James A Gill

There was a man by the name of James A. Gill, who was born in Virginia in 1826. Who his parents were and when the man came to Texas, is not known. Well, at least I have no clue.

James settled in Polk County, TX. In July 1860, he lived and worked in Justice Precinct #6, Polk County, Post Office: Halifax (1).

A few months later, in November, James A Gill went to Moscow, TX, and enlisted in the CA as 3rd Sergeant with Moscow Cavalry Company, Texas State Troops. The company was drilled and was to be ready when needed in service. On 9 September 1861, James A Gill was reenlisted in Livingston, TX. He then was a private (2) with Company F of the 4th (Reiley's) Regiment, Texas Cavalry (4th Mounted Volunteers). Shortly after that, on 25 September, James was mustered in (at San Antonio). The estimated value of his horse was $150.

Private James A Gill died on 26 April 1862, in New Mexico, during the regiment's march from Santa Fe to Texas. Cause of death: illness.

More about the 4th Regiment, Texas Cavalry:
1. Texas Handbook Online
2. https://www.nps.gov

More about James Reily: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/reily-james

Nothing more have I found out about James A Gill.

Source:
1. "United States Census, 1860", familysearch.org
2. National Park Service, Soldiers, and Sailors Database

"There never were such men before: the Civil War soldiers and veterans of Polk County, Texas, 1861-1865". Ruth Peebles, Livingston, TX, Polk County Historical Commission, 1987.
 

SPJST

On 28 December 1896, in La Grange, TX, 25 local inhabitants of Czech and Slovak descent held a meeting. They were members of the Česko Slovensko Podporujici Spolek (CSPS - Czech Slavonic Benevolent Society) a fraternal insurance organization that operated in all the American states including Texas. The men selected a committee that was to start working on creating the Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Stanu Texas (SPJST/Slavonic Benevolent Association of the State of Texas). The committee members were J R Kubena, judge Augustin Haidusek, and F. Čistina. Later, Mr. Haidušek was replaced by CV Vanek. 

On 29 June 1897, a convention of  22 SPJST lodges members took place. The organization started its proper work on 1 July 1897 - that was the day on which SPJST officers were elected: president I J Gallia, Mr. Fred Breska vice-president, secretary, and treasurer - J R Kubena.

SPJST was a fraternal insurance organization of non-sectary character. It offered the members death and sick benefits. The organization was also into promoting mutual acquaintance of people of Czechoslovakian descent and supporting cultural, benevolent, and national projects.

 

Birthplace of SPJST - Fayette County Courthouse, La Grange

 

Early presidents of SPJST were: I J Gallia, J J Holik, Joseph Dušek, judge C H Chernosky. The initial 22 lodges/496 members grew by the end of 1993 to 152 lodges/11,141 members.

 

Another insurance-type organization came into being on 1 July 1926. It was the Slavonic Mutual Fire Insurance Association. Its first convention took place in June 1927 in Houston, and the first officers were Frank Ančinec, Anton Bily, judge C H Chernosky, Stephen Valik, M Bubac, Frank Bečan, John Kelarek, and Tom Hošek.

Source: "The Czech Pioneers of the Southwest. The History of a People in the Development of a Nation", Henry R Maresh and Estelle Hudson, 1934, 1962, 1996.

Llano County Courthouse

The Llano County courthouse came into being in 1859. It was a wooden building - 21 years later it was destroyed by a fire.

The second (temporary) building was constructed in the same year (1880) by architect CS Jones and JK Finley, builder.

1885 - Alfred Giles, of British origin, created a new courthouse structure. Unfortunately, another fire happened in January 1892, and the courthouse was destroyed again. A year later, two architects, AO Watson and Jacob Laramour designed a new courthouse building, its construction was finished on 1 August 1893 (the foundation was made of granite).

It is quite a pretty structure - the photos were taken in 2020.

Info source: Wikipedia

W for Walks and Walking

 

Since we moved to the Hill Country, we have done a lot of walking. During the Covid time, when the reality was so depressing and life was on hold, we walked in the countryside every day. Luckily, in Texas, there was no ban on walking. To beat the heat on hot summer days, we started our walks about sunrise. 

 

 

We walked for 1,5 to 2 hours along country roads, where we met nobody but animals.

 

The pretty landscapes, nature, and its sounds were calming to the mind and soul. Looking at it all, the fields, flowers, listening to the birds, we could forget about all the badness that was going on in the world.

 

Physically, we did get tired and strained our joints a bit, but it was worth it. The area we live in is so beautiful.

Raymond Walter Durst

Raymond Walter Weber was born to Dina Burns and her husband Henry J. Durst, on March 13, 1917, in Gillespie, TX (1). 

Raymond was a descendant of the pioneer couple Johannes Durst and Christina Margarethe Binder.

The boy grew up and received his first schooling where he was born, in Fredericksburg, TX.
In 1920, Raymond, his parents, and his sister Cora were registered during the census in Justice Precinct # 4, Gillespie, TX (2). Not long after that, Raymond's brother was born. His name was Elton Christian (3).

♦ June 14, 1931 - Raymond's mother passed.

About a year later, on October 29, Mr. Henry Durst remarried. Elizabeth Wendel was the stepmother to his children (4).

Raymond studied at the Texas Lutheran College in Seguin, Texas. Next, the man went to Columbus Ohio, and continued his studies at the Capital University and Capital Seminary. While studying, he also worked as a phone box operator. The workplace was where he probably met his future wife Mary Anna Kochenderfer. The lady was also a student and a phone box operator. The two got married on September 2, 1949, in Franklin, Ohio (5).

Soon, after their marriage, the couple lived in Bexley, Franklin, Ohio (6). They had two children.

Raymond Walter Durst was ordained in 1952. His pastoral work took him to several churches in Texas, including St. John's American Lutheran Church in Ellinger, St. Peter Lutheran Church in Prairie, St. John Lutheran Church in Rutersville, (from 1952) St. John Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Zion Lutheran Church in Arneckeville, and Gethsemane Lutheran Church in San Antonio (7).

Rev. Durst's father Henry Jacob died on ♦ February 19, 1969, at the Fredericksburg Hospital and Clinic (8).

Pastor Raymond W. Durst lived 89 years. He passed on ♦ January 20, 2007, in Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota (9).

God bless their souls.

Sources:
1. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6P9-WF8 : 13 February 2020), Raymond Walter Durst, 1917.
2. "United States Census, 1920", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MC9H-B5K : Wed Jul 12 02:35:27 UTC 2023), Entry for Henry J Durst and Dina Durst, 1920.
3. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6P9-3NL : 13 February 2020), Elton Christian Durst, 1920.
4. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1H-D3NN : 23 February 2021), H J Durst and Elizabeth Wendel, 29 Oct 1932; citing Marriage, citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 1,764,046.
5. "Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2016", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3GR-KH8 : 27 September 2021), Raymond W Durst and Mary Anna Kochenderfer, 1949.
6. "United States 1950 Census", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6JKT-N1FY : Fri Jul 21 23:15:52 UTC 2023), Entry for Sarah M Swinehart and Raymond W. Durst, 10 April 1950.
7. ELCA Region 4 South Archives: https://swtsynod.pastperfectonline.com
8. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K7DH-2BW : 5 April 2023), Henry J Durst, 1969.
9. "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JK4Y-L3T : 12 January 2021), Raymond Walter Durst, 20 Jan 2007; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
- findagrave.com

Everybody for Everybody?

I was brought up with the idea that everybody works for everybody. It means we are all affected by the results of each other's work, that is why everybody should do their job well.

Let's say a tailor makes clothes for bricklayers, doctors, drivers, and you name it. The tailor should work well not only to stay in business but also because he depends on the work and service performed by other professionals - bricklayers, doctors, drivers, car mechanics, and many others. And he wants their service to be of a good standard too.

 

 

I have been thinking about that for some time. Is the idea of mutual dependence lost totally, or is it maybe just an old-fashioned and extinct approach?

Recently, I had two pieces of jewelry repaired at Baublit Jewelers in Kerrville, TX. The items were not only very well mended at a fair price, but the old and dull-looking pieces were also made shiny and attractive again. The jeweler did a wonderful job fixing and restoring the lost beauty of my items. It seems the idea of trade honor still exists. Well, at least somewhere, and in some cases. 

Viola Minna Stein

A few words about another baptism certificate that was displayed at the exhibition "History of the Lutheran Church.

 

Viola Minna Stein came to this world on 7 March 1911 in Gillespie County, TX. She was the daughter of Joe Stein and Ella Baag. Viola was christened on 26 December 1911.

 

About nine years later, in January (2), Minna lived with her parents (both age 30), sister May (age 6), brothers Harvey (age 3), and Clifton (age 11 months). Sadly, baby Clinton died of pneumonia on 25 March of the same year (3).

 

1930 - the Stein family was recorded in Fredericksburg, TX. Minna had another sister Marlee E, who was 9 at that time (4). Joe and May were born later.

Viola married at the age of 24, on ♡ 18 August 1935 (5). Her spouse was Laurie Andrew Wells, the son of Walter Gray Wells and Sallie Margaret Calk (6).

In 1940, Viola and Laurie lived in Justice Precinct #1, Gillespie, TX (7). Two children were born to them: Terry Allan and Amy Aneen.

♦ Laurie Wells died of a stroke on 2 February 1965. He had worked as a mechanic for the Ford Company (8). The family lived in San Antonio then.

Viola Minna lived 86 years. She died on ♦ 25 October 1997 (?).

I am not sure about the last date as I did not find any copy of a document confirming that.
Both children of Viola and Laurie have passed away as well.

UPDATE:

With a little help from a reader, I am able to complete the post.
Viola remarried (as I suspected), which is why I could not find any more data related to her.
On 3 May 1969, she became the wife of Mr. Willie G Bench, born in 1908 (9).
The second husband passed on ♦ 22 March 1989 in Gillespie County (10).
Ms. Viola Minna Bench did die on the day mentioned above (11).

Sources:
1. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6G1-1TL : 13 February 2020), Viola Mina Stein, 1911.
2. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MC9C-M2H
3. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GY1H-X2S... : 22 July 2014), Death certificates > 1920 > Vol 021-027, certificates 010111-013275, Mar-Apr, El Paso-Dallas counties > image 302 of 3388; State Registrar Office, Austin.
4. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HY38-X6Z : accessed 26 September 2022), Viola M Stein in household of Joe E Stein, Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 1, sheet 16B, line 56, family 232, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2335; FHL microfilm 2,342,069.
5. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8B-S683 : 10 March 2021), Louise A Wells and Viola Minna Stein, 18 Aug 1935; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,764,046.
6. familysearch.org
7. "United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KWV2-DZH : 29 February 2020), Viola Wills in household of Laurie Wills, Fredericksburg, Justice Precinct 1, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 86-1A, sheet 10B, line 48, family 226, Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012, roll 4040.
8. Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2005); citing Texas Department of State Health Services.
9. "Texas Marriages, 1966-2010," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VTLY-27Q : 6 December 2014), Willie G Bench and Viola Stein, 03 May 1969; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, certificate number 040936, Vital Statistics Unit, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin.
10. "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V32N-PJZ : 11 January 2021), Willie G Bench, 22 Mar 1989; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
11. "Texas Death Index, 1903-2000," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZ8R-KC7 : 24 May 2014), Viola Bench, 25 Oct 1997; from "Texas, Death Index, 1903-2000," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2006); citing certificate number , Gillespie, Texas, Texas Department of Health, State Vital Statistics Unit, Austin. 

Michel Schodts

23-year-old Michel Schodts left his native Belgium at the beginning of November 1859. He was born on 30 May 1836 in Antwerp. On 25 December 1859, Michel arrived in New Orleans, where he worked as an accountant for about three years.

In 1862, the man relocated to Matamoros, Mexico. Mr. Michel worked as a clerk at an import company, and sometime later, he became a partner running the business.

In the year 1866, Michel Schodts married Miss Susana Diaz. The couple's daughter Marie Isabel was born on 18 April 1867 (1).

Elena was born in 1869 in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The girl was stillborn (?)/died on 4 September of the same year (2). Sadly, her mother Susana died too.

After their passing, Mr. Schodts, together with little Isabel, moved to Brownsville, TX. Possibly, the man remarried (?) and had another child (3), Joseph G. (born on 11 August 1871 in Texas).

By 1880, Mary Isabel attended a boarding school at the Convent of Incarnate Word in Brownsville, Cameron, TX (4).

Michel Schodts developed a very successful trade business (lumber and other building materials). His Lumber, Bone, and Hide Yard (5) covered one block and was situated between 10th and 11th Street (on Jackson Street). 

 

Clipping source: Wheeler, Jessie O. The Daily Herald (Brownsville, Tex.), Vol. 3, No. 385, Ed. 1, Friday, May 17, 1895, newspaper, May 17, 1895; Brownsville, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth84673/: accessed September 1, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

 

The man also worked as a County Clerk.

On 2 April 1891, Mary Isabel married Mr. Fred B Armstrong, ornithologist and taxidermist. The couple had eight children (6).

14 January 1892, Michel Schodts was granted American citizenship. About two months later, the man applied for a passport at the American Consulate in Matamoros. He was planning to visit Europe (7).

 

 

In 1896, on 29 April, Mr. Schodts, together with a friend, was coming back from the local saloon, where the men played a card game. The friend got into his house. Mr. Schodts was shot to death at the gate of his household. 

 

 

Clipping source: Ousley, Clarence. Galveston Tribune. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 16, No. 95, Ed. 1 Sunday, March 1, 1896, newspaper, March 1, 1896; Galveston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1264731/: accessed September 1, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Rosenberg Library. 

 

Clipping source: Wheeler, Jesse O. The Daily Herald (Brownsville, Tex.), Vol. 5, No. 206, Ed. 1, Monday, April 12, 1897, newspaper, April 12, 1897; Brownsville, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth115921/: accessed September 1, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .  

 

The killer was said to be a hired assassin from Mexico. Despite the reward offered by Marie Isabel, the assassin was never caught, and the killing of Mr. Schodts remained unexplained.

 

Clipping source: Wheeler, Jesse O. The Daily Herald (Brownsville, Tex.), Vol. 5, No. 37, Ed. 1, Saturday, August 15, 1896, newspaper, August 15, 1896; Brownsville, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth61958/: accessed September 1, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; . 

 

After the death of Mr. Schodts, Marie Isabel ran his business.

 

Clipping source: Wheeler, Jesse O. The Daily Herald (Brownsville, Tex.), Vol. 5, No. 96, Ed. 1, Friday, October 23, 1896, newspaper, October 23, 1896; Brownsville, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth62012/: accessed September 1, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

Source:
1. "México, Tamaulipas, Registro Civil, 1800-2002", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGMP-5Q7G : 18 February 2021), Miguel Schodts in entry for Maria Isabel Schodts Dias, 1870.
2. "México, Tamaulipas, Registro Civil, 1800-2002", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGMP-TFFP : 18 February 2021), Miguel Schodtes in entry for Elena Schodtes Diaz, 1869.
3. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3S9-W75: 27 March 2023), Michael Schodts in entry for Joseph G Schodts, 1949.
4. "United States Census, 1880", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFFR-XBT : Thu Aug 03 08:32:35 UTC 2023), Entry for Mary Shorthorn and Joana Quenssy, 1880.
5. Historical Landmarks of Brownsville Part 2, University of Texas at Brownsville Texas Southmost College, 2004.
6, Texas Handbook Online
7. "United States Passport Applications, 1795-1925," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q24F-76MG : 16 March 2018), Michael Schodts, 18 May 1892; citing Passport Application, United States, source certificate #, Passport Applications, 1795-1905., 391, NARA microfilm publications M1490 and M1372 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

• "The Texians and the Texans. The Belgian Texans", The University of Texas at San Antonio, Institute of Texan Cultures, 1975.
• "The Indian Wars and  Pioneers of Texas", John Henry Brown, L E Daniell, Publisher, Austin, TX, 1880.