Bendigonian (Bendigo, Vic. : 1914 - 1918)(about) |
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Tuesday 17 February 1914
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AN OLD BENDIGONIAN. INTERESTING CAREER. HIS 87TH BIRTHDAY. On Saturday Mr. Heinrich Schutt, an old resident of Big Hill, celebrated his 87th birthday. Mr. Schutt is a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and prior to coming to this country saw active service in the Germany army, and, served as sergeant in the 2nd Company of the 3rd Schleswig-Holstein Jager Corps in the campaign of the years 1848-49. During an engagement in the campaign Mr. Schutt received a bullet wound in the knee, and while in the hospital he was taken prisoner and removed to Copenhagen, Denmark, where he remained until an exchange of prisoners took place between the Germans and Danes. He then returned to Germany. At the close of the war between Schleswig- Holstein and Denmark he was awarded the Cross of Remembrance (Erinnerungs Kreuz) for his services in the struggle for the rights and honor of the Schleswig-Holstein Herzogthuemer, accompanied by a document showing that he had taken part in the campaign, and that the cross had been presented to him for services rendered. Mr. Schutt arrived in Melbourne in 1856,- and speedily made his way to Bendigo, where with many others, he joined in the search for the elusive metal, but with only moderate success, as he says he either worked too long in one spot or left it too soon. He also engaged in digging at Tarrangower, and in New South Wales, where he remained for three years. Eventually he sold his interest in a mine there for £25. This mine shortly afterwards yielded rich gold, which returned the purchaser of Mr. Schutt's share some hundreds of pounds. Mr. Schutt then returned to Bendigo, and selected some 20 acres of ground where he now resides, and by dint of perseverance and hard work turned the virgin bush into a well-kept and remunerative fruit and vegetable garden. Mr. Schutt until a few years ago was a constant attendant at the early morning market in Bendigo, and, on one occasion brought in 1100lb. weight of beans, which he quickly disposed of at a remunerative price. About 10 years ago he gave up the more arduous part of looking after the garden, which is now being carried on by his son-in-law, Mr. Max Richter. Although Mr. Schutt has reached such an advanced age he enjoys excellent health, and retains all his faculties. He takes a keen interest in his family and social affairs. He has a grown-up family of six girls and two sons. One of his daughters is married to Mr. J. Edwards, a roadmaster on the Victorian railways. His eldest son (Mr. C. Schutt) is managing a currant plantation at Mildura, and his second son has selected land in Queensland.