In Search of Hermann Lehfeldt
Lonely grave of Hermann Lehfeldt, located in the bush near the Alice River, Barcaldine.
Typical of the tragedy and lonely resting places of many our German pioneers is that of young Hermann Lehfeldt. Twin brothers, Hermann and Carl Lehfeldt, both 18 years of age, arrived on the ‘Charles Dickens’ in 1879. Hermann became a railway fettler in outback Queensland and assisted in building the Emerald – Barcaldine line.
On the Alice River, 54 kilometres east of Barcaldine, are the graves of two workers who died in 1886 whilst the line was under construction. After two very hot and sweaty afternoons of searching the lonely bush clad ridges of the Alice River I came across the last resting place of Hermann. His grave was enclosed by wrought-iron surrounds, the headstone reading:
“Sacred to the memory of Hermann Lehfeldt, twin brother of Carl Lehfeldt, born Holstrum Germany, 30th of July 1860. Died at the Alice 1st August 1886.”
Whether his brother worked with him on the construction is not known, but Carl lived many more years in Queensland. Many German pioneers who developed our wonderful country now lie at rest in many isolated parts of the Queensland bush.
Great stuff. I’m probably a descendant.
Are any of you related to Harry Lehfeldt? Father of Kevin and Paul, Grandfather of Linda, Gayle and Jill. Harry married my Grandmother’s sister Stella.
Great to read, yes these are my ancestors, my Grandma’s maiden name was Nellie Agnes Lehfedt.
We colu’dve done with that insight early on.
My grandmother is a Lehfeldt. Has been looking for this grave only the Alice river but hasn’t been able to find it.
Does anyone have exact location of the grave please? Have a descendant(Bobby Lehfeldt once lived at Kalapa) looking for it.
My family came from Kalapa too. John Cousins Lehfeldt, married Lydia Hannah Connor. My grandparents…
Would like to know more about it and were abouts this is
Are any of you related to Harry Lehfeldt? Father of Kevin and Paul, Grandfather of Limda, Gayle and Jill. Harry married my Grandmother’s sister Stella. Her grave in North Rockhampton cemetery.
My Grandmother’s oldest sister was married to Harry Carl Lehfeldt.
Greetings from a Lehfeldt cousin in America!
My Grandma Nell Agnes Smith (née Lehfeldt) daughter of Wilhelm Lehfeldt. My Dad told me of his fond memories visiting Kalapa as a kid visiting his Grandparents and other family members.
I am a descendant of Hermann’s uncle, Rudolph Lehfeldt, who immigrated to the USA in 1870. We have many relatives in Australia (as well as USA) and in doing recent research we wondered what had become of Hermann. Thank you for helping solve this mystery.