Willem Somerset "Japie" Morkel

William Somerset MORKEL (31 Oct 1845-16 Jan 1914) opened the first butcher in Ferreira's Camp, on the corner of Bree Street East and Marshall Square. He later had a second butchery in Bok Strret, Doornfontein. William's father, Pieter Loreth MORKEL, was a butcher at the Cape. Willem became a butcher too and moved to Kimberley, where he married Johanna Helena MARITZ (15 Jan 1854-20 May 1918) and their children were born:

1) Theunisina Christina born 13 Dec 1874 2) Hendrik Johannes (aka Harry) born 02 Jul 1876 3) Gerhardus Maritz (aka Gerrit) born 23 Jun 1878; died Jul 1955; married Flora Fanny MATTHEWS (born 25 Nov 1880) 4) William Somerset (aka Sommie) born 26 Sept 1879; died 11 Jul 1921 in Bethal; married Hester Jakowa KOTZE 5) Stephanus Kimberley (aka Steve) born 18 Nov 1881 6) Douglas Francis Theodore born 18 Oct 1885; died 20 Feb 1950 in Johannesburg; married Hulda Marie BUCHLER (died 1930) 7) John Vernon Bester born 16 Jan 1890; died 1924

The family lived in Davies Street in Doornfontein, and later moved to Bok Street in Hospital Hill. Harry took part in the Anglo-Boer War, along with his brothers Gerrit and Steve. Sommie was taken prisoner-of-war by the British at Abraham's Kraal on 10 Marc 1900 and sent to Deadwood in St Helena. During the war, both shops were closed and the family survived from a small rental income. Sommie and Douglas became Springbok rugby players. Harry was a champion hurdler. Sommie was also a mining contractor.

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