Cape Dutch Records Online, 1714-1840

With all the older Cape Dutch records coming online for the period 1714 to 1840, a new wealth of information has been opened to genealogists. The latest addition to the collections is the muster rolls (opgaaf rolle) that were taken in the districts of Stellenbosch and Drakenstein. These were later expanded as the Cape borders grew and Graaff-Reinet and Swellendam were also added. After 1805, the number of districts expanded rapidly and these districts are all available in their respective field cornet wards (veldkornetskappe). Included in the muster rolls were often lots of information regarding the loan hire farms issued to the free settlers and in certain cases, even their personal signatures were recorded. The muster rolls also include references to the cavalry that were established to protect the borders of the Cape Colony, called "dragonder rolle" (dragoon/cavalry rolls). Cornel Viljoen has put together an index that shows how you can easily navigate and find the relevant index on familysearch.org. The index also contains likes to the wonderful work that Richard Ball and Corney Keller have done with transcribing the old Cape Muster Rolls and which are available on the eGGSA website. Please visit his latest index at http://southafrica.mypeoplepuzzle.net/.../CapeMusterRolls...