CAPE TOWN FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

Subject: Astronomical Ancestors

Dear Sir / Madam

I hope that either you or your members can help me in a major project which I am currently undertaking. If possible I would appreciate it if this request could be published in your magazine.

The British Astronomical Association was found in 1890 with almost 500 members. I am at present trying to identify the biographical information about these members, particularly date and place of birth/death (year if not day and month as well), and occupation. The Census returns for 1891 and published biographies / obituaries have proved to be of great assistance in my research. However there are a number of individuals who I have not been able to trace. Of these the following were resident in Transvaal at the time: (I include the information which I have for the person. Spellings are as they appear in the original list of members published in December 1890.) Unfortunately the list may only give initials, which of course makes it more difficult to trace them. The addresses are as given in th membership list.


G. Schutse, Rustenburg, Transvaal.

I realse that as this person lived in the Transvaal you may not be able to help directly, but if not, could you let me know whether there is a FHS in the Transvaal?

Also, I may be able to help your members, at least in providing addresses during their period of membership. I have an almost complete set of membership lists from 1891-1969.

Any assistance provide will be fully acknowledged in my data base.

Yours sincerly,

Anthony Kinder MSc, FRAS.