STEHBENS STEBENS STEHBEN STÄBEN Families

Family Photos

• National Recognition of Stehbens History (316 KB)
  The names of Detlef (Staeben) and Anna (Grube) Stehbens are now engraved on the Welcome Wall at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, Sydney. When football star, Branco Culina unveiled new plaques on the Welcome Wall, he told the story of his migration as a child from Croatia to Australia. Among the many who gathered to remember their immigrant ancestors were a group of Stehbens descendants. As their descendants recognised their first immigrant ancestors, Detlef and Anna, they were able to follow their migration voyage on a map that had been prepared from the log of the "Sophie". As well, our family historian, Ian Robert Stehbens, also launched his latest book, "Detlef's Well Is Here". In this book, Ian tells the story of Detlef and Anna in remarkable detail, beginning with the birth of Detlef in a thatched stable on a cold monochrome day in Holstein in 1814. Pictured from among those who attended are Branco Culina, Linda Scott whose Zagreb born husband Robert Goricanic had also migrated from Croatia, Leslie Clark of Melbourne, George Tysoe and his wife Merle Stehbens, Elaine Stehbens Scott and Ian Roy Stehbens, all from Brisbane. [LINEAGES: Linda Scott d/o Elaine Stehbens d/o Donald Stehbens s/o Claus Detelf Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef & Anna Stehbens. Les Clark s/o Dulcie Turner d/o Elizabeth Stehbens d/o Claus Detlef Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef & Anna. George Tysoe m Merle Stehbens sister of Elaine and d/o Donald Stehbens. Ian Roy Stehbens s/o Roy Stehbens s/o Edwin Stehbens s/o Wilhelm Stebhens s/o Detlef & Anna.] Other attendees included Janet Baker Stehbens, Jamie Willis, Rod Tattersall and Helen Stehbens Tattersall.
• Air Photo: Stebens' district of origin: Blücher (150 KB)
  The family originate from the villages and farmlands of this part of Germany. The rural areas of the Schaale Valley around Zahrensdorf near Boizenburg, Germany are very productive in the summer. A few kilometres further downstream (to the right of image) at Blücher (the village of origin of the family), some of the land is subject to flooding and therefore there are more grazing meadows, grassland and areas of nature reserve. The Schaale Valley is located about 60kms E of Hamburg, and south of the Hamburg to Berlin Autobahn. Stebens families lived here in the 1600s and before, and though most of their descendants have migrated away, there are still Stebens families in surrounding communities including Blücher, Boizenburg, Besitz, and in the city of Hamburg. For those who want more details on the photo: The linear village shown is Neu Gülze. The road running through the village leads to Zahrensdorf (left) and to Blücher via Gülze (4 kms to the right). The Hamburg - Ludwigslust - Berlin Railway can be seen crossing that road, the Schaale River and then cutting through forest plantation on the east bank of the Schaale River. This view seen from a glider includes the airfield (top left) located 6kms due east of Boizenburg-on-Elbe. The whole area is part of the picturesque Mecklenburgian Nature Park. [Photo: Akaflieg Hamburg 2003]
• Family memorial to Dave & Amy STEHBENS (60 KB)
  Having attended the Stehbens Family Reunion in Bundaberg (January 2005), a small group of descendants of Claus Detlef & Amy Stehbens, decided to mark the burial place of their Grandparents. Dulcie Clark, Merle Tysoe, Elsie Anderson and Elaine Scott offered to contibute. Great grand-daughter, Margaret Harp, located the gravesite in the Gladstone General Cemetery and as there was no headstone, a plaque was cast. Those pictured after the placing of the memorial plaque are Elaine Scott, Merle Tysoe, Elsie Anderson, Colin Hindmarch & Margaret Harp. Their inspiration came in part from the discovery that there was no memorial to Detlef Stehbens (1814-92) in Bundaberg Cemetery, nor to his wife Anna Stehbens (1821-70) in Maryborough. Thankyou from the whole family. Dave (Claus Detlef) Stehbens selected land at Bororen in 1892 and there he established "Rocky View" Jersey Stud and dairy farm. His wife was Amy Weston. The plaque reads RESTING PLACE OF / DISTRICT PIONEER / CLAUS DETLEF STEHBENS / B. 30TH JUNE 1870 / D. 30TH JUNE 1956 / LOVING HUSBAND OF / AMY STEHBENS (nee WESTON) [LINEAGEs: Merle & Elaine Stehbens ds/o Donald Stehbens s/o CD Stehbens. Margaret Anderson d/o Elsie Hindmarch. Elsie & Colin Hindmarch c/o Caroline Stehbens d/o Amy & CD Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Anna & Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• 1st Stehbens Land in Australia: the KEPNOCK BLOCK (202 KB)
  The Original Stehbens Land Selection in Australia is located between Kepnock Rd and Greathead Rd, Bundaberg, Queensland. Claus Johann Stehbens, who preferred to be called John Stehbens, was the first German to select and develop a successful farm "on the Burnett". He and his wife and extended family began living on this 32Ha (80 acres) Woongarra scrub block in July 1871. John and Otillie and his father, Detlef and their combined family lived here for the required 5 years before he was given freehold title. He and his wife, Ottilie, worked hard and raised their family there. His widowed father, Detlef, who was the key bricklayer for the brick-lined well, assisted him. This montage of photos taken in 1991 and 1994 depicts key aspects of the site that allow us to pinpoint the original Stehbens homesite, their well and their movement. See below, on this website, Related File: “Original Stehbens Land Selection in Australia” for a fuller explanation and description of these photos.
• Strand Clan claim their roots at Stehbens Reunion (34 KB)
  While the Strand twins, Meryl and Janet are excited by their photo display, Strands from Canberra, Mackay and Dalby are discovering their relationships to each other by poring over the Descendancy Charts. Emma Stehbens was only 5 when the family arrived in Australia, and through the subsequent generations her descendants had lost their identity as Emma's descendants. But no longer, for the Family Reunion held in Bundaberg allowed them all to connect with each other and to claim their history. Pictured are twin sisters, Meryl (nee Strand) Hicks and Janet Platz; and Thomas Strand, Lois Strand, Penny Strand, April Strand, Lorelle (nee Mergard) Toms and Hazel (nee Austin) Smith. [LINEAGES: Hazel Austin d/o May Strand d/o David s/o Emma Stehbens; Lorelle Mergard d/o Gladys Saint d/o Minnie Strand d/o Emma Stehbens; Thomas, Penny & April Strand c/o Lois Lange & Brian Strand s/o Douglas s/o Thomas s/o Emma Stehbens; Meryl & Janet Strand ds/o Kenneth s/o Thomas s/o Emma Stehbens]
• Loving Bride: Beryl Stehbens & George Jackson (34 KB)
  Beryl Stehbens married George Jackson in Methodist Church, Kingaroy on March 9, 1946. Beryl was renowned for her caring and compassion. Audrey Anderson was her close Christian friend and attended Beryl at her wedding along with 2 of Beryl's Olson cousins. George and Beryl operated Jackson's Shoe Store in Kingaroy. Beryl was also a gifted organist and contributed significantly through the musical ministry of Kingaroy Methodist Circuit. They raised 2 sons, Bruce Jackson and Noel Jackson. [LINEAGE: Beryl d/o Frederick Stehbens s/o Rudolph Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Hinrich Stebens]
• Reunion at Burnett Heads Marina: 9 Jan 2005 (24 KB)
  As part of the 2005 Stehbens Reunion program, 3 fieldtrips were offered. One group went to Burnett Heads Marina. There, one of the family, Ken O'Connor, operates his crabbing boat, "Pisces". Several of the descendants of Caroline (Stehbens) Lister joined the enthusiastic group, as Ken O'Connor is one of her descendants. Pictured L-R are Photo 1: Ashleigh Kasberger, Terese Kasberger, Kirsti Kasberger, Liam & Erin Gibson, Diane Wakefield, Norelle Kasberger; Photo 2: Melvin Nothdurft, Ken O'Connor, Tony Wakefield, Ian Stehbens; Photo 3: Diane Nielsen Wakefield is embraced by her 2nd cousin, Lynette Jenkinson Nothdurft. And Hazel Austin Smith who is the great granddaughter of Emma Stehbens Strand was delighted to be embraced by newly discovered relatives. That weekend, as photos were taken, old photos copied, memories jogged and joyful reunions made it became a special weekend. The Wakefields travelled from Sarina, the Gibsons from Emerald, Hazel Smith from Mackay, Ian Stehbens from Sydney, and Nothdurfts from Dalby. The O'Connor and Kasberger families are Bundaberg locals. Over 300 attended the reunion.
• Traditional Wedding 1993: Sheena & Granddad Hansen (29 KB)
  Sheena Hansen was married 3 Oct 1993 in Toowoomba, Queensland, 19 months before her Grandfather Eric Keppel Hansen passed away. The joy and likeness of Sheena and Keppel was evident for all to see on the day of her wedding to John Allen. John and Sheena Allen now have 3 children: Megan, James and Clem. [LINEAGE: Sheena d/o Gail Craft & Ken Hansen s/o Eric Keppel Hansen & Esme Lister d/o Ellen Linwood & Ernest Lister s/o John Lister & Caroline Stehbens d/o Anna Grube & Detlef Staeben who had migrated to Maryborough, Queensland in 1866 & 1865, respectively.]
• Redcliffe Retailer top in 2005: Stehbens Family (12 KB)
  Terry & Annette Stehbens owners of Four Square Grocery Store in Victoria Avenue, Redcliffe, Queensland were stunned and delighted to be recognized as conducting one of the best independent grocery stores in Queensland. Their Four Square Redcliffe Express was named Four Square Retailer of the Year in 2005. Terry & Anne were keen to share the credit with their daughter and son-in-law, Keisha and Paul Beagrie, who share the long hours and everyday grind of running a local supermarket. “It’s wonderful and it’s the first time since the awards started in 1999 that a metropolitan store has won,” said Terry. The award was given to the family for their dedication and commitment to serving customer’s needs and fulfilling their obligations to the community. Annette worked for Woolworths for 17 years and Terry's background is in real estate. As well, Terry's dad was one of 3 Stehbens Brothers who ran a succesful retail butchery in Childers, Queensland for many years. During the past two years, most of the equipment in the store has been replaced, with a 100% increase in turnover. New shelving, delicatessen area, new freezers, new fruit and vegetable case, extra fridges, cold room, checkouts, flooring and air conditioning have all added to the ambience of the store. They have plans to extend the store to allow for an increase in the range of hardware and variety products. Pictured: Paul & Keisha Beagrie with their son, Alistair, Shilaine Chapman and owners, Ann & Terry Stehbens. (Redcliffe City News: Nov 22, 2005) [LINEAGE: Alistair Beagrie s/o Keisha Stehbens d/o Terrence Stehbens s/o William Stehbens s/o William Edwin Stevens* s/o Wilhelm Stäben* s/o Detlef Staeben* s/o Frantz Hinrich Stebens] *variant spellings of surname on birth registrations
• 2 Ken O'Connors: Butcher & Crabber @ Burnett Heads (35 KB)
  If you visit Burnett Heads, Queensland and ask for Ken O'Connor, you'll be asked "Which one?" Ken O'Connor Senior is a commercial fisherman specializing in catching spanner crabs from his trawler. The extensive sandy bottom of Hervey Bay means that spanner crabs are abundant and each day, weather permitting, a full catch is assured. Ken is one of the few commercial operators working out of the marina at Burnett Heads today since catch limits came into force, and only the small operators are now viable. Fishing has been Ken's whole life. His eldest son, Kenneth Peter O'Connor, is the town's butcher opening every day of the week. [LINEAGE: Kenneth Peter O'Connor s/o Kenneth Noel O'Connor s/o Florence Lister d/o Ernest Lister s/o Caroline Stehbens d/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• Restoration of "Lucerne", Fernberg Rd, Paddington (38 KB)
  Helen Stehbens & her husband Brian Hollins acquired and then embarked on a restoration of Brisbane's oldest privately owned house, "Lucerne". Brian and Helen conduct a Bed & Breakfast using the restored coach house. They purchased Lucerne in early 2005 and immediately commenced the restoration project. Much of the rear of the house was damp. The verandas had partially collapsed. Weatherboards and structural timbers had been badly damaged by termites. The main house is primarily brick, with stone foundations, dry packed on top of a shale surface. During the restoration process, Brian and Helen discovered some of the former shingles which they now have on display. In a history spanning almost 150 years, "Lucerne", which began as a craftsman's dwelling, became home to a number of notable Queensland families. It is believed that it had been built by 1862, by James Young. As early as 1877, the house was advertised as a 'gentleman's residence', and such it has remained, having been home to squatter and solicitor Guthrie, Davis sisters who were teachers, business man A D Campbell , parliamentarian Scott, and then in the 20th Century it was home to Scott, Hirst, Ward, Morrow and O'Sullivan families. Listed in the Queensland Heritage Register, its restoration has become a matter of pride as well as joy to Helen & Brian. When looking for accommodation in Brisbane, book some nights in a Stehbens B&B, staying in the luxury of the Coach House at Lucerne on Fernbrerg, enjoy the ambience of Brisbane's Separation Era history, and chat to Helen, Brian and Megan about Stehbens family history. Lucerne was built around the time of the arrival of Helen's Stehbens ancestors in Queensland, and long before her Campbell ancestors arrived from Scotland. [LINEAGE: Megan Hollins d/o Helen Stehbens d/o Geoffrey s/o Allen s/o Wilhelm s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• Bertha Reed Stehbens passes away, Brisbane 21/2/05 (56 KB)
  Mrs Bertha Stehbens passed away on 21st February 2005, in Brisbane. Her 2 daughters Merle and Elaine were at her bedside. Bertha married Donald Stehbens in 1944 in Gladstone. Don Stehbens worked in Gladstone and then Brisbane on the waterfront. Bertha was widowed after only 22 years of marriage and she and her daughters have been close ever since. Bertha left 2 daughters, 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Her funeral was held at the Hemmant Crematorium Chapel, Brisbane on 25 February, 2005. During January 2005, Bertha travelled to Bundaberg to attend the Stehbens Family Reunion, which she thoroughly enjoyed, and which lifted her spirits.
• Chicago! Eunice & Den Stehben meet Margaret (28 KB)
  Viewed from Solidarity Drive, the Chicago skyline, including the Sears Tower, forms the backdrop to the meeting of Eunice (nee Hansen) & Dennis Stehben of New Berlin, Wisconsin with Margaret Stehbens, June 19, 2002. Margaret had just flown in after attending an international "Women in Peacebuilding" program at Harrisonburg, Virginia. Margaret and her husband, Ian, came from Sydney, New South Wales. They were able to enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the American 4th cousins for a few special days in Milwaukee. Together they drove to meet the Davenport Stebens families including Don & Kay Stebens, Stephanie Stebens, Kaleb Stebens, Kinzie Stebens, Melody Paulsen, Cassandra Paulsen, Ricky Stebens, David Stebens, Mary Brown, Steven Brown and Dorothy Hennings. [LINEAGES: Dennis Stehben s/o Harold Stehben s/o Nicolaus Stehben s/o Franz Stäben s/o Franz Staeben s/o FRANTZ H STEBENS; Kinzie Stebens d/o Stephanie Stebens d/o Donald Stebens s/o Herman G Stebens s/o Frank Stebens s/o Franz H Stäben s/o Joachim Staeben s/o FRANTZ H STEBENS; Sarah Brown d/o Mary Stebens d/o Arthur Stebens s/o Frank H Stebens s/o Franz Stäben s/o Joachim Staeben s/o FRANTZ H STEBENS; Margaret Baker m Ian Stehbens s/o Robert J Stehbens s/o Robert G Stehbens s/o C Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o FRANTZ H STEBENS]
• Alan Stephens m Yvonne Mutton @ Petersham, 1949 (282 KB)
  Alan Stephens married Yvonne Mutton in the Petersham Church of Christ, Sydney on 9 July 1949. In this wedding photo, the bride's father, Stanley Mutton, is at the rear. Members of the bridal party are L-R: Robert Mutton, Elaine Crain, Alan Stephens, Yvonne Mutton, Evan James Stephens, and Pam Felton. Alan John Stephens and his brother Evan James Stephens did not know until they were adults that their Dad had deliberately changed the spelling of his surname. Their father, James Albert Stephens was actually born as James Albert Stehbens, son of Claus Johann and Ottilie Stehbens of Bundaberg. Evan James Stephens (he preferred to be called Jim Stephens) married Doreen Bellden in 1951. [LINEAGE: Alan Stephens s/o James Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• Andrew & Tracy Stehbens & son, Tom Dusty Stehbens (37 KB)
  Andrew Stehbens married Tracy Davison in Rockhampton in 1997. Their firstborn, Thomas Dusty Stehbens was born in Emerald in 2001, and more recently than this photo was taken, Bianca Jane Stehbens was born in 2005, also in Emerald. The family live in Middlemount. [LINEAGE: Bianca & Tom Stehbens c/o Andrew s/o John s/o Stanley s/o Theodor s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• Rob Stehbens served in 460 Squadron, RAAF 1945 (1 KB)
  During the war years, Robert Stehbens from Imbil, Queensland, enlisted through the Empire Air Training Scheme in 1941 and by the end of the war was a Warrant Officer serving as aircrew in 460 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force at Binbrook, England. Trained in Australia as an observer for Wirraways, he later flew in Wellington and Lancaster bombers as a navigator and bomb aimer. Fortunately, he never had to drop bombs in combat. His Imbil mate, Charles Wesley Lutton also served in 460 Squadron as a pilot and was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). Rob is pictured after an ANZAC Day march and memorial service, wearing his service medals. He was a member of the Mary Valley Branch of the Returned Services League. During both world wars, many of the family in US, Australia and Germany enlisted to serve their various home nations. Most served in the army, a few in the navy, but Rob Stehbens (RAAF), Walter Nielsen (RAAF) and Ray Reusche (USAF) served in the air force. Lest we forget, a number of family, civilians as well as servicemen, lost their lives. At Rob Stehbens’ funeral service held in Imbil in 2005, both the Mary Valley Sub-Branch of the Returned Services League (RSL) and the Imbil Scouts and Cubs formed a guard of honour. Among the official tributes that were given, one was from the RSL, and another from Pacific PeaceBuilding Initiatives Ltd. [His life story is a Related File on this website.]
• Ken & Lorna Williamson travel the Silk Road 2007 (1 KB)
  Author Ken Williamson and his wife Lorna travelled the Great Silk Road from Istanbul to the Forbidden City in Beijing during June 2007. During their journey Lorna wrote, "We are now in Sinope on the Black Sea coast of Turkey on our great adventure. We had a great drive today over the mountains from Safronbolu whých was just amazing. We spent the night in an hotel that was over 400 years old and built of wooden struts wýth stone in between. We had a great walk around the little town and a lovely lunch in a lady's kitchen. She made us very much at home. We then went for a stroll past the blacksmýths shop and he called us over to have a chat. We ended up in his little back room going through his photos and awards for blacksmithing. We enjoyed our chat so I gave him a little koala pin and he then insisted on giving me a full massage. I must say his hands were on the heavy sýde. We have laughed about my having a massage by the blacksmith ever since and I won't forget it either." Ken writes, "The drive along the Black Sea coast through all the farming land has been beautiful. We are really looking forward to crossing ýnto the mountains of Georgia and then continuýng into Azerjiban. There have been some fantastic sedýmentary rock layers. This whole area was once the Tethys Sea and there is limestone everywhere." Ken continues, "This keyboard seems to be English, although it also has the Georgian script. The shift key is sticky. On the last days in Turkey we visited the Sumela monastery (pictured) which is somehow stuck way up on the side of a mountain inland from Trabzon. We also went inland where we thrilled to the sight of snow-covered mountains and rushing streams. We said goodbye to our Turkish guide at the border. We then walked into Georgia. They returned with amazing photographs. [LINEAGE: Ken s/o Catherine Stehbens d/o Robert s/o Claus s/o Detlef s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Tim and Natalie Desbois delight in son Daniel (50 KB)
  Natalie Stehbens and Tim Desbois were married in St Bridget's Catholic Church, Farleigh, Queensland in 2000. Their son Daniel was born in Mackay in 2004. The family live in the Central Queensland coal mining town of Tieri. Water skiing is the recreation they all enjoy - Daniel included. [LINEAGE: Daniel Desbois s/o Natalie Stehbens d/o Robert Stehbens s/o Noel Stehbens s/o Edward Stehbens s/o Claus D Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• Walter Nielsen died when RAAF Lockheed crashed (67 KB)
  Walter Henrich Nielsen, a "Leading Aircraftman" was killed when the Lockheed, in which he was flying on a survey flight, disappeared on a flight from Lowood to Bowen, Queensland. It is assumed that the plane came down in the Coral Sea. It disappeared without trace. A portrait of Walter, the Lookheed and the final page from the aircraft's log are pictured. This aircraft operated mostly from Townsville from its test flight in January 1942 until it disappeared on 23 July 1945. Once before this plane had crash landed coming to rest on its nose, July 1943. Walter was the 2nd son of George & Myrtle (nee Lister) Nielsen. He was 19 when he died having enlisted 16 months earlier. [LINEAGE: Walter Nielsen s/o Myrtle Lister d/o Ernest N Lister s/o Caroline Stehbens d/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Cross Transport is in the good hands of the boys (93 KB)
  "Yes, Stuart does cart cattle. And also he carts gravel, grain and whatever comes along that we can make a dollar from" writes Darlene. Stuart and Darlene Cross operate Cross Transport in Central Queensland, living in the town of Banana. One of their Road Train rigs pictured hauls bulk cargo including grain and gravel. Stuart is pictured with their three sons: Jharyd, Ayden and Aharon. Darlene is the eldest daughter of Diane & Arthur Sollitt. [LINEAGE: Darlene Sollitt d/o Diane Stehbens d/o Stanley s/o Theodor s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• A great shot of Teague and Kiran Bottriell (34 KB)
  This is one of mother's favourite shots of her "two beautiful boys". Kiran and Teague Bottriell live in Maryborough, Victoria, Australia. Both are teenagers now. [LINEAGE: Teague & Kiran Bottriell sons/o Dianne Hunt d/o Leslie Hunt s/o Annie Stehbens d/o Claus David Stehbens s/o Jacob Heinrich Stäben s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens] As 7th generation Australians they have a rich Australian family history. And perhaps gold runs in their veins! Their Great-great-grandfather was a gold miner who spent some years on the Coolgardie goldfield, Western Australia, in the 1890s, and their Great-great-great-grandfather joined the short-lived rush to the Pine Creek goldfield in the 1870s. Now the boys live in Maryborough, an old goldfield in central Victoria.
• Dr Michael Kohlhaas, GP in Wietzendorf Germany (1 KB)
  Dr Michael Kohlhaas is a descendant of Stebens family of Blücher, Germany. For the American and Australian Clans, Michael is an 8th generation descendant from their common ancestor. He is pictured with his associate, Dr Monika Thomas. They conduct a general medical practice in Wietzendorf, south-east of Hamburg, Germany. Michael was born in 1943; nach der Mittelschule und einer handwerklichen Ausbildung in Hamburg und dem späteren Besuch des Abendgymnasiums begann ich 1968 mit dem Studium der Medizin an der Freien Universität in Berlin, das ich dort im Sommer 1974 mit dem Staatsexamen abschloß. Anschließend folgte die einjährige Medizinalassistentenzeit in Lilienthal bei Bremen (Innere), in Berlin (Anästhesie) und in Emmerich am Niederrhein (Chirurgie). Als Assistenzarzt arbeitete ich seit 1975 auf der inneren Abteilung im Kreiskrankenhaus in Gifhorn, wo ich auch meine spätere Ehefrau, die Krankenschwester Ock-Hee Kim aus Korea kennenlernte. Von 1978 bis 1980 arbeitete ich dann auf der inneren Intensivstation im Jüdischen Krankenhaus in Berlin. Am 1.7.1980 wurde die Arztpraxis in Wietzendorf eröffnet, zunächst mit tatkräftiger Unterstützung durch die Gemeinde Wietzendorf im Rathaus. Das neuerbaute Praxis-Wohnhaus An der Wietze wurde schließlich im Frühjahr 1983 bezogen. Unsere zwei Kinder Mira und Olof sind mittlerweile ausgeflogen... Da es sich hier in Wietzendorf um einen Kasseneinzelsitz und in den ersten Jahren ohne Anschluß an einen Notdienstring handelte, war die Arbeit doch recht belastend. Der Ort wuchs und die Arbeit nahm zu. Im Herbst 1994 kam Frau Monika Thomas hinzu und am 1.1.1995 gründeten beide Partner die seither bestehende Gemeinschaftspraxis. Dr Michael Kohlhaas and his wife Ock-Hee Kim welcomed Ian & Margaret Stehbens into their home during May 2005, thus bringing together cousins who can trace back through 9 and 7 generations respectively to common Stebens ancestors. Cousins indeed!
• STEHBENS Bros BUTCHERY, Childers, Queensland c1946 (30 KB)
  Roy Stehbens at work in Stehbens Brothers Butchery in the main street of Childers, Queensland. His brother, Bill Stehbens is in the doorway. Their sister, Ivy Stehbens, who was their book-keeper, is seen in the background. Their brother, Walter Stehbens, was also a partner in the business. [For a colourful story published by Richie Webb about the Stehbens Brothers see the Related File, "The Battle of the Childers Butchers".] These three Stehbens brothers were the sons of Ned and Isabella Stehbens; Ned was the son of Wilhelm (nee Stäben) & Lizzie (nee Elvery) Stehbens. [Wilhelm was 12 years old when he came as one of the original immigrant family that arrived in Maryborough, Queensland in 1865. In most circumstances, Wilhelm’s surname was rendered “Stebhens”.]
• Dennis & Eunice Stehben, New Berlin, USA: 2003 (37 KB)
  Dennis & Eunice greet the global Stebens - Stehbens family. Dennis is a retired compositor & printer. He has designed Ancestry Charts for our Family Project. Dennis & Eunice live in New Berlin near Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA. They have 2 children Alan & Kristine. Al married Kristin Jones and they have 3 children Drew, Sophie & Molly. They reside in Rogers, Arkansas. Kristine lives at home in New Berlin. She is a hairdresser. Dennis & Eunice enjoy their family history hobby, make regular trips to the Imax Theatre in Milwaukee, enjoy exploring the countryside, and take excellent photos. [LINEAGE: Drew, Sophie, Molly children of Alan Stehben s/o Dennis Stehben s/o Harold Stehben s/o Nicolaus Stehben s/o Franz Stäben s/o Franz Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Suncorp Metway Stadium: Karen Stehbens' project (44 KB)
  The best rectangular stadium in Australia was constructed in Brisbane, and opened in May 2003, when Newcastle Knights played Brisbane Broncos in a classic rugby league match, won by Newcastle. In other stadia, a surrounding athletic track separates the spectators from the game but in this stadium, spectators are close to the action in the arena. The stadium was a project of the Queensland Government, and was built for football codes that use a rectangular arena. The project cost $300million. It has 52,000 seating capacity in 62 rows on 3 tiers. For the Queensland Government the Project Manager was Peter Teys. Karen Louise Stehbens, a Quantity Surveyor, was Assistant Project Manager and was thrilled to attend the opening. Karen is a graduate of Qld. University of Technology and of University of Queensland. Karen is married to David Stehbens. Lineage: Karen Burnicle m David Ian son of Ian Robert s/o Robert John s/o Robert Gustave s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens.
• Thomas Stebens Thatched Home, Besitz, Germany 2003 (50 KB)
  Today, behind the School in the Village of Besitz, Mecklenburg-Pommern, Germany is the home of Thomas Stebens (centre). Herr Stebens lives in a thatched roofed house that dates back to earlier centuries. To enter it is to journey back into ancestral history, for this home is one of the original farmers' homes (Büdnerhaus) that still dominate the townscape. About 25 of the almost 100 dwellings in Besitz, today, are the original three-storied dwellings of the eighteenth and ninteenth century residents of the village. Thomas' sister, Beate Stebens, who is married to Maik Meier, also lives in a thatch-roofed home, in Lindenstrasse, Blücher. [Photo supplied by Dr Detlef Timm, Mayor of Bezitz.] This home of Mr Thomas Stebens is easily located on the map of Besitz for it is the most southerly home in the village. See the official website of the Besitz Municipality, for a map of Besitz. Copy & paste this address into your address bar: http://www.gemeindebesitz.de/lageblucher.html
• Cadastral Map of Blücher, Germany showing fields (95 KB)
  The field subdivision of the farmland around Blücher reveals the ancient patterns of small agricultural lots in and around the village and the larger plots of the Hüfner (those who were able to raise a few animals) on the Schaale River flats. It is worth comparing this map with the oblique "View of Stebens Homes in Blücher, Germany 2002" also displayed on this website.
• Courtney Thompson wins Biomedical Scholarship (38 KB)
  Courtney Cie Thompson was awarded a scholarship in Sydney, in 2002. The presentation was made by the former Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke (R), who was patron of the Indigenous Engineering Summer School and Morris Iemma, NSW Minister for Public Works and Services, who later became Premier of New South Wales. On this occasion, Courtney was in Sydney to attend the Indigenous Engineering Summer School. As part of her university course Courtney Thompson studied at Oxford during 2004. In 2006, Courtney graduated from Flinders University, Adelaide, with a double degree in Science and Biomedical Engineering. "At last after 5 long years of study, I have become a biomedical engineer!" writes Courtney. She graduates as the first female Indigenous Biomedical Engineer in Australia. The University of New South Wales has offered Courtney a place to undertake her PhD research. Courtney's mum, Shirley (Stehbens) is descended from Detlef and his eldest son, Jacob. Jacob settled in Edithburgh, South Australia after some years in Maryborough, Q. and Pine Creek Goldfield in far northern Australia. Her dad, Warwick Thompson, has an indigenous Australian ancestry. Courtney is a gifted actor and public speaker and is recognized as a role model for indigenous youth in Australia.
• Peter Pan : Stebens Children's Theatre Production (21 KB)
  THE STEBENS CHILDREN'S THEATRE, in Mason City, Iowa, USA, was established through the estate of Bertha Stebens. She made the sole financial contribution which allowed for its establishment and subsequent operation. This was the initiative of her attorney. The Stebens Children Theatre has an extensive program for children becoming involved in theatre. Productions are professional and well attended. Bertha Stebens was a teacher and the only child of her parents, Ernest Henry & Emma (Lech) Stebens. Ernest had developed several farms in the Rock Falls area, and became the President of a local bank. Ernest was the only son of Claus Johann Frederich & Abel C (Heerde) Stäben, and the grandson of Joachim Hinrich & Marg (Kuhl) Stäben. Both Joachim and Claus had migrated to the US from Wöhrden. Joachim is the patriarch of the Davenport Clan of Stebens.
• QUARRIE - STEHBENS ANCESTORS in NZ (75 KB)
  QUARRIE ANCESTORS in NEW ZEALAND When four of the adult children of Wilhelm & Lizzie Stehbens migrated to New Zealand in the first decade of the twentieth century, three eventually returned to Queensland with their families but Minnie and George Quarrie stayed with their young family. More children were born in Shannon, North Island where Bill worked for the Dairy Co-operative Butter factory. In this montage: A. Lizzie Elvery Stehbens and her daughter Minnie Stehbens Quarrie are pictured together; B. The photograph of the new bride, Minnie with her husband Bill Quarrie, was taken in a Childers studio; C. Some of the Quarrie children include clockwise from top left William (1900-87), Myrtle (1902-87), Vera (1912-2004), Joyce (1917-2007) and Evangeline (1910-1985); D. Sylvia Quarrie Morrison died on 19th October 2008, in Tauganga, New Zealand, aged 101. Her younger sister, Joyce, celebrated her 90th birthday during August 2007. Her children were with her on that occasion. They live in Whangarei NZ, Bungendore NSW, Ballina NSW and Brisbane Q. Sadly, Joyce died a week later.
• 1st Stebens Birth/Baptism recorded, Blücher, 1701 (41 KB)
  On opening the Baptismal Register from the Church in Blücher near Boizenburg/Elbe in Germany, this is the first Stebens record. Though difficult to read it translates as, **9th February 1701: "Johan Ste?ens (surname became Stebens in later entries) of Blücher has a son baptised. The Godparents are M. Wilhelm Golt, Miller of Blücher and Miller Hans Ulrich Burmeister; (Mrs)Maria Manke of Blücher. The child is named Wilhelm .............." ** It was usual for there to be 3 sponsors or Godparents for a baptism. In the case of a boy there would be 2 males and 1 female. The child was usually named after 1 or 2 of the sponsors, hence Wilhelm for this child. Knowing the sponsors is important for it enables us to reconstruct the important friendships of our antecedent families. Note that Goldt and Burmeister were millers in Blücher in 1701. The main mill, where the grain was ground, was located in the forest on the northern side of the village, on the bank of the River Schaale. This mill was known as the "Waldmühle" and was water-powered. A millstone is still to be found lying in the grass beside the millrace on the River Schaale, about a kilometre upstream of Blücher. The site of the watermill was visited by Ian Stehbens (Australia) and Thomas Stebens (Besitz, Germany) and Otfried Steben (Bad Doberan, Germany) together in May 2005.
• 100: Sylvia Quarrie Morrison on her special day (159 KB)
  Sylvia (Nee Quarrie) Morrison celebrated her 100th birthday on 9th September 2007 at her home in Tauranga, New Zealand. She received greetings from Queen Elizabeth II, Governor-General of New Zealand, politicians, a host of her family and many friends. It really was her special day! The whole family can rejoice that somewhere in our genetic DNA is the capacity to live healthy lives for more than 100 years!
• Baptismal Register of Blücher, Mecklenburg 1771 (130 KB)
  The Register of Baptisms for the Lutheran Church at Blücher, Mecklenburg is open at September - December 1771. The record highlighted in yellow is the record of the baptism of Frantz Hinrich Stebens, son of Jochim Hinrich Stebens of Tympkenberg. Typically, in this period infants were baptised on the 3rd day after birth. Thus as Frantz was baptised on 2nd August 1771, one may assume that he was born on or about 30th July 1771. Those who were the godparents or sponsors of his baptism were Frantz Hinrich Abbe, Jurgen Hinrich Schröder & Anna Elizabeth Ehlers(en), all of Blücher. Other surnames recorded on these pages include Best, Bölger, Brookmuller, Carvak, Drinkgern, Gehrke, Greve, Hagemann, Henning, Köster, Lembke, Lubbert, Pape, Pink, Schutt, Teppe, Tevers, Timm, Ukermann, Wille, Wohlke, Woneran. Towns and villages that are mentioned include the small villages of the parish (Blücher, Besitz, Dersenow, Kuhlenfeld, Niendorf) as well as towns further afield (Boizenburg), even more than 100kms away (Bremen). This indicates the considereable interaction and movement that occured between such an insignificant rural community and other centres even in the late 1700s.
• Detlef's daughter: Caroline Stehbens m John Lister (24 KB)
  Caroline Wilhelmine (Stehbens) Stäben was born in Wöhrden, Holstein on 21 March 1858. She was the 5th daughter/9th child of Detlef & Anna Stäben(Stehbens), and she migrated as a 7 year old on the "Sophie" with her parents and living siblings to Maryborough, Queensland. She moved from Maryborough to Bundaberg with her father and older married brother in 1872 and lived on the new selection at Kepnock at first. She married John Lister in the Bundaberg Customs House in 1874. She has over 800 descendants recorded on the Stehbens Family Tree. From their 13 children there were 51 grandchildren. Descendant surnames include LISTER, SPAROZVICH, KINGSTON, HANRAHAN, WILSON, BOZOKY, CATHCART, MARLES, NIELSEN, MADLE, HANSEN, MACGREGOR, O'CONNOR, BOND, CORBETT, NELLER, GEOGHEGAN, LINDERBERG, IVERS, HUGHES, GROTHERR, FORD, LOWRY, NEWPORT and others. To read the 'LIFE STORY of CAROLINE LISTER' click on the Related File on this site.
• War Stencils 2006: Simon Stehbens (110 KB)
  Regarding his art work War Stencils 2006, Simon Stehbens says, "I researched a social situation that was relevant to me: war. The war in Iraq was the focus of the media at the time and through this media coverage I noticed the limited coverage of behind the scenes. The media largely focused on the base level of war - the fighting, the casualties - where, when, who, what. My artwork looks behind the scenes - before, during and after. The selection of images tells the story about causes and effects. The texture of the background is corrosive as war is corrosive." Simon's artwork was recognized and selected for exhibition throughout Queensland, and exhibited in the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane in 2007. His medium was enamel paint applied to recycled refrigerator metal. [LINEAGE: Simon s/o Michael s/o Frank Stehbens s/o George Stebens s/o Wilhelm Stäben s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• LISTER SISTERS: Carol, Dale, Joy, Dawn - Mar 2003 (42 KB)
  Eric Edward Thomas Lister married Maisie Cox in Childers Methodist Church in 1942. Each of their 4 daughters married and live in different parts of Queensland. On this occasion they had come together in Bundaberg for the funeral of their mum, Maisie Cox Lister. Pictured (L-R) are Carol Shears, Dale Lahiff, Joy Backhouse and Dawn Stuchbery. [LINEAGE: Dale, Carol, Joy and Dawn are ds/o Eric Lister s/o Ernest Lister s/o Caroline Stehbens (or Stäben) d/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens] Photo courtesy June Cox Foster.
• Meet Dr Detlef Timm, Mayor of Besitz, Germany (22 KB)
  Dr Timm is Mayor of Besitz and Blücher, and he maintains the website for the municipality. He is tri-lingual (Deutsch & English & Russian) and studied philosophy in Berlin and Moscow. In the earliest church records for the area the Timm family are recorded as living in the parish at Dersenow. He has provided many of the photographs of Besitz and Blücher displayed on this Stehbens/Stebens website, for which we are very grateful. Thankyou Dr Timm. During the visit of Otfried Steben of Bad Doberan, Germany and Ian Stehbens of Oatlands, NSW, Australia to Blücher in May 2005, an illuminated Stebens family collage was presented to Mayor Timm. This now hangs in the mayor's office in Besitz.
• PEACEBUILDERS gather to empower each other: 2002 (72 KB)
  Rev Ian Stehbens from Australia (kneeling far right) was one of 180 international peacebuilders who gathered at Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia, USA May-June 2002. It was a remarkable time of networking, learning and dreaming new strategies. In 1995, Ian contributed to the ending of nuclear testing in the Pacific through training of French Polynesians to lead their nation in calling the French to repentance from their commitment to violence. He has also implemented strategies to rehabilitate the people of Bougainville and from this flowed the demilitarisation of Bougainville and the autonomy bill in the Papua New Guinea parliament. Behind Ian, in the photo, is John Paul Lederach a distinguished scholar and renowned builder of peace. Subsequently, Rev. Stehbens has led the formation of Pacific PeaceBuilding Initiatives Ltd, (operating as Peacebuilders International) for which he is the founding Director. See related file: Peacebuilders gather in Virginia, 2002 to identify those participants who are in this photo. See also the website for Peacebuilders International www.peacebuilders.in.
• Detlef's daughter Emma Stehbens m Frederick Strand (17 KB)
  Emma was the 6th daughter/10th child of Detlef & Anna Staeben/Stehbens. She was born 24 April 1860 in Wöhrden, Schleswig-Holstein and as a 5 year-old she migrated with her parents and living siblings on the "Sophie" to Maryborough, Queensland. Her first husband, Jean Jules, died tragically leaving her with an infant son. As a young widow, she married Frederick Strand. Together they had 9 living children. The youngest of their children, Mary Ann, is pictured in this image. Emma has pinned on her dress the badge of the Australian Infantry Forces. It is the badge of her son, Henry Alfred Strand, who was killed in action in France. The death of her first husband, her son's death in France, and her first son's death fom burns as a fireman, all indicate that the thread of tragedy ran through her life. She is known to have had to deal with 5 stillbirths or neo-natal deaths of infants she bore, as well. And her own death was preceded by suffering. Emma has over 350 descendants recorded on the Stehbens Family Tree. Descendant surnames include MCGEE, SAINT, O'NEILL, HYDE, JONES, CHAPMAN, MERGARD, TOMS, DANIEL, PLATZ, MARKS, ALLDRIDGE and others. To read her life story click on the related file on this website.
• Tim Philipp descends from MAGADALENA STEBENS (6 KB)
  The first Stebens migrant to the USA, was Joachim Hinrich STAEBEN (born in Wöhrden, Schleswig-Holstein in 1802). Joachim migrated with his family including Magdalena (b. 1840). They first settled in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. Tim Philipp from Florida has compiled the branch of the Stebens Tree that descends from Magdalena, more than 300. Today her descendants are spread across the US, though there are descendant concentrations of Schlobohm in Iowa, Andres in Illinois, Pfaff, Schwede, Gerber and Hoffmann in North Dakota. [LINEAGE: Timothy Philipp s/o Robert Philipp s/o LeonaIda Matilda Schlobohm d/o William Schlobohm s/o Magdalena Stäben d/o Joachim Hinrich Staeben s/o Frantz Hinrich Stebens]
• In memory of Vera Patricia Stehbens (1924-97) (1 KB)
  Known as Patti to her friends, Pat Stehbens was so alive, vibrant, full of fun. One of her friends reflected, "I just thought she was wonderful. Bright, intelligent, an absolutely marvellous friend." Pat was born as the second child to William Rudolph Leslie Stehbens and Lily Vera (nee Ellis), in Drummoyne, Sydney in 1924. At the time her mum and dad had separated. Raised in the Depression by her mother, life then was very difficult. She attended Leichhardt Public School and then Fort Street Girls High School. She trained at Sydney Teachers College. Upon graduation she taught at Finley, Adaminaby, Glenorie, Plumpton, Castle Hill, and was Deputy Head Teacher at Leichhardt. Pat joined the staff of Sydney Teachers College in 1971. The educational methodology of Dr Maria Montessori was important to her. Pat specialized in the educational development of children who suffered from some kind of disadvantage, and much of her professional life was as an educational counsellor. When Dr Evelyn McLoughin, Dean of the School of Primary Education decided she wanted a trial run of a Childrens Centre in the Teachers College, Patti Stehbens along with Maryanne Rogers and Ann Gray were given the responsibility. The Centre worked with children who had learning difficulties, and trained student teachers to work with them. The centre required good teamwork, and Pat's role included giving the psychology lectures to the student teachers. She was admired for her ability to communicate difficult concepts. She was rigorous in her academic discipline, and was able to inspire her students. The Children's Centre was truly successful and continues to function today, at Sydney University. {Lineage: Vera Patricia Stehbens d/o William Leslie R Stehbens s/o Ludwig Rudolph Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Professor William E & Mrs Jean S Stehbens: 1992 (14 KB)
  Dr William Ellis Stehbens passed away June 15, 2005, aged 78. Until his death Bill lived with his wife, Jean (nee Raeside), in a rural valley near Wellington, New Zealand. Emeritus Professor Bill Stehbens was the founding professor and chairman of the Wellington School of Medicine’s Pathology Department. He held the position from 1974 until he retired in 1992. He was also the founding Director of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research. Professor Stehbens MB [Syd], BS [Syd], DPhil [Oxon], MD [Syd], FRCPA, FRCPath, throughout his career, was dedicated to highly disciplined medical research. His academic qualifications, research, teaching and publication demonstrate his distinction as a "Man of Science". He continued to write and publish right up to his death, and just an hour after he died, a pleasing acceptance of his last paper was received. He made major contributions in Cardio-vascular and cancer research. Bill & Jean raised 5 children each of whom has achieved highly in fields of dentistry, orthodontics, education, forestry, & insurance. [Ancestral line: W E Stehbens son of William R Leslie Stehbens s/o L Rudolph Stehbens s/o C Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• Julie Scott joins RAMSI in Solomon Islands: 2004 (27 KB)
  The Australian Federal Police have deployed officers and civilian staff as part of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands. Linda Apps (pictured) and Julie Scott (a Stehbens decendant) are two of the female staff sent to Honiara. The purpose of RAMSI is to assist Solomon Islands return to law and order after the fear and chaos of the ethnic conflict between Istabu Freedom Movement militia of Guadalcanal and the Malaita Eagle Force. As Linda Apps returned from a tour of duty, Julie Scott flew to Honiara, capital of Solomon Islands. Rev Ian Stehbens and Rev Margaret Stehbens have also been contributing to the rebuilding of just-peace in Solomon Islands through the establishment of peacebuilding training for national leaders, peace monitors and peace office staff. Honorable Simon Tonavi, Pastor Festus Maeluma, Ishmael Idu, Mary-Fay Maeni, Ataban Zama, Pastor Wilfred Billy, Paul Daokalia, Billy Guporo, James Bouro and Rev Eric Takila all trained under both Ian and Margaret in 2003 & 2004. In 2005, Ian was the key-note speaker on "An Integrated Approach to Peacebuilding" for a 2 week training conference conducted in Honiara by Pacific PeaceBuilding Initiatives in association with the Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation & Peace of the Government of the Solomon Islands. [LINEAGE: Julie Scott dau/of Elaine Stehbens d/o Donald Stehbens s/o Claus Detlef Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Thomas Stebens Family in Besitz, Germany (47 KB)
  Thomas and Ramona Stebens and 2 of their 3 children, Alexander and Claudia, live in their thatched home in Besitz, Germany. Being a tradesman, Thomas has beautifully restored this old farmer's dwelling. Besitz is only 3 kms from Blücher, the ancestral home of the Stebens or Stehbens family. In the bottom right panel, Thomas is showing a beam from the original church in Blücher to Otfried Steben of Bad Doberan, Germany and to Margaret Stehbens of Sydney, Australia. The beam has an inscription of a biblical text. The year 1703 is also etched into the oak. The original Blücher Church was demolished about 1880 after the new church was built. Three distant cousins from 3 different branches of the family met in Besitz and Blücher during May 2005. This was a very significant historical occasion. Thomas and Ramona responded with wonderful hospitality. [LINEAGE: Alexander and Claudia c/o Thomas Stebens s/o Werner Paul Otto Hermann Stebens s/o Paul Carl Fritz Johann Stebens s/o Wilhem Franz Stebens of Blücher]
• Roses @ Swane’s Nursery delight Denise Torenbeek (32 KB)
  Denise Stehbens Torenbeek is wonderfully creative. She expresses herself in writing prose and lyrics, and her artistic talents are expressed in a variety of mediums. Her own rose garden has been depicted onto embroidered quilts. For Denise, bringing her roses to bloom, painting each rose, translating the painting into a design for embroidery, and embroidering the design onto a quilt requires artistry of a high standard. This particular portrait was taken during a visit to Swane's Nursery, Dural, Sydney. Denise lives at Glenwood, between Gympie and Maryborough, Australia. She has many interests including Country Music, writing, and orcharding. [LINEAGE: Denise is dau/of Colleen & Lionel Stehbens > son/of George T Stehbens > Wilhelm C Stehbens > Claus J Stehbens > Detlef Staeben > Frantz H Stebens.]
• Beate & Maik host the reuniting of Stebens clans (23 KB)
  Beate Stebens, son Philipp and husband Maik Meier hosted the reuniting of three Stebens clans descended from the Stebens of Blücher in their Blücher home, 10 May 2005. L-R: Maik Meier, Philipp Meier, Beate Stebens, Werner Stebens, Ian Stehbens from Australia, Otfried Steben from Bad Doberan, Germany. This was a night to be remembered! Beate and Maik hosted a wonderful German dinner to celebrate this significant occasion, Philipp enjoyed his role as translator, Beate's Dad, Werner Stebens, produced a collection of historic family photos and Otfried Steben greatly enjoyed the occasion, though wishing that his Great-Great-Great Grandfather Johann Steben(s) could be proven from records to be Johann Steben(s) who was born in Blücher. Beate now has a framed collage of the first Australian Stehbens family hanging in her Blücher home. Maik is an Electrician; Beate is a childcare worker, and they have enjoyed holidays in Egypt. [Lineage: Philipp Meier s/o Beate Stebens d/o Werner Stebens s/o Paul Stebens s/o Wilhelm Stebens of Blücher. Ian Stehbens s/o Robert s/o Robert s/o Claus Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens s/o Jochim Stebens of Blücher. Otfried Steben s/o Werner Steben s/o Herman s/o Karl s/o Christian s/o Johann Stebens who, we believe, came from Blücher, too.]
• Nicolaus Stehben migrated to USA on "Salier": 1884 (19 KB)
  In 1884, Nicolaus Hinrich Stehben left Germany to migrate to USA. He sailed on the "Salier" from Bremen to New York. Enroute the vessel berthed at Southampton, England. Nicolaus was just 17 years old when he migrated. He settled in Clinton, Iowa and married Emma Winkler. He was the son of Franz & Johanna Sophia Maria (Lange) Staeben. The "Salier" had 2 masts as well as one funnel. It was a pioneer of the Germany to Australia mail route. Built in 1875 in Hull, England at Earle's Shipyard it was operated by Lloyd North German line. The vessel came to a tragic end with great loss of life in the Bay of Biscay.
• Restoration of Manor House @ Blücher, Mecklenburg (99 KB)
  The Stebens family has lived @ Blücher for more than 400 years. Some still do. While their history is still being researched in order to detail their story, we know they lived here as serfs, some as servants in this "Herrenhaus", some as artisans such as bricklayers (or maurer), others as farmers (or hufen) on the estate. What happened & what was decided in this house largely controlled their lives, at least in the local scheme of things. These are vital photographs for visualising our ancestral past. The current owners are renovating it. The new roof, added attic windows, and enlarged front entrance enhance the appearance of the home, and ensure that it survives for further generations. Apart from the church, it certainly is the largest building in this village, located a few kilometres east of the Elbe River and close to Boizenburg, Mecklenburg, Germany. [PHOTOS: Gemeinde Blücher 1995 & Ian Stehbens 2005]
• Kelvin Grove Teachers Training College: 1966 (211 KB)
  In 1966, 18 groups of new graduates from Kelvin Grove Teachers Training College were posted to primary and secondary schools across Queensland. In a new era for education in Queensland, the system of schooling system was reorganized, higher standards of teacher preparation were to be required, high schools were created in rural areas, and innovation in curricula was about to change the face of education and with it society. It wasn't so much the formal training that prepared these graduates for their careers, but their inate abilities, enthusiasm for teaching, love of learning and commitment to children that meant they generally flourished in their new profession. This group of graduates were: (Back) Ian Staples, Ian Seib, Ross Spencer, Ian Stehbens, Don Stapleton, Colin Shields, Kurts Rhode-Bramanis; (3rd row) Rae Vanden Boogard, Greg Rieman, Randal Robertson, Peter Ridgewell, Ron Sprott, Jim Seaton, Ross Stevenson, Tony Russel, Colin Ridout, Wendy Tanner, Lesley Trevarthen; (2nd row) Val Southgate, Janet Veacock, Gwen Trickett, Lorraine Stubbs, Vene Swenson, Estelle Tippet, Mary Stuart, Carol Sologinkin, Julianne Stubbs, Joanne Swan, Terry Tully; (Front) Gaye Stuart-Nairne, Jan Tait, Dina Suceveanu, Jocelyn Storey, Robyn Stephenson, Kathy Sykes, Barbara Tate, Dian Thompson, Vera Troitsky & Oksana Tulika.
• Steben family in Bad Doberan, Germany 2005 (57 KB)
  Otfried Steben and his wife Burgi live in Bad Doberan, North Germany. They were very excited to meet Ian & Margaret Stehbens from Australia when they arrived in the nearby port of Rostok on a beautiful spring day, May 2005. Their marvellous week spent together included travelling to Warin, Blücher, Besitz and Boizenburg to discover our ancestral origins. They met 13 members of the Blücher clan of Stebens. Together they explored the astounding world heritage listed münster in Bad Doberan, discovered Gross Timkenberg (another Stebens heritage site near Blücher), and were enthralled by an organ recital in the münster. The giving and receiving of hospitality, sharing in a common search through historical records for missing links in our family history, and exploring the colourful landscape of Mecklenburg together built strong bonds of love that began to recover the intervening 215 years of family separation. Otfried and Burgi have 2 sons, Harm and Jörn Steben. Jörn travelled home from his IT employment in Stuttgart to be part of this reunion. Pictured are Otfried Steben, Burgi Gartzke Steben, Jörn Steben; Otfried & Burgi Steben with Margaret Stehbens; Townscape of Bad Doberan in spring near the Steben's home. [LINEAGE: Jörn Steben s/o Burgi Gartzke & Otfried Steben s/o Werner H F Steben s/o Herman C Steben s/o Karl F W Steben s/o Christian Wrage (b.1825) s/o Marie Sophie nee Wrage of Warin & Johann Steben(s) who is believed to be from Blücher.] (PHOTOS: courtesy Ian Stehbens)
• Ryan Mortimer, Lad of the Dance, steps ahead: 1996 (36 KB)
  Ryan Mortimer, a Great-Great-Great-Great Grandson of Detlef Staeben (Stehbens) chose dance as his special career. This photo of him as a 17-year-old high school dance student was taken by Leon Mead, an Adelaide Advertiser photographer, on Ryan's last day at high school. He then attended Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne. He has gone on to dance for Opera Australia in "La Traviata", "Julius Caesar", and “Des Fledemaus". He danced in the Millenium 2000 Opera Gala at the Sydney Opera House. During 2003, he danced as "Skimbleshanks" in a production of "CATS" that toured Korea. Ryan is the 2nd son of Jennifer (Parslow) and James Mortimer of Adelaide, South Australia. Ryan has been inspired by Simone Clifford, Jiri Kilian, and Pia Baaush. While the technical qualities of their dancers impress Ryan, it is the images of movement that their choreography creates in the viewers mind that he appreciates most. “The spontaneity is such, that it appears to me that the dance is being created rather than performed!” “As for me, I’d like to continue dancing professionally for the rest of my life.”
• "Sapphire" pioneers tourism to Lady Musgrave Is. (18 KB)
  The "Sapphire" was the first vessel to regularly take tourists from Bundaberg to Lady Musgrave Island. The vessel was owned and operated by Eric Keppel Hansen. Once a lighthouse keeper, later a commercial fisherman, Keppel commenced this tourism venture to Lady Musgrave Island, one of the most southerly of Queensland's coral islands. Today, Lady Musgrave Island, a cay in the Bunker Group, is in the Mackay-Capricorn Section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. [Lineage: Eric Keppel Hansen was the grandson of Johannes Hansen who emigrated from Schurenhausen, Schleswig-Holstein to Brisbane in 1865. He was married to Esme Lister, the granddaughter of Caroline Wilmelmine Stehbens (or Stäben) who had emigrated from Wöhrden, Schleswig-Holstein to Maryborough, Queensland in 1865 also.]
• Andy loves playing "football without a helmet"! (10 KB)
  Andrew Reusche lives near Washington DC, USA. He loves his Rugby and that will bond him to some of the Australian clan. Andy became an avid Rugby player while studying Computer Science at Auburn University, Alabama. His secondary education was at O'Fallon Township High School. Like his parents, Mike & Cathy Reusche, Andy is a gifted sportsperson. At high school, Andy was lettered in Wrestling, Athletics, and (American) Football. In football, he was a National Scholar Athlete. Since graduation, Andrew has moved to Washington to be near both to his parents (who live in Fairfax County) and to career opportunities. Andrew was born in Wiesbaden, Germany in 1978, whilst his parents were serving in the US Air Force. [LINEAGE: Andrew son of Michael, s/o Raymond Reusche s/o Maria Sophia Dorothea Stehben d/o Nicolaus Heinrich Stehben s/o Franz Staeben s/o Franz Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens.]
• Emigrants embarking in Hamburg: 1850 (59 KB)
  The City of Hamburg has an excellent website which focuses on the mass migrations through that port. While all of the attention is given to migrations to the USA, with no reference to Australian migration, it does present good images such as this one, and identifies reasons for migration at the time. There is a portrait of Adolf Godeffroy who owned a fleet of vessels including the "Sophie". We know that the first of the family to go to USA c1852 was pro-democracy, and that the Stäben/Stehbens family who migrated to Australia in 1865 had similar political leanings. They regarded themselves as oppressed, prefering to think of themselves as Schleswig-Holsteiners rather than German. They were on the side of the Danes and then the democracy movement. But their dominant reason for migrating was to hope that there was a better future for their children in a New World. And this they clearly realized. See below for the Related Link: EMIGRATION PORT OF HAMBURG.
• Inspector's report on John Stebens' Selection 1876 (125 KB)
  Five years of hard work by Claus Johann Stehbens and his family is recorded in this inspection report of his selection "on the Burnett". [The 2 roads shown are Kepnock and Greathead Rds.] His father, Detlef, lived and laboured with Claus and Ottilie and their children. Claus' younger siblings were there too. It was a family affair. Since taking up this 80 acre selection in 1871 they had accomplished a great deal. They had cleared 15 acres of thick rainforst scrub and cropped it with maize. Timber had been sawn, slabs cut, shingles split, a house built and adequately furnished, post & rail fencing completed and a deep brick-lined well dug. (The well, constructed in 1872 was some achievement and was valued at 33% that of the house!) Corn was growing in the winter, to be harvested in early summer - and followed by a second crop for the year. What a contrast from the short growing season of Germany. This selection was the first farm in Bundaberg to be developed by a German immigrant family. Their hardwork did result in the family being able to live comfortably in the first generation. When this farm was sold, a 330 acre property in a large alluvial pocket on the Burnett River on permanent freshwater, just above the head of tide, was bought as well as a Bundaberg town allotment & seaside allotments at Burnett Heads. [The selector was known as "John Stebhens" on most occasions, but in this report his name is rendered "John Stebens". The variant spelling was part of being an immigrant from a non-English Speaking Background (NESB) and part of the process of assimilation into a protestant English society.] Image source: Harris, DD & Stehbens IR, 1981, 1993: Settlement Patterns and Processes, Melbourne, Longman Cheshire.
• Women of the U.S. Stebens Family: Minna & Agnes (67 KB)
  Sisters-in-law: MINNA STRUVE STEBENS and AGNES STEBENS KOOS. Graceful, generous and confident were attributes common to both. Minna was the daughter of German-American businessman Hans Struve. She was born @ Rock Island, Iowa and married Frank Henry Stebens. She lived from 1875 to 1937, the mother of 5 children: Frank, William, Herman, Arthur and Lillian. Her sister-in-law, Agnes Stehbens married Herman Koos and they had 4 children: Stella, Edna, Norma and Harold. Agnes was born in 1865 in Davenport, Iowa and lived till 1957. She and Herman lived in Grand Mound, Iowa throughout their married life.
• Abby, Jarrad & Ryan Mortimer, descendants of Jacob (13 KB)
  Jacob & Johanna (Stäben) Stehbens after migrating to Maryborough followed the gold fever, trying luck on the Pine Creek goldfield south of Darwin, before sailing to South Australia, settling at Edithburgh on the Yorke Peninsula. The South Australian Stehbens sub-clan emanate from there. There are about 250 descendants of Jacob. Among them are the Great Grandchildren of Enid Vera Stehbens and Wesley John Parslow who include Abby, Jarrad and Ryan Mortimer. This photo was taken in 1996. Since then Ryan has developed a notable dance and choreography career, including dancing for Opera Australia and internationally.
• Amazing Likenesses: Photo Tricks or Triplets? (33 KB)
  #1. Franz Hinrich Staeben was born 4 August 1832 in Wöhrden but having migrated to the USA, died in Davenport, Iowa. He married Catharina Lamp in Davenport and through their 9 children created the large Davenport Clan. He was the grandson of Frantz Hinrich Stebens. #2. Another Grandson of Frantz Hinrich Stebens, Claus Johann Stehbens who is therefore a 1st cousin of Franz Hinrich Staeben, migrated to Australia with his parents and siblings in 1865, when he was 20. He was the son of Detlef and Joanna Staeben. Claus Johann's descendants are many and live mostly in eastern Australia and New Zealand. #3. Bruce Percy Stehbens, born in Gympie, Australia in 1956 has the same head shape, the same hairline and same squint at the camera, and the same behavioural traits as evidenced by the facial hair. Bruce is Great Grandson of Claus Johann Stehbens. There can be no doubt about the genetic relationship of the men on these two branches of our tree. Even the 2 cousins, Franz and Claus never met in adult life, and they lived their adult lives on 2 different continents. Yet the recent reconnecting of the 2 clans brings these 3 photos together. Amazing likenesses! [Photos supplied by Donald Stebens (Davenport, USA), Maud Stehbens (Biloela, Australia) and Ian Stehbens (Sydney, Australia) respectively].
• Maryborough Post Office was built in 1866 (24 KB)
  The first occupation recorded for Detlef Stehbens after arrival in Maryborough was "bricklayer". Detlef was employed as a bricklayer in Maryborough in 1866 and 1867. At this point, what building projects he worked on has not been proven, but he worked with another German, Fritz Kinne, on the Post Office construction. (This was the most significant government construction at the time. The Gympie Gold Rush that changed Maryborough did not begin until late 1867, after which there was abundant and bold building projects to employ bricklayers.) After 5 years in Maryborough, Detlef and his son Claus Johann were able to select land. They selected agricultural land in Bundaberg, 120 kms to the north. On Johann's selection, they dug a deep well, which Detlef brick-lined. This well was still there in 1992 when it was inspected by Ian Stehbens, before it was filled in to prepare the selection land for the development of a residential estate. It is believed to be the first well in south Bundaberg. It tapped into the Lower Burnett groundwater, opening this resource to local farmers. This groundwater resource has been essential for the development of the sugar and smallcrops industries in the Bundaberg District, ever since. Detlef's nearby selection was made in order to make bricks, the first ever made in Bundaberg. With these bricks the well on his son's selection was lined.
• Neil & Veronica Gibson of Biloela, Qld, Australia (62 KB)
  Veronica Lovi was born in Biloela in 1972 and she married Neil Gibson in 1994 in Biloela. They have 3 children: Xanthe, Tyrone and Phoebe. Neil is a maintenance engineer who works on heavy machinery. He has worked on various coalmines in the Bowen Basin coalfields of Central Queensland. He previously worked on the huge Saraji Mine, living in Dysart. While in Dysart, Veronica was employed as a bar attendant in the Jolly Collier Hotel. They now live in Biloela once again, and are therefore surrounded by Stehbens clan as Veronica's Stehbens grandparents, Stan & Maud Stehbens had 10 children. Veronica Stehbens lineage is : Veronica Fay (Lovi) dau/of Marilyn Fay Stehbens, who is dau/o Stanley Vivian Stehbens, son/o Theodor Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens. [Photo supplied by Veronica Gibson.]
• PAUL MERGARD leads Salvation Army Mission Team (60 KB)
  Paul Mergard leads the Salvation Army Mission Team. Paul is the son of Warren & Lynette Mergard of Bundaberg, Q. The Mission Team that Paul leads is based in Brisbane. Mission Team aims to train and equip Christians for effective mission and resource corps (Church) based mission teams as they develop mission strategies. Paul writes, "We sense God calling us to raise up individuals and teams to be effective in mission by poviding opportunities for ordinary people to effectively share their faith. We are committed to leadership development through mentoring for emerging leaders within the mission team context and to deepen the Salvation Army's prayer culture by facilitating creative prayer experiences, which will be a catalyst for mission." One of the stimuli for prayer is the 24-7 Prayer Network whereby a community or corps engages in prayer, 24 hours a day, for a full week. Paul was involved in leadership of a 24-7 for The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom, and also for Australia Eastern Territory (QLD and NSW and ACT), which had profound impact on the lives and ministries of those involved. Another of the Team's initiatives is to take teams of young people on short term mission trips, called 'Project 1:8' which is based on Acts 1:8, including teams to South Africa, PNG, Zimbabwe, India, & Schoolies Week on the Gold Coast. Participants learn from local people, experience first hand the issues of poverty, and encourage local mission, evangelism and leadership. On return home, they are able to pray for and respond to the people of the places they have been, and grow ethically and spiritually as they reflect on their Project 1:8 experience. [LINEAGE: Paul s/o Warren Mergard s/o Gladys Saint d/o Minnie Strand d/o Emma Stehbens d/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens.]
• View of Stebens Homes in Blücher, Germany 2002 (70 KB)
  Farm homes at the southern end of the village of Blücher, south east of Boizenburg-Elbe, Germany. Two of these farm homes are owned by Stebens Families, today. Beate Stebens lives at Lindenstrasse 8 - centre of photo. Yet this is the ancestral community of Stebens dating from the days of feudalism, in the 1600s and 1700s. Stebens families lived here as "Hüfner". Hüfner were peasants who were given just enough land on a large estate, whereby they may support themselves by raising a few animals and growing some crops. Some Stebens were "Kathner" who were assigned a very small parcel of land on which they resided and cultivated mostly vegetables and grain, with few if any animals. Other Stebens families who lived on the estate at Blücher were described merely as peasants, daylabourers and one as a fisherman. These groups of people owned no land either, but were merely rented out as required, for which they were paid in rations. The fisherman worked the local streams including the River Elbe, but also worked as a day labourer especially during "Seedtime and Harvest". This oblique aerial photo looks to the SE across the fields of western Mecklenburg, late on a recent summer's afternoon. The village of Besitz is located to the right of the photo. [Photo courtesy Dr Detlef Timm, Besitz]
• Blair Price in Shanghai, China - 2004 (35 KB)
  An American recently wrote that the age of skyscapers was over. But someone forgot to tell the Chinese. These 2 views over the vast city of Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China, were taken in March 2004 by Blair Price. Blair is employed by CSR on a Logistics Project Team assessing materials requirements in the market place, and the implications for development of technology in the production industry. Blair's parents, George & Pauline Price and his grandparents, George & Elsie (nee Stehbens) Price were retailers in Imbil, Queensland where they owned and operated Moynehans General Store. [LINEAGE: Blair s/o George Price s/o Elsie Stehbens d/o Robert Stehbens s/o Claus J Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Frank Stebens supervises DAVENPORT sewage scheme (88 KB)
  Frank H Stebens was the Works Supervisor for the provision of the project to install the Sewerage System for the City of DAVENPORT, Iowa, USA. In this splendid photograph taken by Davenport photographer, O. M. Morris, the labour intensity for such schemes is depicted: shovels, tampers, wheelbarrows, shoring, platforms, rotary cement mixer and 25 men on one site. The supervisor, Frank Stebens [1873-1935] was Davenport born and bred.
• STEBENS Farm home in Northern Iowa, USA c.1911 (89 KB)
  Bertha Stebens is the child in this excellent photo of the Stebens farmhouse in north Iowa, USA. Her widowed Grandmother, Abel Catharina (Heerde) Stäben, accompanies her. Her parents, Ernest and Emma (Lech) Stebens, are standing at the gate. The other two men are as yet unidentified. [If anyone is able to help with identification, your information will be valued. Please send an e-mail message.]
• Paul Stebens: farming @ Blücher in summer & winter (25 KB)
  Both photos, taken in the 1953-54 at Blücher Mecklenburg, depict Paul Stebens working his small farm. Through Paul's life he had earned the respect of the community, having displayed courage in rescuing people from floods, as well as giving leadership in the local community. Paul married Bertha Mahnke and they had 2 children, Werner and Ilsa. After World War II, the partitioning of Germany into East and West, meant that for more than 40 years brother and sister were separated. The peaceful reunification of Germany meant that Werner and Ilsa were able to see each other once again. [LINEAGE: Paul Stebens s/o Wilhelm Franz Stebens of Blücher]
• Overland Track Photography: Crater Lake, Tasmania (100 KB)
  David Stehbens and his wife Karen (nee Burnicle) returned to Tasmania for their 10th wedding anniversary, having honeymooned there in 1994. This time it was for 6 days of backpacking along the Overland Track, from Waldheim to Lake St Clair. Displayed is one of his excellent photos. Crater Lake does not occupy a volcanic crater. Rather, the lake fills a cirque that was excavated during the last Ice Age. This cirque lake is just one of the features of the glaciated plateau of the magnificent World Heritage wilderness in Tasmania. [LINEAGE: David s/o Ian s/o Robert s/o Robert s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens.]
• Keppel Hansen pioneered tourism to Lady Musgrave I (73 KB)
  Eric Keppel Hansen (he preferred to be called Keppel) initiated the operation of a passenger boat service between Lady Musgrave Island and Bundaberg. His boat was called "Sapphire". Lady Musgrave is a coral cay and enclosed lagoon in the southern Coral Sea. Originally, Keppel was a lighthouse keeper, then he became a professional fisherman. When World War II began he attempted to enlist in the Royal Australian Navy, but was told he was too old. So instead he served in the US Army Small Ships fleet, and it was his task to deliver boats to New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Papua and New Guinea. After the war he returned to commercial fishing. At one point, he went to Norfolk Island for Cottees Passiona, and while there he saw the possibility of commercial whaling. He began a whaling station, but after 4 years there was a fire, which burnt the station down. He returned to Bundaberg and was employed by Fairymead Mill, to service their copra plantation in Solomon Islands. So his vessel traded in cargo and recruited local labour to work on the Unilever plantation on Yandina Island, Solomon Islands. (Yandina had been a US submarine base during the war.) During this period, he heard many of the stories of the past, in relation to the Youngs of Fairymead and their unscrupulous captains and crews of labour vessels engaged in the "Kanaka trade". Keppel (1911-95) married Esme Lister (1914-1989) and they had one son, Kenneth. [LINEAGE: Ken Hansen s/o E K Hansen & Esme Lister d/o Ernest Lister s/o Caroline Stehbens d/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens who was born in Blücher, Mecklenburg]
• Family of Carolina Stehbens & Joseph Clarke: 1922 (198 KB)
  Joe Clarke was a fettler in the Queensland Railways and for most of the time was stationed at Watalgan on the Main North Line north of Bundaberg, Queensland. He married Wilhelmine Carolina Stehbens, the daughter (only one to survive to adult life) of Johann & Ottilie Stehbens, the first Germanic settlers at Bundaberg, Queensland. Joe & "Caroline" were married in the Lutheran Church, Bundaberg in 1910 by Pastor C Schmidt. Their 3 children Ivy, Elsie and Gilbert married William Jensen, Frederick Honney & Amanda Schafer respectively. Their 70 descendants include the following surnames: JENSEN, Dickie, Regazzoli, Adams, Madden, McGarvey; HONNEY, Steindl, Baumgartner, Felsman, Clarke-Baumgartner & CLARKE.
• 1865: STEHBENS arrive in Australia on “Sophie" (43 KB)
  On 30th August 1865, the first Stehbens ancestors stepped ashore in Maryborough, Queensland. They had migrated on the barque "SOPHIE” from Hamburg. The "Sophie" was a small vessel of 278 ton capacity and was 33.1 metres long. This 3-masted barque left Hamburg in April and for over 4 months had sailed to Australia without sighting any land or another vessel. The 181 passengers lived out the voyage between decks in a common area, the only privacy being created by the hanging of clothes. It was early on Wednesday morning, 30th August 1865 that under a clear blue winter sky with a gentle 2knot breeze blowing from the SW, the "SOPHIE" was sighted beating in to Hervey Bay. The “SS Eagle” had gone down the Mary River to meet the “Sophie” in Hervey Bay. The “Eagle” had on board the Immigration Agent and Pilot. The two vessels met in the Bay that morning. All the passengers and their chattels were transferred to the "SS EAGLE" in 2 hours, whence the "Sophie" set sail for South America with only ballast. The passengers were taken upriver to Maryborough on the "SS Eagle" arriving at the wharf just on dark at 6pm. Some of the younger adults were immediately recruited from the "Sophie" by a nearby plantation vessel and they went over the ships' rail, to be taken a few kilometres upstream to the Tinana Creek plantation of the newly launched "Maryborough Sugar Company Ltd." There on the banks of the Tinana Creek, they ate their first meal in Queensland from half-coconut shells by lantern. The others including Detlef and Anna Stäben and the remainder of their children (Kate, the ancestor of families of Anderson, Daniels, Ehlers, Entsch, Luthe, Martinod, Quabba, Willis, Zillmann... had gone to Tinana Creek) settled into the primitive immigration barracks to wait employment and a new future in Australia. We, the Australian clan, salute our courageous ancestors. (pic courtesy: John Oxley Library, Davis Collection)
• John Stehben's Orchestra entertained Clinton, Iowa (20 KB)
  This Lantern Slide was projected at the cinema in Clinton, Iowa to promote a dance in Lyons, held on 16 June 1933. John Stehbens was tall, handsome and took pride in his appearance. He was a wonderful musician and played the violin in leading orchestras but he also led his own local orchestra which was in popular demand for local dances in Lyons and Clinton, Iowa, USA during the 1920s and 1930s. John served in World War I, and sadly spent much of the rest of his life in veterans' hospitals. He was the 4th child of Nicolaus Heinrich Stehben & Emma Winkler. Nicolaus had migrated to the USA in 1884 and his bride, Emma had done so in 1876. Lineage: John son of Emma (Winkler) & Nicolaus Stehben s/o Johanna (Lange) & Franz Stäben s/o Christiana C. (Bledderhäuser) & Franz Staeben s/o Frantz Hinrich & Catharina (Rheder) Stebens.
• Stebens Family of Boizenburg, Germany: 1995 & 2005 (43 KB)
  Erwin Stebens was a Blücher man. His widow, Eva, and their children lived in Boizenburg, Germany, not far from the ancestral village. TOP LEFT: Eva with 3 of her daughters and 4 of her grandchildren. They are 1 Iska on her first day at school in 1995, 2 Christian Stebens, 3 Annett Kurzke, 4 Katja Stebens. Her daughters are 5 Brunhilde, 6 Angelika, 7 Marion. Eva's other daughters, Renate and Brigitte live in Berlin. A family friend Hans (9) is pictured. TOP RIGHT photo: Taken 10 years later, this photo was taken when this Boizenburg family was visited by Australian and other North German members of the worldwide family. Christian Stebens and Iska Stebens are surrounded by Ian & Margaret Stehbens (Australia), Brunhilda, Angelika, Otfried Steben (Bad Doberan, Germany) and Marion Stebens. BOTTOM LEFT: Eva's daughter Renate with her daughter, Nicole Garn. BOTTOM RIGHT: Nicole Garn with Angelika's daughter, Annett Kurzke. Eva Stebens passed away 18 April 2005. [LINEAGE: Eva E M Schumann m Erwin L P J J Stebens s/o Wilhelm C F Stebens s/o Wilhelm F Stebens of Blücher, Mecklenburg]
• 5 Stehbens Women Sitting on a fence (14 KB)
  Heidi Stehbens Pontifex, her sister, Robyn Stehbens Brumpton, their sister-in-law, Karen Burnicle Stehbens, their Grandmother, Winnifred Smith Stehbens and their mother, Margaret Baker Stehbens. Photo taken at Colmslie Beach on the Brisbane River, 2002.
• Kansas Pioneers: William & Barbara Stebens, Lakin (46 KB)
  In 1894, William Stebens left his birthplace at Davenport, Iowa and took his team and covered wagon westward to take up land between Deerfield and Lakin, Kansas. Born in 1859, he lived with his parents in Gaines Street, and later Brown Street, Davenport. In Davenport, he worked as a teamster. Once settled on his 193 acres beside a small lake, he grew sugar beets. He married a young Russian-German emigre from the Volga lands, Barbara Ingenthron, and they produced 10 children. The water from the lake was reticulated to other farmers nearby by ditch, and Bill was the overseer responsible for the allocation of water quotas. When he died he was 95 years old, this being the current record for the oldest male of the entire Stebens Family. (Sylvia Morrison, age 100 years, living in Tauranga, New Zealand is the oldest woman of the family.) After Bill's death, his widow moved to California to reside with their daughter. The farmstead that Bill built, in its derelict state makes for a nostalgic image for the local paper. [LINEAGE: William Stebens s/o Franz H Stäben s/o Joachim H Staeben s/o Frantz Hinrich Stebens; Anna Barbara Ingenthron d/o Johannes Ingenthron s/o Johannes Ingenthron; Sylvia Quarrie Morrison d/o Minnie Stebens d/o Wilhelm Stäben s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Hinrich Stebens] (PHOTO courtesy Larry Irsik, Denver)
• Stebens migrated from Horst, Germany to Illinois (77 KB)
  As Robert Quebbemann, of Springfield Missouri USA, researched his family history, he became aware of the memory in the family that his Stebens ancestors had come from "Horst, Mecklenburg" in Germany. Finding our family website, Robert wondered whether there may have been any connection between his Stebens ancestor and the Stebens Family of Blücher, Mecklenburg. During summer 2005, Ian Stehbens of Australia was able to explore and photograph a “Horst, Mecklenburg". However, this small "Horst, Mecklenburg" located between Mölln and Sterley, is now known to be the wrong one. Recent research by Otfried Steben of Bad Doberan in Germany reveals that all of Robert Quebbemann’s ancestors are recorded in the church registers as "Stäben" or "Staeben" but not as "Steben", and they came from Horst, Alt Karin, Gerdshagen and Rosenhagen, a cluster of ssmall villages near Bad Doberan. No link has yet been established between our Stebens ancestors and those of Robert. However the building of our network of Stebens researchers has been special.
• 3 STEHBENS sisters married 3 PERSHOUSE brothers (56 KB)
  When sisters Cynthia, Lorraine and Merle Stehbens married the Pershouse brothers Noel, Colin and Gordon, they must have been intent on reducing the number of cousins their children would have. Nevertheless, their 13 children have so far produced 22 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild and the family needs to organize a reunion so that everyone gets to know everyone else, even though each cousin is twice a cousin! This group of the Stehbens-Pershouse family attended the Stehbens Family Reunion held in Bundaberg, during January 2005. In the front row are (L-R) Brianna Pershouse, Barry Pershouse, Gillian Pratt, Janelle Bull, Petrina Pershouse, Mahali Morgan, Shelley Ingwirda, Talitha Pratt, Heidi Purkis and Rozanne Purkis. Behind are Merle Pershouse, Dimety Pershouse, Gordon Pershouse, David Pershouse, Lorraine Pershouse, Gregory Pershouse, Joel Pershouse, Ben Pershouse, Jeffery Pershouse, Hayley Pershouse, Ben with Aiden, Cynthia Pershouse, Peter Pershouse and Trevor Purkis. {LINEAGE: Cynthia, Lorraine & Merle Stehbens ds/o John W Stehbens s/o Wilhelm C Stehbens s/o Claus J Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Be fruitful & multiply! The Stebens of Kansas did. (23 KB)
  4 GENERATIONS: William Stebens and Anna Barbara Ingenthron married in Kansas and there they established their farm. They raised 10 children. Their eldest son, William and his wife Gertrude Doerfler produced 12 children. And so the family multiplied and dispersed across America. The first-born child of William and Gertrude was Anna. She married Victor Irsik in Colorado and they had 8 children. This frieze of photos depicts 1: William & Anna Barbara Stebens; 2: William & Gertrude Stebens and their 12 children; 3: Larry Irsik and his wife Rebecca Meyer. Larry and Rebecca live in Denver, Colorado. Larry is a former commercial airline pilot who flew for the Red Cross in Vietnam, and for commercial airlines around the world.
• Birthplace of Detlef Staeben & of Franz Staeben (28 KB)
  The brothers FRANZ and DETLEF Staeben, who are respectively the patriarchal ancestors of the American STEHBEN/s and Australian STEHBENS clans, were both born in this simple farm house. JOACHIM Staeben, who migrated to Iowa and is the original patriarch of the American STEBENS family, certainly lived here as a child, though we are not sure of his precise birthplace. Located at Sachendbande or Poppenhusen just north of Wöhrden, Dithmarschen, Germany this building is today merely a farmer's shed. But when Frantz Stebens came to the Dithmarschen in the 1790s and married Catherina Rheder they came to live here, raising their children here. Most of the children were born here, some of them died here as infants in this little house. For most of its history, the building was family home at one end and animal stable at the other. This type of dwelling was typical housing for farm labourers, and it is out of such poverty that the exodus to USA and Australia in the 19th century was birthed. But one of the daughters who married and stayed in the area, lived here in adulthood, as did some of her descendants. These include the Peters and Carstens families. Pictured, in the 1950s, gathered outside their home, is Anna (nee Michaelsen) with her daughter Elly Carstens and her 2nd husband Herr Carstens and his son (with bicycle). Anna was the widow of Peter Peters (who was killed in France in 1915). For all the New World Stebens-Stehbens-Stehben-Konig family, this humble stable must be on our World Heritage List! [Photos: L supplied by Ernst Konig, Canberra; R taken by Ian Stehbens, Sydney]
• 460 Squadron RAAF @ Binbrook at end of War, 6/1945 (221 KB)
  367 men of No. 460 Squadron, Royal Australian Airforce who survive the Battle for Britain, Word War II, pose in front of a Lincoln Bomber at Binbrook, Lincolnshire, England. Warrant Officer Robert John Stehbens is 9th from the right in the second row from the front (bottom panel).
• South Burnett Importing Co. Stores, Kingaroy, Qld. (1 KB)
  SBIC (South Burnett Importing Company) was the enterprise of Ludwig Rudolph STEHBENS. In 1905 Rudi, as he was known, with his wife, Amy (nee Melville) and family, moved from Bundaberg to Kingaroy. He established himself as a craftsman. He bought 4 allotments at the corner of Haley and Kingaroy Sts, built shops on the site and started his plumbing business. In 1907, a visitor to Kingaroy stated that although the town is very prosperous, "the thick, black, sticking mud" of the main street is a real problem. In 1910, Rudi bought 80 acres of land on the corner of Kumbia and River Rds and built a house they called "Rose Villa". On the business side, he continued as an entrepreneur. In one of his premises he established a joinery works, which was managed by Harry Falkenbridge for many years. Harry and Rudi built the furniture for the Church of England and the Methodist Church in Kingaroy. In 1919, he bought shares in SBIC, which was then a general store. In 1921 he took over its operations in partnership with the Carrodus brothers, Andy and Claude, further developing it as a department store with ironmongery/hardware, and general store. For this family business, his daughter Elvina Stehbens was the excellent book-keeper, until her marriage in 1922, to Thomas Hunt when she moved to Sydney. One boost to the Stehbens business, was the contract to supply material for the construction of the Kingaroy peanut silos by the Peanut Marketing Board. SBIC was nearly destroyed by two events: an embezzlement and a fire. The embezzlement, by one of the partners, nearly bankrupted the firm, but the receiver allowed the business to trade itself out of difficulties, on the condition that Elvie Hunt return to Kingaroy to manage the business during the recovery period. Elvie and Tom returned in 1923 for 4 years. SBIC later became STEHBENS BROTHERS and was operated by Rudi's sons, Lin & Fred Stehbens.
• Jack Thomson's Aircrew , 460 Squadron @ Binbrook (38 KB)
  460 Squadron RAAF was the most decorated squadron in Bomber Command. It flew the most sorties and suffered the most casualties through the Battle for Britain in the air. To maintain its strength, new crews were being added right up to the end of hostilities in 1945. Most of the members of this aircrew were brought into the squadron in the early months of 1945. They were sent on diversionary flights, one going over Helgoland near the mouth of the Elbe River and close to Bremerhaven and Bremen, Germany. They were based at Binbrook Airfield, Lincolnshire. L-R: Jim Hallows (MUG) from Manchester UK; Keith Hicks, the Rear Gunner from Cornwall UK; Pilot Jack Thomson from South Australia; F H "Tom" Collins, their Wireless Operator, from Western Australia; Robert Stehbens, Bomb Aimer, from Imbil Queensland; Harry Webb, Navigator, from Burton UK. Peace was declared in Europe, before this crew were required to drop any bombs in combat, for which they are forever grateful.
• Emma Winkler's cup & saucer : a family treasure (12 KB)
  Emma Winkler was only 5 when she migrated to USA from Germany, but one of her treasures that went from Germany to USA with her was her cup and saucer, a part of her mother's teaset. She married Nicolaus Heinrich Stehben on 18th July 1888, in Clinton, Iowa. She was 18. They had 6 children: Alma Marie, Clara Johanna, Maria Sophia, John, August Arnold and Harold Marvin. The teacup has been passed down and is currently protected by Emma's granddaughter, Jacqueline (Stehben) McAlpine.
• Rudi & Amy Stehbens & family, KINGAROY, Q. 1912 (85 KB)
  Ludwig Rudolph & Amy Mathilda (Melville) moved from Bundaberg to Kingaroy in 1905 and Rudi established himself as a plumber and ironmonger. He bought 4 allotments in the business area of Kingaroy, and established his business. Rudi built the family home near the Kumbia Road, and called it "Rose Villa". Photographed in front of "Rose Villa" is Rudi and Amy seated and surrounded by their children: Standing: 5.Frederick Charles Kimberley, 1.Hilda, 4.William Rudolph Leslie, 3.Elvina May, 2.Melville; Seated: 6.Ernest Fielden Theodore, 8.Lindsley George Duncan, and 7.Amy Maud Pearl. Eventually he bought shares in the South Burnett Importing Co. His business grew when he contracted to supply the construction of the Kingaroy Peanut Silos. But the business was nearly destroyed by 2 events: embezzlement by a partner and by a fire in 1926. However, the Stehbens reputation and credibility was such that after the embezzlement, they were allowed to trade out of debt, provided that the accounts were the responsibility of a member of the family. After the fire, four shops were built on the site and became profitable quickly. Sons bought out the father's plumbing and ironmongery business, and STEHBENS BROS HARDWARE was established, becoming an important Kingaroy business.
• Cathy Reusche, Army Navy Country Club Fairfax VA (64 KB)
  Cathy Reusche loves her golf. Cathy is an assessor of women's courses and 2nd Vice President for Women's District of Columbia Golf Association. Her home club is Army Navy Country Club, Fairfax Virginia, USA. She is a powerful driver on the fairway. Cathy has played on courses throughout the US, as well as in Germany, and Ireland, for example. Her favourite holiday requires lots of golf. "I have played golf in Ireland with family and friends and we are going back next summer. I guess that is my dream golf vacation. Ballybunion, Lahinch, Tralee, Old Head, Portmarnock are all great layouts. The courses are challenging with spectacular views, the caddies are knowledgeable and fun to be around and the people are wonderful. What more could you ask for?" [Lineage: Cathy A Brosch m Michael Reusche s/o Raymond Reusche s/o "Mae" Maria Sophia Stehben d/o Nicolaus H Stehben s/o Franz Stäben s/o Franz Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• David Ian Stehbens builds another model aircraft. (19 KB)
  Since David Stehbens was a child he has been building model rockets and model aircraft. He first developed his interest through travelling in aircraft with his parents to Port Moresby, Manila, Hong Kong, London and Singapore. His skill was learnt at Space Pilots, a Christian boys club based at Rangeville Uniting Church in Toowoomba, Queensland and led by Trevor McIvor. Through the club he learnt to build, launch and design solid fuel rockets, and became familiar with space programs of USSR and USA. He began his career as an architectural draftsman rising to Operations Manager for Tamawood Homes & Dixon Homes in Brisbane, Queensland. Then in 2009, David finished work in the building industry to convert his private pilot's licence into a commercial licence. He has now fulfilled his childhood dream, making and flying model planes with his 2 sons, Matthew and Joshua, and flying aircraft professionally. David was voiced his dream as "to fly among the terrain and weather of Papua New Guinea". [LINEAGE: Joshua David & Matthew Robert sons/o David Ian s/o Ian Robert s/o Robert John s/o Robert Gustav s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens.]
• STÄBEN Clan in WÖHRDEN: Peter & Anna Peters family (87 KB)
  Peter Jacob Peters, the grandson of Swenn & Anna (Staeben) Peters, married Anna Michaelsen in St Nicolai Church, Wöhrden and they had 3 daughters (Bertha, Anni, Martha) and a son (Herman). Pastor Dietmar Gördel, the current Pastor of Wöhrden, delivered this pair of photos to Australia in February 2003. Just prior to departing Germany, he had inquired of the church elders if they knew of any Stebens descendants. They did and the photos were sent as proof and gift. So who is Peter Peters? He is believed to be the great-grandson of Frantz Hinrich Stebens and Cathrin Rheder. Frantz & Cathrin had 3 sons that lived to adult life and produced children, which have become the 3 New World Stehbens/Stebens clans. They also had 3 daughters who lived to marry and have children. The daughters were Anna, Christina and Cathrin. Anna married twice and one of her sons Jacob Peters had a son Peter Jacob Peters. [That means that Peter Jacob Peters is the 2nd cousin of Frank Henry Stebens (Davenport USA), and of Nicolaus Stehben (Clinton USA) as well as of Aussies such as Robert or Rudi or Edwin Stehbens, Wilhelm Andresen, Ernest Lister, or Thomas Strand.]
• Allan & David Blake and their families: 2004 (24 KB)
  Some of the family of Basil and Peg (nee Stehbens) Blake are depicted. Their 2 sons, Allan Hartley Blake and David John Blake are accompanied by some of their family. Left-Right: Troy Blake, Kirsty with her infant daughter Abigail McGregor, Amy Blake and Joshua Blake with their parents, David & Jennifer (nee Waters). Allan with 2 of his 3 children, Kylie Conrad and Robert Blake. Elissa Buckley, the youngest child of Allan, lives in New Zealand. The 3rd child of Basil and Peg, Beth Blake, is also missing from this group photo. [LINEAGE: Abigail Rose McGregor d/o Kirsty Leigh Blake d/o David John Blake s/o Dorothy Jessie Stehbens d/o Robert G Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Stehbens picnic in the Dandenongs, 1920s (22 KB)
  The South Australian sub-clan of Stehbens is descended from Detlef & his first wife Catharine Clasen, through their son, Jacob Heinrich Stäben. Jacob and his wife Johanna migrated from Wöhrden, Holstein to Maryborough, Queensland in 1865, together with Jacob's father, step-mother, his surviving siblings as well as with Jaob & Johanna's 2 infant children. Jacob went in search of gold, first in Queensland, then to the Top End (Pine Creek) but settled at Edithburgh, South Australia. This photo taken the day after Melbourne Cup Day public holiday shows a gathering of their descendants with some friends. In the back row is Dick Deggerman, "Snowy ...", Frederick Stehbens, Thomas Hunt, Leslie Hunt & Wesley Parslow. The 3 adult women are Enid Vera (Stehbens) Parslow, Amelia (Edwards) Stehbens, and Annie Elizabeth (Stehbens) Hunt. The 2 little girls are Leila and Doris Stehbens, the daughters of Amelia and John Jacob Stehbens. John was the photographer. John Jacob, Annie Elizabeth and Enid Vera were 3 of the children of Claus Detlef Stehbens, the infant son of Jacob and Johanna who migrated with them from Germany on the "Sophie" in 1865.
• LIN STEHBENS opens B&T Hardware Store, Kingaroy, Q (151 KB)
  "FORMER OWNER OFFICIALLY OPENS B&T STORE in KINGAROY" When Burgess & Turner Hardware refurbished their Kingaroy hardware store they invited former owner, Lindsley Stehbens to reopen it. He used bolt cutters to snip the chain across the front door. Lin Stehbens was thrilled to take part in the celebrations. Mr Stehbens' parents originally came to Kingaroy in 1905 and bought 4 allotments. His father, Ludwig Rudolph Stehbens built shops on the allotments and started his own plumbing business. In 1916, he turned one of the shops into a joinery works, which was managed by Harry Falkenbridge for many years. Stehbens and Falkenbridge furnished many of Kingaroy's churches and civic buildings. In 1919, Mr Stehbens snr bought shares in the South Burnett Importing Company, which was then a general store. The store later became Stehbens Brothers, and was operated by Lin and his older brother, Fred Stehbens. [Photo of L R Sehbens' Family also on this site]
• 3 Generations of Stehbens women: South Aust c1914 (35 KB)
  Help with identification is required with this photograph. Please e-mail any comments or suggestions. What is known is that Johanna Catharine Stehbens, the South Australian Stehbens matriarch is seated on the right. Her daughter, Marie, who never married, is standing in the centre. Marie was born in Queensland in 1873, the 6th child of Johanna and Jacob Stehbens. The identity of the young girl is uncertain, but is believed to be Annie Elizabeth Stehbens, Johanna's grandaughter and Marie's niece. Annie married Thomas Hunt and lived most of her married life in Melbourne. If this is Annie she is about 12, which dates the photo as 1905, then Marie is 32 and Johanna is 68. Annie Stehbens was a daughter of Johanna & Jacob's firstborn, Claus Detlef Stehbens, who married Mary Elizabeth Mills. Johanna's maiden surname is not confirmed and her birthplace not defined at this point in our research. It is thought that she was Johanna Tietscher (or Tityer or Tietzer). Annie and Tom Hunt had one son, Les Hunt. Les married Pearl Coulson and they had 3 children Ronald, Suzanne and Dianne.
• Peter Oliver awarded Australian Service Medal (78 KB)
  During the Gulf War in 1991, Peter Robert Oliver was assigned to active duty as the head of a training unit in the Royal Australian Navy. In that theatre, he served on several ships at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. At a ceremony in Melbourne, Peter was presented with an Australian Service Medal. He was accompanied at the presentation by his wife Stephanie and sons, Thomas and Patrick. Peter's lineage is: Peter Oliver s/o Mary E Stehbens d/o Walter W E Stehbens s/o William Edwin Stevens s/o Wilhelm Stäben s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens.
• Robyn Brumpton's outstanding Nursing Achievements (20 KB)
  Robyn (nee Stehbens) Brumpton has been recognized for significant achievement, innovation and leadership in nursing. During 2003, West Moreton Area Health Services nominated and highly commended for her work in Infection Control while she was a Clinical Nurse at Ipswich Hospital with responsibility for Infection Control both within the Hospital and within the community. The presentation of her award was made by Mrs Myrtle Green, Chairperson, West Moreton District Health Council. Subsequently, Robyn served in the Queensland Health Department head office, Brisbane , having responsibility for infection control across the different spheres of nursing. On 17 April 2004, Griffith University conferred on Robyn the degree of Master of Health Science. Her dissertation concerned the reported practices of infection control in aged care facilities, including nursing homes, in Queensland. Currently, Robyn is based at St George Hospital, SW Queensland, where she is a senior Consultant responsible for nursing in all the hospitals of the SW Region.
• Our family homes near Wöhrden, Germany 1800-1960 (90 KB)
  These 2 homes are about 2 kms apart. The top photo depicts a home at Poppenhusen. Families of our Wöhrden Clan have lived in it from 1800 till the 1950s. They have included the Peters, the König and Carstens (shown) families all of which are Staeben Clan families. Once a home-barn combined, now it is merely an animal stable. It was from the Edemannswisch farm house(bottom left) that Detlef & Anna Stäben migrated with their family to Australia in 1865. This once impressive building is now derelict. Because the owner used it wholly as a barn, the local authority would not allow him to sell it for renovation as a family dwelling. Sadly, the thatched roof has collapsed and it stands forlorn. [Photos: Poppenhusen haus supplied by Ernst König, Canberra; Edemannswisch haus/barn by Ian Stehbens, Sydney]
• Up, Up & Away: Hot Air Ballooning over Brisbane (37 KB)
  Aged 80 & 86, Rob & Win Stehbens of Imbil, delight in a hot-air balloon ride over Brisbane during 2000. Because of their love of flying, the balloon ride was a gift from their children to celebrate Win's 80th birthday and 55 years of marriage. Grandsons, Cameron Robertson (hands on hips) and David Stehbens (in gondola) also enjoyed their Grandparents experience.
• Harold Stehben at Caterpillar Tractors, Peoria IL (261 KB)
  Harold Marvin Stehben, on right. His son, Dennis wrote, "My father went to Peoria in the mid 1930's to take employment with the Caterpillar Tractor Co. (a huge manufacturer of earthmoving equipment) where he stayed until he retired. He served in the US Army in World War 2 and was discharged as a technical sergeant at war's end. He served as a mechanic. But, he finished his working days at Caterpillar as an inspector in the Quality Control Dept." This fine photograph of Harold at work is remarkable because of its artistic quality, and also because many of the Australian clan will believe this portrays one of them, so striking is the genetic similarity (baldness and all!) to several males of the Australian clan! [Photo supplied by Dennis Stehben] Lineage: Harold s/o Nicolaus Heinrich & Emma (nee Winkler) Stehben s/o Franz & Johanna Stäben s/o Franz & Christiana Staeben s/o Frantz Hinrich Stebens & Margretha Rheder.
• IMBIL Siblings: Elsie, Peg, Daph & Rob STEHBENS (58 KB)
  Elsie Price [1909-96], Peg Blake [1916-2004], Daph Williamson [1923-] and Rob Stehbens [1914-2005] were the children of Robert Gustave Stehbens and Catherine Jane Findlay. Elsie Mary married George Price of Imbil and together they owned and conducted Moynehans Store in Imbil. Dorothy Jessie was known as Peg, and she married Rev. Basil Blake. Together Peg and Basil served in the Queensland Conference of the Methodist Church at South Kolan, Dalby, Cooroy, Bulimba, Enoggera and Coorparoo. Catherine Daphne (known as Daph) married Rev. Dudley Williamson and they served in the Methodist Church and Uniting Church at Gayndah, Cooroy, Maryborough, Bardon, Lutwyche, Maroochydore and Kawana. Robert John Stehbens has lived in Imbil, Queensland for 85 years, the family arriving when he was 5 years old. He married Winnifred Rose Smith of Brisbane. He has worked in the sawmills of Imbil and Glass House Mountains, as sawdoctor and manager for most of his working life and as boilerman for Nestlés at their Gympie powdered milk plant. He, like his sisters, has given significant leadership in the community through the church, welfare club, youth ministry and Scouts. This "get-together" photo was taken in Caloundra, in 1985. [LINEAGE: Children of Robert G Stehbens; son of Claus Johann Stehbens; s/of Detlef Staeben; s/of Frantz H Stebens.]
• Male Pattern Baldness in the Stehbens Genes? YES!! (61 KB)
  A sample of 12 men who attended the Stehbens Family Reunion in Bundaberg reveals some interesting genetic traits. Just check this out! Whether one goes horizontally across the family tree from branch to branch, or vertically from generation to generation, there are very obvious and visible shared characteristics. This is group of men representing different branches of the family tree. And baldness is not the only repeated trait. Top left to bottom right: Adrian Mergard, David Pershouse, Gordon Pershouse, Geoffrey Stehbens; George Stehbens, Christian Zillmann, Morris Tinknell, Lionel Stehbens; Bradley Stehbens, Malcolm Stehbens, Robert Stehbens, John Stehbens. [All portraits courtesy Matthew Drane]
• Imbil Scouts Cubs camp at Noosa Heads: 1940 (43 KB)
  Robert Stehbens was Cubmaster for Imbil Scouts Club 1938-1941. The group of Cubs camped at Noosa Heads during Easter 1940. Right: Cubmaster Robert Stehbens prepares dinner for hungry Cubs. Cubmaster Stehbens recorded the names of cubs in the pack as: Robert Whannell, William Whannell, Gordon Allen, Leslie Allen, Graham Joyner, Ronald Shaw, Sidney Parkinson, Clarence Gomersall, Len Neucom, Keith Benstead, Ray Hine, George Hope, Cecil Kropp, Ken Bradshaw, Ron Muir, Leslie Tinknell. They each paid 1/- for their badges and 1/- registration fee.
• Lynch sisters cutting timber in the softwood scrub (25 KB)
  Nell and Rose Lynch, the younger 2 of the four Lynch sisters, are debarking a virgin hoop pine log (Auracaria cunninghamii) in the scrub. The four Lynch girls were locally renown for their tree-felling ability. Most of their work was done in the Gympie area especially in the Mary Valley, and later in the South Burnett. As they became renown for their ability to do such heavy men's work, they sometimes gave exhibitions. One such occasion was at the opening of the Brisbane Valley railway at Yarraman. This photograph is from the Stehbens collection. While the Lynch sisters were renown, they weren't the only women that participated in the felling of the scrubs to make slabs and shingles for homes and to clear the land for farms. Daughters and wives in the Stehbens families were involved in doing the same. Stories of girls on the other end of the crosscut saw used to be an accepted part of the family folklore, handed down as mild complaints or gentle boasts. William Edwin Stehbens, who was known as Ned, married Isabella Gilliland and settled at "Lynwood" on the Isis Plateau just north of Childers. Ned and Isabella were known to have worked together at times, clearing the Apple Tree Creek scrubs to create their property "Lynwood". This however is a remarkable photo depicting the contribution of women in assiting their fathers, brothers and husbands to transform the seemingly abundant resources into homes and farms.
• "STEHBENS PARK" named by Bundaberg City Council (83 KB)
  On 24th February 2005, Bundaberg City Council officially named "STEHBENS PARK" in honour of Claus Johann (John) Stehbens who first selected and successfully farmed 80 acres of the vineforest scrub at Bundaberg in 1871. The farm site is located on the southern side of Kepnock Road opposite Kepnock High School, Bundaberg, today. The area is now a residential estate. The gazetted park contains the site of the original Stehbens homesite. In fact, the Stehbens family was the first of the Germanic population to settle in Bundaberg. Significant numbers of immigrants from Denmark, Schleswig-Holstein, Poland and Germany migrated to the Wide Bay-Burnett area of Queensland in the period 1860-1890. Part of the reason for the success of John Stehbens' pioneering venture was the fact that with the help of his father, Detlef, and his brother, Wilhelm, John dug a deep well which provided excellent water. Detlef hand-made bricks at the springs and swamp located 800 metres to the north of the property, and then bricklined the well. This pioneer well was key to the exploration of the groundwater resources of the Lower Burnett. The first well; the first bricks; one of the first agricultural selections "on the Burnett"; and the first of the German pioneers of the district! Stehbens Park is not only a memorial to the ancestors of the Australian STEHBENS & LISTER & ANDRESEN & STRAND Families but a significant element of the history of Bundaberg and the Burnett. The park has a playground for small children, cricket field, shelter shed. Poinciana and eucalypt trees have been planted. [Penny Haylock submitted the photo of the sign. Thanks Penny.]
• 1939 Club of Imbil Methodist Youth @ Imbil Falls (52 KB)
  The Methodist Church in Imbil has had a significant impact on the community through its history, especially through youth and children's ministry, and then through the energetic contribution of its adult members to leadership, service and influence both in the town and wider world. The leadership of the Nichols, Stehbens and Grainger families in the 1930s and 1940s was a key foundation to later impacts. The 1939 Club, some of whom are depicted attended Christian Endeavour rallies and Easter Camps, and through such events their faith was grown, decisions and commitments were made and friendships deepened. Pictured during an outing to Imbil Falls are Ivan Hiscock (Home Missionary), Rhona Grainger, Madge Thomson, Edna Sutton, Oral Grainger, Marjorie Whannell, Daph Stehbens, Viv Neucom, Peg Stehbens; Ivy Kropp, Midge Tincknell, Rob Stehbens, Betty Whannell, Daph Nichols, Bess Neucom and Ian Nichols (in Cub Scouts uniform).
• On Wilhelm Stehbens' Selection, Gregory R, Q.,1889 (24 KB)
  Wilhelm Stehbens (right) and his wife's uncle, John Elvery, together on Wilhelm Stehbens' Selection. This was the second of three selections Wilhelm made. This selection was located on what is today Goodwood Road, south of Bundaberg. Today this selection is a sugarcane farm. Wilhelm sold this property, and then selected land on the Gregory River. Wilhelm and his wife, Hannah Elizabeth Elvery, laboured on this third selection as pioneers, but like many who sought to build their freedom in a new environment there were many hardships, perils and adjustments that had to be learnt. A series of floods almost defeated Wilhelm, but he didn't allow them to bring his labour to nought. His struggle and his fight to succeed are poignantly depicted in his life story and in a letter written to the Queensland Minister for Lands, in 1893. [Read the Related File: Wilhelm Stehbens' Life Story.]
• Stehben & Stebens involved with Mississippi River (82 KB)
  Both the Stebens Clan from Davenport and the Stehben Clan of Lyons & Clinton settled beside the Mississippi, and for many of them the mighty river became significant in their lives. Franz Heinrich (Staeben) Stebens, the first Stebens immigrant to the USA (in 1852) worked on the first bridge erected across the Mississippi River, and he assisted in bringing the first railroad engine across the river (to Davenport) on the ice. His Great Great Grandson, Rick Stebens has been an engineer with the US Army Corps of Engineers for more than 15 years, with responsibility for Lock and Dam maintenance on the river. Recreational fishing became an important part of the lives of many of the family including Ken Reusche and his son, Richard Reusche. Dennis Stehben, typical of many who have grown up beside the river, is enthusiastic about the traffic that moves up and down the river especially the push-barge traffic. This aerial photo shows push-barge traffic passing downstream through Lock and Dam 13 at Clinton, Iowa, USA. [Photo supplied by Dennis Stehben]
• Jarrod Stehbens' tragic death from a shark attack (11 KB)
  Left: Jarrod Stehbens in the environment he loved; Centre: Marine biologist Jarrod Stehbens graduates with Honours from Adelaide University in 2005; Right: Jarrod's parents, David & Lisa and brother, Trent Stehbens, at a press conference in Adelaide, the day after Jarrod's tragic death. Having trained as a marine biologist at Flinders University & Adelaide University, Jarrod Stehbens from Beachport, South Australia, was awarded a scholarship to undertake a doctoral research program at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research on the North Sea island of Helgoland, Germany. But just before leaving for Germany, Jarrod was tragically killed by an attack from a great white shark, off Glenelg in the Gulf of St Vincent, South Australia. Jarrod was diving while assisting other students with their field research. During the dive, Jarrod had found cuttlefish eggs, gathered scallops and razorfish. The attacking shark was at first beaten off by Jarrod, but it took his life. This tragedy happened on Wednesday 24 August 2005. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Jarrod was held on the beachfront in his hometown of Beachport, South Australia, Saturday September 3, 2005. Over 700 people attended, including the Vice-Chancellor and many faculty and students from Adelaide University. The research that Jarrod had intended to undertake in Helgoland was to be part of the EU-wide Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning (MarBEF) program. Jarrod intended to manipulate natural marine communities to learn how biodiversity determines the stability and functioning of ecosystems, knowledge that would be of broad practical and theoretical importance. [LINEAGE: Jarrod s/o Lisa (nee Jaeschke) & David Stehbens s/o John s/o Maurice Stehbens s/o Claus David Stäben s/o Jacob Heinrich Stäben s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• From Wöhrden the family migrated to US & Australia (76 KB)
  Wöhrden sits atop an artificial hill that lifts it above the North Sea Storm surges that once threatened the area regularly. The village fits together around the Church of St Nicolai, in which the pastors recorded the Stebens name as STAEBEN and on 3 occasions as STEHBENS. The Staeben families lived in this village and their lives were centred on the church. However, for most of the period from 1797 to 1865, the family dwelt in the rural areas closeby. The farmstead depicted is at Edemannswich, a couple of kilometres north, and it was here that Detlef and Anna Staeben with and their family (13 in all) migrated to Queensland, through the ports of Hamburg and Maryborough in 1865. Detlef had been a farm labourer, and had learnt the skill of bricklaying which became his trade in Maryborough, Queensland. The originators of the American clans such as Franz and Joachim also lived here. The registers of the church record their history. These relevant records have been translated by Herr Hans Reimers and are held by Ian Stehbens.
• Robert John Stehbens honoured for service to Imbil (32 KB)
  Robert John Stehbens died peacefully at home in Imbil, Queensland Australia on 21 August 2005, age 91 years. Rob lived to be the 4th oldest Stehbens male descendant of all time. In longevity, our most long-lived males are: 1. William Stebens of Kansas (1859-1954), 2. Frederick John Thomas Strand (1909 - living in Rockhampton), 3. Frederick John Stehbens of Brisbane (1911- 2003), 4. Robert John Stehbens (1914 - 2005). At his funeral tributes were received from Returned Services League, Imbil Scouts and Cubs, Uniting International Mission, Tahlee Ministries, Alan Walker College, Pacific PeaceBuilding Initiatives and from Rev John Mavor, a former President of the Uniting Church in Australia. Rob lived in Imbil from early childhood, and while his parents were pioneers in Imbil, Rob contributed to the building of a quality social fabric in the town. He was the co-founder of the Imbil Scouts and Cubs, a leader of the first Christian Endeavour youth group, a founding steward of the Imbil Methodist Church, Grand Master of a Friendly Society, and founder of the Imbil Methodist Order of Knights which had a great impact on the boys of the town during the 1950s and 1960s. He also created one of the town's tennis courts that was used socially for many years, and he formed an indoor bowls club. Following his funeral he was honoured for his service to the Imbil community by a guard of honour formed by both the Mary Valley Sub-Branch of the Returned Services League (RSL) and the Imbil Scouts and Cubs. Pictured in 1941 when he enlisted in the RAAF; in 1995 on the ocassion of his Golden Wedding anniversary; and with his wife Winnifred (nee Smith) at the wedding of their younger daughter, Joy, to Bruce Robertson in 1993. [LINEAGE: Rob s/o Robert G Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• USACE Engineer Rick Stebens works @ Rock Island (27 KB)
  The Davenport Stebens clan settled on the Upper Mississippi River at Davenport and consequently have been involved with the mighty river ever since. Today, Rick L Stebens, son of Don & Kay Stebens of Davenport is an engineer who is employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers based at Rock Island. Rick has worked for the USACE for 20 years. Maintenance of the dams and locks, which are part of the Flood Management and Navigation systems, is Rick's major responsibility. This montage shows Rick (left) and his son David Stebens (right) and in the top photo David is shown inspecting a Mississippi lock that has been drained for maintenance inspection. In 2003, Rick was assigned to reconstruction project work in Iraq, following the devastation of the war on Iraq. While in Iraq, Rick was responsible for managing construction contracts in southern Iraq. More than 300 sunken vessels blocked Iraq's only port, Umm Qasr, which was reopened in late 2003. The main prioities for the construction engineers were electric power, sewage, schools, the airport, railway and water treatment plants along the polluted "Sweet Water Canal". Apart from construction management, coordination with other contracting teams, and managing cultural differences between Iraqis and Americans were high priorities for Rick. Rick returned home safely. [Photos by Ian Stehbens and Rick Stebens, 2002.]
• Outstanding Peacebuilding Conference: Honiara 2005 (1 KB)
  "We are all responsible for peace" commented Minister for National Unity, Peace and Reconciliation, Hon James Tora at the opening of a Pacific PeaceBuilding Initiatives conference held in Honiara, Solomon Islands during August 2005. A large gathering for the opening heard Mr Tora open the conference for which Ian Stehbens was the keynote speaker. 75 people were trained for an intergrated approach to national peacebuilding during the 2 week intensive program. The conference was led by the Director of PPBI, Ian Stehbens, and by Rev John Woodley who is PPBI President and a former Australian Senator. Speakers at the opening included [top L-R] Hon James Tora, Dr Annalise Moser, Mr Paul Tovua and Mrs Hilda Kari. Dr Moser is leader of the United Nations Development Fund UNIFEM team that is monitoring potential conflict in Solomon Islands using gendered indicators to give early warning. Mr Tovua is Chairman of the National Peace Council. Mrs Kari is President of the National Council of Women. BOTTOM L-R: Rev Stehbens was inspired by the non-violent transformation of power and the peaceful reunion of Germany, and having returned from sabbatical research in Germany including a significant visit to the former Berlin Wall, was able to inspire Solomon Islanders to dream generational change and to desire a future of enduring peace in which non-violence is an organising principle of society. He taught a comprehensive approach to peacebuilding. Rev Woodley trained top-level leaders in Transforming Politics for Peace. Mr Kamilo Teke, Peace & Reconciliation Coordinator for Guadalcanal in the Department for National Unity was in high praise of the conference when he said that his head was swelling with all the new understanding he had gained. Permanent Secretary, Ethel Sigimanu was excited by the holistic approach. "Before the conference we were blurry, but now we believe we can achieve national healing and build a new Solomon Islands. Then in 2008, Ian Stehbens was again invited to Solomon Islands to observe and contribute to the reconciliation that took place on the Weather Coast of Guadalcanal. A shipload of Malaitans sailed to Makaruka to reconcile with their enemy. This event was initiated by one of the men Ian had trained, Ishmael Idu, and deeply felt reconciliation took place there using cultural and spiritual resources. "It was one of the great privileges of my life to see this eventuate". Ian has high praise for Ishmael and both the Malaitans who had the courage to come and the hosts who welcomed them. "Transforming 'enemy' into 'friend' is our mandate from Jesus", Ishmael said that day.
• Sue Hunt: Director Performing Arts, Opera House (44 KB)
  Sydney Opera House appointed Sue Hunt, formerly General Manager of Queensland Theatre Company, to the position of Director, Performing Arts in 2003. Sue is highly regarded in the Australian performing arts industry, Sue has more than 20 years professional industry experience. Prior to joining Queensland Theatre Company in 1999, her many roles in the industry have given her extensive technical, production, programming and venue management expertise. In her early career, Sue was the General Manager of Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Technical Director and Production Manager for Victoria State Opera and Production Manager for Australian Contemporary Theatre Company. She has also served as the Chairperson of Youth Arts Queensland and as a member on the Boards of the Queensland Biennial Festival of Music, the Rock ‘n Roll Circus and as Chair of the Queensland Performing Arts Committee of Asialink. Today, Sue is the CEO of Carriage Works, a bold innovative program that combines the redevelopment of the former railways carriage works at Eveleigh with assembling of a wide range of artistic and performance groups in the redeveloped precinct and state of the art facilities. [LINEAGE: Suzanne d/o Leslie Hunt s/o Annie Stehbens d/o Claus David Stehbens s/o Jacob Stäben s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens](PHOTO: Ian Stehbens)
• Deon Torenbeek marries Ang and now there is Seth! (36 KB)
  Deon Torenbeek married Angela Payne in Rockhampton in 1999. They live in Tingalpa, Queensland, Australia. Deon and Angela are both accountants, Deon for the Australian Government and Ang for a private company. Not long after attending the Stehbens Family Reunion in January 2005, Seth was born. Now he is the apple of Grandma Torenbeek's eye! The photo of Angela with Seth was taken at Grandma Torenbeek's home at Glenwood, north of Gympie, Queensland.[LINEAGE: Seth s/o Deon Richard Torenbeek s/o Denise Stehbens d/o Lionel Stehbens s/o George Theodore Stehbens s/o Wilhlem Stehbens s/o Claus Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Larry Irsik, Stebens descendant of Denver Colorado (22 KB)
  Larry is pictured with his wife, Rebecca, and with a group photo of the Stebens Family from which he derives. His mother is one of the Stebens siblings gathered around their Stebens parents. During 2005, Ian & Margaret Stehbens from Sydney were in Denver for a conference, and met with Larry and Rebecca. Larry, a retired airline pilot, now works part-time for Security at Denver Airport. "It was a time of joyful kindred spirits when we met" writes Ian.
• 5 Generations of Grandmas and Grandchildren (47 KB)
  Till now, eight generations of the Stehbens Family have lived in Australia. The Family Album of one branch of the family records 5 of these generations. The top row of photos is of 3 Generations of Grandmothers: Amy Weston Stehbens, Bertha Reed Stehbens, Merle Stehbens Tysoe. Amy lived on the property, "Rocky View" at Bororen, Queensland; Bertha lived in Gladstone, Bulimba and Norman Park, Queensland; and Merle lives in the Brisbane Region, Queensland. The middle photo is of 6th generation children, Merle's 5 children: Sharon, Mark, Brett, Kerry, and Raymond Tysoe. Sharon's 6 children, Latrisha, Kaylee, Jesse, Brent, Tia and Tanyce represent our 7th generation. [LINEAGE: children/o Sharon Louise Tysoe d/o Merle Joan Stehbens d/o Donald William Stehbens s/o Claus Detlef Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• TIMKENBERG HERRENHAUS: Stebens Origins (1 KB)
  Across the River Sude from Blücher and Besitz, Mecklenburg Germany, stands a grand mansion (Herrenhaus). Once part of the Blücher Estate during feudal times, this part of the estate was known as "Tympkenberg" or more recently as "Gross Timkenberg". Its mansion is larger and grander than the head Herrenhaus at Blücher. With the ending of serfdom of fuedalism, the rural economy tended to improve, reaching its zenith over a century later in the period prior to World War I. That was when this mansion was built. The architect was Paul Korff. During the 1700s, Stebens families were engaged here, as serfs. They were alloted to be household servants, or to labour on the wide agricultural fields. Frantz H Stebens was born here in 1771. As an adult, Frantz migrated away, settling eventually 200kms away at Poppenhusen near Wöhrden in the Dithmarschen. He was the father of Detlef who migrated to Australia, also the father of Joachim and Franz who are the patriarchs of the clans of Stebens & Stehben in the USA. These photos were taken in 2005 by Ian Stehbens and Otfried Steben during a joint visit of discovery to Timkenberg. TOP: "Gross Timkenberg" mansion viewed from front [NW] and rear [SE]. CENTRE: Groundfloor interior views of servery, internal staircase, and ballroom. LOWER: Servants' areas are located beneath the house in the basement and included the laundry, servants' dining room, cellar and storerooms. To the east and close to the Herrenhaus, was the large barn that included the dairy (pictured), piggery, fodder store, tool store and stables. Today "Gross Timpkenberg" is abandoned, unowned and decaying. It was abandoned by the owners during the 1940s when they allegedly fled to Brazil following the defeat of the Nazi regime. During the period of the DDR (East Germany), this estate was temporarily occupied by itinerant workers from Eastern Europe (Poland), but it has no legitimate owners today [PHOTOS: Ian Stehbens & Otfried Steben]
• Lorelle Toms, RN, awarded Order of Australia Medal (30 KB)
  THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA: Lorelle Vivier TOMS, Macarthur, ACT, was awarded a Medal in the General Division of the Order of Australia, 10 June 2002, for service to nursing, particularly in the area of cardiac rehabilitation. Lorelle trained at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. She is a Clinical Nurse Consultant (Cardiac Rehabilitation) at Canberra Hospital, in the national capital of Australia. Lorelle is a Registered Nurse with Certificates in Obstetrics (Brisbane), Intensive Care (Canberra), B.App Sc. (Canberra University). She is pictured with her parents, Les and Gladys Mergard, as a graduating nurse. Her devotion to her patients and her commitment to the community has contributed to her being recognised for this high honour. Congratulations Lorelle, from your myriad of cousins around the world!! Lorelle is married to Graham Toms. Graham organizes the annual Canberra Bookfair. He is an antique book dealer: Graham Toms Fine and Rare Books [LINEAGE: Lorelle Mergard dau/of Gladys Saint; d/o Minnie Strand; d/o Emma E Staeben/Stehbens; d/o Detlef Staeben; s/o Frantz H Stebens.]
• Bob Stehbens' Horse Team Hauls to Monsildale Mill (21 KB)
  Bob Stehbens operated a team of 10 horses, hauling logs from the Upper Brisbane Valley forests to the Monsildale Mill, from 1917 to 1919. In this image, Bob Stehbens is with the lead horse, and his assistant (unidentified)standing near the rear of the team. Bob had married Catherine Findlay at Bullyard, west of Bundaberg, and was a butcher operating at Maroondan for the first years of their marriage, during which time their first 3 children, Elsie, Robbie and Dorothy were born. After World War I, the family moved to Monsildale, where Bob was a teamster. At the end of 1919, he moved again with his team and family across the Jimna Range, down Yabba Creek to settle at Imbil, in the Mary Valley. Bob was renowned in the Mary Valley for his horses, including Starlight, his champion show jumper and his many-ribboned Stallion, Prince Harold. In Imbil, he worked for J W Lutton's Mill hauling sawn timber and logs to the railway. [Lineage: Bob (1882-1953) s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• St Nicolai Church, Wöhrden, Schleswig-Holstein (43 KB)
  St Nicolai Church, Wöhrden, Germany. Wöhrden is a village fitted together on an artificial hill in the midst of the reclaimed farmlands of Dithmarschen, on the North Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. It was into this community that the journeyman, Frantz Stebens migrated and settled. Frantz had left the ancestral feudal estate in Mecklenberg to seek freedom and survive. His marriage to Catharin Margaretha Rheder was proclaimed in this church on Trinity Sunday, July 1798. In the church register of marriages, his name was spelt as "Franz Hinrich Staeben". The church is the dominant building in Woehrden (often written as "Wohrden" by non-German speakers). It was built in 1785-88 replacing the old church that had been first built in 1281 on what was then an island in the North Sea. Todays impressive church is even more impressive inside because of its remarkable organ and the suspended angel under which couples stand when being married. [Photo supplied by Pastor Karl Wierig]
• Samantha Stehbens' molecular biology research (22 KB)
  When Samantha Stehbens was a doctoral research student, she worked under the supervision of Dr Alpha Yap at Institute for Molecular Bioscience. Dr Yap is an Associate Professor, University of Queensland. Dr Yap, Samantha Stehbens and Nicole Den Elzen were researching how cells adhere to one another to form tissues and organs, and therefore how the loss of such cell adhesion is implicated in the spread of cancer throughout the body (i.e. metastasis). E-cadherin is a protein essential for cell adhesion and whose reduction is linked to cancer progression. By analyzing how the function of E-cadherin is regulated in the cell, their goal was to gain insight into how organ formation is regulated during embryo development and how loss of this regulation contributes to cancer. The Australian Cancer Research Foundation assisted their research through the provision of their Dynamic Imaging Facility confocal microscopes which allow the team to take very high resolution images of cells, and so determine the locations of different proteins, each labelled with a fluorescent marker, within the cell. The localization of proteins in normal and cancer cells provides important information on how these proteins function. The ACRF facility microscopes are able to distinguish many fluorescent markers simultaneously so that they can examine a vast range of proteins at the same time, something not possible on other available microscopes. Samantha now lives and works in the USA. [LINEAGE: Samantha Stehbens d/o Alan Stehbens s/o Kevin Stehbens s/o Victor Stehbens s/o Johann Heinrich Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• Hafenstrasse, Wöhrden: oldest homes in the village (84 KB)
  "Materialienhaus" owned by Mrs Adler, widow of the late Gerhard Adler, a Hamburg based architect, is the oldest building in Wöhrden. [Wöhrden was the village from which our Stehbens or Stäben ancestors emigrated to Iowa and Queensland.] This view of Hafenstrasse (Harbour Street) includes the home of Uwe-Hermann Peters. Once when the village was surrounded by the sea, the navigable channel led through the tidal marshes to the village. This photo is taken looking southeast from the St Nicolai Church, down Hafenstrasse. The brick and timber work of the buildings is typical of this part of Germany where clay for brickmaking was readily available. "Materialienhaus" was formerly owned by the Church as community property, and for many years it was the storeplace for the fishing nets of the villagers.
• 100 Friends & Family celebrate Rob Stehbens' 90th (79 KB)
  Robert John Stehbens who turned 90 on May 10, 2004 celebrated his birthday with 100 friends and family in Brisbane, Queensland. The birthday cake supported three portraits from his life, each portait painted on the icing, and a mural of key images was displayed on the sides of the cake. The portraits were of Rob aged 3, Rob aged 27 in RAAF uniform, and Rob aged 81 taken on the occasion of his 50th wedding anniversary. The mural included Imbil Methodist Church, his first Holden panel van (1954), hoop pine and a hand saw, and a Lancaster aircraft in which he was aircrew in 1945. He and his wife are pictured with their descendants. Standing: Ronald & PAMELA Schravemade, Tamika & Lynanne Schravemade; BRUCE Stehbens; Heidi & Gary Pontifex; David & Karen Stehbens; Michael & Robyn Brumpton; Margaret Stehbens. Seated: Bruce & JOY Robertson, Kirk & Cameron Robertson; ROBERT & WIN STEHBENS; Ben & Jake Brumpton; IAN Stehbens. Rob died at home on 21 August 2005, aged 91. [Photos: Billy McBryde & John Stehbens]
• Wind Turbines impact on Value of Stehbens' Land (60 KB)
  Meridian Energy announced its "Project West Wind" which was a project to develop a major wind turbine farm in the SW corner of North Island, New Zealand. At the time of the announcement, the turbines were to be built adjacent to Jean Stehbens' South Makara farm property [PICTURED]. Jean, the widow of late Professor William Stehbens, lived on the family farm at South Makara, just west of "Windy Wellington". Before Bill died, Bill and Jean had intended to sell the property due to Bill's declining health, but the announcement by Meridan Energy meant that their property value plunged. The proposed wind farm, called Project West Wind, has the potential to be the best performing wind farm in the world, according to Meridian Energy. It generates enough electricity to power up to 110,000 average homes. The effectiveness of this site is due to its latitude, terrain, and the funnelling effect of Cook Strait. Jean and her daughter, Rachael Cooper investigated the proposal and believed that the huge turbine towers could have been located a ridge further west and at that location not impact on the amenity and landscape aethetics of South Makara. See the related file below, on this site, in which the press release of Meridian Energy and a report on the issue from the perspective of Jean Stehbens and her daughter, Rachael Cooper are outlined. [LINEAGE: Rachael Stehbens d/o Jean Raeside & William Ellis Stehbens s/o William Leslie Stehbens s/o Ludwig Rudolph Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Russell Tucker in his Cycle Inn, North Rockhampton (15 KB)
  Russell Tucker retails bicycles and accessories from his "Tuckers Cycle Inn" in North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. Russell and his brothers, Kenrick and Byron were all cyclists with State and National Championships to their credit. They competed on the international scene with distinction. A Related Link on this site will take you to Russell's story, published by the Queensland Government. [LINEAGE: Russell Tucker s/o Edith Annie Brewer d/o Evelyn Miriam Stehbens d/o Claus Detlef Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• IMBIL STATE SCHOOL: Largest Class of Baby Boomers (224 KB)
  Grade 2 @ Imbil State School in 1954 was the largest class to pass through the school. Born in 1946-47, most of this group of Post-War Baby Boomers left the village and have had remarkable influence in diverse fields. For the significance of the post-war era in Imbil and for a list of enrolments at Imbil School see the related file on this site: IMBIL STATE SCHOOL Enrolments 1946-1955. TOP PHOTO Row 4: John Horne, Colin Millers, Ian Stehbens, Ken Stevens, Gary Weldon, Rob Skillen, Bernard Hartwig. Row 3: Rodney Miller, Kay McGruer, Olive Stevens, Roslyn Durie, Janis Wieland, Barbara Adams, Walter Rozynski. Row 2: John Stotshcek, Barry Tompkins, Lynette Lobwein, Ruth Benstead, Shirley Preston, Barry Duke, Ron Tinknell. Front: Eric Girdler, Rob Crawford, Lloyd Durham, William Cole, N Cliff Andreassen. LOWER PHOTO 4th row: Ron Runge, Ken Lutton, Russell Carlson, John Kropp, Noel Bundy, Rennie Beckmann, Josef Mierocha, Bevin Smith. 3rd row: James Hourihan, Jennifer Stubbins, Danuta Nastaga, Marlene McNeven, Barbara McKay, Jan Biggam, Kerry Lynch. Row 2: B Chaplin, Anthony Erhart, Judith Johnstone, Joyce Young, Barbara Hooper, Anna Mierocha, John Beckmann, Peter Blums. Front: R Hooper, Alan Haack, Trevor Hooper, Roy Brookes, John Wilde. Absent: Allan Bichel.
• Michael & Karen, Sean & Jamie Stehbens 2004 (24 KB)
  Michael & Karen (nee Newman) Stehbens and their sons, Jamie (13yrs) and Sean (11yrs) who live in North Rockhampton, Queensland are a typical Australian nuclear family. Michael is a fitter and turner employed by a drilling company. He says that apart from work, he and Karen "are just 'taxi-drivers' for the kids social events - as you do with very active children and neither of us wish to change it." The 2 boys enjoy playing soccer. Jamie is a cadet referee while Sean has just been selected for the Rockhampton representative team (11yrs age group). Both boys also love surf lifesaving where Jamie was the runner up age champion for the 2003/04 season and Sean is the tied champion for his age group. Both have done well in the branch titles in surf lifesaving. And, "We are grateful for the family history on the website and we are looking forward to seeing more." [LINEAGE: Jamie & Sean sons/of Michael William s/o Lloyd James William s/o George Theodore s/o Wilhelm Christon s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Hinrich Stebens]
• Kris Stehben weds Pastor Jahaziel Ramirez in Texas (40 KB)
  In San Antonio, deep in the heart of Texas, Kristine Stehben was married to student Pastor Jahaziel Ramirez on 24th September 2005. The bride was attended by her sister-in-law, Kristin Stehben, and her nieces Molly and Sophie Stehben. Pictured in this montage are Kris and Jahaziel; Kris and her Dad, Dennis Stehben; Dennis & Eunice, Kristin & Al Stehben and their 3 children Molly 11, Sophie 7, and Drew 13.
• Dorothy & Mary Stebens live in Davenport, Iowa USA (24 KB)
  Dorothy Hennings and Mary Brown are sisters who live in Davenport, Iowa. They are daughters of Arthur Walter & Louise Rosa (Klein) Stebens. Dorothy has 3 daughters (Beth, Amie & Danielle)and Mary has 2 daughters (Sarah & Rachel).[LINEAGE: Dorothy & Mary d/o Arthur Stebens s/o Frank Stebens s/o Franz Hinrich Stäben s/o Joachim Hinrich Stäben s/o Frantz H Stebens & Cathrin Rheder.]
• Educational Opportunity valued by Stehbens Family (19 KB)
  Marie Stehbens BPharm, Jarrod Stehbens BSc(Hons), Robyn Brumpton MHSc, and Margaret Stehbens BTh MA(CCoun) are just a sample of Stehbens Family members who have recently graduated from various higher education courses. As Marie Stehbens celebrated her 21st birthday, she graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Pharmacy. She is now employed as a pharmacist by the Healthpoint Group in Mackay, Queensland. Jarrod Stehbens graduated in 2005 from Adelaide University after undertaking an honours program in marine biology. He was then awarded a doctoral scholarship to study in Germany, but tragically while assisting other students with their field research, he was attacked and killed by a shark in Gulf of St Vincent, South Australia. Robyn Stehbens Brumpton completed her Masters in Health Science at Griffith University, and is currently nursing and managing infection control programs, regionally, from St George Hospital, Queensland. Rev Margaret Stehbens was awarded her Masters of Arts by Wesley Institute for Ministry and the Arts. Dr James Pendlebury of WIMA is shown presenting Margaret with her post-graduate degree. Margaret specialised in Christian Counselling and now conducts a counselling service and pastors a church at Grantham Heights, Sydney. Since 1970, University and College education has allowed many of the family to make creative and significant contributions to society not only locally but internationally, and in a diverse range of fields.
• Jockey Darryl Stehbens wins Mackay Cup on Bazza (27 KB)
  The presentation of the 1979 Mackay Cup was made by Queensland Minister for Lands, Neville Hewitt (far right) and Mr D J Perkins, Queensland Manager GRE Insurance (far left) to owners of Bazza, Dr Kevin & Alma Whitehead, and jockey Darryl Stehbens. The racing industry has been central to the life of several members of the family. Darryl Stehbens was a champion jockey in Mackay, Queensland riding many winners on tracks in Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton. His father Noel Stehbens, brother Robert Stehbens were also successful jockeys, and on 3 successive race days each of the 3 won on Plain Jack! - a memory the family cherishes. When Darryl won the 1979 Mackay Cup on Bazza, the horse was trained by Noel Stehbens. Darryl won the jockeys' premierships, for several years in the 1970s. In the press, Darryl has been described as "a pin-up with the women and could always expect a great ovation whenever he led in a winner". Maree Stehbens (daughter of Dr & Mrs Whitehead) has also been a successful trainer. Maree has been an ardent horsewoman from her schooldays, and as a capable rider did much of her own trackwork. Another notable trainer in the family, Leanne Carter Aspros trains in Sydney, whilst William Aspros is a Bathurst based jockey. (See Related link below for a profile on Leanne Aspros)[LINEAGES: Darryl & Robert Stehbens sons of Noel s/o Edward Robert s/o Claus Detlef s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben; Leanne Carter Aspros d/o Arnold Carter s/o Catherine Ellen Strand d/o David George Strand s/o Emma E Stäben d/o Detlef Staeben.]
• Ian Stehbens at Great Wall of China & Berlin Wall (1 KB)
  To stand on the Great Wall of China was a most significant moment in Ian Stehbens' life as a geographer, and to stand at the Berlin Wall was an epitomic moment in his career as a peacebuilder. From 1966 to 1988, Ian was a geographer. From 1995, he began to emerge as a peacebuilder in the Pacific Region, intervening in areas of conflict to bring reconciliation and build sustainable peace. In 1983, while leading a team of Australian geographers, Ian Stehbens visited the Great Wall of China. As he stood there, Ian realized that this was not just an ancient military defence system, but a remarkable divide. On one side are the Han people who developed a sedentary culture based on grain cultivation and irrigation, which required permanent settlements, civil service, and powerful defence systems. On the other side are the Mongol people who depended on a migratory herding economy. With it came a highly mobile society with a guerrilla system of warfare. Health regimes and status were entirely different on either side, as was almost every aspect of life for the two cultures. Divides not only separate difference but also generate difference - in this case for millennia! Ian Stehbens first visited China in 1975-76 as part of an apolitical delegation to the People's Republic of China. As a geographer he has travelled widely, taught and lectured in many nations and written a number of books including Settlement Patterns & Processes (Longman), The Changing Surface of the Earth (Thomas Nelson). He has been recognised as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London), awarded the Thompson Medal by the Royal Geographical Society Queensland, and honoured with the Commonwealth Institute Award by the Education Departments of both Queensland and Australia. Then since taking up an appointment as Principal of Alan Walker College in Sydney, he has founded Pacific PeaceBuilding Initiatives Ltd.
• Dennis Stehben loves fishing the Mississippi River (57 KB)
  Having seen the pictures of Ken & Richard Reusche, on this family site, with their trophies of 10 point stag and a nice muskie, Dennis Stehben of New Berlin near Milwaukee began to relive his years of fishing the lakes, backwaters and rivers of the Upper Midwest of the US, especially the Mississippi. These photos of earlier years are proudly displayed for every fisher who has ever had a catch photographed with delight. As well, Dennis has written a short article "FISHING THE MISSISSIPPI" which can be found as a Related File on this site. Dennis is a 1st cousin to Ken Reusche. While the recreational fishermen in the family have stories to tell, maybe some of the Queensland professional fisherman in our family (Trevor Purkis, Ken O'Connor, Ken Hansen) who work the Coral Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria may have some excitement in store if their American cousins want to try their skill as deckhands, when they make it to Australia for a family holiday. [LINEAGE: Dennis son/of Harold s/o Nicolaus Stehben s/o Franz Stäben s/o Franz s/o Frantz & Cathrin Rheder Stebens.]
• 50 th Wedding Anniversary : Robert & Minnie Saint (35 KB)
  Robert James Saint married Minnie Sophia Strand on October 25, 1911 in Bundaberg. 50 years later they celebrated in Bundaberg with their family. Pictured L-R Front are Eric & Gloria Louttit holding Brett, Percival & Thelma Chapman, Leslie & Gladys Mergard, Robert & Minnie Saint, Jean Saint, Molly Saint, Marjorie Asnicar; Back L-R: Garnett Saint, Glenn Mergard, Carol Chapman, Lorelle Mergard, Cecilia Saint, Geoffrey Chapman, Dennis Saint, Adrian Mergard, Reg Saint holding Bruno Asnicar, Stanley Saint and Georgior Asnicar. [LINEAGE: Minnie Strand was the 4th daughter of Emma Stehbens (Staeben) & Frederick Strand. Minnie d/o Emma d/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Hinrich Stebens.]
• Conservation of original Stehbens Homestead site (60 KB)
  The conservation of the original Stehbens homesite in Australia has been achieved with the gazettal of Stehbens Park by Bundaberg City Council. In this aerial image of Stehbens Park, the well site is marked by a single Acacia tree. Faintly in the foreground and to the left of the well (tree) the square site of the original homestead that Claus Johann Stehbens built can be discerned. The track that led to the house persisted as the main farm entry route for 120 years. It can be seen as a straight line to the left of the cricket pitch. It led from Kepnock Road to the Stehbens home. When the house was built it was described as "house and barn combined". This was the usual farmstead design of Johann's native Dithmarschen in Holstein. The well was about 15M deep and was bricklined. The bricks were made by his father, Detlef, at a creek about 800M away (today's Baldwin Swamp). Stehbens Park is an L-shaped section fronting Kepnock Road opposite Kepnock High School and running through to Clive Crescent opposite the western end of Stehbens Drive. Keast Court is the cul-de-sac in this image. [To view an air photo of the entire area of Johann Stehbens selection, including Stehbens Park click on the Related Link: "Air Photo of Johann Stehbens' original Bundaberg Selection" at the bottom of the Home Page.]
• Thomas Strand goes to War and returns with a Bride (29 KB)
  Thomas (2nd from right) is pictured with fellow diggers in France in 1915. Thomas Strand and Dorothy Hounsome were married in Bundaberg in 1920. Thomas had enlisted in the 21st Machine Gun Company on 18 January 1916 and returned to Australia on 25 March 1919 four months after Armistice Day. He was awarded the Military Medal in 1914. Returning to civilian life and marriage to London born Dorothy Hounsome, he became a plumber, mechanic and farmer. He served again in the Second World War and returned home again. When he died in 1956, Thomas was given a full military funeral by the Returned Serviceman's League. He was buried in the military section of Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane, Queensland. Thomas older brother, Henry Alfred Strand also enlisted in 1916. He was not so lucky. Sent into battle in Ypres, Belgium in July 1917, he was killed in action on 26 September 1917. His grieving mother, Emma, wore his AIF badge proudly on her dress at every opportunity. [LINEAGE: Thomas & Henry Strand sons of Emma Stehbens d/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Riddle of Detlef's Brickmaking: Bundaberg AirPhoto (1 KB)
  SOLVING THE RIDDLE OF DETLEF'S SELECTION. Claus Johann Stehbens selected his land at Bundaberg in July 1871. He immediately moved his family from Maryborough to the block beginning continuous residency. Ten months later in May 1872, his father, Detlef, selected land at the head of Bundaberg Creek, 1km north. With his application he paid the first year's rent in advance. Then 13 weeks later on 14 August 1872, he wrote to the Lands Department relinquishing the selection: "I have the honour to inform you that the agricultural part of my selection No.600 has been included in the Selection No.568 Samuel Smyth's and the balance is nothing but a swamp and quite useless in itself for settling upon. I have under the circumstances to request that the government will permit me to make my selection elsewhere in a more favourable locality." So the riddle: Why did he select such land knowing the block before he selected it, and being there as Samuel Smyth developed his block? Why, when you know a block of land so well, would you select it then relinquish it a few months later describing it as "nothing but a swamp and quite useless for settling upon"? At first, I thought the registration dates were incorrect and that Detlef may not have seen the land, selecting it unseen from the survey plans in Maryborough, which showed a permanent creek flowing through it. But that answer was wrong. The answer lay elsewhere. The site has permanent water fed from the springs at the edge of basaltic lava flows. Quality clay and scrub timber were abundant. Detlef was a bricklayer who knew how to make bricks. (I have visited the brickpit in Wöhrden where he worked before coming to Australia.) Before 1876, his son, Johann, had a highly valued well on his selection and it was bricklined and very deep. Herein lies the answer. Detlef was an opportunist. He selected land (#600) to access resources to make bricks. Then surrendered it - with full refund!
• Cyclone Fran wrecks Ken O'Connor's Trawler: 1992 (39 KB)
  Ken O'Comnnor of Burnett Heads near Bundaberg, Queensland operates a trawler in the Coral Sea, harvesting up to a tonne of spanner crabs per day. In March 1992, when Cyclone Fran was forming in the Coral Sea, Ken decided to take early precautions and bring his vessel into the Burnett Heads marina. Unfortunately, as the tropical cyclone tracked over Bundaberg in the early hours one morning, Ken's vessel "Anona" was sunk when a pontoon smashed through its hull. Three yachts in dry-dock were blown over. "It might have been safer if we had gone to sea" he said. The next day was spent diving under the vessel to nail boards to cover the hole, before refloating it. "The motor will be wrecked and the electrics gone" he said. "It could be a write off". [LINEAGE: Ken O'Connor son of Florence Lister d/o Ernest Nicolas Lister s/o Caroline Wilhelmine Stehbens (baptised Stäben) d/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens] (Photo: G McLachlan)
• Modern Wedding: Donna McAlpine & G. Glenn Shea (168 KB)
  Donna and Glenn were married in Sharon Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA on 31 August 2000. Glenn is a Newfoundlander, born in Channel. Donna is a nurse , currently working in a Fertility Clinic. She was born in North Carolina. Her lineage is Donna McAlpine d/o Jacqueline Stehben(s) d/o August A E Stehbens s/o Nicolaus H Stehben s/o Franz Staben s/o Franz Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens. The City of Charlotte, where Donna & Glen live, interestingly, is located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The Stebens ancestral home is in Mecklenburg, Germany.
• Erica Kakoschke, Ian Stehbens & Helen Tattersall (42 KB)
  When Helen Tattersall, who resides in Sydney, was visited by her sister, Erica Kakoschke from Adelaide, she invited Ian Stehbens to call around so that they could talk family history. Discovering the family website together, sharing memories, asking questions, looking at photos and sharing stories creates a special bond. Helen and Erica are daughters of John Leslie Stehbens and Eileen (nee Heitmann) and therefore great grand-daughters of Jacob Heinrich Stehbens (nee Stäben). Jacob and his wife Anna had migrated from Germany in 1865, to Maryborough, Queensland, eventually settling at Edithburgh, South Australia.
• Deborah Hyde introduces Doug Hyde's family (18 KB)
  The family is large and relationships are complex. When Deborah Hyde lived at "The Watertower" on Jimbour Station near Dalby, Queensland, she discovered that other families of the Stehbens Clan lived nearby. This stimulated her interest in family history and genealogy. She joined the Dalby & District Family History Society. She met her 2nd cousin-1 removed, Brian Strand and his wife Lois, 4th cousin Robyn Stehbens & her husband Michael Brumpton. Her Uncle Douglas Hyde who was also interested in family history visited her with his family in order to meet other members of the extended family. Pictured are Deborah Ellen Hyde, her Uncle Douglas Hyde and his wife, Florence (nee Bottomley), their son Gregory Hyde and Greg's children, Melinda Joy Hyde and Michael Gregory Hyde. The portraits were taken in 1999. [LINEAGE: Deborah Hyde d/o Leslie Hyde s/o Isabella McGee d/o Emily Strand d/o Emma Stäben aka Emma Stehbens d/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens. Michael & Melinda Hyde children of Gregory Hyde s/o Douglas Hyde s/o Isabella McGee d/o Emily Strand d/o Emma Stehbens d/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens.]
• Riverboat on the Mississippi @ Clinton, Iowa, USA (17 KB)
  Nicolaus Stehben(s) and his wife Emma (nee Winkler) lived at Lyons & Clinton on the right bank of the Mississippi in Iowa. He worked as foreman for Clinton Water Works Co. for nearly 40 years. The riverboats and the barges that plied the river became part of the family identity. The river was a profound barrier to east-west movements, but a remarkable highway for north-south movements. Its flooding and its recreational opportunities shaped the lives of the families who lived on its banks. And 45km downstream at Davenport, Franz H Stebens worked on the first bridge erected across the mighty river, and he assisted in bringing the first engine across the river (to Davenport) on the ice. [Photo Source: www.rootsweb.com/~iaclinto ]
• DETLEF & ANNA STÄBEN: earliest photograph, 1865 (57 KB)
  Early photography recorded many embarking in Hamburg for a new world. This photo of Detlef & Anna Staeben was taken in Hamburg just prior to their embarkation in 1865. They had come from Wöhrden with 11 of their family to migrate to Queensland on "Sophie". The "Sophie" was the 1st vessel to take German immigrants to Hervey Bay. They arrived in Maryborough August 30, 1865. Anna died in 1870, in Maryborough; Detlef died in Bundaberg in 1892. He and his son Claus Johann Stehbens were the 1st Germans to select & develop a farm at Bundaberg. Their family multiplied as Stehbens, Lister, Anderson, Jules, Strand in Queensland, Quarrie in New Zealand, and Stehbens at Edithburgh in South Australia. This remarkable photo was rephotographed in Bundaberg c1890, and kept by their grandson Theodor Stehbens. [Photo supplied by Maud Stehbens, Biloela.]
• HEIDI STEHBENS married Gary Pontifex 2001 (60 KB)
  Happy 6th Wedding Anniversary: Gary Pontifex married Heidi Stehbens at Springwood Uniting Church, City of Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia on 7th January 2001. Heidi and Gary are pictured here with Heidi's parents, Ian & Margaret Stehbens. Both Ian & Margaret are ordained ministers of the Uniting Church in Australia. The wedding celebrant was the bride's father who was assisted by Rev Laurie Thompson and it was held in the church where Rev Margaret Stehbens ministered at that time.
• Wilhelm G Andresen & Edith (Laynton) & family (199 KB)
  Daisy Anderson, Andrew Anderson, Emily Anderson with their parents Wilhelm G Andresen & Edith (nee Laynton) and youngest brother, William Anderson. Like many immigrant families to Australia, their surname spelling was fluid for the first generation or two. Andreas Andresen migrated to Australia and married Wiebke Stehbens, one of the first Lutheran weddings in Maryborough (1867) on the same day as other young Germans were married, including Wiebke's brother, Claus Joahann Stehbens. This was an occasion! A pastor had come to Maryborough for a visit, and weddings were part of the purpose. While Andreas & Wiebke Andresen became known as Andrew & Kate Andresen, their children became known as "Anderson". About 260 descend from Andrew and Kate, and are living in Queensland at Innisfail, Babinda, Miriwinni, Cairns, Edmonton, Atherton, Mareeba, Aloomba, Bundaberg, Gin Gin, Hervey Bay, Gympie, Imbil, Brisbane as well as at Alyangula, on Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory.
• Moynehan's Store, Imbil _ First Every Time! (44 KB)
  Bill Moynehan established the first General Store in Imbil in 1915. One of his employees, George Price (L) was later to buy the business and continued the tradition of serving the whole Imbil community with most of its retail needs until his death in 1978, after which his son, George David Price (R) inherited the business conducting it until he died in 1981. His widow, Pauline sold the business, and it became a Four Square grocery supermarket. It is currently conducted as a 7 day convenience store. George Price married Elsie Stehbens (C) in 1930. Their 2 children, Georgie and Cathie were significant employees in the business for many years. George D Price, married Pauline Cordell and she served in the store too. Cathie served in the store too until she married John Waller, and then they together purchased the local bakery from Walter Adams. In the Mary Valley Pastoral & Industrial Society 10th Exhibition Prize Schedule Moynehan's store is advertised as "The Best District Exhibit. Moynehan's First Every Time for Quality, Cleanliness and Fair Prices. 1st General Store in Imbil. 1st to give a weekly delivery. 1st to give motor delivery. 1st to stock furniture and musical instruments. 1st to stock motor tyres and accessories. 1st to sell motor cars in Imbil. 1st to stock separators, farm implements and machinery. 1st to install petrol pumps in the Mary Valley. 1st to erect a modern store in the Mary Valley. 1st to install plate glass frontage in the Mary Valley. 1st to install iced soda fountain in the Mary Valley. 1st every time! General Merchant, Auctioneer, Land & Commission Agent. IMBIL. [George David Price & Catherine Mary Price c/o Elsie Stehbens d/o Robert G Stehbens s/o Claus J Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Rachael Heidi Pontifex born 14 Oct 2005 @ Penrith (43 KB)
  Rachael Heidi Pontifex is the first child of Gary and Heidi (nee Stehbens) Pontifex of St Clair NSW. Rachael was born at Nepean Private Hospital, Penrith NSW on Friday morning 14th October 2005, as her granddad Stehbens was training peacebuilders who had gathered from around the Asia-Pacific Region. Some of the peacebuilders were keen to meet the beautiful new girl and so Mrs Audrey Benaesia from Honiara, Solomon Islands and Mrs Marcelline Tunim from Bougainville PNG were 2 of them. They held her, prayed for her and blessed her that she too may be a peacemaker. In the lower panel 4 generations are depicted: Heidi Catherine Stehbens, Winnifred Rose Smith, and Rachael with Ian Robert Stehbens. The lower right photo was taken by her mother who continues to ecstatically delight in her infant daughter. Heidi writes, "a photo of our beautiful Rachael. A week ago she weighed 6.85kg and was 62cm long. She will be 4 months old on Tuesday (!!)"
• 50th Wedding: Cliff & Elsie Anderson, Emu Park Q (24 KB)
  Cliff Anderson married Elsie Hindmarch, daughter of Caroline Iseabell Stehbens & Jack Hindmarch of Bororen, in the Church of England, Gladstone Queensland on 24th July 1943. Their Golden Wedding Anniversary was celebrated in Bundaberg, Queensland in 1993. Pictured with them are their 3 children: Ray Anderson, Margaret Harp and Norman Anderson. [LINEAGE: Elsie Hindmarch d/o Caroline Stehbens d/o Claus Detlef Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• LSMT Shawn Stehbens on board HMAS Darwin (27 KB)
  Shawn Stehbens is the only son of Christine (nee Read) and Kerry Stehbens of South Kolan, Queensland. Kerry grew up at South Kolan and attended high school in North Bundaberg. After high school he enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy and served on HMAS Adelaide. In this image he is photographed on board HMAS Darwin. During a tour of duty in the Persian Gulf his crew were involved in the intercepting of vessels regarded as trading illegally between Iraqi and other ports. [LINEAGE: Shawn Mitchell Stehbens s/o Kerry Leonard Stehbens s/o George Leonard Stehbens s/o George Theodore Stehbens s/o Wilhelm Christon Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• Paul Schravemade in concert: Sunken Depth (26 KB)
  Paul Schravemade performed a solo jazz concert in Sydney, to the theme "Sunken Depth". It was a captivating concert, exploring life to find treasures in sunken depths. The concert included Alan Lerner's "Almost Like Being in Love", Sammy Fain's "Secret Love" and Cole Porter's "So Nice to Come Home to". The climax was his performance of "Rythm of the Earth" composed by Justine Bradley which he sung in encore. But it was his own composition "Free Bound" in which the real treasure of forgiving grace was found. He was backed by Michael Bartolmei on piano, Zoe Hauptman on double bass and James Hauptman on drums. Paul also performed solo on national television with the Wesley Institute Choir in the Opera House for Easter 2004. [LINEAGE: Paul s/o Pamela Stehbens d/o Robert s/o Robert s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• Sara, Janice & Ryan Reusche @ Mt Rushmore 2000 (56 KB)
  Dan Reusche & his wife Janice Markusen Reusche with their 2 children Sara & Ryan, enjoyed a holiday travelling in the Dakotas of the US, and Mount Rushmore was a highlight. Between 1927 and 1941, Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers sculpted the 60-foot busts of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln into the cliff face of Mount Rushmore. The images of the four U.S. Presidents represent the first 150 years of US national history. The Stehben/Stebens family has contributed to US national history for 145 years. [LINEAGE: Dan is son of Ken Reusche, s/o Maria Stehbens d/o Nicholaus Heinrich Stehben s/o Franz Stäben s/o Franz Staeben s/o Frantz Hinrich Stebens.]
• HELEN STEHBENS: QT Director Rail Ports & Aviation (1 KB)
  As part of her duties as Director of Rail Ports and Aviation for Queensland Transport, Helen Stehbens attended the official closure of the Yaraka branch rail line 14 October 2005. She is pictured with Robert Bauer beside the last locomotive to run to Yaraka in Western Queensland. Mr Bauer, Isisford Shire Council CEO, said "It's the last official train to Yaraka... and the shire's decided that it will be more advantageous to the regions to have a sealed road from Jericho to Windorah to open up a vast tract of inland area." The sealed road will shorten the route from the Channel Country to the Rockhampton meatworks for beef producers. It is anticipated that viability of small towns and tourism in this inland region will be enhanced, and so they have negotiated with Queensland Transport to transfer funds otherwise spent on maintaining the rail line to sealing 360km of the road. Helen Stehbens, as a QT Executive Director, has overseen the preparation for the first Rail Network Strategy and the consultations for the proposed Port Network. Helen was born in Bundaberg and grew up near to the site of the first Stehbens selection in Australia. After secondary school at Kepnock High School in Bundaberg, she completed her tertiary studies at University of Queensland, Brisbane and at Australian National University, Canberra. Prior to joining Queensland Transport, she had worked for the Australian Government, as a transport economist on a range of projects involving QANTAS, and other government owned transport enterprises. Following her return to Queensland in 1991, she played a major role in the development of policy and legislative frameworks for the 9 corporations in the government's transport portfolio. Helen has a daughter. [LINEAGE: Megan Hollins d/o Helen Stehbens d/o Geoffrey & Elaine Stehbens s/o Allen Stehbens s/o Wilhelm Christon Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens.]
• ROCKY VIEW: Dave Stehbens' Selection @ Bororen Q. (47 KB)
  Two views of "Rocky View" were taken 40years apart. The top picture was taken during the stud heyday, the bottom one was taken in 1977, 20 years after the Stehbens' sold the property and it had ceased to be a functioning dairy farm. Claus Detlef Stehbens selected "Rocky View" and resided on it from 21 November 1892. He developed it into a successful Jersey Stud and Dairy, eventually selling it in the 1950s when he retired to Gladstone, Queensland. Dave was a remarkable man especially with his skills of woodworking, leatherworking, metalworking and bricklaying. He and his children were recognized for their very capable equestrain skills. He and his wife, Amy Weston had 13 children and around 330 descendants have been recorded. Dave was born 30 June 1870 in Maryborough, 2nd son of Claus Johann & Ottilie Stehbens, and died in Gladstone on 2 July 1956.
• Sylvia Morrison celebrates her 100th birthday! (48 KB)
  When Sylvia Quarrie Morrison celebrated her 95th birthday in 2002 (this photo), she was surrounded by family who gathered in Tauranga, New Zealand. Three Great-Grandchildren were able to be there. The family from around the world honoured Sylvia. Sylvia was the daughter of Minnie Stehbens and George Quarrie who migrated from Childers, Queensland to Shannon, New Zealand after the 1902 Great Fire in Childers; Minnie was the 2nd child of Wilhelm Stehbens & Hannah Elizabeth Elvery; Wilhelm was the son of Detlef Staeben & Wilhelmine Grube who migrated from Schleswig-Holstein to Maryborough, Queensland. Sylvia's descendants include 2 children, 7 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren as well as 3 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren. Sylvia celebrated her 100th birthday, on 8 September 2007, and passed away 19 October 2008, aged 101. She is the oldest Stehbens descendant to have ever lived!
• Jacob Stehbens became a salt carter in Edithburgh (171 KB)
  The Castle Salt Company operated at Edithburgh on the Yorke Peninsula of South Australia. It drew its salt from the salt lakes nearby. Salt carters with their horses and wagons brought the bagged salt to the stockpiles in Edithburgh, and from there it was taken down the ramp to the jetty and hauled out to the ketches and other vessels that were loaded from the pier. Jacob Heinrich (Stäben) Stehbens was one of the salt carters. Jacob was the son of Detlef Stäben and his first wife Catharina Margaretha Clasen. Jacob accompanied his father and step-mother and siblings when they migrated to Maryborough, Queensland from Hamburg on the "Sophie" in 1865. At the time Jacob was married and he and his wife, Johanna, brought their two infant children, Claus Detlef and Anna Margaretha with them. Anna died during their first week in Maryborough. Four children were born while they were in Queensland, before Jacob and Johanna moved to the Pine Creek Goldfield. There another son, Johann Hendrick, was born in 1875. Soon after the family then sailed to South Australia, and settled in Edithburgh, so planting the South Australian sub-clan of the Stehbens family. Tragedy struck. On 8th November 1891, Jacob was killed by an out-of-control salt cart on the Edithburgh Jetty. He was buried in Edithburgh. On his tombstone was inscribed, "Thou knowest not what the day will bring forth." His eldest son, Claus Detlef Stehbens became a gold miner on the Coolgardie field in Western Australia, being away from his family for around 4 years, 1896-1899. On his return to Edithburgh, he became a successful blacksmith. "He was the cleverest blacksmith and wheelwright that ever was on the peninsula" was common hearsay. "He was a very skilled and inventive smithy."
• George & Doris Stehbens of South Kolan celebrate (34 KB)
  George Leonard Stehbens married Doris Nola Messenger in Christ Church, Bundaberg, Queensland on 20th September 1952. They have lived in the South Kolan sugar-growing district west of Bundaberg through their married life. Their 7 children and 18 grandchildren and many more family and friends bless you and honour you. The global Stehbens/Stebens Family rejoices when such milestones are reached. George & Doris' 18 grandchildren from Kerryn Lea Stehbens (B. 15 Feb 1976) to Mikaela Charlotte King (B. 19 Apr 2001) are 7th generation Australian Stehbens. [Photo supplied by No.1 daughter, Dianne Bush. Thanks Dianne]
• Michelle Stehbens BEd graduates from CQU, 2004 (30 KB)
  Michelle Marie Stehbens teaches at Sarina State School. She graduated from Central Queensland University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Education. [LINEAGE: Michelle d/o Robert s/o Noel Stehbens s/o Edward Stehbens s/o Claus Detlef Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens].
• CLAUS JOHANN STEHBENS 1845-1897 (17 KB)
  C. Johann Stehbens was one of earliest group of selectors in Bundaberg. He became a successful farmer, the first German to do so at Bundaberg. The surname spelling on his baptismal certificate determined the spelling used in Australia. He migrated with his parents and siblings from Wöhrden through Hamburg to Maryborough onboard the "Sophie" in 1865. His agricultural selection, the first to be developed by German immigrants in the Bundaberg district is now a residential suburb, Kepnock, in Bundaberg. The original homesite is now reserved as a park on Stehbens Drive, Bundaberg. (This, the first land owned by the family in Australia, would have to be the favoured site for a family reunion in Australia!)
• Peters, Claußen and Mundt Family of Wöhrden 2005 (50 KB)
  In Wöhrden in 1824, Anna Staeben married Swenn Friedrich Peters and had children Claus, Anna and Peter Friedrich Peters. Who their descendants are we do not know, but some Peters families in Wöhrden, Australia and America may well be who we are looking for. This search took our family researcher to Wöhrden to meet Günter Claußen who is a Peters descendant. Günter Claußen is the church’s musical director in Wöhrden, a performer in local productions and a community leader. Günter and his wife Lisa Jacobs live with their married children in their extended family home on the perimeter of Wöhrden, Dithmarschen, Germany. His grandfather Peter Peters was killed at Lagny, France during World War I. Anna Michaelsen and Peter Peters had 4 children: Berta, Anni, Marta and Herman. Their grandchildren include Günter Claußen, Irmgard König and Ernst König. Ernst migrated to Australia and lives in Canberra. PHOTOS: Günter (top left); Lisa; one of their sons Ralf; Margaret Stehbens of Australia with Ralf’s wife, Martina Steinbruegger. Herman Peters who like his father was killed in action; Berta Peters Claußen; Ian Stehbens with Irmgard and Günter sharing family photos; and Oskar Mundt husband of Irmgard. Oskar and Irmgard live in nearby Wesselburen.
• Kingaroy Boys serve in World War l (22 KB)
  Frank Bertram Carrodus, the husband of Hilda Stehbens, served in the Australian Infantry Forces during the Great War. He is pictured here as a new recruit, then in a studio in Egypt which he dated 22 March 1916, and again in London which he dated 22 August 1917. He was known as Bert Carrodus. On return home he married Annie Matilda Jane Stehbens in the Kingaroy Methodist Church on 29 Decemebr 1919. His brother-in-law, Melville Stehbens is depicted in Portraits 4 and 5. Portrait 4 was taken after he enlisted, and 5 was inscribed "somewhere in France". Photo 6 is of Les Stehbens - with the "feather in his hat" of the Australian Light Horse Brigade. [LINEAGE: Frank Bertram Carrodus m "Hilda" Annie Matilda Jane Stehbens. Hilda, Melville and Leslie Stehbens were the 1st, 2nd and 4th children of Ludwig Rudolph Stehbens and Amy Mathilda Melville. Ludwig s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Wayne Stehbens is a leading Australian winemaker (3 KB)
  Wayne Boyd Stehbens is the senior winemaker for Katnook Estate in the Coonawarra wine producing area, north of Mount Gambier, South Australia. Wayne and his wife Michelle live on the estate. They have three children: Todd, Drew and Phebe. Wayne's father, Ray Stehbens was a vineyard manager near Mildura and then on Katnook Estate, and so Wayne grew up in the industry and developed remakable knowledge and skill that has resulted in his becoming a leading and multiple award-winning winemaker, with both national and international reputation and recognition. His wines are marketed under both Katnook Estate and Riddoch labels. Some of the wines that have been outstanding in a variety of years include Chardonay Brut, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon. "Luxurious" is a word that appears in Wayne's wine-tasting notes. Judges of his wines use words such as "wonderfully rich, oaky, sumptuous, concentrated"! Any family winebuffs would do well to search out a bottle of Katnook Estate for the cellar. But watch out for the price. You need to be serious or a collector - they are top wines! [LINEAGE: Wayne, Raymond, John William, Wilhelm Christon, Claus Johann, Detlef, Frantz Hinrich.]
• TERRY STEHBENS has wide experience in management (21 KB)
  Terry Stehbens together with his wife Annette, and daughter and son-in-law own and operate a Four Square grocery store in Victoria Avenue, Redcliffe, Queensland. Terry was once Queensland Manager for Provincial Traders Pty Ltd, a major food processor, manufacturer and wholesaler. After that, for 19 years, he was manager for Big Rooster, then Red Rooster, a fast food chain. He then chose a good time, 1999-2003, to be in real estate sales, with Harcourts of Redcliffe. Terry particularly enjoys the public relations aspects of his work. Terence Stehbens is a father of two daughters and grandfather to Taylah. His lineage is: Terence Russell Stehbens son/of William R R Stehbens s/o William (aka Ned) Stevens s/o Wilhelm Stäben s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Hinrich Stebens.
• Ian Stehbens talks with Megawati Soekarnoputri (50 KB)
  On Tuesday 8th March 2006, Ian Stehbens met with Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri, former President of the Republic of Indonesia. The meeting took place as part of a National Consultation (Konsultasi Nasional) on the Unity of Indonesia with a particular focus on religious tolerance and pluralism. "Mega", as she is adoringly called in Indonesia, officially opened the Peacebuilding Convention led by Ian Stehbens, Founding Director of Pacific PeaceBuilding Initiatives Ltd. Other significant national leaders who attended included General Tri Sutrisno, Bishop Suanda, Deputy Governor of Bali, and Akbar Tanjung who is the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Republic of Indonesia as well as the former Chairman of Golkar Pati. Rev Stehbens addressing the Consultation said that "the deepest sense of humanity is discovered in reconciliation. To achieve reconciliation at the personal, communal or national level, truth, justice and mercy had to be given full attention. Only when each is expressed, and as they come together, is reconciliation possible. Following conflict (in a nation) reconciliation is essential for national unity." After the opening day of the covention, Rev Stehbens led a 10-day training workshop in peacebuilding for delegates from many conflict areas in Indonesia, including Poso and Manado in Sulawesi, Ambon and Maluku, Sumba, Sumbawa, Lombok, Flores and Bali. Other trainers included ex-Senator Rev John Woodley, Dr John Steward, Dr Made Nyandra, Mary-Fay Maeni, Pdt Victor Hamel, Dr Ketut Waspada and Ms Komalawati.
• Pastor @ St Nicolai Church, Wöhrden visits Sydney (183 KB)
  Pastor Dietmar Gördel, the current pastor of St Nicolai Church in Wöhrden, Germany, with his wife Annette and their 2 small sons visited Sydney, Australia in 2003. Some of the Stehbens clan who live in Sydney were able to meet them. Pastor Gördel came with precious gifts. First he brought 2 photos of Stehbens descendants who have lived in Wöhrden, being part of the clan that remained in Schleswig-Holstein. These photos may be found on this website as "The STÄBEN Clan in Wöhrden". Pastor Gördel also brought a copy of each of the local histories, "Geschichte der Gemeinde Wöhrden" and "Staat und Kirche in Dithmarschen". He spoke to the group about the unique history of the church and of the area, of the results of his enquiry to the church elders asking if they knew of any Stebens descendants in the area, to which Günter Claußen, one of the elders, replied, "Yes, I am one of them myself!" Pictured: Jennifer Thomson, Margaret Stehbens, Serena Clarke, Dr Thelma Hunt, Ron Clarke, holding Eugene Clarke, Annette & Pastor Dietmar Gördel, Heidi Pontifex, Ian Stehbens, Norma & Harry Dickson. Others of the clan who attended included Bronwyn Syder with Chloe, Scott & Russell Syder, and Takoko Clarke. In June 2005, Ian and Margaret Stehbens reciprocated the visit, and met Günter Claußen and his family as well as Pastor Dietmar and Annette Gördel in Wöhrden.
• Henry & Emma Stehbens; Victor & Percy @ Halifax, Q (34 KB)
  Johann Heinrich Stehbens married Emma Lorenzen in 1895. At first Henry selected land at Bororen as did 2 of his brothers, Dave and Bill. While Dave stayed on his land at Bororen, and Bill returned to Gin Gin to farm "Tabletop", Henry and Emma moved to North Queensland, where Henry became a travelling saddler. He worked in Mackay for a while, then moved to Townsville where he worked for Bates. Then he began his own business in Macrossan Street, Halifax for 39 years. He retired to a farm at Yungaburra on the Tablelands during the depression but struck bad seasons. He finally moved to Cairns. The sickness and early death of his son Percy was a deep sadness for him. Percy died aged 38 years and Henry died a few years later age 70. Both Henry and Percy are buried in Cairns. Whilst the family lived in Halifax, Victor and Percy purchased a "motor boat" which they called "Pervic" and operated in the Herbert River. Though the family had moved to North Queensland they stayed in touch with their southern relatives, and this photo of "Pervic" is taken from a postcard they sent to their Uncle Bob and Aunt Kate Stehbens and their cousins in Imbil c1929. Victor has almost 40 descendants who have made significant contributions as senior managment in banking, in microbiology research, rugby league, church leadership, workplace safety auditing, in the Queensland Police force and a variety of other fields.
• Jim & Dulcie Clark's Diamond Wedding Square Dance (26 KB)
  Jim & Dulcie Clark celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary (18 March 2003) with a swinging square dance in Melbourne. Their celebration's theme song, "Over the Rainbow" was sung by their granddaughter Tanya Pope, who had flown in from New Zealand for the occasion. They are pictured with their son Les and Vera Clark, grandson Tony & Lisa Clark, Tanya Pope, and a niece Kay with her husband, Keagan Smith. Along with many congratulatory cards & messages there were special cards from HM Queen Elizabeth II, Governor-General of Australia, the Prime Minister, Premier of Victoria, and members of parliaments. It was a wonderful party for 2 very special people, who love to dance! [LINEAGE: Tony Clark s/o Leslie Clark s/o Dulcie Turner d/o Myrtle Stehbens d/o Claus Detlef Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Wakefield Family @ Erin's wedding , Mackay , 2001. (21 KB)
  L-R: Melissa & Chris Wakefield, Tony & Diane Wakefield, Erin & Troy Gibson. Most parents celebrate the weddings of their children with joy. Erin Wakefield's wedding to Troy Gibson was the second joyful celebration in a month for Diane and Tony Wakefield of Sarina, Queensland, Australia. Four weeks earlier, on September 1, 2001, their son Chris married Melissa. LINEAGE: Chris and Erin are children of Diane Nielsen d/o James Nielsen s/o Myrtle Lister d/o Ernest Nicholas Lister s/o Caroline Wilhelmine Stehbens d/o Detlef & Anna Staeben who migrated from Wöhrden, Holstein to Maryborough in 1865. Liam Gibson was born to Erin & Troy on 13 January 2003. They now live in Middlemount, Queensland.
• Summer view of Manor House at Blücher, Mecklenburg (12 KB)
  The small Blücher community near Boizenburg, Germany was the ancestral home of the Staeven family during the final period of feudalism. The Staeven surname was recorded as Stebens from the mid 1700s here, and remains as Stebens there today. However, when members of the family moved away, the name was variously recorded by pastors of the time as Staeben, Stehben, Stehbens. The Manor House shown here is pictured in other photos on this site, and can be located on the Map of Blücher.
• Quabba Families of Innisfail hit by Cyclone Larry (1 KB)
  The people of Innisfail can't believe they survived category-5 Cyclone Larry. But shaken north Queensland residents are rebuilding their lives amid devastation. For one of our family, Chris Quabba who fled his home during the height of the storm, his survival was a miracle. His partner, Kallie Stout, 19, said “We thought we were going to die.” She and Mr Quabba, 21, were terrified as wind buffeted their home. They grabbed a swag and some tinned food and hid in their underground storeroom. Within seconds of getting to the storeroom, they heard loud banging and saw most of the top part of the house blown away. "I have never been so scared in my life,” she said. Chris’ aunt, Lorinda Quabba, who lives on a cane farm at Bellenden Kerr, 35 kms north of Innisfail, said: “Many of the residents of Innisfail lost everything. Here on the farm at Bellenden Kerr, we have lost our farm machinery shed, and there has been water damage in the house as some windows were blown out. Trees 75cm thick have been snapped off - unbelievable. The banana plantations are devastated. Most of the cane is snapped. With the cane down, there will be a short crushing season, and that will mean many jobs lost. The local trucking company has laid off 40 workers. Trucks can bring in stock but as there are no bananas to take south, they need financial guarantees from the government to help. The worst part of the experience for us so far, has been to be without water for 7 days. No telephone, no electricity, but no water is the worst. We have it back on now. The Army and Air Force have been very good - working round the clock. When you see that and the way they came with their commitment and organization, you realize we live in a lucky country. It makes you proud to be an Australian.” [LINEAGE: Chris Quabba s/o Robin Ehlers d/o Gloria Anderson s/o Andrew Anderson s/o Wilhelm Anderson s/o Wiebke Katharine Stehbens d/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• Prize Dairy Cows @ Miriam Vale and Imbil Calf Club (36 KB)
  Dave Stehbens bred a prize jersey dairy herd on his "Rocky View" property at Bororen, Queensland. He first selected his farm in 1891, and by the 1920s had an outstanding jersey herd. Championship ribbons and silver cups won by the herd are still prized possessions among Dave's descendants. The top photo of Dave (far right) and 3 of his sons leading their champion cows at the Miriam Vale & Bororen Agricultural Pastoral Show was taken in 1929. The lower photo was taken at Imbil State School in 1959. Ian Stehbens, a great nephew of Dave's, had just won the School's Calf Club competition for training a calf. The ribbon was awarded to the trainer rather than the calf. Ian's Australian Illawarra Shorthorn heifer, Curly, was an orphaned calf, and a special bond between boy and calf contributed to the success. Other boys are Bevin Smith (2nd) with his guernsey calf and Cliff Andreassen (3rd) with his AIS calf. [Photos provided by Dulcie Clark and Pauline Price.]
• Leading Brisbane Organist: John K STEHBENS (124 KB)
  John Stehbens pictured on Brisbane's Albert Street Uniting Church organ in February 1985. As a young boy, John's musical talent was well recognized in his hometown of Childers, Queensland. John studied piano at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. He was a Fellow of Trinity College, London and was a Licentiate in Music of the Australian Music Examinations Board. He became a public servant in the Queensland Department of Education where he was Head of Pay Section, before he retired to devote himself to his musical interests. He was a church organist at Holland Park Methodist Church before he became Director of Music at the Albert Street Methodist/Uniting Church in 1975, a position he held until 2004, when ill-health forced his retirement. John was a much sought-after accompanist and has been featured in the annual 4MBS Festival of Fine Music in Brisbane. He was an experienced Chamber Music performer, being a member of the Pro-Musica String Quartet for many years. He was broadcast regularly on ABC Radio and his music is available on CD. John travelled widely in eastern Australia as an Eisteddfod Adjudicator in both instrumental and vocal fields and was an official accompanist for the City of Brisbane Eisteddfod, adjudicating both instrumental and vocal sections. Music runs in the family. His wife Anita Shaw Stehbens is an operatic soprano vocalist. Their daughter, Lisa, is an accomplished singer and their son, David, is a drummer who dreams of the day his band hits the "big-time”! John passed away on 22 August 2005 after succumbing to a brain tumor. The Albert Street Uniting Church was packed with mourners for his funeral service who attended to give thanks for John's wonderful and remarkable life, musicianship, creativity and witness. [LINEAGE: John Kenneth Stehbens s/o Roy John George Stehbens s/o William Edwin (Stevens) Stehbens s/o Wilhelm (Stäben) Stebhens s/o Detlef (Staeben) Stehbens s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Stäben buried at sea, Atlantic Ocean, 1865 (10 KB)
  During the migration of Claus Johann Frederich Stäben (30) and his wife Abel Catharina nee Heerde (24) on the "Deutschland" from Hamburg to New York in 1865, their new born infant was sadly buried at sea. Johann & Abel Stäben were accompanied by their 63 year old father, Joachim Stäben. After disembarking in New York they moved to Davenport, Iowa to a reunion with Frantz Hinrich Stäben, Johann's older brother (Joachim's firstborn son) who had migrated some 13 years earlier and was settled in Davenport. After 3 years in Davenport together, Johann & Abel moved with their 2nd infant child, Ernest, to take up a farm in Cerro County, Mason City, Iowa. (Incidentally, the 2 masted "Deutschland" was the first vessel with which Adolph Godeffroy established the famous HAPAG shipping line.) [LINEAGE: Ernest Henry Stebens s/o Claus Johann Frederich Stäben s/o Joachim Hinrich Stäben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Pacific & Asian Peacebuilders in Sydney 2003-2004 (227 KB)
  The Kings School, Parramatta, Sydney was the venue for the intensive program of training in peacebuilding offered by Pacific PeaceBuilding Initiatives. PPBI was founded and developed by Ian Stehbens. More than 90 peacebuilders from PNG, Australia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati, French Polynesia, Bali Indonesia, Pakistan, Korea, Sudan, USA & Denmark have been trained by PPBI in 2003-2004. Among the delegates were Top Level Leaders including Presidents, Government Minister, National Church Secretary, and Middle-level Leaders and Networkers such as peace monitors, trainers, diplomats, ministers, pastors, youth leaders, public education officers, childrens workers, and counsellors. The group were trained in Peacebuilding, Restorative Justice, Reconciliation Theology & Practice. Faculty included Professor James Haire, Dr John Steward, Scott Fisher, Rev Ian Stehbens, Rev Margaret Stehbens, Rev John Woodley, Rev Mark Hurst, Rev Mary Hurst, John Dominish, Rev Miriam Arthur, Gordon Jackson, Rev Walter Fejo, Rev Helen Richmond, Rev Dr Yang Myung Duk, Rev Manasa Lasaro, Rev Eric Takila and Rev Ivan Roberts. The training was of the highest standard, and exceeded the expectations of all delegates. From the training and networking many remarkable initiatives flow, contributing to justpeace.
• Aussie marries Kiwi in Ireland: 2004 (31 KB)
  Petrina Booth joyfully married Rory McClelland in Ireland. Petrina comes from Bundaberg and Rory from New Zealand. After their wedding, they returned to the antipodes, and celebrated with their respective families in both New Zealand and Australia. [LINEAGE: Petrina Jayne Booth s 3rd dau of Cherryl Ruth Stehbens d/o Frederick Ernest Stehbens s/o Wilhelm Christon Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Phoebe Gibson & Maud Stehbens share a birthday! (37 KB)
  Tucked away in the eucalypt forest on the western edge of the agriculural Callide Valley in Central Queensland is "Greycliffe", the cattle property of Robert Reimer and his wife, Lorelle Stehbens. Here, near the homestead, is where "Nan" Stehbens lives. Nan is Maud Stehbens. One of her great-grandchildren, Phoebe Gibson, shares her birthday with Nan. Phoebe thinks this coincidence is fantastic! So does Nan! [LINEAGE: PHOEBE GIBSON dau of Veronica Lovi d/o Marilyn Stehbens d/o MAUD (nee PINCOTT) & Stanley Stehbens s/o Theodor Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens.]
• Kenrick Tucker rides in the Australian track team (26 KB)
  Kenrick Tucker comes from a family of cyclists. Kenrick's outstanding performances included successes at World Championships, Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games. He won gold medals at successive Commonwealth Games in Edmonton in 1978 and at Brisbane in 1982 in the 1000M Sprint. In honour of his success in Edmonton, the Rockhampton City Council built a replica of the Edmonton Velodrome in Rockhampton. His gold medal at the Brisbane Commonwealth Games not only made the City of Rockhampton rejoice but it excited a nation. The Tucker family continues to have successes in Masters championships and they have been influential in seeing recent champions Kerry Meares and Anna Meares to the top of the world in sprint cycling. [LINEAGE: Kenrick s/o Edith Brewer d/o Evelyn Miriam Stehbens d/o Claus Detlef Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens b.1771 at Bluecher]
• Bryan Irsik runner-up Kansas Wrestling Champs 2006 (38 KB)
  Bryan Irsik (front) finished the 2006 season with a 40-7 win-loss record, and was runner up to Nolan Kellerman (above) in the Kansas State Wrestling Championships High School Tournament held in Wichita KS. Bryan competes in the 171-pound division and is a Senior at Garden City High School where he is coached by Martin Segovia. [LINEAGE: Bryan s/o Joseph Irsik s/o Victor Irsik s/o Anna Pauline Stebens d/o William Stebens s/o William Stebens s/o Franz Hinrich Stäben s/o Joachim Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• The modern church at Blücher was built in 1870's. (33 KB)
  This attractive church replaced a much larger church that stood to the rear of this present building. A copy of the church records from 1700-1786 is held in the Stehbens/Stebens Family Archives. The Church Register for this period records a few hundred Stebens events (births/baptisms, marriages, deaths, and Godparent sponsors of baptisms). The beautifully maintained graveyard at the church includes the graves of Herbert Stebens, Ida Stebens, Herman Stebens, Berta Stebens and Paul Stebens, all of whom have passed away since 1940. [Photo courtesy Gemeinde Besitz - Blücher]
• Jarrod Stoppel: Principal @ Ingalls High School KS (14 KB)
  Jarrod Stoppel, a Stebens descendant, has Russian German ancestors, as well. His grandfather, Benjamin Ernest Stoppel was the son of Jacob Stoppel who was born in Russia at Nieder-Monjou, and Magdalena Mai who was born at Ahrenfeld Russia. Both Jacob and Magdalena were small children when they arrived with their parents in the US. The Mai family arrived at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada when Magdalena was only 7. These Russian-German ancestors settled south of WaKeeney, KS. Previously, about 80 miles to the southwest, near Lakin and Garden City KS, Iowa-born William Stebens had settled among another Russia-German community, one of whom he married, namely Anna Barbara Ingenthron. Jarrod Stoppel grew up in Garden City, and after graduation from Kansas State University, he returned to teach and coach at Garden City High School. Jarrod completed his Master of Science at Emporia State University, and so through his life he has been engaged with rural communities of Kansas. In 2005, he accepted an appointment as Principal at Ingalls High School & Middle School. Jarrod and his wife Megan, and their children are delighted to be part of the small rural community at Ingalls (population 350), in the middle of Kansas. Here, Jarrod is highly visible for he is both Principal and Athletic Director at the school. [LINEAGE: Jarrod s/o Terry s/o Benjamin Stoppel & Lola Stebens d/o William W Stebens s/o Anna Ingenthron & William Stebens s/o Franz Hinrich Stäben s/o Joachim Heinrich Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• 2 Generations of Stehbens-Moore Descendants: 2003 (58 KB)
  Fred Stehbens married Myrtle Moore in 1936 at Bullyard near Bundaberg, Queensland. Together they raised 10 children. They lived at South Kolan. When their 4th daughter, Irene, celebrated her 60th birthday she and 8 of her brothers and sisters were photographed together: Judith, Debra, Melvyn, Darryl, Pamela, Cheryl (standing) and Hazel, Beris and Irene (seated). Lawrence was not present. Together these 10 siblings generated 35 children, 25 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Including spouses & partners there are a total of 105 descendants of Fred & Myrtle, so far. And Myrtle assiduously, faithfully and proudly kept a record of every birthday and wedding anniversary in her little book! The lower photo includes 22 of their 54 grandchildren, gathered to celebrate the wedding of Trevor Goodman-Jones & Sonya Polzin. Fred & Myrtle lived their whole lives in the Bundaberg District and while half of their descendants were also born in the Bundaberg district, others were born in USA, England, New Zealand as well as from Tully to Tatura, Ayr to Albury, Mt Isa to Melbourne.
• The old church at Blücher dwarfs the post-1870 one (10 KB)
  This drawing of the two churches side by side is a depiction from the 1870s when the 2 churches stood together. The older one was demolished. While the newer one has since had its tower increased in size, it still is so much smaller. Feudalism was able to command labour, but from the beginning of the 19th century, labour cost. It was in the old church that the many events of baptism, marriage and deaths that are common to all the present clans in Germany, USA, Australia and New Zealand took place and were recorded by the pastors. The Pastor who was inducted here in 1765 recorded the surname as STEBENS consistently, and which it has remained in Blücher ever since. He recorded "Johann Jacob Stebens ... aus Blücher" as a Godparent at a baptism on 13 April 1765. The wooden crucifix, candle-holders, oak poorbox, Napoleonic War Memorial, and the baptistry bowl made by Adam Abbe in 1666 were transferred from the old church to the present church building. [Photo courtesy Gemeinde Besitz, Germany]
• 30 Leaders call for Peace in response to Poso Bomb (1 KB)
  A bomb exploded in the Great Jagadnatha Hindu Temple near Poso, Sulawesi, Indonesia, injuring the community leader Moengko Lama I Nengah Sugiarta. The bomb exploded at 7:45 on Friday March 10, 2006 as the leader arrived at the temple. In response, 30 religious leaders from Indonesia and Australia who were gathered in Bali for a peacebuilding conference have called for peace. The conference was led by Pacific Peacebuilding Initiatives and hosted at Dhyana Pura Hotel by the Bali Christian Church. Rev Kanipa from the Bali Church presented their 5-point declaration. Their statement declares that: The bombing is a crime against humanity. The religious communities are not provoked by such actions and will continue to maintain unity and harmony between the religions of Indonesia. All parties with stake in this injury are to think wisely and clearly, to ensure that blame and suspicion are not falsely created. They fully support investigative and sympathetic responses from across the nation, and call for continued peace efforts and work for reconciliation in order to build a better society in Indonesia. That all in Bali should cling to the values and culture of their society, which was created and is strengthened by religious faith that strives for harmony and peace. The leaders included those from the Poso conflict area and from Maluku. Ian Stehbens and John Woodley from Pacific Peacebuilding Initiatives were signatories. The other 28 included leaders of the Church in Bali, Hindu Student Movement (KMHDI Bali), Church of Moluccas, DPD Peradah Denpasar, Ida Nirmalayani from Hindu University in Bali, Jimmy Methusala from Crisis Centre in Poso (CKSF) and Musa Rofiki from the Islam Student Movement. [PHOTOS: J Methusala, J Woodley, R Botilangi from Poso , I Stehbens] Subsequently in 2007, Ian Stehbens visited Poso, Sulawesi. He met with survivors of a bus bombing, internally displaced people whose homes and suburbs in Poso were arsone
• Bundaberg Lister Clan holiday with Grandma: c1929 (28 KB)
  Caroline (Stehbens) Lister was a much loved Grandma to the large Lister family of Bundaberg. One of the special joys was the annual holiday. She had 9 children who produced 50 grandchildren. Some of these have been identified in these group photos. LEFT: Those to the left of Grandma Lister include Joyce Lister, Mavis Lister and Ned Lister, with Thelma Sparozvich and Mildred Lister sitting in front. RIGHT: Those gathered around Grandma Lister, in front of the Ford truck include Jack Wilson, Emma Wilson, Lillian Lister, Arthur Lister, Norm Steep, Charlie Kingston, Beatrice Lister (beside Grandma) & Erna Lister. In the front row are Mavis Lister, Joyce Lister, Vernon Lister, Ned Lister (and others not yet identified). Grandma Lister was born Caroline Wilhelmine Stäben (or Stehbens) in Wöhrden, Schleswig-Holstein on 31 March 1858. She migrated as a young girl with her family to Maryborough, and when her brother and father moved to Bundaberg at the beginning of German settlement, she moved with them. There she met John Lister. They were married at the Customs House in 1873 - one of Bundaberg's earliest marriages. Read Grandma Lister's story below in the Related Files section of this website.)
• Map of Blücher, Germany: 10 kms ESE of Boizenburg (13 KB)
  The village of Blücher is and always has been a small community. The village began in 1230, and in September 2007, it celebrates its 777th anniversary! Today there are thousands perhaps millions of people around the world who have ancestors who once lived in Blücher. Most of its history has been dominated by out-migration. Many left as feudalism was dismantled in the late 18th century, again during the Napoleonic Wars 1813+, in the mid 1800s for the New World, after World War II as Germany was partitioned by the Marshall Plan, and again when Germany was reunited in the 1990's. Frantz H Stebens left in the 1790s and settled at Wohrden, 180kms to the NW. Johann Stebens left in the 1990s to settle in Hamburg. MANOR HOUSE - on bend in yellow street; CHURCH - large building on brown street; Present STEBENS homes - one on each section of mauve street (Lindenstrasse, this line of homes being the former homes of those who kept the cattle, including Stebens in the 1700s. They were called Hueffner); Schaale River flows or floods by, flowing SW to Elbe R, and the dyke (bright green) protects Blücher. [Lageplan courtesy Gemeinde Besitz - Blücher]
• STEBENS Ancestral District in West Mecklenburg (154 KB)
  This aerial photo depicts the agricultural district where the Stebens (or Staeben) families are recorded as living for the period 1619-2004. The area of western Mecklenburg, Germany was part of large feudal estates until the end of the eighteenth century. “Gutes Blücher”, based in Blücher, was one of these estates. Modern Boizenburg, a port and market city on the River Elbe spills onto the western side of the photo. The Hamburg to Berlin Railway divides the photo area and the Schaale River runs north/south across the photo. Blücher's pastor began compiling the Register in 1700, but it records the death of a Stebens who was born in 1619. Other villages near Blücher include Zahrensdorf, Neu Gülze, Tessin, and Besitz.
• "Sophie" Researchers meet in Maryborough 1990 (33 KB)
  In 1990, Ian Stehbens organized a convocation of family researchers who were descendants of the families who migrated to Queensland in 1865 on the barque "Sophie". Stories were told by Phyllis Voss who had known her immigrant grandfather, their lives having overlapped by 30 years. She remembered his stories of the night of his arrival. Kay Gassan and Dr Judith Grimes compiled reports from the "Maryborough Chronicle", about the arrival of the "Sophie" and the transfer of passengers to the "Eagle" which brought them up the Mary River to Maryborough. Ian Stehbens had researched the history of the "Sophie", a J C Godeffroy & Sohn vessel. Those who attended the reunion of family historians (Immigrant family indicated) are shown. BACK: Eric Kopittke (BENFER), Clinton WIECKHORST, Bill Collins, Ian STEHBENS (or STÄBEN), Ken STEHBENS, John HARDERS, Eileen Johnson. 3rd ROW: Shirley Simonsen (WIECKHORST), David Whitley (NAUMANN), Mavis NAUMANN, Gloria Frampton (STÄBEN). 2nd ROW: Phyllis McLean (BURCHARD), Elsie WIECKHORST, Joan Collins, Phyllis Voss, Daphne Whitley (NAUMANN), Margaret Jenner, Judy Grimes. Front: Vonnie Andersen (ANDRESEN), Christine Williams, Charmaine Simonsen (WIECKHORST), Cecily Cameron, Reg FRAMPTON (STÄBEN), Kay Gassan. Others who attended: Jack Templeton, Val Hillier, Gail Burke, Jean Hunter, Sam Dellitt (SCHMEISER), Vivian Stevenson (MARTENS), John DAUTEL, Beris & David Wright (STÄBEN), Helen Postdam (HANSEN). The weekend was hosted by Maryborough District Family History Society Inc.
• Lister Home, 7 Branyan St, Bundaberg: 1896 (204 KB)
  Caroline Lister with 5 of her children pose for the photographer outside their Branyan Street home in Bundaberg, Q, Australia. Those believed to be in the photo are, in descending order by age: Caroline (nee Stehbens) Lister 38, Wilhelmine 13, Annie 8, Fred 6, Edwin 3 and infant Arthur in the pram. There were 12 children in the family at the time and the last born, Roy Lister was born 3 years later. Wilhelmine married Henry Sparozvich, Annie married Francis Kingston, Fred married Susan Long, Edwin married Beatrice Holzheimer and Arthur married Lillian Ayres.
• Blücher looking north from the tower of the church (16 KB)
  This view, from the tower of the Blücher church, looks down on the old Manor House (Herrenhaus) and then northwards across the Schaale River, during a Spring thaw flood. Floods have always been a problem in the area, for a short distance downstream the Schaale meets the Sude R, and the Krainke R before all three flows join the Elbe River. (Photo: Mayor of Besitz, Dr Detlef Timm)
• Stan & Maud Stehbens' large family: 1979 - 1999 (120 KB)
  Dorothy Maud Pincott married Stanley Vivian Stehbens in Kingaroy in 1945 and they raised 10 children, all of whom are married and have raised children of their own, 29 grandchildren for Stan & Maud. Stan & Maud worked their own dairy farms near Kingaroy, then as dairying restructured, he worked for Main Roads Department. He also cut cane in the Bundaberg District, before becoming a farm manager near Biloela, Callide Valley, Central Queensland. He worked on the Biloela Agricultural Research Station for 15 years before retiring in 1986. Pictured in top photo: John, Lorelle, Marilyn, Diane, Bev, Malcolm, Colleen, Philip; Front: Pam, Maud, Stan & Doreen. Stan died in 1991. Stan was son of Theodor & Jane McKenzie Stehbens. *Full captions to above photos will be provided in Related File 'Family of Stan & Maud Stehbens'. [LINEAGE: Stan; Theodor; Claus Johann Stehbens; Detlef Staeben; Frantz Hinrich Stebens]
• Franz Staeben' Birth Record & 3 Female Descendants (38 KB)
  Stephanie Stebens, Mary Brown and Millie Komlofske are living descendants of Franz Hinrich Staeben. They are but 3 of his 600 descendants. Franz was 20 when he migrated from Wöhrden Schleswig-Holstein to Davenport, Iowa. There he married Catharina Elizabeth Luise Lamp when he was 23. Both Stephanie and Mary live in Davenport, IA, whereas Millie lives in Fayetteville, NC. His birth record was photographed in the church register at Wöhrden, Germany. It reads "#38 [Born] 4 Aug 1832, [Baptised] 16 Sept 1832. Franz Hinrich des Jochim Hinrich Stæben, Arbeitsmann in Friedrichsgabe Koog Gärtnerhaus und seiner Frau Margaretha Dorothea geb Kühl ehel Sohn. Gevattern: des Kirchspielvogts Diener Franz Albers von Poppenhusen, Franz Staeben von Poppenhusen, des Schneiders Boje Knuth Dethmann Frau Catharina in Wöhrden." Descendant surnames include ALLEN BRISCOE BROCKER BROWN BURNETT CAMERON CARSON CHAMPINE CLOUD COOLS COPELAND CROKER DEHART DURR ENTLER ESTES FERGUSON FUQUA GEIER GRAVES HAHN HALL HANDLAND HARRIS HARSH HENNINGS HERRMAN HUBBARD HUGILL IRSIK JENNINGS KIPP KISTENMACHER KITTLER KOMLOFSKE KONIGS KOOS KRUEGER LAAKE LAMB LANGLAIS LONGLETT LORENZ MCGEE MCGHEE MILLER MORRIS PAULSEN PEITAN PELNAR PHILLIPS PIETSCHER PIKE QUILTY RADFORD REGGINS RIGGONS RENTFRO RITTER SIMONDS STEBENS STERN STIRPE STOPPEL STRONG SWANSON TINKLER TUCK WAGGONER WASHAM WASHBURN WATERHOUSE WAYMAN WIGNER WILSHUSEN WITT WOLLETT & WORK.
• Outdoors Sportsmen: Ken & Richard Reusche, Iowa (26 KB)
  Deer hunting in the Fall and muskie fishing in the Summer, bond father and son. Ken & Millie Reusche raised their 2 sons, Daniel and Richard Reusche in Clinton, Iowa, USA - the place of origin of one of our American clans. The mighty Mississippi that flows by, and the many morainic kettle-lakes of Illinois and the forests of northern US provide many oppotunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, hunting, hiking and boating. Ken Reusche (1928-95) operated his own Icecream store in Lyons, Clinton, Iowa, USA. It was said of Kenny Reusche that he "was an absolutely delightful companion, both on the hunting trips and in general. He was simply fun to be around, because he made you so at ease. Kenny was everything you could want in a hunting partner. He was skilled, knowledgeable, always willing to go, always asked what his partners wanted to do, was never at a lost for things to talk about, shared his skills and knowledge with his companions, never tried to dominate or control the situation, was as interested in ensuring his partners success and enjoyment as his own, and could hunt as long or as brief as his companions desired. When the hunting was slow, Kenny would rely on his considerable comical talents to tell stories, which were always funny. He would often reminisce about previous hunting adventures, or try to figure out how this particular hunting trip could be better." [Read his eulogy, given by his cousin Professor Dr James Stehbens, in a Related File on this site.]
• Ron Schravemade & his Ventriloquist's Doll, Danny (72 KB)
  Ron Schravemade, husband of Pamela Rose Stehbens, is a most effective ventriloquist. Danny and Ron entertain children and adults alike with humour that produces uproarious laughter. Ron uses Danny, or rather Danny uses Ron, to share the Christian gospel with children. Ron, a former Director of Gospel Service Mission, has been engaging children at schools, beach missions, camps and conferences for almost 50 years. [LINEAGE: Ron, a Dutch immigrant to Australia as a child, married Pamela Rose Stehbens d/o Robert John Stehbens s/o Robert Gustav Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Hinrich Stebens]
• 2 Ian R Stehbens, 7 David Stehbens & David Stebens (24 KB)
  There are 2 Australian men called Ian Stehbens: Ian Robert Stehbens and Ian Roy Stehbens are both named after their respective fathers, Robert and Roy Stehbens. They both married women whose surname was Baker, respectively Margaret Baker and Janet Baker - unrelated to each other. Also pictured are 2 men called David Stehbens, both born in Brisbane in 1972. David John Stehbens (3rd from left) is the nephew of Ian Roy Stehbens and son of John Kenneth Stehbens, whilst David Stehbens (right) is the son of Ian Robert Stehbens (left). Now, while there are only 2 Ian Stehbens, there are 4 David Stehbens and 1 David Stebens in the family today. David Alan Stehbens (b.1941 Bundaberg Q), David John Stehbens (b1958 Loxton SA) as well as the 2 pictured above. David Charles Stebens (b.1988 Davenport IA) lives in Davenport. In addition, 3 of our significant ancestors were known as David Stehbens, viz. Detlef Staeben (b1814 Poppenhusen S-H), his son Claus Detlef Stäben (b1863 Edemannswisch S-H & m. Annie Osborne) and his grandson Claus Detlef Stehbens (b1870 Maryborough Q & m. Amy Weston). If any of you want the lineages for all this, email the webmaster, and I'll happily make it all clear!
• Rejoicing as Michelle Stehbens marries Steven Walz (48 KB)
  Michelle (nee Stehbens) married Steven Walz. They married at Whitsunday Waters Resort, Dolphin Heads, Mackay, Queensland, Australia on the 18th September, 2004. The photo of her immediate family includes, from left to right, Austin Edge (nephew), Darren Edge (brother), Jane Edge (sister-in-law), Casey Stehbens (s-i-l), Michael Stehbens (brother), Desley Stehbens (mother), Steven Walz & Michelle (nee Stehbens), Robert Stehbens (father), Natalie Desbois (sister), Daniel Desbois (nephew), Tim Desbois (brother-in-law) and Marie Stehbens (sister). The family live on the Central Queensland coalfields.
• Warren Entsch, Hon. Member, Australian Parliament (9 KB)
  Warren G Entsch was the Liberal member for the Far North Queensland electorate of Leichhardt, in the Australian Parliament. He was first elected in 1996, and was returned at both subsequent elections. He retired from parliament in 2007, prior to the general election at which the Liberal-National government was soundly defeated, and the Labor Party led into government by Hon Kevin Rudd. Warren Entsch began his career in the Royal Australian Air Force, then tried his hand at a range of occupations before taking up a pastoral property in 1988. He is the father of three sons. [LINEAGE: Warren Entsch son of Mavis J Anderson; dau/o Andrew Anderson; son/o Wilhelm Andresen; son/o Andreas Andresen & Wiebke Katharine Stehbens; dau/o Detlef Staeben; son/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Ian & Janet Stehbens' Family welcome Andrew 2006 (22 KB)
  Retired builder, Ian Roy Stehbens and his wife, Janet Sylvia (nee Baker) welcome another grandson, Andrew Jay Stehbens. Left to right: Ian holding Andrew (b. 13 Mar 2006), Janet with Jenna Stehbens. Kathy Hopkins (who has 2 children, Ashleigh & Hayden), Brendan Stehbens, and Mark Stehbens with his wife Toni Whiteley and daughter Jenna Stehbens. [LINEAGES: Kathy, Brendan & Mark Stehbens ch/o Ian Roy Stehbens s/o Roy John Stehbens s/o William Edwin Stehbens s/o Wilhelm Stäben s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens.]
• Ken Williamson: author of Secondary Science books (23 KB)
  Ken Williamson has been writing science books for 30 years. Together with Peter Stannard and other co-authors, Ken has had many titles and edtions published for the Australian Secondary School market. His titles are used in many other nations as well. In Malaysia, for example, they are officially recommended to teachers to assist them with the teaching of Science using English. Ken is married to Lorna Davis and they have 4 children: Phillipa, Duncan, Alistair & Ian. [LINEAGE: Kenneth Bruce Williamson s/o Catherine Daphne Stehbens d/o Robert Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Keppel Hansen pioneered tourism to Lady Musgrave I (7 KB)
  Eric Keppel Hansen (he preferred to be called Keppel) initiated the operation of a passenger boat service between Lady Musgrave Island and Bundaberg. His boat was called "Sapphire". Lady Musgrave is a coral cay and enclosed lagoon in the southern Coral Sea. Originally, Keppel was a lighthouse keeper, then he became a professional fisherman. When World War II began he attempted to enlist in the Royal Australian Navy, but was told he was too old. So instead he served in the US Army Small Ships fleet, and it was his task to deliver boats to New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Papua and New Guinea. After the war he returned to commercial fishing. At one point, he went to Norfolk Island for Cottees Passiona, and while there he saw the possibility of commercial whaling. He began a whaling station, but after 4 years there was a fire, which burnt the station down. He returned to Bundaberg and was employed by Fairymead Mill, to service their copra plantation in Solomon Islands. So his vessel traded in cargo and recruited local labour to work on the Unilever plantation on Yandina Island, Solomon Islands. (Yandina had been a US submarine base during the war.) During this period, he heard many of the stories of the past, in relation to the Youngs of Fairymead and their unscrupulous captains and crews of labour vessels engaged in the "Kanaka trade". [Keppel married Esme Lister dau/o Ernest Lister; son/o Caroline Stehbens; dau/o Detlef Staeben/ son/o Frantz Stebens]
• Nicolaus & Emma Stehben Family of Lyons, Iowa USA (36 KB)
  German immigrants to Iowa, Nicolaus Heinrich Stehben & Emma Winkler married in St John's Church, Lyons on 18 July 1888. Emma was a 5 year old when she migrated with her parents, but Nicolaus was 16 when he disembarked from the "Salier". He had relatives in Iowa, who had previously migrated. Nicolaus was known as Henry N Stehben in America. Emma and Henry had 6 children, their first two daughters Alma and Clara both dying from diptheria at the end of March 1892, as infants. The other children are pictured in the summer of 1910 with their parents. Clockwise: Henry (baptised Nicolaus Heinrich Stehben) born 18 March 1867, John born in 1895, Mae (baptised Maria Sophia Dorothea Stehben) born in 1893, Emma 1871, August Arnold Stehbens 1906, and Harold Marvin Stehben 1909. The family lived in Lyons and Henry was foreman for the Clinton Water Works Co, working for the company for more than 40 years. Both Henry & Emma are buried in the Oakland Cemetery, Lyons, Iowa USA.
• You're a LEGEND, Gaz - in your own Lifetime! (35 KB)
  You’re a legend, Gary! Congratulations on your team winning the Metro Indoor Cricket Championships in Sydney. In your own lifetime you’ve become a legend, and it took you only 31 years! Gary Pontifex married into the Australian Stehbens clan, by marrying Heidi Catherine Stehbens, dau. of Ian & Margaret Stehbens. As a Sports Administrator, he supervised the training venue for Handball and Volleyball during the Sydney Olympics. His occupation is Train Driver: a small boy’s dream come true. His hobby is driving fire trucks for the local Rural Fire Service: a second small boy's dream come true. And his car? a HSV Holden! Gary drives inter-city electric trains from Sydney to Newcastle, Kiama, & Lithgow. Driving for the 2000 Olympics, earned him a medal of recognition, another dream realised. As part of his service to the community, he organizes a netball competition for around 30 teams and he is a volunteer for his local Rural Fire Service Brigade. He is pictured with RFS Commissioner Phil Koperberg at the presentation of the new truck. May your life be filled with many more fulfilled dreams.
• Transformation of Tipper Stehbens' Blacksmith Shop (28 KB)
  Leslie Stehbens was Edithburgh's last blacksmith and harness maker. Known as Tipper Stehbens he operated his forge until mid-1976 in a shop at 35 Blanche Street, Edithburgh, South Australia. The shop had been constructed by his uncle, Claud David Stehbens, in 1888. CD Stehbens began as a blacksmith at Corney Point, at the western end of the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia, but after a couple of years he was able to move back to Edithburgh in 1888. Both Uncle Dave and Tipper were renowned as blacksmiths for their craftsmanship and capacity to solve the mechanical problems of the farmers and salt carters. Dave always won first prize for his wagons at the local shows on the Peninsula. Today the shop has been fully renovated and authentically rebuilt using paddock stone, lime wash and much of the original timber. It became a Bed & Breakfast establishment which is popular with Adelaide visitors. [LINEAGE: John Leslie Stehbens s/o Johann Hendrick Stebbens brother/of Claus David Stäben s/o Jacob Heinrich Stäben s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• Tying the knot in a Family Loop: 4th Cousins Marry (18 KB)
  When Astrid Calis married Stephen Hunt at Mena Creek, North Queensland in 2003, they did not know they were related, and therefore tying a knot in the Family Tree. But Astrid is Stephen's "4th cousin - once removed". The union of the two branches of the tree became real with the birth of their daughter, Angelina Scott. So Angelina has 2 Stehbens lineages. Stephen Hunt was born in Innisfail in 1976, the son of Robert Hunt and Lesley Humphreys, whose mother is Dorothy Anderson, daughter of Andrew Anderson s/o Wilhelm Andresen s/o Wiebke Katharine Stäben or Stehbens d/o Detlef Staeben. Astrid Calis was born in Mt Isa in 1977, the daughter of Harry Calis and Kaye Adsett. Kaye is d/o Julia Stehbens d/o Wilhelm Christon Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben. To help you understand the cousin relationships, here are the lines, side by side: the common ancestors are Detlef Staeben & Ann Grube; their children Claus Johann and Wiebke Katharine were siblings; their respective children Wilhelm Stehbens and Wilhelm Andresen were 1st cousins; their respective children Julia Stehbens and Andrew Anderson are 2nd cousins; their respective daughters Kaye Crystal Adsett and Dorothy Crystal Anderson are 3rd cousins; their respective daughters Astrid Calis and Lesley Humphreys are 4th cousins. And as Lesley is Stephen's mother, Stephen is his wife's 4th cousin one generation removed. Or, the fun way of saying it is that Stephen is his daughter's 5th cousin!!
• John & Clare Stehbens' family, Middlemount Q 2004 (48 KB)
  John Theodore Stehbens is the eldest son of the late Stan & Maud (Pincott) Stehbens. He married Clara James in Biloela in 1967. They have 3 children, Greg, Karen & Andrew Stehbens. Greg has 2 children Luke & Ida. Andrew & Tracy Davison Stehbens have a son Thomas. John, Karen and Andrew all work in association with the major coal mining industry in central Queensland. Greg works on a vegetable farm outside Bundaberg. As John has 7 sisters and 2 brothers the descendants of Stan & Maud including their partners, not surprisingly number 102! (That's 34 great-grandchildren and 29 grandchildren.) [LINEAGE: John Theodore Stehbens s/o Stanley s/o Theodor s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• New Zealand Historian: Rev Dr Laurie Barber 2003 (5 KB)
  In 2002-2004, Laurie and Petra Barber lived in Kerikeri beside the beautiful Bay of Islands, in New Zealand's Northland. He was inducted as the Union Parish minister in Feb 2002. Laurie began his working life as a farmer in the Manawatu, North Island, New Zealand and he studied for a Dip. in Agriculture at Massey University, Palmerston North. Later, he completed a BA at Canterbury University, Christchurch and then he studied theology at Knox Theological College, Dunedin. His first parish was with St Marks Church in Palmerston North, NZ. From there, he became chaplain with the Royal NZ Infantry Regiment based in Singapore, training for the Vietnam War. As an army chaplain he was required to accompany the forces to Vietnam, visiting NZ units training South Vietnamese forces. On his return to New Zealand, he studied for a PhD in history at Massey University. He found he loved writing, history and teaching. Laurie was the first person to undertake a PhD in history at Massey. His thesis was about the Very Rev Dr James Gibb [1857-1935]. Laurie used his examination of Gibb's work as a window into the social, political and religious changes of that time. Laurie took up a position as assistant lecturer at the then fledgling University of Waikato, Hamilton NZ, in 1975, teaching religious history and military history. He has a keen interest in church history. Laurie imagines that he might write an historical novel. He has written or co-authored 13 books. They include books on New Zealand history, the history of some of Waikato's counties such as the Waipa District Council, and New Zealand military history. [LINEAGE: Laurie s/o Vera Quarrie; d/o Minnie Stehbens; d/o Wilhelm Staeben (Stehbens); s/o Detlef Staeben; s/o Frantz H Stebens]. See Related File to read some of Laurie's 2002 articles from 'The Bay Times'and a selected bibliography of his published writing.
• Dave & Amy Stehbens & Family @ Rocky View, 1911 (70 KB)
  Dave Stehbens was the 2nd son of Claus Johann & Ottilie Stehbens of "Mountain View", Albionville on the Burnett River, upstream from Bundaberg, Queensland. He married Amy Weston who lived nearby. Dave (Claus Detlef) and 2 of his brothers were horsemen who worked their teams on the construction of the North Coast Railway from Bundaberg towards Gladstone and Rockhampton. It is understood that once the line reached the Bororen district, the 3 brothers, Dave, Bill and Henry Stehbens, opted to select recently subdivided agricultural land at the foot of the range. While both Bill and Henry sold their selections, Dave stayed and developed a successful dairy stud, "Rocky View". In this picture taken in 1911, Sydney George Stehbens is the infant on his mother's knee. The older children are Edward Robert, Claus Percy, Janet and Caroline Iseabell. The two girls seated are Amy Otilda and Elizabeth Myrtle. (Annie was born in 1908 but had died in 1909. She was buried in the Bororen Cemetery.) Four more children were later born into the family: Evelyn, Donald, Herbert and Jessie.
• Bundaberg's 1st woman Lifesaver Thelma Sparozvich (20 KB)
  Who of Grandma Zillmann's 16 grandchildren have inherited her swimming ability? Thelma Sparozvich was a champion swimmer in Bundaberg in the late 1920's and became the first female lifesaver. Her grandmother, Caroline (Stehbens) Lister, was especially proud of her. Thelma did all her swimming at the public baths in Bundaberg, because during the Depression, the family was too poor to go to the beaches at Bargara or Burnett Heads. She later married Herbert Zillmann and they had 3 daughters. Today their grandchildren have White, Rehbein, Tallon, Anger and Gentles surnames. [LINEAGE: Thelma Sparozvich d/o Wilhelmina Catherine Lister d/o Caroline Stehbens d/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens.]
• Christine (Zillmann) & John Beckmann, Imbil, Q. (31 KB)
  Christine Zillmann, a Great-Great-Granddaughter of Wiebke Katherine Stehbens, married John Beckmann. Both grew up in Imbil, Queensland, across the street from each other. John and Christine developed a rural camping ground in an idyllic setting on Yabba Creek. The swimming, fishing, canoeing attracted holidaymakers to their "Island Reach Resort". In 2005, after 30 years, they sold their resort to new owners. John and Christine have 2 children, Lexi and Scott. [LINEAGE: Christine d/o Christian Zillmann s/o Daisy Anderson d/o Wilhelm Andresen s/o Wiebke K Stehbens d/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]. See Related Link to Island Reach Resort.
• Change of Direction for Brumpton Family (15 KB)
  Robyn Stehbens and Michael Brumpton, were married in 1992 at Rangeville Uniting Church, Toowoomba, Queensland. They are pictured here with Jake and Ben at Elizabeth Farm, Rosehill, NSW, attending the wedding of Robyn's younger sister, Heidi. Robyn was working for Queensland Health where she was responsible for management of communicable diseases in Queensland, until Michael completed his theological studies. Then in 2005, the family moved to St George, Queensland, where Michael was appointed to be the Minister to the Uniting Church congregation. Formerly, Michael was an agricultural lecturer at Dalby Agricultural College, until he received a call to minister to rural communities of inland Queensland. Now, Robyn is a Registered Nurse based at St George Hospital. She is a senior consultant nurse who has responsibility for nursing in the region's hospitals.
• Announcing the Birth of Matthew Robert Stehbens (33 KB)
  STEHBENS - BURNICLE. David and Karen are truly delighted to announce the birth of their first child, Matthew Robert Stehbens. He was born at Sunnybank Private Hospital, Sunnybank, Queensland on Wednesday 19th April 2006. Matthew weighed 3.38Kg, and has light brown hair. He is the first grandchild for John and Carol Burnicle, and cousin to Jake Brumpton, Ben Brumpton and Rachael Pontifex. [LINEAGE: Matthew Robert Stehbens s/o David Ian s/o Ian Robert s/o Robert John s/o Robert Gustave s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• Australian & Two US Clans Reunite after 150 years (23 KB)
  In mid-2002, reunions between members of the 3 Clans in the New World occurred, when Ian & Margaret Stehbens of Parramatta, Australia visited the US to study at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg VA. First of all, Ray & Norma Reusche of Atlanta took them on a tour of Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge (Left), visited Jefferson's "Monticello", Washington's "Mt Vernon" and Washington DC. In Fairfax, they were provided with marvellous hospitality by Cathy & Mike Reusche. Next they visited New Berlin and Milwaukee to meet up with Dennis & Eunice Stehben and their daughter Kristine Stehben. Together they travelled to Davenport Iowa, where another reunion brought together 4th cousins from EACH clan, viz Ian, Dennis, and Don Stebens (Centre) in the home of Donald Charles & Kay Ellen Stebens. On this wonderful occasion they were joined by Kay & Steven Brown, Dorothy Hennings, Millie & Richard Reusche, Stephanie Stebens, Kinzie Stebens, Kaleb Stebens, David Stebens, Ricky Stebens, Melody Paulsen & Cassandra Paulsen. A 3rd reunion took place in Iowa City, when Don & Kay took Ian & Margaret to the home of Professor Jim & Barbara Stehbens. Here Ron & Cheryl Reusche and their children, Megan, Derek and Kayla Reusche joined in. Not for 150 years had the 3 branches been together! (Right: Jim, Ian & Don together in Iowa City.) By the way, it was just as special for the 2 US clans (Stebens based in Davenport) and (Stehben/Reusche/Stehbens dispersed from Lyons & Clinton IA) to be meeting as it was for their respective meetings with the Australian Stehbens representatives.
• Julianne Stehbens married Colin Sonntag 17.5.1975 (24 KB)
  Julianne Stehbens married Colin Herbert Sonntag in the Methodist Church, Loxton, South Australia in May 1975. Julianne is the daughter of John Stehbens and Patricia (nee Ward). Sadly, Julianne's dad had died 2 years before her wedding. Colin is the son of Herbert Franz Sonntag and Isadora Zilm. [LINEAGE: Julianne d/o John David Stehbens s/o Maurice David Stehbens s/o Claus David Stäben s/o Jacob Heinrich Stäben s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]. For a photo of the children of the Stehbens family of Loxton, LINK to (copy & paste into address bar)http://www.genealogy.com/users/s/t/e/Ian-Stehbens-Oatlands/PHOTO/0051photo.html
• Erecting Buffalo Fly ‘Sheds’, Kantaka Station 2004 (27 KB)
  Christopher Stehbens (left) and his sister Denise (Torenbeek) working on the family grazing property ‘Kantaka’ at Gin Gin, Queensland. Christopher works for Rio Tinto mine at Emerald and Denise lives at Gunalda. Chris and his parents Lionel and Colleen own ‘Kantaka’. Lionel and Colleen live on the neighbouring property ‘Hazeldean’. In the warmer months, buffalo fly constantly attack the cattle, harassing and stressing them. To offer relief from the marauding flies previously necessitated frequent mustering, excess handling of stock and extensive investment of labour and time. Several sheds are now completed and have proved successful in eliminating the problem. A molasses trough is placed against a corrugated iron wall at the rear of the small shelter, the cattle pass under a draped hessian ‘curtain’ containing repellent chemical placed at the front, and thus administer their own fly-control treatment - a brilliantly simple and effective innovation. Photo: Jacob Stehbens [LINEAGE: Jacob s/o Christopher s/o Lionel s/o George s/o Wilhelm s/o Claus Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens]
• Map locating Blücher and Wöhrden in North Germany. (39 KB)
  Blücher is located on the lowlands of the Elbe Valley, about 60kms upstream of Hamburg, in the Berlin-Hamburg corridor. When Frantz Stebens left here in the 1790’s, he settled at Wöhrden, 110kms NW of Hamburg, close to the coast of the sullen North Sea. Here land has been reclaimed from the sea and is defended by dykes. As 2 of Frantz’ sons (Joachim & Detlef) & 4 grandsons (Franz, Jacob, Claus Johann, Wilhelm, and Claus Johann) and their dependents left for USA and Australia, they embarked in the port of Hamburg. When in 1884, it came the turn of Frantz’ great-grandson, Nicholas Hinrich Stehben to migrate from Wöhrden to Iowa, he left through Bremen on the “Salier” and disembarked in New York.
• Infants Teacher @ Fortville, Indiana USA: 1996 (21 KB)
  On hands and knees, Ian Stehbens gets down to the level of the kindergarten children at First Methodist Church, Fortville, Indiana. Ian was a guest missioner of the United Methodist Church in the USA during March 1996. The purpose of the invitation was for Ian to inspire and stimulate renewal of faith among congregations in Fortville IN, Hillsbro OH, and Nashville TN, and to preach at outreach events each night, inviting people into open relationship with God revealed in Christ Jesus. Rev Summer Walters and his wife Betty, who were ministering at Fortville in 1996, were planning to work in a voluntary capacity with Ian at Alan Walker College in Sydney during 2004 - 2005 until Summer's health prevented this reunion. [LINEAGE: Ian Stehbens s/o Robert J Stehbens s/o Robert G Stehbens s/o C Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o F H Stebens] (Photo: courtesy S Walters)
• Gillen Siblings: Maureen, Valerie & Robert (21 KB)
  Maureen Campbell of Canberra, Val Burton of Melbourne and Robert Gillen of Cherry Gardens, South Australia are the children of Delrene and Kevin Gillen. Maureen is the Deputy Principal at Kaleen Primary School in Canberra, ACT. [LINEAGE using the registered birth surname spelling or mis-spelling: Delrene Stehbens d/o Clarence Edgar Stebbins s/o Claus David Stäben s/o Jacob Heinrich Stäben s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Hinrich Stebens]
• Diane & Ian get together for Diane's 50th Birthday (21 KB)
  Diane Daphney (Stehbens) Sollitt celebrated her 50th birthday, with a get-together organized by her daughters Darlene, Clorinda, Katrina and Wanita. Ian Stehbens, Diane's 2nd cousin, could not get to Biloela or Moura, Central Queensland for the celebration, but he was able to get together with Diane on our website. Diane was born in Kingaroy, Queensland in 1953, the sixth child of Dorothy Maud (Pincott) and Stanley Vivian Stehbens. She is married to Arthur Sollitt.
• Ray Reusche reunites US and Australian Clans, 1989 (131 KB)
  Ray R Reusche of Atlanta, Georgia, USA (son of Mae Stehben) through his travels with his wife Norma Hagan Reusche, first reunited the US and Australian Stehbens families when he visited Australia in 1989. The global family recognizes his key research and efforts to regather our family history. When in 1989, Ray and Norma Reusche sailed on the "Columbus America" to Melbourne, they were met by Ian Stehbens and introduced to Stehbens relatives in the Coonawarra vineyards, Canberra, Bundaberg, Imbil, Kingaroy, Sunshine Coast, Caloundra, Brisbane, and Toowoomba. This photo taken by a Courier Mail photographer appeared in the Brisbane daily paper acknowledging the reunion of two clans after more than 125 years of separation. Heidi Catherine Stehbens and Ray Reusche are pictured at the wharf at Fisherman Islands, Port of Brisbane after the "Columbus America" had berthed. The reunion was a beginning of a series of reunions that have occurred since. Ray and Norma also confirmed Ian's original research in Schleswig-Holstein during one of their many visits to Germany.
• Drew, Molly & Sophie STEHBEN of Arkansas USA (33 KB)
  Al's Bunch is growing up. Al and Kritine Stehben live in Arkansas, but almost every summer they travel north to visit Al’s parents in Milwaukee. Last summer was no exception. Alan Lee Stehben is the son of Dennis & Eunice Stehben, and belongs to the Clinton Clan, being a descendant of Franz. Alan and Kristine have 3 wonderful children, Drew, Molly and Sophie. Children demonstrate God's intention that families have a future. Our precious children are vulnerable, and they remind us of the urgency of building a culture of peace. Isaiah 9: 5-6.
• Miracles do Happen: Kaleb Stebens is living proof (12 KB)
  Kaleb Stebens lives in Davenport, Iowa. On June 2, 1998 his life was irrevocably changed when a drunken teenager careered over him and his bike. Dragged down the street under the truck, his skull was shattered and the side of his face torn away. Through the remakable skill of the medical team and the certain answer to prayers, Kaleb recovered. The "J" scar on his face, is for him the signature of Jesus who healed him. His remarkable story as told by his mother Stephanie Stebens is posted on this site as a "related file". It is a very truthful and inspiring story thta has been published in Andy Andrews: Miracles One At a Time (Nashville, Lightning Crown Publishers, 2000).
• David Konig: a real estate sales agent in Canberra (11 KB)
  David Konig is a competent and professional sales consultant with Peter Blackshaw Real Estate in Woden, Canberra — Australia's National Capital. He has an extensive knowledge of the Canberra real estate market. His family moved to Canberra in 1966, and since he has seen Canberra grow to a major city — growth matched by his own expanding experience in the Canberra real estate market. David's earlier career was nursing, first in hospitals and then in emergency services. He is a people person with excellent communication skills. In both health care and real estate, he has demonstrated impressive negotiating skills and is genuinely concerned with achieving the highest possible price for his clients' properties. David has horticultural interests and his home garden has a beautiful display of trees. For recreation he loves to work with his hands. David's father, Ernst, migrated to Australia from Wöhrden, Holstein, Germany in 1951. [Lineage: David s/o Ernst König s/o Anni Eliza Peters d/o Peter Jacob Peters s/o Jacob Peters s/o Anna Staeben d/o Frantz H Stebens.]
• 44 Stehbens Descendants Started School: 2004 (31 KB)
  More than 40 children started school in January 2004, each of whom is a descendant of the Stehbens Family that arrived in Australia in 1865. They include Aharon Cross, Alexander Luthe, Angus O'Connor, Amber Rowe, Ben Brumpton, Benjamin Marks, Brady Powell, Brady Walker, Brandan Ehlers, Brooke Tucker, Calaya Humphreys, Christopher Lister, Ciaran Stehbens, Claudia Ing, Cooper Warner, Cortney Anderson, Dean Farr-Rizzollo, Dylan Tsangarliotis, Faith Scott, Georgia Hanrahan, Hayden Stehbens, Ida Stehbens, Jamie Lowrey, Jarod Davies, Jasmin Carter, Jayden Rankin, Jordon Wright, Jordyn Walker, Joseph Martinod, Lachlan Conrad, Liana Haak, Madison Weber, Maree Gatt, Nicole Jorgensen, Ryan Ford, Sharna Goodman-Jones, Samuel Oliver, Tamyka Gentles, Taylah McLeod, Taylor McNabb, Thomas McKenzie, Thomas Strand, Tia Booth, and Timothy Shailer. [PHOTO: Mick Brumpton. Taken at Marshall Road State School]
• Descendants of 1st German Selectors @ Bundaberg Q (53 KB)
  Almost unacknowledged for 140 years, the Stehbens family were among the first group of selectors at Bundaberg, Q, Australia in 1871. They were the first of the German settlers in the district, but for more than a century were unacknowledged in the history of Bundaberg. The prime reason was that, being the first Germans, they were assimilated very quickly and generally regarded as "English-Australians". In fact, when Wilhelm Stehbens married Hannah Elizabeth Elvery in Bundaberg's Church of England, his name was recorded as William Stevens. Another reason was that the "Sophie", the first German immigrant vessel to Maryborough was overlooked by Maryborough historians as well, partly because its passengers disembarked onto another vessel in Hervey Bay. But the prime reasons for both Bundaberg and Maryborough historians overlooking this significant history was that they did not rely sufficiently on primary sources. Pictured at a family reunion held in Bundaberg to celebrate 140th anniversary of the arrival of their Stehbens ancestors are Norelle Beetham Kasberger, Brian Strand, Thelma Sparozvich Zillmann, Herb Zillmann, Ian Stehbens, Christian Zillmann, Merle Stehbens Pershouse, Dianne Stehbens Bush and Gladys Saint Mergard. The illuminated Stehbens History was framed by Denise Torenbeek and 11 year old Laura Keating has become custodian.
• Sydney Labour sponsor Normanhurst Eagles Soccer (16 KB)
  Jim Tsangarliotis is the Managing Director of Sydney Labour, a company supplying labour to the Sydney engineering and construction industries. The company is proud of its community involvement, including its sponsorship of Normanhurst Eagles Soccer Club. During a club charity night in which $9000 was raised for Breast Cancer research, Jim was presented with this autographed club logo. Pictured are Paul Wade (Club Coach and former Captain Australian Socceroos), Victor Marrieros and Jim Tsangarliotis of Sydney Labour, John Hilaney, Ken O'Keith (Club President) and Rugby League personality Ben Elias who was MC for the night. [LINEAGE: Jim m Sandra Baker d/o Valmay Ferguson d/o Dorothy Hindmarch d/o Caroline Stehbens d/o Claus Detlef "Dave" Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o F H Stebens]
• JOHANNA STEHBENS: Matriarch of EDITHBURGH FAMILY (38 KB)
  Johanna Catherine Stehbens - wife of Jacob Hinrich Stehbens - used to say, "The Germans, they marched in and took our Landt!" She was a Schleswig-Holsteiner. Denmark and the emerging German nation were in tension over the land that lay between them during the 1830-1864 period. This land was Schleswig-Holstein. Some wanted to be separate from Denmark, and in one uprising they were put down. But others didn't agree. If it could have been so, there were many who saw Schleswig-Holstein as independent of both. This was Johanna's position. Johanna was born in 1835 and was 30, married, mother of two infants when she and Jacob migrated to Australia from Schleswig-Holstein in 1865 (not 1863 as in her obit). Within the first week in the Colony of Queensland at Maryborough, her infant daughter, Anna Margaretha, died. Johanna went with her husband to the remote goldfield at Pine Creek (in the Northern Territory today) and eventually settled at Edithburgh, South Australia. She and Jacob took their firstborn and 4 more born in Queensland to Pine Creek, where her 7th child was born in 1875. Later the family settled at Edithburgh, South Australia, where her husband then operated a salt cart. In 1891, tragically, a salt cart ran out of control down onto the Edithburgh jetty killing Jacob. After her husband's accidental death, Johanna continued living with her eldest son and his wife in Edithburgh. Johanna passed away 24 November 1923. Her long life was one of enduring hardship, but she lived long enough to see her family settled and successful. She knew at least 7 of her Great-Grandchildren. In her obituary, while the date of immigration is incorrect (should be 1865), the statement of her being derived from the “Danish Duchy of Holstein” is politically clear, in relation to her roots as well as to her life in South Australia post-World War I.
• Green Brothers: Rockhampton's largest Music Store (27 KB)
  Rod, Jeff & Darren Green pictured at Darren's wedding in 1998. They are the sons of Valma & Ken Green and they conduct Green Brothers Music, William Street, Rockhampton, Queensland. Green Brothers is Central Queensland's largest musical instrument and sheet music retailer. Leading brands stocked include Yamaha, Peavey and Casio. [Email: greenbros@austarnet.com.au] Rod Green is also a City Councillor (See: Related Link for a profile of Cr Rodney Green.) Actually it is a family business and sisters, Pamela and Denise are also involved in the business along with their brothers. Pamela, Rod, Denise, Jeff & Darren are great-great-grandchildren of Emma Stehbens, the youngest daughter of Detlef and Anna Staeben. Emma was 5 when she migrated with her parents to Queensland in 1865. [LINEAGE: Pamela + Rodney + Denise + Jeffrey + Darren Green children of Valma Carter d/of Catherine Strand d/o David Strand s/o Emma Stehbens d/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• Gil Stehbens ponders his future after NZ election (1 KB)
  Journalist Mike Mather in Rotorua interviewed Gil Stehbens 3 days after the 2005 national elections in New Zealand. Dr Gilbert Stehbens was proud to call Rotorua home before the elections, but having lost to the labour candidate, Gil had to decide whether to stay as a resident in Rotorua or return to Auckland where his specialist practice in cosmetic dentistry would be more lucrative. Choices such as this come with politics, and the reality of being an "out-of-town" candidate in Rotorua. You win - you stay. You lose - you tend to go back to where you came from. Mr Stehbens only just lost to Labour MP Steve Chadwick - her 11,465 votes to his 10,933. The dental surgeon wishes he'd done things differently, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. Mr Stehbens regretted he had not done more to attract votes for himself in Rotorua, rather than concentrating on building his party vote. National ended up winning more party votes in Rotorua than Labour. "Everything is easy in hindsight. We ran on a skeleton crew and budget and we did not end up spending anywhere near our allocated budget." Packing up and returning to Auckland was a possibility, he admitted. However, the prospect of remaining in Rotorua, building his profile and attempting to topple the Labour MP in three years was also an attractive choice, he said. Mr Stehbens led Mrs Chadwick in Rotorua and sorrounding rural areas but in the timber milling and paper manufacturing town of Kawerau, Labour strongly outpolled National. In Kawerau, Gilbert Stehbens polled 363 to Mrs Cahdwick's 1101. Labour won the New Zealand elections by 50 seats to 49. "There are big problems in this electorate" Dr Stehbens said and "If I had been a local there would have been a landslide." If he chose to return to Auckland it would be because he chose income over politics for his practice would generate "three times as much in Auckland than in Rotorua and I would be closer to the Auckland network of high
• Derrier Camp, Imbil State Forest, Queensland: 1950 (28 KB)
  After the 1939-45 War in Europe, Australia accepted refugees from Europe. Arthur Caldwell, then Minister for Immigration, called them "New Australians". They were settled in camps around the country, at locations where manual labour could be engaged. Imbil Forestry, in the Mary Valley, was one such location. The first tent camp there was sited at the western foot of Derrier Hill, pictured. Mr George Price delivered groceries to the camp from Moynihan's Store, Imbil. He quickly became the friend of and advocate for the New Australian families, as did his son, George David Price, who followed his example. After a couple of years at Derrier, the "New Australians" were settled in a camp on a flat 2km away, on the southern side of Yabba Creek at Stirlings Crossing. There, they lived for up to a generation under canvas, whilst their overseers lived in permanent timber houses. Their children were trucked to school together with those from the Yabba Creek farm families. One example of a refugee family was that of Jozef Mastalerski. Jozef had left his native Poland as a prisoner of war. He and his wife who had 2 daughters, Marysia and Danusia, born in Germany in 1948 and 1949. As refugees they migrated to Australia. After their arrival at Stirlings Crossing, 2 more children were born, Roman & Franek. Following the death of Joe Mastalerski in 1969, the Australian family lost contact with Joe's Polish family, until 2004. It was through this website that Slawek Kieszczynski, of their Polish family, found a possibility that they may be located. With waves of emotions, the reconnection has been made, joyfully. [Lineages: 1. GEORGE DAVID PRICE s/o & George Edward & Elsie (Stehbens) Price d/o Robert G Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens: 2. Shira Nagel d/o Marysia (aka Marlies) Mastalerski d/o JOZEF MASTALERSKI s/o Wlodzimierz Mastalerski..]
• SYLVIA MORRISON 100: Oldest Stehbens Descendant (20 KB)
  When Sylvia (Quarrie) Morrison celebrated her 100th birthday, September 9th, 2007, she was both the oldest living member of the Stehbens Family, and the oldest ever. Born in Shannon, New Zealand to Minnie (Stehbens) and George Quarrie, she was the 7th of their 10 children. Sylvia grew up in rural North Island where life revolved around the dairy industry and the Methodist Church. Sylvia became an accomplished pianist and had an excellent soprano voice, talents that were in much demand especially for local entertainment. She always had many stories to tell and was dearly loved by her extended family. Her parents had migrated to New Zealand from Childers, Queensland. Though 2 of Minnie Stehbens' brothers had also migrated, they returned to Queensland with their families, but Minnie was not prepared to sail the Tasman Sea a 2nd time, and she and George stayed, planting the Stehbens-Quarrie Family in New Zealand. Sylvia married Samuel Morrison in 1931. They had 2 children, Brian and Doreen. During the last decade of her life, Sylvia lived with her daughter, Doreen, in Tauranga, New Zealand. Brian and his wife and children eventually settled near Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Sylvia has 2 great-great-grandchildren: Alexis & Mercedes Morrison. [Mercedes & Alexis Morrison ds/o Scott Morrison s/o Ian Morrison s/o Brian Morrison s/o Sylvia Quarrie d/o Minnie Stebens d/o Wilhelm Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz Stebens.] Photos taken at her 95th and 99th birtday parties. Sylvia died at the age of 101.
• WELCOME WALL honors Detlef & Anna Stehbens (19 KB)
  Detlef & Anna Stehbens together with another 11 members of their family arrived in Australia in August 1865, finally disembarking at Queens Wharf, Maryborough, Queensland on the evening of August 30, 1865. Now the Australian National Maritime Museum has honoured their arrival by recording their names on the Welcome Wall at Darling Harbour, Sydney. The unveiling of the bronze panel took place on Sunday 12th November 2006. Football star, Branco Culina, addressed the crowd assembled for the unveiling. He shared graphic memories of migrating from Croatia to Australia as a child. The names of our Australian patriarch and matriarch are found on Panel 42, Column 1, Line 24. Pictured are Rod & Helen Tattersall (descended from Detlef's son Jacob), Linda Goricanic, Elaine Scott, Merle Tysoe, Les Clark & Ian Stehbens (descended from Detlef & Anna's 1st born son, Claus Johann) and Ian & Janet Stehbens (descended from Detlef & Anna's son Wilhelm). No headstone marks the lives of Anna or Detlef. Anna's grave has long since been removed in Maryborough, and Maryborough City Council is yet to record their arrival in that city. We intend to create a headstone to mark Detlef's grave in the Bundaberg General Cemetery. The "Sophie" delivered them to Hervey Bay as the first boatload of Germanic immigrants to Maryborough. To read their registration by the Australian Maritime Museum go to www.anmm.gov.au/ww/ww.htm
• Clinton High School Golfers: 1957 (37 KB)
  Jim Stehbens is still winning golf tournaments, almost 50 years on from his golfing days at Clinton High School, Clinton, Iowa. Today he plays in Iowa City and at his beloved, beautiful and challenging Amana Colonies Course. This photo taken of the golf team at Clinton High in 1957 depicts (L to R): Edward Sheller, Jim Carstensen, Karl Heidinger, John Neilson (Coach), David Nelson, Jim Stehbens, Bill Flikkema & John Morgan. Jim Stehbens is the reigning Senior Champion of the Iowa City Golf Championships - three years in a row: 2003, 2004, 2005.
• Ernst König migrated from Germany to Australia (46 KB)
  Ernst König migrated to Australia in 1952 as a young man to work as a builder on State Housing Commission projects in Parkes, NSW. Here he met and married an Aussie girl, Madge Judd, and together they raised a family of 3 children. Ernst came from Poppenhusen and Wesselburen in the Dithmarschen of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. As a child he lived in the same thatched farm house that the Staeben/Stebens family lived in in the early 1800s. [LINEAGE: Ernst König s/o Anni E D Peters d/o Peter Jakob Peters s/o Jacob Peters, who is thought to be s/o Anna Staeben d/o Frantz Hinrich Stebens.]
• Blücher, ancestral village of Stebens origins (60 KB)
  This aerial photo of Blücher bei Boizenburg shows the church in the foreground, and the homes of 2 Stebens families (indicated as #1 and #2). #1 is the home of Werner Stebens, his daughter Beate, her husband Maik Meier and son Philipp Meier. #2 is owned by Johann Stebens who now lives in Hamburg. The dyke that runs across the foreground and snakes through the photo, separates the village from the floodplain to the right. The road leads to Besitz, the next village a couple of kilometres further south. This view looking south does not include the Manor House (Herrenhaus), for it is located a short distance to the northeast of the church. The Stebens family is one of the few families still living in Blücher, who can trace their history back to the days of feudalism. Written records have been located that identify Stebens families living here prior to 1600. (Photo courtesy of Dr Detlef Timm, Mayor of Gemeinde Besitz - Blücher, Germany)
• Commemorative Stäben Tree @ Old Maryborough Town (33 KB)
  To celebrate the Australian Bicentennary on 26 January 1988, Maryborough City Council, invited descendants of families resident in Maryborough before 1900, to plant a commemorative tree. 84 trees were planted. Herb and Mary Oliver planted a Black Bean tree in the "Teamsters Paddock" at the Old Maryborough Township site, as a memorial to Detlef Stäben and his wife and family. Detlef Stäben became known as Detlef Stehbens in Australia, this surname spelling being recorded on his son's baptismal certificate. Detlef's family were among the first German immigrants to come into the port of Maryborough in 1865. While Detlef moved to Bundaberg in 1872, Stehbens descendants have lived in Maryborough continuously ever since 1865. In 1988, Herb Oliver was Deputy CEO for Maryborough City Council. Mary Oliver is a Great-Great Granddaughter of Detlef. [Lineage: Mary Stehbens d/o Walter Stehbens s/o William Edwin Stehbens s/o Wilhelm Stehbens s/o Detlef & Anna Stäben.] A Related File, on this site, lists the pioneers of Maryborough for whom a memorial tree was planted in the "Teamsters Paddock" at the Old Maryborough Townsite.
• Jim Stehbens is Iowa City Senior Golf Champion (70 KB)
  Jim Stehbens won 2003 Iowa City Men's Senior Amateur Golf Championship. Jim's secret to a record-setting weekend at the Iowa City Men's Senior Amateur golf tournament isn't really much of a secret: Hit the fairways and greens, then make the putts. If that sounds like an over-simplification, it probably is. But that's just how simple Jim Stehbens made his seven-stroke victory look. For the 36-hole tournament, Stehbens shot a 1-under-par 143, including a scalding 3-under 69 for the final round at Finkbine Golf Course. Playing in the 2005 Iowa City City Am Championship, Jim hit a 6 over par 222 with very respectable rounds of 74-73-75. However, he and all other players were stunned by the performance of Chad McCarty who hit a record 200, 8 strokes clear of the runner-up. Jim Stehbens was finished 16th in the championships. [LINEAGE: Jim s/o August Arnold Edmund Stehbens s/o Nicolaus Heinrich Stehben s/o Franz Stäben s/o Franz Staeben s/o Frantz Hinrich Stebens of Blücher, Mecklenburg]

Related Files

• Family of STANLEY & MAUD STEHBENS (1 KB)
  Click here for the captions for the 3 photos shown on this site of the Large Family of Stanley Vivian Stehbens & Dorothy Maud Pincott.
• Family of Frantz & Cathrin M (RHEDER) STEBENS (4 KB)
  Frantz migrated away from Mecklenburg and settled near the North Sea coast of Holstein (Germany today) almost 200kms to the NW. Here he married Cathrin Rheder and they produced a family that is the common family for the clans in USA and in Australia as well as those descended from their daughters in Germany. Recovering this family draws many together with a shared heritage, genes, and DNA.
• Passengers on "Sophie", Hamburg - Queensland 1865 (3 KB)
  "Sophie", a JC Godeffroy barque left Hamburg in April 1865 with c170 emigrants for Queensland. The boat arrived in Moreton Bay after a 4 month voyage. Here about 34 disembarked for Brisbane. The vessel was then sent to Hervey Bay, the first German vessel to do so. About 130 passengers were transferred to Maryborough where they were eagerly awaited to begin the development of the sugar industry as labourers and domestic workers. The pioneer Stehbens family were among them: Detlef & Anna Staeben and 11 of their family.
• THE TIGER: a poem for Janet & Andrew Bright (1 KB)
  Janet (nee Wright) and Andrew Bright celebrated a reunion honeymoon riding their bikes in Tasmania, Andrew on his Harley Davidson and Janet on her Kawasaki tiger. When she announced her new bike to the world, Janet sent a photograph of the new Kawasaki bike being cuddled by three of their children. The image was taken with early morning back-lighting. The affection given to a gleaming new bike and the designed power of the beast were deserving of a poem. As William Blake's original poem, The Tiger, has inspired artists, the hope is that this poem may inspire Janet, who is an artist.
• Books & Articles by Rev. Dr Laurie BARBER of NZ (23 KB)
  Lawrence Harold Barber, formerly a professor of history at Waikato University, Hamilton, New Zealand, is currently a minister of Union Parish, Bay of Islands, NZ. Laurie also writes a monthly column for The Bay News. He is a published author of New Zealand local, religious and military history, as well as of major works relating to the wider Pacific and World War II. Ian Stehbens has compiled a selected bibliography of Laurie's work and included samples of his newspaper column from 2002. Laurie is a Great Grandson of Wilhelm Staeben (also known as Wilhelm Stehbens).
• Arrival of Stehbens ancestors in Maryborough 1865 (5 KB)
  There were 13 Stehbens ancestors who arrived on the "Sophie" in Queensland in 1865. One of a convoy of 4 German vessels to arrive in Queensland from Hamburg in 1865, the "Sophie" was sent north to Hervey Bay. Maryborough residents had been clamouring for immigrant labour. The newly incorporated Maryborough Sugar Co, was the first to engage some of our family, directly from the "SS Eagle" on the night of their arrival. The "Sophie" was the first to take Germans north of Brisbane, and therefore they became the first Germans to pioneer the Wide Bay and Burnett Regions of Queensland. Once their 5 years in the colony had transpired, Detlef and his son Claus Johann became the first German selectors to develop an agricultural farm at Bundaberg, Queensland.
• "Fishing the Mississippi" by Dennis Stehben, 2003 (10 KB)
  "If I were allowed to fish in only one spot in the upper Midwest, it would be the Mississippi," writes Dennis Stehben. And if you want to catch Crappie, Sauger, Largemouth Bass, Pike, Walleye, Perch or Channel Catfish here are the tips and the locations. From one who grew up in Clinton, Iowa, comes nostalgic experience of successfully fishing wing dams, roller dams, sloughs and backwaters. And he is one who hasn't lost too many sinkers, lures, anchors or lives.
• Peacebuilders Gather in Virginia 2002 (see photo) (1 KB)
  Peacebuilders from around the world gathered, during May-June 2002, in Virginia USA for intensive program of learning, networking and encouraging. Those shown in the photo on this site are listed in this file. They included Ian Stehbens (and Margaret Stehbens) who has been involved in Peacebuilding in Bougainville, Solomon Islands, and Polynesia.
• ANMM's Welcome Wall records Stehbens Migration (1 KB)
  Australian National Maritime Museum's database has registered the immigration of Detlef & Anna Stehbens to Australia. They are among some 11, 000 registered to date, of some 6,000,000 people who have migrated to Australia throughout its history. This file gives the details of their entry.
• A Glimpse at Winemaker Wayne Stehbens' Trophies (1 KB)
  Wayne Stehbens' is a renowned winemaker who has received industry recognition of the highest order. Twice he has won Australia's highest award for winemaking. He has been awarded many medals, including Gold at the world championships. This file is a sample: it is just a glimpse in his trophy cabinet. It lists recent recognitions at the International Wine Challenge held annually in London.
• Miracles do Happen: Kaleb STEBENS is living proof (13 KB)
  Stephanie Stebens' life was irrevocably changed when her son Kaleb was run over by a drunk teenager. His skull was crushed and brain exposed, and there were severe injuries the length of his body. His mother with openess, courage and spiritual strength tells her story: Miracles Do Happen. At the time of the accident, Kaleb had been rehearsing for a Sunday School musical in which he was to sing; "This Little Light of Mine - I'm going to let it shine". His recorded solo voice did sing that song - one dark night on the journey of a community, a church and a family.
• Resumé of Matthew Royston Parslow of Melbourne (5 KB)
  Matthew Parslow, born in Adelaide in 1981, is a descendant of Detlef Stehbens and his son Jacob Stehbens. Jacob and his family settled in South Australia having left Queensland to follow the gold. The early Australian history of this clan of the family involved the Gympie, Pine Creek and Coolgardie goldfields. It was Jacob who went from Queensland to Pine Creek, and then settled at Edithburgh, South Australia; it was his son, Claus David Stehbens, who was moderately successful on the Coolgardie field. Four and five generations later as opportunity and culure change, Matthew's dad has been involved in education, first teaching in South Australia and now lecturing at Melbourne University. Matthew is skilled and experienced in the IT industry, and currently works for the State Library of Victoria. Here is his edited resumé.
• Project West Wind impacts on Stehbens' Land Values (8 KB)
  Jean Stehbens' farming property at South Makara, New Zealand will be negatively impacted by the construction of huge wind turbines on adjacent land. Meridian Energy are committed to the construction of the project on this excellent site just west of "Windy Wellington", New Zealand. The public presentation by Meridian Energy and the objection of the Stehbens family are presented in this overview article. Sources for the story include Meridian Energy Ltd and Ross Annabelle's report in "Rural News" 11.2.2005. A photo of Stehbens' South Makara farm and homestead is shown on the Family Photos section above on this website.
• SURNAMES OF RESIDENTS, BESITZ 1453-1590, 1765-74 (1 KB)
  Surnames of Residents in Besitz, Mecklenburg have been identified for the periods 1453-1590 and 1765-1774. (Familiennamender Bewohner von Besitz, Mecklenburg.) The village of Besitz is located ESE of Boizenburg, Lauenburg and Hamburg, Germany. Besitz and neighbouring communities at Blücher, Tympkenberg (now Timkenberg), Niendorf, Krusendorf, Gülze, Dersenow, and Kuhlenfeld were part of the parish of Blücher. This file of surnames is significant for family historians and genealogists, because after 1780 a major exodus of people occurred. As the Feudal system disintegrated, and the Napoleonic Wars swept across the area, many people migrated away from these rural areas. Their descendants were distributed across Schleswig-Holstein and then, from there to America, Africa, Australia and into German cities.
• Raymond REUSCHE: A Distinguished Military Career (12 KB)
  BIOGRAPHY: RAYMOND ROY REUSCHE. Ray Reusche served his country, USA, with distinction. Ray was born in Clinton, Iowa before the Depression. Near the end of the War in the Pacific, he had military service in Philippines and Korea. Subsequently, he developed a career in civil service and industry. As he shares his story, his life and insights track the history of the last half of the 20th century, from a US perspective. Raymond Reusche< Maria Stehben< Nicolaus Stehben< Franz Staeben< Franz Staeben< Frantz Hinrich Stebens.
• Ray Reusche's visits to Woehrden, Dithmarschen (7 KB)
  Ray and Norma Reusche of Atlanta USA visited the community and district from which his Stehben ancestor migrated to Iowa USA. In this article he describes the village and the Dithmarschen and refers to its history.
• Report of Pastor Grünenberg of BLÜCHER 1707 (12 KB)
  This is an English translation of the official report of Pastor H Grünenberg, that was submitted to Superintendent Dr J Fechtius and the Church Conference in 1707. In his report, the pastor describes the miserable social and economic conditions at BLÜCHER in 1707. The church is described as perhaps the poorest in all Mecklenburg. The report covers the communities at Besitz, Dersinow, Niendorf, Krusendorf, Steder, Timkenberg and Blücher. It is remarkable document, revealing details of food, giving, occupations, social hierarchy, promises kept and broken, and rural poverty. The church building is near collapse, the parish is newly subdivided from Zahrensdorf, and the pastor begs Superintendent Rev Dr Johannes Fechtius for merciful consideration.
• SURNAMES: RESIDENTS, BLÜCHER MECKLENBURG 1765-74 (1 KB)
  This file of surnames is significant for family historians and genealogists, because after 1780 a major exodus of people occurred from this area, distributing the descendants of these families widely. As the Feudal system disintegrated, and the Napoleonic Wars swept across the area, many people migrated away from these depressed rural areas. Their descendants were distributed across Schleswig-Holstein and then, from there to Iowa, Queensland, South Australia, SW Africa and into German cities. Surnames of Residents of the village of Blücher, Mecklenburg, have been identified for the decade 1765-1774. (Familiennamender Bewohner von Blücher, Mecklenburg.) Some 50 different surnames have been recognized, many variously spelt. A sample includes: AHRENDS, BEHNKE, BEYER, BOLDT, BONATZ, BREMER, CLAMM, EHLERS, HAGEMANN, HÜVE, KIEN, LEMBKE, LIROW, MAHNKE, REDER, SCHROEDER, SPRENGEL, STEBENS, TEPPE, WEGENER, ZEPLIEN. This village was the central village of the Gutshof Blücher, or Blücher Estate. Here the pastor, church organist, and administrator lived. The church and the Herrenhaus were located in this village. There were other villages associated with this estate and parish, including Kuhlenfeld, Dersenow, Besitz, Tympkenberg (now Timkenberg), Gülze, Hühnerbusch, Niendorf, and Krusendorf.
• Descendants of Dorothy Anna STEBENS of Kansas, USA (2 KB)
  Once William Stebens of Davenport, Iowa, migrated by covered wagon to Kansas, he married Anna Barbara Ingenthron, a daughter of Germans who had been settlers on the Volga Lands in southern Russia. They had fled oppression there and made a new start in Kansas. One of his grand-daughters, Dorothy Stebens married Alvin Komlofske, another Volga German descendant. The descendants of Dorothy & Alvin Komlofske are presented in this file. [Source: http://members.aol.com/rodske/komlofske.htm]
• Report of Pastor Grünenberg of BLÜCHER 1707 German (14 KB)
  This is contemporary German translation of the official report of Pastor H Grünenberg of Blücher, that was submitted to Superintendent Dr J Fechtius and the Church Conference in 1707. In his report, the pastor of Blücher describes the miserable social and economic conditions at BLÜCHER in 1707. The church is described as perhaps the poorest in all Mecklenburg. The report covers the villages at Besitz, Dersinau, Niendorf, Krusendorf, Steder, Timkenberg and Blücher. It is remarkable document, revealing details of food, giving, occupations, social hierarchy, promises kept and broken, and rural poverty. The church building is near collapse, the parish is newly subdivided from Zahrensdorf, and the pastor begs Superintendent Rev Dr Johannes Fechtius for merciful consideration.
• SURNAMES: RESIDENTS, TYMPKENBERG, BLÜCHER 1765-74 (1 KB)
  This file of family surnames is significant for genealogists and family historians, because shortly after this period, a major exodus of people occurred from this area, distributing the descendants of these families widely. As the Feudal system disintegrated, and the Napoleonic Wars swept across the area, many people migrated away from these depressed rural areas. Their descendants were distributed across Schleswig-Holstein and then, from there migrations took descendants across the globe. Surnames of Residents of the village of Blücher, Mecklenburg (Familiennameender Bewohner von Blücher, Mecklenburg) have been identified for the decade 1765-1774 as well as for other communities associated with the Blücher Estate and parish, located in the Elbe Valley, 50kms upstream of Hamburg, Germany. Tympkenberg or Timkenberg is one such community. It was an important and productive part of the estate, though subject to flooding. Only about 20 Surnames have been identified with this location for the decade researched. Seven of these surnames were common to the head community at Blücher and this location across the river: STEBENS, KOCH, REINKE, REHSE, JANTZ, LÜBBERT and von TÖBING.
• Life Story Of CAROLINE (Stehbens) LISTER (9 KB)
  BIOGRAPHY: CAROLINE WILHELMINE LISTER. Caroline the 9th child of Detlef and Anna Stehbens has many descendants in Australia. Here is her life story.
• History of IMBIL, Queensland. (53 KB)
  The history of Imbil, a village in the Mary Valley, Queensland is outlined. The history extends from the period of the first Australians, the Kga'pbala clan, through the pastoral history of Mactaggart, Lawless brothers, Elworthy and Mellor. It then continues with the coming of the Mary Valley Line and the development of this picturesque timber and forestry town. Families such as Meyers, Lutton and Hyne were leaders of the sawmilling industry, Swain and Innes in the forest development. It is a place of national significance for it was the birthplace of hoop pine and bunya pine reafforestation. The town has become the "Bush behind the Beach" in relation to the Sunshine Coast resorts such as Noosa, for its cultural and physical landscape is indeed attractive to recreation and tourism. Some 70 Stehbens descendants have derived from here, and they have been significant in building a harmonious community of diverse people.
• IMBIL STATE SCHOOL Enrolments 1945-1957 (15 KB)
  Enrolments at Imbil State School are given for a key period in the life of an attractive small town in Queensland, where the Stehbens family first began to arrive in 1919. Imbil, a small town in Queensland's Mary Valley was located where a railway transverses the Yabba Valley. It is a significant timber and forestry town and its employment and population changes reflect that role. The post-war 1950s was a vibrant time with a post-war baby boom, strong growth in the sawmilling industry and the influx of "New Australians" from refugee camps in Europe. The names of children reveal the social and economic history of Imbil. For example, Andreassen, Beckmann, Kropp, Zillmann and Stehbens from Schleswig-Holstein. Price, Cole, Brown, Durham, Grainger and Smith from England. Mierocha, Pejich, Sidors, Nastaga, Mastalerski, Stotshcek, Kziadzis from war devasted Europe. The Stehbens families have been significant in this community: in agriculture, dairying, timbergetting, sawmilling, retail business, tourism, education and in the leadership of church and welfare provision. They have been very involved in the life of this small town, in the Noosa & Cooloola hinterland.
• Solomon Star reports on IAN STEHBENS' Peacemaking (8 KB)
  Pacific PeaceBuilding Initiatives Ltd led by rev Ian Stehbens has been active in the Pacific nations, especially in the training of leaders for the work of reconciliation, political forgiveness, and sustainable peacebuilding. These two reports appeared in the Solomon Star Newspaper, the national daily in Solomon Islands. One report introduces a 2-week peacebuilding workshop held in Honiara in August 2005. In this workshop participants were introduced to an holistic approach to peacebuilding. Participants represented government, public service, churches and NGOs. Another reporter, Mr Duran Angiki, visited the 2004 Peacebuilding Initiatives course in Sydney and submitted the longer article. [It was necessary to edit the published article as the reporter added much of his own political agenda and personal thoughts which were neither in the spirit of PPBI nor the intent of Rev Stehbens.]
• Pastors of WÖHRDEN & spelling of STEHBENS surname (2 KB)
  Senior Pastors of St Nicolai Church in Wohrden, Dithmarschen, Holstein are identified from 1540. Two of these are responsible for the variant spelling of the family surname including STEHBENS, STÄBEN and STAEBEN. The three entries written by Pastor Schwarz in which the spelling "STEHBENS" appears are quoted.
• Grand Silk Road Journey: Ken & Lorna Williamson (10 KB)
  Travelling from Istanbul, Turkey to The Forbidden City, China, Ken & Lorna Williamson make an incredible 40 day journey. In this e-mail diary the minutae of every day life adorn the grand story of history with its interwoven threads, both ancient and modern. The background geology is often described also as Ken is an earth scientist and educator. [LINEAGE: Lorna Davis m Ken Williamson s/o Catherine Stehbens d/o Robert Stehbens s/o Claus Johann Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• SURNAMES INDEX: Descendants of Detlef Staeben (7 KB)
  Detlef Staeben migrated to Queensland in 1865, first living at Maryborough, then settling at Bundaberg. Through 4 of his sons and 3 of his daughters the family multiplied. His many descendants dispersed across Australia and North Island, New Zealand. This file is an index of the surnames of his descendants and of their spouses. For other researches interested in a possible link, please e-mail the webmaster with your inquiry.
• The Australian Clan congratulates Sylvia Morrison (2 KB)
  Sylvia Quarrie Morrison celebrated her centenary on 8th September 2007. She is the oldest Stehbens descendant ever. To read the congratulatory letter click on the title bar.
• Short History of STEBENS Ancestral Community (13 KB)
  This article tells the history of our ancestral home, Blücher and Besitz in West Mecklenburg. The earliest known recorded event of the Stebens line, is a birth at Blücher in 1619. The register of the church at Blücher begins in 1700, and as deaths are recorded giving the age of the deceased, we can therefore identify Stebens family as early as 1619: Hinrich Stävens (1619-1706). Thereafter many events of birth/baptisms, marriages and deaths of Stebens family members are recorded. Though Hinrich's birth is at the beginning of the tragic 30 Years War, he survived. 150 years later as Feudalism disintegrates, a Stebens migration away opens up the modern chapters of our history.
• Life Story Of EMMA (Stehbens) JULES / STRAND (6 KB)
  BIOGRAPHY: EMMA ELSSABE STRAND. Emma Stehbens was an immigrant at 5, married at 16, a mother at 17, a widow at 17 and remarried at 18. Her husbands were Jean Jules and Fred Strand. Her life story is deserving of a novel, threaded with suffering, it illustrates the history of Queensland : immigration, pioneer selections, hard labour in the pastoral frontier, the emergence of a nation, the agony of a son lost in the battlefields of France, and a determination that sustained a marriage and a family. Here is an outline of her life.
• Some Books by WILLIAM E STEHBENS with a Review (3 KB)
  This report identifies 3 pathology books by Dr. Bill Stehbens, with a review of "Vascular Pathology".
• The Battle of the Childers Butchers by Richie Webb (5 KB)
  Childers local historian, Richie Webb, tells the story of the rivalry between Adie and the Stehbens Brothers who conducted butcheries in 1930s and 1940s in Childers, Queensland, Australia. The Stehbens brothers, Walter, Roy and Bill together with their sister, Ivy ran the butchery successfully and were popular in the town. They were the children of Ned & Isabell Stebhens, and grandchildren of Elizabeth (Elvery)and Wilhelm (Stäben) Stebhens.
• Accolade for Wayne Stehbens Wines from THE POST.IE (4 KB)
  Wayne Stehbens continues to win accolade after accolade from the wine judges, writers and buffs of the world. Under a strange caption, Tomas Clancy sings praises for Wayne Stehbens' Coonawarra wines, that are produced under the Katnook Estate label. This article appeared in Sunday Business Post Online, October 8, 2000.
• Life Story of WILHELM STEHBENS (9 KB)
  BIOGRAPHY: WILHELM STEBHENS. Wilhelm Stehbens story begins in poverty in Schleswig-Holstein but as an immigrant Australian, he works to create a farm of his own. The battle against the vagaries of floods almost defeats him but he survives to retire to Hervey Bay in 1900. He is among the first Germans to migrate directly to Maryborough; he and Lizzie are among the first to try agriculture on the Gregory River, and they are among the first to retire to Hervey Bay, Queensland. Their family spread to New Zealand as well as Childers and the Isis canefields. They have some 300 descendants. (At birth his name was recorded as Wilhelm Stäben and in death his headstone records his name as Wilhelm Stebhens. During his life in Australia, his surname was accepted as Wilhelm Stehbens, this surname spelling being the birth rendering for his older brother.
• Mike Reusche wins US Defense contract for EagleGL. (3 KB)
  Mike Reusche is an executive for Eagle Global Logistics in their Washington Dulles Office. Mike's experience in logistics for the US Defence Department, has perfectly prepared him for his current executive position with EGL, enabling a successful negotiation with the Defense Department. This file is a press release from Military Traffic Management Command [MTMC] of US Department of Defense. [Lineage: Mike Reusche < Raymond Reusche < Maria Sophia Dorothea Stehben < Nicolaus Stehben < Franz Stäben < Franz Staeben < Frantz Stebens]
• LIFE EXPECTANCY in a FEUDAL SOCIETY, Mecklenburg (3 KB)
  A study of the death register for a Feudal Estate in Europe reveals how precarious life was for both the individual and society in the 18th Century. High Infant Mortality rates, and the impacts of drought and flood, summer and winter, were marked. Most of the population died as children, and though only a few survived to old age, there were those who lived to be more than ninety years old. Old age was generally spurned, for it was so unattractive and uncommon. This article is the result of analysis of the register of births and deaths for the Parish of Blücher in western Mecklenburg. It provides a window into the social conditions of the time and throws light on basic reasons for the mass migrations from Germany to America and Australia in the century that followed the collapse of feudalism. Frantz Hinrich Stebens was one of 1000s who moved away from this community.
• Request to name Stehbens Park successful! (8 KB)
  On 24th February 2005, Bundaberg City Council "officially named STEHBENS PARK, in honour of Claus Johann (John) Stehbens who first settled and successfully farmed the area (being 80acres on the southern side of Kepnock Road, Bundaberg) in July 1871". This file is the copy of the letter that was sent to CEO, Bundaberg City Council requesting that the pioneer contributions of Detlef Stehbens and his son "John Stehbens" to the development of Bundaberg, its agriculture and ground water resources, be recognized by the renaming of a park, which was the site of their original home and includes the site of their deep well. Because the Stehbens family were the first of the large German community of Bundaberg to arrive, select land and develop successful farms, and were significant in identifying and pioneering use of the Lower Burnett groundwater, their contribution is significant local history. The family is grateful to Bundaberg City Council for this recognition and honour.
• Sponsors & Officials 1928 Mary Valley PA&IS Show (22 KB)
  Advertisers, Sponsors and Officials of the 10th Annual Mary Valley Pastoral Agricultural & Industrial Society Exhibition held in IMBIL, Queensland, September 5 & 6, 1928 are catalogued. Businesses from Gympie, Imbil, Kandanga, Brooloo, Amamoor and Dagun as well as further afield supported the exhibition. The advertising of the supporting businesses reveals the transition from horse to automobile transport, the adoption of telephones, gramophones, player pianos and radio. The reliance on local craftsmanship and domestic skills is very clearly revealed. The list of members (all male) of the Official Committee together with the list of businesses creates a 1928 Who's Who in Imbil, the Mary Valley and Gympie. The Frank Price family and Bill Moynehan had been resident in Imbil for 13 years, the Bob Stehbens Family for 9 years by this stage and had become significant contributors to the building of the social fabric of the Imbil community. When reconstructing a family history data such as this is invaluable. [Compiler: IR Stehbens]
• Professor W E Stehbens debunks Cholesterol Myth (3 KB)
  Professor Stehbens shows that the much promoted and recent popular belief that artherosclerosis is due to too much cholesterol in the blood is a fallacy and that such degeneration is mostly due to bio-mechanical wear and tear of the arteries.
• LIFE STORY of PEG BLAKE (nee Dorothy Stehbens) (17 KB)
  BIOGRAPHY: DOROTHY JESSIE BLAKE. Based on an interview, verbatim is used to outline the faith journey, attitudes and ministry contributions of Peg Blake (1916 - 2004). Peg was the wife of Rev. Basil Hartley Blake, a minister of the Methodist Church in Australasia, and of the Uniting Church in Australia. Born in Bundaberg, and named Dorothy Jessie Stehbens, her life before marriage was lived in Imbil, and after marriage she and Basil were stationed in rural and city circuits in Queensland.
• Denise McCumstie's musings on our family history (4 KB)
  Denise McCumstie gratefully reflects on the legacy that is hers and ours as a result of the migration of our ancestors. Her creative expression, and passionate empathy draws the reader to the trepidation that our migrant ancestors surely felt as they decided to leave, and inspires our appreciation of their gift to us. Denise was ignited to write by the receipt of a letter from the late Eva Stebens of Boizenburg, Germany. Eva depended on a pension and lived in a groundfloor government flat only a few kilometres from our ancestral village in northeast Germany. With the passing of DDR (East German regime), three of Eva's daughters and their children were left unemployed and with little hope, dependent on social security and some small gifts from their widowed mother. Yet they live with dignity. Denise McCumstie (nee Stehbens) is a professional writer, magazine editor, country music event organiser, orchardist, and artist who lives at Glenwood in rural south-east Queensland only a few kilometres from the place at which our Stehbens ancestors first landed. Enjoy Denise's reflection.
• First 3 Generations of STEHBENS in Australia (19 KB)
  An outline tree of the first 3 generations of descendants of Detlef Stehbens include the surnames: Anderson Andresen Clarke Jules Kingston Lister McGee Morgan Morriss Neilsen O'Neill Quarrie Saint Sparozvich Stehbens Stephens Strand Wilson. They had spread from Maryborough to Bundaberg, Gin Gin, Bororen, Kingaroy, Imbil, Surat, Brisbane, Toowoomba Q and Edithburgh SA, Coolgardie WA and across the Tasman to Shannon NZ.
• Original Stehbens Land Selection in Australia 1871 (8 KB)
  As John Stehbens was the first German to select agricultural land at Bundaberg and develop it into a successful farm, the story of this selection is important in the history of Bundaberg. It is particularly important in regard to the large German and Danish derived community in Bundaberg and the Burnett District. They were among the first to construct deep wells in Bundaberg, and to manufacture bricks with which to line the well. This site is an important historical site of Bundaberg, Queensland. The file includes an outline of John & Ottilie Stehbens' story and of the dispersal of their sons as they each became Queensland pioneers. Each of the sons learnt their considerable skills and entrepreneurship from their father and grandfather, who had taken the bold step to migrate from Schleswig-Holstein to Queensland.
• UCAN reports on Stehbens led Bali Peace Conference (4 KB)
  United Catholic Asia News reports accurately on a Peacebuilding convention and training led by Ian Stehbens, CEO Pacific PeaceBuilding Initiatives Ltd. The convention engaged significant Indonesian leaders General Tri Sutrisno, Megawati Sukarnoputri, Rev Dr Waspada, Akbar Tanjung, Hindu academic Ida Bagus Gede Wiyana, Catholic Father Paskalis Widastra as well as 40 younger students and leaders. Many initiatives in peacebuilding have begun flowing from both the convention and the training.
• Stebens Baptisms recorded in Blücher before 1790 (11 KB)
  The record of Baptisms by the Pastor on the Blücher Estate begins in 1700. The baptisms of all the Stebens children, no matter what variant spelling of the surname was used, have been extracted from the register. In most cases the name of the father is given and there is no recording of the mother. Consequently it is impossible to compile a systematic genealogy, as there are more than one man with the same name, and because of the death of mothers, many of the fathers had more than one child-bearing wife. All that can be recognized is the extended family members.
• 2005 Orbituaries for New Zealand's Heros: nzherald (11 KB)
  Former Prime Minister David Lange, Co-leader of the Greens Rod Donald, and the founding Professor of the Wellington School of Medicine, William Stehbens are among those cited in New Zealand Herald's final roll call for 2005. The list of 80 famous people includes community leaders, military leaders, sportspeople, greats of stage and screen, religious leaders and men and women of science. Bill Stehbens was born in Kingaroy, Queensland. Another leader to pass away in 2006 and who makes the list, is New Zealand born Sir Joh Bjelke-Peterson. He represented Kingaroy in Queensland Parliament being the renowned right-wing Premier of the 1970s and 1980s. Bjelke-Peterson and Bill Stehbens' father and grandfather were well acquainted, working together on farm technology and machinery, designing and developing it for the peanut industry of the South Burnett District around Kingaroy.
• LIFE STORY & TRIBUTE to KENNETH REUSCHE (11 KB)
  BIOGRAPHY: KENNETH HENRY REUSCHE. Kenneth Reusche lived all his life in Clinton, Iowa on the right bank of the Upper Mississippi. His Grandfather, Nicolaus Stehben had migrated from Germany to Iowa in 1884. James Stehbens, another grandson of Nicolaus, and 1st cousin of Kenneth Reusche gave a tribute to Ken at his funeral service. Jim had been raised with Ken, and had become a hunting partner and close buddy. It is an honest, understanding tribute to a much loved and compassionate man.
• Bishops' Conference of Indonesia support PPBI (5 KB)
  Orang Muda Dari daerah Konflik Ikut 'Peacebuilding Course'. The Catholic Church of Indonesia supported and sent delegates and speakers to the Peacebuilding Conference and Course conducted in Bali in 2006. The initiator of the training was Rev Ian Stehbens, founding Director of Pacific PeaceBuilding Initiatives Ltd. This article is written in Bahasa Indonesia.
• Attendees @ Family Reunion, Bundaberg Q, 2005 (4 KB)
  A family reunion to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the arrival of the original Stehbens Family in Australia was held in Bundaberg, Queensland on the 8-9th January, 2005. The venue was close to the sites of the first selections of land made by the Stehbens family in 1871, 1872 and 1873. The event which attracted almost 300 descendants of the original family was organized by Lorraine Pershouse, Merle Pershouse, Dianne Bush, supported by Debra Haylock, Janet Wright, Beris Wright, Georgina Haylock, Petrina Haylock, Denise Torenbeek, Lawrence Stehbens, Ian Stehbens, and Bruce Stehbens. The reunion was graced by the attendance of Mayor of Bundaberg, Kay McDuff. A representative of the related Elvery family, a representative of the Bundaberg Genealogical Society, and the Bundaberg Historical Society attended. Highlights of the reunion included a visit to the 1871 selection of Claus Johann Stehbens; locating the site of his original well that was dug and bricklined in 1872; a visit to the Stehbens brick-making site where in 1872, Detlef Stehbens made bricks to line the well on his son's selection; guided visits to sequential selections made by Wilhelm Stehbens, on Fingers Road, Goodwood Road, and the Gregory River; and a guided tour for 50 members of the family to "Mountain View", a 330 acre property developed by Claus Johann Stehbens. Denise Torenbeek artistically created a framed graphic design, featuring photos of the original family members. By lot, it was given to Laura Keating. Eleven-year old Laura is the great-great-great-great granddaughter of Detlef Stehbens, the Australian patriarch. The roll of attendees at the reunion follows.
• Governor General recognizes Courtney Thompson (4 KB)
  In his opening speech at the 2006 Indigenous Australian Engineering Summer School, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC acknowledged Courtney Thompson as a role model for indigenous youth and as a mentor to participants in the IAESS 2006. Courtney Thompson was a previous particpant in the IAESS, but in 2006 as she completed her university studies that qualified her to be a biomedical engineer, she returned to mentor the current group of scholarship winners. Courtney Cie Thompson was born in Yorketown, South Australia, the 2nd child of Shirley (nee Stehbens) and Warwick Thompson of Edithburgh, South Australia.
• Life Story & Tribute to ROBERT STEHBENS 1914-2005 (20 KB)
  BIOGRAPHY: ROBERT JOHN STEHBENS. Robert John Stehbens, born in Bundaberg in 1914, lived and died in Imbil, Queensland, Australia. He made major contributions to building a quality social fabric in the town. He was the founder of Imbil Cubs, Imbil Methodist Church, Imbil Methodist Order of Knights, a tennis club, and an indoor bowls club. He was a master saw doctor and sawmill manager in Imbil sawmills. He served in the RAAF, ending World War II as a Warrant Officer in 460 Squadron. But his great strengths were his sacrificial commitment to his family, his simple faith and profound theology, and his ultimate attitude to human suffering. [LINEAGE: Robert John Stehbens s/o Catherine Findlay & Robert Gustav Stehbens s/o Ottilie Judas & Claus Joahnn Stehbens s/o Detlef Staeben s/o Frantz H Stebens]
• TREES planted to Honour Maryborough Pioneers (4 KB)
  In 1988 and again in 2000, Maryborough City Council (Queensland) invited members of the local community to plant a tree to honour pre-1900 pioneers of Maryborough. The trees were planted in the Teamsters paddock at the Original Maryborough Township site upstream of the present Maryborough CBD. 84 trees were planted in 1988, but the City Council though promising to identify each tree with a plaque to honour the respective pioneers has lost the list. Another 140 trees were planted in 2000. This file identifies all pioneers remembered in 2000, and is a call for re-notification of the pioneers honoured in 1988.

Related Links

• Besitz & Bluecher : ancestral origin of the family
• WEDDING ALBUM of Warren Stehbens & Carolyn Hurley
• Genealogical site for Clinton, Iowa re Stehben(s)
• Brumpton's Home Page: Michael, Robyn, Jake & Ben
• EMIGRATION Port of HAMBURG Official Site
• Kaleb Stebens featured in MADD Magazine
• AUSSIE KIDS: website of Stehbens Children
• Air Photo of Johann Stehbens' original Selection
• Korean University interviews Ian Stehbens
• Cyclist Russell Tucker appreciated by Perry Stone
• Stehbens leads Peace Course in Bali, Indonesia
• Dianne Stehbens & Alan Bush get top peanut yields
• Professor James A Stehbens PhD @ Iowa University
• Wöhrden: Staeben families left here for USA & Aust
• Ian & Margaret Stehbens' Genealogy Research Home P
• Sue Hunt was Director @ Sydney Opera House 2002-06
• Maryborough: site of 1st Stehbens landing in AUST
• Cathy Reusche: Womens' District of Columbia Golf
• Ian Stehbens' work to Overcome Violence: NCCA
• Gil Stehbens has political future judging by 2005
• Brian Hollins & Helen Stehbens' B&B: Lucerne
• Ian Stehbens is Principal of Alan Walker College,
• History of Salt Mining at Edithburgh, South Austr
• SETTLEMENT: City of BUNDABERG Photo Gallery
• Lee Stehbens writes about Catching a Good Wave
• Photo of Salier - Nicolaus Stehben migrated to US
• Maryborough District Family History Society
• Dennis Stehben's pics in Mississippi R Museum
• Photos by Ian Stehbens on Panoramio & Google
• Sue Hunt is Director of CarriageWorks in Sydney
• Wayne Stehbens' Odyssey wine wins acclaim
• Rod Green is Rockhampton City Councillor
• Clare Stehbens: Equity in Education for Indigenous
• Peacebuilders International led by Ian Stehbens
• Chris & John Beckmann created a resort at Imbil
• Ken Stehbens is experienced glider pilot
• Edithburgh - where Jacob & Anna Stehbens settled
• Katnook Estate Wines made by Wayne Stehbens
• Kenrick & Russell Tucker are renowned Cyclists
• Greg Platz researches disease resistance in Barley
• Stebens Children's Theatre is a Bertha Stebens legacy