In recent years family members have often indicated their interest in researching their ancestors, and questioned the whereabouts of their ‘lost’ relations, with whom in many cases they grew up. A suggestion to ‘put our “bits and pieces” together’ started the project ‘Simshausers in Australia 1862 – 1992’
Conrad and Louisa Simshauser arrived in Australia from Germany 130 years ago, on 25 August 1862. Little did they realise what a contribution they would make in the history of Australia. Basically, they were rural people with an inborn love of the land, which has been inherited by many of their descendants.
Conrad and Louisa had a family of eight children, all born in Australia – Frederick Christian, Mary Catherine, Charles Jacob, Simon John, Edward, Louisa Cezar, Annie and William Conrad. Frederick Christian, John and Edward all married, as did the three girls, but only Frederick Christian and Edward had families to carry on the Simshauser name.
Conrad and Louisa and their family were pioneers. As pioneers, they accepted the hardships of working for others as well as themselves in country that had not previously been inhabited by white men. Life with natural disasters of drought, fires and floods, along with human challenges of isolation and deprivation, would have been a case of survival.
The wealth of our ancestors cannot be measured in money – some would have gained and accumulated financially but others would not have gained in great financial wealth. Their wealth became Australia’s wealth, and we are reaping the benefits. We can be proud of them.
It appears appropriate to recognise the contribution that Conrad and Louisa have made to Australian history and to celebrate with ‘Simshausers in Australia 1862 – 1992’. The heritage of the past gives a foundation for our future.
There are hundreds of descendants of Conrad and Louisa scattered throughout all the states of Australia, and performing varied occupations in life. I have met many very pleasant and interesting people, all happy to share their life experiences.
The production of this book has really been a family team effort. I am particularly grateful for the support and encouragement of many ‘extended’ family members. All of you, whose knowledge and assistance have contributed towards the production of ‘The Simshausers in Australia’, are recognised, unnamed here. I would like to thank the people of Barraba who have assisted me in my research and made me feel very much at home on each of my visits to Barraba.
On the completion of this history, checks were made to ensure the information submitted is correct. Information is printed as it is received and it is hoped that errors have not occurred. However, there may be some omissions or errors for which 1 apologise. Attempts were made to give equal space to each family branch, both in written information and photographs, but that was impossible, as information and details are not always available. Efforts have also been made to trace related Simshausers in Germany but, though considerable interest has been shown, to no avail.
I am especially grateful to my daughter Sally, who worked for several months typing the manuscript and providing invaluable assistance along the way. Also to Margaret Waterford for her assistance with photographic preparation.
I have enjoyed researching and compiling the Simshauser history and I do hope that you enjoy reading it.