Charles William Adolphus Tatham. Natal Carbineers

Charles William Adolphus Tatham, b. March, 1862; J.P., Greytown, Natal; . He served in the Zulu War, in 1879, at the age of 17. (Medal, and Clasp) [Curtis]

"Charles William Adolphus Tatham (Charlie) was the eldest son of Robert Bristow Tatham. He was born in 1862. He was educated first at Smith's School on the Berea in Durban, then Bishop's College in Maritzburg and finally St. Charles School. He served in the Natal Carbineers in the Zulu War at the age of 17 years "riding expresses and despatches through the enemy's country." He missed the Battle of Isandhlwana by having a brawl in Timber Street, Maritzburg and breaking his arm! As a boy of 9 years old he went with his family to the Diamond Fields at Kimberley and helped support the family by sorting diamonds, selling bread his mother had baked, and selling water. After the Zulu War he worked for an Auctioneer and put himself through night school to become a Solicitor. He helped all his brothers to do Law. In 1887 he claimed that he had found gold at Msinga, and the Golden Eagle Mining Company was formed to work it, with no success. He found enough gold to make his wife's wedding ring. This is still in possession of one of the family. He was a Solicitor and J.P. in Greytown. He married Lily Elizabeth Leuchars, daughter of Henry James Leuchars. She was born in 1864 and died in 1960. Charlie died in 1948. Their family was four sons and two daughters. [TFSA]
Committee member in 1897: Greytown Horticultural Society; Umvoti Agricultural Society [Natal Almanac, Directory and Yearly Register"

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