PORT BEAUFORT NEWS - Joseph Barry arrived at the Cape of Good Hope in December 1817, 200 years ago.
The descendants of Barry and his nephews, Thomas and John, commemorated the bicentennial of his arrival in this country on Saturday evening 23 September.
Barry's from all over South Africa were present for this occasion.
A dinner in honour of Barry was held in the bowls clubhouse at Port Beaufort. Dr Jan Langenhoven, a historian living in Witsand was the guest speaker.
He gave an overview of the tremendous vision Barry had regarding the Overberg and what was achieved by Barry and nephews, transforming the Overberg from subsistence farming to a growing economy.
The Barry Church is in constant need of maintenance and to its aid an auction was held at the dinner, to which the Barry's present contributed R22 000.
Throughout the weekend they were taken on tours and talks to show and enlighten them regarding the history of Port Beaufort and the surrounding areas.
Dennis Barry has published the latest up to date genealogy of the Barry family.
Port Beaufort is also 200 years old this year and in that vain, it was decided that Langenhoven obtain permission from Stellenbosch University to republish the masters degree script of AP Buirski, 'The Barrys, the Overberg and the Harbour of Port Beaufort'.
He also translated the document into Afrikaans.
Read a previous article: Family reunion a special occassion
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