William and Helen Ruhling
| Town/City | Brisbane, 4053 |
|---|---|
| First name | William and Helen |
| Last name | Ruhling |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Date of Birth | 1838 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1861 |
| Submitted by | Joyce Stenhouse-Brown |
Story
William Ruhling was born about 1838 Rhalthen?, Hanover, Germany to Peter Ruhling and Helen Gobber or Gobler? His father’s occupation is listed as a soldier. He left Hamburg, Germany on the vessel ‘Mary Ross’ and arrived into Port Phillip, Victoria on 28th Jan 1861. His occupation on the ships manifest is arbeiter. The reason he came to Australia is unknown. By 1883 he was in Rockhampton, Queensland and was naturalised 12/02/1883 and his occupation is stated as a miner. William aged 45 years married Helen Black aged 38 years on 24/04/1883 in the Presbyterian Manse, Rockhampton. One female child only was born in 1883 of this marriage and named Frances. (Frances married George Stenhouse 25/6/1902 and had 9 children.)
Helen Black was born in Portadown, Armagh, Ireland about 1845. Her parents were Matthew Black (butcher) and Mary Ann Brown. It appears she may have arrived in Queensland about 1863. Helen is said to have had a previous marriage to Peter Johnston or Johnson from Denmark? at Bowen but no record found as yet. The marriage states her maiden name as Black, no mention of Johnston. There were 9 children born to this marriage. On her death certificate in 1912 the surviving children were Hanna Jane 42, Laurenia 40, Fred 38, Matthew 36.
William Ruhling and Helen resided at Cawarral and Lakes Creek, Rockhampton. On William’s death certificate his occupation was listed as a lengthsman. He passed away 7/12/1915.
Helen passed away in 12th March 1912 and they both are buried in the Rockhampton cemetery.
I am one of William and Helen’s great grand children and have not found another person in Australia with the surname of RUHLING.