theharveyfamily

Henry Harvey

Born:
Henry was born to William and Bridgette in 1859 in Bloemfontein. He eventually married Alice Duffy on 29 September 1880 and lived for a time in the family house in "Harvey Road". After William's death Henry acquired a farm to the north of Bloemfontein in extent approximately 10000 morgen. The farm's northern boundary was the Modder river and its southern boundary was approximately 5 miles north of Bloemfontein. He named the farm "Mimosa Glen". They constructed a wood-and-iron house close to the Modder River near the bridge on the Brandfort road. It was rumoured in family circles that the reason for this move was that Henry was rather partial to strong liquor and it was hoped that the distance from the town would serve as a deterrent. After a few years in the house the river came down in flood one night and almost swamped the house. Henry then dismantled the house , loaded it on an oxwagon and transported it to higher ground at the foot of a hill about 3 miles south. This homestead eventually became known as "Tophouse".