Johann Daniel Bickenbach Family

Ruppichteroth is a place in Sieg District, Rhein area, situated about 30km/19 miles south of Bonn, nowadays Germany. After the Napoleon wars, in 1815, it became part of the Kingdom of Prussia.

In 1830, 3848 people lived in the town of Ruppichteroth. There were grain and oil mills, ironworks, brickworks, shops and inns (2 of each), 30 taverns, moorland, and many ponds. The main source of income and work source in the town area was related to forestry and farming.

Johann Daniel Bickenbach, born in about 1794, came from the family which had lived in Rippichteroth for over 300 years and was well established in the town. His father, Wilhelm Heinrich Bickenbach (b. 1754/d. 1828), was the pastor of the local Evangelical church during the years 1785/1828. 

Evangelical Church in Ruppichteroth

On 25 January 1822, Johann Daniel married Anna Regina Sophia Willach (1) who was born about 1876.

Soon, children were born to the couple:

♦ Lisette, born on 28 July 1822 in Ruppichteroth, Siegkreis, Rhein, Prussia/ christened on 24 July 1822 (2);

♦ Peter, christened on 14 July 1825, Ruppichteroth, Siegkreis, Rhein, Prussia (3);

♦ Wilhelm, christened on 31 August 1828, Ruppichteroth, Rheinland, Prussia (4); 

♦ Wilhelmine, christened on 30 November 1830, Ruppichteroth (5);

♦ Friederica, born on 15 March 1833, Ruppichteroth/ christened on 22 March 1833 (6);

♦ Henrietta, christened on 2 July 1839, Ruppichteroth (7).

 

 

 

When in his early 50s, Johann Daniel decided to leave Prussia and relocate to Texas. He meant to spare his sons from the long-term mandatory service in the Prussian Army. That is why the family packed their belongings, traveled to Antwerp, Belgium, where they boarded the ship Colchis on 27 August 1846, and together with 42 other families (167 emigrants altogether), on 1 September 1846, they started their journey to Texas (8,9).

According to the ship passenger list, Daniel's surname was spelled Bückenboth (9). Another source gives it as Bueckenbach. 

Anyway, the Bickenbach family were listed on the passenger manifest as follows

Bickenbach Daniel, wife Anna Sophie, children Wilhelmine, Friederica, Friederic - planned destination Gillespie County.

Henriette and Lisette were not recorded there.

Grown-up sons of Anna and Daniel's were recorded individually -

Peter (age 24) traveled with Catherine (age 18) - planned destination Gillespie County and Mason County;

Wilhelm - planned destination Mason County (10).

Peter Bickenbach and Catherine Lorenz were younger than it was given in the passenger records. The man was 21 and, if the information on her memorial account is correct (11), she was born on 2 January 1833 in the same Sieg-Rhein area, where the Bickenbachs lived. So at the time of their immigration, Katherine was 12. Friedrich, who was registered with Daniel and his wife was Katherine's brother. He was born on 24 November 1838 (12). A reason for that age misinformation and the entire family arrangement might have been the Prussian emigration rules. The head of a family was permitted to get only a limited number (4) of passports for his immediate family and, at the same time a limited number of ship passages. The Bickenbach family traveled altogether, but they had to be listed separately.

Anyhow, Colchis reached Galveston after about two months, on 29 October 1846 (13). Then, the family went by ox wagon to Fredericksburg. Daniel and his sons got the lots in the town area. Johann Daniel owned lot no. 57, Peter and William were co-owners of lot no. 21. Besides, Peter had one more, lot #20 (14).

The 1848 Tax Rolls of Gillespie County reads that at that time, Daniel Bickinbach owned 30 acres of land and town lot no. 30. Moreover, the man had 1 horse which was worth $15, and 4 head of cattle worth $55 (15).

A year later, on ♡ 19 October, Peter and Catherine got married (16). The groom was 24 and his bride was 16. In the same year, Lisette (Elisabeth) married a widower, Mr. Ernst Jordan.

Next year, on 17 September, the census found the members of the Bickenbach (Bueckenback/Bückenbach) in Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, Texas. Peter (24) and Catherine (18) lived in household no. 109, next to their parents and siblings (17).

Peter and William worked as bricklayers and Daniel was a laborer.

In 1855, Johann Daniel had 20 acres (worth $60) in Gillespie County, his son Peter owned 10 more and his land was more valuable (worth $150). The father still had one horse but his cattle heard had grown to 20 head. Peter owned 8 head of cattle (18).

At that time, the Bickenbach men were finally granted land (Fisher-Miller grant) in the Llano River area. Married ones got 640 acres and single men got 120 acres. The newspaper note which I have come across informs that Daniel Bickenbach a misfortune happened to him. Apparently, he lost his land grant certificate (19).

Whether the paper was found or its duplicate issued, it is not known, however, the family still lived in Gillespie County most of 1856. Peter had 40 acres of land there, Daniel and William 20 acres each. Peter had 10 head of cattle, Daniel 20, and William 4. The father of the family still owned a horse as well (20).

The Bickenbach joined the charter of the German Llano Charge, Methodist Episcopal Church South on 8 March 1856 (21).

On ♡ 9 September 1857, in Gillespie County, Wilhelm married Miss Dorothea Alberson (22).

The Gillespie County Tax Rolls for 1857 tell more about what the family owned - Peter farmed on 190 acres altogether including 160 by Threadgill Creek and 30 in the Fredericksburg area. He also had 8 head of cattle. Daniel Bickenbach owned 20 acres in Gillespie, owned town lot no. 56, and 18 head of cattle. William also was the owner of some land (160 acres) at Threadgill Creek and he raised 8 head of cattle (23). 

Around that year, the entire family moved to the Llano area. They built log cabins there which were rather poor dwellings comparing to what the family used to own in Ruppichteroth. The family members did not despair, though, just worked hard to make their living conditions as comfortable as it was possible. Wilhelm (William) sold all the land he had in Gillespie County. Peter and his father kept only 50 acres there, which they co-owned (24).

♡  5 September 1858 - Friedericke married Henry Hasse in Gillespie County (25).

When the Civil War started, William joined Capt. Herman B Biberstein's Mason County Minute Men (26).

 

He also served with Company C, the Eighth Taylor's Battalion and Company E, the 1st Regiment, Texas Cavalry, Yeager's Mounted Rifles (27). 

Meanwhile, grandchildren were born to Johann Daniel and Anna Regina Sophia. There was also another wedding in the family (28) - on ♡ 8 April 1867, in Hilda, Mason, Fritz Lorenz married Annie Simon (born 1842). She was the daughter of Phillip Jakob Simon and Suzanne Weiss.

In 1870, Daniel lived with his wife Sophie in Mason County, post office Hedwig's Hill. Johann Daniel had retired from farming and all the children left the parents' home already. Peter, his wife, and children lived in the household next to his mother and father's place (29). 

The children were:

♦ August - born 1853,
♦ Sophie - born 1855,
♦ Emilie - born 1857 (30),
♦ Anna Auguste - born on 24 July 1858 (31),
♦ Daniel Henry - born on 3 July 1860 (32, 33),
♦ Julius (Friedrich Julius) - born on 5 May 1862 (34),
♦ Peter - born on 1 May 1864, in Hilda, Mason (35),
♦ Minna (Friederica Wilhelmina) - born in 1866 (36),
♦ Henry Edwin - born on 16 December 1877 (37).
There was also ♦ Friedrich Wilhelm born on 3 May 1870 (38).

 

Peter Bickenbach was taking care of the family farm, August was registered during the census as a cattle raiser.

In the same month of June 1870, Wilhelm and his immediate family were listed by the census clerk Mr. Francis Kettner (39). According to that data, William was 42 then, Dorothea 52. The children were

♦ Anna - born in 1849 in Mexico,
♦ Hermann - born in 1851 in Texas,
♦ Edward - born in 1853 in Texas,
and ♦ Auguste - born in 1857, Texas.

At that time William Bickenbach boarded a 57-year-old Methodist teacher Mr. Caumen Fritz Pforden (von Pfordten?).

Fritz and Annie Lorenz, together with their 2-year-old son Gottlieb lived in the area as well (40). Gottlieb August Lorenz was born on 15 February 1868 (41). The couple had seven children but only Gottlieb was still alive by 1900 (42). The birth records which I have found

♦ Anna Lorenz - born 19 October 1875, Hilda, Mason (43),
♦ Ida Marie Henriette Lorenz - born 6 December 1878, Hilda, Mason (44),
♦ Fritz Lorenz - born 22 February, Hilda, Mason (45).

♦ Mrs. Anna Regina Sophia Bickenbach passed in 1874. She was buried in the family estate area by Beaver Creek. After his wife's death, Daniel moved into Peter's place. The 1880 census found him there (46).

♦ About a year later, Johann Daniel Bickenbach died. He was buried at Beaver Creek next to his wife Sophie.

PS

I have not found anything on what happened to Daniel and Sophie's daughters Henriette and Wilhelmine. Additional information regarding the two ladies will be appreciated.

Resources:

"Mason County Historical Book", Mason County Historical Society, Mason County Historical Commission, 1976. 

Geneanet.org

Photo: Rheinlausitzer, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, Wikimedia Commons, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/Evangelische_Kirche_Ruppichteroth_Westturm.jpg

1. "Deutschland Heiraten, 1558-1929", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JHZK-XYV : 22 February 2020), Johann Daniel Bickenbach, 1822

2. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NDK9-229 : 25 March 2020), Lisette Bickenbach, 1822.

3. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N89S-4HL : 25 February 2020), Peter Bickenbach, 1825.

4. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N89S-4C9 : 25 February 2020), Daniel Bickenbach in entry for Wilhelm Bickenbach, 1828.

5. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N89S-ZV6 : 25 February 2020), Daniel Bickenbach in entry for Wilhelmine Bickenbach, 1830.

6. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N89S-DRD : 25 February 2020), Daniel Bickenbach in entry for Friederica Bickenbach, 1833.

7. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NRLM-YZ1 : 25 February 2020), Daniel Bickenbach in entry for Henrietta Bickenbach, 1839.

8. List of ships from Europe with Verein immigrants to Texas 1844-1847

9. German Ships Passenger Lists

10. "A New Land Beckoned: German Immigration to Texas, 1844-1847" by Chester Geue, Chester William Geue, Ethel Hander Geue, 1966

11. Findagrave.com

12. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K37M-NLF : 20 February 2021), Fredrick Lorenz, 09 Feb 1927; citing certificate number 6230, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,274.

13.  List of ships from Europe with Verein immigrants to Texas 1844-1847

14. 1847 Town Lot Owners, Fredericksburg, Texas

15. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-R642 : 20 February 2021), Bickinback, 1848.

16. Findagrave.com

17. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXLK-VXP : 23 December 2020), Daniel Bueckenback, Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.). 

18. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RJ94 : 20 February 2021), Dan Bickenbach, 1855.

19. The San Antonio Ledger. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 5, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 25, 1855, newspaper, January 25, 1855; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth179397/: accessed May 11, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History. 

20. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RJWN : 20 February 2021), Daniel Bickenbach, 1856.

21. Llano County Texas, German Methodist Episcopal Church South

22. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VK1T-5VD : 22 January 2020), William Bickenbach, 1857.

23. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RJK5 : 20 February 2021), Daniel Bickenbach, 1857.

24. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RJK5 : 20 February 2021), Daniel Bickenbach, 1857.

25. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VHH : 10 March 2021), Henry Hasse and Friederike Bickenbach, 05 Sep 1858; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

26. "Texas, Confederate Army and Commanding Officer Card Index, ca.1861-ca.1865", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Z46R-182M : 18 June 2020), Wilhelm Bickenbach, 1861. 

27. National Park Service 

28. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-FX8 : 22 January 2020), Anna Simon in entry for Fritz Lorens, 1867. 

29. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-SRC : 2 January 2021), Daniel Bickenbach, 1870.

30. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-SR8 : 2 January 2021), Peter Bickenbach, 1870.

31. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-82PZ : 14 February 2020), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Anna Auguste Bickenbach, 1858.

32. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LGD-9HMM : 14 February 2020), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Daniel Bickenbach, 1860.

33. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KSBK-K6N : 20 February 2021), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Daniel Henry Bickenbach, 10 Sep 1920; citing certificate number 29928, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,863.

34. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-XFPZ : 14 February 2020), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Friedrich Julius Bickenbach, 1862.

35. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-RNZM : 14 February 2020), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Peter Bickenbach, 1864.

36. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L21-ZP2M : 14 February 2020), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Fridarica Wilhelmina Bickenbach, 1866.

37. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K394-5P9 : 20 February 2021), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Henry Edwin Bickenbach, 21 Oct 1941; citing certificate number 47067, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,138,747.

38. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-44N2 : 14 February 2020), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Friedrich Wilhelm Bickenbach, 1870.

39. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-XRW : 2 January 2021), William Bickenbach, 1870.

40. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXG3-1M1 : 2 January 2021), Gottlieb Lorenz in entry for Fritz Lorenz, 1870.

41. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3DD-58N : 20 February 2021), Fritz Lorenz in entry for Gottlieb Aug Lorenz, 26 May 1919; citing certificate number 16604, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,633.

42. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-KDB : accessed 17 May 2021), Anna Lorenz in household of Frederick Lorenz, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet B, family 134, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658. 

43. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-CKMM : 14 February 2020), Fritz Lorenz in entry for Anna Lorenz, 1875.

44. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-X63Z : 14 February 2020), F. Lorenz in entry for Ida Marie Henriette Lorenz, 1878.

45. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-C7PZ : 14 February 2020), F. Lorenz in entry for Fritz Lorenz, 1883.

46. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJM-GR2 : 20 February 2021), Daniel Bickenbach in household of Peter Bickenbach, Mason, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 103, sheet 491D, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,319.

 

 

WW1 Honor Roll Call - Part 3

The third part of this year's Memorial Day May post series is finally ready. It is dedicated to the Gillespie County WW1 servicemen who lost their lives while attending their duties in training camps.

All three parts of the WW1 Honor Roll call series have been inspired by the book "German Pioneers of Texas: A Brief History of Hardships, Struggles and Achievements" by D H Biggers*. The source gives also the names of the men who died in training camps, each soldier's cause of death, and places where they expired. My posts project has been meant to give more information regarding the men mentioned in the book, including some details about their families and military service. Above all, it is thought to be a tribute to the Gillespie County WW1 soldiers who, due to different circumstances, became the war casualties.

 

 

The research was not an easy job, anyway, here are its results.

The men of Gillespie County who

DIED IN WW1 TRAINING CAMPS

were

 

Walter Burrow was born on 25 August 1894 in Warring, Kendall County, TX, to August Burrow and Auguste Hauxschtadt (1, 2). Walter's mother died on 20 January 1917 (3). On the day of his WW1 registration, 5 June 1917, Walter was his father's sole supporter. He farmed in Willow City, Gillespie County (3).

 Walter Burrow (serial number 1 136 894) served with Company 123 Ordnance Camp (4). 

 

The soldier got sick with influenza and was attended by a doctor in the Camp McArthur hospital, Waco, McClennan County, Texas. Unfortunately, the ailment developed into pneumonia, and after 8 days, on 19 October 1918, Walter passed over. He was 24 years old (5).

 

Felix Grobe was born on 27 December 1895 in Fredericksburg, Gillespie, TX, to Mr. Hermann Grobe and Ms. Bertha Ellebracht. In 1900, the Grobe family (Felix, his four siblings, and their parents) lived in Justice Precinct #1, north part of Gillespie County. Hermann Grobe was a farmer (6). Ten years later, the census record gives more precise data on where the Felix's family home was. Cave Creek was the name of the Fredericksburg area. 14-year-old Felix R and all his people (parents and siblings Alma, Selma, and Arthur) lived and worked on the family farm there (7).

Like other men of Gillespie county mentioned in the post series, Felix was registered by a government clerk (Mr. Otto Kramer in that case) on 5 June 1917 (8).

 

The day of his enlistment came a few months later, on 7 October 1917. Private F Grobe (serial number 1 878 334) served with Company A 144th Infantry (9) and stationed at Fort Worth, TX.

During the training, the soldier got sick with pneumonia that led to his death on 7 January 1918. Felix was buried at the city cemetery in Fredericksburg.

 

Clipping source: San Antonio Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 53, No. 14, Ed. 1 Monday, January 14, 1918, newspaper, January 14, 1918; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth433719/: accessed April 29, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium. 

 

 

 

Herman Helmar Hohmann was born on 6 November 1891 in Fredericksburg, TX. His parents were Mr. William Valentin Hohmann and Ms. Jahanna Alvina (Land) Hohmann. The Hohmanns lived in Justice Precinct #4 of Gillespie County, Mr. William Hohmann was a stock farmer (10).

 

25th June 1917 was the day of draft registration for young Herman. At that time the man lived at Fredericksburg Route #3 and owned a farm. He was engaged in stock farming, too (11).

Private Herman H Hohmann (serial number 3 967 944) was assigned to 165 Department of Brigade until 4 September 1918. After that, the soldier served with Company B 121 Infantry (12, 13).

Herman Helmar died of pneumonia, while still in training, on 23 October 1918 in Hempstead, Rockland, New York (14). His body was transferred to Fredericksburg, TX, and buried at the city cemetery.

A note which was published in San Antonio Express, informing about young soldier's death, contained errors, wrong name given the name of the deceased and wrong (?) date of his departure (15). 

 

Edwin Tatsch, son of Mary Tatsch was born in Fredericksburg, TX on 11 April 1897. The 1900 census records (16) show that at that time Edwin lived in the household of his grandmother Jacobine (age 79, born in Germany), together with his mother Maria, aunt, Ilda, and siblings Albrecht (age 13), Minna (age 8), and Edna (age 3). Ten years later, the family still lived in Justice Precinct # 1, Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, however, grandma Josephine was no longer among livin,g and Albrecht had left the household. Life was hard, 13-year-old Edwin worked in a cigar company to support the family income (17).

 

On 5 June 1918, in Fredericksburg, Edwin was drafted. Then, the 21-year-old man lived at Morris Ranch and worked for his relative, Mr. Emil Fritz (18).

 

 

Edwin was enlisted in Fredericksburg, not long after the draft registration, on 6 September 1918.

Private E Tatsch (serial number 3 988 386) was part of 46 Company 12 Battalion 165 Department of Brigade (19, 20).

Very sadly, Edwin Tatsch was one of the soldiers who died of pneumonia in the Base Hospital, Camp Travis, San Antonio, Bexar, Texas. As in other cases, the men's sickness had started with influenza. Death came to him on 14 October 1918 (21).

 

 

Walter Langerhans - born on 25 June 1892 in Fredericksburg, to William Friedrich Langerhans and Gretchen Margaretha Marie Jordan. In 1900, the parents and their six children including Walter lived in Justice Precinct # 1, south part of Fredericksburg. Mr. William Langerhans was a shoemaker (22).

When Walter grew up, he learned a trade and worked as a blacksmith. The man married twice - first time in Fredericksburg, TX to Miss Annie Jalufka. The couple's first child Walter was born on 4 July 1915 and died three days later (23). Later, Walter moved to Ozona, Crocket County, Texas where he married Miss Mildred Johnson on 8 April 1916 (24).

 

Walter Langerhans was inducted into the army two years later, on 22 July 1918 in Ozona, where he lived. At first, the soldier served with 40 Company 10th Battalion 165 Department of Brigade. After 23 August 1918, he was transferred to Company B 26 Machine Gun Battalion (25).

Another WW1 record reads that Private Langerhans (serial number 3 521 304) was stationed with the  Headquarters of the 9th Division (26).

 

 

Walter was taken ill with influenza, of which he died on 3 November 1918, in the Camp Sheridan Base Hospital, Montgomery, Alabama (27). 

 

Henry J Koch was born on 26 April 1897 in Russia, to Mr. Phillipp Koch and Ms. Elizabeth Rudi. They were of Russian German descent. Little Henry (Heinrich) was three years old, when he came to Fredericksburg, Gillepsie, TX together with his parents, a year younger brother Johannes, and grandparents Friedrich and Sophia Koch. In 1900, they all lived in Justice Precinct #1 of Gillespie County. Both Phillipp and Friedrich Koch worked as farm laborers then (28). Soon, the family enlarged and Henry had five more siblings. All of them were born in Texas. By 1910 Mr. Friedrich Koch, the patriarch of the family, had owned a farm and all the Koch people who were old enough helped with farming (29).

In 1916, Heinrich's father Phillipp passed. As other men mentioned in the post, Henry was drafted on 5 June 1917 in Fredericksburg (30).

The man started his army service on 1 August 1918.  Private Henry Koch (serial number 1 132 542) must have been a student - he served with 15 Company Students Army Training (31, 32) at Camp Mabry, Austin, TX.

 

Henry died of bronchopneumonia at the Camp Base Hospital on 10 October 1918. He was 21 years and 5 months old (33). Notes informing about Henry's death appeared in local newspapers.

San Antonio Express

Clipping source: San Antonio Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 53, No. 288, Ed. 1 Monday, October 14, 1918, newspaper, October 14, 1918; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth430402/: accessed May 3, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

Freie Presse für Texas

 

Clipping source: Hanschke, Robert. Freie Presse für Texas. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 54, No. 1286, Ed. 1 Monday, October 14, 1918, newspaper, October 14, 1918; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1088940/: accessed May 3, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

 

 

 

Edward Henry Klaerner was born on 30 November 1886 in Fredericksburg, TX, to Mr. John Klearner and Ms. Amalia nee Keller. Eddie was a Special Texas Ranger and served all over the state. The man was 30 when he was drafted (34).

Edward H Klaerner was inducted at the College Station, Texas, on 15 April 1918 and was assigned to the Quartermaster Corps (35).

 

Private Klaerner (serial number 1 026 373) was part of Motor Transportation Repair Unit 315 (36).

 

The soldier got sick with influenza and was admitted to the Fort Bliss Base Hospital on 11 October 1918. The ailment turned into bronchopneumonia of which Edward died after four days, on 15 October. The death certificate issued after Private Eddie Klaerner's passing informs that he was a married man and served with MRSU (Motor Repair Shop Unit) #304 Quartermasters Corps (37).

Browsing old newspapers, we can find out a bit more regarding Eddie Klaerner including the name of his spouse and where he was buried (see below).

 

 

Clippings source: San Antonio Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 53, No. 292, Ed. 1 Friday, October 18, 1918, newspaper, October 18, 1918; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth430331/: accessed May 3, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium. 

 

 

Corporal William Henry Enderlin was born on 25 February 1890 in Fredericksburg, Gillespie, TX, to Charles Enderlin and Louise Schaefer. In 1900, the census recorded Willie, his parents, and 5 siblings at Justice Precinct #3, Gillespie, TX (38). Ten years later, he was the only son/child who lived with his parents Charles and Louise. Then, the place they dwelled was more precisely given in the record. It was Luckenbach. William worked on the family farm (39).

 

William Henry Enderlin enlisted on 5 June 1917. At that time, he worked as a carpenter and was employed by Mr. Jack Goodwyn (40). 

 

About a year later, on 25 May 1918, W H Enderlin was inducted into the Army in San Antonio. At first, he was with 21st Construction Company A in S Waco, Texas. On 7 July 1918, he was promoted to Private 1st Class. Two days later, Willie was transferred to 26th Construction Company A and continued serving in South Waco, TX. 

Corporal William Henry Enderlin (serial number 1 181 599) died of tuberculosis, during his army service in the base hospital, on 11 March 1919 (41, 42). He was 28 years old.

 

 

 

The two newspaper clippings give some more information regarding William. The first piece informs that he was taken to the Fort Bayard (New Mexico) the hospital just before his military unit was deployed overseas. The second mentions that the man also served with the 5th Regiment Aviation section. Corporal William Henry Enderlin was buried in the Union Cemetery, TX. 

 

 

Clipping source: San Antonio Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 54, No. 74, Ed. 1 Saturday, March 15, 1919, newspaper, March 15, 1919; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth430788/: accessed April 20, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium. 

 

 

Clipping source:  San Antonio Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 54, No. 77, Ed. 1 Wednesday, March 19, 1919, newspaper, March 19, 1919; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth430771/: accessed April 20, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium. 

 

 

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The names of St. Mary's Church, Fredericksburg parishioners who served in WW1, - the renewed commemorative board was reinstalled in the church during a special service in October 2019.

 

 

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 UPDATE

 

Edwin John Kaiser was born in Fredericksburg, Gillespie, TX, on 23 July 1897 (43), to William Kaiser and Martha Elizabeth Jung (44). Three years later, little Eddie and his family still lived in Justice Precinct 1, south part of Fredericksburg. Edwin was the youngest of the four Kaiser children (45). Later, the family relocated.

In 1910, 13-year-old Eddie lived with his parents and two siblings in Justice Precinct 4, Kerr County, TX. Mr. William Kaiser was a farmer, Edwin and Albert (his sons) help the father with farming. The youngest child in the family then was 3-year-old Hellen, Eddie's sister (46).

Edwin was drafted a month after his 21st birthday, on 24 August 1918. At that time, he lived in Harper and still worked on his father's farm (47). 

 

 

Soon, the man was enlisted and started his training at a Texas Military Camp. At that time, Edwin was engaged to be married to Miss Laura Heinemann*. Sadly, before his assignment, Private Eddie Kaiser (serial number 1 151 869) succumbed to influenza on 25 November 1918 (48).

 

 

Edwin John Kaiser was buried at the Saint Anthony Cemetery in Harper, TX.

 

* Information regarding Eddie Kaiser (his name, the engagement and the circumstances of his death) was sent to me by Mr. Mark Schumpelt.

 

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More from this series

• WW1 Honor Roll Call - Part 1 - Killed in Action
  

• WW1 Honor Roll Call - Part 2 - Died of Health Conditions Related to Combat
  

Other Posts dedicated to Gillespie County heroes:

WW2 Honor Roll Call Series 

 

 

Resources:

*"German Pioneers of Texas: A Brief History of Hardships, Struggles and Achievements" by Don H. Biggers, Gillespie County Edition, Press of the Fredericksburg Publishing Co., 1925, 

 WWI Serviceman Glossary

 

1. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXZ-V5Z : 23 February 2021), Walter Burrow, 1917-1918.

 

2. "Texas Death Index, 1903-2000," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZDQ-G29 : 5 January 2015), Augusta Burrow, 20 Jan 1917; from "Texas, Death Index, 1903-2000," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2006); citing certificate number 1600, Gillespie, Texas, Texas Department of Health, State Vital Statistics Unit, Austin. 

 

3. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXZ-V5Z : 23 February 2021), Walter Burrow, 1917-1918.

 

4. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QP2Z-M36M : 27 October 2019), Walter Burrow, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

 

5. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3ZB-ZHH : 20 February 2021), August Burrow in entry for Walter Burrow, 19 Oct 1918; citing certificate number 43701, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,349.

6. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3GC-P95 : accessed 29 April 2021), Felix Grobe in household of Hermann Grobe, Justice Precinct 1 (north part), Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 30, sheet 8B, family 168, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,638.

7. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MK1K-8MH : accessed 29 April 2021), Felix R Grobe in household of Herman Grobe, Cave Creek, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 147, sheet 3A, family 48, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1554; FHL microfilm 1,375,567. 

8. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXZ-KSX : 23 February 2021), Felix Grobe, 1917-1918.

9. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPRT-KN7Q : 23 October 2019), Felix Grobe, 7 Jan 1918; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers. 

 

10. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3GC-B8C : accessed 29 April 2021), Hermann Hohmann in household of Willie Hohmann, Justice Precinct 4, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 34, sheet 8B, family 144, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,638. 

 

11. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXZ-K4L : 23 February 2021), Herman Helmar Hohmann, 1917-1918. 

 

12. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-J53X : 9 March 2021), Herman Helmer Hohmann, 25 Jul 1918; citing Military Service, Fredericksburg, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

 

13. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPR6-SL7M : 23 October 2019), Herman Helmar Hohman, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

 

14. "New York, State Death Index, 1880-1956", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:783N-S3PZ : 20 October 2019), Herman H Hohman, 1918.

 

15. San Antonio Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 53, No. 309, Ed. 1 Monday, November 4, 1918, newspaper, November 4, 1918; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth430546/: accessed May 1, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium. 

 

16. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3GC-PP9 : accessed 1 May 2021), Edwin Tatsch in household of Jacobine Tatsch, Justice Precinct 1 (north part), Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 30, sheet 2A, family 30, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,638. 

 

17. United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MK1K-CKF : accessed 1 May 2021), Edwin Tatsch in household of Maria Tatsch, Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 146, sheet 9A, family 198, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1554; FHL microfilm 1,375,567. 

 

18. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXZ-24J : 23 February 2021), Edwin Tatsch, 1917-1918.

 

19. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-JTV8 : 9 March 2021), Edwin Tatsch, 06 Sep 1918; citing Military Service, Fredericksburg, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

 

20. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WQQ6-MR3Z : 26 October 2019), Edwin Tatsch, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

 

21. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3ZT-MB1 : 20 February 2021), Edwin Tatsch, 14 Oct 1918; citing certificate number 36149, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,325. 

 

22. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3GZ-97D : accessed 2 May 2021), Walter Langerhans in household of William Langerhans, Justice Precinct 1 (south part) Fredricksburg town, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 31, sheet 1B, family 17, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,638. 

 

23. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K37Y-RZX : 20 February 2021), Annie Jalufka in entry for Walter Langerhans, 07 Jul 1915; citing certificate number 15319, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,051,304.

 

24. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZB-NZRX : 12 March 2020), Walter Langerhans and Mildred Johnson, 08 Apr 1916; citing Marriage, citing Ozona, Crockett, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 2,031,625.

 

25. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-J52D : 9 March 2021), Walter Langerhans, 22 Jul 1918; citing Military Service, Ozona, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

 

26. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WSDT-6DN2 : 23 October 2019), Walter Langerhans, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

 

27. "Alabama Deaths, 1908-1974", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JDK8-DXV : 30 March 2021), Walter Langerhans, 1918.

 

28. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3GC-BJS : accessed 2 May 2021), Heinrick Koch in household of Frederick Koch, Justice Precinct 1 (north part), Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 30, sheet 4B, family 87, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,638. 

 

29. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MK1K-DM2 : accessed 2 May 2021), Heinrich J Koch in household of Friederick Koch, Pedernales, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 148, sheet 6A, family 103, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1554; FHL microfilm 1,375,567. 

 

30. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXZ-KVV : 23 February 2021), Henry Koch, 1917-1918.

 

31. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-J5VV : 9 March 2021), Henry Koch, 01 Aug 1918; citing Military Service, Fredericksburg, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin. 

 

32. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QP8L-QZ5J : 27 October 2019), Henry Koch, 10 Oct 1918; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

 

33. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3ZB-K87 : 20 February 2021), Henry Koch, 10 Oct 1918; citing certificate number 45970, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,350. 

 

34. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXZ-KDR : 23 February 2021), Edward Henry Klaerner, 1917-1918.

 

35. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-J5JD : 9 March 2021), Edward Henry Klaerner, 15 Apr 1918; citing Military Service, College Station, Brazos, Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

 

36. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPTV-891N : 17 October 2019), Edward Henry Klaerner, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

 

37. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3ZT-6GZ : 20 February 2021), Edward H Klaerner, 15 Oct 1918; citing certificate number 39892, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,348.

 

38. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3GC-5N6 : accessed 19 April 2021), Willie Enderlin in household of Charley Enderlin, Justice Precinct 3, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 33, sheet 1B, family 16, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,638.  

39. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MK1K-B7F : accessed 19 April 2021), Willy Enderlin in household of Charles Enderlin, Luckenbach, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 149, sheet 13B, family 173, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1554; FHL microfilm 1,375,567.  

 

40. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXY-HCC : 23 February 2021), William Henry Enderlin, 1917-1918. 

 

41. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-JGB2 : 9 March 2021), William H Enderlin, 06 May 1918; citing Military Service, San Antonio, Bexar, Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

 

42. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q5PT-LN2M : 25 October 2019), William Henry Enderlin, 11 Mar 1919; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers. 

 

43. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXV-LRT : 23 February 2021), Edwin John Kaiser, 1917-1918.

44. Findagrave.com

45. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3GZ-CFB : accessed 23 May 2021), Edwin Kaiser in household of William Kaiser, Justice Precinct 1 (south part) Fredricksburg town, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 31, sheet 10B, family 217, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,638.

46. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M23R-SHW : accessed 23 May 2021), Edwin John Kaiser in household of William Kaiser, Justice Precinct 4, Kerr, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 166, sheet 1B, family 8, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1570; FHL microfilm 1,375,583. 

47. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXV-LRT : 23 February 2021), Edwin John Kaiser, 1917-1918.

48. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPTN-XP4M : 17 October 2019), Edwin John Kaiser, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.