Müller Family Genealogy

​                           Muller Family Story

   

      Frederick Müller was born on the 14th November 1853 at 11pm, at Ladenburg, Baden, Germany, which is on the Neckar River about 10 miles east of Mannheim and north-west of Heidelberg. He was the only son of Friedrich Müller, a military man, Sergeant 1837, Sergeant Major 1849, of the Grand-duke 1V Infantry Regiment, and Katharina Peterhans.

 

         Johann Frederick and Katharina were married at Mannheim on the 5th February 1837. The first six children, all daughters, were born at Mannheim and the 7th another daughter was born at Konstanz, where “Frederick” as he was known, was stationed at the time. He died on the 11th June 1853 just 5 months before Frederick Jnr was born.

 

            Katharina would have had a very hard time of it, raising 8 children without a husband, as there is no evidence to suggest that she may have re-married.

 

           Young Frederick was christened on the 20th November 1853 at Ladenburg, Baden, Germany, very little else is known about the young Frederick, except that his occupation in Germany, according to the application to emigrate to Australia was that of a Locksmith.

                              

 

          In September 1871, Katharina applied for permission for Frederick to emigrate to NSW, stating that six siblings were already living there, so far 5 of those siblings have been found, Theresia Maria who had married Franz Anton Morano in Ladenburg in August 1857. Franz was a Clerk of Petty Sessions at Gundagai.

Maria married James Strange at Gundagai, Franz Morano stated that James Strange was his wife’s Brother-in-law, and Francis Morano was a witness at the marriage of Mary Muller & James Strange;

Sophia married Thergrew Evensen at Bathurst,

Rosina married James Williams at Bathurst, &

Katherina married William Schneider, at Sydney, these last 3 girls are linked via their marriages; William Schneider & Rosa Williams were witnesses at the marriage of Sophia Muller & Thergrem Evensen; 

 

        The application for Fred to immigrate was granted in October 1871 and he arrived in  July 1872 aboard the “Somersetshire” his age is stated as 17 yrs of age,  but he was actually 19.  It is believed that he went straight to Gundagai, most probably to Theresia and Franz, who immigrated in 1857. Theresia is buried at Gundagai.

 

          It is known that he brought with him a large sea chest, in which, under the paper lining of the rounded lid was 200 Franc’s, he also had a small German Prayer Book and a Medal which had been presented to his Father, there was also a  photograph of a young woman, now thought to be of his niece Louise, which was either brought out with him or sent to him and Rosina later. The medal is inscribed thus:  

 

                                             Fur Baden’s Ehre   (on one side)

                                                        And           Leopold

                                 Fur Treuen Dienst im Kriege  (on the other)

                                                     Which means

                                               “ For the Honour of Baden,

                                                                Leopold

                                                     For Faithful Service

                                                      During the War”

 

         This medal was called the 

     “Felddienstauszeichnung” and was given to all soldiers who were to fight in Schleswig-Holstein and Landau.                                                            

                                                         _________________

        

 

          Most probably Frederick was employed as a Blacksmith at “Darbalara” a large property just a few miles out of Gundagai, and it was here that he must have met Martha Fishpool.

      

          In the Gundagai Times & Tumut, Adelong & Murrumbidge Advertiser

dated Fri 3rd November 1876  an advert was placed stating the Partnership between Carroll & Muller as Blacksmiths & Wheel-wrights has been dissolved by mutual consent.  All debts owing to the firm to be received by Frederick Muller, whose receipt alone will be recognised. 

 

                                                          _______________

 

          Martha Fishpool was born on 18th June 1858 at “Darbalara”, Gundagai, the 3rd of 6 children born to English born Robert Fishpool and Jane Louisa Mitchelson, who were married at St George, Stamford, England in 1853, and emigrated to N.S.W. Australia, late in 1857 or early 1858 assisted passage aboard the “Mary Ann”.

 

           In the time that Martha was born at “Darbalara” it was listed as being 28,000 acres, with a grazing capability of 640 head of cattle and was held by W.K. Smith. At its peak, “Darbalara” provided a living for 20 families and the School on the property had 60 pupils. Had it’s own butchery, blacksmith, etc.