Monday, February 6, 2023

GONDOLF

 
Gold miner Peter Gondolf and his wife Johannah, nee Scheibel

Source: SLNSW a2823169

THE GONDOLF BIBLE
This bible was purchased by the Gondolf family with money earned from gold discovered in Hill End. The birth dates of Peter and Johannah and their children are listed inside it.

The Gondolf Bible at GHM
Donated by Helen Schindler

The bible was sold during the Depression and the page of names was removed prior to auction. Fortunately, Una Myra Rawlison (daughter of Myra Gondolf) was able to buy the bible back in later years. The list of births was reunited with the bible and remains with it today in the Gulgong Holtermann Museum. 

The parents and their first two sons, Augustus and George, all appear in photographs in the Holtermann Collection.
Source: GHM

Source: GHM

THE GONDOLF FAMILY
Peter Gondolf
Source: Helen Schindler

Peter Gondolf was born in November 1834, possibly in Germany.

In 1865, he was living at (or spending time in) Tambaroora NSW. In July 1865, he was listed in the Police Gazette offering a reward for a lost or stolen horse, "£2 if convicted. £1 if strayed". The roan mare was missing from the Glanmire diggings near Bathurst from 24 to 31 July.

In 1865, Peter Gondolf was listed on an application to register The Hermann Gold Mining Company at Hawkins' Hill, near Tambaroora. He had five hundred £1 shares (of 50,000 total). His address was given as "Moncur Street, Woollahra, near Sydney".

In 1867, Peter Gondolf married Johannah Shible [Scheibel] in the Shoalhaven district (BDM 3019/1867). One source lists 29 July 1867, Catholic Church, Nowra. Johannah's family had emigrated from Germany and were living in the Shoalhaven area.



Gold miner Peter Gondolf and his wife Johannah, nee Scheibel

It is likely that the portraits of the couple were taken by Beaufoy Merlin and his assistant Charles Bayliss in their studio at Hill End. While the location is not stated for the Gondolf photos, the floor covering, curtain, tablecloth and flower arrangement match those in a photo of Mr Isaac Augustus Mobbs, known to be taken in that town.


Mrs Gindolph

Despite the original identity of the woman in the above photo being recorded as "Mrs Gindolph" it seems pretty apparent when compared to her other portraits, that this is Johannah Gondolf.

Facial comparison

Johannah Gondolf nee Scheibel in later life
Source: Helen Schindler

Johannah Scheibel was born on 8 September 1848, possibly in Germany.

JOHANNAH'S PARENTS
Johannah's father, Anton Werner Scheibel, was listed on the NSW Naturalisation Index on 14 Jan 1861 (Item No: [4/1202] | Page No: 25 | Reel No: 130). This is about the time he emigrated to Australia from Germany.
Johannah's mother, Margaretta, was listed on the NSW Naturalisation Index on 15 November 1870. She had married Anton Werner Scheibel in 1847 (presumably in Germany). She died on 13 November 1902 in Lismore City, NSW and is buried at Barham Street Memorial Park Cemetery, East Lismore.

1866 - UNEXPECTED DEATH
Anthony Scheibel, a German labourer, lately resident at Shoalhaven, died in the Infirmary a few days since of some cerebral disease.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Mon 19 Feb 1866 Page 5


Coroner's Inquest: Anthony Scheibel 1822-1866
Source: Findagrave

1866 - CORONER'S INQUEST 
An inquest respecting the death of Anthony Scheibel, a German labourer, of Shoalhaven, was held before the City Coroner, at his office, on Saturday last Leonhard Scheibel stated that his brother (the deceased) was forty-four years of age, that he had been in the colony about five years, about sixteen weeks ago deceased received a severe beating from some man named James Greer, at Shoalhaven, and he had never been in good health since; witness did not see the assault, but had heard it from deceased, who complained of pains in his head and mouth, deceased had also been struck by a man named Joyce; as his health continued to get worse, he was brought to the Infirmary, on the 2nd December last, deceased himself attributed his illness to the beating he had received; he has left a wife and eight children unprovided for. Dr Mackenzie attributed deceased's illness to fever and ague, consequent on the beating he had received, but saw no marks of violence on the man. Dr Alexander Brown stated that deceased was admitted under his care in the Sydney Infirmary, and was carefully examined by him; as he was unable to speak English well, he gave his own history of the case in a very confused and unintelligible manner, but he (Dr Brown) was of opinion that deceased was suffering from some cerebral disease, and supposed it to be sunstroke, he made a post mortem examination of the body, but could discover no external marks of violence, although it presented a very emaciated appearance, on opening the head he found the left lobe considerably softened, the right lobe much more so, and deeply seated symptoms of inflammation apparent, with an extensive abscess between the right and left lobe, which must have been of many months standing, and was the immediate cause of death; the beating he had received no doubt excited deceased very much, and would be injurious to the brain, but, in Dr. Brown's opinion, it was not the immediate cause of death. Verdict "Died from natural causes".


PETER AND JOHANNAH'S CHILDREN

The births of the first wo children were registered in Tambaroora NSW. The births of the next four children were registered in Paddington, NSW. The births of the last two children were registered in Woollahra, NSW.
  • August Gondolf
     - born 11 May 1868 (NSW BDM 16681/1868) pictured below.
  • George Antony Gondolf
    - born 15 June 1872 (NSW BDM 17835/1872) pictured below.
  • Charles Peter Gondolf
    - born 7 October 1876 (NSW BDM 4958/1876); died 1936, Canterbury (NSW BDM 14901/1936)
  • Percival Ernest Gondolf
    - born 27 August 1878 (NSW BDM 5445/1878); died 1952, Kogarah (NSW BDM 17021/1952)
  • Mabel Cecilia Julia Margareta Gondolf - pictured below.
    - born 5 June 1880 (NSW BDM 6046/1880); married George F Richardson in Waverley (NSW BDM 10940/1905); died 4 Oct 1955 Woollahra (aged 75) (Findagrave)
  • Leslie Francis Werner Gondolf
    - born 11 September 1882 (NSW BDM 7542/1882); died Sydney, 1958 (NSW BDM 26886/1958)
  • Myra Clarice Iris [Schiebella?] Gondolf - pictured below.
    - born 6 November 1884 (NSW BDM 9857/1884); married Charles R Ratcliffe in Waverley (NSW BDM 6475/1909); died 1968, Bankstown (NSW BDM 12908/1968)
  • Beatrice Alice Edith Gondolf
    - born 2 December 1886 ( Reg date 1887 NSW BDM 10764/1887); married James J Geoghegan, Woollahra in 1905 (NSW BDM10940/1905); 
Note: Their mother's name is listed as either Johanna, Johanne or Johannah in the NSW BDM records. Names and dates from NSW BDM records (above) have been expanded using the family list in the Gondolf bible.

NEWS ITEMS

1876 - GONDOLF—Oct. 7, Woollahra, Mrs. P. Gondolf, of a daughter. [Charles?]

1878 - GONDOLF. - August 27, at her residence, Moncur-street, Woollahra, the wife of Peter Gondolf, of a son. [Percival]

1882 - GONDOLF.—September 11, at Nil Desperandum, Moncur-street, Woollahra, Mrs. P. Gondolf, of a son. [Leslie]

AUGUST GONDOLF ______________________________________

Augustus Gondolf, circa 1872
Source: SLNSW a2823746

Augustus Gondolf appeared in four portraits in the Holtermann Collection. 

Similarities have been noted between the photographic portrait of Augustus Gondolf (above) and Claude Monet's painting of his son, Jean, also from 1872.

Jean Monet (1867–1914) on His Hobby Horse
Source: The Met Museum

Augustus Gondolf, aged 4
Source: SLNSW a2823749

August [Augustus] Gondolf on his tricycle
Source: SLNSW a2823748 and a2823747

NEWS ITEMS 

1895 - [WEDDING OF AUGUSTUS GONDOLF]
On Tuesday, January 1, Miss Edith Somerville, daughter of Mr. M. J. Somerville, of Sydney, was married to Mr. Augustus Gondolf, of Woollahra. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. George Lane, at the Paddington Wesleyan Church, which was decorated for the occasion with ferns and lilies, and was crowded with guests. As the bride entered the church on her father's arm the organist played Kowalski's "March Hongroise."

Her dress was of ivory white China silk, plain skirt, with court train, the full bodice richly trimmed with Maltese lace; a long embossed tulle veil was caught with a coronet of orange blossoms. The bride also carried a handsome shower bouquet, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids were Miss Edie Griffiths (cousin of the bride), Miss K. Smith, and Miss Mabel Gondolf (sister to the bridegroom), attired in pretty dresses of cream and buttercup Tambour muslin, buttercup moire sashes and rosettes. Sprays of buttercups were worn in the hair instead of the customary hats. Each wore a gold brooch, engraved 1/1/95, and carried shower bouquets, the gifts of the bridegroom. Two little train-bearers, Miss Myra and Miss Beatrice Gondolf (sisters of the bridegroom), made a pretty picture in peach-colored Tambour muslin, white silk stockings and shoes, carrying shepherds' crooks, mounted with pink and white roses, carnations, and ferns, the gift of the bride groom. The bridegroom was attended by Dr. H. Walton Smith as best man, and Mr. Alfred Somerville and Mr. Charlie Gondolf as groomsmen. As the wedding party were leaving the church the organist played Mendelssohn's "Wedding March." 

The party drove to "Padua," the residence of the bride's parents, where a large marquee was erected, inside which breakfast was served. The usual toast list was gone through, the whole affair passing off most pleasantly. A large number of costly presents were made, amongst them being a piano, toilet set, silver cruet, &c. The dresses worn by the guests were very pretty, the most prominent being those of Mrs. Somerville in stone-colored silk and black Chantilly lace, with floral bonnet of grey ivy (frosted) leaves, grapes, and tufts of pink heather, a very becoming and stylish costume. The mother of the bridegroom wore black merveilleux silk, guipure lace sleeves over heliotrope silk, with lace and jet bonnet trimmed with pansies and heliotrope; Mrs. George Gondolf (sister of the bride), a pretty dress of cream with pale blue silk sleeves and sash, with pretty feather hat; Mrs. W. Griffiths, black duchesse satin and guipure lace, black bonnet, relieved with forget-me-nots; Mrs. J. Griffiths, jun., French grey bengaline, with floral bonnet of forget-me-nots. The bride's travelling gown was of fawn mantle cloth, trimmed with brown silk, fawn straw hat with apricot moire ribbon and silk poppies.

Mr. and Mrs. Gondolf left by special train for Bowral, en route to Garangula, where they will reside for some time, amidst the best of good wishes.

1895 - GONDOLF.—October 20, at The Strand, Cowper-street, Waverley, the wife of August Gondolf, of a daughter.

1896 - [LAW REPORT - IN BANKRUPTCY]
Re Augustus Gondolf and R W B. Somerville. Gondolf was present and was examined. He was ordered to file two years' accounts by the 7th August. Somerville failed to appear. Adjourned till the 18th August.

In the matter of Augustus Gondolf and E. W. B. Somerville the former was examined, Sommerville not attending.

1905 - GONDOLF. — March 4, at 193 Miller-street, North Sydney, the wife of August Gondolf — a son. [Werner I Gondolf (NSW BDM 17302/1905); died Katoomba 1970 (NSW BDM 43987/1970)]

1919 - Notice of Application for a Certificate of Discharge.
In the Supreme Court of New South Wales. (10,936)
IN BANKRUPTCY.
Re Gondolf and Somerville, of Waverley, bakers, To the Official Assignee and Creditors.

TAKE NOTICE that I, Augustus Gondolf, intend to apply to the Court, Supreme Court Buildings, Elizabeth-street, Sydney, on Thursday, the 17th day of April next, at 10 a.m., or as soon afterwards as the course of business will admit, that a Certificate of Discharge be granted to me, under and according to the provisions of the "Bankruptcy Act, 1828."—

Dated this 24th day of March, 1919.
AUGUSTUS GONDOLF.
3284 6s 6d.

1919 - In Bankruptcy.
Before the Registrar, Supreme Court Buildings). At 10 a.m. Application for certificate of discharge, re Augustus Gondolf, and R. W. B. Somerville, trading as "Gondolf and Somerville," and in the separate estate of Augustus Gondolf;


Augustus Gondolf burial plaque
Source: Findagrave

Augustus Gondolf died on 16 Jan 1951 (aged 82) at Mayfield, Newcastle City, NSW Australia. He is buried at Newcastle Memorial Park Beresfield, PLOT Rose C 5A/21.

Source: (NSW BDM 6720/1951 and Findagrave

GEORGE GONDOLF ______________________________________

Baby George Gondolf
Source: SLNSW a2823750

Children posed a problem for photographers of this era. They needed to be kept still for the long exposure times involved in the wet plate process. In some photos there is evidence of a neck restraint, designed to keep the child at the correct focal distance from the camera. For very young children, however, other techniques were deployed. In the photo above, baby George Gondolf sits on the lap of a woman partly concealed by a curtain. These ghost mums (or ghost nannies) were employed with varying degrees of success in Victorian photos.

George Antony Gondolf was born on 15 June 1872 at Tambaroora, NSW. He died on 27 September  1956 (aged 84) at Toongabbie, NSW and is buried at Rookwood Memorial Gardens and Crematorium.
Source: NSW BDM 30029/1956 and Findagrave

NEWS ITEMS

1896 - [FIRST CHILD]
Mr. and Mrs. George Gondolf, of Lindon, Woollahra, entertained about 70 friends in the local Oddfellows' Hall on Thursday night in celebration of their son's first birthday. Dancing was indulged in until midnight, and, although the weather was most oppressive, it was thoroughly enjoyed. Songs were interspersed between the dances: the hostess sang "The Holy City" nicely; Mr. W. Cresswell sang "Oh, Maris Stella," and others contributed to the musical programme A sumptuous supper was served at 12 o'clock. Among the guests were Mrs. Gondolf, sen., Mrs. Augustus Gondolf, Mrs. A. Gondolf, Mrs. W. Arness, the Misses Harris, Mrs E. Shipway, Miss Fusedale, Mrs. R. J. Summerbell, Miss Reiberg, and Miss Grace Peel.

1956 - GONDOLF, George - September 27, 1956 at hospital, and late of 443 Wentworth Avenue, Toongabbie. Beloved husband of the late Mabel Gondolf and loved father and father-in-law of Clifford and Dorothy, and Ruby and Clement Shakespeare. Aged 84 years.

1956 - GONDOLF - The Relatives and Friends of the late GEORGE GONDOLF, late of Toongabbie, are invited to attend his Funeral; to leave the Parramatta Funeral Home, 32 Darcy Street, Parramatta, this (Friday) Afternoon, after a service commencing at 2 o'clock, for the Rockwood Crematorium.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 Sep 1956

MABEL GONDOLF _____________________________________

Mabel Cecilia Julia Margaret Richardson nee Gondolf
Source: Findagrave


MYRA GONDOLF ______________________________________

Myra Clarice Gondolf 1884-1968

Myra Clarice Gondolf 1884-1968

Myra Clarice Gondolf, aged 21

Myra Clarice Ratcliffe nee Gondolf, date unknown

Myra Gondolf married Charles R Ratcliffe in Waverley in 1909 (BDM 6475/1909).
___________________________________

1872 - [NATURALISATION]
On 25 March 1872, Peter Gondolf, a German native, was listed on the Naturalization Index.
Source: Naturalization Index 1834-1903 Item No: [4/1202] | Page No: 126 | Reel No: 130

In 1873, Peter Gondolf signed the "Petition for Municipality, Hill End", as did B O Holtermann!
Source: New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900) Tue 1 Apr 1873 [Issue No.77 (SUPPLEMENT)] Page 963

Portion 140, Hill End
Source: HLRV, Parish Maps

In 1873, Peter Gondolf bought Portion 140, Hill End, for six pounds. He sold the land in 1875 to Mary Dequer, a doctor's wife.

Extract, title deed for Portion 140, Hill End.

1874 - [SYDNEY PURCHASE]
Messrs. Bowden, Mills, and Gordon report having sold... three allotments, Moncur-street, to Mr. Peter Gondolf, for £282;

1893 - [BANKRUPTCY]
Re Peter Gondolf, of Woollahra, assistant on a vineyard: Bankruptcy was caused by want of employment. He was working for his wife but got no payment for it. The meeting closed, and the examination was declared concluded.

-----------------------------------------------------------
DEATHS
Augustus Gondolf, Peter's brother, died in 1907.

GONDOLF.—August 7, 1907, at his brother's residence, 16 Moncur-street, Woollahra, August Gondolf, aged 71 years.

GONDOLF.—The Friends of the late AUGUST GONDOLF are kindly invited to attend his funeral; to leave his brother's residence, 16 Moncur-street, Woollahra, THIS DAY (Thursday), at 3.15 p.m., for Waverley Cemetery. W. CARTER, Undertaker, Waverley.

GONDOLF.- The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. PETER GONDOLF and FAMILY are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved BROTHER and UNCLE; to leave their residence, 16 Moncur-street, Woollahra, THIS DAY (Thursday), at 3.15 p.m., for Waverley Cemetery. W. CARTER, Undertaker, Wav.

GONDOLF.- In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, August Gondolf, who departed this life August 7, 1907, in his 71st year. Inserted by his brother and sister, F. and J. Gondolf and family, Woollahra.

1908 - PROBATES AND ADMINISTRATION
August Gondolf, of Woollahra, near Sydney, N.S.W., gentleman, to Peter Gondolf, David John Bartlett and Albert Wegener; death occurred 7th August, 1907. Personalty, £91.
Source: The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947) Sat 17 Oct 1908 Page 2

Peter Gondolf died in Woollahra on 17 November 1914 (NSW BDM 16287/1914). He is buried at Waverley Cemetery, PLOTW-18-RC-SL-3694.

Johanna Gondolf nee Schiebel, died in Woollahra on 20 August 1938 (NSW BDM 19649/1938). She is buried at Waverley Cemetery, PLOTW-18-RC-SL-3694
Source: Findagrave

Peter and Johannah's grave
Source: Findagrave


1914 - DEATH NOTICES - PETER GONDOLF
GONDOLF.- The Friends of Mrs. PETER GONDOLF are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of her beloved HUSBAND; to leave the residence, Nil Desperandum, 16 Moncur-street, Woollahra, THIS DAY, WEDNESDAY, at 3 p.m., for Waverley Cemetery. W. CARTER, Undertaker, Waverley.

GONDOLF.- The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. AUGUST GONDOLF and FAMILY are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved FATHER and GRANDFATHER; to leave Nil Desperandum, 16 Moncur-street, Woollahra, THIS DAY, WEDNESDAY, at 3 p.m., for Waverley Cemetery. W. CARTER, Undertaker, Wav.

GONDOLF.-The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. GEORGE GONDOLF and FAMILY are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved FATHER and GRANDFATHER; to leave Nil Desperandum, 16 Moncur-street, Woollahra, THIS DAY, WEDNESDAY, at 3 p.m., for Waverley Cemetery. W. CARTER, Undertaker.

GONDOLF.- The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. CHARLES GONDOLF and FAMILY are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved FATHER and GRANDFATHER; to leave Nil Desperandum, 16 Moncur-street, Woollahra, THIS DAY, WEDNESDAY, at 3 p.m.. for Waverley Cemetery. W. CARTER, Undertaker.

GONDOLF.-The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. PERCIE GONDOLF and FAMILY are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved FATHER and GRANDFATHER; to leave Nil Desperandum, 16 Moncur-street, Woollahra, THIS DAY, WEDNESDAY, at 3 p.m.. for Waverley Cemetery. W. CARTER, Undertaker, Wav.

GONDOLF.- The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. GEORGE RICHARDSON and FAMILY are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved FATHER and GRANDFATHER; to leave Nil Desperandum, 16 Moncur-street; Woollahra, THIS DAY, WEDNESDAY, at 3 p.m., for Waverley Cemetery. W. CARTER, Undertaker.

GONDOLF.- The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. LESLIE GONDOLF and FAMILY are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved FATHER and GRANDFATHER; to leave Nil Desperandum, 16 Moncur-street, Woollahra, THIS DAY. WEDNESDAY, at 3 p.m., for Waverley Cemetery. W. CARTER.

GONDOLF.-The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. CHARLES RATCLIFFE and FAMILY are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved FATHER and GRANDFATHER; to leave Nil Desperandum, 16 Moncur-street, Woollahra, THIS DAY, WEDNESDAY, at 3 p.m., for Waverley Cemetery. W. CARTER, Waverley.

GONDOLF.-The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. JAMES GEOGHEGAN and FAMILY are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved FATHER and GRANDFATHER; to leave Nil Desperandum, 16 Moncur-street, Woollahra, THIS DAY, WEDNESDAY, at 3 p.m., for Waverley Cemetery. W. CARTER, Undertaker.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Wed 18 Nov 1914 Page 9

1916 - DEATH NOTICES - PETER GONDOLF
GONDOLF.-In loving memory of my dear husband, who departed this life November 17, 1914.
Days of sadness still come o'er me;
Secret tears do often flow;
For memory keeps my dear one near me,
Though he died two years ago.
Inserted by his loving wife, J[ohannah]. Gondolf.

GONDOLF.-In loving memory of my dear father, who departed this life November 17, 1914.
Sweet to remember him, once so near;
And who, though absent, is still just us dear.
Inserted by his loving daughter and son-in-law, M[yra].C. Ratcliffe, and grandchildren, Una and Leslie.

GONDOLF.-In loving memory of my dear father and our grandfather, who departed this life November 17, 1914.
As you lie in peaceful sleep
Your memory we shall always keep.
Inserted by his loving daughter and son-in-law, B. and J. Geoghegan, and grandchildren, Cedric, Cecil, and Dulcie.

1918 - DEATH NOTICES - PETER GONDOLF
GONDOLF.-In sad but loving memory of my dear husband, Peter, who departed this life November 17,
1914, aged 81 years. R.I.P. 
Out in a lonely graveyard
My footsteps often stray
To place some fresh-cut flowers
On my darling husband's grave.
Inserted by his loving wife, J. Gondolf.

GONDOLF.-In loving memory of my dear father, who departed this life November 17, 1914, aged 81 years. R.l.P. Inserted by his affectionate daughter and son-in-law, M. and C. Ratcliffe, and grandchildren, Una, Leslie, and Joan.

1938 - DEATH NOTICE - JOHANNAH GONDOLF
GONDOLF.—August 20, 1938, at her residence, 16 Moncur Street, Woollahra, Johanna, relict of the late Peter Gondolf, of Woollahra, dearly loved mother of Augustus, George, Charles (deceased), Percival, Mabel (Mrs. G. F. Richardson), Leslie, Myra (Mrs. C. Ratcliffe), and Beatrix (Mrs. B. Geoghegan), and loving sister of Mr. F. Scheibel and Mrs. A. Hansel, in her 91st year. R.I.P.

16 Moncur St, Woollahra
Source: Google Street View

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