Latest: Reunion in Vereeniging, 2010
For photos about this get-together, see the Afrikaans page here.
Mini get-together at Percival Murray's house, 27 April 2009
For photos about this get-together, see the Afrikaans page here.
Reunion in Frankfort, 23 September 2007
Peter writes:
The first official John Murray gathering in South Africa was held on Sunday 23 September 2007 at Frankfort in the Northern Free State. About 70 Murrays attended this historical event to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the John Murrays in South Africa.
Mrs Barbara (Murray) Vermaak of Frankfort who was also the oldest family member at this event, and her daughter – Mrs Marlene (Burgers) Müller of Frankfort – were the two hosts. A scrumptious meal, which included a “spitbraai” was presented by the two diligent women.
Trips were taken down mercury lane and new acquaintances were formed between cousins, nieces and nephews who saw each other for the first time. This was also an opportunity where the two groups – the Izak Murrays and the John Henry Elmslie Murrays – could meet and get acquainted for the first time. There was also a descendant of John Herman Murray, who was a brother of Izak Murray of Loxton. Since the descendants arrived in Cape Town in 1807, at least 9 generations had been born in South Africa.
Two of the 9 tribes – JOHN and HAMILTON – were represented on Frankfort. They have come from as far as Springbok, Duiwelskloof and Lydenburg, and even from London in the UK and Texas in the USA.
It is being planned to present a mass gathering every 10 years. All the John Murrays could attend this. The idea of presenting smaller regional or provincial gatherings every 3 to 5 years is also thought of.
Mr Andrew Murray of Sinoville in Pretoria, the chairman of the Charles Murray Bond of South Africa, talked to the guests about the history of the Graaff-Reinet family, who arrived in South Africa in 1822. (The Reverent Dr Andrew Murray is well known worldwide for his religious writings. He wrote hundreds of religious books and probably held the world record for the most religious books by the same author).
It was hopefully mentioned that descendants of other tribes would also be included in future gatherings. It would be a challenge to search for and invite the “unknown” Murrays to become part of the larger group. All Murrays whose names do not appear on the address list, are invited to inform the contact persons of their existence, and send in their particulars. The names and addresses of contact persons appear on this Murray website.
Cousins who had seen each other long ago, or never before, appear on this historical photo commemorating the 200 year anniversary of the John Murrays in South Africa. Front row: Rita (Murray) Smith of Reitz; Dawn (Murray) Pelser of Vereeniging; Nellie (Murray) Kemp of Harrismith; Marieta (Murray) Hoenderdos of Vereeniging; Barbara (Murray) Vermaak of Frankfort; and Margareet (Murray) van der Westhuizen of Springbok. Back row: Dina (Murray) Herbst of Duiwelskloof; Peter Murray of Riebeeckstad; John Henry Elmslie Murray of Vereeniging; Josef Murray of Hoedspruit; Johan van der Merwe Murray of Pretoria; and Izak Murray of Pretoria.
About 55 of the 70 guests who attended the gathering on Sunday 23 September at Frankfort appear on this photo.
Funeral goers: Samuel Murray (2005) and Eunice Phoebie Murray (1994)
Sometimes the only time distant family members see each other, is at a funeral. Here are two funeral reünion photos.
1994
2005
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