the BRISTOW family tree

Arthur Bristow and Sarah Bristow, around 1870. 

 

According to Bristow family mythology, we are descended from these two brave pioneers, great-great-grandfather Charles Arthur (my father was Arthur Charles) and Sarah Bristow  who arrived aboard the HMS Hebrides, at Port Natal in 1843.

RESEARCH SUGGESTS the seed of the local clan came from Bristol, which was originally spelled Bristow. In South Africa they trace their roots back to Charles Arthur and Sarah Bristow, who disembarked from the HMS Hebrides to make a new home on the sunny shore of Port Natal (Durban) in 1843. The grand patriarch started the Durban Brick Works which helped to build early Durban. The bricks all, apparently, were stamped with "DB". 

 

A fun fact is that there are Arthurs on just about all branches of the family tree: the subject's father was Barry Arthur Charles; his father was Arthur Bristow; his wife's father was Arthur McHattie; his maternal grandfather was Arthur Cullen; my brother is Vincent Arthur. But the Arthurs stop there.

Grandma and Pa - Granny Durban , aka Getruide Wilhelmina McHattie Bristow, with her younger sister Mona. Arthur Charles Bristow the third. He Died in 1956 or '7, so he was the unknown grandfather. By all accounts, Grandfather Bristow was an outstanding sportsman, excelling in rugby, cricket and athletics.

Barry, soldier, architect and father: some called him “saint”. Colleen (second from left, with the young Oscar), nurse, entrepreneur and mother: some called her "meshuga".

The Bryanston Beatles, as some called them: Vincent (12,  rhythm guitar and vocals), Glenn (11, bass guitar) and David (10, drums). “Our mother dressed us funny”.

The progeny: Bella, Ben and Daniel, 21 years apart – same couch.

The latest gen (would that be Y or Z?), munchkin Jessie takes no prisoners in the playground.