Showing posts with label Durst. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Durst. Show all posts

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Johann Heinrich Strackbein and Family

The research related to creating this post took me quite a lot of time.

As usual, I first tried to find as many sources of information on the family members as possible. Then, I analyzed and compared the data to discard discrepancies and possible errors. It was again followed by more research to complete the missing pieces of information and possibly find new threads. The fact that quite a few family members (both men and women) used the same given names, did not help at all. Quite contrary. All in all, here are the results of my work.

Heinrich Strackbein was born on 9 September 1807 in Frohnhausen, Hesse-Nassau, Prussia. He was the son of Georg Andreas Strackbein (b. 2 November 1776, Frohnhausen/d. 28 November 1851, Frohnhausen), a miner and Marie Elisabethe Kunz (b. 18 July 1771, Frohnhausen/d. 26 September 1836, Frohnhausen).
Heinrich worked as a weaver in Frohnhausen and was also a citizen of Steinbrücken.

On 28 November 1830, he married Elisabeth Anna Eckhardt (born on 25 December 1809 in Steinbrücken), She was the daughter of Johann Philipp Eckhardt (b. 1 May 1783, Strassersbach/d. 3 February 1828, Steinbrücken) and A. Katharina Bräuer (b. 6 February 1778, Steinbrücken/d. 18 February 1833, Steinbrücken). The marriage ceremony took place in Steinbrücken.


Clipping source: Frohnhausen - religious marriage records 1817-1874


Children born to the couple in Steinbrücken:
27 November 1831 - daughter Elisabeth Katharine,
4 March 1834 - daughter Katharine Margarethe came to this world.

Son Friedrich was born on 16 April 1836/ ♦ died 10 May 1836
Christian was born on 7 May 1838/ ♦ died 13 June 1838.

22 November 1839 - Heinrich Johannes was born,
16 December 1842 - the oldest child/son, Christian Johann Heinrich, arrived.

🚢 On 15 August 1845, the family boarded brig Semiramus (Arminius) and sailed to Galveston where they arrived on 25 October of the same year (1). Heinrich had obtained a Fisher-Miller grant

The family traveled with other persons of their area, including Elisabeth's brother, Heinrich Anton Eckhardt, born in 1821 in Steinbrücken, and the Wickel, von Reede, Scholl, and Kraft families.

Jakob Aurand (b. on 19 December 1801 in Ebersbach), farmer and innkeeper in Steinbrücken, traveled with his wife Elizabeth Anna and their 6 children (all born in Steinbrücken):
Jakob - born 10 June 1827,
Friedrich -  born on 14 January 1830,
Wilhelm Friedrich - 14 February 1835,
Christine - b. on 22 March 1838,
Wilhelmine - b. on 3 February 1841,
and Karl - born on 5 August 1844.

Their son, Daniel - born 4 July 1832/died on ♦ 10 September 1834 in Steinbrücken.
 
Jakob Aurand Sr. died on ♦ 10 June 1846* in New Braunfels (2) and was buried there (grave without a marker.)  He was the son of Johann Danie Aurand (b. 1756/d. 1813), church elder of Ebersbach and Anna Christine Blecher (b. 1760/d. 1885) of  Mandeln/lived in Ebersbach.

Before 1847, Heinrich's wife, Elisabeth Anna passed, too. Some time after that, the man remarried. His second wife was Elisabeth Aurand nee Wickel of Ebersbach, widow of Jakob Aurand. She was the daughter of Jakob Wickel the younger (b. 1777/d. 1813) and Anna Christine Nassauer (b. 1878/d. 1823). Elizabeth Anna was born on 18 July 1804*, in Steinbrücken.

1847 - Heinrich received town lot #147 in Fredericksburg, TX. Jakob Aurand owned lot #492 (3).

👉 Heinrich Strackbein (age 43), his second wife Elisabeth (age 45), and children were recorded in Fredericksburg during the 1850 census. The children were: Elisabeth (age 18), Christiana (Aurand? age 15), Henry (age 10), Christian (age 8), and Minna Aurand (age 8). The family name is given as Strackbein (4). I am not sure what happened to Karl Aurand. At first, I thought he might have died on their way to Texas, but another source** gives that Karl lived until 1934.

Elisabeth Katharine was married on 18 August 1851, to Johann Georg Steubing, Comal County, TX (5)

15 December 1851, Gillespie, TX - Katharine Margarethe married Johann Durst (6) of Dettenhausen (born on 13 January 1829). Johan was the son of Johannes Durst and Christine Margaretha Binder.


👉 1855 - Heinrich paid taxes for 53 acres of land and 53 acres granted to J. Aurand (7)
18 November 1859 - Christine Aurand married Theodor Schlaudt from Westerburg (8), the son of Georg Schlaudt. Theodor was born on 6 March 1835.


18 November 1859, in Gillespie, TX, Christine Aurand married Theodor Schlaudt (9). He was the son of Georg Schlaudt and was born on 6 March 1835.


👉 1860 - Henry Strackbein (age 52), Elizabeth (age 56), Henry (age 20), Christian (age 17), Fritz Aurand (age 30), a wagoner, and Minna Aurand (age 17) were registered in Precinct #2, Fredericksburg during the census (9).

The Civil War came - Christian Johann Heinrich and his brother Heinrich Johannes Strackbein served in the CA (10):

  •     Company E, 1st Regiment, Texas Cavalry (Yager's) (1st Mounted Rifles),
  •     Company C, 8th Battalion, Texas Cavalry (Taylor's Battalion, Mounted Rifles).

4 December 1865 - Wilhelmine Aurand married Wilhelm Wiedmann (11), the son of Christina Lauterwarser Wiedmann.


2 April 1866 - Johann Heinrich Strackbein married Katherine Elisabeth Crenwelge (born on 26 March 1844), the daughter of Johann Peter Crenwelge and Katharine Henriette Siegmund (12).


♦ 29 Ferbuary 1868 - Heinrich Strackbein Sr., the father of the family, died.

👉 1870 Census -  Elizabeth Strackbein, the widow of Henry, lived with her daughter Minna and her husband Wilhelm (13).

16 December 1870 - Christian Strackbein married Katharine Eckert (14), the daughter of Karl Friedrich Eckert and Eva Katharine Guthörle. 



♦ 2 December 1878 - Anna Elizabeth Wickel Aurand - Strackbein passed away. Interestingly, her gravemarker does not include the name Strackbein (?).


According to the info given on findagrave.com, Friedrich Aurand received 320 acres of land between Fort Mason and Fort McKavett. Later, he relocated to Williamson county where he married Eliza Jane Montgomery on 23 January 1862 (15).  Elisa died on 19 September 1889.
 

24 December 1890 F. Aurand married Mrs. M J Haskeill (16). 
 
 
 
Another record reads that on  4 August 1897, F. R. Aurand married Mrs. M. J.Williams (17). 
 

 
Unfortunately, I have not found much information on Friedrich Aurand. Nothing more on his brothers Jakob, Wilhelm Friedrich, and Karl either. In case of new founds, I will post an update below this post.
 
 
 
*Dates according to the book mentioned below. Galveston database gives different dates:
Jakob Aurnad's death - 5 June 1846,  Elisabeth Wickel Aurand's birth date as 12 July 1804.

** geneanet.org

Sources:
"From Dillenburg to Texas. Emigration in the District of Dillenburg from 1845 to 1846" Ursula Hatzfeld, translated by Henry Salzhandler, El Gritodel Lobo Press, 2015.

1. Arminus passengers list
2. Deaths in New Braunfeld 1845-46
3. Fredericksburg, TX town lots - 18474. "United States Census, 1850", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXLK-LNG : Sun Mar 10 18:10:29 UTC 2024), Entry for Henry Strachbine and Elizabeth Strachbine, 1850.
5. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XL43-PV3 : Fri Mar 08 16:49:37 UTC 2024), Entry for Mr. Johann G Henbing and Miss Cath Elizabeth Strackbei, 18 Aug 1851.
6. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FX3B-BMJ : 22 January 2020), Katharine Strackbein in entry for John Durst, 1851.
7. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RNKV : Sun Mar 10 19:56:18 UTC 2024), Entry for Henry Strackbein, 1855.
8. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VC1 : Fri Mar 08 05:57:33 UTC 2024), Entry for Theodor Schlaudt and Christine Aurand, 18 Nov 1859.
9. "United States Census, 1860", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFX-BTM : Fri Mar 08 16:48:57 UTC 2024), Entry for Henry Strackbein and Elizabeth Strackbein, 1860.
10. Soldiers database
11. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-L8L : Sun Mar 10 22:30:14 UTC 2024), Entry for Wilhelm Wiedmann and Wilhelmine Aurant, 04 Dec 1865.
12. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VK1T-Q8T : 22 January 2020), Johann Heinrich Strackbein, 1866.
13. "United States Census, 1870", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXL5-NLN : Tue Mar 05 12:44:08 UTC 2024), Entry for Wm Wiedmann and Wilhelmina Wiedmann, 1870.
14. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VKZ : Sun Mar 10 21:06:32 UTC 2024), Entry for Christian Strackbein and Katharine Eckert, 16 Dec 1870.
15. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MK-H8L : 22 January 2020), Eliza Jane Montgomery in entry for Frederick Arrand, 1862.
16 "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-G6TQ : Sun Mar 10 10:28:02 UTC 2024), Entry for Mr F Aurand and M J Haskeill, 24 Dec 1890.
17. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6BW-L22 : Thu Mar 21 00:34:08 UTC 2024), Entry for F. R. Aurand and M. J. Williams, 04 Aug 1897.




Saturday, August 21, 2021

Mason County WW1 Honor Roll Call

This post is dedicated to the men and a woman of Mason County who lost their lives in WW1 service.

 

 

William Elbert Britteon was born in Pontotoc, Mason County, on 14 January 1888, to Mr. James H Britteon (born in Arkansas, 1858) and Ms. Lura Naomi Hayden (born in Missouri, 1867). In 1900, Elbert lived with his parent and siblings Ruby (age 17), Leroy ( age 14), and Jewell (age 5) in Justice Precinct 1, Mason County. James H Britton was a farmer (1). Ten years later, there were two more family members in the household of Mr. and Mrs. Britteon - 8-year-old son Joel, and Mrs. Lura's mother, 73-year-old Mrs. Mary Ellen (Wolverton) Hayden. They all lived in Justice Precinct 8, Mason County (2).

At some point later, Bert relocated to Llano, where he found a job at a local garage. On the day of his WW1 draft registration, he was an employee of an auto company. William Elbert was a tall, medium-built man with brown eyes and brown hair (3).

Private William E Britteon (serial number 1130281) was enlisted on 20 June 1918. At first, he was part of the 5th Company Training Detachment of University of Texas until 20 August 1918. Then, he was assigned to 49th Balloon Company, with which he served until 5 September 1918. Later, Bert was transferred to 47th Balloon Company, and next, after 28 September 1918, to 5th C Balloon Company.

 

During the service time, William Elbert got sick with influenza which developed into pneumonia. Private Britteon died on 18 October 1918 (4,5).


Clipping source: The Llano News. (Llano, Tex.), Vol. 35, No. 16, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 24, 1918, newspaper, October 24, 1918; Llano, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth767705/: accessed August 15, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Llano County Public Library.

Bert's body was transported to Mason County, where it was laid for eternal rest at the Pontotoc Cemetery.


Richard Clark was born on 13 January 1895, to Florence Valenda Sorelle and James Isom Clark. He lived with his parents and siblings in Mason County. When Richard was 14, on 30 September 1909, his father James Isom died.

On 30 April, the Clarks were registered in Justice Precinct #8 during the census. Mrs. Florence Clark was the head of the family, she ran the family farm with the help of her children, Ben G (age 23), Robert J (age 19), Rolie A (age 17), and Richard (age 15). The youngest child of Mrs. Florence and the youngest sibling of Richard was 9-year-old then Ivy (6). 

Seven years later, on 5 June, Richard was registered during the WW1 draft. At that time, the young boy worked at Mr. Joe Pryor's farm in Pontotoc. Rick was medium height, medium built, had light brown hair, and light brown eyes (7).

Private Richard Clark (serial number 1 136 595) was enlisted on 15 July 1918 and was in Camp McArthur, Texas, with Company C 7th Battalion Infantry Replacement until 1 September 1918.  Then he was assigned to Company D 7th Battalion Infantry Replacement and Training till October.

 Then, Richard was reassigned, and was a soldier of Company I 388th Infantry (8, 9). 


When in the Army Camp in New Mexico, Luna County, 23-year-old Private Richard Clark got ill with influenza which turned into broncho-pneumonia. The sickness took him from this world on 5 November 1918 (10).

 Richard was buried at Fort Bayard National Cemetery, New Mexico.

Edwin L Durst was born to Gottlieb B Durst, a farmer and Mary L Schnautz on 27 February 1896 in Mason County, TX. 4-year-old Edwin was registered with his family during the 1900 census. The boy lived with his family in Justice Precinct #1, Mason County. His older siblings were Richard J (age 16), Albert F (age 15), Beny W (age 11), Mary C (age 9), and Katy S (age 7). Wallace (age 1) was Edwin's younger brother (11).

About a year later, on 28 December 1901, Gottlieb Durst, the father of the family died. Edwin and his siblings helped their mother to operate the family farm. On 5 June 1917, he was registered for the WW1 service.

Edwin, medium height and built man, of brown eyes and  light hair, worked for his cousin Alex as a farm hand, then (12). He was enlisted a few months after the Draft Registration, on 19 September. Private Edwin Durst was a soldier of 297 headquarters 90th Division and 36th Division in October 1917 (13).

 

Another record of Edwin's service record informs that he was selected at Mason and assigned to Company E 144th Infantry on 20 October (14).
 

Private Durst was one of the victims of broncho-pneumonia. He died in the army hospital, Camp Bowie, TX on 10 December 1917 (15).

Edwin's body was buried at the family cemetery in Mason County.

Clipping source: The Llano News. (Llano, Tex.), Vol. 34, No. 25, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 13, 1917, newspaper, December 13, 1917; Llano, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth767339/: accessed August 17, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Llano County Public Library

 

Max Heinrich Eckert came to this world on 4 June 1887 in Hilda, in the family of Adolph Eckert and Emilie Lange (16). Thirteen years later, Max lived with his parents and 7-year-old sister Cora in Justice Precinct #6, Mason County. Mr. Adolph Eckert was a farmer (17).  In 1910, the family had a hired farm hand, their home was in Justice Precinct #3 of Mason County. Max worked on the family farm as well (18).

Eight years passed, on 23 March 1915, Max's mom died. She was 53 years old.

WW1 time came and Max Henry Eckert was registered in June 1917. The man lived in Hilda, was a stock farmer. He was medium height, medium built, had brown hair and brown eyes (19).

 
 
Max was inducted into the Army on 21 September 1917. In the very same month, he was transferred from one division to another and assigned to 144th Infantry 36th Division. Then, in November, the soldier was with Company B. In December, he got sick in the line of duty and was sent home on the 30th of the month (20).


Private Max Eckert (serial number 1 497 098) was on sick leave at home until 7 January 1918 (21). The day was the last one when his family saw him alive. 
On 1 July 1918, Max was commissioned to Private 1st Class. His company was sent overseas about two weeks later, on 18 July. Private 1st Class M H Eckert's unit was engaged in fights in the Sommepy and Gevry area. Max was killed in action on 13 October 1918 (22, 23). He was 31 years old when he died.



Another Army record gives a different day of his death (14 October) and says that Max was probably first buried  south of Gevry, France. Then, his body was moved (24) to the US Army Meuse-Argonne Cemetery (Plot E Row 4 Grave 29).


Max Eckert's Memorial Certificate is available here. The soldier was awarded: WW1Victory Medal, Croix de Guerre, and the Purple Heart.

 

Albert Heinrich Fritz Geistweidt was born on 29 March 1895 in Hilda, Mason, TX, to Heinrich Geistweidt and Louise Kneese (25). Five years later, Albert lived with his 49-year-old father, who was a farmer, 36-year-old mother, and 4 siblings in Justice Precinct #6 of Mason County (26). The brothers and sisters were: Selma (12 years old), Nelly (10 y.o.), Wesley (8 y. o.), and Walter (2 y. o.).

Ten years later, Albert and his family were registered in the census again. The boy had another sister Elsie, who was 8 then. A boarder, 20-year-old Mr. Robert Peterman (born in Mississippi) lived at their home. The man was a school teacher (27).

1917 - WW1 registration time. Albert was a tall man with gray-blue eyes and blonde hair. He was single (28) so he got drafted soon.

The day came on 20 September. At first, Albert was assigned to 90th Division, then to 36th Division. Next, he was transferred to Headquarters 90th Division, and assigned to 144th Infantry at the end of October 1917. The records say, Private Albert H Geistweidt was sick from 3 to 22 December and was issued a sick-leave pass so he could go back home and recover there (29).

Albert was at home in Hilda until 22 January 1918 (30). Possibly, the man came back to Mason County in May 1918, to help with farming (31).

Private Albert H Geistweidt (serial number 1 497 104) was sent abroad with Company B 144th Infantry on 18 July 1918. He was transferred to Company F 9th Infantry on 21 August. He fought at the St Mihiel Salient front and in the Champaign region as well.

Albert Henry Geistweidt was killed in action on 3 October 1918 (32). His body was buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France (Plot B Row 29 Grave 18). The soldier was awarded WW1 Victory Medal and the Purple Heart. Albert's Honorary Memorial Certificate is available for download here.



Alfred Emil Kothmann, son of Adolf Dietrich Kothmann and Lydia Sophie Hoerster, was born on 3 April 1893 in Hilda, Texas. Seven years later, during the census, the boy, his parents, and two sisters 6-year-old Hulda and 2-year-old Lilly were registered in Justice Precinct #3, Mason County (33). Very likely, Alfred received some education in the Hilda school. 

1910 - more children had been born to Adolf and Lydia Kothmann - Sam, Adolph Jr., Leonard, and daughters Nellie and Lydia. Alfred worked on his father's farm then (34). Two years later, another brother Silas joined the family.

5 June 1917, Alfred Emil was one of the local men registered during the WW1 draft (35). 

About a year later, on 5 July, the man was inducted into the Army. He went through the training and was assigned to Company K 12th Battalion 4th Regiment and then was with Company K 316th Infantry.

Private Alfred E Kothmann (serial number 1 135 559) was deployed overseas on 24 August 1918 (36). The 25-year-old soldier was wounded in action and died of wounds on 11 November 1918 (37). Sadly it was the day when the peace treaty was signed and the war ended.

Alfred's body was brought back home (?) and laid at the Hilda Methodist Cemetery.

Private A E Kothmann was awarded WW1 Victory Medal and the Purple Heart.


Friedrich Julius Leifeste was born on 25 September 1893 in the family home of Mr. Johann Friedrich Leifeste and Emelie Bickenbach (38). The boy did 6 years of education at the Brockman school. In 1900, he lived with his parents and siblings: Frank (age 19), Alvin (age 15), Harry (age 13), Hugo (age 11), Elias (age 9), Edgar (age 5), and Olga (age 3) in Justice Precinct # 1 of Mason County (39). In his teenage years, he helped tend the livestock on his father's ranch in Kimble County.

Census 1910, there had been another younger sister, Minnie in the family (40).

As other men, Julius was registered by an Army clerk on 5 June 1917. Friedrich Julius Leifeste was a stockman then and worked in Kimble County. He was tall, slender, had gray eyes and light brown hair (41).

Julius was enlisted on 19 September and assigned to Company C 13th Battalion 165th Division. Then he served with 90th Division and was transferred to 36th Division. The soldier's other assignment was Company K 144th Infantry (42).

Friedrich Julius was sick for some time and was in the base hospital from 24 November 1917 (43). 

Private Julius Leifeste (serial number 1 498 677) was sent overseas on 18 July 1918. Two days later, he was transferred to Company I 23rd Infantry. Julius fought in the Battle of Champagne and the Battle of Marne. When in France, the soldier was wounded in action on 6 October 1918 (44) and died of wounds on 11 October 1918 (45, 46). He was 25 years old.

 

At first, Julius body was buried in France. A few years later, he came back home and was laid to rest at the Junction cemetery.



Mamie J Jones, the daughter of William Ralph Jones and Mary Anna Sommerville was born on 10 September 1894 in Pontotoc,  Mason County. In 1900, Mamie, her parents, and two younger sisters, Stella (age 5) and Laura (age 1) lived in Justice Precinct# 8 of Mason County. Mr. William R Jones was a farmer (47).

Ten years later, the census recorded Mamie and her family in Justice Precinct # 5. More siblings had been born to the girl including 3 sisters Winnie, Bessie, Verdi, and a brother Elmer (48). 

Mamie J Jones became a nurse. After graduation in 1918, she joined the Army Nurse Corpse. The lady was stationed at Camp Logan, Houston, TX. Nurse Jones contracted influenza in the line of duty. On 31 December 1918 at 1:40 p.m., she died of heart failure related to pneumonia in the Base Hospital (49). She was 24 years old.

Clipping source: San Antonio Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 54, No. 3, Ed. 1 Friday, January 3, 1919, newspaper, January 3, 1919; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth430699/: accessed August 21, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium

Nurse Mamie J Jones was bid farewell with military honors.

 

Clipping source: The Llano News. (Llano, Tex.), Vol. 35, No. 23, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 9, 1919, newspaper, January 9, 1919; Llano, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth768502/: accessed August 21, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Llano County Public Library

 

 

 

Resources:

HonorStates.org,

WW1 Serviceman Glossary

1. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-5Y6 : accessed 14 August 2021), Elbert Britteon in household of James Britteon, Justice Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 50, sheet 22A, family 305, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658. 

2. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q4-V44 : accessed 14 August 2021), Elbert Britton in household of James H Britton, Justice Precinct 8, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 201, sheet 6B, family 97, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589. 

3. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-SZG : 23 February 2021), William Elbert Britton, 1917-1918. 

4. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-JGCD : 9 March 2021), William E Brittion, 20 Jun 1918; citing Military Service, Llano, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

5. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPLV-JZPM : 27 October 2019), William Elbert Britton, 18 Oct 1918; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

6. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q4-VWG : accessed 15 August 2021), Richard Clark in household of Florence V Clark, Justice Precinct 8, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 201, sheet 6A, family 94, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589. 

7. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-TYF : 23 February 2021), Richard Clark, 1917-1918. 

8. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-JGKJ : 9 March 2021), Richard Clark, 15 Jul 1918; citing Military Service, Mason, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

9. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPZX-5KZ7 : 17 October 2019), Richard Clark, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

10. "New Mexico Deaths, 1889-1945," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLY8-9YQ : 10 March 2018), Richard Clark, 05 Nov 1918; citing Deming, Luna, New Mexico, reference Item 1, Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, Santa Fe; FHL microfilm 2,032,742. 

11. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-CS7 : accessed 16 August 2021), Edwin Durst in household of Gottleib Durst, Justice Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 50, sheet 17B, family 231, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658. 

12. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-T1L : 23 February 2021), Edwin Durst, 1917-1918.

13. "United States, Enlisted and Officer Muster Rolls and Rosters, 1916-1939", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4FR8-HPZM : 11 May 2021), Edwin Durst, 1917.

14. "United States, Enlisted and Officer Muster Rolls and Rosters, 1916-1939", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:8LWF-VTMM : 20 May 2021), Edwin Durst, 1917.

15. "United States, Enlisted and Officer Muster Rolls and Rosters, 1916-1939", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:8L7B-24PZ : 20 May 2021), Edwin Durst, 1917. 

16. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LGH-452M : 14 February 2020), Max Heinrich Eckert, 1887.

17. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-29W : accessed 17 August 2021), Max Eckert in household of Adolf Eckert, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet 8A, family 82, 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:M2QH-DZ7 : accessed 17 August 2021), Max Eckert in household of Adolph Eckert, Justice Precinct 3, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 203, sheet 3A, family 33, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589.

19. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-YMX : 23 February 2021), Max Henry Eckert, 1917-1918. 

20. "United States, Enlisted and Officer Muster Rolls and Rosters, 1916-1939", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WBTB-J9T2 : 8 May 2021), Max H. Eakert, 1917.

21. "United States, Enlisted and Officer Muster Rolls and Rosters, 1916-1939", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WBTB-V6PZ : 8 May 2021), Max H Eckert, 1917.

22. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-J12R : 9 March 2021), Max H Eckert, 21 Sep 1917; citing Military Service, Mason, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

23.  "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPR4-WF53 : 22 October 2019), Max Henry Eckert, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

24.  "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-ZFP3 : 9 March 2021), Max H Eckert, ; citing Military Service, , , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

25. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-LS3Z : 14 February 2020), Albert Heinrich Fritz Geistweidt, 1895.

26. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-67D : accessed 18 August 2021), Albert Geistweidt in household of Henry Geistweidt, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet 9A, family 94, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658.

27. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2QH-D86 : accessed 18 August 2021), Albert Geistweidt in household of Henry Geistweidt, Justice Precinct 3, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 203, sheet 3B, family 39, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589. 

28. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-YSV : 23 February 2021), Albert Henry Geistweidt, 1917-1918.

29. "United States, Enlisted and Officer Muster Rolls and Rosters, 1916-1939", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WBTB-J3PZ : 8 May 2021), Albert H Geistweidt, 1917.

30. "United States, Enlisted and Officer Muster Rolls and Rosters, 1916-1939", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WBTB-VXN2 : 8 May 2021), Albert H Geistweidt, 1917.

31. "United States, Enlisted and Officer Muster Rolls and Rosters, 1916-1939", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WBTB-2XZM : 8 May 2021), Albert H Geistweidt, 1917.

32. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-JPJ3 : 9 March 2021), Albert H Geistweidt, 20 Sep 1917; citing Military Service, Mason, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin. 

33. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-DFD : accessed 19 August 2021), Alfred Kothman in household of Adolph Kothman, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet 5A, family 50, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658.

34. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2QH-4KS : accessed 19 August 2021), Alfred E Kothman in household of Adolph D Kothman, Justice Precinct 3, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 203, sheet 3A, family 28, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589. 

35. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-YWV : 23 February 2021), Alfred Emil Kothmann, 1917-1918.

36. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-J5KQ : 9 March 2021), Alfred E Kothmann, 05 Jul 1918; citing Military Service, Mason, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

37. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q5QH-GWMJ : 17 October 2019), Alfred Emil Kothmann, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers. 

38. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2C-PJZM : 14 February 2020), Friedrich Julius Leifeste, 1893.

39. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-6WB : accessed 20 August 2021), Julius Leifeste in household of Frederick Leifeste, Justice Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 50, sheet 12B, family 171, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658. 

40. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q4-GQM : accessed 20 August 2021), Julius Leifeste in household of Fritz Leifeste, Justice Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 198, sheet 1B, family 13, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589. 

41. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXV-P3X : 23 February 2021), Julius Fred Leifeste, 1917-1918.

42. "United States, Enlisted and Officer Muster Rolls and Rosters, 1916-1939", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:8L16-P6T2 : 20 May 2021), Julius Leifeste, 1917.

43. "United States, Enlisted and Officer Muster Rolls and Rosters, 1916-1939", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:8LWV-L6T2 : 20 May 2021), Julius Leifeate, 1917.

44. "Look unto the Hills". The Leifeste Family in the United states" by Ruby E and Julius E DeVos, 1985.

45. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-J5PH : 9 March 2021), Julius F Leifeste, 19 Sep 1917; citing Military Service, Junction, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

46. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:7YL4-FYT2 : 23 October 2019), Julius Leifeste, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

47. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-C1P : accessed 21 August 2021), Mamie Jones in household of William R Jones, Justice Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 50, sheet 21A, family 284, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658. 

48. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q7-QFT : accessed 21 August 2021), Mamie Jones in household of W R Jones, Justice Precinct 5, McCulloch, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 192, sheet 19B, family 12, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1574; FHL microfilm 1,375,587. 

49. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K389-GCN : 20 February 2021), Mamie Jones, 31 Dec 1918; citing certificate number 56396, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,464.

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Johannes Durst & Family

Johannes was born on 24 February 1799 in Dettenhausen, not far from Tübingen, Kingdom of Württemberg. He was a farmer. On 11 September 1822, 23-year-old Johann married Christina Margarethe Binder (born on 4 November 1801).

The parents had 11 children, 4 of them died in Dettenhausen. The ones who survived till adulthood were:

  • Johann Christian born 8 January 1825
  • Johannes Jr. - born 13 January 1829,
  • Catherine - born 12 October 1836,
  • Johann Georg - born 20 June 1831,
  • Johann Jakob - born 15 December 1838,
  • Johann Bernhardt - born 13 June 1841,
  • Fredericke - born 31 October 1845.
 

On 25 August 1846, Johann, Margarethe, and their 7 children arrived in Texas. They traveled on the ship Element and endured the same privations and hardship as other emigrants. The Durst family got to Fredericksburg on 6 February 1847 where Johann Sr. and each of the two adult sons - Christian and Johann Jr. - were granted town lots and 10 acres of land. 

Two years later, on 6 August 1848, Christian married Sophie (Gern) Schlueter (1). He owned a piece of land which included a mountain near Fredericksburg, Christian called it "Cross Mountain" when he discovered the remains of the cross which had been put there by the Spaniards. 

On 18 September 1850, Johann (John), his wife Margarethe, and their children Johann Jr. (John), Catherine, Jacob, Bernard, and Fredericka were registered during the census. Both John Sr. and John Jr. were laborers (2).

In 1849,  when the Methodist Church came into being in Fredericksburg, the Durst family were some of the church's first members.

Johann Jr. married Katherine Strackbein on 15 December 1851 (3), 

Catharine Caroline married Jacob Treibs on 13 January 1853 (4), 

After 1855, the family of John Durst Sr. moved to the Bauer Community, Mason County, by the Llano River. The three eldest children and their immediate families stayed in Fredericksburg.

4 October 1856 Johann Georg married Charlotte Siegmann. It happened in Gillespie County, TX (5, 6).

When in Mason County, the Dursts became members of the Methodist Church Llano Circuit.


John Jr. served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. First it was 8th Battalion, Texas Cavalry (Taylor's Battalion, Mounted Rifles), Company C - John entered the service as a corporal, later he was promoted to 1st Sergeant. Then, he served with 1st Regiment, Texas Cavalry (Yager's 1st Mounted Rifles), Company E (7).

Fredericke, the youngest child of John Jr.'s, was married to Mr. Thomas Lindsay shortly before 1870. 


That year, another Census took place. On 16 June in Mason, Mason County, the John Durst family ( John, Margarethe, Jacob, and Bernhardt) was registered. John and his sons appeared in the record as cattle raisers. The Durst's neighbours were John Georg, his wife Charlotte and her father (?) 59-year-old Friedrich Siegmann - a shoemaker, the Melhior Bauers, the William Bickenbachs, the Henry Hasses, and the Henry Hoersters (8).

Two days later, Fredericke (Ricke) was registered with her 27-year-old husband Thom (born about 1843 in Alabama). The young couple lived in the town of Mason as well, and Thom was a cattle raiser, too (9).


Johann Durst senior died of pneumonia on 14 October 1870. He was buried at the Lower Willow Creek Cemetery. 

Two months later, on 8 December 1870, Johann Jacob Durst married Miss Sophie Leifeste (10), the daughter of Johann Heinrich Gottfried Leifeste and Mrgarethe Rheinhard.


Johann Bernhardt, the youngest son of Johann Sr. and Margarethe Durst's got married on 6 April 1881 in Gillespie, Texas. His wife was Miss Maria B Finke Kopp (11).


After her husband's passing, Margarethe Durst came back to Fredericksburg and lived there till the day of her death - 16 January 1887. Years later, on Johannes Durst's death anniversary, 14 October 1941, his remains were transferred to the Cemetery in Fredericksburg.


 

Pictures: the Cross Mountain area, Fredericksburg, Texas.

Resources:

  • "Mason County Historical Book", Mason County Historical Society, Mason County Historical Commission, 1976.  
  • Findagrave.com

1. "Pioneers in God's Hills. A History of Texas and Gillespie County People and Events." 1960, Gillespie County Historical Society. Printed by Boeckman-Jons, Austin, Texas.

2. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXLK-P7Q : 23 December 2020), Catherine Durst in household of John Durst, Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

3. Gillespie County, Texas - Marriages: Gillespie County Marriage Records 1850-1865.

4. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-28N : 17 January 2021), Jacob Treibs and Caroline Durst, 13 Jan 1853; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

5. Gillespie County, Texas - Marriages: Gillespie County Marriage Records 1850-1865.

6. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VZP : 17 January 2021), John Geo Durst and Charlotte Siegmamo, 04 Oct 1856; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801. 

7. National Park Service. Soldiers and Sailors Database.

8. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-X51 : 2 January 2021), John Durst, 1870.

9. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-X51 : 2 January 2021), John Durst, 1870.

10. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-22Z : 2 January 2021), Ricke Lindsay in entry for Thom Lindsay, 1870.

11. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9K84 : 22 December 2016), J. B. Durst and Mary B. Kopp, 06 Apr 1881; citing , Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.