During a visit to Barraba in 1991, some local identities recalled memories of the old Simshausers at “Slatey Gully”.
Among these folk was Mrs Doris Chad who lives in Barraba with her husband who had recently celebrated his eightieth birthday – and daughter Bronette. As a child Mrs Chad lived at “Silver Dale” – she was of the Garske family, living next door to “Slatey Gully”. The Garskes took up their land in 1869 and she believes Charles Mell selected “Slatey Gully” (approximately 1200 acres) at about a similar time and after a year or so sold it to Conrad Simshauser. The Simshausers, subsequently, obtained additional blocks.
Mrs Chad spoke kindly of the family as she remembers them.
“Conrad and Louisa always made you feel most welcome when you called at their home but they never visited other folk in the district.
Annie (O’Hara, second marriage) lived at “Slatey Gully” with her husband. She used to rouse on me if I took a short-cut through “Slatey Gully” on my two and a half mile walk to school – was frightened of her!
William Conrad worked in a hospital in Sydney for a period of time where eventually he became a chef. Years later he was either burned or scalded on the job and subsequently died.’
Mrs Chad recalls visiting “Tareela” – remembering Rosie and Christie Simshauser. She especially remembers the huge pear tree near “Tareela” house.
Included also was a visit to Arthur Brodbeck, a very interesting and knowledgeable long-time resident of Barraba. Sadly, his wife had died about three weeks previously. Arthur has two sons – Dudley, a carpenter/businessman who lives in Queensland, and Ivan, an accountant who lives with Arthur. Arthur’s mother was Louisa Keziah Brodbeck (nee Simshauser, sixth child of Conrad and Louisa).
The Brodbecks lived at “Maincamp” (now called “Gossanbar”) until Arthur was seven years old.
Arthur recalls.
“Slatey Gully” at one stage was about 4,000 acres – one block was sold to Dave Spencer when it was sold up. Prior to purchasing “Slatey Gully” Conrad was a shepherd at “Mt. Lindsay Station”. Louisa – she spoke good English.’
