Johannes was born on 15 September 1875 in Freystadt, Landkreis Schlesien, Germany. He arrived in South Africa in 1903 as part of the Berlin Missionaries and settled in Gerlachshoop (Maleoskop), Groblersdal, Thabantšho, Transvaal.

He married Marie Sophie Anna OELKE. Marie was a German lady born in Berlin, Germany on 8 May 1881. They married on 18 October 1904 in Middelburg, Transvaal.

The couple had one son and one daughter.

b1 Johanna Maria Elizabeth *16 December 1905, Gerlachshoop, X mutual born German Friederich Carl DRESCHER (1902-1977) on 1 August 1931 in Louis Trichardt,
Transvaal. Friederich’s parents were Emil and Bertha (Née RöSKE). Johanna †30 December 2000 in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.

Johannes was instrumental in building of Bakopa of Kgošhi Boleu, a church building from 1904 to 1906. Unfortunately it was demolished 1963. He worked together with other missionaries like Sachtleben, Wangemann, Grützner and Nachtigal. Johannes was very active in the Lutheran Church in South Africa.

b2 Karl August Alfred *17 September 1908, X Sophia Margaretha Magdalena MINNAAR (1906-1983) Sophia’s parents were Louis Stephanus and Lasya Christina(Née VENTER). Karl † 28 April 2005 in Potchefstroom, North West Johannes SANDER, the German ancestor †6 February 1959 in Johannesburg,  Transvaal. His wife Marie died some 21 years earlier on 8 July 1938 in Pietermaritzburg, Natal.

Sources:

• Hymnal record of a missionary structure at Thabantšho (Gerlachshoop) of the Bakopa of Kgošhi Boleu.
• Naairs
• Familysearch
• Berlin Missionary record