Frank Emil Jordan

Frank Emil was the son of Daniel Jordan and Emilie Willmann. He was born on 19 February 1896 in Plehweville. The boy received his primary education in the one-room school in Plehweville. Later, he studied at Mason High School, Cherokee Junior College, and Southern Methodist University. 

When WW1 time came, Frank was registered by the Army on 5th June 1918 (1).

He was enlisted a few months later, on 3 September. Private Frank Emil Jordan served with the Headquarters Detachment 19 Field Artillery. Luckily, the war ended in November, and he was not sent overseas (2).

 

After his honorable discharge on 7 February 1919 (2), Frank came back to Mason County and helped his parents with ranching.

On 17 December 1919, 23-year-old Frank got married. His bride was 19-year-old Miss Ella Lillie Eckert (b. 16 January 1900) the daughter of John Dietrich and Mathilda (Kothmann) Eckert. The Eckerts also lived in Plehweville, and young Ella was a graduate of the San Antonio Women's College.

Frank bought a few tracts of land, ranched and raised cattle.

27 January 1920 - Frank and Ella lived in Justice Precinct #7, Mason County, next to his parents Dan and Emilie, and siblings Milton, Gilbert, and Emelia (3).

♦ Son John Driskell was born to Frank and Ella on 30 December 1920 (4, 5).

Some animals of Frank's livestock were awarded the championship medals in the national Stock Show contests. Frank E Jordan was also a judge in the stock show competitions.  

♦ The first daughter Ethel Mae was born on 6 January 1928 in Art (6).

 

♦ The second daughter Louis Laverne was born on 23 April 1932 in Mason (7).

♦ Son Willard Kenneth was born on 27 October 1934 in Art (8).

Four years later, on ♦ 17 June, Frank's father Daniel died. He was buried in Art West Cemetery.

1935 - the Jordan family had their reunion which was noted in the local newspaper.

Clipping source: The Llano News. (Llano, Tex.), Vol. 47, No. 34, Ed. 1 Thursday, August 8, 1935, newspaper, August 8, 1935; Llano, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth823818/: accessed December 1, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Llano County Public Library.

 Census 1940, 10 April - Frank (age 43), Ella (age 40) and children JD (age 19), Ethel Mae (age 12), Louis Lorene (age 7), and Willard Kenneth (age 5) were registered at their homestead in Justice Precinct #7 (9).

♦ Two years later, on 6 December, Mrs. Mathilda Kothamnn Eckert, Ella's mother passed.

♡ John Driskell married Carolyn Joyce La Barr a few weeks later on Christmas Eve. John was a Texas Farm Bureau field representative and operated a registered Hereford Ranch. The couple had 3 children.

December 1948 brought death to the family again. Ella's father, ♦ John Dietrich Eckert died on the first day of the month.

Frank and Ella Jordan were very active regarding their social and community life.

The man was a co-organizer of Mid Texas and the Hill Country Hereford Associations. Mr. Jordan was also their first president and the director of the Concho Hereford Association as well.  

♡ Ethel Mae got married when she was 22. On 21 December 1950, she became the wife of Harold Newman Byrn (born on 27 March 1922 in Wade, Oklahoma). At the time of the marriage, Harold was a student of seminary at the Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, TX. He graduated from the school in 1951 with Bachelor's degree and high honors. Then, the two lived in Arizona and Southern California, where Harold served as a minister (10). The couple had 1 child.

♡ Willard married Miss Peggy Joyce Chew on 7 April 1954. She was born on 5 February 1935, to Dayton Cecil and Ruby Edna (Wainscott) Chew. Willard and Peggy had 2 children. Mr. Willard Jordan was the runner-up to the World Champion Auctioneer. He owned and operated the Junction Stockyard.

♡ Louis Laverne Jordan married William Wayne Koock in 1959. The bride was 27, her spouse (11) was 2 years younger (born on 22 January 1934, to William K Koock and Vera Henrietta Dannheim). William worked for Dr. Pepper Company. They had 3 children.

Death once more on ♦ 6 June 1963 - Mrs. Emilie Willman Jordan, Frank's mother passed on that day.

Frank and Ella celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary on 17 December 1969.

1972 - Frank was granted life membership of the Texas Hereford Association for his contribution to the Herefords promotion. Ella became the first member of the Texas Hereford Auxiliary and was awarded a  gold plaque for her efforts related to the Hereford business. The lady taught music at home, she was a pianist and the organist at the local church. Mrs. Ella Jordan was a very active lady. She was a Sunday School teacher, the President of the Mason Methodist Women's Missionary Society, and its district officer for eight years. Moreover, she was the president of the Federated Women's Club,  the director of the local Historical Society, and was involved in the works of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Frank Jordan was elected (twice) a delegate to the Methodist General Conference and was vice president of the Conference Youth Work Board. Many times he was a delegate to the Church Annual Conference as well. He was also a member of the Methodist Hospitals and Homes Conference Board. Adittionally, Mr. Jordan was the director of the San Saba Production Credit Association (for 9 years), and its president for 2 years. He held the position of Mason County Fair Board director and the director of the Mason County Historical Society.

If that was not enough, Frank and Ella took care of 3400 acres they acquired during their marriage. Despite being so busy, the couple managed to find time to do some trips around the US. They also visited Canada and Mexico. 

Frank Emil Jordan passed over on ♦ 28 February 1987 in Gillespie County, TX (12). Ella lived about ten years longer. She died on ♦ 24 May 1997 (13).

Sources:

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

Mason County Marriages 

Findagrave.com

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

2, "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-XD1D : 9 March 2021), Frank Emil Jordan, 03 Sep 1918; citing Military Service, Mason, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

3. "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHBQ-4DX : accessed 27 November 2021), Frank Jordan, Mason, Texas, United States; citing , sheet , line , family , NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll ; FHL microfilm .

4. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X2TT-4D9 : 1 March 2021), Frank Emel Jordon in entry for J D Jordon, 30 Dec 1920; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 68562, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,519,763.

5. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X2TT-4D3 : 1 March 2021), John Driskell Jordan, 30 Dec 1920; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 68562, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,519,763.

6. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VH8H-M8J : 1 March 2021), Ethyl Mae Jordan, 06 Jan 1928; citing Art, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 5746, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,240,509.

7.  "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K6G8-CTP : 1 March 2021), Lois Laverne Jordan, 23 Apr 1932; citing Art, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 31920, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,281,854.

8. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K6G7-ZJZ : 1 March 2021), Frank Emil Jordan in entry for Willard Kenneth Jordan, 27 Oct 1934; citing Art, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 85214, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,283,676.

9. "United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K4S4-SSJ : 10 January 2021), Frank E Jordon, Justice Precinct 7, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 160-7, sheet 2A, line 3, family 23, 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.

10. Rev. Harold N Byrn - obituary

11. "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VDGZ-3YT : 1 January 2015), William Wayne Koock, 22 Jan 1934; from "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2005); citing Texas Department of State Health Services

12. "Texas Death Index, 1964-1998," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JVTP-NY9 : 5 December 2014), Frank Emil Jordan, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing Department of State Health Services, Austin.

13. "Texas Death Index, 1964-1998," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JV5W-MZ2 : 5 December 2014), Ella Lillie Jordan, Mason, Texas, United States; citing Department of State Health Services, Austin.

August Willmann Family

August, the youngest child of Anton Willmann and Theresa Knolle, was born on 2 October 1851 in Rauschwitz (Ruszowice), Silesia, then Prussia, now Poland.

The boy was about two when the family came to Texas. Not long after that, his mom died. In 1860, the census found them in Comal County, where August lived with his father, stepmother, and sibling, Hermann, Theresa, Pius, Maria, Wilhelm, Johanne, and Anna. Mr. Anton was a farmer, Hermann worked as a wagoner (1). Ten years later, the Anton Willmanns still lived in Justice Precinct 2, Comal County. 19-year-old then August had more siblings. Mathilda, Heinrich, Emilie, Louise, Caroline, Anton, and Christine had joined the family as well (2). 

The young men farmed with his father, the younger children helped with the house and farm work too. At that time, August left home and worked at other farms for about $12 per month. He met a Mr. Fischer of Fredericksburg who were visiting New Braunfels. The man asked August to work for him and the two went to Fredericksburg. While staying at Mr. Fischer's, August Willmann rode horseback to the Llano River Valley and Upper Willow Creek where he participated in church services. One of the families who attended them also were the Ernst Jordans. Since there was a lot of work in the area, the young man relocated to Mason County and stayed with the Jordans.

On 28 November 1878, August married Miss Sophie Jordan, the daughter of Ernst Jordan and Lisette Bickenbach. The bride was born on 23 March 1854. At first, the newlyweds rented a farm. After a year, August purchased 400 acres, and with the help of his brother-in-law Peter Jordan built a house. The construction was based on a wooden frame and had stone walls. With the time passing by, the house was gradually expanded and in its final version had 10 rooms, including a bath, cellar, and porches. The family got the water from Willow Creek and from a small well drilled near the house.

In 1880, 29-year-old August and his wife Sophie were registered in Precinct No. 1, Mason County, during the census (3). August raised livestock. He fenced his land with rail fences. After some time, t man bought some more land. Life and farming were good there so soon, other August's family members came to Mason County and settled there as well.

August and Sophie had six children.

♦ Louis C, born on 16 July 1881 (4).

♦ Ernest Fritz, born on 7 November 1884 (5),

♦ Emil (John Henry Emil), born 7 September 1887 (6),

♦ Minnie A, born 6 May 1890 (7),

♦ August Anton, born 3 August 1895 (8),

and ♦ Lillie Sophie, born 25 October 1897.

Three years later, the family was recorded during the census in Justice Precinct #6, Mason County. August, the father, was 49, Sophie, his wife 46. The eldest son Louis was 19, the youngest child Lillie was 3. Louis worked with his dad at the family farm (9). Other kids - Ernest, age 16, Emil, age 13, Mina, age 10, and August age 5, also helped their parents to do everyday chores. However, they did that before and after school hours.

The children did their primary education at the Plehweville school. Their parents taught them all they needed to know about house and farm/ranch work. They also received religious instructions at the German Episcopal Methodist Church South.

♡ ♡ 1906 - Louis married Miss Ida Durst, Ernest married Miss Cora Donop, daughter of Otto von Donop Jr. and Suzanne Meckel.

1910 census - by that time, Emil and August were fully involved in running the family farm. The August Willmanns had a live-in servant in the person of 26-year-old Miss Lizzie Bickenbach (10).

♡ 1913 - Minnie married Rev. E W Dechert, born in 1888.

♡ 1 June 1916 - John Henry Emil started his own family. His bride was Miss Ida Louise Erck (11), born 3 June 1888. She was the daughter of Ms. Lizette Klingeman.

Emil had already worked in San Antonio as a bookkeeper. Sadly, Ida got sick with influenza two years later. It developed into pneumonia and within 19 days of sickness, Mrs. Ida Louise Willmann passed on ♦ 26 March 1918, she was 30 years old (12).

On 12 September 1918, Ernest Fritz was registered during the WW1 draft. The man worked as an assistant cashier at the Mason National Bank then (13).

Some time after his wife's death, John Henry Emil devoted himself to the studies at Georgetown Southwestern University, and later, became a Methodist preacher. On ♡ 4 January 1921, Emil married again. His second wife was Miss Hedwig (Hattie) Emilie Donop, born 23 October 1890, to August Ernest Donop and Maria Elizabeth Leifeste. In 1924, after the three-year trial period,  J H E Willmann started his career as a religious Minister and served the Methodist congregation in Harper. On 10 May 1924, a daughter (Mary Nell) was born to Emil and Hattie. The mother passed over on the very same day, due to child birth-related complications. She was interred at the Art East Cemetery in Mason County.

♡ 1926 - J H E remarried. His third wife was Miss Nettie Hereford (born on 30 October 1886), the daughter of Hardin Staples Hereford and Sarah Minerva Meers.

♡ 21 March 1923 - August Anton married Miss Clara Mathilda Leifeste born on 30 December 1895, to Wilhelm Leifeste and Mathilda Ernesting Brandenberger. I will write more about August Jr. and Clara in another post, sometime later.

♡ 9 August 1923 - Lillie married Mr. George Heinrich Daniel Eckert, son of Ludwig Bernard Eckert and Mathilde Leifeste, born in beaver Creek Community on 15 March 1895. Lillie and Dan had two daughters, Roscoe Ryland and Odessa Maxine.

On 1 March, August Willmann was struck by cerebral hemorrhage, he also suffered from nephritis. After about a month time, on ♦ 4 April at 6 a.m. August's life ended. He was buried on the next day at Art Cemetery (14).

Sophie Willmann, August's wife, lived 5 years longer. On 10 January 1937, the lady was taken ill with influenza. ♦ Seven days later, at 1 p.m., apoplexy took her from this world (15).

Resources: 

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

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

Findagrave.com, 

Mason County Marriages.

1. "History of New Braunfels

2. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXG5-4TT : 29 May 2021), August Willmann in entry for Anton Willmann, 1870.

3. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJM-LHY : 20 February 2021), August Willmann, Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 103, sheet 476A, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,319.

4. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K781-13L : 20 February 2021), August Willmann in entry for Lewis C Willmann, 06 Oct 1965; citing certificate number 66015, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,117,865.

5. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KSBS-1M7 : 20 February 2021), August Willmann in entry for Ernest Fritz Willmann, 18 Jan 1966; citing certificate number 05524, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,117,922.

6. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3SC-FRX : 20 February 2021), August Willmann in entry for John Henry Emil Willmann, 23 Mar 1968; citing certificate number 21213, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,138,979.

7. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K36F-8GN : 20 February 2021), August A Willmann in entry for Minnie A Dechert, 18 Aug 1971; citing certificate number 66619, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,223,316.

8. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3D1-P56 : 20 February 2021), August A Willmann in entry for August Anton Willmann, 19 Oct 1970; citing certificate number 74531, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,218,909. 

9. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-DKB : accessed 7 August 2021), August Willman, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet 2A, family 15, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658. 

10. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2QH-63C : accessed 7 August 2021), Lizzie Bickenbuch in household of Aug Willmann, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 202, sheet 1A, family 3, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589. 

11. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K612-DK9 : 23 February 2021), J H Emil Willmann and Ida Louise Erck, 01 Jun 1916; citing Marriage, citing Bexar, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 24,938.

12. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K389-QT3 : 20 February 2021), Ida Louise Willman, 26 Nov 1918; citing certificate number 47585, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,412.

13. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-YVD : 23 February 2021), Ernest Fritz Willmann, 1917-1918.

14. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K33K-YL1 : 20 February 2021), August Willmann, 04 Apr 1932; citing certificate number 17881, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,135,872.

15. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3HV-5XC : 20 February 2021), Sophie Willmann, 17 Jan 1937; citing certificate number 4044, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,117,126.

Heinrich Friedrich Kothmann

Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Friedrich was born on 10 February 1835. I have written about his parents, Heinrich Konrad and Ilse Katharine nee Pahlmann in the article here.

Heinrich Friedrich was about 10 when he came to Texas with his family. Just after they got with the first settlers to the Fredericksburg area, there was a big nothing but wilderness. Starvation was the immigrants' everyday experience. Young Fritz (barefoot) and his father walked to Austin where the two got a job. They split wood to make some money and buy supplies for their family.

Fritz had an accident when he was making a sheep pen. While he was cutting wood for the pen structure, a limb struck him and permanently damaged his right eye. 

In 1849, Heinrich Friedrich and his younger brother Dietrich often walked to Fort Martin Scott, to pick the corn which was left on the ground during the feeding time of the soldiers' horses. The corn grains were washed and ground at home. The boys' mother, Ilse Katherine used the cornflour to bake bread.

Some time later, both brothers worked as surveyors in Gillespie and Mason Counties under Capt. Bieberstein.

On 12 September 1856 (1), Fritz married 22-year-old Miss Sophie Hartwig who came to Texas together with his family. Not long after that, Heinrich Friedrich's parents and siblings moved to the area of Upper Willow Creek.

♦ 9 May 1857,  the first child/son, Heinrich Friedrich  was born to Fritz and Sophie (2).

1858 - Fritz, his wife Sophie, and the baby boy moved to another place which was half a mile from the old house. 

1858 - Mason County came into being, Fritz Kothmann was its first sheriff.

♦ 5 April 1859, Mathilda, the first daughter was born to the H F Kothmanns (3).

23 August 1860, the young family was recorded in Mason County during the census (4) by W B Coffee Assistant Marshall.

♦ 3 May 1861, son August was born (5).

In 1862, the Fritz Kothmanns made their home by the Llano River, not far from Hedwig's Hill. The new house was built on the 320 acres which Fritz had been given by his father Heinrich Konrad. The latter also sold his son a team of oxen and Friedrich did freight, supplying military stations in the west of Texas. At the same time, the young man collected money to develop his cattle herd.

During the Civil War, Fritz and his brother, Dietrich joined Capt. Herman Biberstein's Llano Leather Jackets, Frontier Home Guard Company (6).

 

After the war, Mr. Fritz Kothmann was engaged in frighting again. With the help of a hired teenage boy, Charles Wartenbach, Heinrich Friedrich got cotton in San Antonio, transported it to Monterey, and then with led bars on his cart, came back to Texas. Each such hauling trip lasted 3 months.

♦ 16 January 1865, son Karl was born (7).
♦ 1 June 1867, Louis was born (8). Sadly, the baby boy did not live long. ♦ Louis passed on 20 October 1868.

 

In the very same year, Fritz, his brother Karl, two Lehmberg men, and Mr. C Winkel drove their cattle to Louisiana. It turned out to be unsuccessful - while crossing the Mississippi during the flood they swam with their cattle in the river. The rainy weather brought bunches of mosquitoes biting the cattle so much that the herd stampeded. When the drovers finally reached New Orleans, they learned that the market had ended. They could only get some money for the hides and beef fat. Fritz lost all his money and the equipment in the unlucky endeavor.

 

Two years later, Mr. Kothman and other men from the Macon County area drove their cattle to New Mexico. That time, the enterprise was successful and profitable. Fritz sold out and made good money.

 

♦  Daughter Emilie was born on 29 December 1869.

1870 Census official, Mr. Francis Kettner, came to Fritz and Sophie's home on 1 June. The family real estate was worth $600 then,  and all their personal property value was $1600. Heinrich Friedrich Sr.'s brother, Dietrich lived nearby. Their other neighbors were Henry Leifeste, Friedrich Leifeste, preacher Konrad Pluenneke, Henry Hasse, and Henry Doell (9).

♦ 29 December 1886 - mourning in the family - 17 year old daughter Emilie died.

In 1891, Fritz Kothmann took his cattle for sale in Kansas.

♦ Eli Henry came to this world on 10 September 1872 (10). 

 

1873 - Heinrich Friedrich went to Kansas City with his cattle again. The man was accompanied by his brothers Dietrich and William. They drove the cattle with no big problems. On their way through the Indian territory, Fritz bought a wild, blue horse. At some point, the drovers were approached by a group of Indians who were speaking in their language (unknown to the brothers) and pointing at the horses. The Kothmann men found them friendly and talked to them in their language as well. Obviously, there was no communication between the two parties. The Indians rode away.

 

In the evening, the drovers installed a camp, organized the cattle and horses for the night, and had a quick meal. The sky got cloudy, the storm was coming. The men were aware a difficult night was coming. Then came the storm, lightning, and thunder. The wild white horse got even wilder and caused the stampede of the cattle. Fritz and his men worked in the pouring rain all night, trying to save the herd and prevent them from getting lost. In the morning, it appeared that not too many animals were gone but the best eight horses were missing. The very same ones which the visiting Indians found attractive. The tracks found by the drovers told them that the very same visitors had taken the horses. The blue horse, however, was not stolen.

 

 

In Kansas City, the brothers sold their cattle, made a deal with Colonel Meyer who gave them a note for $10000 + some down payment. Unfortunately, the colonel died before paying for the cattle.

Later, Fritz and his family moved close to the Loyal Valley and fenced a ranch there. The stone fence around his Premier Ranch was built from 1973 to 1877.

 

Within years 1875/1877, Fritz built a two-story house made of brown stone.

 

Fritz, being an honest and friendly man, signed notes for friends and neighbors and, unfortunately, in connection to that experienced some money loss. Later he wrote a letter (published in a local newspaper) warning others on that matter.

♦ Son Heinrich Daniel was born on 29 May 1875 (11).
♦ Robert Enoch Benjamin was born on 13 December 1877 (12).

♡ 1881 - Mattie (Mathilda) married Mr. Fritz J Lehmberg
♡ 1882 - Heinrich Fritz Jr. married Mis Conradine Pluenneke (born 1 April 1856 to Konrad Pluenneke and Sophie Christine Leifeste).

♦ 1883 - Sophie Kothmann, Fritz's wife passed. 

His second wife was Mary Augusta Miller Eversberg, born on 1 August 1847 in Industry, TX to Edward Miller and Phillipine Holzman (13). The two got a marriage license on 17 May 1884 (14), and married four days later.

Mary was a widow of Mr. Charles Eversberg and had a son from the previous marriage. The boy, Charles R, later attended a dental college and became a dentist.

♡ 1884 - son August married Miss Elise Geistweidt (born 25 December 1862).

♦ Elgin Otto was born to Fritz and Mary on 15 December 1887 (15).

♡ 1888 - Karl married Miss Sophie Brandenberger (born on 11 May 1868), daughter of Gottlieb Brandenberger and Marie Katherine Bierschwale. 

 

♦ 3 March 1890 - grief in the family again - Mattie's husband Fritz died.

 

 
♡ 1891 - Daniel Heinrich married Miss Lena Loeffler (born 8 January 1872 to Paul Friedrich Loeffler and Mina Neffendorf).

 

♡ 1892 - Mathilda married again. Her second husband was John Dietrich Eckert (born 15 September 1856).

 

♡ 28 Sepetmeber 1898 - another wedding in the family - stepson Charlie Eversberg married Miss Alma Amsler (16), born 12 July 1872 in Texas, to Edward Amsler and Emily Schmidt. 

♡ 1899 - Lee (Eli) married Amelia Hahn (born 8 November 1875).

 

1900 census - Fritz (age 65) his wife Mary (age 52) and son Elgin (age 12) were registered by Louis J. Kettner in Justice Precinct #6, Mason County, on 13 June. 21-year-old servant, Ms. Alvine Eckert and 29-year-old laborer, Henry Land lived with the family as well (17).

♡ 3 March 1901 - Benjamin (Robert Enoch) married Hulda Gusta Matilda Brandenberger (born 9 August 1890 to John Brandenberger and Sophie Leifeste).

Census 1910, 6 May - Fritz was 75, Mary 62, Elgin 22. They had a cook, Therese Jordan (age 22). A hired man helped with the work at the farm and ranch. He was 22 years old, his name was Harry Jordan (18). The man was also a relation of the Kothmanns.

In the same year, there was a wedding in the family, the youngest son ♡ Elgin Otto married Miss Anna Jordan, daughter of William Jordan and Augusta Keller. Annie was born on 25 February 1888 in Fredericksburg.

♦ Heinrich Friedrich Kothmann passed on 1 September 1915. 

 

Clipping source: San Antonio Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 50, No. 247, Ed. 1 Saturday, September 4, 1915, newspaper, September 4, 1915; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth432336/: accessed July 17, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

The note contains an error. Heinrich Friedrich was much younger when he came with his parents to Texas.

After his death, Fritz's wife Mary lived with her son Elgin. At the end of her life the lady suffered from gangrene of toes of her left foot. She died of cerebral hemorrhage on 20 August 1933 (19).

 

Clipping source: Brenham Banner-Press (Brenham, Tex.), Vol. 50, No. 126, Ed. 1 Monday, August 21, 1933, newspaper, August 21, 1933; Brenham, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1181425/: accessed July 17, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library. 

 

Resources:

"The Kothmanns of Texas 1845-1931", Selma Metzenthin Raunick and Margaret Schade, Press of Boeckmann-Jones Company, Austin, Texas,

Findagrave.com

1. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VK1Y-QJQ : 22 January 2020), Frederick Kothmann, 1856.

2. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CD-Y6V : 20 February 2021), Fritz Kothmann, 25 May 1922; citing certificate number 15159, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,545.

3. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-K5T2 : 14 February 2020), Mathilde Kothmann, 1859.

4. "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFV-372 : 18 February 2021), Metilda Cothman in entry for Fredrick Cothman, 1860. 

5. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-CQZM : 14 February 2020), August Kothmann, 1861.

6. "Texas, Confederate Army and Commanding Officer Card Index, ca.1861-ca.1865", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Z4X3-LQMM : 18 June 2020), Fritz Kothman, 1864.

7. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-8RMM : 14 February 2020), Carl Kothmann, 1865.

8. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-F56Z : 14 February 2020), Fritz Kothmann in entry for Louy Kothmann, 1867.

9. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-41Q : 29 May 2021), Mathilde Kothman in entry for Fritz Kothman, 1870.

10. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3Z9-JY8 : 20 February 2021), Eli Henry Kothmann, 01 Aug 1951; citing certificate number 41157, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,776. 

11. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3QZ-8WP : 20 February 2021), H Dan Kothmann, 01 Nov 1956; citing certificate number 60521, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,134,916.

12. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K37P-G1T : 20 February 2021), Enoch Benjamin Kothmann, 15 Oct 1954; citing certificate number 51202, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,282

13. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3C3-RXG : 20 February 2021), Mary A Kothmann, 20 Aug 1933; citing certificate number 38144, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,115,618.

14. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1C-6855 : 23 February 2021), H F Kothmann and Mary Eversberg, 17 May 1884; citing Marriage, citing Washington, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 956,487.

15. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3MS-83S : 20 February 2021), Elgin Otto Kothmann, 03 Feb 1938; citing certificate number 9251, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,117,657.

16. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8R-8TJ2 : 23 February 2021), Charles R. Eversberg and Alma C. Amsler, 28 Sep 1898; citing Marriage, citing Washington, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 956,491.

17. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-JTD : accessed 11 July 2021), Elgan Kothman in household of H F Kothman, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet 6A, family 67, 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:M2Q4-5CJ : accessed 11 July 2021), Elgin Kothman in household of Fritz H Kothman, Justice Precinct 4, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 203, sheet 7A, family 91, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589. 

19. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3C3-RXG : 20 February 2021), Mary A Kothmann, 20 Aug 1933; citing certificate number 38144, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,115,618.

Herman Schüssler Family

Herman was one of the sons (the youngest) born to Johann Adam Schüssler and Eva Katharina Dieschinger. Herman came to this world on 28 July 1850 in Cherry Spring, TX.

On ♡ 8 October 1874 (1), Herman married Miss Minna (Wilhelmina) Leifeste, born on 5 May 1849 in Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, Germany. 

Minna's parents were August Heinrich Leifeste and Elizabetha Sophie Henriette Viedt.

In 1874, Herman owned 160 acres in Gillespie county (which were originally granted to his brother Conrad). The land was worth $100 then. The county tax rolls inform that in the very same year, Herman had  2 horses and 25 head of cattle (2). A year later (3), the man had a bigger  livestock herd (40 head of cattle). Before a well was dug near their house, the family hauled water from the river.

The young couple settled by the Llano River, where Herman's brother Louis lived as well. Both Herman and Mina were very religious. They attended the Methodist Church in Hoersterville, prayed at home every morning as well. In the summer, Herman's family joined the summer camp meetings which were organized at Lower Willow Creek.

The Herman Schuesslers had seven sons. 

♦ August Herman Alfred - born on 18 July 1875 (4),
♦ Friedrich Karl Emil - born on 2 November 1876 (5),
♦ John Herman Charles - born on 25 September 1878.

June 1880 Census - Herman, the head of the family was registered as a farmer and butcher. The parents and their 3 sons lived in Precinct $ 4, Mason County, TX (6).

Not long after the census, on 4 July 1880, the fourth son, ♦ Daniel Alvin was born to Mina and Herman (7).
♦ August Daniel was born on 24 July 1883 (8). 

♦ Adolph Max was born on 13 January 1888 (9).
Sadly, the youngest boy, Leonhart Harry did not live long.  The baby was born on ♦ 28 August 1892 (10) and died a few days later, on ♦ 4 September. 

All boys received their primary education at the Bauer School. Mina and Herman, like other early settlers, and their children raised/made their own food, worked on the family farm, took care of their household. Mrs. Schuessler made lye soap for her family. In the wintertime, Herman did butchering, they made sausages and preserved meat. Summer was the time of making watermelon Schmeer preserves (more about that in another post). Herman's cattle brand was 7H (seven sons of Herman's).

♡ Alfred (August Herman Alfred) was the first Herman's son who got married. It happened on 1 March 1894 (11). His spouse was Effie Wallis.

Four years later, on ♡ 29 September 1898, Emil Friedrich married Miss Emily Koch (12).  The bride was 20 years old (born on 16 March 1878), her parents were Georg Koch and Dorothea Ude.

Emil became a minister.

7 June 1900 - Mr. Louis J Kettner, census clerk, visited Herman and Mina's home. They lived in Justice Precinct #6 Mason, TX with their sons Max, Daniel, and John (13). At that time, 20-year-old Alvin lived in Brenham, Washington, Texas (14). He had left home to study and became the first Ph.D. in Mason County.

In ♡ 1905, John married Ida Jordan, the daughter of Daniel Jordan and Emilie Willman. John was a Sunday school men's teacher. 

Max left home and became a pre-med student of Blinn College. Not long after his final exams, Max got ill with typhoid fever. The young man came back home before the graduation ceremony at the college. Tragically, he did not recover. After several weeks of illness and suffering, Max passed on ♦ 22 June 1908. His college certificate was delivered by mail a day after his funeral. What a sorrow it all must have brought to his parents Herman and Mina. 

The parents adopted two girls, Selma Vonderbaum and Annie Mae Carey, born on 7 May 1899 (15). The latter appeared in the 1910 census record as a "companion" who lived with the Scuesslers and their son Dan. Annie was 10 then (16). John Schuessler and his wife Ida gave home to Selma's and Annie's brothers.

♡ Dan married Miss Alma Grote (born on 23 June 1885) a few months later, on 30 August 1911, in Hilda, Mason, TX (17). Alma's parents were Karl Heinrich Grote and Wilhelmine Sophie Keese.

The year 1818 brought the grief again. On ♦ 2 March, at the age of 68, Herman's wife Mina died of pneumonia. 

Clipping source: The Llano News. (Llano, Tex.), Vol. 34, No. 35, Ed. 1 Thursday, March 7, 1918, newspaper, March 7, 1918; Llano, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth768252/: accessed July 6, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Llano County Public Library.

A few months later, on 12 September, the Schuessler brothers were registered (WW1 draft registration).

 

John Charles was a stock farmer, and he lived with his wife Ida in Castell, Texas (18).

Emil Friedrich, a Gospel minister, lived with his wife Emily at 2009 S Franklin St. in New Orleans (19).

 Alvin Daniel, a teacher, his wife Edna lived at 302 University Boulevard in Dallas, TX (20).

Daniel August, a stock farmer, his wife Alma Adah lived in Castell, Mason, TX (21).

 

Not many days passed when ♦ Alma Grote Schuessler, Dan's wife, died. She left this world on 27 September 1918. 

In the same year, in Hilda, Mason County, ♡ Annie Carey married Alfred Feuge (22).

Dan married again two years later, on 11 March 1920. His second wife was Sarah Urbantke, born on 19 January 1889 (23).

Herman Schuessler, the father of the family, remarried as well. Mina Macron, born 3 July 1861 in Prussia, was his second spouse (24).

Hermann lived 72 years and 3 months. He died of cirrhosis (fibrosis) of the liver on ♦ 28 October 1922 (25).

 UPDATE

Information provided by Mr. Steven Kensing:  "Alfred Albert Feuge born March 11, 1899 in Doss, Texas. Died March 26, 1930. He was the youngest child of Christoph Feuge and Marie Mathilda Kensing. Annie Mae Carey Schuessler born May 4, 1899. Died July 15, 1983. They married September 10, 1919. Their children were Juanita Meta Feuge (Mrs. Paul Williamson). May 2, 1920-Feb. 2, 1996. Alfred Albert Feuge July 1, 1921-Dec. 30, 1977.(married Esther Barnes). Orson Hollis Feuge March 29, 1925- Jan. 4, 1999. ( married Jean Carver). Joseph Vincent Feuge Sept. 21, 1929. ( married Mary Ann Beidiger Llewelyn).

Annie Mae Feuge married Erwin Andrew Lang Sept. 12, 1936 in Travis County, Texas. E. A. Lang born April 14, 1893. Died April 20, 1978 in Bexar County, Texas. He had children from a prior marriage, as did she. They had a son together, Erwin Carl Lang born Jan 1, 1939."

Resources:

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

Findagrave.com

1. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-LS3 : 10 March 2021), Herrman Schüssler and Mina Leifeste, 08 Oct 1874; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

2. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-T9ZR : 20 February 2021), Hermann Schuessler, 1874.

3. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-TSKX : 20 February 2021), Herman Schüssler, 1875. 

4. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-RJ2M : 14 February 2020), Hermann Schussler in entry for August Hermann Alfred Schussler, 1875.

5. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-MN6Z : 14 February 2020), Herman Schussler in entry for Friedrich Carl Emil Schussler, 1876.

6. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJ9-4MH : 20 February 2021), Emil Schuessler in household of Hermann Schuessler, Precinct 4, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 104, sheet 501B, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,319.

7. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXQ-2QG : 23 February 2021), Alvin Daniel Schuessler, 1917-1918.

8. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-YRW2 : 14 February 2020), H. Schuessler in entry for August Daniel Schuessler, 1883.

9. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LLQ-WY3Z : 14 February 2020), Hermann Schuessler in entry for Adolph Max Schuessler, 1888.

10. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-QPT2 : 14 February 2020), Hermann Schussler in entry for Leonhart Harry Schussler, 1892.11. on 29 September 1898

11. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XL7F-X8J : 10 March 2021), A H Schuessler and Effie Wallis, 01 Mar 1894; citing Burnet, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 978,760.

12. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV14-Z1SS : 23 February 2021), E F Schuessler and Emily Koch, 29 Sep 1898; citing Marriage, citing Llano, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 982,995.

13. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-541 : accessed 6 July 2021), Herman Schuesler, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet B, family 32, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658. 

14. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M35N-F2B : accessed 6 July 2021), Alvin Schuessler in household of Edward F Becker, Justice Precinct 3 Brenham city Ward 3, Washington, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 107, sheet 14A, family 312, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,677.

15. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-7ZPZ : 14 February 2020), Amie May Carey, 1899.

16. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q4-5JR : accessed 6 July 2021), Annie Carey in household of Hermann Schuessler, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 202, sheet 4A, family 56, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589. 

17. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HCM8-1Y2M : 22 January 2020), Dan Schuessler, 1911.

18. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-Y23 : 23 February 2021), John Charles Schuessler, 1917-1918.

19. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZ8J-D3G : 22 February 2021), Emile Frederick Schuessler, 1917-1918.

20. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXQ-2QG : 23 February 2021), Alvin Daniel Schuessler, 1917-1918. 

21. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-Y1B : 23 February 2021), Daniel August Schuessler, 1917-1918.

22. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HCMJ-RW6Z : 22 January 2020), Annie Mae Carey in entry for Alfred Feuge, 1918.

23. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HCMJ-RWN2 : 22 January 2020), Dan Schuessler, 1920. 

25. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CX-4MN : 20 February 2021), Hermann Schuessler, 28 Oct 1922; citing certificate number 29438, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,636.