Josef Migl and Aloisie Mikulik

František A. Migl and his wife Johanna Ježek have already been mentioned here. Today, a note regarding their son Josef, born on 20 May 1868 in Lebarove-Lhoty, Bedejovice, then Austria (1). Josef's father was a day laborer at the village then.

On 4 October 1890 (2), in Lavaca, Texas, Josef married Miss Aloizie Mikulik, daughter of Franz Mikulik and Marie Satankova.

The couple settled in Justice Precinct #6, Lavaca County, Texas (3).

Josef and Aloizie had 13 children:

• Adolf - born on 5 September 1891 in Praha, TX (4)/ married Jannice Simecek (5);
• Marie A - born on 8 November 1892 in Praha / married Tom Bohuslav (6);
• Joseph John - born on 12 January 1893 in Moulton, Lavaca, TX/married Josephine Gieptner (7);
• Agnes - born on 2 January 1896, Fayette, TX/married Rudolph Jemelka;
• Johanna Jane - born on 30 April 1897, in Praha, TX (#eight);
• Frank Henry - born 8 February 1899 (9), Praha / married Helen Jilek (10);
• Anna - 15 August 1900, Praha (11);
• John T - born on 19 November 1901, Lavaca, TX (12);
• Edward - 13 January 1904, Novohrad, Lavaca, TX (13);
• Henry - 7 October 1905, Moulton, Lavaca, TX (14);
• William V - 25 February 1907 (15) / married Lillie Chudej (16);
• Louise -  born on 12 January 1910, Novohrad, Lavaca, TX / married Joe PMachalec (17);
• Emil Method - born on 22 July 1911 (18) / married Lillian Jemelka (19).

Photo: Czech Texas Heritage and Culture Center, La Grange.

Joseph Migl lived 84 years, 5 months, and 22 days. He died at his home in Rural Precinct#1, Route 1, Fayette, TX, on 17 November 1851 (20).

Clipping source: The Schulenburg Sticker (Schulenburg, Tex.), Vol. 58, No. 15, Ed. 1 Friday, November 16, 1951, newspaper, November 16, 1951; Schulenburg, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth569420/: accessed September 5, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Schulenburg Public Library.

Joseph's wife Aloisie passed away on 16 December 1957 (at the home of their son-in-law Joe Machalec,  in Shiner). She lived 87 years, 5 months, and 17 days (21).

Clipping source:  The Flatonia Argus. (Flatonia, Tex.), Vol. 82, No. 52, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 26, 1957, newspaper, December 26, 1957; Flatonia, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth989754/: accessed September 5, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Fayette Public Library, Museum and Archives.

Sources:
1.Leharove-Lhoty church records: https://digi.ceskearchivy.cz/7116/21/1697/2265/68/0
2. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV14-8C25 : 23 February 2021), Josef Migl and Alojzye Mikulik, 21 Oct 1890; citing Marriage, citing Lavaca, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 983,241.
3. "United States Census, 1900", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PZ-91H : Thu Aug 03 04:35:31 UTC 2023), Entry for Joe Migl and Alosia Migl, 1900.
4. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3FF-67F : 5 April 2023), Adolf J Migl, 1976.
5. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-5D3W : 10 March 2021), Adolph Migl and Jannie Simecek, 15 Oct 1912; citing Lavaca, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 983,244.
6. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FX9B-3M4 : 22 January 2020), Mary Migl in entry for Tom Bohuslav, 1913.
7. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV14-8R8M : 23 February 2021), J J Migl and Josephine Gieptner, 02 Oct 1916; citing Marriage, citing Lavaca, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 983,244.
8. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KSBG-C5S : 5 April 2023), Janie Migl, 1943.
9. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3H4-25T : 5 April 2023), Frank Henry Migl, 1961.
10. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZY-NKYJ : 22 July 2021), Frank H Migl and Helen Jilek, 21 Oct 1919; citing Marriage, citing Lavaca, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 5,853,987.
11. "United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6K7V-VJGW : 10 February 2023), Annie Jasek, .
12. "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V3DD-JTY : 10 January 2021), John T Migl, Nov 1986; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
13. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX99-33K : 1 March 2021), Edward Migl, 15 Jan 1908; citing Novohrad, Lavaca, Texas, United States, certificate 95502, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,370,942.
14. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX9S-L7J : 1 March 2021), Henry Migl, 07 Oct 1905; citing Moulton, Lavaca, Texas, United States, certificate 96094, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,370,942.
15."United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6KWS-39H5 : 10 February 2023), Wm V Migl, .
16. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZY-NG4W : 22 July 2021), William Migl and Lillie Chudy, 17 Oct 1927; citing Marriage, citing Lavaca, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 5,853,994.
17. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1H-36QP : 23 February 2021), Joe P Machalec and Louise Migl, 21 Oct 1930; citing Marriage, citing Fayette, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 1,468,672.
18. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K78Y-QBB : 5 April 2023), Emil Method Migl, 1967.
19. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZY-NP2X : 22 July 2021), Emil Migl and Lillian Jemelka, 17 Oct 1933; citing Marriage, citing Lavaca, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 5,853,997.
20. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CR-WNN : 6 April 2023), Joseph Migl, 1951.
21. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CR-WNN : 6 April 2023), Joseph Migl, 1951.

H is for...

 

The letter H is for two things in the second edition of "My Texas Alphabet".

The first one is the Hill Country with its beautiful vast land, fresh air, plenty of deer and other critters, and our day trips.

 When I was little, I drew people dressed in 19th-century-type clothes, ladies in long dresses, and men with top hats and cloaks around their arms. There were also single hills in the background. My teacher laughed at those hills. She said they looked like haystacks. Well, I agree the hilly areas of Poland look different indeed. Anyway, my work was laughed at in the classroom, I got ashamed and never drew those people and landscape again.

Decades later, when still in Poland and with no faintest idea or desire to leave the country, I was told by a psychic that in my previous life in the 1850s, I had lived in the very south of the US. Frankly speaking, I did not take it seriously, so I did not give any thought to that at all then. All in all, soon, I totally forgot about the psychic and her reading.

When I came to the Hill Country, in a strange way it felt like coming home. I found the hills, vast landscape, and views somehow familiar. Then, I recalled my early childhood drawings and the psychic message. Maybe I did live here before? Or maybe not?

The other alphabet "H" is History.
We love learning about the history of the Land, its places, and its people.

---

"My Texas Alphabet" is quite a personal summary of our hitherto life in Texas. 

Rev. John Webb Montague and His Family Line

18-year-old Peter Montague came to America from England in 1721. He was born in 1603, in the hamlet of Boveney, Burnham, Buckinghamshire. His parents, Peter and Elizabeth Montague, were of noble descent. 

 

St. Mary's Church, Boveney, England*

The Montagues had family connections to the royal families of Europe. Boveney, the seat of the Montague family, was situated 23 miles north of London, not far from Eton College. 

 

Eton College, England**

 

Peter received a good education. Interestingly, his uncle William studied at Eton, Cambridge, and Kings College as well. Peter was the second son of Peter and Elizabeth Montague. William was their oldest child. Then, there were also Richard and Robert (younger than Peter), and three girls by the names Elizabeth, Margaret, and Ann.

 

Peter Montague, Sr. was an agriculturist and raised different types of livestock.

Peter's oldest brother William most likely inherited their father's goods and the house. Both Peter and his younger brother Robert decided to look for their fortune in the New World. Peter traveled on the ship "Charles" together with 1300 emigrants including the person of Sir Francis Wyatt who became the governor of the colony in Virginia. In November 1621, upon his arrival in the new land, Peter was sold for the passage debt - he had had no money to pay for the voyage, so later, the young man had to work off his debt. Since he was not used to hard labor, painful blisters quickly appeared on Peter's hands. During the time of recovery, he was caught reading his master's books (written in Latin). Soon afterward, Peter was appointed a school teacher. It is likely that he was one of the very earliest school teachers in Virginia.

 

In 1624, Peter Montague was recorded as a resident of the plantation in James City. The place was owned then by Capt. Samuel Matthews. 

On 22 August 1637, Peter was granted 150 acres in New Norfolk (Upper County). It was a reward for inducing 3 persons (at Peter's expense) to emigrate to Virginia (50 acres for each person). On 28 February 1838, Peter received another 50 acres, and on 18 December 1845, 150 acres more. On 3 November 1647, the man bought 100 acres of land in Nansemond County. By that time, Peter Montague had probably been married. The civil records from those times got lost, but it is known that in 1652/53, the man lived in Nansemond. Peter Montague was the County representative in the House of Burgesses in those years. From 1851 to 1857, he represented County Lancaster in that Assembly.

 

During his life in Virginia, Peter grew from being a conscripted laborer and the man of no means to a respected citizen of good social and financial status, a man of influence. At the end of his life, Peter's health deteriorated. He died at the age of 56, on the last day of April or 1 May in 1659. At the time of the man's passing, his wife was Cicely Montague. Possibly, Peter's first wife was Hannah, who passed before 1659.

Peter's children were William, Peter, Ann, Margaret, Elizabeth, and Ellen (Eleanor).

• Anna, born about 1630 - married John Jadwin. Anna had one daughter. The lady died before her father Peter.
• Ellen (Eleanor) - born about 1632, married William Thompson.
• Peter - born about 1634/died January or February 1702,
• Elizabeth - born about 1636,
• William - born about 1838,
• Margaret - born about 1840.
  

From Peter the Emigrant to John Webb Montague

 

Peter

⇒ his son Peter

⇒ his son William, born between 1670/1674, Lancaster or Middlesex County, Virginia + wife Lettice

⇒ their son Abraham, baptized 28 September 1701 in Christ Church, Middlesex, VA/d. June or July ⇒ 1670 + wife Charlotte Latané

⇒ their son Latané Montague, born about 1731, Essex County, Virginia/ died about 1813, NC + wife Catherine Young Taylor

⇒ their son William, born in about 1760, Granville County, NC/died 6 April 1814 + wife Mary Owen

⇒ their son Thomas born on 7 December 1795, Granville Co., NC/d. 1 February 1860, Wayne County + wife Mary Owen Webb

⇒ their son John Webb Montague, born on ( 9 November 1823, Wayne County, Tennessee)

 

John Webb grew up on the family farm. The boy did not get much education, everything that was needed to be done on the farm, he learned at home. At the age of 23, on 27 January 1846, John married Miss Matilda Jane Grimes who was born on 3 June 1825 in Maury County, Tennessee. Matilda was the daughter of Wilson Grimes and Rachel Carr.

♦ 15 November 1846 - the first son was born to John and Matilda. They called him James Webb.

♦ Two years later, on 8 September, the first girl came to the family. Her name was Mary Ann.

 

In 1850, the Census found John, Matilda, and their 2 children in Wayne County, Tennessee. John was a farmer, a 16-year-old Jess Carr (possibly Matilda's relation from her mother's side) lived with the family (1).

In 1853, John Webb Montague became a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church. Soon he found his life call - he worked as a preacher of the missionary Baptist Church.

♦ Thomas Wilson was born on 14 July 1857.

Three years passed, and another Census took place. John Webb Montague, his wife Matilda, and their kids lived in the 4th District of Wayne County. Matilda's father's house was next to the Montagues' place (2).

♦ John Henry Young came to this world on 25 January 1861.

According to the source given below*, during the Civil War, Rev. John W Montague joined the Confederate Army as a replacement for his brother. The latter needed to attend to his sick wife. John Webb was assigned to Company F of the Gantt's 9th Cavalry Battalion of Tennessee (3).

 

In 1862, Private John W Montague was with his unit at Fort Donelson. After its fall, John Webb was taken prisoner on 16 February, and with 2,500 other Confederate soldiers (4), the man was sent to Camp Butler near Springfield, Illinois. The living conditions in the overcrowded camp were quite horrible. A few months later, on ♦ 15 May 1862,  John died from exposure to the weather elements (4). He was 38 years old.

 

 Private John Webb Montague was buried (5, 6) at the Camp area (Plot 515. R. No. 1)

Two years after his father's passing, in August, 18-year-old James Webb joined Company F of the 9th Regiment of Tennessee Cavalry. He was with the CA army at Gainesville, Alabama. After the battle, James Webb Montague was left behind as he was believed to be dying. The man was sick. Despite that, he managed to walk back home/begged during that time to survive.

Matilda Jane Montague, John's wife, married again (twice). At the end of her life, she suffered from a stroke and paralysis. Matilda passed on ♦ 6 August 1886.

From John Webb Montague to our cousin

 

John Webb

⇒ his son James Webb Montague

⇒ his wife Sarah Emma "Sallie" (Gant) Montague, born on 20 July 1846, Martin Mills, Wayne, Tennessee/died 8 June 1880, Gainesville, TX - our second cousin five times removed

⇒ her father Absolom Bobo Gant - our first cousin six times removed.

Resources:

 

Photos:

* Boveney St. Mary's Church, Irid Escent, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

** Eton College, Alwye, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons 

-----

• "History and genealogy of Peter Montague of Nansemond and Lancaster Counties and his Descendants 1621-1894", George William Montague, Amherst, Mass., USA: Press of Carpenter and Morehouse, 1894.
• Wilson Grimes Genealogy

1. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MC6S-L8S: 23 December 2020), John Montague, Wayne, Tennessee, United States; citing family, NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

2. "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M8TY-N38: 18 February 2021), John Montague, 1860.

3. National Park - sailors and soldiers database 

4. Camp Misery - article in Illinois Times

5.United States Records of Prisoners of War, 1861-1863

Camp Butler, Military Prison, Prisoner captured, confined & exchanged registers, 1862-1863, v. 48-52

6. Camp Butler National Cemetery

7. People's Legacy

 

 

My Texas Alphabet & My Polish Alphabet

It's time to start a new, and the second, edition of "My Texas Alphabet" The alphabet is quite special and distinctive as each "letter" entry tells about Texas from our personal perspective. The first edition of "My Texas Alphabet" was created about six years ago.

 

At the same time, I am planning to write sections of "My Polish Alphabet" related to things, places, and people that come to my mind when I think about Poland.

 

The letter "A" in both Alphabets is for Ancestors.

 

My interest in family ancestry started more than a decade ago. I have tried to find out who my progenitors were since then, with no big success, though. Little is known regarding the maternal branch of my family tree, besides a few names and the area of Poland the closet generations lived in. Thanks to one of my relatives, I know a bit more about my paternal ancestry, but still not enough. They might be Baltic Germans. I also found a trace of possible connections in Rhine-Westphalia, but still - too little data.

It was much easier to research and discover the ancestry of the Texas ancestors and their predecessors. Simply because more details/information is available online. I studied the family tree vertically, diagonally, and in all other possible directions. I must admit, it was very time-consuming but rewarding as well - quite a few unknown cousins were found, We were able to meet some of the "new" cousins in person, and with others, we got in touch virtually.

 

Have you ever thought it might be (?) that, besides the obvious influence of our current life environment and life experiences, possibly also it is our DNA ancestry memory that influences our choices, likes/dislikes. and interests? Well, it's just something I find interesting and rather mystifying.

 

Anyhow, we have had our DNA/ethnicity tested - no greater surprise there, besides the English and possible Balkan connections on my side. From time to time, the results are updated and a bit more detailed information is given, so it is a developing outcome that changes every now and then.

 

During all the years of my ancestry research, the expanded family tree came into being, with over twenty thousand persons in it. Each person is somebody's life. Each life is somebody's story. I have already written quite a few articles regarding our ancestors and people not related to us as well. These days, I study the lives of the early settlers of the Hill Country and read/write about their families.

 

I do feel the ones who lived before us need to be remembered.

 

Anyhow, our Ancestry Project is still open. You can find more about it on the pages of my blog here.

 

 

 

A letter entries in the first edition of "My Texas Alphabet":

 

"A for Air condition" http://ourfavtreats.blogspot.com/.../my-texas-alphabet...,

"A for Aloe" http://ourfavtreats.blogspot.com/.../my-texas-alphabet...

 

 

Heinrich Friedrich Kothmann

Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Friedrich was born on 10 February 1835. I have written about his parents, Heinrich Konrad and Ilse Katharine nee Pahlmann in the article here.

Heinrich Friedrich was about 10 when he came to Texas with his family. Just after they got with the first settlers to the Fredericksburg area, there was a big nothing but wilderness. Starvation was the immigrants' everyday experience. Young Fritz (barefoot) and his father walked to Austin where the two got a job. They split wood to make some money and buy supplies for their family.

Fritz had an accident when he was making a sheep pen. While he was cutting wood for the pen structure, a limb struck him and permanently damaged his right eye. 

In 1849, Heinrich Friedrich and his younger brother Dietrich often walked to Fort Martin Scott, to pick the corn which was left on the ground during the feeding time of the soldiers' horses. The corn grains were washed and ground at home. The boys' mother, Ilse Katherine used the cornflour to bake bread.

Some time later, both brothers worked as surveyors in Gillespie and Mason Counties under Capt. Bieberstein.

On 12 September 1856 (1), Fritz married 22-year-old Miss Sophie Hartwig who came to Texas together with his family. Not long after that, Heinrich Friedrich's parents and siblings moved to the area of Upper Willow Creek.

♦ 9 May 1857,  the first child/son, Heinrich Friedrich  was born to Fritz and Sophie (2).

1858 - Fritz, his wife Sophie, and the baby boy moved to another place which was half a mile from the old house. 

1858 - Mason County came into being, Fritz Kothmann was its first sheriff.

♦ 5 April 1859, Mathilda, the first daughter was born to the H F Kothmanns (3).

23 August 1860, the young family was recorded in Mason County during the census (4) by W B Coffee Assistant Marshall.

♦ 3 May 1861, son August was born (5).

In 1862, the Fritz Kothmanns made their home by the Llano River, not far from Hedwig's Hill. The new house was built on the 320 acres which Fritz had been given by his father Heinrich Konrad. The latter also sold his son a team of oxen and Friedrich did freight, supplying military stations in the west of Texas. At the same time, the young man collected money to develop his cattle herd.

During the Civil War, Fritz and his brother, Dietrich joined Capt. Herman Biberstein's Llano Leather Jackets, Frontier Home Guard Company (6).

 

After the war, Mr. Fritz Kothmann was engaged in frighting again. With the help of a hired teenage boy, Charles Wartenbach, Heinrich Friedrich got cotton in San Antonio, transported it to Monterey, and then with led bars on his cart, came back to Texas. Each such hauling trip lasted 3 months.

♦ 16 January 1865, son Karl was born (7).
♦ 1 June 1867, Louis was born (8). Sadly, the baby boy did not live long. ♦ Louis passed on 20 October 1868.

 

In the very same year, Fritz, his brother Karl, two Lehmberg men, and Mr. C Winkel drove their cattle to Louisiana. It turned out to be unsuccessful - while crossing the Mississippi during the flood they swam with their cattle in the river. The rainy weather brought bunches of mosquitoes biting the cattle so much that the herd stampeded. When the drovers finally reached New Orleans, they learned that the market had ended. They could only get some money for the hides and beef fat. Fritz lost all his money and the equipment in the unlucky endeavor.

 

Two years later, Mr. Kothman and other men from the Macon County area drove their cattle to New Mexico. That time, the enterprise was successful and profitable. Fritz sold out and made good money.

 

♦  Daughter Emilie was born on 29 December 1869.

1870 Census official, Mr. Francis Kettner, came to Fritz and Sophie's home on 1 June. The family real estate was worth $600 then,  and all their personal property value was $1600. Heinrich Friedrich Sr.'s brother, Dietrich lived nearby. Their other neighbors were Henry Leifeste, Friedrich Leifeste, preacher Konrad Pluenneke, Henry Hasse, and Henry Doell (9).

♦ 29 December 1886 - mourning in the family - 17 year old daughter Emilie died.

In 1891, Fritz Kothmann took his cattle for sale in Kansas.

♦ Eli Henry came to this world on 10 September 1872 (10). 

 

1873 - Heinrich Friedrich went to Kansas City with his cattle again. The man was accompanied by his brothers Dietrich and William. They drove the cattle with no big problems. On their way through the Indian territory, Fritz bought a wild, blue horse. At some point, the drovers were approached by a group of Indians who were speaking in their language (unknown to the brothers) and pointing at the horses. The Kothmann men found them friendly and talked to them in their language as well. Obviously, there was no communication between the two parties. The Indians rode away.

 

In the evening, the drovers installed a camp, organized the cattle and horses for the night, and had a quick meal. The sky got cloudy, the storm was coming. The men were aware a difficult night was coming. Then came the storm, lightning, and thunder. The wild white horse got even wilder and caused the stampede of the cattle. Fritz and his men worked in the pouring rain all night, trying to save the herd and prevent them from getting lost. In the morning, it appeared that not too many animals were gone but the best eight horses were missing. The very same ones which the visiting Indians found attractive. The tracks found by the drovers told them that the very same visitors had taken the horses. The blue horse, however, was not stolen.

 

 

In Kansas City, the brothers sold their cattle, made a deal with Colonel Meyer who gave them a note for $10000 + some down payment. Unfortunately, the colonel died before paying for the cattle.

Later, Fritz and his family moved close to the Loyal Valley and fenced a ranch there. The stone fence around his Premier Ranch was built from 1973 to 1877.

 

Within years 1875/1877, Fritz built a two-story house made of brown stone.

 

Fritz, being an honest and friendly man, signed notes for friends and neighbors and, unfortunately, in connection to that experienced some money loss. Later he wrote a letter (published in a local newspaper) warning others on that matter.

♦ Son Heinrich Daniel was born on 29 May 1875 (11).
♦ Robert Enoch Benjamin was born on 13 December 1877 (12).

♡ 1881 - Mattie (Mathilda) married Mr. Fritz J Lehmberg
♡ 1882 - Heinrich Fritz Jr. married Mis Conradine Pluenneke (born 1 April 1856 to Konrad Pluenneke and Sophie Christine Leifeste).

♦ 1883 - Sophie Kothmann, Fritz's wife passed. 

His second wife was Mary Augusta Miller Eversberg, born on 1 August 1847 in Industry, TX to Edward Miller and Phillipine Holzman (13). The two got a marriage license on 17 May 1884 (14), and married four days later.

Mary was a widow of Mr. Charles Eversberg and had a son from the previous marriage. The boy, Charles R, later attended a dental college and became a dentist.

♡ 1884 - son August married Miss Elise Geistweidt (born 25 December 1862).

♦ Elgin Otto was born to Fritz and Mary on 15 December 1887 (15).

♡ 1888 - Karl married Miss Sophie Brandenberger (born on 11 May 1868), daughter of Gottlieb Brandenberger and Marie Katherine Bierschwale. 

 

♦ 3 March 1890 - grief in the family again - Mattie's husband Fritz died.

 

 
♡ 1891 - Daniel Heinrich married Miss Lena Loeffler (born 8 January 1872 to Paul Friedrich Loeffler and Mina Neffendorf).

 

♡ 1892 - Mathilda married again. Her second husband was John Dietrich Eckert (born 15 September 1856).

 

♡ 28 Sepetmeber 1898 - another wedding in the family - stepson Charlie Eversberg married Miss Alma Amsler (16), born 12 July 1872 in Texas, to Edward Amsler and Emily Schmidt. 

♡ 1899 - Lee (Eli) married Amelia Hahn (born 8 November 1875).

 

1900 census - Fritz (age 65) his wife Mary (age 52) and son Elgin (age 12) were registered by Louis J. Kettner in Justice Precinct #6, Mason County, on 13 June. 21-year-old servant, Ms. Alvine Eckert and 29-year-old laborer, Henry Land lived with the family as well (17).

♡ 3 March 1901 - Benjamin (Robert Enoch) married Hulda Gusta Matilda Brandenberger (born 9 August 1890 to John Brandenberger and Sophie Leifeste).

Census 1910, 6 May - Fritz was 75, Mary 62, Elgin 22. They had a cook, Therese Jordan (age 22). A hired man helped with the work at the farm and ranch. He was 22 years old, his name was Harry Jordan (18). The man was also a relation of the Kothmanns.

In the same year, there was a wedding in the family, the youngest son ♡ Elgin Otto married Miss Anna Jordan, daughter of William Jordan and Augusta Keller. Annie was born on 25 February 1888 in Fredericksburg.

♦ Heinrich Friedrich Kothmann passed on 1 September 1915. 

 

Clipping source: San Antonio Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 50, No. 247, Ed. 1 Saturday, September 4, 1915, newspaper, September 4, 1915; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth432336/: accessed July 17, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

The note contains an error. Heinrich Friedrich was much younger when he came with his parents to Texas.

After his death, Fritz's wife Mary lived with her son Elgin. At the end of her life the lady suffered from gangrene of toes of her left foot. She died of cerebral hemorrhage on 20 August 1933 (19).

 

Clipping source: Brenham Banner-Press (Brenham, Tex.), Vol. 50, No. 126, Ed. 1 Monday, August 21, 1933, newspaper, August 21, 1933; Brenham, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1181425/: accessed July 17, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library. 

 

Resources:

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

Findagrave.com

1. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VK1Y-QJQ : 22 January 2020), Frederick Kothmann, 1856.

2. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CD-Y6V : 20 February 2021), Fritz Kothmann, 25 May 1922; citing certificate number 15159, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,545.

3. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-K5T2 : 14 February 2020), Mathilde Kothmann, 1859.

4. "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFV-372 : 18 February 2021), Metilda Cothman in entry for Fredrick Cothman, 1860. 

5. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-CQZM : 14 February 2020), August Kothmann, 1861.

6. "Texas, Confederate Army and Commanding Officer Card Index, ca.1861-ca.1865", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Z4X3-LQMM : 18 June 2020), Fritz Kothman, 1864.

7. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-8RMM : 14 February 2020), Carl Kothmann, 1865.

8. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-F56Z : 14 February 2020), Fritz Kothmann in entry for Louy Kothmann, 1867.

9. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-41Q : 29 May 2021), Mathilde Kothman in entry for Fritz Kothman, 1870.

10. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3Z9-JY8 : 20 February 2021), Eli Henry Kothmann, 01 Aug 1951; citing certificate number 41157, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,776. 

11. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3QZ-8WP : 20 February 2021), H Dan Kothmann, 01 Nov 1956; citing certificate number 60521, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,134,916.

12. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K37P-G1T : 20 February 2021), Enoch Benjamin Kothmann, 15 Oct 1954; citing certificate number 51202, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,282

13. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3C3-RXG : 20 February 2021), Mary A Kothmann, 20 Aug 1933; citing certificate number 38144, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,115,618.

14. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1C-6855 : 23 February 2021), H F Kothmann and Mary Eversberg, 17 May 1884; citing Marriage, citing Washington, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 956,487.

15. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3MS-83S : 20 February 2021), Elgin Otto Kothmann, 03 Feb 1938; citing certificate number 9251, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,117,657.

16. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8R-8TJ2 : 23 February 2021), Charles R. Eversberg and Alma C. Amsler, 28 Sep 1898; citing Marriage, citing Washington, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 956,491.

17. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-JTD : accessed 11 July 2021), Elgan Kothman in household of H F Kothman, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet 6A, family 67, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658. 

18. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q4-5CJ : accessed 11 July 2021), Elgin Kothman in household of Fritz H Kothman, Justice Precinct 4, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 203, sheet 7A, family 91, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589. 

19. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3C3-RXG : 20 February 2021), Mary A Kothmann, 20 Aug 1933; citing certificate number 38144, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,115,618.

Georg Philipp Eckert & Family

Georg Philipp Eckert was born on 10 Nov. 1824 in Hueffenhardt, Mosbach County, Province of Baden. He was the third child of Mr. Georg Bernhardt Eckert and Miss Anna Margaretha Holoch.

 
Georg Philipp emigrated to Texas together with his brothers - Karl Friedrich (elder brother) + his family - wife and four children, and Bernhardt (younger brother). They reached Indianola in March 1853. Due to Bernhardt's sickness, the family could not move on together - Karl and his people went to Fredericksburg, Georg stayed with the younger brother in Victoria. There, Georg married Miss Margareda Karoline Vogler who was 25 years old then. Karoline was born on 18 August 1828. The marriage took place on 3 May 1853. 

 

Afterward, the couple relocated to Fredericksburg. Their first son Wilhelm Philipp was born in the town on 6 Jan 1855 (1).

 

Sometime later, Georg, Karl and their families moved to Beaver Creek (Mason County) - the place situated thirty-five miles north-west of Fredericksburg. First, a log cabin was built and a farm and ranch founded. Georg made the items needed in the household (including all the furniture) on his own. He did both the carpentry and blacksmith work. In about 1870, a sandstone rock house was built near the log cabin as well.

 

After the passing of Georg's wife Karoline (23 Jan. 1888), Georg Philipp Eckert lived in the home of his son Adolph's. Georg Eckert, the pioneer, died on 14 Jan. 1901.

Georg and Karoline's children

The couple had two pairs of twins - one child of each pair died in infancy. The ones who lived longer were:

Wilhelm Philipp Eckert - a farmer and rancher - married Miss Christine Dorothee Henriette Lehmberg (b.14 July 1853/d. 7 Nov. 1917), daughter of Johann Julius Lehmberg and Anna Sophia Dorothee Christine Kreye. He died on 13 June 1942.

Ludwig Max Eckert was born on 6 May 1856, died on 8 July 1872.

 

Lena Louise born on 23 August 1857 (3) in Mason, Texas. She married Karl Dietrich Rode (b. 23 Nov 1856/d. 16 Nov. 1934), a farmer. Karl/Chas was the son of Friedrich Rode and Emelie Schorph (4).

Georg Adolf Eckert b. 26 Dec. 1858 in Hilda, Mason, TX (5)/d. 30 Jan. 1941 (6) - he was a ranchman and married Miss Emilie Lange (b. 6 May 1861/d. 23 March 1925). His second wife was Miss Margarethe Meyer (b. 6 Sept. 1882/d. 25 Sept. 1952).

Edward Eckert born 11 July 1860, a stockman, lived and died (11 July 1936) in Fredericksburg(7). He married Miss Ida C Lang (b. 30 March 1865/d. 6 Feb. 1865), daughter of Heinrich W Lang and Ursula Elizabeth Hohmann.

Elizabeth Karolina born 31 Dec. 1863, mason, TX/d. 13 Jan 1945, Ann Arbor, Washtenaw, Michigan (8). She married Mr. John D Schenk (b 21 July / d. 5 Nov 1937).

Johann Dietrich Eckert was born on 15 Sept. 1866/d. 1 Dec. 1958 (9). Johann was a rancher and lived in Mason. In 1992, he married Miss Mathilda Kothmann Lehmberg (b. 5 April 1859/d. 6 Dec 1942), daughter of Friedrich Kothmann and Sophie Anna Hartwig. Mathilda's first husband (married in 1880) was Mr. Friedrich Julius Lehmberg who passed on in 1890.

Ludwig Bernhard Eckert born on 25 June 1868/d. 21 Nov 1953 (10). Ludwig was a rancher. In 1992, he married Miss Mathilda Leifeste (b. 6 Sept. 1872/d. 8 May 1947).

 Anna Marie Eckert born 12 August 1870/d. 28 Nov. 1953. She married Willie D Dechert (b. 21 May 1867/d. 24 May 1920), son of John Peter Dechert and Ernstine Pletz.

 

The fmily line in our extended family tree

Georg Philipp Eckert

⇒ his son John Dietrich Eckert

⇒ his wife Mathilda Kothmann Eckert

⇒ her brother Heinrich Friedrich Kothmann

⇒ his wife Conradine (Pluenneke) Kothmann

⇒ her brother Karl Friedrich Pluenneke (28 Dec 1860/24 Sept 1939)

⇒ his son Friedrich Karl Perry Pluenneke (28 August 1887, Castell, Llano, TX/ 2 July 1947 Dallas, Dallas, TX)

⇒ his wife Florrie (Keyser) Pluenneke

⇒ her mother Minnie May (Dye) Keyser (about 1869, TX/1900)

⇒ her sister Addie Lee (Dye) Brown (23 June 1866, Plano, Colin, TX/5 Jan 1930, Collin, TX)

⇒ her husband John Wesley Brown (24 Sept. 1858, Sumner, Tennessee/21 March 1934, Plano, Collin, TX) 

⇒ his brother Robert Jefferson Davis Brown - first husband of our grandmother Rachel Clementine Howard Gant

 Resources:

1, 2. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3DS-K4D : 13 March 2018), William Philip Eckert, 13 Jun 1942; citing certificate number 27758, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,137,102.
3. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LL7-9TZM : 14 February 2020), Lena Louise Eckert, 1857.
4. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3WY-438 : 13 March 2018), Carl Dietrich Rode, 16 Oct 1934; citing certificate number 44833, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,116,170.
5. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-X1N2 : 14 February 2020), Georg. Adolf Eckert, 1858.
6. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3M1-MP7 : 13 March 2018), Adolph George Eckert, 20 Jan 1941; citing certificate number 4098, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,138,244.
7. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3HD-VJG : 13 March 2018), Edward Eckert, 11 Jul 1936; citing certificate number 35820, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,116,938.
8. "Michigan Death Certificates, 1921-1952," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KF7L-KJV : 13 March 2018), Caroline E Schenk, 13 Jan 1945; citing Ann Arbor, Washtenaw, Michigan, United States, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing; FHL microfilm 1,973,128.
9. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K39T-BBJ : 13 March 2018), John Dietrich Eckert, 01 Dec 1948; citing certificate number 53568, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,223,078.
10. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K371-1BR : 13 March 2018), Louis Bernhard Eckert, 21 Nov 1953; citing certificate number 57738, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,113,986.

Findagrave.com

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

My own MyHeritage research