Frederick II

Frederick (Fred) William Behrens

(29 October 1882 - 5 November 1966)
 

Frederick William Behrens (known as Fred) was born on 29 October 1882 at the family home, 800 Elgar Road, Doncaster, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He was the eldest son of German-born Frederick William Ellis Behrens (22 June 1841 - 12 June 1907) who was known as William, and his Australian-born wife, Alice Martha Powrie (5 Nov 1857 - 8 Nov 1933):

Fred was the eldest of nine children. Interestingly, he was the only child to be given a middle name:

• Frederick (Fred) William Behrens (29 Oct 1882 - 5 Nov 1966)
• Ellis Behrens (16 Apr 1884 - 28 Apr 1965)
• Kenward (Ken) Behrens (16 Mar 1886 - 20 July 1934)
• Otto Behrens (29 Apr 1887 - 11 Nov 1963)
• Thomas (Tom) Behrens (25 Sept 1888 - 5 Nov 1970)
• Edmund (Ed) Behrens (20 June 1890 - 21 May 1933)
• Minna Behrens (3 Oct 1893 - 7 July 1973)
• Ruth Behrens (8 July 1895 - 19 Oct 1977)
• Nettie Behrens (8 Nov 1896 - 7 Oct 1937)

Alice was in labour for two days before Fred was born. Subsequently his head was all out of shape. The midwife allayed Alice's fears by telling her that it would come right in time. She was right!

When Fred was almost 18 months old, his brother Ellis Behrens (16 Apr 1884 - 28 Apr 1965) was born. William and Alice probably named him Ellis after Ellis Joseph Theobalds (Dec 1822 - 12 Nov 1902) who was the older brother of William's first wife, Charlotte Theobalds (Feb 1838 - 1 Feb 1880). Ellis Theobalds and William were good friends. 

Alice Behrens with sons, Fred and Ellis, and an unknown woman (possibly
one of her sisters) at the Edgar Road house, Doncaster, Victoria, c1885
(Photo courtesy of K J Bland)

William and Alice were baptised members of the Doncaster Church of Christ. (According to the Doncaster Church of Christ website, this congregation was first established in a church member's home in 1863, and then in 1864, they met in a weatherboard chapel on the church's present site at 680 Doncaster Road.) William and Alice regularly attended church with their babies, Fred and Ellis. A family story Red Roses by Ruth Kenward (the pen name of Rae Eva Ruth Behrens (1916 - 7 Aug 1965), William and Alice's grand-daughter), indicates that William was a deacon in the Church of Christ, and probably also served as a trustee of the church. Alice was a devout Sunday School teacher.

Doncaster Road at the end of the 1800s.
The Church of Christ is on the left, and the Doncaster School is on the right.
The Doncaster tower is seen in the background.
Photographer and date unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

Around 1886, according to the family records. William was encouraged by Mr Gamaliel Theobalds (23 Oct 1790 - 22 July 1866), the father of his first wife, to read some literature that was distributed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church which discussed Bible prophecy and the Sabbath day.  Both men met together regularly to discuss the theological concepts that they were learning. They were especially attracted to a book that discussed the prophecies of the Biblical book of Daniel.

While Alice felt uncomfortable associating with the Theobalds, she allowed her husband to keep contact with his first wife's family and for the menfolk to study the Bible together. Sometimes William and Alice would take the gig to the Theobald's home and he would enter for a visit, but she would wait for him outside in the gig. In spite of being invited, Alice would stubbornly refuse to come inside or to accept refreshments.

One day, according to the family story Red Roses by Ruth Kenward (pen-name of Rae Behrens), the Theobalds were given some Biblical literature from someone on the street and discovered that it was published by Seventh-day Adventists! They were also invited to some meetings to hear a preacher discuss the topics. William began attending the meetings on Sunday evenings. This upset Alice intensely as she felt that William was neglecting his family in preference to religious discussions.

After attending some meetings with the Adventists, William became convicted that Saturday was God's holy Sabbath, and decided to keep it as his day of worship. Alice, on the other hand, initially refused to join him as she was very committed to her church, so William would attend the Adventist meetings alone and continued attending Sunday services with Alice and the children. Mr Theobalds was also convicted of the teachings of the Adventists, but to save face with his Sunday-keeping friends, he chose not to join the Adventists.

Alice, so the story goes, was very upset that William had joined the Seventh-day Adventists. He had informed her that if she didn't want to join him, he would continue to attend and take their two yound boys, Fred and Ellis, with him. Alice just wasn't interested, and refused to accept the Bible truths that William had embraced. Alice was deeply humiliated by her husband's decision to abandon their church for a new faith as she felt that abandoning the Church of Christ was akin to apostatizing.

Not long afterwards, Alice received a vision about the fourth Commandment which convicted her that Saturday was God's Sabbath. At this point, the whole family stopped attending the Church of Christ and attended worship solely with the Adventists. which met on one of the floors of the building occupied by the Bible Echo Publishing Company, North Fitzroy. Fred later recalled having his Bible class among the type machines. Incidentally, it is interesting to note that the North Fitzroy Seventh-day Adventist Church was the first Adventist Church formed in Australia.

In 1886, when Fred was 3 years old, his brother, Kenward (Ken) Behrens (16 Mar 1886 - 20 July 1934) joined the family.

Fred began his schooling aged 4 and a half, at the one-room Doncaster State School No. 197 which was constructed c1886 at 679 Doncaster Road to replace a previous timber structure. Fred was one of the first students to attend this new school building. He stayed at school until he finished his 6th class, then repeated the year, in order to gain his Merit Certificate. Fred was a monitor in his class some of the time. All of Fred's siblings also attended the Doncaster State School.

Doncaster Primary School pre 1900
Some of the Behrens children may be pictured.
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

In April 1887, 4 year old Fred became the big brother of Otto Behrens (29 Apr 1887 - 11 Nov 1963).

William and Alice with Fred, Ellis, Ken and Otto (in order of age),
and possibly Alice's sister Margaret (known as Maggie), c1887
Unknown photographer
(Photo courtesy of K J Bland)

Fred later recalled an incident in 1888 when both he and his brother Ellis wore sailor suits and hats and attended an event associated with the 'Battle of Waterloo'. Fred remembered that as they stood on a platform at the railing, a gun was fired which caused them to jump backwards in fright. In that moment Fred's hat fell down below into the water, and was lost!

When Fred was almost 6, another brother, Thomas (Tom) Behrens (25 Sep 1888 - 5 Nov 1970), was born. The sixth and youngest boy in the family, Edmund (Ed) Behrens (20 June 1890 - 21 May 1933), made his appearance when Fred was 7 and a half. 

According to notes taken by Fred's grandson, Kyrill Bland (still living), Fred often felt as though he was unfairly blamed and punished for the misdemeanors of his younger siblings. He thought that Ellis was the favourite son! This thought was exacerbated by the visit of a friend, Mrs Oberdolf, who, when visiting with Alice Behrens one day, asked whether Fred was the son of Mr Behrens, and mentioned his first wife [Charlotte]. This question led Fred to believe that he was the son of another woman and that this was the reason he was unfairly treated. A few days after Mrs Oberdolf's visit, Fred got the courage to ask about it. Alice told him that no, he wasn't the son of another woman!

When Fred was 11 years old, one of the youth activities they did on Sabbath afternoons was to distribute free literature to the public and visit hospital wards to give flowers and sing hymns or gospel songs. Fred learned how to play the violin, so he may have helped to accompany the singing. Ellis played the clarinet.

Fred's sister, Minna Behrens was born at the family home, on 3 October 1893. She was the first girl born into the family, so she was much adored by her six older brothers.

Later in life, Fred recounted to his grandson, Kyrill, the following incident from his childhood. Around Christmas 1893, the American Adventist pioneer, Ellen G. White and her son William (Willie) White visited the Behren's home and farm at 800 Elgar Road, Doncaster. They were accompanied by Pastor Arthur G Daniels and his wife, Captain Lacey, Captain McCursey, Pastor Stephen N Haskell, and a few others. The visitors were taken for a walk around the garden and orchards. Fred was walking about 10 meters behind this group of dignitaries and was observing Ellen White closely as she was prone to have visions and he was curious to see her have one. As the group passed through the pear trees, through the gate to the top garden, Fred was expecting to see Ellen White begin to have a vision at any moment, but still no vision occurred! They continued walking through the cherry orchard. The last few rows of cherry trees were the Margaret variety with giant ripe fruits hanging on the branches. Arthur Daniels found and picked an extra large cherry from a tree, and said to his wife, "Look Mary! Look at this beautiful cherry!" Mary immediately grabbed it and began to eat it. Arthur responded, "Oh Mary! I was just going to give it to Sister White!" This story really amused Fred! He still found it funny years later when he told the story to his grandson Kyrill. And as for seeing Ellen White have a vision, it appears he never witnessed her have one.

The Behrens family attended the first Seventh-day Adventist camp meeting in Australia. It was held at Brighton Beach, Melbourne from 29 December 1893 until 15 January 1894. There were more than 100 tents and 511 campers at the camp. Ellen White, preached powerfully to the campers. Not all of the Behrens family stayed at the campground however. Eleven year old Fred would go home in the evenings, and would return to the camp the following day with peas and other vegetables harvested from the family farm. These were sold to the campers.

An early Seventh-day Adventist camp in Brighton which was attended by the Behrens family
Photographer and date unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

It was at this camp, that Fred made the acquaintance of his future wife, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Green (5 July 1880 - 14 Oct 1968) who came to visit her step-mother and siblings who were camping. Lizzie's family had been preparing their meals on an iron American wood-stove owned by Alice Behrens so the two families became acquainted. Fred's first conversation with 13 year old Lizzy included the invitation, "Come and see my new little sister." With that, Lizzie was promptly introduced to three month old Minna. Incidentally, one Sabbath afternoon during the same camp, a huge windstorm arose with teaming rain. Many of the camper's tents were torn and others were blown down. It is unknown how this storm affected the Behrens or Greens.

Fred's younger sisters, Ruth Behrens and Nettie Behrens were born on 8 July 1895 and 8 November 1896 respectively. Around this time, their father began to suffer from respiratory complications. Some relatives believe he also suffered from asthma. Respiratory ailments would affect William for the rest of his life.

Around the turn of the century, when Fred was in his late teens, he traveled by horse and cart to some meetings at a Seventh-day Adventist camp held in Footscray. He wasn't able to be a full-time camper due to his farm work. On the first Sabbath of the camp meeting there was an appeal made by the preacher for those who would like to prepare for baptism to come forward. Fred, in the audience, was convicted, but at that time he didn't respond. On the way home he said "I won't [be baptised]!" and promptly forgot about it. Fred was present again on the second Sabbath when again the preacher made an appeal for those wanting to prepare for baptism to come forward. At that point, Fred thought, "I will!" and walked up to the front seat. Also at the same time, Lizzie came forward (she was around 19 years of age) and sat in the same seat!

Fred was later baptised, along with his brother Ellis, at the Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church, Melbourne, on a Sabbath afternoon (c1901). Later on, Fred recalled that the key text of the day was "Rise to walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4. Lizzie was in attendance at Fred's baptism. At this time, the Behrens family had transferred their membership to the Hawthorne Seventh-day Adventist Church (now known as the Auburn Seventh-day Adventist Church). Later most of the Behrens family members transferred to the Mont Albert Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Fred was keen on science and so were some of his brothers and friends. A group of them formed the Auburn Science Club and together they shared their knowledge and fascination with things scientific.

Around 1902 Fred and some friends were camping at Sorrento, on the Morningside Peninsular, Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne. It was here that Fred received a letter from Lizzie proposing marriage. Their engagement lasted ten long years!

Prior to going to college, Fred wanted to earn his fees so in January 1904, he became a colporteur (now known as a literature evangelist) selling Christian books in South Australia. He remained there for two and a half years. To get around, Fred rode a heavy, steel framed bicycle which he later gave to his 13 year old grandson, Kyrill. Fred never owned a car.

The Echo Publishing Company bought a large plot of land in Warburton in 1905 to construct a new printing factory which was called the Signs Publishing Company. Soon afterwards, smaller portions of the land was sold off to the factory employees and other interested buyers. In mid 1906 Fred moved to Warburton, Victoria and got work as a builder's labourer. Many Adventist families were building homes, so there was plenty of work available. Another incentive to move to Warburton was that Lizzie, his fiancee, had moved to Warburton to work in the new factory, so it was the perfect place to develop their relationship.

Fred purchased a four acre block on the Donna Buang Road which was mainly covered by mature mountain ash eucalyptus trees. Interesting, Fred's future wife, Lizzie, also purchased land around the same time. Hers was adjacent to his!

  

Fred built a small sawmill on his property to process the timber from his land. He later converted part of the sawmill into his home which was made from the timber that he had cut and milled himself. It was situated beside a hillside creek. The framing was hand-sawn, the walls were covered in hessian and corrugated iron covered a slightly sloping roof. Later Fred covered the walls with hand sawn weather boards. The interior walls were initially covered with newspaper and brown paper, and later, wallpaper. It was a very cold house in winter.

Fred's father, William (65), died on the morning of 12 June 1907. When he was buried at the Box Hill Cemetery, Fred and his five brothers carried their father's coffin from the horse-drawn hearse to his graves.

In February 1908, while Lizzie was working at the Signs Company, Fred became a student at the Avondale School for Christian Workers (later Avondale College) at the Avondale Estate, Coorangbong, New South Wales. He was there for just one year and studied Grammar, Doctrines, and Testimonies, gaining second grade passes. While at the college, Fred worked part time to help pay some of his fees. He was responsible for installing most of the electrical wiring in each of the three accommodation buildings, Bethel Hall, Haskell Hall, Preston Hall, and the chapel. He also worked at the Sanitarium Health Food company factory, soldering large tin cans which were later filled with food, then exported to the South Pacific Islands.

Following Fred's return to Warburton after his studies, he began a seven year printing apprenticeship on 5 January 1909 at the Signs Publishing Company. His starting wage was 1 pound, with a 5 shilling raise per year. During this time, he also helped to build the first Seventh-day Adventist Church in Warburton, on 'Signs Hill'. He also assisted with the extensions of the original Signs Building in Warburton. Fred was quite a handy-man but found it hard to settle on one job for long. In his lifetime, he was a Bible student, colporteur, printer, engineer, farm labourer and builder! Fred was respected for his hard work and inventiveness.

The Behrens family c1909
Back, left to right: Edmund, Otto, Fred, Alice, Kenward, Ellis, Tom,
Girls at the front, left to right: Nettie, Minna, Ruth
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

Fred Behrens c1910
(Photo courtesy of K J Bland)

Front of a postcard that Fred sent to Lizzie during their engagement, dated 15 July 1910.
(Courtesy of A & N Holman)

Back of the postcard that Fred sent to Lizzie during their engagement 1910.
(Courtesy of A & N Holman)

Fred's brother Ellis married Alice Louise (or Louisa) Scheffler (1881 - 15 March 1941) at the Behrens' family homestead, on 6 November 1911. It is unclear if Fred attended this wedding.

After a ten year engagement, Fred finally married Lizzy Green on 16 April 1912, at the original Seventh-day Adventist Church, Salisbury Avenue, on what was commonly known as 'Signs Hill', Warburton. It was the seventh wedding held in the newly built church building. When they married, their family friends, Fred Miller & his wife, decorated the church with cosmos blooms. And on each anniversary of the wedding thereafter, until Fred died, the Millers sent Fred and Lizzie bunches of lovely pink cosmos flowers.

Following their wedding, Fred and Lizzie lived on Blackwood Avenue, Warburton (the same street as Lizzie's step-mother), and shortly thereafter they moved to Louis Street, where they resided while Fred prepared their home on their land.

Wedding of Fred and Lizzy 1912.
(Photo courtesy of K J Bland)

Fred and Lizzy had five children:

• Olive Vivian Behrens (19 Aug 1913 - 19 Aug 1913) 
• Irene Hazel Bland (27 Feb 1915 - 16 Feb 2007)
• Alfred (Alf) William Behrens later known as Alan Wallace Byrnes (25 Dec 1916 - 14 July 1986), 
• Russell (Russ) Edmund Behrens (30 Jan 1921 - 9 Apr 1958)
• Unnamed premature baby boy (14 Sep 1922)

Fred and Lizzie's firstborn daughter, Olive Vivian Behrens  was born on 19 August 1913 at the Warburton Sanitarium. Sadly, she was stillborn. Olive may have been buried in the Wesburn Cemetery although no record of her has been found there.

Early 1914, Fred and Lizzie moved to their own home on the property that Fred had purchased. He had converted part of his sawmill into a small dwelling. 

At the wedding of his sister Minna to Charles (Charlie) Stafford (20 Mar 1900 - 4 Aug 1946) on 19 October 1914, Fred served as a groomsman. The wedding was held in Doncaster, Melbourne. 

Wedding of Charles Stafford and Minna Behrens. 19 October 1914.
From left: Nettie Behrens, Tom Behrens, Charles Stafford, Minna Behrens,
 Ken Behrens, Ruth Behrens, & Fred Behren
Photo by The Burlington Studios, 294 Bourke St, Melbourne.
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

The following picture of the 'Signs' employees was taken in 1916, at the end of Fred's seven year apprenticeship there. Fred is standing on the far right, in the back row.

The Signs staff 1916. Fred is standing in the back row at the far right.
Photographer unknown.
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

Fred probably attended the wedding of his brother Ken to Isabella (Belle) Mary Simpson (6 Aug 1885 - 13 Oct 1963) in 1915.

On 27 February 1915 Fred and Lizzy's daughter Irene Hazel Behrens was born at home. When Irene was a baby she was wheeled in a pram through the newly constructed O'Shanassey aqueduct (water channel tunnel) which was constructed in order to supply Melbourne with fresh water. Part of this channel crossed through the top portion of Fred's land.

Fred & Lizzy Behrens with baby Irene 1915
Photographer unknown.
(Photo courtesy of K J Bland)

Fred and Lizzie's son Alfred (Alf) William Behrens was born Christmas Day 1916. Alf and his older sister, Irene, were very close. Alf would later have his name changed to Alan Wallace Byrnes.

Fred, baby Alf, Irene, Lizzy 1917
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

Irene, Fred, unknown woman holding Alf, others unknown. c1917
Outside the Behren's old house
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

Fred's brother, Tom, married Lorrie Rhoda Paine (23 Oct 1887 - 5 Dec 1969) on 25 March 1918 in Auburn, Victoria. Fred is likely to have been in attendance at the wedding.

By early 1919 Fred had completed his 7 year printing apprenticeship, plus a further three years. He then became involved in helping to build some rooms underneath the Warburton Sanitarium. He also completed other building work in other places.

For six years in the 1920s Fred supervised the building of a water supply channel taking water from Cement Creek (several miles around the hill) through two dams and a pipeline down 'Signs Hill' to the hydro-electric generator supplying electricity to the Signs Publishing Company, Sanitarium Health Food Company and the Warburton Sanitarium Home. The team built these using horse-drawn ploughs and scoops, as well as with picks and shovels.

Fred and Lizzie's son Russell (Russ) Edmund Behrens was born on 30 January 1921. Another un-named son was born prematurely on 14 September 1922.

Lizzie & Fred with their children c1921
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

Irene, Russ & Alf on Russ's first birthday, 30 Jan 1922
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

Fred would have attended his brother Ed's wedding to Agnes Victoria Parker (22 June 1897 - 26 July 1980) at the Mont Albert Seventh-day Adventist church, on 8 April 1925.

On Thursday 27 May 1926 a tragic accident happened at the home of Lizzie's step-sister and brother-in-law Ethel and Peter Jensen which affected both families. A power pole was in the process of being replaced and as the old one was being removed it unexpectedly fell and crushed 5 year olds Beryl Jensen and Russ. Russ was left with several broken bones in his foot but the accident proved fatal for poor Beryl who unfortunately bore the brunt of the impact on her head. A funeral for Beryl was held at the church the following Saturday. Although she was buried at the Upper Yarra Public Cemetery, Wesburn no burial plot details are known.

In 1927, Fred's brother, Otto, married Mabel Alma Thompson (1903 - 1959). The wedding was held in Albury, NSW. It is unknown if Fred attended this wedding.

Fred and his team of workers who were constructing the water course to the Signs Dam, 1930s.
Fred is on the far left, and his wife's brother-in-law, Peter Jensen is third from the left at the back.
Photographer unknown.
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

Around 1931 Fred commenced work at the Sanitarium Health Food Company factory in the engineering shop. He worked there 9 years to the very day! While there, Fred supervised the building of an extension to the factory.

Fred had many fanciful ideas but failed to capitalise on them for financial benefit! One of his ideas was to use the water from the stream flowing through his property (it was the overflow from the town water supply reservoir), and harness it to produce electricity which he could use to run his own sawmill business. He planned to cut the blackwood trees on his property and mill them. It never eventuated! On another occasion, Fred showed his inventiveness when he helped his neighbours, Will and Paul Pietzche, develop a way to clarify apple juice. The project was a huge success! But while the brothers patented the process and made a flourishing business from it, Fred unfortunately, gained no benefit from his part in it.

Daughter Irene (17) was baptised in January 1932, on the second Sabbath of a camp meeting held in Glenhuntly. The baptism was held at the Glenhuntly Seventh-day Adventist Church, Victoria.

On 1 October 1930, Fred probably attended his sister Ruth's wedding to Edmund Martin (dates unknown) which was held at the Mont Albert Seventh-day Adventist Church, Melbourne. 

The early 1930s were saw Fred saying goodbye to several family members. The first to pass away was his brother Ed who died unexpectedly on 21 May 1933, aged 42, after an unfortunate accident in which a horse kicked him in the head. The family buried Ed at the Box Hill Cemetery. Six months later, his mother, Alice, died on 8 November 1933 in Doncaster, Victoria, and was buried in the same grave as her husband, in Box Hill Cemetery, Baptist Section, Plot B-40. The following year, Fred's brother, Ken died on 20 July 1934 from consumption (tuberculosis), aged 48. He too was buried at Box Hill Cemetery.

Fred's sister, Nettie, married Donald Edwin Sonter (3 June 1900 - 8 Dec 1979) in Canterbury, Sydney, Australia in 1934 (date unknown). It is unclear if Fred attended this wedding.

On 30 November 1934 Warburton was flooded. At the peak of the flood, water reached the first floor of both the Signs Publishing Company where Fred and Lizzie once worked. It also flooded the Sanitarium Health Food Factory. Later both were rebuilt on the other side of the river, on higher ground.

Russ, Fred, Mava Tolhurst, and Irene, at the Melbourne Show.
Photographer & date unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

When Fred was 70 years old, he began building a new house, next to the old one. He was a meticulous worker and his woodworking was of a high standard. Fred completed the house before his death.

Fred & Lizzy Behrens with their children,
Alf, Irene & Russell, on the occasion
of Irene's graduation from Avondale College in 1936
(Photo courtesy of K J Bland)

Fred's 40 year old sister, Nettie Sonter died on 7 October 1937 in Moss Vale, New South Wales (near Wollongong). She had been very ill for a long time. Nettie was buried at the Bowral General Cemetery (plot number unknown), in the town of Burradoo, New South Wales.

On 13 January 1939, bushfires caused by excessive head and irresponsible burning would have caused considerable consternation for Fred and Lizzie as they came perilously close to Warburton. Not only did the fires cause the deaths of 71 people around Melbourne, but whole towns, including 20 000 square kilometers of land were destroyed. This disaster became known as 'Black Friday'.

Fred, who was later employed as the chief engineer of Sanitarium Health Food Company, was eventually sacked in 1940 when he refused to comply with the requests that were in conflict with his  convictions. Afterwards, he didn't bother gaining formal employment, and instead focused on his orchards, selling fruit and vegetables that he grew on his land. Fred also sold apple juice which he produced from the fruit he grew in his orchard. His juice was highly regarded because of his unique blend of apple varieties. Customers came from the Warburton Sanitarium Home, a small health resort at the base of the hill. Lizzie would sell milk, cream, sponge cakes frosted with chocolate icing (she was apparently renown for them), and walnuts from her large tree. She also took in boarders. The income she got was later set aside for the education of her grandchildren.

Fred with his dog Bluey in the early 1940s.
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

The Behrens family c1942
Back row, from left: Alf & his first wife, Amelia (Millie), Irene, Daisy Potter, Russ
Seated: Lizzie holding Donalda & Fred holding Lyn (Alf & Millie's children)
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

When he was around 60 years old Fred fell off his bicycle and fractured his skull. A few years later, in 1946, Fred had an operation for hernia.

This photo of Lizzy and Fred was taken
to celebrate the 31st birthday of their daughter Irene in 1946.
(Photo courtesy of K J Bland)

Fred had another surgery in 1948, for adhesions for hernia. During that operation he had heart failure and for one minute his heart stopped beating. The staff resuscitated him. Afterwards, Fred would tell people that he was technically dead for one minute but never saw heaven. This was a story that he told to illustrate his belief that people do not immediately go to heaven at death.

On 14 July 1949, Fred and Lizzie celebrated the wedding of their youngest son, Russell, to Eva Lynch (4 Sep 1921 - Dec 2016). The wedding was held at Frank Lynch's home (Eva's brother) on Donna Buang Road, Warburton.

Russell Behrens's wedding to Eva Lynch in 1949.

Front row from left: Fred and Lizzie Behrens, Russell & Eva
Second row from left: Eva Lynch (with glasses), Unknown woman with children Shirley & Helen Lynch (Frank's children)
Third row from left: Flo Fish & unknown man
Back row from left: Dot, Frank & Kathleen Lynch.

(Photo courtesy of K J Bland)

Sometime in 1952 Fred had another operation to remove pockets of skin that were growing inside of his throat. Fred often got food stuck in his throat when eating and would have to spend several minutes coughing in order to remove it. He once told his grandson, Kyrill, "If I had not been a life-long vegetarian, I would have died long [ago]." Fred was a strict vegetarian, and never drank coffee, tea or alcohol. 

During the 1950s Fred sold off a portion of his property to Lizzie's step-brother, Alfred (Alf) Ernest Green (c1887 - 1972).

Fred & Lizzie on their farm.
Photographer & date unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

The Behrens's uninhabited house c1950
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

The Behrens family would have been caught up with the excitement about the 1954 Australian Royal Tour, because the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, visited Warburton from 6-8 March, spending one full day of rest in the picturesque town and attending the local Presbyterian church for worship. Perhaps the Behrens family were at the train station to welcome the new queen. It was the queen's first visit to Australia and occurred shortly after her coronation. The royal couple were warmly received wherever they went in Australia. A detailed report of the queen's visit to Warburton was published in the Australasian Record 29 March 1954, Vol 58, No 13, page 6 

Tragically, Fred and Lizzie's youngest son, Russ (37) took his own life on Wednesday, 9 April 1958. Two days after his death he was buried at the Wesburn Cemetery, Warburton, SDA Section, Plot 75. 

Fred and Lizzie celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary at their home in 1962. The festivities were held on a Sunday, so presumably the date was 15 April. The house was full of relatives for the festivities. The dinner table was full of food! The cosmos was in the vase! The funny story of the occasion was when Fred and Lizzie's youngest grand-daughter was watching her grand-parents slowly cutting the white-iced anniversary cake. Because they were cutting so slowly, she whispered loud enough for all to hear, "Stale!" Giggles erupted all around the room!

Fred's brothers, Otto and Ellis died on 11 November 1963 and 28 April 1965 respectively.

Some of Fred's land, above the water channel, became his son Alf's land. Alf built a one room shack on it. Apparently, a armed and dangerous prison escaper called Ronald Ryan used this cabin as a hide-out for a short time during his short time on the run from Pentridge Prison, central Melbourne, in early 1965. Incidentally, Ronald Ryan became Australia's last prisoner to be hung.

Fred began receiving the pension when he was 68 years old. Lizzie got hers at age 70.

Fred's favourite hymn was 'City Four-Square' a song that talked about the wonders of heaven. Perhaps this was the song that gave his family comfort when he died in the Warburton Sanitarium (Home?) on 5 November 1966 from pneumonia. Fred was buried at the Upper Yarra Public Cemetery, Wesburn, in the SDA Section, Plot 109

Lizzie died at the Coronella Home for the Aged in Nunawaking, on 14 October 1968, after suffering a stroke. She was buried in the Upper Yarra Public Cemetery, Wesburn in the same plot as Fred.


The children of Fred & Lizzie Behrens

Fred and Lizzie had five children:

• Olive Vivian Behrens (19 Aug 1913 - 19 Aug 1913)
• Irene Hazel Bland (27 Feb 1915 - 16 Feb 2006)
• Alfred (Alf) William Behrens (25 Dec 1916 - 14 July 1986)
• Russell (Russ) Edmund Behrens (30 Jan 1921 - 8 Apr 1958)
• Un-named boy (date unknown)

Olive Vivian Behrens (19 Aug 1913 - 19 Aug 1913)

Olive was stillborn at the Warburton Sanitarium. Family records say that Olive was buried in the Upper Yarra Cemetery, Wesburn although no record of her has been found there.

Irene Hazel Bland (27 Feb 1915 - 16 Feb 2006)

Irene was born at the family home in Warburton.

When she was a baby, her mother Lizzie, used to sing the hymn, 'What a Friend we Have in Jesus' to make her fall asleep.

She was baptised in January 1932, aged 17, on the second Sabbath of a Seventh-day Adventist camp meeting held in Glenhuntly. The baptism was held at the Glenhuntly Seventh-day Adventist Church, Victoria.

Irene studied at the Australiasian Missionary College (later Avondale College), in 1936. Her subjects included, History of Education, Psychology, Christian Education, Prophetics, Synthetics, Piano and Practice Teaching. After graduating from college, Irene taught all levels: kindergarten, elementary, high and tertiary. One of her first jobs was in New Zealand where she met her future husband!

Irene Behrens (second from the left in back row) with college classmates.
Date and photographer unknown.
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Irene married New Zealand-born, Maurice Charles Bland (27 Feb 1915 - 16 Feb 2007) in Auckland, New Zealand, on 15 March 1943. He was a Seventh-day Adventist minister. Maurice and Irene lived in various places in the North Island of New Zealand, and later, in Australia.

Irene Behrens and Maurice Bland, the day after they announced their engagement.
Epsom Seventh-day Adventist Camp, Auckland. 1 January 1940
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of K J Bland)





• Maurice and Irene had two sons and one daughter, all born in New Zealand:
• K J Bland (still living)
• Ngareta Joy Bland (11 June 1946 - 11 Jan 2004)
• Ngareta was born in Auckland, New Zealand.
• She trained as a school teacher but worked as a machinist in her later life.
• Ngareta married T Bylund. They had a daughter and a son.
• She died in 2004, at Kalamunda, Western Australia after a long illness.
• D K Bland (still living)
• When Maurice and Irene retired they settled in Manjimup, Western Australia, near their daughter. They celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary in the evening of 14 March 1993 with a shared meal. In the invitations they politely asked their family and friends not to give them cards or gifts, but instead, donate a "golden cash gift for the urgently needed en-suites" for their retirement lodge.



Maurice & Irene Bland
Photo by K J Bland
(Photo courtesy of K J Bland)



• Maurice died on 29 October 2002 in Freemantle Hospital, Western Australia, after a brief illness. Irene died four years later on 16 February 2007 at Rossmoyne, Western Australia.

Alfred (Alf) William Behrens also known as 

Alan Wallace Byrnes (25 Dec 1916 - 14 July 1986)

• Alf was born in Warburton, Victoria on Christmas Day 1916. 
• He attended the Warburton Seventh-day Adventist School.
• Alf attended the Australasian Missionary College (later known as Avondale College) in 1936 and 1937 where he trained as a laboratory technician.. A summary of his courses can be seen below:
• 1936
• Prophetics
• History of Education
• Psychology
• Latin I
• 1937
• Chemistsry
• Mathematics V
• Latin I
• French I
• Physics I
• Alf initially worked in the Australasian Food Research Laboratories. 
• Alf married Amelia (Milly) Sophia Isabel Middleton (16 Nov 1915 - 26 Nov 2000) on 5 July 1939, in Coorangbong, NSW. Millie was a dressmaker. 

Alf Behrens's wedding to Amelia Middleton, 5 July 1939
Cooranbong, NSW
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

• Alf and Millie had two daughters:
• B L Behrens
• Donelda Lenore Behrens (3 Nov 1941 - 23 April 2018). Donelda was born in Cooranbong. She received a secretarial degree from Avondale College. In 1966 she went to the United States of America to meet up with her sister. It was there that Donelda met and married David Carl Blankenhorn (17 Dec 1943 - 10 Jan 2000). The wedding was held in Loma Linda on 8 September 1968. David and Donelda had a daughter and a son. 

• Alf enlisted for service in World War II in Morriset, New South Wales, giving his wife Amelia as his next of kin. He served in Royal Australian Air Force as a Flight Lieutenant. His Service number was N481294.
• After the war, Alf began a relationship with another woman, and after Milly found out about it, they began divorce proceedings. The divorce was finalised on 6 November 1947. Milly and her girls later immigrated to the USA where they pursued their education and worked. Milly died at Loma Linda, San Bernardino, California, on 26 November 2000.
• Alf changed his name by deed-poll to Alan Wallace Byrnes. 
• He married Isobel Doreen Crutchfield (6 Dec 1918 - 4 Apr 2008), known as Doreen, in 1948. They settled in Werribee, Victoria. Alf and Doreen had one son and three daughters together:
• K A Byrnes 
• I D Byrnes 
• G L Byrnes 
• J E Byrnes 
• Alf/Alan worked at Melbourne Water, and for the Department of Rivers and Fisheries.





Alf Behrens/Alan Byrnes
Photographer & date unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)



• Both Alan and Doreen died in Werribee, Victoria. 

Russell (Russ) Edmund Behrens (30 Jan 1921 - 9 Apr 1958)

• Russell (known as Russ) was born in Warburton, Victoria, Australia.





Russ's first birthday. January 1922.
Baby in front: Beryl Jensen. Seated from left: Stewart Wallace, Russell Behrens, Elva Ferris.
First row from left: [boy] Ferris, Hilda Southon, Irene Behrens, Dorothy Morton, Joan Howse, Vera Edwards, unknown girl, Vera James. Back row from left: unknown girl, Alf Behrens, Jean Wallace
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)



• On 27 May 1926 Russ was involved in a tragic accident on his Uncle Peter Jensen's property when a power pole fell onto him and his cousin Beryl while they were playing outside in the back yard. The accident resulted in Russ breaking some bones in his foot, but it proved fatal for Beryl who unfortunately bore the brunt of the impact on her head. 





Russ with the family dog, Bluey
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

• Russ remained living in Warburton where he worked in the bindery department of the Signs Publishing Company.
• He was conscripted during World War II to the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps. He served as a Private in the 10th Field Ambulance in Papua New Guinea. Later he was transferred to the 15th Field Ambulance which worked in Bougainville, Solomon Islands. When he was discharged from service he was working with the 17th Field Ambulance. Russ was wounded in action. His military service number is V30987.





Russ while on military service during WWII
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)



• Russ married Eva Lynch (5 Sep 1921 - Dec 2016) on 14 July 1949 at her brother, Frank's home on Donna Buanga Road, Warburton. Eva was a kitchen hand / maid at the Warburton Sanitarium and Hospital.



Russ & Eva on their wedding day
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

• Russell and Eva had three daughters:

• N K H Behrens
• R J J Behrens
• E J W Behrens



Russ & Eva with their daughters 1956
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

• Tragically, Russ (37) took his own life on 9 April 1958. He was buried at the Upper Yarra Cemetery (Wesburn Cemetery), Wesburn, in the SDA section, Plot 75. 

Eva Behrens & girls with family.
Back from left: Ruth Martin's lodger, Eva Behrens, Ruth Martin
Front: Eva's daughters
Photographer & date unknown
(Photo courtesy of A & N Holman)

• Eva died in December 2016. She was buried with her husband.

Unnamed baby boy (date of birth unknown)

• Fred and Lizzie's last baby was stillborn. 

Bibliography

Anderson, A. W. (1926, June 14). Tragic Accident at Warburton. Australasian Record, 8. Retrieved from  http://documents.adventistarchives.org/Periodicals/AAR/AAR19260614-V30-24.pdf

Anonymous. (1926, 5 June). Crushed to Death. The Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian. 2. Retrieved from https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60291411

Anonymous. (n.d.). An Angel Over Her Tent. Stories for Children. Retrieved from 
http://www.stories-for-children.ca/angel-over-tent.php

Anonymous. (n.d.). North Fitzroy Seventh-day Adventist. History. Retrieved from https://northfitzroyadventist.com/history/

Anonymous. (n.d.). Warburton Adventists since 1906. Retrieved from http://www.warburtonadventists.com/

Anonymous. (n.d.). Doncaster Church of Christ. History of Doncaster Church of Christ. Retrieved from  https://www.doncasterchurch.org.au/about/history

Hay, M. M. (1954, March 29). Warburton's Welcome to our Queen. Australasian Record. 6. Retrieved from  http://documents.adventistarchives.org/Periodicals/AAR/AAR19540329-V58-13.pdf

Holman, A. R. (1993) William Behrens: Doncaster Farmer. Signs.

Kenward, R. (1962, December 11). Red Roses. The Youth's Instructor, 7-8, 15. Retrieved from  http://documents.adventistarchives.org/Periodicals/YI/YI19621211-V110-50.pdf

Kenward, R. (1962, December 18). Red Roses. Part 2 - Conclusion. The Youth's Instructor, 8, 18-20. Retrieved from  http://documents.adventistarchives.org/Periodicals/YI/YI19621218-V110-51.pdf

Kraus, G. (1990). Australian Dictionary of Biography. White, Ellen Gould (1827 - 1915). Retrieved from  http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/white-ellen-gould-9071

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank K J Bland for supplying family records, and photographs for this project, and also for sharing his recollections about his grandparents. Thank you also to G J Bland for sharing college transcripts for Fred, Irene and Alf.

Many thanks goes to A and N Holman for sharing their years of research, and for allowing me to use many photographs from their family collection.

Last updated on 28 September 2022