Karl Dietrich Kothmann

Karl Dietrich Kothmann was born in Wedelhine, Germany, on 14 February 1837. He was one of the children of Heinrich Konrad Kothmann and Ilse Katherine Pahlmann. The boy was only 9 when he came with his parents and siblings to Texas. During their stay in Indianola, due to miserable living conditions there, both Karl and his 3-year-younger sister Marie Karoline got seriously ill. The boy recovered after a long time of suffering, but the girl passed away.

In his young days, Karl Dietrich and his two-year-older brother Heinrich Friedrich spent most of their time together. After the older's brother marriage, Karl assisted his father in the day-to-day duties, helping him take care of the cattle and haul freight from San Antonio to Waco and Brenham. The latter supported the family budget.

18 September 1850, Dietrich and his family (father, laborer, age 53, mother, age 40, and four siblings) were recorded during the Census (1). They lived in Fredericksburg, TX.

♡ 11 October 1862 (2), Karl Dietrich married Miss Clara Luise Stahl (born on 1 March 1845 in Germany). She was the daughter of J. Friedrich Stahl and Henriette Nickel.

The 17-year-old bride was 5 feet tall and had dark hair and brown eyes. The groom (age 35) was 6'4", and had blue eyes and a goatee. He enjoyed smoking a pipe and playing the violin.

The couple settled on the Llano River, where Dietrich built a log house. There also was a piece of land for a garden that both spouses attended to. Since there was no well, they carried water from the river situated about 400 hundred yards from the house.

Dietrich continued hauling freight to Austin. During one of those trips, the man was robbed by two strangers who, at first, pretended to be friendly. The villains took away Dietrich's brand-new Navy Six-Shooter.

♦ 15 October 1863 - the first child,  daughter Clara Emilia Hulda was born in Mason (3).

February 1864 - Karl Dietrich Kothmann joined the Mason County Minute Men (4).

♦ 19 May 1865 - daughter Alvina was born.

♦ 8 January 1867 - another daughter, Clara, came. 

In the same year, Karl Dietrich arranged a government contract to cut wood (for McKavett and Chadbourne Forts) and to mow hay prairie grass for Fort Griffin. The contract participants were also Heinrich Friedrich Kothmann, Dietrich's brother, and Charles Lehmberg. Dietrich hired men and completed the commitment. After that, he looked after his cattle. Besides being a farmer, the man was also a cattle raiser.

♦ 29 January 1868 - Theodore Louise was born (5).

♦ 5 May 1869 - Dietrich Adolph joined the family (6).

1870 - with the help of his two brothers, Karl and Wilhelm, Dietrich drove Mr. Chipman's cattle to Kansas. When the brothers were coming back home, Karl contracted typhoid and sadly, he died.

1871 - Dietrich, his brother Wilhelm and Major Lewis drove two herds (1500 heads each) of Mr. Chipman's cattle to Kansas again. Initially, Dietrich was the boss of one of the herds only. When they all reach the Forth Wort area, due to the cowboys' strike in Major Lewis' team, Dietrich was assigned as the trail leader of both herds of cattle. They all had to cross the Red River, which was swollen at the time, its current was strong and ran wild. Despite the high water on the rampage, Dietrich and his men (32 riders altogether) managed to transport their provisions to the other side of the river and crossed all the chuck wagons, 3000 heads of cattle, and 150 horses. The party got to Kansas and successfully sold the cattle. Then, Dietrich came home by train and a stagecoach while Wilhelm and the 32 riders traveled on horseback.

Karl Dietrich Kothamnn drove cattle to Kansas two more times - in 1872, and a year later.

♦ 20 January 1870 - Little Clara passed. She was 3 years old.

1 June 1870 - census time. The family lived in Mason, Mason, TX (7).

♦ 22 October 1870 - a daughter was born. They named her Clara, after the late baby girl who passed a few months earlier.

♦ 31 December 1872 - son Frank was born.

1873 - having driven the cattle to the Kansas market, Dietrich bought a pair of fine horses and a brand-new hack, then started his journey back home. The man was accompanied by Mr. Adolph Reichenau, Sr.  The Llano River was up and still raising when they reached it. With major difficulties, the men managed to cross the wild river stream. While the horses when resting at the Llano bank, the water rose, and a big tree came brought by the river current hit the back of the hack, turned it down, and pulled the vehicle and the horses into the wild water. Dietrich tried to save the horses, but despite all his effort, the animals drowned.

About that time, all the horses and mules Dietrich had were stolen by the Indians.

1874 - Hoo Doo war started.

♦ 8 November 1874 - Emil came to this world

♦ 14 February 1876 - Alexander Friedrich arrived (8).

1878 - Dietrich sold the land on the Llano River for $1000. The purchaser was Mr. Bernhard Durst. Dietrich Kothmann also sold the hogs he owned and the range mark to Mr. August Meckel (for $600). Subsequently, Karl Dietrich obtained a large tract of land at Fly Gap where he built a two-story house made of stone and cleared the land.

♦ 22 June 1878 - daughter Anna joined the family.

♦ 6 August 1879 - Albert was born.

Dietrich and his family raised hogs again. The lard, ham, and bacon from butchered hogs were sold at the market in Austin or San Antonio. At that time, the products were more profitable than beef.

18 June 1880 - the family of Dietrich Ktohmann was registered by a census clerk in Justice Precinct #4, ED 104, Mason, TX. John Kothmann (age 18), Dietrich's nephew, lived in the family house. He was a farm laborer (9).

♦ 27 August 1881 - Dietrich's father (age 77) passed. 

♦ 9 September 1881 - daughter Lillie was born.

♦ 19 January 1883 - Nellie came to this world.

♦ 15 August 1884 - 16-year-old Louisa died.

♦ 15 March 1885 - the youngest son, Sam was born.

In the same year, ♡ Hulda married Mr. John Muennek (Muennink), born on 1 August 1859 in New Fountain, Medina, TX, to Frederich F Muennink and Antje Freden Schoen.

♡ 1887 - Alvina married 8-year-older Mr. John Schneider. Around that time, Dietrich began fencing his property.

♡ 1892 - Adolph married Lydia Sophie Hoerster, the daughter of Daniel Hoerster and Wilhelmina Jordan.
♡ 1897 - Clara married Fritz Charles Grote (born 3 February 1870), the son of Friedrich Adolph Grote and Conradina Bertha Lemberg.

♡ 1899 - Lillie married her brother-in-law Emil Louis Charles Hoerster (born 8 May 1874, Mason County, TX), the brother of Lydia Hoerster.
 

1900 - Census - Dietrich and the family had a boarder, 16-year-old Alonzo Keller, who had been attending school for three years. They all lived in justice Precinct #1, ED 50, Mason, TX (10).

♦ 9 January 1901 - 15-year old son, Sam died.

A few weeks later, on 23 January, a merry event in the family, ♡ 25-year-old Alexander married Alma Sophie Kothmann (born 3 August 1882, Castell, Llano, TX), who was the daughter of Heinrich Friederich Kothmann and Konradina Pluennneke (11).

♡ 9 October 1903 - Nellie married Ernest Frank Karl Leifeste (born 21 August 1880), the son of Karl Leifeste and Fredericka Jordan.

 

Clipping source: The Austin Statesman. (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 33, Ed. 1 Saturday, October 10, 1903, newspaper, October 10, 1903; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1454722/: accessed January 4, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu;. 

 

♡ 1905 - Albert married his sister-in-law, 6-year-younger Milda Kothmann (born 15 July 1885), the daughter of Heinrich Friederich Kothmann and Konradina Pluennneke.

 

♦ 15 February 1905 - Dietrich's mother died (age 94).

 

 

Clipping source: The Fort Worth Record and Register (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 9, No. 127, Ed. 1 Sunday, February 19, 1905, newspaper, February 19, 1905; Fort Worth, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1494374/: accessed January 4, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu;. 

 
About a year later, mourning came on ♦ 20 May, when Albert's 20-year-old wife died.

♡ 25 June 1908 - Albert remarried in Hilda, Mason, TX. His second wife was Lena Hulda Wiedemann, the daughter of Theodore Karl Wiedemann and Sophia Emma Pluenneke (12).

♦ 10 Nov. 1908 - daughter Hulda died at the age of 45.

♦ 14 July 1914 - Karl Dietrich Kothmann left this world at the age of 77. He was a good-hearted and hard-working man who was not afraid of life's obstacles. He took risks and applied discipline when it was necessary. Besides his own children, eight girls and six boys, he also raised his nephew, John W. Kothmann.

Dietrich's wife, Louise lived 4 years longer until ♦ 4 November 1918. Mrs. Kothmann passed due to liver cancer (13). She was buried next to her husband at the Kothmann cemetery in Art, Mason, TX.

 

Sources:

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

1. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXLK-PQL : 23 December 2020), Deidrick Kothman in household of Henry Kothman, Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
2. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-HSX : 22 January 2020), Dietrich Kothmann, 1862.
3. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-46W2 : 14 February 2020), Diedrich Kothmann in entry for Clara Em. Hulda Kothmann, 1863.
4. "Texas, Confederate Army and Commanding Officer Card Index, ca.1861-ca.1865", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Z4NW-NH2M : 18 June 2020), Dederick Kathman, 1864.
5. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LG4-J43Z : 14 February 2020), Diedrich Kothmann in entry for Theodora Louyse Kothmann, 1868.
6. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-T9ZM : 14 February 2020), Diedrich Kothmann in entry for Diedrich Adolph Kothmann, 1869.
"Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K372-ZXG : 20 February 2021), Dietrich Kothmann in entry for Adolph Dietrich Kothmann, 06 Mar 1954; citing certificate number 12076, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,146.
7. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-41H : 29 May 2021), Dietrich Kothman, 1870.
8. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3QG-Q6L : 20 February 2021), Dietrich Kothmann in entry for Alexander Fredrick Kothmann, 24 Nov 1954; citing certificate number 56529, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,284.
9. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJM-LGN : 15 January 2022), D. Kothmann, 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.
10. "United States Census, 1900", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-HYN : 14 January 2022), Dietrich Kothmann, 1900.
11. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-PXLW : 10 March 2021), A F Kothmann and Alma Kothmann, 23 Jan 1901; citing Llano, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,995.
12. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HCMV-VMN2 : 22 January 2020), Albert Kothmann, 1908.
13. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3SZ-13L : 20 February 2021), Louise Kothmann, 04 Nov 1918; citing certificate number 51535, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,413.

• Mason County Marriages 1 
• Mason County marriages 2
• Findagrave.com 

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Photos included in the text were taken during one of our walks, on 29 July 2020.

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.

Christian Friedrich Loeffler

Christian Friedrich came to this world on 9 December 1854 in Comal County, TX. His father Johann Martin was a farmer, his mother Johanna Christiana passed on ♦ 1 January 1856.

Since then, until the day when Johann Martin Loeffler married again (25 November 1859), little Christian was taken care of by Mrs. Christian Schlaudt. The boy grew up in Fredericksburg.

In 1860, he lived with his father, stepmother Juliane, and siblings in Fredericksburg, Precinct No. 2, Gillespie County. The siblings were Paul (age 13), Rosina (age 10), and stepsisters Auguste (age 13), and Sabine (age 10) Stalp (1).

When Christian got older, he moved to the Mason County area. In 1878 (2), Christian married Miss Maria Geistweidt, who was the eldest child of Wilhelm and Anna Elizabeth (Rohring) Geistweidt. Maria was born exactly a year later than her spouse, on 9 December 1855 in Fredericksburg and she lived with her family by Beaver Creek (Hilda Community).

The wedding ceremony took place in the Geistweidts' home.  When the couple moved to Hilda, they joined St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

♦ 26 February 1879 - son Frank Adolph Heinrich was born (3).

Census June 1880. At that time Christian, Marie, and their baby Frank lived in Justice Precinct #4, Mason County. The family had two borders/hired hands - 22-year-old Henry Geistweidt (who was Marie's brother) and 40-year-old Louis Mund (4).

♦ 12 November 1880 - daughter Ida Elizabeth was born. Grievously, the girl died on ♦ 5 March 1882.

♦ 11 August 1883 - daughter Maria Olga was born (5).

In the very same year, Christian and Marie became members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Beaver Creek (Hilda Community). Christian built rock fences and pens in the area. The man ranched, grew cotton which he hauled to Fredericksburg. Occasionally, he also carried mail (with his cotton haul) from Loyal Valley.

♦ 28 April 1886 - son Edwin August was born (6).

♦ 2 February 1888 son Karl Daniel was born in Hilda, Mason County. (7)

♦ 10 August 1890 - son Wilhelm Elias was born (8).

Mourning time came back on ♦ 10 July 1892 - Christian and Marie's 8-year-old Olga died.

♦ 8 July 1893 - daughter Hulda Emma was born in Hilda. She died a few days later on ♦ 14 July (9).

♦ 15 November 1895 - son Johann Willy was born (10).

Census 1900 - the family still lived in Justice Precinct #4. The oldest son Frank was 21, and he worked as a farm laborer (11).

In 1903, Christian and Marie moved to another location. They had sold their homestead to Frank.

♡ 23 June 1904, Frank Henry married Miss Cornelie Ernestine Pluenneke (born on 9 February 1882), the daughter of Heinrich Konrad Plurnneke Jr. and his wife Karoline Henriette Wiessemann. Frank and Nellie had 5 children.

♡ Karl Daniel got married on 23 March 1910 in Doss. His wife was Miss Meta Itz (born on 8 January 1892). They had 4 children. 

A month later, on 28 April, a census clerk by the name SC Brockman came to Christian's home. The official registered the head of the family, 31-year-old then Christian F, his wife Mary, and two sons 19-year-old Ely (Wilhelm Elias) and 14-year-old Willie (Johann Willy) in Justice Precinct #3, Mason, TX. Christian and Marie's oldest son lived with his wife Nellie and their kids Ben, Earl, and Lolita not far from the parents' house (12).

♡ Edwin August married Miss Ida Amelia Brandenberger on 1 January 1913. She was born on 25 August 1890 to James Brandenberger and Martha Leifeste. Edwin and Ida had 5 children.

The next son whose wedding the family celebrated on ♡ 23 May 1917 was Wilhelm "Lee". He was married to Jennie Mae Gipson (born on 13 September 1895 in Quitman, TX, to Beck Gipson and Emma Mayberry). The two had 3 children.

5 June 1917 - WW1 Military Draft registration day for Karl Daniel (13), (14) Johann Willy (Will John), and (15) Wilhelm Elias (Lee Will).

 

23 July 1918, Johann Willy was inducted into the Army. Lee Will was called by the Military about a month later, on 5 September. At first, both brothers served with 165th Department Brigade. Then, Johan Willy was assigned to Battery E 126th Field Artillery. He was sent overseas on 24 September 1918 where he was with his military unit until 5 January 1919. Private Johann Willy Loeffler was honorably discharged a month later, on 4 February (16, 17).

Lee was with 165th Department Brigade a bit longer than his brother, until 5 November 1918. After that, he served with the Quartermaster Corps at Camp Johnston in Florida. The man was honorably discharged on 2 January 1919 (18, 19).

12 September 1918 - Frank Adolph Henry (20) and Edwin August (21) were registered by the Army.

 

 

Census 1920 - only the youngest son, 23-year-old  Willy lived with the parents Christian and Marie Loeffler. The young man was a farmhand, the father of the family was registered as a stock farmer (22).

Two years later, on 22 February, ♡ Johann Willy was married to Hilda Alma Anna Eckert. She was born on 23 August 1895 to Wilhelm Philipp Eckert and Christiana Lemberg. Johann and Hilda had 2 children.

In May of 1928, Christian Friedrich and Marie Loeffler celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Christian and Marie moved three times. Census 1930 found them in Justice Precinct #7 of Mason County. They lived at the home of their 35-year-old son Willy, with Alma, daughter-in-law, and the grandchildren William P (age 5), and Myrtle Mae (age 2). Christian was 75, Marie 74 (23).

On ♦ 27 January 1934, Marie Loeffler was granted lifetime membership of the Women's Society of Christ Service.

Christian Fritz Loeffler lived 80 years 10 months and 25 days. He died of apoplexy on ♦  4 November 1935 (24). 

Clipping source: The Llano News. (Llano, Tex.), Vol. 47, No. 48, Ed. 1 Thursday, November 14, 1935, newspaper, November 14, 1935; Llano, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth824033/: accessed November 20, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Llano County Public Library.

Marie Loeffler passed on 5 February 1946. She lived 90 years 10 months and 27 days (25). The couple was buried at the Hilda Cemetery in Mason County.

 

Resources:

"Our Loeffler Family 1854-1979. One Hundred Twenty-Five Years in Texas", Ruby Neal Sorrels, 1979,

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

1. "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFX-G1X : 18 February 2021), Christian Laeffler in entry for John Laeffler, 1860.

2. Mason County marriages

3. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3F9-K6X : 20 February 2021), Frank H Loeffler, 13 Mar 1967; citing certificate number 18777, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,138,495. 

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

5. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-RK6Z : 14 February 2020), Chr. Loffler in entry for Maria Olga Loffler, 1883.

6. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-TQMM : 14 February 2020), Christian Loffler in entry for Edwin August Loffler, 1886.

7. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-LMT2 : 14 February 2020), Christian Loeffler in entry for Karl Daniel Loeffler, 1888.

8. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LGH-7GN2 : 14 February 2020), Christian Loeffler in entry for Wilhelm Elias Loeffler, 1890.

9. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-GR6Z : 14 February 2020), Christian Loeffler in entry for Hulda Emma Loeffler, 1893.

10. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-48W2 : 14 February 2020), Christian Loffler in entry for Johann Willy Loffler, 1895 

11. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-69P : accessed 14 November 2021), Christian Loefler, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet 7A, family 75, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658.

12.  "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q4-6JT : accessed 14 November 2021), Christian F Loefler, Justice Precinct 3, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 203, sheet 4A, family 48, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589. 

13. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-Y69 : 23 February 2021), Dan Charles Loeffler, 1917-1918.

14. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-Y6H : 23 February 2021), Will John Loeffler, 1917-1918.

15. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-Y6Q : 23 February 2021), Lee Will Loeffler, 1917-1918.

16. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-X5Z1 : 9 March 2021), Will John Loeffler, 23 Jul 1918; citing Military Service, Mason, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin

17. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:71N8-6D3Z : 23 October 2019), Will John Loeffler, 4 Feb 1919; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

18. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-X5ZB : 9 March 2021), Lee Will Loeffler, 05 Sep 1918; citing Military Service, Mason, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

19. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:71DX-KSN2 : 23 October 2019), Lee Will Loeffler, 2 Jan 1919; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

20. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-Y6S : 23 February 2021), Frank Adolph Henry Loeffler, 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-Y6M : 23 February 2021), Edwin August Loeffler, 1917-1918.

22. "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHBQ-ZG6 : accessed 14 November 2021), Christian F 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 .

23. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HXRV-RZM : accessed 14 November 2021), Christian Loeffler in household of William Loeffler, Precinct 7, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 8, sheet 5B, line 84, family 114, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2375; FHL microfilm 2,342,109. 

24. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3HF-3L6 : 20 February 2021), Christian Loeffler, 04 Nov 1935; citing certificate number 52816, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,116,707. 

25. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3HF-3L6 : 20 February 2021), Christian Loeffler, 04 Nov 1935; citing certificate number 52816, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,116,707.

Friedrich Johann Georg Schmidt

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

Evangelical church in Göttern built in 13th century

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

♦ William was born 7 March 1867 (6),

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

♦ Emma was born to the family in 1878.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Resources:

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

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

Mason County marriages 

Findagrave.com 

1. Ships from Europe to Galveston

2. Indianola Immigrants Database 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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