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.

Konrad Simon & Family

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE:

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

Karanell, many thanks for sharing that all!

 Source:

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

Findagrave.com 

Victoria Regional Center

1. Barque Straba

2. Fredericksburg town lots 1847

3. 1850 Census Fredericksburg 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Johann Daniel Bickenbach Family

Ruppichteroth is a place in Sieg District, Rhein area, situated about 30km/19 miles south of Bonn, nowadays Germany. After the Napoleon wars, in 1815, it became part of the Kingdom of Prussia.

In 1830, 3848 people lived in the town of Ruppichteroth. There were grain and oil mills, ironworks, brickworks, shops and inns (2 of each), 30 taverns, moorland, and many ponds. The main source of income and work source in the town area was related to forestry and farming.

Johann Daniel Bickenbach, born in about 1794, came from the family which had lived in Rippichteroth for over 300 years and was well established in the town. His father, Wilhelm Heinrich Bickenbach (b. 1754/d. 1828), was the pastor of the local Evangelical church during the years 1785/1828. 

Evangelical Church in Ruppichteroth

On 25 January 1822, Johann Daniel married Anna Regina Sophia Willach (1) who was born about 1876.

Soon, children were born to the couple:

♦ Lisette, born on 28 July 1822 in Ruppichteroth, Siegkreis, Rhein, Prussia/ christened on 24 July 1822 (2);

♦ Peter, christened on 14 July 1825, Ruppichteroth, Siegkreis, Rhein, Prussia (3);

♦ Wilhelm, christened on 31 August 1828, Ruppichteroth, Rheinland, Prussia (4); 

♦ Wilhelmine, christened on 30 November 1830, Ruppichteroth (5);

♦ Friederica, born on 15 March 1833, Ruppichteroth/ christened on 22 March 1833 (6);

♦ Henrietta, christened on 2 July 1839, Ruppichteroth (7).

 

 

 

When in his early 50s, Johann Daniel decided to leave Prussia and relocate to Texas. He meant to spare his sons from the long-term mandatory service in the Prussian Army. That is why the family packed their belongings, traveled to Antwerp, Belgium, where they boarded the ship Colchis on 27 August 1846, and together with 42 other families (167 emigrants altogether), on 1 September 1846, they started their journey to Texas (8,9).

According to the ship passenger list, Daniel's surname was spelled Bückenboth (9). Another source gives it as Bueckenbach. 

Anyway, the Bickenbach family were listed on the passenger manifest as follows

Bickenbach Daniel, wife Anna Sophie, children Wilhelmine, Friederica, Friederic - planned destination Gillespie County.

Henriette and Lisette were not recorded there.

Grown-up sons of Anna and Daniel's were recorded individually -

Peter (age 24) traveled with Catherine (age 18) - planned destination Gillespie County and Mason County;

Wilhelm - planned destination Mason County (10).

Peter Bickenbach and Catherine Lorenz were younger than it was given in the passenger records. The man was 21 and, if the information on her memorial account is correct (11), she was born on 2 January 1833 in the same Sieg-Rhein area, where the Bickenbachs lived. So at the time of their immigration, Katherine was 12. Friedrich, who was registered with Daniel and his wife was Katherine's brother. He was born on 24 November 1838 (12). A reason for that age misinformation and the entire family arrangement might have been the Prussian emigration rules. The head of a family was permitted to get only a limited number (4) of passports for his immediate family and, at the same time a limited number of ship passages. The Bickenbach family traveled altogether, but they had to be listed separately.

Anyhow, Colchis reached Galveston after about two months, on 29 October 1846 (13). Then, the family went by ox wagon to Fredericksburg. Daniel and his sons got the lots in the town area. Johann Daniel owned lot no. 57, Peter and William were co-owners of lot no. 21. Besides, Peter had one more, lot #20 (14).

The 1848 Tax Rolls of Gillespie County reads that at that time, Daniel Bickinbach owned 30 acres of land and town lot no. 30. Moreover, the man had 1 horse which was worth $15, and 4 head of cattle worth $55 (15).

A year later, on ♡ 19 October, Peter and Catherine got married (16). The groom was 24 and his bride was 16. In the same year, Lisette (Elisabeth) married a widower, Mr. Ernst Jordan.

Next year, on 17 September, the census found the members of the Bickenbach (Bueckenback/Bückenbach) in Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, Texas. Peter (24) and Catherine (18) lived in household no. 109, next to their parents and siblings (17).

Peter and William worked as bricklayers and Daniel was a laborer.

In 1855, Johann Daniel had 20 acres (worth $60) in Gillespie County, his son Peter owned 10 more and his land was more valuable (worth $150). The father still had one horse but his cattle heard had grown to 20 head. Peter owned 8 head of cattle (18).

At that time, the Bickenbach men were finally granted land (Fisher-Miller grant) in the Llano River area. Married ones got 640 acres and single men got 120 acres. The newspaper note which I have come across informs that Daniel Bickenbach a misfortune happened to him. Apparently, he lost his land grant certificate (19).

Whether the paper was found or its duplicate issued, it is not known, however, the family still lived in Gillespie County most of 1856. Peter had 40 acres of land there, Daniel and William 20 acres each. Peter had 10 head of cattle, Daniel 20, and William 4. The father of the family still owned a horse as well (20).

The Bickenbach joined the charter of the German Llano Charge, Methodist Episcopal Church South on 8 March 1856 (21).

On ♡ 9 September 1857, in Gillespie County, Wilhelm married Miss Dorothea Alberson (22).

The Gillespie County Tax Rolls for 1857 tell more about what the family owned - Peter farmed on 190 acres altogether including 160 by Threadgill Creek and 30 in the Fredericksburg area. He also had 8 head of cattle. Daniel Bickenbach owned 20 acres in Gillespie, owned town lot no. 56, and 18 head of cattle. William also was the owner of some land (160 acres) at Threadgill Creek and he raised 8 head of cattle (23). 

Around that year, the entire family moved to the Llano area. They built log cabins there which were rather poor dwellings comparing to what the family used to own in Ruppichteroth. The family members did not despair, though, just worked hard to make their living conditions as comfortable as it was possible. Wilhelm (William) sold all the land he had in Gillespie County. Peter and his father kept only 50 acres there, which they co-owned (24).

♡  5 September 1858 - Friedericke married Henry Hasse in Gillespie County (25).

When the Civil War started, William joined Capt. Herman B Biberstein's Mason County Minute Men (26).

 

He also served with Company C, the Eighth Taylor's Battalion and Company E, the 1st Regiment, Texas Cavalry, Yeager's Mounted Rifles (27). 

Meanwhile, grandchildren were born to Johann Daniel and Anna Regina Sophia. There was also another wedding in the family (28) - on ♡ 8 April 1867, in Hilda, Mason, Fritz Lorenz married Annie Simon (born 1842). She was the daughter of Phillip Jakob Simon and Suzanne Weiss.

In 1870, Daniel lived with his wife Sophie in Mason County, post office Hedwig's Hill. Johann Daniel had retired from farming and all the children left the parents' home already. Peter, his wife, and children lived in the household next to his mother and father's place (29). 

The children were:

♦ August - born 1853,
♦ Sophie - born 1855,
♦ Emilie - born 1857 (30),
♦ Anna Auguste - born on 24 July 1858 (31),
♦ Daniel Henry - born on 3 July 1860 (32, 33),
♦ Julius (Friedrich Julius) - born on 5 May 1862 (34),
♦ Peter - born on 1 May 1864, in Hilda, Mason (35),
♦ Minna (Friederica Wilhelmina) - born in 1866 (36),
♦ Henry Edwin - born on 16 December 1877 (37).
There was also ♦ Friedrich Wilhelm born on 3 May 1870 (38).

 

Peter Bickenbach was taking care of the family farm, August was registered during the census as a cattle raiser.

In the same month of June 1870, Wilhelm and his immediate family were listed by the census clerk Mr. Francis Kettner (39). According to that data, William was 42 then, Dorothea 52. The children were

♦ Anna - born in 1849 in Mexico,
♦ Hermann - born in 1851 in Texas,
♦ Edward - born in 1853 in Texas,
and ♦ Auguste - born in 1857, Texas.

At that time William Bickenbach boarded a 57-year-old Methodist teacher Mr. Caumen Fritz Pforden (von Pfordten?).

Fritz and Annie Lorenz, together with their 2-year-old son Gottlieb lived in the area as well (40). Gottlieb August Lorenz was born on 15 February 1868 (41). The couple had seven children but only Gottlieb was still alive by 1900 (42). The birth records which I have found

♦ Anna Lorenz - born 19 October 1875, Hilda, Mason (43),
♦ Ida Marie Henriette Lorenz - born 6 December 1878, Hilda, Mason (44),
♦ Fritz Lorenz - born 22 February, Hilda, Mason (45).

♦ Mrs. Anna Regina Sophia Bickenbach passed in 1874. She was buried in the family estate area by Beaver Creek. After his wife's death, Daniel moved into Peter's place. The 1880 census found him there (46).

♦ About a year later, Johann Daniel Bickenbach died. He was buried at Beaver Creek next to his wife Sophie.

PS

I have not found anything on what happened to Daniel and Sophie's daughters Henriette and Wilhelmine. Additional information regarding the two ladies will be appreciated.

Resources:

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

Geneanet.org

Photo: Rheinlausitzer, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, Wikimedia Commons, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/Evangelische_Kirche_Ruppichteroth_Westturm.jpg

1. "Deutschland Heiraten, 1558-1929", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JHZK-XYV : 22 February 2020), Johann Daniel Bickenbach, 1822

2. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NDK9-229 : 25 March 2020), Lisette Bickenbach, 1822.

3. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N89S-4HL : 25 February 2020), Peter Bickenbach, 1825.

4. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N89S-4C9 : 25 February 2020), Daniel Bickenbach in entry for Wilhelm Bickenbach, 1828.

5. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N89S-ZV6 : 25 February 2020), Daniel Bickenbach in entry for Wilhelmine Bickenbach, 1830.

6. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N89S-DRD : 25 February 2020), Daniel Bickenbach in entry for Friederica Bickenbach, 1833.

7. "Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NRLM-YZ1 : 25 February 2020), Daniel Bickenbach in entry for Henrietta Bickenbach, 1839.

8. List of ships from Europe with Verein immigrants to Texas 1844-1847

9. German Ships Passenger Lists

10. "A New Land Beckoned: German Immigration to Texas, 1844-1847" by Chester Geue, Chester William Geue, Ethel Hander Geue, 1966

11. Findagrave.com

12. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K37M-NLF : 20 February 2021), Fredrick Lorenz, 09 Feb 1927; citing certificate number 6230, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,274.

13.  List of ships from Europe with Verein immigrants to Texas 1844-1847

14. 1847 Town Lot Owners, Fredericksburg, Texas

15. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-R642 : 20 February 2021), Bickinback, 1848.

16. Findagrave.com

17. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXLK-VXP : 23 December 2020), Daniel Bueckenback, Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.). 

18. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RJ94 : 20 February 2021), Dan Bickenbach, 1855.

19. The San Antonio Ledger. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 5, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 25, 1855, newspaper, January 25, 1855; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth179397/: accessed May 11, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History. 

20. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RJWN : 20 February 2021), Daniel Bickenbach, 1856.

21. Llano County Texas, German Methodist Episcopal Church South

22. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VK1T-5VD : 22 January 2020), William Bickenbach, 1857.

23. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RJK5 : 20 February 2021), Daniel Bickenbach, 1857.

24. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RJK5 : 20 February 2021), Daniel Bickenbach, 1857.

25. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VHH : 10 March 2021), Henry Hasse and Friederike Bickenbach, 05 Sep 1858; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

26. "Texas, Confederate Army and Commanding Officer Card Index, ca.1861-ca.1865", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Z46R-182M : 18 June 2020), Wilhelm Bickenbach, 1861. 

27. National Park Service 

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

29. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-SRC : 2 January 2021), Daniel Bickenbach, 1870.

30. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-SR8 : 2 January 2021), Peter Bickenbach, 1870.

31. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-82PZ : 14 February 2020), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Anna Auguste Bickenbach, 1858.

32. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LGD-9HMM : 14 February 2020), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Daniel Bickenbach, 1860.

33. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KSBK-K6N : 20 February 2021), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Daniel Henry Bickenbach, 10 Sep 1920; citing certificate number 29928, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,863.

34. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-XFPZ : 14 February 2020), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Friedrich Julius Bickenbach, 1862.

35. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-RNZM : 14 February 2020), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Peter Bickenbach, 1864.

36. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L21-ZP2M : 14 February 2020), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Fridarica Wilhelmina Bickenbach, 1866.

37. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K394-5P9 : 20 February 2021), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Henry Edwin Bickenbach, 21 Oct 1941; citing certificate number 47067, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,138,747.

38. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-44N2 : 14 February 2020), Peter Bickenbach in entry for Friedrich Wilhelm Bickenbach, 1870.

39. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-XRW : 2 January 2021), William Bickenbach, 1870.

40. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXG3-1M1 : 2 January 2021), Gottlieb Lorenz in entry for Fritz Lorenz, 1870.

41. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3DD-58N : 20 February 2021), Fritz Lorenz in entry for Gottlieb Aug Lorenz, 26 May 1919; citing certificate number 16604, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,633.

42. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-KDB : accessed 17 May 2021), Anna Lorenz in household of Frederick Lorenz, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet B, family 134, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658. 

43. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-CKMM : 14 February 2020), Fritz Lorenz in entry for Anna Lorenz, 1875.

44. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-X63Z : 14 February 2020), F. Lorenz in entry for Ida Marie Henriette Lorenz, 1878.

45. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-C7PZ : 14 February 2020), F. Lorenz in entry for Fritz Lorenz, 1883.

46. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJM-GR2 : 20 February 2021), Daniel Bickenbach in household of Peter Bickenbach, Mason, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 103, sheet 491D, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,319.

 

 

Heinrich Karl Hasse and Family

Heinrich was born in the village of Nienstedt, Hannover on 24 March 1810. Nothing is known about his early years and family to whom he was born. Heinrich Karl got married at the age of 23 to Johanna Gerke. The two were married for seven years and then, Johanne died. There is no record of Heinrich and Johanne's children (well, at least I have not found any) besides Heinrich Eduard who was born in 1834 and baptized in a local Evangelical church (1).

Later, Heinrich Karl Hasse married again. His second wife was a widow who had a daughter from a previous marriage. The daughter's name was Josephine.

The family decided to leave their home in Prussia. They traveled to Bremen which they left on 9 November 1845 (2) on board the vessel B. Bohlen.

The passenger list record mentions Hasse Heinrich from Nienstedt; 6 persons, whose destination was Gillespie County (3). That tells us that the family Heinrich + wife with their children Heinrich Eduard and Josephine and two other related persons.

They landed in Galveston on 22 December 1845 (4). What the Hasses and other emigrants found in Texas was privation and great hardship. Heinrich's wife died of cholera in Indianola (5).

Heinrich Karl and his family traveled from Indianola by ox cart and reached the nowadays Fredericksburg area. The census of 1850 recorded them in Gillespie County, in/or about Fredericksburg on 20 September (6). Besides Heinrich (Henry), the household dwellers were Wilhelmina, age 36, children Henry (age 13), H Ellen (age 11), Henry Behrens (age 11), Sofia (age 7), Myria (age 1). Henry Sr. worked as a laborer.

Now, there are questions. 

1. Wilhelmina Hasse - who was she? If Heinrich's wife had died in Indianola, was Wilhelmina his sister? 

"Mason County Historical Book" (7) mentions enigmatically that Henry's sister married in Germany to a Heinrich Höfner. Was she and her child part of Henry Hasse's party who accompanied him on the ship B. Bohlen?

2. H Ellen (Helen?) Hasse listed in the census. If it was not Heinrich's stepdaughter Josephine where was Josephine then? H Ellen's estimated birth year, given in the record, was 1839. Josephine was born in 1837 (8). Two different girls/daughters or one and the same listed under another name? 

The Behrens siblings who lived with Heinrich and Wilhelmina were the children of Sophie Dorothea Henriette Behrens nee Hauer and her husband Heinrich Konrad Behrens. The latter was deadly shot by Comanches when he was visiting his to be surveyed land situated not far from Camp Mason. Possibly, wounded Heinrich Konrad Behrens was taken to Fort Mason to seek a doctor's help. Mrs. Behrens went there as well. Analyzing the 1850 census records, we can see that the children of Sophie and H K Behrens were in the care of Heinrich and Wilhelmina Hasse on 20 September 1850, when the census happened. It means that Mr. Behrens had been shot by the Indians before that day, and also, Heinrich K Hasse and Sophie Behrens had known each other earlier. Maybe H K Hasse met Sophie Behrens (and her husband) not in Fort Mason as one source suggests (9), but much earlier in Fredericksburg? The Behrens relatives lived in the town (10) as well.

Mr. Henry Karl Hasse married the widow Sophie Behrens in 1851. Not long after that, the Hasses relocated to the Llano River area and joined other pioneer families who had already farmed there. Heinrich Karl had 320 acres of land north of the river.

Sophie bought 320 acres (for $40) neighboring the 320 owned by her second husband. Heinrich Karl built two picket houses for his family.

Daughter Margarete was born to Heinrich and Sophie Hasse on 18 March 1852 (11). 

The Hasse family were some of the very first charter members of the Llano German Methodist Episcopal Church South which was organized on 8 March 1856 at Castell (12). 

19 April 1857 - Josephine, Karl's stepdaughter, married John Conrad Simon in Gillespie, Texas (13).

About a year later, on 9 February 1858 (14), 13-year-old Marie Christine Sophie Behrens married 26-year-old Jacob Brodbeck (born 13 October 1821 in Stuttgart). The man was Marie's teacher, he worked at Vereins Kirche school in Fredericksburg, which the girl attended.

On 5 September of the same year, there was another marriage in the family. Heinrich Eduard Hasse, the oldest son of Heinrich Karl's, married Miss Friedericke Bickenbach in Gillespie County (15,16).

 

Henry Julius Beherens, Henrich's stepson, married Miss Catherina Heinrichs on 15 November 1865 in the local Methodist church in Hilda (17).

The youngest stepdaughter of Heinrich Karl Hasse's, Sophie (Myria), was married to Mr. Fritz Ellebracht when she was 17. It happened on 15 October 1866 in Hilda Methodist Church, Mason (18). Fritz's parents were Friedrich Albert Ellebracht and Sophie Wilhelmine Stamme.

1867 was the year of elections. Henry Hasse Sr. was registered on the voter list in Mason on 10 September (19). Henry Jr. a day earlier (20).

Henry Carl Hasse farmed on the 640 acres he and Sophie owned. 8 June 1870 brought another census. The couple lived then with their daughter Margaret. The Hasses real estate was worth $100, the value of their personal real estate was $350 (21). 

Margarete was married to Mr. William Louis Steinmann two years later, on 11 January 1872, at Hilda Bethel Methodist Church, Mason, Texas (22). 

Henry Carl (Heinrich Karl) Hasse passed on 25 April 1880. He was buried at Lower Willow Creek Cemetery, Mason, Texas. After his death, Sophie Behrens Hasse lived with her son Henry Julius and his family. The wife of Heinrich Karl Hasse's ended her Earth journey in 1892.

Resources:

1. "Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Patriot Ancestor Album" Vol.1, Turner Publishing Company, Paducah, Kentucky, 2001.

2. List of Passengers Aboard B. Bohlen

3. "A New Land Beckoned: German Immigration to Texas, 1844-1847" by Chester Geue, Chester William Geue, Ethel Hander Geue, 1966

4. List of Passengers Aboard B. Bohlen

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

6. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXLK-LVK : 23 December 2020), Henry Hasse, Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

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

8. Findagrave.com 

9. Maria Christina Sophie Behrens Brodbeck

10. 1850 Census records - Gillespie County, Fredericksbur

11. Findagrave.com

12. Llano County, Texas, German Methodist Episcopal Church South

13. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-L4V : 10 March 2021), John C Simon and Josephine Hasse, 19 Apr 1857; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

14. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-LCN : 10 March 2021), Jacob Brodbeck and Maria C S Behrens, 09 Feb 1858; 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-VH4 : 10 March 2021), Henry Hasse and Friederike Bickenbach, 05 Sep 1858; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

16. http://files.usgwarchives.net/tx/gillespie/vitals/marriages/b1gilmar.txt 

17. Hilda (Behtel) Methodist Church marriages.

18. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-489 : 22 January 2020), Sophie Behrens in entry for Fritz Ellebracht, 1866.

19. "Texas, Voter Records, 1867-1918", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4MZL-HZN2 : 15 December 2020), Henry Hasse, 1867.

20. "Texas, Voter Records, 1867-1918", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4MZL-HZMM : 15 December 2020), Henry Hasse, 1867.

21. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-41X : 2 January 2021), Henry Hasse, 1870.

22. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-HSJ : 22 January 2020), Margrete Hasse in entry for William Louis Steinmann, 1872.