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==Emigration to South Africa==
==Emigration to South Africa==
[[File:Klynveld Pellisier Family.jpg|thumb|]]In October 1859, Klynveld emigrated to South Africa, arriving in Cape Town in January 1860. After a brief stay, he traveled to Colesberg where he worked at the law firm of Dirk Sluiter, a fellow countryman, for eighteen months.<ref name=":0" /> After working in Colesberg, he passed the Free State attorneys' exam.
In October 1859, Klynveld emigrated to South Africa, arriving in Cape Town in January 1860. After a brief stay, he traveled to Colesberg where he worked at the law firm of Dirk Sluiter, a fellow countryman, for eighteen months.<ref name=":0" /> After working in Colesberg, he passed the Free State attorneys' exam.
[[File:Herman Klynveld and Charlotte Pellisier's Family.jpg|thumb|upright=.85|left|]]
[[File:Herman Klynveld and Charlotte Pellisier's Family.jpg|thumb|upright=.85|left|]]
On 1 September 1861, Klynveld settled in [[Bethulie]], a small farming town in the Orange Free State where he practiced as an attorney. In April of the same year, he married Charlotte Caroline Pellissier, daughter of [[Jean Pierre Pellissier]], a missionary.<ref name=":0" /> They had a large family, including eight children.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-27 |title=Hermanus Klynveld, SV/PROG |url=https://www.geni.com/people/Hermanus-Klynveld-SV-PROG/6000000028737195906 |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=geni_family_tree |language=en-US}}</ref>
On 1 September 1861, Klynveld settled in [[Bethulie]], a small farming town in the Orange Free State where he practiced as an attorney. In April of the same year, he married Charlotte Caroline Pellissier, daughter of [[Jean Pierre Pellissier]], a missionary.<ref name=":0" /> They had a large family, including eight children.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-27 |title=Hermanus Klynveld, SV/PROG |url=https://www.geni.com/people/Hermanus-Klynveld-SV-PROG/6000000028737195906 |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=geni_family_tree |language=en-US}}</ref>

Revision as of 15:22, 27 June 2024

Herman Klynveld
Member of the Volksraad of the Orange Free State
In office
1871–1907
Personal details
Born(1833-07-08)8 July 1833
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Died21 June 1907(1907-06-21) (aged 73)
Bethulie, Orange Free State Province
Resting placeBethulie Main Cemetry, Orange Free State Province
SpouseCharlotte Caroline Pellissier[1]
ChildrenCharles Christiaan Klynveld[2]

Emile Jean Pierre Klynveld[3] Herman Oscar Klynveld[4] Max Klynveld[5] Henriette Martha (née Klynveld) Dittmar[6] Eugenie Florence (née Klynveld) Badenhorst[7] Emma Herminea (née Klynveld) Knauff[8] Annette Christine (née Klynveld) Graham[9]

Marie Louise (née Klynveld) Dewar[10]
OccupationAttorney, Politician

Hermanus Klijnveld (8 July 1833 – 21 June 1907), commonly known as Herman Klynveld, was a Dutch-born South African advocate and notable for his significant contributions as a member of the Volksraad in the Orange Free State (Oranje Vrijstaat), a Boer republic in Southern Africa.

His work primarily focused on legislative initiatives and diplomatic efforts that shaped the political landscape of the region during a pivotal era. Initially opposed to the construction of the railway, Klynveld nevertheless played a significant role in its eventual development. Klynveld also played a critical role in the protest against the annexation of diamond fields by the Cape Colony, and was involved in efforts to strengthen ties with the neighbouring Transvaal. His diplomatic acumen was particularly highlighted during his appointment to advise the Transvaal government in response to the Jameson Raid, demonstrating his importance in the political and legal spheres of the Boer republics.

Early life and education

Herman Klynveld was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He spent his early years receiving education in his hometown. From the age of nine to sixteen, he attended a boarding school in Beverwijk. Initially intended for theological studies, Klynveld showed no interest in the field and instead was employed in a trading office.[11] He was fluent in English, Dutch, and French.[12]

Emigration to South Africa

In October 1859, Klynveld emigrated to South Africa, arriving in Cape Town in January 1860. After a brief stay, he traveled to Colesberg where he worked at the law firm of Dirk Sluiter, a fellow countryman, for eighteen months.[11] After working in Colesberg, he passed the Free State attorneys' exam.

On 1 September 1861, Klynveld settled in Bethulie, a small farming town in the Orange Free State where he practiced as an attorney. In April of the same year, he married Charlotte Caroline Pellissier, daughter of Jean Pierre Pellissier, a missionary.[11] They had a large family, including eight children.[13]

Professional and Public Life

He opened his own very successful firm in Bethulie and participated actively in matters that had an impact on the community. He worked as a clerk of the magistrate's court, public prosecutor, mayor, translator, and acting magistrate. From 1879, he served as the chairman of the Bethulie Town Council[12].

Political Career

Klynveld's political career began in earnest in 1871 when he was elected to the Volksraad, the legislative assembly of the Orange Free State. He served on various committees tasked with the protest against the Cape Colony's annexation of diamond fields, toll associations, railways, and union with the Transvaal. He was known for his clear and eloquent speaking, common sense, and independent mindset, which made him influential in the Volksraad. He was a strong supporter of President Reitz, and later President Marthinus Theunis Steyn.[12] In 1896, under Steyn's administration, he was with Abraham Fischer to advise the Transvaal government regarding the Jameson Raid, an event that heightened regional tensions.[11][14]

In 1887, during a period of public unrest triggered by President Johannes Brand's resignation — a result of misunderstandings and disputes within the Volksraad — Klynveld encountered a notable situation. He was erroneously associated with the crisis, leading to a symbolic protest in which his effigy was burned in a coffin during a mock funeral at Bloemfontein's Market Square. Despite the dramatic nature of the event, it was reportedly conducted in good spirits.[15]

As a member of the Executive Council of the Free State, he decided, along with the president, to declare war against the British Empire, which ushered in the Anglo-Boer War.[12]

Later Years and Legacy

In 1897, Klynveld celebrated his 25th anniversary as a member of the Volksraad and was honored with a gold snuff box by his colleagues. By 1900, his health had declined, limiting his participation in council actions. Nevertheless, during crucial decisions regarding the Free State's alliance with the Transvaal during the Boer War, Klynveld remained an active and vital figure until his death in 1907 in Bethulie.[11] Following the war, Klynveld returned to Bethulie and resumed his legal practice, continuing to impact his community until his death in 1907.[12]

Throughout his life, Klynveld's actions and decisions had a profound impact on the Orange Free State and its residents, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to his adopted country through both peaceful legislative contributions and during times of conflict.

References

  1. ^ "Hermanus Klynveld, SV/PROG". geni_family_tree. 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  2. ^ "Hermanus Klynveld, SV/PROG". geni_family_tree. 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  3. ^ "Hermanus Klynveld, SV/PROG". geni_family_tree. 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  4. ^ "Hermanus Klynveld, SV/PROG". geni_family_tree. 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  5. ^ "Hermanus Klynveld, SV/PROG". geni_family_tree. 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  6. ^ "Hermanus Klynveld, SV/PROG". geni_family_tree. 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  7. ^ "Hermanus Klynveld, SV/PROG". geni_family_tree. 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  8. ^ "Hermanus Klynveld, SV/PROG". geni_family_tree. 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  9. ^ "Hermanus Klynveld, SV/PROG". geni_family_tree. 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  10. ^ "Hermanus Klynveld, SV/PROG". geni_family_tree. 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  11. ^ a b c d e Molhuysen, P.C (1912). Nieuw Nederlandsch biografisch woordenboek. Deel 2 [New Dutch Biographical Dictionary Part 2] (in Dutch). Leiden, Netherlands: A.W. Sijthoff. p. 690. ISBN 9789060728024.
  12. ^ a b c d e Venter, Trudie (2018). Bethulie... Onvoltooid [Bethulie... Unfinished] (in Afrikaans). Private. ISBN 9781727437515.
  13. ^ "Hermanus Klynveld, SV/PROG". geni_family_tree. 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  14. ^ Andriessen, Willem Frederik (1904). Gedenkboek van den oorlog in Zuid-Afrika [Commemorative Book of the War in South Africa] (in Dutch). Hollandsch-Afrikaansche Uitg. Mij. pp. 45, 46, 52.
  15. ^ Botes, Marianna (2012). "Volksraadlid op Markplein "Verbrand" [Volksraad Member 'Burned' at Market Square]". Sabinet African Journals.