Die gebroeders Deas: Kar- en wamakers van Oudtshoorn 1875-1900

Abstract

In 1853 the brothers William and James Robert Deas were still young boys when they emigrated with their parents from Scotland to South Africa. In 1856 their father settled in Oudtshoorn where the two boys went to school, learnt their trade as blacksmiths, and qualified as cart and waggon builders. In 1875 they established their own cartwright's shop, which in the years that followed they developed into one of the largest undertakings of its kind in the Cape Colony. By the end of 1899 owing to a depression in business the partnership had to be dissolved. Both the brothers were active in public affairs, even after their business had been sold, and each went his own way.