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Any writer essaying the task of writing the history of Australia-its marvellous growth and development in
town and country must give praise to the Pioneers,
who, by their untiring perseverance and endurance of hardships of which the present generation, whilst enjoying the fruits thereof, has but a vague conception, laid the foundation for the wealth of our nation.
Looking back on the early days of Australia, when the country in most places was only bush, and towns were non-existing, we find alongside the early British Pioneers a great number of German Families, who left their Homeland and settled in Australia. These German immigrants proved themselves ideal Pioneers, good Colonists and law-abiding Citizens and have unreservedly been acknowledged as such.
For some time the wish has been expressed to publish a book in which early German settlers, either themselves or through their descendants, could in their own words chronicle their experience in Australia during their Pioneer days, and the Publishers of this work feel that in taking up this task a long felt want is provided for. Such stories of the life of the German Pioneers-told by themselves-will not only be a much treasured heirloom to their descendants, but also a monument of recognition of a life well spent and labour nobly done.
... EDITORIAL ...
(5 I HE history of German immigration to Australia goes back as i I far as 1845. The exodus from the "Fatherland" of the first ^LL group of immigrants was a gesture of freedom from religious dissension. In the time of King Frederick William III. all those Lutherans who refused to accept the new episcopalian service book were threatened with banishment. Headed by August Kavel, a band of Unorthodox Prussian Lutherans, rather than reliquish their religious conviction, determined to leave the country and set sail for Australia.
While on a visit to England, Kavel had made friends with George Fife Angas, a wealthy merchant and the promoter of the "South Australian Company," a commercial enterprise which provided the capital to buy Australian land. Angas was known as the "Father of South Australia," and it was he who persuaded Kavel to bring his followers out here. So began an immigation flux that brought thousands of Germans to Australia. Whole districts were peopled with solid blocks of Germans, with German churches, German schools, and the German language in general use.
These early settlers contributed largely to the progress of agriculture in this country. They were hard working and thrifty, and made a tremendous success of wheat growing in particular. Gradually they adventured further east in Victoria, and the Wim- mera district was pioneered almost entirely by Germans.
Many of the descendants of these early German people have become prominent Australian citizens, associating themselves exclusively with the Empire traditions of Great Britain, and in not a few cases anglicised their German names. But still to-day there remain a few small country settlements, especially in South Australia, where, except for subiness purposes, nothing but German is spoken. After the Land Boom, German immigration fell off considerably, and now, since the war, it has ceased altogether, and the only newcomers are those who have some definite and specified work awaiting them on arrival.
By 1860 there were a sufficient number of Germans in Victoria to support no less than three clubs: The Liedertafel Club, the German Club and the Melbourne Duetscher Turn-Verein. The objects of the latter society were the physical development of the body and culture of the mind by literature, music and social entertainments.
In 1862 the first "Turn und Gesangfest" (gymnastic and musical festival) was held in the old Cremorne Gardens, Richmond, under' the patronage and in the presence of the then Governor, Sir
Henry Barkly. It was a huge success and was repeated the following year, the programme extending over two days. The first was devoted to a gymnastic display and concert in the gardens, and the second to a banquet, concert and ball in the Exhibition Building, William Street (where the Mint now stands). The site of the Cremorne Gardens is now occupied by the Rosella Preserving and Manfacturing Company.
The Turn-Verein, which was the most enterprising and vital of the German clubs, unfortunately received a heavy check in 1866 when the club building in Swanston Street was completely destroyed by fire. This meant not only the loss of its expensively fitted gymnasium, but also its library with over 600 books.
At the time of the Duke of Edinburgh's visit to Australia, the Turn-Verein was instrumental in staging a very spectacular torchlight procession of 300 torches and three choirs. This secured them the added financial support of a British membership and soon they were able to rise again from the ashes and establish themselves in a new building. In the year of Queen Victoria's Jubilee, 1887, there were 600 members, and the club library boasted of 2000 books. The Masquerade Balls of the Turn-Verein were a notable feature of social life in Melbourne for many years.
And now the post-war child of the old Turn-Verein lifts its beer mug within the modest walls of the Tivoli Club to drink to the better health and understanding of all humanity. And from the ghost of former happy days comes the answering echo in the old Turn-Verein motto: "Frisch, Fromm, Frolich, Frei" (Ready, Upright, Happy, Free).
THE FIRST SETTLERS AT MARMA GULLY
NOW NAMED MURTOA
Written for the " Dunmunkle Standard " by the late H. Paul Anders, Esq.
I
T was in October, 1871, that myself, Martin Uhe, Fred Degenhardt and Gustav Degen- hardt set out from Mount Gambier to look for land in the back country. Gustav Degenhardt had been on a visit to Gawlertown to his brother, Fred. Driving along the Penola Road we saw a party camping, and I went over to them and found an old friend
Ernest Boehm from the Bremmer, S.A. I told him we were going to Narracoorte to
look for land. He said it was no use going there as he had been there. He invited us to go with him to Horsham in the Wimmera district ISO miles away. He explained the Liberal Land Act, and under what conditions we could each select 320 acres. He said he had been there and selected, and was going back to build his house; then he would bring his family. We consulted together, as it was my team of horses and we could travel slowly only, being unprepared to travel a long distance. We told him to drive on and that we would follow.
After two-and-a-half days we arrived at Mount Arapiles where we met a lot of farmers who had selected previously, including Sudholz, Kruse, Bretach, Hauestorfer, and a few more-all Mount Gambier farmers. All were on the land preparing to build houses. When we arrived at Boehm's selection, at the entrance of the creek to Lake Natimuk, we
found that the whole of the frontage of the lake was open for selection, so the four of us
pegged round the water. It was all red, tussocky ground. We knew what sort of land that was for wheat growing; we had no faith in the crab-holey ground on account of the cracks in it, some being more than two feet deep, and we could not see how that type of land could hold moisture.
After pegging we went back to Mount Gambier to furnish ourselves with survey fees, intending to return to see the land surveyed. When we got the needful funds we returned to shepherd our pegs. On reaching Mount Arapiles we camped at Jackie-Jackie. There a couple of swaggies came over to us and asked for tea, and one of them (an old greyheaded man) said: "I suppose you are looking for land; what will you give if I lay you on to some good country-all open plains, no timber, no stones, you can put the plough into it and wrork away-there is a nice lake with plenty of water and plenty wildfowl on it? I have been shepherding there for 17 years, and the lake never went dry. The information is worth ?5. I will direct you and if it is not what I say, don't pay me anything." Gustav said: ''Now, old man, we will pay you 10/- if you tell us where to go, and if the land is as represented you will find us there, and shall have your fiver on top of the 10/-." He agreed, and then instructed us to reach the place called Marma Gully, but warned us against the squatter who would tell us nothing. He advised us to call at Densmore's Hotel and say that we lost some horses and were told they had strayed to Marma Gully, and asked to be directed there.
I forgot to mention that Gustav Degenhardt had sent word to an Adelaide friend, Hermann Volprecht, to make one of the party, and he had joined us.
We bade good-bye to the old shepherd, left Jackie-Jackie and went straight to Horsham where we called on Robert Clark, a storekeeper, for information about the place. As Volprecht had his father-in-law living at Drung-Drung, where the land had been taken up a couple of years before, we decided to go there first. Driving along the road we saw a splendid crop of wheat as high as the fence and out in ear. On examining the land we found it to be all crab-holes and full of cracks, and at once we changed our opinion
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GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
about crab-holey ground. We returned to Horsham and again called on Robert Clark, who told us of a boundary-rider on Lonerenong Station named Harry Friend who was willing to take us to Marma Gully, as he had] selected there. He took us a straight course across the plains. We passed where the Longerenong College now stands and saw the first pegs with the name "Bodey"; they were the only pegs we saw.
At last we arrived at Marma Gully. We gave a farmer named Boldt a lift from Horsham to Marma. Harry Friend had pegged 180 acres on the corner where the Church of England now stands at Murtoa. We camped alongside of Friend's tent. The only house was a shepherd's hut which the squatter afterwards burned down. After inspecting the land we pegged a block for each around the water. M. Uhe (who was the oldest) had first pick, and he took the block next to Harry Friend on east side of the lake. After drawing lots for the others Volprecht got the adjoining block to Uhe. G. Degenhardt took the block on the north-west side of the lake, and I got the block on the west side adjoining him. Fred Degenhardt was next to me, so that the whole of the lake frontage was pegged.
Although we waited there till the middle of December we could hear nothing of the survey party, so we were compelled to break camp and return to Mt. Gambier to take off our crops. I should explain that we were then tilling rented land at Mt. Gambier, paying 10/- per acre per year. We finished in the middle of February and I told F. Degenhardt and Uhe that I was off to the Wimmera'-that I was not going to pay 10/- per acre rental when I could get open land at 2/- per acre and make it my own in ten years. Of course there were objections on account of the women-folk, as no houses were prepared and the nearest store would be 20 miles off at Horsham. How were they going to live? I said "Never mind, we'll find ways and means to pull through." When they saw that I was determined they resolved to follow. We made sack tents over the waggons, and off we went. I took the lead; Uhe and Degenhardt followed. Everything went well till
approaching Natimuk, when heavy rain fell making the roads sticky, and we had to double-bank the teams. When we got within a mile and a half of Marma we had to double-bank again. To make it easier on the horses the women and children had to walk, and soon got tired of kicking the mud from their boots. Mrs. Uhe (my mother-in-law) said: "Oh, what a terrible country you are taking us to!" Of course they were unused to Wimmera mud.
At last we arrived at Lake Marma, and each camped on the block he had pegged to within three chains of the high-water mark, that being the condition of the Land Act. M. Uhe, F. Degenhardt and myself with our families, were the first lot of settlers at Marma Gully, and we arrived on 16th March, 1872, which date I recollect as it was my wife's birthday. G. Degenhardt, Volprecht and Hoff arrived six or eight weeks afterwards with their families. Uhe's family consisted of wife and eight children; F. Degenhardt, wife and four children; myself, wife and four children, and my brother Hermann Anders, making twenty-three in all, the first settlers in Murtoa, as it was afterwards called. Of the five first selectors, four have since paid the debt of nature, I alone remaining.
Whilst we were awaiting the arrival of the surveyors, visitors flocked around looking for land, the main consideration being water supply, and we were soon surrounded owing to the proximity of the lake. Owing to our pegging to within three chains of the water, the squatter (Samuel Wilson) objected to our occupation, as he claimed 500 acres under the terms of his pre-emptive right for bringing water to Lake Marma by a channel from the Little Wimmera. Through this opposition it took nearly three years before the survey was completed. As we did not know our boundaries we could not proceed with fencing or building; but we put in and took off three crops meanwhile. At last the dispute was settled in our favour, and Wilson had to take 500 acres at south end of the lake towards the Sawpit Swamp. I attended the first Land Board held at Horsham, where our applications were recommended. It was supposed to be surveyed before occupation, but we took the three crops off without paying rent owing to delay.
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GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
At last the land was surveyed, but I was disappointed as I was put back 20 chains from the lake, and so was F. Degenhardt. G. Degenhardt's block started at RabFs corner, and ran east; and Friend's block started at the Church of England corner running east. We were then able to go to work at fencing and building our houses. One day a gentleman drove up and told me that he was an officer from the Lands Department to see how we were getting on with our improvements. He enquired why I was building so far from the water, and I told him my boundary line was only a chain away. He pulled out a map and informed me that I should be closer to the lake than Degenhardt on the opposite side. He marked something on the map and said, "I'll look into that" After a while G. Degenhardt received notice that 40 acres would be excised from his block and Friend that 20 acres would be taken from his for township purposes. They left F. Degenhardt and me where we were. Three years after Murtoa township was surveyed. I think it was Breen, the surveyor, who christened it, but the truth is not known, as he died shortly afterwards.
When Degenhardt and Hoff arrived they settled on the east side of the lake at the corner of Marma and Duncan streets, and lived in tents. We used to call it the Calico Township. These latter families, all told, numbered nineteen, making the total population of the settlement forty-two. Breen and Sheehan selected south of Friend. Selectors soon surrounded the place, including Kiefel, Comvn, Delahunty Bros., Tobin, Adler, Jellet Bros. (2), Seery, Habel, J. B. Miller and others-all of whom may be classed as the first settlers around Murtoa. Of course there were plenty of selectors who passed Murtoa and went on to Coromby, Minyip, Rupanyup, or wherever they found dams or water. In 1868 the first selectors came from Hamilton to Horsham, and in 1871 the first came from Mt. Gambi-er to Natimuk.
My first crop was twenty-eight acres of wheat, about twelve bushels to the acre, and Stawell was our market. Friend told me to steer straight to Mount Ararat. So Uhe, F. Degenhardt and I loaded our waggons (I took the lead) and we landed the first wheat in Stawell that was ever grown around Murtoa. The first wheel track that we made to Stawell in 1873 was used for many years after.
The first child born at Murtoa was a daughter of Harry Friend's. As he was an old station hand, and not a farmer, I think we cannot count him among the first settlers. Wm. McClintock also lived for many years before that on Longerenong Station, so did Doyle, who built the first public-house at Murtoa. The second child born was my daughter Augusta (now Mrs. Fox), the third was a daughter' of G. Degenhardt's, Alma, now deceased, and the fourth a daughter of R. Sheehan.
One day we had a visit from the old shepherd whom we met at Jackie Jackie, and who told us about Marma Gully. Of course, he found us settled there, and he came for his five-pound note. We clubbed together and he got his money according to promise, as we could thank Tommy-that's what we called him-that we found Marma Gully.
We applied for a school for our children, but the Government was so long-winded that we had a busy-bee and erected one ourselves on the site of the present post-office. G. Degenhardt knew an old gentleman named Mier, and he was engaged as the first teacher of our children and was paid by their parents. The building was of wattle-and-dab, and was thatched with rushes grown in the lake. The building was used as a school, for churches, and for all kinds of meetings. At last the GoArernment saw the necessity for erecting a new State School and gave us our first teacher, Mr. J. F. Walther.
Anderson Bros, built the first iron store at corner of Duncan and Marma streets. Blacksmith, shoemaker, tinsmith, butcher and baker followed in rotation. I am giving you a true outline of the first settlement in Murtoa, and regret that I cannot give you a record of the dates, as I am writing from memory in my 84th year. A more able pen than mine may follow with the development of the town in later years.
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The Rev. John Simpfendorfer, Son of the late The Rev. Gottlob Simpfendorfer
Rev. JOHN SIMPFENDORFER
The Parsonage, Doncaster
The Rev. John Simpfendorfer, born at Walla Walla, New South Wales, in 1891, is the eldest son of the Rev. Gottlob Simpfendorfer, one of the early pioneers of the Lutheran Church in the Riverina District of New South Wales, who was born at Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1858, and studied for the ministry at the Mission School in Basle, Switzerland, from which so many of our notable Lutheran ministers have graduated. He sailed for Australia in 1885, landing in Melbourne. His first Church duties were in connection with Home Mission work, on which he was engaged for about 18 months throughout Victoria and the Riverina. In 1887 he received a call as Pastor to the Lutheran Church at Ebenezer-as Walla Walla was then named-and has remained there ever since. The position of a Pastor in those days was by no means a sinecure-roads worthy to be called thus, there were but few, on the other hand long distances through sheep and cattle stations
had to be covered in visiting the widely scattered members of the Church by means of horse and buggy, and this entailed continuous and tiring travelling.
The Rev- G. Simpfendorfer married in 1888 Miss Matilda Makle, who, like him, came from Wurtemberg, Germany, and to whom he had become betrothed before leaving home. His predecessor at Ebenezer, the Rev. John Egan, had erected a wattle and daub building, which served the dual purpose of church and school. This was replaced by a stone church, erected in 1894. The present church, illustrated in this article was built in 1924 and is justly regarded as a monument to the wonderful work done in the district by this great old Pastor. At the time of writing this article Pastor Simpfendorfer can look back on 45 years service in the district, during which period he has seen it grow from a very sparsely populated area, to one of the most
prosperous farming centres in this part of New South Wales. The early German settlers took up small areas of land which, with the farming knowledge they had, they turned into profitable possessions- With indomitable courage and energy they built up a settlement, which is a credit to themselves and to the land of their adoption. During all these years the Rev. G. Simpfen- dorfer watched over their spiritual welfare, aiding them in their difficulties whenever needed. He has married, baptized and confirmed three generations of settlers, confining his work to the German speaking members of the church, whilst the English speaking members are under the guidance of his assistant, Pastor J. Stolz. The late Mrs. Simpfendorfer died in 1920, revered by all for the faithful services rendered by her to the community, and the great help she gave her husband during her life.
The Rev. John Simpfendorfer received his primary education at the local school. After engaging in some private studies he went to the High School in Wurtemberg, Germany, where he studied under his uncle
for over two years, finally entering the Theological Seminary of the Bash Mission, Switzerland. After studying three-and-a- half years at this well-known Seminary he graduated and then returned to Australia. Like his father, his first work was in connection with Home Mission work in South Australia, but after only twelve months he received an appointment to the parish of Eudunda, South Australia.
In 1920 he was transferred to the Doncaster Parish, the church with which he is still connected, and where he enjoys the esteem of his numerous parishioners.
The Rev. John Simpfendorfer married Miss Petering, a daughter of a pioneer of Murtoa, and there are four sons, Kenneth, Raymond, Leslie and Hedley. He has been actively associated with the Foreign Mission Board of the Lutheran Church in New Guinea, and was one of its Trustees, and he is the Secretary of the Victorian District and the General Treasurer of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church of Australia.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
JULIUS DIETRICH,
Richmond N. S. Brewing Co. Pty. Ltd. Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Richmond Brewery Fermentation Vats.
The Richmond Brewery commenced with a limited output and faced a most determined opposition, but the quality of its output held the support obtained and constantly secured new fields, until now it is in demand throughout the whole of Australia. This success necessarily required constant enlarging of the Company's plant at Richmond, but under the able supervision of Mr. Dietrich, the Brewery has been in the position to meet all demands, and the Nathan Brewery System is now firmly established in Australia.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. and Mrs. CARL GEORGE KOPMANN
Melbourne
GERMAN PIONEER FAMIEIES
Mr. Julius Heinrich Degenhardt
and Son
JULIUS HEINRICH DEGENHARDT "Salisbury," Murtoa
The above, born in 1866 at Sniithfiekl, South Australia, is a son of the late Mr- Gustav Julius Wilhelm Degenhardt, who came to Australia from Hannover, Germany in 1846, landing in Adelaide at the age of 16 years with three of his brothers. They worked in Adelaide for about two years and they sent such glowing reports about conditions in Australia to their people in Hannover, that the whole family decided to come out on a visit. Unfortunately the father and mother died on the voyage, and two years later, the two brothers who had stayed in Germany when the four brothers left for Australia also joined the four who had come out in 1846. Being interested in mining they worked for a time at the Burra Mines in South Australia. Later they joined the gold rush which had broken out in Victoria, and worked at Forest Creek and other diggings-
During this time Mr. Gustav Degenhardt still retained his land in South Australia, which was used for wheat growing. Returning to South Australia he found the land not large enough, and being unable to buy adjacent properties he decided to look elsewhere for suitable land. After inspecting some land on the Yorke Peninsula, but deciding against it, he saw in 1872 that Victoria was opening up new land in the Wimmera, and he with a brother and Messrs. Paul Anders, Martin Uhe and Hermann Vollprecht hired a van and two horses at Mt. Gambier and travelled in that manner. When they reached Natimuk they were impressed with the land there but were persuaded by the advice of a swagman to come to Murtoa- Having paid the latter ?2 for his advice they continued their journey. On arrival at Murtoa, then
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
The First School and Town Hall, Murtoa.
Having completed his studies he returned to the homestead and has been engaged in farming until he leased his property.
Mr. J. Degenhardt has been an active worker in the United Evangelic Lutheran Church of Australia, of which his father had been secretary and treasurer, and Mr. Degenardt now holds the latter position.
He married Miss Schulz, daughter of Heinrich Schulz, also a pioneer of the district, and there is a family of three surviving children: Lindsay, Noel and Ruth.
Mr. Degenhardt has been a most successful farmer and the homestead is regarded as one of the finest homes in the town. The original homestead is still standing and is the oldest house in the Murtoa district.
Mr. Degenhardt's son Lindsay, has given up the study of medicine and has become a student of agriculture at the Longerenong Agricultural College.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Winter
HEINDRICK WILHELM WINTER, Belmont, Victoria
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
AUGUST JOHANN ZERBE, J.P.
" Pleasant View," East Doncaster, Victoria
The above, born on 14th February 1862 at Scoresby, Victoria, is a son of the late August Zerbe who came to Australia in 1857, a native of Frank-on-Oder and 25 years of age at the time. The ship he arrived on was the "La Rochelle". His future wife arrived by the same ship. On arrival he worked for the late Mr. Gus- canchy, of Brunswick, with whom he stayed for some time. He then rented land at Scoresby, and lost everything in the floods of 1863. In 1864 he came to Doncaster, where he purchased land and established an orchard. There was a family of two sons and five daughters of whom A- J. Zerbe is the eldest. The late A. J. Zerbe died in 1897 and his wife in 1904.
August Johann Zerbe was educated in the district, and after leaving school worked on his father's property until he was 16 years of age, he then worked for others for a while, until he had saved enough money to purchase the present property, with his father's assistance. It was then raw bush country and had to be cleared; the wood from which he sold to keep things going. He built a house and married Bertha Fuhr- mann, daughter of a pioneer of Doncaster. There was a family of ten children, eight of whom survive. The present property was planted with mixed fruit trees- Mrs. Zerbe died in 1929.
There are at present eight children, all married, twenty-one grandchilrren, and two great-grandchildren.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
A. J. Zerbe was for 27 years a Councillor of the Doncaster Shire Council (1890- 1917) and for 38 years served on the Board of Advice and the local School Committee. He has several times been President of the Shire and takes an active part in all matters of local progress and welfare. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1903.
This is one of the pioneer families of the district. The present Mrs. Zerbe's grandfather, Mr. Henry Gucsansky, was a pioneer of Brunswick, Victoria, arriving there from Frankfort-on-Oder in 1848, and it was he who first employed the late August Zerbe, on his arrival in Australia.
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GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
HEINRICH WILHELM SCHACHE
"Vermont Farm," Murtoa
Mr. Heinrich Wilhelm Schache, born in Seppelsfield, South Australia in 1859, is a son of the late Carl Gottlieb Schache, who came to Australia with his parents from Silesia, Germany in 1848, at the age of 22 years.
The family landed in Adelaide and took up farming in Seppelsfield. The late Mrs. Carl Sachache came to Australia in 1836 on the sailing ship "Royal George'". She was then 11 years of age and her parents belonged to the first group of German farmers from Germany, with whom came Pastor Gustav Kavel. The family stayed at Seppelsfield for same time, removing later to Port Wakefield where they farmed for about three years- After farming for a time at
Mt. Gambier, they decided in 1872 to come to Victoria, where the rich lands in the Wimmera District were opened for selection. The late Carl Schache chose an area some three miles east of Murtoa and here their family was brought up and educated. There were three sons and four daughters, of these Mr. Heinrich Wilhelm Schache is the second son.
After finishing his education, he worked on the homestead until 1882, and then purchased the present property, consisting of 500 acres of rich wheat-growing country. The land was at that time lightly timbered and it took several years of hard work to clear it and prepare it for ploughing. The present perfect condition is a monument to the early pioneering work carried out.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
He married in 1885 Miss Caroline Pluckhahn, a daughter of the late Frederick Pluckhahn, an early pioneer of the district, and there is a family of two sons and two daughters: Ida, Alfred, Caroline and Frederick. There are six grandchildren, and these represent the fifth generation of this fine old pioneering family, which on the mother's side dates back to the earliest group of German settlers in Australia.
Mr. Schache is an active worker, and an Elder of the local United Evangelic Lutheran Church of Australia, and has been a Lay Reader for over 32 years. The family have also been ardent church workers and the daughters have been members of the church choir for many years.
The two sons are now working the property, which is situated about six miles from Murtoa*
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Ice Making and Refrigerating Machinery Manufacturers
Burnley Street, Richmond
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
The output of the Company amongst others includes refrigerating machinery and the accessories connected therewith, Ice Tanks, Ice Hoists, Water and Brine Circulating Pumps, Air Circulating Fans of all sizes, etc. Ice cream makers, abattoirs, butchers, dairymen, fruit stores, butter factories, hotels, are clients of Rudolf Werner & Co. Pty. Ltd. Service to the user of the installations is a leading feature of this firm's activities.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. Otto Plarre
OTTO PLARRE
Pastrycook, 28 Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds, Victoria
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
CARL FRIEDRICH ADOLPH WINTER
"Carindale," Wellington Street, Kew, Melbourne
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
ERNST GROBBECKER
Small Goods Manufacturer, Parks Street, Footscray
GERMAN PIONEER
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Fankhauser, '"Iona,"
East Burwood
DAVID DANIEL FANKHAUSER " Iona/' Cr. Springvale and Burwood Roads, Burwood
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
GEORGE FREDERICK FANKHAUSER 21 Scott Street, Canterbury, Victoria
GERMAN PIONEER FAMIRIES
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
The late Mr. H. F. Fankhauser.
HENRY FANKHAUSER 97 Medway Street, Box Hill, Victoria
Henry Fankhauser, born in 1864, is the third son of the late George Fankhauser, previously mentioned. Educated at the Balwyn State School, he was, after leaving school, apprenticed to the building trade with which he is still connected.
He married Anna Aumann, daughter of the late Carl Aumann, who came to Australia in 1853 as a young man and, after following the gold-rush to various fields, eventually settled in Doncaster where he died in 1909 at the age of 74.
Henry Fankhauser had a family of eight children: Henry Ferdinand (died of wounds 24/4/18), Albert Edward Vernon, Ernst Alfred Carl (returned to Australia from the Front and died 24th April, 1926, at Jeparit, Victoria), Louisa Elenora (deceased), Fredrick Walter George, Hilda Martha Augusta, Leslie Harold, and Elsie Ida.
Henry Ferdinand Fankhauser and Ernst Alfred Carl joined the A.I.F. at the
outbreak of the War and the former died of wounds on the 24th April, 1918, and is buried in Pernois, France. Ernst Alfred Carl returned to Australia and died on the 24th April, 1926, at Jeparit, Victoria.
In 1893 at the collapse of the land boom, Mr. Fankhauser selected the land at Neerim East, in Gippsland, and engaged in dairy farming. He did a lot of pioneering work in the district, as the country in those days was heavily timbered and had to be cleared by axe and fire. During this period Mr. Fankhauser was ably supported by his wife, who worked hard with him to make the farm a paying proposition. There were no roads and the only means of transport was pack-horses or sledges. The nearest railway was Neerim South, seven miles away. The family was reared on the farm. In 1914 the farm was sold and the family came to Melbourne, where Mr. Henry Fankhauser re-engaged in contracting work, which he is still carrying on.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
ERNEST FERDINAND FINGER
"Tannenwald," Doncaster Vic.
Ernest Ferdinand Finger, born at Doncaster in 1870, is a son of the late Charles Henry Finger, who was a son of Christian Benjamin Finger, who came to Australia with his family in 1850, during the war between Denmark and Prussia. Owing to the Oder being blockaded at Stettin, the family was held up for about eight months, before finally sailing.
They arrived in Melbourne and Christian Benjamin Finger pitched a tent in Hawthorn, where he purchased land, cleared it from timber, which he sold and then planted vines. The name of the adjoining road is Weinberg Road, derived from these plantations. Christian Benjamin Finger died on the property.
There were three sons, of whom the late Charles Henry Finger was the youngest He stayed with his father until he was 21 years of age. He then commenced contracting and saved enough to purchase a horse and dray for wood-cutting. With the money
earned in this way he took up 10 acres of land in Deepdene, where he built a two- roomed cottage and then married Caroline Aumann, a daughter of a pioneer of that district. Charles Henry Finger planted fruit trees and grew vegetables, and later on started a nursery for fruit trees, and being an expert gardener, he soon made a success thereof. Many improvements were made by him on the property, particularly regarding water conservation, a matter C- H. Finger was very keen on. Hard work brought on a serious illness, curtailing his activities, but by indomitable courage he recovered. During Black Thursday he suffered great loss through the terrible fires. He removed to Doncaster and, finding the soil suitable for fruit trees, he purchased 50 acres and planted fruit trees. At this time he was badly hurt whilst destroying an old house, and as a result of these injuries, coupled with the effects of the strenuous work he did throughout his life, he died, at the early age of 52 years.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
GEORGE HENRY FANKHAUSER
"Grand View," East Burwood, Victoria
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
The late Mr. Kannuluik Senior
Mrs. Fortune, Laughter of Air. Kannuluik
Mrs. CAROLINE ELIZABETH KANNULUIK (nee Miss Fankhauser)
238 Burwood Road, Hawthorn
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mrs. ROSE SELINA TAINTON (nee Miss Fankhauser)
" Rosedale," East Burwood, Victoria
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. Joseph Driller, Kewell.
JOSEPH DRILLER, Kewell
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
HERBERT GUSTAV SCHULTZ, Murtoa
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. and Mrs. Uhe and Family
FRIEDERICK CARL AUGUST UHE, Murtoa
Mr. Uhe, born at Mount Gambier in 1867, is a son of the late Johann Heindrick Martin Uhe, a native of Hannover, Germany.
Mr- F. C. A. Uhe received his education at the Murtoa State School, his father having come over to Murtoa from South Australia in 1872 with the first party of selectors. The original selection taken by Mr. Uhe senior, is part of the present property, which, adjoining the town, is about 400 acres in extent.
After leaving school Mr. Uhe junior worked for his father until the latter's death in 1900, when he took over the property and has resided thereon since that time. In addition to the original homestead, Mr. Uhe owns other wheat growing land in the district- He had three brothers and five sisters, four of these surviving, William A. (now in Western Australia), Christian Ferdinand (Murtoa), Mrs. Annie Adler and
Mrs. Wagner, both of Murtoa. The two brothers are now deceased.
Mr. August Uhe married Miss Martha Cook, daughter of the late William Cook, an early pioneer of Victoria, and there is a family of four sons: Ralph Richard, William Wallis, Gordon Allister and Marcus Maxwell. All the sons are assisting on the property, which is used mainly for wheat and wool growing. Splendid crops have been secured, averaging at times up to 13 bags an acre.
Mr. Uhe is a member of the Murtoa Agricultural Society and until recently took an active part in the conduct of the Society, of which he has occupied the Presidential Chair. Loyal support is also given by Mr. Uhe to any work in the interest of local welfare.
His family is one of the oldest in the district and the children represent the third generation on both sides.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. Victor Carl Schultz, born in 1900, is the youngest son of the late Mr. F. W. Schultz of Murtoa, referred to in these pages.
He was educated privately at Kewell, subsequently at Kirchheim in Minyip, and during the last three years at the Concordia College.
After finishing his education he joined his father on the property, and, on the latter's death, he took over the homestead block, where he is residing at present. Like all his brothers, he is a keen farmer and has maintained the efficiency of the homestead as it was during his father's lifetime.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
JOHN EDWARD SCHULZ
The above was born in 1875 at "Red- bank," Murtoa, and is a son of Mr. Frederick Heinrich Schulz, referred to elsewhere in this book. He received his education locally and then joined his father on the old homestead. Later on he took over portion of the property now in his possession. It adjoins the property originally selected by his father some 56 years ago and consists of about 800 acres, mainly devoted to wheat growing, sheep and lamb raising, and contains some of the best land of this class in the district.
He married in 1915 Miss Paula Duet- scher, daughter of John Duetscher, a pioneer of Murtoa. There is a family of four children: Robert, Gertrude, Gordon and Dora. Mr. Schulz is one of the foundation members of the well-known Coromby Brass Band, which at the time of writing is in its 42nd year. For 18 years Mr. Schulz has been secretary of the local School Committee, a member of the Murtoa Agricultural Society and also of the Coromby Grain Shed Co. He is well-known as an active worker in anything to further the welfare of the district.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
PAUL ALBERT SCHULTZ, "Green Vale," Sheep Hills
Captain Bertram's Visit to the Tivoli Club, Melbourne
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
ALFRED EWALD SCHULTZ, "Glenwood," Murtoa
The late Mrs. Gladigau, Senr. (mother of C. A. Gladigau).
CARL AUGUST GLADIGAU
Natimuk
The above gentleman was born in Harrowgate, S.A., on the 29th July, 1862, and is a son of the late Mr. Fred William Gladigau who came to Australia from Germany in 1855 and landed in Adelaide.
Fie was a carpenter by trade and worked at this for several years and then started farming at Harrowgate. After a while he went to Mt. Gambier where he farmed for four years. Later on he removed
to Penola, and after twelve months there came across to Victoria with the first batch of settlers to select land in the Natimuk district. This was in 1871 and he was followed by his wife and family in 1872. The district then was all virgin country there being no fences or roads. The selec-
Mr. Gladigau went to the first school erected in the district and then learnt farming with his father. In 1884 on the death of his father, he took over the prpoerty which had been increased in area to some 1500 acres of some of the best wheat growing land in the district. Up to 14
tion was 320 acres which, under the conditions then prevailing, took several years to bring to a prosperous condition.
There are three sons William, Frederick and August, all of whom helped on the property.
bags to the acre have been grown on the property.
Mr. Gladigau and his people have seen Natimuk grow from a canvas town to its present prosperous state. He has been an active supporter of all movements for the
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
ERNST HEINRICH FLIEGNER
" Kynau," Forrest Hill
G E R M A N PIO N E E R F A MILIE S
Thp Original Homestead of the Huebner Family, at Minyip, Victoria.
OTTO BERNHARDT HERBERT HUEBNER
"Lesleigh," Sheep Hills
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Cr. ADOLPH ANDREAS LUTZE
"Wilsonia," Coromby, Victoria
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
The late JOHN GEORGE FREDERICK WINTER
" Kehre Wieder," Doncaster, Victoria
The above, born at Carriers5 Creek, Geelong, in 1851, is a son of the late Johann
G. Winter, who came to Australia from Prussia in 1849. Mr. John G. F. Winter received his education at the local school. He then joined his brother in the making of wine from the local vineyard, and they also purchased wine from the Rutherglen vineyard. They succeeded in building up a fairly large retail business.
In 1881 Mr. Winter married Miss Christina Finger, daughter of the late Carl Heindrick Finger, a pioneer of the Doncaster district. He purchased the present property of some 60 acres, which he planted in fruit trees-a very successful venture. The property in those days consisted practically of virgin bush, which had to be cleared by axe and fire, requiring years of hard work before it became a payable proposition. A fine brick residence was
erected and surrounded with pine trees, which gives the homestead a fine setting.
During the early pioneering work Mrs. Winter ably supported her husband, a great deal of the planting of trees, etc., having been attended by her.
There is one daughter, Anna Rosina, who married Henry Leopold Soderlund, of Gothenberg, Sweden, and they have a family of six children: Sigrid, Leopold, Violet, Ruth, Olof and Ralph.
The family has been associated with the local Lutheran Church, in which the late Mr. Winter, who was an Elder of the Church, was an earnest and active worker. Mr. Winter died in 1919, but Mrs. Winter is still living on the property with her daughter.
GERMAN PIONE ER FAMILIES
JOHN GOTTHOLD ADALBERT OSWALD THIELE
Canterbury, Victoria
This gentleman was born in 1845 and is a son of the late J. G. Thiele (whose history is already noted). He was educated first at Templestowe, and after working at home for a while, joined the school at Doncaster. He later went to Geelong to train for a schoolmaster and stayed there until 1865. In that year he was appointed assistant master at St. Stephens Church of England School, Richmond; later he joined the South Melbourne Grammar School and after eighteen months returned to St.
Stephens and remained there until 1872.
He then joined the newly formed State Education Department. He was appointed to the Richmond Central State School and held this position until 1874. He was then asked by the Department to take charge of the school at Doncaster where he stayed for twenty years. In 1896 he was appointed Head Master of the Terang State School.
He was Head Teacher at Bentleigh and North Melbourne when he retired from the Department in 1910.
He married Christanna Cuzens of Melbourne, the daughter of the late Rev. Benjamin Cuzens, and had one son, Edmund Oswald, who is a Doctor of Science and Director of the Geological Survey in Tanganyika East Africa. He married Miss Stalker of Williamstown, daughter of Captain Stalker of the Pilot Service, and there is a family of two: Margaret and Ronald, who represent the fourth generation of the Thiele family in Australia.
Mr. and Mrs. J. G. A. O. Thiele are now living in retirement in Canterbury.
57
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
CHRISTIAN BERNARD PETSCHEL " Rosenhugel," Wail, Victoria
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. Adolph Weichmann.
ADOLPH WEICHMANN
15 Livingstone Street, Ivanhoe
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. and Mrs. H. F. A. Petering
HEINRICH FREDERICH AUGUST PETERING "Gum View," Coromby
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
I lie late Mr. G. H. Lauer, Senior
FREDERICK GOTTFRIED LAUER " Lanthel," Burke Road, Deepdene, Victoria
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
JOHANN DEUTSCHER, Murtoa.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
0F.RM \K PIONEER FAMILIES
Pastor W. W. Fritsch and Family
Rev. WALTER WILFRED FRITSCH
The Lutheran Manse, Natimuk
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
ARTHUR ALBERT FANKHAUSER
" Mountfield," Burwood Road, Wantirna
Mr. Arthur A. Fankhauser, born at East Burwood in 1892, is a son of Robert C. Fankhauser, referred to elsewhere in these pages.
He was educated at the Vermont State School, after which he worked on his father's property until his marriage in 1917 to Miss Emily Jessie Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Miller, who are old residents of the district.
The property now in the possession of Arthur A. Fankhauser was purchased for him in 1914 by his father. The whole of it was covered with virgin bush, and it took years of hard and arduous work to clear the twenty acres of which this property consists, before it could be called a paying proposition. The whole of the land has now been cleared and planted in apples and pear trees, which are in full bearing. The property abuts the main Fern Tree
Gully Highway, and offers a pleasing picture to the eye of those passing.
There is a family of two daughters and one son, Edna Alice, Robert William and Phyllis Joyce. These children represent the fifth generation of the Fankhauser family, a family which has been connected with the district for over fifty years.
Mr. Fankhauser who is a keen sportsman, is the secretary of the local Tent of the I.O.R., and has occupied every office in this society. He was also local correspondent for the Wantirna State School Committee and has always shown great interest in all matters connected therewith. Mr. and Mrs. Fankhauser have gained the respect and esteem of everybody in the district by their willingness to assist in any proposition having as its object the furthering of local progress.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
JOHANAS HENRY KLINGE
Arkona, Victoria
Mr. Klinge's parents were: August A. Klinge and Maria (nee Schulze). His father arrived in Australia from Germany in 1844 and ten years later his mother, then Miss' Schulze, arrived. They settled first at Mt. Torrens, South Australia, and were married on 22nd July, 1864. Five children were born of this marriage: Anna (now Mrs. Werner, Dimboola) ; J. H. Klinge (the subject of this sketch) ; G. R. Klinge (deceased-late of Gerang, Victoria) ; Alfred (deceased, late of Arkona) and Emilie (now Mrs. Lane, of Ballarat).
Mr. J. H. Klinge was educated at Mon- arto, South Australia, and on March 21st, 1895, married Anna Dorothy Neumann of Woodside, South Australia. There are four children: Emilie, John, Henry and Roland.
The two elder sons have married and occupy two farming properties "Gum Vale" and "Hill Side". The former being the old original selection.
John, occupying "Gum Vale", married Miss Meta Wundersitz of Gerang, and at the time of writing has one daughter named Lois aged one year.
Henry-occupying "Hill Side" married Miss Alma Jordan of Gerang and their one child, Nita, is the present family- she is aged one year.
Roland-at the moment is a schoolboy and hopes of him completing his education at Immanuel College, Adelaide, are entertained.
Mr. J. H. Klinge still retains control of the two properties held by his sons, and divides his time and energies between them. The total acreage of the two properties amounts to 1700 acres, and is devoted to wheat growing.
Mr. Klinge has been an elder of the Lutheran Church, Arkona, for many years. He was also a Committeeman of the Dimboola Agricultural Society and a Director of Dimboola Stores Ltd., and has always taken an active interest in all public affairs.
For thirty-two years Mr. J. H. Klinge has shown horses and grain at country shows, and has become very well known, and exhibited under the name of Klinge Bros. The average wheat yield has been 6-| bags per acre. As an indication of the excellence of the soil and the methods used as much as nine bags have been taken off in a good season. The usual complement of sheep is kept and during lambing season as many as 500 are on the property.
After living at "Gum Vale" for over 35 years, Mr. Klinge-two years ago-left the old homestead, and is now living on a small property adjoining the Dimboola and Jeparit Road.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
HERMANN HEINDRICH HOLTKAMP
" Millicent," Murtoa
Mr. H. H. Holtkamp, senr., was born in Germany in 1844, and came out in 1866 at the age of twenty-two years. Mrs. Holtkamp, senr., was also born in Germany in 1850 and, with her parents, arrived here at the age of two years.
Hermann Heindrich Holtkamp was born at Millicent, South Australia in 1874, and is a son of the late H. H. Holtkamp. He was educated at Millicent, and after leaving school he joined his father on the homestead, working with him until the age of 27 years.
The late .Mr. Holtkamp was engaged in mixed farming in South Australia, and owing to his property being scattered and carrying a large number of stock, an enormous amount of riding had to be done. In 1890 his father decided to come over to Victoria to join relations already established in the Wimmera. He purchased a property of some 660 acres and devoted himself to wheat-growing, at which he was most successful. There was a family of six
boys and three girls. All the sons helped on the property and are now all established on farms of their own.
The subject of this sketch was the eldest son and he purchased 320 acres of land near Murtoa in 1904, and in 1911 purchased land at Rupanyup, which was virgin country and took several years to fence and develop. Eventually this property became a very fine wheat farm and some excellent crops have been taken off, up to 12 and 13 bags to the acre being secured. He also was a breeder of Clydesdale horses, and kept sheep for wool growing and fat lamb raising. He increased his holding to 1280 acres.
Mr. Holtkamp married Miss Selma Christina Petschel, of Croxton East, daughter of the late Carl Petschel, a pioneer of
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr., Mrs, and Miss H. H. Holtkamp
that district, and there was a family of two children, one of whom is surviving, Ella Henrietta. Mr. Holtkamp retired in 1927 from active farming and built his present residence in the town of Murtoa. He is an active worker and committeeman of the Lutheran Church, a member of the Agricultural Society, a member of the committee of the Progress Association, and has given active support to all local movements for the benefit of the district. He is an enthusiastic bowler and plays with the Murtoa Bowling Club. Mr. Holtkamp has also been one of the early members of the well-known Coromby Brass Band, often referred to in these pages.
Miss Holtkamp represents the third generation on her father's side and the fourth on her mother's side of these highly respected pioneers.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. A. F. Thiele
AMBROSE FREDERICK THIELE
Doncaster, Victoria
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. and Mrs. Lauer and Family
HEINRICH CHRISTIAN AUGUST LAUER
Doncaster
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
O. Muller and Family.
OTTO JULIUS MULLER
"Garden City Flour Mills," Ballarat
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
The late William H. Fankhauser.
FREDERICK WILLIAM FANKHAUSER "Neangor," East Burwood, Victoria
The above, born at Burwood in 1886, is a son of the late Mr. W. H. Fankhauser, and received his education locally at the Vermont State School. After leaving school he worked for a time on his father's property, and later on went to Porepunkah in the North East of Victoria. After having worked there for some time, he returned to Melbourne and obtained employment with the Tramway Company. On the death of his father in 1907 he took over the present property, which had been planted with a variety of fruit trees, including cherries, apples, pears, plums, etc. Mr. F. W. Fankhauser has been very successful since taking over the property.
Mr. Fankhauser married Miss Hamilton of Bendigo, and there is a family of three sons and one daughter, Elva Lilian, William Clifford, Ronald Frederick and Clarence Mervyn.
For twenty years Mr. Fankhauser belonged to the local football team and was known as a very keen, all-round sportsman.
He was a trustee of the local Methodist Church with which he has been associated for many years, and has at all times bee" an ardent worker in all matters of local welfare. As a foundation member of the East Burwood Fruit Growers' Association, he has ever been active in looking after the interest of the fruit growers. Held the position of President of the local Fruit Growers' Association for two years and was also Secretary thereof.
Mr. Fankhauser is also a Councillor of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, and a member of the Victorian Chamber of Agriculture. He has been one of the founders of the local Mechanics' Institute and Secretary of same since its inception. During the war he was actively associated with all Red Cross movements.
Mr. Fankhauser, who is the eldest son of the late William Fankhauser branch of the family enjoys with his wife and family the respect and esteem of the district.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
making by studying the subject and its new developments, for some fifteen months.
Upon returning to Australia a business was started in a small way until up to 80 hands were employed in the factory. Interstate showrooms were established in addition to the head showrooms at Tasmania House in Flinders Lane, Melbourne, all sales being made direct from stocks. The import department of millinery trimmings was also established which makes Mr. and Mrs. Harbig the pioneers of this comprehensive business. In 1935 a new factory is being erected to accommodate some 200 hands. The growth of this business in so short a time has been phenomenal and speaks volumes for the business acumen of Mr. and Mrs. Harbig and the quality of the goods produced. A number of relatives and experts from Europe have come to Australia by Mr. and Mrs. Harbig's assistance, thus enabling the manufacturing and styles to be kept up-to-date.
Their only son, Richard, was born in 1918 and, after leaving the State School at the age of twelve, attended Scotch College for four years. At Scotch College he was Class Captain and a member of the Swimming Team as well as featuring prominently in general athletics.
Showing great aptitude for the business of his parents, Richard was trained, and after one year in the factory was transferred to the Melbourne offices to acquire knowledge in salesmanship.
Mrs. Harbig is a native of Dresden, Germany, arriving in Victoria in 1907. Dresden, her home town, is known throughout the world for the production of this type of work. As a girl, Mrs. Harbig was trained in artificial flower making and her experience has been the means of working up this splendid business in Australia.
This is the leading business of its type in the Commonwealth, and has continually increased its output until to-day its products are in every part of Australia.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
The late Mr. and Mrs. RUDNITZKI
The late Mr. and Mrs. Rudnitzki
The above came to Australia from Berlin, Germany in 1883, landing in Adelaide, South Australia, where they remained until 1884. In that year they came to Victoria settling in Melbourne where Mr. Rudnitzki established himself as a building contractor. He was a carpenter by trade and carried out many contracts in Melbourne.
Mrs. Rudnitzki was a very enterprising woman and introduced the art of artificial flower making in Victoria. This business starting in a small way assumed large proportions. Before commencing this venture Mr. and Mrs. Rudnitzki made a special trip to Germany in 1897 where they purchased the necessary tools and material used in the business. Prior to initiating this manufacture all artificial flowers were imported to Australia, so that Mrs. Rudnitzki was indeed a pioneer of a new industry in the State.
Her work was naturally imitated by others but her family have the satisfaction of knowing that she was the founder of the industry in Australia. Mrs. Rudnitzki died in Melbourne in 1932 at the ripe old
Late Eric E. Rosenthal
age of eighty-one years. Mr. Rudnitzki died in 1934 at the age of eighty-eight years. He resided some fifty years in the country of his adoption.
Their daughter Annie married Mr. E. W. Rosenthal of Brunswick, and they have a family of one son, Eric Ernest and two daughters Greta Annie and Elsa Marie.
Mr. Rosenthal is one of Victoria's best known wood carvers, and examples of his work are installed in some of the State's finest Churches, homes and commercial buildings. Special mention should be made of his carving for the massive organ at the Melbourne Town Hall.
Mr. and Mrs. Rosenthal and their children enjoy the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends.
Mr. Eric Rosenthal at the early age of twenty-eight was fatally injured in a car accident at Toora where he was spending his Easter holidays in 1934.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
WILLIAM
"Lucky Womans,"
William Bolte, born in 1872, is the son of the late George and Caroline Bolte who were early settlers in Australia. The late George Bolte was born in Essen in 1820. He worked for a few years as expert in a Sugar Refinery in London, and came to Australia in 1854. Here he met his future wife at Germantown, South Australia, who, coming from the same town in Germany had arrived in 1853 in South Australia.
George Bolte took up gold mining and met with fair success. After travelling throughout Australia and New Zealand Mr. and Mrs Bolte finally settled at "Lucky Womans", near Linton, so called after a woman who, helping her husband in goldmining, found a nugget. They selected land and most of the family of twelve children were born on the selection. These are: Mary, Louisa, Caroline, Annie, Amelia, Julia, David, George, John, Phillip, William, fames Henry. The family is one of the earliest settlers in the district, where they arrived in 1858. The late George Bolte died in 1888.
BOLTE
Linton, Victoria
William Bolte is the second youngest son. He was educated at the Happy Valley State School and later devoted three years to the study of Mining Engineering at the Technical College, Ballarat. He entered into business at Ballarat and after three years went into the gold-mining industry at Pitfield. He purchased a share in the "96" Gold Mine, which was worked out after four years. He then went to Queensland, where he secured the appointment of Shire Engineer and foreman of works to the Shire of Wygamba. He stayed there for some time and later worked for the Commonwealth Government in the Telephone Department.
Mr. Bolte has during his travels always been interested in Mineralogy and studied extensively in this science. He has done a lot of prospecting and is considered an expert in metals. He is now residing on the old homestead which has been in the hands of the family over 70 years.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Alfred Richard Fankhauser.
ALFRED RICHARD FANKHAUSER East Burwood
The above, born in 1875 at Burwood, is a son of the late William Fankhauser, whose biography has been recorded in this publication.
Alfred R. Fankhauser was educated locally and after leaving school joined his brother Frederick William Fankhauser on the latter's homestead, in order to secure farming experience.
He purchased at the age of 21 years the property which is still in his possession. He added some more fruit trees and the 10 acres of which this property consists is now all fruit bearing. Later on he purchased additional property of about 30 acres for orcharding at Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula, of which 20 acres have been planted in fruit trees.
Alfred R. Fankhauser married Miss Elizabeth Mock of East Burwood, daughter of the late George Mock, and there are seven children, Pearl Agnes, Alma, Silvia Isabel, Hazel Louise, Bessie Doreen, Alfred
William George, Phyllis Mabel. Two daughters are married and there is one grandchild, Betty Isabel, making the fifth generation of this branch of the family.
Mr. Fankhauser, who can look back on a number of years during which he devoted much time and energy in matters connected with the welfare of the district, has been an active worker in the local Methodist Church, with which he has been connected all his life. For twenty-eight years he has been Superintendent of the Sunday School. In this and all other church work he has received great assistance from the members of his family.
Mr. Fankhauser is one of the founders and a Director of the East Burwood Cooperative Cool Stores. He joined the I.O.R. Friendly Society at the age of 16 years and passed through all the offices excepting that of secretary and treasurer of the local Tent. Mr. Alfred Fankhauser and his family are highly respected throughout the district.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. B. P. Holtkanip
BERNHARD PAUL HOLTKAMP
Black Rock, Victoria.
Mr. B. P. Holtkamp is a son of the late Mr. H. H. Holtkamp, whose notes are also in these pages, and was born in 1885 at Millicent, South Australia.
He was educated at Coromby, Victoria, and after finishing his schooling commenced farming on his father's property. In 1912 he joined his eldest brother Herman and took over virgin country at Rupanyup which, under their supervision, developed into one of the most successful farms in the district.
He married Miss Jean Holden of Ballarat and there is a family of three: Lyle, Marie and John.
In 1924 he retired from farm work and in 1925 took Mrs. Holtkamp for a European tour visiting England, Germany, etc. travelling for some six months. On his return he settled in Ballarat for a while and in 1928 came to Stawell and purchased his present home which has a wonderful view of the Grampians.
The children are very musical, and have developed their talent to a high standard. Lyle, the eldest son is now eleven years of age and is a member of St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, Melbourne, under the leadership of Dr. Floyd. He is also being educated at Trinity Grammar School, Kew. M_r. Holtkamp was for several years, a member of the Coromby Brass Band. Mrs. Holtkamp is a trained singer and possesses a splendid contralto voice which is always at the service of the charitable organizations. She was trained under Mr. Hayden West of Ballarat, and was a member of some of that city's noted choirs.
Mr. Holtkamp is a keen bowler and always supports movements for the benefit of his fellow men.
The children represent the fourth generation of this fine old pioneering family associated with Australia.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Cr. E. E. Krelle
Cr. ERNST EDWARD KRELLE " Merrylands," Minyip
The above was born on the homestead "Merrylands" on the 15th March, 1882, and is a son of Friedrich Wilhelm Krelle and Maria Elizabeth Henrietta Fredericke (nee) Schultz, who came to Australia from Germany.
The original pioneer family came over from South Australia about 1870 and selected 320 acres in the Minyip district, which formed the nucleus of the present property, having been added to since, and now occupies 800 acres: of the eleven
children born on the homestead four survive, Wilhelm Krelle, now in Rainbow; Bertha (Mrs. Tepper of Coromby), Paulina (Mrs. Proposch of Hopetoun) and Ernst Edward Krelle, the subject of this sketch, who has lived on the homestead ever since. He received his education at the Kirchheim School and at the age of 14 years commenced to work under his father at "Merrylands". He took the whole property over when his father died in 1918. " Merry
lands" is principally a wheat growing farm, though it carries usually about 200 sheep. It can be definitely regarded as a high grade property, which by practical and commonsense methods, combined with hard work, has over the past twenty-five years yielded an average of approximately 8 bags
per acre. In 1914, as everyone knows, one of the severest droughts ever experienced prevailed in the Wimmera, and in 1915 Mr. Krelle had the misfortune to lose 100 acres by fire. By a remarkable mischance the following day provided still further disaster, for 200 acres were completely devastated by a hailstorm!
Mr. Krelle has for many years been a successful exhibitor at all the principal Wimmera Shows of buggy and hackney classes for horses, and has secured first and second prizes at Ballarat in 1914. Every exhibit has been reared at "Merrylands" and this may be regarded as Mr. Krelle's special hobby.
In 1907 Mr. Krelle married Miss Emma Sophie Petering of Minyip and there is a family of eleven children. Emma, Edna, Otto, Doreen, Maria, Carl, Annie, Walter, Rita, Victor and Norma.
Mr. Krelle is a very keen tennis player and over 40 trophies testify to his great skill in this sport.
Mr. Krelle was made a councillor oi the Dunmunkle Shire Council in 1928, and he enjoys the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
JOHANNES WILHELM SCHULTZ
"Gum Grove," Sheep Hills
Johannes Wilhelm Schultz, born in 1877, is a son of the late Frederick Wilhelm Schultz, referred to in the previous article After being educated locally he joined his father on the Homestead at the age of 14 years. He took his present property over in 1907, which had been acquired for him by his father and is about 880 acres in extent The greater part thereof has been cleared under Mr. Schultz's ownership and become a highly developed property, used mainly for wheat and wool growing. A flock of Comeback sheep, used for wool and lamb raising are on the property. It took many years of hard work to bring this splendid property to its present prosperous condition. When taken over there was no water or feed, and many hardships were encountered, which grit and perseverance helped to overcome. The nearest township was about Ah miles away, from which supplies were obtained. Now up to 45 bushels of wheat to the acre have been realised, showing the quality of the soil and testifying to the labour devoted in developing the property.
In 1908 he married Miss Alma Kos- chitzke, daughter of the late Wilhelm Kos- chitzke and Mrs. Marie Koschitzke; natives of Australia. There is a family of four children: Adelaide, Edgar, Ruben and
Mervyn. The two eldest sons are working with their father on the property, and the youngest son is studying at the Concordia College, Adelaide. These children represent the fourth generation of this fine old pioneering family, on both sides. A new homestead has been erected on the property and is surrounded with a beautiful garden, Mrs. Schultz being an enthusiastic gardener.
Mr. J- W. Schultz has been an Elder of the local Lutheran Church for about 19 years, and is also a Lay Reader. He has been a member of the Coromby Brass Band for a number of years. All local movements for the benefit of the district find a warm support from Mr. and Mrs. Schultz.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
JOHANN FREDERICK WILHELM ZIEGELER
"Newhaven," Abbott Street, Sandringham
The above was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1855, where he received his college education. Later he was apprenticed to the scientific instrument trade. Finishing his apprenticeship he went to Switzerland for a while, and then in 1875 on to Paris, where he stayed for a period of twelve months. Returning to Germany for Military Service he was not accepted, and then took a position as foreman in a leading beet sugar works at Heldersheim. From there he went to York, England, under engagement to Messrs. T. Cook & Sons, clock makers of that city. After staying some time with this firm he joined a partner in the same town in a watchmaking and jeweller's business, which proved very successful, and after six years he decided to come
to Australia, where he landed in Melbourne in 1888. He was engaged by Mr. Newman that well-known leading old Melbourne clock maker, and two years later started business on his own account, supplying to the trade. This business developed into the specialising of the manufacture of large clocks, many of which are in some of the leading Australian buildings. The name of F. Ziegeler on a clock face is a warranty of good workmanship.
Mr. Ziegeler did his own designing and the clock faces and machinery supplied to the various Post Offices and Public Buildings are worthy of the greatest pride and appreciation. There are four sons, all of whom engaged in business. Mr. Ziegeler retired from active work in 1923.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Family of O. Treichel.
OTTO TREICHEL, " Koeslin," St. Hilda
Mr. Treichel was born in Koeslin, Pomerania in 1854, and is a son of the late Jakob and Mrs. Treichel. He was educated in his home town and after finishing his schooling was apprenticed to the watchmaking trade. After four years he became a journeyman and travelled extensively. In 1883 he decided to try fresh fields and sailed for Australia in S.S. "Catania" and disembarked in Adelaide.
On arrival in that city he joined the firm of Wendt's, a leading firm of watchmakers and remained there for seventeen years.
In 1884 he married Miss Johanna Rix from Altona, near Hamburg, and there is a family of one son and two daughters.
88
In 1899 he decided to take his family back to Germany with the intention of settling there, but after consideration and business enquiries he decided to return to Australia. He arrived back in Melbourne and purchased a jeweller's business in Chapel Street, Prahran, where by attention and good work he developed one of the best known connections in this trade in Melbourne.
In 1914 Mr. Treichel with his wife and daughters took another trip to Europe and were in Germany when War was declared. They left immediately and arrived back in Australia at the latter end of the year.
Mr. Triechel then converted his business into a Limited Co., and retired from
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
active work himself, his son carrying on the business as Managing Director. In 1911 he had built for him the very fine residence where he now resides and this home is one of the very modern homes which have been erected in Australia, a photo of which is depicted herein.
Mr. Treichel has been associated with business in Australia for over fifty years and can be truly termed a pioneer.
He was a leading member of the German community in Adelaide and Melbourne until his retirement.
Mr. Treichel is a keen horticulturist and his garden is a replica of his activities. He is also a keen photographer and the owner of a library which any reader would be proud of.
These hobbies he is now enjoying in his retirement. Mr. Treichel is also a worthy member of the Masonic Fraternity, having served through the various offices in his Mother Lodge.
The Treichel family in Germany can trace their ancestors back to the early 15th century.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
CARL F. H. PUTTLITZ, F.F.I.A., F.A.I.S., F.CA.A.
Accountant and Secretary, Kew, Melbourne, Vic.
The above, born in 1865 in Hamburg, Germany, is a son of the late H. C. Putt- litz, a well-known musician of that city. Carl Puttlitz received his education in Hamburg and came to Australia in 1882 when only 17 years of age, arriving in Melbourne in October of that year-
It may be confidently asserted that there are few members of the German community in Australia so well, and we may be permitted to say, favorably known as Mr. Puttlitz. A glance at his career in Australia, as divulged to us during an interview, makes interesting reading. He joined the Liedertafel of the old Turn Verein in 1883. When the "Arion" was formed under the conductorship of the late Mr. Winkler, Mr. Puttlitz was elected the first President. In 1897 the "Arion" made a concert trip to Bendigo, where Mr. Puttlitz, as solo-tenorist, and Mr. A. Norden as solo-baritone, helped in the wonderful success achieved- Previous to this Mr. Puttlitz had been for a few years at Geelong, where he was working at Messrs. Bright & Hitchcocks. Whilst there he sang with the Liedertafel and was a member of the High Church (Presbyterian) Choir.
Mr. Puttlitz went to Brisbane at the beginning of 1900 to take charge of the Nord Australische Zietung. Whilst there he had the unique distinction of having to conduct the Brisbane Schubert Band, a musical society formed by him,, by royal command before their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of York (the present King and Queen) at Government House, Brisbane-
Mr. Puttlitz subsequently took charge of the Choir of St. Andrews, Wickham Terrace, Brisbane. This choir of about 50 voices gained great proficiency under his leadership. During the years of his stay in Queensland, he travelled throughout the State in connection with the paper he represented, and became well-known and liked.
In 1904 Carl Puttlitz returned tc> Melbourne to take charge of the office of the Continental Tyre Co-, of Hannover. At the request of the home office of this company, Mr. Puttlitz took up his studies for the Institute of Accountants, and having passed with the highest points, he was asked to take a seat on the council and later on became one of the examiners of the Institute surely a unique distinction for a German. When the War broke out Mr. Puttlitz severed his connection with the Institute and has since, so far as this part of his career is concerned, retired from active work. In musical work he has, however, been well to the fore until quite recently! As a conductor of the "Arion" Liedertafel, and of the Lutheran Church Choir in Melbourne, he has been instrumental in providing many musical treats for his friends- In connection with the former we need onlv mention his three concerts given in 3LO and in connection with the Church Choir, the production by him of Mendelsohn's "Song of Praise."
Mr. Puttlitz married in 1886, Wilhel- mina, the eldest daughter of the late Heinrich and Mrs. Burmeister, and Mrs. Puttlitz is much beloved by everyone. They had a family of three sons : Herwald, Carl and Heinie; of these Herwald, the eldest son, is established as a builder and contractor in Kew, Victoria. He is Honorarv Secretary of the Kew Public Library, also of the Kew Bowling Club, and enjoys the esteem of all his friends. Mr. Puttlitz's second son Carl, who held the position of Production Manager of the Western Manufacturing Co., Torrington, Connecticut, U-S.A., died in December 1932 at the age of 42, and the youngest son, Heinie, died in 1897 at the age of six years. Mr. Puttlitz is Honorary Life Member and Trustee of the Club Tivoli in Melbourne, and has been President of the Club for a number of years.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
FREDERICK PAUL GEORGE SCHAEFER "Belle Vue," Dimboola
The subject of this sketch is the fourth son of Frederick Edward Eugene and Louisa Theresa Schaefer. His father first came to Australia in 1844 from Germany. His mother was born in Mt. Gambier, South Australia, and her maiden name was Zippel.
Landing first in Melbourne, Mr. Schaefer, Senior, after travelling extensively, finally settled near Dimboola. Mr. Fred. Paul George Schaefer was born on a neighbouring property on 22nd November, 1902. In 1907 Bell Vue was acquired, and the family at this time consisted of five girls and four boys: Agnes, Hedwig, Edward (deceased), William, Louisa, Otto, Katherine, George, Antonia.
George Schaefer was educated at the Arkona State School, after which he commenced work on the home property.
On the 27th January, 1930, he married Miss Alice Murphy of Melbourne. Two children at the time of writing are the issue of this marriage: Edward John and George Paul.
"Belle Vue/' consisting of 474 acres forms portion of 744 acres owned by Mr. G. Schaefer. Wheat production is the main activity on the property-a small number of sheep are also kept. Horse breeding is a special feature of the farming methods and the foundation of the best strain having recently been laid, excellent results are expected in the future.
Mr. Schaefer has been always keenly interested in athletics. As a foot-runner he showed distinct promise, competing in the Stawell Gift in 1923. Unfortunately the pressure of work prevented him from devoting the necessary time to the sport he cared so much for, and he was compelled to withdraw from the professional ranks.
He has been a member of the A.N.A. for the past fourteen years.
Mrs. George Schafer, who was a nurse prior to her marriage, trained at St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne.
HERMAN PIONEER
The above, born in 1867 in Victoria, is the eldest son of Mr. Reinhold Dehnert, who was born in Breslau, Prussia, in 1837 and came, at the age of eighteen years with the sailing ship "Louisa" from Hamburg to Australia, arriving in Hobson's Bay, Victoria, in 1855. He joined his brother in the
cleared same and started one of the earliest orchards in the district. He married Miss Christina Aumann, daughter of the late Carl Aumann, and there was a family of 10 children, of which eight survive: Minna, Carl Reinhold, Henry, Alfred, Albert, Annie, Gustav and Oswald.
manufacture of bricks, and later on started carting to the gold diggings, including most of the gold fields which were in full swing in the early fifties. He purchased in 1860 the present property in East Doncaster, which was then in its virgin state. He
Mr. Dehnert senior's homestead is situated on some five acres, where he is now living in retirement with Mr. Henry and Miss Annie Dehnert. All other members of the family are married, and there arc several grandchildren. For many years he
has been engaged in fruit growing in conjunction with his sons. He retired about twenty years ago. Mr. Dehnert senior has seen the district grow from practically wild bush to its present highly cultivated condition, and has during his life travelled extensively throughout the State. His memories are very interesting regarding the early days of Victoria, and, although being at time of writing in his 99th year of age, he can still transact all personal business and read without glasses. He represents the last of the original Germans in the East Doncaster district.
pioneer of the Doncaster District. He purchased the present property in 1893, consisting of about 500 acres of rich grazing country. The property is mainly used for sheep and cattle raising and some splendid stock has been raised by Mr. Dehnert, prices realised for fat lambs averaging up to ?2/2/- per head and ?28/10/- per head for fat bullocks bred on "Lily Vale/' Mr. Denhert is also noted for the fine comeback wool he grows, during the 1934-35 season AAA-CBK wool from "Lily Vale" realized top price of the day on which it was sold in Melbourne.
Mr. Carl Reinhold Dehnert was educated at Doncaster and then joined his father on the orchard until the age of 26, when he married Miss Anna Marie Hanke, daughter of the late Mr. C- W. Hanke, a
There is a family of three children: Linda Marie (Mrs. Latchford), Oswald and Ernest Roy. The sons are interested in the property with their father and are keen in the intricate business of raising and grazing stock.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
The property was originally owned by the late Dr. Thomas and has always been renowmed for its high carrying capacity. It is watered by the Moorabool river, which runs right through the property. From time to time Mr. Dehnert has purchased adjoining properties until at the present time "Lily Vale" consists of over 1300 acres. A large area of the land has been ploughed up and sown down with English grasses and clovers making it exceptionally good fattening country.
The property is situated two miles from the Bradshaw Post Office and five miles from Ballan.
Mr. Oswald Dehnert married Miss Dulcie Stewart, daughter of the late Mr. H. T. Stewrart, formerly manager of the
E. S. & A. Bank at Gordon. There is one son Ian Stewart Dehnert who completes the fourth generation on the Dehnert side.
Miss Linda Dehnert married Captain E. W. Latchford, M.C. of the Australian Military Forces stationed at the Small Arms School, Randwick, N.S.W. There is one son, Kevin William who represents the fourth generation on both sides of the family which has been associated with Australia for about 80 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Dehnert are always ready to assist in any work for the support of local welfare, and have thereby gained the esteem of the residents of the district. They and their family are all active members of the Ballan Presbyterian Church.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr- W. Seeburger was born in Heil- bronn, Wurtemberg, in 1885 and is a son of the late Paul Seeburger of that city;
He received his education in Heilbronn and was subsequently apprenticed to the pastry cooking-"Conditor"-a profesSsion which is looked upon in Germany as quite an art. After serving his time young Seeburger, with a view to gaining further experience in his trade and to absorb ideas of other countries in connection therewith, travelled extensively throughout Europe,
experience in their profession as was vouchsafed to Mr. Seeburger. He started on his travels in 1907 after absorbing his two years military service, and, never severing his connection with his trade, he secured valuable experience during his years of travels, experience which enabled him later on to build up a very fine business in Brunswick Street, Fitzrov, which Mr. Seeburger bought in 1921, after having come to Australia in 1914-
The original premises were very old and hardly conducive to carrying on the
Bakehouse
visiting all important cities in Germany. France, Italy, Switzerland, Egypt, Palestine, etc., and a very few men have been fortunate in gaining such wide and varied
of W. Seeburger
high class business Mr. Seeburger had in view, who therefore reconstructed the building throughout, transforming it into one of the leading businesses of its type in Fitzrov.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
In connection with this, special mention must be made of the bakehouse, which is undoubtedly most modern and perfect in every detail, combining the latest machinery and accessories for the handling of all classes of pastries with a view to despatch and a due regard for hygienic treatment thereof. The spacious shop with its fine show windows displaying the tempting ware, is well appointed and the whole of the premises reflect the greatest credit on Mr. and Mrs. Seeburger.
business is devoted and wherein a splendid turnover is maintained. Mr. Seeburger's speciality is the manufacture of Birthday and Wedding Cakes, and for this class of work, which offers him a wide field for introducing novelties, he is well-known throughout Victoria. A careful look at the business-shop and factory-will convince you, that here is the fruit of world wide experience, gained and utilised by a master craftsman, and the great success attained is well earned-
Interior of Shop
Airs- Seeburger, who personally supervises the shop was Miss Matilda Deuchler, of Baden-Baden, and she has assisted her husband in building up the business. Both Mr. and Mrs. Seeburger have by their courtesy and kindness made themselves very popular, which proved of great assistance in building up the retail trade to which the
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
FREDERICK PAUL SCHULZ, "Redbank," Murtoa
Mr. Frederick Paul Schulz, born on the property in 1876, is a son of Mr. Frederick Heinrich Schulz, a son of Joachim Schulz, who came to Australia in 1854 from Hannover, Germany. He arrived with his wife and family in Adelaide and commenced farming at Callington, from where he later moved to Mount Gambier and finally took up land in the Coleraine district, where he died in 1874, leaving a widow and family.
Mr- Frederick Heinrich Schulz who was born in 1848, arrived in Adelaide at the age of six years and was educated in Hoch- kirch. He then took up land in the Coleraine district which he farmed until 1875, when he came to the Wimmera and selected the present property. Fie married Miss Kranz of Hamilton, Victoria, and there was a family of two sons and two daughters, John Edward, Frederick Paul, Clara Louisa (deceased) and Maria.
Mr. Frederick Paul Schulz received his education in the district, and after leaving school he commenced farming on the homestead and has remained there since. The property consists of about 1135 acres wheat
growingv country. Some splendid arops have been grown which in good years have produced up to 45 bushels to the acre. In addition to this, wool growing and lamb raising has been carried on at "Redbank."
Mr. Frederick Paul Schulz married Miss Schneider, daughter of the late Gottlieb Schneider, who is a son of a pioneer of the Hamilton district. The family consisted of four children: Harold Alfred (deceased), Kenneth Leslie, Coralie Winifred and Jean Claire-
Mr. Schulz has been a^nember of the Lutheran Church all his life and is now an Elder of St. John's Lutheran Church, Murtoa. He is also a member of the oldest Brass Band in the State-The Coromby Brass Band-which he joined 41 years ago, a band that has never been out of existence. He has taken an active interest in all public movements and has done ^a-4ot of work for the benefit of the district, ably assisted by Mrs. Schulz. Mrs. Schulz is a keen horticulturist and has done much to beautify their very fine homestead.
The late FREDERICK " Greenfields,"
The above was born in Hoffnungsthal, South Australia in 1852, and is a son of the late Samuel Schultz, who came to South Australia in 1849 from Germany. He was educated in Hamilton, Victoria, and then
WILHELM SCHULTZ Murtoa
In 1876 he married Miss Anna Betha Maria Tepper, daughter of the late Johann Christian Tepper, an early pioneer of South Australia. A small house having been erected, Mr. and Mrs. Schultz settled down
worked on his father's property until 1871, when he came to Murtoa district, where he, and his brother Henry, selected land. At that time it was all bush country and it took many years to clear, fence and sow. Water was very scarce and roads did not exist.
to work the property and Mrs. Schultz took her share in the pioneering work entailed. The material used for the first home was obtained from the property-pugh walls, earthen floor, bulloak timber and a thatched roof made from the reeds of the creek. The
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
original selection was 320 acres, which was increased as the family grew up.
There is a family of 14 children, of whom 13 survive: Johannes Wilhelm, Paul Albert, Maria Emilie, Bernhard Traugott, Hilda Bertha, Edwin Ernst, Theodor Frederick, Anna Helene, Alfred Ewald, August Emil Herbert Gustav, Alma Sophia, Frieda Elizabeth, Victor Carl.
All the family were born and reared on the property and educated at the Coromby State School, and later took German lessons from a private tutor, Mr. B. Teffer. The original Concordia College of Australia was founded in Murtoa in 1870 by seven members of the congregation to which Mr. Schultz belonged, and some of his sons received religious education there. Part of this old building still stands-
As the sons became of age each received a block of land and were set up as farmers. As there were nine sons this meant an enormous outlay to start them in life. Some 3600 acres were acquired for this pur
pose, and the s^ns are now all well established. A truly wonderful monument to the tenacity of purpose and business acumen of this grand old pioneer, who died on the property in March, 1921, after a life well spent in providing for a large family.
Mrs. Schultz still lives on the old homestead, the building of which to-day, compared with the original home, gives some idea of the progress made. The quality of the soil is shown by the crops taken. An average up to 15 bags per acre has been secured. Naturally, with a father so experienced in farm work, the sons have acquired a scientific and practical knowledge of the work in all its branches, and are recognised as experts therein. A flock of Merino and Comeback sheep are on the property, both for wool and fat lamb growing. The whole of the property is highly developed and equipped with the most up- to-date machinery-
There are over 50 grandchildren, forming the fourth generation of this great pioneer family.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. F. O. Holtkamp Mrs. F. Q. Holtkamp
FREDERICK OTTO HOLTKAMP "Olinda," Murtoa
The above, born on the 7th October, 1880, at Millicent, South Australia, is a son of Hermann Heindrich Holtkamp. He received his education at Sebastopol, Milli-' cent, S.A., and subsequently at the Coromby State School, his parents having come over to Victoria when he was ten years of age.
After leaving school he worked on his father's farm until 1915 and later on until 1922 on "Aldesyde" farm, Murtoa. In that year "Olinda" was purchased, which consists of 585 acres and cost ?23 per acre. It comprises high grade wheat acreage and has yielded as much as a 42 bushel average. Mixed farming to a small extent is carried on, but wheat growing is the main objective. Sheer hard work has produced a farm which
is a credit to close attention and industry. This characteristic is outstanding throughout the whole Holtkamp family, and has won for them the esteem and regard of the entire district.
Mr. F. O. Holtkamp married in September 1922, Miss Eda Petrars of Kewell, there are no children. Like his brothers and his mother he has always taken a close interest in the Coromby Band, to which various references have been made in these pages and a photograph of which is given herein.
Mr. F. O. Holtkamp is a trustee of St. John's Lutheran Church, Murtoa, and is always a willing helper in all matters concerning the public welfare.-
DAVID ERNEST FANKHAUSER " Elimatta," East Burwood
David Ernest Fankhauser, born at East Burwood in 1888, is a son of the late Frederick William Fankhauser, who came to Australia with his parents in 1850 and married Miss Florence French. They had a family of five children, of whom four survive: Rose Selina (Mrs. James Tainton), Frederick William, David Ernest and Myrtle Jessie (Mrs. Bolton).
David Ernest Fankhauser received his education at Burwood, and after leaving school he helped on his father's property until the latter's death in 1907. He continued working for his mother, and later on he and his brother Fred cleared the whole of the homestead and worked it for several years. He married a cousin, Miss Emily Fankhauser of East Burwood, and they had two children, Elsie and Lindon.
After marrying, David E. Fankhauser settled on the property which the family now occupies. It had been acquired for him by his father. A fair number of fruit trees had already * been planted and Mr.
Fankhauser added considerably to same, until at present there are about 8-J acres in full bearing, the balance being in grass. In addition to this Mr. Fankhauser possesses another property in the district. He has been an active footballer and a captain of the East Burwood Club, with which he has been connected for many years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fankhauser are keenly interested in all matters regarding local welfare, and this has gained them the respect and esteem of everyone in the district.
Master Lindon follows in his father's footsteps in all sport matters, is a keen cricketer and footballer and associated with the local Methodist Church.
Miss Elsie Fankhauser is a member of a Ladies' Committee belonging to the local football club, and also on the committee of the "Triers" Gymnasium Club. Like her parents, Miss Fankhauser is also an active worker in all movements for the progress of the district.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mrs. H. H. HOLTKAMP, Senior (nee Miss Kranz)
Murtoa
Mrs. Holtkamp sen. was born in Germany in 1850 and came to Australia with her parents at the age of two years, landing at Melbourne after a voyage of 22 weeks in the ship "Wilhelmsberg" from Hamburg. They transhipped at Melbourne to a smaller vessel, the "Merry Kitty", sailing to Warrnambool where relatives were already established. Her father, Mr. Kranz, engaged in farm work for Mr. Adler for five years and the family then removed to Hamilton, to enable the children to receive education at the German School at Hochkirk. Mr. Kranz purchased land there and built a home. There was a family of six girls and two boys, of these only Mrs. Holtkamp and her sister, Mrs. Eckel, of Geelong, survive. After Mrs. Holtkamp had received her education at Hochkirk, she remained with her parents, who had meanwhile increased their holdings. Mr. Kranz died in 1880 at the age of 77 years and his wife at the age of 82 years.
In 1873 she married the late Mr. H. H. Holtkamp, who had property at Millicent, South Australia. Here seven of their children were born. In 189U the family removed to Coromby, Victoria, where Mr. Holtkamp purchased 640 acres of wheat growing country, to the cultivation of which he devoted his energies with much success. The family numbered nine children: Hermann, Charles, Minna Louisa, Fred Otto, Carolina Maria, Bernhard Paul, Alexander, Clara Henrietta, Victor William. All the sons are established on their
own farms, the youngest son, Victor, is in possession of the original homestead. His brother Alexander served overseas with the A.I.F. for about three years and returned safely.
Mr. H. PI. Holtkamp sen. died in 1907 at the age of 62. He and Mrs. Holtkamp
saw the various districts in which they lived grow from the pioneer stage to prosperity. The family is very highly respected and Mrs. Holtkamp sen., who now lives in retirement in Murtoa is surrounded by loving children and grandchildren, the latter forming the fourth generation of this very old pioneer family.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Adolph Paul Fankhauser, born at Bal- wyn, son of the late George Fankhauser, previously referred to, was educated at the Balwyn State School. After leaving school he worked for his father until 1904, when he purchased his present property, which was then in its virgin state, very rough. During the period required to clear the land he stayed with his mother. Then he married Miss Emma Rieschieck, from South Australia, grand-daughter of an early pioneer of that State. There is a family of nine children: Walter, Ella, Doris, Richard, Amy, Harold, Max, Betty and Olive.
The property has been developed into one of the most up-to-date orchards in the district, entirely devoted to the growing of fruit, in which work Mr- Fankhauser has had a life-time experience. Apples, lemons and peaches &re the main crop, and a large
quantity of apples is exported to the European market. There is an area of 40 acres in bearing and the property is situated on the Fern Tree Gully Highway.
The eldest son has an orchard at Officer, in Gippsland. Mr. Fankhauser owns some 65 acres in all. Two sons are working with Mr. Fankhauser on the property, which is in a highly flourishing condition.
Mr. Fankhauser is also a keen horticulturist and has taken many prizes for his roses- The daughters are at home and help inr the work of packing the fruit for market.
This is one of the early settler families in the district, and Mr. A. P. Fankhauser and his family have gained the respect and esteem of everyone in the district.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
ALEXANDER HOLTKAMP, "Grand View," Murtoa
Mr. Alexander Holtkamp, born at Millicent, S. A., on the 22nd November, 1887, is a son of the late Mr. H. H. Holt- kamp and Mrs. Holtkamp. When three years of age he came to Coromby, Victoria, where his father was established on a large wheat growing area. He received his education at the Coromby State School and then came on to his father's property, under whose tuition he learnt the art of farming. There were five brothers, all of whom worked on the home property at Coromby.
Mr. A. Holtkamp joined the A.I.F. in 1916 and served overseas in the 6th Battalion, returning in 1918, when he again started to work on the old homestead. Mrs. Holtkamp sen. retired from the farm in 1924 which was taken over by Mr. A. Holtkamp, who in conjunction with his brother Victor worked it together with the present property for about three years. He then took over the property now in his possession, which consists- of rich wheat growing land.
In 1927 he married Miss Ida Kuhne, daughter of the late A. H. Kuhne, a pioneer
of the Burnt Creek district. A new residence was erected on "Grandview" which is situated within four miles of the township of Murtoa. There is a family of two sons, Lawrence Charles and Edgar Irwin. The property is mainly used for wheat growing and very good results have been secured. The excellent quality of the soil is borne out by the fact that up to 13 bags of wheat to the acre have been taken.
For several years Mr. A. Holtkamp was a member of the well-known Coromby Brass Band, which is one of the oldest continuous bands in the State. During his period of active service he was a member of the 6th Battalion Band. Like other members of his family he is a member of the local Lutheran Church and all matters of local welfare receive the practical support of himself and his family.
Mr. A. Holtkamp is the second youngest son of this well-known pioneer family, which has been associated with Australia for over 80 years and the children represent the fourth generation on both sides.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
The late G. Jongebloed and his Brother.
The late GOTTFRIED JONGEBLOED
Melton, Victoria
The above, born at Papenburg, Germany, 1857, was the son of Gerhard Gottfried Jongebloed, a captain in the Mercantile Marine. Having completed his education at his native town, he trained for sea-faring life, and after some years at sea under his father, he received his master mariner's certificate.
Deciding to visit Australia, he arrived in Melbourne in the S.S. "Hapsburg" in
November, 1886. He established a business in Melton, Victoria, which is still in the hands of the family.
In 1888, Mr. Jongebloed married Marie Antoinette, second daughter of the late Augustus Shebler, who came to Australia from Berlin in the early fifties. Mr. Shebler was one of the earliest pioneers of the Melton district where he built the Golden Fleece Hotel and Store, so that his family
have been associated with Melton for over eightv years. He married M'lle Annette Gromann, a native of the Canton Argau, Switzerland, and a member of a very old family of that Canton. Mrs. Shebler, a lady of musical ability, was never tired of giving her services to help the poor and sick.
Mr. and Mrs. Jongebloed's family are Gerhard, Annette, Gottfried, Emil, Nicholas, Julius, Theckla, Augustus, Marie and Mar- garethe, who are settled in various parts of Victoria.
The late Mr. Jongebloed was a public spirited man and did much for the Melton district, especially in connection with the local Mechanics' Institute, and Lis death was a severe blow to the district, as by his genial nature and sterling character he endeared himself to everyone. He died in 1930 at the age of 73 years. Mrs. Jongebloed and family are carrying on Mr. Jongebloed's tradition bv retaining their interests in local movements.
There are twenty-six grandchildren who represent the fourth generation of this fine old pioneering family.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
ROBERT CHRISTIAN FANKHAUSER
" Bona Vista." East Burwood, Vic.
The above was born at Balwyn in 1862 and is the son of the late George Fank- Hauser. After having been educated at the Balwyn State School, he helped on his father's property. In 1888 he purchased some property and has ever since been engaged in orcharding.
Mr. Fankhauser married Miss Schulze, a daughter of one of the German Pioneers of the district- There is a family of two girls and three boys; Sophia Louisa, Alice Maud, Edward Victor, Arthur Albert and Oliver Herbert. The sons are also engaged in orcharding in the district, with which the Fankhauser family has been associated for nearly 50 years, thereof Mr. Fankhauser
was treasurer of the local Methodist Church as well as a steward of same, and he has at all times evinced the keenest interest in local movements and supported wholeheartedly anything tending toward the welfare of the district. He has always lived in Burwood district and like him, his sons have been established in orchard properties of their own.
Although comparatively near to Melbourne, it required real pioneering work to clear the land, to cultivate it and put the place to profitable use, before this family, which is favourably known throughout the district, could enjoy the fruits of their labour.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
The Shepherd Family
Mrs. ESTHER RUBY SHEPHERD (nee Fankhauser)
East Burwood
Mrs. Esther Shepherd is a daughter of Mr. George F. Fankhauser, who has been referred to elsewhere in this publication.
Miss Fankhauser was born at Canterbury arid educated at the Vermont State School and in 1915 married Mr. George Shepherd, a native of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, and there is a family of two sons and one daughter: George William, Joyce Lilian and Harold Lindsay. George William is the eldest grandson of Mr. G. F. Fankhauser, and with his brother and sister represents the fifth generation of the Australian branch of the Fankhauser family of Canterbury. ?
Mr. Shepherd is engaged in market gardening and fruit growing. His son, George William after completing a course
of final study at the Swinburne Technical College in Hawthorn, Melbourne, has joined his father in the work on the property.
The family is very highly esteemed in the district.
Mr. G. Shepherd
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES.
Cr. RUDOLF ERNST SUDHOLZ, J.P.
"Southwood," Natimuk.
The above Councillor was born at Natimuk on the 13th November, 1880, and is a son of Heinrich and Wilhelmina Sudholz.
His parents were born in Holtzhausen, and came to Australia in 1855. They landed in Adelaide, and for several years farmed land with their uncle a few miles from that city. From there they migrated to Mt. Gambier, South Australia, and in the year 1871, when the Wimmera lands were thrown open for selection, moved again, finally settling in Natimuk. Together with a number of compatriots from Mt. Gambier they selected 320 acres for themselves and from then on have been constantly associated with the district.
Mr. Sudholz was educated in Natimuk and, after finishing his schooling he joined his father on the homestead property, where he remained until 1893. The following five years he worked land in partnership with his brothers. In 1908 he took over the property known as "Southwood" which consisted of 600 acres of rich wheat growing land.
He married Mrs. Kathleen Sudholz, (widow of a cousin) and has one son, Ian
Carl, who was educated at the Melbourne Grammar School. By her first marriage Mrs. Sudholz had one daughter Thelma Annie Stanton Sudolz.
At "Southwood" there now stands one of the most modern homes in the district surrounded by rich wheat yielding country from which as much as 15 bags to the acre have been taken.
On the occasion of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sudholz, an adjoining property became merged into "Southwood" which now consists of 3450 acres. Wool growing and fat lamb raising is extensively engaged in and good prices have been consistently obtained.
In 1913 Mr. Sudholz was elected a member of the Aripiles Shire Council, and has sat continuously since then without opposition. Amongst other Public Offices he is President of the Natimuk Agricultural Society, and was created a Justice of the Peace in 1920.
As the eighth son of one of the very early pioneers in the district, Mr. Sudholz merits great praise for his hard work and public spirit.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
The late Henry Iser
The late HENRY ISER
The late Mr- H. Iser was born in Hamburg in 1854 and also received his education in that city. After leaving school he entered the service of a large Mercantile firm and secured a sound commercial training. Being ambitious and anxious to gain experience in a wider sphere, Mr. Iser emigrated to Australia, where he arrived in the early eighties. He came to Bendigo and remained there for some time in various occupations. After a while he went to Sydney and obtained a situation with a firm which operated on the Island of Yap, one of the Caroline Group in the Pacific, which then belonged to Germany. He stayed at Yap for a considerable time and whilst there acted as Deputy German Consul.
Stricken by fever he found himself compelled to return to Australia and again went to Bendigo, where he accepted a position as Accountant in the Lyceum Grocery Store, Pall Mall, remaining there until he secured a better position in the same capacity at Messrs. Cohn Brothers' Brewery, Bendigo. Having now a stable future in sight Mr. Iser sent for his fiancee, Miss Caroline Collen, in Germany, and they were married soon after that lady's arrival.
After being with Messrs- Cohn Brothers for several years, the health of Mr. Iser's brother-in-law, Mr. W. Hum me, began to fail and that gentleman secured the assistance of Mr. Iser in the conduct of his business of timber and iron merchant, even
tually making him a partner, On the death of Mr. Humme, the business was carried on by Mr. Iser in conjunction with his sister (Mrs. Humme) and when that ladv died after several years,. Mr. Iser became sole proprietor.
Under his guidance and with the application of keen business acumen, the firm has grown into the largest concern of its kind in the North of Victoria. Mr- Iser continued to direct the business until the end of 1931, when failing health compelled him to retire. He died on January 1st, 1932, at the age of 77 years, an honored citizen, who by his unassuming manner, his unimpeachable character and his charitable disposition had endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact.
The late Mr. Iser was one of the leading members of the German community of Bendigo, always taking an active part in all matters connected therewith- For several years he was Secretary of the former Bendigo Deutscher Verein. Mr. Iser was also a Trustee of the German Lutheran Church, an office he held when he died.
Mrs. Iser pre-deceased Mr. Iser by 15 years- There are five children surviving, Carola (Mrs. Smellie), William Henry, Leslie, Hannie and Dora (Mrs. Sides). The two sons are now conducting the business and are carrying it on in the same successful way as their greatly respected father did formerly.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
AUGUST EDWARD ZERBE General Store, East Doncaster
Mr. Zerbe was born in 1898 and is a son of Mr. F. C. Zerbe (already noted herein). He was educated at the East Doncaster State School, and after leaving school helped in his father's orchard and later joined his brother in the local store owned by the family. He was a keen footballer and a member of the local team.
Mr. Zerbe married Miss Craze of Cres- wick, daughter of a pioneer of that district. He is an active worker for the benefit of the district, especially in local school matters and the local Hall, in which his wife is also interested. Mr. Zerbe is the third generation of this fine old pioneer family.
Miss AMANDA ELIZABETH JUERS
Katyil P.O., Victoria
Miss Amanda Elizabeth Juers is the only daughter of Mr. Reinhold G. Juers and Mrs. Juers, whose maiden name was Louisa Krause. Both parents were born at Lynduch, South Australia, and came to Victoria about 1882 when they settled in the Dimboola district.
Miss Juers was educated at the Dim
boola East State School and after leaving school assisted her mother in the various home duties.
In 1926 Miss Juers was appointed Postmistress of Katyil, Victoria, which position she still holds. Miss Juers enjoys the goodwill and esteem of everyone throughout the district.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
The late Pastor HERMANN HERLITZ
Lutheran Church, Eastern Hill
The above reverend gentleman was born in Silesia, Germany, in 1834, and was educated at the University in Heidelberg.
He originally intended to take up commercial activity but after a little while decided to devote his life to the church, and after passing through the required examinations he came to Victoria in 1860. The first pulpit he occupied was in a church in Geelong, but later on he came to Melbourne and took charge of the Lutheran congregation at Eastern Hill- He remained Pastor of this church for over 50 years and died at the age of 86, having shortly before his death retired from the ministry.
Pastor Herlitz's connection with this congregation, which has its home in that fine edifice at Eastern Hill, marked the period of the greatest prosperity and progress of this church, and much of the success thereof is attributable to Pastor Herlitz's personality and great energy. He was not only a great organiser but also a
very fine preacher, and being a cultured man, he proved at all times a fluent speaker to whom it was a delight to listen. Pastor Herlitz was also a very fine musician, using this gift for the beautifying of his Church Services, in which the choir, under his very able leadership, proved a valuable adjunct. To such perfection did this choir under Pastor Herlitz attain, that for a number of years it was regarded as one of the finest in Melbourne. For services rendered to the German Community in Australia, Pastor Herlitz received the order of the Red Eagle from the Emperor of Germany, Wilhelm II.
Pastor Herlitz married Miss Feldmann of Germany, and they had a family of three daughters, of whom two have died, and one son, Doctor H- Herlitz, who is now Medical Superintendent of the Melbourne Benevolent Asylum at Cheltenham, a position he has held for 26 years. The only living daughter of Pastor Herlitz is married to Mr. Boese and they are living in Rhodesia, South Africa.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
JOHN BUTLER MALING FANKHAUSER
" Carinya," East Burwood
The above, born at Forest Hill in 1894, is the oldest son of Mr. W- F. Fankhauser, referred to elsewhere in this publication. He received his education locally and after leaving school joined his father on his farm and stayed with him until the property was sold. He then took over the property at present worked by him and which had been purchased for him by his father in 1914.
At the time the property consisted practically of virgin bush, the clearing of which by axe and fire entailed an enormous amount of hard pioneering work, carried out by Mr. W. F. Fankhauser and his son, Mr. J. IT Fankhauser, and the property to-day stands as a monument to the perseverance and hard work of father and son. The area of land held by Mr. Fankhauser is about 52 acres and devoted to orcharding. Apples and pears are being exported and have shown very good returns, up to 25/- per case has been realised on the London market for fruit grown on this orchard. Mr. J- B. M. ETnkhauser also regarded as one of the younger generation, is looked upon as one of the most progressive orchardists in the
district. In addition to the foregoing much of the activity on the property is devoted to the growing of vegetables, in which splendid results have been achieved.
His mother, the late Mrs. W. F. Fankhauser, was Miss Elizabeth Emily Maling, eldest daughter of the late John Butler Maling, Esq., J.P-, who was one of the early pioneers of the Balwvn district and much respected as a public spirited man. He held many public positions, including Mayor of the district and Justice of the Peace, and did much for the welfare of fellow citizens.
Mr. J. B. M- Fankhauser married Miss Ida Woodford of Hamilton, daughter of the late W. F. Woodford, a pioneer of that district. Mr. Fankhauser has been a member of the local tent of the I-O.R. to which he belonged since 1912, and he has been a member of the local Church of England all his life.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Fankhauser enjoy the esteem and respect of everyone in the district, owing to the keen interest the}' take in any measure for the welfare of the district.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES.
Mr. Stanley Fankhauser and Family.
STANLEY CHARLES FANKHAUSER " Bethseda," East Burwood
The above who was born at Forest Hill in 1898, is a son of Mr. W. J. Fankhauser, already referred to in these pages.
He was educated locally and after leaving school was apprenticed to the carpentering. At the age of 20 years he took over the present property, which had been purchased for him by his father, and has been engaged in orcharding ever since. The area comprises about 35 acres, of which 25 acres are in full bearing with apples and pears. Besides supplying the local market a very fair export trade is carried on. Like his father he is a keen florist and has grown some choice blooms.
He married Miss Tainton, daughter of a pioneer of the district, and there is a
family of five children: Walter George, Noel Stanley, John Maling, Nellie Joan and Robert Keith.
Mr. Fankhauser has been a well-known footballer and cricketer. He is a member of the local Church of England, an active worker of the Rechabite Order, in the local tent of which he has occupied most of the offices. He is also a member of the local Cool Store, and is regarded as one of the progressive orchardists of the younger generation.
The children represent the fourth generation of the family, which is one of the oldest in the district.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. Walter John Fankhauser.
WALTER JOHN FANKHAUSER, East Burwood
Walter John Fankhauser, born in 1872 at Forest Hill, Burwood, is a son of the late William Frederick Fankhauser, whose history is referred to elsewhere in these pages-
W. J. Fankhauser received his education locally and on leaving school he went to work on his uncle's (Mr. F. T. Fankhauser) property, owing to his father and mother having died in the meantime. He stayed with his uncle for about seven years, gaining much practical knowledge of farming, and then purchased a property on the Springvale Road. He used this as a nursery for the purpose of growing young fruit trees. He sold the property in 1914 and then purchased some 20 acres which are at present held by him. He planted this as a
mixed orchard and has been most successful in his undertakings. Mr. Fankhauser is also a keen horticulturist, and has taken many prizes at various shows for both fruit and flowers. He is also an active member of the local Church of England.
There is a family of two sons and two daughters: John Butler Maling, Stanley Charles, Ruth Grace and Elsie Jean. The family is one of the oldest pioneer families in the district, and the fact of their wish and willingness at all times to assist in any work for the purpose of promoting and furthering local welfare has gained Mr. Fankhauser and his family the well-merited esteem and respect of the residents of the district.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
MARIE CHARLOTTE FRANKE
275 Glenferrie Road, Glenferrie, Victoria
Mrs. Franke is a native of Dresden, Germany. Dresden the beautiful capital of Saxony, is a city in which fine arts have always been cultivated and is therefore a town which exercises a great influence on any of its children in whom the love for all that is beautiful exists; this is the dominant trait of Mrs. Franke, who is for ever striving to beautify all things-
In 1926 Mrs. Franke took a trip to Germany to study the new science of Plastic Embossing on Fabrics. Returning after twelve months to Australia, she immediately commenced to commercialise her knowledge of this art and pioneer same in Australia. The venture has been so successful, that during the busy time up to 36 hands are employed, all of whom are specially trained in the work under the personal supervision of Mrs. Franke.
The process is unique and very interesting. At the outset the paint is put on exactly as though icing a cake and then
covered with powdered wool, mother of pearl, gold or silver dust, etc, as desired- The whole is then rolled and the effect is one of embossing. Tiny beads can also be powdered over the paint and embossed on the fabric. The whole effect is one which gives the impression that the work on the fabric is done by hand. Mrs. Franke is to be highly commended for her initiative and business acumen in creating in so short a time such a splendid business. In establishing this novel method of treating fabrics, Mrs. Franke has been able to work up a splendid clientele amongst the retailers, including some of the leading drapers throughout Australia-
The exclusiveness of her designs and the fact that no two models are alike, creates the great demand for same. The trading name of the business is Franke, Stuart & Co., of which Mrs. Franke is the sole proprietor. Mrs. Franke may be truly described as the pioneer of a new industry in Australia.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
The late H. W. Aumann, Murtoa
The late HEINRICH WILHELM AUMANN "Ashens," Murtoa
The above was born in Prussia, Germany, and came to Australia with his parents in 1854, being then 10 years of age. After leaving school he acquired knowledge of farm work in various places and in 1872 married Miss Johanna E. Bauer, of Germantown, a daughter of an early German pioneer of that district. They came to Murtoa where they took up a selection, which was still in its raw state- They lived in a tent at first until the land was cleared and fenced and the first crop put in ; a home was then built. Wheat growing was the main industry, but they also planted an orchard and vegetable garden and Mrs. Aumann ran a small dairy herd. Mr. Aumann received an award in 1890 for the best developed farm in Victoria, and in the following year gained the second prize for
the best equipped farm in the colony. He was recognised as one of the best farmers in the district.
Mr- and Mrs. Aumann had a family of seven sons and eight daughters, of whom two arc deceased. They are: Heinrich
Wilhelm, Pauline, Carl, Anna, Emma, Minna, Ernest, Marie, Ida, Paul, Frederick, Reinhold, Dora, Bertha and Frank.
Mr. Aumann died in 1907 at the age of 62 years, and Mrs. Aumann in 1925 at the age of 75 years.
The family still retains the original holding, and is one of the few remaining pioneer families on the same property. Most of the family are still associated with the land-
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
FRIEDRICH OTTO REINHARDT
"Nandouree," 44 Thomas Street, Hampton, Vic.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mrs. Reinhardt proved herself a very able helpmate and much ot the success of the business is undoubtedly clue to this- W orking together they devoted their life to the building up of their business and can look back with gratification on the success achieved.
There is a family of three sons and one daughter and twelve grandchildren.
Mr. Reinhardt paid a visit to Europe in 1904 and again in 1907 together with Mrs. Reinhardt. On both occasions he took every opportunity to secure for his Australian business whatever latest developments m the trade were available, thus being able to retain the goodwill of his numerous clientele, by offering them at all times the latest and best.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Edward Ch. Fankhauser, born at Balwyn in 1888, is a son of the late Frederick Fankhauser, who came to Australia as an infant with his parents in 1849, particulars of their protracted voyage are given elsewhere in these pages.
E. C. Fankhauser received his education at Balw'yn and after leaving school he worked in his father's nursery until 1918. He then purchased the orchard property now in his possession, which is planted in apples and pears. It comprises about 20 acres and is situated on the main Fen- Tree Gully Road.
He married Miss Jago of Canterbury, daughter of the late Montague Jago. There is a family of four children: Dorothy
Winifred, Edmund Samuel, Norman Leonard and Katherine Nancy. These children are the fourth generation of the Fankhauser family in the district and are descendants of one of the oldest families in Australia. Almost the whole of the family has been connected with the fruit industry, originally started by the late Mr. Frederick Fankhauser.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. H. A. Zerbe was born in 1885 and is the son of Mr. A. J. Zerbe (already noted herein) was educated locally and after leaving school worked on his father's orchard until 1908 when he married Miss Mina Aumann, daughter of a pioneer of the Mur- toa district. He purchased the present property at that time from his father-in all some 40 acres with fruit trees. The family have been associated with the district for over 70 years.
There are three in family: Elenora (Laura) , now Mrs. Dunnett; Rupert Henry, and Leslie Hermann, both of whom are helping in the orchard. Mr. Zerbe devotes his time to his orchard, which is in a very flourishing condition. Most of the fruit is sold locally.
Mr. Zerbe is President of the local Hall Committee.
Ian George Dunnett, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dunnett, is the fifth generation of this line old pioneer family.
GERMAN PIONEER
The late M. B. Werner
Mrs. HANNA CAROLINE WERNER
Burr Farm, Natimuk
Mrs. H. C. Werner was born at Mount Torrens, South Australia, on 10th April, 1852. Her father, Mr. J. O. Boehn, and mother, whose maiden name was Bartel, came to Australia in 1835 and settled at Hahndorf, now known as Ambleside, S.A. Mrs. Werner spent her childhood at Bremer, and received her education at Mount Gambier. In 1870 the family migrated from Mt. Gambier and settled on a selection close to Natimuk Lake. Mrs. Werner was married to John Henry August Werner in 1875 and has lived on "Burr Farm" ever since. The children of this marriage are: Martha, William, Louisa, Ted, Henry, Benjamin, Sophie, Lydia, Gerhard, and Bertha. At the time of writing seven of this family survive.
"Burr Farm" originally contained 320 acres, but has been added to at various times. This in turn, as a result of the marriage of some of the sons, became divided and now the original selection of
320 acres constitutes the present property. Wheat growing principally has been the main work, but usually a large number of sheep are also kept on the property. Mrs. Werner recalls very vividly the hardships of the early days and amongst other old time associations has a fond regard for the identical four-wheeled waggon in which she rode to her marriage. This waggon is still in use on the farm. True to the helpmates of the sturdy pioneers, Mrs. Werner speaks with pride of the many vocations she was necessarily called upon and glad to perform. Driving bullocks in the plough, and assisting on the farm in all manner of ways were regarded as ordinary every day events. Mrs. Werner recalls frequently
riding into Natimuk on horseback with an infant in her arms. To-day a wonderful picture is presented by the truly marvellous grouping of the descendants of Mrs. Wer- ner. No less than 47 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren pay her affectionate homage. Truly a life's work nobly done.
Rudolph Anders, born on 17th May, 1879, is the youngest son of the late Paul Anders, a native of Hannover, Germany, who came to Australia at the age of 13 rears with his parents, landing at Adelaide, South Australia.
Mr. R. Anders received his education at Murtoa. After leaving school he came to his father's property and has been engaged in farming ever since. From 1905 until 1911 he worked his father's property on the share system, taking the homestead entirely over in 1911. It consists of about 375 acres of some of the richest wheatgrowing land in the \\ immera. In proof of this it may be stated that during some seasons up to 45 bushels to the acre have been taken off, which speaks volumes, not only for the quality of the soil, but more particularly for the expert knowledge of farming applied by Mr. Anders to his property. As a farmer of experience there is no doubt, that for scientific and practical knowledge of using the soil to the best advantage, Mr. Anders has proved to be one of the leading cereal is ts in the State.
Mr. Anders married Miss Edith Sprake, daughter of the late C. R. Sprake, one of the early arrivals in the Murtoa district, and there is a family of three sons and one daughter, Thomas Frank, Jack Rudolph, Marjorie Claire and Leslie Charles. The two eldest sons are helping their father on the property. Mr. Anders has increased his farming activities by working other properties in the district on the share system and he has now about 1000 acres under his control, the whole of it devoted to wheat growing.
In public affairs Mr. Anders devotes his activity as a committeeman on behalf of the Agricultural Society, the Mechanics' Institute, Fire Brigade and all sporting- interests, and he is a decidedly practical worker in all matters of material welfare in the district. FT is sons are also keen sportsmen.
The homestead is on the town boundary of Murtoa, and was one of the first of the five selections originally taken up in 1871. Mr. Anders' Father's history, reproduced in these pages, is actually the history of the origin of the town of Murtoa.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Family of R. R. Semmler
RUDOLF REICHART SEMMLER
Wyuna, Murtoa
Mr. Rudolf Semmler, born in 1874 in Nekla Hanland, Poland, is a son of Wilhelm and Luise Semmler (nee Nuske). He arrived in Australia in August 1892, landing in Melbourne with his parents and two sisters, two other sisters having come to Australia previously. He had been educated in Germany.
Arriving in Australia absolutely penniless, Mr. Semmler went to Murtoa, where he worked for his brother-in-law, Mr. F. Piker, Jung North for three years. By dint of much self-denial, he managed to save about ?105 and then went to New South Wales with the object of obtaining land for himself, but returned to Murtoa
after seven months. After further work for about two years he finally purchased 320 acres at Jung. He worked this property until 1914, when he sold it and bought the present one at Murtoa. Mixed farming has been the main object at Wyuna. The area under wheat is usually from 300 to 400 acres. Horse breeding has also played an important part in Mr. Semmler's activities. In 1912 he purchased a stallion named "Dreadnought" imported from New Zealand for 400 guineas, and a very excellent strain of Clydesdales has resulted. As an illustration of the value of his horses it might be mentioned that at the time of writing Mr. Semmler refused 100 guineas for a two-year-old filly. The property is a first class one, and in 1918 yielded as high
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Residence of Mr. R. R. Semmler
as 54 bushels to the acre, a fair average over the entire period is about 30 bushels.
Mr. Semmler married Miss Alwina Greenberger of Coromby, and there is a family of one boy and five girls: Ernst, Bertha, Elsa, Vera, Louisa and Una. On the occasion of his son's marriage Mr. Semmler made the 460 acres over to him.
Mr. Semmler, who already as a boy, had to work very hard and for very low payment, typifies that successful class of settler, who by hard consistent work, and the' use of practical methods achieves success, a credit to himself and to the wonderful opportunities our country presents. Mr. Semmler paid a visit to his homeland in 1926 and stayed away for six months, but was very pleased to return to the country of his adoption.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. N. I.. Schmidt Son of Mr. F. H. Schmidt
FREDERICK HEINDRICK SCHMIDT
"Bella Vista," Natimuk
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
FREDERICK CARL ZERBE, East Doncaster
ALBERT AUGUST ZERBE General Store East Doncaster
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. Frederick C. Zerbe, Junr.
FREDERICK CARL ZERBE, Junior East Doncaster
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
ALBERT OTTO HERMANN MULLER
Kangaroo Flat, Bendigo
A. O. H. Muller was born at Esche- burg near Hamburg, Germany in 1904, a son of Wilhelm Muller. He received his education in Hamburg, and, after leaving school was apprenticed to the electrical engineering trade, serving five years with one of the leading firms in Hamburg. In those days electrical engineering, in fact anything connected with electricity, made great progress, marked by constant innovations and improvements, and Mr- Muller availed himself of every opportunity to perfect his knowledge of this fascinating profession. Having served his apprenticeship, he had no difficulty in securing good positions in Hamburg. Early in 1927 he decided to come to Australia and arrived in March
of that year in Adelaide, where he immedL ately found work with a motor firm and remained there for some time. Later on he succumbed to the call of the land and engaged for two years in wheat farming, until he came to Victoria in 1930.
Mr. Muller, who is now at Kangaroo That, Bendigo, is pioneering a new method of intense cultivation in the growing of tomatoes and vegetables, which has proved very successful.
He married Miss W. Hagel, of Blies- dorf, Germany, and both Mr. and Mrs- Muller are great favorites in their district, being of exceptionally cheerful and kind dispositions.
John Frederick Haase, born at Dalby, South Australia, in 1869, is a son of the late Frederick Edward Haase and Mrs. F- E. Haase, (nee Beinke). Frederick E. Haase came to Australia from Prussia, Germany, in 1859 and married Miss Beinke at Dalbv, South Australia. The latter's parents came to Australia in 1839, settling at Daveyston, where they engaged in farming. Mr- and Mrs. Beinke had a large family of whom Mrs. F. E. Haase, was the fifth child. Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Haase had a family of six children of whom Frederick Haase is the eldest. He was educated at the local Yarridy School, and after leaving school the family came to Melbourne where he finished his education. Later the family moved to Queensland where Frederick E. Haase, in 1883 took up land near Surat and engaged in sheep farming, remaining there until 1909, when he retired to Roma, in Western Queensland.
John Frederick Haase, married in 1895 Miss Nitschke of Tanunda, South Australia, the daughter of the late Carl Nitschke,
who as a child came with her parents from Prussia in 1850. There was a family of five: Harold Nathaniel (deceased), Erwin Victor, Gertrude Adelina, Freda Cecilia and Dorette Elizabeth-
After marriage John Frederick Haase, engaged in sheep farming in Queensland, from which he retired some three years ago. Wool-growing was the main industry and his son is still engaged therein.
John Frederick Haase has taken an active interest in all matters of local welfare in the district of Dalby, Queensland. Both he and Mrs. Haase, have been members of the local Pastoral and Agricultural Society, being also on the Committee, in addition to which Mrs. Haase gained the distinction of being elected a life member.
J- F. Haase was for some years a Councillor of the Wambo Shire Council. The "Colbar" property held by Mr. J. F. Haase, contained about 25,000 acres.
GERMAN
PIONEER
FAMILIES
Mr. Bartholomew Mahoney was born in 1893, and is the son of Mr. David Mahoney of Templestowe, of which place he was a native, his father being a pioneer of that district.
Mr. Mahoney married Miss Martha Bertha Zerbe, daughter of Mr. A. J. Zerbe, J.P., already noted herein. There is a family of three : Leslie August, Mavis June and Albert George. The children are the fourth generation on both sides of the family.
The property of some 25 acres is planted with fruit trees, which are in full bearing.
In 1916 Mr. B. Mahoney joined the 38th Battalion A.I.F., and served overseas until the end of the war. He was wounded in action.
Mr. Mahoney devotes his whole energy to his property and to the disposal of his produce in the local market.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. A. W. Tonn and Family
AUGUST WILHELM TONN
Pastrycook, 186 Bridge Street, Richmond, Melbourne
August W. Tonn, a son of the late Heinrich Tonn, is a native of Pronsdorf, Holstein, Germany, where he was born in 1883. After finishing his education at the local school he was apprenticed in Sage- berg, Holstein, to the pastry-cooking trade, proving himself a good pupil from the commencement. Having served his apprenticeship. he travelled extensively throughout Germany to gain experience. After visiting all the leading cities of his native country, he crossed over to England in 1903, where he stayed for several years working at his trade. Later on he went to Paris, where for two years he was engaged at leading confectioneries, acquiring-still further knowledge of pastrv cooking.
It was during the time he worked in Paris that Mr. Tonn made the acquaintance of Mr- O. Plarre, and these two decided to emigrate to Australia, where they landed in 1907. After working for a time at his trade, he and Mr. Plarre started in partnership, establishing a business in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne, a partnership which they carried on for about twelve months, when Mr. Tonn decided to establish himself in Warr- nambool, Victoria, By careful attention to business, and catering for the wants of the public, lie worked up what became the leading business of its type in Warrnambool the expansion of the trade necessitating opening an additional shop-
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. Tonn returned to Melbourne in 1917 and started his well-known business at the above address in Richmond, Melbourne, which within a short time developed into one of the foremost businesses of its type in the eastern suburbs. Mr. Tonn carries on a wholesale and retail trade, for which purpose an up-to-date factory, with all the most efficient machinery and appliances, has been erected at the rear of the retail shop.
Mr. Tonn married Miss Nelson, a native of Colonge, Germany, and there is one son, William Joseph, who after being educated at Scotch College, Melbourne, has now joined his father in the business. Mr. and Mrs. Tonn with their son took a trip in 1924 to Europe, visiting their birthplaces in Germany, the return journey being via America where Mr. Tonn has several relations. During this trip the various newer methods employed in pastry-cooking were carefully studied by Mr. Tonn, and the knowledge acquired has been applied by him with marked success in his Melbourne business.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
JOHN AUGUST FANKHAUSER Vermont, Victoria
John August Fankhauser, who is a son of the late George Fankhauser, was born in 1867 at Balwyn and received his education there. After leaving school he helped his father in the cultivation of the vast property held by him, until John August Fankhauser purchased the property now in his possession. This was in 1893, and he has been engaged in orcharding ever since.
He married Miss Elizabeth Brown of 1 asmania, and there is a family of two sons and two daughters: John Oswald, Claud Augustus, Muriel Gladys and Ivy Isabel; of his sons Claud A- Fankhauser enlisted
in the A.I.F. when the war broke out and was blinded whilst in action. He returned and is living at Vermont, Victoria. One daughter is married to Mr. Rose.
When John A. Fankhauser took over the property in; 1893, it was practically virgin bush, and it took several years of hard, ceaseless work to clear the property and make it self-supporting.
Mr- J. A. Fankhauser's family is undoubtedly one of the original pioneer families in the district, which is still living on property purchased and cultivated by the present occupiers.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
PAUL CHRISTIAN
SCHULTZ, Kewell
The late Mr. J. D. Schultz.
Paul Christian Schultz, born at Kewell in 1877, is a son of the late Johann Diengott Schultz, who was born in Hoffnungsthal, South Australia in 1850, a son of the late Samuel Schultz who came to Australia in 1849.
Johann Deingott Schultz was educated at Hochkirch, Hamilton, Victoria and came to the Wimmera at the age of 21 years, where he selected land in the Kewell (list-
The late Mrs. J. D. Schultz.
work to clear and put into productive condition- Bushes were used for fences, those being the days before wire fencing. In 1875 he married Miss Marianne Starick, who was born at Werben, Prussia in 1854 and there was a family of ten children of whom the following survive: Paul Christian,
Edward Samuel, Alma Christina, Bertha, Herbert and Lindora. The family were all brought up and educated on the original
rich The land was all virgin scrub with no roads or fences. The selection comprised 320 acres and is still in the hands of the family. It took many years of arduous
selection. Mr. J. Schultz increased his holding to about 960 acres of wheat-growing country, and some excellent crops have been grown. He was one of the first
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
selectors in the district, and saw it grow from virgin bush to one of the most prosperous districts in Victoria. He died in 1924 and his wife in 1932 at the age of 78 years.
Mr. Paul C- Schultz was educated at Kirchheim, Minyip, and joined his father after he left school, working with him on the home property until he reached his 25th year. At that time he married Miss Anna- marie Petering, daughter of the late Wilhelm Petering, who came to Australia from Germany and settled first in the Hamilton district and later in the Minyip district.
There is a family of seven children: Frank, Carl, Meta, Roy, Thelma, Edgar and Laurence.
Mr. P. Schultz, is treasurer of the local Lutheran Church for the last 18 years, having been a member of the Church since his youth. For several years he was a member of the Coromby Brass Band. He is a member of the Minyip Agricultural Society and is a keen sportsman. Ever ready to promote the welfare of the district, he has gained the esteem and respect of everybody
The area of the present property is 640 acres, used mainly for wheat and wool growing, and is situated within 3| miles of Kewell. The eldest son has an adjoining property, which is worked in conjunction with the homestead, and the second son, Carl, has a farm within four miles- The children represent the fourth generation of this pioneering family on both sides.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. and Mrs. August Rieschieck
AUGUST RIESCHIECK, Doncaster
August Rieschieck, born at Tanunda, South Australia in 1858, is a son of the late Johann Gottlieb Rieschieck, who came to Australia from Silesia in 1849, with his wife and two daughters- He was a shoemaker by trade and established himself in Tanunda, South Australia, where he resided until his death in 1864, leaving a family of six surviving children, of whom August Rieschieck is the youngest.
He was educated at the Lutheran Church at Tanunda; after leaving he learnt the trade of blacksmith and started a business in 1882 at Tanunda, which he carried on until 1904. He married Miss Ernestina Henrietta Finger, daughter of Henry Finger, of Doncaster, who was an early settler of the district. There is a family of nine: Emma, William, Herbert, Margaret, Victor Annie, Dorothea, Hedwig and Walter who enlisted with the A.I.F. and died on active service. During Mr. Rieschieck's residence in Tanunda, South Australia, he and his family were associated with the Lutheran Church in that town. Five of the family are married, and there are twenty-four grandchildren making the fourth generation of the Rieschieck branch of the family.
An aunt, Miss Irrang, married August Ludwig Kavel, the pioneer Pastor of South Australia, and the family have been associated with Australia for over 90 years.
Mrs. Rieschieck died on the 25th June, 1932, at the age of 70 years. In 1905 Mr. and Mrs- Rieschieck came to Victoria, settling in Balwyn, where Mr. Rieschieck cultivated an orchard. In 1927 he retired from active work and came to Doncaster in 1930, where he now lives in retirement.
The late Walter Rieschieck. Killed in Action.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Mr. and Mrs. John Bunge.
HERMAN BUNGE, "Walden," Sheep Hills
The above was born on the property, then held by his father, Mr. John Bunge, who was born in Hamilton in 1859 and selected the present property in 1877. To this selection of 320 acres further land was bought, making a total acreage of 2300. Of this area Mr. H. Bunge is working about 1200 acres, whilst one of his brothers works the balance.
Herman Bunge received his education locally and then joined his father on the farm, which later on he, together with his two brothers, took over in 1921. The area of the property is some 1,200 acres, and is rich wheat growing country, on which up to 42 bushels have been grown. The property is situated about four miles from Sheep Hills, ' portion of which was selected by his grandfather and one of his uncles.
Herman Bunge is a keen breeder of Clydesdale horses. A stud of these had
been started by his father and has been carried on. These have been secured from some of the best Clydesdale stock in Australia, including many prize-winners. Many awards have been gained at the various shows throughout the Wimmera. A flock of Comeback sheep is also run.
He married Miss Noske, of Kewell, daughter of Mr. Ernst Noske, a pioneer of that district, and they have a family of three sons and one daughter, Ronald, John, Oswald and Alys.
He is a member of the local Lutheran Church of which he is a trustee and treasurer. Other public positions held by him include being a committee-man of the War- racknabeal Agricultural Society, a member of the local Hall committee and a trustee of the Sheep Hill Cemetery trust.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
GOTTLIEB JANETZKI, Minyip
Mr. Gottlieb Janetzki, born 1st October, 1848, at Ambleside, South Australia is a son of George and Rosina Janetzki, who arrived in Australia on a German sailer in 1839. The name of the captain of the ship was Hahn, after whom the original township-Hahndorf-now known as Ambleside, was named. This boat was the second voyage to Australia with German settlers,, the journey occupying six months before the ship made port at Adelaide. Mr. Janetzki's parents relate, that the flour for consumption on the ship, became so hard owing to the length of the voyage, that it had to be cut with tomahawks.
Mr. Janetzki's childhood was spent at Hahndorf and at eighteen years of age he went to Mt. Gambier where he for seven years rented and farmed land, after which he migrated in 1873 by team to Minyip, where he selected 300 acres, a mile or so from the present township. Mr. Janetzki resided on this property for upwards of SO years. The property by this time had been
increased by further purchase to 800 acres, wheat growing being the main work. About 200 sheep are kept on the holding, which is first grade country and has yielded as much as 44 bushels to the acre.
On the 14th June, 1875, Mr. Janetzki married Miss Paulina Haeusler. Of their family one son and two daughters survive: Johannes Albert, Hermine Paulina, Bertha Louisa. On the 14th June, 1925, Mr. and Mrs. Janetzki celebrated their Golden Wedding Jubilee. They were then residing in Minyip. The following year-1926- after five months illness, Mrs. Janetzki died at the age of 72 years, deeply regretted.
Mr. Janetzki was for forty-one years an elder of the Kirchheim Lutheran Church. On the anniversary of the thirty-eighth year that he held this office, a massive Bible, incorporating all modern expositions of the Scriptures was presented to him. He was also for a considerable number of years treasurer of the Kirchheim Lutheran School.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES.
HEINRICH LOHN "Belvedere," 137 Canterbury Road, Canterbury
Heinrich Lohn, born in 1863 at New Brandenburg, Strelitz, Mecklemburg; is a son of the late H. Lohn, who came to Australia in 1886 with his wife and two sons, their daughters having already settled in Australia. Mr. H. Lohn senior, died two days after arrival.
Mr. H. Lohn junior, who had received his education in the old country, joined his sisters (H. L. Burrell, Watkinson & Co.) in a mantle and costume manufacturing business, which was one of the first of its type in Melbourne, and proved most successful. Only the highest class materials were made up and the output of their workrooms became favourably known throughout the Commonwealth and New Zealand. Mr. Lohn, who travelled extensively for the firm throughout Australia, was connected with the active management from 1886 until it was formed as H. L- Burrell, Watkinson & Co. Ptv. Ltd., Flinders Lane, and was interested in importation of the latest European models, which set the fashion in Australia.
Mr. Lohn married Miss Edith Guitke, daughter of the late Paul Guitke, a well- known member of the German community in Melbourne, and there is a family of one son and one daughter, Richard and Irma.
Miss I. Lohn
Mr. Lohn purchased in 1917 a property at Upwev in the Dandenong Ranges, where he resided. His house and garden proved a picture in beautiful surroundings and was much admired. He stayed there until 1932, when he sold the Upwey property and returned to his town residence in Canterbury, which he had erected in 1901.
Mr. Richard Lohn is engaged in the furniture trade in Melbourne and doing a prosperous business-
Mr. H. Lohn, who at the time of writing has resided 47 years in Melbourne, has gained the respect and esteem of his fellow men.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
CHARLES HENRY FINGER, 'Elovira/ Bayswater Vic.
Charles Henry Finger is the eldest son of the late Carl Henry Finger, who, with his father, the late Christian Benjamin Finger, came to Victoria from Germany in 1850 and whose history is recorded already in these pages.
Herbert, Beatrice and May. About 25 years ago Charles H. Finger removed to Bayswater, where he had purchased land, which he cleared and planted in fruit trees. This property is now being run by one of the sons.
Charles Henry Finger was born in 1866 and after being educated, first at Hawthorn and finally at Balwyn, joined his father on the latter's orchard. After a while he engaged in working for various farmers and then purchased land at Doncaster. In the meantime he married Miss Schuhkraft, of Doncaster, daughter of a pioneer of that district, and there is a family of twelve children: Henry, Frederick, Edward, Alfred, Albert, Joseph, Ernest, Minnie, Walter,
Charles Henry Finger has been associated with fruit-growing all his life, and his work has been very successful. He has cleared virgin bush and converted it into payable orchards, and he has certainly in conjunction with his wife and family done a fair share of pioneering work.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
Several sons are now engaged in carrying on their father's work. Two sons are clergymen.
Charles Henry Finger has been associated with Church and Sunday School work for many years, and the daughters have followed their father in this, all being connected with Church activities- The eldest and the youngest son served Australia in the Great War and returned safely, although one was badly wounded. There are 32 grandchildren and one great grandchild, the latter making the sixth generation of the Finger family in Australia.
The father of Mrs. Charles Finger, the late Carl F. Schuhkraft, was born in Germany, and after a trip to America came to Australia in 1853. He was a baker by trade but took up gardening at Doncaster, where he resided until his death in 1899.
He married Miss Fankhauser, of Hawthorn, and there was a family of ten, of whom Mrs. C. H. Finger is the eldest.
GERMAN PIONEER FAMILIES
INDEX
.
ANDERS, Rudolph, "Fairview," Murtoa. 123
AUMANN, The late Heinrich Wilhelm, "Ashens," Murtoa 117.
BOLTE, William, "Lucky Womans," Linton, Victoria 82.
BUNGE, Hermann, "Walden," Sheep Hills 138.
DEGENHARDT, Julius Heinrich, "Salisbury," Murtoa 16.
DEUTSCHER, Johann, Murtoa. 65.
DEHNERT, Carl Reinhold, "Lily Vale," Bradshaw .. 92.
DIETRICH, Julius, Richmond, Melbourne 13.
DRILLER, Joseph, Kewell, Victoria 42.
DURRE, Hermann, 452 Bourke Street, Melbourne 70.
FANKHAUSER, David Daniel, Cr. Springvale & Burwood Roads. Burwood 31. FANKHAUSER, George Frederick, 21 Scott Street, Canterbury, Victoria .. ... 32.
FANKHAUSER, Henry, 97 Medway Street, Box Hill ,Victoria 34.
FANKHAUSER, George Henry, "Grand View," East Burwood, Victoria .... 38.
FANKHAUSER, Arthur Albert, "Mountfield," Burwood Road, Wantirna 69.
FANKHAUSER, Frederick William, "Neangor," East Burwood, Victoria 78.
FANKHAUSER, Alfred Richard, East Burwood 83.
FANKHAUSER, Adolph Paul, "Belmore," Wantirna, Victoria 103.
FANKHAUSER, Robert Christian, "Bona Vista," East Burwood, Victoria .. .. 107.
FANKHAUSER, John Butler Maling, "Carinya," East Burwood 113.
FANKHAUSER, Stanley Charles, "Bethesda," East Burwood 114.
FANKHAUSER, Walter John, East Burwood 115.
FANKHAUSER, John August, Vermont, Victoria 134.
FANKHAUSER, David Ernest, "Elimatta," East Burwood 101.
FANKHAUSER, Edward Charles, "The Pines," Burwood Road, Wantirna .. 120.
FINGER, Ernest Ferdinand, "Tannenwald," Doncaster, Victoria 36.
FINGER, Charles Henry, "Elovira," Bayswater, Victoria 141.
FLIEGNER, Ernst Heinrich, "Kynau," Forrest Hill 52.
FRANKE, Marie Charlotte, 275 Glenferrie Road, Glenferrie, Victoria 116.
FRITSCH, Rev. Walter Wilfred, The Lutheran Manse, Natimuk. 68.
GROBBECKER, Ernst, Park Street, Footscray 29.
GLADIGAU, Carl August, Natimuk. .. 49.
HAASE, John Frederick, (late of Dalby, Queensland) .. 130.
HANKE, Ernst John, "Silesia," Doncaster 35.
HARBIG, P. & M., Manufacturers, Drill Street, Hawthorn. 79.
JIERLITZ, The late Pastor Hermann, Lutheran Church, Eastern Hill 112.
HOLTKAMP, Hermann Heindrich, "Millicent," Murtoa 72.
HOLTKAMP, Frederick Otto, "Olinda," Murtoa .. .. .. .. 100.
HOLTKAMP, Alexander, "Grand View," Murtoa . 104.
HOLTKAMP, Mrs. H. H. Snr., Murtoa. 102.
HOLTKAMP, Bernhard Paul, Black Rock, Victoria 84.
HUEBNER, Otto Bernhardt Herbert, "Lesleigh," Sheep Hills 53.
ISER, The late Henry 110.
JANETZKI, Gottlieb, Minyip 139.
JONGEBLOED, The late Gottfried, Melton, Victoria .. .. 105.
1UERS, Miss Amanda Elizabeth, Katyil P.O., Victoria 111.
KANNULUIK, Mrs. Caroline Elizabeth, 238 Burwood Road, Hawthorn 39.
KLINGE, Johanas Henry, Arkona, Victoria. .. 71.
KOPMANN, Carl George, Melbourne .. 15.
KRELLE, Cr. Ernst Edward, "Merrylands," Minyip 85.
LAUER, Heinrich Christian August, Doncaster. .. .. 75.
LAUER, Frederick Gottfried, "Lanthel," Burke Road, Deepdene, Victoria 63.
LOHN, Heinrich, "Belvedere/* 137 Canterbury Road, Canterbury 140.
LUTZE, Cr. Adolph Andreas, "Wilsonia," Coromby, Victoria 54.
MAHONEY, Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomew, "Klondyke, " East Doncaster 131.
MULLER, Albert Otto Hermann, Ka ngaroo Flat, Bendigo .. 129.
MULLER, Otto Julius, "Garden City Flour Mills," Ballarat 76.
PETSCHEL, Christian Bernard, "Rosenhugel," Wail, Victoria 59.
PETERING, Heinrich Frederick August, "Gum View," Coromby 61.
PLARRE, Otto, 28 Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds, Victoria 26.
PUTTLITZ, Carl F. H., F.F.I.A., F.A.I.S., F.C.A.A, Kew, Melbourne 90.
REINHARDT, Friedrich Otto, "Nandouree," 44 Thomas St., Hampton, Victoria 118.
RIESCHIECK, August, Doncaster 137.
RUDNITZKI, The late Mr. and Mrs. 81.
SCHAEFER. Frederick Paul George, "Belle Vue," Dimboola 91.
SCHMIDT, Frederick Heindrick, "Bella Vista," Natimuk 126.
SCHACHE, Heinrich Wilhelm, "Vermont Farm," Murtoa 22.
SCHRAMM, The late Rev. Max von, late of Doncaster 58.
SCHULTZ, Herbert Gustav, Murtoa. 43.
SCHULTZ, Victor Carl, Murtoa. 45.
SCHULTZ, Paul Albert, "Green Vale," Sheep Hills, . . . 47.
SCHULTZ, Alfred Ewald, "Glenwood," Murtoa 48.
SCHULTZ, The late Frederick Wilhelm, "Greenfields," Murtoa 98.
SCPIULTZ, Johannes Wilhelm, "Gum Grove," Sheep Hills. .. 86.
SCHULTZ, Paul Christian, Kewell 135.
SCHULZ, John Edward, "Bush Grove," Coromby, Victoria 46.
SCHULZ, Frederick Paul, "Redbank," Murtoa 97.
SEEBURGER, Wilhelm, 423 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy 95.
SEMMLER, Rudolph Reichart, Wyuna, Murtoa 124.
SHEPHERD, Mrs. Esther Ruby, East Burwood 108.
S1MPFENDORFER, Rev. John, Doncaster .. 11.
SUDHOLZ, Cr. Rudolph Ernst, J.P., "Southwood," Natimuk 109.
TAINTON, Mrs. Rose Selina, "Rosedale, ' East Burwood, Victoria 41.
THIELE, John Gotthold Adalbert Oswald, Canterbury, Victoria 57.
THIELE, Henry, Doncaster, Victoria 62.
THIELE, Alfred Edwin, "Friedensruh, ' Doncaster, Victoria 66.
THIELE, Ambrose Frederick, Doncaster, Victoria 74.
TONN, August Wilhelm, 186 Bridge Street, Richmond, Victoria 132.
TREICHEL, Otto "Koeslin," St. Kilda 88.
UHE, Friederi^k Carl August, Murtoa 44.
WEICHMANN, Adolph, 15 Livingstone Street, Ivanhoe 60.
vVERNER, Mrs. Hanna Caroline, Burr Farm, Natimuk 122.
WERNER, Rudolph & Co. Pty. Ltd., Burnley Street, Richmond 24.
WINTER, Heindrick Wilhelm, Belmont, Victoria 19.
WINTER, Carl Freidrich Adolph, "Carindale, ' Wellington St., Kew, Melbourne 28. WINTER, The late John George Frederick, "Kehre Wieder,7 Doncaster. .. 56. ZERBE, August Johann, J.P., "Pleasant View," East Doncaster, Victoria .. .. 20.
ZERBE, August Edward, East Doncaster 111.
ZERBE, Frederick Carl, East Doncaster .. . . .. 127.
ZERBE, Albert August, East Doncaster 127.
ZERBE, Frederick Carl, Junior, East Doncaster .. 128.
ZERBE, Henry August, "Hopeficld," East Doncaster .... .. 121.
ZIEGELER, Johann Frederick Wilhelm, "Newhaven," Abbott St., Sandringham 87.
Tasks:
- Permission sought: Copyright: No Author Cited. Nevertheless, contacted printers in Geelong 2019 for possible contact with printers GEO. A, LIST & SONS PTY. LTD. No printer contact known. German Pioneer Families: Wholly set up and printed in Australia by. GEO. A, LIST & SONS PTY. LTD, Geelong, Victoria. 19 3 5. Reprinted by List Print 1983 ISBN 0 9592596 0 0
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