Notable South Australians/Rudolph Wilhelm Emil Henning
Rudolph Wilhelm Emil Henning,
MEMBER of the House of Assembly for the District of Albert since the beginning of the new Parliament in 1878. Arrived in the colony in the "Paulina" from Germany, in December, 1849, with his parents. For fifteen years was engaged with his father (the proprietor of a furniture and mattress-making warehouse in Morphett-street,) and continued the business on his own account for four years in Rundle-street. Subsequently he became landlord of the Globe Hotel, remaining there for five years. Afterwards he purchased, with the Hon. R. D. Ross and the late Hon. J. Baker, the Angipena, Motpena, and Artemar Stations, in the North. The three partners sold the runs on September 21, 1883, to Mr. J. Whyte, of Whyte, Counsell, & Co. In February, 1884, became a partner in the firm of Aldridge & Bruce, and was connected with it at the time of his death, the business being conducted under the style of Henning, Bruce, & Aldridge. As to Mr. Henning's public life, the only position of consequence he filled was that in the Assembly as a thrice-elected member for Albert. He was a somewhat prominent man in the House, and took great pains in the preparation of his speeches, which were well-considered and instructive. All his sentences bore evidence of the possession of a thoroughly logical mind. He was generally criticised as one holding pessimistic views concerning the future of the colony, but there was not the slightest doubt entertained by his bitterest opponents regarding the perfect honesty of them. He was gradually advancing in influence, and in due time would probably have held a seat on the Treasury benches. He died at Park Lodge, East-terrace, Adelaide, November 24, 1884, leaving a widow and family of eight.