Biography
Caroline Christina Sophia Dorothea Gerdtz was born in 1831 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Sophia was the daughter of Johann Joachim Christian Gerdtz and Friedericke Anne Marie Bruss. Sophia died at the residence of her son Robert in Pierrepoint, Hochkirch (Tarrington), Victoria, Australia on June 5, 1914. Sophia was buried on June 7, 1914 at the Old Hamilton Cemetery. Sophia immigrated on board the Sophie to Port Phillip arriving on August 23, 1850. An obituary for Sophia appeared in the Hamilton Spectator on Saturday June 6, 1914. DEATH OF A DISTRICT PIONEER A very old and respected resident of the Hamilton district in Mrs Sophia Neville, relict of the late C. Neville, passed away yesterday at the residence of her son, Mr Robert Thomson, of Pierrepoint. The deceased lady, who was 83 years of age, and who until a month ago had never known sickness, was a Miss Gerdtz, the daughter of one of the pioneers of the district. A native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, she arrived in Melbourne over 60 years ago, when there were but a few habitations in the capital, and when the family came to Hamilton there were only two houses where the town now stands. She and her first husband, Mr Robert Thomson, arrived under engagement to Captain Carr of Lyne station, and subsequently they were at Bochara and Park Hill, the last named property at one time being owned by Mr Thomson and his brothers. She was widowed about fifty years ago, and some time later she married Mr C. Neville, who also predeceased her many years ago. For the past nine years she has resided at Pierrepoint with her second son, and it was there that she ended a long life of usefulness. By her first marriage she leaves a daughter and three sons - Mrs Garton, of Woohlpooer; James, of Western Australia; Robert of Pierrepoint; and Alexander, of Woohlpooer. The only survivor of the second family is the Rev. C. Neville, Presbyterian minister, of North Fitzroy. Messrs. Fred Gerdtz, of Murtoa and John Gerdtz of Minyip, are brothers. The funeral will take place on Sunday, moving from Mr Thomson`s residence, Pierrepoint, at 2.30 o`clock for the Hamilton cemetery.
