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Title Wilhelm Hamer Diary and 'African Sketches by a German Emigrant'
Author Hamer, Wilhelm
Date 1806-1980
Document Type Personal Account
Reference SC 177, Folder 1
Library / Archive Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Collection Name Beiser Family Collection, 1806-1980
Description Original copy and transcript in German and then English of a diary and 'African Sketches by a German Emigrant', both written by the Maternal Grandfather of Helen R. Beiser, who emigrated from Germany to South Africa. The diary describes his experience deciding to emigrate, the voyage to South Africa in detail, arriving in South Africa and his first impressions. The 'Sketches' describe in more detail what happened after he and his wife arrived in Cape Town.
Series Description The papers consist of genealogical material compiled by Helen R. Beiser, diaries from her maternal grandfather, Wilhelm Hamer, and a series of short essays containing recollections from Helen Beiser's childhood and from visits abroad. Hamer's diaries document his family's voyage from Germany to Cape Town and include observations on fellow passengers, the ship and crew, and his expectations for a new life in South Africa. Other writings include an article on his perceptions of Cape Town, and a text from a German publication dealing with religious education.
Theme(s) Departures: Port Conditions and Organisation; Journey Conditions; Arrivals: Ports and Early Experiences
Country (from) Germany
Country (to) South Africa
Places East London, Cape Town, South Africa; Dover, England
Nationality German
People Beiser, Helen R
Keywords journey conditions, wealth, food, ship, health and sickness, friendship, business, politics, leisure, nature, infrastructure, initial impressions, emigration
Additional Information Please note: Some of the metadata for this document has been taken from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania catalogue.
Language German; English
Document(s) linked to Beiser Family Photographs
Copyright Historical Society of Pennsylvania