Johann Leyendecker

Johann Leyendecker (Leiendecker) was born in the community of Kadenbach (Duchy of Nassau, Prussia), on 17 October 1794. His parents were Franz Leyendecker and Anna Elizabetha Backhauss. 

 

Johann did his time in the Prussian army - among others, he fought in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The man became a school teacher. On 18 May 1825, at about 31, he married Maria Magdalena Zirvas, the daughter of Matthias Zirvas and Anna Maria Herbel (1). The bride was a bit younger than Johann, she was born on 19 June 1803. Their marriage ceremony took place in the Catholic church in Niederelbert, Unterwesterwaldkreis (2).

 

St. Joseph Catholic Church, Niederelbert*

 

 Johan and Maria Magdalena's children were:

• Anna Maria, born 1825,
• Johann, born on 10 September 1827/baptized on 15 September 1827 (3),
• Franz Josef, born on 21 December 1829,
• Katharina died on 1 April 1834/buried on 4 April 1834 (4),
• Matthias Jakobus, born on 12 January 1835 (5),
• Johann Karl, born on 25 June 1837 (6),
• Johann Adam, born on 27 October 1839 - died on 30 September 1841/buried on 2 October (7, #8),
• Johann Adam, born on 16 July 1842, was baptized on 19 July in the same year (9).

In November, Johann, his wife, and children left Prussia and went to Antwerp where they boarded the ship Riga. The vessel departed from the port of Antwerp on 🚢 11 November 1845. 138 emigrants were on the sip. On 8 January 1846, they reached Galveston (10).

On the passengers manifest, the members of the Leyendecker family were listed:

• 51-year-old Johann, wife Maria and children,
• Johann (Johann Zirvas) Leyendecker, son of Johann and Maria, age 18,
• Matthias Leyendecker of Kadenbach, age 71,
• Catherine Leyendecker, her husband Friedrich Metzger of Kadenbach, and their 5 children (11).

Indianola records give the names of Johann and Maria's children who arrived in Texas: Anna, Johann, Franz, Jakob, Karl, Maria (12).

The latter child was probably born at the sea or in Galveston. There is a record of Maria Magdalena Leyendecker, daughter of Johann and Maria Magdalena, who was christened on 20 January 1846 in Galveston, at St Mary's Catholic Church (13).

 

 

They all went to Gillespie county, nowadays the Fredericksburg area. Only Johann Zirvas didn't. The young man probably went straight to the Texas garrison in Matamoros, Mexico, and joined the army to fight in the war with Mexico. At that time, many German volunteers did a six-month or a year-long term, serving in the army for the same cause. Later (by 1847), John Z. went to Laredo, where he settled (14).

 

 

Johann Sr. became a teacher of the newly created school in the building of Vereins Kirche in Fredericksburg. He worked in the school until 1847, when another teacher, Jakob Brodbeck, succeeded him. His home was a place of the Catholic church service before the church building came into being (15).

 

1847 - 4 town lots in Fredericksburg belonged to Johann Leyendecker #224, 313, 337, and 380 (16). In the same year, daughter Ellen was born to Johann and Maria Magdalena Leyendecker.

 

 

In 1850, during the census, Johann and his family were registered. They had a boarder, a 14-year-old Gertrude Knapp, born in Germany as well (17).

Another record (18) mentions Johann Sr. in 1869 (Texas Voters List). The man served as the first Gillespie County Treasurer and also Justice of the Peace.

Mary Magdalena Leyendecker lived 70 years. She passed on 1 July 1873.
Professor Johann Leyendecker died at the age of 80, on 19 June 1876, in Fredericksburg.

Prof. Leyendecker's eternal resting place, St. Mary's Catholic Church Cemetery, Fredericksburg.

* Photo of St. Joseph Church: Dieterwick, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Resources:

1. "Deutschland, Hesse-Nassau, Diözese Limburg, Katholische Kirchenbücher, 1601-1919", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:D4W7-63PZ : 2 October 2020), Johann Lagendecker, 1825.
2. "Deutschland, Hesse-Nassau, Diözese Limburg, Katholische Kirchenbücher, 1601-1919", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:D4W6-P6ZM : 2 October 2020), Johann Leyendecker in entry for Johann Adam Leyendecker, 1842.
3. "Deutschland, Hesse-Nassau, Diözese Limburg, Katholische Kirchenbücher, 1601-1919", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:D47T-K4ZM : 2 October 2020), Johann Leiendecker in entry for Johann Leiendecker, 1827.
4. "Deutschland, Hesse-Nassau, Diözese Limburg, Katholische Kirchenbücher, 1601-1919", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:D4WX-7K3Z : 2 October 2020), Johann Leyendecker in entry for Katharina Leyendecker, 1834.
5. "Deutschland, Hesse-Nassau, Diözese Limburg, Katholische Kirchenbücher, 1601-1919", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:D4WX-SMPZ : 2 October 2020), Johann Leyendecker in entry for Mathias Jakobus Leyendecker.
6. "Deutschland, Hesse-Nassau, Diözese Limburg, Katholische Kirchenbücher, 1601-1919", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:D4WF-7P6Z : 2 October 2020), Johann Leiendecker in entry for Johann Karl Leiendecker.
7. "Deutschland, Hesse-Nassau, Diözese Limburg, Katholische Kirchenbücher, 1601-1919", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:D4WN-FG2M : 2 October 2020), Johann Leiendeker in entry for Johann Adam Leiendeker.
8. "Deutschland, Hesse-Nassau, Diözese Limburg, Katholische Kirchenbücher, 1601-1919", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:D4W8-D62M : 2 October 2020), Johann Leyendecker in entry for Johann Adam Leyendecker, 1841.
9. "Deutschland, Hesse-Nassau, Diözese Limburg, Katholische Kirchenbücher, 1601-1919", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:D4W6-P6ZM : 2 October 2020), Johann Leyendecker in entry for Johann Adam Leyendecker, 1842.
10. Ships from Europe to Galveston
11. "A New Land Beckoned: German Immigration to Texas, 1844-1847" by Chester Geue, Chester William Geue, Ethel Hander Geue, 1966,
12. Indianola Immigrant Database
13. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VRS5-75Y : 13 February 2020), Johann Leyendeker in entry for Maria Magdelena Leyendeker, 1846.
14. The Children of John Z Leyendecker" by Felix Garcia, 1984.
15. "History of the German Element in Texas from 1820 - 1850 And Historical Sketches of the German Texas Singers' League and Houston Turnverein from 1853-1913", Moritz Tiling, Published by Moritz Tiling, 1913.
16. 1847 Fredericksburg townlots: https://sites.rootsweb.com/~txgilles/townlot.htm
17. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXLK-GM4 : 23 December 2020), Gertrude Knap in household of John Leyandecker, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
18.  "Texas, Voter Records, 1867-1918", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:48S9-3HMM: 15 December 2020), Johann Leyendecker, 1869.
Findagrave.com

Photos included in the post were taken during our walk on 10 August 2020.

Ludwig Bernhard S Eckert & Family

Ludwig Bernhardt S Eckert was the youngest surviving son of Georg Bernhardt Eckert and Anna Margareta Holoch. Ludwig was born on 19 October 1834 in Hüffenhardt, Baden, Prussia and christened 4 days later (1, 2).

Georg Bernhard Eckert, the son of Johann Peter Eckert and Eva Christine nee Eckert and Anna Margaretha, the daughter of Georg Philipp Holoch and Catharina nee Eckert, got married on 20 June at 10 o'clock. The marriage took place in Hüffenhardt as well (3). 

The couple's other children were

• Catharina Margaretha, born on 17 November 1820 (4),
• Karl Friedrich, born on 5 October 1822 (5),
• Georg Philip, born on 10 November 1824 (6),
• Elisabetha, born on 8 May 1828 (7),
• Eva Christina, born on 12 September 1831 in Neckarbischofsheim, Sinsheim, Baden (8)/died on 21 August 1832 (9),
• Wilhelm Peter, born on 15 October 1838 (10)/died on 18 November 1838 (11).

Ludwig's mother Anna Margaretha died on ♦ 15 November 1838 (12) not long after giving birth to her youngest child. Little Ludwig Bernhardt was only 4 years old then.

Two years later, on ♡ 3 September 1844, 24-year-old Katharina Margaretha Eckert (Ludwig's sister) married Johann Georg Groß (Gross), the son of Johan Georg Groß and Maria Sibilla Welch (13). Katharina's husband was a shoemaker. The couple had six children. 

Ludwig completed his primary education in the Hüffenhardt school in April 1849. Later, he worked together with his brothers and studied at night till the year 1851. 

When Ludwig finished his studies, the mandatory service in the Prussian army reached him. During that time (1853), Ludwig's siblings Karl Friedrich, Georg Philipp, Bernhardt, and Elisabetha left the family home and emigrated to Texas. I mentioned them in the articles dedicated to Georg Philipp and Karl Friedrich. 

As soon as Ludwig finished the military service, he joined his siblings in Texas. The young man first traveled to Wittenberg, then sailed to New Orleans where he arrived on 27 March 1856. From there, Ludwig went to Meyersburg. He stayed for three years at the home of his brother Bernhardt who lived in the area, together with his wife and children.

Then, Ludwig decided to move to Mason County.
Sad news reached the Eckert siblings in Texas in 1860. Their sister ♦ Katharina (age 39) died on 20 February 1860.

About a year later, in Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, he married Miss Karoline Herber on 16 April 1861. The two were married in Vereins Kirche by pastor Dangers (14). 

Karoline was the daughter of Peter Herber and Maria Magdalena Bonn. Born on 17 March 1843 in Coblenz, Prussia,  she was about 9 years younger than Ludwig.
At first, the two made their home in the community of Beaver Creek, on the land that was owned by one of Ludwig's brothers.
Sometime after that, The young couple moved to Mason County and lived by the Llano River.

♦ First daughter Anna Margaretha was born to Ludwig and Karoline on 11 February 1862.
♦ ♦ 8 January 1864 - a stillborn baby girl was born.

1865 -  Ludwig Bernhard Eckert was granted American citizenship.

♦ 18 June 1866 - daughter Louise Elisabetha was born.
10 August 1867 - Ludwig was registered on the Texas voters list. He was a resident of Live Oak Creek Community (15).

♦ 26 October 1869 - daughter Bertha Karoline was born.

1870 census, 13 July, Live Oak Creek Settlement, Gillespie County. Value of real estate was $250, value of personal estate = $350 (16).

1872, Ludwig and his family relocated to Gillespie County (Honey Creek area).

♦ Lina Maria was born on 24 May 1872.

1874, saddening news came from Europe again. Ludwig's father, ♦ Georg Bernhardt, died on 11 March at the age of 81 (17). He had lived in the home of his son-in-law Johann Georg Gross.

♦ 20 April 1877 - baby girl Lina was born. Tragically, she died ♦ 8 days later.

Census 1880 - 3 June - the family was recorded at the Commissioner's Precinct #3 of Gillespie County. Ludwig age 47 was recorded as a farmer, he was also a rancher. 1-year-old Caroline Hartmann, given in the record as Ludwig's granddaughter (?), lived with Ludwig and Caroline Eckert. Their nearest neighbors were Jacob Herber (age 48), farmer and laborer Ludwig Meier (age 28), Adam Meurer and family, and John Kuntz Jr. and family (18).

♡ 2 October 1884 - Louise Elisabetha (age 18) was married to Mr. Ferdinand Baethge (b. 12 October 1855), age 29. They had 11 children. Louise's in-laws were Johann Heimlich Ludwig Baethge and Sophie Christine Conradine Pape.

♦ Ida Konradina, the youngest daughter, was born on 22 February 1885.

♡ 14 November 1886 - 24-year-old Anna Margaretha married 27-year-old Jacob Reinhardt (b. 9 August 1859). The two had four children. Jacob was the son of Jacob Reinhardt and Wilhelmine Real (19).

♡ 25 November 1891 - Lina Maria's wedding. She was then 19, and her spouse William A Kunz Jr. (b. 8 May 1865) was 26. 

William was the son of Peter Felix Kunz and Anna Maria Roeder. Lina and William had six children.

♦ 21 March 1897, Ludwig's wife Karoline died. She was 54. After her passing, Ludwig lived with his daughter Ida Welch and her family.

♡ 30 November 1893 - Bertha Karolina (age 24) married 31-year-old August Ochs (b. 31 January 1889), the son of Christian Ochs and Suzanne Marie Molz. Bertha and August had three children.

♦ 2 December 1904 - daughter Anna Margaretha Reinhardt nee Eckert died.

♡ 16 October 1906 - Ida Karolina (age 21) married 24-year-old Mr. Bertle B Welch (b. 26 February 1882). The couple had nine children.

♦ 25 November 1907 - another daughter Bertha Karoline Ochs nee Eckert died.

1910 census - Ludwig (age 75) was the head of the household situated by the Pedernales River, in which his daughter Ida lived with her husband, and 2 children (20).

1920 census - 85-year-old lived on the farm (which he owned) in Justice Precinct #2, Gillespie County. The family of Ida and Bertle Welch + 6 children lived in the same house (21).

Ludwig B S Eckert died of kidney failure on ♦ 27 December 1920. He had suffered from chronic nephritis (22).

Clipping source: Dietel, William. Fredericksburg Standard (Fredericksburg, Tex.), Vol. 14, No. 11, Ed. 1 Saturday, December 4, 1920, newspaper, December 4, 1920; Fredericksburg, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1418370/: accessed July 24, 2022), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu;.

Ludwig's grave at the old City Cemetery, Fredericksburg, TX. Photo taken on 30 Jan. 2022.

Source:

"The Eckert's Golden Opportunity" by Julius E DeVos, Mason, Texas, 1977.

1. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:QRRL-D4KJ : 26 October 2021), Entry for Ludwig Eckert, 19 Oct 1834; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Hüffenhardt, Mosbach, Baden, Deutschland, , German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
2. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:MLLZ-1QB : 24 October 2021), Entry for Ludwig Eckert, 1834.
3. "Deutschland Heiraten, 1558-1929", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:9SW1-NMT : 26 October 2021), Entry for Georg Bernhardt Eckert, 1820.
4. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPDT-WF1T : 27 October 2021), Georg Bernhardt Eckert in entry for Catharina Margaretha Eckert, 19 Nov 1820; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Hüffenhardt, Mosbach, Baden, Deutschland, , German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
5. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPDT-6B51 : 27 October 2021), Georg Bernhardt Eckert in entry for Karl Friedrich Eckert, 6 Oct 1822; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Hüffenhardt, Mosbach, Baden, Deutschland, , German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
6. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:QRRD-51KN : 27 October 2021), Entry for Georg Philipp Eckert, 12 Nov 1824; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Hüffenhardt, Mosbach, Baden, Deutschland, , German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
"Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NC4J-NVN : 26 October 2021), Georg Bernhardt Eckert in entry for Elisabetha Eckert, 1829.
7. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:QRRV-369V : 27 October 2021), Entry for Eva Christina Eckert, 16 Sep 1831; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Neckarbischofsheim, Sinsheim, Baden, Deutschland, , German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
8. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:QRRV-369V : 27 October 2021), Entry for Eva Christina Eckert, 16 Sep 1831; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Neckarbischofsheim, Sinsheim, Baden, Deutschland, , German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
9. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:M1F5-5TW : 24 October 2021), Entry for Eva Christina Eckert, 1831.
10. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:QRRJ-D5H9 : 27 October 2021), Entry for Wilhelm Peter Eckert, 25 Oct 1838; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Neckarbischofsheim, Sinsheim, Baden, Deutschland, , German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
11. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:QRRV-7CTZ : 27 October 2021), Entry for Wilhelm Peter Eckert, 21 Nov 1838; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Burial, Neckarbischofsheim, Sinsheim, Baden, Deutschland, , German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
12. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:9M9H-V7K7 : 27 October 2021), Entry for Anna Margareta Holoch, 1797.
13. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QP6H-LXCH : 27 October 2021), Georg Bernhard Eckert in entry for Johann Georg Groß, 3 Sep 1844; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Marriage, Neckarbischofsheim, Sinsheim, Baden, Deutschland, , German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
14. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:M6PB-2M1 : 22 January 2020), Entry for Ludwig Eckert, 1861.
15. "Texas, Voter Records, 1867-1918", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:WQ3V-WZN2 : 15 December 2020), Entry for Ludwig Eckert, 1867.
16. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:MHPN-FX9 : 29 May 2021), Household of Ludwig Eckert, 1870.
17. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:QRR6-R1LJ : 27 October 2021), Entry for Georg Bernhard Eckert, 13 Mar 1874; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Burial, Siegelsbach, Sinsheim, Baden, Deutschland, , German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
18. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:MCSB-8BF : 15 January 2022), Household of Ludwig Eckert, Justice Precinct 2, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district , sheet , NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,305.
19. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:9M6R-21HZ : 20 February 2021), Entry for Jacob Reinhardt, 16 Mar 1943; citing certificate number 12285, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,137,251.
20. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:9ZZZ-QJQ : accessed 19 July 2022), Household of Ludwig Eckert, Pedernales, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 148, sheet 1B, family 12, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1554; FHL microfilm 1,375,567.
21. "United States Census, 1920", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:M827-9TN : 3 February 2021), Household of Ludwig Eckert, 1920.
22. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:9M61-YMQS : 20 February 2021), Entry for Ludwig B S Eckert, 29 Nov 1920; citing certificate number 34858, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,875.

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

Johann Heinrich Marburger & Family

While doing the research and preparing this post, I was focused on Johann Heinrich Marburger, his wife, and his children. I was interested in what their journey through life was. However, it appeared that besides Johann Johann Heinrich and his nuclear family, also his brothers and sister came to Texas. The fact that many Marburger men had the same given names made the research quite difficult and quite confusing.

I found out that the surname is derived from the name of the city Marburg which is situated on the Lahn River, not far from Frankfurt, in Hessen Land, Germany. Marburg means "frontier fortress". It was granted the town rights in 1222*.

Marburger Schloss / Landgrafenschloss Marburg

Wigand of Marburg (von Marburg) was a cronichler and a herald of the Teutonic Knights in the Middle Ages (1). There was another famous (or rather infamous) man who was born in the city area. His name was Konrad von Marburg (Marburger), born in about 1180/1293. The man was the first inquisitor in Germany whose cruel actions, brutality, and zealous extermination of heresy led to his death. Konrad became inconvenient and was murdered (2).

Marburg was the place where Martin Luther led a discussion on the Lord's Supper (1529). After the debate, he created fifteen articles known as a Lutheran confession of faith. 

Ages later, on 20 August 1805, Johann Heinrich Marburger came to this world in Erndtebrück, not far from Marburg. The town has been mentioned already on the pages of this blog as other families of that town emigrated to Texas as well.

Erndterbrück is situated about 60 km from Marburg. By the way, there is Marburger Street in Erndterbrück.

Map data ©2022 GeoBasis-DE/BKG ©2009, Google

About Johann Heinrich Marburger

Johann's parents were Johann Wilhelm Marburger (born in 1774, Banfe, then, Wittgenstein (3), Prussia) and Marie Elizabeth Voelckel (born on 20 March 1778, Erndterbrück, Wittgenstein, Prussia). The two were married in 1801 (4). Little Johann Heinrich was baptized four days after his birth, on 24 August 1805 (5). He had at least seven siblings:

• Wilhelm - born October 1801/christened 11 October 1801 (6)
• Ludwig Heinrich - born 9 February 1804/christened 13 February (7)
• Johann Georg - born 9 January 1809/christened 13 January (8)
• Katharina Elisabeth - born 27 October 1811/christened 30 October (9)
• Jakob Ludwig - born 31 December 1815
• Johann Jost - born 21 February 1819
• Johannes - born 3 May 1821/christened 8 May (10).

 

Johann Heinrich Marburger (age 24) started his own family in 1829 (11). He married Freulein Marie Elise Wolf (born 19 February 1803). Soon, children were born to the couple. I have only found records of five of them.

• Wilhelm - christened on 10 July 1831 (12)
• Louise - christened on 26 January 1834  (13)
• Heinrich - christened on 24 August 1836 (14)
• Jakob - christened on 28 March 1841 (15)
• and Ludwig - christened on 2 July 1843 (16).

All children were christened in Erndterbrück.

On ♦ 24 November 1844 - death took Johann Heinrich's mother Marie Elizabeth. (17) The lady was 66 years old, she passed in Feudingen, Wittgenstein, Prussia.

Map data ©2022 GeoBasis-DE/BKG ©2009, Google

Two years later, Johann his family, and some of his siblings emigrated to Texas.

Johann Heinrich Marburger was recorded on the passenger list of the vessel York. He traveled with 7 persons (18) - his wife Marie Elise and probably 6 children. Most likely, besides the ones mentioned above, the youngest was a baby. Did it survive? I do not know.

Johann's brother Jacob was on the same ship - with 2 persons. Probably, it was his wife Helena Helmes and their son born in 1845 (19). Helena was the daughter of Johann Heinrich Helmes and Helena Heins. The lady and Jakob married in 1843 in Hilchenbach (20). They lived in Lutzel, not far from Erndterbrück. The Marburgers departed Europe in the port of Antwerp on 14 August 1846 (21).

Map data ©2022 GeoBasis-DE/BKG ©2009, Google

Johann Heinrich's sister Christina Marburger, her husband Johann Jost Voelkel (born on 27 December 1808), their sons Johann Jost and Wilhelm, and also Johann Jost Sr's. father Jakob Voelkel (born on 13 October 1786 in Erndterbrück) left Bremen and went to Texas in about 1848. Christina's husband passed in ♦ 1849, her father-in-law died in ♦ 1850.

Another brother of Johann Heinrich's left Erndterbrück and settled in Texas as well. It was Wilhelm who emigrated with his wife Anna Sophia Weyendt (born on 19 July 1803) and their children Wilhelm Jr., Georg, Jakob Jost, and Johann Jost (22).

♦ 9 January 1848 - Johann Heinrich's father, Johann Wilhelm, passed.

13 June - Henry John (age 27) and Christine Marburger of Laaspherhütte arrived in Galveston, Texas on the ship Antoinette (23). He could be Johann Heinrich's brother, but I am not sure about that.

Map data ©2022 GeoBasis-DE/BKG ©2009, Google

♡ 4 August 1852 - Louise married Johann Jost Bernshausen in Austin, Texas (24).

25 November 1854 - Ludwig Marburger (possibly Johann Heinrich's brother) and his family arrived in Texas on the Galliot Concordia (25).

♡ 2 March 1858 - Wilhelm (William), age 27, married Anna Mikeska (26).

1859 - Henry Sr. paid taxes for 233 acres of land (70 originally granted to W Sutherland and 163 to D Shelby). The man owned 6 horses, 75 head of cattle, a wagon, and a team of oxen (27).

♡ 21 April 1860 - 23-year-old Heinrich (Henry) married Miss Bertha Wunderlich in Washington, Texas (28). They had 12 children.

With quite a few Marburger men and similar or the same names they had/used, it is difficult to distinguish in the records who was who - for example which Henry it was if no birth year is mentioned.

During the Civil War - the men served in the CA.

• Georg Marburger - Johann Heinrich's nephew - Company C, Waul's Texas Legion (29).

• Ludwig Marburger - 1864 - 14th Field Battery, 15th Field Battery, Texas Light Artillery (30), Company E Ragsdale's Battalion, Texas Cavalry 1861-1865 (31).
  

There is also a note regarding an L. Marburger who enlisted on 5 January 1963 in Company A 23 Brigade (for 3 months). The man was stationed in Brenham, TX. On 13 January he was recorded as "absent without leave" (32).

• William Marburger - 1862 Company E, Waul's Texas Legion; Company B (33), 1865 - Timmon's Regiment, Texas Infantry (34, 35).

• Henry Marburger - Company E, Waul's Texas Legion; Company B, Timmon's Regiment, Texas Infantry (36).

• James (Jakob) Marburger - Company G, 4th Regiment, Texas Cavalry (4th Mounted Volunteers), rank: Sergeant (37, 38).
  

 

1862 - Henry Sr. farmed 233 acres granted to Mr. Shelby. He had 1 horse, 61 head of cattle, a wagon, and oxen (39).

!864 - Henry Marburger Sr. paid taxes for 133 acres (40) of land in Austin County (70 acres originally granted to Mr. Sutherland and 63 to D Shelby).

♡ 10 January 1865 - Jakob married Marie Doss (41). They had 12 children.

1866 - Henry Sr. had no land in Austin County (no taxes paid for that year). The man owned 5 horses and 14 head of cattle (42).
1866 - Jacob farmed 50 acres of land originally granted to W Townsend. He also had 3 horses and 13 head of cattle (43).

1 August 1867 - Henry, James, and William Marburger were recorded on the Voter List in Austine County. The men lived in Industry (44).

1870 - Henry Jr. farmed on the land that earlier was taken care of by his father. The son had 6 horses and 14 head of cattle. James had 11/2 acres of Herny Sr.'s land (45).

1870 - Henry (age 64), Mary (age 66), and George Wolf (age 69) were registered at their home in Precinct #5, Austin County, Post Office: Industry. George was possibly Marie's brother. Another brother of hers, Christian, his wife Mary, and their 4 children were the Marburgers' closest neighbors (46).

1872 - it seems Henry Sr. had divided his land and his sons were taking care of that. The father paid taxes only for a horse and 8 head of cattle. William farmed 121 acres of Mr. Shelby's land and 35 acres originally granted to H Cheves. He owned 2 horses and 23 head of cattle. James had 1 horse and 4  head of cattle. He also farmed 132 acres that had been granted to William Sutherland (47).

I have no clue what happened to Johann Heinrich's son Ludwig/whom he married. One record says that Ludwig Marburger was the husband of Annie Wied (48). Was it that son or Johann Heinrich's nephew, born in 1830?

1873 - Ludwig Marburger (mother Marie Elise) was married in Ferndorf, Siegen, Westphalia, Prussia. His bride was Louise Bode (49).

Census 1880 - Justice Precinct #5, Austin, TX - Henry Marburger, Sr. (age 74) and his wife Marie (age 76) rented their farm (to the sons?). Henry Jr (age 42), and his family - wife Bertha (age 40), and children Henriette (age 17), Otto (age 15), Alfred (age 13), Hermann (age 10), Robert (age 9), Randolph (age 8), Theobald (age 5), Ewald (age 2), and Armanta (age 1) lived nearby (50).

♦ 11 January 1893 - Johann Heinrich Marburger passed in Cistern, Fayette, Texas (51).

UPDATE:

Information provided by Darcy Wise Shelanskey, a post reader, who wrote us about Saint Elizabeth:

"(...) She was a Hungarian princess who was betrothed to the Landgrave Thuringia which is east of Marburg. After her husband died she moved to Marburg at the bequest of her in-laws because she basically embarrassed them with her care for the poor. She only lived there 3 years before she died at 25 years old. Her sainthood is the reason for the monastery and from that a university and pretty much all that Marburg represents (...)."

By the way, according to Encyclopedia Britannica, after her husnand's death, Elizabeth lived with her uncle who was then Bishop of Bamberg. Konrad von Marburg (mentioned above) was Elizabeth's spiritual director.

Credits/Resources:

*wikipedia.org, Brittanica.com

Photo of Marburg castle: Von Hydro - Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11826355

1. Wigand of Marburg
2. Konrad von Marburg
3. More about Wittgenstein
4. "Deutschland Heiraten, 1558-1929", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JH75-85B : 13 July 2021), Wilhelm Marburger, 1801.
5."Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N68Y-FLQ : 26 March 2020), Johann Henrich Marburger, 1806.
6. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N68Y-H2S : 26 March 2020), Wilhelm Marburger in entry for Wilhelm Marburger, 1801.
7.  "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NPVR-2X3 : 26 March 2020), Wilhelm Marburger in entry for Ludwig Henrich Marburger, 1804.
"Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NKNN-L5W : 26 March 2020), Joh. Wilhelm Marburger in entry for Catharina Elisabetha Marburger, 1795.
9. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N68B-MN5 : 26 March 2020), Catharina Elisabeta Marburger, 1811.
10. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N68B-WTY : 26 March 2020), Johannes Marburger, 1821.
"Deutschland Heiraten, 1558-1929", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JH7R-PVH : 14 July 2021), Johann Heinrich Marburger, 1829.
12. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N68B-729 : 26 March 2020), Wilhelm Marburger, 1831.
13. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N68B-9RX : 26 March 2020), Louise Marburger, 1834.
14. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N68B-FMX : 26 March 2020), Johann Heinrich Marburger in entry for Heinrich Marburger, 1837.
"Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N68B-67D : 26 March 2020), Jahann Heinrich Marburger in entry for Jacob Marburger, 1841.
"Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NKNJ-12H : 26 March 2020), Johann Heinrich Marburger in entry for Ludwig Marburger, 1843.
17. "Deutschland Tote und Beerdigungen, 1582-1958", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J4HM-R89 : 17 February 2020), Maria Elisabeth Voelckel, 1844.
18. "A New Land Beckoned: German Immigration to Texas, 1844-1847", Chester William Geue, Ethel Hander Geue
19. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VHWM-R48 : 26 March 2020), Jacob Marburger in entry for MM9.1.1/VHWM-R4Z:, 1845.
20. "Deutschland Heiraten, 1558-1929", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J488-PWM : 13 July 2021), Jacob Marburger, 1843.
21. Galveston Immigration Database
22. familysearch.org
23. "United States Index to Passenger Arrivals, Atlantic and Gulf Ports, 1820-1874," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KD51-ZQQ : 19 February 2021), Henry John Marberger, 1848; citing Immigration, NARA microfilm publication M334 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 418,268.
24. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLZ2-QVM : 10 March 2021), John Jost Bernshausen and Louisa Marburger, 04 Aug 1852; citing Austin, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,019,273.
25. Galveston Database
26. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLZ2-63K : 10 March 2021), William Marburger and Ann Mikeska, 02 Mar 1858; citing Austin, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,019,273.
27. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBM4-36S : 20 February 2021), Henry Marburger, 1859.
"Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1C-DC15 : 23 February 2021), Henry Marburger and Berta Wunderlich, 21 Apr 1860; citing Marriage, citing Washington, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 956,482.
29. https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=0DDCC4B5-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A
30. "Texas, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZ4L-QVF : 5 December 2014), Ludwig Marburger, 1864; from "Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Texas," database, Fold3.com (http://www.fold3.com : n.d.); citing military unit Fourteenth Field Battery; Fifteenth Field Battery, NARA microfilm publication M323 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1961), roll 241.
31. "United States Civil War Soldiers Index, 1861-1865", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FSTD-WMH : 25 August 2021), Ludwig Marburger, 1861-1865.
32. "Texas, Confederate Army and Commanding Officer Card Index, ca.1861-ca.1865", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Z4FF-CV3Z : 18 June 2020), L Marburger, 1863.
33. "Texas, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZ42-8PF : 5 December 2014), William Marburger, 1862; from "Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Texas," database, Fold3.com (http://www.fold3.com : n.d.); citing military unit Waul's Legion (Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery), NARA microfilm publication M323 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1961), roll 431.
34. "Texas, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZ4K-Z6N : 5 December 2014), William Marburger, 1865; from "Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Texas," database, Fold3.com (http://www.fold3.com : n.d.); citing military unit Timmon's Infantry, NARA microfilm publication M323 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1961), roll 423.
35. "United States Civil War Soldiers Index, 1861-1865", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FS5H-3PK : 25 August 2021), William Marburger, 1861-1865.
36. "United States Civil War Soldiers Index, 1861-1865", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FSTS-CMJ : 24 August 2021), Hy. Marberger, 1861-1865.
37. "Texas, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZ4K-NY4 : 5 December 2014), James Marburger, 1862; from "Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Texas," database, Fold3.com (http://www.fold3.com : n.d.); citing military unit Fourth Cavalry (Fourth Mounted Volunteers, First Regiment, Sibley's Brigade), NARA microfilm publication M323 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1961), roll 29_01.
38. "United States Civil War Soldiers Index, 1861-1865", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F923-BJ3 : 25 August 2021), James Marburger, 1861-1865.
39. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBM4-4KV : 20 February 2021), Henry Murberger, 1862.
40. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBM4-CP1 : 20 February 2021), Henry Marburger, 1864.
41. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-VX8W : 10 March 2021), Jacob Marberger and Marid Doss, 10 Jan 1865; citing Fayette, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 966,863.
42. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBM4-6X6 : 20 February 2021), Henry Marburger, 1866-1867.
43. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-4T84 : 20 February 2021), Jack Marburger, 1866.
44. "Texas, Voter Records, 1867-1918", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:W19P-VXT2 : 15 December 2020), Henry Marburger, 1867.
45. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBM4-LNJ : 20 February 2021), Heni Marburger, 1870.
46. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGJ-8XC : 29 May 2021), Henry Marburger, 1870.
47. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBM4-159 : 20 February 2021), Henry Marburger, 1872.
48. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CP-H7L : 20 February 2021), Ludwig Marburger in entry for Fritz Marburger, 09 Jan 1923; citing certificate number 2357, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,698.
49. "Deutschland Heiraten, 1558-1929", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N6Q6-TXQ : 13 July 2021), Ludwig Marburger, 1873.
50. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFFV-VK6 : 15 January 2022), Henry Marburger, Justice Precinct 5, Austin, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district , sheet , NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm .
51.findagrave.com

📸

Photos included in the article were taken on 25 July 2020.

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.