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Name: CHARTERS, David (Dr.)

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Birth Date: 22 Nov 1863 Glasgow

Death Date: Sep 1894 Makindu plains, killed by Maasai or lions?

Nationality: British

First Date: 1893

Last Date: 1895

Profession: Chief of the Church of Scotland Mission

Area: Makindu

Book Reference: Genesis, Watt, Binks, North, Nicholls

General Information:

Genesis - 'in September, 1894 one Dr. Charters, Chief of the Church of Scotland Mission and an Englishman, Mr Colquhoum, of the Freeland Expedition went out in this direction [from Makindu] and were never heard of again.'                                                                                          Watt - 'Dr. Charters, with his friend Mr Colquhoun, had lost their lives under grievous circumstances. The doctor and his companion had gone out with a native following to shoot some meat, and having dropped an antelope they left their men to cut up the carcase and carry it to camp. The hunters were also to proceed thither by an indirect course, on which they might have the opportunity of getting another shot. The porters completed their task and waited all the evening, but no Bwana came. They searched the district, but could not find any trace of the Europeans. Then returning to the Mission Station at Kibwezi they told their story. Mr Patterson, who was on the station, went out with a band of men, and for many days made a diligent search, ranging the whole district and exploring every retreat and nook of the surrounding forest, but not the slightest clue was discovered, nor was the mystery of their death ever solved. In all probability the 2 Europeans were met by a marauding band of Masai, who felled them to earth and thrust their bodies into some of the large animal burrows frequently met with in the forest, and then obliterated every mark and evidence of their vile deed.' Binks - Father Bernard [St. Austin's Mission] said in a letter of 25th Sept. 1931 - "Coffee was also planted by Dr Charters and Mr John Patterson at Kibwezi at the Scottish Industrial Mission during 1893. Later they also transferred plants to Kikuyu. ..."
North - Medical Doctor - Superintendent of EA Scottish Industrial Mission at Kibwezi, arr. Kibwezi 1893; disappeared after leaving mission on shooting trip to Makindu plains with Colquhoun 27/9/1895, both presumably killed by Masai or lions
Ansorge - It is not likely that these two unfortunate white men were killed by lions. The lions would have devoured them on the spot, and the rifles would have been found. Dr. Charters knew the neighbourhood thoroughly, it is therefore improbable that they lost themselves. It is believed, that they were met by hostile savages, probably Masai on the warpath, and were captured and killed.
Watt - first superintendent of the Church of Scotland Mission at Kibwezi.

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