Rev. Immanuel Josef Glatzle

Immanuel Josef Glatzle was born in Warmbrunnen, Wuerttemberg, Germany on 6 July 1854. His parents were Johannes Glatzle and Margaretha Spingler (1).
The man started his studies at St. Chrischona Pilgermission Institute in Basel, Switzerland in 1879. Four years later, after graduation in 1883, Immanuel Glatzle came to Texas. In November of the same year, Im. Glatzle started conducting religious services in Bartlett, TX, where he organized the congregation of Peace Lutheran Church in Bushdale (not far from Rockdale), TX on 24 June 1883 (2) and St. John Lutheran Church in Bartlet, in December 1883 (3)

Immanuel Joseph Glatzle was ordained in Victoria, TX, on 3 July 1884 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

27 October 1885, the man married Miss Sophie Ruckenbrod in Bell, TX (4). The lady was born on 2 September 1851. She was also a graduate of the Mission Institute in Basel.

Rev. I. J. Glatzle was called to the church of New Baden. Besides, he helped to organize one of the first Lutheran congregations in Williamson County (5), TX (West Taylor - Immanuel Lutheran Church in 1888) and worked at Clifton, TX.

In September 1890, Pastor Glatzle came to Zion Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, Texas. Under his supervision, the church progressed and grew in various areas. 

Holy Communion wafers were introduced.

• 1890 - Ladies' Aid was organized.
• 1896 - Synod Convention was celebrated at Zion.
• 10/15/1902 - Mixed Choir came into being - originally, it consisted of a group of newly confirmed parishioners and a few other church members.
• 01/05/1903 - Golden Jubilee of Zion celebrations and, in the same year, the 25th anniversary of Rev. Glatzle's pastoral service.
• 1907 - tower and transepts were added to the church structure.
  
• 1907 - Men's Chorus was founded on the 1st Sunday in December.
• 1908 - the third church building renovation took place.
• 1911 - Synod Convention again.
• 07/29/1912 - Luther League was created.

Pastor Glatzle helped at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mason, Texas as well. Under his guidance, sister congregations were organized in Kerrville, Herper, Cherry Spring, Doss, and Albert.

Rev. Glatzle and his wife Sophie

Mrs. Glatzle supported her spouse in the church service and was engaged in the works of Sunday School, Mixed Choir, and Ladies Aid.

Clipping source: San Antonio Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 51, No. 152, Ed. 1 Wednesday, May 31, 1916, newspaper, May 31, 1916; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth433772/: accessed November 4, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

From September 1890 until his retirement in February 1917, Pastor Glatzle officiated 619 baptisms, 394 confirmations, 143 weddings, and 175 funerals. The man retired from the ministerial service in February 1917.

In April 1921, Rev. Glatzle contracted pneumonia. Despite his wife's efforts and her tender care, the man succumbed to the illness and passed away on 12 April (6).

Clipping source: Dietel, William. Fredericksburg Standard (Fredericksburg, Tex.), Vol. 14, No. 30, Ed. 1 Saturday, April 16, 1921, newspaper, April 16, 1921; Fredericksburg, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1418388/: accessed November 4, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

Three days later, Sophie Glatzle died of pneumonia as well. The couple were buried at the City Cemetery in Fredericksburg, TX.

 Clipping source: Dietel, William. Fredericksburg Standard (Fredericksburg, Tex.), Vol. 14, No. 31, Ed. 1 Saturday, April 23, 1921, newspaper, April 23, 1921; Fredericksburg, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1418389/: accessed November 4, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

Sources:

1. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K347-8VM : Thu Oct 12 16:06:15 UTC 2023), Entry for Immanuel Glatzle and Johannes Glatzle, 12 Apr 1921.
2. https://peacelutheranrockdale.org/about/
3. http://www.stjohnbartlett.org/history.html
4. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-LQSQ : 10 March 2021), Immanuel Glatzle and Sophie Ruckenbrod, 27 Oct 1885; citing Bell, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 981,036.
5. https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMW3NW_Immanuel_Lutheran_Church_Williamson_County_TX
6.  "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K347-8VM : Thu Oct 12 16:06:15 UTC 2023), Entry for Immanuel Glatzle and Johannes Glatzle, 12 Apr 1921.

• https://swtsynod.pastperfectonline.com  
• "150 Years of God's Grace 1852-2002", Zion Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, TX.

Karl Richard Weiss

Pastor Weiss was mentioned in the previous post. Here is a bit more about the man.

Karl Richard Weiss was born on May 10, 1840, in Bavaria, Germany. His parents were Karl Weiss and Philippina Ertel.
Karl was christened a day later in the Evangelical church in Wörth on Rhein, Erding, Bavaria, Germany (1). 

 

Not much is known about his early years.

From 1868 to 1872, Karl R Weiss studied at St. Chrischona Pilgermission Institute in Basel, Switzerland.
After that, in 1872, the man arrived in Texas.

In January 1873, Rev. Karl Weiss started his service at Zion. Since then, due to his strong Lutheran beliefs and Christian leadership, the congregation grew. The construction of the second parsonage was completed. The plans for the church building reconstruction were created. 

Pastor Weiss preached also at the churches in North Grape Creek and Crabapple. Subsequently, he transformed those two branches of Zion into separate, filial congregations. 

Crabapple Church

During his work at Zion Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, which lasted until Nov. 1883, Rev. Weiss performed 325 baptisms, 152 confirmations, and 10 wedding ceremonies.

Later, he was called to Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Church in Coletoville, Victoria, TX, and then to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Victoria. 

Luther's translation of the Bible, 1756

 

1896 - Rev. Weiss was the first president of The Old German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Texas.

Pastor Carl Richard Weiss passed in Victoria on July 12, 1917 (2).

 Sources:

"German pioneers in Texas: a brief history of their hardships, struggles and achievements" compiled for the Fredericksburger wochenblatt and Fredericksburg standard by Don H. Biggers, Fredericksburg, TX, Press of the Fredericksburg Publishing Co., 1925;
ELCA Region 4 South Archives: https://swtsynod.pastperfectonline.com;
"150 Years of God's Grace 1852-2002", Zion Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, TX.
1. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPKF-HHK5 : 25 March 2023), Karl Richard Weiß, 11 May 1840; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Wörth (Ba. Germersheim), Bayern, Deutschland, , German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
2. "Texas Death Index, 1903-2000," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZN5-BYC: 24 May 2014), Karl Wiess, 12 Jul 1917; from "Texas, Death Index, 1903-2000," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: 2006); citing certificate number 20636, Victoria, Texas, Texas Department of Health, State Vital Statistics Unit, Austin.

Zion

A small group of the first settlers in the Fredericksburg area was of Lutheran faith. Their first religious leader was to be a minister invited by Mr. Schumacher. The man by the name of Schneider, who had lived in Victoria, TX appeared to be a Methodist. The minister must have been really convincing. Despite the fact that there were no Methodists in the colony, he encouraged the settlers to organize a Methodist congregation there (1849). 

 

The Lutherans taught their kids religion at their homes until 1850 when the first Lutheran ministers came to Texas. A year later, more missionaries arrived. In December of that year, the first Lutheran Synod took place in Houston, TX.

The Lutherans of the Fredericksburg colony applied to the Synod and asked for a religious leader. As a result of that, a missionary from San Antonio came to Gillespie County in August 1852. His name was Rev. Ziezelmann. 

The Lutheran congregation at that time consisted of six families. Soon, others joined them.

13 January 1853 - Zion Lutheran Church - the first Lutheran church of Gillespie County - was organized by 15 families and their spiritual leader Pastor Ziezelman.  The first church elders were G Roehrig, W Reider, D Rode, and FW Schumacher.

A site on which the church building would be constructed was chosen and a lot was purchased from Mr. Jacob Harth was purchased for $45. The members of the congregation (which grew to 28 families) and the pastor worked on the construction site. To obtain money for the building materials, they hauled corn and sweet potatoes to the market situated 300 miles away, by the ocean coast.

Not long after the construction was completed, Rev. Ziezelmann and his bride celebrated their wedding in the new-built church on 1 January 1855.

The very first parsonage built by the church was a two-room log cabin. 1878 - the cabin was replaced with a stone house. 1922 - the parsonage was enlarged and rebuilt.

The early pastors of the Zion church, besides Rev. Ziezelmann, were Rev. Bohnenberger, Schumacher (during the times of the Civil War), Holzinger, Gossweiler, Merz, Weiss, Fiedler, Glatzle (served for 27 years), and FA Bracher (since 1917).

Rev. Fiedler has already been mentioned in the previous post. I am going to write here about other ministers of Zion, too.

Source: "German Pioneers in Texas; A Brief History of Their Hardships, Struggles, and Achievements" compiled by Don H Briggs, Gillespie County Edition, Press of the Fredericksburg Publishing Co., 1925.

Photos: Zion Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, TX. Perfect skies and great weather in the forecast for the week  (taken April 2021). 

T W R Fiedler

Theodor Wilhelm Renatus Fiedler was born on July 9, 1855 in Lautenthal, Zellerfeld, Hanover, Prussia, German Empire . His parents were Georg Ludwig Adelbert Fiedler (a pastor) and his wife Antoinette Therese Marie Büttger.
The baby boy was baptized on 5 July 1855 at Evangelische Kirche in Clausthal, Clausthal, Landkreis Zellerfeld, Provinz Hannover, Prussia, German Empire (1). Renatus grew up in Lautenthal, Hannover. However, his father's ministerial work took the family to Hahndorf, South Australia, where Renatus was confirmed as well.
Renatus Fiedler came back to Germany. He studied at the University of Goettingen and Prediger-Seminar at Brecklum.

In 1884, Rev. Fiedler started his pastoral ministry at Zion Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, TX.
♡ On 25 February 1885, Rev. Renatus Fiedler married Miss Amalia Weber (born on October 30, 1865, in Fredericksburg, TX), the daughter of Johann Jacob Weber and Mathilde Christina Schlaudt.

Two sons of Rev. Fiedler and his wife Amalia were born in Fredericksburg. Adelbert Marius came to this world on 19 November, 1886, and Gottlieb Jacob was born on 8 May 1889 (2).

In 1890, Pastor Renatus Fiedler finished his work at Zion Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg.
During his service at the church, the clergyman officiated 170 baptisms, 76 confirmations, 40 weddings, and 24 funerals.

Later, Rev. Fiedler continued his ministry at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg, Texas, and in Sandy Hill, Texas.

In 1894/1895, Pastor Fiedler paid taxes for 1 carriage/buggy and 1 horse in Austin, TX (3,4).

The 1896 tax record paced Renatus Fielder in Justice precinct #1, Eastland, TX (5).

More children born to the Fiedlers:

• Lionel Theodore - on 1 October 1892, in Washington County, TX
• Matilde - on 22 September 1895, in Austin, TX
• Ernest Christian - on 2 February 1895, in Brenham, Washington, TX
• and Verena - on 26 December 1899 in Washington County, TX.

13 June 1900 - census clerk recorded the Fiedler family (Rev. Fiedler, age 44; his wife Amalia, age 34; Adelbert, age 13; Gottlieb, age 11; Lionel, age 7; Matilda, age 4; Ernest, age 2, and Verena, 5 months old) in Justice Precinct #5, Washington County, TX (6).

Pastor Renatus Fiedler passed on ♦ September 2, 1906. He was buried in Fredericksburg, TX.

 

 

Clipping source: The Daily Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 41, No. 250, Ed. 1 Friday, September 7, 1906, newspaper, September 7, 1906; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth440972/: accessed August 25, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

After his passing, Amalia with her children lived in Justice Precinct #4, Gillespie, TX. The lady worked as a Post Mistress at the US Post Office. Adelbert and Gottlieb were school teachers (7). The previous became a minister later.

Source:

1. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPD9-9P67 : 14 August 2023), Theodor Wilhelm Renatus Fiedler, 5 Jul 1855; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Clausthal, Clausthal, Landkreis Zellerfeld, Provinz Hannover, Preußen, Deutsches Reich, , German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.

2. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LK6-P72M : 14 February 2020), Renatus Theodor Fiedler in entry for Adelbert Marius Fiedler, 1886.

3. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBMC-7BS : 20 February 2021), R Fiedler, 1894.

 4. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBMC-86Y : 20 February 2021), R Fiedler, 1895. 

5. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-Z5MK : 20 February 2021), R Fiedler, 1896.

6. "United States Census, 1900", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M35F-5TD : Thu Aug 03 18:14:58 UTC 2023), Entry for Renalus Fiedler and Amalia Fiedler, 1900.

7. "United States Census, 1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MK12-HVW : Tue Jul 18 16:53:10 UTC 2023), Entry for Amalia Fiedler and Adelbert M Fiedler, 1910.

- "150 Years of God's Grace 1852-2002", Zion Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, TX;
- https://swtsynod.pastperfectonline.com/

Rosanna Dyer Osterman

 Rosanna Dyer was born on 26 February 1809 in Germany. The girl came with her family to America, and they all settled in Baltimore. On 23 February 1825, young Rosanna married Joseph Osterman (1). The man was born in the Netherlands in 1799. In 1838, the Osterman couple relocated to Galveston, TX. They owned a trading business there. Their enterprise started with selling goods from a stall under a tent, and later, turned into a large general store. Soon, Rosanna's brother Isidore joined them in Texas as well. The man became an important figure in the local Jewish community.

Sophienburg Museum, New Braunfels

1842 - Rosanna's husband Joseph retired and passed/sold his business to Isidore Dyer.
In 1850, during the census, Joseph Osterman (age 50), Rosanna (age 40), Hannah Dyer (age 25), Isabella (age 20), and Mary A Browne (age 28) were recorded at Joseph's household in Galveston, TX (2). Hannah was Rosanna's sister and Isabella was Rosanna's niece.

Newspaper clipping: Stuart, H. The Civilian and Galveston City Gazette. (Galveston, Tex.), Ed. 1 Saturday, February 4, 1843, newspaper, February 4, 1843; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth177233/: accessed June 25, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.

 
Being of Jewish background, in 1852, Rosanna's influence brought to Galveston a Jewish rabbi by the mane of N N Nathan, who consecrated the Jewish cemetery in Galveston.

1853/54 - yellow fever epidemic touched Galveston. Mrs. Osterman organized a field hospital on her land and nursed the sick there.

1856, on Yom Kippur, the very first Jewish service was celebrated in the home of Isidore Dyer.
Rosanna gave her family recipe for meat biscuits to Gail Borden. The latter, sponsored by Joseph Osterman, worked on the recipe and experimented with it to make it perfect. A result of those works was the invention of condensed milk.

Monday, 19 August 1861 - Rosanna's husband Joseph was accidentally shot at a shooting gallery. Joseph died two days later.

Newspaper clipping: The Weekly Telegraph (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 27, No. 24, Ed. 1 Wednesday, August 28, 1861, newspaper, August 28, 1861; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth236161/: accessed September 6, 2022), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.
 

Newspaper clipping: The Bellville Countryman (Bellville, Tex.), Vol. 2, No. 5, Ed. 1 Wednesday, August 28, 1861, newspaper, August 28, 1861; Bellville, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth177010/: accessed September 6, 2022), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.

When the Civil War came, Rosanna turned her place into a hospital and cared for the wounded soldiers (of both sides) there.

Once Galveston was taken by the Union, Rosanna stayed in the city and continued nursing the soldiers in her home hospital. It is said that thanks to the information passed to general Houston by the lady, the Confederate Army was able to retake Galveston on 1 January 1863.

2 February 1866 - Rosanna was traveling on the steamboat WR Carter on the Mississippi River when the vessel exploded. Tragically, she died in the accident.  In her will, Mrs. Osterman provided numerous donations to various charities such as for example, hospitals and also creating a home for widows and orphans.

Newspaper clipping: Cushing, E. H. Tri-Weekly Telegraph (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 31, No. 147, Ed. 1 Monday, February 12, 1866, newspaper, February 12, 1866; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth236296/: accessed September 6, 2022), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.

More about

• Galveston Movement: https://www.tshaonline.org/han.../entries/galveston-movement
• Rosanna Dyer Osterman: https://www.tshaonline.org/.../entries/osterman-rosanna-dyer
• Joseph Osterman: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/osterman-joseph
• Isabella Dyer: https://www.tshaonline.org/.../entries/kopperl-isabella-dyer

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This post is part of our series

Sources:
1. "Maryland Marriages, 1666-1970", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F4JS-95P : 16 January 2020), Rosanna Dyer in entry for Joseph Osterman, 1825.
2. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXLK-KH2 : 23 December 2020), Rosanna Osterman in household of Joseph Osterman, Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
- "The Jewish Texans. The Texians and the Texans ", Institute of Texan Cultures, University of Texas, Institue of Texan Cultures, San Antonio, 1996.
- https://peoplepill.com/people/rosanna-osterman
- The Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women: https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/osterman-rosanna-dyer

Charles Anton Giesecke & Family

Anton Karl Giesecke came to this world in Bockenem, Germany, in 1811. His parents were Heinrich Friedrich Giesecke (b. 1776 in Gittelde, Germany. 1831 in Bockenem), a merchant, and Luise Amalie Sanders (b. 1785/1871). Luise's father, Anton Christian Sander, was a merchant and Mayor of Elze, Germany.

Anton had three siblings:

• Friedrich (b. 1809), a merchant and cottager. He married Marie Basse in Bremen, in 1844. They had four children.
• Ernst Edward (b. 1815), and 
• Sophie Dorothea Friederike (b. 1819). She married Mr. Johann Georg Adolph Ludecke (b. 1803), who was Royal Hanoverian Tax Collector.

By 1834 Anton Karl had been in Texas. By 1841, the man managed to establish himself quite well. He shipped cotton to Germany and had 6 town lots in Brazoria (1). Besides that, Charles (Karl) had 1107 acres of land (2).

His brother Edward had lived in Brazoria as well. The brothers ran a merchandising business together. Edward ran a store, and Charles ordered goods for the store (mainly from Germany).

On ⚭ 26 July 1844 (3), Edward married 15-year-old Lisette Doby (b. in about 1829), a servant girl of Mecklenburg, Germany. The couple had one daughter (b. in about 1852), Lisette. 

After Edward's marriage, the brothers did not get on well as Charles disapproved of the younger brother's marital union. Soon, their business matters were separated, and Edward ran the store on his own.

Charles ran a farm. At first, he mainly grew tobacco. He also made and marketed cigars and ran a small distillery making whiskey from potatoes that were grown by local farmers.

On ⚭ 26 July 1845 (4), Charles married Miss Sarah May (Mary) Davis (b. 1825, in Missouri), the daughter of Thomas Kincheloe Davis*, land and cattle owner.

Around that time, the oldest Giesecke brother Friedrich served as a German immigration agent and he also visited Texas. Friedrich and his brothers made some attempts to influence German craftsmen regarding their immigration to Texas.

In 1847, Charles (Karl) owned 1511 acres of land, oxen, a cart, and hogs, Edward had 1 town and a merchandise store there (5,6).

Soon, in ♢1848, Charles' first son Thomas Davis was born. 

On ♢ 8 June 1850, daughter Frederika (Reca) was born (7).

Census, 14 November 1850, 38-year-old Charles A, 24-year-old Sarah M, and their two children were recorded in Brazoria County. The record says, that Frederike's other name was Dorothea (8).

♢ 18 November 1852, Cornelius joined the family (9).
♢ 1855, another daughter of Charles and Sarah was born. They called her Jane.

In ♦ 1856, Charles' brother Edward passed. He had been in poor health for some time.

 A note from a local newspaper ("Civilian and Gazette"), 31 August 1858. The spelling of Charles Anton's surname was misprinted. 

 

Newspaper clipping: Civilian and Gazette. Weekly. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 21, No. 22, Ed. 1 Tuesday, August 31, 1858, newspaper, August 31, 1858; Galveston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth177412/: accessed June 2, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.

♢ 20 July 1859, Henrietta (Netti) was born to Charles and Sarah (10).

 

12 June 1860, Charles Anton and his family were recorded during the census in Brazoria County, Post Office Columbia. Jane was still alive then (11). When the girl passed, it is not known.

♢ 23 March 1863, Charles Edward, the youngest son was born (12).

In that year, Charles Giesecke owned 3198 acres of land in Brazoria (13), he was also a cattle raiser.

♦ Charles Anton Giesecke passed in 1865 at the age of about 55. His brother Friedrich died in Germany around the same year.

After Charles' passing

♡ Frederike married Joseph A Rhodes on 15 June 1871, in Brazoria (14).

In 1880, Thomas (age 30) was the head of the Giesecke household. His mother (age 54), sister Henriette (age 20), and brother Charles E (age 16) lived in the family home in Justice Precinct #2, Brazoria, TX as well (15).

♡ Thomas Davis married Eliza Jane Clark on 3 December 1894, in Houston, Harris, TX (16).

Sarah May Davis Giesecke lived till the age of 70. She passed on ♦ 2 July 1895.

♡ Cornelius married Emma Rhodes.
♡ Henriette married William Overton King in 1905.

🎕

Charles Anton's paternal ancestors

✤ grandparents
Johannes Zacharias Giesecke (b. 1729/d.1796, farmer and trader + wife Johanne Christiane Boehlke (b. 1742), married in 1766, in Windhausen, Germany

✤ great-grandparents
Hans Juergen Giesecke (b. 1690/d. 1749), Burger with brewing rights, farmer of Gittelde, Germany + wife Anna Orthia Muegge

✤ great-great grandparents
Hans Giesecke (b. 1657/d. 1714), blacksmith of Gittelde + wife Anna Dorothea Timme (d. 1718), married in 1689, in Gittelde

🎕

* Thomas Kincheloe Davis was related to William Kinchen Davis

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This post is part of our series "They Lived in Texas".

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Sources:

• "German & Texans in the Days of the Lone Star Republic", Walter Struve, University of Texas Press, Austin, 1996.  
• Findagrave.com
  

  1. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBMB-8WD : 20 February 2021), C* A Giesecke, 1841.
  2. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBMB-ZMD : 20 February 2021), Chas A Geseiche, 1840.
  3. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLCL-HX8 : 10 March 2021), Edward Gieseke and Lisette Doby, 21 Oct 1844; citing Brazoria, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,008,075.
  4. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MN-P6G : 22 January 2020), Charles A. Gieseke, 1845.
  5. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBMB-6KF : 20 February 2021), Chas A Giescke, 1847.
  6. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBMB-62W : 20 February 2021), Chas A Geiseke, 1847.
  7. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3MK-6LP : 5 April 2023), C A Giesecke in entry for Reca G Rhodes, 1939.
  8. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXLV-S27 : 23 December 2020), Charles A Giesecke, Brazoria, Brazoria, Texas, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
  9. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K34D-LKF : 6 April 2023), C A Giesecke in entry for Cornelius Giesecke, 1934.
  10. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3S9-4QR : 27 March 2023), Charles A Gieseche in entry for Netti G King, 1949.
  11. "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFY-SCH : 18 February 2021), Jane Giesecke in entry for C A Giesecke, 1860.
  12. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K39N-77P : 5 April 2023), Chas A Giesecke in entry for Charles Edward Giesecke, 1946.
  13. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBMB-YP5 : 20 February 2021), Chas A Geisecke, 1863.
  14. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLH1-Z5V : 10 March 2021), Joseph A Rhodes and Fredrica Giesecke, 15 Jun 1871; citing Brazoria, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,008,071.
  15. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFFP-QS9 : 15 January 2022), Henrietta Geisekie in household of Thomas Geisekie, Justice Precinct 2, Brazoria, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district , sheet , NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm.
  16. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZY-CBQ6 : 22 July 2021), T D Giesecke and Eliza J Clark, 03 Dec 1894; citing Marriage, citing Houston, Harris, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 25,226.

  • Photos taken during our walk on 31 July 2020.

Konrad Schuessler

Konrad Schüssler was born in Bonfeld, Germany on 1 July 1838. He was one of the children of Johann Adam Schüssler and Eva Katharina Dischinger. I have already written about then here so I will not write again about the details of their arrival in Texas. Konrad was 7 years old when the family left Bonfeld in Baden-Würtemeberg.

Konrad got married at the age of 21. On 14 December 1859, Miss Wilhelmina Margaret Storch (born on 6 August 1841) became his wife. Their marriage ceremony took place in Gillespie County, TX (1). 

At first, they all lived at Cherry Springs. That was the time when everyday life was a fight for survival and the fight was quite literal when hostile Indians raided the area. Many settlers left Cherry Springs as the place was regarded to be not safe. Konrad and his family stayed and continued to live there. Eventually, in 1860 (2), the Schuesslers moved to Mason County.

Konrad Schüssler was a farmer, he probably also owned a saddlery in Mason.

The couple had nine children.

♦ John Jacob (Jake) was born in 1860,

♦ Friedrich Charles was born on 2 December 1862 (3),

♦ Anton Louis born 27 May 1865, Fly Gap Community,

♦ Emil Otto born 25 December 1867.

 

On 22 November 1869, Konrad Schuessler was registered as a voter in Mason County (4).

♦ Son Adam was born on 5 January 1870.

On 27 June 1870, the family was recorded by census clerk, Mr. Francis Kettner. 5-year-old Anton Louis appears in the records as Henry (5).

It happened that Indians stole all but one of Konrad's horses. They also tried to get the horse left behind but the man managed to save the animal in quite an unusual way. One night, when an Indian got close to Konrad's house to get the horse, Mr. Schüssler who was around noticed somebody moving in the dark. He thought it was one of his sons and started talking to the "dark figure" in German. It must have surprised the Indian as the latter did not take the horse and disappeared in the night.

♦ Son Rudolph was born to Konrad and Minnie in 1871. 

♦ The first daughter Amelia (Emily) was born to Konrad and Minna on 16 June 1872.

♦ Another son Fritz Albert was born on 24 December 1874.

♦ Daughter Anna Hulda was the youngest child of Konrad and Minnie Schuessler. The girl was born on 6 July 1881.

♦ Tragically, the teenage son Rudolph was bitten by a snake and died in the result of it.

1885 - ♡ John Jacob (age 35) married 7-years-younger Miss Johanna Elizabeth Eisenbeiser, the daughter of Johannes Eisenbeiser and Katharina Dorothea Albrecht. Johanna was born in Germany on 21 February 1867.

1887 - ♡ Henry Anton Louis married Miss Martha Irene Catwig/Cating (born on 9 December 1872 in Jackson Township, Jackson, Ohio), the daughter of  Edward William Cating. Their children were:

• Anna Laura, b. 28 September 1888,
• Amelia Clara, b. 20 September 1890,
• Alex, b. 25 April 1892,
• Lillie May, b. 2 May 1894,
• Margaret Minnie, b. 4 February 1896/d. 1899,
• twins - Effie, b. 2 April 1898 and another baby who died at birth,
• Edna, b. 21 March 1900,
• Sadie Bell, b. 28 March 1902,
• Wesley Morgan, b. 12 October 1903,
• Myrtle, b. 13 may 1905/d. 26 March 1921,
• Howard, b. 15 February 1907.

1892 - ♦ John Jacob Schuessler, the father of two (Ella born in 1884 and Arnold who died young), passed.

According to the information shared by Ms. Karanell Marshall* "... he (Jake) was put in jail or prison for horse theft, claiming innocence, and died there of illness, leaving her with her daughter Ella."

1894 - ♡ 30-year-old Friedrich C. married Miss Katie Scott who was about 15 years old then. She was born on 11 July 1879, to Sevanty M Scott and Katharina Degel Schafstead. Their children: 

• Andrew Jackson, born on 3 December 1895,
• Cora Mary, born on 21 July 1896,
• Sam Wesley, born on 29 August 1897,
• Florence Elizabeth, born on 30 September 1898,
• Conrad, born on 21 January 1900,
• Robert Rudolph, born on 10 May 1901,
  
• Charles Frederick, born on 2 December 1902,
• Minnie Margaret, born on 27 July 1905,
• Alonzo, born on 14 April 1907,
• Katie Kathlene, born on 16 December 1908,
• Annie Amelia, born on 21 June 1912,
• Lucille, born on 28 September 1916,
• Dixie Lee, born on 23 July 1917,
• Ruth Levora, born on 7 December 1919.

1894 - ♡ Mrs. Hannah Schuessler, Jake's ex-wife remarried. Her second husband became Clemens Mueller (born in 1856) - more info* about them at the end of the article.

1895 - ♡ Otto (age 28) married Miss Amanda Schmidt (born on 8 November 1871).

• Nellie, b. 24 February 1896,
• Leonard Valentine, b. 7 March 1898,
• Peano Alonzo, b. 27 October 1900,
• Frank Dennis, b. 16 June 1903,
• Johnny Adam, b. 21 April 1906,
• James Roy, b. 18 May 1909,
• Amelia Louise, b. 27 August 1912.

1896 - ♡ 26-year-old Adam married Miss Cora Mary Ritter, the daughter of William Heinrich Adam Ritter and Osanna Christiana Storch. Cora was about three years younger than Adam, she was born on 11 April 1873. They had ten children:

• Amsey E, b. 8 September 1897,
• Ervin E, b. 14 August 1898,
• twins - Willy E and Willard E stillborn on 21 September 1899,
• Woody Ran, b. 28 September 1902,
• Vaine Van died at birth on 28 September 1902,
• Clarence, b. 9 January 1908,
• Eldon, b. 12 February 1915,
• Cora Mae, b. 16 August 1916,
• Elmer, b. 13 September 1917.

1901 - ♡ Annie married Mr. Robert Sneed Hubbard (born 22 May 1883). Children born to them:

• Minnie Margaret Wilhelmina - 23 December 1903,
• May Arline - 11 April 1906,
• Bobby - 28 June 1909,
• Willard Lee - 26 November 1910,
• Thomas Ira - 3 July 1914,
• Ella Nora - 23 January 1916,
• Verna Belle - 27 March 1919,
• James Frank - 5 March 1922.

Emily married Stephen Henry Raines (b. 15 February 1874). Their children were:

• Charles Howard - b. 9 January 1902/d. after two weeks,
• David Henry - b. 22 April 1903,
• Minnie - b. 6 June 1906,
• Dan - b. 2 April 1910,
• Jesse William - b. 6 October 1911,
• Cora Mae - b. 12 April 1916.

1908 - the youngest son of Konrad and Minnie's, ♡ 34-year-old then Albert Fritz married 17-year-old Miss Martha Elizabeth Gierisch (born on 12 December 1891). Their children:

• Anton Louis - b. 25 November 1908,
• Annie Donie - b. 20 May 1910,
• Estella May - b. 2 February 1912,
• Pauline Gusta - b. 13 November 1913,
• Ima Catherine - b. 18 April 1915,
• Ura Alma -b. 17 December 1916,
• John Henry - b. 26 October 1921,
• Robert - died at birth in 1922.

When most of Konrad and Minnie's children grew up, Konrad sold part of his land in Fly Gap to Mr. August Willmann Sr. Then, Konrad and Minnie moved to New Mexico.

♦ Konrad Schuessler passed four years later on 23 May 1912. He was about 74. Konrad's departure was mentioned in the San Antonio "Freie Presse für Texas" published on 25 May of the same year.

 

Clipping source: Hanschke, Robert. Freie Presse für Texas. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 48, No. 9201, Ed. 1 Saturday, May 25, 1912, newspaper, May 25, 1912; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1084460/: accessed September 19, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

♦ Minnie Lehmann Schuessler, Konrad's wife, died on 23 January 1919.

Information about Hannah Eisenbeiser, the wife of Jake Schuessler, and the family photo was provided by Ms. Karanell Marshall*:

Hannah had four husbands. "They all died before her (...) my great-grandfather Clemens Carl Mueller from Culitzsch, Sachsen (...), Gottlieb Lorenz, and finally a Schneider. His son was John, wife Annie."

Photo: "Clemens Carl and Johanna Eisenbeisser, seated. Standing her daughter Ella from her first marriage with husband Herman Faselar, my grandfather Frank William L, Uncle Dick center, and Uncle Herman, baby. Taken shortly before his [Clemens'] death, 1908.

"My great-grandfather, Clemens Mueller, died in 1909 when my grandfather was just 8. Clemens had gone to hitch the horse to the wagon to go to church. He didn't come back, so Oma sent my grandfather to go see what was taking so long. My grandfather found his father lying dead, with his head bleeding, laying on a rock."

Resources:

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

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

Mason County Marriages

* Information shared by Ms. Karanell Marschall, a descendant of Hannah and Clemens Carl Mueller.

1. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FX3B-RY5 : 22 January 2020), Conrad Schussler, 1859.

2. "Texas, Voter Records, 1867-1918", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WBXN-H5W2 : 15 December 2020), Conrad Schussler, 1869.

3. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K344-Q9Q : 20 February 2021), Conrod Schuessler in entry for Frederick Charles Schuessler, 03 Jan 1934; citing certificate number 474, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,115,948.

4. "Texas, Voter Records, 1867-1918", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WBXN-H5W2 : 15 December 2020), Conrad Schussler, 1869.

5. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-2LB : 29 May 2021), Konrad Schüssler, 1870.

Friedrich Johann Georg Schmidt

Friedrich Johann Georg Schmidt was born in the village of Göttern, Weimarer Land, Thuringia, The Grand Duchy of Saxony, on 7 September 1827. His father was Johann Georg Schmidt. I did not manage to find anything else regarding Friedrich's parents.

Evangelical church in Göttern built in 13th century

When Fritz was about 18, he decided to go to Texas as (like many others) he was not willing to do a mandatory, long-term military service in the army. Probably, Friedrich did not have enough money to pay for the passage - so he stowed away in Antwerp on the ship Strabo. They left the European port on 11 September 1845 (1). During the sea journey, Friedrich made friends with Peter Simon (born 7 April 1829 in Hilzhausen) and his family of Nassau, Prussia. They arrived in Texas on 20 November 1845. Next, the emigrants went to Galveston where they landed on 20 October. Subsequently, the Simons, Fritz, and others traveled by boat to Indianola. They were some of the very first settlers of Fredericksburg in Gillespie County. Later, when some years passed, they relocated to the Llano and San Saba area. Fritz lived with the Simon family.

Friedrich Johann G Schmidt built a log cabin by a spring at the Llano River Valley, in the Simonsville Community area.

On 14 January 1859, Friedrich married Peter's sister, Katharina Jakobina Simon, born 12 October 1820 in Grebenroth, Nassau, Prussia (2). The couple lived in a cabin built by Fritz. They had 12 children, only 8 survived till adulthood.

♦ Ann, the first child, and daughter was born on 18 November 1859,

♦ Karl, the first son was born on 29 May 1861 (3).

♦ Maria was born on 10 February 1863 (4) - tragically, ♦ she died in infancy.

Exactly two years later, son ♦ Phillip was born on 10 February 1865 (5).

♦ William was born 7 March 1867 (6),

Another daughter, ♦ Mathilde, was born to Fritz and Catherine on 12 April 1869 (7).

On 1 June 1870, they were recorded during the Census in Mason County, post office Hedwig's Hill, where Fritz farmed. The family real estate was worth $1000, and the value of their personal estate was $2000 (8).

Daughter ♦ Louise was born on 5 February 1871 (9).

Fritz and Catherine were devoted Lutherans. The very early Lutheran religious service was held at their home. Whenever it took place, they also prepared a meal for the pastor and service attendees.  In 1872, Friedrich Johann Georg Schmidt was one of the signers of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mason. The couple also boarded the Simonsville school teachers.

♦ 1873 - 12-year-old son Karl had a devastating accident while riding a horse. The horse fell together with the boy on it - Karl died.

Another daughter, ♦ Mathilde, was born to Fritz and Catherine on 12 April 1869 (7).

♦ Susanne - I did not find the year of her birth. ♦ The girl died of scarlet fever when she was little.

Son ♦ Frederick William was born on 22 March 1875 (10).

♦ Emma was born to the family in 1878.

Census 1880 - 53-year-old Friedrich and his wife Catherine, and their 8 children Anna, Mary, Felix, Wilhelm, Mathilda, Louisa, Frederick, and Emma lived in Justice Precinct #3, Mason County. The family had a lodger a 30-year-old John Bolinierd, a farmer, who was born in Ohlenburg (Grand Dutchy of Oldenburg?) (11).

A few months after the census, on 5 December 1880, son ♦ Henry Carl, was born to Fritz and Catherine (12).

Fritz and Katherine were grieving again when their daughter ♦ Emma died of blood poisoning. 

Daughter ♦ Carolina (Lina/Lena) was born on 25 April 1882. In the same year, there was another merry celebration in the family - the oldest daughter ♡ Anna married Mr. Adolph Reichenau, born 17 November 1850 in Gillespie County, to Adolph Albert Reichenau and Katharine Arhelger.

♦ Friedrich Johann Georg Schmidt died on 6 December 1891, St. Nicholas Day. Fritz was buried at the Simonsville Cemetery. After his death, Katharine operated the family farm with the help of her grown-up children (13).

♡ 1895 - Phillip married Emilie Sophie Vater, born on 27 May 1874 in Mason County, to August Vater and Emma Catherine Elise Lemburg.

♡ 1896 - Louise was married to Charles Kettner, who was born on 12 March 1866 in Mason County. His parents were Francis Kettner and Kathrina Keller.

♡ 1897 - William married Miss Meta Kott, the daughter of Albert Kott and Maria Jane McDougall. The bride was born on 29 December 1890 in Gillespie County.

♡ 1906 - Henry and Katie Keller were married at Bethel Methodist Church.

♡ 1907 - Lina (25) and Ed (Edward John) Keller (born 26 September 1878, to Adolph Adam Keller and Edna Katherina Regner Reichenau) were united in marriage.

In the same year, ♡ Fred Wilhelm Schmidt married Miss Ellen Louise Hofmann. The girl was born on 3 March 1883 in Mason County, to August Peter Wilhelm Hofmann and Marie Bogusch.

♡ 1909 - 40-year-old Mathilda married a year older Richard Arhelger (born on 26 June 1868 in Fredericksburg, Gillespie County).

♦ Mrs. Katherine Simon Schmidt left this world on 30 August 1921. She lived for about 91 years.

 

Resources:

Photo of the church: Ludwig, Silvio, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/deed.en>, via Wikimedia Commons

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

Mason County marriages 

Findagrave.com 

1. Ships from Europe to Galveston

2. Indianola Immigrants Database 

3. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-F32M : 14 February 2020), Friedrich Schmidt in entry for Carl Schmidt, 1861.

4. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-8N6Z : 14 February 2020), Friedrich Schmidt in entry for Maria Schmidt, 1863.

5. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3W3-94D : 20 February 2021), Philip Schmidt, 14 Nov 1913; citing certificate number 23917, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,050,997.

6. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KS13-KPG : 20 February 2021), William Schmidt, 17 Nov 1944; citing certificate number 51527, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,137,819.

7. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-4QN2 : 14 February 2020), Friedrich Schmidt in entry for Mathilde Schmidt, 1869.

8. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXG3-1MJ : 29 May 2021), Fried Schmidt, 1870.

9. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CS-C5C : 20 February 2021), Fred Schmidt in entry for Kettner, 03 Sep 1933; citing certificate number 39872, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,115,619.

10. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3ZS-M78 : 20 February 2021), Fred W Schmidt, 04 Sep 1951; citing certificate number 45258, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,777

11. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJM-P85 : 20 February 2021), Frederick Schmidt in household of Frederick Schmidt, Precinct 3, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 104, sheet 497C, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,319.

12. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CC-B7Q : 20 February 2021), Henry Carl Schmidt, 01 Dec 1950; citing certificate number 59804, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,550.

13. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-KD5 : accessed 31 August 2021), Frederick Schmidt in household of Catharina Schmidt, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet B, family 133, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658.