Karl August Kensing & Family

Karl was one of the children born to Karl Kensing and Friedericke Reeh. He came to this world on 13 March 1869, in Gillespie County.

On 13 July 1870, Carl, his parents, and elder siblings, Heinrich (born 10 March 1853), August (born 16 February 1855), Christine (born 23 March 1857),  Lina (born 16 June 1859), Anna (born 14 February 1861), Ida (born 15 October 1863), and Maria (born 14 February 1867) were registered during the census at their home in Live Oak Creek settlement, Gillespie County, Texas (1). Carl's half-sister Mina (Wilhelmina), born on 28 January 1848 in Fredericksburg, TX, had left the family home a few months earlier. On ♡ 25 January 1870, she married a widower, Mr. Henry Döll (Doell), born on 22 January 1842 in Prussia (2).

 

Johann Heinrich Doell came to Texas with his father, Johann Adam Doell, mother, Anna Margaretha Kraemer, and brother Georg. They arrived in 1845 on the ship Garonne. The father of the family died in winter 1845/46. Anna later married Mr. Georg Anschutz. During the Civil War, young Henry served with Capt. Alf Hunter's Company of Mason County. Heinrich first married Miss Christiane Eckert (on 7 August 1864) with whom he had three children. Christiane passed on 2 March 1869 (3).

Later, Karl and family moved to Honey Creek, where his younger sister ♦ Sophie Anna arrived on 21 April 1871. 

The Hoo Doo war escalated in Mason County. One of its victims was Mina's husband ♦ Heinrich, a stock raiser. The man was killed on 20 July 1875. Mina and Heinrich had 4 daughters and a son.

 

Clipping source: The Galveston Daily News. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 35, No. 175, Ed. 1 Saturday, July 31, 1875, newspaper, July 31, 1875; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth462794/: accessed July 30, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

In the same year, on Christmas Eve, a merry event in the family. ♡ 18-year-old sister Christina (4) married Jacob Baumann (born 10 May 1852, to Johann Anton Baumann and Katharina Metzger), a rancher. The two lived at Honey Creek, later they moved to Fredericksburg. Christina and Jacob had 5 children.

Not long after that, on ♡ 11 March 1876, Karl's eldest brother Heinrich married about a year younger, Miss Catharine Strackbein, born on 30 November 1854 (5).

Heinrich and Katharine had 6 children.

In ♡ 1876, Mina remarried as well. Her second husband was Herman Theirs. They had seven children. 

Two years later, another sister of Karl's, Lina, started her own family. On ♡ 11 September 1878 (6), she married Mr. Julius Friedrich Lange (born on 13 December 1850), the son of Friedrich Wilhelm Lange and Johanna Friederike Steines.

The newlywed couple found their home at Lange's Mill on Threadgill Creek. Julius Managed the family mill after his mother's death. Lina became a Postmistress of the local post office when it found its seat at Lange's Mill. She bore five children to Julius.

June 1880 - another census came. At that time, Karl Kensing, the father, was recorded as a blacksmith. The Kensings lived then in Justice precinct #2, Gillespie, Texas. 27-year-old brother August lived on his own next to his parents and other younger siblings (7).

♡ August got married not long after the census. On 9 November 1880 (8), he tightened the knot with 21-year-old Bertha Houy (born 16 September 1859). 

 Seven children were born to August and Bertha.

Sister Anna's wedding was on ♡ 1 January 1882 (9). She married Mr. Carl Wilhelm John Schmidt (born 19 January 1860).

Anna and Carl had six children.

As Steven B Kensing mentions in his Family Book*, young Karl August was a boy of his own ideas who not always followed his parents' instructions/orders. That might have been a reason why Karl's father sold the son's pony and rifle. Young Karl left the parents' home (ran away) and lived at his sister Lina's and later with Anna, another sister of his. Finally, he came to Mason, where he made his home. The man worked at a local livery. At that time, Karl often drove Dr. Granstaff when the latter needed to attend his house calls. Then, Karl met Miss Marie Louise Jung /yung/ (born 2 January 1872 in Gillespie County) who was Dr. Granstaff's housekeeper. Karl  repaired rifles as well. 

Karl August's sister Ida also lived in the area. She married Mr. Harry Bierschwale ♡ on 9 May 1885 (10). 

Ida and Harry had four children. Karl August found employment at Ida's husband's tin shop.

Another sister's wedding day came on ♡ 22 May 1886. Maria Anna Mathilda married Christoph Feuge of Klein Frankreich. The spouse was born on 7 May 1858.  They had six children. 

♡ On 15 December 1892, Karl and Louise got married (11). The bride was the daughter of Karl Jung and Anna Tietze. The newlyweds lived in Mason.

A half a year later, ♡ on 3 June 1893, the youngest sister of Karl's Sophie Anna was married to William Caulder.  Later, Sophie ran her own grocery store, William was a painter and paper hanger. They had five children.

♦ The first son/child was born to Karl and Maria Louisa on 4 May 1895. They called him Harry William (12).

♦ Daughter Bessie Marie was born on 4 September 1899 (13).

1st day of June 1900 - Carl, Mary, and Bessie Kensing were recorded in Mason Township (ED53) during the census. Carl's occupation was given as "tinner" (14).

A week later, sister ♦ Maria Anna Kensing Feuge died of typhoid fever on 8 June 1900. She was 33 years old.

The family met at another funeral ceremony two years after Maria's death. ♦ Karl's father, Karl Sr., passed on 26 June 1902.

♦ Son Harold Henry was born to Karl on 8 January 1903. At the end of the year, grief visited the Kensing family again. On 21 November, Karl's mother died.

♦ Daughter Anna Louise was born on 8 April 1906 (15).

In about 1910, Charlie started working in an automobile sales and repairs place. Later he founded Mason Auto Company and bought some acres in the area as well. Charles' garage, which was also used as a storage place of the firemen's equipment got burned twice.

16 April 1910, census clerk, Mr. Lamar Thaxton visited Carl's home in Justice Precinct 1, Mason, at "(part of) all south public road". Charles A Kensing was then a "machinist" who worked at his own shop (16).

♦ Son George Washington was born on 6 January 1914 (17).

WW1 came, and 22-year-old son Harry got drafted. Then, the man worked at his father's Auto Company garage (18).

Harry William was enlisted on 10 December 1917 and served with Company C Replacement Unit Motor Transport Corps. From 17 September to 26 July 1919, the soldier (SN 1 111 866) was at the war front in Europe (19).

Sergeant 1st Class H W Kensing was honorably discharged on 6 August 1919 (20).

A few months before Harry came back home, Marie Louise's mother, ♦ Ms. Anna Tietze Jung died on 8 February 1919 in Fredericksburg (21). Karl's mother-in-law lived 71 years, 5 months, and 21 days. The lady was  buried at the City Cemetery.

A merry event came again ♡ on 20 July 1920 when Harry married Miss Nettie Oldham (born 29 February 1888).

♡ Harold Henry got married on 25 July 1925. His wife was Maude Smart, born on 18 October 1910.  The couple had two sons, Kenneth, born 12 February 1926 (22) and Lee Roy, born 24 September 1927.

Another death in the family took Marie's father, ♦ Mr. Charles Jung, stonemason, on 30 May 1925. The man had suffered from cardiac problems and nephritis as well (23).

A chain of sorrow seems to have no end - Karl's youngest sister, 45-year-old ♦ Sophia Anna Kensing Cronley died of apoplexy on 31 August of the very same year (24).

A year later, painful news came one more time - heart paralysis took ♦ Anna Kensing Schmidt, Karl's sister. She passed on 11 December 1926 in Fredericksburg. Anna lived 65 years, 8 months, and 27 days (25). 

Tears and happy moments followed each other. ♡ 21-year-old daughter Anna Louise married Adolph Heep (born 26 March 1905) on 5 September 1927 (26).

 

 

The couple had two daughters, Mary Ann, born on 13 September 1828, and Betty Ann who was born on 15 November 1829 (27).

 

♡ Daughter Bessie Marie married Emil Ischar (born on 5 November 1890) on 4 March 1928. They had a daughter Doris Colleen and a son Charles Bernhardt.

A serious of deaths brought sorrow again and again. Karl's half-sister, ♦ Wilhelmina died on 8 January 1929. A year later, on ♦ 27 April, 75-year-old brother August passed. The man's death was caused by pellagra/low levels of vitamin B3 in his body (28).

4 April 1930 - only the youngest son, 16-year-old then George, lived with his parents at the family home in Precinct 1, Mason, TX. The boy worked at his father's garage. Karl Kensing, the garage owner, was 61, Marie, his wife, 59 (29).

Another death in the family - ♦ on 29 August 1930, sister Christina Kensing Baumann died.

♦ Sister Ida Kensing Bierschwale died on 22 June 1934.

♦ Brother Henry Kensing died of heart failure on 2 March 1938, at 12:20 AM, in Doss, Gillespie County. He was 84 (30).

Clipping source: The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 22, No. 9, Ed. 1 Friday, March 4, 1938, newspaper, March 4, 1938; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth896835/: accessed July 31, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library.

Karl's wife ♦ Marie Louise Jung died of cancer in 1940, on 27 May, at 9 PM. The lady had suffered from the disease for 2 years, she was 68 years old on the day of her death (31). 

Not long after his mother's passing, on 19 November 1940, George Washington enlisted into the Army at Fort Sam Houston (32). It was WWII time. George was part of the Second Infantry Division, 23rd Regiment ATCO/Headquarters Company and also served with 394th Infantry Regiment.

Three years later, on ♡ 13 January, the man married Lina Zimmerman (born 8 June 1874), a widow. The marriage did not work out, and Charlie lived then at Marie's sister Tillie Hahne's.

♦ Charles August Kensing died from coronary thrombosis on 28 January 1945 in Fredericksburg. He lived 75 years, 10 months, and 15 days (33). All siblings, except one sister Lina, had crossed over already. Charles was buried near his first wife, Marie Louise. in Gooch Cemetery, Mason.

In the very same year, on ♡ 6 December (34), son George Washington Kensing married Amanda Erna Goewe (born 10 February 1923). 

Later, George remarried on ♡ 6 November 1954 (35). His second wife was Ufa Bennett.

 UPDATE

Information provided by Mr. Steven Kensing: "Anna and Adolph Heep's daughters were:

 - Mary Helen named for her 2 grandmothers. Died in infancy, buried in Catholic Cemetery in Fredericksburg.

 - Betty Ann was born in 1929. Married Arthur Crenwelge. One daughter, Shelley Vaughn Crenwelge."

Resources:

*"Kensing, A Family Tree" by Steven B Kensing,

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

Findagrave.com 

Mason County Marriages

1. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXL5-KS9 : 29 May 2021), Carl Kensing in entry for Case Kensing, 1870.

2. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VJ1 : 10 March 2021), Henry Doll and Menia Kensing, 25 Jan 1870; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

3.  The Mason County "Hoo Doo" War, 1874-1902 by David D Johnson, University of North Texas Press, Denton, Texas, 2006.

 4.  "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VGH : 10 March 2021), Jacob Baumann and Christine Kensing, 24 Dec 1875; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

5. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VP3 : 10 March 2021), Heinrich Kensing and Catharine Strackbein, 11 Mar 1876; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

6. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-PSM : 10 March 2021), Julius Lange and Lina Kensing, 11 Sep 1878; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

7. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFN8-5BB : 20 February 2021), Charley Kensing in household of Carl Kensing, Precinct 2, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 62, sheet 273D, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,305.

8. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9KZ7 : 10 March 2021), August Kensing and Bertha Hony, 09 Nov 1880; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802. 

9. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9J91 : 22 December 2016), Carl Schmidt and Anna Kensing, 01 Jan 1882; citing , Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.

10. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9J63 : 22 December 2016), Harry Bierschsvale and Ida Kensing, 09 Mar 1885; citing , Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.

11. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9V9X : 10 March 2021), Charles Kensing and Mary Jung, 15 Dec 1892; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.

12. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6PM-B9S : 13 February 2020), Charles A. Kensing in entry for Harry William Kensing, 1895.

13."Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3S3-61D : 20 February 2021), Chas August Kensing in entry for Bessie Marie Tochar, 20 Jan 1947; citing certificate number 3433, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,218,565.

14. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-FX4 : accessed 31 July 2021), Chas Kensing, Mason Township Mason, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 53, sheet 1A, family 2, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658.

15. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX99-L8Q : 1 March 2021), Chas Kensing in entry for Kensing, 08 Apr 1906; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 104258, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,371,100. 

16. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q4-CM4 : accessed 31 July 2021), Charles A Kensing, Justice Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 197, sheet 2A, family 39, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589.

17. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLSQ-XZC : 1 March 2021), Chas Kensing in entry for George Washington Kensing, 06 Jan 1914; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 2712, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,153,664.

18. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-Y7C : 23 February 2021), Harry William Kensing, 1917-1918.

19. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-XF3K : 9 March 2021), Harry W Kensing, 10 Dec 1917; citing Military Service, San Antonio, Bexar, Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

20. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPTV-7BKW : 17 October 2019), Harry Wiliam Kensing, 6 Aug 1919; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

21. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3SR-5WL : 20 February 2021), Anna Jung, 08 Feb 1919; citing certificate number 6969, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,561.

22. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXMF-W5T : 1 March 2021), Harold Kensing in entry for Kenneth Lincoln Kensing, 12 Feb 1926; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 12347, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,240,078.

23. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K37N-FL4 : 20 February 2021), Carl Jung, 30 May 1925; citing certificate number 17933, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,113,846.

24. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K379-Y15 : 20 February 2021), Kensing in entry for Sophia Anna Cronley, 31 Aug 1925; citing certificate number 28762, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,113,922.

25. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K37P-7XB : 20 February 2021), Anna Schmidt, 11 Dec 1926; citing certificate number 41771, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,211.

26. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K61F-15S : 23 February 2021), Adolph Heep and Anna Kensing, 06 Sep 1927; citing Marriage, citing Tom Greene, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 4,255,800.

27. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6PM-9B2 : 13 February 2020), Anna Kensing in entry for Betty Ann Heep, 1929.

28. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K33Y-CZZ : 20 February 2021), August Kensing, 27 Apr 1930; citing certificate number 18653, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,135,323.

29. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HXTT-HN2 : accessed 31 July 2021), C A Kensing, Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 2, sheet 1A, line 9, family 3, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2375; FHL microfilm 2,342,109.

30. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3M3-3FR : 20 February 2021), Henry Kensing, 02 Mar 1938; citing certificate number 12855, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,117,658.

31. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3MG-H76 : 20 February 2021), Mary L Kensing, 27 May 1940; citing certificate number 23425, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,118,507.

32. "United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8PL-P7K : 5 December 2014), George W Kensing, enlisted 19 Nov 1940, Ft Sam Houston, Texas, United States; citing "Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946," database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (http://aad.archives.gov : National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 1263923, National Archives at College Park, Maryland.

33. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3S8-252 : 20 February 2021), Charles A Kensing, 28 Jan 1945; citing certificate number 1981, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,137,867.

34. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1H-DSWM : 23 February 2021), George W Kensing and Amanda Erna Goewe, 06 Dec 1945; citing Marriage, citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 1,764,046.

35. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K61K-HBC : 23 February 2021), George Washington Kensing and Ufa Ethel Bennett, 06 Nov 1954; citing Marriage, citing Concho, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 4,468,478.

 

Karl Friedrich Eckert & Family

Karl Friedrich was the oldest son of Georg Bernhardt Eckert and Margarethe Eckert's. 

Georg was born on 26 January 1793 in Prussia to Johann Peter (stock farmer) and Eva Christina Eckert. The man served in the Prussian army and fought for his country during one of the military conflicts which rolled over Europe then.

After the service, on 20 June 1820, 27-year-old Georg Bernhardt married 4-year-old younger Anna Margarethe Holoch (born 17 December 1797). They settled in Hüffenhardt, county Mosbach, Baden province, not far from the Neckar River. It was a region where grapevine (mainly) were cultivated and all its inhabitants were farmers.

Georg and Anna had 8 children:

• Katharina Margaretha - born 16 November 1820,
• Karl Friedrich - born 5 October 1822,
• Georg Philipp - born 10 November 1824,
• Bernhardt - born 18 December 1826,
• Elisabetha - born 8 March 1829,
• Eva Christina - born 12 September 1831,
• Ludwig - born 19 October 1834,
• Wilhelm Peter - born 15 October 1838.

Young Karl did his mandatory service in the Prussian army.

♦ 21 August 1832 - death came to the family - baby Eva Christina left this world.

Karl's mother ♦ Anna Margaretha Holoch Eckert died on 15 November 1838.

Tragically, three days later, on ♦ 18 November, Karl's youngest brother Wilhelm Peter passed as well. Maybe the two - mother and baby contracted the same disease?

The oldest sister of Karl's, ♡ Katharina Margaretha got married on 3 September 1844. Her spouse was Johan Georg Grosz, a shoemaker (born 7 November 1816, Schwanheim, Baden).

After Katharina's marriage, Georg Bernhardt Eckert (the father of the family) lived with the daughter and her husband Johan Georg.

♡ The marriage ceremony of Karl Friedrich and his bride Eva Christina Guethoerle took place on 2 October 1846. Karl was 24 and Eva was 22. She was born on 10 March 1824 at Obergim, Baden.

Karl was a farmer, he grew vine and ran a winery. Four children were born to the young couple in
Hüffenhardt:

♦ Elizabeth - appeared on 7 February 1846,

♦ Katharine - born on 13 October 1847,

♦ Karl Earnest - arrived on 11 January 1849,

♦ Louis Georg - born 29 October 1850.

In 1846, Yonkers (Jonkers) Eckert, one of Karl's cousins and his father's nephew, emigrated with his immediate family to Texas. Those Eckerts were part of the group of  the very first settlers who reached the Fredericksburg area on 8 May 1846. Messages from Yonkers encouraged Karl and his siblings to relocate to Texas as well. Katharina, her spouse, and Georg Bernhardt, the father of the family, stayed in Prussia. The latter one did not want to leave the country he had fought for during the war.

Anyway, Karl (age 31), his wife (29) and children, Elisabetha (24), Bernhardt (27), his fiancee Christina Dirolf, and Georg Philipp (29). Since only 4 people from one family were allowed to get passports, Bernhardt and Georg claimed two of Karl's children as their own (Bernhardt one and Georg one).

The family reached Indianola in March 1853. They were met by cousin Yonkers Eckert who lived in Fredericksburg. The Eckerts traveled by wagon to Victoria where the party separated due to Bernhardt's sickness. Bernhardt, his fiancee, and Georg stayed there, the rest moved on to Fredericksburg. At the beginning, the Karl Eckerts lived at their cousin Yonker's. Since they were of Lutheran faith, the family became members of the Zion Lutheran Church.

♡ 1 May 1853, Elisabetha Eckert was married to Johann Georg Ischar.

♡ 3 May 1853, Georg Philipp married Margareda Karolina Vogler at Victoria, Texas. Margareda was born on 18 August 1828, and she had also emigrated from Prussia. Later, Georg Philipp and his newly-married wife joined the family in Fredericksburg. 

After about two years, Karl Friedrich and his people relocated and settled in Hilda community, Mason County. Karl built log and rock fences around his land on Beaver Creek started farming and raising cattle.

♦ Son Heinrich was born to Karl and Christine on 6 December 1856 (1).

In 1860, Karl received a message from Prussia about his ♦ sister's death. Katherina died at the age of 40, on 20 February of the same year. 

♦ Emma was born on 5 April 1861. 

 

A merry event in the family - ♡ daughter Elisabeth married Johan Martin Dittmar on 11 December 1864. The two settled at Cherry Spring.

♦ Twins Johann and Bernhardt arrived on 25 February 1865. Little Bernhardt died in 1866.

Besides cattle and livestock, Karl had many horses. It happened though, that all of them were stolen by Indians who raided the neighborhood.

4 June 1870, Karl (Charles now) and family were recorded at Hedwig's Hill, Mason County during the census. They were as listed: Charles (47), Christine (45), Charles (21), Ludwig (19), Henry (13), Emma (9), John (5). The family real estate was worth $80, and the estimated value of the family personal property was $1500. Their immediate neighbors were Elisabeth (Eckert) and Johann Ischar, the August Brockmanns, then, the John Andereggs, and the Bickenbachs (2). 

The children helped Karl and Eva with the farm and housework. Karl F Eckert often employed workers who did various jobs at the family estate. One of the men was stonemason Christian Strackbein. Young Christian and Katherine, the second child of Karl and Eva Christina's, fell for each other. On ♡ 16 December 1870, the two got married (3) and made their home in Fredericksburg.

In 1871, when his niece Katharina and nephew Ludwig (children of the late sister Katharina Grosz's, nee Eckert) decided to come to Texas. The two uncles - Karl and Georg Philipp - sent them the money for the passage, then. When the two young relations arrived in Mason County, they worked hard to repay the debt to their uncles.

In November of the same year, Karl met a Lutheran minister in Fredericksburg. It was Rev. E. Huber who had arrived from Germany. Mr. Eckert brought the minister to Mason County and as a result of that, the first Lutheran services were held there. At first, they took place at Karl F Eckert's home. The man was one of the thirteen charter members who on 15 February 1872, signed the constitution founding the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mason.

♡ Karl Earnest, the third child of Karl's born in Prussia, was united in marriage with Miss Mina Schupp on 15 July 1872. The young couple started their life together in Fredericksburg.

♡ 1873 - Karl and Georg Philipp's niece Katharina was married to Karl Hofmann (carpenter, cabinetmaker, and undertaker) on 20 April.

A year later, saddening news came from the old country. ♦ Georg Bernhardt Eckert, Karl's father, passed on 11 March.

♡ 10 April 1878, Ludwig (Karl's late sister Katharine's son) married Christina Maria Ischar. The newlyweds were first cousins.

June 1880, another census was done. Louis (28), Henry 23, Emma (19), and John (15) lived with the parents Charles (58) and Christine (56) at their home in Precinct #4, Mason County. The neighborhood had changed. The Eckerts closest neighbors were the John Dearings and the Adolph Boons. Then there were Georg Philipp Eckert and his family, the Henry Pluennekes, the Christian Loefflers, Henry Geistweidt, Louis Mund, and the JC Andereggs (4).

Two years later, on 9 February, the fourth child of Karl and Eva's, ♡ Louis Georg married Carolina Herbort (5). The young couple made their home in the Hilda Community. 

 

14 February 1883, ♡ Heinrich (Henry), Karl's fifth child, was united in wedlock with Martha Carolina Christina Klaerner (6). 

The marriage ceremony took place at Karl Eckert's home. Henry and Martha's wedding present given to them by Karl and Eva was a piece of land on which later, Henry built a house.

On 18 September in the same year, there was another marriage in the family. ♡ Emma married Adolph Gustav Loeffler.

♡ Johann (John), Karl's seventh child, who was named after his grandfather Johann Guethoerle got married on 10 February 1893. His bride was Sarah Elizabeth Anderegg. For the three first years of their marriage, the newlyweds lived in the Hilda community. Later, they moved with their children to the Ranch Branch community, where they settled for good.

♦ Karl Friedrich Eckert passed on 2 February 1913. His wife Eva Christina lived about 4 years longer, she died on 25 June 1917. The couple was buried at the family cemetery.

Resources:

"Eckert Record. Story of Georg Bernhardt Eckert and his Descendants 1793-1957" by Mrs. Estella Hartmann Orrison, San Angelo, Texas, 1957.

1. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LGH-873Z : 14 February 2020), Heinrich Eckert, 1856.

2. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-S5G : 2 January 2021), Ema Eckert in entry for Chale Eckert, 1870.

3. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VK8 : 10 March 2021), Christian Strackbein and Katharine Eckert, 16 Dec 1870; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

4. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9J3S : 22 December 2016), Louis Eckert and Caroline Herbert, 09 Feb 1882; citing , Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.

 5. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJ9-MTT : 20 February 2021), Emma Eckert in household of Charles F Eckert, Precinct 4, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 104, sheet 499D, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,319. 

6. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9JQD : 10 March 2021), Heinrich Eckert and Martha Klaerner, 14 Feb 1883; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.

Alfred Wilhelm Kensing & Family

Wilhelm Alfred Kensing, born on 5 July 1885, was the eldest son of Friedrich Heinrich Kensing and Mathilde Lemburg. The baby boy was christened at the Hilda/Bethel Methodist Church in Mason (1). His grandfather was Johann Friedrich Heinrich Kensing and Hanne Justine Wilhelmine and Sophia Louise Borchers.

 

Alfred went to school in Mason. In the days of his youth, Alfred Wilhelm did many jobs to support the family. He worked in freighting, well drilling, farming, he was also a carpenter and a ranch hand, and cattle drover.

On 24 December 1913, the man married Miss Marie Gross (born 21 August 1894 in Mason County), the daughter of Louis Georg Gross and Christine Marine Ischar. The wedding took place at the bride's home in Grossville.

 

Ida attended the Grossville school. When she was a young girl, she picked cotton in the summertime and worked for the neighborhood families as a live-in maid. 

After their marriage, Albert and Ida lived in a tent, owned only very little, only a few necessary items, and both worked for small wages to make a living. 

• Ernest Eddie was born on 23 July 1914 (2).
• Seth Herbert was born on 8 March 1916 in Big Spring, Howard, Texas (3).
• Esther Lucille was born on 9 February 1918 in Mason, Mason, Texas (4).

In 1919/1920, the family lived in Menard (5). Alfred and Ida were employed by Mr. Charlie Kothmann on his ranch. 

• Leroy T was born on 16 December 1919 in Menard, TX (6). His twin brother Elroy died at birth.

 

Later, they moved to Fort McKavett, and the Billy Bevins Ranch near Opp. After that, the Alfred W Kensings relocated to Mason County.

• Emma Marie was born on 1 September 1921, Mason, Texas (7)
  
• Alfred and Ida lost their baby - died at birth in Mason on 25 May 1925 (8). 

 

 

1930 Census recorded Alfred and his family (wife Ida, children Seth H, Ernest E, Leroy, and Emmie M) in Justice Precinct #6, Mason, Texas. Alfred was a farmer (9).

• Wilburn Perry was born on 26 March 1931, Mason, Mason, Texas (10).
•  Richard Alfred was born on 10 September 1934 in Mason, Mason, Texas (11).

In 1940, Alfred, Ida, and their children still lived in Justice Precinct #1, Mason. The man's occupation was "Contractor". Alfred W Kensing worked in "Building" then (12).

 

 

During WW2, Alfred also did construction work in San Antonio. In his older years, he worked as a carpenter.

 

Seth married Miss Linda d'Spain on 5 May 1941 in Menard, TX (13).

 

Esther Lucille married August Daniel Jordan (b. 20 November 1917 in Mason County) about 1941. He was the son of Daniel Anton Jordan and Estella Sophie Pluenneke. Later, on 21 July 1984 Esther was married to William Edgar Hartmann (14). His parents were Konrad Hartmann and Rosa Anna Eckert.

 

Emma Marie married ID Trammell on 13 January 1942, Williamson, Texas (15).

Lee Roy married miss Betty Lula Latimer (b. 29 May 1925, McCulloch Counyt, TX) in El Paso, TX on 17 November 1942. She was the daughter of Charles Alfred Latimer and Becky Haleen Huffmann (16).

In 1953, Wilburn Perry married Marilyn Joyce Ohlenbusch (b. 5 December 1932). Her parents were Ernest A Ohlenbusch and Martha S Schmidt (17).

 

Ida and Alfred were members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mason.

Alfred enjoyed fishing in his spare time. On 15 October 1955, together with Mr. Ernest Reichenau, he went fishing on the James River. Tragically, Mr. Kensing suffered a stroke during the fishing trip. The man died on the next day in Mason Memorial Hospital. Alfred W Kensing was buried at the Gooch Cemetery in Mason.

After the husband's passing, Ida lived in an apartment in Mason. She was keen on quilting and growing flowers (18). Ida Maria Kensing died on 19 November 1981.

 

Resources:

1. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LGR-TDMM : 14 February 2020), Wilhelm Alfred Kensing, 1885.

2. "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV2V-XRWP : 9 June 2020), Ernest E Kensing, 1977; Burial, , ; citing record ID , Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

3. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KSYR-FPP : 13 March 2018), Alfred W Kensing in entry for Seth Herbert Kensing, 15 Apr 1972; citing certificate number 29258, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,223,768.

4. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X2KD-8JN : 4 April 2020), Esther Lucille Kensing, 09 Feb 1918; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 9296, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,503,144.

5. "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MH1S-P2Q : accessed 12 February 2021), Ernst Kensing in household of Alfred Kensing, Menard, Texas, United States; citing , sheet , line , family , NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll ; FHL microfilm. 

6. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X22F-RLS : 4 April 2020), Leroy T Kinsing, 16 Dec 1919; citing , Menard, Texas, United States, certificate 62508, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,492,608.

7. "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V8CD-Q53 : 5 December 2014), Emmie Marie Kensing, 01 Sep 1922; from "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2005); citing Texas Department of State Health Services.

8.  "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3Q1-L5P : 13 March 2018), Alfred Kensing in entry for MM9.1.1/K3Q1-L5G:, 19 May 1925; citing certificate number 19004, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,113,920.

9. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HXTL-2ZM : accessed 12 February 2021), Esther L Kensing in household of Alfred Kensing, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 6, sheet 5A, line 10, family 94, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2375; FHL microfilm 2,342,109.

10. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHNY-V44 : 4 April 2020), Alfred Kensing in entry for Wilburn Perry Kensing, 26 Mar 1931; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 25226, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,281,405.

11. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K6G3-1YD : 4 April 2020), Alfred Kensing in entry for Richard Alfred Kensing, 10 Sep 1934; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 74864, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,283,672.

12. "United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K4SW-YL4 : 10 January 2021), Ernest Kensing in household of Alf Kensing, Justice Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 160-2, sheet 5B, line 59, family 125, Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012, roll 4103. 

13. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV14-SBCV : 7 December 2020), Seth Kensing and Linda d'Spain, 05 May 1941; citing Marriage, citing Menard, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 4,333,494.

14. "Texas Marriages, 1966-2010," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VT17-5GN : 6 December 2014), William E Hartmann and Esther Kensing, 21 Jul 1984; citing Tom Green, Texas, United States, certificate number 108985, Vital Statistics Unit, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin.

15. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1H-526J : 7 December 2020), L D Trammell and Emma Marie Kensing, 13 Jan 1942; citing Marriage, citing Williamson, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 1,579,018.

16, 17. Fingagrave.com 

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