July Reminiscences

This year's 4th July/Independence Day has become history. Here are some reminiscences of the holiday parade.

 Photos taken on Independence Day 2021 on our FB page.

 

Otto Adolphus Keller

Every life means somebody's plans, dreams, hopes, major or minor achievements, and smaller or bigger disappointments. Every life is filled with a kaleidoscope of emotions. One of those lives was the life of Otto Adolphus Keller.

He was born in the family of Karl P Keller, stock raiser, and trader, and his wife, Caroline Keiser, on 24 October 1879. The family lived in Precinct #4, Mason County, Texas. In June 1880, a few-month-old baby Otto was registered by a census clerk, together with his parents, a year older brother, Charles, and  his grandfather John who was born in Germany. At that time, the family hired a farmhand in the person of 22-year-old Christopher Figa and had a boarder, William Bierschwale, who worked as a store clerk (1).

Otto grew up on his father's ranch who passed when the boy was about 10. Nine years later, on 17 November 1898, 19-year-old Otto Adolphus enlisted in the Army to fight in the War with Spain. The young man served with Company L 4th Texas Infantry. After four months, Otto was honorably discharged on 9 March 1899. He must have been injured during the fights as he was later granted a veteran's pension and issued a War in Spain invalid certificate (2). 

After the war experience, Otto continued his education. On 4 June 1900, he and his 2-year-younger brother Henry William, were renting rooms at Mrs. M Hill's in Dallas City Ward 6, Dallas County. They had been students, for 4 months (3).

By 1913, Otto had become a dentist/dental surgeon.

Clipping source: The Llano News. (Llano, Tex.), Vol. 30, No. 12, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 9, 1913, newspaper, October 9, 1913; Llano, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth817480/: accessed July 23, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Llano County Public Library. 

On 14 January 1914, Otto Adolphus, age 34, married 20-year-old Miss Jean B Weaver in Gillespie County (4).

The two made their home in San Antonio. Soon, on 12 November 1914, their first child, Wallace Otto was born (5).

Dr. Otto Adolphus Keller practiced dentistry at 305 Brady Boulevard in the city of San Antonio.

Clipping source: Hanschke, Robert. Freie Presse für Texas. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 51, No. 262, Ed. 1 Monday, June 28, 1915, newspaper, June 28, 1915; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1087314/: accessed July 23, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

When WW1 came, Otto was registered. At that time, the dentist (a short, stout man with brown eyes and dark hair) lived at 237 Wilkinson, San Antonio (6).

 

The rooster of Company C 73rd Infantry informs that Private Otto Adolph Keller (3198219) served with the unit since 1st August 1918 (7,8). Was it Dr. Keller or just a coincidence regarding his name?

After the war, on 29 July 1920, at 5 PM, a daughter was born to Otto and Jean (9). They called her Jean Venilda.

The family lived then at 231 Warwick Boulevard. Otto worked as a promoter (?).

Unfortunately, Otto and Jean's marriage did not survive, they got divorced. 

At the end of his earth's existence, Dr. Keller lived at 103 Buena Vista Street.  Otto lived 55 years 6 months and 20 days. His life was cut short by gas gangrene of his left arm and related to that myocarditits. Otto Adolphus Keller died at 6 PM on 14 May 1936 at Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio. He was buried at Mission Burial Park in San Antonio on the next day. 

The person who gave personal information for Otto's death certificate was his brother Henry. By mistake, the late doctor's birth year was registered as 1880, not 1879 (10).

Resources:

1. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJM-BJM : 20 February 2021), Charles Keller, Precinct 4, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 104, sheet 498D, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,319.

2. fold3.com 

3. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3LC-PFT : accessed 23 July 2021), Otto Keller in household of Mrs. M Hill, Dallas city Ward 6, Dallas, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 108, sheet 3B, family 67, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,625.   

4. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9595 : 22 December 2016), Otto A. Keller and Jean B. Wever, 16 Jan 1914; citing , Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,803.

5. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLQD-PP5 : 1 March 2021), Otto Keller in entry for Wallace Otto Keller, 12 Nov 1914; citing San Antonio, Bexar, Texas, United States, certificate 38801, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,192,606. 

6. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXY-JLR : 23 February 2021), Otto Adolphus Keller, 1917-1918.

7. "United States, Enlisted and Officer Muster Rolls and Rosters, 1916-1939", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:873T-YZW2 : 17 May 2021), Otto Adolph Keller, 1918.

8. "United States, Enlisted and Officer Muster Rolls and Rosters, 1916-1939", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:87WS-3Z3Z : 17 May 2021), Otto Adolph Keller, 1918.

9. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X2Y9-T5F : 1 March 2021), Otto Keller in entry for Jean Venilda Keller, 29 Jul 1920; citing San Antonio, Bexar, Texas, United States, certificate 33941, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,516,091. 

10.  "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KSBL-PJT : 20 February 2021), Otto A Keller, 14 May 1936; citing certificate number 24175, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,116,864.

Johann Adam Schüssler

Johann Adam was born on 24 August 1811, in the village of Bonfeld (nowadays part of the city Bad Rappenau, Baden-Würtemeberg), southern Germany. From 1806 Bonfeld was part of the Kingdom of Württemeberg, however, it had belonged to the lords of Gemmingen-Guttenebrg since 1476.

Upper Castle in Bonfeld, built from 1749 by barons of Gemmingen

 

Anyway, Johann's parents were Johann Konrad Christof Schüssler, a citizen and farmer of Bonfeld, and Eva Rosie Margaretha Bender. Since they were Evangelicals, the baby boy was baptized by Pastor Vogel in Krie Evangelical Parish 3 days later.

Evangelical church in Bonfeld built in 1774

During the so-called Wars of Liberation against Napoleon (which took place in 1813) and within the next two years time, the citizens of Bonfeld had to bear the presence of soldiers and war prisoners who were stationed in the town. In 1814, Bonfeld had 1150 and was an agricultural and market town.

Young Johann Adam visited a few other places in Europe including the nowadays territory of Poland (on 29 March 1833) before he got married at the age of 23. On ♡ 13 January 1835, Eva Katharina Dischinger (born on 5 September 1810) became Adam's wife. Eva's parents were Johannes Dischinger, a farmer, and Katharina Kloench. 

Six children were born to Johann and Eva Katharina:

♦ Jacob F, came to this world on 2 August 1836. Sadly, the boy died on 30 March 1836.

♦ Johannes, born on 1 June 1836,

♦ Konrad, born on 1 July 1838,

♦ Jacob, born on 17 December 1840,

♦ Christiana, born on 5 September 1843,

and ♦ Katharina born on 1 July 1845.

When emigration to Texas became possible, Johann Adam applied for a land grant in Texas. In 1845, he received 320 acres in Bexar County, via the German Immigration Company. Johann Adam Schüsslers started getting ready for their departure from the old country.

Bonfeld seen from the south

First, the family went to Antwerp, Belgium, where they boarded the ship  "Dyle". It left the European port on 28 November 1845 and reached Galveston, TX after about four months, on 15 March 1846 (1). From there, Johann Adam and his folks traveled to Indianola. Grievously, baby ♦ Katharina died and was buried there. 

 

After months of perilous journey, the Schüsslers finally came to their land grant. Johann Adam received  town lot #90 in the Fredericksburg area (2) and settled 28 miles south of the nowadays Mason. The house Johann Adam built, was the first one constructed there.

 

 

♦ 4 August 1849, son Louis was born to Johann and Eva.

♦ Hermann joined the family on 28 July 1850.

 

In the same year, J Adam was taking care of 10 acres of land in Gillespie County, he had three town lots, no. 501, 502, and 90 (3). Two years later, the man also had 30 acres more and raised 7 head of cattle (4).

 

The youngest son, ♦ Adolph was born in 1852. The boy died when he was 4, on ♦ 22 May 1854.

 

In 1855, Johann Adam Schuessler aid taxes for 213 acres in Gillespie County (originally, the land was granted to M Arcolido?), he had 8 head of cattle and still owned 3 town lots in Fredericksburg (5).

 

♡ 16 July 1858 (6), Johannes, the youngest son, married Miss Louise Wilhelmine Flick (born 8 November 1840).

 

 

By the end of 1858, Johann's (John's) cattle herd had grown to 65 head. He also owned a wagon (7).

 

 

By 1860, Christiane, Konrad, and Jacob got married as well. 

 

♡ 14 December 1859, 16-year-old daughter Christiane married 10 years older Gustav Frasch, the Justice of the Peace in Fredericksburg. Gustav had come to Texas from the Kingdom of Würtemberg as well. Actually, he was born in Heilbronn (8), a city not far from Bonfeld (where the Scuesslers originated from).

 

♡ On the very same day, Konrad's spouse (9) became Mina Margret Storch (born 6 August 1841 in Hesse), ♡ Jacob's wife was Katherine Franziska Hicks. The families of Johann Adam, John's, Konrad's, and Jacob's lived in Gillespie County, next to each other (10).

 

Later, Christiane and Gustav Frasch moved to San Antonio, where he worked as a tax assessor. 

The oldest sons relocated as well. They made their homes in Mason County. Jacob was the first one in the county who grew cotton there. John settled at Battle Springs/Fly Gap area.

1870, 59-year-old John Adam, his wife, and 20-year-old son, Hermann still lived and farmed at Cherry Springs. Their real estate was worth $730, their personal estate was estimated at $900. Son Louis, who was a teamster, and his wife Minna, lived next to his parents' (11).

The youngest living son of Johann Adam and Eva Katharina's, Hermann married Minna Leifeste on 8 October 1874.

1874 - Gillespie County tax rolls inform that in that year, John Adam Schuessler paid taxes for 214 acres (the land was originally granted to Marion Aceredo). Besides, John had 4 horses and 35 head of cattle (12).

Johann and Eva moved to Mason County to be closer to their sons and their families. 

Johann/John Adam lived  about 72 years. He was buried on ♦ 7 April 1884 at Crosby Cemetery, Mason County, TX (13).

After his death, Eva Katharina, the mother of the family, lived with John's family at Justice Precinct #1, Mason County (14). The lady was 89 when she passed over on ♦ 9 January 1901.

 

The surname Schüssler is related to the German word "Schüssel" ("bowl") and the trade name "bowl/dish maker" (15). According to a family story, the Schüsslers are related to the royal von Hohenzollerns via a Schüssler man who was knighted and then, married to a Hohenzollern lady.

I am planning to write more about Konrad and his brothers later/soon. Christiana and Gustav Frasch's children were:

• Minnie - born on 26 August 1862,
• August - born 13 March 1868,
• Louise - born 9 March 1871,
• Hermann - born 7 December 1877,
• and Ida born 22 February 1888.

Resources: 

"John Adam and Eva Schuessler Pioneers, A Family History and Genealogy" by Johnita Schuessler Bohmfalk, 1984,

Wikipedia

Photos:

The Upper castle in Bonfeld: Roman Eisele, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Church in Bonfeld: Peter Schmelzle, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Church inside: Roman Eisele, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Bonfeld - the view from the south: Roman Eisele, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

1. Colonists' ships

2. 1847  Fredericksburg town lots owners

3. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RXWM : 20 February 2021), Adam Schuessler, 1850.

4. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RXBR : 20 February 2021), Adam Schuessler, 1852.

5. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RNV7 : 20 February 2021), Adam Schuessler, 1855.

6. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-V4V : 10 March 2021), John Schussler and Louisa Wilhelmina Flick, 16 Jul 1858; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

7. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RVYG : 20 February 2021), John A Schuessler, 1858.

8. San Antonio Express, 25 October 1917

9. Gillespie County Marriage Records

10. "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFF-CTL : 18 February 2021), Jacob Schuessler, 1860.

11. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXL5-R5B : 29 May 2021), Adam Schuessler, 1870. 

12. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-T9Z5 : 20 February 2021), Adam Schuessler, 1874.

13. "United States, Cemetery Abstracts, 1949-1969", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPT7-N6BF : 1 July 2021), John S Schuessler, 1884.

14. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-VKM : accessed 20 July 2021), Eva Schuessler in household of John Schuessler, Justice Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 50, sheet 14B, family 192, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658. 

15. Ancestry.com

Heinrich Friedrich Kothmann

Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Friedrich was born on 10 February 1835. I have written about his parents, Heinrich Konrad and Ilse Katharine nee Pahlmann in the article here.

Heinrich Friedrich was about 10 when he came to Texas with his family. Just after they got with the first settlers to the Fredericksburg area, there was a big nothing but wilderness. Starvation was the immigrants' everyday experience. Young Fritz (barefoot) and his father walked to Austin where the two got a job. They split wood to make some money and buy supplies for their family.

Fritz had an accident when he was making a sheep pen. While he was cutting wood for the pen structure, a limb struck him and permanently damaged his right eye. 

In 1849, Heinrich Friedrich and his younger brother Dietrich often walked to Fort Martin Scott, to pick the corn which was left on the ground during the feeding time of the soldiers' horses. The corn grains were washed and ground at home. The boys' mother, Ilse Katherine used the cornflour to bake bread.

Some time later, both brothers worked as surveyors in Gillespie and Mason Counties under Capt. Bieberstein.

On 12 September 1856 (1), Fritz married 22-year-old Miss Sophie Hartwig who came to Texas together with his family. Not long after that, Heinrich Friedrich's parents and siblings moved to the area of Upper Willow Creek.

♦ 9 May 1857,  the first child/son, Heinrich Friedrich  was born to Fritz and Sophie (2).

1858 - Fritz, his wife Sophie, and the baby boy moved to another place which was half a mile from the old house. 

1858 - Mason County came into being, Fritz Kothmann was its first sheriff.

♦ 5 April 1859, Mathilda, the first daughter was born to the H F Kothmanns (3).

23 August 1860, the young family was recorded in Mason County during the census (4) by W B Coffee Assistant Marshall.

♦ 3 May 1861, son August was born (5).

In 1862, the Fritz Kothmanns made their home by the Llano River, not far from Hedwig's Hill. The new house was built on the 320 acres which Fritz had been given by his father Heinrich Konrad. The latter also sold his son a team of oxen and Friedrich did freight, supplying military stations in the west of Texas. At the same time, the young man collected money to develop his cattle herd.

During the Civil War, Fritz and his brother, Dietrich joined Capt. Herman Biberstein's Llano Leather Jackets, Frontier Home Guard Company (6).

 

After the war, Mr. Fritz Kothmann was engaged in frighting again. With the help of a hired teenage boy, Charles Wartenbach, Heinrich Friedrich got cotton in San Antonio, transported it to Monterey, and then with led bars on his cart, came back to Texas. Each such hauling trip lasted 3 months.

♦ 16 January 1865, son Karl was born (7).
♦ 1 June 1867, Louis was born (8). Sadly, the baby boy did not live long. ♦ Louis passed on 20 October 1868.

 

In the very same year, Fritz, his brother Karl, two Lehmberg men, and Mr. C Winkel drove their cattle to Louisiana. It turned out to be unsuccessful - while crossing the Mississippi during the flood they swam with their cattle in the river. The rainy weather brought bunches of mosquitoes biting the cattle so much that the herd stampeded. When the drovers finally reached New Orleans, they learned that the market had ended. They could only get some money for the hides and beef fat. Fritz lost all his money and the equipment in the unlucky endeavor.

 

Two years later, Mr. Kothman and other men from the Macon County area drove their cattle to New Mexico. That time, the enterprise was successful and profitable. Fritz sold out and made good money.

 

♦  Daughter Emilie was born on 29 December 1869.

1870 Census official, Mr. Francis Kettner, came to Fritz and Sophie's home on 1 June. The family real estate was worth $600 then,  and all their personal property value was $1600. Heinrich Friedrich Sr.'s brother, Dietrich lived nearby. Their other neighbors were Henry Leifeste, Friedrich Leifeste, preacher Konrad Pluenneke, Henry Hasse, and Henry Doell (9).

♦ 29 December 1886 - mourning in the family - 17 year old daughter Emilie died.

In 1891, Fritz Kothmann took his cattle for sale in Kansas.

♦ Eli Henry came to this world on 10 September 1872 (10). 

 

1873 - Heinrich Friedrich went to Kansas City with his cattle again. The man was accompanied by his brothers Dietrich and William. They drove the cattle with no big problems. On their way through the Indian territory, Fritz bought a wild, blue horse. At some point, the drovers were approached by a group of Indians who were speaking in their language (unknown to the brothers) and pointing at the horses. The Kothmann men found them friendly and talked to them in their language as well. Obviously, there was no communication between the two parties. The Indians rode away.

 

In the evening, the drovers installed a camp, organized the cattle and horses for the night, and had a quick meal. The sky got cloudy, the storm was coming. The men were aware a difficult night was coming. Then came the storm, lightning, and thunder. The wild white horse got even wilder and caused the stampede of the cattle. Fritz and his men worked in the pouring rain all night, trying to save the herd and prevent them from getting lost. In the morning, it appeared that not too many animals were gone but the best eight horses were missing. The very same ones which the visiting Indians found attractive. The tracks found by the drovers told them that the very same visitors had taken the horses. The blue horse, however, was not stolen.

 

 

In Kansas City, the brothers sold their cattle, made a deal with Colonel Meyer who gave them a note for $10000 + some down payment. Unfortunately, the colonel died before paying for the cattle.

Later, Fritz and his family moved close to the Loyal Valley and fenced a ranch there. The stone fence around his Premier Ranch was built from 1973 to 1877.

 

Within years 1875/1877, Fritz built a two-story house made of brown stone.

 

Fritz, being an honest and friendly man, signed notes for friends and neighbors and, unfortunately, in connection to that experienced some money loss. Later he wrote a letter (published in a local newspaper) warning others on that matter.

♦ Son Heinrich Daniel was born on 29 May 1875 (11).
♦ Robert Enoch Benjamin was born on 13 December 1877 (12).

♡ 1881 - Mattie (Mathilda) married Mr. Fritz J Lehmberg
♡ 1882 - Heinrich Fritz Jr. married Mis Conradine Pluenneke (born 1 April 1856 to Konrad Pluenneke and Sophie Christine Leifeste).

♦ 1883 - Sophie Kothmann, Fritz's wife passed. 

His second wife was Mary Augusta Miller Eversberg, born on 1 August 1847 in Industry, TX to Edward Miller and Phillipine Holzman (13). The two got a marriage license on 17 May 1884 (14), and married four days later.

Mary was a widow of Mr. Charles Eversberg and had a son from the previous marriage. The boy, Charles R, later attended a dental college and became a dentist.

♡ 1884 - son August married Miss Elise Geistweidt (born 25 December 1862).

♦ Elgin Otto was born to Fritz and Mary on 15 December 1887 (15).

♡ 1888 - Karl married Miss Sophie Brandenberger (born on 11 May 1868), daughter of Gottlieb Brandenberger and Marie Katherine Bierschwale. 

 

♦ 3 March 1890 - grief in the family again - Mattie's husband Fritz died.

 

 
♡ 1891 - Daniel Heinrich married Miss Lena Loeffler (born 8 January 1872 to Paul Friedrich Loeffler and Mina Neffendorf).

 

♡ 1892 - Mathilda married again. Her second husband was John Dietrich Eckert (born 15 September 1856).

 

♡ 28 Sepetmeber 1898 - another wedding in the family - stepson Charlie Eversberg married Miss Alma Amsler (16), born 12 July 1872 in Texas, to Edward Amsler and Emily Schmidt. 

♡ 1899 - Lee (Eli) married Amelia Hahn (born 8 November 1875).

 

1900 census - Fritz (age 65) his wife Mary (age 52) and son Elgin (age 12) were registered by Louis J. Kettner in Justice Precinct #6, Mason County, on 13 June. 21-year-old servant, Ms. Alvine Eckert and 29-year-old laborer, Henry Land lived with the family as well (17).

♡ 3 March 1901 - Benjamin (Robert Enoch) married Hulda Gusta Matilda Brandenberger (born 9 August 1890 to John Brandenberger and Sophie Leifeste).

Census 1910, 6 May - Fritz was 75, Mary 62, Elgin 22. They had a cook, Therese Jordan (age 22). A hired man helped with the work at the farm and ranch. He was 22 years old, his name was Harry Jordan (18). The man was also a relation of the Kothmanns.

In the same year, there was a wedding in the family, the youngest son ♡ Elgin Otto married Miss Anna Jordan, daughter of William Jordan and Augusta Keller. Annie was born on 25 February 1888 in Fredericksburg.

♦ Heinrich Friedrich Kothmann passed on 1 September 1915. 

 

Clipping source: San Antonio Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 50, No. 247, Ed. 1 Saturday, September 4, 1915, newspaper, September 4, 1915; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth432336/: accessed July 17, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

The note contains an error. Heinrich Friedrich was much younger when he came with his parents to Texas.

After his death, Fritz's wife Mary lived with her son Elgin. At the end of her life the lady suffered from gangrene of toes of her left foot. She died of cerebral hemorrhage on 20 August 1933 (19).

 

Clipping source: Brenham Banner-Press (Brenham, Tex.), Vol. 50, No. 126, Ed. 1 Monday, August 21, 1933, newspaper, August 21, 1933; Brenham, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1181425/: accessed July 17, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library. 

 

Resources:

"The Kothmanns of Texas 1845-1931", Selma Metzenthin Raunick and Margaret Schade, Press of Boeckmann-Jones Company, Austin, Texas,

Findagrave.com

1. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VK1Y-QJQ : 22 January 2020), Frederick Kothmann, 1856.

2. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CD-Y6V : 20 February 2021), Fritz Kothmann, 25 May 1922; citing certificate number 15159, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,545.

3. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-K5T2 : 14 February 2020), Mathilde Kothmann, 1859.

4. "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFV-372 : 18 February 2021), Metilda Cothman in entry for Fredrick Cothman, 1860. 

5. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-CQZM : 14 February 2020), August Kothmann, 1861.

6. "Texas, Confederate Army and Commanding Officer Card Index, ca.1861-ca.1865", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Z4X3-LQMM : 18 June 2020), Fritz Kothman, 1864.

7. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-8RMM : 14 February 2020), Carl Kothmann, 1865.

8. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-F56Z : 14 February 2020), Fritz Kothmann in entry for Louy Kothmann, 1867.

9. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-41Q : 29 May 2021), Mathilde Kothman in entry for Fritz Kothman, 1870.

10. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3Z9-JY8 : 20 February 2021), Eli Henry Kothmann, 01 Aug 1951; citing certificate number 41157, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,776. 

11. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3QZ-8WP : 20 February 2021), H Dan Kothmann, 01 Nov 1956; citing certificate number 60521, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,134,916.

12. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K37P-G1T : 20 February 2021), Enoch Benjamin Kothmann, 15 Oct 1954; citing certificate number 51202, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,282

13. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3C3-RXG : 20 February 2021), Mary A Kothmann, 20 Aug 1933; citing certificate number 38144, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,115,618.

14. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1C-6855 : 23 February 2021), H F Kothmann and Mary Eversberg, 17 May 1884; citing Marriage, citing Washington, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 956,487.

15. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3MS-83S : 20 February 2021), Elgin Otto Kothmann, 03 Feb 1938; citing certificate number 9251, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,117,657.

16. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8R-8TJ2 : 23 February 2021), Charles R. Eversberg and Alma C. Amsler, 28 Sep 1898; citing Marriage, citing Washington, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 956,491.

17. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-JTD : accessed 11 July 2021), Elgan Kothman in household of H F Kothman, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet 6A, family 67, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658. 

18. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q4-5CJ : accessed 11 July 2021), Elgin Kothman in household of Fritz H Kothman, Justice Precinct 4, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 203, sheet 7A, family 91, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589. 

19. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3C3-RXG : 20 February 2021), Mary A Kothmann, 20 Aug 1933; citing certificate number 38144, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,115,618.

Living History at Fort Martin Scott

Saturday, 3 July was also a presentation day in the old Fort. We could listen to stories informing about the US Army soldiers (their uniforms and weapons) who were stationed at Fort McKavett and Fort Martin Scott. Besides, there was a talk on Texas Rangers and we could see them in action as well.

 

Pictures from the presentations are available at our FB page.

 

Presentation at National Museum of the Pacific War

The National Museum of War on the Pacific has many educational programs. Living history presentations run by the museum volunteers and curators are part of the museum offer.
On 3 July we enjoyed watching such a presentation.
The reenactment events are planned to be back on the museum schedule in March 2022.

Pictures taken during the presentation are  posted here, on our Facebook page.

Herman Schüssler Family

Herman was one of the sons (the youngest) born to Johann Adam Schüssler and Eva Katharina Dieschinger. Herman came to this world on 28 July 1850 in Cherry Spring, TX.

On ♡ 8 October 1874 (1), Herman married Miss Minna (Wilhelmina) Leifeste, born on 5 May 1849 in Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, Germany. 

Minna's parents were August Heinrich Leifeste and Elizabetha Sophie Henriette Viedt.

In 1874, Herman owned 160 acres in Gillespie county (which were originally granted to his brother Conrad). The land was worth $100 then. The county tax rolls inform that in the very same year, Herman had  2 horses and 25 head of cattle (2). A year later (3), the man had a bigger  livestock herd (40 head of cattle). Before a well was dug near their house, the family hauled water from the river.

The young couple settled by the Llano River, where Herman's brother Louis lived as well. Both Herman and Mina were very religious. They attended the Methodist Church in Hoersterville, prayed at home every morning as well. In the summer, Herman's family joined the summer camp meetings which were organized at Lower Willow Creek.

The Herman Schuesslers had seven sons. 

♦ August Herman Alfred - born on 18 July 1875 (4),
♦ Friedrich Karl Emil - born on 2 November 1876 (5),
♦ John Herman Charles - born on 25 September 1878.

June 1880 Census - Herman, the head of the family was registered as a farmer and butcher. The parents and their 3 sons lived in Precinct $ 4, Mason County, TX (6).

Not long after the census, on 4 July 1880, the fourth son, ♦ Daniel Alvin was born to Mina and Herman (7).
♦ August Daniel was born on 24 July 1883 (8). 

♦ Adolph Max was born on 13 January 1888 (9).
Sadly, the youngest boy, Leonhart Harry did not live long.  The baby was born on ♦ 28 August 1892 (10) and died a few days later, on ♦ 4 September. 

All boys received their primary education at the Bauer School. Mina and Herman, like other early settlers, and their children raised/made their own food, worked on the family farm, took care of their household. Mrs. Schuessler made lye soap for her family. In the wintertime, Herman did butchering, they made sausages and preserved meat. Summer was the time of making watermelon Schmeer preserves (more about that in another post). Herman's cattle brand was 7H (seven sons of Herman's).

♡ Alfred (August Herman Alfred) was the first Herman's son who got married. It happened on 1 March 1894 (11). His spouse was Effie Wallis.

Four years later, on ♡ 29 September 1898, Emil Friedrich married Miss Emily Koch (12).  The bride was 20 years old (born on 16 March 1878), her parents were Georg Koch and Dorothea Ude.

Emil became a minister.

7 June 1900 - Mr. Louis J Kettner, census clerk, visited Herman and Mina's home. They lived in Justice Precinct #6 Mason, TX with their sons Max, Daniel, and John (13). At that time, 20-year-old Alvin lived in Brenham, Washington, Texas (14). He had left home to study and became the first Ph.D. in Mason County.

In ♡ 1905, John married Ida Jordan, the daughter of Daniel Jordan and Emilie Willman. John was a Sunday school men's teacher. 

Max left home and became a pre-med student of Blinn College. Not long after his final exams, Max got ill with typhoid fever. The young man came back home before the graduation ceremony at the college. Tragically, he did not recover. After several weeks of illness and suffering, Max passed on ♦ 22 June 1908. His college certificate was delivered by mail a day after his funeral. What a sorrow it all must have brought to his parents Herman and Mina. 

The parents adopted two girls, Selma Vonderbaum and Annie Mae Carey, born on 7 May 1899 (15). The latter appeared in the 1910 census record as a "companion" who lived with the Scuesslers and their son Dan. Annie was 10 then (16). John Schuessler and his wife Ida gave home to Selma's and Annie's brothers.

♡ Dan married Miss Alma Grote (born on 23 June 1885) a few months later, on 30 August 1911, in Hilda, Mason, TX (17). Alma's parents were Karl Heinrich Grote and Wilhelmine Sophie Keese.

The year 1818 brought the grief again. On ♦ 2 March, at the age of 68, Herman's wife Mina died of pneumonia. 

Clipping source: The Llano News. (Llano, Tex.), Vol. 34, No. 35, Ed. 1 Thursday, March 7, 1918, newspaper, March 7, 1918; Llano, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth768252/: accessed July 6, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Llano County Public Library.

A few months later, on 12 September, the Schuessler brothers were registered (WW1 draft registration).

 

John Charles was a stock farmer, and he lived with his wife Ida in Castell, Texas (18).

Emil Friedrich, a Gospel minister, lived with his wife Emily at 2009 S Franklin St. in New Orleans (19).

 Alvin Daniel, a teacher, his wife Edna lived at 302 University Boulevard in Dallas, TX (20).

Daniel August, a stock farmer, his wife Alma Adah lived in Castell, Mason, TX (21).

 

Not many days passed when ♦ Alma Grote Schuessler, Dan's wife, died. She left this world on 27 September 1918. 

In the same year, in Hilda, Mason County, ♡ Annie Carey married Alfred Feuge (22).

Dan married again two years later, on 11 March 1920. His second wife was Sarah Urbantke, born on 19 January 1889 (23).

Herman Schuessler, the father of the family, remarried as well. Mina Macron, born 3 July 1861 in Prussia, was his second spouse (24).

Hermann lived 72 years and 3 months. He died of cirrhosis (fibrosis) of the liver on ♦ 28 October 1922 (25).

 UPDATE

Information provided by Mr. Steven Kensing:  "Alfred Albert Feuge born March 11, 1899 in Doss, Texas. Died March 26, 1930. He was the youngest child of Christoph Feuge and Marie Mathilda Kensing. Annie Mae Carey Schuessler born May 4, 1899. Died July 15, 1983. They married September 10, 1919. Their children were Juanita Meta Feuge (Mrs. Paul Williamson). May 2, 1920-Feb. 2, 1996. Alfred Albert Feuge July 1, 1921-Dec. 30, 1977.(married Esther Barnes). Orson Hollis Feuge March 29, 1925- Jan. 4, 1999. ( married Jean Carver). Joseph Vincent Feuge Sept. 21, 1929. ( married Mary Ann Beidiger Llewelyn).

Annie Mae Feuge married Erwin Andrew Lang Sept. 12, 1936 in Travis County, Texas. E. A. Lang born April 14, 1893. Died April 20, 1978 in Bexar County, Texas. He had children from a prior marriage, as did she. They had a son together, Erwin Carl Lang born Jan 1, 1939."

Resources:

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

Findagrave.com

1. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-LS3 : 10 March 2021), Herrman Schüssler and Mina Leifeste, 08 Oct 1874; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

2. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-T9ZR : 20 February 2021), Hermann Schuessler, 1874.

3. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-TSKX : 20 February 2021), Herman Schüssler, 1875. 

4. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-RJ2M : 14 February 2020), Hermann Schussler in entry for August Hermann Alfred Schussler, 1875.

5. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-MN6Z : 14 February 2020), Herman Schussler in entry for Friedrich Carl Emil Schussler, 1876.

6. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJ9-4MH : 20 February 2021), Emil Schuessler in household of Hermann Schuessler, Precinct 4, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 104, sheet 501B, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,319.

7. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXQ-2QG : 23 February 2021), Alvin Daniel Schuessler, 1917-1918.

8. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-YRW2 : 14 February 2020), H. Schuessler in entry for August Daniel Schuessler, 1883.

9. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LLQ-WY3Z : 14 February 2020), Hermann Schuessler in entry for Adolph Max Schuessler, 1888.

10. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-QPT2 : 14 February 2020), Hermann Schussler in entry for Leonhart Harry Schussler, 1892.11. on 29 September 1898

11. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XL7F-X8J : 10 March 2021), A H Schuessler and Effie Wallis, 01 Mar 1894; citing Burnet, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 978,760.

12. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV14-Z1SS : 23 February 2021), E F Schuessler and Emily Koch, 29 Sep 1898; citing Marriage, citing Llano, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 982,995.

13. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-541 : accessed 6 July 2021), Herman Schuesler, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet B, family 32, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658. 

14. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M35N-F2B : accessed 6 July 2021), Alvin Schuessler in household of Edward F Becker, Justice Precinct 3 Brenham city Ward 3, Washington, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 107, sheet 14A, family 312, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,677.

15. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-7ZPZ : 14 February 2020), Amie May Carey, 1899.

16. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q4-5JR : accessed 6 July 2021), Annie Carey in household of Hermann Schuessler, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 202, sheet 4A, family 56, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589. 

17. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HCM8-1Y2M : 22 January 2020), Dan Schuessler, 1911.

18. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-Y23 : 23 February 2021), John Charles Schuessler, 1917-1918.

19. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZ8J-D3G : 22 February 2021), Emile Frederick Schuessler, 1917-1918.

20. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXQ-2QG : 23 February 2021), Alvin Daniel Schuessler, 1917-1918. 

21. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-Y1B : 23 February 2021), Daniel August Schuessler, 1917-1918.

22. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HCMJ-RW6Z : 22 January 2020), Annie Mae Carey in entry for Alfred Feuge, 1918.

23. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HCMJ-RWN2 : 22 January 2020), Dan Schuessler, 1920. 

25. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CX-4MN : 20 February 2021), Hermann Schuessler, 28 Oct 1922; citing certificate number 29438, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,636.