Ernst Dannheim & Family

Georg Ernst Freidrich Dannheim was born at the beginning of the 1800s in Walle, Kingdom of Hanover. Some records say it was in 1806 (1), some that his year of birth was 1810 (2, 3).

Ernst married Julianne Kälberlein who was born in Walle on 10 October 1812. According to my research, their children born in Walle as well were (4):

• Marie Friedericke - born in 1834,
• Wilhelm Heinrich - born 30 March 1838,
• Wilhelmina - born 7 March 1840,
• Heinrich - born 15 December 1843.

 

On 18 September 1845 (5), the family left Bremen on the deck of the ship Everhardt, under Captain Haake (6). The Dannheim family registered on the list of Everhardt passengers consisted of: Dannhein Ernst Friedrich (the father), Juliana nee Kalberlein and their children Julian, Otto, Johanne, and Ernest (7). 

The number of the children matches the information included above, however, the names differ. Maybe, a reason was that each of them, including the parents, had more than one (possibly, at least three) given names, and not all of them are included/known in the records?

They reached Galveston in December. Then, the family then traveled to Mineola, and later, for three weeks proceeded to New Braunfels. The place was overcrowded, packed with immigrants, and the living conditions more than horrible - disease and death assisted them all (which I have mentioned in some of the previous posts regarding the early immigrants to Texas). Finally, on 6 May 1846, Ernst and his family reached the area of the Pedernales River. G E F Dannheim had been promised some land (by the German Emigration Company) on the Colorado River, but it appeared the land was not available for settlers. It was in possession of Indians who inhabited the region.

The immigrants, including the Ernst Dannheims, put up tents not far from the place where Delaware Indians camp was situated. The newly arrived Europeans awaited food and supplies, which were supposed to be provided by Adelsverein - the Emigration Company. There was nothing, though, but starvation. The situation became critical - the people tried to survive any way they could - e.g. they used acorns to make coffee and flour for bread. The friendly Indian tribe helped them as well. Eventually, seven men (with Ernest among them) decided to go on foot to the Adelsverein headquarters in New Braunfels and claim what they had been promised. The men were assured the provisions would be delivered and that did happen later. 

♦ 4 June 1848 - Hanna Sophie Caroline was born to Ernst and Julianne in Fredericksburg.

After two years, when the crops were good, the famine period in the settlement finished. Tragically, death came back in bunches with a cholera epidemic in 1849.

♡ In the same year, Marie Friedericke married Herr Fritz Winkel.

The tax record from 1950 informs that Ernst Dannheim had 20 acres of land, town lot no. 363 in Fredericksburg, block no. 53 (8). A year later, the man owned two town lots no. 363 and 257. He also had 5 head of cattle (9). In 1853, the herd grew to 10 head (each of them worth $6), and the value of Ernst Dannheim's estate was $220 including the land and the two town lots as well (10).

♦ 19 January 1852 - son Ernst Jr. was born in Fredericksburg. 

♦ 17 March 1854 - another daughter Caroline was born (11).

1854 - the family number of cattle given in the tax record was 15. The value of the family property grew up to $270 (12). Later Ernst sold the town lot #257 and bought a lot no. 364. In 1856, besides 20 heads of cattle, 1 horse, and 1 wagon (13).

In the same year, the Ernst Dannheims, together with a few other families (the Hasses, Lehmbergs, Bauers, Pluennekes, Kothmanns, and Hoersters) relocated to Upper Willow Creek area (14).

On 8 August 1856, when the local charter of the Methodist Church was founded, the Dennheims became its members as well.

Not long after that, on ♡ 30 December of the same year, Wilhelmina (Minna) married Otto von Donop (15).

Six years later, the two town lots in Fredericksburg which belonged to Ernst were worth $200 (16). The value of the land grew and in 1869 it was $340 (17).

♡ 14 June 1865 - Wilhelm Heinrich married Miss Sophie Meier (18).

♡ 28 February 1867 - Sophie Caroline (19) married John Lemberg (Lehmburg).

15 June 1870, the Dannheim family lived in Mason County (post office Mason). On that day, the census clerk Mr. Francis Kettner recorded Ernst Dannheim (age 64), his wife Juliana (age 58), their children Henry (age 26), Ernst (age 17), and Caroline (age 15). The parents and their eldest son were born in Prussia, the other ones were born in Texas. Ernst and Henry's occupation was raising cattle (20).

In the autumn of the same year, on ♡ 5 October Henry (Heinrich) married Miss Minna Lemberg (Lemburg) in Hilda Methodist Church in Mason (21).

♦ Ernst Dannheim died about a year later, on 10 April 1871. 

In the same year, Ernst Jr. went to Berea in Ohio, where he studied at Baldwin University to become a teacher (22).

After Ernst Sr.'s death, his wife Julianne moved to Art, where she lived at the home of her daughter Minna and the daughter's second husband Otto von Plehwe.

The youngest daughter of Ernst and Julianne Dannheim's, ♡ Caroline married Mr. Friedrich Thumm on 11 February 1875 (23).

♦ Julianne Kaelberlein Dannheim passed away on 8 August 1904.

Resources:

The post was inspired by the content of the book "Mason County Historical Book", Mason County Historical Society, Mason County Historical Commission, 1976

1. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-XP6 : 2 January 2021), Ernst Danheim, 1870.

2. Geneanet.org 

3. Ship Everhardt Passengers

4. Geneanet.org

5. German Ship List

6. Ship Everhadt 

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

8. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RX93 : 20 February 2021), Ernst Dannheim, 1850.

9. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RXFQ : 20 February 2021), E Dannheim, 1851.

10. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RFSX : 20 February 2021), Ernst Danheim, 1853.

11. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-XK6Z : 14 February 2020), Ernst Dannheim in entry for Carolina Dannheim, 1854.

12. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RFNH : 20 February 2021), Ernst Danheim, 1854.

13. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RNL7 : 20 February 2021), Ernst Dannheim, 1856. 

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

15. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VDB : 10 March 2021), Otto Donop and Wilhelmina Danheim, 30 Dec 1856; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

16. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-R2LT : 20 February 2021), E Dannheim, 1862.

17. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-LZ8 : 10 March 2021), Wilhelm Dannheim and Sophie Meyer, 14 Jun 1865; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

18. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-483 : 22 January 2020), Sophie Dannheim in entry for John Lemberg, 1867.

19. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ85-RTLR : 20 February 2021), E Dannheim, 1869.

20. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-XP6 : 2 January 2021), Ernst Danheim, 1870.

21. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-W28 : 22 January 2020), Mina Lemberg in entry for Heinrich Dannheim, 1870.

22. Robertson, Ruby. Brenham Daily Banner-Press (Brenham, Tex.), Vol. 42, No. [37], Ed. 1 Saturday, May 9, 1925, newspaper, May 9, 1925; Brenham, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1180562/: accessed March 12, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library. 

23. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-LF4 : 22 January 2020), Carolina Dannheim in entry for Freidrich Thumm, 1875. 

Findagrave.com

Johann Ernst Christian Franz Jordan

Johann Ernst Heinrich Christian Franz Jordan /Yordan/ was the son of Johann Heinrich Christian Jordan (b. 1774/d. 1852, Wehrstedt, Lower Saxony, Germany) and his second wife Johanna Christina Sophia Wilhelmina Gotjahn (b. 1792, Sehlem, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany/d. 1840, Wehrstedt). He was born on 23 July 1821 in Wehrstedt (Bad Salzdetfurt, Niedersachsen, Germany).

 

A year after Ernst's mother passing, on 19 April 1841, the young man married Wilhelmine (Minchen) Uflaker. Three months later, on 1 July 1841, daughter Johanne Ernestine Wilhelmine was born to the couple.

In summer of 1845, as the result of certain family disagreements, Ernst, his wife, and baby daughter emigrated to Texas. They left Bremen on 1 September 1845 on the vessel "Margaretha" under Captain Libben (1). On the passengers' list Johann Ernst's occupation was given as "linen weaver and farmer" (2). "Margaretha" arrived in Texas on 1 September 1845 (3).

When the Jordan family came to Indianola, together with other immigrants, they were stuck in a place  where no proper quarters had been prepared for them. Due to the difficult political situation in Texas which had been in conflict with Mexico, all the means of transport were taken over by the Army. The immigrants, exhausted by the sea journey, lack of food, and diseases, vegetated in self-created shacks and dugouts, exposed to highly unsanitary conditions, the elements, and the brutal climate. Before Ernst managed to obtain a wagon and some oxen to move the family to New Braunfels and the promised land grant area, Wilhelmine, his wife, died. On 5 November 1846, their daughter Johanne passed as well (4).

In Fredericksburg, Ernst got a small piece of land and a town lot. He worked as a teamster.

In 1849, Mr. Jordan married Miss Lisette Bickenbach who had come to Texas in September 1846, on the ship Colchius, from Ruppichteroth, Bonn area, Germany, with her parents (Daniel Bickenbach and Anna Sophie Willach) and siblings (5).

In 1850, Ernst, Lisette (Elisabeth) and their new born baby Wilhelmina were registered in Fredericksburg during the Census. Ernst was a laborer then (6). 

At first, Ernst intended to live on the land lot he was granted (in present San Saba County) however, considering the negative conditions there, the man sold it and obtained 640 acres in Mason County (Willow Creek).

During his life in Fredericksburg, Mr. Jordan joined the Methodist Church. Mina (Wilhelmina) - b. 26 August 1850, Peter - b. 17 January 1852, Sophie - b. 23 March 1854, and Henry Jordan - b. 17 April 1856 (7) were born in the town. 

 

In 1856, together with other families (the Hoersters and the Kothmanns), the Jordans relocated to Upper Willow Creek (nowadays Art). They moved their belongings in oxen driven wagons. In the new place, the families moved into log cabins and  lived the harsh lives of the pioneers.

Fredericka - b. 29 April 1858 (8), Wilhelm  (died in infancy), Daniel - b. 8 December 1860 (9), and Ernst jr. b. 25 July 1863 (10) were born in Hilda, Mason County where Ernst became an open-range cattle raiser. Besides that, he continued his work as a teamster.

In 1861, Jordan served in the Minute Men Company under Captain Herman R von Bieberstein. 

From 1867 to 68, he worked as county commissioner. In 1869 he was elected justice of the peace Precinct #2, however, he failed to qualify (11). Maybe Ernst Jordan simply did not want to be a justice of the peace then, maybe he found it inconvenient and not safe (it was the time of the Hoo Doo War), and that was why he did not complete the required formalities.

 

The 1870 Census listed the Jordans who lived in Mason. Ernst was registered as a farmer, their real estate estimated value was $600, and their personal estate value was $1500 (12).

On 10 May 1871, E Jordan (and 8 other men) was enlisted in the State Police which base was the Fourth District.

Due to various circumstances, including the Civil War, Indian raids, and cattle thieves, at the very beginning, cattle raising was not a very profitable business. Then, the Mason County War started. Daniel Hoerster, Ernst's son-in-law, who was a cattle brands inspector, was one of the war casualties.

When the war ended, Ernst built a new house. At some point, the Jordan family owned an estate that was over 7 thousand acres.

 

Ernst and Lisette were religious persons. The very first church/and school building, in Art was constructed on their land. The nowadays Art church is situated on the land provided by Ernst as well.

More over, the first religious camp meetings were held on their estate too. In 1876 Ernst got wounded in his knee by accident. A six-shooter dropped down from his carriage and fired which made the man a cripple.

Johann Ernst Christian Franz Jordan died on 23 December 1892, he was buried on Christmas Day. Lisette lived 7 years longer, she passed on 23 August 1899.

Wilhelmina married Fritz Adolph Grote, after his death she was married to Daniel Hoester.

Peter married Emma Donop - more about the couple and their children in the post related to the Donop family.

Henry married Bertha Leifeste,

Sophie married A Willmann,

Fredericka married Carl Leifeste,

Daniel married Emma Willmann,

Ernst married Adela Winkle.

UPDATE: 

Information provided by Ms. Dolores Keller, Daniel's great-granddaughter: Fredericka, Daniel, Wilhelm, and Ernst Jr. were born at Upper Willow Creek, not Hilda.

Dolores Keller: " ... the old Methodist Church records was titled “One Hundred Years of the Hilda (Bethel) Methodist Church And Parent Organizations 1856 - 1955” It is actually the records of all the Methodist Churches in the area, Art (North & South) Hoersterville, Lower Willow Creek, Hilda and Castell."

Resources:

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

2. "Homestead: Jordans prospered in the Hill Country." - article by J. Lackey

 3. Immigrant Ships Transcriber Guild - Margaretha

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

6. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXLK-P76 : 23 December 2020), Ernst Jordan, Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

7. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K37M-NL6 : 13 March 2018), Ernest Jordon in entry for Henry Jordon, 06 Feb 1927; citing certificate number 6229, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,274.

8. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-TZMM : 14 February 2020), Ernst Jordon in entry for Fridarica Jordon, 1858.

9. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LG4-FJMM : 14 February 2020), Ernst Jordan in entry for Daniel Jordan, 1860.

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

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

12. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-XPV : 2 January 2021), Ernst Jordan, 1870.

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

More About von Donop/von Plehwe family

After Otto von Donop's death, Mina (Wilhelmina), his widow, married Otto von Plehwe. It happened on  26 January 1880.

Mina's second husband Otto von Plehwe was born on 26 August 1844 in Berlin. However, his family town was Bruehl. Otto joined the German Army in Cologne, on 1 May 1865. He served as aide de camp (confidential secretary of a high-ranking commander) in the 4th Army Corps, Regiment Number 30. Later, from 1866 to 1868 it was the 8th Army Corps, Regiment No. 33.

 

Otto's brother Capt. Karl Felix Georg von Plehwe was probably one of the officers who assisted  J. O. Meusebach during his trip to the Comanche area to prepare the ground for the peace treaty.

Otto von Plehwe relocated to Texas in 1868 (1). Sometime later, Otto settled in Mason.  The man joined the Methodist Episcopal church in 1881. He and his wife bought a general store from Mr. Anton Hoerster, which was situated at Upper Willow Creek. In 1886, Otto started a post office in the store and became the first post office master of Plehweville.

Mr. Otto von Plehwe was also a music teacher, and was elected Justice of the Peace, Precinct #6 twice, in 1882 and 1890.

 

Otto passed on 29 May 1916. It was on Monday at 8 a.m.

Plehweville was later renamed and was called Art.

Wilhelminna Deinnheim Donop von Plehwe died on 19 September 1920.

 

Otto von Donop Jr. turned  17 on 22 June 1875. In the very same year, on 5 October, his father died.

Five years later, on 4 September, Otto Jr. married Miss Suzanne, the daughter of Konrad Meckel and Gertrude Merbreurinn. Suzanne was born on 16 September 1859 in Fredericksburg, TX. The two built their family house made of rock within a year after the marriage. In 1908 the family got a windmill and they did not have to haul water from a well anymore.

 

Otto Jr. was a rancher. He grew cattle including milch cows, chickens. The family was self-sufficient regarding making food - meat, sausages, eggs, vegetables (they had a vegetable garden), fruit, and so on. The items which they needed to buy were flour, sugar, and coffee.

Otto von Donop Jr. had a telephone installed in the house in 1910. He bought a car in 1919.

 

Otto Jr. and Susanne were members of the Methodist Church. Otto taught at the Sunday school for many years. 

The couple had seven children

• Amanda Bertha (b. 21 Feb. 1882) - married Hermann Neu,
• Alfred - died when he was 7 months old,
• Cora (b. 5 Jan. 1886) - married Ernest Willmann,
• Lena Wilhelmina (b. 16 Nov. 1888) - married Louis Jordan,
• Edwin Otto (b. 3 July 1891) - married Hulda Jordan,
• Charles (b. 27 June 1894) - married Bertha Fischer,
• Susanna died at the age of 4 months.

When the children were little and after the retirement, Otto and family lived in Mason, besides that, they lived in the Art area.

Emma von Donop and Peter Jordan (b. 17 January 1852, Fredericksburg) were married on 6 September 1877. Peter was the son of Ernst Jordan and Lisette Bickenbach. When Peter was four years old, his father bought land in Mason County and the family settled at Upper Willow Creek. Peter Jordan helped his father and was a driver in Jordan Sr.'s freighting business. In 1873, he worked at the family ranch as a cowboy and foreman.

Peter built a log house for his wife and himself. The furniture for the house he hauled from Austin.
In 1900, Peter Jordan's family was recorded in the Census (2). The family  (Peter, Emma and their 11 children) lived in Justice Precinct #6, Mason, Texas.

Nine years later Peter built a house in Mason and they all moved to town.
Peter and Emma Jordan had fourteen children:

• Reuben died when he was nine,
• Minnie - married Emil W Kothmann,
• Emma (b. 17 April 1880) - married Alex Durst,
• William E - married Ida Sophie Lehmberg,
• Ella (b. 30 January 1883) - married Daniel Friedrich Julius Lehmberg,
• Benjamin P,
• Louise (b. 5 January 1887) - married George Charles Stengel,
• Eli Ernst (b. 1 January 1889) - married Elna Louise Grote,
• Elizabeth (b. 11 November 1890) - married Samuel August Hoerster,
• Bertha - married Ben Grote,
• Pearl - married Daniel J Hoerster,
• Peter A (b. 14 July 1896) - married Foncine Robinson,
• Helen Jennie Esther (b. 9 June 1904) - married William Harold Zesch.

 

Emma Donop Jordan died on 29 June 1941 (3). Her husband passed about a year later, on 20 August 1942.

Bertha von Donop married Egon Hoermann on 19 October 1883 in Hilda Bethel Methodist Church, Mason (4).

They had two daughters Emilie Wilhelmine, b. 6 Dec 1889 (5) and Hedwig, b.16 Nov 1887 (6), and a son, Charles Moritz Kottke, b. 29 Aug 1891, Oakland, Alameda, CA (7).

In 1900 Bertha, Egon (a druggist), and the children mentioned above lived in Precinct # 3 Fruitvale town, Alameda, California, they had a boarder Christian Elnef, born in Germany. The record tells that Egon emigrated in 1885, Christian in 1878. The latter appears in the Census record as a bartender (8).

Egon and Bertha most parted their ways (?). Egon died in 1937 so the first marriage probably ended with a divorce. According to the information shared on Findagrave.com, Bertha married Christian (the former boarder) on 9 Nov 1901. 

Anyhow, ten years later In the Census of 1910, The Elnef family lived in Alameda Ward 1, Alameda, California. Chris was an electrician, Hattie a tailoress, and Charles was a plumber (9).

I tried to find out more about Christian - on 17 Sept. 1898 Christian Hansen Elnef was registered as a voter - carpenter. He had blue eyes, dark hair, was height 6 1/2, and he was naturalized on 7 December 1891 in Wyandotte (10).

Bertha passed on 21 July 1912.

I have not found any more information regarding Rosa Anna Emilie von Donop (besides her birth certificate record). Possibly the girl died young (?).

William von Donop was ten years old when his father and first school teacher, Otto Sr., died. After his death, the boy was a pupil of the Lower Willow Creek School. Later, Bill continued his education in Fredericksburg.

 

Afterward, William von Donop worked in his stepfather's freighting business as a wagon driver. They hauled the goods (such as dried hides, bees' wax, smoked and baked ham and bacon) to San Antonio and sold the products there.

Will's first cattle brand was T03 which was later replaced with W-.

 

On 11 April 1893, William von Donop married Auguste Bertha Kensing (11), the daughter of Friedrich Kensing and Mathilde Lemburg.

Auguste Bertha (Bertha) became a member of the Methodist Church in 1891.

At first, William and his wife lived in Otto Sr.'s house at Upper Willow Creek. The following children were born there

Minna Bessie, b. 9 December 1894 (married Dr. Baze on 7 November 1917),
Esther, b. 17 June 1898 (married Arch Reichenau in 1931),
Lilian, b. 12 May 1900 (married William Splittberger in 1928),
Susanne, b. 15 July 1902 (married Emeth Keller in 1923),
William Reuben (12), b. 2 Sept 1904 (m. Mary Kirkpatrick in 1931).

About 1899, William built a house on the Llano River, west of Mason. A baby girl, Mathilda Bertha was born in the new home on 19 January 1911. Sadly, the child died in infancy. Sometime after the girls' death, William sold their house and the family moved to Gooch Addition, Mason.
Olivia Vivian, another daughter was born there on 3 March 1913 (13) - she married Milton Zesch in 1935.

Three years later in 1916, Will purchased the OK Wagon Yard. He ran the business with his son William Jr. Besides stabling and taking care of the horses, they also sold food to traveling people passing Mason. They kept the Yard until 1918.
The William von Donops attended the Methodist Episcopal Church in Mason.
William passed on 2 May 1945 in Mason, TX (14).

Caroline Louise von Donop married Richard Ernest Grosse on 22 July 1886 in Hilda Methodist Church, Mason.
They had children

• Willie Mae (15), b. 25 May 1904 (married Harris Mohler),
• Richard Alfred (16), b. 2 Feb 1889 (married Mea Lyn Cox),
• Mina Laura (17), b. 6 Jul 1887,
• Alfred R (18), b. 2 February 1889,
• Alexander Egon (19), b. 15 Nov 1891 (m. Bertha Ann Willmann),
• Laura M (20),  b. 06 Jul 1888,
• Louise Antonia, b. 13 Oct 1897 (m. Max Theodor Pluenneke),
• Elsie E 1900, and another daughter 
• Willie M., born in 1904. 

In 1910 They all lived in Justice Precinct #1, Mason, Texas. Richard worked as a carpenter (21).

Caroline died four years after that Census, on 21 October 1914.

Alexander Julius Friedrich von Donop died in 1890 of ptomaine poisoning.

August Ernest von Donop was only 3 years old on the day when his father Otto Sr. left this world. When the boy was growing up, he helped his mother in the family shop in Plehweville. August attended a country school, later a college in Fredericksburg.

He was also a driver of a horse wagon - he took the produce from the Plehweville store to San Antonio.
August married Marya Elizabeth Lifeste (Leihfeste) in Hilda Bethel Methodist Church on 12 October 1889 (22). Maria's parents were Johann Heinrich Leihfeste and Margarethe Rheinhard.
Maria and August's house was built between Llano Road and Willow Creek.

In 1900, August, Maria and their daughters, Hedwig, Pearl, and Mina lived in Precinct #6, Mason, TX. Maria's father Henry (Heinrich, age 81) lived with them as well (23).

Hedwig Emilie was born on 23 October 1890 (24).

Pearly Mathilda was born on 11 October 1892 (25).

Mina Viola  - 27 March 1895 (26).

Perry Theodore - 11 May 1906 (27).

There is another record for the same day in May 1906. The boy's name is Perry Theophil not Theodore, though. Does it mean, twins were born to August and Maria? I am not sure (28).

Benjamin Elias - 13 January 1902 (29).

Tarney Gordon - 16 November 1910 (30).

The 1910 Census data states that August, Mary and children, Hedwig, Pearl, Mina, Ben and Perry lived in Precinct #6, Mason, TX (31).

A year later, a son, Gordon Thomas was born on 16 Nov 1911 (32).

August drove his cattle to Fort Worth (via Burnet and Brady) market.
After Hattie's (Hedwig's) death, the family moved to Llano. Mr. August E von Donop lived an active life till the ripe and old age. He was a religious man, a Methodist lay minister. August helped to build quite a few churches (in Art, Hilda, Hoersterville, Mason, and Llano), he hauled lumber for their construction and support the churches financially.

August Ernest (von) Donop passed on 20 Sep 1956. He was buried in the Llano cemetery. His wife Mary lived till 17 Jul 1945.

 

More about their children

Hattie (Hedwig) married John Henry Emil Willmann, she died at childbirth on 10 May 1924.
Pearl married Miles Elliott Buttery.
Minnie married Edwin George Beerwinkle.
Ben married Willie Lee.
Perry T married Edna H. Buerschwake.
Gordon T married Lugenia Stribling

 Resources:

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

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plehwe_Complex

2. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-DJ5 : accessed 1 November 2020), Emma Jordan in the household of Peter Jordan, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet 1B, family 9, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658.

3. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K7DC-TMQ : 13 March 2018), Emma Jordan, 29 Jun 1941; citing certificate number 28693, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,138,612.
Her husband passed about a year later, on 20 August 1942.
Bertha von Donop married Egon Hoermann on 19 October 1883 in Hilda Bethel Methodist Church, Mason.

4. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-LF3 : 22 January 2020), Bertha Von Donop in entry for Egon Hoermann, 1883.

5. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-D5PZ : 14 February 2020), Bertha Donop in the entry for Emilie Wilhelmine Hoermann, 1889.

 

6. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-H3MM : 14 February 2020), Bertha Donop in the entry for Hedwig Hoermann, 1887.

 

7. "California Births and Christenings, 1812-1988", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4VGG-RD3Z : 11 January 2020), Egon Hoermann in the entry for Carl Moritz Koltke Hoermann, 1891.

 

8. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9P9-4PJ : accessed 5 November 2020), Christian Elnef in household of Eldon Hoerman, Precinct 3 Fruitvale town, Alameda, California, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 326, sheet 9A, family 192, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,240,081. 

 

9. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MV2M-CWF : accessed 1 November 2020), Chris Elnef, Alameda Ward 1, Alameda, California, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 2, sheet 3B, family 78, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 69; FHL microfilm 1,374,082.

10. "California Great Registers, 1850-1920," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VNFX-VJS : 25 July 2019), Christian Hansen Elnef, 17 Sep 1898; citing Voter Registration, S S High, Alameda, California, United States, county clerk offices, California; FHL microfilm 976,452.

 

11. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-FX2 : 22 January 2020), William Donop, 1893.

 

12. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX99-283 : 4 April 2020), Wm Donop in the entry for Willie Reuben Donop, 02 Sep 1904; citing Plehweville, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 103835, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,371,100.

 

13. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLS4-8RX : 4 April 2020), Willie Donop in entry for Olivia Vivian Donop, 03 Mar 1913; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 49437, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,149,950.

 

14. "Texas Death Index, 1903-2000," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZ69-6Y4 : 24 May 2014), William Donop, 02 May 1945; from "Texas, Death Index, 1903-2000," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2006); citing certificate number 22213, Mason, Texas, Texas Department of Health, State Vital Statistics Unit, Austin.

 

15. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX99-L4C : 4 April 2020), Louise Donop in entry for Willie Mae Grosse, 25 May 1904; citing Mason, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 103852, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,371,100.

 

16. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-FSPZ : 14 February 2020), Louise V. Donop in entry for Richard Alfred Grosse, 1889.

 

17. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-NLPZ : 14 February 2020), Louise V. Donop in entry for Minna Laura Grosse, 1887.

 

18. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K369-VX9 : 13 March 2018), Louise Dunop in entry for Alfred R Grosse, 12 Apr 1943; citing certificate number 20246, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,137,305.

 

19. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K33X-QX8 : 13 March 2018), Louise Donop in entry for Alexander Egon Grosse, 26 Oct 1957; citing certificate number 56676, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,135,871.

 

20. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K78K-C64 : 13 March 2018), Louise Donop in entry for Laura M Eckert, 06 Feb 1972; citing certificate number 13827, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,223,616.

 

21. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q4-K4K : accessed 5 November 2020), Willie M Grosse in household of Richard E Grosse, Justice Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 197, sheet 4B, family 99, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589. 

 

22. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-H3M : 22 January 2020), August Donop, 1889.

 

23. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PK-5CL : accessed 3 November 2020), August Donap, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 52, sheet 4A, family 40, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658.

 

24. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-DD2M : 14 February 2020), August Donop in entry for Hedwig Emilie Donop, 1890.

 

25. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-K5MM : 14 February 2020), August Donop in entry for Pearly Mathilda Donop, 1892.

 

26. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-KBZM : 14 February 2020), August Donop in entry for Minna Viola Donop, 1895.

 

27. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX9S-LV7 : 4 April 2020), August Donop in entry for Perry Theodore Donop, 11 May 1906; citing Hedwigs Hill, Mason, Texas, United States, certificate 104216, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,371,100.

 

28. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-Q5N2 : 14 February 2020), August Donop in entry for Perry Theophil Donop, 1906

 

29. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-XCMM : 14 February 2020), August Donop in entry for Benjamin Elias Donop, 1902.

 

30. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LGH-QXPZ : 14 February 2020), August Donop in entry for Tarney Gorden Donop, 1910.

 

31. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q4-VSJ : accessed 3 November 2020), Aug Donap, Justice Precinct 6, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 202, sheet 3A, family 34, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589.

 

32. findagrave.com

Otto von Donop

Otto von Donop was born in Lippe Detmold, Westphalia on 18 August 1829. He was the youngest son of Solomon Friedrich Karl Ludwig von Donop and Amalia Magdalene von Vangerow (1). Otto's noble ancestors had lived in Lippe from 1227.

Otto von Donop studied at the University of Berlin. Due to the political changes in Prussia, some members of the von Donops emigrated to Texas - Antoinette and Pauline of Bremen, Otto's cousins, relocated to Texas in 1834. They left the old country on 30 September, together with a group of other Germans willing to settle in Texas. They traveled on the ship Congress, which Captain was J. Adams.

Pauline had married (2) Mr. Friedrich Arnold Otto Ludwig (Otto) von Roeder on 20 August 1834 (at Sankt Josephus Church, Bredenborn, Westfalen, Prussia), their travel companions were Otto's parents , his sisters Louise and Caroline, brothers Rudolph and Wilhelm, and the Kleberg family. Later, Antoinette married Rudolph von Roeder (3). Sadly, Pauline died in Galveston in 1836 (4) . 

Another Otto's cousin, Baron Georg Karl von Donop of Saxe-Meiningen was a numismatic archeologist of the Royal Society. The man visited Mexico in 1842.

Finally, Ludwig von Donop (b. 24 June 1821, Westphalia), Otto's older brother, traveled to Texas in 1845. He fought in Mexican-American War, and later settled in Sisterdale in 1848.

Ludwig married Miss Caroline Schmitz on 1 Sept 1850 (5). 

 

In that year, Louis and Karoline lived in New Braunfels (6).

The experiences of the relatives inspired Otto to go to Texas as well. In Dec 1851, young Otto von Donop traveled on the vessel Magnet from Bremen to Galveston. He arrived in Texas on 2 Feb 1852.
At first, and till 1854, Otto stayed at his brother Louis' place which was at Upper Willow Creek then. By the year 1854 a log house had been built on Wasp Creek and Otto moved there and lived on his own.

Two years later in December, he married Miss Wilhelmine Dannheim (born in Prussia), the daughter of Ernst Friedrich and Juliana Kaelberlein Dannheim  from Upper Willow Creek. The two obtained a marriage license on 19 December (7).

The marriage took place on 30 December (8).

Otto and Wilhelmine joined the Methodist Episcopal Church on 8 March 1856.

In 1858, on the east side of Willow Creek, a log building was erected - it was used as a school and church as well. Otto was the first teacher of that school. The first minister was Rev. C A Grotte.

The first son Otto Donop was born to Otto and Caroline on 22 Jun 1858 (9). In that year, Otto Sr. was elected Justice of the Peace (10).

A year later Emma, born on 18 Jul 1859 joined the family (11). + Peter Jordan

On 25 March 1861, Otto von Donop Sr. started his service as one of the Mason County Minute Men.
At the end of that year, on 18 Nov 1861, the second daughter was born to the family. The baby girl was named  Bertha (12).

 

On 17 Jan 1862 Lewis was killed by Indians with about 10 or 12 arrows (as the investigation run by Col. H V Henderson stated). The incident happened near Boerne, Blanco County and was described in an entry published by The Weekly Telegraph (Houston, TX).

 

Clipping source: Cushing, E. H. The Weekly Telegraph (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 27, No. 47, Ed. 1 Wednesday, February 5, 1862, newspaper, February 5, 1862; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth236180/: accessed October 17, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.

He orphaned two children Hermann (b. 25 April 1855), and Hermine (b. in 1859). Hermine later married Mr. William Magers.

Rosa Anna Emilie Donop, daughter of Otto and Minna's came to this world on 1 August 1863 (13).

Four years later on 11 Oct 1865, Otto was appointed (by Andrew Hamilton, Provisional Governor of Texas) County Clerk.

William, the second son and fifth child was born to the family on 18 Apr 1865 (14).

 

In 1867 Otto von Donop worked as Vice County Clerk for J D Bridges. In the very same year, on 3 June, Carolina Louise, the fourth daughter arrived (15). Many years later, on 22 July 1886, Caroline married Mr. Richard Grosse (16).

The third son, August Ernest Donop, was born to Otto and Minna on 12 Sep 1868 (17). When August was 21, on 12 October 1889, he married Mary Leifeste (18).

In 1870, Otto and Minna's family were registered during the census. They lived in Mason, Mason, TX. Otto was a cattle raiser (19).

 On 4 August 1872 Otto and Minna's infant son Alex died. The child lived only for five months - Alexander was born on 31 March 1872 (20).

In 1873 Otto Sr. was elected County Treasurer and Justice of the Peace for Precinct #2.
During the same year, on 10 June Alwin August Donop was born (21).

 The youngest son was named Alexander Julius Friedrich. The boy came to the family on 25 Feb 1875. he was christened, as all his younger siblings in Hilda, Mason - at Hilda (Bethel) Methodist Church (22).

Otto von Donop Sr. died of TB on 5 October 1875.

I am planning to write more about the Donop family members in other posts, however, right now I cannot say when it will happen. There are other people who are waiting to be remembered on this blog as well

Other Otto's siblings were (23):

- Luise (b. 27 Nov. 1808/d. 24 Sept. 1891), she was a canoness of Lemgo, in Lippe, Northern Westphalia;
- Josephine (b. 22 Oct 1810/d. 28 Jan 1885), a canoness in reppel, Lippstadt;
- Friedrich Wilhelm Moritz (b. 15 Nov 1812, Schötmar/d. 25 August 1862, Berlin) - Major, Battalion Commander, married Anna Karoline Lubowitz von Flemming;
- August (b. 29 Oct 1826/g. 5 June 1866, Ludwigsburg) Captain in 3rd Infantry Regiment.

The distant family line leads from Otto von Donop to our 3rd cousin once removed, Rufus Monroe Angel.

Otto von Donop

⇒ his son Otto von Donop Jr.
⇒ his wife Susanna Meckel
⇒ her mother Henriette (Luckenbach) Meckel
⇒ her brother Friedrich Wilhelm Luckenbach
⇒ his son Louis Karl Luckenbach
⇒ his wife Jeannie Katherine (Hart) Luckenbach
⇒ her sister Elizabeth (Hart) Angel
⇒ her husband Rufus Monroe Angel - our 3rd cousin once removed

Resources:

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

1,23. "Gothaisches genealogisches Taschenbuch der adeligen Häuser", Justus Perthes, Jan 1900.

2. "Deutschland Heiraten, 1558-1929", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JH84-M6B : 22 February 2020), Otto von Roeder, 1834.

3. "History of the German Element in Texas from 1820 - 1850 And Historical Sketches of the German Texas Singers' League and Houston Turnverein from 1853-1913", Moritz Tiling, Published by Moritz Tiling, 1913.

4. Otto von Roeder

5. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XL43-LV9 : 4 November 2017), Louis Donop and Caroline Schmitz, 07 Sep 1850; citing Comal, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,014,966.

6. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXLV-RFN : 4 April 2020), Lewis Donap, New Braunfels, Comal, Texas, United States; citing family 270, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

7. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-V87 : 22 December 2016), Otto Donop and Wilhelmina Danheim, 19 Dec 1856; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

8. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VDY : 22 December 2016), Otto Donop and Wilhelmina Danheim, 30 Dec 1856; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801. 

9. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-H9N2 : 14 February 2020), Otto Donop in entry for Otto Donop, 1858.

10.  "The Mason County 'Hoo Doo' War, 1842-1902", David Jackson,University of North Texas Press, Denton, Texas, 1984.

11. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-RVPZ : 14 February 2020), Otto Donop in entry for Emma Donop, 1859.

12. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-K5ZM : 14 February 2020), Otto Donop in entry for Bertha Donop, 1861.

13. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-2Q6Z : 14 February 2020), Otto Donop in entry for Rosa Anna Emilie Donop, 1863.

14. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LGH-7PN2 : 14 February 2020), Otto Donop in entry for Willy Donop, 1865.

15. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-MG6Z : 14 February 2020), Otto Donop in entry for Carolina Louise Donop, 1867.

16. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-HSF : 22 January 2020), Louise Von Donop in entry for Richard Grosse, 1886.

17. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2N-MY2M : 14 February 2020), Otto Donop in entry for August Donop, 1868.

18.  "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-H3M : 22 January 2020), August Donop, 1889.

19. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXG3-137 : 19 March 2020), Otto Donop, 1870.

20. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-3L3Z : 14 February 2020), Alexander Donop, 1872.

21. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-RJZM : 14 February 2020), Otto Donop in entry for Alwin August Donop, 1873.

22. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-MNPZ : 14 February 2020), Otto Donop in entry for Alexander Julius Friedrich Donop, 1875.

My own MyHeritage research