Joseph Rehn (1844 - 1912)

Born 15 Apr 1844 in Payneham, South Australia, Australia

Ancestors

Husband of Margaret (Wakefield) Rehn — married 28 Jun 1866 in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Husband of Helen Maud (Dunn) Rehn — married 8 Feb 1872 in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Descendants

Died 22 Apr 1912 at age 68 in Cowell, South Australia, Australia

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Susan Ruhland [send private message]

Biography

Joseph REHN was born in or near the Payneham/Dry Creek area and not Kangaroo Island as was claimed by some (this was so commonly believed that it was recorded as such on his death certificate). His parents Johannes Johann Rehn and Catherina Schröder had left Kangaroo Island in 1838-1839 to go to the mainland, where his older brothers Sebastian and Johann (John) and younger brother Heinrich (Henry) were all born. The BISA also incorrectly records him with a second given name and wrong first wife.

In 1866 he married Margaret (Wakefield) Rehn and their daughter Johanna was born later that year, but Margaret died 3 months later, and their daughter the next year. Joseph then married Helen (Dunn) Rehn another first generation Australian, with whom he had ten children.

Eyre's Peninsula Tribune (Cowell, SA : 1910 - 1950), Friday 26 April 1912, page 2 Obituary. MR JOSEPH REHN. General regret was expressed throughout the Franklin Harbor district this week when it became known that Mr Joseph Rehn— an old and respected resident — one of the early pioneers — had passed away. Death occurred on Tuesday morning last, at deceased's residence, a few miles out of Cowell. The late Mr Rehn was a kind-hearted and straightforward man, and a good neighbour. His reputation was that of one whose " word was as good as his bond." He was born at Kangaroo Island (#note incorrect) and took up land in the Franklin Harbor district about 32 years ago, and about 27 years ago the family came across from Houghton to reside on Eyre's Peninsula. One of the largest landholders in the district he was instrumental in having thousands of acres cleared and practically converted a mallee wilderness into good pastoral country. He was one of the founders of the old Franklin Harbor Institute. On one occasion, in the early days, when there was only one wheat buyer stationed in the district, he thought the farmers were not getting enough for their grain, and started buying operations himself to the mutual benefit of all concerned. At the time of his death he had attained the ripe age of three score and ten. He had been in indifferent health for several months past. Deceased's wife and family of nine children survive him— six. sons and three daughters. The sons are-Messrs John, Henry, George, J. L. and P. N; Rehn (of this district) and Mr William Rehn, who resides in Western Australia ; the daughters— Mrs Bile, of Western Australia, Mrs O. Jacobs (Port Lincoln), and Mrs Mundy, of Alberton. The funeral took place on Wednesday last, the mortal remains being followed to their resting-place in the Cowell Cemetery by deceased's relatives, friends and representative people of the district. The burial service was conducted by the Rev. Gunter and tho pall-bearers were— Messrs J. F. Warnes, R.Hissey, H. S. Robinson, and W. Hale.

Sources

• Family Search ID [1]

• Genealogy SA [2]
• Marriage notice 9th February 1872 [3]
• Franklin Harbour Institute Committee 1911 [4]
• Will and Probate [5]
• Grave [6]