Wilhelm W Geistweidt

Erndtebrück in Westphalia, Prussia, has already been mentioned in the blog posts. There, among other people, was born (on 1 November 1791) and lived Johann Heinrich Geistweid, a shoemaker. When he was 34, the man married Miss Gertrude Roth, the daughter of a charcoal burner Herr Friedrich Roth and Margarethe Weyandt. The marriage ceremony took place on 21 June 1826. Gertrude, the bride (born on 8 August 1807), was 18 then.

The couple had three children. Their oldest son Jacob came to this world in Erndterbruck on 19 March 1826, Johann Heinrich was born on 8 September 1829, and the youngest boy Wilhelm on 30 August 1833. The boys were baptized at the Evangelical church. Wilhelm's baptismal ceremony took place on 1 September and it was Pastor Basse who christened him.

When Wilhelm was 11, on 11 November 1844, his mother passed. About five years later on 17 June 1849, the father Johann Heinrich died as well. Possibly, it was a sister of the boys' mother (Christina) who took care of the nephews then.

Johann Heinrich and Wilhelm decided to leave Prussia and emigrate to Texas. I have already written about that in the article regarding the elder brother Johann Heinrich. Jacob stayed in Erndterbrück.

 

The two brothers arrived in Galveston on 18 December 1853. Later, they went to New Braunfels and then, Fredericksburg. Both Johann and Wilhelm worked there, doing odd jobs, to make the ends meet. They attended Zion Lutheran Church, where Wilhelm met Anna Elizabeth Röhrig, his future wife. Anna (born on 7 September 1838 in Röhrigshof) was the daughter of Gerhard Röhrig and Anna Elisbeth Kolb.

The young ones, Wilhelm and Anna, were married on 29 December 1854 (1) by Pastor Zizelmann. 

 

They settled on Beaver Creek, where they built a house a few years after their marriage.

♦ Daughter Marie was born to Wilhelm and Anna Elizabeth on 9 December 1855.

♦ Second child and daughter as well came to the family in December, two years later. It happened on Christmas Eve and the girl was named Wilhelmina Louise.

1858 - Wilhelm bought 320 acres from his father-in-law Gerhardt (2).

Two years later, the man was granted American citizenship, and then, the spelling of his surname was changed from Geisweidt to Geistweidt.

♦ Third daughter Elizabeth was born on the second day of Christmas in 1862.

In 1864, the man served with Mason County Minute Man, he was on the Fort Mason Muster Roll. 

♦ The first son Johann Heinrich was born on 1 January 1866.

♦ Another boy, William Jr., arrived on 3 January 1869.

Census 5 June 1870 (3) - Elizabeth, Wilhelm, and their 5 children were recorded in Mason County (post office Loyal Valley).

♦ The third son was born to Wilhelm and Anna on 21 February 1872. 

Wilhelm and Anna Elisabeth Geistweidt were of Lutheran faith. They helped to organize St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mason.

Anna's mother passed in 1873, subsequently, Mr. Gerhard Röhrig gave some of his land and livestock to his daughter and her husband Wilhelm.

In about 1873, Anna's father Gerhard married the second time. His new wife was Carolina Heisig. 

♦ Daughter Olga was born on 19 September 1874. 

♦ Son Frank joined the family on 4 June 1877.

Wilhelm was a farmer. He owned 109 leagues (3) of land (1 league = 4,428 acres).

Clipping source: The Galveston Daily News. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 36, No. 217, Ed. 1 Saturday, December 1, 1877, newspaper, December 1, 1877; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth464444/: accessed October 19, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

♡ 17 May 1878, Marie, the oldest daughter, married Mr. Christian Friedrich Löffler. I am going to write more about them and their eight children in the next post.

About a year later, on ♡ 27 November 1879, Mina Louise started her own family too. Her husband was Fritz W Leifeste, born on 14 February 1858. The two had eight children:

• Adele (b. 23 August 1880),
  
• Albert Maximilian (b. 21 December 1881),
• Lee Frederick (b. 13 January 1885),
• Monroe Reubin (b. 12 February 1887),
• James W (b. 27 January 1889),
• John Wesley (b. 17 July 1891),
• Emma Elizabeth (b. 15 July 1894),
• Minna Medora (24 June 1897).
  

1880 Justice Precinct No. 4, Mason County Wilhelm and family 6 children + two laborers Antonio Gorsa (23) and William Arudo (4).

♦ The youngest child Emma Christina was born on 6 June 1881.

♡ 16 March 1884, another wedding took place in the family. Elizabeth was married to Mr. August Kothmann (born on 3 May 1861), the son of Heinrich Friedrich Kothmann and Sophie Hartwig. Elizabeth and August had five children:

• Edgar (b. 12 February 1889),
• Marvin Wilhelm (b. 2 November 1886),
• Olivia (b. 31 July 1891),
• and Ida Emilie (b. 10 March 1894). 

With the help of his son John Henry, Wilhelm ran the biggest store situated west of San Antonio. Farmers bought supplies in his store on credit. The people paid their dues after harvest when the crops were sold and they had money to deal with.

Clipping source: The Galveston Daily News. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 48, No. 303, Ed. 1 Monday, February 24, 1890, newspaper, February 24, 1890; Galveston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth469400/: accessed October 19, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium. 

♡ 18 January 1891 was the day of son John Henry and his bride Theresa Caroline Lemburg's wedding. Theresa was two years younger than John, she was born on 2 March 1868, to Johann Karl Lemburg and Sophie Carolina Dannheim. John and Therese's children were:

• John William (b. 23 January 1892/ d. 2 October 1892),
• Ervin Carl (b. 23 August 1893),
• Eugene Henry (b. 26 October 1895),
• Rose May (b. 29 May 1897/d. 30 May 1899),
• Carrie Esther (b. 27 February 1900),
• Florence Nettie (b. 25 August 1902),
• Arthur Frank (b. 29 December 1904),
• Nell May (b. 11 October 1907),
• and Ernest William (b. 8 October 1912).

In the summer of ♦ 1892, Anna Elizabeth, Wilhelm's wife, got sick with typhoid fever. Grievously, the mother of the family did not overcome the disease. She passed on 2 July of the same year.

♡ William Jr. and Emma Ellebracht's union in marriage was celebrated by the family in the wintertime as well, a few years later. It was on 22 February 1894. The groom was eight years Emma's senior. The lady was born on 16 October 1877, her parents were Friedrich Albert and Sophie (Behrens) Ellebracht.

The children born to Will Jr. and Emma:

• Meda (b. 11 February 1895),
• Olivia (b. 20 February 1896),
• Elizabeth (b. 20 November 1899),
• Nettie (b. 12 July 1902),
• Edgar William (b. 22 August 1906),
• Perry (b. 26 January 1916). 

♡ Charles and Ida Ellebracht's wedding took place on 21 February 1872. The bride (born on27 April 1873) was his sister-in-law (Emma's sister). Charles and Ida had six children:

• Oscar (b. 9 September 1897),
• Pearl (b. 24 December 1899),
• Hattie (25 August 1901),
• Ewald William Fritz (b. 8 January 1904),
• Elgin Clarence (b. 31 July 1906),
• Lillie (b. 29 November 1909).
  

Grief and mourning came a few years later when Wilhelm's daughter ♦ Elizabeth Kothmann died on 12 August 1896.

Two years later, on ♡ 29 September 1898, Olga married Mr. William Carl Eckert (born on 14 April 1875), the son of Karl Ernest Eckert and Minna Schupp. Olga and William Eckert had two children:

• Arthur (b. 20 February 1904) and
  
• Nettie Theresa (b. 1 August 1908).
  

Not long after Olga's wedding, on ♡ 10 November 1898, the family celebrated Frank's marital union. His bride was Miss Cornelia Ott (born on 19 July 1878), the daughter of Jacob Ott and his wife Friederike Huhne.

1900 - Wilhelm, his daughter Emma (18) son Frank (22) + his wife Cornelia (21), Albert Fleischer (32) laborer, Edgar R Dabney (24) school teacher, and sheepherder Joseph M Fresine (31) lived in Justice Precinct No. 4, Mason County (5).

In the same year, on 9th September, Frank's young wife ♦ Nellie passed and left behind a baby daughter Gertrude Isabel, born a month earlier (on 10 August), and the child's 23-year-old father.

 

Frank remarried two years later, on ♡ 17 February 1902. His second wife was Milda Apelt who was 6 years his junior. She was born on 9 December 1883 to August Karl Apelt and Augusta Angelita Leifeste. Four children were born to Frank and Milda:

• Ryland (b. 14 September 1905),
• Anita (b. 19 July 1908),
• Roy (b. 15 February 1913),
• and Alice (born on 19 August 1915).
  

Wilhelm Geistweidt Sr. was a co-founder of German American Bank of Mason, which formally came into being in January 1904. 

 

Clipping source: The Daily Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 44, No. 17, Ed. 1 Sunday, January 17, 1909, newspaper, January 17, 1909; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth441873/: accessed October 19, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

 A big transaction took place in July 1907.

Clipping source: The Daily Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 42, No. 186, Ed. 1 Friday, July 5, 1907, newspaper, July 5, 1907; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth441972/: accessed October 19, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

♡ Emma Christina, the youngest child of Wilhelm's, was married on 20 January 1909 to Benjamin Abraham Brandenberger (born on 29 December 1883), the son of Georg Heinrich Brandenberger and Johanna Pluenneke. Emma and Ben Brandenberger had one son Howard George, who was born on 2 September 1915.

Wilhelm Geistweidt lived in Justice Precinct No. 3 in Mason County with his son Frank, daughter-in-law Milda and their children. In 1910, they had two boarders, a hired man by the name of Alfred Hahn (age 15), and a teacher John S Broyles (born in Tennessee) who was then 19 (6). 

♦ Wilhelm Sr. died of a heart attack on 9 October 1915. Wilhelm Geistweidt lived 82 years. He was buried next to his wife in the family cemetery.

Clipping source: The Houston Post. (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 30, No. 197, Ed. 1 Sunday, October 17, 1915, newspaper, October 17, 1915; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth607736/: accessed October 18, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; . 

In 1934, on 13 March, Franks' wife Milda passed. The man's third marriage took place on 30 April 1936, and Selma Pluenneke (born on 23 January 1888) became his spouse.

Resources:

"The Gestweidt Family Book. Germany: 1560-1914, Texas 1853-1994.", Geistweidt, Schmidtzinsky and Geistweidt, 1994.

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

1. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-L6F : 10 March 2021), William Geistweidt and Elisabeth Rohrig, 29 Dec 1854; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

2. Homestead: Family Ranch Marks 150 Years

3. Land in Mason County

4. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-SRP : 29 May 2021), Elisabeth Geistvesdt in entry for William Geistvesdt, 1870.

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

5. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-6S5 : accessed 19 October 2021), William Geistweidt, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet B, family 79, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658. 

6.  "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q4-J5D : accessed 19 October 2021), William Geistweidt in household of Frank H Geistweidt, Justice Precinct 3, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 203, sheet 3A, family 63, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589.

Detlef Heinrich Lemburg & Family

Detlef Heinrich was born to the family of Asmus Heinrich Lemborg (farmer servant, b. 18 June 1786/d. 11 December 1848) and Catharina Magdalena Reese (b. in about 183/d. 28 December 1843)  in Schönhorst, the Duchy of Holstein (under the rule of King of Denmark who was also Duke of Holstein) on the day 4 May in 1826. 

Detlef was the eldest (living) child of Asmus and Catharina's. One of his siblings was born before him - stillborn - on 29 October 1824. Other (younger) siblings were:

• Jochim Detlef Lemborg - born on 28 June 1828/d. 27 November 1828, Schönhorst,
• Margaretha Dorothea Lemborg - born on 31 July 1831/d. 18 January 1832, Schönhorst,
• Jochim Christian Lemborg - born on 17 December 1832, Schönhorst,
• Christian Lemburg - born on 8 August 1836.

 

Detlef Heinrich also had step-siblings (from 2 previous relationships of his father's):

• Anna Magdalena Lemborg (born 3 July 1812) - daughter of Asmus Heinrich Lemborg and Elsabe Margaretha Hansen.

Children born to Asmus and his first wife Catharina Magdalena Kaak

• Asmus Hinrch Lemburg (born 21 April 1816, Böhnhusen, Holstein),
• Hans Jochim Lemburg (b. 19 November 1818, Böhnhusen/d. 2 July 1904),
• Claus Friedrich Lemburg (b. 6 June 1820, Böhnhusen/d. 6 November 1844),
• stillborn baby Lemburg (b. 15 January 1823, Flintbek, Holstein)
• Johann Friedrich Lemburg (b. 22 February 1824). 

 

Detlef Heinrich Lemburg was a bootmaster. In about 1851, the man married (possibly two years younger) Catharina Maria Friedericke Eggers, the daughter of Johann Friedrich Eggers and Sophie Catharina Joens.

Two daughters were born to the couple in Holstein:  

♦ Emma Catherine Elise (in about 1852) and ♦ Wilhelmine Maria Charlotte (January 1855).

On 1 September 1855, the family accompanied by Detlef's youngest brother Christian boarded the ship Emma Lincoln and left Hamburg for New Orleans. Their destination port was Galveston (1). 

 

The family members were registered by immigration clerks after their arrival at New Orleans on 3 November 1855. Each card includes the information of the country which they left boarding the ship, not the country of their origin.

DH Lemburg (2)

 

Catherine Lemburg (3)

 

 

Emma Lemburg (4)

 

Mine Lemburg (5)

 Christian Lemburg (6)

 

Christian Lemburg decided to go to St. Louis, Missouri, where he settled.

Detlef and his folks reached Galveston, and later, he lived with his family in the Cookville community area. The man worked at Fort Mason, where he repaired soldiers' boots. Every day, Detlef Heinrich walked to the Fort and after work came back home on foot as well.

♦ Mathilda was born on 16 November 1856. Sadly, her mother ♦ Christina died while giving birth to the baby daughter. The Karl Eckert family helped the widower - they raised baby Mathilda as Heinrich could not quit work to take care of her.

The two elder girls - Emma and Mina - stayed at home alone when their father was at Fort Mason. They were told to lock the door, bar the windows, and be quiet during the absence of the parent. The area was not safe, and they needed to avoid the attention of any possible intruders and unwanted visitors (including Indians).

In 1864, ♡ Heinrich Lemburg married Mrs. Auguste Behrends nee Vogel, widow of Mr. Frederick Behrends.

♦ Son Henry Jr. was born to the couple, the boy did not survive though, ♦ Henry Jr. died when he was little. 

The family story is that the boy probably fell into the well near the family home. Auguste, the mother, jumped to the well trying to save her son. The lady broke her leg/legs, Henry died from the injuries caused by the tragic fall. As a result of the accident, while walking, Auguste had to support herself with a cane till the end of her days.

♦ Daughter Louisa Sophie was born on 28 May 1866. 

♦ The youngest daughter of Auguste and Henry's was Bertha, but I did not find her date of birth.

♡ On 7 December 1867, Emma Catherine Elise Lemburg married Mr. August Vater (7).

In 1868, on 30 January, Heinrich (Henry) was registered on the Mason voting list (8).

 

 

♦ Over a year later, on 5 August 1869, Detlef Heinrich Lemburg did not come back home from work. He died in Fort Mason. The man was only 43 years old. His body was buried at the Crosby Cemetery.

Henry and Catharina's daughter ♡ Wilhelmina married Henry Dannheim on 5 October 1870 (9).

♡ Louisa Sophie married Philip Pfeifer in 1865.

The youngest daughter of Henry's, ♡ Bertha, married Mr. B F Gholston on 3 February 1888 in Travis County, TX (10).

Resources:

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

1. "Louisiana, New Orleans Passenger Lists, 1820-1945," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKNP-FLSN : 2 March 2021), D H Lemburg, 1856; citing Ship Emma Lincoln, affiliate film #042, NARA microfilm publications M259 and T905 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 200,182.

2. "Louisiana, New Orleans Index to Passenger Lists, 1853-1952", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:492D-21PZ : 19 August 2020), D. H. Lemburg, 1855.

3. "Louisiana, New Orleans Index to Passenger Lists, 1853-1952", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4926-YXN2 : 19 August 2020), Catharina Lemburg, 1855.

4. "Louisiana, New Orleans Index to Passenger Lists, 1853-1952", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:492D-21T2 : 19 August 2020), Emma Lemburg, 1855.

5. "Louisiana, New Orleans Index to Passenger Lists, 1853-1952", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:492D-LMMM : 19 August 2020), Mine Lemburg, 1855.

6. "Louisiana, New Orleans Index to Passenger Lists, 1853-1952", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4926-YX2M : 19 August 2020), Christian Lemburg, 1855.

7. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VRN : 10 March 2021), August Vater and Emma Lemburg, 07 Dec 1867; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801. 

8. "Texas, Voter Records, 1867-1918", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WBXN-HPN2 : 15 December 2020), Henry Lemburg, 1868.

9. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-W28 : 22 January 2020), Mina Lemberg in entry for Heinrich Dannheim, 1870.

10. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6BM-15L : 10 March 2021), B. F. Gholston and Bertha Lenburg, 03 Feb 1888; citing Travis County, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 978,166.

Selma Christina Loeffler & Family

Selma was the 6th daughter and the 9th child born to Paul Loeffler and Mina Neffendorf. She was born on 8 February 1887 in Mason. 

♦ Brother Robert Henry was born on 14 August 1889.

♡ Sister Lina Rosa (born 8 January 1872 in Fredericksburg, TX) married Heinrich Daniel Kothmann (born 29 May 1875) in 1890. He was the son of Heinrich Friedrich Kothmann and Sophie Anna Hartwig.

♡ Maria, Selma's third elder sister married  Louis (Ludwig Heinrich) Wiessemann on 16 July 1891 (1). Louis' parents were Konrad Karl Wiessemann and Luise Spaeth.

♦ Brother Alvin William was born on 29 July 1891 (2).

♦ Sister Hulda Margarethe was born on 5 July 1894 (3). 

Another wedding in the family: ♡ on 5 August 1895, Emma Christine Maria (Selma's eldest sister born on 16 June 1870) became the wife of  Herman Standke (4). The marriage took place in Gillespie County, TX.

♦ Grievously, a few months later, baby girl Hulda passed on 3 November 1895. Selma was 7 then.

♡ Albert Christian Loeffler (born 13 August 1876 (5)) was Selma's eldest brother. The family celebrated his wedding and marriage to Emma Louise Schmidt (born 3 October 1880 in Fredericksburg) in 1899. Emma was the daughter of Ludwig Heinrich Schmidt and Lisette Charlotte Henriette Lehmann.

1900 - the Census (5). Selma, parents, and sibling lived in Mason Township, Mason, TX. Paul Loeffler, the father, worked as a carpenter. The siblings of Selma were:

Emil (born 8 February 1881) worked as a day laborer,

Max Theodore (born 9 February 1883) worked as a clerk,

Bertha Katherine (born 2 March 1885 (6)), Robert, and Alvin.

Selma had another sister Ida Augusta born on 25 September 1878. Ida passed on 4 August 1881, years before Selma Christina came to this world. 

Little Selma completed her primary education at the Mason public school. In 1910, the girl and her family were registered during the Census. They lived in Justice Precinct #1, Mason, TX. Paul, the father, was a carpenter and had his own shop. Selma's brother Robert H worked as a carpenter as well. Another brother, Max T worked as a druggist, and Alvin W was a salesman (7).

Five years later, on 27 December 1906, brother Emil Adolph ♡ married Miss Emma Ruth Spicer (8). Her parents were Mr. James Spicer and Miss Ruth Nelson.

Later, young Selma studied at the Ballinger Training School for Nurses in Ballinger, Runnels, TX, which she graduated from in October 1914.

Clipping source: Sledge, A. W. The Daily Ledger. (Ballinger, Tex.), Vol. 9, No. 237, Ed. 1 Saturday, October 3, 1914, newspaper, October 3, 1914; Ballinger, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1137663/: accessed February 26, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Carnegie Library of Ballinger. 

♦ Three years later, on 1 May 1917, Paul Friedrich Loeffler, Selma's father, died (9).

Paul Friedrich Loeffler was born in Cleebronn, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany on 9 June 1847, to parents Johann Martin Löffler and Johanne Christine Zitzelmann.  In 1854, he relocated to Texas together with his family.

 Paul was a cabinet maker and master carpenter. The man married Mina Neffendorf on 29 January 1870. At first, they lived in Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, Texas (10). Later, The couple moved to Mason County, Hilda community and then, to the town of Mason where Paul worked at Mr. R. Grosse's Lumber Yard. Paul Friedrich Loeffler was a member of the Methodist Church (11). He died of chronic gastritis at the age of 69.

Not long after that, on 5 June 1917, brother Alvin William was drafted. At that time, Alvin worked as a pharmacist for Mr. SE Serger in Seguin, Texas (12).

Private Alvin William Loeffler was assigned to Battalion E, 111 Field Artillery Regiment, Am E F (13). He married Miss Allie Mae Dockery in 1918 ♡.

Bertha also married about in 1918 ♡. Her spouse was Ben Frazier Neal, the son of Andrew Jackson Neal and Mary Talitha Alexander.

♦ Another death in the family. At the beginning of October 1918, brother Max Theodore (who was a pharmacist) got sick with pneumonia. The man passed after 7 days - on 8 October (14). Max left behind his wife Nellie Lemburg.

Then, a happier event came - brother Alvin William came back home from the war. He was honorably discharged on 23 May 1919 (15).

In the same year, on 27 September, the family had another celebration and merry gathering. That time it was brother Robert Henry who got married ♡. His sweetheart was Lillie Ola Jetton (born 17 January 1897 in Lavaca County, Texas). Robert's in-laws were Mr. Lewis Henson Jetton and Amelia Ann Farrar.

During all those years, after her graduation from the school for nurses, Selma worked as a registered nurse at the Medical Arts Hospital in Brownwood, TX, and other places in Brown County. The lady was especially dedicated to special duty nursing, she also cared for family members when there was such a need. She was a member of the Methodist Church. Selma also took part in all the family events and celebrations such as birthdays and weddings (however, that would be too much to mention them all here).

♦ 1928 - the family had a sad Christmas that year - Minna Neffendorf Loeffler, Selma's mother, passed on 21 December.

Minna (Wilhelmina) Neffendorf Loeffler was born on 21 December 1853 in Fredericksburg, TX to parents Jakob Neffendorf and Katherina Dietz. Jakob came to Texas  in 1845 on the vessel "Neptune". Mina Loffler died of apoplectic paralysis at the age of 74 (16).

Nurse Selma Christina Loeffler retired after 25 years of her professional career. In 1930, she still lived in Brown County. Selma rented a room at the Trachiseur's family. Her niece Lizzie, daughter of Albert Christian, also had a room there. Lizzie worked as a nurse as well (17).

At the end of the 1930s, she relocated to Junction where her siblings Emil, Robert, Alvin, and Bertha lived as well. Emil's wife Emma died in 1931. Selma moved into Emil's place. The Census record from 1940 contains an error. It states that Selma was Emil A's wife. Probably the clerk just assumed that they were a married couple. The two lived in Commissioner's Precinct #1, Junction, Kimble County, Texas (18).

For three years, Selma ran the Las Lomas Hotel in Junction. She was the hotel manager. In about 1948, the lady moved into her sister Bertha's place. Selma Christina Loeffler passed five years later on 14 July 1953 in Junction, Texas. 

Resources:

1.  "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-HSP : 22 January 2020), Mary Loeffler in entry for Louis Wissemann, 1891.

2. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-DKMM : 14 February 2020), Paul Loeffler in entry for Alwin Wilhelm Loeffler, 1891.

3. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-X26Z : 14 February 2020), Paul Loeffler in entry for Hulda Margarethe Loeffler, 1894.

4. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXSN-WJS : 17 January 2021), Hermann Standke and Emma Loeffler, 05 Aug 1895; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.

5. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3P2-V51 : accessed 27 February 2021), Selma Loefler in household of Paul Loefler, Mason Township Mason, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 53, sheet 9A, family 170, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658. 

6. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KS1X-L5D : 20 February 2021), Paul Loeffler in entry for Bertha K Loeffler Neal, 28 Nov 1968; citing certificate number 81468, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,137,191.

 7. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q4-DBV : accessed 26 February 2021), Selma C Loeffler in household of Paul Loeffler, Justice Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 197, sheet 3B, family 84, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589. 

8. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXQ8-ZYG : 22 January 2020), Emil A. Loeffler, 1906.

9. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3WD-YJF : 20 February 2021), Paul Loeffler, 01 May 1917; citing certificate number 14105, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,051,857.

10. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXL5-52M : 2 January 2021), Paul Loeffler, 1870.

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

12. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXD-9RY : 23 February 2021), Alvin William Loeffler, 1917-1918.

13. Hering, Ed. Seguiner Zeitung. (Seguin, Tex.), Vol. 28, No. 10, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 24, 1918, newspaper, October 24, 1918; Seguin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth487448/: accessed February 27, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

14. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3ZB-WR4 : 20 February 2021), Max Theodore Loeffler, 08 Oct 1918; citing certificate number 43114, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,349. 

15. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K37S-YWY : 20 February 2021), Minna Leoffler, 26 Nov 1928; citing certificate number 49178, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,662.

16. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:71DD-MVPZ : 23 October 2019), Alvin William Loeffler, 23 Jun 1919; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers. 

17. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:CQ6P-DT2 : accessed 28 February 2021), Lizzie L Laeffler in household of Reese M Trachiseur, Brownwood, Brown, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 2, sheet 16B, line 91, family 411, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2302; FHL microfilm 2,342,036. 

18. "United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KW2N-BMC : 24 May 2020), Emil A Loeffler, Junction, Commissioner's Precinct 1, Kimble, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 134-1, sheet 22B, line 44, family 503, 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 4087. 

• "Families of Kimble County" Volume II 1998, Kimble County Historical Commission, South Llano Printing Company, Junction, Texas 
• Findagrave.com
  

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.