Stories of Thomas Henry Bruton - Born 30 April 1850
Born 30 April 1850 : Died 16 March 1935 at Sandflats
Married Sarah Francis van Onselen. Born 1859 : Died 1 November 1930
(Believed to have been 1st cousins but no confirmation available)
The graves of both Thomas Henry and Sarah Frances are to be found in the Sandflats cemetery.
Their home was named Francis Villa and still stands in Sandflats today (2003).
Thomas Henry assumed the business responsibilities of his father who died when
he was 22 years of age. His next
brother Charles Matthias being only 11 years old at the time. It would appear
that Sandflats was formerly known as Riet
Valley. Thomas Henry ran the hotel and store and developed Sandflats into a
small village. As his two brothers matured
they participated and assisted him. Known as a clever businessman who was
hardworking and generally respected.
Sandflats is now incorporated into Paterson in the Eastern Cape, 45 minutes from
Port Elizabeth on the PE Cradock
road.