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Name: COLQUHOUN, Francis

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

First Date: 1894

Last Date: 1894

Profession: A member of the Freeland Expedition.

Area: Makindu

Book Reference: Genesis, Watt, 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.'
North - Disappeared after leaving Kibwezi Scottish mission station on shooting trip to Makindu plains with Dr. David Charters 27/9/1894, both presumed killed by lions or Masai
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.
North - Not on either list in FO 403; poss at Lamu with Freeland Ass. May 1894, would have travelled out after main party;

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