GEORGE R. SEAY

From an undated newsclipping:

LaGrange Lodge No. 30, I.O.O.F., has just deposited in the earth the mortal remains of our brother George R. Seay. Thus drop we off, one by one. We mus all die - to the earth belongs our mortality, and there it must remain until the resurrection day. Our beloved brother, during his life, taught us by his Godly manner of living, that there is a life beyond the tomb to live for, and in his death he also taught us how a christian can die To him death had no terrors, and was but the enterance to joys that never fade. He has shown us that it is not all of life to live, nor all of death to die. He was na Odd Fellow indeed, and adorned the percepts of our beloved Order, both in his life and death. Oh may we be permitted all to die as peacefully as he. We sympathize with his bereaved family, and will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days, and that the family of said brother be furnished with a copy of these proceedings under the seal of the Lodge.
Z. M. P. French
A. G. Beaumont
A. Ruppersberg
Adopted by LaGrange Lodge No. 30, I. O. O. F., at a regular meeting, February 25, A.D. 1865, and ordered to be published one week in the True Issue.
—Thos. C. Gregory, Sec'y

Contributed by Jane McAshan

VIRGINIA KOCUREK SEAY

Fayette County Record, November 7, 1995

Seay

Virginia (Kocurek) Seay, 59, of Littleton, Colorado, formerly of La Grange, died Nov. 1 in a Littleton hospital.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 1:30 p.m. in the Hubbard Funeral Home Chapel in Weimar with the Rev. Jerry Adkins officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic Cemetery in Weimar. Prior services were held Saturday in Littleton.

Mrs. Seay was born in Hallettsville April 20, 1936, the daughter of Anton and Grace (Matthews) Kocurek. She was united in marriage with Raymond Seay Nov. 11, 1958 in La Grange.

Surviving are her husband, Raymond Seay of Littleton; her mother, Grace Kocurek of La Grange; one daughter, Vickie Somner and her husband, Michael of New Mexico; one son, William Ray Seay of California; two sisters, Patsy Darling [Starling] of Palmer, Alaska, and Margaret Grohman of League City; five brothers, Franklin Kocurek of La Grange, John and Roy Kocurek of Houston, Donald Kocurek of Richmond and Robert Kocurek of Kerrville; and one granddaughter, Michelle Somner. She was preceded in death by her father, an infant sister and an infant brother.

Local arrangements are under the direction of the Hubbard Funeral Home.

Contributed by Dorothy Albrecht

JOHN SEBEC

Schulenburg Sticker, 19 Nov 1903

Death Record.

Sebec: Died at Rutersville, Oct. 22nd 03 of pericardial dropsy and Oedema of lungs, John Sebec aged 43 years.

Contributed by Matt Cross

SEARCY SECREST

The Colorado Citizen, Thursday, 12 August 1880

The Herald and Planter says it is reported that Searcy Secrest died in the lower part of Lavaca county, from the effects of a pistol shot wound inflicted by his brother, "Bud" Secrest at the time Ragsdale was murdered.

Contributed by Jeanne Boothe

THOMAS A. SECREST

The Colorado Citizen, page 4, Thursday, 8 July 1880

SUICIDE—Last Friday night, near the residence of Mr. M. G. Flournoy, Thomas A. Secrest (better known as "Bud" Secrest) committed suicide by shooting himself in the forehead with a pistol. In company with John F. Berry, of this county, he had that night ridden from Weimar to a place in the woods near Flournoy's, where they concluded to sleep until morning, and go to F.'s house for breakfast. (The wives of Flournoy and Secrest are cousins.) In the morning when Berry awoke he found Secrest dead, with the pistol grasped in his right hand. Berry says he did not hear the report of the pistol, and did not know of Secrest's death till next morning. Esq. Mullin held the inquest, and the jury returned a verdict that deceased came to his death by his own hand.

Contributed by Jeanne Boothe

HEINRICH SEEBERGER

Schulenburg Sticker, 16 Feb 1912

HEINRICH SEEBERGER DEAD.

Heinrich Seeberger, an old settler of this section, died at the home of his daughter’s, Mrs. Chris. Breuggemann, February 7, 1912, and was buried on the 9th in the Philadelphia Cemetery at Swiss Alp Rev. Kern officiating.

Deceased was born in Kanton Urgen, Swiss, on March 13, 1825. He married in 1850 and shortly emigrated to America, settling in Texas at Millheim, Austin county; moved to Industry, then to High Hill; lived at La Grange a short while, finally settled in Swiss Alp where he bought a farm. He became the first postmaster of this place which he named Swiss Alp.

Since the death of his wife, which occured [sic] twenty-seven years ago, he has been living with his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Breuggemann.

He leaves five daughters, Mesdames Sophia Schulte, Brookshire, Louise Huettig, Brenham, Rosa Falke, Houston, and Friederika Breuggemann of Engle to mourn his loss. Two sons preceded him in death.

Those from a distance attending the funeral were: Mesdames Louise Huettig, Rosa Falke and Walter Gross of Kenedy.

The Sticker joins the many friends of the family in extending heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved ones in their hour of sorrow.

Contributed by Matt Cross

DOMINGO SEGURA

Schulenburg Sticker, 26 Feb 2009, page 3

Domingo Segura

Domingo Segura, 60, of Houston, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 15.

He was born on June 20, 1948 in Cistern to the late Estanislado and Rita Delgado Segura. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Houston.

He is survived by his wife, Rosa Segura of Houston; three brothers and a sister-in-law, Henry and Justina Segura, Felix Segura and Frank Segura, all of Schulenburg; five sisters and brothers-in-law, Pat and Roy Christ of Schulenburg, Rosa and Carl Galipp of Schulenburg, Stella and Mike Morin of La Grange, Joyce and Buddy Dittrich of High Hill, and Hope and James Vornsand of Moravia; his mother-in-law, Amalia Almaraz of Waelder; brothers-in-law, Julio Almaraz and wife Susan of Beaumont, Lupe Almaraz and Jesse Almaraz and wife Marie of Waelder, and Manual Riojas of Houston; sister-in-law, Carolyn Segura of Schulenburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Condido and Stanley Segura; a sister, Annie Riojas; and his father-in-law, Dionicio Almaraz.

Pallbearers were Stanley Ohnheiser, Jackie Neisner, Thomas Almaraz, Frank Morin, Greg Segura and Aaron Segura.

A rosary was held on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Flatonia.

Services were held on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Waelder, with the Rev. Paul Raaz officiating. Burial followed at Waelder Community Cemetery in Waelder.

Smith Funeral Home of Flatonia was in charge of arrangements.

Contributed by Matt Cross

HENRY SEIBERT

La Grange Journal, Thursday, April 19, 1934, Page 1

HENRY SEIBERT FORMER CITIZEN DIES FRIDAY, 13TH

Henry Seibert, aged 66 years, 6 months and 17 days, died at his home near Jonesboro, Hamlin County, last Friday, April 13.  He is survived by his widow, nee Moss, and six children, four daughters and two sons, all married.  Death came to Mr. Seibert very suddenly.

For a number of years Henry Seibert resided in La Grange, and here a brother, Casper Seibert, also resides.  He was in charge of the La Grange Casino for several years and also was employed later by Fr. Morhusen, when the firm occupied the building now used by Peter-Patten, Inc.  An only sister, Mrs. Kate Leist, lives at San Antonio.

Mr. and Mrs. Robt. E. Moss and Mr. and Mrs. A.H. Seibert left early Sunday morning to attend the funeral, returning the same night.

Friends of the deceased, and there are many friends here, regretted to hear of Henry Seibert’s death.

Transcribed by Connie F. Sneed

GUSTAV SEIDEL

Schulenburg Sticker, 4 May 1905

GUSTAV SEIDEL.

Mr. Gustav Seidel, aged 78 years, died at his home in High Hill, April 25th of heart failure, and his remains were laid to rest in the High Hill cemetery the following day, Rev. F. Bohmfalk conducting the services.

Mr. Seidel was born Sept. 26th, 1826, at Breslau, Schlesien, Germany. He came to Texas in the year 1860 and has lived in Fayette county since 1865.

Deceased was preceded in death by a wife, two sons and three daughters, while one son and three daughters and a host of relatives and friends remain to mourn his loss, and to whom we join the entire community in offering condolence.

Contributed by Matt Cross

LOUISE SEIDEL

Weimar Mercury, 2 Jul 1898

Schulenburg Sticker: At High Hill Monday last, at 7 p.m., died Mrs. Louisie Seidel, wife of Mr. Gus Seidel in the 57th year of her age.

FRANK E. SEKERKA

Weimar Mercury, August 19, 1976

Frank Sekerka Funeral Aug. 10

Funeral services for Frank E. Sekerka, 77, were held Tuesday, August 10, from Hubbard Funeral Chapel here and Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church at Dubina, with burial in the Dubina Cemetery. Rev. Charles Carolan officiated.

Mr. Skerka died August 8 at Veterans Hospital in Houston.

Born at Schulenburg on October 29, 1898, he was the son of John and Annie (Hrabar) Sekerka. He served overseas with the Army in World War II. He married Rosie Nohavitza on October 19, 1920, and they have lived in this area since. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

His wife survives, along with three daughters, Mrs. Ray (Evelyn) Jurecka of Weimar, Mrs. Melroy (Bernice) Brandt of San Antonio, and Mrs. Thomas (Dolores) Belcik of Fredericksburg; seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter. A daughter, Viola, died in infancy.

Pallbearers were Joe Adamcik, Jim Hluchanek, Edwin Billeck, Joe Wick, Bob Stutts and Daniel Ulbricht. Adolf Janecka, Bennie Rerich and Louis Richard assisted in folding and presenting the flag at the graveside.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

AGNES ROSINA STANZEL SEIDENBERGER

The Schulenburg Sticker, Thursday, July 8, 1993, page 4

Agnes Seidenberger

Mrs. Agnes Rosina Seidenberger died at Colonial Nursing Home in Schulenburg on Tuesday, June 29 at 10:45 a.m. at the age of 98 years, 10 months, 19 days.

She spent her entire lifetime in Schulenburg.

On Thursday, July 1 at 10 a.m., the funeral was held at St. Rose Catholic Church in Schulenburg. The Rev. Greg Korenek officiated and burial took place in the St. Rose Catholic Cemetery.

Royce Schroeder, a grandson, was the lector.

The eulogy was given by another grandson, Mike Lobpries.

Pallbearers, all grandsons, were Harlan Schroeder of Schulenburg, Royce Schroeder of Spring, Daniel Schroeder and Sam Seidenberger of Austin, Mike Lobpries of Archer City and Gary Childress of Victoria.

The rosary on Wednesday, June 30 at 7 p.m. at Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home was led by the Rev. Korenek.

The daughter of Ferdinand and Anna (Winkler) Stanzel, she was born in Schulenburg on Aug. 10, 1894.

She attended St. Rose School.

Her marriage to Ferdinand Seidenberger took place on Oct. 27, 1915, at St. Rose Church.

She was a housewife and member of St. Rose Catholic Church.

Surviving her are three daughters and two sons-in-law, Cleo Schroeder of Weimar, Bernice and Fritz Lobpries of La Grange and Myrtle and Roland Childress of Austin; a son and daughter-in-law, Clarence and Miriam Seidenberger of Austin; and 14 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

Her husband and a son-in-law, Ervin C. Schroeder, preceded her in death, along with her parents.

Schwenke-Baumgarten handled arrangements.

Transcribed by Sandra Long Anders

KATHARINA SEIFERT

Schulenburg Sticker, 22 Oct 1903

Death Record.

Seifert: Died at Round Top, Oct 3-03, of Pernicious Malaria, Katharina Seifert, aged 74 years.

Contributed by Matt Cross

THERESA E. HOTTBAUER SEIFERT

The Colorado County Citizen, October 19, 1961

LAST RITES HELD IN SCHULENBURG FOR MRS. SEIFERT

Funeral services were held Monday morning at a funeral chapel in Schulenburg and were continued at St. Rose Catholic church for Mrs. Frank Seifert, 88, mother of Mrs. Emil Gundelach of Columbus, who died Saturday.

Mrs. Seifert was born Theresa Hottbauer in Iowa Nov. 28, 1873, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hottbauer who had come to this country from Europe.  She spent most of her life in Texas and lived on a farm near Schulenburg after her marriage to Frank Seifert.  He died Jan. 12, 1919.

Rosary was recited Sunday and burial was in St. Rose Catholic cemetery at Schulenburg.

Besides the daughter in Columbus, she is survived by 3 other daughters, Mrs. Lonnie Tarkington of Hallettsville, and Mrs. Joe Klesel and Mrs. Charlie Popp of Schulenburg and 3 sons, Charlie Seifert of Bay City, August Seifert of Houston and Paul Seifert of Schulenburg, also 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Melvin Williams, Charles Gundelach, E. N. Howard, August Wendler, Fred Klesel and Franklin Jones.

Transcribed by David Hahn

GEORGE SEKERKA

Weimar Mercury, November 16, 1967, page 1

George Sekerka Funeral Friday

Funeral services for George Sekerka, 50, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Sekerka of Weimar, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at Hubbard Funeral Home, contining [sic.] at 2 p.m. at Sts. Cyril & Methodius atholic Church, Dubina.

Burial will be in the Dubina cemetery.

The rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Contributed by Dorothy Albrecht

JOSEPH F. SEKERKA

Weimar Mercury, February 14, 1974

Joe Sekerka Funeral Held Feb. 9

Funeral services for Joseph F. Sekerka, 78, of Route 1, Weimar, were held Saturday, February 9, from Hubbard Funeral Home and Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, Dubina, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Charles Carolan officiated.

Mr. Sekerka died Thursday, Feb. 7, shortly after midnight, in Columbus Hospital. He had been in failing health for about six years.

An almost lifelong resident of this area, he was born August 10, 1895 at High Hill and married Bertha Nohavitza at St. Michael’s Church here on Oct. 23, 1916. He served in the US Navy aboard the USS Rhode Island in World War I.

His wife survives, along with one daughter, Mrs. Douglas (Betty Jo) Bartosh of Big Spring; one son, Joseph J. Sekerka of Houston; nine grandchildren; a brother, Frank Sekerka of Weimar; a sister, Mrs. Annie Garrington of Fredericksburg; a half-brother, Jim Harbus of Louise; and a half-sister, Miss Mary Harbus of Yoakum.

A son, George, and a daughter, Mrs. Lillie Nobles, preceded him in death.

Pallbearers were Emil Gebauer, Charlie Hadac, Ray Jurecka; Oswald Heinrich, Bobby Koenig and Ivan Koenig.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

CLARA PAULUS SELMER

Schulenburg Sticker, 23 Nov 1899, page 1

J. H. Paulus received a telegram Sunday, from his mother, stating that his sister, Mrs. Clara C. Selmer, passed away at 1:30 a. m. at her home in Denver, Col. Deceased was for many years a resident of Flatonia, and has many friends here who join the Record in extending condolence to the bereaved relatives. – Flatonia Record.

Contributed by Matt Cross

RAYMOND SELZER

The Fayette County Record, Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Raymond Selzer, 81, of Ellinger died Monday, June 22, 2009 in La Grange.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ellinger, at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2009. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Selzer was born in Holman on July 19, 1927, the son of the late Joe and Martha (Huebers) Selzer. He married Dorothy Poncik on Feb. 1, 1976 in Ellinger. He served his country in the United States Army.

Survivors include his wife; sister, Clara Klesel of La Grange; sisters-in-.law, Rosie Hrbacek and husband Amos and Bessie Hoffmann, all of La Grange; brother-in-law, Edward Poncik of Ellinger and wife Pauline Poncik.


Selzer was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; five brothers and four sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ellinger Volunteer Fire Department or St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JULIA HORELICA SEMBERA

Victoria Advocate, May 20, 1978

Mrs. Sembera

Advocate News Service
FLATONIA – Mrs. Julia Sembera, 79, of Flatonia, died Thursday.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Flatonia. Burial will be in Flatonia City Cemetery with services conducted by the SPJST Society.

Survivors include a son, Frankie Sembera of Houston; two daughters, Gladys Sembera of Schulenburg, and Julie Whitaker of San Antonio; a brother, Charlie Horelica of Needville; five sisters, Vlasta Miehal of Flatonia, Della Laqua of Moulton, Rose Berger of Magnolia, Viola Haun of Houston and Evelyn Nesrsta of Houston; and six grandchildren.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JOHN SEMEK

Schulenburg Sticker, 30 Mar 1905

Deaths Recorded Since Last Report.

John Semek, of Fayetteville, age sixty-nine years.

Contributed by Matt Cross

BERTHA SENGELMANN

Houston Post, Wednesday, April 19, 1967

Sengelmann

Contributed by Rob Brown

HENRY A. SENGELMANN

La Grange Journal, Thursday, November 25, 1926

Henry A. Sengelmann

Sunday afternoon at Schulenburg there was an immense gathering of friends, joining with the relatives to pay their last respects to one of Schulenburg’s best citizens, Henry A. Sengelmann; La Grange sent a delegation of over a hundred, Flatonia, Weimar, High Hill, Swiss Alp and surrounding territory also sent large delegations.  Henry Sengelmann was well known to them all, a gentleman in the sense of the word; a citizen of worth and a friend it was always a great pleasure to esteem.  Henry died at the La Grange Hospital last Friday night, after having suffered for a day and a half from the effects of a wound received at his home at Schulenburg, inflicted while suffering from a severe nervous attack.  Rushed to the Hospital and every effort made to save his life, he died after much suffering, rational to the last; smilingly entering upon the journey that lengthens and leaves many aching hearts behind.

Nervous prostration; an illness that yet challenges the mind of man to correctly describe, an illness that attacks the mental faculties and weakens the body, an illness that cancels responsibility of act.  We knew Henry Sengelmann for many years; the interest and personal friendship was valuable to the writer, it was of that kind that makes men appreciate one another.  Henry was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Sengelmann, pioneer settlers of Schulenburg, the first of nine children to break the tie of many years’ standing, born in the year 1880, in March, forty-six years ago.  He leaves to mourn his going, a widow and one daughter, Maxine, about sixteen years of age.  His parents, four brothers and four sisters also survive.

In canceling the ties of a living relationship Henry has gone to his reward; we shall miss the smile and words of welcome that ever made his presence felt wherever he went; we shall miss the man, and as we place the last shovel of earth upon his couch, bury with him whatever were his faults, but we cannot efface from memory the knowledge of a man that made it agreeable to be recognized as one of his friends, neither can we destroy the influence that was his, among his fellow men.  None knew him but to love him; that legacy left to his daughter, together with the knowledge that all will mourn, should comfort the relatives, one and all.

Contributed by Rob Brown

GUSTAV H. (GUS) SENGELMANN, Jr.

San Antonio Express, Sunday, October 13, 1974

Sengelmann

Contributed by Rob Brown

HILDA SLADCZYK SENGELMANN

The Houston Post, Sunday, July 16, 1961

Contributed by Rob Brown

KLONDIKE DEWEY SENGELMANN

The Schulenburg Sticker, Friday, December 22, 1950

K. D. Sengelmann Expires At Family Home Tuesday

Klondike Dewey Sengelmann was laid to rest in the St. Rose Catholic Cemetery Wednesday afternoon, December 20, following services held at the Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home. Rev. Leo Goertz, and Rev. John Mueller of Schulenburg and Rev. T. W. Smith of McCoy, Texas, officiated at the last rites.

Mr. Sengelmann was born in Schulenburg on December 25, 1898, as the son of Charles and Elizabeth Sengelmann. He spent his entire lifetime here and was well known by most all of the people of this area. He was united in marriage to Miss Selma Schindler on November 26, 1923, in the St. Rose Parish.

Mr. Sengelmann spent several years working here in Schulenburg with the Russek State Bank, and also with the Magnolia Petroleum Company.  For some time he was also associated with his father and uncle in their business. Upon the death of his father a number of years ago, he took over active management of the estate and carried on up until the time of his illness some eight years ago.  Klondike was one of the best liked people of our community for he was not an excitable person and was socialable at all times. During his years of illness he never complained of his troubles and burden but was able to smile and seemed more interested in other peoples problems than his own. Everything that medical science could do was done to help him and due to the excellent care and attention of his devoted wife, other relatives and friends and his willingness to live, did he remain with us as long as he did.

He passed away here at the family residence on Tuesday, December 19, 1950, at about 5:00 a.m.

Survivors include his grief-stricken wife; three sisters, Mrs. Charles (Wally) Baumgarten of Schulenburg, Mrs. Hugo (Minnie) Horner of Houston and Mrs. Rudolph (Lillie) Seeberger of La Grange; two brothers, Alex Sengelmann of this city and H. T. Sengelmann of McCoy.

Pallbearers were Charles Baumgarten, C. A. Pennington, Frank Tilicek, Jr., Alex Sengelmann, Jr., Rudolph Seeberger, Jr., and Jack Sowell.

Submitted by Sandra Long Anders

MILTON SENGELMANN

Schulenburg Sticker, 22 Sep 1910

The little babe of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sengelmann, born Friday morning last, died Monday at 9 a. m. and its tiny remains were lovingly and tenderly laid to rest in the City Cemetery Tuesday morning.

“And Oh, when aweary, may we be so blest,
And sink like the innocent child to rest,
And feel ourselves clasped to the Infinite breast.”

Thus over a happy home the shadow of a little grave has fallen; and, as another has said, it is wonderful how long a shadow of a little grave can throw.

The sincere sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved parents. May they be consolved [sic] by the assurance that their baby boy is peacefully resting in the arms of one Who said:

“Suffer little children to come unto Me and forbid them not, for as such is the kingdom of Heaven.

Contributed by Matt Cross

SAMUEL S. SENGELMANN, SR.

Fayette County Record, Tuesday, April 3, 1984

Sengelmann

Graveside services for Sam S. Sengelmann, 86, of Houston were held Saturday afternoon at the La Grange City Cemetery.  Prior services were held at the Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home in Schulenburg with the Rev. Duane Contois officiating.

Mr. Sengelmann died Wednesday in Youens Memorial Hospital in Weimar following a brief illness.

Mr. Sengelmann, a retired purchasing agent for Joe F. Meyer (wholesale auto parts), was born in Schulenburg on October 12, 1897.  He was the son of the late Gustav Heinrich and Bertha (Sommer) Sengelmann.  He was a graduate of Schulenburg High School and A & M University.  He was a member of the United Church of Christ.

He was united in marriage with Hilda Ruth Sladczyk on June 9, 1921 in La Grange.  She preceded him in death on July 15, 1961.  He was united in marriage with Carolyn Falk Hill on Nov. 15, 1968 in Houston.  He resided in Houston most of his life and was active in Travelers Protection Agency and the Sons of Hermann.

Surviving are his wife, Carolyn Sengelmann of Houston; two sons, Dr. S. S. Sengelmann Jr. of Houston and Jack Sengelmann of Yoakum; two sisters, Ruth Powers of Carthage and Eunice Cox of Schulenburg; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Contributed by Rob Brown

SELMA SCHINDLER SENGLEMANN

The Schulenburg Sticker, November 26, 1981

Funeral Held Tues. For Mrs. Senglemann

Funeral services for Mrs. Klondike D. (Selma) Senglemann, who resided on Paulus St. here, were held on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. at the St. Rose Catholic Church, with interment in the church cemetery. Rev. Benton Thurmond officiated at the last rites.

Pallbearers were Henry E. Baumgareten, C. A. Pennington, James R. Ballinger, I. J. Schindler, Jerry Kolenovsky, Frank Stanzel and L. C. Lee.

Rosary was recited on Monday, Nov. 23 at 7:45 p.m. at the Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Chapel.

Mrs. Senglemann died on Sunday, Nov. 22 at Youens Memorial Hospital in Weimar after an illness of approximately one year. She reached the age of 84 years, 1 month, 10 days.

Born Oct. 12, 1897 in Schulenburg, she was the daughter of the late Ignac and Millie Schindler. She and Klondike Dewey Senglemannn were married on Nov. 26, 1923 by Rev. J. Lenzen in Schulenburg. A lifelong resident of this area, she was employed as a saleslady at Mike Klein’s Dry Goods Store and she was a member of the St. Rose Church.

She has no immediate survivors. Two brothers, Frank Schindler and Charlie Schindler, preceded her in death along with her parents and her husband.

Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Submitted by Sandra Long Anders

Mrs. A. SERINO

Schulenburg Sticker, 30 Mar 1905

Deaths Recorded Since Last Report.

Mrs. A. Serino, of Ellinger, age fifty-eight years.

Contributed by Matt Cross

FRED E. SEUSS

Weimar Mercury, 22 Jun 1945

Funeral Rites for Fred E. Suess, 74, Held Wednesday

Funeral services for Frederick Ernest Suess, 74, were held Wendesday afternoon at the Hubbard Funeral Home, with the Rev. Hemmann of Freyburg officiating. Interment was in Salem Lutheran cemetery at Freyburg.

A son of the late Rev. Simon and Amerlia Suess, Mr. Suess was born Oct. 16, 1870 at Buckley, Illinois. He passed away at the family residence in Weimar on June 18, at 2:40 a.m. By occupation he was a carpenter and contractor and farmer.

Mr. Suess was united in marriage to Miss Emelia Brieger in October, 1897, at the Salem Lutheran Church at Engle. Rev. Simon Suess perforned the ceremony. To this union seven children were born.

Mr. Suess was a member of the Salem Lutheran Church of Engle. His father was a missionary in Africa in the year 1850.

Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Emelia Brieger Suess; five daughters, Mrs. Hertha Richter of Flatonia, Mrs. Esther Berstein of Wanda, Mrs. Alice Schuetze of Lincoln, Mrs. Gertrude Getschmann of Weimar, Mrs. Lydia Tiede of Houston; two sons, Walter Suess of Painesville, Ohio, and Oscar F. Suess of Houston. Two sisters, Mrs. Johanna Bretting and Mrs. Louise Umlang, preceded him in death; two brothers and one sister died in infancy.

Pallbearers were six nephews: Albert, Fritz, Max, Chas. and Herman Bretting and Adolph Umlang.

The Mercury extends condolence to the bereaved widow and children.

Rev. SIMON SEUSS

Schulenburg Sticker, 15 Dec 1904

DIED.

Rev. Suess [sic.], an aged gentleman of Freyburg, was found dead in his bed Tuesday morning last at the home of his son, Mr. Fritz Suess, with whom he was living, and his remains were interred in the Lutheran cemetery Wednesday. Deceased was 83 years of age and was pastor of the Lutheran church at Freyburg for the past 30 years. He leaves a wife and a host of relatives to mourn his loss, to whom we extend our sincere sympathy.

Contributed by Matt Cross

SEYDLER Infant

Schulenburg Sticker, 10 May 1900

The infant baby girl of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Seydler of this city died Tuesday and was buried the following day. Our sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved parents. – Weimar Mercury.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ALBERT SEYDLER

Weimar Mercury, Thursday, April 27, 1967

Final Rites for Albert Seydler, 69, Saturday

Funeral services for Albert Seydler, 69-year-old Holman rancher and farmer, were held Saturday morning at Hubbard Funeral Home and St. Michael's Catholic Church, with interment in the Holman Catholic Cemetery.

Rev. Jos. Hamala was celebrant of the solemn requiem high mass. Rev. John Hanacek was subdeacon and Rev. Sigmund Wojciechowski was deacon.

Pallbearers were Henry Brasher, John Hajovsky, John Heger, Francis Schindler, John Hluchanek and Walter Lee Kram.

Mr. Seydler died Thursday, April 20, in Youens Memorial hospital, where he had been a patient since the previous Sunday. He had had a series of strokes, the first about two years ago.

He was born at Holman July 30, 1897, a son of Alex and Ida Hartman Seydler, and spent his entire lifetime there. He married Miss Mary Faldyn at Ammannsville on June 19, 1916.

His wife survives, along with three daughters, Mrs. Louis (Lillian) Kunetka of here, Mrs. R. T. (Evelyn) Townsend of Washington, DC, and Mrs. Melvin (Mary Jane) Dusek of Victoria; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; three brothers, Alex and Otto of here and Arthur of Houston; and two sisters, Miss Olga Seydler and Mrs. Martha Richards, both of here. A daughter, Mrs. Martha Parma, died in 1952. Three brothers, Curt, Hugo and Jack, also preceded him in death.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

AUGUSTA SEYDLER

Weimar Mercury, 29 Nov 1890, page 3

THE MERCURY regrets to hear of the death of Mrs. Augusta Seydler, which occurred at High Hill on the 19th inst. She was known as "Grandma" Seydler, and was 80 years of age at the time of her death. She came from Germany to the High Hill community in 1850, and resided there the rest of her life. She had a number of relatives here, among them Fred, George, Robert, and Ed. Seydler, her grandsons, and Mrs. M. Schetzing, her grand-daughter. These relatives and others from this place attended the funeral, which took place at High Hill on the 21st inst. They and all other sorrowing relatives and friends have the sympathy of THE MERCURY.

F. G. SEYDLER

Schulenburg Sticker, 5 Nov 1915

Columbus Citizen

Messrs. Theodor Priesmeyer, Christain [sic] Koch, Henry Beneker, Sr., and John Priesmeyer in the formsr’s [sic] car; Arthur Steves, Aug. Fahrenthold, Joseph Petschke and Rudolph Kainer in the Steves car, passed through Columbus Wednesday morning en route to Schulenburg, from where they went to High Hill to attend the funeral of Grandpa Seydler, who died at his home Tuesday. Mr. Seydler was one of Fayette county’s oldest and most prominent citizens, and was 85 years of age. The old gentleman was buried in the High Hill cemetery yesterday.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JULIUS SEYDLER

Shiner Gazette, 23 Mar 1898, page 1

Death of Julius Seydler.

Word came Sunday that Julius Seydler of High Hill, who was ill of dropsy of the heart, was sinking, and later word came announcing his death. His sons, R. G. and George, went over to High Hill Sunday, and Monday morning Willie Herder and Moritz Richter drove over from here to attend the funeral. We have been unable to ascertain many facts about the life of the deceased, neither of his sons having returned at this writing, but from Mayor Blohm we learn that he came to this country during the revolution of 1848. He was about 60 years old at the time of his death.

LATER – R. G. Seydler returned yesterday with R. L. Eschenburg and we obtained the following facts in regard to the deceased:

He was 65 years and 8 months old and was born at Bautzen, Kingdom of Saxony, July 7, 1832. He came to Texas in 1850, first settling at New Ulm. In 1854 he moved to High Hill with his father and had been living there ever since. He served in the confederate war as a volunteer in Capt. Creuzbuaer’s company. Mr. Seydler was no politician but had always been a staunch republican and had voted the republican ticket since the republican party came up. He had no enemies whatever. The funeral was the largest ever witnessed at High Hill or Schulenburg. He leaves a wife and seven children. Five boys and two daughters.

Weimar Mercury, 26 Mar 1898, page 6

A number of our citizens went to High Hill last Monday to attend the funeral of Mr. Julius Seydler, whose death occurred Sunday evening at 8 o'clock. Mr. Seydler was an old settler of Fayette county, and one of its most honored citizens. He was the father of our friends and former townmen, Messrs. R. G. and Geo. Seydler, now of Shiner. He also was a brother-in-law of our friend, Mr. Geo. Herder of this city, and had a large circle of relatives and friends in this section. His death is deepy regretted. To the grief-stricken family our sincere condolence is extended.

Shiner Gazette obituary contributed by Matt Cross

ROSINA SEYDLER

Schulenburg Sticker, 9 Feb 1917

Mrs. Seydler Dead.

Mrs. Rosina Seydler died at her home in High Hill, Tuesday, February 6th, aged 77 years, 10 months and 2 days.

Mrs. Seydler was born in Baron, East Prussia, Germany, April 4, 1839 and came with her parents to Fayette when ten years old. She was married in 1858 to F. G. Seydler, who preceded her to the bourn from which no traveler returns but a few months ago. Of this union six children were born, of whom three survive, Gus Seydler of El Campo and Misses Annie and Mary who remained with their mother.

The funeral services were in charge of Rev. Piepenbrok and burial took place at Old High Hill cemetery Thursday morning. A number from this and surrounding towns paid their respects to this pioneer lady in the last sad rites of a life of usefulness which has endeared her memory in the hearts of many.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ROBERT HEMMING SEYMOUR

La Grange Journal, Thursday, April 8, 1909

Death of Dr. R. H. Seymour

57 Years and 2 Months

The death of Dr. Robert Hemming Seymour occurred at his home Friday evening, March 26, 1909 at about 7 o’clock.  The announcement came as a great surprise to his friends and acquaintances.

Dr. R. H. Seymour was born in Dublin, Ireland, January 26, 1852.  At the age of four years he was left an orphan and was reared by an uncle.  His preliminary education was obtained at St. Patrick’s high school and Waymouth university, in Ireland.  He attended the medical department, University of Ireland in 1870, and graduated with the highest honors.  When quite a young man he came to America landing at New Orleans while an epidemic of yellow fever was prevalent.  Here, later, he was taken sick with swamp fever.  During his illness he lost all his belongings, including his diploma.  It was then that his hard life began.  He went from New Orleans to Denison, Texas, but was without means to practice his profession.  Here he procured work in a brick yard.  One day, while all the force were at work, an accident occurred to one of the men.  Knowing what to do, he took advantage of the opportunity, giving his assistance, and without proper facilities, was successful.  The manager asked if he was a surgeon.  The reply was:  “I am, if I had the means to be one.”  The manager recognized his ability and helped him to get an appointment as railroad surgeon.

From Denison he came to Fayette county, locating near Nechanitz to practice his profession.  After a short time he located at Walhalla, and after practicing there a few years he moved to Warrenton, where he lived until his death.  In 1878 he went before the medical board and received his state certificate.

In May, 1877, he was married to Miss Lizzie Lee, near Walhalla.  The family was blessed with seven children.  Four have preceded the father, three in infancy, and Mrs. Augusta Neumann, who died December 3, 1904.  He leaves to mourn his departure his beloved wife, a son, Montague, and two daughters, Myrtle and Olivia.

Dr. Seymour was ever the man in whom the utmost confidence could be placed.  As a neighbor he was universally liked, and his friends generally ---------  by his acquaintances.

Sunday morning his remains were laid to rest in the Florida Chapel cemetery, near Warrenton, under the auspices of the W. O. W., of which he was an honored member.  After the ceremony of the Woodmen, Rev. Carl Baer solemnized the church rites in a very impressive manner.  May he rest in peace.

“Disturb not his slumber; let Seymour sleep.
‘Neath the boughs and flowers that over him weep.
His arm unnerved, but his deeds remain bright
As the stars in the dark vaulted heaven at night.
Oh, wake not the Doctor!  His battles are o’ver;
Let him rest undisturbed in the bosom of the earth,
On the Florida Chapel cemetery so beautifully drest,
With the hearts ‘e loved fondly, let Doctor Seymour rest.”

A Friend.

Contributed by Rob Brown

CHARLIE SHANER

Schulenburg Sticker, 15 Feb 1906

We regret to report the death of little Charlie, the two week’s old son of Mr and Mrs. Willie Shaner of near town, who died Sunday evening at 6 o’clock and his little remains were tenderly consigned to their last resting place in the Catholic Cemetery Monday afternoon at 3 o’clock, Father Mathis officiating.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ROBERT SHANNON

The True Issue, Saturday, November 12, 1864

DIED.—On the 8th inst., ROBERT, son [of] Dr. R. S. Shannon, of this county. Aged 2 years.

MARY ANN BASS HOLLOWAY SHAVER

The above is a good likeness of "Grandma" Shaver as she appeared a short time before her death which occurred Tuesday morning, Jan. 2, at 12:30 o'clock.

On the 3d day of October, 1819, little Mary Ann came to bless the home of John and Mary Bass in Nottoway County, Virginia. When the young Republic of the United States was struggling under a financial panic and President James Monroe was proclaiming his territorial doctrine of world-wide significance, she first opened her eyes in the Old Dominion where so many of the illustrious citizens of the United States first saw the light. When she was 6 or 7 years old her parents moved to Halifax County, where she grew up amid the trials of hardy settlers who early learned to be self-reliant and resourceful.

Without the conveniences of the modern world whe skillfully turned the wheel and plied the loom to make the linsey, lowell and jean for the clothes of a large family, of which whe was the eldest. She wove in intricate patterns the fancy counterpanes and tuffed coverlets and dainty valences for the coverings of the beds. No needles flew faster than hers when her little fingers knitted the samplers, stocking an mufflers to protect the family from the winter's cold.

She grew to womanhood amid the times when the girls were taught all the arts of housekeeping, from the manufacturing of the home products to the final making up of the finished material. Her social activities found expression in the "apple bee," "Corn husings," "skating parties" and "Log rollings," at which times the young people lent a helping hand, while they miingled mirth and pleasure with a friendly neighbors need.

On February 22, 1836 she was married to John Adams Holloway, a promising young man of the neighborhood, and they moved to a little home where they began to accumulate a competency for comfortable living. In a short time they moved to Persons County, North Carolina, where they lived until 1845. Mr. Holloway soon won the confidence of the community arnd represented his people in the Legislature of the State.

But ere long wide rumors of a rich land far to the west of them with glowing descriptions of its boundless resources and exhaustless wealth to be had for asking, reached their ears. As young life is ever hopeful and buoyant and ready to attempt new ventures, this young couple with their four children started for Texas—this El Dorado of the West.

They landed in Galvston, Tex. on March 1, 1845 the day that James K. Polk was inaagurated[sic.] President of the United States. They placed their belonging on ox wagons and started for the rich agricultural land of the Colorado bottom. In this day a? steam and electricity one can scarcely r? what the tedious process of traveling ta? interminable distances means. It is not strange that their courage rose with the dangers and hardships they encountered on that long and perilous journey, as they crossed swollen streams, followed narrow trails and camped in dark, dismal forests. Yet in that teeming wilderness all nature sang in their buoyant spirits, from the fairy rinkle of the snow to the roaring boom of the storm-swept sea, from the soft melody of the warbling birds to the rushing sound of the plunging stream, from the low whisper of the long lost preze to the muttering thunder of the distant storm.

When they reached the Colorado bottom Mr. Holloway purchased 1000 acres of that rich, fertile land for $1000. Here they lived in a board shanty until they could erect a respectable log cabin like those of their nearest neighbors, five or six miles away. They planted a crop, and in the meantime plenty of wild turkeys, deer and fish furnished ample provisions until the first crop came in. Wild hogs fattened on the mast in the bottom and unclaimed cattle housed there in the winter; so food was abundant and easy to obtain. They were beginning to establish themselves comfortably when the young husband died and left the wife with four small children.

Having no facilities for educating her children in this unsettled country, she moved to Ruttersville[sic.], where one of the best colleges at that time in the State was situated. This flourishing institution was then presided over by Rev. Josiah Richardson, a prominent Methodist minsiter, and the teachers Mr. and Mrs. Halsey and Miss Mary Chapman.

After Mrs. Holloway had been in Rutersville two or three years she was married to P. J. Shaver. They lived here a short time and then moved to Ross Prairie, where Mr. Shaver laid off the beautiful little town of Fayetteville, which he named for Fayetteville, Tenn., which had formerely[sic.] been his home. He gave away every second lot to induce settlers to come in. Here they built another log cabin, which was the popular and hospitable stopping place for the preachers of that day. Revs. Robert Alexander, Isaac Johns, the Elder Rabb and many others often found a comfortable resting place in this pious home.

Mrs. Shaver was a beautiful, cultured and energetic young woman, whose conversation engaged the attention of her acquaintances, who viewed[sic.] with one another for her favor.

She was the mother of sixeen children, eleven of whom lived to maturity. Mr. Shaver died in 1875, leaving her a widow once more. Trials, struggles, temptations and harships have swept across her path as she has journeyed along, but she is fortified with that strength which comes through Christian grace; and today in the ninety-second year of her age, in the full possession of all her faculties, she stands the marvel of all who knew her. A brilliant conversationalist, she interests an entire circle with her wonderful memory of past events and still more wonderful interst and knowledge of present affiars. She amuses herself and others by her sharply drawn contrasts between the old and the "new-fangled" style of ladies; dresses, in which she delights to score the"hobble skirt," which makes the ladies look like "slim pumpkin quills" beside the wide "hoop skirt" that she used to wear when she was a girl. In the culinary deparmtnet she scorns the "poor, skinny, soda-raised," cookery of the present "paper-bag age," and says that the "Martha Washington Cook Book," with its rich recipes of old Virginia days, is the book for her.

Everybody in the town where she lives appeals to her now for the best way to prepare anything in the culinary line, from the fancy cutting and stuffing of her attradtive[sic.] mangoes to the making of her dilicious[sic.] mincemeat and shaping her artistic citron.

She has seven children living, thirty-six grandchildren and forty-three great-grandchildren. They gathered around her on each recurring birthday to partake of an old-fashioned dinner prepared by one of her faithful old house-servants, Adlena McGruder, who knows how "Miss Ann used to have things done." She surprises the younger generation by the lavish and novel festive board that she spreads. The table is a dream of beauty with its quaint, old-fashioned dishes whose names the younger folks have scarcely heard. The minutest detail, from the roast pig with its apple to the tall "stack cake" embossed in fancy designs, are planned and executed under the special directions of "Grandma" Shaver's fertile brain and active hand. On her last birthday over one hundred of her descendants, with a few near old friends, met to celebrate the day.

As the glory of the sunset gathers around her beautiful aged brow, her worthy character reflects the radiance of a virtuous and holy life, spent in unselfish activity and service for others. She sets and dreams of the past and lives in the present, while she waits with regisnation[sic.] for the time when the great Father shall hold her busy hands in a long and dreamless slepp. — The above was published in the San Antonio Express last October.

ROBERT SHAVER

Colorado Citizen, 26 Jan 1882, page 2

We learn with deep regret of the death of Mr. Robert Shaver, of Ellinger, on last Thursday. Mr. S. died of pneumonia after an illness of about twelve days, and leaves a disconsolate widow and two children to mourn his loss. Thus death has snatched away one of Fayette's most worthy sons in his prime for whom life had many bright hopes. He was a member of the Knights of Honor and the senior partner or [sic.] the firm of Shaver Bros., which was the first mercantile establishment ever opened in Ellinger.—LaGrange Journal.

MRS. M. A. SHAW

Schulenburg Sticker, 9 Jan 1908

Mrs. M. A. Shaw, whose serious illness was mentioned in our last issue, died at her home in this city Tuesday afternoon, December 24th. Mrs. Shaw was one of the oldest citizens of this city, at the time of her death being seventy-nine years and four months old. For the past two year [sic] she had been in feeble health, and to her the summons which all mortals must sooner or later answer, came as a relief. On Christmas day, Wednesday afternoon, the remains were followed to their last resting place by a large number of her relatives and friends. The interment took place at the old cemetery and all that was mortal of Mrs. Shaw was placed at the side of her husband, who preceded her some twenty-five years ago. To the surviving relatives The Journal extends sincere sympathy. – LaGrange Journal.

The above mentioned venerable lady was an aunt of Mrs. M. A. J. Johnson of this city.

Contributed by Matt Cross

PETER V. SHAW

Colorado Citizen, 18 Jan 1883, page 1

Died at his residence in LaGrange, Texas, on Wednesday, the 27th day of December, 1882, P. V. Shaw, aged sixty-three years and four months. Thus has passed away one more of the old settlers of this section of the State. Mr. Shaw settled at this place early in the year 1840, with his father, and was one of those pioneers who came and saw and onquered this fair land of ours. He had seen this country increase in wealth and population until it had become one of the wealthiest and most thickly populated counties in our Empire State; had watched its growth from infancy to youth, from youth to mature manhood, and had looked with pleasure upon its rapid development.—LaGrange Journal, Jan. 11.

THOMAS SHAW

The State Rights Democrat, La Grange, February 12, 1859

OBITUARY.

DIED—At his residence in Fayette County, Texas, on the 1st day of February, 1859, Maj. Thomas Shaw, who was born April 6th, 1789. He was brought up in Sumner County, Tennessee, and afterwards resided in Humphreys, and subsequently in Hardeman County in the same State, where he filled various offices with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. The writers of this have known him long and well—say 45 years—and up to the period of his death during his entire life he has sustained the character of an upright, sober, industrious and benevolent man and patiotic citizen, and that of a true and sincere friend under all circumstances. This is not a mere empty eulogy on the dead, but truth which the history of his entire life will verify, to which we appeal in proof of the assertion. He possessed and practiced the virtues which dignify and ornament the human character.

E. D. TARVER,
STEPHEN JARMON.

February 4th, 1859.

HENRY SHEFFIELD

Weimar Mercury, 19 Apr 1890, page 2

A negro boy 18 or 19 years old, who went by the name of henry Sheffield hung himself in Isaac Williams' wagon shed last Friday night. He claimed to hail from Wharton county, and had been at work for Mr. Williams about two weeks. He was a good laborer and did a good day's work the day before he suicided. No one knows the cause thay led him to take his own life.—Schulenburg cor. La Grange Journal.

LUCY KINDER SHELTON

Negress, 120 Years Old, Dies Wednesday South of LaGrange

Friday of last week, in the old Bethlehem community near La Grange, the body of an aged negress, Lucy Kinder Shelton, was buried; she died Wednesday afternoon, February 22nd.

From what facts could be obtained – and the informant was emphatic in her statements – this negress was born in Alabama, and was brought, as a slave, to Texas 90 yearss ago, exact date not given. The date of her birth is said to have been June 30, 1818.

Her granddaughter, Alfera S. Waddels, gives the information that Lucy Shelton came to Fayette county 13 years after the battle of San Jacinto was fought by Houston's army against Santa Anna's, and that she could tell of many interesting stories of those early Texas days. "I came to this country after the Texas colonists beggan their fight against Mexico, and can remember every war since then, in which Fayette county people had a part", she told inquirers a short time since.

Recently her memory began to fail; more the regret that she was not interviewed a few years ago, her stories, broken in recital as they may have been, reduced to writing. She was the oldest living citizen of Fayette county. – La Grange Journal.

R. S. SHEPHERD

The State Rights Democrat, January 21, 1870

We are sorry to announce the death of Mr. R. S. Shepherd. He died of Hemorrhagic Malarial Fever, after a brief illness, last Saturday, and was buried with Masonic hours on Sunday. Peace to his soul, and may our ever merciful heavenly father shield, protect, and comfort the disconsolate widow and bereaved friends.

B. SHERER

LaGrange Journal.
Died, near Rutersville on the 15th inst, Mr. B. Sherer, a Texas veteran, aged 83 years. The deceased had lived in Texas about 64 years. He participated in the struggle for Texas independence. He lived in this county for many years and was greatly respected by all who knew him. He leaves a widow and several grown children, to whom the Journal extends its sincere condolence.

Transcribed by Dorothy Albrecht

ROBERT SHILAK

Schulenburg Sticker, 26 Sep 1901, Fayetteville column

Robert Shilak died Saturday morning and was laid to rest in the Protestant cemetery Sunday morning, Rev. Pazdral officiating. He was about forty years old. Two of his sisters arrived from Galveston after the funeral services were over.

Contributed by Matt Cross

FRANCES MARY MARTIS SHIMEK

La Grange Journal, Thursday, June 27, 1957

Mrs. Shimek dies in Fayetteville

Frances Mary Shimek, 70, died Sunday at her home near Fayetteville.  She was born in 1887 near Fayetteville.  In 1915 she was married to Willie Shimek, who survives her.

The following children also survive:  Mrs. Mary Berlin of Foxburg, Pa.; Anton Shimek of Bastrop; Louis Shimek of Port Lavaca; and Eddie Shimek of Fayetteville.

One brother, Joe Martis; and two sisters, Mrs. Domin Kolenovsky and Mrs. Mary Jasek all of Rt. 2, Fayetteville, also survive, as well as seven grandchildren.

Contributed by Rob Brown 

JEROME SHIMEK

Weimar Mercury, Thursday, August 17, 1967

Fayetteville Man Killed; One Hurt In 2-Car Crash

Jerome Shimek, 21, of Fayetteville, was killed and an 86-year-old Frelsburg man was injured in a head-on car collision Sunday night on a farm road north of Columbus.

Deputy Sheriff Floyd Schlichting of Columbus said Shimek was driving east and Walla was going west when their cars met head-on. Both were alone in their cars.

Mr. Shimek was thrown from his car, which overturned on him. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Ernest Weishuhn of Columbus.

A steel construction worker, he was a lifelong resident of the Fayetteville area, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Shimek.

Funeral services were held Wednesday morning at Fayetteville.

In addition to his parents he is survived by a brother, Johnnie Shimek of Fayetteville; and seven sisters, Mrs. Leroy Krenek and Mrs. Waldo Weishuhn of Fayetteville, Mrs. Justin Dvorak, Mrs. Paul Simcik and Mrs. Thomas Weishuhn of Columbus, Mrs. Leroy Peschel and Mrs. Chas. Padgett of Houston.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

MIKE SHIVER

Weimar Mercury, January 18, 1929, page 1

Mr. Mike Shiver Died Tuesday Morning

Mr. Mike Shiver, an old-time citizen of this section, passed away at his home on Tuesday of this week, a victim of the flu. He had been ill but a few days.

Funeral services were held Wednesday with interment in the LaGrange Cemetery, Rev. McKinney of this city officiating.

Mr. Shiver was born in the state of Florida, and was about 74 years of age at time of his death. He had lived for a number of years on a farm near Holman. He was known to be an honest, hard working man, and was well and favorably known to our citizens.

He leaves to mourn his passing four daughters and one son, namely: Mrs. Nettle Smith of Dallas. Mrs. Mary Weber of LaGrange, Mrs. Susie Cohen of Victoria. Mrs. Lizzie Roberts of Weimar and Mr. Willie Shiver of Kenedy, Texas. He is also survived by several brothers and sisters, one sister, Mrs. S. W. Ratliff of Houston, is a former citizen of this place.

We extend heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved ones.

Transcribed by Dorothy Albrecht

SHOLES

Colorado Citizen, 3 Aug 1882, page 2

ELLINGER, Texas, July 31.—This neighborhood was thrown into great excitement this morning by the killing of Mr. Sholes, a lawyer of Fayetteville, by Hermann Zapp. From the facts as learned, it appears that Sholes, who always had a bad reputation, at different times tried to extort money from Zapp. Stepping into his store this morning, he demanded $5000, threatening to expose him (Zapp) if he refused. Whereupon Zapp indignantly called him "a liar." Sholes then drew a pistol and placed it into Zapp's face. Zapp seized a shotgun laying on the counter and emptied two loads of buckshot into Sholes' breast and killed him instantly. He then gave himself up and was placed under a $1000 bond. Public opinion exonerates Zapp entirely, as Sholes has lately made a practice of drawing his pistol on various occasions.—Houston Post Telegram.

AUGUSTUS LUDLOW CAESAR SHROPSHIRE

Weimar Mercury, 26 Sep 1896, page 7

Yoakum, Texas, September 26. —Mr. A. C. L. Shropshire died at the residence of his son, Dr. W. Shropshire, in this city, at 7 o'clock last night after a lingering sickness. Mr. Shropshire was an old and respected citizen of Fayette county, Texas, having moved there early in the fifties from near Lexington, Ky., and has been a citizen of that county until recent years, when he went to live with his children. His remains were attended to the train by the camp of Confederate veterans of Yoakum, of which he was a member, and carried to Weimar to be buried in the family burying ground, beside his wife and children who have gone before him.

Mr. Shropshire's remains were brought here and laid to rest in the cemetery Sunday morning.

Augustus Ludlow Caesar Shropshire, 18 Aug 1817-25 Sep 1896, is buried in the Weimar Odd Fellows Cemetery in Colorado County.

ELLIS SHROPSHIRE

Galveston Daily News, 12 Apr 1868

Texas News.

The La Grange New Era learns that Mr. Ellis Shropshire was killed on the 4th inst., three miles below Lyon, on the Navidad, by James Hazle.

GAY SHROPSHIRE

Weimar Mercury, 8 August 1891, page 2

Miss Gay Shropshire died Saturday morning at 6 o'clock, July 25, 1891, at the residence of Dr. Karnes, West Point. She was 22 years old the 25th of last December, and was born on Williams' creek, south of LaGrange. Miss Gay had been sick about two months, but the sickness which took her sweet spirit to a better home was of short duration. She was taken sick with typhoid fever about a week before her death at her home with her sister, Mrs. Virgie Moore, but upon advice of physician she was removed to the home of Dr. Karnes. The remains were interred in what is known as the Woods' graveyard, Saturday evening at 6 o'clock. Rev. J. M. Sitton performing the obsequies in an impressive maner. The funeral cortege was perhaps the longest ever witnessed in West Point.—Smithville Optic

ELIZABETH HEESE SHUETZE

Schulenburg Sticker, 22 March 1912

Mrs. Elisadeth [sic] (Heese) Shuetze died at her home in Freyburg and her remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at the Lutheran church near Flatonia Tuesday, Rev. W. P. Klindworth, officiating. She was born in Auhalt Dessau, Germany, October 3, 1823; came to Texas in 1871 and settled at Freyburg. Her husband preceeded [sic] her in death 20 years ago. Four children, two daughters and two sons survive her. Mrs. F. Getschmann of near Freyburg and Mrs. Frank Schulz of Germany, Frank and Herman. She had 23 grand-children and 15 great grandchildren. The Stickes [sic] extends sincere sympathy to the bereaved ones.

Contributed by Matt Cross

J. SHULAK

Schulenburg Sticker, 31 Oct 1901

J. Shulak of Rosnov [sic] was buried here last Wednesday in the Catholic cemetery, Father Chlapic of Live Oak Hill officiating, Fathe [sic] Cromcik having gone to Caldwell.

Contributed by Matt Cross

HENRY SIEFKEN

Weimar Mercury, 10 Nov 1900, page 2

LaGrange, Nov. 5.—Mr. Henry Siefken of Oldenburg was found dead on the Rutersville road this afternoon with a pistol lying by his side, which indicated foul play.

Elsewhere on the same page:

LaGrange, November 6.—The dead body of a young man named Henry Siefken was found by the roadside about two miles this side of Rutersville late yesterday evening.

Mr. Siefken was an unmarried man about 25 years old and lived near Oldenburg. Death was occasioned by a pistol ball fired into the center of the forehead. The deceased's pistol was found by his side.

SIEMS CHILD

Schulenburg Sticker, 15 July 1921, page 1

Death of Siems Boy

The six year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Siems of near Freyburg passed away at home, following a brief illness, on Wednesday, July 6.

Funeral services were held from the home the following day, and burial followed in Freyburg cemetery.

The sympathy of many friends goes out to the bereaved family.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JOSEPH SIKORA

Schulenburg Sticker, 30 Jan 1902, Fayetteville column

Died near Rosnox [Roznov]. Joseph Sikora, at the age of sixty-seven. Also Joe Gerek [sic.], son of Frank Gerek, aged eight and a six months old daughter of Joseph Chavanec [Chovanec]. All were buried in the Catholic cemetery, Father Chromcik officiating.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ANNA WALLA KNESEK SIMA

Colorado County Citizen, Thursday, July 27, 1939

Funeral Held For Pioneer Citizen

(By Nancy Walla, Frelsburg Cor.)

Mrs. Anna Sima, 93, of San Antonio, pioneer resident of this section, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Annie Kubena, in San Antonio, Sunday afternoon July 9th.

Rosary was said in the Zizik-Kearns funeral parlor at 7:30 Tuesday morning July 11, and the remains were shipped by train to Flatonia at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening, where the body was taken to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Jurica. Mrs. Jurica is a niece of the deceased.

From there funeral took place on Wednesday morning, July 12, at 9:00 o'clock to the Praha Catholic Church where the Requiem High Mass was said by Rev. John Anders assisted by Rev. J.A. Pustka of Flatonia. Interment was made in the Praha Catholic cemetery.

Six of her nephews served as pallbearers.

Mrs. Sima, née Walla was born in Europe, and moved with her parents to Texas in 1848 at the age of three.

After marrying Edward Knesek she lived in Galveston until 1873, at which time she moved to Praha, opening a general store there. That was back in the days when Indians and outlaws were still prevalent in that section, and Flatonia was unknown except for the little settlement of Oso.

In 1884 her husband was killed by a group of outlaws, and a couple of years later she was married to John Sima, who passed away ten years ago. Following his death, Mrs. Sima moved to San Antonio to live with her daughter.

Mrs. Sima is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Annie Kubena of San Antonio and Mrs. Julia Knesek of Cedar Lake, Indiana; nine grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren.

Mrs. Sima was an aunt of Willie Walla of here, who also attended her funeral.

Many interest stories were told by Mrs. Sima during her long life. Living in an age when this section was being built out of raw frontier, her varied experiences would fill a book.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

WILLIAM (WILLIE) SIMANK

Shiner Gazette, 15 Nov 1899

Mr. Wm. Simank, brother of our townsman, Henry Simank, died suddenly last Sunday at Weimar, of black jaundice. The relatives have the sympathy of friends.

Willie F. Simank, 26 Jun 1875 - 12 Nov 1899, was buried in the Fayetteville City Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

LOUISE H. WEBER SIMCIK

Colorado County Citizen, April 10, 1980, page 2

Funeral services for Louise H. Simcik of Columbus were held Saturday at Flatonia Catholic Cemetery.

Rosary was recited Friday at Henneke Funeral Chapel.  Father Arnold Anders officiated at the services.

Mrs. Simcik died April 3 at her residence in Columbus.  She was 72 years of age.

She was born Aug. 19, 1907 at Shiner, the daughter of August Weber and the former Teresa Luce.  Her husband, Edward J. Simcik, preceded her in death in 1954.

She resided in Columbus the past 21 years and was a member of the Catholic Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Dorothea Hayes of Columbus; five sons, Paul, John, Charles and Edward Simcik Jr., all of Columbus, and Frank Simcik of Lexington; two sisters, Ann Epps of San Antonio and Lillian Cmr  of Houston; one brother, Emil Weber of Goliad; four grandchildren and three step grandchildren.  Another daughter preceded her in death.

Pallbearers were Tony Pulkrabek, Daniel Gast, Leonard Gast, Jimmy Simcik, Randy Cmar and Wayne B?neyberg.

Transcribed by Laurie Albrecht

THERESA SIMECEK

Schulenburg Sticker, 13 Sep 1912

DEATH REPORTS

Theresa Simecek, age 73 years, --- near Flatonia.

Contributed by Matt Cross

MATTIE SIMMERS

La Grange Journal, Thursday, August 23, 1900

The remains of Mrs. Mattie, wife of W. Simmers, section boss of the S. P. were shipped to Houston on Tuesday morning.  Deceased had been afflicted with malarial fever for about three weeks and died during childbirth on Monday afternoon.  Mrs. Simmers was twenty-eight years old.  Mother and babe sleep in one coffin.

Contributed by Rob Brown

SIMMONS

State Rights Democrat, April 12, 1867

A Son kills his Father.—An old man by the name of SIMMONS was shot and killed by his son a short distance from Rutersville, in this County, on the evening of the 4th. It seems that the father was a man of very bad temper ad in the habit of illtreating [sic.] his family. On the day he was killed he had beaten his wife severely, threatened to kill her, and had driven off the place his two youngest sons, threatening to kill them. One of these boys went after his older brother, who lives about a mile distant from his father's place. Upon the son's arrival the father advanced upon him with a loaded gun cocked threatening his life, when the son fired, the ball entering his father's forehead and killing him instantly. The case was examined before Justice SELLERS on the 6th, L. F. PRICE and H. TEICHMUELLER appearing for the defendant and the County Attorney in behalf of the State. The prisoner after a hearing of the evidence was held to bail in the sum of $8,000, and failing to give bond he was committed to jail.

This grave appears to be unmarked.

CHARLOTTE SIMMONS

Weimar Mercury, 15 Jul 1893, page 2

La Grange Journal: . . . Friday night of last week in this city, Flemming Price shot Charlotte Simmons, his alleged mistress. The ball took effect under the lower jaw and lodged in the shoulder. Dr. R. A. McKinney was called in and did all that medical skill could suggest under the circumstances. The unfortunate woman lingered until Monday and died at 10 a.m. Price was arrested soon after the commission of the crime by Deputy City Marshal Matt Hearne, and lodged in jail. From all the Journal has been able to learn in regard to the facts connected with the commission of the crime, there was nothing said or done by the deceased to justify it, but for fear of embarrassing the administration of justice it will refrain from publishing the facts as stated by the deceased.

LOCKRICH SIMMS

Schulenburg Sticker, 9 Aug 1912, page 1

DEATH REPORTS

Lockrich Simms, age 13 days – near Flatonia.

Contributed by Matt Cross

AGNES ANNIE SIMOTA

La Grange Journal, September 27, 1906

Mrs. Agnes Annie, wife of Frank Simota, died at the family home, (Hans residence) Tuesday morning after an illness that lasted several weeks. Some three weeks ago their little baby was taken. Tuesday afternoon at 4 o'clock the remains of [sic.] were laid to rest in the new cemetery, in the presence of a number of sympathizing friends. The bereaved husband has the sympathy of the entire community. The family has lived in LaGrange but a short while, Mr. Simota being in the employ of the Southern Pacific as assistant car inspector.

JOSHUA GUESS SIMPSON

La Grange Journal, Thursday, December 15, 1938

Joshua Guess Simpson

Eleven o’clock Friday, Dec. 9, marked the passing of Joshua Guess Simpson, one of the last of Fayette county’s pioneers – a beloved old-timer.  Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 3:00 o’clock, from the home of Mrs. Lula G. Thornton, a daughter, with whom he had made his home for many years.

Mr. Simpson was born in LeCompte, Louisiana, March 13, 1855.  He came to Texas in 1876 and had lived in and near West Point since that time.  In 1884 he was married to Lula Karnes, also of Fayette county.  To this union were born 8 children, of whom 5 are left to mourn their father’s death, as follows: Mrs. Lula G. Thornton, Mrs. W. E. Lee, Mrs. E. R. Young of West Point; D. C. Simpson of Jefferson, and Chas. Simpson of Smithville.  He also leaves 8 grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

To some of his friends Mr. Simpson was affectionately known as “Uncle Josh”, but by most he was called “Papa Dad”, a name lovingly given to him by his grandchildren.  A RELATIVE.

Contributed by Rob Brown

MRS. FREDERICK SIMS

Schulenburg Sticker, 7 Nov 1913

DEATH REPORTS

Mrs. Frederick Sims, age 78 years, augina [sic] Pectoris, near Schulenburg.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ANDREAS SINDELAR

Schulenburg Sticker, 22 Nov 1912

DEATH REPORTS

Andreas Sindelar, age 58 years, Fayetteville, Paralysis.

Contributed by Matt Cross

FRANCIS A. SINGLETARY

La Grange Journal, Thursday, January 3, 1963

F. A. Singletary

Graveside services for F. A. Singletary, uncle of Mrs. Elvis Meiners, were held Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 1, at the La Grange City Cemetery.  Rev. H. T. Flachmeier officiated.

Mr. Singletary, about 64, and a resident of Galveston died Sunday in Bellville.  He was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad.

His wife, Ella, survives.

Contributed by Rob Brown

JULIA LEE SINKS

La Grange Journal, 4 Nov 1904

Mrs. Julia Lee Sinks

Through an oversight THE JOURNAL in its last issue neglected to make mention of the demise of a former resident and most highly respected lady, Mrs. Julia Lee Sinks, which sad event occurred at Alvin last week. Mrs. Sinks was well known here and the older generations remember her as a noble, good and patriotic lady, who was identified with the early history of Fayette county, especially LaGrange, and her death is much regretted by all. She was eighty-eight years of age and was ill for only about an hour.

Notwithstanding her age, her mind and memory were very bright, and not long since a couple of lady friends visited her at Alvin and talked over old Texas happenings. Mrs. Sinks very often in the past and up to the last few years wrote interesting articles for the Galveston news about Texas during its early days, and not long since with her own hands she made a beautiful flag and presented it to the Giddings High school. She was a favorite and beloved by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

Julia Lee Sinks, 18 Jan 1817 – 24 Oct 1904, was the daughter of George and Mary (Morse) Lee. She married George W. Sinks.

Mrs. Jas. SIPTAK

Schulenburg Sticker, 9 Jan 1902, Ellinger column

We have had two deaths in the past week. Mrs. Jas. Siptak, Sr. and Martin Blinka, Jr.

Contributed by Matt Cross

HARRY H. SIPULA

Colorado County Citizen, April 17, 1980, page 2

Harry H. Sipula

Funeral services for Harry H. Sipula were held Friday at Fayetteville Brethern Church, under the direction of Henneke Funeral Home. Burial was in Ross Prairie [Fayetteville Brethren] Cemetery.  The Rev. Gorden Hajl officiated.

Mr. Sipula, a retired farmer, died April 9 at Autumn Hills Convalescent Center.  He was 84 years of age.

He was born July 30, 1895 at Ellinger, the son of Joseph Sipula and the former Rosalie Bubela.  He resided in Columbus the past 16 years and was a member of the Lutheran Church.  He never married.

Survivors include four nieces, Adeline Stewart, Elizabeth Kulhandek, Lucille Drawe and Dorothy Mae Hazel;  three nephews, George, Robert and Albert Kubala; three sisters, Mrs. Louis (Minnie) Zatopek of Columbus, Mrs. Betty Kubala Hilje and Mrs. August Kulhanek of Frelsburg.

Pallbearers were Edwin Hoelscher, Harold Hohlt, Robert Kubala, Frank Schipula, A.J. Drabek and Bernard Kallus

Transcribed by Laurie Albrecht

THERESIE SIROCKI

Schulenburg Sticker, 19 Nov 1903

Death Record.

Sirocki: Died near Holman, Nov 7th 03, Theresie Sirocki, aged 9 days.

Contributed by Matt Cross

WILLIAM JOSEPH "BILL" SITKA

undated Needville News news clipping

A funeral mass for William Joseph “Bill” Sitka, 78, of Sugar Land, will be held at 10:00 a. m., Monday, October 8, 2012 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p. m. that afternoon in Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery in Dubina, Texas.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p. m. until 8:00 p. m., with a rosary being recited at 7:00 p. m., Sunday, October 7, 2012 at Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Chapel in Rosenberg.

Bill was born February 28, 1934 in Hallettsville, Lavaca County, to Joe F. Sitka and Emma Kocian Sitka. He served our country proudly in the U. S. Army. He was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land and it was there that he was involved with the Knights of Columbus and the Sugar Canes. He was also a member of the American Legion, the Fort Bend Czech Heritage Society, The Polka Lovers Klub of America and the Harris County Czech Singers. Bill enjoyed tending to his cattle, hauling hay and spending time with his family. He passed away October 3, 2012 in Houston.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Emma Sitka; an infant sister; and sisters, Dorothy Holcombe and Virginia Fellers.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janie Sitka; children, Belinda Patton and husband, Mitch, of Alvin, Mark Sitka and wife, Marilyn “Toodie”, of Richmond, Brian Sitka and wife, Bridget, of Boerne, Chris Sitka and wife, Wendy, of Richmond, and Billy J. Sitka, Jr., and wife, Erica, of Richmond; sisters, Helen Schoener and Tonie Brooks; brother, Julius Sitka; grandchildren, Kelly Lee, Luke Sitka, Blake Sitka, Reed Patton, Christine Sitka, Courtney Sitka, Cole Sitka, Cade Sitka, Erin Stockwell and Ava Sitka; great grandson, Boston Lee; along with other relatives and many friends.

For those wishing, donations may be made in memory of Bill to Sacred Heart Catholic Church School in Hallettsville, The Polka Lovers Klub of America or to the charity of choice.

Pallbearers will include Luke Sitka, Blake Sitka, Reed Patton, Howard Brooks, Matthew Schoener, Harvey Schoener, Bubba Worthington and Shane Jones. Honorary Pallbearers will include Cole Sitka and Cade Sitka.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

BARBARA ANN SIVEK

Fayette County Record, Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Barbara Ann Sivek, 62, of Lancaster died Tuesday, May 25, 2010.

Graveside services were held May 28, at 4 p.m. at the La Grange City Cemetery. Funeral Mass was held at St. Francis Catholic Church in Lancaster.

She was born June 8, 1947, in La Grange to Frank and Mary Sivek.

Survivors include her brother, Edward Sivek of Lancaster; a sister-in-law, Nina Lou Sivek of Nashville, Tenn; and aunt Julie Blaha of La Grange; and three Godchildren: Raymond Blaha and wife Lisa, Andey Blaha and wife Judy and Naomi Konvicka and husband Matt all of La Grange. She is also survived by other aunts, uncles and numerous relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Siegmund Sivek.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

ALBERT RICHARD SKARKE

Schulenburg Sticker, 11 Feb 1909

The sympathy of the entire community goes out to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Skarke living near the city over the loss of their 2½ year old son, who died Friday last. The little fellow with his baby brother, wondered [sic] down in the field near the house where his papa had set some stumps on fire and was not missed by his mother until his cries were heard and he came running home with his his [sic] clothes on fire, and before she could remove the clothes he was burned so badly that he died in about six days, after suffering most excruciating pains. His tiny remains were laid to rest by loving hands in the Catholic cemetery at this place Saturday morning, Father Mathis performing the last sad rites.

Submitted by Matt Cross

HENRY F. SKARKE

Schulenburg Sticker, 7 June 1912, page 1

HENRY F. SKARKE DEAD.

Friday last, the 31st news was received from Mineral Wells that Henry F. Skarke had died on that date after a long seige [sic] of that dreaded disease called Bright’s Disease, complicated with dropsy.

His remains were brought to Schulenburg and laid to rest Sunday afternoon in the Catholic cemetery, Father Mathis officiating. A large number of friends and relatives were present to pay their last respects to the departed.

Henry Skarke was born in Wagstadt, Austria, Nov. 4, 1874. Came to Schulenburg with his parents when a boy of thirteen and assisted his father on the farm until eighteen years of age, at which time he went to Galveston and learned the baker trade, returning four years later to Schulenburg and engaged in the bakery business and later in the saloon business. His health gradually grew worse and he decided to locate in Galveston where he was the proprietor of the Sea Wall City Bakery and worked faithfully and hard to make a living for his beloved family. Last July, almost a year ago he took very sick and suffered greatly from that day until death relieved him of pain.

Just before going to Mineral Wells he expressed the wish that he would like to spend a few days with his old time friends in Schulenburg. This wish was granted and he enjoyed his stay here among his relatives and friends very much. At Mineral Wells he seemed to improve and hopes for his recovery were very bright for a few days but He that doeth all things well decided otherwise and Mr. Skarke was called to that great beyond. At his bedside was his sister, Miss Mary, who had devoted all her time to him while sick, and his brother, Fritz, to comfort him in his last hours on earth.

Deceased leaves a wife and four children, Mary, aged 13; Henry, aged 9; Cecilia, aged 4 and baby Rudolph, aged 9 months and 2 weeks, an aged father and step-mother, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Skarke; one sister, Miss Marie; two half-sisters Misses Ernesine and Emma; three brothers, Charles, Richard and Fritz; three half-brothers, Hugo, Arthur and Eddie and one adopted brother, Charles, to mourn his loss, to whom the sincere sympathy of the entire community is extended in their sad hour of affliction.

It was the pleasure of the writer to know Henry Skarke and Henry, as he was known to all his numerous friends, was a whole soul, joval [sic] fellow and always greeted you with a smile. He was well thought of both in Schulenburg and Galveston. Many of his Galveston friends were anxious to attend his funeral but not knowing that they could reach here in time, they having been informed that the funeral would take place at 3 o’clock instead of 4:30 consequently had to forego that duty of paying their respects to their diparted [sic] friend. May he rest in peace is the sincere wish of the Sticker.

Contributed by Matt Cross

KARL SKARKE

Schulenburg Sticker, 24 Aug 1917, page 1

Died

Karl Skarke was born in Schonau, Austria, December 28, 1841, and died in Schulenburg August 17, 1917, aged 76 years. He served 10 years, 10 months and 11 days in the Austrian Marine Corps and was awarded four medals for acts of bravery. His first wife was Miss Rosalie Riedel and his second Miss Theresa Juenger.

Mr. Skarke came to America in 1886, locating at St. John and resided there until some five years ago when he came to Schulenburg and remained here up [to] the time of his death. He was a member of the Herman Sohns lodge, having joined that order almost 25 years ago.

There were born to him and his two wives, both of whom preseded [sic] him in death 11 children, Marie and Charlie, of Galveston; Henry, who died in Schulenburg five years ago; Richard; Fritz of Floresville; one adopted brother, Charles Junger, Mrs. F. K. Bartosh, of Orange Grove; Hugo and Otto, of Umbarger; Eddie, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Miss Emma, of Schulenburg.

Contributed by Matt Cross

MINNIE SKARKE

Schulenburg Sticker, 16 May 1901

Little Minnie Skarke Dead.

The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Skarke sincerely sympathize with them in the loss of their little ten months old daughter, who died suddenly Sunday morning last and whose remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery at 4 p. m. Monday the 13. The fact that the little child was ill only a few hours and its death totally unexpected renders the bereavement all the harder to bear.

Schulenburg Sticker, 16 May 1901

Card of Thanks.

This will convey our heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude to those of our friends who were so attentive and considerate during the recent illness of our little daughter, Minnie, which resulted in her death. The bestowal of such kindness and consideration as were shown, alleviated as for as possible our bereavement.

MR. AND MRS. H. SKARKE.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ROBERT SKARKE

Schulenburg Sticker, 26 May 1910

Died, May 23, 1910 – Infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Skarke, aged 11 months and 17 days. His tiny remains were tenderly laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery Tuesday at 10 o’clock, Rev. A. Mathis, officiating at the grave. The Sticker extends its heartfelt sympathy to the grief stricken parents.

Robert Skarke was born 6 June 1909. Contributed by Matt Cross

RUDOLPH SKARKE

Schulenburg Sticker, 17 Nov 1904

DIED.

Rudolph, the 6-month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Skarke, died Thursday at 9 o’clock of congestion, and its little spirit winged its way to that home on high and is sweetly resting in the arms of Him who said: “Suffer little children come unto me, and forbid them not, for such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

At 2:30 the following day his remains were interred by loving hands in the Catholic cemetery, Father Mathis officiating.

The sincere sympathy of the entire community goes out as one accord to the grief stricken parents and relatives in their hour of sorrow. May the assurance that their little darling is in Heaven be condolence to them.

Contributed by Matt Cross

THERESIA JUENGER SKARKE

Schulenburg Sticker, 9 Aug 1912

MRS. CHAS. SKARKE DEAD.

After an illness of eight months Mrs. Chas. Skarke died August 2nd at the family residence. Her remains were laid to rest in the St. John Catholic Cemetery Tuesday August the 6th, Father Schindler officiating.

Mrs. Skarka [sic], (nee Juenger) was born February 6, 1860 at Kleinepetersdorf, Austrie Lelecia; came to America and located in Schulenburg in 1887 living here until her death. She was married to Chas. Skarke in 1889. Her husband, two daughters, Mrs. Ernestine Bartosch of Lindenan and Miss Emma of Schulenburg and three sons, Otto and Edward of Soldier, Iowa and Hugo at home survive her. She also leaves one sister, Miss Aloisie Juenger and three brothers, Messrs. Joseph, Karl and Emil Juenger. The deceased was an esteemed member of the Herman Sons’ Sisters and her funeral was attended by the members of this order.

Our sincere sympathy goes out to the bereaved ones in their severe loss, of a devoted wife, loving mother and sister.

Contributed by Matt Cross

LOUISE SKLAR

Schulenburg Sticker, 20 July 1905

Deaths Recorded Since Last Report.

Louise Sklar, age 25 years, Fayetteville, died June 29.

Contributed by Matt Cross

FRANK SKOP

Schulenburg Sticker, 7 Nov 1913

DEATH REPORTS

Frank Skop, age 76 years and 23 days, natural causes, Praha.

Contributed by Matt Cross

THOMAS SLACK

Colorado Citizen, January 29, 1885

Weimar Local Matters

Another good citizen has gone to his reward. Mr. Thos. Slack died at his family residence at Pecan, in Fayette county, of dropsy, on Sunday, 25th inst. Mr. Slack was raised in Fayette county, and was known as a good and substantial citizen. He leaves a wife and quite a family of children, besides a host of friends, to mourn his loss. We hear an appropriate obituary will be written by one of his friends and published. His remains were buried in the Odd Fellows’ Rest in this city last Monday. Peace to his ashes.

Colorado Citizen, February 5, 1885

Obituary

Died, January 25, 1885, of dropsy, at his residence at Pecan, Fayette county, Texas, six miles north of Weimar, Thomas Slack. All that was mortal of him was consigned to mother earth in the Odd Fellows’ Rest, at Weimar, on the 26th of January. It is a sad thing to write an obituary notice of an esteemed friend. It is a solemn thing to stand around the death bed of a dying stranger, and witness the pangs of dissolution; but when monstrous Death lays his relentless clutches upon those that we know and love the awful solemnity of the occasion baffles all description. “Death loves a shining mark,” and when its piercing arrows were aimed at Thomas Slack the fated target was not wanting in splendid brightness. I knew that man better than men commonly know their friends. To express myself in brief, he was true and noble. Being naturally a little eccentric, it required some cultivated acquaintance to appreciate him fully. Those that knew him best loved him most. A few days before his death he told me that he was not afraid to die; that he had done nothing to make him afraid of death. He was a member of the Baptist church, and his practical life was consistent with his professions. He was born in Mississippi, but from early childhood reared in Fayette county Texas; enlisted in the Confederate army at a very youthful age; was a true and gallant soldier; was true and gallant in every station of life that he filled--true to his country, true to his family, true to his friends. Such a man is sadly missed in his community. He leaves a wife and eight children, and many friends to mourn his death. With my heartfelt sympathy for them, I respectfully submit this notice for publication, to the La Grange Journal, and the Colorado Citizen.

Very respectfully,
H. C. QUIN,
Weimar, Texas, Feb. 1, 1885.

Thomas Slack is buried in the Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery at Weimar in Colorado County. Transcribed by Dorothy Albrecht

ARTHUR E. SLADCZYK

Sladczyk Rites Here Saturday

Graveside services were held at the La Grange City Cemetery at 11 a.m. Saturday for Arthur E. Sladczyk, 74, of Moody House in Galveston.  The Rev. Frank McElroy officiated.

Mr. Sladczyk passed away at the Veterans Hospital in Houston.  A La Grange area native, he was a long-time resident of Houston where he was a furniture salesman.  He was a World War I veteran and was a member of the Presbyterian Church, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Surviving are a sister, Mrs. W. B. (Viola) Loessin of La Grange and a brother, Dr. George Sladczyk of Port Arthur.  Two brothers, Otto and Fritz, preceded him in death in the last three months.

Contributed by Rob Brown

AUGUSTE ANNA NOLLKAEMPER SLADCZYK

La Grange Journal, Thursday, June 28, 1934

Mrs. Sladczyk Dies Saturday Morning Interred Sunday

Following months of illness, Mrs. Auguste Anna Sladczyk, widow of the late Paul Sladczyk, died at the family home early Saturday morning.  Thursday she passed into a state of coma, and continued to sink rapidly.  An hour after midnight of Friday she passed to her reward.

Mrs. Sladczyk was born at Cedar, rural section west from La Grange, and was a daughter of Mr. Frank Heinrich and Mrs. Katherine Wilhelmina Nollkaemper, who settled in the Cedar section upon their arrival in Fayette county, from Prussia.  She was born August 28, 1876, and five years later, June 19, 1881 she received the rites of baptism as administered by Rev. Fried. Ernst, pastor of the Philadelphia Lutheran church at Swiss Alp.

She became the wife of Paul Sladczyk, also of the Cedar section, November 9, 1889, the young couple taking up their home on a farm where they continued to reside until 1902 when they removed to La Grange, and the husband engaged in the livery and sale business, later into the feed business.  One child, a daughter, married to C. V. Batot, is the result of their union.  Mr. Sladczyk died November 16, 1928.

Beside her daughter, Mrs. C. V. Batot, and husband and grandchild, Paul Joe Batot, there are five brothers and two sisters, these are:  Rudolph Nollkaemper at Shiner; Otto and Julius Nollkaemper of La Grange; Louis of Schulenburg and Will of Flatonia; Mrs. Mary Koether of Poth, Wilson county and Mrs. Robert (Emma) Frank of San Antonio.  There are many nephews and nieces.

Sunday afternoon at 4:00 o’clock, funeral services were held at the family home on Colorado street, and the body taken to the new cemetery for burial.  Rev. R. Heise officiated at the home and the grave.  Extensive family connections, many sympathetic friends over the county and at La Grange, the attendance upon the last rites was very large.

Contributed by Rob Brown

EMILIE EHLERS SLADCZYK

Mrs. Emilie Sladczyk

Although ill for the past four weeks, the sudden end of her earthly pilgrimage came as a severe shock to the friends of Mrs. Emilie Sladczyk, wife of Hy. Sladczyk of La Grange, who died at the family home Saturday night.  Coming so soon after her husband’s brother, V. C. Sladczyk who died three weeks ago, relatives feel the loss the more, of a loving friend and aunt, as well as do the husband and children of a loving wife and mother.

Peaceful was her end, seated in a chair, a slight gasp and the soul winged its flight to yonder shore; in shocked silence her children gazed at the stilled form, and sought to recall her last words, and her usual greetings of welcome.  Grandmother Sladczyk had ended her life’s journey with a resigned willingness that is admired by all who witness the calm manner in which the patient accepted the inevitable.

The body was viewed by friends of many years, by friends of the family both here and from other points, all Sunday, Sunday evening and Monday.  Monday afternoon funeral services were held at the family home, Rev. Chas. Nash officiating.  Immediately after the ceremony, in accordance with the expressed wish of the deceased, the body was taken to San Antonio, and cremated.

Mrs. Sladczyk, whose maiden name was Ehlers, brother to Hugo Ehlers of La Grange who died last year, and Wm. Ehlers now living in San Antonio, was born in Schleswig, Holstein, Germany, and came with her mother and two brothers, to America, at the age of 13 years.  The family resided in this county and in the year 1878, she was united in marriage with Henry Sladczyk of near Ammansville.  The Sladczyk family continued to reside on the farm until about fifteen years ago, when they removed to La Grange, and after improving the old home, located in the large residence formerly owned by John T. Harwell.  Beside her husband she is survived by her three daughters: Mesdames John Berry, Max Melcher and Lee Koenig of La Grange, and one son, V. H. Sladczyk; there are five grandsons, these are: Chris. and John Berry – sons of  Mr. and Mrs. John Berry – Robt. Lee and Max Allen Melcher, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Max Melcher and Victor Lee Koenig, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lee L. Koenig, of La Grange.

For more than fifty-five years a happy wife and mother, witnessing the rearing of her children to maturity and her grandsons coming to visit with her and enjoying her blessings and kind consideration; for more than fifty years a companion to her faithful husband, now past three score years and ten.  The first break in the immediate family; parting is inevitable, one likes to postpone the dissolution as long as possible, yet it comes; a vacant chair is tilted to remind those left behind, that mother has gone to her eternal rest.

The Journal offers its sincere sympathy to all.

Contributed by Rob Brown

FRITZ SLADCZYK

Fritz Sladczyk

Funeral services for Fritz Sladczyk, 70, were held Sunday, January 14, at 3:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in La Grange with officiating.  Burial was in the La Grange City Cemetery under direction of Koenig Funeral Home.

Mr. Sladczyk passed away in St. Mary’s Hospital in Port Arthur on Saturday.

Born in Bluff, Texas, on January 12, 1898, the son of V. C. and Margaret Willrich Sladczyk, he was a member of the American Legion and a World War 2 veteran.  He was employed with the Farmers Lumber Co. here for many years and was a life- - -

Survivors include one sister, Mrs. W. B. (Viola) Loessin of La Grange; and two brothers, Arthur Sladczyk of ---- Sladczyk of Port Arthur.

One sister, Mrs. Sam Sengelman, and a brother, Otto, preceded him in death.

Contributed by Rob Brown

HENRY SLADCZYK

H. J. Sladczyk - 88

Another of the old landmarks of La Grange, H. J. Sladczyk, aged 88 years, 7 months, and 11 days, died Wednesday, November 22d.  Funeral services were held in the chapel of the Koenig Funeral Home, Friday, at 3:00 p.m., by Rev. Guy B. Duff, after which the body was taken to San Antonio and cremated.

Uncle Henry Sladczyk was one of the pioneer German settlers of Fayette county; though born at Shelby, in Austin county, the son of Capt. and Mrs. V. C. Sladczyk, with only a brief time spent there, the family came to Fayette county where the deceased spent his entire remaining years.  Sturdy, a farmer by choice, he prospered and until his death, lived among his friends and reared an interesting family.  Mrs. Sladczyk died in August 1933.

Surviving are the following sons and daughters: V. H. Sladczyk of La Grange; Mrs. John F. Berry, Mrs. Lee L. Koenig and Mrs. Max Melcher of La Grange.  Sisters surviving him are Mrs. Hugo Ehlers, Mrs. Arthur Koehler of La Grange; Mrs. Adolph Kehrer of Schulenburg and Mrs. Wm. Ehlers of San Antonio; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild also survive.   

Contributed by Rob Brown

MARGARETHA WILLRICH SLADCZYK

The Fayette County Record, January 3, 1956

Mrs. Sladczyk Dies; Funeral Wednesday

Mrs. V. C. Sladczyk, 83, a pioneer resident of La Grange and area, passed away at Fayette Memorial hospital Monday.

Mrs. Sladczyk, who was before her marriage Miss Margaretha Willrich, was born on the Bluff on Nov. 29, 1872.  She was the daughter of the late Otto Willrich and Miss Anna Kloss.

They were married in the Bluff community on Oct. 22, 1890.  Mrs. Sladczyk was bereft of her husband on July 31, 1933.  The deceased was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p. m. at the Koenig Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Martin officiating, and internment will be made in La Grange city cemetery.

She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. W. B. Loessin of La Grange and Mrs. S. S.  Senglemann of Houston; four sons, Otto of Yoakum, Fritz of La Grange, Arthur of Houston and Dr. George Sladczyk of Port Arthur; one. sister, Miss Rita Willrich of La Grange; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Contributed by Rob Brown

OTTO SLADCZYK

The Fayette County Record, December 22, 1967

Otto Sladczyk Rites On Friday

Otto Sladczyk, retired Texas Highway department employee, passed away Wednesday at Fayette Memorial Hospital at the age of 76.

Funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Frank McElroy Jr. of here and Rev. Max Ecke of Yoakum officiating.  Burial will be in the La Grange City Cemetery under direction of Koenig Funeral Home.

A son of V. C. and Margarey Willrich Sladczyk, he was born the Bluff on August 4, 1891, and married Miss Tillie Struve here on April 17, 1917.  They lived in Yoakum for 38 years.  Mr. Sladczyk having been a 40 year machinist with the Highway Department until he retired.  Mrs. Sladczyk preceded her husband in death on March 9 of this year.

The deceased, who lived here the past nine months, leaves one sister, Mrs. W. B. (Viola) Loessin of La Grange; and three brothers, Fritz of La Grange, Arthur of Galveston and Dr. George Sladczyk of Port Arthur.  A sister, Mrs. Sam Sengelmann preceded Mr. Sladczyk in death.

He will remain at the Koenig Funeral Home until noon Friday.

Contributed by Rob Brown

OTTO SLADCZYK

Died At His Home Last Friday Afternoon

Otto Sladczyk, Sr., aged 69 years, 3 months and 5 days, dropped dead at his home several miles out from La Grange last Friday afternoon at about 5:30 o’clock.  Deceased had been in failing health for several years, but was of that grim determination to ever make a fight against the grim reaper, and try to get well.  The body was brought to the city by the undertaker and taken to the home of his brother-in-law, Arthur Koehler, and there the funeral was held Sunday morning, 9:30 o’clock, and interment occurred at the Williams creek cemetery.

Otto Sladczyk was of a very quiet and unassuming nature, the son of the late Capt. Sladczyk, early settler of the county.  He never married but lived out at his farm home and followed the life of an easy-going farmer.  He is survived by four sisters: Mrs. Wm. Ehlers of San Antonio, Mrs. Adolph Kehrer, Schulenburg; Mrs. Hugo Ehlers and Mrs. Arthur Koehler of La Grange, and two brothers, Hy. and V. C. Sladczyk of La Grange.

Industrious in his earlier days, he managed to accumulate enough of the world’s offering to keep him comfortable.

Contributed by Rob Brown

PAUL SLADCZYK

La Grange Journal, Thursday, November 22, 1928

Death Followed Quickly

Paul Sladczyk, aged fifty-four years, four months and two days, died early Friday morning at the family home on Colorado street.  Truly, a shock to his family and to his many relatives and friends.  We stated, on information given us, in our last issue that he was improving rapidly, recovering from the slight stroke of apoplexy, and that he would be with his friends again.  It was not to be, he was again stricken on Thursday afternoon, late, and lingered until the early morning of Friday.

Paul Sladczyk was a man we ever felt was a good citizen to have among us; he had the happy faculty, ever so pleasing; of meeting old and young, boy and girl, with a smile and had won the friendship of all who knew him.  Of that disposition that never failed even in the most trying period, he lived among his neighbors and friends, with his interesting family of wife and daughter, a welcome citizen.  It is superfluous to state, that he wil be sadly missed.  Rather young to have fallen so quickly; his place of business on Colorado street, next to the City Garage, was a mecca for those who, of an evening late always congregated and chatted, and it was also the place of business where service was prompt.

Never forward in his manner or habit, but willing to assist whenever called upon, his services were frequently demanded.  He was, in the correct sense of the word, a good pal to lean to, and one we could depend upon, when needed.  He leaves, as his chief mourners, his widow and an only child, a daughter, Miss Lillian.  There are three brothers, Otto of Bluff and Hy. and V. C. of La Grange; and four sisters, Mrs. Wm. Ehlers of San Antonio, Mrs. Hugo Ehlers and Mrs. Arthur Koehler of La Grange, Mrs. Adolf Kehrer of Schulenburg, who are mourning over his early going.  In addition to these, there are a large number of other relatives.

Saturday afternoon the body was taken to the new cemetery for interment, Rev. R. Heise, who adminitered the rites of confirmation seven years ago, officiating, and paying a worthy tribute to the departed.  The attendance of relatives and friends was very large, from over the county, from out of the county and from city.

Contributed by Rob Brown

ROSALIE NAVRATH SLADCZYK

Another Goes To Sleep

Tuesday night, as though drifting into peaceful slumber, Mrs. Rosalie Sladczyk, widow of the late Capt. Victor Sladczyk of the Williams Creek section, stretched her weary limbs and passed to her reward.  She died at the home of her son-in-law, Arthur Koehler, from whence the funeral will be held this, Thursday morning at ten o’clock.  Friends, relatives and acquaintances of the survivors are respectfully requested to attend the funeral.

Mrs. Sladczyk was born in Gleivitz, Oberschliesen, Germany, in 1835 and became the wife of Capt. Sladczyk in the year 1855, later in the same year they, in company with Mrs. Sladczyk’s parents emigrated to America and landed at Galveston, from where they continued the journey to Fayette county, locating near Round Top.  Here Mrs. Sladczyk’s parents died.  After two years of residence at Round Top, Mr. and Mrs. Sladczyk removed to Bluff settlement and resided near that point in the county until the year 1905, when Captain Sladczyk died.

There are eight living children, three preceded her in death.  These living children are H. J. Sladczyk, La Grange; Mrs. Wm. Ehlers, San Antonio; Otto Sladczyk, Bluff; Mrs. Hugo Ehlers, V. C. Sladczyk, Mrs. Arthur Koehler, Paul Sladczyk, La Grange and Mrs. Ad. Kehrer of Schulenburg.  In addition to these she leaves thirty-one grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

The Sladczyk family is one of the oldest in the Bluff section of the county.  The late Captain Sladczyk was a Confederate war veteran and one of the highly respected citizens of the county.  One of the three dead children died very early in life, the other two were Mrs. Fritz Vogt of La Grange and Mrs. Nollkaemper of near La Grange.  Mrs. Sladczyk was 87 years, 6 months and 7 days old at the time of her death.  The interment will take place at Williams Creek cemetery.

Contributed by Rob Brown

TILLIE STRUVE SLADCZYK

The Fayette County Record, March 14, 1976

Mrs. Sladczyk 71, Interred Saturday

Funeral services for Mrs. Otto Sladczyk 71, of Yoakum were held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at The First Presbyterian Church here and burial followed in the La Grange City Cemetery.

Prior services were held at the Buffington Funeral Home in Yoakum at 10 a. m. Saturday.

Mrs. Sladczyk, a native of La Grange, passed away Thursday at Yoakum. The deceased, nee Tillie Struve was born Dec. 21, 1895, as the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Leo Struve.  She had resided at Yoakum with her husband for a number of years.

Survivors include her husband and two brothers, Louis and Frank Struve both of La Grange.

Koenig Funeral Home assisted with local funeral arrangements.

Contributed by Rob Brown

VICTOR C. SLADCZYK

La Grange Journal, August 3, 1933

News came to the relatives and was quickly conveyed to his friends, that V. C. Sladczyk, one of our good citizens, and constable of this precinct at the time, had died at Port Arthur, Monday afternoon.  Superfluous to say that the news was received with expressions of genuine regret.  Mr. Sladczyk was 68 years, 3 months and 7 days old.

V. C. Sladczyk was born and reared on a farm not many miles from La Grange, and was a son of the late Capt. And Mrs. V. J. Sladczyk, pioneer settlers of the Ammannsville community.  He grew to manhood on the farm, and later engaged in the mercantile business, first here at La Grange and later at Kirtley, eventually returning to La Grange.

Plain, honest, and fair in his decision on all matters, he held the good will and esteem of all who knew him.  To him the friendship of a fellow being was a good asset and in his general conduct and demeanor he sought to maintain that friendship.  Prevailed upon, some years ago to enter politics, he made the race for constable, and in that capacity served this precinct for several years.

His health began to decline within the past three years, and that once active and vigorous body was compelled to slacken the usual pace.  Adhering strictly to the medico’s advice, and maintaining a determination to be of service, he traveled on.  His friends well knew of his delicate health but, as it ever is, all hoped that he would be spared to family for many years.

In the company of Mrs. Sladczyk, he left for Port Arthur where a son, Dr. George Sladczyk resides.  It was while in that city that death relieved his lease on life.  The body was brought to La Grange, Tuesday, and from his late home on Jefferson street the funeral was held, with interment at the new cemetery.

Victor Sladczyk was united in marriage with Miss Margrethe Willrich, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Willrich of the Bluff section; he is survived by his widow and the following children:  Otto Sladczyk of Yoakum; Arthur Sladczyk of Houston; Fritz Sladczyk of La Grange and Dr. George Sladczyk of Port Arthur; Mrs. S. S. (Hilda) Senglemann of Houston and Mrs. W. B. (Viola) Loessin of La Grange.  One brother, Hy. J. Sladczyk of La Grange, two sisters, Mrs. Hugo Ehlers and Mrs. Arthur Koehler of La Grange; and two sisters, Mrs. Wm. Ehlers of San Antonio, and Mrs. Ad. Kehrer of Schulenburg, survive.  There are also five grandchildren.

Contributed by Rob Brown

VICTOR H. SLADCZYK

La Grange Journal, Thursday, November 17, 1955

Monument Hill Caretaker Expires

Last rites were held for Victor H. “Monte” Sladczyk, caretaker of Monument Hill State Park for the past eight years, Wednesday, November 16 at 2 PM from the Koenig Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial was in the City Cemetery and the Rev. H. T. Flachmeier officiated.

Mr. Sladczyk, 63, died at the Fayette Memorial Hospital Monday.

Born on September 16, 1886, in Smithville, he was the son of the late Henry J. and Emilie Ehlers Sladczyk.  Mr. Sladczyk resided in La Grange for 44 years and was a life long resident of the county.

Contributed by Rob Brown

VICTOR J. SLADCZYK

Death of an Old Citizen

Capt. Victor Sladczyk, residing about seven miles south of town, died at the family home Friday afternoon.  The deceased had been in bad health for the past two years.

Mr. Sladczyk was born in Germany, January 7, 1827; came to America in 1855, locating at La Bahia prairie, near Round Top.  Two years later he moved to near this place, where he has resided since.

A wife and nine children – one having preceded him in death survive him.  During the war between the states, the deceased was a captain in the Southern army.

Mr. Sladczyk was one of the founders of the Teutonia hall; also one of the organizers of the Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance society, and since its organization has held the office of secretary.

“Captain,” as he was familiarly called, was a man of many friends – admirer of a noble character; a man of sterling worth, and who by thrift and enterprise, had built up a neat competency.  The funeral occurred Saturday afternoon, and was very large; the remains were laid to rest in the Williams Creek cemetery.  Peace to his ashes.

Contributed by Rob Brown

ADALIA SLADEK

The La Grange Journal, February 27, 1936, pg. 6

Died in Taylor

Relatives here received a message Monday, telling of the death of Mrs. Henry Sladek, who died in Taylor. Mr. and Mrs. Sladek formerly lived in Fayetteville, on the Gresser farm. Friends of Mrs. Sladek and friends of the family were sorry tohear of her death and deeply sympathize with the husband and children. Burial was in Taylor.

Transcribed by Stacy N. Sneed

ERWIN A. SLADEK, Jr.

Seguin Gazette Enterprise, June 29, 1993

E. A. Sladek Sr. of La Grange died Sunday, June 27, at his residence at the age of 68.

A rosary was recited Monday, June 28, at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services were scheduled for Tuesday, June 29, at 2 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Grange with Msgr. Harry Mazurkiewicz officiating. Interment was to follow in the Fayetteville Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements by the Koenig-Peel Funeral Home of La Grange.

Survivors include his wife, Frances Sladek of La Grange; two daughters and sons-in-law, Shirley and Marty Norsworthy of La Grange and Patricia and Keith Korenek of Austin; two sons and daughter-in-law, Dr. James Sladek and Erwin Jr. and Bonnie Sladek, all of La Grange; a twin sister, Isabell Cranek and husband Lester of Garwood; two aunts, Anita Zapalac of La Grange and Bessie; and an uncle, John Sladek of Houston; five grandsons; and two step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Joe, and a nephew, Mark.

Memorial contributions may be made lo the Sacred Heart Memorial Fund.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

JOHN SLADEK

Schulenburg Sticker, 13 Aug 1908

DEATHS REPORTED.

Died at Fayetteville, Aug. 4, John Sladek, age 72 years consumpson [sic]and old age.

Contributed by Matt Cross

CHARLES E. SLANINA

Fayette County Record October 23, 1979

Last rites for Charles E. Slanina, 81, of Columbus were held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ellinger, Sunday at 12 noon with the Rev. Arnold Anders of Columbus officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Mr. Slanina, a retired farmer, died Friday in Columbus Community Hospital

Born in Ellinger Dec. 6, 1897, he was the son of the late John and Anna (Pavel) Slanina. He was united in marriage with Mary Novosad on Nov. 16, 1926.  He resided in Columbus for the past 20 years.

Survivors are his wife of Columbus; one daughter, Mrs. Milton (Charlene) Wavra of Columbus; one sister, Mrs. Annie Walla of Ellinger; two brothers, Frank Slanina and John Slanina, both of Houston; and one grandson, Roy Wavra of Columbus.

Henneke Funeral Home of Columbus was in charge of the arrangement.

Transcribed by Gayle Clemons Newkirk

MARY NOVOSAD SLANINA

Fayette County Record (unable to read date)

Last rites for Mrs. Mary Slanina, 62 of Columbus were held Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus with Bishop Hugo Gerberman of Nada officiating.  Burial was in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Ellinger.

Mrs. Slanina died Thursday in the Columbus Community Hospital.

Born at Park on August 26, 1902, Mrs. Slanina was the daughter of the late Joe and Mary (Sury) Novosad. She was united in marriage on November 16, 1926 with Charles Slanina who preceded her in death in 1979.  She had resided in Columbus for 23 years.

Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Milton (Charlene) Wavra of Columbus; one sister, Mrs. Angeline Wilde of San Angelo; one brother, Victor Novosad of Universal City and one grandchild, Roy Wavra of Houston.

Henneke Funeral Home of Columbus was in charge of arrangements.

Transcribed by Gayle Clemons Newkirk

VLASTA ZASKODA SLANINA

Colorado County Citizen, April 11, 1974

Vlasta Slanina

Last rites for Mrs. John (Vlasta) Slanina of Houston were held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellinger April 4 at 2 p.m., with The Rev. Francis Kolar officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Parish Rosary was recited at 7:30 p.m. and K.J.Z.T. Rosary at 7:45 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home April 3.

Mrs. Slanina, born in Ellinger Nov. 22, 1895, was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Bartle Zaskoda. Before moving to Houston 14 years ago, she and her husband resided in Columbus 16 years.

She is survived by her husband, John Slanina of Houston; 2 daughters, Mrs. Clarence Hubenak of Houston and Mrs. R. B. Davis of Houston and Mrs. R. B. Davis of Houston; 2 sisters, Mrs. Henry Willmann of Columbus and Mrs. Stazie Koehl of Alleyton; one brother, Ignatz Zaskoda of Ellinger, and 5 grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Leslie Koehl, Leon Willmann, Gene Slanina, Henry Slanina, James Peters and Milton Wavra.

Henneke Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

ADOLPH & JOSEPH SLANSKY

Galveston Daily News, April 14, 1922

La Grange, Tex., April 13.– Two sons of Joe Slansky, a farmer of this neighborhood, were drowned in Buckners Creek near here. The 7-year-old lad left for school early in the morning, but instead went to the creek. His 11-year-old brother was sent to look for him. Later when the elder boy failed to return the father went in search and found them drowned.

First names from T.J. Slansky’s research. The boys are buried at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery at Plum. Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Schulenburg Sticker, 21 April 1922

Death By Drowning

Tuesday morning, Joe Slansky, a farmer and tenant upon the farm of L. D. Brown, was notified by a neighbor’s boy of tender years, that his two sons, one aged about seven years and the other eleven years, “were in the creek and could not get out.”

Our informant say the father responded at once, and rushed to the creek, and with the aid of others, finally succeeded in recovering the bodies from the bed of the creek. A sorrowful ending, truly, to what the lads had thought would be a little pleasure.

The accident – and such it must have been – occurred with only the neighbor’s small boy as witness, and it is not known to us whether it was the result of getting too close to the water’s edge and sliding on the slippery bank into the water, or whether one of the boys fell in and his brother, going to his rescure [sic], met the same fate. The sequel to the visit to the creek is there, nevertheless, and the silent forms of two young lads tell it mutely, yet with truth.

The boys were at the creek without consent of the parents and without their knowledge, so we learn. The warning herein contained is sufficient, keep your little boys at home unless accompanied by some elder person. The little bodies were placed to rest at Plum Wednesday afternoon. – LaGrange Journal.

Contributed by Matt Cross

LOUIS SLANSKY

Weimar Mercury, Friday, August 11, 1933

BOY KILLED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT

Louis Slansky, 10-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Slansky of Rabb’s Prairie, died in the local hospital Sunday at 4 p.m. following injuries received that morning when he leaped from a milk truck on the highway about a mile north of Schulenburg.

The boy was riding on the milk cans with a Mexican man from Winchester. His sister, Mathilda, 15, was in the cab with the driver, Leonard Goebel.

He was taken to Schulenburg for treatment and was then brought to the hospital here. No one but the Mexican saw the accident and his story was not obtainable. Parents could give little information – LaGrange Record

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JOHN SLOMA

Schulenburg Sticker, 19 May 1911

ADDITIONAL PERSONALS.

John Sloma of Flatonia who attempted suicide Sunday the 6th, is doing nicely now and has every chance to get well, although he will be totally blind, which is a deplorable state of affairs.

LATER – Mr. Sloma died Wednesday about 4 o’clock. Interment took place Thursday afternoon under the auspices of the Herman Sons.

Contributed by Matt Cross

Mrs. JOHN H. SLOMA

Shiner Gazette, 11 Jun 1902

Mrs. John H. Sloma.

DIED – Tuesday morning, June 3rd 1902, Mrs. John H. Sloma. Though not unexpected, the sad news of her death cast a gloom over the city. Mrs. Sloma was closely related to many prominent families here, in Shiner, San Antonio and elsewhere and the funeral, which occurred from the family residence Wednesday, was one of the largest in the history of the town. Mrs. Sloma leaves a large family of children, some being of tender years. To the motherless children, the husband and relatives, the Record extends sympathy. An appropriate obituary will appear later.—Flatonia Record.

Contributed by Matt Cross

EDWARD J. SLOVACEK

Colorado County Citizen, February 2, 1994

Slovacek, Edward J.

Born Aug. 27, 1897 in Halsted, Texas, he was the son of Paul F. and Frances (Macuda) Slovacek. On Nov. 6, 1960, he married Augusta Moeckel. Mr. Slovacek was a farmer and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Frelsburg.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 26, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Mike Burnes officiating. Interment followed in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Henneke Funeral Home, Columbus.

Pallbearers were Charles Slovacek, Eric J. Singer, James Slovacek, Leslie J. Singer and Frank Singer.

Mr. Slovacek is survived by a brother, Jerome H. Singer of Columbus and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife on Feb. 23, 1977.

Contributed by Brenda Simek

FRANCES MACUDA SLOVACEK

La Grange Journal, February 5, 1959

Slovacek Rites Held in Ellinger

The deceased was born on December 7, 1872, near Frelsburg, the former Frances Macuda. She married Paul F. Slovacek who preceded her in death on October 24, 1952.

Surviving are three sons, Edward of near Fayetteville; Charlie of Houston and Jerome of Boling; six grandchildren and one great-grand child.

Contributed by Brenda Simek

PAUL C. SLOVACEK

Schulenburg Sticker, 31 May 1912

DEATH REPORTS

Paul C. Slovacek, age 77 yrs. old age Ellinger.

Contributed by Matt Cross

PAUL F. SLOVACEK

Slovacek Rites Held Here Sunday

Funeral services for Paul F. Slovacek, 82, were held at the Jecmenek funeral Home in Ellinger on Sunday October 26, with continued services at the C.M.B. Church. Interment was made in the C.M.B. [Fayetteville Brethren] Cemetery.

Reverend Frank Svoboda of Taylor officiated and Jecmenek funeral Home directed.

The deceased, a retired farmer, was born in Europe on February 18, 1870, and came to this country at the age of six years. He had been a resident of the Ellinger community since that time.

He passed away at his home on Friday, October 24, after an illness of one month.

Survivors are his widow, Mrs. Francis Slovacek; three sons, Jerome of Boling, Charles of Houston and Ed of Ellinger and six grandchildren.

Attending the funeral were Jerry Petrusek and Mr. and Mrs. Kasparek of Needville; Miss Augusta Moeckel and Mrs. Emil Moeckel Frelsburg; Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Jecmenek of Bay City; Leon Jecmenek of Rock Island; Miss Julia Jecmenek , Frank Jecmenek, Mr. and Mrs. John Dedek of Houston and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Gates of Houston; Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Strobel and family of Schulenburg; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Jecmenek and family of East Bernard; Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Guthmann and Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Supak and children of Columbus; Mrs. Louis Svoboda of Round Top; Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson and Mr. and Mrs. Biggs of Boling; and Mrs. J. Spacek, Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Spacek and family, Willie Hruska, Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Hruska and Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Sommers.

Contributed by Brenda Simek

WILLIAM SLOVACEK

Schulenburg Sticker, 12 Nov 1903

Death Record.

Slovacek: Died near Ellinger, October 6th, 1903, cause unknown William Slovacek, aged twenty-eight days.

Contributed by Matt Cross

WILLIAM FRED SLOVACEK

Fayette County Record, Tuesday, April 3, 1984

Slovacek

Funeral services for William “Bill” Fred Slovacek, 74, of Columbus were held March 21 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus with the Rev. Robert Schlortt officiating.  Burial was in Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery.

Mr. Slovacek, who passed away at his residence on March 19, was born at Ellinger on Sept. 19, 1909, the son of the late John and Frances (Bubela) Slovacek.  He married Annie Hayek on Nov. 12, 1935.  He worked as a gravel pit supervisor for Lone Star Industries for 31 years.

Survivors include his wife, Annie Slovacek of Columbus; one daughter, Barbara Brisco of Sheridan; two sisters, Vlasta Findisen of New Bielau and Bessie Kobersky of Weimar; one brother, Albert Slovacek of New Bielau; and two grandchildren, Leah and Dustin Brisco of Sheridan.

Henneke Funeral Home of Columbus was in charge of arrangements.

Contributed by Rob Brown

GEORGE JNO. SLOVAK

Schulenburg Sticker, 18 Aug 1916

DEATH REPORTS

George Jno Slovak, died July 17, age 6 days, Schulenburg.

Contributed by Matt Cross

SOPHIA SLOVAK

Schulenburg Sticker, 12 April 1912, page 1

DEATH REPORTS

Sophia Slovak, age 26 years, perilonitis [sic], Holman.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ANNIE SLUBAR

Weimar Mercury, 23 Aug 1912, page 7

News Around Sedan

Mrs. Annie Slubar died last Friday, the funeral services taking place at Dubina Saturday. This old lady was sick for over 4 months. She leaves 2 sons and 4 daughters to mourn her death: Mrs. Parma, Ammannsville; Mrs. Vacek, Dubina; Mrs. Kristek, Flatonia; Mrs. Kukash and Frank Slubar, Houston; John Slubar, Sedan. May she rest in peace.

AGNES SMAJSTRLA

Schulenburg Sticker, 24 Feb 1911

A MYSTERIOUS MURDER.

Upon returning home near Rocky on the Lenert Schaefer place Tuesday at 12 o’clock from the woods where he had been cutting wood, Henry Smajstsla [Smajstrla] was met by his little 4 1/2 year old daughter, who told him that a “black man had been at the house and shot mother with a gun.” When he reached home he found his wife on the ground in front of the kitchen steps, dead, and a shot gun near by. Her clothes were almost completely burnt off of her. The little girl says a negro man was there and the horses had been turned out of the lot, an evident proof that some one had been on the place.

Just how the murder was committed will never be known unless the guilty one is apprehended and confesses.

Her remains were laid to rest Wednesday afternoon in the Catholic cemetery, Rev. Mathis, officiating.

She was only 23 years and leaves a husband, and three little children; a baby about 3 months old, one about 1 1/2 years old and the little daughter mentioned above.

We sincerely hope the guilty one will be quickly brought to justice.

Schulenburg Sticker, 10 March 1911

IT WAS A SUICIDE.

Sheriff Houchins and County Attorney Stavinoha who returned Friday evening from the scene of the alleged murder of Mrs. Hy. Smajstrla north-east of Moravia, say that the statements of Justice Gallia and Dr. Shiller, who held the inquest and of others, as well as the physical facts, all go to show that she had committed suicide.

The main witness at the inquest was a German neighbor of the family. He states that on the day of the killing he and Mr. Smajstrla were chopping wood in adjoining pastures in sight of each other all morning. He further stated that he went home first; but that he had been home only a few short time when Smajstrla came, much excited, and told him that his wife had been killed. He went with him to the house and found her body in the yard, with a single barrel shotgun nearby, and says she appeared to have been dead for several hours. The four year old child of the couple was asked if she had seen a man in the yard to which she answered yes. To the question to whether the man was white or black, she answered “black.” However, upon being asked who had taken the gun out of the house, she answered, “mamma.”

Smajstrla states that he had discharged the gun early that morning at a hawk and that there was no load in it when he left. However, he had three loaded shells in his trunk one of which was missing. The only reason he could assign for the suicide was that his wife had a severe attack of headache and was subject to such attacks.

Dr. Shiller states that Mrs. Smajstrla was shot in the lower abdomen; the shot ranging upwards. From various clues it was apparent that she had pulled the trigger of the gun by means of a projection on the doorstep while she learned over the muzzle.

There were no signs of a struggle the shot was evidently at very close range as her clothing was burned partly off and there were several powder burns. These and other facts go to prove that she did the deed herself. – Hallettsville New Era.

Contributed by Matt Cross

CILIE SMIDERSKI

La Grange Journal, 18 August 1880

Died—At her residence in this town, on the 15^th day of  August, Cilie Smiderski, wife of S. Smiderski, after a long and painful illness.

Contributed by Kathy Carter

FRANK SMIDOVEC

Weimar Mercury, 8 Jun 1907, page 2

Ellinger, May 28.—The officers, Hon. C. J. H. Meyer in the lead, of this place captured four negroes and one negro woman yesterday who are supposed to be connected with the murdering of Frank Smidovec and wife [sic.] Tuesday night. Two of the negroes wer bought to town yesterday evening and taken to jail, and also the woman. After an all night search the officers were fortunate in bringin two more, John Sanders, John Calhoun and Monk (Robt.) Nelson are supposed to be the main ones. Jack Alexander and Charlotte Hill will probably be used as witnesses in the case.

A bloody undershirt was found at a railroad crossing four miles west of here and about a half mile from John Calhoun's house. The man is supposed to know all about the crime.

Mrs. F. Smidovec, who was so badly beaten up that night, is getting along better, but not clear in her mind yet. Physicians claim she will recover. So far she does not recollect anything of the crime.

Mrs. Henry SMISTERLA

Victoria Daily Advocate, Friday, February 24, 1911

FARMER FINDS WIFE DEAD

No One Knows How Mrs. Smisterla Met Death.

Schulenburg, Tex., Feb. 22. – When Henry Smisterla, a young farmer living in Lavaca County, about eight miles south of here, returned home from his work at noon yesterday, he found his wife lying dead in the yard with a bullet wound in the breast.

Mrs. Smisterla had been alone with her small children, too young to tell how the tragedy occurred, the oldest being but 4 years old.

The body was buried here today in the Catholic Cemetery.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

SMITH Child

Schulenburg Sticker, 17 Feb 1910

The little two and a half year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Smith living in the middle [sic] Creek community died Sunday and his little remains were tenderly consigned to the last resting place in High Hill Catholic Cemetary [sic], Father Gerlach officiating. Our sincerest sympathy is extended the bereaved parents.

Contributed by Matt Cross

CARRIE S. SMITH

Schulenburg Sticker, 25 Jan 1906

Deaths Recorded Since Last Report.

Carrie S. Smith, age 18 years, died Dec 17, 1905.

Contributed by Matt Cross

CHARLES S. SMITH

Colorado Citizen, 6 Jul 1882, page 2

The remains of Mr. Charles S. Smith, who wounded and captured California Jim, the murderer of City Marshal Johnston, of Laredo, arrived at this place last Sunday night, and were taken to his father's residence near Blackjack Springs, in this county, and buried. Mr. S. came to his death in the following manner. He and another man came upon California Jim, rather unexpectedly and in attempting his arrest was compelled to shoot him. Believing Jim to be dead, he started toward him, when his friend remonstrated with him, telling him he had better shoot Jim again, as he might be only wounded and would kill him if he went near him. Smith remarked that he would not shoot a dead man, and went toward the spot when the latter fired upon him, mortally wounding him. He lingered about two [days] and died. Mr. Smith was formerly a member of Captain Oglesby's company of State troops. His family are entitled to the $500 reward offered by the citizen of Laredo, and we presume it will be paid to them on application made to the proper parties.—Flatonia Argus.

DAINTY DELL WITT SMITH

October 1997

Smith

Funeral services for Dainty Smith, 72, a retired registered nurse of La Grange, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 in the Koenig-Peel & Strickland Chapel with the Rev. Clarence Oestreich officiating.  Graveside services were held at 6 p.m. in the Oatmeal Cemetery in Oatmeal.

Mrs. Smith died Oct. 10 in an Austin hospital.

She was born July 7, 1925 in Rabb’s Prairie near La Grange, the daughter of the late Adolph and Martha (Harbers) Witt.  She was united in marriage with Leslie Smith in San Antonio in 1949.  She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and was a registered nurse for 53 years, having nursed in Hermann Hospital, Houston, and Fayette Memorial Hospital, La Grange.  She was the school nurse at La Grange ISD for 22 years until she retired.

Surviving are one daughter, Catherine and her husband Don Johnson of Austin; two sons, Lyman and his wife Marsha Smith of Cedar Creek and Martin and his wife Linda Smith of La Grange; and nine grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband and two brothers.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or the La Grange Little League Association.

Funeral services were under the direction of the Koenig-Peel & Strickland Funeral Home.

Obituary contributed by Diane Schulte
Photograph contributed by Paul D. Witt

ED. SMITH

Schulenburg Sticker, 27 Aug 1903

Death Record.

Smith: Died at LaGrange, July 23rd, of acute insanity, Ed. Smith, aged 40 years.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JIMMIE SMITH

Weimar Mercury, 16 May 1896, page 3

LaGrange, Texas, May 10.—George Williams, a colored boy, was handling an unloaded pistol this afternoon when it exploded and killed a small boy named Jimmie Smith. Both parties were small and both were negroes. Williams was placed in jail to await an investigation. The ball passed through the head of the deceased and he died instantly. The accident occurred in the kitchen of the Sloan hotel. It is considered that the killing was a pure accident.

JOHN SMITH

From Funeral Program

Mr. John Smith was born to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Smith on November 5, 1897 in Muldoon, Texas.

He was united in Holy Mtrimony to Miss Edna McCook December 1923, and to this union five children were born.

He was employed by th Southern Pacific Railroad until he retired.

He departed this life September 21, 1985 in Flatonia, Texas.

He leaves to mourn his passing a wife, Mrs. Edna Smith; two daughters, Ann Smith and Gladene Smith of Ingleside, Texas; two sons, John Lee Smith,Flatonia, Texas and J. C. Smith of Abilene, Texas and one daughter, Earnestine, who preceded him in death; also surviving are 24 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and a large number of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

John Smith was interred in the Henson Cemetery. Contributed by Yvonne Chambers

JOHN L. SMITH

Weimar Mercury, January 4, 1896, page 2

Capt. John L. Smith, an old settler of this section, died last Monday night near Holman, in Fayette county.

KATIE ANDREWS SMITH

The La Grange Journal, May 30, 1946

Mrs. T. Lee Smith, 74, Is Claimed By Death

Mrs. T. Lee Smith 74, affectionately know as Aunt Katie to her many friends, passed away early Sunday morning at the La Grange Hospital after a prolonged illness. She was a native of Fayetteville, Tenn. where she was born March 29, 1872.

She had been a La Grange resident 65 years, coming here on Jan. 8, 1881 on the first passenger train (Southern Pacific) ever to come into La Grange, along with her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Andrews and other Tennessee settlers.

She was the widow of the late T. Lee Smith, who was actively identified with Fayette county public affairs for half a century and who was elected to the commissioner’s office here for 20 years. She was united in marriage with Mr. Smith Nov. 1, 1898 and had since made La Grange her home. Mr. Smith passed away May 11, 1941.

Mrs. Smith was prominently identified with church activities here many years and was a charter member of the First Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star.

Funeral was held Tuesday at 3 p. m. at the Koenig Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. J. M. Parker, pastor of the First Baptist Church, officiating, assisted buy Rev. Guy B. Duff, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. Interment was in the New City Cemetery.

Koenig’s directed the funeral.

She leaves a son, A. V. Smith, county commissioner five years; a brother, A. P. Andrews of La Grange; two sisters, Mrs. A. F. McCaul and Mrs. J. R. Swartz of Galveston; two grandsons, Jesse Lee and Robert F. Smith of La Grange; and a grand daughter, Mrs. H. A. Morgan of Galveston.

Contributed by Kathy Carter

LESLIE SMITH, JR.

September 1990

Smith

Funeral services for Leslie Smith Jr., 61, of Garfield and La Grange, were held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Hyltin-Manor Funeral Chapel in Austin.  Interment was in the Oatmeal Cemetery near Bertram at 2 p.m.

Mr. Smith passed away Sunday Sept. 16 in Seton Medical Center in Austin.

He was born in Littig, Travis County, July 18, 1928, the son of the late Leslie Martin and Martha Maude (Cox) Smith.  He was united in marriage with Dainty Dell Witt.  He was a former employee of Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home of Giddings.  He worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad and later as a salesman for Brakeshoe Automotive.  After that he operated his own business, the La Grange Automotive Supply.  Later for health reasons, the business was sold.  He was a former member of the First Baptist Church in Giddings.

Les had an avid interest in birds and raised them for sale to individuals and businesses as well as for his own enjoyment.  He was active in the Austin Bird Society Group and served as president for a number of years.

Survivors include his wife, Dainty Dell Smith of La Grange; Catherine Dell Johnson of Austin; sons, Martin Leslie Smith of La Grange and Lyman Curtis Smith of Austin; grandchildren, Laura, Aaron and Rebecca Johnson, Martin, Samantha, Casandra, Steven, Jason and Asa Lynn Smith; a brother, Arnold Smith of Giddings; and a sister, Ruth Smith Crawford of Austin.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Marion Alvin Smith, and a sister, Leta Dell Smith White.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Hyltin-Manor Funeral Chapel in Austin.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

LOUIS SMITH

From Funeral Program

Mr. Louis Smith was born to Mr. Billie and Mrs. Narcisus Smith November 5, 1895. He was married to Mrs. Pearl Harris on December 15, 1927. She preceded him in death on January 26, 1972. He was a member of the Church of God in christ at an early age. He went to school here and in Muldoon. He leaves to mourn his homegoing: 4 daughters, Mrs. Ollie Mae Green, Eldorado, Texas, Mrs. Katie Townsell, Corpus Christi, Texas, Mrs. Helen Walker, Gonzales, Texas, Miss Cora Smith,Muldoon; four sons, Louis Smith Jr., Troy, Texas, William Smith,Fort Worth, Texas, Clyde Smtih and Walter Smith, Crpus Christi; one brother, Johnnie Smith of Flatonia; 24 grand children; 30 great grandchildren; 1 great great grand child; a host of other relatives and friends.

He departed this life July 23, 1981.

Louis Smith was interred in the Henson Cemetery. Contributed by Yvonne Chambers

MRS. M. P. SMITH

Weimar Mercury, 26 Jun 1897, page 5

News Special: LaGrange, Tex., June 31. —Mrs. M. P. Smith died yesterday and was buried this evening. Mrs. Smith was 61 years old and came to this county when she was quite young. She leaves eight children to mourn her loss.

MALINDA SMITH

Schulenburg Sticker, 28 Apr 1904

Death Record.

Smith – Died at Fayetteville, April 22, 1904, of pleuritic abscess, Malinda Smith, (colored) aged twenty-six years.

Contributed by Matt Cross

OLLIE VASTINE SMITH

Schulenburg Sticker, 25 July 1913

DEATH REPORTS

Ollie Vastine Smith, age 17 years 20 [sic] months and 18 days, traumatic pneumonitis, due to fracture of clavicle.

Contributed by Matt Cross

PEARL SMITH

Pearl Harris was born to Minnie and Tom Harris on April 20, 1905 in Muldoon, Texas. She united with the Church of God and Christ at an early age.

She married Louis Smith on December 15, 1927. She passed away January 26, 1972.

She leaves to mourn her homegoing a loving husband, Mr. Louis Smith of Muldoon, Texas; four sons, Louis Smith, Jr, Temple, Texas, Williams Smith of Eldorado, Texas, Clyde and Walter Smith of Corpus Christi, Texas. Four daughters, Mrs. Ollie Mae Green of Eldorado Texas; Mrs. Katie L. Townsell of Corpus Christi, Mrs. Helen Walker of Flatonia Miss Cora Smith of Muldoon, Texas; two brothers, Julius Harris, Los Angeles, California and Volmer Harris of Alverado, Texas; one sister, Mrs. Ida Miller, Hallettsville, TExas; 18 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

Pearl Smith was interred in the Henson Cemetery. Contributed by Yvonne Chambers.

T. LEE SMITH

Weimar Mercury, 16 May 1941, page 1

T. LEE SMITH DIES SUNDAY AT HOUSTON

(La Grange Record)

County Commissioner T. Lee Smith, 70, of La Grange, who for 50 years served as an official in Fayette county, expired at a Houston hospital Sunday night.

Mr. Smith had been given a 30-day leave of absence by the commissioners' court in order that he might undergo an operation. The operation was performed Thursday.

Commissioner Smith was born in Fayette county and spent his life in this community. On January 1 he rounded out 50 years of service as a public official, having served for many years aas constable and deputy sheriff, and for the past 19 yers as commissioner of Precinct 1. Since first entering public life he was without office for only four years during which time he retired voluntarily.

The deceased was a member of the Presbyterian church of La Grange, the Masonic lodge, Knights of Pythias and Sons of Herman.

THOMAS W. SMITH

Weimar Gimlet, 6 May 1886

The death of Mr. Thos. W. Smith, of Ammannsville, we regret to hear, occurred on Wednesday of last week. He had been sick for several months, but finally his complicated sickness ran into dropsy, and he then died in a few days afterwards. A short time before his death he was moved a few miles distant in the residence of his father, Capt. John. ? Smith, with the hope that a change would be beneficial. Doctors from LaGrange attended him. Formerly he was justice of the peace of the Ammannsviille precinct, but when attacked with sickness he was teaching at that place. He leaves a wife and a large family of children to mourn his loss. May his remains rest in peace.

Rev. WILLIAM P. SMITH

Galveston Daily News, 31 Mar 1870

DEATH OF ANOTHER OLD TEXAN.

Rev. Dr. W. P. Smith, of the M. E. Church, South, died at his home near Fayetteville, Fayette county, on the 18th, at a very advanced age. He had been in Texas nearly forty years. He was Surgeon-General in the army of the Republic under the command of Austin and afterward of Burleson, and did much by his eloquent sermons to inspire the soldiers with courage and fortitude. His fine natural abilities had been cultivated by education, and his powers were always actively devoted to the promotion of the best purposes. We have no doubt that he leaves among his papers much that will be found of interest on the early history of Texas.

ANTHONY BURTON SMRKOVSKY

Weimar Mercury, November 27, 1975

A. Smrkovsky Funeral Held, Schulenburg

Funeral services for Anthony Burton Smrkovsky, 78, of Schulenburg were held Wednesday, Nov. 19, from Schwenke Baumgarten Funeral Chapel, with burial in St. Rose Catholic Cemetery. Rt. Rev. A. F. Drozd officiated.

Mr. Smrkovsky died Nov. 17 in Youens Memorial hospital here.

A son of Joseph and Annie (Suchanek) Smrkovsky, he was born in Dolany, Austria (Czechoslovakia) on January 13, 1897. He came to America in 1904 at the age of seven with his parents and lived in Lyra, Palo Pinto County. On January 15, 1956, he married Mrs. Henrietta Cernosek MJaroul at St. Michael's rectory here.

Mr. Smrkovsky was a member of Lyons Masonic Lodge 195 at Schulenburg, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite mason, and a member of the Arabian Temple and the Colorado Valley Shrine Club. A veteran of World War I, he was a past member of American Legion Post 145 in Schulenburg, He was a member of the Flatonia Rifle Club, charter member and first president of the Schulenburg Trail Riders, and a past member of the Schulenburg Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce.

While living in Fredericksburg he was affiliated with the Camp Hickory Hunting Club. In Omaha, Nebraska, he was a member of the Sokal National Gymnastics; in Nebraska he also helped his friend Father Flanagan in the organization of Boys' Town.

Mr. Smrkovsky came to Schulenburg in 1945. He and his brother Rudy owned City Meat Market and later he became owner of Highway 77 Drive-In.

Graveside Masonic services were condeucted by Roy Williams.

His wife survives, along with a step-daughter, Mrs. James (Gloria) Jochen of Jackson, Miss.; a step-son, Capt. John Joseph Maroul Jr. of Altus, Okla.; five sisters, Miss Annie Smrkovsky, Mrs. Charles (Frances) Meyer and Mrs. Russell (Helen) Nelson, all of Schulenburg, Mrs. Paul (Hattie Lee) Polk of Houston, and Mrs. John (Bessie) Pechacek of Flatonia; one brother, Rudy of Schulenburg; five step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild. A sister, Mary Hruby, and a brother, Joseph, preceded him in death.

Pallbearers were step-grandsons Jay Jochen and Jimmy Haley and nephews Roy Allen Smrkovsky, Clayton Cheeber IV, Paul John Polk, Wayne Mausbach and Keith Smith. Honorary pallbearers were all his friends.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

HENRIETTA PATRICIA MAROUL SMRKOVSKY

Schulenburg Sticker, October 14, 2014

Henrietta Patricia Maroul Smrkovsky passed away peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014 at the Schulenburg Regency Nursing Center. She was one week short of her 100th birthday.

She was born in La Grange on Oct. 12, 1914, the daughter of Ignac “I. J.” and Frances (Parma) Cernosek. Henrietta lived in Schulenburg and completed her early education at St. Rose Catholic School, then graduated from Schulenburg High School in 1932. After her high school graduation, she continued her education by attending Danforth College of Pharmacy in Fort Worth. She received her Registered Pharmacist license in 1934 and began working as a pharmacist at Cernosek's Pharmacy with her father.

She married John J. Maroul Jr. in 1935. That same year, she and her husband, along with John's daughter Gloria, who was 8 years old at the time, traveled to Manila in the Philippines per orders by the U.S. Army Air Corps. They returned back to the states in 1938. In February 1948, Henrietta and John adopted a baby boy who they named “Johnnie.” In 1950, John retired from the military after 30 years of service, at which time Henrietta, John and Johnnie moved to Schulenburg. Henrietta went back to work as a pharmacist at Cernosek's Pharmacy. John, her husband of 19 years, suddenly passed away in 1954 at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Henrietta became the owner of Cernosek's Pharmacy following her father's untimely death in 1955.

On Jan. 15, 1956, Henrietta married Anthony “Tony” Smrkovsky. After 19 years of marriage, Tony passed away in 1975. After the death of her second husband, Henrietta was blessed to have a beautiful and loving relationship with William “Bill” Heinsohn. They were partners for 23 years until his death in December 2002.

She was the oldest member of the St. Rose Catholic Church, and an active member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court 1597, St. Rose Altar Society, KJZT, Schulenburg Literary Club and Texas Pharmacy Association and licensed from the Board of Pharmacy of the State of Texas.

“Henrietta was always a very caring and religious person. She was always encouraging others to pray and be positive,” her family writes. “She always said ‘it is better to give than to receive.’”

In addition to her parents and husbands, Henrietta was preceded in death by a grandson, James “Jay” Jochen; her brother-in-law, Clayton E. Cheever III; and special friend, Bill Heinsohn.

Henrietta is survived by a daughter, Gloria Maroul Jochen and husband James of College Station; a son, Johnnie Maroul and wife Becky of Bryan; and a sister, Valeria Cheever of Austin. She has seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and numerous family and friends.

Visitation was held at Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home on Thursday evening, Oct. 9.

A funeral Mass was held on Friday morning, Oct. 10 at St. Rose Catholic Church, with Rev. Tim Kosler officiating. Interment was in St. Rose Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandsons Johnnie Joe Maroul, David Maroul, Mike Jochen and Richard Jochen, and nephews Clay Cheever, Roy Smrkovsky, Bobby Smrkovsky and Chuck Meyer.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of South Texas or the charity of one's choice.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

RUDY SMRKOVSKY

Victoria Advocate, Monday, January 22, 1996

SCHULENBURG – Rudy Smrkovsky, 82, of Schulenburg died Saturday, Jan. 20, 1996.

He was born July 13, 1913, in Lyra to the late Joseph Sr., and Anna Suchanek Smrkovsky. He married the former Louise Weeren on Oct. 12, 1940. Mr. Smrkovsky was a retired butcher. He was a Methodist.

Survivors: wife; daughter, Mary Ann Carlton on Madisonville; sons, Roy Smrkovsky of Schulenburg and Bobby Smrkovsky of Deming, N.M.; sisters, Hattie Polk of Houston, Frances Meyer of Schulenburg and Bessie Pechacek of Flatonia and five grandchildren.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. today at the funeral home, the Rev. Jim Tomilson officiating.

Arrangements by Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home, Schulenburg.

Memorials: Schulenburg Lyons Lodge No. 195 Scholarship Fund, Schulenburg.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JOSEPH SMRSKAL

Schulenburg Sticker, 9 June 1910

Joseph, aged 1 year and 11 days little son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Smrskal, died Tuesday of last week and was buried in the Catholic cemetery the following Wednesday, Father Mathis officiating. The Sticker extends its sincere sympathy.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ANNIE TANNHEUSER SNOUSE

Weimar Mercury, 9 Apr 1898, page 8

Mrs. Chas. Snouse, nee Annie Tannheuser (formerly of Fayetteville, and a sister of Mrs. Henry Forster, jr., of this vicinity), died in San Antonio Thursday morning, aged about 26 years.

JOS. SPANN, Jr.

Shiner Gazette, 9 Apr 1908

—Mr. Jos. Spann, Jr., who has been ill in Shiner for several weeks, died on Tuesday, March 31st. The remains were taken to Praha in Fayette county for interment last Wednesday.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ANTON SOBOTIK

Weimar Mercury, 29 Aug 1930, page 5

Anton Sobotik, well know citizen of the Ammannsville community, died Saturday and was buried the following day. He leaves a widow and several children. He was quite well known through this section.

Anton Sobotik, 6 Jan 1860 - 22 Aug 1930, was buried in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery at Ammannsville.

GABRIELA ANGELA SOBOTIK

Schulenburg Sticker, 31 Mar 1904

Death Record.

Sobotik: Died at Ammannsville 3-22-04, Cabriela [Gabriela] Angela Sobotik, aged 2 days.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JOSEPH SOBOTIK

Schulenburg Sticker, 3 March 1922, page 1

Joe Sobotik, Prominent Business Man, Dies Thursday Last

Joe Sobotik passed peacefully away at the family home in this city Thursday afternoon, Feb. 23rd at 5:10 p.m. He had been ill about four weeks with heart and kidney trouble. The best physicians in the state were procured, these were: Dr. M. L. Graves, Galveston; Dr. El. Mikeska, Taylor; Dr. M. Cotham, San Antonio; Dr. James Hill, Houston; Dr. Frank Guenther, Dr. Chas. Hoch and Dr. Young, LaGrange; Dr. W. O. Luedemann and Dr. L. J. Peters of this city and three trained nurses. On Wednesday, prior to his death, it was deemed best than an operation be performed. Dr. James Hill of Houston, assisted by Drs. Guenther, Young and Hoch of LaGrange performing the operation, but the enemy was too strongly intrenched [sic] and his spirit passed quietly away.

The remains were laid to rest Sunday afternoon, Feb. 26th, at 3:30 p.m. After a short service at the home the body was carried to the Catholic Church were Father Lenzen, assisted by Father Szymanski of Weimar and Father Moczygemba of St. John conducted the funeral services. The body was then taken to St. Rosa’s Cemetery for interment.

Joe Sobotik was a modist [sic], unassuming man, frank, honest, sympathic [sic], obliging, uniformly kind, courteous and considerate, a great husband and father and the entire community has been plunged into grief, for those forty-eight years of life built their memorial not only in the respect, but also in the admiring love of all who knew him. He was a genius for doing good and the number of his generous deeds will never be known, even by his closest friends, but they shall come up as his memorial before God.

He was one of the best business men the town has ever had. Being actively engaged in business up until the time he was taken ill. Was senior member of the firm of Sobotik & Pratka, also conducted a meat marker, and will be greatly missed in the business world.

He was born March 19, 1874, at Ammannsville, Texas, and at the age of 22 was married to Miss Mary Peters of Dubina, Texas. To this union four children were born, one son, Oscar, and three daughters, Martha, Alma and Mrs. Walter Stelzig, all of whom survive. He is also survived by five sisters, Mrs. Cyril Stavinoha, Jourdanton, Texas; Mrs. John Stieber, Cistern, Texas; Mrs. Dluhos; Taiton, Texas; Mrs. F. Carbula and Mrs. John Cernosek of this city, also two brothers, Frank of Dime Box and Anton of this city.

His popularity was demonstrated by the large multitude that assembled to join in the last sad tribute to his memory.

The Sticker joins many in extending heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved relatives in this their sad hour.

Contributed by Matt Cross

Vestnik, Thursday, March 30, 1922

Bratr Jos. Sobotík není více mezi živými - neúprosná smrt vyrvala ho z kruhu rodinného bratrů a sester a nespočetného množství přátel.

Byl to bratr, jakých máme málo, aby se mu vyrovnali. Byl povahy vzácné, snad neměl jediného nepřítele, neb měl pro každého slovo útěchy se svým přívětivým pohledem a úsměvem na tváři. Zmíněný br. narodil se 9. března 1874 a dokončil svou pozemskou pouť dne 23. února 1922 po 3 týdenní těžké nemoci na zápal plic a ledvin. Vzdor snaze deset nejlepších lékařů a ošetřovatelek, kteří jej po čas jeho nemoci ošetřovali, shledalo se, že od smrti není pomoci.

Zesnulý bratr se narodil v osadě Bluff, Texas. Jako mladík pracoval u rodičů na farmě a navštěvoval obecní školu, v 16. roku začal jako prodavač u svého staršího bratra v obchodě v Schulenburgu, asi za rok jeho bratr zemřel, a zesnulý dostal zaměstnání co prodavač v obchodě R. A. Wolters, kde nepřetržitě pracoval 22 roků, což nasvědčuje, že byl vytrvalý ve svém povolání. Asi před 9 roky začal samostatný obchod s dobytkem a řeznictví a později smíšený obchod Sobotík a Přatka a zaroveň byl džinařem. Tyto obchody byly velmi prospěšné pro zdejší okolí i pro vzdálenější, neb on vždy byl ve prospěch rolníků a v každém ohledu jim byl nápomocen. Byl to bratr v každém ohledu prospěšný městu a osadě, neb byl ve prospěch pokroku a na vše štědře přispíval.

Město ztrácí dobrého občana, manželka starostlivého manžela a dítky nenahraditelného otce, naše Jednota dobrého člena. Zesnulý zanechává manželku, kterou pojal za družku svého života v roku 1896, dceru to váženého nejstaršího zákopníka, pana Josefa Petra z Dubiny, Texas. Z manželství vzešly 4 dítky. Zesnulý zanechal svojí rodinu ve velmi dobrých poměrech. Přináležel k jednotám S.P.J.S.T., W.O.W., H. Sons.

Projevuji svou upřimnou soustrast pozůstalým a budíž památka jeho popeli !

F.G. Bezecný.

Brother Jos. Sobotik is no more among the living - merciless death yanked him out of the family circle of brothers and sisters and countless friends.

He was a brother, of which there was no one like him. It is rare in nature, as he probably had not one enemy, because he had a word of comfort for everyone with his friendly eyes and a smile on his face. This brother was born March 9, 1874, and completed his earthly pilgrimage on Feb. 23, 1922 after 3 weeks of severe illness from pneumonia of the lungs and kidney. But, despite an effort by ten best doctors and nurses, who attended to his illness , they found nothing to save him from death.

The late brother was born in the village of Bluff, Texas. As a young man he worked with his parents on a farm and attended public school, in the 16th year began as a sales clerk for his older brother in the store in Schulenburg, about a year later his brother died, and the deceased got employment as a salesman at the store of R. A. Wolters, where he worked continuously for 22 years, which shows that he was persistent in his profession. Approximately nine years ago he started his own cattle market and butcher shop, and later it was a joint operation known as Sobotík and Přatka and was also a ginner. These businesses have been very beneficial for the local neighborhood as well as for those living distantly, because he has always been in favor of the peasants, and in every respect assisted them. He was a brother in every way beneficial to the city and the village, because he was in favor of progress and contributed generously to all..

The city is losing its good citizen, the wife a caring husband and father of their children, our unity a good member. Deceased leaves behind his wife, which he chose as his companion for life in the year 1896, the daughter of the venerated elder pioneer Mr. Josef Petr of Dubina, TX. From the marriage there were 4 children. The deceased left his family in very good circumstances. He was a member of the Societies S.P.J.S.T., W.O.W., H. Sons.

Expressing my utmost sympathy to the bereaved and let there be a memory of his ashes !

F.G. Bezecný.

Translated by Alfred & Rosemary Ermis

LOIS VIRGINIA SOBOTIK

Schulenburg Sticker, June 12, 2012

Lois Virginia Sobotik

Lois Virginia Sobotik, beloved sister, aunt and friend, passed away on Friday, May 18 at the age of 86.

She was born on Jan. 5, 1926, in Schulenburg. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar J. and Edna Schaefer Sobotik. Upon graduating from Schulenburg High School, she moved to Houston and went to work for the Humble Oil Co., now ExxonMobil, from which she retired after over 35 years of service. Following her retirement, she travelled extensively with her friends from the ExxonMobil retiree club, tried out every new white-tablecloth restaurant in Houston while not forgetting her long-time favorites, and even learned to play the banjo so she could join a touring group. A devoted Roman Catholic, she was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic community for her entire adult life.

She is survived by her sisters, Theo Sobotik and Janice Sobotik Davidson and husband Jake; a brother, Joe Sobotik; niece, Julie Davidson; and other family members including Kristi Davidson Johnson and husband Michael, and their children Lauren Johnson and Paige Johnson.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held in Houston at St. Anne Catholic Church on Friday, May 25. A private family interment will be held at St. Rose Catholic cemetery at a later date.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

MARIE SOBOTIK

Schulenburg Sticker, 27 Oct 1911, page 1

MRS. MARY SOBOTIC [sic.].

Mrs. Mary Sobotic, mother of our fellow townsman, Joe Sobotic, died Thursday October 19 at her home in Ammannsville and her remains were tenderly consigned to their last resting place in the Catholic cemetery at that place the following day, Father Neubert officiating.

Mrs. Sobotic was 75 years of age and a native of Moravia, Germany.

She leaves nine children, six daughters, Mesdames Stieber, Stavinoha, Dluehosh, Chernosh, Charbula and Adameck; and three sons, Frank, Anton and Joe. To the grief stricken relatives we extend our heart felt sympathy.

Contributed by Matt Cross

THEO DORIS SOBOTIK

Houston Chronicle, July 11, 2014

Theo Doris Sobotik, our beloved sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, the 1st of July 2014, at the age of 89. She was born on the 24th of December 1924, in Schulenburg, TX.

Theo was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar J. and Edna Schaefer Sobotik, and her younger sister, Lois, who passed away two years ago.

Upon graduating from Schulenburg High School in 1940, Theo moved to Houston at the age of 16 to attend the Houston Business College. After completing secretarial school, she went to work for the Harris County Auditor's Office where she was known for not only her solid work ethic, attention to detail, and aptitude for numbers, but also her infectious personality. She retired from the Harris County Auditor's office after various accolades, professional opportunities, and 43 years of service.

A devoted Roman Catholic, Theo was a member of St. Anne's Catholic Community for her entire adult life. She served in the St. Anne's Guild and volunteered for many years with the Christian Community Service Center.

She is survived by her sister, Janice Sobotik Davidson and husband Jake; brother, Joe Sobotik; niece, Julie Davidson; and other family members including Kristi Davidson Johnson and husband Michael, and their children Lauren Johnson and Paige Johnson.

The family is most grateful to Dr. Christopher Lockhart, Dr. Ryan Thai, the nurses at University General Hospital, and the caregivers at the Hampton on Post Oak for their loving care and kindness.

The Mass of Christian Burial is to be celebrated at ten o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 18th of July, at St. Anne Catholic Community, 2140 Westheimer Road in Houston.

At a later time that day, the family will gather for a private interment at St. Rose Catholic Cemetery in Schulenberg.

In lieu of customary remembrances, and in honor of Theo's commitment to her Christian faith and service to others, the family requests that any memorial contributions be directed to the Christian Community Service Center, 3230 Mercer St., Houston, TX 77027; The Alzheimer's Association of Houston, 6055 South Loop E, Houston, TX 77087; or to the charity of one's choice .

Contributed by Matt Cross

F. SOGETA

Schulenburg Sticker, 30 Mar 1905

Deaths Recorded Since Last Report.

F. Sogeta, age four years.

Contributed by Matt Cross

LEOPOLD SOHR

Schulenburg Sticker, 22 Dec 1922, page 1

Leopold Sohr Dies

Leopold Sohr of near Engle died last Saturday morning. His body was laid to rest in the old High Hill Cemetery Sunday afternoon.

Mr. Sohr was about 65 years old and lived alone at his home near Engle.

Schulenburg Sticker, 26 Jan 1923

Death Reports

Leopold Sohr, age 61, died Dec. 16, 1922, at Schulenburg.

Both contributed by Matt Cross

MARIA SOKOL

Schulenburg Sticker, 14 Dec 1905

The funeral of Mrs. Joseph Socoll [Sokol], who died on the 11 at 3 o’clock p. m., took place on Tuesday afternoon at 3 o’clock, under the direction of Funeral Director Otto Schwenke. Deceased was 56 years of age and leaves a husband, three daughters and one son to mourn their loss. Interment took place in the St. John cemetery, with Rev. Naubert to hold services.

Maria Sokol was born 2 Aug 1848 and died 10 Dec 1905. Contributed by Matt Cross

DAISY SOLOMON

Weimar Mercury, 26 Jul 1918, page 7

LaGrange, Texas, July 20.—Miss Daisy Solomon, daughter of Mr. and Mr. W. L. Solomon, died Wednesday, and interment took place in the new cemetery Friday morning at 10 o'clock.

BARBARA SOMMER

Schulenburg Sticker, 21 Sep 1899

Death of Mrs. A. Sommer.

Mrs. A. Sommer, aged 58 years, died Monday afternoon at her home near St. John, and the interment took place at the St. John cemetery Tuesday afternoon, appropriate services being conducted.

Mrs. Sommer was a native of Austria and came to America in 1880, since which time she has resided near St. John. She leaves a husband and four grown children, to whom the sympathies of the entire community are extended.

Barbara Sommer, 4 Jul 1837 – 18 Sep 1899, was buried in the St. John Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

ELMER SOMMER

Schulenburg Sticker, 18 June 1908

DEATHS REPORTED.

Died at Warrenton, May 5, Elmer Sommer, age 3 months and 11 days, of coma.

Contributed by Matt Cross

FERDINAND SOMMER

Schulenburg Sticker, 7 Jan 1904

MR. FERD. SOMMER DEAD.

After an illness of considerable duration Mr. Ferdinand Sommer succumbed to the inevitable and his soul took its flight to its heavenly home on high at 5:30 o’clock Monday the 28th and his remains were tenderly consigned to their last resting place in the city cemetery Tuesday afternoon at 4 o’clock, Rev. Knipper of Sibolo [sic] performing the last sad rites at the grave.

Mrs. Ferd. Sommer and three children, Mesdames Gus Sengelmann and C. L. Wallace and Mr. Edmund Sommer survive him.

Mr. Sommer was sixty-two and a half years old and an old citizen of Fayette County, having lived here thirty six years, had always the welfare of the county to heart, and was an ideal husband and an indulgent father. We extent [sic] our sincere sympathy to the bereaved ones in their hour of sorrow.

Contributed by Matt Cross

FRANCES SOMMER

Schulenburg Sticker, 13 May 1909

La Grange Journal: … Mrs. Frances Sommers, one of the revered old pioneers of Fayette county, residing a few miles from Ellinger, died Monday, after a brief illness. Deceased, who was the mother of Mrs. E. J. Weber of this city, was in her seventy-fifth year and during her lifetime was universally beloved. The funeral occurred Tuesday forenoon and the remains were interred in the Live Oak Hill cemetery. Mrs. Sommer came to Fayette County in 1860, and leaves to mourn her departure, two sisters, six children and thirteen grand-children. May her rest be peaceful.

Contributed by Matt Cross

HENRIETTA SOMMER

La Grange Journal, 1 May 1913

Warrenton.

. . . A wave of sorrow swept over our community when it was learned that Mrs. Sommer, who had for approximately fifty years, resided here, had crossed the g. . . to the home beyond, at an advanced age, after several years' illness. The funeral occurred the next day in the presence of a large concourse, Rev. Bosshard officiating.

Henrietta Sommer, 14 Nov 1840 - 10 Apr 1913, is buried in the Drawe Cemetery near Warrenton.

HENRY SOMMER

Schulenburg Sticker, 30 Nov 1905

MR. HENRY SOMMER.

Friday last, the 23rd the Death Angle [sic] visited the household of Mr. Henry Sommer and called him to a higher and better world, where there is joy, peace and happiness.

Mr. Sommer was a most estimable and esteemed citizen of Fayette county, he having resided in this county since he came to the United States in 1871 from Germany, where he was born 70 years and five months ago, he having first located at Warrenton where he resided five years then removing to the vicinity of Schulenburg.

Deceased leaves four sons, Messrs. Fritz, of Victoria, Peter, Fred and Chas, who reside in this county, and three daughters, Mesdames Adolph Hingst, of Lindenau, Adolph Kaasa, of Swiss Alp and Emil Schulz of this city and a host of friends and relatives to mourn his demise.

The Sticker begs to extend its sincere sympathy to the bereaved family in their hour of sorrow.

Contributed by Matt Cross

HERBERT CHARLES SOMMER, SR.

Fayette County Record, July 16, 1985

Funeral services for Herbert Charles Sommer Sr., 81 of 751 West Travis were conducted Saturday at 2 P.M. at St. Paul Lutheran church with the Reverend Clarence Oestreich officiating. Burial was in the La Grange City Cemetery.

Mr. Sommers passed away Wednesday in Oak Manor nursing Home in Flatonia.

Born in Schulenburg April 13, 1904, Mr. Sommer was the son of the late Peter and Caroline Meyer Sommer. He was united in marriage with Rosie Katherine Jecmenek September 29, 1926 in Nelsonville. He was a lifetime resident of Fayette County and was a grocery clerk, having been employed here by Cash and Carry Grocery for many years. He was a member of the Sons of Hermann and Men's Brotherhood of the Church.

Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Herbert C. and Anne Sommer of Hampton, Va. and son John Donald and Patsy Sommer of Round Rock; two sisters, Erna Forester of Vernon and Annie Haas of Flatonia; three brothers, Wensel Niesner of Vernon, Gus Sommer of Schulenburg and Walter Sommer of Eagle Lake; eight grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

Mr. Sommer was preceded in death by his wife, mother, father, stepmother, two brothers, and two sisters.

Koening-Peel Funeral Home, Inc. was in charge of arrangements.

Contributed by Brenda Simek

JOHN TRAUGOTT SOMMER

Schulenburg Sticker, 17 Dec 1903

Death Record.

Sommer: Died near Waldeck, Nov 21-03, of Heart Failure, John Traugott Sommer, aged 81 years 2 mos and 20 days.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ROSIE KATHERINE SLOVACEK SOMMER

The La Grange Journal, July 3, 1983

Mrs. Rosie Katherine Sommer, 78, of 751 West Travis died Saturday in Fayette Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services were set for Tuesday at 2:30 P.M. at St. Paul Lutheran church. The Reverend Clarence Oestreich will officiate with interment in the La Grange City Cemetery.

Mrs. Sommer was born in Ellinger on November 9, 1905, the daughter of the late Joseph and Katherine (Slovacek) Jecmenek. She was united in marriage with Herbert C. Sommer on September 26, 1926 in Nelsonville. She resided in La Grange since 1945 and had been a cook at the Bon Ton and the La Grange Public School. She was a member of the Ladies Aid of St. Paul Lutheran church.

Survivors include her husband, Herbert C. Sommer Sr. of La Grange; two sons, Herbert C. Sommer Jr. of Hampton, Virginia and John Donald Sommer of Austin; one sister, Mrs. Adelle Strobel of Schulenburg; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by seven brothers and three sisters.

Prayer service is set for this Monday at 7:30 P.M. at the Koening-Peel Funeral Home Chapel.

Contributed by Brenda Simek

LOTTIE SOMMERLATTE

Schulenburg Sticker, 25 Oct 1900

MRS. LOTTIE SOMMERLATTE

The death of Mrs. Lottie Sommerlatte, wife of F. C. Sommerlatte, died at their home at Lexington, last week Wednesday and the remains were brought here and interred in the city cemetery. The deceased leaves a husband and three children, together with a mother and other relatives. She was a sister of Mr. Lewis Stark, of Brenham, who accompanied by his wife, mother, husband and children of the deceased attended the funeral. May she rest in peace.

Contributed by Matt Cross

BESSIE SORSBY

Weimar Mercury, 24 Jul 1897, pages 4 and 8

Again we are called upon to chronicle the death of another of Mr. R. J. Zimmermann's fmily, and this time it is Mrs. B. Sorsby, the daughter, who, after a two weeks' illness with diphtheria, which was conveyed to her through little Hazel, her daughter, who died with the same disease on the 9th inst. The deceased was 28 years of age, was a kind and affable lady and highly esteemd by those who knew her. Her remains were interred in the city cemetery last Sunday and the funeral services conducted by Rev. J. S. Sullivan of Flatonia and Mr. H. Forres. The Sticker joins friends of the familly in extending condolence in this hour of their sad bereavement.

HAZEL SORSBYE

Weimar Mercury, 17 Jul 1897, page 5

Eagle Lake Advertiser:

Mrs. Bessie Sorsbye, our operator at the Southern Pacific office, wa called home to Schulenburg this week to atten the sick bed of her little daughter, Hazel, who at this writing is very low with dipththeria. Later.—As we go to press we learn that the child died at 4 o'clock Friday morning. Mrs. Sorsbye and the family have our heartfelt sympathy.

B. SPACEK

Schulenburg Sticker, 24 Sep 1903

Death Record.

Spacek: Died at LaGrange, Sept 10th-03, of intestinal obstruction, B. Spacek, aged 1 year and 11 months.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JOHN R. SPACEK, JR.

La Grange Journal, Thursday April 5, Page One

City Secretary John. R. Spacek Dies Monday Morn

Hope, held out by the present widow, parents and brothers and friends of the City Secretary of La Grange, John R. Spacek, were blasted Monday morning, when the news was circulated the “Johnnie Spacek had died!”  The news was unwelcome, as Johnnie had many friends in La Grange, and was popular with all classes.

John Spacek was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Spacek, Sr., and was born and reared in La Grange, graduated from the La grange High School, and grew to manhood here; after acquiring his majority he accepted a position with the John Schumacher State Bank as bookkeeper, which position he held for several years, later entering the insurance business, which he continued to practice until his illness of several weeks since.  He was prevailed upon four years ago to enter the race for City Secretary of La Grange, and was elected by a handsome majority.  His announcement for re-election to the office was made a month ago.

Becoming alarmingly ill on Friday March 16, he entered the La Grange Hospital as a patient, and submitted to a surgical operation for bowel obstruction Saturday, March 17.  Given the best possible attention, complications arose despite the successful surgical act, and fighting to the last, he crossed over Monday morning.

He is mourned by his young widow, nee Miss Gladys Koester, and his parents and brothers August H., and Arnold Spacek of La Grange, and a host of friends.

The death of this prominent young man, whose age was 30 years and 6 months, is the third to occur in the Spacek family; two daughters died from the effects of  typhoid fever September, two months before Johnnie was born.

Tuesday afternoon the funeral was held from the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Van Horn, with the Rev. Horak of Caldwell officiating.  Interment was held at the new cemetery.  The La Grange Fire Department, of which he was a member, had its committee present, and Chaplain B.F. Harigel spoke at the open grave.

The Journal joins the friends of the two families in offering sincere sympathy.

Transcribed by Connie F. Sneed.

La Grange Journal, April 19, 1934, Page Two

J. R. Spacek, Jr

Resolutions of Respect

Whereas, it has been deemed wise  by the Almighty Father to call from out midst and to His eternal reward J. R. Spacek, Jr and Whereas, the deceased was a faithful member of the La Grange Chamber of Commerce and one recently honored by being placed upon the board of directors; and Whereas, in the passing of J. R. Spacek Jr, the Chamber  and the city of La Grange loses a respected citizen whose pleasant , affable, accommodating and courteous manner won for him countless friends; and Whereas, the passing of the deceased deprives the citizenship of La Grange of a promising young man, his wife of a true and faithful husband, and his parntends of a good and attentive son; therefore, be it Resolved, that the La Grange Chamber of Commerce extends its heartfelt sympathy to the grieving wife and family, and that a copy of these resolutions be sent to them and that a copy be furnished the press.

Respectfully,
Otto Amberg, Secretary,
W. T. Kruez,
Henry W. Mayer
Resolutions Committee

Transcribed by Connie F. Sneed

R. B. SPACEK, Sr.

Colorado County Citizen, 5 Dec 1963, page 10

Funeral Held for R. B. Spacek Sr., 79, Former State Solon

FAYETTEVILLE—Former State Rep. R. B. Spacek, 79, of Fayetteville, who died in a Schulenbug rest home Nov. 26, was buried in the Fayetteville Catholic cemetery after services at 10 a.m. last Friday at the family home and the Catholic church.

Rev. Benedict Mazurkiewicz officiated at the last rites.

Mr. Spacek served 14 years in the state house of representatives, representing Colorado and Fayette counties for a time. He was once a justice of the peace at Fayetteville and was once employed by the Texas Board of Education.

Mr. Spacek was the grandfather of Mrs. Elbert Cassell of Columbus. Other survivors include:

Four daughters, Mrs. Rudolph Kubena of Fayettevilllle, Mrs. Alan G. Weber of Webster, Mrs. Ed F. DeLeon of cuero and Mrs. Doris Diltz of Houston; a son, R. B. Spacek Jr. of Seguin; a sister, Mrs. Julia Wrba of Grange [sic.].

VLASTA SPACEK

Schulenburg Sticker, 22 Oct 1903

Death Record.

Spacek: Died at LaGrange Sept. 19-03 of malarial fever Vlasta Spaced [sic] aged 3 years and 15 days.

Contributed by Matt Cross

SOPHIE SPAKLE

Schulenburg Sticker, 5 April 1912

DEATH REPORTS

Sophie Spakle, age 4 mo., 23 days, Convulsions, Fayettville [sic].

Could this be Sophie Spacek? Contributed by Matt Cross

ANNA MEERSCHEIDT SPECKELS

La Grange Journal, October 3, 1895

DIED—At La Grange, September 29th, 1895, Mrs. Anna Speckels, wife of H.W. Speckels.

The deceased was a daughter of the late Arthur Meerscheidt, who died a few years ago, greatly respected by all who knew him. She leaves besides her husband and two small children, a mother and several brothers and sisters, all of whom are grown, to mourn her death.

A large concourse of friends followed the remains to the cemetery 9including the Sons of Hermann, in a body, of which Mr. Speckels is a member,) where they were silently and reverently laid in the bosom of mother earth, there to remain while her spirit winged its flight to that unknown shore, where we have reason to believe souls immortal dwell.

The religious services were conducted by Rev. Pazdral, of Fayetteville, in a very touching and impressive manner.

THE JOURNAL extends it sincere condolence to the bereaved husband and other members of the family in their sad affliction.

In the local news section:

Mrs. L. Meerscheidt, Miss Martha, her daughter, and her sons, Messrs., Axel, Paul and Otto of San Antonio, were here at the bedside of Mrs. H.W. Speckels, when she died.

Anna Meerscheidt Speckels was born August 2, 1865. Contributed by Kathy Carter

G. E. SPECKELS

La Grange Journal, Thursday, March 11, 1909

G. E. Speckels Dead

G. E. Speckels, who was one of the old landmarks of Fayette County, died at his home in this city Tuesday morning, after an illness that had lasted for two months.  At times his condition became very serious, then he would rally and recover to such an extent that he would be able to meet with his friends, of whom there were many in La Grange.  Upon last Sunday, however, it was reported from the sick room, that the inevitable would soon follow, and on Tuesday he passed to the great beyond.

Mr. Speckels, who was born in Oldenburg, Germany, January 8, 1843, came to this country with his parents, when he was a child of four years, and received his schooling in Warrenton; or the immediate neighborhood.  His parents, who began the life of farmers in the neighborhood of Warrenton, like many of the early settlers, made the trip from Galveston, immediately after landing, in the old fashioned ox wagon, and the days then were as happy as those of the present are to the modern traveler.  When he reached his majority, the subject of this sketch started with small means, and by strict attention to his work, and economical in his business dealing, he accumulated considerable means, which he enjoyed in his later years.

When the war occurred between the states, he enlisted in the Captain Alexander battalion, and saw active service during this long struggle.  After the war he was married in 1867 to Miss Maria Frels of Warrenton.  For many years they resided near Rutersville, but in 1896, he located in La Grange, having built the home in which he lived up to the time of his demise.  Besides his widow, six children, all married but one, and three brothers and two sisters, and nine grandchildren mourn his demise.

Contributed by Rob Brown

GEORGE HENRY SPECKELS

La Grange Journal, August 10, 1922

G.H. SPECKELS DEAD

Death Came Quickly and Without Warning Saturday Evening

Death claimed another of our well known citizens when G. H. Speckels, aged 69 years, 5 months and 14 days, passed away Saturday night at his place of business, known as the S. P. Grocery, in the Eastern end of the city.  The news spread rapidly, and to many the announcement came without credence, as he had been at his place of business that­ day and attending to the wants of his customers.                 

Some two months since Mr. Speckels first gave evidence that his health had become impaired when upon returning to his home one night he was overcome with weakness and sank to the ground where he remained unnoticed for some time, eventually regaining consciousness and walking to his home. A slight stroke which incapacitated him for several days followed, but he partially regained his health, and resumed his daily routine of looking to the wants of his trade.

Saturday morning he seemed to be somewhat indisposed, but his indomitable will prevailed and he was again found at the old stand, not as cheerful as ever, but in good spirits. Shortly after nine o’clock he mentioned to his salesman that he felt ill, seated himself and expired before medical aid could reach him. On Monday afternoon they carried his remains to the new cemetery and placed him to his last rest.  In attendance, besides his many relatives were numerous friends from the city and from over the county.

We offer our sincere sympathy to the widow and to his two sons, Hugo W. Speckels of Dayton and L. J. Speckels of Somerville, who are the chief mourners, and to his sisters, Mrs. August Heintze and Mrs. Louis Walter of this city, his brothers John C. and H.W. Speckels and other relatives. As a friend his memory is cherished, he was a good neighbor and a good husband and father. May the sod rest lightly upon his couch.

George Henry Speckels was born February 21, 1853 and died August 5, 1922. Contributed by Kathy Carter

GUSTAV GERHARD SPECKELS

La Grange Journal, August 6, 1964

GUSTAV G. SPECKELS
Gustav Gerhard Speckels, 80, a native of La Grange, died in San Antonio, where he had lived for the past 18 years, Saturday morning. He was a real estate broker.

Last rites were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Koenig Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. H.T. Flachmeier officiating. Burial was in the La Grange City Cemetery.

Born Oct. 12, 1883, he was the son of John and Paulina Aschen Speckels.

He is survived by three brothers; J.A. of San Antonio, A.W. of Austin and A.F. of Yorktown; and several nieces and nephews.

Gustav Speckels died August 1, 1964. Contributed by Kathy Carter

HENRY WILLIAM SPECKELS

La Grange Journal, November 12, 1931

CHIEF HENRY W. SPECKELS DIES FROM INJURIES

Sunday afternoon, at the new cemetery, members of the La Grange Fire Department, carried the casket containing the body of Chief Henry W. Speckels from the large fire truck (pumper) to the open grave and stepped to one side, while Chaplain of the Volunteer Firemen’s Association of Texas, Rev. J.C. Folger of Victoria, paid a merited tribute to the departed.  The ceremony was witnessed by an immense number of relatives, fire boys, from La Grange, Schulenburg and Hallettsville, and friends of the family from every part of Fayette County.  The surrounding space, near to the open grave, was banked high with the loveliest of the flower gardens.

Rev. Folger made his eulogy brief, and in words most true, acknowledged the right of the inevitable. His consoling words found deep response; his written message on the departed follows:

Chief Speckels as a Fireman

“Henry W. Speckels became a member of the LaGrange Fire Company, (there was no fire department in La Grange, the company was small) in the year 1888, when Fritz Streithoff was captain. He remained with the fire company, and assisted in the organization of the La Grange Fire Department in 1898, after holding minor office he was elected as chief of the department on 1901 and served in that capacity until 1916, remaining out of office until 1917 when he was again elected. In 1926, unable to leave his room on account of illness, the regular monthly meeting of the Fire Department was held at his home, and by acclimation he was elected for the 25th time. He continued to serve as chief of the department and at the time of his death had been chief for 29 years, 10 months and 1 day.

His interest in the Fire Department never waned; both as mayor of La Grange and chief of the department he sought, ever, to improve the equipment. The result of his efforts is apparent, if one but looks today at the splendid equipment the department now has at its command.

Chief Henry W. Speckels gave unselfishly of his time, and was ever ready in the day and in the night, to respond to the siren’s call. In May 1909, in attendance upon the annual convention of the State Volunteer Firemen’s convention he was elected as fourth vice-president, he continued to advance in promotion, and in May 1912 was elected to serve as president, when the volunteer firemen held their convention, in the hall of the House of Representatives, State capitol building at Austin.”

Rev. Folger then paid a glowing tribute to his departed friend, referred to the large attendance upon the last rites and declared it meet and proper that the city that honored him and found him faithful to every trust, and the church of which he was a charter member and had served as a trustee and president of the Board of Trustees, should exemplify their regret at his passing.

Henry W. Speckels Dies at Austin From Injuries.

The news came to the present widow and relatives late Friday afternoon that Mr. Speckels was suffering from injuries received in an automobile accident, and that little hope was encouraged by the attending surgeon at the Seton Infirmary at Austin, where the patient had been taken after the accident. Mr. Speckels died Saturday morning; the body was brought to La Grange late Saturday afternoon and taken to his home. Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock, funeral service were held at the home, and the body taken to St. Paul Lutheran Church, where Rev. Heise felt keenly the strain, yet carried on, and in his biographical remarks, read the following:

Henry W. Speckels as a Citizen—His Family.

“Henry W. Speckels was born near Warrenton in Fayette County, January 15, 1864, the son of John and Margaret Speckels, and was the youngest of 12 children. He was reared in Warrenton, and received his education in the common schools of the county. He began his life’s work at the age of 18 years, serving in clerical positions, and later as a bookkeeper.

He came to La Grange in 1887 and became associated with August Heintze, then in the mercantile business, and was employed as manager. Later when the business was sold to Speckels & Shaw, Mr. Speckels became manager again of the new institution. He remained with the firm until 1891 when he accepted the responsibilities of manager for the La Grange Ice and Cold Storage Company, and remained in charge until the fall of 1899. Resigning his position he, with his brother-in-law, F. G. Heim, started a grocery merchandise under the name Speckels & Heim which they conducted until they joined with August Heintze and established the mercantile business later known as the Heintze-Speckels Company. He retired from the firm six years ago. Since then he devoted his energies to serving as secretary of the Fayette County Fair Association, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, and chief of the Fire Department.

Henry W. Speckels was elected the honorable position of Mayor of La Grange in April 1893. He served for a few terms and retired, but was recalled within a few years, and served as mayor until 1915, refusing to again be a candidate for re-election. He remained a private citizen until beseeched to again make the race for mayor and was elected in 1927, serving for four years. He retired from office last April.

Henry W. Speckels was united in marriage with Miss Anna Meerscheidt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Meerscheidt, July 2nd 1890, and to this union was born two children, Lillian, wife of N.J. Rabensburg, of Llano, and Gilbert O. Speckels of San Antonio. Mrs. Speckels died September 29, 1896. March 16, 1898, he was married to Miss Marie Karges, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Karges, two sons now living, was the result of this union. The sons are Irwin W. and Bernard Speckels of Schulenburg. One brother, John C. Speckels and two sisters, Mrs. Johanna Heintze and Mrs. Louis (Meta) Walter, of La Grange also survive. There are 10 grandchildren, and many other relatives.”

                                                                                          *****************
The death of Chief H.W. Speckels is sincerely regretted by all who knew him. He had a large circle of friends throughout the state, and the interest he had always shown in the past, in the welfare of this city he sought so well to serve, and his hobby, the Fire Department, found him ever willing and ready.  The greatest attest to the father’s influence was to always be found in his children and their children. As husband, father and grandfather, his absence will be keenly felt. As a friend and willing worker for the little city in which he made his home, his name will be reverently mentioned.

Member of the Fire Department took charge of the funeral, and carried out the wish expressed some years ago by Chief Speckels. He had stated he desired to have his body carried to the cemetery on the fire truck. This was done, the members of the department followed the large truck carrying the body from the home to the church, and the Chaplin, Rev. Folger and the active pall bearers: Louis Scholl, assistant secretary of the State Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Chief W.A. Moreland of the Hallettsville Fire Department, O.E. Stolz, Geo. Schaefer, F. Reichert, Sr., Hy. Letzerich and B.F. Harigel. In the second fire truck were the staff bearers and behind them the active and honorary membership, the ceremonies impressive and in conformity with the desire of the department to honor their departed chief. The ceremonies were repeated at the cemetery.

Henry Speckels died November 7, 1931. Contributed by Kathy Carter

JOHN CHRISTIAN SPECKELS, Jr.

La Grange Journal,5 Dec 1935

Hon. J. C. Speckels Died at Family Home Monday—Aged 88 Yrs

Ill since September 1933, when stricken with paralysis, Hon. John C. Speckels, ages 88 years, 2 months and 12 days, died at the family home on Lafayette Street, Monday afternoon. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, with interment at the new city cemetery.

Deceased was born in Oldenburg, Germany, September 20, 1847, and when only nine days old, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Speckels, Sr., emigrated to America. The family settled at Frelsburg, in Colorado county, where they remained for one year. In 1849 they removed to Fayette County and settled on a farm near Warrenton. He was practically a citizen of Fayette County all his life, with the exception of the day of his birth and emigration, and the year the family lived in Colorado county.

Farming as a young man and engaging in the mercantile business later in life. What education he possessed he obtained in the schools of Warrenton and Waldeck. At the age of 14 years he substituted for his father, when the civil war was in progress, and hauled cotton to Mexico. His stories of those exciting days were ever interesting.

February 9, 1871 he was united in marriage with Miss Pauline Aschen of Waldeck, the couple establishing themselves on a farm near Warrenton. To the union was born eight children, one a son, Otto, died at Coupland; the living children are: Mrs. Joe (Clara) Weikel of San Antonio; Mrs. Johanna Carter of La Grange; Albert, farmer near Coupland, Williamson county; John of near San Antonio; Alvin and G.G. Speckels of Austin, and A.F. Speckels of Yoakum. His widow also survives.

In 1891 deceased established a mercantile business in La Grange with W. l. Shaw under the firm name of Speckels 7 Shaw, and continued in that business, enjoying extensive patronage until 1895, when the business was sold to H.C. Heilig & Co. In 1898 Mr. Speckels was elected, on the republican ticket as representative from Fayette county, to the Twenty-fourth Legislature.

Prior to his entry into the mercantile business and removal to La Grange he was elected as County Commissioner from Beat No. 2, and served in that capacity for 10 years; from 1880 to 1890. After locating in La Grange, he became also interested in two of the leading corporation, the La Grange Compress Company, serving as a director for several years and the First National Bank of La Grange, serving as a member of the Board of Directors for several years.

Contributed by Kathy Carter

JOHN CHRISTIAN SPECKELS, Sr.

La Grange Journal, September 13, 1894

Died—At La Grange, September 6, 1894, Mr. John Speckels, Sr., aged 77 years. 

The deceased was an old resident of Texas, having come to this county and settled down many years ago, where he engaged in farming, which he pursued up to a few years ago. He raise a large family of children, both girls and boys, all of whom have arrived at the age of womanhood and manhood and all, if we mistake not, with their mother survive him.

Mr. Speckels was very kind and amiable in his disposition and made friends of all with whom he became acquainted. He was respected and esteemed for his sterling integrity and upright conduct in his intercourse with his fellow man.

THE JOURNAL, in common with this entire community, extends to the bereaved family its sincere sympathy in their sad affliction.

John Speckels was born 19 Dec 1817. Contributed by Kathy Carter

LOUISE SPECKELS

Miss Louise Speckels

Miss Louise Speckels, aged 68 years, 5 months and 15 days, died at her home at Nechanitz, Tuesday, January 9.  She was born July 24, 1871, and had resided in the county all her life.  Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Carl Baer at 1:00 p.m., Thursday at her home, and burial will be in the Waldeck cemetery; Kroll Funeral Home of La Grange will be in charge.

Deceased is survived by two brothers, Fred Speckels of Nechanitz and Willie Speckels of Waldeck, and two sisters, Mrs. Chas. (Annie) Oeser and Mrs. Walter (Bettie) Oeser of Nechanitz.

Contributed by Rob Brown

LUCY ZAPP SPECKELS

La Grange Journal, April 18, 1944

Mrs. Lucy Speckels Expires Thursday

Mrs. Lucy Speckels, 82, passed away at Austin Thursday.

Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the Koenig Funeral Home chapel with R. Heise officiating. Burial was in the Townsend [Florida Chapel] cemetery at Round Top.

Mrs. Speckels was born in Round Top on July 20, 1861, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Zapp. She attained the age of 82 years, 8 months and 23 days. She was the widow of the late George H. Speckels.

No immediate relatives survive. Her brother, Samuel Zapp, passed away at San Antonio on April 2 and was buried here.

Koenig Funeral Home directed the funeral.

Lucy Speckels died on April 13, 1944. Contributed by Kathy Carter

MARGUERITE IMKEN SPECKELS

La Grange Journal, October  17, 1907

Death of An Old Resident

Monday morning, Mrs. John Speckels, Sr., aged eighty-five years, died at the family home in the northern part of the city, after an illness of several days. Mrs. Speckles had been in feeble health for the past year, and although her relatives did their best for her comfort, and in every possible manner sought to alleviate any suffering, death came to her Monday, yet it came peacefully.

Mrs. Speckels, whose maiden name was Miss Marguerite Imken, was born in Oldenburg, Germany, December 24, 1822. She became the wife of John Speckels, also of Oldenburg, in the year 1842. The family immigrated to America in 1847, three children having blessed their union, viz: G.E., Miss Katherine and John Speckels, Jr. Miss Katherine died shortly after their arrival in Texas. They landed at Galveston in the spring of 1847, made the journey to Houston in a small vessel and from Houston, traveled by ox-cart to Frelsburg, Colorado County, where they farmed.  Nine more children were born unto them and six of the children have since passed away. From Frelsburg they moved to Warrenton, and in 1891 the family moved to La Grange.  John Speckels, Sr., her husband, died in 1894.

Mrs. Speckels leave to mourn her departure, four sons and two daughters, all residing here, viz.; G.E., J.C., G.H., and H.W. Speckels, and Mesdames August Heintze and Louis Walter. Beside these, twenty-three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren are left to mourn over the loss of a good relative.

The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at 3 o’clock from her late residence, and interment took place in the new cemetery. Out of respect for the dead and in sympathy with the mayor, the city council attended the funeral in a body and the business houses were closed from 3 to 5 p.m.  To the bereaved we offer our sincerest sympathy. May she rest in peace.

Marguerite Speckels died 14 Oct 1907. Contributed by Kathy Carter

MARY KARGES SPECKELS

La Grange Journal, December 4, 1941

MRS. MARY SPECKELS

Mrs. Mary Speckels, aged 70 years, 6 months, and 1 day, died at Schulenburg, Thursday, November 27; the body was brought to La Grange Friday afternoon and funeral services were held at the St. Paul’s Lutheran church at 4:00 o’clock, Rev. R. Heise officiating. Interment was in the new cemetery. Funeral services were held in at 2:00 o’clock in Schulenburg. Rev. Kuretsch officiating, who, with a [illegible line] friends accompanied the body to La Grange.

Mrs. Speckels was born in La Grange, May 26, 1871, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Karges; she spent her entire life, with the exception of the last four years in La Grange. United in marriage with H.W. Speckels, March 17, 1898, there was born to them two sons, both surviving and living at Schulenburg. These sons are Chief Erwin W. Speckels and Bernard Speckels.

Sustaining a fall at her home and unfortunately breaking a bone in her hip, she never fully recovered from the injury. The day she was taken to the hospital at San Antonio marked the 10th year lapse since her husband, H.W. Speckels, was injured in an automobile accident and was taken to a hospital in Austin where he died a few days later.

In marked respect for the deceased and in affectionate exemplification for her sons, firemen and others from Schulenburg were here to witness the last rites.

Mary Karges Speckels died just a few hours before her sister Martha Karges Streithoff of La Grange. Both are buried in the New City Cemetery. Contributed by Kathy Carter

OTTO R. SPECKELS

La Grange Journal, November 14, 1912

Otto Speckels Joins Majority

Thursday of last week Otto R. Speckels, whose serious illness was reported last week, gave up the battle and passed to his reward, the news of his death causing many expressions of genuine regret.

Here in Fayette County, at Walhalla, Otto was born unto Mr. and Mrs. John C. Speckels, November 14, 1877, and grew to manhood at the Walhalla home. He removed to Coupland twelve years ago and engaged in the mercantile business, being very successful. On February 8, 1895, he came back to Fayette County to become the husband of Miss Hannah Meiners, and she and two children, a girl six years old and a boy four years old, his parents and a number of brothers and their children are mourning his demise. To all of these we offer our sincere sympathy.

The remains were interred at Coupland Saturday afternoon.  Those attending from La Grange were Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Speckels, Mr. and Mrs. Atlan Speckels, Mr. and Mrs. G.H. Speckels, Mr. and Mrs. G.G. Speckels, H.W. Speckels, Mrs. A. Heintze, Mrs. Louis Walter, Mrs. F.B. Wessels, Charles Weikel, and Dr. and Mrs. J. T. Carter of Walhalla.

Otto R. Speckels died November 8, 1912. Contributed by Kathy Carter

MARIE FRELS SPECKELS

La Grange Journal, April 22, 1937

IN MEMORIAM

Late Tuesday afternoon, April 13, after a pilgrimage of almost 4 years, Mrs. Marie, widow of the late G. E. Speckels, passed quietly and peacefully to her reward. Up to the last few months she had been very active, taking an interest in all present day activities.

She was born in Germany; when nine days old she was deprived of a mother’s love and care. When she seven years old her father, John Frels immigrated to America to make a new home for himself and small daughter. He settled at Warrenton, and three years later returned to Germany for her.

As a young woman she experienced the trials and heartaches of the Civil War. In the year 1867 she was united in marriage with Gerhard E. Speckels: to this union were born six children, four daughters and two sons, all of whom are living.

From Warrenton the family removed to Fayetteville, where they resided only a few years. From there they removed to La Grange, and for the past twenty-six years she made her home with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Hy. Letzerich.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the residence and religious services at the St. Paul’s Lutheran church. The body was laid to rest in the family plot at the new cemetery, Rev. R. Heise, officiating.

The pall bearers were six of her grandsons, namely: Leslie, Leo and Milton Froelich of Cuero; C. G. Amberg of Corsicana, E.G. Wessels of Houston, and George Dietze of Cuero.

The following out of town relatives and friends attended the funeral: Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Amberg of Corsicana; Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Froelich, Mr. and Mrs. L. G. Froelich, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Dietze, Leo Froelich and Milton Froelich of Cuero: Mrs. Gene Mauer, Corpus Christi; Mr. and Mrs. Rud. Speckels, Mrs. E.J. Stanzel. Mr. and Mrs. Elton Wessels, Houston; Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Speckels, Miss T. B. Anderson and Miss Marie Speckels of Kerrville; Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Barnes and daughters of Cuero; Mr. and Mrs. John Neese and Mrs. Emma Johnson of Pflugerville; Mrs. N. Rabensburg, Mr. and Mrs. Leon J. Speckels of Austin; Mr. and Mrs. Irwin W. Speckels and Bernard Speckels of Schulenburg; Mrs. Walter Neese of Carmine.

Marie Speckels was born 21 Aug 1843 and passed away on 13 Apr 1937. Contributed by Kathy Carter

PAULINE ASCHEN SPECKELS

La Grange Journal, 12 Mar 1942

MRS. PAULINE SPECKELS
Mrs. Pauline Speckels, age 90 years, 11 months and 28 days, died at her home in La Grange, Wednesday March 4. Funeral services were held at the family residence Friday by rev. R. Heise; interment was in the new city cemetery. Kroll Funeral Home in charge. Mrs. Speckels died two days prior to her 91st natal day anniversary, and was buried on that anniversary day.

Mrs. Speckels, who, prior to her marriage to J.C. Speckels, was Pauline Aschen, was married in 1868, and lived in the Walhalla section until 1903 when the family removed to La Grange, her husband preceded her to the grave Dec. 2, 1935. Up to ten days preceding her death, she was enjoying good health. She was a faithful member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Surviving are her daughters, Mrs. Johanna Carter of La Grange, Mrs. Clara Weikel of San Antonio; her son, John A. Speckels of San Antonio, A.W., and G.G. Speckels of Austin, Albert Speckels of Coupland, and A.F. Speckels of Kentucky. There are 27 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

Pauline Speckels was born 6 Mar 1851. Contributed by Kathy Carter

WILHELMINE NEESE SPECKELS

La Grange Journal, January 24, 1907

Mrs. G. H. Speckels

The friends of the family residing here were much shocked at the untimely announcement that Mrs. Minnie Speckels had passed away at 8 o’clock Saturday night. But few knew that she was seriously ill and the sad news was instrumental in grieving many hearts.  Mrs. Speckels became sick on Wednesday, and the services of physicians were promptly enlisted, but all that medical skill and the help of willing relatives and friends could do were to no avail, the Grim Reaper r claimed her after hours of suffering. For the past twenty years the deceased had been ailing, but during this time she bore her affliction very calmly, burdening no one with complaints, but re­maining cheerful and loving to her husband and family. She was perfectly conscious of the fact that death would claim her when stricken and accepted the inevitable in revenant form.

Mrs. Speckels, whose maiden name was Neese, at the time of her demise, was in her forty-sixth year. She was born at Warrenton, January 31st, 1861, and on January 9th, 1879, she became the wife of G.H. Speckels, who with two sons, Hugo W. and Leon, are the chief mourners. The family removed [illegible line] La Grange in November 1890, and have resided here continuously since.  She was the first member of the Lutheran Frauen Verein to pass away, and her legion of friends in our city mourns with her bereaved relatives.  Sunday afternoon the remains were interred at the new cemetery, a very large con­course of relatives and friends from this city and the home of her childhood, Warrenton, witnessing the last sad rites as administered by Rev. R. Heise. The Handel Club sang in English and in German, the most beautiful of all hymns, “Nearer My God to Thee." Friends of the family completely covered the new mound with floral tributes. May-her rest be peaceful.

Wilhelmine Speckels passed away on January 19, 1907. Contributed by Kathy Carter

MATTIE SPEED

Schulenburg Sticker, 4 Aug 1910

Mattie Speed, a negro girl of a about 10 years of age, while filling a lamp Saturday night, spilled oil on her clothes and while carrying the lighted lamp her clothes were ignited and she was so badly burned that she died the next day.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ROBERT SPEED

Schulenburg Sticker, 5 Feb 1915

DEATH REPORTS

Robert Speed, age 47 years, died Jan. 27, at Muldoon.

Contributed by Matt Cross

EDWARD SPENCER

DIED - At his home near Cedar Monday, April 30th 1894 Edward Spencer, Born Sept. 9, 1825.

The deceased leaves a wife to mourn his death, to whom The Journal tends its heartfelt sympathy.

Mr. Spencer resided in this county many years and made many friends who will regret his death. His remains were interred in the Cedar Cemetery with Masonic Honors, a large number of the Order went from here to assist in the ceremonies.

PHEBE LEWIS TURNAGE SPENCER

The La Grange Journal, 29 Dec 1927

Mrs. Phebe Spencer

Another Mother Responds to the Last Call

On Wednesday afternoon of last week, 21 December 1927, Mrs. Phebe Spencer, aged 84 years, 11 months and 2 days, drifted silently into the last sleep, like a tired child the repose came, and her soul, severing her relations from the bound of mortality, was carried onward, we sincerely believe to the mansion above, the mansion prepared for those who kept the faith. She was united with the Christian Church when a mere girl, and her comforter, through all the years, was He who said, "Come unto me all ye who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give thee rest." Friday afternoon the casket containing the body of a mother and grandmother and a great grandmother, was placed to rest, with Rev. Lathan of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. Lee of the Methodist Church and Rev. Cook of the Baptist Tabernacle officiating. In attendance and witnessing the last rites, were her son, grandson and other relatives, and friends from here and elsewhere. Mrs. Spencer's life was interesting to her relatives and those who knew her intimately. Having experienced, with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John E. Lewis, who came to Texas in the year 1831, many of the hardships that attended the efforts of her parents and other colonists. She knew the value of contentment in her later years and appreciated what to our present generations may be small to cherish.

Her father was one of the patriots who helped to dispel the idea of the Napolean of the West –Lopez De Santa Anna– that Texas would remain under the thumb of the Mexican government, and was with Gen. Sam Houston's army when the Battle of San Jacinto was fought and Santa Anna was later captured. Her relatives were also numbered with the early Texas patriots. Coming to this country to locate, the family for a period of time resided near La Grange. Mrs. Spencer was born in this county, and in the year 1859, 13 July, she was united in marriage with William Turnage, a Tennessean, and La Grange became her home. Here the couple lived until the Civil War called to arms all of soldier age, Mr. Turnage responding. It was while serving the Southern Cause that Mr. Turnage received word of the happy family event, and he secured a furlough, came on to La Grange and saw the child that was born unto them. For a few hours only, however, and then back to the field of conquest. He died near the Mexican border, and his only child, a son, William Lincoln Turnage of La Grange, never experienced the pleasure of knowing his father or lisping the name. Prior to his son's birth, a daughter, Sophie, born 9 March 1861, died 10 July 1861.

Mrs. Spencer, facing the trials thus forced upon her by unseen hands, sought to continue her struggles against the ever present force of adversity, and on 16 February 1868, after the cessation of hostilities and four years after the death of her first husband, she became the wife of Edward Spencer and lived on the farm near Cedar. Mr. Spencer died 30 April 1894, no children being born unto them, and the son, W.L. Turnage, assuming again the agreeable duty of comforting the widow. When Mr. Turnage removed to La Grange, his mother also removed to La Grange, and for a number of years resided on South Jefferson Street, later, a home on her son's property was added to and she lived there until called to rest. Coincidently and yet remarkable, she came back to the spot where she had lived as a bride and died there. The Lewis family was among the early settlers of this county, as were the Turnages; deceased saw the wooded land disappear and fruitful farms respond to the touch of the plow and the hard work of the pioneers; she saw the vacant stretches of land become dotted with cabins and happy homes of those who had come from other states and other countries, and she saw friend after friend join the ever increasing majority, yet remained steadfast, and when her sight began to fail some years ago, lived happily on, with new friends and neighbors, considerate and loving, and the ever present son a daily attendant. Three months ago, she took to her bed, and up to the hour when she sighed and drifted on, the son did what was a duty of love, paying back the debt to her who bore him and struggled against the unyielding influence of hardships and adversity when he was a child.

We seek not to comfort those who are mourning her going by family history chronicling; the mother is ever the best friend of man, and even unto the day when the step is tottering, when the eye loses both its luster and sight, she remains the mother, and where love and devotion remain a cherished possession, the parting is ever sad. Mrs. Spencer had exceeded the usual allotment of life by near to thirteen years, and her departure may have been scheduled without the sanction of the son and grandchildren; she was ever welcome, nothing can swerve one from duty. Her family connections were large, out of a family of twelve children, only two remain, these are: Mrs. Nellie Loe, Dallas; Mrs. Bettie Beck, Austin. One by one they have passed down the valley, Mrs. Spencer's departure reducing the number of three sisters, to two.

The chief mourners are her son, W.L. Turnage, the two sisters above mentioned, her grandson, R.E. Turnage of Lampasas, and the three grandchildren, and Mrs. Turnage of La Grange and Mrs. Turnage of Lampasas. With the large circle of friends of the family, and the good neighbors who ever found time to administer to the deceased during her illness, the Journal offers its condolence to the mourners.

ANNA SPIEGEL

Schulenburg Sticker, 14 Jan 1909

DEATHS REPORTED.

Died near Rutersville, Anna Spiegel, Jan. 5, aged 74 years, 11 months and 24 days of dysentery.

Contributed by Matt Cross

SPIES INFANT

Schulenburg Sticker, 16 Feb 1917

From the LaGrange Journal

Just like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, came the little nine pound boy to the home of R. H. Spies and wife Saturday morn. It was their first-born and the happiness of the parents can better be imagined than told. But, alas, while the storm was blowing hard Sunday night, the silent messenger of death entered the happy home and took the little fellow. The funeral was held at Waldeck Tuesday.

Contributed by Matt Cross

REINHELD H. SPIES

La Grange Journal, January 9,1936

R.H. Spies, Local Business Man Expires Sunday, Aged 50

The unexpected announcement was made Sunday night that R.H. Spies, proprietor of Spies’ Confectionery, had died at his home, after a brief illness.  Few knew that he had been seriously ill. Stricken at the close of last year, his condition suddenly became serious; he died when apoplexy materialized.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the family home in the northern end of the city, Rev. R. Heise, officiating.  He is survived by his widow and two daughters.

Mr. Spies came to La Grange from near Waldeck about 25 years ago, and engaged in business, in a small way, purchasing a fruit market. Bradually he added and then engaged in business on on a larger scale, locating in the then Scholz building, on the corner of Travis and Washington Streets.

A lover of hunting and fishing, he enlarged his confectionery and cold drink business, by adding a lard stock of sportsman’s goods, and enjoyed a very lucrative patronage. He was ever active and a very successful manager.

Four years ago he was stricken with paralysis, and after several months of illness there from, returned to his business duties. When the late illness compelled him to go abed, he was again stricken, dying quickly.

Mr. Spies made friends, many of them; he was popular with both young and old sportsmen, and his place of business was ever their headquarters. Always of a cheerful deposition, attending to what his business required of him, he leaves many here to mourn his departure and to sympathize with his mourning family and relatives

Transcribed by Stacy N. Sneed

MINNIE SPRETZ

Schulenburg Sticker, 5 Aug 1909

DEATHS REPORTED.

Died near Winchester, July 18, Minnie Spretz, age 1 year and 3 months of proupus pneumonia.

Contributed by Matt Cross

CLAUS SPRINGER

Schulenburg Sticker, 13 May 1921, page 4

Claus Springer

The news of the death of Claus Springer was received with profound regret and sadness here last Saturday morning, he having passed away after a lingering illness.

He was born at Nindorf, Germany, March 17, 1838, coming to this country at the age of 22 years, and settling in New York. In 1876 he emigrated to Texas, following his marriage a few years previous to Marie Schemmer, which union was blessed with nine children, five of whom still survive, they being, Peter Springer of New York, John Springer, of Schulenburg, Mrs. Arthur Kieswetter of Houston and Mrs. O. B. Schwenke and Mrs. Minnie Schwenke of this place. His wife also survives him.

Up until 1902 he was engaged in farming, during which year he moved to town where the remainder of his days were spent.

A stroke of paralysis, 8 months ago from which he never fully recovered hastened his death.

The funeral services were conducted from the home Sunday afternoon, and interment made at City Cemetery.

The sympathy of the community goes out to those of his loved ones, bereaved.

Contributed by Matt Cross

CLARA MARY BAUMBACH SRALLA

The La Grange Journal, February 27,1936, pg. 6

Died in Crosby

Relatives here were notified Saturday, February 22, of the death of Mrs. Clara Mary Sralla, aged 33 years, who died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Baumbach at Crosby, after a brief illness. Burial was had in the Crosby Catholic cemetery, Rev. Father Reynolds officiated at the Requiem Mass, Sunday.

Suvivors include her husband, E. B. Sralla, one son Edward Morris Sralla, parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Baumbach; three sisters, Mrs. Arthur Roeder, Mrs. Frank Durback and Mrs. Rud. Durback, of Crosby.

Mrs. Sralla, with her parents, formerly lived in Fayetteville where she leaves a host of friends who are sorry to hear of her death, and deeply sympathize with the bereaved ones.

Transcribed by Stacy N. Sneed

IGNATZ SRANEK

Schulenburg Sticker, 4 May 1905

Deaths Recorded Since Last Report.

Ig. Sranek, St. John, age ninety-one, died March 26.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JOHNNIE SRANEK

Schulenburg Sticker, 4 May 1905

Deaths Recorded Since Last Report.

Johnnie Sranek, St. John, age seventy-seven, died March 28.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JOHN SRNENKY

Shiner Gazette, 14 Jun 1899

RAGING AT LA GRANGE.

A Man Drowned -- Rise of Twenty Feet and Still Booming.

LaGrange, Texas, June 8. – The Colorado river is rising rapidly. There has been a twenty-foot rise so far at 6 p. m. The ferry boat at Winchester came through here this afternoon. Several attempts to capture it were unsuccessful.

John Srnenky, a Bohemian 54 years of age, in an attempt with others to capture it seven miles up the river was drowned.

Bridge timber of the Smithville bridge also went down. The current is very swift and carrying a continuous mass of driftwood. The river is still rising.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ANITA STANZEL SRUBAR

Weimar Mercury, Thursday, March 29, 2012, page 2

Anita Stanzel Srubar Services Held March 12

Anita Srubar departed this life quietly and peacefully on Friday, March 9.

She is most loved and remembered by her family and friends as a kind, gentle and strong woman.

Her greatest happiness in life was having her family around and her constant prayer was for her family to be safe, healthy and happy.

Anita Agnes Stanzel was born on Feb. 6, 1925 on the family farm in Middle Creek, six miles northeast of Schulenburg.
She was one of four children of Edward and Stephanie Seidenberger Stanzel.
Life was hard especially after her father and older brother, Leo, died in 1940 when she was only a teenager.

Her mother and two younger siblings, James and Theodore, continued to make their living on the farm.

Despite the hardships, there were also good times with neighbors and friends.
She especially loved to dance and taught her brothers to polka and waltz.

She attended St. Anthony School in Middle Creek, St. Rose School in Schulenburg for catechism as required at the time, and high school in High Hill.

Anita married Edwin Srubar and moved to Plum in 1947 where he was employed as a mechanic working on farm implements.
In 1960, the young family returned to the family farm in Middle Creek where they raised their eight children.

After Edwin died in 1977, she continued to live on the farm all her life.
Anita was first and foremost a homemaker.

In caring for her family, she worked the land, baked bread, tended to a large garden, canned fruits and vegetables, sewed, and tended to the farm animals.
All of her children attended St. Rose and Bishop Forest Catholic Schools.

She baked cakes and pies, volunteered at many fundraising events and attended many of her children’s sports and school activities.

When grandchildren came, she found great joy in caring for them and attending their activities.

Anita worked outside the home at the Stanzel Airplane Factory for many years and later as a docent guiding guests through the Stanzel Family Model Aircraft Museum and Ancestral Home.

She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and participated in the Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters.
Some recent pastimes included keeping up with her Houston Astros and watching polka dancing, Wheel of Fortune and, most recently, golf.

A rosary and vigil service was held on Sunday, March 11 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg.
The funeral Mass was celebrated by Rev. Tim Kosler on Monday, March 12 at St. Rose Church followed by interment in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were her seven grandsons.
Anita is survived by her daughters: Dorothy Huebel and husband Robert of Sugar Land, Helen Niesner and husband Jack of Buda, and Rita Janecka and husband Art of Weimar; sons: William Srubar of Schulenburg, Bob Srubar and wife Rita Jo of Weimar, Ron Srubar and wife Rhonda of Austin, Ernest Srubar and wife Cindy of Schulenburg and Albert Srubar of Pearland.

Surviving grandchildren: Stephanie Huebel Granito and husband Scott; Bobby Huebel and wife Adrienne; Tonia Srubar Livingston and husband Kevin; Angela Srubar Norman and husband Spencer; Matthew Srubar, Bradley Neisner, Todd Niesner, Morgan Srubar, Tyler Srubar, Taylor Srubar, Mackenzie Srubar, Brett Janecka and Scott Janecka; great-grandchildren Zoe, Haylee and Avery Norman; Chelsea, Kaci, Cody and Summer Livingston; brothers James Stanzel and Theodore Stanzel and wife Wanda.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Edward and Stephanie Stanzel, brother Leo Stanzel, husband Edwin Srubar and infant twin grandsons, Christopher and Nicholas Huebel.

Transcribed by Sandra Long Anders

JAN SRUBAR

Schulenburg Sticker, 6 Dec 1906, page 1

A FATAL ACCIDENT.

Last Wednesday night Frank Krupala and his twelve-year-old son, John, and Frank Slubar, a lad of twelve years, were returning home from town, a fatal accident befell the Slubar lad. When near Balzer’s gin about two miles west of town the horses suddenly lunged forwards throwing the occupants of the seat out, Krupala and his son fallidg [sic] backwards into the wagon, and little Slubar to the ground, landing on his head and breaking his neck. Death followed in a few moments.

Master Slubar had come to town to get medicine for his sick mother and met Krupala and his son near the bridge and climbed into the wagon with them. Before a complete investigation of the affair was made it was reported to the officers that Krupala, who was under the influence of liquor, had thrown the lad from the wagon. Krupala was arrested, but later released, the inquest held by Squire Ledbetter developing the fact that death was purely accidental. – LaGrange Journal.

Contributed by Matt Cross. Death certificate for a John Slubar matches the details reported here, as does a tombstone in the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Hostyn for Jan Srubar, 18 Sep 1894 – 21 Nov 1906.

JOHANNA SRUBAR

Schulenburg Sticker, 30 Aug 1912

DEATH REPORTS

Johanna Srubar, age 72 years, cirrhosis of liver, near Weimar.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JOSEPH A. SRUBAR

La Grange Journal, Thursday, October 7, 1948

Joe Srubar Dies After Heart Attack At Ammannsville

Joseph A. Srubar, 61, passed away Tuesday afternoon following a heart attackhe suffered while attending the Srubar-Janacek wedding reception at Ammannsville.

Mr. Srubar was brought to the La Grange Hospital, where he passed away shortly after arrival.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 8:30 a.m. at the Frank Vecera residence, followed by services at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church at Hostyn.  Rev. Edward J. Jansky will officiate Koenig Funeral Home is directing, and interment will be made in the Hostyn Cemetery.

Contributed by Rob Brown