Notable South Australians/F. W. Kleinschmidt, J.P.

2373357Notable South Australians — F. W. Kleinschmidt, J.P.George E. Loyau

F. W. Kleinschmidt, J.P.

FEW of the early pioneers of South Australia have had a more varied experience than the subject of this notice. He was born near Bremen, in 1810, and left his native land in 1836, under engagement to the South Australian Company at Kangaroo Island. The hardships and privations endured by the early settlers are said to bear no comparison to those which had to be endured by first arrivals at Kangaroo Island. Water was scarce and food scant, the chief means of subsistence being kangaroo and the few edible roots to be obtained. Shortly after the South Australian Company left the island and transferred their operations to the mainland, Mr. Kleinschmidt quitted its service, and entered into business on his own account. He was by trade a sugar-boiler, but having learned the art of building, he contracted for and built the first Government offices erected in the colony. He did fairly well at his business, and acquired land in Rundle-street. This he sold, and started farming at Hahndorf, remaining there till 1843, when he removed to Lobethal. Imbued with strong religious feelings, he conceived the idea of erecting a church in connection with the Lutheran Mission, and with his own hands built one at Lobethal, known as the "Weinberg Christi." In 1851 he, with others, started a brewery, which was conducted till 1872, when he sold the connection to Messrs. J. A. & G. Johnston, of Oakbank. In 1873 he started the Lobethal Tweed Factory, and lost no inconsiderable amount. In 1869 he commenced hop-growing, and when the tweed factory failed, threw his whole energy into the hop plantation, and was very fortunate; he not only paid off all liabilities in connection with the tweed factory, but also placed himself once more in a substantial and flourishing position. He was chairman of, and for several years a councillor in, the Onkaparinga District Council. He died at Lobethal, December 10, 1884.