Ernest Bruno (Bruno) OTTO
married Jessie Satchell SPIERS
married Martha Alvene TAEGE
Bruno was born 13 December 1874 Kedron Brook, Brisbane, Queensland. He died 28 April 1950 Monto, Queensland and is buried in the Monto Cemetery.
Jessie was born 13 December 1878 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.
Martha was born 12 June 1888 in Alberton, Queensland. She died 7 June 1983 Monto, Queensland. She is buried in Monto Cemetery.
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Bruno & Jessie were married on 13 June 1897.
Bruno & Martha were married 4 August 1909.
Children of Bruno & Jessie
James Henry Treadwell b. 18 August 1897 d. 15 February 1938
m. Dorothy Myra Ashcroft 2 June 1920
(Note: James date of birth on his enlistment in the AIF was shown as 1 December 1896)
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Oscar Ernest b. 30 July 1899 d. 9 February 1905
Oscar was the first body to be buried
in the new Peachester Cemetery.
There was a report in the Chronicle about his death...
A Sudden Death - Little Boy at Peachester
"The little fellow had been living with his grandparents, and on Tuesday, 7th instant, suddenly appeared unwell after playtime, and the teacher despatched another lad with him to his home; but he never rallied, and died during Wednesday night."
read more
James Henry Treadwell Otto & Dorothy Myra Ashcroft
James served in WWI. He enlisted on 2nd March 1918 in Rockhampton and was in the 42nd Battalion. In May 1918 he was aboard HMAT "Osterley" bound for Liverpool. He served in Fovant and then Bulford, both in Wiltshire. He returned to Australia aboard "City of Exeter" in February 1919 and was discharged in March 1919.
​Unfortunately, the majority of James time in England was in hospital and at Parkhouse Depot Convalescent Training due to a medical condition.
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His military records can be found at National Archives of Australia. https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/
Bruno & Jessie separated in September 1900. Bruno took the youngest child, Oscar, and went to stay with his parents. Jessie went to live with John Mannion.
Bruno & Jessie divorced in June 1909. At the time of the divorce Bruno was described as being of Obi Obi near Eumundi. Read more on Stories page.
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Jessie & John Mannion married on 15th August 1910. They had seven children.
When James Henry Treadwell Otto enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1918 his address was Gladstone, Central Qld and his next of kin was noted as Jessie Satchell Mannion.
Marriage of Bruno & Martha on 4 August 1909
Left to Right: Gustaf Taege, Henry Taege, Anna Louise Taege, Flora Otto, Bruno Otto, Martha Taege, Gertrude Taege and an unknown person
(Note: Research has been undertaken about the Taege Family. Click on the link to visit the Taege website.)
Children of Bruno & Martha
Alvene Matilda (Rene) - b. 25 June 1910, Peachester, d. 9 January 2006, Brisbane
m. Frank Henry Ernest (Ernie) Brandt 28 February 1934
Harold James (Pat) - b. 28 May 1911, Peachester, d. 16 December 1994, Brisbane
m. Mary Wilton (nee Reddacliff)
Edgar (Joe) - b. 23 July 1912, Peachester, d. 3 May 2014, Monto
A stillborn child - b. 1913, Peachester
Marena Elsie (Marie) - b. 19 August 1915, Peachester, d. 28 November 2005, Brisbane
m. Kenneth Ross
Veronica (Ronnie) - b. 24 February 1917, Peachester, d. 17 February 2006, Brisbane
Ronnie had a long career in nursing.
Rudolph (Peter) - b. 26 July 1918, Peachester, d. 19 March 2008, Brisbane
m. Crissie May Jose Arnall
Elsie May - b. 19 April 1920, Wondai, d. 14 April 2007, Brisbane
pnr. Clement Eric Morton Raetz
Norma Evelyn - b. 22 June 1921, Peachester, d. 15 February 2009, Texas USA
m. John Thomas m. John Reese
Ivy Lillian - b. 24 October 1922 Booroobin d. 7 April 1923 Kin Kin
Rosalie Eva - b. 23 December 1924, Eumundi, d. 19 December 2016, Monto Qld
m. Mervyn George Persal
Colin Reginald - b. 15 August 1930, Woowoonga, d. 19 July 2006
m. Laurel Jane Jamieson
Colin was the only child Martha gave birth to in a hospital (Maryborough Base Hospital). All of her other children were born at home. The story that has been passed down is that this was because Bruno disliked/distrusted hospitals but in the case of Colin, both mother and baby's lives were in danger.
Bruno & Martha
Bruno & Martha began their married life farming in Peachester, Queensland
Selection Agricultural Farm 4774 Portion 242 - Peachester
Selected by Hugo Otto - Lease transferred to Bruno Otto
On 3rd May 1904 Bruno's brother, Hugo Ernest Otto selected land in Cross Street (20 acres in Parish of Durundur) before it was surveyed. The annual rent was sixpence per acre, totalling 10 shillings. He also paid one-fifth of the survey fee of £4.0.0, being 16 shillings - a total outlay of £1.6.0. After survey, the land size was 17 acres 3 roods 3 perches. Licence to Occupy an Agricultural Farm On 13th July 1904 Hugo was granted a licence to occupy the land. Granting of Lease to Hugo Ernest Otto Hugo commenced the process to obtain a Lease on 26th January 1909. Improvements claimed were "1 slabhouse shingle roof - £6.0.0; Fenced completed by barb & plain wire - £25.12.0; One acre fell - £1.10.0." The report of the Crown Lands Ranger noted "Selector residing on 37V Bribie within 15 miles" (this was the land owned by Hugo's mother, Auguste Ernestine Otto). The Ranger also noted the improvements as "Securely fenced with good substantial wire fence - £16.16.0; House 12 x 10 slab sawn floor shingle roof - £8.0.0; one acre brushed and felled £2.0.0. Total: £26.16.0. Amount of improvements required: £16.16.o which gave a surplus of £10.0.0. The Lease was granted on 7th April 1909 but for some reason, the date noted in the Lease document was 20 years from 1st July 1904 at a rent of 8 shillings 11 pence yearly. Transfer of Lease from Hugo Ernest Otto to Ernest Bruno Otto Ernest Bruno sought to acquire the land on 2nd April 1914. Transfer of Lease of a Selection was dated 24th April 1914 and noted payment of £20.0.0 by Bruno to Hugo in addition to transfer fee of 10 shillings. There was a delay, however, in completing the transfer as there were notes "The papers of this selection cannot at present be found"; "Record - can papers be found!"; "Absolutely no trace. Docket. U'Secy"; "May we register?"; "Make special search for papers."; "Diligent search has been made but without success.". There was a final note on 25th August 1914 "Now herewith, found away among freehold files." The Lease document originally granted to HE Otto was stamped on 27th August 1914 noting the transfer. Application by Ernest Bruno Otto to Purchase land Leased On 25th May 1916 Bruno wrote a letter to Dept Public Lands enquiring as to whether No 4774 can be made freehold and how much it will require to do so. A reply from Under Secretary dated 31st May 1916 informed Bruno Otto that the land may be made freehold upon obtaining a certificate that all conditions precedent had been performed and payment of £11.0.11 which was made up of balance of purchase money, Deed fee and Assurance fee. The Report of Crown Lands Ranger on Selection dated 5th August 1916 sets out the following: Occupation: Teamster Improvements effected by Selector: House 4 rooms verandah in front - £200.0.0; 56 chains of fencing - £16.16.0; Stables & yards - £25.0.0; 3 acres of scrub felled & cleared - £9.0.0; Total: £250.16.0. Amount of improvements required: £16.16.0. Surplus improvements: £234.0.0. (Bruno had claimed "3 acres under Citrus fruit trees", with a value of £150.0.0, and one fowl house. It seems the Ranger did not agree with this description and value.) Application by EB Otto to purchase the land was made on 26th September 1916. Amount to be tendered was £11.3.4 made up of purchase price @ 20 shillings per acre, less already paid as rent, plus Deed fee & Assurance fee. Deed of Grant to Ernest Bruno Otto The Secretary for Public Lands recommends that a Deed of Grant be issued. The document is stamped "Deed Prepared 10.11.16". "Deed forwarded to Registrar of Titles Brisbane 4.12.16". Mortgage from Ernest Bruno Otto to ES&A Bank Memo to the Registrar of Titles, Brisbane on 5th December 1916 notes mortgage to The English Scottish and Australian Bank Limited securing 'repayment on demand of advances and further advances and payment of interest' was registered on 23rd July 1916. Bruno & family leave Peachester In 1919 Bruno, Martha & children left Peachester to take up share farming (dairying) in various areas (see below). It is unknown as to who was taking care of Bruno's property in Peachester during his time elsewhere. Perhaps his brother, Hugo, spent some time taking care of it as he stayed in Peachester with his family. Mortgage from Ernest Bruno Otto to ES&A Bank In July 1929 another mortgage was registered to the ES&A Bank. At this time Bruno was share farming in Woowoonga. Transfer by Mortgagee On 24 June 1936 a "Transfer by Mortgagee" was registered with the new owner being WJ Lonsdale. Some time after 1973 it was subdivided into smaller blocks of land.
Above map shows Portion 242. On the right Portion 37v can be seen. A Deed of Grant for this Portion was issued to Bruno's mother, Auguste Otto.
The Journey - Peachester to Tellebang
Bruno & Martha's first seven children were born in Peachester:
25th June 1910 - Alvene Matilda (Rene)
28th May 1911 - Harold James (Pat)
23rd July 1912 - Edgar (Joe)
1913 - a stillborn child
​19th August 1915 - Marena Elsie (Marie)
24th February 1917 - Veronica (Ronnie)
26th July 1918 - Rudolph (Peter)
Transfer of Portion 36V from GF Otto to EB Otto
On 22nd February 1918, 160 acres owned by Bruno's father, Gottlob Friedrich, was transferred to Bruno. It is unknown how much was paid for this land. Improvements already made were Slab House 16x11 with shingle roof, Milking yard & shed, fencing, small area under cultivation and other areas cleared. Certificate of Title Portion 36V
On 24th July 1919 a Mortgage was registered to ES&A Bank.
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Portion 242 (referred to above) has been marked and Portion 37v, selected by Heinrich Otto with a Title eventually issuing to Bruno's mother, Auguste, can also be seen.
Bruno, Martha & children left Peachester in 1919. It was in January of this year that Otto's Pinch Deviation was opened, making the access from Beerwah to Peachester more accessible and also, in May of this year that Bruno's mother, Auguste Ernestine, passed away.
Wondai
Upon leaving Peachester, Bruno took up dairy share farming in Wondai and it was here that another daughter, Elsie May, was born on 19th April 1920. The dairy farm was owned by Cowan-Keyes family.
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Crohamhurst/Peachester
However, after a severe drought, they returned to Crohamhurst/Peachester after only 18 months and another daughter, Norma Evelyn, was born on 22nd June 1921.
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Booroobin
After a couple of years they moved once again down the road to Booroobin with yet another short stay of only nine months. It was here that Ronnie joined the older children at school. Another child, Ivy Lillian, was born on 24th Oct 1922.
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Kin Kin
Then it was off to Kin Kin in 1923. During this year, on 7th April, little Ivy Lillian died at only six months of age. She was buried somewhere near the house where they were living at the time. It was very sad that some years later (the late 1980's) when Joe was attending a reunion in Kin Kin, they were unable to find where Ivy was buried. In 1924 another daughter, Rosalie Eva, was born at Eumundi. They stayed in Kin Kin for two years before moving again. Once again Bruno was working on a dairy farm, owned by Shepparson family, on a half-share basis.
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Woowoonga
1925 found them in Woowoonga, half-share on a dairy farm owned by Wilkins family, five miles from Biggenden where they stayed for seven years. Another child, Colin Reginald, was born in Woowoonga in 1930.
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Mortgage to ES&A Bank over 17 acres in Cross Street, Peachester
On 3rd July 1929 another Mortgage was registered over the above property.
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Tellebang
In 1932 Bruno and his family moved to the property selected and cleared by Bruno's sons, Pat, Joe & Peter. (Read more about these three sons below.)
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Transfer by Mortgagee of Portion 36V Peachester
On 22nd May 1933 a Transfer by Mortgagee was registered over the above land with the new owners being CE & WJL Hall.
Why did Bruno leave Peachester?
Sometime during 1919 Bruno left Peachester with his family.
He had a wife with six children to take care of and he owned 17 acres with a four room house (with a verandah) stable & yards, fowl house and land under cultivation. He also owned 160 acres (transferred from his father) which had a slab house, milking yard & shed and land under cultivation. Admittedly, he had two mortgages to the ES&A Bank but he had those mortgages whether he stayed or left.
Also, it was in January 1919 that Otto's Pinch was finally upgraded to make it "comfortably trafficable". His mother was very ill with cancer of the stomach and died in May of that year.
He left to take up share farming when he had two properties of his own. Were these properties simply too small to support a large family? Who took care of these properties when he left?
ES&A Bank eventually registered a 'Transfer by Mortgagee' on both portions of land but this wasn't until 1933 and 1936 when Bruno was well established, with his family, on land selected and cleared by his sons at Tellebang.
Stories of the children of
Bruno & Martha
Three brothers start a dairy farm ...
Early in 1929 Pat & Joe went to Monto district to work. Unfortunately, Joe had his foot severely crushed while chopping scrub on the Mulgildie plateau and spent three months in Biggenden Hospital. Joe was almost 17 yrs old and one doctor wanted to amputate the disfigured and swollen foot, however, fortunately for Joe his father told them to leave the foot alone. He returned to work but had to go back to hospital soon after for another couple of months to allow the foot to properly heal. Joe experienced problems with his damaged foot throughout his life but still managed a hard-working life on the dairy farm.
The two brothers applied for selection blocks and in 1930 they were granted land at Tellebang, five miles from the railway siding at Kapaldo. This was virgin scrub and brigalow country where the two brothers, and a little later in the same year, their younger brother, Peter (at the age of 12), started the laborious task of clearing the land to start a farm, whilst living in a tent. About a year after Peter arrived, their sister, Marie, came to cook & housekeep (aged about 16 yrs).
In 1932 Uncle Huey (Hugo Ernest), Bruno's younger brother who was a carpenter, visited from Peachester and built the first part of the house, being the kitchen. The rest of the family then moved to "Mountain View" as the house was known. Elsie, Norma, Eva & Colin finished their schooling at Tellebang State School. Slowly, more land was cleared and the dairy farm grew with up to 120 cows being milked by hand. In about 1938 they got milking machines.
As the children became adults, many married and moved away or sought other careers. In 1945 Pat sold his share of Mountain View to Peter and moved to Brisbane.
Bruno died in 1950. Martha, Joe, Peter & his wife Crissie continued to work the farm until 1973 when they all moved to Monto. In 1994 Peter & Crissie moved to Sunnybank in Brisbane.
Visit the "Tellebang" page for more information about how the land was selected, stories from Peter & Joe and how the dairy farm was gradually developed. Visit the Tellebang Photo Gallery.
Edgar (Joe) Otto
Joe lived to 101 years
On 23 July 2012 Joe celebrated 100 years. Family and friends gathered at the Monto Bowls Club for the celebration. He received messages of congratulations from Queen Elizabeth II, Governor-General Quentin Bryce and Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Joe passed away on 3rd May 2014, aged 101 years.
An unfortunate accident
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The following story is taken from Joe's eulogy ... ...
Joe relates the story when he was chopping scrub on the Mulgildie plateau, when he was almost 17, in early 1929. A tree that he had just felled to start a drive, was thrown back by the next tree, which did not break off. It tragically crushed Joe’s left foot with such force that the big leather “bluchers” boot he was wearing, had all the stitching busted in it and it literally fell of his foot, leaving a very damaged foot. The boot had actually saved Joe’s foot from being even more badly smashed. What followed was a tragedy of errors. He had to crawl on his hands and knees some of the way back to their camp, where, when they bathed his foot, the boiling water scolded Joe’s foot, as he no feeling in it.
The next day his boss, Len Norman, carried Joe on his back to Kapaldo railway station, and then he travelled on to the Biggenden hospital, close to where his father had a share farm at Woowonga. He spent around three months in hospital, with one doctor wanting to amputate the disfigured and swollen foot. Joe’s father, who according to Joe did not like doctors, told them to leave Joe’s foot alone.
After he returned to work, he had to return to hospital soon after, for a couple of months more, to allow the foot to properly heal. It had not been healing, as Joe had to work on the farm.
Veronica (Ronnie) Otto
War needs started long career in nursing
Courier Mail Wednesday 22nd March 2006 (below is an excerpt from the full article)
​In 1944, due to a shortage of nurses because of the war, Ms Otto was able to find work at Eidsvold Hospital as a nurse, where she was trained on the job by the matron and sister. After 12 months she transferred to Maryborough Base Hospital where she started her formal nursing training.
Four years later she gained her nursing certificate and a year later her midwifery certificate. As a double certificate nurse, she moved to the Monto Hospital and later, Kilcoy. She delivered a number of babies, including a nephew.
In 1957 Ms Otto transferred to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. She bought a house in Greenslopes in 1963 and it became her pride and joy. She loved music and learned to play the piano. She was also a keen cook.
She retired in 1977, bringing to an end a long and successful career where success was measured in how well she cared for her patients. Care, safety and wellbeing of patients was her priority, a message she strongly instilled in the many junior nurses who worked under her supervision. She donated her early nursing text books and journals to the PA Museum.
Ronnie worked at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane for 20 years, becoming the Sister in charge of Ward 2c.
Princess Alexandra Hospital 1961
Ronnie's house in Greenslopes
Rudolph (Peter) Otto - Service in WWII
Peter enlisted in the Australian Military Forces in Monto on 17 September 1942. He served in the 47th Australian Infantry Battalion (the "Wide Bay Regiment"). He underwent training in Cowra NSW, Canungra Qld and Sellheim Qld.
On 2 December 1944 he was shipped out on the "Shawnee", arriving in Torokina, Bougainville on 8 December 1944. It was in January 1945 that the 47th took the lead from the 15th and captured Mawaraka, Bougainville (south of Torokina).
18 February 1945 - emplaned Bougainville and deplaned Moresby
20 February 1945 - emplaned Moresby and deplaned Cairns
He was discharged in March 1945 as he was needed back on the farm, being an Essential Industry, especially during the War years.
Peter's cousin, Brent, enlisted in February 1942 and also served in Bougainville. In December 1944 and again in February 1945 they both passed through Torokina but the dates did not coincide.
Stay Tuned
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Cape Torokina, Bougainville
47th Battalion takes Mawaraka
"On Bougainville the 29th Brigade opened the campaign in the Southern Sector. At the end of December the 15th Battalion made the initial advance, moving down the coast from the Jaba to the Tavera Rivers and with a company landing at the Adele River by barge. The 15th was followed by the 47th. On 9 January 1945 the 47th took the lead and captured Mawaraka in the third week of January. Because of the frequent clashes with the Japanese and the miserable environment the brigade's campaign was aptly known as the "battle of the swamps". Upon reaching Mawaraka, the brigade was relived by the 7th Brigade and returned to Torokina."
Source: Australian War Memorial
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U56130
Personnel of 47th Infantry Battalion raising Australian flag after successful assault on Japanese stronghold at Mawaraka.
Monument in Bundaberg Qld commemorating those who served
in the 47th Infantry Battalion during World War 2
Eva Persal (nee Otto)
"Eva's other love, golf, popped up at age 57"
Article by Emma Gough
"Eva Persal's main reason for taking up golf at age 57 was to avoid becoming a golf-widow when her husband Mervin took up the sport.
Thirty years later she is still a golf nut.
Mr and Mrs Persal both have golf trophies to boast about but it's the fact that Eva took it up so late in life that shows her talent.
"I am still not as good as Merv though," she said. Despite playing at over 30 golf courses, Monto and Gin Gin are her favourite places to play.
"It's familiar and I always do my best when I'm playing at Monto," she said.
However, she has no big secrets to a good game. "I make mistakes like everyone else, even the pro's do, I just try to keep concentrated on my form," she said. Unfortunately ill health has been preventing her from hitting the course this year.
"I would like to be able to golf again but I am unsure at this stage if I can," she said.​
In her 30 years of golfing Eva has been C-Grade ladies Champion, B-Grade Champion as well as winning numerous other trophies and pins.