Anton H Willmann

On 22 December 1809, Anton H Willmann was born in Rauschwitz (nowadays Ruszowice, Poland). 

There are two villages of the name Ruszowice/ Rauschwitz in Lower Silesia. 

Map data @2021 GeoBasis DE-BKG(@2009), Google

 

The one in the north is situated in Głogów County. The village used to be headquarters of various military leaders during the wars which rolled over Europe in the 17th and 18th century. In 1631, almost all families were swept by a plague, only 7 couples survived.

The other Ruszowice (more to the south) is a small village situated in Lower Silesia, Kłodzko Valley, Poland. The nearest bigger cities are Kłodzko (about 7 miles from the village), 

Map data @2021 Google

 

and Wrocław, the capital of the region (about 50 miles from Ruszowice).

Map data @2021 Google GeoBasis-DE/BKG (@2099 Google)

Ruszowice is one of the oldest settlements in the Kłodzko area. It was first mentioned in documents in 1347 as Rauschwicz. The place was part of the property which belonged to various knechts and noble families. Considering the places where Anton's wife and children were born, the southern Ruszowice is more likely to be the place of his origin. 

The agricultural village was a satellite of a bigger village called Piszkowice, and part of the St. John the Baptist (Roman Catholic) parish. The seat of the Rauschwitz owners was in Piszkowice as well. They lived in the palace (built in the 17th century). If you happen to be in the area, visit the palace, you can also rent a room there.

Palace in Piszkowice

 

In 1631, 15 farmers lived in Ruszowice, in 1653, there were 7 farmers more. The village was developing.

village Ruszowice (Rauschwitz)

In the 18th century, the village belonged to the von Haugwitz family. In 1782, Ruszowice (Rauschwitz) had 54 buildings, including a grange. 

Ruszowice - column of Holy Mary founded in 1802

 

When Anton was born, the village of Rauschwitz belonged then to Anton von Haugwitz (until 1818/9). 

Baron Friedrich A Falkenhausen became the owner of Piszkowice and the nearby villages, including Rauschwitz, when Anton Willman was about ten years old.

Map data @2021 Google

 After the administrative reform of Prussia, in 1815, Rauschwitz became part of Lower Silesia, and after 1816, territoriality, the village was part of Lankreis Glatz (Kłodzko). When Anton was 16, there was still a grange and 57 other buildings in Rauschwitz.

Anton Willmann married Miss Therese Knolle who also lived in the Lower Silesia Region, in the village of Pohldorf (nowadays Paszków). 

Map data @2021 Google

 

The couple had five children 

• Hermann Anton - born 9 September 1841, 
• Therese - born 15 October 1843, 
•  Pius Frederick born 1846,
  
•  Maria - born 18 March 1848 in Alt-Lomnitz (Stara Łomnica)
  

 

Map data @2021 Google

 

• and August Anton born 2 October 1851. Two of their other babies died in infancy.

Not all peasants who lived in Rauschwitz had any land. Only the richest ones were able to provide and feed their families. Others had to work for the village owner, and farm the acres which belonged to him. There were only a few craftsmen in the village. Anton worked as a cabinetmaker and a stonemason. 

In the early 1850s, Anton Willmann, his siblings, and their immediate families decided to leave their homes. The possibility of emigration to Texas brought the perspective and hope for a better life. They all packed their belongings and first went to Bremen. There, the family boarded a ship and left for New Braunfels, Texas. The vessel first reached Galveston, then Indianola. According to the Indianola Database, the day of Willmans' arrival, on the bark von Vineke, was 26 December 1852. The register mentions Anton Willmann, Johannes Willmann, Caroline Willmann, Anna Willmann (born 9 June 1829, Neu Heide /Nowa Polanica, Kłodzko County/, Lower Silesia), and Johanna Willmann (1).

Other records mention also Joseph Willmann, his wife (Juliana Klaar) and 5 children. According to that, they all traveled to Texas on Friedrich Grosse (2). 

On ♡ 22 May 1853, Anna Willmann, Anton's sister married Heinrich Soefje (3, 4) whose first wife passed a bit earlier. Heinrich August Konrad Soefje had a baby boy August Heinrich, born in 1851.

 

In the autumn of 1853, the members of the extended Willmann family got to New Braunfels by wagons.

At first, the family rented a farm. In 1854, Therese, the mother of the family passed away. About a year later, Anton remarried on 14 June 1855. His second spouse was Kristine Nisz (Niess) (5).

 

The family lived at Bracken not far from New Braunfels. 

♦ William Anton was born to Anton and Christina Willmann on 16 March 1856.

♦ John William (Johann Wilhelm), another son, came to this world on 14 April 1857 (6).

In the very same year, according to the Texas Tax Rolls, Johann and Anton paid taxes for the land by Comal Creek which originally belonged to Mr. B. Simons (Johann 100 acres, Anton 220 acres), and Joseph rented 220 acres from J M Veramendi. Anton also had 1 horse worth $10 then, 14 head of cattle, 1 wagon, and 2 hogs. The total value of his entire property was $620 (7).

♦ Daughter Anna was born to Anton and Christina on 30 August 1859 (8).

In 1859, Anton had 320 acres (the original owner was B. Simons). Most probably he took over the 100 which Johannes had rented before. The latter one is not mentioned in the tax records. Anton's hog herd had grown up to 14 animals. The value of the man's property grew as well. In 1859 its was worth $1010. Joseph farmed 17 acres rented from Mr. Veramendi (9). The "Mason County Historical Book"* mentions that Anton bought 320 acres of unimproved land. Johannes helped his brother to clear the land and build a log house and a water system which supplied the water to the house. Later, they built another house situated on a hill.

About a year later, on 23 August 1860, the Census found Anton and Christine's family out of the Corporation of New Braunfels, in Comal County, Texas. The couple lived there with their 8 children, Hermann, Theresa, Pius, Maria, August, Wilhelm, Johannes, Anna, and their brother Johannes. Anton was registered as a farmer, Hermann was a wagoner and Anton's brother Johannes was a stonemason (10).

♦ On 9 December 1860, another daughter Mathilde was born to the Anton Willmanns (11).

Anton's livestock was growing. In 1860, he had 2 horses and 20 head of cattle (12). Two years later it was 3 horses and 41 head of cattle (13). The records from 1865 inform that at that time Anton still rented 320 acres from GWB Simon and also 320 acres from Charles H Artzt. The man then owned 3 horses and 25 head of cattle as well (14).  

Another merry occasion to celebrate came on ♡ 22 September 1861, when Anton's daughter, Therese married Dirks Jansen Gerdes (15), the son of Jann Harm Gerdes and Fenne Dirks Telken. Dirks was born on 16 December 1841.

♦ 1862 - son Heinrich Wilhelm is born.

♦ 21 September 1863, daughter Emilie was born.

♦ 16 February 1865, daughter Louise was born (16).

♦ 20 May 1866, daughter Caroline Maria was born (17).

♦ Anton Heinrich was born on 31 August 1867 (18).

♦ 18 August 1868, daughter Christiane was born.

1869 - Anton Willman took care of 427 acres from two landowners, raised 7 horses and 94 head of cattle (19). In the same year, his ♡ daughter, Marie married Karl Ludwig Theodor Mumme (born on 24 February 1838).

A census clerk came to the home of Anton and Christina's on 16 August 1870. They lived at Justice Precinct No. 2, Comal County. The value of Anton's real estate was given as $1000. The value of his personal estate was $1220. The clerk who visited the Willmans was Mr. Charles Gehren (20).

♦ 20 September 1871, another daughter, Wilhelmine (Minna) came to this world.

♦ 9 January 1872, Bertha, the youngest daughter of Anton and Christina's was born.

♦ On 2 February 1876, Daniel Friedrich was born to the family of Anton and Christina (21).

Anton H Willmann was raised in the Roman Catholic faith. In Texas, he observed the Methodist camp meetings (at first from a distance). Later, he joined the congregation and became a devoted Methodist. At some point, the man was also the Sunday school class leader and led the Sunday service as well (22).

♡ 20 June 1877, Hermann, the oldest son of Anton and Therese, married Miss Emilie Kutz (23), who was born on 21 June 1851.

A year later, Anton took care of  384 acres of land (24).

♡ 1878 - August, son of Anton and Therese, married Miss Sophie Jordan (born 23 March 1854), the daughter of Ernst Jordan and Lisette Bickenbach.

10 June 1880 census clerk, Mr. F P Hoffmann recorded the Anton Willmanns in Justice Precinct No. 2, Comal County. The children Wilhelm (age 24), Anna age 21), Heinrich (age 18), Caroline (age 14), Anton (age 11), Christiane (age 9), Minna (age 8), Bertha (age 7), and Daniel (age 4) lived with the parents in the family home. Mrs. Willmann had a helper, in the person of Mrs. Henriette Brecher (age 69). The servant lady was a divorcee and lived with the Willmanns as well (25).

♡ 10 November 1881, another wedding was celebrated in the family. Johann Wilhelm/John William married Miss Hulda Hoffmann in Guadalupe, Texas (26). 

Two months later, on ♡ 30 December 1880, son Wilhelm Anton married Miss Christine Leifeste (born on 11 November 1860, Mason County). Wilhelm's in-laws were Heinrich Karl Christian Leifeste and Christina Evers.

In 1883, Anton sold the place in the New Braunfels area and the family relocated to Mason County. They made their home at the Comanche Creek where Anton ran a farm and ranch as well.

♡ Emilie married her brother-in-law Daniel Jordan (born 8 December 1860, Mason County, TX).

The year 1887 was quite eventful as it brought the weddings of Anton and Christina's three daughters.

♡ Louise got married on 17 February (27). Her spouse was Mr. John Peter Dechert Jr. (born 5 December 1861 in Luckenbach), the son of John Peter Dechert and Ernstine Platz.

♡ Christiana married Mr. Erhardt Frederick Stengel (born 26 November 1862, New Orleans, Louisiana).

Wilhelmina left the family home on 14 October 1891 (28). She became the wife of Mr.  Alfred D Fischer (born 4 June 1868 in Fredericksburg, Gillespie, TX). The two got married in Fredericksburg. Albert was the son of Mr. Hermann Fischer and Ms. Anna Elizabeth Stiehl.

 

At the end of his life, Anton Willmann sold his land to his youngest son Daniel. ♦ Mr. Anton Willmann Sr. died on 28 July 1891. He was buried at Art Methodist Cemetery.

Six years later, Bertha Mary married Ernest A Frenzel (born 28 April 1866, Germany), the son of Karl Frenzel and Wilhelmine Hunger. Ernest came to Texas in 1870 (29,30).

Daniel married Miss Ernestine Wilhelmine Grote (born 3 January 1880 in Texas to Fritz Adolph Grote and Wilhelmina Jordan). After her death, Dan remarried, his second wife was Wilhelmina Anna Steinmann (born 21 January 1877, Mason County to Louis William Steinmann and Margarete Hasse).

After Anton's death, Christina Willmann lived at the home of her daughter Emily and son-in-law Daniel Jordan. A room had been added to their house in order to accommodate the mother of the family. At the end of her life, Christina suffered from a very bad hip joint which gave her much pain. Because of that, she could hardly move, even when using a cane. The lady ♦ passed on 7 November 1913. Four days earlier, on 3 November, the Emma and Daniel's daughter Dina died as well. The funeral ceremonies were held at the Daniel Jordans' house (31).

Photos: 

• Piszkowice castle: by Jacek Halicki - own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58160312   
• Ruszowice village: photo by Tomasz Leśniowski - Praca własna, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59796506
• Holy Mary Column: photo by Jacek Halicki - own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71744189
  

Resources:

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

Findagrave.com 

Google Maps 

Wikipedia

1. Victoria Regional History Center

2. "New Homes  in a New Land. German Immigration to Texas 1847-1861" by Ethel Hander Geue, Waco, Texas, 1970.

3. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XL43-T52 : 10 March 2021), Heinrich Sofge and Anna Willmann, 22 May 1853; citing Comal, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,014,966.

4. Comal County, Texas Marriages

5. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XL4Q-SQJ : 10 March 2021), Anton Willmann and Christine Nisz, 14 Jun 1855; citing Comal, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,014,966. 

6. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K37S-XHL : 20 February 2021), Anton Willmann in entry for John William Willmann, 15 Oct 1928; citing certificate number 44780, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,661.

7. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ8P-7P52 : 20 February 2021), Anton Willmann, 1857.

8. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3Z8-T7R : 20 February 2021), Antone Willmann in entry for Anna Fischer, 22 Jun 1952; citing certificate number 26375, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,075,085.

9. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ8P-7T79 : 20 February 2021), Anton Willmann, 1859.

10. "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFX-NP3 : 18 February 2021), Johann Willmann in entry for Anton Willmann, 1860.

11. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KS11-JBG : 20 February 2021), Anton Willmann in entry for Mathilda Seiler, 29 Jan 1935; citing certificate number 2400, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,116,252.

12. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ8P-7Y8N : 20 February 2021), Anton Willmann, 1860.

13. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ8P-WMMK : 20 February 2021), Anton Willmann, 1862.

14. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ8P-W39J : 20 February 2021), Anton Willmann, 1865.

15. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XL4Q-VQD : 10 March 2021), Dirks Gerdes and Therese Willmann, 22 Sep 1861; citing Comal, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,014,966.

16. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CN-33M : 20 February 2021), Anton Willmann in entry for Louise Dechert, 14 Dec 1922; citing certificate number 34403, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,650.

17. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K33N-MLD : 20 February 2021), Anton Willmann in entry for Caroline Mary Sherwood, 22 Nov 1957; citing certificate number 69876, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,135,926.

18. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3M1-MGH : 20 February 2021), Antone Henry Willman, 07 Jan 1941; citing certificate number 4094, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,138,244.

19. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ8P-W4T2 : 20 February 2021), Anton Willmann, 1869.

20. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXG5-4YS : 29 May 2021), Emilie Willmann in entry for Anton Willmann, 1870.

21. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LL8-Y5PZ : 14 February 2020), Anton Wilmann in entry for Daniel Friedrich Willmann, 1876. 

22. A letter written by August Willmann Sr. shared by his descendant Mr. M. Willmann in a Facebook genealogy group.

23."Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XL45-7H9 : 10 March 2021), Hermann Willmann and Emilie Kutz, 20 Jun 1877; citing Comal, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,014,967.

24. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ8P-WK3G : 20 February 2021), Anton Willmann, 1877.

25. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFF1-13P : 20 February 2021), Wilhelm Willmann in household of Anton Willmann, Precinct 2, Comal, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 39, sheet 29C, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,297. 

26. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV14-L7GQ : 23 February 2021), John Willmann and Hulda Hoffmann, 10 Nov 1881; citing Marriage, citing Guadalupe, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 1,035,073.

27. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9K73 : 22 December 2016), John P. Dechert and Louise Willmann, 17 Feb 1887; citing , Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.

28. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9J11 : 10 March 2021), Albert D. Fischer and Minnie Willmann, 14 Oct 1891; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.

29. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KS1T-2WN : 20 February 2021), Ernest Frenzel, 09 May 1928; citing certificate number 19801, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,539.

30. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M32R-27W : accessed 20 June 2021), Ernst Frenzel, Justice Precinct 5 (south & east of r.r.), Bexar, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 116, sheet 13A, family 224, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,612.

31. "Yesterday in The Texas Hill Country" by Gilbert Jordan, Texas A&M University Press, College Station and London,1979.

Song

Sometimes I wake up in the night with a song on my mind. Usually, the song gets stuck to me for some time until I hear it sung by a singer. Recently, it has been the song which starts with  "Jedno życie masz..."/"One life you have...". I learned it at primary school, and I sang it then with the school choir. Most of the lyrics I had forgotten, that was only that one verse:

 

"Jedno życie masz, komu dasz ten kwiat, nie idź za rzekę zginiesz tam"/

"One life you have, who will you give that flower to, do not go across the river, you will perish there."    

 

 I remembered that the original version in English was sung by Joan Baez, so I looked for a video on youtube.

Interestingly, looking for the Polish version of "Dona, Dona", I also learned that it is actually a traditional Jewish song with lyrics in Yiddish.

 

Well, there is always something new to learn. I like the red dress by the way.

The Polish lyrics were not about cows going to slaughter, though. It was more like an anti-war song.
 

Finally, it is, I found the words I had learned at school.

 

"Jedno życie masz, 

komu dasz ten kwiat? 

Nie idź za rzekę zginiesz tam.

 

Komu dasz ten kwiat? 

Życia swego kwiat? 

Kiedy zza rzeki padnie strzał? 

 

Ludzie, ludzie nie gińcie,

Wy ocalicie świat.

Ludzie, ludzie szkoda was. 

To wojna zginąć ma.

 

Dona Dona Don..."

Which is

 

"One life you have,

Who will you give that flower to?
Don't go across the river,

You will perish there.

 

One life you have,

Who will you give that flower to?
The flower of your life?

When the shot from across the river will be fired.

 

People, people do not perish,

You will save the world.
People, people do not perish,

The war is that one to die.

 

Dona Dona Don..."

 

 
I did not manage to find any live version of the song sung in Polish (with the particular lyrics mentioned above), so the song is still here Dona Dona Dona Dona...


 

Konrad Simon & Family

Johann Konrad Simon was born on 3 September 1832 in Grebenroth, Nassau, Prussia. It is a town situated about 286 miles south-west of Berlin.

Johann Konrad's lived with his parents, Phillipp Jakob Simon (born 11 November 1800, Holzhausen auf der Heide) and Suzanne Weiss (b. 12 November 1809, Laufesmuhle /Laufes Mill/ near Laufenselden), and brother Peter (born 7 April 1829 in Holzhausen). The father of the family was a wheelwright. When Konrad was about 5, on 15 March 1838, Christian was born. On 12 October 1840 in Grebenroth, Katherina Jacobina, and on 8 August 1843 Anna Maria joined the family. In 1845, they all emigrated to Texas. First, they traveled to Antwerp. The Simons left the European port on 13 September 1845, on the Barque Straba. 

The vessel's passenger list informs that Johann Konrad's oldest brother, 17-year-old Peter, was registered separately as an adult emigrant passenger. His occupation given in the manifest was "farmer". After several weeks of an oppressive journey, the vessel and the emigrants on its board reached Galveston on 20 November (1).

In 1847, Konrad and his family had already been in Fredericksburg. Phillip Jakob and Peter Simon got town lots there - Phillip lots no. 412 and 414, Peter lot no. 413 (2). Phillip was also granted 24 acres of land in the Fredericksburg area.

♦ 24 April 1848, a brother was born to Konrad. The baby boy was named Gottlieb.

1849, Phillip Jakob was granted 640 acres, Peter 320 acres, by the Llano River.

The 1850 census, on 13 September (3), found the family still in Fredericksburg. Phillip's profession was given as stonemason, Christian was not mentioned in the records (he had died?). Later, Konrad's father sold the land and town lot which he had in Fredericksburg, and the family moved to Castell, where a rock house was built.

♦ 2 October 1851, Henry Leander Simon (4), the youngest brother of Konrad's was born.

According to Gillespie County Rolls of 1854, Peter Simon kept some land (10 acres) there, he also had 1 horse, 50 head of cattle, 17 hogs, and 15 sheep (5). In 1855, he had even more land (40 acres) in Gillespie County (6). 

About 1856, the Simon family relocated and settled four miles southeast of Mason, at the place that was called Simonville, after their family name. At first, they lived in log cabins which after some time, were replaced with rock houses.

♡ 19 April 1857, in Gillespie County, Johann Konrad Simon married Miss Josephine Hasse (7), daughter of Karl Heinrich Hasse. 

In 1857, both Peter and Conrad owned 160 acres of land in Gillespie County. Conrad also had 1 wagon and a horse, and 30 head of cattle there. The property which belonged to him was worth $330. Peter raised 56 head of cattle. The man also had 20 hogs and owned a land certificate. The value of the latter was given as $150. According to the tax assessment, all the property that belonged to Peter worth $650 (8).

♦ 31 Jan 1858, the first child, Sophie Josephina, was born to the couple (9).

♡ 14 January 1859, Konrad's sister Katherine Simon married Friedrich Johann Georg Schmidt (born 1827), son of Johann Georg Schmidt.

♦ 10 December 1859 twin boys, Konrad and Heinrich arrived to parents J K and J Simon (10, 11).

Konrad and Josephine were charter members of the German Methodist Church. Johann Konrad was also a preacher and sometimes preached at the local church.

♦ 2 September 1862, another boy, Karl was born to Konrad and Josephine (12).

♦ 13 April 1863 - mourning in the family - Konrad's father Phillip Jakob passed.

 

When Civil War time came, in September 1863, 31-year-old Conrad joined Texas State Troops. Private Simon served in Precinct #3, Mason County (local defense), under Lt. Gottlieb Brandenburg.

The above CA registration card reads that Conrad was 5'6" tall, had grey eyes, and light hair. His occupation was "stock raiser". When he joined TST, the man owned a shotgun (13).

♦ 8 August 1865, Konrad's daughter Emilia came to this world (14).

Four years later, on ♦ 1 September 1869,  the Konrad Simons had another baby girl. She was named Nelly (15).

 ♡ 8 April 1867, in Hilda, Mason, Fritz Lorenz married Annie Simon (16), Konrad's younger sister.

1870 - census Anna, Henry, Charles, Emily, John, and Nelly. Annie lived with Fritz Lorenz nearby, next to Annie house was their mother's Susanna's dwelling in which their brother Gottlieb also lived. Then, Christina and Fred Schmidt + their children lived (17).

♡ Konrad's brother, Gottlieb married 26 Mar 1871 Louise Oestreich (18).


♦ 23 July 1872, daughter Bertha was born in Mason County (19).

♦ 18 September 1874, another baby girl, Ida was born.

Peter Simon, Konrad's older brother was engaged in freighting. At some point, he sold his wagon and left for California to join the gold rush. The man exchanged letters with Gottlieb. In 1875, Peter sent his mother Josephine a power of attorney to sell his land and property in Mason County.

♦ Franz was born 18 Apr 1876 to the family of Konrad and Josephine Simon's (20).


Tragically, 11-year-old ♦ Nellie died 27 Jan 1877 of diphtheria. It was the time when the disease took quite a toll among the children in the area. A few months later, also 2-year-old ♦ Ida succumbed to the malady. The girl passed on 11 February 1878.

Census 1880 - Konrad and Josephine lived in Justice Precinct #3, Mason, TX, together with children Anna, Henry, Charles, John, Emily, Bertha, and Frank. Konrad's siblings, Emma with her husband Fritz Lorenz, and two children; Catherine with husband Fred Schmidt and eight children; Henry L and mother Susanne, lived nearby (21).

In 1881 Konrad Simon and his Family moved to the Todd Mountain area, south of Mason where Konrad bought some land. He got some acres east of  James River Road as well.

♦ 26 Mar 1886, brought time of mourning again. Konrad's mother Suzanne died. She was buried in the family cemetery, next to her daughters. 

In the same year, on ♡ 12 November, Konrad's son, Heinrich married Miss Mary Martin (22). The marriage ceremony took place at the Hilda Bethel Methodist Church, Hilda, Mason, TX. 1886 also brought the marriage ceremony of  Henry Leander, Konrad's brother. He was married to Miss Lizzie Lackey.

♡ Karl Simon another brother of Konrad's, married Ernestine Nagel on 30 December 1890 (23). Not long after that, on 23 July 1891, Konrad and Josephine's daughter ♡ Bertha married  Friedrich Wartenbach (24).

Another daughter, ♡ Emilie, was married to Mr. Adolph Schulze on 26 November 1893 (25).

Several years later, on ♦ 18 November 1901, death took Emilie Simon Schultze. Konrad's daughter died when she was giving birth to her fourth child.  

About 1903/4, the youngest son of Konrad and Josephine's, Franz (Frank) married Josephine Pryor. The two had twins on 17 June 1904 (26) - one girl died and found her resting place at the Todd Mountain, the other one, Edna survived.

 ♦ 7 September 1921 John Konrad Simon left this world. He was buried near his wife, in the family cemetery.

 
Frank's first marriage did not survive. In 1921, the man married 27-years-younger Miss Mary Gerdes (born 1903). They had three sons, Frank (born 1922), Edward (b. 1924), and Damon (born 1930).

Emilie and Adolph Schulze's children - Lilli - born 10 October 1894 (27), Arthur  - born 18 April 1896 (28), Edgar, Emily - born 18 November 1901 (29).

Bertha and Fritz Wartenbach's children - Oscar Johannes - born 5 July 1892 (30), Josephine Anna - born 7 April 1895 (31), Karl John - born 7 September 1896 (32), Ida Mae - born 7 April 1908 (33).

Karl H, Heinrich and Katherine Simon will have their own posts.

UPDATE:

The photos and information shared by Ms. Karanell Marshall, a descendant of Annie and Fritz Lorenz:

 

"Thanks for your article on the Simon family. My great grandmother, Johanna Eisenbeisser, was married to a Lorenz.(...) I do have a very old photograph, with hand painting, of Fritz and Annie Simon Lorenz!! They were Oma Hannah's parents-in-law. When Annie was elderly she was blind. My grandmother had a pencil drawing that Annie drew of herself. It looked just like the woman in the picture. I thought you might enjoy hearing these little bits of family history.

 

There is a considerable water stain at the bottom. Don't know what the red is. Since they married in 1867, this must have been taken in the '70s or '80s. Here is a little book of Fritz's I inherited.
No date!

Oh! Found another with a date. Very faint as in pencil.

 

My g grandmother, who was Fritz's daughter in law, passed these on to her son, my grandfather."

Ms. Karanell Marshall kindly shared also some information (and a photo) related to her great grandmother, Johanna Eisenbeisser, and her immediate family. I am planning to post that material with another article dedicated to the Schuessler family, Johanna and her other relations.

 

Karanell, many thanks for sharing that all!

 Source:

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

Findagrave.com 

Victoria Regional Center

1. Barque Straba

2. Fredericksburg town lots 1847

3. 1850 Census Fredericksburg 

4. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KS1Y-4TJ : 20 February 2021), Henry Leander Simon, 20 Jun 1929; citing certificate number 31820, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,940. 

5. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RFPN : 20 February 2021), Peter Simon, 1854.

6. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RNV5 : 20 February 2021), Peter Simon, 1855.

7. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-L4J : 10 March 2021), John C Simon and Josephine Hasse, 19 Apr 1857; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

8. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RJH5 : 20 February 2021), Conrad Simon, 1857.

 9. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-DDMM : 14 February 2020), C. Simon in entry for Sophie Josephina Simon, 1858.

10.  "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3SW-WFL : 20 February 2021), Conrad Simon in entry for Henry Simon, 07 Oct 1949; citing certificate number 49601, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,223,524.

11. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-XCW2 : 14 February 2020), Heinrich Simon, 1859.

12. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LG4-143Z : 14 February 2020), Carl Simon, 1862.

13. "Texas, Confederate Army and Commanding Officer Card Index, ca.1861-ca.1865", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Z82B-RWN2 : 18 June 2020), Conrad Simon, 1863.

14. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-DCT2 : 14 February 2020), Emilia Simon, 1865.

15. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-LL3Z : 14 February 2020), Nelly Simon, 1869. 

16. "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. 

17. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXG3-194 : 29 May 2021), Nelly Simon in entry for Conrad Simon, 1870.

18. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VK1T-5JD : 22 January 2020), Gottlieb Simon, 1871.

19. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-LL6Z : 14 February 2020), Bertha Simon, 1871.

20. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LLC-6YPZ : 14 February 2020), Franz Simon, 1876.

21. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJM-PDQ : 20 February 2021), Bertha Simon in household of Conrad Simon, Precinct 3, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 104, sheet 497C, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,319.

22. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-HST : 22 January 2020), Henry Simon, 1885.

23, "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-W22 : 22 January 2020), Carl Simon, 1890.

24. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-LF9 : 22 January 2020), Bertha Simon in entry for Friedrich Wartenbach, 1891.

25. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-W2J : 22 January 2020), Emilie Simon in entry for Adolph Schultze, 1893. 

26. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX99-2FX : 1 March 2021), Josie Pryor in entry for Edna Simon, 17 Jun 1904; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 103935, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,371,100. 

27. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-V73Z : 14 February 2020), Emilie Simon in entry for Lilli Josephine Leonore Schulze, 1894.

28. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-FQ3Z : 14 February 2020), Emilie Simon in entry for Arthur Schulze, 1896.

29. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3M8-5CL : 20 February 2021), Emilia Simons in entry for Emily Bertha Schulze, 12 May 1939; citing certificate number 24603, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,118,017.

30. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-DK6Z : 14 February 2020), Bertha Simon in entry for Oskar Johannes Wartenbach, 1892.

31. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-XKT2 : 14 February 2020), Bertha Simon in entry for Josephine Anna Wartenbach, 1895.

32. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-T9PZ : 14 February 2020), Bertha Simon in entry for Karl John Wartenbach, 1896.

33. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX99-PFJ : 1 March 2021), Bertha Simons in entry for Ida Mae Wartenbach, 07 Apr 1908; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 104635, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,371,100.