in charge of a ship) from the UK. Another one (perhaps him) was charged originally with being a "Machine Breaker" in England, and was sent out to Australia. From Australia, via whatever means. I believe that he may have "run kanakas to the sugar farm plantations in Queensland. They then seem to have proceeded to New Zealand, and thence to Australia. Obviously, the sequence of events may be erroneous. Any information that you may have may be of great assistance. Many Thanks, Bob Whitehead

Answer 2

Hi Chantel

My maternal grandmother's maiden name was Whitehead. She was born in York, England and her father from Lancashire, England. His name was Alfred Whitehead. If this is the same family, please contact me.

Thanks

Aidan Bizony