Johann Joachim Schmidt and Family

Quite a few men by the name of Schmidt came to the Fredericksburg area in the second half of the 19th century.Since Schmidt is quite a common surname, not all the people were related to each other.

One of them was Johann Joachim Heinrich Schmidt, born in Gresenhorst, Mecklenburg on 5 April 1826*. The baby, son of Johann Heinrich Schmidt and Marie Lisch Bruedegam was baptized 4 days later at the Evangelische Kirche in Blankenhagen, Ribnitz, Mecklemburg-Schwerin, Germany (1)**. 

On 25 November 1847 (2), Johann married Johanne Karoline Wilhelmine Koenig, daughter of Kuno Ludwig Koenig and Anna Katharine Fett. Johanne was born in Klein Mueritz, Mecklenburg, on 21 June 1818, and baptized on 27 June in Evangelische Kirche Volkenshagen (3).

 

Johann and Wilhelmine's sons were given similar or even the same names. In some cases, they did not use the first names as the main ones. It made my research difficult and quite confusing. It was easy to get lost in who was who.

I. Ludwig Karl Heinrich (Heinrich) - born in Klein Mueritz, Mecklenburg-Schwerin on 29 June 1847/baptized on 4 July (4) in Evangelische Kirche. Stadtkirche Ribnitz (Mecklenburg-Schwerin); 

II. Johann Wilhelm - born in Klein Mueritz , Mecklenburg on 26 September 1849/1940;

III. Wilhelm Heinrich Theodor - born in Klein Mueritz, Mecklenburg-Schwerin on 6 March 1852/baptized 14 March (5).

IV. Ludwig Karl Heinrich - born in Klein Mueritz, Mecklenburg on 23 December 1854/baptized 7 January 1855 (6);

V. Bertha Ernestine Johanna - born in Klein Mueritz, Mecklenburg on 26 Aug 1857/baptized 6 September (7);

VI. Bernhard Friedrich Johann (Fritz) - born in Klein Mueritz, Mecklenburg on 26 June 1860 (8);

VII. Karl Friedrich Heinrich - born in Klein Mueritz  on 12 December 1863/baptized on 25 December 1863 (9);

VIII. August Theodor Johann- born in Kelin Mueritz, Mecklenburg on 20 September 1865/baptized 8 October (10).

 

The three oldest sons of Johann and Karoline were Mariners in the Prussian Navy, in the service of Emperor Wilhelm I of Germany. Johann Wilhelm served for 2.5 years and was also a sailor for 9 years.

Ludwig in his teenage years happened to damage his trigger finger when he was chopping fodder. The finger healed but it stayed permanently bent. Due to that, he was disqualified from the military service. and worked as a head servant at a big farm estate.

👉 Census in Germany 1867 -  Johann ("arbeiter"/worker), his wife Wilhelmine, and their children lived in Klockenhagen, district Ribnitz, Mecklenburg-Schwerin. I. Heinrich worked as "Schiffskoch"/ship's cook. Other kids who appear in the register are Ludwig, Bertha, Fritz, and August. II. Johann was in Rostock then, and III.Wilhelm was registered in Klein Mueritz (11). Possibly, he was visiting his mother's family (?). VII.Karl Friedrich Heinrich was not listed there. The boy had most likely passed away by then.

According to the family history, III.Wilhelm Heinrich Theodor died during his maritime service. Tragically, he fell from a mast on the ship deck during a storm while helping a young sailor.  The story tells that Wilhelm was then buried at sea and it happened in the Yokohama Bay in about 1872.

I found III.Wilhelm Theodor Heinrich's death record (with the names of his parents). The church book says that the man died on 18 June 1874 and was buried on 21 June at the Evangelische Kirche. Stadtkirche Ribnitz church cemetery (12).

Ludwig Koenig, Wilhelmine's brother, was the first family member who left the old country in 1852 and emigrated to America. The man settled close to Fredericksburg, TX. Heinrich, the eldest son of Johann and Karolina, came to New York in 1873. Then, he led a farmer's life at Meusebach Creek, near Fredericksburg.
In the same year, on ♦ 28 January, Johann Joachim Schmidt's mother Marie Lisch Bruedegam passed away in Bartelshagen, Ribnitz, Mecklenburg-Schwerin (13). When his father, Joachim Heinrich, died, I do not know.

🚢 Johann, Karolina, and their children Johann W, Ludwig, Friedrich, August, and Bertha boarded a ship in Bremen and left Germany on 4 November 1875. The party was accompanied by Ludwig's fiancee, 20-year-old Lisette Lehmann, and Johann W's wife, Amalia Thomson. The family arrived in New Orleans and then, by a steamer went to Galveston, Texas. Ludwig and Lisette stayed in Galveston until they earned enough money to get train tickets to Austin. A few ox teams waited for the Schmidts in the city, including the oldest son Heinrich, and August Koenig, Wilelmine's brother. The latter had come to Texas in 1852. August's son Louis Adolph Koenig later married Ludwig and Lisette's eldest daughter Bertha.

Fritz, Lisette's brother served as an infantryman and later was a mail carrier for the German government. August cavalryman settled in Nebraska, where sister Dora had gone before.

🏠 Johann Schmidt and his wife Karoline settled on a farm in Doss. During the first year at the new place, all the family (besides Ludwig) worked at the farm in Doss (rented by Johann Joachim Schmidt). Ludwig worked at Heinrich's farm at Meusebach Creek. The $1400 that Johann had brought to Texas (the money from selling his farm in Germany) was soon gone as they all needed food, various household tools, and other items. Lisette worked as a maid at a family house in Austin.

 

⚭ 3 November 1876 - Ludwig married Lisette Lehmann (14), the daughter of Christian Nicholaus Albrecht Lehmann and Blondine Millahn. Ludwig and Lisette were married by Pastor K. Weiss at Zion Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg.

Lisette was born in Blankenhagen on 22 July 1855. In Germany, she worked as a maid at a farmer's house. Ludwig and Lisette had 7 children. At first, the young couple lived and worked at August and Sophie Koenig's place. Just before their first child was born, Ludwig and Lisette moved to a farm close to Live Oak. They rented the place that belonged to Mr. Schroeder. A few years later, Ludwig and his family relocated and they lived in Fredericksburg, where the man worked at a flour mill. In about 1886, they moved again, and then a few times more as Ludwig was a sharecropper. The couple had 15 children.

Johann Joachim Schmidt purchased a farm at Meusebach Creek and the family relocated there as well. Sometime later, the man bought a farm three miles west of the town of Fredericksburg, where he lived until his passing.

⚭ 13 May 1878 - Bertha was married to Heinrich Kuhlmann (15), son of Johann Peter Kuhlmann and Anna Margarete Sauer.

⚭ 26 December 1878 - Heinrich (Ludwig Karl Heinrich) married Anna Kuhlmann (16), daughter of f Johann Peter Kuhlmann and Anna Margarete Sauer. 4 children.

VI. Friedrich (Bernhard Friedrich Johann) married Bertha Treibs on ⚭ 22 February 1883 (17). She was the daughter of Jacob Treibs and Catharine Durst. Fridrich farmed until he fell and as a result of a concussion got blind.

👉 Census 1880 Johann Schmidt (farmer, age 63), his wife Wilhelmine, and son August (age 15) were registered in Justice Precinct 2, Gillespie, Texas. Heinrich (age 32), his wife Anna (age 28), and their son Gustav (6 months) lived in the next house (18).

Johann Joachim Schmidt passed away on ♦ 14 July 1887. He was buried in the cemetery in Fredericksburg, TX.

⚭ 8 May 1889 - August married Martha Strackbein (19), born 28 April 1869, the daughter of Johann Heinrich Strackbein and Katharine Elisabethe Crenwelge. August and his wife had 7 children.

Johann's wife Wilhelmine died on ♦ 18 November 1893. The family farm was then purchased by Johann's son August. At the beginning of the 20th century, August sold the farm and bought land on Llano Road.

===

*In the book "Ludwig Heinrich and Lisette Lehmann Schmidt", Wilhelmina Anna Karolina Koenig's birth date is given as 21 December 1818 and Johann Schmidt's birthday is noted as 9 April 1828.

** Since there are discrepancies in the sources, regarding Johann's date of birth, I do hope the names of Johann's parents given above are correct.

Sources:
"Ludwig Heinrich and Lisette Lehmann Schmidt" by Ruth Schmidt Dyar, Nortex Press, Austin, Texas, 1994.

Findagrave.com

1. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPJ5-2HW3 : 19 May 2023), Johann Joachim Schmidt, 9 Apr 1826; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Blankenhagen, Blankenhagen, Ribnitz, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Deutschland, Dänschenburg, German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.

2. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPVQ-W52C : 17 May 2023), Johann Schmidt in entry for Johann Joachim Schmidt, 25 Nov 1847; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Marriage, Ribnitz, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Deutschland, Ribnitz, German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.

3. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPKQ-WT8W : 19 May 2023), Wilhelmine Anna Carolina König, 27 Jun 1818; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Deutschland, Rostock u Volkenshagen, German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.

4. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPV3-R9BL : 17 May 2023), Johann Joachim Heinrich Schmidt in entry for Schmidt, 4 Jul 1847; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Ribnitz, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Deutschland, Ribnitz, German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
5. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPV3-T19C : 17 May 2023), Johann Heinrich Schmidt in entry for Wilhelm Heinrich Theodor Schmidt, 14 Mar 1852; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Ribnitz, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Deutschland, Ribnitz, German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
6. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPVQ-4F33 : 17 May 2023), Johann Joachim Schmidt in entry for Ludwig Carl Heinrich Schmidt, 7 Jan 1855; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Ribnitz, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Deutschland, Ribnitz, German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
7. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPVQ-WR92 : 17 May 2023), Johann Joachim Schmidt in entry for Bertha Ernestine Johanna Schmidt, 6 Sep 1857; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Ribnitz, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Deutschland, Ribnitz, German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
8. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPV3-1STB : 17 May 2023), Johann Joachim Schmidt in entry for Bernhard Friedrich Johann Schmidt, 15 Jul 1860; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Ribnitz, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Deutschland, Ribnitz, German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
9. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPVQ-C2JS : 17 May 2023), Johann Joachim Heinrich Schmidt in entry for Carl Friedrich Heinrich Schmidt, 25 Dec 1863; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Ribnitz, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Deutschland, Ribnitz, German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
10. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPV3-YLB3 : 17 May 2023), Johann Joachim Heinrich Schmidt in entry for August Theodor Johann Schmidt, 8 Oct 1865; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Baptism, Ribnitz, Ribnitz, Ribnitz, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Deutschland, Ribnitz, German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
11. "Deutschland, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Volkszählung, 1867", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV3S-Z4J9 : Thu Oct 05 07:42:38 UTC 2023), Entry for Johann Schmidt and Wilhelmine Schmidt, 03 Dec 1867.
12. "Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPVQ-3TW1 : 17 May 2023), König in entry for Wilhelm Theodor Heinrich Schmidt, 21 Jun 1874; images digitized and records extracted by Ancestry; citing Burial, Ribnitz, Ribnitz, Ribnitz, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Deutschland, Ribnitz, German Lutheran Collection, various parishes, Germany.
13. familysearch.org
14. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-25P : 10 March 2021), Ludwig Schmidt and Lisette Lehmann, 03 Nov 1876; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.
15. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-PM9 : 10 March 2021), Henry Kuhlmann and Bertha Schmidt, 13 May 1878; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.
16. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FX3B-55N : 22 January 2020), Heinrich Schmidt, 1878.
17. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9JQV : 10 March 2021), Friedrich Schmidt and Bertha Treibs, 22 Feb 1883; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.
18. "United States Census, 1880", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFN8-LTD : Thu Oct 05 10:17:41 UTC 2023), Entry for Johann Schmidt and Wilhelmine Schmidt, 1880.

19. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXSN-79Z : 10 March 2021), August Schmidt and Martha Strackbein, 08 May 1889; citing Gillespie County, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.

 

★

Photos included in this post were taken during our walk on 3 August 2020.

 

 

Konrad Schuessler

Konrad Schüssler was born in Bonfeld, Germany on 1 July 1838. He was one of the children of Johann Adam Schüssler and Eva Katharina Dischinger. I have already written about then here so I will not write again about the details of their arrival in Texas. Konrad was 7 years old when the family left Bonfeld in Baden-Würtemeberg.

Konrad got married at the age of 21. On 14 December 1859, Miss Wilhelmina Margaret Storch (born on 6 August 1841) became his wife. Their marriage ceremony took place in Gillespie County, TX (1). 

At first, they all lived at Cherry Springs. That was the time when everyday life was a fight for survival and the fight was quite literal when hostile Indians raided the area. Many settlers left Cherry Springs as the place was regarded to be not safe. Konrad and his family stayed and continued to live there. Eventually, in 1860 (2), the Schuesslers moved to Mason County.

Konrad Schüssler was a farmer, he probably also owned a saddlery in Mason.

The couple had nine children.

♦ John Jacob (Jake) was born in 1860,

♦ Friedrich Charles was born on 2 December 1862 (3),

♦ Anton Louis born 27 May 1865, Fly Gap Community,

♦ Emil Otto born 25 December 1867.

 

On 22 November 1869, Konrad Schuessler was registered as a voter in Mason County (4).

♦ Son Adam was born on 5 January 1870.

On 27 June 1870, the family was recorded by census clerk, Mr. Francis Kettner. 5-year-old Anton Louis appears in the records as Henry (5).

It happened that Indians stole all but one of Konrad's horses. They also tried to get the horse left behind but the man managed to save the animal in quite an unusual way. One night, when an Indian got close to Konrad's house to get the horse, Mr. Schüssler who was around noticed somebody moving in the dark. He thought it was one of his sons and started talking to the "dark figure" in German. It must have surprised the Indian as the latter did not take the horse and disappeared in the night.

♦ Son Rudolph was born to Konrad and Minnie in 1871. 

♦ The first daughter Amelia (Emily) was born to Konrad and Minna on 16 June 1872.

♦ Another son Fritz Albert was born on 24 December 1874.

♦ Daughter Anna Hulda was the youngest child of Konrad and Minnie Schuessler. The girl was born on 6 July 1881.

♦ Tragically, the teenage son Rudolph was bitten by a snake and died in the result of it.

1885 - ♡ John Jacob (age 35) married 7-years-younger Miss Johanna Elizabeth Eisenbeiser, the daughter of Johannes Eisenbeiser and Katharina Dorothea Albrecht. Johanna was born in Germany on 21 February 1867.

1887 - ♡ Henry Anton Louis married Miss Martha Irene Catwig/Cating (born on 9 December 1872 in Jackson Township, Jackson, Ohio), the daughter of  Edward William Cating. Their children were:

• Anna Laura, b. 28 September 1888,
• Amelia Clara, b. 20 September 1890,
• Alex, b. 25 April 1892,
• Lillie May, b. 2 May 1894,
• Margaret Minnie, b. 4 February 1896/d. 1899,
• twins - Effie, b. 2 April 1898 and another baby who died at birth,
• Edna, b. 21 March 1900,
• Sadie Bell, b. 28 March 1902,
• Wesley Morgan, b. 12 October 1903,
• Myrtle, b. 13 may 1905/d. 26 March 1921,
• Howard, b. 15 February 1907.

1892 - ♦ John Jacob Schuessler, the father of two (Ella born in 1884 and Arnold who died young), passed.

According to the information shared by Ms. Karanell Marshall* "... he (Jake) was put in jail or prison for horse theft, claiming innocence, and died there of illness, leaving her with her daughter Ella."

1894 - ♡ 30-year-old Friedrich C. married Miss Katie Scott who was about 15 years old then. She was born on 11 July 1879, to Sevanty M Scott and Katharina Degel Schafstead. Their children: 

• Andrew Jackson, born on 3 December 1895,
• Cora Mary, born on 21 July 1896,
• Sam Wesley, born on 29 August 1897,
• Florence Elizabeth, born on 30 September 1898,
• Conrad, born on 21 January 1900,
• Robert Rudolph, born on 10 May 1901,
  
• Charles Frederick, born on 2 December 1902,
• Minnie Margaret, born on 27 July 1905,
• Alonzo, born on 14 April 1907,
• Katie Kathlene, born on 16 December 1908,
• Annie Amelia, born on 21 June 1912,
• Lucille, born on 28 September 1916,
• Dixie Lee, born on 23 July 1917,
• Ruth Levora, born on 7 December 1919.

1894 - ♡ Mrs. Hannah Schuessler, Jake's ex-wife remarried. Her second husband became Clemens Mueller (born in 1856) - more info* about them at the end of the article.

1895 - ♡ Otto (age 28) married Miss Amanda Schmidt (born on 8 November 1871).

• Nellie, b. 24 February 1896,
• Leonard Valentine, b. 7 March 1898,
• Peano Alonzo, b. 27 October 1900,
• Frank Dennis, b. 16 June 1903,
• Johnny Adam, b. 21 April 1906,
• James Roy, b. 18 May 1909,
• Amelia Louise, b. 27 August 1912.

1896 - ♡ 26-year-old Adam married Miss Cora Mary Ritter, the daughter of William Heinrich Adam Ritter and Osanna Christiana Storch. Cora was about three years younger than Adam, she was born on 11 April 1873. They had ten children:

• Amsey E, b. 8 September 1897,
• Ervin E, b. 14 August 1898,
• twins - Willy E and Willard E stillborn on 21 September 1899,
• Woody Ran, b. 28 September 1902,
• Vaine Van died at birth on 28 September 1902,
• Clarence, b. 9 January 1908,
• Eldon, b. 12 February 1915,
• Cora Mae, b. 16 August 1916,
• Elmer, b. 13 September 1917.

1901 - ♡ Annie married Mr. Robert Sneed Hubbard (born 22 May 1883). Children born to them:

• Minnie Margaret Wilhelmina - 23 December 1903,
• May Arline - 11 April 1906,
• Bobby - 28 June 1909,
• Willard Lee - 26 November 1910,
• Thomas Ira - 3 July 1914,
• Ella Nora - 23 January 1916,
• Verna Belle - 27 March 1919,
• James Frank - 5 March 1922.

Emily married Stephen Henry Raines (b. 15 February 1874). Their children were:

• Charles Howard - b. 9 January 1902/d. after two weeks,
• David Henry - b. 22 April 1903,
• Minnie - b. 6 June 1906,
• Dan - b. 2 April 1910,
• Jesse William - b. 6 October 1911,
• Cora Mae - b. 12 April 1916.

1908 - the youngest son of Konrad and Minnie's, ♡ 34-year-old then Albert Fritz married 17-year-old Miss Martha Elizabeth Gierisch (born on 12 December 1891). Their children:

• Anton Louis - b. 25 November 1908,
• Annie Donie - b. 20 May 1910,
• Estella May - b. 2 February 1912,
• Pauline Gusta - b. 13 November 1913,
• Ima Catherine - b. 18 April 1915,
• Ura Alma -b. 17 December 1916,
• John Henry - b. 26 October 1921,
• Robert - died at birth in 1922.

When most of Konrad and Minnie's children grew up, Konrad sold part of his land in Fly Gap to Mr. August Willmann Sr. Then, Konrad and Minnie moved to New Mexico.

♦ Konrad Schuessler passed four years later on 23 May 1912. He was about 74. Konrad's departure was mentioned in the San Antonio "Freie Presse für Texas" published on 25 May of the same year.

 

Clipping source: Hanschke, Robert. Freie Presse für Texas. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 48, No. 9201, Ed. 1 Saturday, May 25, 1912, newspaper, May 25, 1912; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1084460/: accessed September 19, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

♦ Minnie Lehmann Schuessler, Konrad's wife, died on 23 January 1919.

Information about Hannah Eisenbeiser, the wife of Jake Schuessler, and the family photo was provided by Ms. Karanell Marshall*:

Hannah had four husbands. "They all died before her (...) my great-grandfather Clemens Carl Mueller from Culitzsch, Sachsen (...), Gottlieb Lorenz, and finally a Schneider. His son was John, wife Annie."

Photo: "Clemens Carl and Johanna Eisenbeisser, seated. Standing her daughter Ella from her first marriage with husband Herman Faselar, my grandfather Frank William L, Uncle Dick center, and Uncle Herman, baby. Taken shortly before his [Clemens'] death, 1908.

"My great-grandfather, Clemens Mueller, died in 1909 when my grandfather was just 8. Clemens had gone to hitch the horse to the wagon to go to church. He didn't come back, so Oma sent my grandfather to go see what was taking so long. My grandfather found his father lying dead, with his head bleeding, laying on a rock."

Resources:

"John Adam and Eva Schuessler Pioneers, A Family History and Genealogy" by Johnita Schuessler Bohmfalk, 1984,

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

Mason County Marriages

* Information shared by Ms. Karanell Marschall, a descendant of Hannah and Clemens Carl Mueller.

1. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FX3B-RY5 : 22 January 2020), Conrad Schussler, 1859.

2. "Texas, Voter Records, 1867-1918", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WBXN-H5W2 : 15 December 2020), Conrad Schussler, 1869.

3. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K344-Q9Q : 20 February 2021), Conrod Schuessler in entry for Frederick Charles Schuessler, 03 Jan 1934; citing certificate number 474, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,115,948.

4. "Texas, Voter Records, 1867-1918", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WBXN-H5W2 : 15 December 2020), Conrad Schussler, 1869.

5. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-2LB : 29 May 2021), Konrad Schüssler, 1870.

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.

Karl August Kensing & Family

Karl was one of the children born to Karl Kensing and Friedericke Reeh. He came to this world on 13 March 1869, in Gillespie County.

On 13 July 1870, Carl, his parents, and elder siblings, Heinrich (born 10 March 1853), August (born 16 February 1855), Christine (born 23 March 1857),  Lina (born 16 June 1859), Anna (born 14 February 1861), Ida (born 15 October 1863), and Maria (born 14 February 1867) were registered during the census at their home in Live Oak Creek settlement, Gillespie County, Texas (1). Carl's half-sister Mina (Wilhelmina), born on 28 January 1848 in Fredericksburg, TX, had left the family home a few months earlier. On ♡ 25 January 1870, she married a widower, Mr. Henry Döll (Doell), born on 22 January 1842 in Prussia (2).

 

Johann Heinrich Doell came to Texas with his father, Johann Adam Doell, mother, Anna Margaretha Kraemer, and brother Georg. They arrived in 1845 on the ship Garonne. The father of the family died in winter 1845/46. Anna later married Mr. Georg Anschutz. During the Civil War, young Henry served with Capt. Alf Hunter's Company of Mason County. Heinrich first married Miss Christiane Eckert (on 7 August 1864) with whom he had three children. Christiane passed on 2 March 1869 (3).

Later, Karl and family moved to Honey Creek, where his younger sister ♦ Sophie Anna arrived on 21 April 1871. 

The Hoo Doo war escalated in Mason County. One of its victims was Mina's husband ♦ Heinrich, a stock raiser. The man was killed on 20 July 1875. Mina and Heinrich had 4 daughters and a son.

 

Clipping source: The Galveston Daily News. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 35, No. 175, Ed. 1 Saturday, July 31, 1875, newspaper, July 31, 1875; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth462794/: accessed July 30, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

In the same year, on Christmas Eve, a merry event in the family. ♡ 18-year-old sister Christina (4) married Jacob Baumann (born 10 May 1852, to Johann Anton Baumann and Katharina Metzger), a rancher. The two lived at Honey Creek, later they moved to Fredericksburg. Christina and Jacob had 5 children.

Not long after that, on ♡ 11 March 1876, Karl's eldest brother Heinrich married about a year younger, Miss Catharine Strackbein, born on 30 November 1854 (5).

Heinrich and Katharine had 6 children.

In ♡ 1876, Mina remarried as well. Her second husband was Herman Theirs. They had seven children. 

Two years later, another sister of Karl's, Lina, started her own family. On ♡ 11 September 1878 (6), she married Mr. Julius Friedrich Lange (born on 13 December 1850), the son of Friedrich Wilhelm Lange and Johanna Friederike Steines.

The newlywed couple found their home at Lange's Mill on Threadgill Creek. Julius Managed the family mill after his mother's death. Lina became a Postmistress of the local post office when it found its seat at Lange's Mill. She bore five children to Julius.

June 1880 - another census came. At that time, Karl Kensing, the father, was recorded as a blacksmith. The Kensings lived then in Justice precinct #2, Gillespie, Texas. 27-year-old brother August lived on his own next to his parents and other younger siblings (7).

♡ August got married not long after the census. On 9 November 1880 (8), he tightened the knot with 21-year-old Bertha Houy (born 16 September 1859). 

 Seven children were born to August and Bertha.

Sister Anna's wedding was on ♡ 1 January 1882 (9). She married Mr. Carl Wilhelm John Schmidt (born 19 January 1860).

Anna and Carl had six children.

As Steven B Kensing mentions in his Family Book*, young Karl August was a boy of his own ideas who not always followed his parents' instructions/orders. That might have been a reason why Karl's father sold the son's pony and rifle. Young Karl left the parents' home (ran away) and lived at his sister Lina's and later with Anna, another sister of his. Finally, he came to Mason, where he made his home. The man worked at a local livery. At that time, Karl often drove Dr. Granstaff when the latter needed to attend his house calls. Then, Karl met Miss Marie Louise Jung /yung/ (born 2 January 1872 in Gillespie County) who was Dr. Granstaff's housekeeper. Karl  repaired rifles as well. 

Karl August's sister Ida also lived in the area. She married Mr. Harry Bierschwale ♡ on 9 May 1885 (10). 

Ida and Harry had four children. Karl August found employment at Ida's husband's tin shop.

Another sister's wedding day came on ♡ 22 May 1886. Maria Anna Mathilda married Christoph Feuge of Klein Frankreich. The spouse was born on 7 May 1858.  They had six children. 

♡ On 15 December 1892, Karl and Louise got married (11). The bride was the daughter of Karl Jung and Anna Tietze. The newlyweds lived in Mason.

A half a year later, ♡ on 3 June 1893, the youngest sister of Karl's Sophie Anna was married to William Caulder.  Later, Sophie ran her own grocery store, William was a painter and paper hanger. They had five children.

♦ The first son/child was born to Karl and Maria Louisa on 4 May 1895. They called him Harry William (12).

♦ Daughter Bessie Marie was born on 4 September 1899 (13).

1st day of June 1900 - Carl, Mary, and Bessie Kensing were recorded in Mason Township (ED53) during the census. Carl's occupation was given as "tinner" (14).

A week later, sister ♦ Maria Anna Kensing Feuge died of typhoid fever on 8 June 1900. She was 33 years old.

The family met at another funeral ceremony two years after Maria's death. ♦ Karl's father, Karl Sr., passed on 26 June 1902.

♦ Son Harold Henry was born to Karl on 8 January 1903. At the end of the year, grief visited the Kensing family again. On 21 November, Karl's mother died.

♦ Daughter Anna Louise was born on 8 April 1906 (15).

In about 1910, Charlie started working in an automobile sales and repairs place. Later he founded Mason Auto Company and bought some acres in the area as well. Charles' garage, which was also used as a storage place of the firemen's equipment got burned twice.

16 April 1910, census clerk, Mr. Lamar Thaxton visited Carl's home in Justice Precinct 1, Mason, at "(part of) all south public road". Charles A Kensing was then a "machinist" who worked at his own shop (16).

♦ Son George Washington was born on 6 January 1914 (17).

WW1 came, and 22-year-old son Harry got drafted. Then, the man worked at his father's Auto Company garage (18).

Harry William was enlisted on 10 December 1917 and served with Company C Replacement Unit Motor Transport Corps. From 17 September to 26 July 1919, the soldier (SN 1 111 866) was at the war front in Europe (19).

Sergeant 1st Class H W Kensing was honorably discharged on 6 August 1919 (20).

A few months before Harry came back home, Marie Louise's mother, ♦ Ms. Anna Tietze Jung died on 8 February 1919 in Fredericksburg (21). Karl's mother-in-law lived 71 years, 5 months, and 21 days. The lady was  buried at the City Cemetery.

A merry event came again ♡ on 20 July 1920 when Harry married Miss Nettie Oldham (born 29 February 1888).

♡ Harold Henry got married on 25 July 1925. His wife was Maude Smart, born on 18 October 1910.  The couple had two sons, Kenneth, born 12 February 1926 (22) and Lee Roy, born 24 September 1927.

Another death in the family took Marie's father, ♦ Mr. Charles Jung, stonemason, on 30 May 1925. The man had suffered from cardiac problems and nephritis as well (23).

A chain of sorrow seems to have no end - Karl's youngest sister, 45-year-old ♦ Sophia Anna Kensing Cronley died of apoplexy on 31 August of the very same year (24).

A year later, painful news came one more time - heart paralysis took ♦ Anna Kensing Schmidt, Karl's sister. She passed on 11 December 1926 in Fredericksburg. Anna lived 65 years, 8 months, and 27 days (25). 

Tears and happy moments followed each other. ♡ 21-year-old daughter Anna Louise married Adolph Heep (born 26 March 1905) on 5 September 1927 (26).

 

 

The couple had two daughters, Mary Ann, born on 13 September 1828, and Betty Ann who was born on 15 November 1829 (27).

 

♡ Daughter Bessie Marie married Emil Ischar (born on 5 November 1890) on 4 March 1928. They had a daughter Doris Colleen and a son Charles Bernhardt.

A serious of deaths brought sorrow again and again. Karl's half-sister, ♦ Wilhelmina died on 8 January 1929. A year later, on ♦ 27 April, 75-year-old brother August passed. The man's death was caused by pellagra/low levels of vitamin B3 in his body (28).

4 April 1930 - only the youngest son, 16-year-old then George, lived with his parents at the family home in Precinct 1, Mason, TX. The boy worked at his father's garage. Karl Kensing, the garage owner, was 61, Marie, his wife, 59 (29).

Another death in the family - ♦ on 29 August 1930, sister Christina Kensing Baumann died.

♦ Sister Ida Kensing Bierschwale died on 22 June 1934.

♦ Brother Henry Kensing died of heart failure on 2 March 1938, at 12:20 AM, in Doss, Gillespie County. He was 84 (30).

Clipping source: The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 22, No. 9, Ed. 1 Friday, March 4, 1938, newspaper, March 4, 1938; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth896835/: accessed July 31, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library.

Karl's wife ♦ Marie Louise Jung died of cancer in 1940, on 27 May, at 9 PM. The lady had suffered from the disease for 2 years, she was 68 years old on the day of her death (31). 

Not long after his mother's passing, on 19 November 1940, George Washington enlisted into the Army at Fort Sam Houston (32). It was WWII time. George was part of the Second Infantry Division, 23rd Regiment ATCO/Headquarters Company and also served with 394th Infantry Regiment.

Three years later, on ♡ 13 January, the man married Lina Zimmerman (born 8 June 1874), a widow. The marriage did not work out, and Charlie lived then at Marie's sister Tillie Hahne's.

♦ Charles August Kensing died from coronary thrombosis on 28 January 1945 in Fredericksburg. He lived 75 years, 10 months, and 15 days (33). All siblings, except one sister Lina, had crossed over already. Charles was buried near his first wife, Marie Louise. in Gooch Cemetery, Mason.

In the very same year, on ♡ 6 December (34), son George Washington Kensing married Amanda Erna Goewe (born 10 February 1923). 

Later, George remarried on ♡ 6 November 1954 (35). His second wife was Ufa Bennett.

 UPDATE

Information provided by Mr. Steven Kensing: "Anna and Adolph Heep's daughters were:

 - Mary Helen named for her 2 grandmothers. Died in infancy, buried in Catholic Cemetery in Fredericksburg.

 - Betty Ann was born in 1929. Married Arthur Crenwelge. One daughter, Shelley Vaughn Crenwelge."

Resources:

*"Kensing, A Family Tree" by Steven B Kensing,

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

Findagrave.com 

Mason County Marriages

1. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXL5-KS9 : 29 May 2021), Carl Kensing in entry for Case Kensing, 1870.

2. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VJ1 : 10 March 2021), Henry Doll and Menia Kensing, 25 Jan 1870; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

3.  The Mason County "Hoo Doo" War, 1874-1902 by David D Johnson, University of North Texas Press, Denton, Texas, 2006.

 4.  "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VGH : 10 March 2021), Jacob Baumann and Christine Kensing, 24 Dec 1875; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

5. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VP3 : 10 March 2021), Heinrich Kensing and Catharine Strackbein, 11 Mar 1876; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

6. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-PSM : 10 March 2021), Julius Lange and Lina Kensing, 11 Sep 1878; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

7. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFN8-5BB : 20 February 2021), Charley Kensing in household of Carl Kensing, Precinct 2, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 62, sheet 273D, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,305.

8. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9KZ7 : 10 March 2021), August Kensing and Bertha Hony, 09 Nov 1880; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802. 

9. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9J91 : 22 December 2016), Carl Schmidt and Anna Kensing, 01 Jan 1882; citing , Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.

10. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9J63 : 22 December 2016), Harry Bierschsvale and Ida Kensing, 09 Mar 1885; citing , Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.

11. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9V9X : 10 March 2021), Charles Kensing and Mary Jung, 15 Dec 1892; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.

12. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6PM-B9S : 13 February 2020), Charles A. Kensing in entry for Harry William Kensing, 1895.

13."Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3S3-61D : 20 February 2021), Chas August Kensing in entry for Bessie Marie Tochar, 20 Jan 1947; citing certificate number 3433, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,218,565.

14. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-FX4 : accessed 31 July 2021), Chas Kensing, Mason Township Mason, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 53, sheet 1A, family 2, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658.

15. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX99-L8Q : 1 March 2021), Chas Kensing in entry for Kensing, 08 Apr 1906; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 104258, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,371,100. 

16. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q4-CM4 : accessed 31 July 2021), Charles A Kensing, Justice Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 197, sheet 2A, family 39, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589.

17. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLSQ-XZC : 1 March 2021), Chas Kensing in entry for George Washington Kensing, 06 Jan 1914; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 2712, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,153,664.

18. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZX2-Y7C : 23 February 2021), Harry William Kensing, 1917-1918.

19. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-XF3K : 9 March 2021), Harry W Kensing, 10 Dec 1917; citing Military Service, San Antonio, Bexar, Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

20. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPTV-7BKW : 17 October 2019), Harry Wiliam Kensing, 6 Aug 1919; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

21. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3SR-5WL : 20 February 2021), Anna Jung, 08 Feb 1919; citing certificate number 6969, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,561.

22. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXMF-W5T : 1 March 2021), Harold Kensing in entry for Kenneth Lincoln Kensing, 12 Feb 1926; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 12347, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,240,078.

23. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K37N-FL4 : 20 February 2021), Carl Jung, 30 May 1925; citing certificate number 17933, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,113,846.

24. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K379-Y15 : 20 February 2021), Kensing in entry for Sophia Anna Cronley, 31 Aug 1925; citing certificate number 28762, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,113,922.

25. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K37P-7XB : 20 February 2021), Anna Schmidt, 11 Dec 1926; citing certificate number 41771, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,211.

26. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K61F-15S : 23 February 2021), Adolph Heep and Anna Kensing, 06 Sep 1927; citing Marriage, citing Tom Greene, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 4,255,800.

27. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6PM-9B2 : 13 February 2020), Anna Kensing in entry for Betty Ann Heep, 1929.

28. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K33Y-CZZ : 20 February 2021), August Kensing, 27 Apr 1930; citing certificate number 18653, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,135,323.

29. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HXTT-HN2 : accessed 31 July 2021), C A Kensing, Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 2, sheet 1A, line 9, family 3, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2375; FHL microfilm 2,342,109.

30. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3M3-3FR : 20 February 2021), Henry Kensing, 02 Mar 1938; citing certificate number 12855, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,117,658.

31. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3MG-H76 : 20 February 2021), Mary L Kensing, 27 May 1940; citing certificate number 23425, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,118,507.

32. "United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8PL-P7K : 5 December 2014), George W Kensing, enlisted 19 Nov 1940, Ft Sam Houston, Texas, United States; citing "Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946," database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (http://aad.archives.gov : National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 1263923, National Archives at College Park, Maryland.

33. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3S8-252 : 20 February 2021), Charles A Kensing, 28 Jan 1945; citing certificate number 1981, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,137,867.

34. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1H-DSWM : 23 February 2021), George W Kensing and Amanda Erna Goewe, 06 Dec 1945; citing Marriage, citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 1,764,046.

35. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K61K-HBC : 23 February 2021), George Washington Kensing and Ufa Ethel Bennett, 06 Nov 1954; citing Marriage, citing Concho, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 4,468,478.