Percy Fitzpatrick
Encyclopedia
Sir James Percy FitzPatrick, KCMG (24 July 1862 - 24 January 1931), known as Percy FitzPatrick, was a South African author, politician, mining financier
and pioneer of the fruit industry. He authored the classic children's book, Jock of the Bushveld
(1907).. As a politician, he defended British Imperial interests before and during the Anglo-Boer War.
, the eldest son of James Coleman FitzPatrick, who was a judge
of the Supreme Court
of the Cape Colony
, and Jenny FitzGerald. Both were originally from Ireland. Two of James Coleman FitzPatrick's other sons were killed in action - Thomas in the Matabele Rebellion and George in the Second Anglo-Boer War (serving on the British side with the Imperial Light Horse Regiment
).
near Bath, England, and later at St. Aidan's College at Grahamstown, South Africa.
goldfields in 1884, where he worked as a storeman, prospector
's assistant and journalist as well as an ox-wagon
transport-rider from the former Lourenço Marques
to Lydenburg
and Barberton
. He later became editor of the Gold Fields News in Barberton. An account of FitzPatrick's adventures during this time, Jock of the Bushveld
, was published in 1907.
He also authored The Transvaal from Within, which greatly influenced public opinion in Great Britain in the years leading up to the Anglo-Boer War. It emphasized the grievances of mainly English-speaking Uitlander
against the Boer government and advocated British intervention in the South African Republic
(ZAR).
In 1892 FitzPatrick became the head of intelligence in the Johannesburg offices of Hermann Eckstein and Company (part of Wernher-Beit and Company). FitzPatrick became the secretary of the Reform Committee in Johannesburg
in 1895. The Committee conspired to overthrow Paul Kruger
's South African Republic
government from 1895 to 1896. FitzPatrick also acted as go-between the Committee and Cecil Rhodes and Leander Starr Jameson
in Cape Town
. On 29 December 1895, Jameson led a failed raid from the Bechuanaland Protectorate (modern-day Botswana
) to aid the conspirators in Johannesburg, but was stopped at Doornkop
on 2 January 1896 (Jameson Raid
). FitzPatrick was charged with the others for high treason. Although sentenced to two years' imprisonment and a £2,000 fine, he was released in May 1896.
At the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902) FitzPatrick helped to establish the Imperial Light Horse Regiment
. Prevented by ill health from active service, he remained during the war in Britain as Official Adviser on South African Affairs to the British Government. Percy FitzPatrick was knighted in 1902 as a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George.
He served as one of eight Transvaal representatives in the national convention of 1908-9, where four British colonies were consolidated into the Union of South Africa. He went on to serve as a member
of the parliament
of the Union of South Africa
, and successfully defended his Pretoria seat in 1906 and 1910. FitzPatrick and General J.B.M. Hertzog worked out the agreement that recognized English and Dutch as the official languages of the Union.
FitzPatrick kept wild animals that he brought back to Johannesburg after hunting trips at what now is Zoo Lake. Some of these animals formed the first stock of the Johannesburg Zoo
. He also helped establish citrus farming in South Africa.
, was forwarded to George V
, then King of the United Kingdom, who on 7 November 1919, proclaimed "that at the hour when the Armistice
came into force, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, there may be for the brief space of two minutes a complete suspension of all our normal activities … so that in perfect stillness, the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead." November 11 was the date in 1918 that the formal end of combat occurred to end WWI.
, Union of South Africa
in 1931, aged 68, from undisclosed causes. He was buried at "The Look Out" 33°28′25"S 25°36′20"E, north of Uitenhage. The site offers a spectacular view of the Sunday's River Valley below.
Financier
Financier is a term for a person who handles typically large sums of money, usually involving money lending, financing projects, large-scale investing, or large-scale money management. The term is French, and derives from finance or payment...
and pioneer of the fruit industry. He authored the classic children's book, Jock of the Bushveld
Jock of the Bushveld
Jock of the Bushveld is a true story by South African author Sir James Percy Fitzpatrick. The book tells of Fitzpatrick's travels with his dog, Jock, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, during the 1880s, when he worked as a storeman, prospector's assistant, journalist and ox-wagon transport-rider in the...
(1907).. As a politician, he defended British Imperial interests before and during the Anglo-Boer War.
Early life
Percy FitzPatrick was born in King William's TownKing William's Town
King William's Town is a town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa along the banks of the Buffalo River. The town is about 40 minutes' motorway drive WNW of the Indian Ocean port of East London...
, the eldest son of James Coleman FitzPatrick, who was a judge
Judge
A judge is a person who presides over court proceedings, either alone or as part of a panel of judges. The powers, functions, method of appointment, discipline, and training of judges vary widely across different jurisdictions. The judge is supposed to conduct the trial impartially and in an open...
of the Supreme Court
Supreme court
A supreme court is the highest court within the hierarchy of many legal jurisdictions. Other descriptions for such courts include court of last resort, instance court, judgment court, high court, or apex court...
of the Cape Colony
Cape Colony
The Cape Colony, part of modern South Africa, was established by the Dutch East India Company in 1652, with the founding of Cape Town. It was subsequently occupied by the British in 1795 when the Netherlands were occupied by revolutionary France, so that the French revolutionaries could not take...
, and Jenny FitzGerald. Both were originally from Ireland. Two of James Coleman FitzPatrick's other sons were killed in action - Thomas in the Matabele Rebellion and George in the Second Anglo-Boer War (serving on the British side with the Imperial Light Horse Regiment
Light Horse Regiment
The Light Horse Regiment , formerly the Imperial Light Horse , is a reserve unit of the South African Army. The regiment is an armoured car reconnaissance unit...
).
Education
James Percy FitzPatrick was first educated at Downside SchoolDownside School
Downside School is a co-educational Catholic independent school for children aged 11 to 18, located in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, between Norton Radstock and Shepton Mallet in Somerset, south west England. It is attached to Downside Abbey...
near Bath, England, and later at St. Aidan's College at Grahamstown, South Africa.
Career
After his father's death in 1880, James Peter FitzPatrick (later self-selected Percy) left college in order to support his mother and her family. After working for some time as a clerk in Cape Town's Standard Bank, he travelled to the Eastern TransvaalSouth African Republic
The South African Republic , often informally known as the Transvaal Republic, was an independent Boer-ruled country in Southern Africa during the second half of the 19th century. Not to be confused with the present-day Republic of South Africa, it occupied the area later known as the South African...
goldfields in 1884, where he worked as a storeman, prospector
Prospecting
Prospecting is the physical search for minerals, fossils, precious metals or mineral specimens, and is also known as fossicking.Prospecting is a small-scale form of mineral exploration which is an organised, large scale effort undertaken by mineral resource companies to find commercially viable ore...
's assistant and journalist as well as an ox-wagon
Ox-wagon
An ox-wagon or bullock wagon is a four-wheeled vehicle pulled by oxen . It was a traditional form of transport, especially in Southern Africa but also in New Zealand and Australia. Ox-wagons were also used in the United States...
transport-rider from the former Lourenço Marques
Maputo
Maputo, also known as Lourenço Marques, is the capital and largest city of Mozambique. It is known as the City of Acacias in reference to acacia trees commonly found along its avenues and the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. It was famous for the inscription "This is Portugal" on the walkway of its...
to Lydenburg
Lydenburg
Lydenburg is a town in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The town is slated to be renamed Mashishing, according to an announcement made on June 30, 2006 by the South African Minister of Arts and Culture, Pallo Jordan. Lydenburg is situated on the Sterkspruit/Dorps River tributary of the Olifants River at...
and Barberton
Barberton, Mpumalanga
Barberton is a town in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, which has its origin in the 1880s gold rush in the region. It is situated in the De Kaap Valley and is fringed by the Mkhonjwa Mountains...
. He later became editor of the Gold Fields News in Barberton. An account of FitzPatrick's adventures during this time, Jock of the Bushveld
Jock of the Bushveld
Jock of the Bushveld is a true story by South African author Sir James Percy Fitzpatrick. The book tells of Fitzpatrick's travels with his dog, Jock, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, during the 1880s, when he worked as a storeman, prospector's assistant, journalist and ox-wagon transport-rider in the...
, was published in 1907.
He also authored The Transvaal from Within, which greatly influenced public opinion in Great Britain in the years leading up to the Anglo-Boer War. It emphasized the grievances of mainly English-speaking Uitlander
Uitlander
Uitlander, Afrikaans for "foreigner" , was the name given to expatriate migrant workers during the initial exploitation of the Witwatersrand gold fields in the Transvaal...
against the Boer government and advocated British intervention in the South African Republic
South African Republic
The South African Republic , often informally known as the Transvaal Republic, was an independent Boer-ruled country in Southern Africa during the second half of the 19th century. Not to be confused with the present-day Republic of South Africa, it occupied the area later known as the South African...
(ZAR).
In 1892 FitzPatrick became the head of intelligence in the Johannesburg offices of Hermann Eckstein and Company (part of Wernher-Beit and Company). FitzPatrick became the secretary of the Reform Committee in Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
in 1895. The Committee conspired to overthrow Paul Kruger
Paul Kruger
Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger , better known as Paul Kruger and affectionately known as Uncle Paul was State President of the South African Republic...
's South African Republic
South African Republic
The South African Republic , often informally known as the Transvaal Republic, was an independent Boer-ruled country in Southern Africa during the second half of the 19th century. Not to be confused with the present-day Republic of South Africa, it occupied the area later known as the South African...
government from 1895 to 1896. FitzPatrick also acted as go-between the Committee and Cecil Rhodes and Leander Starr Jameson
Leander Starr Jameson
Sir Leander Starr Jameson, 1st Baronet, KCMG, CB, , also known as "Doctor Jim", "The Doctor" or "Lanner", was a British colonial statesman who was best known for his involvement in the Jameson Raid....
in Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
. On 29 December 1895, Jameson led a failed raid from the Bechuanaland Protectorate (modern-day Botswana
Botswana
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana , is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. The citizens are referred to as "Batswana" . Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966...
) to aid the conspirators in Johannesburg, but was stopped at Doornkop
Doornkop, Gauteng
Doornkop is a ridge and locality southwest of Johannesburg, close to Krugersdorp, in Gauteng Province, South Africa.-Battles:It is the spot where Dr Leander Starr Jameson was defeated on January 2, 1896 following the Jameson Raid...
on 2 January 1896 (Jameson Raid
Jameson Raid
The Jameson Raid was a botched raid on Paul Kruger's Transvaal Republic carried out by a British colonial statesman Leander Starr Jameson and his Rhodesian and Bechuanaland policemen over the New Year weekend of 1895–96...
). FitzPatrick was charged with the others for high treason. Although sentenced to two years' imprisonment and a £2,000 fine, he was released in May 1896.
At the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902) FitzPatrick helped to establish the Imperial Light Horse Regiment
Light Horse Regiment
The Light Horse Regiment , formerly the Imperial Light Horse , is a reserve unit of the South African Army. The regiment is an armoured car reconnaissance unit...
. Prevented by ill health from active service, he remained during the war in Britain as Official Adviser on South African Affairs to the British Government. Percy FitzPatrick was knighted in 1902 as a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George.
He served as one of eight Transvaal representatives in the national convention of 1908-9, where four British colonies were consolidated into the Union of South Africa. He went on to serve as a member
Member of Parliament
A Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
of the parliament
Parliament of South Africa
The Parliament of South Africa is South Africa's legislature and under the country's current Constitution is composed of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces....
of the Union of South Africa
Union of South Africa
The Union of South Africa is the historic predecessor to the present-day Republic of South Africa. It came into being on 31 May 1910 with the unification of the previously separate colonies of the Cape, Natal, Transvaal and the Orange Free State...
, and successfully defended his Pretoria seat in 1906 and 1910. FitzPatrick and General J.B.M. Hertzog worked out the agreement that recognized English and Dutch as the official languages of the Union.
FitzPatrick kept wild animals that he brought back to Johannesburg after hunting trips at what now is Zoo Lake. Some of these animals formed the first stock of the Johannesburg Zoo
Johannesburg Zoo
The Johannesburg Zoo is a zoo in Johannesburg, South Africa. Established in 1904, it has traditionally been owned and operated by the City of Johannesburg...
. He also helped establish citrus farming in South Africa.
Armistice Day
On 27 October 1919, a suggestion from Fitzpatrick for a moment of silence to be observed annually on November 11, in honor of the dead of World War IWorld War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, was forwarded to George V
George V of the United Kingdom
George V was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 6 May 1910 through the First World War until his death in 1936....
, then King of the United Kingdom, who on 7 November 1919, proclaimed "that at the hour when the Armistice
Armistice Day
Armistice Day is on 11 November and commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I, which took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning—the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day...
came into force, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, there may be for the brief space of two minutes a complete suspension of all our normal activities … so that in perfect stillness, the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead." November 11 was the date in 1918 that the formal end of combat occurred to end WWI.
Death
Sir James Percy FitzPatrick died in Amanzi, UitenhageUitenhage
Uitenhage is a South African town with 275,185 inhabitants in the Eastern Cape Province. It is well known for the Volkswagen factory located there, which is the biggest car factory on the African continent. The town's name is pronounced by English speakers and in Afrikaans...
, Union of South Africa
Union of South Africa
The Union of South Africa is the historic predecessor to the present-day Republic of South Africa. It came into being on 31 May 1910 with the unification of the previously separate colonies of the Cape, Natal, Transvaal and the Orange Free State...
in 1931, aged 68, from undisclosed causes. He was buried at "The Look Out" 33°28′25"S 25°36′20"E, north of Uitenhage. The site offers a spectacular view of the Sunday's River Valley below.
Publications
- Through Mashonaland with Pick and Pen (based on Randolph ChurchillRandolph ChurchillMajor Randolph Frederick Edward Spencer-Churchill, MBE was the son of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine. He was a Conservative Member of Parliament for Preston from 1940 to 1945....
's 1891 Rhodesian expedition, led by FitzPatrick), 1899 - Jock of the BushveldJock of the BushveldJock of the Bushveld is a true story by South African author Sir James Percy Fitzpatrick. The book tells of Fitzpatrick's travels with his dog, Jock, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, during the 1880s, when he worked as a storeman, prospector's assistant, journalist and ox-wagon transport-rider in the...
(based on FitzPatrick's transport riding days, was first published in 1907 upon persuasion by his friend Rudyard KiplingRudyard KiplingJoseph Rudyard Kipling was an English poet, short-story writer, and novelist chiefly remembered for his celebration of British imperialism, tales and poems of British soldiers in India, and his tales for children. Kipling received the 1907 Nobel Prize for Literature...
. The book has so far run through 91 editions and impressions) - South African Memories (published posthumously)
Interesting facts
- The Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African OrnithologyPercy FitzPatrick Institute of African OrnithologyThe Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology is a South African biological research and conservation institute based at the University of Cape Town...
was founded at the University of Cape TownUniversity of Cape TownThe University of Cape Town is a public research university located in Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. UCT was founded in 1829 as the South African College, and is the oldest university in South Africa and the second oldest extant university in Africa.-History:The roots of...
in 1959 by Mrs. Cecily K. Niven, daughter and only surviving child of Percy FitzPatrick, for the study of the living birds of Africa. - The Percy FitzPatrick AwardPercy FitzPatrick AwardThe Percy FitzPatrick Award, in recognition of author Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, was initiated in 1970 for the best South African children's book in English....
is an award for the best South African children's book in English and was initiated in 1970.