Historical sequence of events at Bethany Farm which led to the Free State Griqua Council

A historical narrative of the Griqua family who reside at the farm and have never been removed.

In 1486 Bartholomew Diaz was dispatched by the King of Portugal to the Cape of Good Hope. Vasco da Gama in 1497 entered the East Indies and laid the route into the land of the Khoi and San people. On the April 6, 1652, Van Riebeeck landed at the Cape with 3 ships; the Reijer, the Dromedaris, and the Goede Hoop. The Cape of Good Hope was considered a region favorable for growing wine, 80 people were with him on this journey. The people he found on land were the Hottentots. (The Griquas of Griqualand- S. J. Halford)

Tribes around Table Bay were, Cochoqua, Korachoqua, Chainouqua, Goringhaiqua, Namaqua, Chariguriqua (subsequently called Gririqua), Hottentot and Bushman.

Amongst the old Hottentot tribes was a clan belonging to the Cochoqua group, which was variously called Chariguriqua and Grigriqua. In 1652 they were said to be without any Chief. The Grigriqua was, in fact a race of mixed blood, many of them being half-castes, the offspring of Hottentot and Bush woman. They occupied their time principally in wandering about the neighbourhood of Piquetberg. (The Griquas of Griqualand- S. J. Halford)

At this period the Dutch governor had in his service a slave named Adam, who served the household as cook. He was born in 1710 and lived to be 90. By good conduct and efficiency he earned his master’s favour, and was presented with stock and eventually he was granted his freedom. Adam Kok, i.e. Cook, who may be termed the founder of the Kok family, was the great – grandfather of Adam Kok the third who led the great trek to “No Man’s Land”. (The Griquas of Griqualand- S. J. Halford)

His son Cornelius Kok was born at Piquetberg, 1746. Historical places of the Griquas are the Piquetberg, Khamiesgerg, Klaarwater (now Griqualand West), Orange River. In 1795, Adam Kok was still living near the Great or Orange River and transferred his chieftainship, due to age, over to his eldest son Cornelius Kok, who exercised great influence among all tribes, including Korannas, with whom he came in contact with. (The Griquas of Griqualand- S. J. Halford)

In 1801 the Griquas were scattered around the headquarters of Cornelius Kok. Another portion of the Kok family, Jan Kok with his family and retainers, were living not far from Modderfontein not far from Rietfontein. (The Griquas of Griqualand- S. J. Halford)

Adam Kok 11 had led a wandering life since he was ejected from Griquatown, and was pressed to leave and settle with his people at the mission station at Philippolis. After his settlement he was joined by scattered remnants of his adherents flocked; the people mostly Koranna clans and of the Griquas who refused to serve under the leadership of Waterboer as a chief. Due to the increased number of people Adam Kok 11 was installed as Chief of Philipolis. (The Griquas of Griqualand- S. J. Halford)

On 24 September 1834 Kolbe convinced Adam Kok 11 to donate a piece of land next to the three fountains near the Riet River as a missionary and he settled on the above date on the land (Bethany Farm, Brandewynfontein). (Werner van der Merwe)