John Constantine - born 25 June 1762 in Kingston, Jamaica, died 25 March 1843, Kingston, Jamaica. John is presumed to be the son of Madalene Gregory a free Multo woman by Jno Constantine. Born on June 25th and baptised on July 8th 1762. Although there is no proof that this is the John that is Michael Gregory Constantine's father, I am making that assumption because of the mothers maiden name Gregory, which appears in many of the names of the descendants. Kingston Baptisms 1722-1792, Vol. 1, Page 160, Image 85 of 238 (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-18418-40?cc=1827268&wc=12962186)
It is possible that Madalane Gregory was - Madalane the Daughter of Mirriona a Slave Negro Woman by Michael Grigory was born the 16th June & Baptized the 11th of August 1734.(https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-18422-12?cc=1827268)
"MR. JOHN CONSTANTINE,—AN OLD INHABITANT OF THIS CITY,—OB. MARCH 25* (or 28th, 1843,—AGED 8 1 YEARS & 3 MONTHS (NEW WEST GROUND (KINGSTON).)"
John Constantine Married Eleanore Drysdale, on 10 May 1804 in Kingston, Jamaica in the marriage register they are both described as people of colour and of the parish of Kingston. (marriage record https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-16504-19?cc=1827268&wc=12962291)
It is possible that Madalane Gregory was - Madalane the Daughter of Mirriona a Slave Negro Woman by Michael Grigory was born the 16th June & Baptized the 11th of August 1734.(https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-18422-12?cc=1827268)
"MR. JOHN CONSTANTINE,—AN OLD INHABITANT OF THIS CITY,—OB. MARCH 25* (or 28th, 1843,—AGED 8 1 YEARS & 3 MONTHS (NEW WEST GROUND (KINGSTON).)"
John Constantine Married Eleanore Drysdale, on 10 May 1804 in Kingston, Jamaica in the marriage register they are both described as people of colour and of the parish of Kingston. (marriage record https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-16504-19?cc=1827268&wc=12962291)
A bit about Eleanore Drysdale:
Born on 25 Nov 1785, Eleanore was baptised on 27 Dec 1787, the daughter of Catherine Drysdale, a free negro woman and Dr John Drysdale (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-18027-23?cc=1827268). Eleanore's mother Catherine Drysdale was baptised at about the age of 25 on Oct 25 1784 along with Eleanore's sister (also daughter of Dr Dryslade) who was 7 yrs old at the time. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-18053-23?cc=1827268)
Dr John Drysdale was originally from Scotland and was a member of the Society of Physicians in Edinburgh. Dr Drysdale and his wife Ann had a daughter also named Ann. It appears that Dr. Drysdale returned to Scotland with his wife and children before his death on 1 April 1790 in Kirkaldy, Scotland, leaving his illegitimate family behind in Jamaica. During his time in Jamaica Dr Drysdale was a Surgeon in Kingston and held the position of workhouse and hospital surgeon from about 1782 to 1787.
John and Eleanore had nine children:
1. Catherine Magdalese Constantine - born 1806 in Kingston, Jamaica. Christened 21 Aug 1806, Catherine Magdalene daughter of John Constantine and his wife Eleanor both free Mullattoes, 30th March 1806 (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-17595-28?cc=1827268&wc=12962193)
2. Caroline Gregory Constantine - born 1808 in Kingston, Jamaica. Baptised April 22 1808 - Caroline Gregory daughter of John Constantine and Eleanor his wife both free Mulattoes, 20th March 1808 (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-17524-13?cc=1827268)
3. John Gregory Constantine - born 1810 in Kingston, Jamaica, died March 1856, age 46 and buried at Barham, Westmoreland. Baptised John Gregory Constantine Son of John Constantine and his wife Eleanor, both free quadroons, 12 March 1810 (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-17488-30?cc=1827268&wc=12962193)
4. Eleanore Drysdale Constantine - born 1811 in Kingston, Jamaica. Baptised Eleanor Drysdale daughter of John Constantine and his wife Eleanor, free Mullatoes, 12 July 1811 (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-17630-14?cc=1827268&wc=12962193)
5. Alexander Constantine - born 1812 in Kingston, Jamaica. Baptised Alexander the son of John Constantine and Eleanor his wife - Free Mullatos, 11 November 1812 (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-17043-9?cc=1827268&wc=12962193)
6. Henry Wellington Constantine - born 1815 in Kingston, Jamaica Baptised Henry Wellington son of John Constantine and his wife late Drysdale, 24 Nov 1815 (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-17295-37?cc=1827268&wc=12962193)
7. Rev Michael Gregory Constantine - born 3 Sept 1817 at Bog Walk, St Catherine. Baptised with his brother, Robert Lamb Constantine born 11 April 1819, on 6 May 1819, children of John Constantine and Eleanor his wife, free Mulattoes (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-17165-14?cc=1827268&wc=12962193)
8. Robert Lamb Constantine - born 11 April 1819 in Kingston, Jamaica. A merchant who lived in Falmouth and had two children by his wife Elizabeth, John Constantine and Hesther Ann Constantine. It is said that Robert Lamb was the namesake of his nephew Robert Lamb (son of Michael Gregory) who soon after being born had whooping cough, and in haste to give him a name Hesther who was visiting the family at the time suggested that her cousin be named after her father.
9. Mary Burton Constantine - born Jul 20 1821 in Kingston, Jamaica. Baptised Mary Burton daughter of John Constantine and his wife Eleanor free Mulattoes, 19 Dec 1820.
More about Rev. Michael Gregory Constantine:
Rev Michael Gregory Constantine was Reverend at St Cyprian's Church, St Mary and studied in England. He appears on the 1851 England and Wales census as a divinity student lodging at 13 & 14 Norfolk Sq, St Clement Danes, Westminster, London.
Family lore says that when he finished his studies he was travelling to Cartagena, Columbia and stopped in Jamaica to visit his brothers who lived in Sav La Mar and instead of continuing his travels he bought Clermont (or Claremont) Estate in High Gate, St Mary and married Charlotte Anglin Tate who lived in Westmoreland. Family lore also states that Michael and his bride rode by horseback from Westmoreland to St Mary. They had ten children and both he and his wife were buried in the Church Yard of St Cyprian's.
He did indeed purchase Clermont a 1000 acre estate for £800.
"THE OLD CLAREMONT GREAT HOUSE in St Mary, previously owned by the well-known Constantine family, and now an efficient college owned and operated by the Society of Friends, is an imposing and massive structure typical of those buildings which, ta the past, housed the families of the owners of our large estates Situated a two miles outside Highgate. "Claremont" was once notorious for, a pathetic and often-seen 'duppy'. The house used to stand "midst pretty rose gardens, ahd well-kept lawns sloped gently down to the road on either side of the drive. Any. one -passing the imposing front gates could, therefore, clearly see tile stolid old pile, two-storied, and with large turret rooms at each end, their four-sided windows staring back From one of these -high windows, scared travellers along that road (which leads to Claremont Village) would suddenly observe a frantically waving and white-clad female figure, apparently in great distress. As they watched, la fascinated horror, the Lady In White (as she. was locally known) would He hauled back violently into the room, and out of. sight by. something unseen. What old. tragic Ul«. I wonder,lay behind all this'" by "The Native" Daily Gleaner 09/09/1899
"Daily Gleaner 1920-06-26
8. Stella Ann Constantine - born 11 July 1871 at Claremont House, St Mary, Jamaica. Stella married James Herbert Stockhausen and lived on her banana plantation in Highgate until it was destroyed by a hurricane.
9. Robert Lamb Constantine - born 2 Jan 1873 at Claremont House, St Mary, Jamaica. You will notice that two sons had the name Robert. This was because when the 9th child was a few weeks old he was very ill with whooping cough and his father thinking that he was dying wanted to Christen him before he died. He took a mouthful of brandy in his mouth which he spurted into the childs face and then gasped - his father said "Name this child" and his neice Hestar Constantine said "Robert Lamb" which was her fathers name so the 1st son and the 9th had the name of Robert. He was a justice of the paece for St Mary and resided at Belfield, Highgate, St Mary. At some point before 1910 he aquired Bybrook Estate in St Thomas in the Vale. The Bybrook Estate was large and has a long history. St Thomas-ye-vale as it was called, is now part of St Catherine, and is not to be confused with the current St Thomas in the Eastern part of the island. He is also linked with the Riversdale property.Robert Lamb married Marie Adelane Nixon.
"Daily Gleaner 1930-10-31
Mr R. Constantine has Passed Away
The gleaner regrets to announce the death of Mr. Robert Lamb Constantine, one of the senior Inspectors of Produce. The sad occurence took place at Browns Town St. Ann shortly after midnight on Tuesday.
The deceased had been in failing health for some weeks past, but few realised that the end was so near. Mr. Constantine was for many years a planter and pen-keeper In St. Catherine and was the owner of Bybrook, that extensive property at Bog Walk. When the Produce Board was created, Mr. Constantine was one of the first Inspectors to be chosen and his wide experience of produce stood him in good stead for the important position to which he was appointed. he acted for several months as Chief Inspector of Produce when Mr. P. W. Murray went on a special mission to Florida, and his services were greatly valued by the Advistory Committee under the Produce Law. Some months ago Mr. Constantine was transferred to St Ann and rendered valuable services in that and the adjoining parishes. The deceased was a Justice of the Peace for St. Catherine and had' many friends throughout the island. The funeral took place at Browns Town yesterday and was largely attended."
10. Reginald Emanuel Constantine - born 7 April 1875 at Claremont House, Highgate, St Mary, Jamaica. Reginald went to South America and never returned. His son, Randolph, was cared for by Frances Eleanor Graham nee Constantine his aunt. She had Reginald declared dead so that the will could be executed. The court case for the declaration is documented.
"Daily Gleaner 1914-10-20
His Honor Mr. Justice Cargill sat in the Supreme Court yesterday and heard a motion in the matter of the estate of the late Reginald Emanuel Graham. Mr Hector Josephs K.C. Instructed by Messrs Myers and deCordova appeared in support of the motion. IN the opening case, Mr. Josephs said the petition was on behalf of Helena (Frances Eleanor) Graham, wife of H D Graham of St Mary to presume the death of Reginald Emanuel Constantine and to grant to the applicant adminstration of the estate. The motion came before the Cheif Justice on the 28th of March 1912 and the application was adjourned to enable the application to produce further evidence as to the death of the late Reginald Emanuel Constantine. He would tell his Honor shortly what were the facts of the case. Reginal Emanuel Constantine left Jamaica in the later part of 1901 and went abroad and from the date of his departure up to the present time he had not been heard of by his relatives. Mr. Graham, in going abroad went to one of the South
American Countries and was presumed that he died on or before 1908. The application in the present case had made long and extensive enquiries though the British Consul and he had before him files of correspondence which had taken place between the parties. His honor would be able to peruse the correspondence.
His Honour: The application is to allow the applicant to prove his will ?
Mr. Josephs. Yes, Mr Constantine has left a child of 14 yearsof age in the care of the application who has it and is taking care of it. My submission is that after Your Honor has perused the correspondence you can only come to one conclusion. that Mr, Constantine died in 1908. The evidence shows that the last person who had seen .Mr. Constantine was Mr. Watson, and that was in 1904.
His Honour: How old is Constanline?
Mr. Josephs: He was about 25 when he left and if he was alive he would be-about 38 now
His Honour: I do not think you have received- fresh evidence—since tho application was made to the Chief Justice.
Mr Joseph said they had done everything possible to ascertain whether Mr. Constantine was dead or not they had put in advertisemenets in the newspapers and they had caused full enquires to be made. The deceased had a child whom he intended to benefit under the will but she had not got anything out of the estate
His Honour: Is the information received by you in 1904 reliable?
Mr. Josephs: We have made the fullest enquiry into the whole circumstances.
His Honor: Have you served notice on the executors
Mr Josephs said one of the executors died some time ago.
His Honor after hearing futher arguments granted the application"
"WILL of REGINALD EMANUEL CONSTANTINE of Devil's Ranch, St. Mary.
I leave all my estate to RANDOLPH McKINLEY CONSTANTINE now 10 months old. If he dies before 21 without issue, then to my friend PERCY CLEVELAND LOPEZ, also executor of will, and guardian of child. Signed at 3 Duke St, Kingston, 12/28/1901."
Born on 25 Nov 1785, Eleanore was baptised on 27 Dec 1787, the daughter of Catherine Drysdale, a free negro woman and Dr John Drysdale (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-18027-23?cc=1827268). Eleanore's mother Catherine Drysdale was baptised at about the age of 25 on Oct 25 1784 along with Eleanore's sister (also daughter of Dr Dryslade) who was 7 yrs old at the time. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-18053-23?cc=1827268)
Dr John Drysdale was originally from Scotland and was a member of the Society of Physicians in Edinburgh. Dr Drysdale and his wife Ann had a daughter also named Ann. It appears that Dr. Drysdale returned to Scotland with his wife and children before his death on 1 April 1790 in Kirkaldy, Scotland, leaving his illegitimate family behind in Jamaica. During his time in Jamaica Dr Drysdale was a Surgeon in Kingston and held the position of workhouse and hospital surgeon from about 1782 to 1787.
John and Eleanore had nine children:
1. Catherine Magdalese Constantine - born 1806 in Kingston, Jamaica. Christened 21 Aug 1806, Catherine Magdalene daughter of John Constantine and his wife Eleanor both free Mullattoes, 30th March 1806 (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-17595-28?cc=1827268&wc=12962193)
2. Caroline Gregory Constantine - born 1808 in Kingston, Jamaica. Baptised April 22 1808 - Caroline Gregory daughter of John Constantine and Eleanor his wife both free Mulattoes, 20th March 1808 (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-17524-13?cc=1827268)
3. John Gregory Constantine - born 1810 in Kingston, Jamaica, died March 1856, age 46 and buried at Barham, Westmoreland. Baptised John Gregory Constantine Son of John Constantine and his wife Eleanor, both free quadroons, 12 March 1810 (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-17488-30?cc=1827268&wc=12962193)
4. Eleanore Drysdale Constantine - born 1811 in Kingston, Jamaica. Baptised Eleanor Drysdale daughter of John Constantine and his wife Eleanor, free Mullatoes, 12 July 1811 (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-17630-14?cc=1827268&wc=12962193)
5. Alexander Constantine - born 1812 in Kingston, Jamaica. Baptised Alexander the son of John Constantine and Eleanor his wife - Free Mullatos, 11 November 1812 (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-17043-9?cc=1827268&wc=12962193)
6. Henry Wellington Constantine - born 1815 in Kingston, Jamaica Baptised Henry Wellington son of John Constantine and his wife late Drysdale, 24 Nov 1815 (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-17295-37?cc=1827268&wc=12962193)
7. Rev Michael Gregory Constantine - born 3 Sept 1817 at Bog Walk, St Catherine. Baptised with his brother, Robert Lamb Constantine born 11 April 1819, on 6 May 1819, children of John Constantine and Eleanor his wife, free Mulattoes (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-13845-17165-14?cc=1827268&wc=12962193)
8. Robert Lamb Constantine - born 11 April 1819 in Kingston, Jamaica. A merchant who lived in Falmouth and had two children by his wife Elizabeth, John Constantine and Hesther Ann Constantine. It is said that Robert Lamb was the namesake of his nephew Robert Lamb (son of Michael Gregory) who soon after being born had whooping cough, and in haste to give him a name Hesther who was visiting the family at the time suggested that her cousin be named after her father.
9. Mary Burton Constantine - born Jul 20 1821 in Kingston, Jamaica. Baptised Mary Burton daughter of John Constantine and his wife Eleanor free Mulattoes, 19 Dec 1820.
More about Rev. Michael Gregory Constantine:
Rev Michael Gregory Constantine was Reverend at St Cyprian's Church, St Mary and studied in England. He appears on the 1851 England and Wales census as a divinity student lodging at 13 & 14 Norfolk Sq, St Clement Danes, Westminster, London.
Family lore says that when he finished his studies he was travelling to Cartagena, Columbia and stopped in Jamaica to visit his brothers who lived in Sav La Mar and instead of continuing his travels he bought Clermont (or Claremont) Estate in High Gate, St Mary and married Charlotte Anglin Tate who lived in Westmoreland. Family lore also states that Michael and his bride rode by horseback from Westmoreland to St Mary. They had ten children and both he and his wife were buried in the Church Yard of St Cyprian's.
He did indeed purchase Clermont a 1000 acre estate for £800.
 |
| Clermont House, Highgate, St Mary, Jamaica |
"From the Constantine family Who owned the Clermont Estate and Great House in Highgate, St. Mary, up
until the early 1930s, comes the tale of the arrival of mangoes from India to Jamaica, some of' the
original species having been planted on the the Clermont lands before the Constantines owned the estate. Each mango plant arrived with the name of the variety and also a number. However there happened to be one of the lot whose name had been lost during the long voyage and so only the number tag remained for idetnifiecation. Hence the popular common mango used often in the making of chutney and other mango receipes on account of its outstanding flavour - The Number 11. "
"The district of Belfield, St. Mary, a populous and thriving one is situated about four miles from the village of Highgate, on the main road to Annotto Bay. Its a a pretty part of the country, well cultivated, and with a fair number of neat little cottages. The mission of the Church of England dates back to nearly 30 years
ago during the time of Rector Constantine who purchased an acre of land, and started a school there. It is now a station of the Jamaica Home and Foreign Missionary Society and ia making rapid strides, It is the ambition of the people to secure for themselves a resident clergyman. To accomplish this they have
purchased four acres of land on which to build a Parsonage...
The Rev J Thomas concluded with a short speech in which he showed that although the meeting was now over the work had just begun and that he hoped it will not be long before he will receive and invitation to attend the opening. Hearty cheers were given to Mrs. Wolcott, the honorary member for St Mary, Mr and Mrs Strickland. The singing of the National Anthem brought the meeting to a close. It was on the whole a very successful day and will long be remembered by the inhabitants of Belfield. The thanks of the people are due to Mr. Graham of Clermont for arranging the preliminaries. A start will be made as soon as they have realized a sufficient amount of money to confidently begin the building." Daily Gleaner 1980-10-02
Children of Michael Gregory Constantine & Charlotte Anglin Tate
1. Michael Robert Constantine - born 18 Jan 1858 at Claremont House, Highgate, St Mary Jamaica, died 3 Sept 1919 in Spanish Town, Jamaica. He married Eugine Louise.
2. Florence Geraldine Constantine - born 6 Nov 1859 at Claremont House, Highgate, St Mary Jamaica. She married William Thomas Heron Graham.
3. Frances Eleanore Constantine - born 10 April 1863 at Claremont House, Highgate, St Mary Jamaica. She married Henry Daniel Smith Graham.
 |
| Florence Geraldine Graham nee Constantine |
4. Harriet Elizabeth Constantine - born 3 Nov 1864 at Claremont House, Highgate, St Mary Jamaica.
5. Charlotte Evangeline Constantine - born 3 Apr 1866 at Claremont House, Highgate, St Mary Jamaica.
6. Frank Alfred Constantine - born 12 Aug 1869 at Claremont House, Highgate, St Mary Jamaica. He married Charlotte Anne Mortimer McLeod. Frank was murdered in Cuba in 1902. Shot by an American because of an argument over England and the Crimean War. The American got off scott free.
7. Henry William Gregory Constantine - born 1870. He was a St Mary planter, I believe he owned a banana plantation at Claremont, St Mary. Henry married Letitia Emily Braham. He was a justice of the paece for St Mary and resided at Claremont.
 |
| Henry William Gregory Constantine |
"Daily Gleaner 1920-06-26
DEATH OF MR H.W.G .C0NSTANTINE
Largely Attended Funeral Takes Place At Highgate: Ceremony Is Impressive
END OF A WORTHY LIFE
Highgate, June 24.—Quite a pallof gloom has been spread over this community by the almost sudden demise of Mr. Henry William Gregory Constantine, J.P. of Belfield son of the late Rev. M. L. Constantine. He was apparently in a healthy state up till about noon yesterday, and after having his breakfast, was
returning to his property, when at a few chains from his house lie fell in a swoon and had to be conveyed in a hammock back to his house, and never recovered conciousness till he died about two hours after. The deceased gentleman had been a hard worker up to the time of 'his death, and was one of the most
successful planters in this vicinity. He was respected and as a J . P . was held in high esteem by all classes of the community. He leaves a wife and five children, one son and four daughters and a host of sorrowing relatives to mourn their irreparable loss. The body was interred at the cemetaryof the St. Cyprian church where he was a staunch member. The funeral ceremony was conducted by the Hon. and Rev. W.T. Graham, assisted by Rev. John Bowen, Ven. Archdeacon Graham and Rev. H A. Mitchell Of all the funerals in these parts, andi there had never been seen such, a train of motor cars, carriages and pedestrians on such an occasion. The pall bearers were Messrs Eric Constantine, son of the deceased, John Graham, Dr. Sydney Nethersole, Messrs. Willie Graham, R. Aquart, John Stockhausen, Allan Stockhausen and Solomon Lazarus. Numerous wreaths of flowers were placed on the cofflin and on the grave by relatives and friends as a last token of R egard. At 5.30 p.m.: t h e coffin was conveyed up the aisle of the church amidst the deeply ipathetic strains of the hymn "Abide with me" played by- Mr. M. A. Roper, St. Cyprian's organist. A guard of honour of the police force of Richmond under the leadership of Sergeant A . C. Morris held the gateway till t h e long procession had passed the church. As a mark of the honour and high estimation in which tlhe deceased was held every business place in Highgate was closed till the ceremony was through."
8. Stella Ann Constantine - born 11 July 1871 at Claremont House, St Mary, Jamaica. Stella married James Herbert Stockhausen and lived on her banana plantation in Highgate until it was destroyed by a hurricane.
 |
| Stella Ann Stockhausen nee Constantine |
"Daily Gleaner 1930-10-31
Mr R. Constantine has Passed Away
The gleaner regrets to announce the death of Mr. Robert Lamb Constantine, one of the senior Inspectors of Produce. The sad occurence took place at Browns Town St. Ann shortly after midnight on Tuesday.
The deceased had been in failing health for some weeks past, but few realised that the end was so near. Mr. Constantine was for many years a planter and pen-keeper In St. Catherine and was the owner of Bybrook, that extensive property at Bog Walk. When the Produce Board was created, Mr. Constantine was one of the first Inspectors to be chosen and his wide experience of produce stood him in good stead for the important position to which he was appointed. he acted for several months as Chief Inspector of Produce when Mr. P. W. Murray went on a special mission to Florida, and his services were greatly valued by the Advistory Committee under the Produce Law. Some months ago Mr. Constantine was transferred to St Ann and rendered valuable services in that and the adjoining parishes. The deceased was a Justice of the Peace for St. Catherine and had' many friends throughout the island. The funeral took place at Browns Town yesterday and was largely attended."
10. Reginald Emanuel Constantine - born 7 April 1875 at Claremont House, Highgate, St Mary, Jamaica. Reginald went to South America and never returned. His son, Randolph, was cared for by Frances Eleanor Graham nee Constantine his aunt. She had Reginald declared dead so that the will could be executed. The court case for the declaration is documented.
"Daily Gleaner 1914-10-20
His Honor Mr. Justice Cargill sat in the Supreme Court yesterday and heard a motion in the matter of the estate of the late Reginald Emanuel Graham. Mr Hector Josephs K.C. Instructed by Messrs Myers and deCordova appeared in support of the motion. IN the opening case, Mr. Josephs said the petition was on behalf of Helena (Frances Eleanor) Graham, wife of H D Graham of St Mary to presume the death of Reginald Emanuel Constantine and to grant to the applicant adminstration of the estate. The motion came before the Cheif Justice on the 28th of March 1912 and the application was adjourned to enable the application to produce further evidence as to the death of the late Reginald Emanuel Constantine. He would tell his Honor shortly what were the facts of the case. Reginal Emanuel Constantine left Jamaica in the later part of 1901 and went abroad and from the date of his departure up to the present time he had not been heard of by his relatives. Mr. Graham, in going abroad went to one of the South
American Countries and was presumed that he died on or before 1908. The application in the present case had made long and extensive enquiries though the British Consul and he had before him files of correspondence which had taken place between the parties. His honor would be able to peruse the correspondence.
His Honour: The application is to allow the applicant to prove his will ?
Mr. Josephs. Yes, Mr Constantine has left a child of 14 yearsof age in the care of the application who has it and is taking care of it. My submission is that after Your Honor has perused the correspondence you can only come to one conclusion. that Mr, Constantine died in 1908. The evidence shows that the last person who had seen .Mr. Constantine was Mr. Watson, and that was in 1904.
His Honour: How old is Constanline?
Mr. Josephs: He was about 25 when he left and if he was alive he would be-about 38 now
His Honour: I do not think you have received- fresh evidence—since tho application was made to the Chief Justice.
Mr Joseph said they had done everything possible to ascertain whether Mr. Constantine was dead or not they had put in advertisemenets in the newspapers and they had caused full enquires to be made. The deceased had a child whom he intended to benefit under the will but she had not got anything out of the estate
His Honour: Is the information received by you in 1904 reliable?
Mr. Josephs: We have made the fullest enquiry into the whole circumstances.
His Honor: Have you served notice on the executors
Mr Josephs said one of the executors died some time ago.
His Honor after hearing futher arguments granted the application"
"WILL of REGINALD EMANUEL CONSTANTINE of Devil's Ranch, St. Mary.
I leave all my estate to RANDOLPH McKINLEY CONSTANTINE now 10 months old. If he dies before 21 without issue, then to my friend PERCY CLEVELAND LOPEZ, also executor of will, and guardian of child. Signed at 3 Duke St, Kingston, 12/28/1901."
Hi I have a Jane Gregory Williams born 1800 Kingston who married Frederick Purcell, are my ancestors, could she be related somehow here? thankyou
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