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 have 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 retoration project. Much of the rear of the house was damp. The verandahs 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, are 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. 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 is patron of the Indigenous Engineering Summer School and Morris Iemma, NSW Minister for Public Works and Services, who is now 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 who celebrated her 100th birthday on 9th September, 2007 in Tauranga, NZ. 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 Stevens (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! Sylvia and her daughter, Doreen, send their love to all the family around the world.
• 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, 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 Pacific PeaceBuilding Initiatives www.ct.gs/ppbi.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 it is believed that he worked 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 and now is Operations Manager for Tamawood Homes & Dixon Homes in Brisbane, Queensland. David not only flies model planes but he also has a commercial pilot's licence. David's dream is to fly among the mountains and weather of Papua New Guinea.
• 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.
• 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 almost 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 creat 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-