|
February 10, 2016
Later this month some of the estimated 3000 descendants of a Prussian couple who have helped to shape the history of the South Burnett will gather to mark the sesquicentenary of their arrival in Australia.
Johann Friedrich (1828-1898) and Henrietta Sophia Kratzmann (1825-1905) arrived in Brisbane on board the “Johan Cesar” on February 6, 1866.
Johann and Henrietta, and five of their children, sailed from Hamburg on October 7, 1865.
Sadly, one of the children, a small boy, died at sea.
The couple settled on about 11 acres in Toowoomba, near the western end of Spring Street and the Middle Ridge Golf Course.
There they had another son, Ernest Frederick, born in 1868.
Johann and Henrietta, who are buried in the Drayton Ceremony, have many South Burnett descendants (see box, at right).
* * *
Descendant Col Kratzmann, from Kingaroy, said 120 people had indicated that they were coming to the reunion so far.
It will be held on Saturday, February 20, at the Church of Christ Hall, Progress Court in Harlaxton, North Toowoomba.
Registrations will begin at 10:00am.
To RSVP, phone Col on (07) 4162-2867.
Col said attendees should bring their own picnic lunch, but tea and coffee would be available.
Other family names amongst Johann and Henrietta’s descendants include Lobegeier, Lehmann and Anderson.
|
|
|
Congratulations to the family, as a fifth generation family member of another name it is quiet an achievement in Australian history. Once again, congratulations.
Congratulations to all my cousins in the Kratzmann family who have been such a huge part of Queensland history. As one of the Lowien family and an avid family historian I appreciate the dedication to documenting the family history for generations to come. Well done!