Charles Rischbieth


Charles Frederick Rischbieth, born Carl Friedrich Rischbieth, was a leading businessman in the early years of the colony of South Australia.

History

Rischbieth was born in Neustadt am Rübenberge, near Hanover, Germany and emigrated to South Australia, arriving in 1854, with a number of young German migrants. He worked for a time in the drapery of R. B. Lucas in Hindley Street, but was hampered by his imperfect English. He next worked for McArthur, Kingsborough and Co., He and Carl Bolk were admitted into the partnership of G. & R. Wills & Co., and a few years later married Elizabeth Susan Wills, a niece of George and Richard Wills. In 1869, he succeeded Robert Alfred Tarlton as managing director of the company. In 1875 Rischbieth retired from active management of G. & R. Wills & Co., but continued to act as an agent for George Wills, who had long before returned to London.
Rischbieth was a Director of the Commercial Bank of South Australia at the time of its collapse.

Pastoralist

In 1875 Rischbieth and partner, Robert Alfred Tarlton, began the development of Coralbignie Station in the Gawler Ranges and Mount Nor'-West near Farina.

Family

He married Elizabeth Susan Wills on 2 July 1862; they lived at "Kolendo", Farrell Street, Glenelg. She died at Acton Vale, Port Elliot. Their children included:
A brother, Heinrich Carl Rischbieth emigrated shortly after Charles, living at Mount Gambier. He had six sons and two daughters. One of Heinrich's sons was the geographer Oswald Rishbeth.
Nephew Karl Rischbieth was partner in Dettmer & Rischbieth