Gustav Adolph Loeffler & Family

Gustav Adolph Loeffler was the youngest son of Johann Martin Loeffler and his second wife Julianna Ziezelmann, born in Fredericksburg on 14 November 1862.

On 11 June 1870, young Adolph, his parents, and siblings (Christian, age 15, and Caroline, age 7) were recorded during the Census. The boy's father was then a joiner (1). The online dictionary (Oxford Languages) gives a definition of who a joiner was: "a person who constructs the wooden components of a building, such as stairs, doors, and door and window frames". 

 

Young Adolf received little formal schooling as he was needed at home.

Adolph's mother grew vegetables in their family garden. The boy sold them to the neighbors, going on a wagon from door to door. The money supported the family income.

Later, when he was 14, Gustav Adolph found employment at the farm which belonged to Mr. Fritz Brandenberger. The money Gustav Adolph earned there supported his family as well.

By June 1880, Adolph lived in the household of Mr. Brandenberger in Justice Precinct #4, Mason County (2).

Three years later, on ♡ 18 September, 20-year-old Adolph married Miss Emma Eckert, the 22-year-old daughter of Karl Friedrich Eckert and Eva Christina Guthoerle. The girl was born on 5 April 1861 in Hilda, Texas.
When a child, Emma attended the local grammar school only for three months.

Karl Eckert gave the newlyweds some land and Adolph built a house there. Soon, children were born to the young couple:

♦ Herman Karl Johann 20 October 1884 (3),

♦ Otto Ludwig 16 March 1888 (4),

♦ Meta Marie 14 November 1890 (5).

♦ ♦ 1891 - death of Adolf's father (in January) and mother (in November).

Daughter ♦ Anna Christine was born on 11 October 1894, and ♦ Walter Gustav on 21 September 1899 (6). All the children were born at home (with the help of Emma's mother).

Adolf and his family were of Lutheran faith, and they all attended the Sunday church service very regularly. The family had a Sunday house in Mason where they spent Christmas, among others.

When Emma's parents reached elderly age, Adolf + family moved in (1899) to Mr. and Mrs. Eckert's home to help and take care of them.

1900 - they all were registered by a census clerk Louis J Kettner in Justice Precinct #6, Mason County, TX. Karl Eckert was 77 then, his wife Christine 76 (7).

1905 - Adolph Loeffler was a member of the committee which was responsible for the construction of the new church in Mason. During that time, on Mondays, he left his home on a chuck wagon and spent the weekdays at the construction site, hauling rocks and working there.

23 April 1910 - the census found the family in Justice Precinct #3, Mason County. Adolph was the head of the family, and the Eckert grandparents/in-laws also lived in the household (8).

Three years later, on ♦ 2 February, Emma's father died.

The year 1914 brought two weddings of Adolph and Emma's children

♡ Herman married Martha Kroll (born on 1 December 1889 in Blanco County), the daughter of Karl Ludwig Kroll and Bertha Mueller.

♡ Otto married 5-years-younger Mary Ziriax (born on 19 September 1893). She was the child of William Ziriax and Catherine Wartenbach. The Ziriax family lived in the Mason County area as well.

1916 - ♡ Metta Loeffler married Seth Paul H Martin (born on 11 February 1889 to Karl Louis Martin and Ida Reichenau). The young man was 2 years older than Martha.
 

♦ 25 June 1917 - the death of Emma's mother, Catherine Eckert.

1920 - only 25-year-old Anna lived with her parents, Adolph and Emma, at their family home (10).

In the same year, Adolph bought a car, and a year later, a new house was built in Mason.

♡ Anna married her brother-in-law Paul Henry Martin (age 32 then) in 1922. Since then, Adolf and Emma lived on their own.
Mrs. Loeffler taught herself English, read books, and copied recipes into her recipe book. She also enjoyed knitting, growing flowers, and making lace.

1930 - recorded Adolph and Emma (9) in the South of Justice Precinct #1 (the town of Mason).

Gustav Adolf Loeffler took care of his ranch business and of his livestock until the day when he suffered a stroke. The man died two days later, on ♦ 18 November 1930. He was 68 years old.

His wife Emma lived two years longer, she died on ♦ 11 July 1932. Both spouses were buried in the Gooch Cemetery in Mason, TX.

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Sources:

• "Mason County Historical Book", Mason County Historical Society, Mason County Historical Commission, 1976.
• "The Eckert's Golden Opportunity" by Julius E DeVos, Mason, TX, 1977,
• "The Eckert Record. Story of Georg Bernhardt Eckert and his descendants 1793-1957" by Mrs. Estella Hartmann Orrison, San Angelo, Texas, 1957.
• Mason County Marriages

1. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXL5-6RB : 29 May 2021), Adolph Loeffler in entry for J M Loeffler, 1870.
2. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJM-BVT : 15 January 2022), Adolph Loeffler in household of Fritz Brandenberger, Justice Precinct 4, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district , sheet , NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm .
3. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K33H-KJ4 : 20 February 2021), Adolph Loeffler in entry for Herman Carl John Loeffler, 11 Apr 1957; citing certificate number 21608, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,135,700.
4. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K7D9-3NS : 20 February 2021), Adolph Loeffler in entry for Otto Louis Loeffler, 09 Jan 1964; citing certificate number 04933, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,117,404.
5. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3C5-4CZ : 20 February 2021), G A Loeffler in entry for Meta Marie Martin, 23 Oct 1951; citing certificate number 50290, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,868.
6. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K38J-3QL : 20 February 2021), Adolph Loeffler in entry for Walter G Loeffler, 15 May 1973; citing certificate number 41635, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,242,784.
7. "United States Census, 1900", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-63L : 14 January 2022), Adolph G Loefler in entry for Charles Eckert, 1900.
8. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2QH-DZH : accessed 7 July 2022), Adolph G Loefler, Justice Precinct 3, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 203, sheet 3A, family 34, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589.
9. "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHBQ-VPK : accessed 7 July 2022), Adolph Loeffler, Mason, Texas, United States; citing , sheet , line , family , NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll ; FHL microfilm .
10. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HXTY-NW2 : accessed 7 July 2022), G A Loeffler, Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 2, sheet 4B, line 95, family 101, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2375; FHL microfilm 2,342,109.

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Photos included in the post were taken on 29 July 2020.

Konrad Simon & Family

Johann Konrad Simon was born on 3 September 1832 in Grebenroth, Nassau, Prussia. It is a town situated about 286 miles south-west of Berlin.

Johann Konrad's lived with his parents, Phillipp Jakob Simon (born 11 November 1800, Holzhausen auf der Heide) and Suzanne Weiss (b. 12 November 1809, Laufesmuhle /Laufes Mill/ near Laufenselden), and brother Peter (born 7 April 1829 in Holzhausen). The father of the family was a wheelwright. When Konrad was about 5, on 15 March 1838, Christian was born. On 12 October 1840 in Grebenroth, Katherina Jacobina, and on 8 August 1843 Anna Maria joined the family. In 1845, they all emigrated to Texas. First, they traveled to Antwerp. The Simons left the European port on 13 September 1845, on the Barque Straba. 

The vessel's passenger list informs that Johann Konrad's oldest brother, 17-year-old Peter, was registered separately as an adult emigrant passenger. His occupation given in the manifest was "farmer". After several weeks of an oppressive journey, the vessel and the emigrants on its board reached Galveston on 20 November (1).

In 1847, Konrad and his family had already been in Fredericksburg. Phillip Jakob and Peter Simon got town lots there - Phillip lots no. 412 and 414, Peter lot no. 413 (2). Phillip was also granted 24 acres of land in the Fredericksburg area.

♦ 24 April 1848, a brother was born to Konrad. The baby boy was named Gottlieb.

1849, Phillip Jakob was granted 640 acres, Peter 320 acres, by the Llano River.

The 1850 census, on 13 September (3), found the family still in Fredericksburg. Phillip's profession was given as stonemason, Christian was not mentioned in the records (he had died?). Later, Konrad's father sold the land and town lot which he had in Fredericksburg, and the family moved to Castell, where a rock house was built.

♦ 2 October 1851, Henry Leander Simon (4), the youngest brother of Konrad's was born.

According to Gillespie County Rolls of 1854, Peter Simon kept some land (10 acres) there, he also had 1 horse, 50 head of cattle, 17 hogs, and 15 sheep (5). In 1855, he had even more land (40 acres) in Gillespie County (6). 

About 1856, the Simon family relocated and settled four miles southeast of Mason, at the place that was called Simonville, after their family name. At first, they lived in log cabins which after some time, were replaced with rock houses.

♡ 19 April 1857, in Gillespie County, Johann Konrad Simon married Miss Josephine Hasse (7), daughter of Karl Heinrich Hasse. 

In 1857, both Peter and Conrad owned 160 acres of land in Gillespie County. Conrad also had 1 wagon and a horse, and 30 head of cattle there. The property which belonged to him was worth $330. Peter raised 56 head of cattle. The man also had 20 hogs and owned a land certificate. The value of the latter was given as $150. According to the tax assessment, all the property that belonged to Peter worth $650 (8).

♦ 31 Jan 1858, the first child, Sophie Josephina, was born to the couple (9).

♡ 14 January 1859, Konrad's sister Katherine Simon married Friedrich Johann Georg Schmidt (born 1827), son of Johann Georg Schmidt.

♦ 10 December 1859 twin boys, Konrad and Heinrich arrived to parents J K and J Simon (10, 11).

Konrad and Josephine were charter members of the German Methodist Church. Johann Konrad was also a preacher and sometimes preached at the local church.

♦ 2 September 1862, another boy, Karl was born to Konrad and Josephine (12).

♦ 13 April 1863 - mourning in the family - Konrad's father Phillip Jakob passed.

 

When Civil War time came, in September 1863, 31-year-old Conrad joined Texas State Troops. Private Simon served in Precinct #3, Mason County (local defense), under Lt. Gottlieb Brandenburg.

The above CA registration card reads that Conrad was 5'6" tall, had grey eyes, and light hair. His occupation was "stock raiser". When he joined TST, the man owned a shotgun (13).

♦ 8 August 1865, Konrad's daughter Emilia came to this world (14).

Four years later, on ♦ 1 September 1869,  the Konrad Simons had another baby girl. She was named Nelly (15).

 ♡ 8 April 1867, in Hilda, Mason, Fritz Lorenz married Annie Simon (16), Konrad's younger sister.

1870 - census Anna, Henry, Charles, Emily, John, and Nelly. Annie lived with Fritz Lorenz nearby, next to Annie house was their mother's Susanna's dwelling in which their brother Gottlieb also lived. Then, Christina and Fred Schmidt + their children lived (17).

♡ Konrad's brother, Gottlieb married 26 Mar 1871 Louise Oestreich (18).


♦ 23 July 1872, daughter Bertha was born in Mason County (19).

♦ 18 September 1874, another baby girl, Ida was born.

Peter Simon, Konrad's older brother was engaged in freighting. At some point, he sold his wagon and left for California to join the gold rush. The man exchanged letters with Gottlieb. In 1875, Peter sent his mother Josephine a power of attorney to sell his land and property in Mason County.

♦ Franz was born 18 Apr 1876 to the family of Konrad and Josephine Simon's (20).


Tragically, 11-year-old ♦ Nellie died 27 Jan 1877 of diphtheria. It was the time when the disease took quite a toll among the children in the area. A few months later, also 2-year-old ♦ Ida succumbed to the malady. The girl passed on 11 February 1878.

Census 1880 - Konrad and Josephine lived in Justice Precinct #3, Mason, TX, together with children Anna, Henry, Charles, John, Emily, Bertha, and Frank. Konrad's siblings, Emma with her husband Fritz Lorenz, and two children; Catherine with husband Fred Schmidt and eight children; Henry L and mother Susanne, lived nearby (21).

In 1881 Konrad Simon and his Family moved to the Todd Mountain area, south of Mason where Konrad bought some land. He got some acres east of  James River Road as well.

♦ 26 Mar 1886, brought time of mourning again. Konrad's mother Suzanne died. She was buried in the family cemetery, next to her daughters. 

In the same year, on ♡ 12 November, Konrad's son, Heinrich married Miss Mary Martin (22). The marriage ceremony took place at the Hilda Bethel Methodist Church, Hilda, Mason, TX. 1886 also brought the marriage ceremony of  Henry Leander, Konrad's brother. He was married to Miss Lizzie Lackey.

♡ Karl Simon another brother of Konrad's, married Ernestine Nagel on 30 December 1890 (23). Not long after that, on 23 July 1891, Konrad and Josephine's daughter ♡ Bertha married  Friedrich Wartenbach (24).

Another daughter, ♡ Emilie, was married to Mr. Adolph Schulze on 26 November 1893 (25).

Several years later, on ♦ 18 November 1901, death took Emilie Simon Schultze. Konrad's daughter died when she was giving birth to her fourth child.  

About 1903/4, the youngest son of Konrad and Josephine's, Franz (Frank) married Josephine Pryor. The two had twins on 17 June 1904 (26) - one girl died and found her resting place at the Todd Mountain, the other one, Edna survived.

 ♦ 7 September 1921 John Konrad Simon left this world. He was buried near his wife, in the family cemetery.

 
Frank's first marriage did not survive. In 1921, the man married 27-years-younger Miss Mary Gerdes (born 1903). They had three sons, Frank (born 1922), Edward (b. 1924), and Damon (born 1930).

Emilie and Adolph Schulze's children - Lilli - born 10 October 1894 (27), Arthur  - born 18 April 1896 (28), Edgar, Emily - born 18 November 1901 (29).

Bertha and Fritz Wartenbach's children - Oscar Johannes - born 5 July 1892 (30), Josephine Anna - born 7 April 1895 (31), Karl John - born 7 September 1896 (32), Ida Mae - born 7 April 1908 (33).

Karl H, Heinrich and Katherine Simon will have their own posts.

UPDATE:

The photos and information shared by Ms. Karanell Marshall, a descendant of Annie and Fritz Lorenz:

 

"Thanks for your article on the Simon family. My great grandmother, Johanna Eisenbeisser, was married to a Lorenz.(...) I do have a very old photograph, with hand painting, of Fritz and Annie Simon Lorenz!! They were Oma Hannah's parents-in-law. When Annie was elderly she was blind. My grandmother had a pencil drawing that Annie drew of herself. It looked just like the woman in the picture. I thought you might enjoy hearing these little bits of family history.

 

There is a considerable water stain at the bottom. Don't know what the red is. Since they married in 1867, this must have been taken in the '70s or '80s. Here is a little book of Fritz's I inherited.
No date!

Oh! Found another with a date. Very faint as in pencil.

 

My g grandmother, who was Fritz's daughter in law, passed these on to her son, my grandfather."

Ms. Karanell Marshall kindly shared also some information (and a photo) related to her great grandmother, Johanna Eisenbeisser, and her immediate family. I am planning to post that material with another article dedicated to the Schuessler family, Johanna and her other relations.

 

Karanell, many thanks for sharing that all!

 Source:

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

Findagrave.com 

Victoria Regional Center

1. Barque Straba

2. Fredericksburg town lots 1847

3. 1850 Census Fredericksburg 

4. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KS1Y-4TJ : 20 February 2021), Henry Leander Simon, 20 Jun 1929; citing certificate number 31820, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,940. 

5. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RFPN : 20 February 2021), Peter Simon, 1854.

6. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RNV5 : 20 February 2021), Peter Simon, 1855.

7. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-L4J : 10 March 2021), John C Simon and Josephine Hasse, 19 Apr 1857; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

8. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RJH5 : 20 February 2021), Conrad Simon, 1857.

 9. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-DDMM : 14 February 2020), C. Simon in entry for Sophie Josephina Simon, 1858.

10.  "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3SW-WFL : 20 February 2021), Conrad Simon in entry for Henry Simon, 07 Oct 1949; citing certificate number 49601, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,223,524.

11. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-XCW2 : 14 February 2020), Heinrich Simon, 1859.

12. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LG4-143Z : 14 February 2020), Carl Simon, 1862.

13. "Texas, Confederate Army and Commanding Officer Card Index, ca.1861-ca.1865", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Z82B-RWN2 : 18 June 2020), Conrad Simon, 1863.

14. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-DCT2 : 14 February 2020), Emilia Simon, 1865.

15. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-LL3Z : 14 February 2020), Nelly Simon, 1869. 

16. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-FX8 : 22 January 2020), Anna Simon in entry for Fritz Lorens, 1867. 

17. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXG3-194 : 29 May 2021), Nelly Simon in entry for Conrad Simon, 1870.

18. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VK1T-5JD : 22 January 2020), Gottlieb Simon, 1871.

19. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-LL6Z : 14 February 2020), Bertha Simon, 1871.

20. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LLC-6YPZ : 14 February 2020), Franz Simon, 1876.

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

22. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-HST : 22 January 2020), Henry Simon, 1885.

23, "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-W22 : 22 January 2020), Carl Simon, 1890.

24. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-LF9 : 22 January 2020), Bertha Simon in entry for Friedrich Wartenbach, 1891.

25. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-W2J : 22 January 2020), Emilie Simon in entry for Adolph Schultze, 1893. 

26. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX99-2FX : 1 March 2021), Josie Pryor in entry for Edna Simon, 17 Jun 1904; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 103935, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,371,100. 

27. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-V73Z : 14 February 2020), Emilie Simon in entry for Lilli Josephine Leonore Schulze, 1894.

28. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-FQ3Z : 14 February 2020), Emilie Simon in entry for Arthur Schulze, 1896.

29. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3M8-5CL : 20 February 2021), Emilia Simons in entry for Emily Bertha Schulze, 12 May 1939; citing certificate number 24603, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,118,017.

30. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-DK6Z : 14 February 2020), Bertha Simon in entry for Oskar Johannes Wartenbach, 1892.

31. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-XKT2 : 14 February 2020), Bertha Simon in entry for Josephine Anna Wartenbach, 1895.

32. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-T9PZ : 14 February 2020), Bertha Simon in entry for Karl John Wartenbach, 1896.

33. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX99-PFJ : 1 March 2021), Bertha Simons in entry for Ida Mae Wartenbach, 07 Apr 1908; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 104635, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,371,100.

Arhelger Family

Johann Jacob Arhelger  was born on 16 May 1796  in Rittershausen, Germany. His parents were Johann Jakob Arhelger (b. 1754/d. 1810) from Bergebersbach and Anna Maria Schlappig (b. 1763/d. 1814). The couple were married on 27 August 1820 in Begebersbach, Germany.

Johann Jacob Jr. was a farmer in Ritterhausen. He married Elisabeth Müller (b. 9 October 1794 in Rittershausen. Elisabeth was the daughter of Peter Müller (b. 1765/d. 1837), a cartwright, and his second wife Elizabeth Kunz (b. 1761/d. 1823 in Rittershausen).

Johann Jacob and Elizabeth had eight children. Their third son Heinrich (b. 27 Nov 1825) died in Rittershausen on 22 April 1830. The Arhelger family (Johann Jacob, Elisabeth, and their seven children) emigrated to Texas on the ship Herschel. Their sea journey started in Bremen in August 1845, and they traveled to Galveston, and later to New Braunfels.

The Arhelgers came to the Fredericksburg area with the very first settlers on 8 May 1846. The father and adult sons were granted land/town lots. At first, the men built a Mexican-type hut for a temporary shelter, then a log cabin was constructed. Johann Jacob took care of his farm. With the help of his sons he fenced it with rock and rail fences, built pens for cattle and other livestock, planted crops. He died on 30 June 1857 in Fredericksburg. His wife Elisabeth passed four years later on 13 February 1861.

Fredericksburg City Cemetery

 

The Arhelgers' children who came to Texas were:

Jakob  - b. 31 March 1817/d. 10 December 1894 Fredericksburg 

He was 29 when the family arrived in Texas. Jacob was part of the scouting group who cleared the trail leading to the Fredericksburg area.

Johann Jacob married Karolina Stahl on 17 April 1854 in Fredericksburg (1).

Daniel  was born on 17 February 1821. In Texas, he married Christine Müller (b. 1819 in Prussia). the marriage took place probably before 1850.

In 1860, Daniel and Christine lived in Precinct #2, Gillespie County. Daniel was a farmer (2).

Four years later, during the Civil War, Daniel was Private in Company B (II), Gillespie County, 3rd Frontier District Texas State Troops (3).

Daniel Arhelger died on 8 Sept 1909 Fredericksburg, TX. He lived 88 years.

Clipping source:  Hanschke, Robert. Freie Presse für Texas. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 45, No. 8332, Ed. 1 Saturday, September 11, 1909, newspaper, September 11, 1909; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1084815/: accessed October 28, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

Elizabethe (b. 1 December 1827). 

On 16 October 1847 (4), she married Louis Martin (b. 20 November 1820) from Erndterruck, the son of Nicholas Martin and Hedwig Sinner. 

Louis came to Texas on the deck of Johann Dethardt. He arrived in Galveston on 23 November 1844.  Martin was the first Sheriff of Gillespie County and a District Clerk (1850) He was also a farmer and rancher, and had a freight business. In 1856, Martin signed a contract with the US - he delivered beef to the army stations along the frontier including Fort Martin and the settlers of Fredericksburg (among others). Martin was also involved in buying and selling land. In 1853, he became a legal guardian of Johann/John Grün after the death of John's father Frederick (5).

In 1853, Elizabethe and Louis Martin moved to Mason. The place where they lived was called Martin's Farm at Hedwig's Hill,  (named for Louis' mother Hedwig). Louis Martin was the first postmaster of Hedwig's Hill. From 1861 to 1862, he was Mason County Justice of the Peace. In 1861 he also served with captain Alf Hunter's Minutemen.

On 16 June 1864, Louis and his nephew were on a freighting trip to Mexico transporting cotton. The men had gold hidden under the layers of bacon. The freighters were ambushed by a mob near Eagle Pass and hanged by a gang of outlaws.

 

 

Elizabeth had their bodies recovered and buried at the Cemetery in Fredericksburg. Later Louis remains were moved to the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock (6).

 

Elizabeth Martin died on 24 December 1908 in Brenham, TX.

 

 

Clipping Source: Tucker, George. Brenham Evening Press. (Brenham, Tex.), Vol. 15, No. 187, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 31, 1908, newspaper, December 31, 1908; Brenham, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth519890/: accessed October 28, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

Katharine (b. 11 November 1830/d. June 1877, Simonsville, TX) - married Adolph Albert von Reichenau on 16 October 1848 (7). 

Adolph A Reichenau was born on 16 Nov 1824 at Frankfurt on the Main, Dillenburg, Germany. At the age of 16, he traveled to new York where he lived with his uncle for about two years. Then, he moved to New Orleans and joined the Minute Men. In 1846, Adolph fought in Mexican-American War including the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de Palma, and in Monterrey. During that time the man was wounded three times.

Adolph married Katharine, when he stationed at Castell. Later, in the very same year, he went on the Texas Chihuaha Expedition.

The young Reichenau family had their first house at Live Oak Creek. Four children were born to Katharine and Adolph there - Mathilda, Adolph, Gustav, and Augusta. They all moved to Castell in 1856. During the Civil War, Adolph Sr. served with the Llano County Minute Men. There more children arrived - Emma, Ida, and Albert.

Later, Adolph bought 15 sections of land in Kimble County and the family relocated there. Adolph was a cattle raiser and freight hauler. He was also a chief drover on the Chisholm Trail to Kansas. In Kimble, two sons, Alex and Max, were born.

During the Mason County War, The Reihenaus' house was raided and there was a shooting attempt to kill Adolph. Luckily, the man had managed to move the family to hiding, and nobody got hurt.

By 1867 the Indians had become hostile and life in the area was no longer safe. Adolph sold their land, the family put their belongings on the cart, and they walked to the Hedwig's Hill settlement on the Llano River. Adolph built a rock house by the river and bought a ranch at Simonsville. New babies were born there - Emil and Olga. Baby Emil and his mother Katherine died (1877) of the typhoid and were buried at the Reichenau Cemetery.

Two years later, on 25 August 1879, Adolph married Johanna Moldenhauer (b. 1849/d. 1943).
The two had four children Hugo, Katherine, Willie, and a baby girl who died.

Adolph was a respected man - he served as President of a school trustee and was elected a Justice of the Peace. He was a co-organizer of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He died on 23 December 1904 at the ranch where he lived.

Heinrich  - born on 17 October 1833. In Texas, he was a farmer on Grape Creek. He married Karoline Itz in Fredericksburg on 17 April 1854 (8). Karoline came to Texas from Westerburg, Germany. She was born in 1834/d. 1910.

Marriage license was granted on 14 April 1854

Heinrich was killed by Indians on 13 February 1863. The man was in the frontier ranger service - on the day of his death, Heinrich and his associate were scouting not far from Fredericksburg. The two were suddenly attacked by Comanches. Heinrich's companion who rode a fast horse was able to escape. Sadly, Heinrich with the mule he rode was condemned to death. Despite that, he fought fiercely, trying to defend himself. Henry killed one Indian and wounded others. Finally, the Indians left and did not scalp Heinrich. He, despite being wounded, managed to move away from the place of the attack. Henry was found dead with thirteen arrows in his body (8). After his death, Karoline married Christian Reeh from Brethausen, Germany.

Wilhelm - b. 6 April 1838/d. 20 December 1918. He was a cartwright and a cabinet maker, for some time a Texas Ranger. He married Katharine Grün (b. 1842/d. 1903) from Altendiez on 14 May 1865 in Fredericksburg (9).

 

In the Civil War, William was Private in Company A, Gillespie County, 3rd Frontier District Texas State Troops, which he joined in 1864.

 

August (b. 1 August 1843) - a cartwright and a Fredericksburg storekeeper.

From 1861 to 1862 August was with Texas Rangers. On 1 May 1862, he joined Company E, Buechel's 1st Regiment, Texas Cavalry/later, 8th Battalion,Company C, Texas Cavalry (Taylor's Battalion, Mounted Rifles).

When his Company stationed in San Antonio, he married Therese Schulze who was the daughter of Ferdinand Schulze and Eleonora Grossman. The marriage took place on 6 July 1868 (9).

The Schulze family came to Texas in 1846 on the vessel Eliza-Charlotte.
Theresa and August had three children: Theresa Rosa, Max and Ernest. The latter died in infancy. Theresa passed when he was giving birth to Ernest. 

A year later, in 1877, August married Therea's sister Alvina Schulze.

August, Alvina and children moved to Mason in 1878 where the man started a tool and blacksmith shop and built a rock house. The children born to the union of Alvina and August were Gustav, Ella, Harry, and Meda. Three of them died in infancy.

Besides his work in the shop, August did hunting. He died on 11 April 1908 and was buried in the Gooch Cemetery in Mason.

Clipping source:  The Daily Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 43, No. 106, Ed. 1 Wednesday, April 15, 1908, newspaper, April 15, 1908; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth441661/: accessed October 30, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

 

Jacob , Heinrich, and Daniel Arhelger were among the signers of the petition (submitted to the Texas Legislature on 15 Dec 1847) requesting the founding/formation of Gillespie County in Texas (10). 

The family connection from the Arhelger family goes again to our cousin Rufus Monroe Angel:

Johann Jacob Ahrelger

⇒ his daughter Elisabeth (Arhelger) Martin
⇒ her daughter Hedwig Martin
⇒ her husband Julius Kordzik
⇒ his sister Therese Marie (Kordzik) Nimitz
⇒ her husband Ernest Albert Nimitz
⇒ his sister Anna Bertha (Nimitz) Nauwald
⇒ her husband Friedrich Luckenbach
⇒ his brother Louis Karl Luckenbach
⇒ his wife Jeannie Katherine (Hart) Luckenbach
⇒ her sister Elizabeth (Hart) Angel
⇒ her husband Rufus Monroe Angel

UPDATE

On All Sants' Day, we visited the Catholic Cemetery in Fredericksburg where we found Katherine and Adolph Reichenau's grandson Clarence John's grave. Clarence's spouse was Miss Dorothy Louise Koch who was interred next to Clarence. His father was Harry Gustav Willie Reichenau. Clarence and Dorothy's infant son Robert found his eternal resting place in the family grave as well.

Resources:

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

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

1. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-V7C : 22 December 2016), Jacob Arhelger and Caroline Stahl, 17 Apr 1854; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801. 

2. "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFX-Y5Y : 18 March 2020), Daniel Ahrhelger, 1860.

3. Texas Rangers

4. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XL83-54M : 4 November 2017), Louis Martin and Elisabeth Arhelger, 16 Oct 1844; citing Bexar, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 24,917

5. "Death of a Texas Ranger: A True Story of  Murder and Vengeance on the Texas Frontier", Cynthia Leal Massey, Rowman & Littlefield, 2014

6. Wikipedia

7. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-V78 : 22 December 2016), Heinrich Arhelger and Caroline Itz, 17 Apr 1854; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

8. "German Pioneers in Texas", Don H. Biggers, Gillespie County Edition, Press of the Fredericksburg Publishing Co., 1925

9. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-LZ4 : 22 December 2016), Wilhelm Arhelger and Katharine Grun, 14 May 1865; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801. 

10. Texas Genealogy Trails