James Frederic Elton facts for kids

James Frederic Elton (born 1840, died 1877) was a brave English explorer. He spent much of his life traveling across Africa. Elton was known for his detailed maps and reports. He also worked to stop the terrible slave trade.

Early Life and Military Adventures

James Elton was born on August 3, 1840. His father was a military officer in India. Young James followed in his father's footsteps.

Joining the Army

In 1857, Elton joined the Bengal army in India. He served during a major conflict there. He helped armies at Delhi and Lucknow. Later, he worked for the commander-in-chief, Sir Hugh Rose. Elton received a medal for his service.

Service in China and Mexico

In 1860, Elton volunteered to serve in China. He was part of battles like the taking of Peking. He earned another medal for his actions. After becoming a captain, he left the British army. In 1866, he joined the French army in Mexico. When that war ended, he wrote a book. It was called With the French in Mexico.

Exploring Southern Africa

After his military career, Elton turned to exploration. He traveled a lot in Africa. He made important discoveries and reports.

Journeys in Natal

In 1868, Elton moved to Natal. This area is now part of South Africa. He spent time exploring the colony. In 1870, he went on a long journey. He traveled from the Tati gold district. He went all the way to the Limpopo River. He wrote about this trip. He also made an excellent map. His story was published in a famous geography journal.

Working with the Government

In 1871, Elton was asked to report on gold and diamond fields. He also worked as a diplomat. He helped settle problems with Portuguese officials. In 1872, he became a government agent. He worked on the border of the Zulu lands. He later returned to Natal. He was recovering from a fever. While there, he helped protect native workers. He also joined local government councils.

Fighting the Slave Trade

Elton was very active and wanted to do more. In 1873, he left Natal for new missions. These missions focused on important issues.

Missions in East Africa

One mission was to talk with officials in Mozambique and Zanzibar. They discussed laying a telegraph cable. Another mission was to check on native workers. He also met Sir Bartle Frere in Zanzibar. They worked together on the slave trade problem.

Later in 1873, Elton became an assistant agent. He worked in Zanzibar as a vice-consul. His main goal was to help Dr. John Kirk. They worked to stop the East African slave trade. Elton traveled along the coast. He went between Dar-es-Salaam and Kilwa. He wrote about the land and its products. He also provided a map for his report.

Consul in Mozambique

In March 1875, Elton became the British consul in Mozambique. This was a Portuguese territory. He led many expeditions. These trips aimed to stop the slave trade. He traveled by sea and land. He went south to Delagoa Bay. He also crossed the Indian Ocean. He visited the Seychelle Islands and Madagascar.

Last Journey and Legacy

In early 1877, Elton began a new expedition. He started from Mozambique. He traveled west and northwest. He explored the Makua country. He described the Makua people as "kind" and "trustworthy." He was worried about Arab slave traders. He believed the British Empire should fight them. Elton also visited the Quirimbas Islands. He explored the coast up to Zanzibar territory. This journey took him three months.

In July 1877, Elton left Mozambique again. He went to the Zambezi and Shire rivers. He planned to visit British missions. He wanted to explore Lake Nyassa and its surroundings. He also aimed to meet chiefs involved in the slave trade. He hoped to find a route from the lake to Kilwa. From Kilwa, he planned to sail to Zanzibar.

Elton's Final Days

Elton successfully visited the chiefs. He also sailed around the lake. But his land journey became difficult. Wars between tribes made travel hard. Food and porters were scarce. He had to take a very long route north. He kept going, full of hope and energy. But he became very sick. He suffered from malaria. This was caused by being exposed to harsh conditions. He died on December 19, 1877. He was only 37 years old.

Elton was buried near Usekhe in Ugogo. His companions marked his grave. They placed a wooden cross there. They also carved his initials on a large baobab tree. His journals were later published. They were called Travels and Researches among the Lakes and Mountains of Eastern and Central Africa. This book shared his amazing adventures.