Richard Thomas KIDWELL was born on 24 Feb 1821 Bathurst, Albany District, Cape of Good Hope. He died on 11 Sep 1859 (Murdered) . He was murdered, in the Bedford District, Cape of Good Hope, by three white men while on his way home to his farm 'Baviaan's Kloof', near Bedford, Cape of Good Hope.
"Thomas Richard was a mechanic and invented a colonial plough and a dam scraper. Both took first prizes at the Grahamstown Show. He was a gifted musician - composed music and could play almost any instrument - bass viol, cornato fiddle, flute, serpent, piano etc. He preached in the local Baptist Church and played the 'cello at the Baptist Church at Grahamstown. The cello is now in the possession of Miss Isma Fincham in Queenstown.
DEATH NOTICE
Filed 27th September 1859 6334
Name of the Deceased: Thomas Richard KIDWELL
Place of Birth: Bathurst, Albany
Names of the Parents of the Deceased: Alexander KIDWELL
Phebe KIDWELL
Age of the Deceased: About 36 or 37
Condition in Life: Wagon Maker
Married
Date of Death: Sunday 11th September 1859
Place of Death: Found back country, murdered near Bedford
Names of Children and whether major or minor:
Alexander James KIDWELL
Amelia Emma KIDWELL
Charles Augustus KIDWELL
Thomas John KIDWELL
Louisa Elizabeth KIDWELL
Emily Jane KIDWELL
Whether deceased has left any Property and of what kind:
Has left a few sheep, a few tools and small and stock in trade
Signed: Bedford September 1839 Charles James KIDWELL brother of deceased