The last remaining building of Zion Hill Mission.
Photograph taken in 1895 by H. Alder. (State Library Queensland)
Rosewood History
Rosewood Pioneers
Carl Friedrich Christof ARNDT
Exhibition Stores, Rosewood
© Jane Schy 2025
Published 4th August 2025
Name: Carl Friedrich Christof ARENDT/ARNDT
Occupation: Arbeiter (Labourer) 1865; General Storekeeper and Produce Merchant at Rosewood & Ipswich; Publican & Storekeeper at Lowood
Birth: 11th July 1843, Trampe, Brüssow, Prenzlau, Brandenburg, Germany
Baptism: 23rd July 1843, Trampe, Brüssow, Prenzlau, Brandenburg, Germany
Immigration: 6th September 1865, the Susanne Godeffroy arrived at Moreton Bay from Hamburg (departed 6th May).
Land: 4 Lots in Albert Street from Vance’s Estate – Nos 15, 40, 41, 56
Land: 10th September 1872, 100 acres of Homestead land, parish of Walloon (Portion 546) See Land Purchase
Land: 11th September 1874, 30 acres & 91 acres 1 perch parish of Walloon – Conditional Purchase
Land: 5 April 1878, Certificate of Fulfillment of Conditions granted for 121a. parish of Walloon
Death: 30th October 1921, Park Street, Lowood, Queensland aged 78 years
Burial: 31st October 1921, Lowood Lutheran Cemetery
Father: Carl Friedrich ARENDT
Mother: Caroline Friedericke Charlotte SONNEMANN
Marriage: 6th November 1864, Trampe, Brüssow, Prenzlau, Brandenburg, Germany
1st Spouse: Justine BETHKE
Birth: 27th May 1835, Golm, Brandenburg, Germany
Immigration: 6th September 1865, the Susanne Godeffroy arrived at Moreton Bay from Hamburg (departed 6th May).
Death: 22nd September 1884, Rosewood, Queensland aged 49 years
Burial: 23rd September 1884, Tallegalla Pioneer Cemetery
Father: Michael Friedrich BETHKE
Mother: Marie Charlotte ZIEMANN
2nd Spouse: Wilhelmine Caroline BÜLOW
Birth: c.1859, Gramenz, (Altmühl, Flakenheide, Grünwald, Raffenberg, Storkow), Pommern-Preußen
Residence: 1864, Balfanz, Kreis Neustettin, Pommern.
Immigration: 20th August 1873, the Friedeburg arrived at Moreton Bay from Hamburg 4th May
Death: 22nd October 1903, Park Street, Lowood, Queensland aged 44 years
Burial: 23rd October 1903, Fernvale Cemetery
Father: August Ernst BÜLOW
Mother: Amalie Friedericke JAHN/JOHN
Married: 24th October 1885, in Brisbane, Queensland
In 1865 Carl Friedrich Christof Arendt and his wife Justine followed Carl’s brother (Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Arendt) to Queensland. They made their way on board the Susanne Godeffroy. Carl’s mother Caroline immigrated with them.
At about 2p.m. on the afternoon of the 8th September, the steam ship Kate made its way out to the Susanne Godeffroy which was anchored outside the port of Brisbane, and docked alongside it. There were 550 passengers on board the ship, which had just sailed from Hamburg. Fifty of those were children. Two hours were spent by Dr. Purdie making his final examination of the ship’s passengers before they were transferred to the steamer with their luggage. At 4 p.m. the Kate cast off and reached the wharf at South Brisbane at 7 p.m..
Carl and Justine made their way to the Zion Hill Mission, known as German Station. It was located at the Zillman Waterholes at Nundah. There they joined Carl’s older brother and his family who had been living there for two years.
During their 7 years’ residence there Carl was naturalised (7th April 1868), a requirement if you wanted to own land in this country. The couple did not have any children.
In 1872 Carl Arndt selected land in the Rosewood Scrub and began farming. The area of the Scrub the family of three lived in was later named Tallegalla. The Kraatz family, who settled nearby, had been their shipmates on the Susanne Godeffroy.
Caroline Arndt (Carl’s mother) passed away at their home in 1880 and is buried in the Tallegalla Pioneer Cemetery.
The Farmer’s Inn, run by Michael Goos, was on the track south of Carl’s property. While driving his wagon past the hotel in July 1881, a barking dog ran out and frightened Carl’s horses. The horses left the track and attempted to take the wagon up the steep bank on the side of the road, causing the wagon to capsize. Carl was thrown out and subsequently taken to hospital and cared for by Dr. Thompson. He suffered a fractured left arm, the fracture passing into the shoulder-joint, and a dislocated collar-bone and bruising.
Despite that setback, Carl was so successful that he was able to open a business on 12th August 1882 in the main street of Rosewood. He called the two buildings he erected the Exhibition Stores. He ran a general store in one building and sold produce in another.
In November 1883 he started a delivery service to support his business.
Sadly, Justine died in 1884. A year later Carl married Wilehlmine Bülow from Fernvale. They were married in Brisbane by a Church of Christ minister, Rev. H. Goodacre, who had recently arrived in Queensland from Castlemaine, Victoria.
Wilhelmine had immigrated in 1873 with her parents and four siblings on the Friedeburg when she was 14 years old. They were among 375 passengers; 5 full payers, 31 assisted, and 279 free passengers. During the voyage there were sixteen deaths from dysentry, inflammation of the lungs, measles and two from scarlet fever. The ship went straight into quarantine for one week at Peel Island in Moreton Bay because there were cases of scarlet fever on board. An accidental death occurred while they were on the island. Read about it here
The same steamship that bought Carl to shore, the Kate, transported the passengers of the Friedeburg up from the quarantine grounds at Peel Island to Queen’s Wharf, Brisbane, on the 8th September at 2pm.
Carl prospered on his farm and bought three lots of land in Albert Street, Rosewood, one in 1884 and two in 1886. He donated the first lot to the Church of Christ in 1885 so their church building could be relocated.
In June 1888, he opened a branch of his store at Terrace Street, North Ipswich and called it Rosewood Produce Store.
On Wednesday, 30th April 1890, Carl’s large wooden shop at Rosewood, and all of its contents, was totally destroyed by fire. That night the opening ball of the Rosewood Quadrille Assembly was held in the Farmers’ Hall. At 10.45 p.m. a group of young people attending the ball noticed the fire and woke the neighbourhood up with shouts of “Fire!”. Nothing could be done to save the building. The country for miles around was lit up by flames about 40ft (12m) high. Those helping to fight the fire turned their attention to Carl’s adjacent building, which was his produce store. Luckily the produce was quickly cleared, and the workers kept the sides of the building wet so the fire would not get a hold of it. Messrs. Evans, Targo, two Dale men, Cottrell, Yarrow, and three Elder men were praised for the manner in which they assisted in fighting the fire.
Fortunately the shop which burnt down was insured with the Sun Office for £250, and the stock was insured with the United Company for £300. However, even though the produce store was spared, Carl still took a heavy loss as he had just installed a large amount of new stock in the shop.
This loss contributed to his business being liquidated in 1892.
Meeting of Creditors. A meeting of creditors in the estate of Carl Frederick Arndt, of Rosewood, storekeeper, was held at the office of Messrs. Foxton and Cardew, Albert-street, on the 19th instant. Mr. T. Logan was voted to the chair. The statement of affairs submitted was as follows:— Unsecured creditors, £450 8s. 7d.; creditors fully secured, £1222 13s. 9d.; less estimated value of securities, £2200; surplus to contra, £977 6s. 3d.; creditors for rent, rates, taxes, and wages, £5 6s. 10d.; total debts, £455 15s. 5d. Assets: Stock-in-trade at Rosewood, estimated at £161; book debts, about £205, estimated to produce £150; furniture, fixings, and fittings at Rosewood, estimated to produce £20; property as per list, £80; surplus from securities in the hands of creditors fully secured £997 6s. 8d.; total debts, £1388 6s. 3d. The causes of insolvency were set down as: Loss caused by fire at Rosewood when debtor’s store was burned to the ground, bad debts, depression in trade, and pressure by one creditor. It was decided to liquidate the estate by arrangement, and not in insolvency. Mr. T. M. Hall, accountant, was appointed trustee. (1)
On 22nd October 1892 and 2nd February 1893, at the Palais Royal Auction Mart in Ipswich, the auctioneer Thomas Baines sold the estate of Carl Arndt. Baines said, “These premises are too well known to require any further comment.” The following were listed for sale:-
- All that Highly-Cultivated FARM, at Rosewood, containing 100 Acres, known as ARNDT’S FARM.
- That Centrally Located ALLOTMENT, of One-Quarter Acre, on THE TERRACE North Ipswich, upon which is built a Store, known as ROSEWOOD PRODUCE STORES and a Very Fair BRICK DWELLING.
- Also, 4½ acres in the centre of ROSEWOOD TOWNSHIP, upon which is built a DWELLING HOUSE which cost about £700.
- AN IRON STORE, OUT HOUSES, &c.
- 2 Capital Horses (Greys), 2 Carts, Chaff-Cutter, Corn-Grinder, Corn-Sheller, Harness, Plough, Scuffler, &c.
Carl and Wilhelmine moved to Lowood. A fine, large, new two-storey hotel had just been built for Mr. C. Blank, sen., of Esk by a contractor Lars Anderson and his men. Carl applied for the license and became the first publican at the new Royal Hotel when it opened in April 1893.
LOWOOD. On Friday, the 7th instant, the new hotel named the Royal, was opened by the landlord, Mr. C. F. Arndt, and the occasion will be long remembered by the numerous company assembled. The hotel is a two-storied building, and the contractor, Mr. L. Anderson, with his staff of men, have worked late and early to complete the contract in a faithfull manner. Great credit is due to the builder for the manner in which the whole of the building has been completed. The worthy landlord and family had but a few days to prepare all arrangements for the opening, but their exertions were crowned with success, as all present freely admitted, there being general surprise expressed at the excellent style in which the tables were laid, and everything done to afford a hearty welcome to the numerous guests. Visitors from the metropolis coming to Lowood may rest assured that they will have every comfort and accommodation, and the scenery from the top balcony of the hotel is really worth a visit. Dancing was commenced at 9 p.m., and kept up till 11 p.m., and several good songs were sung at intervals during the evening. The tables were laid again at supper time, when all were welcomed. The supper was free and liberally provided, and the attention of the willing staff of assistants was remarked by all present. (2)
On Saturday, 23rd September 1893, the Royal Hotel was closed like every other business establishment in Lowood. A public holiday was observed for the occasion of Governor Sir Henry Wylie Norman visiting Lowood to present medals awarded by the Royal Humane Society of Australia. The medals were presented to Messrs. John Francis Flewell-Smith, Malcolm Smith, William Russell, and Edward Nunn. The medals were for bravery and humanity. In the unprecendented floods on 4th February 1893, they crossed the raging Brisbane River near Lowood in a frail craft and rescued Mrs. R. Vernor and her children from their flooded home. The Governor also laid the foundation stone for a new Anglican Church. The whole town was decorated with foliage and bunting, including the Royal Hotel.
Carl was thrown from his horse, while riding near Lowood. Fortunately he was only badly badly bruised and shaken because there was no doctor in town. He managed to remount and ride home.
It must have been alarming for residents when sickness and death visited the township. In October whooping-cough, measles, and other complaints were very prevalent amongst the children, and influenza prevailed amongst the adults. When necessary, Dr. Von Lossberg was called for, and he travelled from Ipswich by train. The whole process was not speedy. Several families moved to the seaside to give their children a better chance to fight against their sickness, hoping that the change would do more than all of the medicine could.
Carl was an active community member and a shrewd business man. He was one of the vice presidents of the Lowood Cricket Club and he was always looking for opportunities to foster trade. In November 1893 he held a Masquerade and Fancy Dress Ball in the Lowood Hall adjoining his hotel and another Fancy Dress Ball on Boxing Day.
Carl contested the seat in the Rosewood Electorate as a Farmers’ and Opposition candidate early 1896. In spite of the bad weather, he proved that he had the interest of the electors at Rosewood at heart by driving from Lowood to Rosewood, a distance of twenty miles (32 km), through the rain, to speak to and meet the electors at the Farmer’s Hall. He was unsuccessful at the election. Mr Denis Thomas “Dinny” Keogh won.
It was said of Carl – He is independent and incorruptible.
“Would you accept a seat in the Cabinet if it were offered to you?” asked one of his audience amid much laughter.
Mr. Arndt: “No, not from the present Ministry; if they gave me £10,000 I would not. Money would not buy me.” (Laughter). (3)
MR. C. F. ARNDT BEFORE THE ELECTORS MR. ARNDT AT LOWOOD
As Wilhelmine had been sick for some time, Carl found it necessary to change occupations. So in mid 1901, the license of the hotel was transferred to a local man Edward Abernethy. Carl built a commodious home in Park Street, Lowood and started another business as a storekeeper. (Incidentally the hotel and adjoining hall burned to the ground in August 1904. The rebuilt Royal Hotel opened in February 1905.).
Wilhemine died in October 1903. This is how she was described in her obituary.
Mrs. Arndt’s disposition was a very cheerful one, and, having won many friends, she will be much missed here, especially by those who so well knew her great sociablenessu and many kindnesses. She was always ready to help where help was needed, being a devoted true friend to the poor, sick, and needy. Until the time of her death she bore up marvellously well, though not able talk much at the last. Mr. and Mrs. Arndt lived very happily during the whole of the 18 years of their married life. Her aged mother is still alive, and resides at Fernvale. (4)
She left Carl land described as:- Subdivisions 3 and 4 of resubdivision 69 of subdivision 1 of portion 337, county of Churchill, parish of Tarampa.
Carl continued to work in his shop until shortly before he died in October 1921. Having no children of his own, he left an estate of £176 to Ada Lilly Bruce née Schneider. Ada was the daughter of Catherine Elizabeth Schneider née Pfingst, who worked in his Carl’s Rosewood shop before her marriage to Gustav Louis Schneider. Burnett Bruce, of Melanie, and Otto Sakrzewski, storekeeper of Lowood, were the executors for his estate.
References:
(1) Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld: 1866 – 1939), Saturday 27 August 1892, page 390
(2) Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Saturday 15 April 1893, page 2
(3) Warwick Examiner and Times (Qld. : 1867 – 1919), Saturday 15 February 1896, page 5
(4) Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Saturday 31 October 1903, page 9
Brandenburg, Germany, Transcripts of Church Records, 1700-1874
Germany, Lutheran Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials, 1567-1945
Pomerania, Germany, Parish Register Transcripts, 1544-1883
Hamburg Passenger Lists, 1850-1934
Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths, Marriages
Trove- National Library Australia