John Heussler

Johann Christian "John" Heussler (1820–1907) was a German-born businessman and politician in Queensland, Australia. He was a Member of the Queensland Legislative Council.

Early life Johann Christian Heussler was born at Bockenheim, Frankfurt, Germany on 15 June 1820. He was educated at the state school, and was subsequently a student at a French institution at Bockenheim, and Dr. Jeiteles's Mercantile Institute at Frankfurt. He entered in business as a wine merchant at Frankfurt, and later on, while still young, received an important appointment in a mercantile firm in Holland, representing the firm at the London Exhibition in 1851. He emigrated to Australia in 1852, and established a business, in partnership with others, in Melbourne. As a member of the council, he acted as President, as (acting) Chairman of Committee, and as a Commissioner at the opening of Parliament at various times.

Heussler is believed to have built his home Fernberg on that land in 1865, giving it a name of German origin that meant "distant mountain". The design of the house is attributed to Benjamin Backhouse, an architect responsible for several substantial commissions in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Local examples of his work include other villa residences such as Baroona, Cintra House, Riversleigh (on North Quay) for Edward Tufnell and Old Bishopsbourne. Due to financial difficulties, Heussler was forced to leave the property in 1872 and for the next five years Fernberg was leased. In November 1877 the estate was advertised for sale. The house and grounds were described as being: His funeral moved from his home to the Toowong Cemetery.

Family Heussler married Sophia Esther Westgarth (c. 1824 – 5 June 1914) on 10 March 1859. Their children include: Frederick John Heussler (c. 1860 – 26 June 1939) married Kate Chatfield; they had two sons and two daughters. William James Heussler (c. 1862 – 27 February 1948) married Amy Constance Henry (c. 1862 – 28 July 1936) on 23 November 1892; they had two sons and two daughters. Amy Constance Heussler was a prominent feminist, a founder of United Associations, temperance and peace activist. Louise Christine Heussler married John Cameron on 27 December 1899.