Charles KIMPTON

The Kentish Gazette
Tuesday, June 12, 1860

THE MANCHESTER UNITY AT THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.
--An event has just taken place so highly honourable to the Manchester Unity, and especially to the brothers of the order residing at the Cape, that we trust the grand master and directors will take care that, in some form or other, it receives public recognition; either by publication in the quarterly minutes, by a vote of the executive, or in such other shape as may seem desirable. The C.S. of the Rye district, Mr. D. Huggett, received the other day the following letter, which tells its own tale, and furnishes no mean proof of the superiority of a great order like the Manchester Unity, with its branches in all parts of the world, not only over isolated benefit societies, but over the various societies holding themselves out as "Odd Fellows," but not belonging to the Manchester Unity. The Mr. Charles Kimpton referred to is, we may add, the son of Mr. Kimpton of East-street, Rye: -69 Caledon-street, Cape Town, 20th April, 1860. Dear Sir and Brother, -I take the liberty of addressing these few lines to you, and at the same time to solicit your kind aid in endeavouring to discover the relatives of a deceased brother of our noble order, who I have every reason to believe, are residents in the town of Rye. I will now state the particulars. A Mr. Charles Kimpton, whilst proceeding to some of the shipping, in the Table Bay on the 19th March last, unfortunately lost his life by drowning. As I said before, he was proceeding to some of the vessels in Table Bay, the weather at the time being very squally. Our deceased Brother, it appears, was standing on the after thwart of the lighter, when a sudden squall struck her, and the mainsail, coming over the side on which he was, and looking in another direction at the time, the sail striking him on the back carried him overboard; everything that human power could do was done to save him, both by the the men in the lighter, and by the crews of several vessels who put out boats to rescue him, but unfortunately without success; and I am sorry to say his body has not yet been recovered. He has left a wife but no family; all the information I could gain from her is, that he has a sister living in East-street, Rye, but whether she is married or not she is unable to inform me, consequently I do not know if she is going by the name of Kimpton or not. I have seen a letter she had written to him, but it was only signed "Your affectionate sister, Eliza," but no surname or number to her residence, only East-street, Rye. You will confir a great favour on me, by making every inquiry for such a person, and if successful, by also conveying the sad news to her, for I think it is better for them to be made aware of his unfortunate fate, than that they should remain, perhaps for years, in ignorance as to what might have become of him. He had only joined the Loyal St. George Lodge, No. 4825, about two months before his death, consequently he was not a free member. But I am proud to say that the Brethren of the Order, here subscribed 20 from their own pockets for the relief of his unfortunate widow; he was greatly respected by all who knew him, and is universally regretted by the brethren of his lodge. I write this, that his friends may know that he is deeply regretted by us. If you should be able to communicate with me; any letters they may enclose for Mrs. Kimpton shall be duly forwarded to her; and if, on the other hand, you should not be able to find them, you will greatly oblige by writing to me at the earliest opportunity. I am happy to inform you that oddfellowship is progressing rapidly in this district, we have now two lodges in Cape Town, and nearly 200 members. Hoping you will excuse this hurried letter, having only just time to post it, before the mail closes. Believe me, yours fraternally, John Yallop, C.S. To Mr. D. Huggett, Provincial C.S. Rye District.