The Hissem-Montague Family

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Known as Denys. Hubert D. A. Heesom was born on 21 [31] October 1911 in Redhill, Surrey, England, the fifth of five sons of Edwin Ernest Darley Heesom and Maude Agnes Miller. He entered Marlborough school in about 1925; his brother Alan had attended the same school, as did his nephew, Thomas.

In 1929 Denys joined the Port Line, a shipping firm and subsidiary of the great Cunard Line. As H.D.A. Heesom, of Commonwealth & Dominion Line Ltd., of London [this was earlier [?] name for the Port Line].
- on 15 August 1930 Hubert Heesom, of Low Croft, Redhill, Surrey, an 18 year old student, arrived in Southampton, England, from Montreal, Canada, onboard the MONTCALM, of the Canadian Pacific Line.

At some point Hubert graduated from Cambridge with a BA degree.

"Camb.; BA Heesom, Hubert Denys Alastair, (B 3), b. of EED Heesom, . . ." - from "Marlborough College Register."

He moved to Coates Brothers & Co. Ltd. of London in 1933. They are a manufacturing firm specializing in inks, resins and other coating materials.

Hubert D. A. Heesom married Joy Dorothy Coates in September 1936, in Surrey, England. She was a daughter of George Coates, one of the owners of the firm.

Then, in 1936, Hubert emigrated to Durban, Natal, South Africa and took over the management of the South African branch of Coates Brothers. He served as Managing Director from 1936 to 1966.

". . . Denys Heesom has been in office as managing director since 1936 except for a three-year spell in Australia." - from "Cape Town" by John R. Shorten, 1963

"Heesom, Hubert Denys, 33, c/o Coats Bros & Co. Ltd., Easton Street, London WC1, Director of S. Africa Companys"

Hubert was made Chairman of Coates Brothers South Africa in 1966, serving until 1976.

"Heesom, Denys; Coy. Dir.;
Ed[itor]. Protea Cricket Annual of S.A. [a book]; SA Corr. "Wisden's Cricketers' Almanack" and "The Cricketer International"; Stat, to SA Cricket Union;
Mayor Betty's Bay;
1929-33 Port Line Ltd., Lon.,
1933-36 Coates Brothers & Co. Ltd., Lon.,
Coates Brothers (S.A.) Ltd., S. Africa; Mng. Dir. 1936-66, Chair 1966-76,
Past Chair SA Printing Ink Assoc.; Past Chair Cel. Botanical Society of S.A.; Hon. Life Mem. 1977.
Came to SA 1936; b. 21st Oct. 1911, Redhill, England;
Educ.: Marlborough Coll.;
sof [son of] Edwin Ernest Darley Heesom;
m. 2nd Aug. 1957 (2nd) Rona Maureen, dof Capt. G.E.M. O'Donnell. DSO, RN (Retd.). 3 s.
Clubs: Dbn.. WP Cricket. WP Sports. MCC, Cricket Writers'. Rec: Cricket Statistics, wild flowers, hacking alien vegetation.
Add.: 107 Cumberland, Three Anchor Bay, CP." - from "Who's Who in South Africa" of 1980

Second Denys married Rona Maureen O'Donnell, the daughter of Captain G.E.M. O'Donnell, DSO, RN (retired), on 2 August 1957.

Denys must have been married a third time, his wife at the time of his death was Michael [Michelle?] per his obituary.

Hubert died on 26 December 1976 in Seapoint, Cape Town, South Africa. An obituary,

"HEESOM, DENYS, who died suddenly but peacefully at Betty's Bay on September 23, was South Africa's principal cricket statistician and historian; and editor of The South African Cricket Annual. He was South African correspondent for Wisden. Born in Reigate, Surrey - he used to talk of seeing William Caffyn [a famous crickateer] there as an old man - he was educated at Marlborough and developed an intense interest in cricket and its folklore. Despite a successful business career he was able to devote a considerable amount of time to his hobby, which became a full-time occupation when he retired from business. His other interests were horticulture and music, and he had a wide knowledge of both."

Name of Deceased: Heesom, Hubert Denys Alastair. Address and Date of Death: 107 Cumberland, Beach Road, Three Anchor Bay, Cape, South Africa. 23rd September 1979. Persons to whom notices of claims are to be made: Maxwell Batley & Co., 27 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PA. (Francis William O'Shea and Fraser Robert McColl.) - from thegazette.co.uk

Denys Heesom had three sons, all the children of his first wife, Joy.
(27) Christopher Guy Heesom (1938)
(27) Jeremy Heesom (c1940)
(27) Edward Nicholas Heesom (c1942)

Possible descendents of Denys Heesom,
David Heesom, South African Financial Service Board

Known as Guy. The son of Denys Heesom and Joy Coates, he was born on 3 April 1938 in Durban, Natal, South Africa. He attended the Bishops Diocesan College, an Anglican school in Cape Town, below, boarding in White House.

He attended the London School of Economics and, later, Rhodes University in Cape Province, South Africa, earning an LLB. He only worked for a short time as a lawyer. He married Susanna Helena Maria Olivier in 1966. After joining the Adventist church he attended Helderberg College to study theology, graduating in 1978. However, he did not accept a position with the church. Instead he pursued a career as a financial analyst. He was the director of Lombard Rand Ltd in Haywards Heath, West Sussex.

Guy's wife, Susanna, and daughter died in a car crash in 1979. In 1981 Guy married Christabel Petty.

Christopher Guy Heesom died in September 1993 in Ardingly, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex, England.

Guy's children were,
(28) Rupert Heesom (1968)
(28) Cynthia Heesom (1969)
(28) Colin Geoffrey Heesom (1971)

Rupert Heesom was born on 24 December 1968 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Now residing in Sulz, Austria. He went to Bishops in Gray House and attended Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, graduating in 1993. He appears to be an engineer at Adventist World Radio while also doing Alternative Medical Treatments.

Rupert, wrote me to correct errors in my write-up, having copied the relevant paragraphs here and inserted edits.

"On Nov 21st 1979 Susanna, Cynthia [Colin's wife] --> not wife, but our SISTER! I, Rupert am oldest, Cynthia middle, Colin youngest. At the time I was 10, Cynthia 9, Colin was 6.
..... and Colin were involved in a car crash in Kuilsriver, in Cape Town. Susanna died instantly, Cynthia suffered brain damage before not recovering from a coma, and Colin was relatively unscathed with a hairline fracture to his shin bone. Susanna and Cynthia lie buried at the Helderberg Church cemetry, in Somerset West.

- - - - - - - - -

Guy was a 1979 graduate of Andrews University, an Adventist school in Battle Creek, --> Not Battle Creek, but Berrien Springs , Michigan. I myself physically attended Andrews University, Berrien Springs. Graduated 1993. (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berrien_Springs,_Michigan) There is a town called Battle Creek in MI, about an hour by car from Berrien Springs. See above for an explanation of this.

- - - - - - - -

He apparently brought his family to England in January 1988, at the age of 49. A financial analyst, he was the director of Lombard Rand Ltd in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. --> Rewrite : only he and I flew into London in Jan 1988. I had finished "high school" (Bishops) Dec 1987. I was due to report for military service (conscription) Jan 1988. Dad did not want me to go to service. He disagreed with military in general (as do I). We arrived in London the day I was due to report for infantry conscription in South Africa. I was in England on a South African passport (allowed entry for 6 months without visa). Dad had always had a British passport.

6 months later (summer 1988) I went out to Andrews University, MI, USA to attend summer quarter before starting the new year in the fall. I started majoring in Accounting. By the end of my Junior year it was clear accounting was not working (I hated it). I switched major to Management Information Systems (mixture of computer science & management). I studied 1 extra year to graduate with BBA (MIS) June 1993. American uni usually 4 years. I graduated in 5 years. Interesting to note UK degrees are 3 years not 4. BTW, good thing I didn't graduate with accounting.... UK "accountancy" quite different from US counterpart.

Regarding rest of the family, Colin & stepmother Chris carried on with life in Cape Town until Dad was ready to bring them across, which was after I had left for America. Colin attended a school completing college in Croydon, South London. He will be able to explain more about that.

Dad had many "businesses" during his life, most went under, I was too young to know why. Lombard Rand was one of the business names he used. He used to trade commodities (Maybe other instruments, I don't know). He thought he was good, he sometimes was. He traded his own account, and had a few clients, though I never knew anything about the clients.

The last office he rented was a small place in Hassocks, near Haywards Heath. That also went bankrupt before his death.

Dad had a heart attack during my last year at uni. He recovered and was on a recovery program including gym use (unheard of him to go to a gym). DURING a gym session, he collapsed but paramedics were unable to revive him. He was pronounced dead at hosp. It was a massive blockage/heart attack again. Colin is a first-aider, he might remember more medical terms!

From the dates, you might notice that Dad died the summer after my graduation. Luckily both Colin & Dad were present at Andrews Uni for that.

- - - - - - - -

His sons went to Bishops in Gray House. They were, (28) Rupert Heesom (c1967), of Hove, East Sussex, but now residing in Austria. He appears to be an engineer at Adventist World Radio while also doing Alternative Medical Treatments

-->. I was born 24.12.68. Where I'm from? Been all over, but born in Johannesburg South Africa. Currently living in small village Sulz near town Rankweil in state (Bundesland) Vorarlberg, which is western most part of Austria. Vorarlberg borders with Switzerland, so we live very close to Swiss border. German border also very close! I _was_ at AWR for about 3 months.

I spent about 10 years in IT in England, various companies, including my uncle Nicks company Electra Polymers & Chemicals at Roughway Mills. Worked about 3 years there. After Electra, another 3 years (too long) at Sainsburys HQ in Blackfriars London wasting my time on 1st level computer support. Sainsburys is one of the supermarket chains in the UK. I have various trainings in alternate therapies, I do not practice any of them.

Thought you should know I have a son. He was born 24.06.2013 in Brighton, south coast of England. Was named Honehe Nononooe Mortimer-Heesom. Those are Cheyenne words, means Nononooe =Rainbow (as in Rainbow children) Honehe =Wolf. We call him "Noni". His mother's name is Julia Mortimer.

Sulz-Rothis on Google maps 6832 Rothis https://maps.app.goo.gl/bzVCByJgfGxH5i7h7

(28) Colin Heesom (c1968), who provided many of the updates in this section. Does he now live in Idaho or Tunbridge Wells, Kent? The man in Idado is Colin S. Heesom, married to Sandra A. Warren.

--> Colin is 3 1/2 years younger than me, so he was born 23.06.1971. Would also have been born in Joburg. We only moved to Cape Town later. Colin married Sandra Warren in Idaho. Yes, that's him in Idaho, however it's Colin (Geoffrey) Heesom. He also used to live with me in Pembury, Kent (outside Tunbridge Wells), so that's also him. He & Sandy, and Skye, Sandys son moved to South Africa a few years ago now. They live about 2 hours from Cape Town, inland at a place called Riviersonderend (means river without end in Afrikaans).

Riviersonderend, 7250, South Africa https://maps.app.goo.gl/sY7n2jqhUyvVtANw7

I'm sure Colin would be happy to answer any questions about his life."

Rupert's son is,

(29) Honehe Nononooe Mortimer-Heesom

Those are Cheyenne words, means Nononooe = Rainbow (as in Rainbow children) Honehe = Wolf. We call him "Noni." Also known as Miguel Heesom.His mother's name is Julia Mortimer.

Cynthia died in a car crash at the age of nine.

Colin Heesom was born on 23 June 1971 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He went to Bishops in Gray House. He lived in Idaho for a time where he married Sandra A. Warren.

Guy's son, Colin, wrote,

"He [Guy] settled in Johannesburg, marrying in 1966.

He told me that he attended the London School of Economics in the early 60s for some sort of diploma. I'll check for more details. He attended Rhodes University, in Grahams Town in the then Cape Province, and obtained his LLB to become an advocate: this was before or at the time of marrying, for he worked in Johannesburg as a lawyer, but only briefly.

In 1971-2 he and Susanna, my mother, attended an evangelistic series near our home in Montgomery Park, northern Johannesburg, after which they mutually joined the Seventh-day Adventist Christian church at the Johannesburg North SDA Church congregation (at corner of Mendelssohn Rd & Anton van Wouw St), in Franklyn Roosevelt Park. We had been practising Anglicans till then. Rupert and I are still members of the SDA church.

In about 1974 we moved to Cape Town to be near my grandmother, Joy D. Bennett (remarried), and to attend Helderberg College, the SDA South African seminary, to study theology - a new-found interest for him. He graduated in 1978.

Btw, the reference you have to Andrews Uni in MI is due to Helderberg College being affiliated academically to Andrews, which has a higher status in academia,....as far as I understand. Basically, it was a degree authorised essentially by the Andrews University, but granted by Helderberg.

He was offered a promising career in South African Adventism, in church leadership, but - so he told me - he didn't agree with important, optional training requirements for pastors not being made compulsory....Maybe I'd have taken the job, but he turned it down, preferring portfolio management, but having to be his own boss.

Till his dying day success eluded him, sadly. His theological acuity remained strong, though. He didn't quite emulate his father.

On Nov 21st 1979 Susanna, Cynthia, and Colin were involved in a car crash in Kuilsriver, in Cape Town. Susanna died instantly, Cynthia suffered brain damage before not recovering from a coma, and Colin was relatively unscathed with a hairline fracture to his shin bone. Susanna and Cynthia lie buried at the Helderberg Church cemetry, in Somerset West.

In 1981 remarried Christabel Petty, also of British descent, who has four children from her first marriage. She has settled, as of now, in North Carolina, USA, very near her oldest son."

Colin's son is,

(29) Skye Heesom

Jeremy He attended the Diocesan College (Bishops), in Cape Town, boarding in White House, away from home in Durban.

Jeremy is the middle sibling, and all I know is that he farmed on the farm Sundrift, in Franschhoek [French Corner] near Stellenbosch [West Cape Province, near Cape Town], until his step-father, Maxwell Bennett, who ran the farm Zorgvliet, in Stellenbosch, died of a stroke in 1987. Jeremy stepped in to help after the first manager died in a farm accident.

Jeremy has now retired from Zorgvliet but still resides in Stellenbosch....he is on here, FB.

His first marriage, to Maureen, ended in divorce in about 1985. He married Norma van Wyk in about 1993. Norma is currently farming in the Cape Town area. His three children are Marchelle, Lynda & Andrew, in descending order of age.

I discovered the following on the Bishops school website.

"We received the following message from Andrew Heesom (1990/1W) whose dad, Jeremy Heesom (1958W) sadly passed away in Bloemfontein whilst travelling to Johannesburg:

"I'd like to inform you that my Dad, Jeremy Heesom, White House 1954 to 1958, passed away on Tuesday 11 October 2022. My oldest sister, Marchelle, still lives in Cape Town with her husband and son, Jamian Heesom-Baron (Gray 2014) who graduated from UCT Medical Faculty in 2021, while my other sister, Lynda, lives in Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast in Australia with her husband and 2 children. I (White House 1990) am also still in Cape Town too and live in Melkbosstrand with my wife and 3 children.

Dad is survived by his youngest brother, Nick, White House (late 1950’s to early 1960’s)."

Jeremy had been a farmer in Franschoek until the late eighties and then farmed in Stellenbosch until 1998 before retiring. Luca Heesom, son of Edward Nicholas (1990W) is currently at the College. He is in Grade 8."

See the Jeremy Heesom family website at Hello from Stellenbosch. His children are,
(28) Andrew Heesom (1972)
(28) Lynda Heesom (c1974)
(28) Marchelle Heesom (c1976)

Andrew Heesom was born on 27 December 1972 in Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa. He attended Bishops Diocesan College, Rhodes University, class of 1994. He lives in Cape Town, Western Cape. He is a pharmacist. DUR Pharmacist at Metropolitan Health Group; Sharpline Graphix Cape Town Area, South Africa. His wife is Sheena. Sheena is a Medical Receptionist at Atlantic Hip and Knee in Cape Town. They have at least two girls, one of which is,

(29) Luca Storm Heesom (2012), born on 5 March 2012.

She married Cam Broadrick (?). Her child is Trinity Joy Broadrick, born 27 February 2012.

He attended the Diocesan College (Bishops), in Cape Town, boarding in White House, away from home in Durban.

Nicholas (Nick) moved to England to - according to Nicholette - finish schooling at Oundle, having been at Bishops. He is married to Wendy (Wendy Mary Dobie Heesom), and has four children: Rufus, Venetia, Cloe, and Dudley. He has semi-retired to Hermanus, near Cape Town, SA, since about 10 years ago now.

"Monday, 24 February, 2014

World trade is not always grand to observe but its influence can be enormous. Electra Polymers is just that. Down a small path deep in the Tonbridge countryside there is a building that hosts an international business based right here in Tonbridge. Inside is a hub of innovation and creativity coming up with new products for clients around the world.

For three decades Electra Polymers has been a leader in the development and manufacturing of advanced specialty chemical and polymer products for the global printed circuit board (PCB) industry. I went to visit the Electra Polymers to hear about their business and learn what they are looking for from their next MP. I'm taking nothing for granted but I hope that will be me. Chairman Nicholas Heesom, John Heesom and Chris Wall showed me around.

The advanced speciality polymers that are developed and manufactured on site are formulated to meet European and North American PCB market demand. Electra Polymers customers and/or their OEMs are many of the world's most respected PCB and electronics manufacturers, including Lear Automotive, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ford, Airbus, Boeing, Ericsson, Motorola, 3 Com, Rolls Royce, Siemens.

More recently Electra Polymers has developed and launched advanced 4th generation photo-definable product lines to meet demand from "mission critical" European, Israeli and US companies specializing in advanced materials and composites. It is this kind of innovation that has turned a Tonbridge firm into a global leader.

This isn't just good for Britain, it's good for the area. The company's employees live locally and both benefit from and contribute to the excellent schools and facilities in the county. I was very impressed by the way Electra Polymers takes on receptive apprentices. That's good for everyone and leads to growth. But better still it keeps people living amongst their family and friends.

Keeping industry in the heart of our communities is vital to ensuring we keep out towns and villages alive. Electra Polymers shows that this doesn't need to be visible to be international. It's an example of what can be achieved right here in Tonbridge. If elected, I will look forward to promoting businesses which make the most of our unique position to generate jobs and income locally."

His children,
(28) Rufus John Richard Heesom
(28) Venetia Liberty Margaux Heesom (1977)
(28) Chloe Heesom
(28) Robert Dudley Charles Heesom (1979)

Of Electra Holdings Ltd., Electra Polymers & Chemicals Ltd. Other officers of the company included Edward Nicholas Heesom, John Richard Heesom and Wendy Mary Dobie Heesom. Of Tonbridge, Kent.

Sales and Marketing for the Pitt Media Group.

She went to Oundle School.

He was born in September 1979 in South Africa or he was born in September 1979 in Westminster, Greater London. Director of Pyxix Interchem Ltd. Director of Lintfield Capital Limited of Tonbridge, Kent. Residence: Roughway Mill Dunks Green, Tonbridge, Kent, United Kingdom.

I have a Dudley Heesom who is an executive with Electra Commodities Incorporated.

Mr Heesom is responsible for the development of Electra Commodities Inc activities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Mr Heesom is President of the board of Electra Commodities Inc.

Mr Heesom is actively involved in the development of copper & cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the development of coal mining concessions in Mozambique and the development of chromium concessions in Zimbabwe.

Mr Heesom holds a Bachelor of Arts honours degree and Master of Arts degree in Economics & Chinese from Edinburgh University. Mr Heesom is fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese & French.

There was a South African fighter-bomber pilot of World War II, Group Captain David Heysham, Wg Cdr Operations at HQ DAF, developed a mobile method for aircraft vectoring and control, called "Rover David," a method of forward aircraft control for the close-air support of ground troops.

"These had been the brainchild of another young fighter commander, a South African, Group Captain David Heysham. The systems were simple. ..." - from "Italy's Sorrow: A Year of War, 1944-1945" by James Holland

George, the son of James and Mary Hesom, was baptized on 22 December 1811 in Willoughby. In the 1841 census as a builder. He married Elizabeth Wade on 28 September 1841 at St. Andrew, Rugby, Warwick. Elizabeth was born in 1817. George died in June 1849 in Barnet, Middlesex. Elizabeth married Owen Owens, and then died in 1852.

Their two sons emigrated together to "Natal with the Byrne Settlers (in the NILE under Lidgett's scheme) with their Stepfather," Owen Owens, and their aunt, Alice Wade.

"It appears that Owen Owens's stepsons Robert Hesom and George Hesom* were both associated with . . . " - from "British Settlers in Natal, 1824-1857"

He was born on 28 September 1843 in Rugby, England, the son of George Hesom and Elizabeth Wade.

"I have found him and Robert on the Nile steamship leaving London and arrving Port Natal Sept 1850. Also on this boat. Mrs Alice Wade, J B Wade, Jos Wade, M Wade, W Wade, Wm Wade. On 26th apr 1850 John Wade, carpenter, wife Charlotte sons John B, Henry B left London on the Minerva arriving at Port Natal 3rd Jul. Prior to this John Wade farm servant wife Elizabeth, dr Eliza Mary left London 18th Apr1849 arr P Nat 18th Jul. James Arbuthnot,w Jane, Children William T, McDuff,Eva, Hubert, arrived in Natal 19th Sept 1850."

"Here is one of the articles I found amongst my Dad's papers. It is a newspaper clipping with nothing to indicate which newspaper, nor the date of publication, but presumably it would have been the local Pietermaritzburg paper. "City Streets ... No 10. An Interesting Life.

Both his parents being deceased, George Thomas Hesom came to Natal with the Byrne settlers (in the Nile under Lidgett's scheme) with his stepfather, Mr Owen and his aunt Mrs Wade.

In the middle 1850s, at the age of 13 years, Hesom traded in Zululand and Swaziland with his stepfather and Mr Vicar Brayhurst. These three Europeans penetrated north of the Lebombo mountains and to many Africans there. Hesom was the first white child they had seen.

As a lad Hesom knew the Zulu chief Chamu very well and had the almost unique experience of being held hostage by Mswazi, leader of the Swazis, on account of some alleged horse trading swindle by another white man.

Hesom was released but forbidden thereafter to enter Swaziland. Among the boers of the Transvaal, Hesom and Brayhurst bartered draperies and groceries for farming stock and wool. When he reached his majority, Hesom traded on his own account but heavy losses during years of depression made him give this up in favour of stock farming in the Biggarsberg vicinity. In 1882 he came to Pietermaritzburg where he joined his brother, Robert, as a butcher. When the latter died he took over the establishment and bought several others of like kind.

George Hesom retired from business and sat on the Pietermaritzburg City Council from 1908 to 1910. When he died in 1920 a 75 year link with Natal's history was broken."

Isn't it fascinating and quite amazing to know what courage, tenacity and spirit young George Hesom had! I have another article about somebody Kennard who was the father-in-law of V Wade, will post that next time. Until then, cheers everyone. Rosie"

His children were,
(25) Anne Hesom
(25) Edward William Hesom (c1870)
(25) Robert Hesom (1873)
(25) George Plummer Cyril Hesom (1898)

He married Lydia Mary Ensor. Their children were,
(26) Anne Hesom
(26) George Hesom
(26) Gladys Hesom
(26) Grace Hesom
(26) Iris Lydia Hesom
(26) Leslie Hesom
(26) Vic Hesom, his children were Angela and Marian

He was born on 13 October 1873 in Dundee, Natal, the son of George Thomas Hesom. Educatd at Maritzburg College. Robert fought as a corporal in the Boer War, serving from 29 September 1899 to 31 May 1902 - from the Anglo-Boer War website. Awarded King's, Queen's, and Diamond Jubilee medals. I have a "Hesom Robert, 888 regiment, G&I, 2nd battalion" in a roll of the Imperial Light Horse. G&I referred to his rank, though I haven't figured out what that means yet. Most of the other men were listed as Tpr [trooper], Sergt, or Lieut.

He returned to England where he met and married Ida Constance Bowen, of Bilston, Staffordshire, England, on 22 July 1905.

"George Thomas had a son Robert and on the 18th July 1905 he married my great aunt Ida Constance Bowen In St Leonards church Bilston England. You can view that church at www. genuki bilston. For enquiries in South Africa look a Rutti Tuttis post above Bilston to South Africa and go to National Archives gov.za. On that sight there is loads of info on the hesom family. They really were pioneers. I havent so far been able to find a brother for George Thomas. Hesom is an unusual name in the uk and they all appear to come from Warwickshre. On the marriage record G.T is listed as a gentleman."

"Robert was born in South Africa and he and Ida met when he was invited to ride behind Queen Victoria's carriage on the occasion of her Silver Jubilee. I understand that they returned to South Africa in 1907 when my father, Bernard (their firstborn) was six months old. They had two other surviving children out of five born to them, Leonie and Jack. They lived a rather nomadic life stretching from Harrismith to Natal to the Kimberley diamond fields to Knysna and onward to Northern Rhodesia. Robert died in 1948 in Luanshya, Northern Rhodesia and Ida in about 1968 in Cape Town." - posted by Rosi

Their children were,
(26) Bernard Hesom (c1905)
(26) Leonie Hesom

His son was John.

Or a grandson of George Thomas? "My grandfather was George Plummer Cyril Hesom, his father was George Thomas Hesom, and his father was George Thomas Hesom. I think that is what my mom said - which one is then Robert's brother? It sounds as though it was my grandfathers fathers brother. My grandfather was born 1898 in SA his father must then have been born at least 25 years before, he being the oldest. That would put it at 1873. So The GT senior was born in 1843. Yes the name is unusual. The name has died out on our branch there are no more men. All the offspring were girls. I have often wondered if they came down from Vikings, I live up Denmark and there is a place called Husum here. My grandad was very tall and blond a real Kirk Douglas/Spencer Tracey look alike, only better looking!!!!! There are also German Hesom's, I found one in Northern Germany."

Robert, the son of George Hesom and Elizabeth Wade, was born on 7 December 1845 in Willoughby, Warwick, England. He married Mary Ann Newbolt [Newbold].

A "Pmb. [Pietermaritzburg] butcher," included in "British Settlers in Natal 1824-1857: A Biographical Register." Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second largest city of the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. It was founded in 1838. Popularly called Maritzburg, and abbreviated PMB. The city was originally founded by the Voortrekkers and was the capital of the short-lived Boer republic, Natalia. Britain took over Pietermaritzburg in 1843 and it became the seat of the Natal Colony's administration.

Robert and Ann had six children,
(25) George Hesom
(25) Walter Hesom
(25) Newbold Hesom
(25) Lilian Hesom
(25) Owen Hesom (1879), he served from 29 September 1899 to 31 May 1902 as a Trooper in the Natal Carbineers, a mounted infantry regiment, during the Boer War.

"In September 1899, the Natal Carbineers was mobilized for active service in the British campaign to subdue the Boer republics of the Transvaal and Orange Free State. The Regiment served until October 1900, when the Natal Volunteer Forces were demobilized. Some men continued their service in the Volunteer Composite Regiment until the end of the war in May 1902.

Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal: From 2 November 1899 until 28 February 1900 the bulk of the Natal Carbineers was besieged in Ladysmith, and played a prominent part in that famous siege. The most prominent military action was the attack by Colonial Forces on the Boer artillery emplacement at Gun Hill on the night of 7-8 December 1899. The Regiment lost heavily from the diseases that ravaged the garrison. A solitary squadron of the Natal Carbineers, the Estcourt-Weenen Squadron, avoided the siege of Ladysmith, and instead participated in the relief operations of Sir Redvers Buller. This squadron's most notable military action of this period was the disastrous battle of Colenso on 15 December 1899, when four men were killed. These were the most serious losses for any one action during the Anglo-Boer War." - from Wikipedia

Georgina Elizabeth, the daughter of Robert Hesom and Newbolt, was born on 29 August 1880 in Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa. She died on 15 November 1958.

A modern day Hesom. Regional Investment Manager for BoE Corporate Property Investment partners

"United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has decided to appoint Nicholas Haysom of South Africa as Director for Political Affairs."

Steve Hissem
San Diego, California