It is highly likely that Obed had been working in South Africa for several years before this trip. We do not have the evidence as not all passenger lists have survived. However, two of his siblings, William John and Richard Vivian went to South Africa in the 1890s. William died of dysentery in Johannesburg in 1899. Richard Vivian also caught dysentery at the same time, but survived and returned to Paul in the early 1900s.
Cornishman 22.6.1899
When we think about Cornish emigration we tend to think of Cornish miners, but many others also migrated, stonemasons, farm labourers, indeed it was almost a right of passage to spend some time abroad, particularly for young single men. Some emigrated for good, many returned, sometimes as planned, other times because the riches promised were not forthcoming. To read a study on emigration from Paul in the late 1800s, written by me Carol as part o