The Cawood File
This file contains the known descendants, to the 6th
generation, of Joshua Cawood, born about 1690, nailmaker of Otley, Yorkshire.
Notes for Elizabeth CAWOOD
[2] records "6 children".
ELIZABETH (BETTY) CAWOOD
A short extract written by Agnes Kent (nee Gradwell) about her mother Betty Cawood
Betty Cawood was the 5th child and eldest daughter of David and Mary Cawood. She was born at Waybank Hall, near Bingley, Yorkshire on 13th June, 1805. Her parents were woollen manufacturers, but being persuaded by an Uncle Wilkinson they went into
business at Sabde (Salden ?) [probably Saltaire, near Bingley. DB] Mother often spoke of going to school there and of old Squire Farren who used to nap at the fireside.
The call for people to come to the Cape Colony - David Cawood, wife, seven sons and three daughters embarked on the "John" on the 1st January 1820. David, the youngest child died with measles on the voyage. They landed in Algoa Bay on the 6th May
1820. The minute gun was firing for the death of George the third. (Mother told us about her father pulling on a pair of tight boots to celebrate George III’s jubilee. They lived in Saldin [? Saltaire] when Waterloo was celebrated)
They were carried from the boats (at Algoa Bay) by natives - mother the first one of their ship to land. There were only 6 or 8 houses then. Captain Pearson had been very kind. Father (William Gradwell) was introduced to Miss Cawood - he put his
hand on her head and said "This is a bonny lass, you won’t keep her long". She was very indignant.
They were packed into the oxwagon and reached the location on the 18th May. They were fortunate in getting the houses used by the soldiers at Kaffir Drift, now Cawoods Post. Her mother was not accustomed to a rough life and the death of her baby
caused her to be very delicate. Ma often said one of the dainties her Mother enjoyed was some small onions and bread and butter. Father (William Gradwell) was always near and did lots for the Cawoods.
At the last minute of sailing his Uncle John Rigg would not come and gave father (William Gradwell) all he had on board. There was a large net and seed potatoes. They soon found fish and used to take them to Cape Town. (John Rigge crossed off
sailing list in London)
On the 1st January 1822 Ma was married to William Gradwell. She was dressed in a coloured muslin and a very fine plaited Coffee leaf bonnett made by herself - Mrs Godlonton’s brother taught her to plait. Her hair was in curls. She was married in
Rev Boardman’s house. Her mother had a nice dinner ready for them. On the 2nd January 1822 her mother (Mary Cawood) was going in a wagon to Bathurst for medical attendance - she was near Trappes Valley and just said "I like William to drive and
Samuel to lead". She asked to be lifted out of the wagon and was gone to join the baby she loved, only about 36 years of age. Grandfather (David Cawood) lived with mother (Betty, his daughter) until he also passed away in 1832. The ring Mother wore
was bought from Mr Gowar.
Father and Mother [Gradwell] both joined the Wesleyan Society and received their first tickets in Mr Pike’s house from Rev Young. Grandfather Cawood’s memorial service was at Baileys Party. Charles Bailey preached text "For me to live in Christ, to
die is gain".
William Gradwell died at Grahamstown 26th November 1849.
Betty Gradwell died at Somerset East 1896 on the 4th September and her last words were "All’s well".
* This extract was sent to me by Anne Clarkson.
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