1900s Fayette County, Texas News

Please contact volunteer coordinator Rox Ann Johnson to contribute old news articles found in your research.

Many thanks go to Debbie Hanson and Rob Brown who transcribed most of the articles listed on this page. Dallas Morning News 28 January, 1900 Daughters of Confederacy News and Notes in Regard to Chapters, U.D.C. It is with pleasure that the following communication from LaGrange chapter is recorded: LaGrange, Tex., Jan. 22—Dear Miss Dunovant: The LaGrange chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy held Lee memorial exercises at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. P. B. Faison on Friday, January 19. The house had been appropriately decorated and pre-eminent among the decorations were pictures of General Robert E. Lee. A sketch of General Lee’s life was written and read by Mrs. J. F. Wolters. Miss Lou Minter Holman recited in her easy manner “A Soldier of Robert E. Lee,” and an address was made by Major J. W. Byrnes. Only the members of the LaGrange chapter and the Colonel B. Timmons camp and their wives were present. The LaGrange chapter met Monday, January 15, in the LaGrange high school and re-elected the following officers: Miss Anna M. Holman, president; Mrs. J. F. Wolters, first vice president; Miss Lyttie Moore, second vice president; Miss Delphine Byrnes, secretary; Mrs. T. G. Moore, treasurer; Mrs. W. H. Thomas, historian. The chapter adopted the constitution of the Huntsville chapter and will hold their next meeting the first Tuesday in February. I know your time is well occupied, Miss Dunovant, so I have tried to make my letter as brief and to the point as possible, and I hope the above is not too late to appear in the U. D. C. column of The News. Our secretary is at present absent from town, hence I write in her stead. With fraternal greetings I am cordially yours, Anna M. Holman President LaGrange Chapter, U. D. C. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 6 February, 1900 Smallpox Case at Fayetteville LaGrange, Tex., Jan. 5—County Health Officer Dr. McKinney received a telephone message this afternoon to the effect that there was one case of smallpox at Fayetteville and five at Boggy Tank, on the southern border of the county. All are isolated and a strict quarantine will be enforced. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 30 March, 1900 Texas Soldier Commended Capt. Moore of LaGrange Credited with Distinguished Gallantry LaGrange, Tex., March 28—Private advices from Batangos, Phillippine Islands, state that Col. Anderson of the Thirty-Eighth United States volunteer infantry has commended to the War Department Capt. Wright Moore for conspicuous gallantry displayed on the battlefield near Lipa, while leading his company in a charge. Capt. Moore is a LaGrange boy and very popular in Fayette County. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 21 July, 1900 Shot in the Eye by His Brother Special to The News LaGrange, Tex., July 20—Willie Huddleston, aged 10, was shot in the left eye this evening by his 6 year old brother. The ball lodged in the eye. They were playing with an air gun. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson The Weimar Mercury 30 Aug 1900 Flatonia can now boast of a lady telegraphy operator. Miss Hanover, who with her mother have taken up their abode in our city, is namipulating the keys.—Flatonia Argus. The Weimar Mercury 30 Aug 1900 The first number of the Fayette County Democrat, published at LaGrange, made its appearance at this office last week. It has a strong editorial team, Capt. R. H. Phelps, Hon. Jonathan Lane and Mr. J. F. Wolters being the editors. It is also very neatly printed. It says that during the present campaign it will oppose the commission amendment. Dallas Morning News 27 October, 1900 Assassinated at LaGrange Special to The News LaGrange, Tex., Oct 26—Charles Seaburger of Halstead was assassinated last night while standing on his gallery in the act of taking a drink of water. He died instantly. Officers are investigating. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 6 November, 1900 Found Dead in a Road Special to The News LaGrange, Tex., Nov 5—Mr. Henry Slefken of Oldenburg was found dead on the Rutersville road this afternoon, with a pistol lying by his side, which indicated foul play. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 7 December, 1900 Killing in Fayette County Special to The News LaGrange, Tex., Dec. 8—This afternoon Charles Barnhill was shot and killed at Plum, six miles west of here. L. T. Morgan is in custody. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 21 December, 1900 Smallpox Negro Dies of Smallpox Special to The News LaGrange, Tex., Dec. 20—Three more cases of smallpox have developed in town, making four in all, one white man and three negroes. All have been removed to the county pesthouse. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 31 December, 1900 Died In The Cold Inquest Over the Remains of a Man Found Dead Special to The News LaGrange, Tex., Dec 30—The inquest held by Justice Ledbetter over the body of the dead man found in Thuelmeyer’s pasture yesterday evening disclosed the fact that he was a Bohemian farmer by the name of Peter Starske who lived near Dubina, in this county. He was in charge of a wagon and team moving some of his relatives and died from cold on Friday night. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 11 February, 1901 Husband Was Arrested Reported That His Wife Had Killed Herself During the Night Special to The News Ellinger, Tex., Feb. 8—Sheriff August Loessin, from LaGrange, came down this morning and arrested Steve Adameke on a charge of murder. Mrs. Adameke was reported to have committed suicide. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Weimar Mercury March 16, 1901 Frelsburg, March 6.—Mr. Louis Heinsohn of Fayetteville and Miss Nora Fehrenkamp, daughter of Dr. B. J. Fehrenkamp of this place, were married at the home of the bride’s parents at 7:30 o’clock yesterday evening, Rev. Gerstman officiating. Contributed by Rox Ann Johnson Dallas Morning News 24 July, 1901 Shot Himself with a Rifle Special to The News LaGrange, Tex., July 23—Ferdinand Richter committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with a rifle late yesterday evening. Deceased was 20 years old and had been back from the asylum about two weeks. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 12 September, 1901 Stolen Diamonds Recovered Gems Taken from a LaGrange Store Found in a Houston Pawnshop Special to The News Houston, Tex., Sept. 11—Nearly $3,000 worth of diamonds and jewels were turned up day before yesterday in a pawnshop in this city. The jewelry house of R. F. Day was burglarized at LaGrange one night week before last and a large quantity of diamonds, watches and other jewelry taken, the value of the whole being estimated at nearly $3,000. Detectives were quickly put on the case and last Monday a man was arrested in Texarkana and another in Galveston, charged with the burglary. The former made a confession. The jewels had been brought to Houston and disposed of at a pawnshop for $300. Not quite all of the stolen valuables were recovered, but most of them were. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 15 October, 1901 LaGrange, Tex., Oct. 14—The house occupied by V. C. Sladezyk was destroyed by fire this afternoon. It was the property of Paul Lueders, and valued at $1,500. No insurance. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 29 October, 1901 Both Were Wounded Special to The News LaGrange, Tex., Oct. 28—At Round Top an altercation between George Rosenberg and Adolph Becker resulted in both being seriously wounded, each being shot in the breast. The wounds are considered serious and probably fatal. [Both Von Rosenberg and Becker survived.] Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 20 December, 1901 Dr. John C. Mayfield Dead Quarantine Officer at Galveston Expires at San Antonio Special to The News Galveston, Tex., Dec 19—Dr. John C. Mayfield, officer in charge of the quarantine station at this port, died at San Antonio, where he had gone in the hope of recuperating his health. He was a native of Texas, having been born near LaGrange. For five years he has been in charge of the quarantine station here, and prior to that time he had resided at Richmond, Columbus and Velasco. At one time he served as County Clerk of Fort Bend County. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Weimar Mercury April 19, 1902 PROVED HIS CITIZENSHIP LaGrange, April 11.—Mr. R. Wolters, Sr., of Schulenburg accompanied by his brother, Mayor Theo. H. Wolters, was in LaGrange Wednesday and the cause of his visit brought out quite an interesting story. In 1833 Jacob Wolters, a wealthy banker of Germany, fell out with the constituted authorities in the fatherland and decided to embark for the "land of the brave and the free." A friend represented to him that the people of New York needed harness and leather goods, so the two invested the bulk of their fortunes in that commodity and sailed across the sea. They found that the investment was ill-advised and practically lost all they had. Jacob Wolters sent for his family and removed with them to New York, the oldest son of the family being R. Walters, Sr., who was in the city Wednesday. The Wolters family soon removed to New Orleans and from there came to Texas locating at Industry, Austin county, in May, 1835. R. Wolters, Sr., was at the time 15 years of age and with his father built the first log house erected at Frelsburg, Colorado, county. R. Wolters Sr., or "Uncle Bob," as everybody calls him, is now nearly 82 years old, lived in Texas while it was a State of Mexico; attained his majority while Texas was a republic; became a citizen of the United States by the annexation treaty; served in the Confederate army and has continuously resided in Colorado, Austin and Fayette counties. Some years ago Mr. Wolters took out a claim upon some mining lands in Colorado which have now become valuable. In order to procure the patents to his mining lands from the government, it became necessary for him to furnish written proof that he is a citizen of the United States and to secure these papers of citizenship was the reason of his visit to La Grange. The proof of citizenship was made before Judge Ehlinger of the county court; who said that he felt constrained to take judicial cognizance of Mr. Wolters' citizenship as the court's father and Mr. Wolter's father served together in the army of the Texas Republic, Though 82 years of age, Mr. Wolters is hale and hearty and his never used spectacles, his eyesight being perfect. In the early days of Texas Mr. Wolters hauled freight with ox wagons between points in Austin county and Houston and he relates many interesting stories of the men of that day who did business in Houston and of other interesting characters well known in Texas history,—Houston Post Special. Transcribed by Dorothy Albrecht	Dallas Morning News 21 May, 1902 Drowned While Bathing German from LaGrange Loses His Life at Galveston Special to The News Galveston, Tex., May 20—A German who lived at LaGrange, named August Schneider, and who arrived in Galveston this morning, was drowned about noon. The Coroner’s verdict was death from accidental drowning. Schneider had eaten heartily before entering the water. He at once began to swim and overexerted himself. He was drowned before his friends could get to him. Schneider was 52 years of age. He was an expert swimmer. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 27 May, 1902 Sentenced to Be Hanged Negro Must Pay Extreme Penalty for Assault on a Child Special to The News LaGrange, Tex., May 26—Sam Woodley, the negro who was convicted at the last fall term of the District Court of assault upon a 12-year old white girl living in Winchester, this county, was sentenced by Judge Moore today to be hanged on June 11. The case has been affirmed by the higher courts. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 6 June, 1902 Farmer Commits Suicide Special to The News LaGrange, Tex., June 5—Henry Koepje, living near Walhalia in this county, committed suicide yesterday by shooting himself through the breast with a shotgun. Deceased was about 26 years of age and had been married less than two years. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Weimar Mercury 21 Jun 1902 The Sticker on Monday was given the contract, covering the publication of "A History of Fayette County" by the Hon. F. Lotto, who has devoted his entire attention for the past two years to the accumulation of historical tradition, statistical informatlon, biographies and personal reminiscencea of prominent characters of the past and present of Fayette county and is the collection of many other Interesting facts pertalning to our agricultural worth, mineral wealth and other resources The volume will probably comprise 500 pages and it will require at least three months to issue It. Work upon the book will be started next Monday and if possible the publication will be completed by Sept. 1. Mr. Lotto has made a complete tour of the county, with the exception of Schulenburg and vicinity, In the Interest of his work; has interviewed many of our older citizens; has searched the county records at La Grange and taken advantage of every other opportunity to assure the correctness and increase the value of his effort. He will greatly appreciate any information from any one that should be included in the volume. He may be seen or addressed care of the Sticker office, where he will establish headquarters next week.—Schulenburg Sticker Dallas Morning News 27 September, 1902 Killing at LaGrange Special to The News LaGrange, Tex., Sept. 26—Mike Williams, a Mexican, was shot and killed at the oil mills here today. John McMillan surrendered to the officers and after an examinating trial was placed under $2,000 bond by Justice Ledbetter to await action of the Grand Jury. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 25 November, 1902 Pleas of Guilty Entered Special to The News LaGrange, Tex., Nov. 24—In the District Court today the following pleas of guilty were entered and punishment assessed: Harry Stokes, forgery, four cases, two years each; John Woods, burglary and theft, two and five years; Wm. Bean, theft, five years; Ed Jones, burglary, two cases, two and six years; Jim Larkin, burglary, two cases, six years each; Arthur Hardwick, horse theft, two cases, five years each; Will Beil, horse theft, two cases, six and two years. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 28 November, 1902 Trial for Killing at LaGrange Special to The News LaGrange, Tex., Nov. 27—The State of Texas against John McMillan, charged with the killing of the Mexican, Mike Williams, at the oil mill here this fall, is set for trial Monday, Dec. 1. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 3 December, 1902 McMillan Case at LaGrange Special to The News LaGrange, Tex., Dec. 2—The John McMillan case was given to the jury today at noon and they are still out. The cases against Harry Fulton and Henry Kirby were continued on application of the State’s attorney on account of absent witnesses. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson Dallas Morning News 5 December, 1902 McMillan Jury Fails to Agree Special to The News LaGrange, Tex., Dec. 4—Hon. L. W. Moore, District Judge, today discharged the jury in the case of John McMillan for the killing of the Mexican, Mike Williams. The jury had been out since Tuesday and could not agree upon a verdict. Transcribed by Debbie Hanson The Weimar Mercury March 4, 1903 Galveston, Texas, March 31.—Shortly after the North German Lloyd steamer Cassel arrived in port today from Bremen and tied up at Pier 10 a wedding ceremony was performed aboard. The bride was Miss Sophia Sitavana of Freiberg, Moravia, Austria, and the groom Franz Bros of Schulenburg, Tex. For nearly a week the groom had waited in Galveston for the coming of the ship which was to bring his bride, whom he had never seen and knew of only by letter. According to the groom's story, the match was arranged by the immigrant agent of his city and the uncle of his first wife. Mr. Bros was blessed with six children by his first union and after the death of his wife found himself unable to properly care for his family. In his distress he applied to the immigrant agent, who kind!y consented to do what he could for him. The Weimar Mercury 4 July 1903 The Summer Normal. The attendance at the normal continues to increase, new students having entered each day since the opening, until at this writing (Wednesday) there are forty-eight students enrolled. The classes were organized the first day of the session, and regularl work began the second day. Already considerable ground has been corered, and those in attendance seem to be an intelligent and earnest lot of men and women, who are determined to derive the greatest possible benefit from their attendance on the normal. The instructors are exerting themselves to give them the best service of which they are capable, and no doubt at the close the most of those in attendance will be well pleased with the work done. A half holiday was given the students Monday afternoon that they might witness the firemen's contests. The faculty have arranged for a series of lectures to be given during the session. These will consist of one or more lectures on physiology by Dr. S. B. McLeary, and an address on the school laws of this state or some kindred subject by Hon. J. J. Mansfield. Others have been invited to address the normal on subjects of interest to teachers, and due notice of the time of these lectures will be given. The public are invited to attend these lectures, and to visit the normal at any time. The following is a complete list of the students enrolled: Miss Susie Eason, Shimek; Miss Frankie Dick, Arthur Miller, Columbus, Miss Leona Korthauer, Eagle Lake, Sister of Divine Providence Nelanie Gerard, Weimar, M. Odilie Loth, Dubina, M. Rose Bader, Schulenburg, M. P. Heinrich, High Hill, M. L. Warshburger, Weimar, M. Adeline Jones, Ellinger, Misses Mary Steffens, Lexa Crawford, Mrs. J. B. Bond, and Mr. T. N. Powell, Smithville, Miss Adelia Kesselus, Bastrop, Mr. C. Theumann, Cat Springs, Miss Ida Parma, Messrs. Joe Kopecky and Willie Halamicek, Roznov, Miss Minnie V. Franz, Mr. A. Lueders, LaGrange, Mr. Leo Peter, Dubina, Mr. Geo. Helmcamp, Jr., Cistern, Miss Ida Heinsohn, Zapp's P. O., Miss Allen Hopkins, Mrs. C. B. Baker, Mr. Guy Crozier, Waelder, Miss Mamie Koehl, Fayettevile, Miss Minnie Andre, Biegel, Miss Emma Hatch, Muldoon, Miss Ida Carter, Saturn, Miss Alma Melcher, Swiss Alps, Miss Grace Bockham, Flatonia, Miss Leona Morrow, Hackberry, Mr. A. Behrens, Oldenburg, Mr. H. L. Eck, Bluff, Miss Mattie Campbell, Borden, Misses Nell Hancock, Maria Watson, Lilly Holman, Holman, Maude Armstrong, Willye Shaver, Mamle Gustian, Messrs. G. Oehler, J. P. Rosenberg, Loe Williams, Will Doggett, Tommie Insall, Weimar. The La Grange Journal Thursday, July 23, 1903 Courthouse News Births Recorded McKinnon – born to Ernest McKinnon and wife, at Schulenburg, July 16, a girl. Contributed by Rob Brown The La Grange Journal Thursday, August 27, 1903 An Accident Miss Julia Denckert [Dencker] of Cedar while on her way home from this city Wednesday afternoon was so unfortunate as to fall from her buggy and sustain painful internal injuries. Miss Denckert, so THE JOURNAL is informed, was endeavoring to close her parasol and suffered the reins to slip from her grasp. The horse, although an old family relic, became frightened at the noise made by the closing of the parasol and the reins falling upon his hind legs and made a sudden jump forward, causing Miss Julia to pitch forward over the dash-board and both wheels to pass over her body. Friends who witnessed the accident assisted her in the buggy, and upon her assurance that she felt no pain; permitted her to continue her drive. The accident occurred in front of J. Koenig’s blacksmith shop, and ere Miss Julia had driven the distance of a block, she fell back unconscious upon the buggy seat. She was conveyed to the store of A. Lampe and Dr. Lunn called. Examination by the doctor showed her to be injured internally, though to what extent THE JOURNAL is not prepared to state. One rib was also broken. At present writing, Friday, she is resting easy at the home of her friend, Mrs. Adolf Kirsch. Contributed by Rob Brown The Weimar Mercury June 18, 1904 A Patriarchal Family. If anybody can beat the record of Deputy Sheriff Frank Carter of Lawton [Oklahoma], the Democrat would like to hear of it. Mr. and Mrs. Carter have been married 18 years and they have 23 children, 15 boys and 8 girls. It is related that 17 of them had the measles at one time. In order to supply them with water, when the fever was at its height, a hose was attached to a faucet, and it was passed from one to another without their parents being disturbed. It was a little trying on the nervous system when these 23 children all had the whooping cough at once, and each trying its best to whoop louder and longer than all the rest. There are seven sets of twins. The family resides in a house of five rooms, and because of numbers arrangements had to be made. In one room is a monster bed into which all the boys pile at night, lying crossways. The same arangements obtain in another room where the girls sleep, although there is a little more room to turn over. It was impossible to get a table which would fit in the house and at the same time seat all the children, but there is no "second table." They draw lots each week as to which ones will have seats at the table and the rest stand up or sit out on the porch. The clothing bill is something large, but some of the boys are now getting old enough to work a little for themselves, and this is a great assistance. Mrs. Carter, who was Miss Lizzie Shaw, is only 39 years of age, and her husband is but 41 years old. Both were born and raised in La Grange, Texas, where they were married. The couple moved to Oklahoma in 1901, at the opening of the territory, and settled at Lawton, where they have lived ever since. — Lawton Democrat. The La Grange Journal Thursday, August 17, 1905 Johnnie Koehler and Otto Willrich, while returning home after attending the funeral of Capt. Sladczyk Saturday afternoon, suffered the animal they were driving to run away. In turning into a small ditch the jolt threw Mr. Willrich out of the buggy, and in falling the young man sustained painful sprains in both ankles. At this writing he is still confined to his bed and beside the severe pain of the injured members, is battling with fever. Johnnie Koehler also received a sprained ankle. Contributed by Rob Brown	The La Grange Journal Thursday, November 16, 1905 Emil Richers, one of the employees at the oil mill is patiently nursing two severely burned hands, and unfortunate accident that happened to him at the oil mill Friday. Too much gas in the oil caused the furnace to fly open and the flames to burst forth. Emil was in the act of looking after the oil supply when the flames enveloped him. By holding his breath and closing his eyes he escaped serious injury, but his hands were severely burned. Careful attention is being given to the hands, but the pain is great. Contributed by Rob Brown The Weimar Mercury 3 Mar 1906 Flatonia, Feb. 28. —An elegant piece of chinaware was received here today by Mr. Brunneman, who some time ago sent a small lot of kaolin to his brother in Laubau, in Silesia, Europe. The experts there declare the clay very fine and no doubt the large deposits in this county will soon be used, as capital is turning south. La Grange Journal, Thursday, March 15, 1906 The Skating Rink Well, the craze has reached La Grange and the roller skating rinkis an “established thing.” Saturday night in the brick building opposite R. T. Huettel’s store the initial opening session was held from 7 until 10 o’clock, and there was a large crowd in attendance. No broken arms or legs have been reported so far. Contributed by Rob Brown The La Grange Journal Thursday, January 10, 1907 Though a week late, due to our inadvertence, we make a brief mention of the happy union of Max E. Melcher and Miss Anna Sladczyk, which happy event took place at the home of the bride’s parents on the 30th ult. The newly married couple are occupying the Gerland home on Travis street. May their cup of happiness be full to the rim the entire journey over the matrimonial sea. Contributed by Rob Brown The Weimar Mercury, January 12, 1907 Ellinger, Jan. 6.—The Fritsch & Koehl gin burned last night; damage about $7000, insurance $3500. The origin of the fire is unknown, but it is supposed to have been set on fire. Contributed by Judy Koehl The La Grange Journal Thursday, January 17, 1907 John Vogt and wife of O’Quinn on Sunday last celebrated the fiftieth (golden wedding) anniversary of their wedding; the occasion was a merry one. Good things to eat were plentiful, and expressions for many more happy anniversaries were made. THE JOURNAL extends its congratulations and good wishes. Contributed by Rob Brown The La Grange Journal Thursday, September 5, 1907 Marriage Licenses John Forrest McMillan and Miss Annie Huebner. Forest McMillan and Miss Annie Huebner were happily married on Wednesday of last week, Judge Willrich officiating. The bride is the second daughter of our good friend George Huebner, and the groom, is an industrious young farmer of the Holman neighborhood. The Journal offers its hearty congratulations for a happy married life. Contributed by Rob Brown The La Grange Journal Thursday, September 5, 1907 The editor and family extend thanks to Miss Essie Alexander and Mrs. Geo. Willrich, hostesses for the Etaerio and Daughters of the Confederacy reception held last Saturday afternoon, for a bountiful supply of ice cream in cones. Contributed by Rob Brown The Weimar Mercury 21 Dec 1907 THE OLD BETTY POWELL Son of Builder Tells of the Ambitions to Ply the Colorado To The News. LaGrange, Dec.—In Mr. B. O. Stewart's "Old Time Events" in the Sunday News of nov. 3, 1907, he says much interest is now manifested in the improvements of the navigation of the rivers of Texas, and that a half century ago steamboats were built and piled upon the Colorado river, and the Betty Powell, one of the stanchest built steamers that runs our bays, was build in 1853 on the Colorado river near LaGrange and has been constantly since in service. He is correct as to the year the Betty Powell was built, as it was on my father's farm, Capt. Jno. T. Holman, and every stick of timber used in constructing her hull was gotten out of the river bottom by hand, adjacent to the boat. Although I was only 11 years old I vividly remember the great event when the whole community, composed of white and black, turned out to witness the launching of this boat, and the shouts of those present when she slid off her foundation into the water without an accident, and to the satisfaction of all present, and floated out into the streeam, winding up the event with a barbecued dinner for all present, given by the citizens living in the community. The boat was then floated down the Colorado river to Matagorda, thence to Galveston, where the machinery and a completion of the boat for service was made, when it was found that she drew too great a depth of water for the river trade, but went into commission in other places, to the great regret of the people who had expected to see her plying up and down the Colorado river, carrying their cotton to market at Galveston and goods in return, instead of the slow ox wagon route to Houston, thence by boat to Galveston. While fifty-four years is a long time, but as I now own the farm that this boat was built on, and can to this day point out the identical spot where her hull was constructed, there may be others living who witness this great event in those times. But at present I can't recall the names of but four, all children then. Two ladies now living, Mrs. B. Hefner and Mrs. R. L. Fisher, both being Misses Slack, and now citizens of Weimar, Texas, and one old negro and myself. There were two other boats that made a few trips up and down the river. One was built at Bastrop in the '50s and was called the Water Moccasin, but the shoals of the Colorado were too numerous for her safe passage and it was abandoned, and in 1868 Capt McCumber of this country constructed a small boat named the Lorena, that made a few trips between this place and Columbus, the latter place being the terminus of the Southern Pacific railroad, to where he delivered a few bales of cotton, but finally abandoned the project as a paying enterprise. Natt Holman. The La Grange Journal Thursday, January 23, 1908 John Balzer an energetic young ginner of this city and Miss Christel Knigge of near Ammannsville were married at the home of the bride’s parents Tuesday night. The happy event was appropriately celebrated by a number of relatives of the contracting parties and a few invited friends. They will reside in the western part of the city. THE JOURNAL extends its best wishes and congratulations. Contributed by Rob Brown The Weimar Mercury 15 Feb 1908 La Grange, Feb. 7.—For many years the old historic tree in front of the John Schuhmacher bank in this city has been used to displaying advertisements of all sorts. Theatrical notices, patent medicine notices, breakfast foods etc., literally covered every part of it and no one ever thought anything of it. Many of these placards were fastened with large spikes. Recently it began to be realized by the citizens that the historic oak is about to die and now serious efforts are being made to keep it alive. It was trimmed today and disinfectants liberally appllied to keep the insects from further marauding it; at the same time it is looked to that no more advertising matter is placed on it under any circumstances. It was undert his tree that Captain Dawson organized his company and started for Salado, where all but seven of his men were slain. These bones were later gathered in the early '50s and placed on Monument Hill, where they now lie in a mausoleum. Some years before the death of the late John Schuhmacher the latter had offered to secure a brass plate to be fastened to the tree, provided suitable reading matter for the inscription be furnished him. The inscription was never furnished. Recently the young men started to raise a fund with which to [enclose] the tree with an iron fence. The La Grange Journal Thursday, February 20, 1908 Marriage Licenses George Koehler and Miss Anna Lueders George Koehler, a young man in the employ of the Alexander Grocer Company and Miss Anna Lueders, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lueders, residing a few miles from town, were married at the home of the latter Wednesday evening, Judge Willrich officiating. After the ceremony a wedding supper was partaken of, and congratulations and good wishes extended to the young couple. The Journal wishes them all sorts of good luck and happiness. Contributed by Rob Brown Weimar Mercury February 19, 1909, page 1 Historical Reminiscences in San Antonio Express: We have told this much of our own experiences as a kind of introduction to the following letter from Pat H. Hargon of Llano. We do not want him to feel lonesome. Between the lines of his communication we read a desire on his part to hear from other oldstyle, ante-bellum school teachers. We hope many of them will respond. Mr. Hargon writes: "I do not claim to be a native Texian. but a Texian by adoption. I left Canton, Madison county, Mississippi, on or about the 10th of January, 1854, and landed in La Grange, Fayette county, Texas, on or about the 18th of said month. School teachers were very scarce in Texas at that time. Being solicited to teach, I accepted a school at Round Top, Fayette county, and commenced teaching on the first Monday in March, 1854. Having no experience as a teacher and having neglected for four years after leaving college to keep up my studies, I found myself a little rusty. But by preparing myself before recitation I was able to give good instruction to my students. I continued the school up to April 1, 1862, and then enlisted in Waul's Legion – the calvary part, known as Willis' Battalion. We were in camps, drilling, for two months. and the orders came from General Waul to report at Vlcksburg. "After crossing the Mississippi river we were constantly engaged in warfare until the fall of Vicksburg, where General Waul and his command were captured or killed, except the calvary, which was ordered to the Tennessee line and brigaded with the Second [Missouri] and Eighteenth Mississippi regiments, Col. Bob McCulioch commander, and placed in General Forrest's division. We remained with [Forrest] until the close of the war. On the last of February, or first of March, 1865, we were encamped thirty miles above Mobile, Ala. Captain Peck, Lem Nalley end myself of Company D obtained a furlough for ninety days. When I arrived at home I had not seen my wIfe and children in two years and nine months. "After the surrender I returned to the same old school room and there taught three more years–making twelve years of school teaching in Fayette county. I then moved to Colorado county and taught fifteen years. Thence I went to Liano county, and in that I have taught twenty-two years. I will state that in these forty-nine years of teaching I have taught the first, second and third generations of one family–the first In Colorado county and the second and third in the same district in Llano county. "I have been out of the free school business for three years and during that time have taught private schools. I will have to quit entirely, as I am growing physically and mentally weak. If I live to see the 22d day of March, 1909, I will be 78 years old. As a soldier, I did my duty by obeying my superior officers; by so doing, I fulfilled the obligation taken in enlisting in the army. As a teacher I tried to impress on the minds of my pupils the duty they owed to God, their country and themselves, also that a thorough mathematical and English education would be a source of pleasure and happiness to them through life." The La Grange Journal Thursday, March 4, 1909 Marriage Licenses Julius Vogt and Miss Adele Loessin Julius Vogt and Miss Adele Loessin were happily united in marriage at the home of the bride’s parents last Thursday in the presence of relatives and friends. Our best wishes and congratulations are herewith extended. Being a union of members of two of the most prominent families of that section, The Journal can predict nothing but happiness and unbounded prosperity. Contributed by Rob Brown La Grange Journal Thursday, March 11, 1909 As THE JOURNAL understands it, there is a movement on foot to open and conduct a five and ten cent theatre in this city, immediate after the close of the season. The enterprise will be managed by two young people of this city, and in our way of thinking, it will prove to be a paying investment. Moving pictures, when good, are always instructing, and the cheapest of entertainments, yet they are always pleasing. We hope to see the young men successful in their efforts, and trust that ere the Summer nights are upon us, the five and ten cent theatre will be in full blast. Such entertainments as these have been very successful in other cities, hence they will also be in La Grange. Contributed by Rob Brown The La Grange Journal Thursday, October 28, 1909 News From the Court House Marriage Licenses George Willrich, Jr., and Miss Annie Wieting Geo. Willrich, Jr., of Bluff community, and Miss Annie Weiting were happily married Tuesday afternoon. In this, the union of two young people from two of the oldest families in the county, we predict a continuous happy honeymoon. The Journal’s best wishes are extended. Contributed by Rob Brown The La Grange Journal Thursday, October 28, 1909 County Surveyor E. R. Vogt, so The Journal has been informed, is on the sick list this week. Nothing serious, but sufficient to make him forsake his office duties for a few days. Contributed by Rob Brown The La Grange Journal Thursday, December 30, 1909 A Romantic Wedding When Cupid’s arrow rents the air, and penetrates the heart of the maiden, the inevitable result is the happy union of souls and hearts. Adolf Koehler, a handsome young man of Schulenburg, a hard working and energetic youngster, came over Christmas morning, and with him, his lady fair, who later became his bonnie bride. Adolf, who is known to everyone here as “Mannie,” became imbued with the romantic spirit, called upon his sweetheart that night, and at two o’clock the next morning the two left for La Grange, reaching here at five o’clock. Squire Moss, deep in Slumberland ------ and trembling – not from fear but the chilly cold – stepped out to the edge of the walk fronting his home, and in a few words pronounced the words that made the pair happy. After this the home of the groom’s parents in the neighborhood was visited and Christmas pleasantly spent with the latter. The bride was Miss Emma Schulz, one of Schulenburg’s popular young ladies. The Journal congratulates the pair, and trusts that in the future to come, and with eyes blinded to the past, they will ever be as happy as now, that prosperity and joy be with them until the end of life’s journey to another clime where there is thought to a happy union for all time. Contributed by Rob Brown
Early News \| 1870s News \| 1880s News \| 1890s News \| 1900s News \| 1910s News \| 1920s News \| 1930s News

HOME | BIOGRAPHIES | CEMETERIES | COMMUNITIES | OBITUARIES | VITAL RECORDS