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.

Johann Daniel Bickenbach Family

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

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

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

Evangelical Church in Ruppichteroth

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

Soon, children were born to the couple:

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

Henriette and Lisette were not recorded there.

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

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

Wilhelm - planned destination Mason County (10).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

The children were:

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PS

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

Resources:

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

Geneanet.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. German Ships Passenger Lists

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

11. Findagrave.com

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

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

14. 1847 Town Lot Owners, Fredericksburg, Texas

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

16. Findagrave.com

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

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

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

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

21. Llano County Texas, German Methodist Episcopal Church South

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

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

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

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

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

27. National Park Service 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Heinrich Karl Hasse and Family

Heinrich was born in the village of Nienstedt, Hannover on 24 March 1810. Nothing is known about his early years and family to whom he was born. Heinrich Karl got married at the age of 23 to Johanna Gerke. The two were married for seven years and then, Johanne died. There is no record of Heinrich and Johanne's children (well, at least I have not found any) besides Heinrich Eduard who was born in 1834 and baptized in a local Evangelical church (1).

Later, Heinrich Karl Hasse married again. His second wife was a widow who had a daughter from a previous marriage. The daughter's name was Josephine.

The family decided to leave their home in Prussia. They traveled to Bremen which they left on 9 November 1845 (2) on board the vessel B. Bohlen.

The passenger list record mentions Hasse Heinrich from Nienstedt; 6 persons, whose destination was Gillespie County (3). That tells us that the family Heinrich + wife with their children Heinrich Eduard and Josephine and two other related persons.

They landed in Galveston on 22 December 1845 (4). What the Hasses and other emigrants found in Texas was privation and great hardship. Heinrich's wife died of cholera in Indianola (5).

Heinrich Karl and his family traveled from Indianola by ox cart and reached the nowadays Fredericksburg area. The census of 1850 recorded them in Gillespie County, in/or about Fredericksburg on 20 September (6). Besides Heinrich (Henry), the household dwellers were Wilhelmina, age 36, children Henry (age 13), H Ellen (age 11), Henry Behrens (age 11), Sofia (age 7), Myria (age 1). Henry Sr. worked as a laborer.

Now, there are questions. 

1. Wilhelmina Hasse - who was she? If Heinrich's wife had died in Indianola, was Wilhelmina his sister? 

"Mason County Historical Book" (7) mentions enigmatically that Henry's sister married in Germany to a Heinrich Höfner. Was she and her child part of Henry Hasse's party who accompanied him on the ship B. Bohlen?

2. H Ellen (Helen?) Hasse listed in the census. If it was not Heinrich's stepdaughter Josephine where was Josephine then? H Ellen's estimated birth year, given in the record, was 1839. Josephine was born in 1837 (8). Two different girls/daughters or one and the same listed under another name? 

The Behrens siblings who lived with Heinrich and Wilhelmina were the children of Sophie Dorothea Henriette Behrens nee Hauer and her husband Heinrich Konrad Behrens. The latter was deadly shot by Comanches when he was visiting his to be surveyed land situated not far from Camp Mason. Possibly, wounded Heinrich Konrad Behrens was taken to Fort Mason to seek a doctor's help. Mrs. Behrens went there as well. Analyzing the 1850 census records, we can see that the children of Sophie and H K Behrens were in the care of Heinrich and Wilhelmina Hasse on 20 September 1850, when the census happened. It means that Mr. Behrens had been shot by the Indians before that day, and also, Heinrich K Hasse and Sophie Behrens had known each other earlier. Maybe H K Hasse met Sophie Behrens (and her husband) not in Fort Mason as one source suggests (9), but much earlier in Fredericksburg? The Behrens relatives lived in the town (10) as well.

Mr. Henry Karl Hasse married the widow Sophie Behrens in 1851. Not long after that, the Hasses relocated to the Llano River area and joined other pioneer families who had already farmed there. Heinrich Karl had 320 acres of land north of the river.

Sophie bought 320 acres (for $40) neighboring the 320 owned by her second husband. Heinrich Karl built two picket houses for his family.

Daughter Margarete was born to Heinrich and Sophie Hasse on 18 March 1852 (11). 

The Hasse family were some of the very first charter members of the Llano German Methodist Episcopal Church South which was organized on 8 March 1856 at Castell (12). 

19 April 1857 - Josephine, Karl's stepdaughter, married John Conrad Simon in Gillespie, Texas (13).

About a year later, on 9 February 1858 (14), 13-year-old Marie Christine Sophie Behrens married 26-year-old Jacob Brodbeck (born 13 October 1821 in Stuttgart). The man was Marie's teacher, he worked at Vereins Kirche school in Fredericksburg, which the girl attended.

On 5 September of the same year, there was another marriage in the family. Heinrich Eduard Hasse, the oldest son of Heinrich Karl's, married Miss Friedericke Bickenbach in Gillespie County (15,16).

 

Henry Julius Beherens, Henrich's stepson, married Miss Catherina Heinrichs on 15 November 1865 in the local Methodist church in Hilda (17).

The youngest stepdaughter of Heinrich Karl Hasse's, Sophie (Myria), was married to Mr. Fritz Ellebracht when she was 17. It happened on 15 October 1866 in Hilda Methodist Church, Mason (18). Fritz's parents were Friedrich Albert Ellebracht and Sophie Wilhelmine Stamme.

1867 was the year of elections. Henry Hasse Sr. was registered on the voter list in Mason on 10 September (19). Henry Jr. a day earlier (20).

Henry Carl Hasse farmed on the 640 acres he and Sophie owned. 8 June 1870 brought another census. The couple lived then with their daughter Margaret. The Hasses real estate was worth $100, the value of their personal real estate was $350 (21). 

Margarete was married to Mr. William Louis Steinmann two years later, on 11 January 1872, at Hilda Bethel Methodist Church, Mason, Texas (22). 

Henry Carl (Heinrich Karl) Hasse passed on 25 April 1880. He was buried at Lower Willow Creek Cemetery, Mason, Texas. After his death, Sophie Behrens Hasse lived with her son Henry Julius and his family. The wife of Heinrich Karl Hasse's ended her Earth journey in 1892.

Resources:

1. "Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Patriot Ancestor Album" Vol.1, Turner Publishing Company, Paducah, Kentucky, 2001.

2. List of Passengers Aboard B. Bohlen

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

4. List of Passengers Aboard B. Bohlen

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

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

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

8. Findagrave.com 

9. Maria Christina Sophie Behrens Brodbeck

10. 1850 Census records - Gillespie County, Fredericksbur

11. Findagrave.com

12. Llano County, Texas, German Methodist Episcopal Church South

13. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-L4V : 10 March 2021), John C Simon and Josephine Hasse, 19 Apr 1857; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

14. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-LCN : 10 March 2021), Jacob Brodbeck and Maria C S Behrens, 09 Feb 1858; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

15. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VH4 : 10 March 2021), Henry Hasse and Friederike Bickenbach, 05 Sep 1858; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

16. http://files.usgwarchives.net/tx/gillespie/vitals/marriages/b1gilmar.txt 

17. Hilda (Behtel) Methodist Church marriages.

18. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-489 : 22 January 2020), Sophie Behrens in entry for Fritz Ellebracht, 1866.

19. "Texas, Voter Records, 1867-1918", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4MZL-HZN2 : 15 December 2020), Henry Hasse, 1867.

20. "Texas, Voter Records, 1867-1918", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4MZL-HZMM : 15 December 2020), Henry Hasse, 1867.

21. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-41X : 2 January 2021), Henry Hasse, 1870.

22. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-HSJ : 22 January 2020), Margrete Hasse in entry for William Louis Steinmann, 1872.