Ludwig Riethmuller c. 1920s, wearing his Freemason regalia
The Riethmullers of Dalby
There is no connection between the Riethmuller family of Toowoomba and Dalby and the McLaran Family, but the Riethmuller story demands inclusion for a variety of reasons:
- it offers a glimpse into the history of Dalby between 1860 and 1930, interwoven with the story of a family of German immigrants;
- to record more than 150 years of regular interaction between the generations of the Riethmullers of Dalby and the McLarans;
- to compare the paths of two families with different backgrounds from the 1860s to the present day.
Gottlieb Michael (Michael) Riethmuller, his wife Maria Katerina Muller and their six sons and their daughter founded the Riethmuller family on the Darling Downs.
Michael and his eldest son Gottlieb Frederich Riethmuller 1838 - 1917 emigrated first to Moreton Bay in 1856 aboard the John Caesar. His wife and the remainder of the children followed by 1859 - their ship details are not available online but see Ludwig's story below.
Gottlieb Frederich Riethmuller's obituary provides an excellent summary of the Riethmuller emigration and the family's early years in around Toowoomba:
Michael and his eldest son Gottlieb Frederich Riethmuller 1838 - 1917 emigrated first to Moreton Bay in 1856 aboard the John Caesar. His wife and the remainder of the children followed by 1859 - their ship details are not available online but see Ludwig's story below.
Gottlieb Frederich Riethmuller's obituary provides an excellent summary of the Riethmuller emigration and the family's early years in around Toowoomba:
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10 September 1917 Darling Downs Gazette
OBITUARY. MR. GOTTLIEB FREIDRICH RIETHMULLER, J.P. The decease of a pioneer Downsman occurred on Friday when Mr. Gottleib Frederick Riethmuller, J.P., of Glenvale, passed away, at the age of 79 years, after a sojourn of 60 years in this country. The late Mr. Riethmuller was a typical man of the soil, and had rendered good service in public and in private life. His wife predeceased him four months ago. Thirteen sons and daughters - all well known in the community, survive their venerable parents. Mr. G. F. Riethmuller was a native of Wurternberg, Germany, and was born in 1838. He left in October, 1855, for Hamburg with his father, and sailed in the sailing ship Johan Caesar, for Moreton Bay. The passengers numbered about 250, including some 20 families. Before going on board, they were all called into an office to sign their agreements. The terms were two years shepherding at £20 a year, with the usual bush rations. They had to pay £9 a year back for passage money. All signed for shepherds, except two who signed as gardeners. The ship anchored in Moreton Bay after a passage of 120 days. After laying at anchor for two days they were taken to Brisbane in a steamer, and given, in charge to a Mr Appel. The Steamer landed them at South Brisbane at a little wooden jetty made of piles, stumps and rough slabs. A few days afterwards a batch of seven were notified to be ready the next morning for Messrs Russel and Taylor. They proceeded by steamer to Ipswich, where Messrs Russell and Taylor's bullock drays awaited them. They travelled by dray to Toowoomba and were taken across to the Royal Hotel, which was just finished, and was a one-story building at that time. Next morning they were taken to Mr. Taylor's private residence, and the seven of them put on various jobs about the place, Mr. Taylor himself superintending the work. A few days later four of them were sent on to Cecil Plains, three remaining in Toowoomba. They were then shifted out to Dunmore, and afterwards to Wyaga station, where, their shepherding began. After a time Mr. Taylor sold Wyaga to Mr. de Lacy Moffat, the then owner of Callandoon. They hired themselves to the new master, and stayed on for about three years. During that time, with some assistance from Mr. Moffat, Mr Riethmuller's father was able to send for his wife and five sons and a daughter, who were in Germany, bringing them out to Wyaga, where the sons shepherded flocks of sheep. After about two years Mr. Riethmuller, his wife and family came on to the Darling Downs, and settled near Toowoomba. When all the family were out at work, Mr. G. F. Riethmuller obtained permission from his father to start on his own. He took on splitting, fencing and droving for a time, and next got a bullock team and dray, and started carrying. In 1865 he married Miss Pauline Holzwort, of Highfields, and made a home for himself and wife on 20 acres on Glenvale, where he combined farming with the carrying. With hard work between the wife and himself, they increased their holding to 270 acres. He sold the old home with 30 acres of land, and made a new home on his 240 acre paddock on the west side of Glenvale School. Mr. G. F. Riethmuller was on the building committee of the Glenvale school, and was for a number of years on the school committee. He was a councillor for the Drayton Shire Council for about 15 years, and twice occupied the honourable position of president. |
1856 Gottlieb (Michael) Riethmuller arrived in Moreton Bay
Gottlieb (Michael) Riethmuller and his wife Maria Muller's headstone in Toowoomba
The 8 children of Gottlieb (Michael) Riethmuller and his wife Maria Muller
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hael (Michael) Riethmuller, his wife Maria Katerina Muller and their six sons and their daughter founded the Riethmuller family on the Darling Downs.
Michael and his eldest
29 Oct 1915 Darling Downs Gazette
GOLDEN WEDDING.
Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Riethmuller, of Freiberg, Glenvale, Toowoomba district, celebrated their golden wedding on Saturday, October 23 (writes our Toowoomba representative). Their descendants and relatives, numbering 120, entertained the old couple at their home. Mr. Riethmuller arrived in Queensland 60 years ago, and almost immediately went to the Darling Downs. His age is now 77 years, and his wife's 70. Their family of seven daughters and six sons are all alive, and with the exception of William (who joined the Australian Expeditionary Force, and is now in Egypt) were all present at the celebration. There are 55 grandchildren and five great-grand-children.
Michael and his eldest
29 Oct 1915 Darling Downs Gazette
GOLDEN WEDDING.
Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Riethmuller, of Freiberg, Glenvale, Toowoomba district, celebrated their golden wedding on Saturday, October 23 (writes our Toowoomba representative). Their descendants and relatives, numbering 120, entertained the old couple at their home. Mr. Riethmuller arrived in Queensland 60 years ago, and almost immediately went to the Darling Downs. His age is now 77 years, and his wife's 70. Their family of seven daughters and six sons are all alive, and with the exception of William (who joined the Australian Expeditionary Force, and is now in Egypt) were all present at the celebration. There are 55 grandchildren and five great-grand-children.
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Johann (Ludwig) Riethmuller, passed away on 28 Jul 1939. He was the last of the Riethmuller family immigrants, and patriarch of the Dalby Riethmuller family.
1 Aug 1939 Dalby Herald OBITUARY — Mr. L. Riethmuller Mr. Ludwig Riethmuller, whose death occurred at his home in Patrick street, in the early hours of Friday morning, had been a resident of Australia for more than 80 years. He was one of that band of pioneers who came to this country in the early day of its development. Although enfeebled, as was natural at his advanced age - 88 years - Mr. Riethmuller took a keen interest in all world affairs and local happenings, until near the last. Born in Wurtemberg, Germany, he came to Queensland with his parents when he was about six years of age, and the details of that six-months voyage in an old sailing vessel were forever green in his memory. On coming to Queensland, the family, consisting of six brothers and one sister, with their parents, settled on Wyaga station, and later on came to Toowoomba, where the father died at a comparatively early age. Most of the family settled about Toowoomba, but Mr. Ludwig Riethmuller, on his marriage to Miss Louisa Hitz, took up land in the Bell district, then known as Maida Hill. Some 41 years ago he sold his property, and made his residence in Dalby, where he carried on business as a contractor, until his retirement about 26 years ago. During his residence in town Mr Riethmuller was a devout adherent to St. Thomas' Presbyterian Church, which he served in the capacity of an elder for many years. He was at one time member of Dalby Town Council, where his sound judgment and foresight made him of great value in the affairs of the town. He was also a prominent Freemason for many years, and had high honour conferred upon him by the craft. Mr. Riethmuller had taken a prominent part in the organisation and foundation of the Jandowae Masonic Lodge, of which he acted as secretary for some years, and was held in a most affectionate memory by members of that lodge. For a number of years he was secretary of Sir Joshua Peter Bell Lodge, Dalby, of which he was also a Past Master, and was also the first secretary of the Star of the West Royal Arch Chapter, Dalby. It was only in recent years that falling health precluded his regular attendance at Lodge meetings. The late Mr Riethmuller was a man of the highest character and integrity, one who saw only the good in others, as all who knew him in his long life well know. His wisdom, generosity, and unfailing kindness and natural courtesy, will ever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. With his passing goes one of that grand band of pioneers of whom few now remain. All of his brothers, and his only sister predeceased Mr. Riethmuller, who is survived by his widow, three daughters, Misses S.I and M. Riethmuller (Dalby), and Mrs. C. Hanley (Brisbane), and two sons Messrs. A. Riethmuller (Dalby), and H. Riethmuller (Brisbane). Two daughters, Mrs. A. Deighton and Mrs. C. J. Roche, and one son, Mr. F. Riethmuller (Sydney), predeceased him*. The funeral, which took place from St. Thomas' Presbyterian Church to the Dalby cemetery on Saturday afterooon, was one of the largest seen in Dalby for some time. All sections of the community were represented, and representatives were present from Masonic Lodges in the district. The service at the church was conducted by Rev. James Blake, who also delivered a Masonic oration in the church. At the graveside the last rites were performed by Mr. Blake, who also read the Masonic service, and members of the Lodges passed the open, grave into which they dropped sprigs of acacia. The pall-bearers were members of the Masonic lodges In Dalby, and were Messrs, J. Hensler, E. J. Campbell, J. Comport, J. Paterson, T. Fortescue, and. F. W. Higginbotham. On Sunday next a memorial service to Mr. Riethmuller will be conducted In St. Thomas’ Church at 11 a.m. * 2 children omitted from this list: Albert 1879 - 79 and Sidney 1898 - 99. |
The 10 children of Johann (Ludwig) Riethmuller and his wife Louisa Hitz
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There is no connection between the Riethmuller family and the McLaran Family, but the Riethmuller story demands inclusion for a variety of reasons:
Johann (Ludwig) Riethmuller was born on 10 Mar 1851 at Neckarrems, Wurttemberg, Germany. Today, Neckarrems, located 12 km from Stuttgart, is named Remseck. His parents, Gottlieb Michael Riethmuller and Maria Katerina Muller, had six sons and two daughters. One daughter died in Germany. Ludwig, the fifth son, emigrated to Queensland with his mother, his father and eldest brother having arrived in Moreton Bay in 1856 aboard the John Caesar. Apart from Ludwig, the Riethmullers settled chiefly around Toowoomba and Jondaryan. Riethmuller Rd in Glenvale records their impact on the area. Ludwig was the only child to venture beyond Jondaryan. The first record of interaction between the Riethmuller and the McLaran families in Dalby is a list of Louden Station hospital subscriptions - see right. It appears that Ludwig was working alongside Alexander McLaren, youngest son of Malcolm McLaran. Ludwig married fellow German emigrant Louisa Albertina Florentina Hitz in 1875. Together they selected land near Jimbour, and after living at Maiden Hill (Bell) for many years, moved to Dalby late in the 19th century - their obituaries suggest the move occurred around 1888. Louisa had emigrated to Australia with her parents and two brothers, arriving at Hervey Bay in Sep 1861. Her brothers passed away in 1874 and 1905, and her father and mother died in 1876 and 1907 respectively. Louisa's children were the only Hitz grandchildren. Five of the six sons of Gottlieb and Maria Riethmuller, along with their daughter and her Maria and her Deuble family settled chiefly around Toowoomba and in Jondaryan. Riethmuller Rd in Glenvale records their impact on the area. Ludwig was thire only child to venture beyond Jondaryan. Ludwig and Louisa raised a large family, 10 in all but two died in infancy. Ludwig invested heavily in Dalby properties - houses, land, shops - and was both a councillor and a contractor. He remained involved with St Thomas' Presbyterian Church for over 40 years and was a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge. Ludwig and Louisa's children included a successful local businessman, Alfred, a music teacher, a newspaper reporter, and a prominent public servant. Several were talented musicians - violin, piano, wind instruments - Alfred was multi-talented. Their eldest son, Friedrich, travelled the world and perhaps may have fought in the Boer War. In 1917 he married a South African divorcee. Ludwig and his wife both passed away within a space of six weeks in 1939. They were survived by five of their 10 children and 17 grandchildren. Ludwig's 1924 interview (below) demonstrates the wealth of Ludwig's knowledge of Dalby history in the early days, his excellent sense of humour, and his sharp mind and memory at the age of 73. *Riethmuller - McLaran contacts: - Malcolm McLaran. - Donald and Alexander (Ludwig worked with Alexander - see 1875 hospital subscription list). - Donald's wife, Clara Eversden - see 1930 article below - Malcolm's grandson Malcolm Lewis McLaran and his family also attended St Thomas' Presbyterian Church where Ludwig was an elder for many years. - I remain friends with one of Ludwig Riethmuller's great grandsons and his family. 150 years of regular contact between 2 families is quite remarkable! |
1875 List of hospital subscriptions from Loudoun (SIC) Station.
Names of interest for this page:
1875 Ludwig Riethmuller's selection - Lot 391 - 319 acres.
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The 10 children of Ludwig Riethmuller and Louisa Hitz.
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There is no family connection between Ludwig Riethmuller's family and the McLaran Family. Ludwig's story has been included:
I have known some of Ludwig's descendants since 1956 but only in 2015 did the multi-generational connection between the Riethmullers and the McLarans become apparent. Ludwig's first contact with the McLaren / McLaran family may have been at Louden working alongside Alexander McLaren, youngest son of Malcolm McLaran. Johann (Ludwig) Riethmuller was born on 10 Mar 1851 at Neckarrems, Wurttemberg, Germany. Neckarrems, 12 km from Stuttgart is named Remseck today. Ludwig emigrated to Queensland with his mother - his father and eldest brother had emigrated earlier - and married fellow German emigrant Louisa Albertina Florentina Hitz in 1875. Together they selected land near Jimbour, and after living at Maiden Hill (Bell) for many years, moved to Dalby late in the 19th century. The founding Riethmuller family of six sons and one daughter was centred chiefly around Toowoomba - Ludwig was the only one to venture beyond Jondaryan. Ludwig and Louisa raised a large family, 10 in all but two died in infancy. Ludwig invested heavily in Dalby properties - houses, land, shops - and was both a councillor and a contractor. He remained involved with St Thomas' Presbyterian Church for over 40 years and was a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge. Ludwig and Louisa's children included a successful local businessman, Alfred, a music teacher, a newspaper reporter, and a prominent public servant. Several were talented musicians - violin, piano, wind instruments - Alfred was multi-talented. Their eldest son, Friedrich, travelled the world and perhaps may have fought in the Boer War. In 1917 he married a South African divorcee. Ludwig and his wife both passed away within a space of six weeks in 1939. They were survived by five of their 10 children and 17 grandchildren. Ludwig's 1924 interview (below) demonstrates the wealth of Ludwig's knowledge of Dalby history in the early days, his excellent sense of humour, and his sharp mind and memory at the age of 73. *Riethmuller - McLaran contacts: - Malcolm McLaran. - Donald and Alexander (Ludwig worked with Alexander - see 1875 hospital subscription list). - Donald's wife, Clara Eversden - see 1930 article below - Malcolm's grandson Malcolm Lewis McLaran and his family also attended St Thomas' Presbyterian Church where Ludwig was an elder for many years. - I remain friends with one of Ludwig Riethmuller's great grandsons and his family. 150 years of regular contact between 2 families is quite remarkable! |
Headstone of Ludwig Riethmuller and his wife Louisa Hitz in the Dalby Monumental Cemetery.
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The Dalby Herald interviewed many local pioneers in 1924 and published their memoirs progressively around April - May as the 60 year celebrations gained momentum. (Ludwig was only 12 years of age in 1863, suggesting he may have been somewhat independent at an early age.)
1 Apr 1924 Dalby Herald RECOLLECTIONS OF THE TOWN IN 1863. THRIVING AND LIVELY. Mr L. Riethmuller, by urgent request of the "Herald," has carried back his memory for us to his first acquaintance with the City of the Plains, then known as Myall Creek, and has endeavoured to recall his earliest impressions of it. He reminds us that about 1863 the business portion of the town, at least, lay on the eastern side of the Creek, though bark humpies were spread out the western side, even from the present post office towards the Tara railway line. Drayton street was then in its glory, business premises, extending on both sides of it out over the plain south easterly. Myall Street had many buildings in it, while Patrick Street boasted rather more importance than Cunningham street, which was later to come into its own! Nearly opposite to Mr W.R. Hunter’s residence in Myall Street, stood a two-storey wooden building, the only one, in Dalby, the Plough Inn. This house of beer was afterwards turned into a house of prayer, for it became St. Columba's Convent. The name of Milstead was at this time associated with it, that gentleman being apparently a successor to Mr W. Welland who again followed Mr Stewart. Further down towards Drayton St., and on the opposite side of Myall Street to the Plough Inn was the store belonging to John Sidney. It was certainly one of the leading business places in the town and district. The name was afterwards associated with the little bridge which was known as Sidney’s or the Convent bridge. At the Myall-Drayton street corner, then, doubtless, "the" corner of Dalby, stood on the site of Mr Lynch's house, Tom Burke's butcher's shop (no relation, we understand, to his namesake, our present worthy citizen). (It may be assumed that the corners in these days were not particularly well marked; and might indeed remain completely undefined - unless actually built upon to the frontage. Thus a building, standing on an allotment back from the actual surveyed peg, might well remain in the memory of being the corner.) As one goes out towards the plain from the Myall Street crossing, there were on the left the business premises of Mr Donpon, who combined baking and boarding house keeping, and further down, one of the banks, while on the right were buildings belonging to Mr Roche (who was forwarding agent and postmaster), another bank and a branch, store of Limmer, Rees and Robinson, of Toowoomba. The banks represented then (be believes) were the New South Wales, and the old Queensland: Bank (which after many vicissitudes succumbed in the crisis of 1893). Coming back along Drayton Street, and crossing the creek (then spanned only by Gaylor's bridge) D. Benjamin's premises occupied the present site of the Wambo Shire office, while nearly opposite stood Koch's saddler's shop. The Criterion Hotel, then kept by Gaylor, was on the position of Mr J. Hodge's house, nearly opposite the new bore baths. The enclosure now known as the recreation reserve at this time held the Town Council office, which appears to have stood about where the present bandstand is situated. A School of Arts reserve lay at the northern end of this portion. It has since been incorporated with the recreation reserve and furnishes the present informal entrance to the grounds from Patrick Street. From the Drayton-Myall crossing on the right, apparently at the corner of Scarlet Street, stood the North Star Hotel which was kept by a Mr T. Martin, while further down on the left near the corner of Myall and Patrick Streets, was Yule's blacksmith's shop. Turning to the left into Patrick Street and going towards the creek, Fontane's cabinet shop was on the right hand side, with the old Presbyterian church standing back. It was in this neighborhood that Mr Riethmuller himself afterwards sat down. The post office and railway station are mainly responsible for bringing the business portion of Dalby (says Mr Riethmuller) across the creek to tbe east side. Land, values suffered in consequence of the exodus. Mr Riethmuller remembers one piece of land upon which the bank advanced £300 that was afterwards sold by the Dalby Town Council at its first sale of allotments to recover rates, for less than five pounds - the amount of the rates due on it! Speaking of banks and their failures reminded Mr Riethmuller of the story of a Jimbour shepherd, who for many years had placed his hard-earned savings in the old Queensland Bank. The bank "went broke," and its one pound notes could not find buyers at five shillings. Everybody on the station felt sorry, for the poor old shepherd, until it was discovered that, alarmed at something he had learned from the press, the depositor had carefully carried those same savings over the road to the Government Savings Bank just a week before. Then everybody marvelled at the old fellow's sagacity. "In those days," concluded Mr Riethmuller, 'hardly anyone knew or used the name "Dalby." Everyone called the place Myall Creek. From Toowoomba to Dalby there was not a paddock. Houses were mainly of bark and they were scattered. Dalby was thriving – and lively!” |
Ludwig was the Dalby agent for Southern Cross Wind Mills for many years.
1868 Cunningham Street Dalby, around the time of the arrival of the railway.
1857 Dalby survey plan.
House in centre of plan (Drayton St) below "STREET" is F.W. Roche's residence. Plough Inn is lower left near intersection of Bunya and Myall Streets. Donald McLaran's allotment was in Bunya St near this intersection. 
The Plough Inn, Myall Street.
1924 Dalby rates book extract.
Note TW Long, Donald McLaran's neighbour in Cunningham Street and eventual owner of the McLaran cordial shop site. And of course, Ludwig Riethmuller, owner of numerous properties throughout Dalby. |
1930 Ludwig Riethmuller and Clara McLaran (nee Eversden, Donald McLaran's widow) took part in a presentation at St Thomas' Presbyterian church, Dalby.
22 Jul 1930 Dalby Herald
ST. THOMAS' CHURCH - Presentation to Minister.
St. Thomas' Presbyterian Church was filled on Saturday afternoon, the occasion being the presentation to the minister, Rev. W. Maitland, of a clerical gown. ... The Mayor (Alderman Jack) presided and ... said the gathering was held at the invitation of the Women's Guild, and to them appreciation had to be expressed of their action in going to so much trouble to give a tangible token of the goodwill of the church to their minister. ... The Women's Guild had invited their oldest member, Mrs. McLaran, to make the presentation to the minister, and he then asked this lady to do so. Mrs. McLaran then robed the Rev. Maitland with the beautiful gown, and expressed the wish that he would be long spared to wear it.
Rev. J. Armour, B.A. (Toowoomba) expressed his pleasure at being present to take part In the presentation to the Rev. Maitland... Mr. Armour spoke of the difficult and strenuous time through which the church was passing, but said that every age had been a difficult one for the Christian Church and the present difficulties must be faced and overcome as those of the past had been.
In conclusion Mr. Armour congratulated both the minister and the congregation, and conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the Presbytery and of St. Stephens' Church, Toowoomba. Mr. L. Riethmuller, to whom the chairman referred as the "Father of the Session," congratulated Mr. Maitland and wished him many more years of service. He spoke of his experiences as a member of the session since about 1888, and expressed appreciation of the services of the Women's Guild to the church....
There was a short programme of music during the function, including an instrumental trio by Mrs. Napier (organ), Mrs. Girvan (violin), and Mr. Napier (cornet), solos by Mrs. Barnes and Miss Jolly, and an anthem, "The Radiant Morn," by the choir under the baton of Mr. J. D. Napier. The Women's Guild served a dainty afternoon tea.
22 Jul 1930 Dalby Herald
ST. THOMAS' CHURCH - Presentation to Minister.
St. Thomas' Presbyterian Church was filled on Saturday afternoon, the occasion being the presentation to the minister, Rev. W. Maitland, of a clerical gown. ... The Mayor (Alderman Jack) presided and ... said the gathering was held at the invitation of the Women's Guild, and to them appreciation had to be expressed of their action in going to so much trouble to give a tangible token of the goodwill of the church to their minister. ... The Women's Guild had invited their oldest member, Mrs. McLaran, to make the presentation to the minister, and he then asked this lady to do so. Mrs. McLaran then robed the Rev. Maitland with the beautiful gown, and expressed the wish that he would be long spared to wear it.
Rev. J. Armour, B.A. (Toowoomba) expressed his pleasure at being present to take part In the presentation to the Rev. Maitland... Mr. Armour spoke of the difficult and strenuous time through which the church was passing, but said that every age had been a difficult one for the Christian Church and the present difficulties must be faced and overcome as those of the past had been.
In conclusion Mr. Armour congratulated both the minister and the congregation, and conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the Presbytery and of St. Stephens' Church, Toowoomba. Mr. L. Riethmuller, to whom the chairman referred as the "Father of the Session," congratulated Mr. Maitland and wished him many more years of service. He spoke of his experiences as a member of the session since about 1888, and expressed appreciation of the services of the Women's Guild to the church....
There was a short programme of music during the function, including an instrumental trio by Mrs. Napier (organ), Mrs. Girvan (violin), and Mr. Napier (cornet), solos by Mrs. Barnes and Miss Jolly, and an anthem, "The Radiant Morn," by the choir under the baton of Mr. J. D. Napier. The Women's Guild served a dainty afternoon tea.
A slide show of photos and Dalby Herald news items about Ludwig Riethmuller's family.
Around 1880 the Dalby Land Court granted selections for Ludwig Riethmuller, Donald McLaran, Malcolm McLaran but postponed an application for 640 acres by Florentina Hitz, Ludwig's wife.
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1927 The tragic death of Ludwig Riethmuller's daughter-in-law deeply affected St Thomas' congregation.
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Ludwig passed away on 28 Jul 1939.
1 Aug 1939 Dalby Herald
OBITUARY — Mr. L. Riethmuller
Mr. Ludwig Riethmuller, whose death occurred at his home in Patrick street, in the early hours of Friday morning, had been a resident of Australia for more than 80 years.
He was one of that band of pioneers who came to this country in the early day of its development. Although enfeebled, as was natural at his advanced age - 88 years - Mr. Riethmuller took a keen interest in all world affairs and local happenings, until near the last. Born in Wurtemberg, Germany, he came to Queensland with his parents when he was about six years of age, and the details of that six-months voyage in an old sailing vessel were forever green in his memory. On coming to Queensland, the family, consisting of six brothers and one sister, with their parents, settled on Wyaga station, and later on came to Toowoomba, where the father died at a comparatively early age.
Most of the family settled about Toowoomba, but Mr. Ludwig Riethmuller, on his marriage to Miss Louisa Hitz, took up land in the Bell district, then known as Maida Hill. Some 41 years ago he sold his property, and made his residence in Dalby, where he carried on business as a contractor, until his retirement about 26 years ago. During his residence in town Mr Riethmuller was a devout adherent to St. Thomas' Presbyterian Church, which he served in the capacity of an elder for many years. He was at one time member of Dalby Town Council, where his sound judgment and foresight made him of great value in the affairs of the town. He was also a prominent Freemason for many years, and had high honour conferred upon him by the craft. Mr. Riethmuller had taken a prominent part in the organisation and foundation of the Jandowae Masonic Lodge, of which he acted as secretary for some years, and was held in a most affectionate memory by members of that lodge. For a number of years he was secretary of Sir Joshua Peter Bell Lodge, Dalby, of which he was also a Past Master, and was also the first secretary of the Star of the West Royal Arch Chapter, Dalby. It was only in recent years that falling health precluded his regular attendance at Lodge meetings.
The late Mr Riethmuller was a man of the highest character and integrity, one who saw only the good in others, as all who knew him in his long life well know. His wisdom, generosity, and unfailing kindness and natural courtesy, will ever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. With his passing goes one of that grand band of pioneers of whom few now remain.
All of his brothers, and his only sister predeceased Mr. Riethmuller, who is survived by his widow, three daughters, Misses S.I and M. Riethmuller (Dalby), and Mrs. C. Hanley (Brisbane), and two sons Messrs. A. Riethmuller (Dalby), and H. Riethmuller (Brisbane). Two daughters, Mrs. A. Deighton and Mrs. C. J. Roche, and one son, Mr. F. Riethmuller (Sydney), predeceased him*. The funeral, which took place from St. Thomas' Presbyterian Church to the Dalby cemetery on Saturday afterooon, was one of the largest seen in Dalby for some time. All sections of the community were represented, and representatives were present from Masonic Lodges in the district. The service at the church was conducted by Rev. James Blake, who also delivered a Masonic oration in the church. At the graveside the last rites were performed by Mr. Blake, who also read the Masonic service, and members of the Lodges passed the open, grave into which they dropped sprigs of acacia.
The pall-bearers were members of the Masonic lodges In Dalby, and were Messrs, J. Hensler, E. J. Campbell, J. Comport, J. Paterson, T. Fortescue, and. F. W, Higginbotham. On Sunday next a memorial service to Mr. Riethmuller will be conducted In St. Thomas’ Church at 11 a.m.
* 2 children have been omitted from this list: Albert 1879 - 79 and Sidney 1898 - 99.
1 Aug 1939 Dalby Herald
OBITUARY — Mr. L. Riethmuller
Mr. Ludwig Riethmuller, whose death occurred at his home in Patrick street, in the early hours of Friday morning, had been a resident of Australia for more than 80 years.
He was one of that band of pioneers who came to this country in the early day of its development. Although enfeebled, as was natural at his advanced age - 88 years - Mr. Riethmuller took a keen interest in all world affairs and local happenings, until near the last. Born in Wurtemberg, Germany, he came to Queensland with his parents when he was about six years of age, and the details of that six-months voyage in an old sailing vessel were forever green in his memory. On coming to Queensland, the family, consisting of six brothers and one sister, with their parents, settled on Wyaga station, and later on came to Toowoomba, where the father died at a comparatively early age.
Most of the family settled about Toowoomba, but Mr. Ludwig Riethmuller, on his marriage to Miss Louisa Hitz, took up land in the Bell district, then known as Maida Hill. Some 41 years ago he sold his property, and made his residence in Dalby, where he carried on business as a contractor, until his retirement about 26 years ago. During his residence in town Mr Riethmuller was a devout adherent to St. Thomas' Presbyterian Church, which he served in the capacity of an elder for many years. He was at one time member of Dalby Town Council, where his sound judgment and foresight made him of great value in the affairs of the town. He was also a prominent Freemason for many years, and had high honour conferred upon him by the craft. Mr. Riethmuller had taken a prominent part in the organisation and foundation of the Jandowae Masonic Lodge, of which he acted as secretary for some years, and was held in a most affectionate memory by members of that lodge. For a number of years he was secretary of Sir Joshua Peter Bell Lodge, Dalby, of which he was also a Past Master, and was also the first secretary of the Star of the West Royal Arch Chapter, Dalby. It was only in recent years that falling health precluded his regular attendance at Lodge meetings.
The late Mr Riethmuller was a man of the highest character and integrity, one who saw only the good in others, as all who knew him in his long life well know. His wisdom, generosity, and unfailing kindness and natural courtesy, will ever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. With his passing goes one of that grand band of pioneers of whom few now remain.
All of his brothers, and his only sister predeceased Mr. Riethmuller, who is survived by his widow, three daughters, Misses S.I and M. Riethmuller (Dalby), and Mrs. C. Hanley (Brisbane), and two sons Messrs. A. Riethmuller (Dalby), and H. Riethmuller (Brisbane). Two daughters, Mrs. A. Deighton and Mrs. C. J. Roche, and one son, Mr. F. Riethmuller (Sydney), predeceased him*. The funeral, which took place from St. Thomas' Presbyterian Church to the Dalby cemetery on Saturday afterooon, was one of the largest seen in Dalby for some time. All sections of the community were represented, and representatives were present from Masonic Lodges in the district. The service at the church was conducted by Rev. James Blake, who also delivered a Masonic oration in the church. At the graveside the last rites were performed by Mr. Blake, who also read the Masonic service, and members of the Lodges passed the open, grave into which they dropped sprigs of acacia.
The pall-bearers were members of the Masonic lodges In Dalby, and were Messrs, J. Hensler, E. J. Campbell, J. Comport, J. Paterson, T. Fortescue, and. F. W, Higginbotham. On Sunday next a memorial service to Mr. Riethmuller will be conducted In St. Thomas’ Church at 11 a.m.
* 2 children have been omitted from this list: Albert 1879 - 79 and Sidney 1898 - 99.
1939 In memoriam service for Ludwig Riethmuller
8 Aug 1939 Dalby Herald
His favourite Psalm - the 121st - and favourite hymns were sung at an in memoriam service at St. Thomas' Presbyterian Church on Sunday for the late Mr. Ludwlg Riethmuller, who died recently. Members of Mr. Riethmuller's family from Toowoomba and Dalby attended the service, which was conducted by Rev. James Blake. The text for the panegyric was "Be steadfast, unmoveable" (I Corinthians, 15, 58). Mr. Blake mentioned that Mr. Riethmuller had been associated with the Presbyterian Church In Dalby and dlstrict for half-a-century, and had been an elder of the Church for about 30 years.
8 Aug 1939 Dalby Herald
His favourite Psalm - the 121st - and favourite hymns were sung at an in memoriam service at St. Thomas' Presbyterian Church on Sunday for the late Mr. Ludwlg Riethmuller, who died recently. Members of Mr. Riethmuller's family from Toowoomba and Dalby attended the service, which was conducted by Rev. James Blake. The text for the panegyric was "Be steadfast, unmoveable" (I Corinthians, 15, 58). Mr. Blake mentioned that Mr. Riethmuller had been associated with the Presbyterian Church In Dalby and dlstrict for half-a-century, and had been an elder of the Church for about 30 years.
Six weeks later, Louisa Fitz passed away on 9 Sep 1939.
12 Sep 1939 Dalby Herald
OBITUARY — Mrs. L. Riethmuller
The death occurred early on Saturday morning at her late residence Patrick street, of Mrs. Louisa F. RiethmuIIer. The deceased lady was In her 85th year at the time of her demise, and only been ill for a few days, although her health as was natural at her advanced age, has not been robust for some time. The shock following the death of her late husband, Mr. L. Riethmuller, which occurred six weeks previously, undoubtedly hastened her end.
The late Mrs. Riethmuller (formerly Miss Loiusa Hitz) was bom in Mecklenberg, Germany and came to this country at an early age with her parents and two brothers, all of whom predeceased her*. After living in various parts of this State for some years, the family settled in Toowoomba, where she and the late Mr. RiethmuIIer were married some 64 years ago. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Bell (then known as Maida Hill) district, where they lived for more than 20 years. Subsequently the family moved to Dalby where they have made their home ever since.
The late Mrs. Riethmuller was of a quiet, retiring disposition during her later years, but her old friends will hold her in affectionate remembrance for her kindness, generosity and readiness to give a helping hand wherever it was needed. She bore her full share of privation and hardships which fell to the lot ot the early pioneers with unfailing courage and resourcefulness. Her intellect and memory remained clear until within a few days of her death but she could tell many stories of early days when the mood was upon her.
She is survived by her daughters Misses S. I. and M. RiethmuIIer (Dalby) and Mrs. C.J. Hanley (Brisbane), and two sons, Mr. A. RiethmuIIer (Dalby), and Mr. H. RiethmuIIer (Brisbane). Two daughters Mesdames Deighton and Roche and one son, Mr. F. Riethmuller, (Sydney), predeceased her.
The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon moving from St Thomas' Presbyterian Church where a quiet service was conducted by Rev. F. Cray, who also conducted the burial service at the Dalby Cemetery in the unavoidable absence of Rev. J. Blake.
* Louisa's brothers died without issue. Ludwig and Louisa's children had about 62 Riethmuller cousins, but not a single Hitz cousin.
12 Sep 1939 Dalby Herald
OBITUARY — Mrs. L. Riethmuller
The death occurred early on Saturday morning at her late residence Patrick street, of Mrs. Louisa F. RiethmuIIer. The deceased lady was In her 85th year at the time of her demise, and only been ill for a few days, although her health as was natural at her advanced age, has not been robust for some time. The shock following the death of her late husband, Mr. L. Riethmuller, which occurred six weeks previously, undoubtedly hastened her end.
The late Mrs. Riethmuller (formerly Miss Loiusa Hitz) was bom in Mecklenberg, Germany and came to this country at an early age with her parents and two brothers, all of whom predeceased her*. After living in various parts of this State for some years, the family settled in Toowoomba, where she and the late Mr. RiethmuIIer were married some 64 years ago. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Bell (then known as Maida Hill) district, where they lived for more than 20 years. Subsequently the family moved to Dalby where they have made their home ever since.
The late Mrs. Riethmuller was of a quiet, retiring disposition during her later years, but her old friends will hold her in affectionate remembrance for her kindness, generosity and readiness to give a helping hand wherever it was needed. She bore her full share of privation and hardships which fell to the lot ot the early pioneers with unfailing courage and resourcefulness. Her intellect and memory remained clear until within a few days of her death but she could tell many stories of early days when the mood was upon her.
She is survived by her daughters Misses S. I. and M. RiethmuIIer (Dalby) and Mrs. C.J. Hanley (Brisbane), and two sons, Mr. A. RiethmuIIer (Dalby), and Mr. H. RiethmuIIer (Brisbane). Two daughters Mesdames Deighton and Roche and one son, Mr. F. Riethmuller, (Sydney), predeceased her.
The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon moving from St Thomas' Presbyterian Church where a quiet service was conducted by Rev. F. Cray, who also conducted the burial service at the Dalby Cemetery in the unavoidable absence of Rev. J. Blake.
* Louisa's brothers died without issue. Ludwig and Louisa's children had about 62 Riethmuller cousins, but not a single Hitz cousin.