Richard Southey (colonial administrator)

Sir Richard Southey KCMG (25 April 1808-22 July 1901) was a South African colonial administrator, cabinet minister and landowner.

Southey was the son of 1820 Settlers leader George Southey of Culmstock, Devon, and later of Bloemhof Farm, Albany. He voyaged to South Africa with his family aboard the "Kennersley Castle" in 1820. The family were the cadet branch of a family of Devonshire gentry and were cousins to Poet Laureate Robert Southey.

Southey began is career in as an officer during the Frontier Wars of the Eastern Cape. He was a lieutenant in the Albany Mounted Sharpshooters and Captain of the Corps of Guides. Later he became secretary to Sir Harry Smith in Natal. He filled two of the highest offices in the colonial government; firstly as Treasurer (1861-1864) and later as Colonial Secretary (1864-1872). In 1873 he was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Griqualand-West where he found one of the first diamonds in South Africa on a witch doctor. He laid it on a table before the Cape Parliament and declared "Gentlemen, this is the rock on which the future success of South Africa will be built".

His residence in Cape Town was Southfield House in Plumstead, where he died in 1901. His first wife was Isabella Shaw (1810-1869). After her death he married Susan Krynauw (1842-1890) who became Lady Southey. He had two daughters and eight sons, including Richard Southey who gained distinction as a military commander.

His niece was Lady Frost, born Frances Cordelia Powell, married to Sir John Frost.

Southey is ancestor to several distinguished South African families.

References

* "Dictionary of South African Biography"