MARIE WICK

Weimar Mercury, December 13, 1912

Schulenburg Sticker:
Mrs. Marie Wick beloved, wife of Mr. John Wick of High Hill, died Friday, Nov. 29th and her remains were laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery, Rev. Gerlach officiating, Sunday Dec. 1st.

Mrs. Wick was born July 4,1850, at Petersdorf, Austria, Selicia. Came to America in 1874 and was married to Mr. John Wick in 1878. Thirteen children blessed this union, two of whom died in infancy. Her husband and eleven children survive her. The daughters are: Mrs. Albert Hollas, Mrs. Ferd. Kainer, Mrs. John Bednarz, Mrs. Emil Heinrich, Mrs. Franz Demil, Mrs. Adolf Kainer. The sons are, Edward, Anton, Karl, Rudolf and John Jr. She also leaves one brother, Jos. Schindler of Palo Pinto, and three sisters, Mrs. Jos. Teichmann of Palo Pinto, Mrs. Francis Stanzel of Halletsville and Mrs. Falke of Houston.

Transcribed by Dorothy Albrecht

Schulenburg Sticker, 13 Dec 1912

DEATH REPORTS

Mrs. Maria Wick, age 52 years, 5 months pneumonia, High Hill.

Contributed by Matt Cross

MR. WIEDEMANN

La Grange Journal, February 22, 1934

DEATH OF MR. WIEDEMANN

Mr. Wiedmann died a t the home of his daughter, Mrs. H. F. Siebel, last Saturday morning.  Interment took place at the Carmine Cemetery with Rev. Brunotte officiating, Sunday afternoon.  Many relatives and friends mourn his departure.

Transcribed by Connie F. Sneed

EDWARD WIEDERANDERS

La Grange Journal, Thursday, March 25, 1943

Edward Wiederanders

Edward Wiederanders of Round Top, aged 81 years, 2 months and 7 days, died at LaGrange, Sunday, March 21; funeral services were held at the family home of the deceased at Round Top, Monday, March 22, at 3:00 p.m., and also at the Round Top Lutheran church, Rev. W. Kralik officiating.  Interment was in the churchyard cemetery. 

Deceased was a native of Fayette County and had lived his entire life in the county; he was the son of Carl Wiederanders, immigrant from Germany and was a devout member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Round Top. He was bereft of his wife several years ago

Surviving are his sons, Ben Wiederanders of Laporte and A. G. Wiederanders of Seguin, the latter an instructor in the Seguin Lutheran college; four daughters, Mrs. Elfrieda Franke of Uvalde, Mrs. Elsie Kroll of San Diego, California, and Mrs. W. P. (Nettie) Jacobs of La Grange. 

Contributed by Rob Brown

EDNA WIEMKEN

Fayette County Record, March 2, 2004

Wiemken

Funeral services for Edna Wiemken, 87, of La Grange are set for 2 pm Tuesday, March 2 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange with Rev. Dennis Bragdon officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Cemetery in La Grange.

She died Saturday, Feb. 28 at Care Inn of La Grange.

Wiemken was born Sept. 15, 1916, in La Grange, the daughter of Gerhard Oeltjen, Jr. and Emma (Anders) Oeltjen. She married William Hermann Wiemken on Nov. 26, 1939 in La Grange. She was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and was a member of the Mary Martha Guild. She was also a member of the Trinity Hill Home Demonstration Club for many years. She owned and operated the Wiemken Bakery for over 25 years. She was an active league bowler for many years.

Survivors include two daughters, Elaine Johnson and husband Herman of Round Rock and Patricia Michael and husband Leroy of La Grange; one son, Lee Allen Wiemken and wife Dorothy of Montgomery; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Gladys Valenkamp and husband Herbert of Old Glory; one brother, Walter Oeltjen and wife Sarah of La Grange; and one aunt, Nelda Anders of La Grange.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband on Feb. 7, 1977.

Memorials are suggested to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Parking Lot Fund.

Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Contributed by Gene L. Freudenberg

FRANTISKA BENA WIESNER & MARIE WIESNER ZAPALAC

The Bartlett Tribune, Friday, July 22, 1927, page 3

Death Claims Two at La Grange

Death invaded the home of John H. Zapalac, several miles to the east of LaGrange, successively last week and this week, and left aching hearts to mourn the departure of a mother, and a mother and grandmother.  And in chronicling the death of these two good women, we realize again, that Death is not a respecter of persons, but in mowing the mortals on earth it takes all on its path.

Mrs. John H. Zapalac, essayed as a loving daughter would do, to nurse her mother, Mrs. Francis Wiesner, widow of William Wiesner, and restore her to health, and in her labors encouraged the same illness and took to her bed.  Miss Millie Kallus of Waco and Miss Francis Pastusek, trained nurses, came during the past week and took charge of the two patients.

Mrs. Zapalac, the daughter, died Friday, Mrs. Wiesner, the mother of Mrs. Zapalac and a grandmother, died Sunday.  The body of Mrs. Zapalac was carried to the Catholic cemetery at Fayetteville Sunday, and the body of Mrs. Wiesner was taken to the same cemetery Monday morning,  Revs. Klobouk of Fayetteville and Holub of LaGrange officiating.  Two deaths, following closely, and buried within a day of one another.  The words of the ministers can be well imagined.  They committed the bodies of these two good women to Mother Earth, while relatives shed their tears, and friends wiped their moistened eyes.

We essay to pen the words of sympathy to the surviving relatives, realizing that while our expressions of sympathy are real and sincere, that they are after all only expressions of sympathy.  They may help to heal the gaping wounds of the heart, but they cannot bring back the two who had always manifested a loving tenderness for those dependent upon them, and cannot efface from the memory of son and brother, the loss that is theirs at this time.

Mrs. Zapalac leaves a husband, four sons, Rudolph, Martin, Tom, and Edward, and two daughters, Mrs. Sophie Baca of near LaGrange and Miss Mary, living at the family home.  Mrs. Wiesner, making her home with the family of John Zapalac since the death of her husband, twenty-three years ago, leaves two sons, these are Frank Wiesner of Rosenberg and William Wiesner of El Campo; two daughters, Mrs. J. S. Zvesper of Schulenberg and Mrs. Martin Pastusek of LaGrange.  All members of the family were at the bedside of the mother and grandmother at the time of their death.

Mrs. Wiesner, whose maiden name was Francis Bena, was born in Frenstadt, Moravia, July 31, 1840, and became the wife of William Wiesner when still a young girl.  After several years of married life in that country, they emigrated to America, landing at Galveston in the summer of 1872, and from that port continued their journey to Live Oak Hill in Fayette county and lived in that section of the country and at Fayetteville the rest of their natural lives.  Mr. Wiesner, in his prime and up to the time of his demise, was organist for the Fayetteville Catholic Church.  There were seven children in the family, three of these, including Mrs. Zapalac, have preceded the mother.  In addition to her mourning children, there are thirty-seven grandchildren and forty-seven great grandchildren.

Mrs. Zapalac, the daughter, was also born in Frenstadt, and came with her parents at the time of their emigration to America.  She was united in marriage with John Zapalac forty years ago.  Their children are also mentioned in the preceding paragraph.  She also leaves six grandchildren.

Coming to attend the funeral of the two, in addition to those who came from all parts of this county, were:  Mr. and Mrs. John Blanco, Dallas; John Zapalac, Mrs. Charles Haidik, Mrs. Julia Kallus, Mrs. Joseph Polasek and daughter, West; Mrs. J. W. Zapalac, Martin Pastusek, Bartlett; Lee Hausler and family, Elgin; William J. Wiesner and family, Rowena; Mrs. Joe F. Zapalac, August Zapalac, San Marcos; Mrs. J. R. Anderson, Smithville; Joseph Novosad and family, East Bernard; Frank Wiesner and family, Mrs. Dornak, William Wiesner, Mrs. A. Budaus, Mrs. Ray Piwetz, El Campo; F. V. Wiesner and family, Louis Vogelsang and family, Rosenberg; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Zapalac, Vanderbilt; William Zapalac, Pledger.

The two nurses, Miss Francis Pastusek, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Pastusek, and Miss Millie Kallus, daughter of F. J. Kallus, called to administer to the sufferers, nursed their aunt and grandmother.—LaGrange Journal

Contributed by Linda Wiesner

VILEM ROBERT “WILLIAM” WIESNER

Schulenburg Sticker, 28 Jan 1904, p.2

Death Record

Wiesner: Died at Fayetteville Jan 19 (1904) of pneumonia, William R. Wiesner, aged 66 years.

Contributed by Linda Wiesner

WILLIAM FRANK WIESNER

Svoboda news clipping:

El Campo, Texas 

V nedeli rano, 11 srpna, zesnul v Panu v El Campo 72 lety osadnik a clen kostelniho sboru zpevackeno p Vilem F Wiesner. Co prakticky katolik, byl patricne posilnen sv. Svatostmi na cestu do vecnosti Pohrebni obrady v kostele vykonal dustp V. A. Raska v El Campo za vypomoci dustp. Jos. Klobouka z Fayetteville Pak zesnuly odvezen a ti sami dust. otcove vykonali cirkevni obrady v kostele a na katol. Hrbitove ve Fayetteville, kde zesnuly byl pohrben vedle sve manzelky, ktera jej predesla na vecnost r. 1911.

Zesnuly byl rozen r. 1863 ve Frenstate na Morave a pri byl do Texasu s rodici v mladem veku. Byli usazeni mnoho let u Fayetteville a Vilem jiz tam byl clenem choru kostelniho, nebot jeho otec byl milovnikem a znalcem hudby a zpevu. Poslednich jiz nekolik let bydlel u svych deti v El Campo.

Zanechal zde syny Franka a Jeroma a dceru, pi. Adolf Budausovou v El Campo; syna Vilema v Rowena a Cyrilla v San  Antonio, pak dceru, pi. Pivetzovou v Pledger; bratra Franka v Rosenberg; 2 sestry, pi. Bozenu (Mart.) Pastuskovou v La Grange a pi. Annu Zwesperovou v Schulenburgu; dvanact vnoucat, z nichz jeden, syn Vilemuv v Rowena, studuje lekarstvi na Tex. Universite v. Galvestonu.

Dej Buh zesnulemu radost vecnou a potes pozustale jeho.

[Translation:

El Campo, Texas

On Sunday morning, the 11^th of August, Mr. William F. Wiesner, a 72 year old settler and church choir singer, died in the Lord in El Campo. As a practicing Catholic, he was duly strengthened by the Holy Sacraments on the path to Eternity. Funeral rites in the church were carried out by Rev. V. A. Raska in El Campo, and assisting, Rev. Joseph Klobouka from Fayetteville. The deceased was then transported by those same Reverend Fathers, who conducted dignified ceremonies in the church and the Catholic Cemetery in Fayetteville, where the deceased was buried beside his wife, who had preceded him to eternity in 1911.

The deceased was born in 1863 in Frenstat, Moravia, and came to Texas with his parents at a young age. They were established in Fayetteville many years and William was a member of a church choir there, because his father was a lover and connoisseur of music and singing. For the last several years, he had lived with his children in El Campo.

He leaves here sons Frank and Jerome and daughter, Mrs. Adolph Budausovou [Budaus] in El Campo, sons William in Rowena and Cyril in San Antonio, a daughter Mrs. Pivetzovou [Pivetz] in Pledger, brother Frank in Rosenberg, 2 sisters, Mrs. Bozenu [Bozena] (Martin) Pastuskovou [Pastusek] in La Grange and Mrs. Anna Zwesperovou [Zwesper] in Schulenburg, twelve grandchildren, one of which, the son of William in Rowena, is studying medicine at  University of Texas in Galveston.

God grant the deceased eternal joy and comfort to his survivors.]

Contributed by Linda Wiesner. Translation by Linda Wiesner and Carolyn Heinsohn.

GERHARD WIETING

The La Grange Journal, Thursday, August 17, 1905

Gerhard Wieting, a farmer who resided a few miles west of town, died Sunday.  The Journal extends to his surviving family its sincere sympathy in this hour of sorrow.

Contributed by Rob Brown

HEDWIG RIEHMAN WIETING

Mrs. Hedwig Wieting

Mrs. Hedwig Wieting, aged 88 years, 2 months and 3 days, died at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Hy. Francke, Saturday, January 15, after a very brief illness.  Stricken with a heart attack that morning, she rallied and later received the second attack, dying within a few minutes.  Funeral services were held by Rev. R. Heise in the chapel of the Koenig Funeral Home in this city, Monday afternoon at 3:00 o’clock; interment was made in the Cedar cemetery, Koenig Funeral Home in charge.

Mrs. Wieting, widow of the late Gerhard Wieting, was born in Fayette county and had lived her entire life in and near to La Grange; she was a member of the Lutheran church; she was born November 12, 1855.

Surviving are her daughter , Mrs. Hy. (Mary) Francke, her sons, Gerhard of La Grange and Henry Wieting of Harper; there are 9 grand-children and 11 great-grandchildren.

Contributed by Rob Brown

LOUISE WILDER WIETING

Funeral Services Held For La Grange Native Monday

Mrs. Louise T. Wieting, a La Grange native, died in Georgetown Sept. 10.  Funeral services were held for her from the Koenig Funeral Home Chapel Monday, Sept. 12, at 10 AM.  Burial was in the Cedar Cemetery and the Rev. H. T. Flachmeier officiated.

Born on July 31, 1877, she was the former Louise Wilder and the daughter of the late Joseph and Bertha Zovisch Wilder.  She was married to Hans Wieting on March 28, 1802 in La Grange.  Mr. Wieting preceded his wife in death on Aug. 21, 1939.

Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. August (Delta) Spacek of La Grange; one sister, Miss Helen Wilder of La Grange; one brother, Max Wilder of La Grange; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Contributed by Rob Brown

CHARLES WILD

The Schulenburg Sticker, Friday, March 6, 1936

Former Schulenburg Resident Expires

Charles Wild, a former resident of Schulenburg, passed away Wednesday morning, March 4, at his home in Austin.

Funeral services were held from the family residence Thursday afternoon, March 5, at 2 o’clock.

Surviving are four daughters and one son and a host of relatives in this section.

Mr. Wild lived for a number of years on a farm east of this city and is well known to many of the old settlers in this section of the country.

Contributed by Rob Brown

ALFRED WILDNER

Schulenburg Sticker, 29 Oct 1903, page 1

Death Record.

Deaths reported for the week ending Oct. 24th 1903.

Wildner: Died near LaGrange, Oct. 22-03 suicide by shooting himself with a pistol, Alfred Wildner, aged 30 years, 3 months.

Contributed by Matt Cross

Suicide at Bluff

Alfred Wildner, a young farmer, (about twenty-nine years old) who resided with his mother and two sisters upon a farm near Bluff, suicided last Thursday morning by shooting himself through the head with a 32-calibre pistol.  The news created much excitement here, as the suicide was in town the day before and made several purchases, chatted very pleasantly with his acquaintances and no one who knew him would have believed he could entertain such an idea as self destruction.

It is now stated – and the belief is well founded – that the rash act was committed while temporarily insane.  The fact that Mr. Wildner should have slept all night and then at 5:30 o’clock in the morning put a bullet through his head corroborates the statement.  The JOURNAL learns that on several different occasions he left the house, shotgun in hand and hid in the brush near-by, stating that he knew some one intended robbing the premises and that he intended killing the intruder.  Mr. Wildner always placed a table near his bed, and upon the table placed his pistol.  All these facts have been reported, and go to show that the suicide was evidently temporarily insane.

‘Squire Ledbetter held the inquest Thursday morning and his verdict was in accordance with the facts, that the deceased met his death by the discharge of a pistol, discharged by himself.  The remains were interred in the Cedar cemetery Friday morning, friends in the neighborhood and in this city being in attendance.  The local singing society, of which Mr. [Wildner] was a member, attended and officiated at the grave.  The surviving relatives have THE JOURNAL’S sympathy.

Contributed by Rob Brown

ESTELLE WILKINS

Weimar Mercury, 21 Mar 1891, page 1

Died, in this city, Wednesday, March 11, 1891, of consumption, Miss Estelle Wilkins. Miss Wilkins was born near Hackberry, Lavaca county in 1865. She was a daughter of Mrs. P. E. Edmondson, of this city, and sister to Mr. Shirley Wilkins of the firm of Brady & Wilkins, and Bush Wilkins, now residing in Wyoming Territory, but who has been here for some little time. Miss Wilkins was very popular in the circle of her acquaintance and many kind friends ministered to her wants during her lingering illness. The sympathy of the Democrat, profound and sincere, goes forth to sorrowing relatives.—[La Grange] Democrat.

MARY BAUDERER WILKS

Schulenburg Sticker, 23 June 1916

Mrs. Friedrich Wilks Dead

Mrs. Friedrich Wilks died at her home on Upton Avenue Wednesday at noon after a lingering sickness of several weeks. The funeral was held Thursday afternoon and she was laid to rest in the City cemetery.

Mrs. Wilks was born in Basel, Switzland [sic], May 26, 1873, and came to America in 1884. At Sweet Home she was united in marriage to Friedrich Wilks in 1891 and came to Schulenburg in 1901 where they have since made their home.

Mrs. Wilks was of a quiet, home-loving disposition and her greatest happiness was in the welfare of the family. Her husband, one daughter, four sons and an adopted daughter, survive her, all living at home, and a sister living in Woodland, California. The entire community extends sympathy to the bereaved family in their great loss.

Contributed by Matt Cross

STEVE WILLARD

Weimar Mercury, 7 Oct 1893, page 2

LaGrange Democrat: We regret being called on to record the fact that Steve Willard, esq., of Winchester had the terrible misfortune to lose an arm in a gin last Saturday. We have not heard the particulars. Mr. Willard is an old and honored citizen of this county and was a brave soldier during the war in Green's brigade. His old comrades will give him their heartfelt sympathy in this hour of his suffering and will join in hoping that he may soon recover from the effects of the accident.

Later news from Winchester, is that Mr. [Williard] died from the effects of his accident. Another good, upright, honest citizen and brave soldier has crossed over the river.

E. C. WILLENBERG

La Grange Journal, August 6, 1936 pg. 1

E. C. Willenberg Is Claimed After Long Illness, Monday

E. C. Willenberg, eldest son of Mrs. Emma Willenberg of La Grange, died at his mother’s home on South Jefferson Street, Monday at noon. Seriously ill for the past four months, all agencies of help and medical advice was sought; his condition grew worse gradually, and death mercifully stepped in. He was 55 years, 9 months, and 24 days old.

Born in La Grange, October 9, 1880, to Bruno and Mrs. Emma Willenberg, he grew to manhood in La Grange. Ever industrious and energetic he held for many years after reaching early manhood, clerical positions in mercantile establishments in LA Grange, and on December 31, 1910, he was united in marriage with Miss Alma Moehring, at Coupland. The couple made Coupland their home and then came to La Grange, remaining until the year 1924.

In 1924, they removed to Ingleside where he had accepted a position with a mercantile firm, later engaging in grape culture and truck farming. Although suffering from a constitutional ailment he continued to antagonize its influence until unable so to do. Coming back to La Grange he submitted to surgical operations which, despite his determination to get well, brought only temporary relief. Monday morning he drifted rapidly to the close of earth’s pilgrimage.

Surviving are, his widow, his mother, one nephew and several relatives, and numerous friends. Eulogy brings not back those we love; in passing to his eternal reward, the Journal prints this, a fitting tribute; “He was honest, fearless, faithful and sincere”- at all times.

The body was taken to the St. Paul Lutheran church, Tuesday; at 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon services were held by Rev. R. Heise, pastor, and interment was had at the new cemetery. May the rest be peaceful; he was ready and had asked for it. Mr. Willenberg’s father died when his son was four years old.

Transcribed by Stacy N. Sneed

ANDERSON WILLIAMS

Weimar Mercury, 9 Aug 1890

HOMICIDE.—From Mr. C. T. Zapp who was in town Monday, the Journal learns that on Wednesday the 23rd inst., about two miles from Zapp postoffice, Peter Davis, colored, shot and killed Anderson Williams and Freeman Fears, also colored, with a winchester rifle. It seems that Williams, who has a family, and is represented as being a preacher, has made an unenviable reputation in that neighborhood among his class, by devoting much of his time and attention to the wives of his neighbors; that he made it a rule, as soon as any of the young men married a girl, to set to work to alienate her affections, and in one instance actually succeeded in inducing a newly married wife to go off with him, and was gone some three or four weeks before they returned. The cause of the recent killing was the result of his meddling with Davis' wife, in which he was assisted by Freeman Fears, brother of the woman. It also seems that Williams had also threatened to kill Davis for trying to prevent him from invading his home and disturbing his marital relations, claiming that he had as much right to the woman as Davis had. It seems that after doing the killing Davis foolishly left for parts unknown, but it has since been reported that he went to Brenham and surrendered.—La Grange Journal

Contributed by Debbie Hanson

BESSIE HARWELL WILLIAMS

La Grange Journal, April 9, 1914

Died at San Antonio.

Mrs. Nelson Williams, nee Miss Bessie Harwell, died at San Antonio Tuesday, and the remains were brought to LaGrange Wednesday evening and taken to the home of W. H. Thomas, from where the funeral will occur this morning at 10 o'clock. Friends and acquaintances of deceased are respectfully requested to attend.

Mrs. Williams, daughter of John T. Harwell, and a former resident of this city, is well remembered here, having taught, at one time in our public schools, and became the wife of N. W. Williams here. We extend to her mourning relatives our sincerest sympathy.

CAMELIA WILLIAMS

Schulenburg Sticker, 31 Aug 1905

MRS. ISAAC WILLIAMS DEAD.

Mrs. Isaac Williams, a most estimable lady, died at her home near Schulenburg Saturday at 9 o’clock and her remains were laid to rest by loving hands in the City Cemetery Sunday afternoon at 5 o’clock, Rev. Barnum of Flatonia, officiating.

Mrs. Williams was 67 years of age and had been a citizen of Fayette county since 1860.

She leaves eleven children, four daughters, Mesdames Sara Peeler, of Flatonia; Carrie Green of Beeville and Kate Glass of this city, and Miss Mollie, at home, and seven sons, Messrs. Tom of Cameron, George of this city, J. P. of Yoakum, Will of Llano, Robert of this city, M. M. of Runge and Doc of Sweet home [sic]. All the children were present at the funeral except Mrs. Green of Beeville and M. M. Williams of Runge.

The Sticker joins the entire community in extending to the bereaved relatives their heartfelt sympathy in their hour of sorrow.

Contributed by Matt Cross

CORNELIA ARMSTRONG WILLIAMS

Schulenburg Sticker, Thursday, October 19, 1905

"FOREVER WITH THE LORD"

Died at her home near Schulenburg Texas Aug. 26, 1905, Mrs. Cornelia Armstrong Williams widow of the late Col. Isaac Williams. She was born in Ala. April 2nd, 1829, married in early womanhood in Miss. and moved to Texas in December 1858, locating first in Austin Co., later in Fayette County where she had spent a long happy life of nearly 50 years. Beautiful in features and form with many personal charms, Mrs. Williams was queen of her husband's fond heart, and the joy and pride of the eleven children that blessed her home. Her neighbors and friends always loved her. She was the daughter of a Baptist minister, and all through a long life, she was an example of christian consistency. In many respects she had been an extremely fortunate woman; she had never lost a child; she had never known nor felt real poverty; all corroding cares had been far removed from her by her loving appreciative sons and daughters, and be her careful, throughtful, tender husband. She was careful to entertain strangers, feeling that often she entertained angels unawares; people frequently left her hospitable home with blessings on that home. "Cast thy bread upon the waters and thou shall find it after many days." In her case this scripture was verified.

While the home is no more home without "Mother" yet the children can comfort their hearts with the knowledge that mother has joined father and other loved ones in the "Home Eternal" and there, they are waiting to greet their eleven sons and daughters. God grant that not one be missing of that large happy family.

Mrs. Williams was the last representative of the older members of three families who left the rich, comfortable plantation homes of Noxubee Co., Miss. to help build up the great State of Texas. Mrs. M. A. Johnson, the youngest of the Williams family, died November 26, 1902; Mr. Martin V. Williams died in 1900; Mr. Isaac Williams in 1903. By heroic effort, by strength of character, by sincerity of heart and honesty of purpose, through pure religious principles, through mental and moral superiority they sustained an unsullied reputation and became a great blessing to their native and adopted state and to the communities in which they lived. For their descendants, we ask no greater usefulness, no greater courage, than to be ever ready for duty and to bravely perform it as did their forefathers, and their grand mothers. Then with joy we can look up and say:

"O how sweet it will be in that Beautiful Land So free from all sorrow and pain.
With songs on our lips and with harps in our hands to meet one another again."

Mrs. Sallie Johnson Key,
Pleasanton, Texas

Cornelia Armstrong Williams was interred in the Schulenburg City Cemetery
Contributed by Rox Ann Johnson

Dr. EDWARD T. WILLIAMS

The Fayette County Record, Friday, March 6, 1970

Dr. Williams Dies, Funeral Set Friday

Last rites will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at St. James Episcopal Church here for Dr. Edward T. (Ted) Williams, prominent La Grange physician, who passed away Wednesday at an Austin hospital. He was 53.

Rev. Ed Hartwell will conduct the service, and burial will be in the La Grange City Cemetery. Dr. Williams will remain at the Koenig Funeral Home chapel until 1 p.m. Friday.

Dr. Williams came to La Grange after World War II, in which he served as a captain in the US Air Force. He received his honorable discharge at San Antonio and came here as an associate of Dr. L. D. Boelsche, Later he entered into an association in the practice of medicine with Dr. Leland F. Zatopek, and they remained in practice together until the present time.

Dr. Williams and the former Miss Marjorie Logan of La Grange were married September 7, 1956 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in La Grange.

He was born July 22, 1916, in Chicago, the son of the late Clifford Theodore and Viene Caswell Williams. The family moved to Norwalk, Ohio, where Dr. Williams grew up. He attended public schools in Norwalk and later the University of Michigan. He also attended the University of Michigan medical school, from which he was graduated in 1942.

Dr. Williams was a member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Texas Academy of General Practitioners of which he was a past state director, Fayette-Colorado Counties Medical Association, Fayette Memorial Hospital staff, the American Legion, La Grange Chamber of Commerce, La Grange Parent-Teacher Association and the Texas Society of Athletic Team Physicians. He had served for the past two years as the La Grange school district's physician and formerly had served as La Grange schools' football physician.

He had served his church for many years as senior warden.

His favorite charities were the Fayette Memorial Hospital memorial fund and St. James Episcopal Church memorial fund.

Surviving are his wife; three sons, Dr. Edward T. Williams III of Ann Arbor, Mich., John Phillip Williams and Bruce Gilman Williams, both of La Grange; a daughter, Lucia Leigh Williams of La Grange; and a brother, P. C. Williams of Prattville, Alabama.

Contributed by Bruce G. Williams

ESSIE MAE JEFFERSON WILLIAMS

La Grange Journal, 17 Dec 1942

Husband Stabbed Wife and Gunned for Invader

Deputy Will Rightmer went to Fayetteville Saturday night to take charge of Norris Williams, negro, charged with having stabbed his wife to death on 12 December 1942, at age 21.

The old story of invasion, never sanctioned; Norris had the line on the invader, in fact, had the act proof. After stabbing his wife, the wound causing death, and which Norris did not know until later, he went gunning for the invader. Constable Arnold Knippel got him before the invader was found. Norris was brought to La Grange by Deputy Rightmer and placed in the county jail.

Essie Mae Williams was buried in the Spring Hill Baptist Cemetery. Transcribed by Norman C. Krischke

EADIE WILLIAMS

Schulenburg Sticker, 19 Nov 1903

Death Record.

Williams: Died at Winchester, Oct. 28th 03, of typhoid fever, Eadie Williams, colored, aged 22 years.

Contributed by Matt Cross

EZZELLE WILLIAMS

Schulenburg Sticker, 30 July 1903

Death Record.

Williams: Died at West Point July 12th-03, of congestion, Ezelle Williams, colored, aged 2 years and 1 month.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ISAAC WILLIAMS

Schulenburg Sticker, 13 Nov 1902

A PATRIARCH HAS FALLEN.

Mr. Isaac Williams, one of the oldest settlers of this section and most respected and esteemed of our citizens, who had attained the ripe old age of 78 years and was blessed with the enjoyment of his mental and physical faculties, has responded to the summons of the death messenger, and in obedience to the command of the Master has gone to his future reward of peace everlasting and perpetual joy. Mr. Williams, who has been in feeble health for several months and seriously ill for a week or ten days, died at his home near Schulenburg Monday night, November the 10th, and his remains were tenderly consigned to the grave Tuesday afternoon, the interment having occurred at the City cemetery, in presence of the family and a host of friends, the funeral services having been conducted by the Rev. Mr. Barnum, pastor of the Flatonia Baptist church. Mr. Williams was born in Mississippi August the 19th, 1824, and resided in his native state for thirty-five years. During his residence there he married on Nov. the 19th, 1846, Miss Camelia A. J. Armstrong, and with his wife and children removed to Texas and settled in Fayette county in 1859, and has since constantly resided here. He has always been known as an indulgent husband and father, a true citizen, a faithful friend and Christian gentleman. He while a young man declared his implicit faith in the teachings of the Bible, and had been for more than fifty years a consistent member of the Baptist church. He leaves a wife who has been his companion for fifty-six years, eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, and a great number of friends to mourn for him, whose life was an effort for right, and whose conduct was and will remain a benefit to mankind.

[later in column]

Mr. Isaac Williams, an announcement of whose death appears in this issue, enjoyed the distinction, seldom realized by any man, of having lived more than 78 years, having been married 56 years and having been the father of eleven children, seven son [sic] and four daughters, by each of whom he is survived. Of his sons three, Messrs. Geo. M., Robert and Dock reside here, one at Yoakum, two in Llano county and one in Milam county. On account of the illness of Mrs. Williams which has been intensified by the death of her beloved husband, we are unable to obtain today the names and addresses of each of the children.

Schulenburg Sticker, 20 Nov 1902

Messrs. Tom Williams of Buckholts, Milam county, I. W. Williams of Valley Springs, Llano county, M. M. Williams of Runge, Karnes county, J. P. Williams of Yoakum, George, Robert and Charles Williams, Miss Mollie Williams, Mrs. Lee Glass of Schulenburg, Mrs. Wm. Peeler of Flatonia and Mrs. A. Green of Uvalde county, all children of Mr. Isaac Williams, whose death occurred Monday night Nov. 10th, and were with their father during his last illness except Mrs. Green, who resides on a ranch fifty miles from a railroad and was therefore unable to be present.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JACK WILLIAMS

Weimar Mercury, 3 Jul 1897, page 8

News Specials: Flatonia, Texas. June 27.—A cutting scrape occurred last night at a supper and deance given in the suburgs of the town by the colored people, as a result of which Jack Williams les at the point of death with a stab over the heart, and face badly gashed; and John sutton has his throat cut. Several arrests have been made.

Weimar Mercury, 24 Jul 1897, page 7

Flatonia, Tex., Jul 19.—The negro Jack Wiliams, who was cut and stabbed in the side at a colored dance three weeks ago, as detailed in the News at the time, died here last nght.

John Sutton, the negro who has been in jail at LaGrange, charged with teh cutting, is also in a precarious condition from the wounds received at the same time.

LORENE WILLIAMS

Schulenburg Sticker, 12 Jan 1912

LITTLE LORENE WILLIAMS.

Sunday the Angel of Death visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Williams of near Weimar and claimed their six-year-old daughter Lorene. Her tiny remains were tenderly consigned to their resting place Monday afternoon in Weimar cemetery, Rev. Sellers of the Bapist [sic] church performing the last sad rites.

The little girl was a granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Williams and a niece of Mr. and Mrs. R. Williams of this city.

The many friends of the family join theSticker [sic] in extending sincere sympathy to the bereaved parents.

Contributed by Matt Cross

MARJORIE ANN LOGAN WILLIAMS

Austin American-Statesman, April 3, 2007

Marjorie Ann (Logan) Williams

Marjorie Ann (Logan) Williams, long time citizen of the world, loving mother, grand-mother and great- grandmother and bon vivant passed from this world to the next on March 24, 2007 after a long battle with emphysema (acquired from smoking). Born September 1, 1924 to Juanita Robson and John A Logan of LaGrange, Texas she was a hard driving and stubborn lady from the start. She graduated from LaGrange High School in 1941 as Valedictorian and went on to the University of Texas; receiving her B.A. in 1945 with not one, but four majors: government, history (both life-long interests), economics and Spanish. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa and was a member of the Orange Jackets, Mortar Board and other honorary, music and literary societies. Life in Austin being too pedantic, she went on to take a job with Eastern Airlines and worked as a stewardess (the old name for a Flight Attendant) before deciding that while traveling was exciting, it was not mentally fulfilling. She saw an ad for a stock broker training school while working at the Statler Hotel in Washington, D.C. and applied. She was accepted but noticed that at that time, women were not allowed on the floor of the NYSE. She went straight to managing partner, Winthrop Smith (of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Beane) who took it to the board and after the completion of her six-month training course, she led the first 9 women out onto the floor of the NYSE during trading hours (a first in the exchange's 150 year history). She went to work in Detroit for Merrill Lynch and her first child, Philip Cyrus Simpson, was born there in 1954 following her marriage to her first husband, Sydney E Simpson. Philip would be adopted by her second husband and renamed John Phillip Williams following her return to Texas in 1955. She married her second husband, Dr. Edward T Williams, II, in 1957 and they had two children together: Lucia Leigh Williams in 1957 and Bruce Gilman Williams in 1959. She was also the step-mother of Dr. Williams' first son, Edward (Bill) T Williams, III (born 1943). Ted preceded her in death in 1970. Not content with the homemaker's role she began teaching in the LaGrange Independent School District in 1964. Initially Marge taught fifth grade but for the majority of her teaching career she was in High School where she taught economics, history and government. She was a life-long learner and returned to the University of Texas and obtained her M.A. in 1970. She fought for and successfully established the first academic lettering program at the High School. She taught for 16 years resigning in protest in 1980 over unfair labor practices. She was continually active in publishing and editing numerous articles in "Texana", "American Heritage" and the "Southwest Historical Quarterly" as well as being co-author of the textbook, "Texas: The Land and the People". She was perhaps most proud of her High School students however, who published "Fayette County, Past & Present" which she edited. She was also honored for these contributions as well as numerous activities in the community (secretary of the advisory council at Winedale, president of the board of directors of the Fayette Heritage Museum and Archives, secretary-treasurer and president of the LaGrange Cemetery Association, establishing the first chapter of the DAR in Fayette County, establishing and becoming president of the Hospital Auxiliary, co-chairman of the Fayette County Historical Commission among many others) with the title: Woman of the Year for 1978. Regionally she was program chair for the Texas State Historical Association in that same year and was inducted into the international honor society of Delta Kappa Gamma. Her retirement from teaching was a great turning point in her career as rather than sit and retire in the archives in LaGrange she decide to travel the world and did so in 1980 completing a circumnavigation in a little over 80 days. This perspective allowed her to see the next horizon however: Law School. Ignoring all nay-sayers, she applied to and was accepted at all 7 schools in the State and entered the University of Texas in 1982, graduating in 1985. 1985 was a momentous year for Marjorie as she would not only pass the Bar Exam but would do so with a major head injury acquired during a taxi accident in Austin! She would recover however and went to work for the Texas Legislative Council in 1986 leaving to work for a State Legislator in 1988. She retired again in 1994 and moved to Laguna Hills, CA to Leisure World. She was not going to a sleepy retirement however, she immediately became part of numerous clubs and activities at Leisure World including the: DAR (secretary and Regent), AAUW (American Association of University Women (historian and Parliamentarian), Community Association, College Club, Mac-Users Group, UDC (United Daughters of the Confederacy), Colonial Dames, DRT (Daughters of the Republic of Texas) and Historical Society (serving as Archivist). For her service to these committees and Leisure World she was named "Leisure Worlder of the Month" for October of 1999. Her service to the Archives were recognized not only by the society (Life Achievement Award, 2000) but also by an article on her activity from the LA Times Orange County edition (12-12-00). Finally in 1999 she ran for and was elected to the California Senior Legislature (a shadow group composed entirely of seniors that proposes legislation of importance to seniors). She introduced two bills, one added seniors to the targeted populations for environmental impact of new state programs and policies and the second required that the consumer guide to Funeral and Cemetery purchases be available by telephone, internet, computer and any other form of electronic requests. The latter was enacted! She also served on the Orange County Senior Citizens Advisory Council and was a member of the Legislative Committee. As her health gradually deteriorated, she returned first to her native Texas and finally to Pennsylvania to a retirement home, St. Barnabus Villages where she was living at the time of her death. Not surprisingly, she was organizing an archives for St. Barnabus when she died! Margie is survived by her brother, Rev. Canon John A. Logan of Houston, TX; her four children, Edward (Bill) T. Williams, III, MD and his wife Janice of Tampa, FL, John P. Williams, MD and his wife Valerie of Pittsburgh, PA, Lucia L. Williams, MD of Jacksonville, TX and Bruce G. Williams of Colorado Springs, CO; nine grandchildren, Ian Williams of Tampa, FL, Allison Shamblin and her husband Keith of Tampa, FL, Colin Williams and his wife Maureen of Orlando, FL, Lauren Signorino of Jacksonville, TX, Brynna M Williams of Houston, TX, Alex Williams of Jacksonville, TX, Connor Trott of Gibsonia, PA, Eleanor Williams of Jacksonville, TX, and Victoria Trott of Gibsonia, PA; and two great-grandchildren, Kate C. and Reid Shamblin of Tampa FL. Flowers may be sent to Koenig-Strickland Funeral Home in LaGrange, TX, 208 W. Pearl St. 78945 and donations will be accepted at a later date for an educational fund to be set up in Marjorie's name. If you wish to donate please send your name and contact information to Dr. John P Williams, MD at 5004 W Grove Ln, Gibsonia, PA, 15044. Viewing and funeral were held Saturday, March 31st with internment in La Grange City Cemetery.

PAUL WILLIAMS

Weimar Mercury, 16 Oct 1897, page 3

Flatonia, Texas, October 3.—On the Slack Wells road, ten miles west of this place, a difficulty occurred this morning between Thomas Adair, ex-city marshal of Flatonia, and Paul Williams, in which the latter was fatally wounded. They both exchanged pistol shots at [very] close range. Mr. Adair was not wounded, but has two bullet holes through his coat. Williams lives on one of Adair's farms and the trouble arose over a settlement of the rent. Adair came immediately to Flatonia and surrendered to the officers and claims the deed was committed in self-defence. He will remain here until the arrival of his lawyer, Hon. Jonathan Lane of LaGrange, and County Attorney Percy Faison. Williams was a nephew of Justice of the Peace W. A. Beckham, who left at once for the scene of the tragedy.

PERRON WILLIAMS

Schulenburg Sticker, 11 July 1907

At Fayetteville Thursday night Perron Williams, colored, was shot and killed by some unknown party while confined in the calabose [sic] there on a charge of brutally beating his entire family whose condition is said to have been most pitiable after his attack upon them. He seems to have been a brute of the worst order and probably should have been strangled when he was born. – Bellville Times.

Contributed by Matt Cross

T. E. WILLIAMS

Schulenburg Sticker, 16 June 1922, page 1

T. E. Williams Dies

T. E. Williams age 73 formerly of Schulenburg, passed quietly away at his home in Walnut Springs Monday, June 12th., after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife and three children of Walnut Springs and three sisters, Mrs. C. L. Glass, Miss Mollie Williams, and Mrs. Mays of Schulenburg and five brothers, two of whom reside here, Robert and George Williams.

The Sticker joins their many friends in extending sympathy to the bereaved.

Contributed by Matt Cross

LAURA L. WILLIFORD
JEROME R. WILLIFORD
WALLACE E. WILLIFORD

Colorado Citizen, September 23, 1886

Weimar Local Matters
Mrs. A. Reynolds, who has been absent near Waelder for the last two weeks, returned last Monday with a heavy heart burdened with affliction. During her absence she buried a daughter, Mrs. Willerford[sic], and one grand child, and left two grandchildren very low.

Colorado Citizen
September 30, 1886

SAD NEWS.—Our kindliest sympathies are extended our former townsman, Mr. W. L. Williford in the recent sorrowful ordeal through which he has passed. On the 7th of September he lost by death his son Jerome Reynolds, aged two years and six months—the joy of the household. Next, his wife Laura L.—an estimable lady, with many good qualities of head and heart—died on the 19th September, aged 38 years. And on the 22d his 9 year old son, Wallace E. Williford, was taken from him. They all died of the same disease, flux and a complication of malaria at their home in Fayette county, near Waelder Mr. Williford asks us to extend his grateful thanks to all—and especially to Dr. M. W. Henry—for tender care and kindly ministrations to loved one while in sore distress. He can never forget their kindly offers.

Transcribed by Dorothy Albrecht

ADELINE A. HELLMANN WILLMANN

Colorado County Citizen, 1 Sep 1959, page 8

Mrs. Willmann, 65, Mother of Local Woman, Succumbs

Last rites for Mrs. H. C. Willman [sic.] of La Grange, mother of Mrs. Fred Wallace of Columbus, were held in the St. Paul's Lutheran church there last Saturday with Rev. H. T. Flachmeier officiating.

Mrs. Willmann, 65, died in the La Grange hospital last Thursday following a heart attack.

She and Mr. Willmann had operated a jewelry store in La Grange the past 40 years. She was a native of Seguin.

Survivors include her husband; the daughter; a son, Clinton Willmann of Jackson, Miss.; a sister Mrs. Elsie Simmons of Seguin; 2 brothers, Edwin Hellmann of San Antonio and Irvin Hellmann of Seguin.

Burial was in the La Grange City Cemetery.

FRANK WILLMANN

F. J. Willmann, 87, Passes Away Friday

Funeral services for Frank J. Willmann, 87, of La Grange were held Sunday, February 8, at 2:00 P.M. at the Travis Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Joe Scott officiating.  Graveside services, under the auspices of the Masonic Lodge, were held at the La Grange City Cemetery.

Mr. Willmann, a retired school tax assessor-collector, died last Friday at his home.

Born March 21, 1888, in Mason, Texas, he was a son of William A. and Christina Leifeste Willmann.  He was united in marriage to Miss Marguerite Schroeder on May 24, 1931, in Schulenburg.

Mr. Willmann, a World War I veteran, was a member of the American Legion Post No. 102 and V.F.W. Post No. 5254, was also a member of the AF & AM No. 34 in La Grange.  He had resided here since 1931.

Surviving are his wife, Marguerite of La Grange; two sisters, Mrs. Hulda Shearer and Mrs. Alma Grosse, both of Mason; and a brother, Walter Willmann of Mason.

Contributed by Rob Brown

MARGUERITE SCHROEDER WILLMANN

The Fayette County Record, Friday, April 29, 1988

Services Held for Lifelong La Grange Community Leader

Mrs. Marguerite Willmann, 84, La Grange businesswoman, and civic and church leader, passed away Tuesday at Fayette Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services were held this Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Travis Street United Methodist Church with the Rev. Larry Robbins officiating.  Burial was in the La Grange City Cemetery.

Mrs. Willmann, owner of the Fayette County Abstract Co. for many years, was active in civic and church organizations.  She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, life member of Fayette Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, Friends of Winedale, American Legion Auxiliary, La Grange Garden Club, the Historical Society – particularly in the effort of preserving the old jail, and the Travis Street United Methodist Church and its organizations.

A lifetime resident of La Grange, she was born here Jan. 18, 1904, the daughter of the late John H. and Pauline (Melcher) Schroeder.  She was united in marriage with Frank J. Willmann in 1931 in Schulenburg.  Mr. Willmann preceded her in death in 1976.

Only immediate survivors are friends and cousins.

Koenig-Peel Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Contributed by Rob Brown

AGNES BOWMAN WILLRICH

Schulenburg Sticker, 7 July 1911

Mrs. Agnes Willrich, wife of ‘Squire T. C. Willrich, died Thursday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ernest Mc Kinnon of Halletsville. Her remains will be laid to rest in the City Cemetery by the side of her husband this morning at 10:30 o’clock, the procession leaving the residence of E. R. Vogt at 10 o’clock. Mrs. Willrich was sixty-two years of age at her death. She was an aunt of our fellowtownsmen [sic], E. R. and Geo. Vogt. The many friends of the bereaved relatives join the Sticker in sympathy to them.

Contributed by Matt Cross

The La Grange Journal, Thursday, July 13, 1911

Mrs. C. T. Willrich

At the home of her daughter, Mrs. E. L. McKinnon, near Schulenburg, with whom she had lived since the death of her husband, Mrs. C. T. Willrich died Friday, July 7, after an illness of several weeks.  She was the widow of the late Justice Willrich, for many years a resident of Schulenburg, where she enjoyed the esteem, friendship and love of all.

Contributed by Rob Brown

ANNA KLOSS WILLRICH

La Grange Journal, February 2, 1922

Mrs. Otto Willrich, Sr.

Another of Fayette County’s Older Citizens Journeys Hence

Late Thursday evening of last week death claimed another of the early settlers of the Bluff section, Mrs. Anna Willrich, Sr., passing to her reward after an illness that had lasted only two days.  At the time of her demise she was in her seventy-fifth year.

Mrs. Willrich was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, and came to America when she was a small girl.  Upon reaching her majority she became the wife of Otto Willrich, Sr., and to them were born ten children, three of whom preceded the mother in death.  ------- children, are as follows: Mesdames V. C. Sladczyk and Geo. C. Schaefer, Otto Willrich, Jr., La Grange; George Willrich, Jr., of Bluff, Louis and H. A. Willrich of Houston and Miss Rita at the old home.

Of Mrs. Willrich it may be truly said she was a good wife and mother, possessing the ever laudable hostess spirit and kindly consideration that made the Willrich home the meeting place of relatives and friends.  Her earthly remains were carried to the Cedar cemetery Saturday afternoon and placed to their last rest.  Rev. Heise officiating.  Her maiden name was Miss Anna Kloss and she was the last member of her family.

Contributed by Rob Brown

ANNA WIETING WILLRICH

The La Grange Journal, Thursday, October 22, 1914

A Sad Death

Friday night Mrs. Anna, wife of George Willrich, Jr., of Bluff, died at the farm home, after an illness that had lasted about ten days.  When first stricken, she was not believed to be seriously ill, but it was soon noticed that a surgical operation for appendicitis was absolutely necessary.  Drs. Hoch and Schulze, after consultation decided to have the operation performed, and secured the services of Dr. Thomas of Taylor.  The doctor arrived on the belated Katy, Thursday night, accompanied by a nurse, and the operation was successfully performed, but the patient never rallied, and peacefully passed away the next morning.

The home, which had been such a happy one was broken, the mother of two little boys, aged four and two years, and one baby boy of seven months, has joined the great majority.  Six years ago she stood by the side of her now mourning husband and blushingly replied in the affirmative to the officiating official.  She was a good wife and mother and her departure has left a bleeding wound, one which will ache and pain for many days.  May the Creator comfort the grieving husband, her brothers and sisters and protect the little motherless boys.

Mrs. Willrich, whose maiden name was Witting, was born near Plum, January 30, 1888, and was the possessor of a legion of friends.   Our sincerest sympathy is offered to the mourning relatives.

Contributed by Rob Brown

ANNIE VON MINDEN WILLRICH

Annie Willrich, 80 Passes Away Monday

Funeral services for Mrs. Annie Willrich, 80, were held Wednesday, August 7, at 2:00 P.M. at the St. Paul Lutheran Church with Rev. Clarence Oestreich officiating.  Burial was in the La Grange City Cemetery.

Mrs. Willrich passed away Monday at her residence.

She was born in Rutersville on December 5, 1887, a daughter of Henry and Minna Copperschmidt Von Minden, and was married to Otto T. Willrich, who passed away on May 18, 1933.  She had resided in the community most of her life.

Surviving are three sisters, Mrs. Marie Liebscher of Rutersville, Mrs. Fritz (Emma) Koopman of La Grange, and Miss Meta Von Minden of Austin; two grandchildren, Frank M. Addicks of Knoxville, Tenn., and Gilbert R. Addicks, Jr., of Atlanta, Ga.; and two great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Willrich remained at Koenig Funeral Home until noon Wednesday.

Contributed by Rob Brown

ANTONIA KORENEK WILLRICH

Mrs. Willrich Dies, Buried Tuesday

Funeral services for Mrs. Werner G. Willrich, 51, were held at 8:45 Tuesday morning at the Koenig Funeral Home with continued services at Sacred Heart Catholic church.  Msgr. S. A. Zientek and Rev. Harry Mazurkiewicz officiated.  Burial was in the La Grange City cemetery.

Mrs. Willrich passed away Saturday afternoon at the Fayette Memorial hospital.

She was the former Antonia Korenek daughter of  J. and Anna Siller Korenek of Plum and was born on Nov. 7, 1913 she was married to Mr. Wilrich [Willrich] on Jan. 16, 1939.  For the past 30 years she had been employed as saleslady at the New York store.

Surviving is her husband and parents, one son Werner Lee Willrich of La Grange; one sister, Mrs. Albina Zajicek of Plum; and one brother, Arnold Koenek [Korenek] of Plum.

Contributed by Rob Brown

CHARLES T. WILLRICH

La Grange Journal, May 10, 1906

Contributed by Rob Brown

Schulenburg Sticker, 10 May 1906

ESQUIRE C. T. WILLRICH.

While the death of Esquire Willrich was expected at almost any moment on account of extreme old age, it came as a shock to his relatives and friend.

At 3 o’clock Monday afternoon he departed this life and his useful earthly career was finised [sic].

Deceased was born March 30, 1829, in Uelsen, Kingdom of Hanover Germany and immigrated to Texas in 1846 and almost immediately after arriving here enlisted in the army and fought gallantly through the Mexican War and when the great Civil War broke out, he again fought for the Country he loved, and all through that bloody conflict was ever true and faithful to the cause he thought was right.

In 1879 he was elected to the Justice of the Peace office of Precinct No. 8, and for 24 years faithfully and impartially discharged the duties of that office.

A wife, one daughter, Mrs. Ernst McKinnon of Halletsville and two sons, John of Fort Worth and Charles of El Paso survive him.

His remains were interred in the City Cemetery Tuesday afternoon at four o’clock. Judge N. L. McKinnon and Mr. Joseph Burger paid glowing tributes at the grave.

To the sorrowing relatives our sincere sympathy is extended.

Those who attended the funeral from a distance, were Mrs. Nordkamper, Mrs. Knigge, Messrs. Geo. and Fritz Vogt of Swiss Alp, Mr. Julius Vogt and Mr. A. Keohler of Black Jack Springs, Messrs. J. and Otto Willrich, Emil and Geo Koehler, of Bluff, Mr. and Mrs. Ernst McKinnon, of Halletsville, and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Willrich of LaGrange.

Schulenburg Sticker, 17 May 1906

Mrs. C. T. Willrich has gone to Halletsville where she will make her home with her daughter, Mrs. E. L, McKinnon.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ELISE WILLRICH

La Grange Journal, July 12, 1906

A Sad Death.

The citizens of our little city were much shocked Monday morning to learn of the sad death of Miss Elise Willrich which occured at the residence of her brother-in-law, George Schaefer. Miss Willrich was but twenty years of age, a lady for whom every one entertained a high regard and for whom a bright future had often been predicted. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Willrich, born at Bluff in December 1886, and possessed a charming disposition, which endeared her to all. Her sudden demise, although not entirely unexpected, was a shock to her friends, and the sympathy of the entire community is extended to the surviving relatives.

On June 19th, last, she came to LaGrange to attend the Summer Normal.  She attended the first day but as she was ill remained absent the second day, and suffered from swollen tonsils.  Although medical aid was solicited and loving hands administered to her every want, the approach of death was apparent and as the illness finally  culminated in blood poison, she passed away Monday morning at 4 o'clock.  The remains of the beloved young lady were conveyed to the Lewis cemetery at Cedar and there interred. The cortege was very large. Peace be with her.

Contributed by Rob Brown

ELISE KUKUK WILLRICH

MRS. ELISE WILLRICH

The subject of this sketch who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Emil Koehler, last Wednesday night, 16 October 1907, was one of the old landmarks of Fayette County. For several years the good old lady was blind, and an invalid, during which time her devoted daughter, Mrs. Koehler, administered to her every want and comfort. Death came to her peacefully, and amid the pleasant surroundings of a cheerful home. Her last years were one continual reign of darkness, through which only one ray of light crept the kind devotion of her relatives and the hope that the allwise Creator would soon call her home. The summons came Wednesday and she responded cheerfully. She had attained the ripe old age of ninety-nine years, 5 months and 19 days.

Mrs. Willrich, who was the only daughter of Major Kukuk of the English Army, Hanovarian Division, was born at Hanover, Germany on April 27, 1808. She was married to Judge Georg K. Wilirich and had four children, two sons and two daughters, viz: Prof. Julius Willrich who resides at Bluff; Mrs. Gustav Groos of San Antonio, Otto Willrich and Mrs. Emil Koehler of Bluff, were the fruits of this union. The family came to Texas in 1847 and located in Fayette County when the whole county was still in its infancy. Not only were her cares confined to the raising of her own children, but also to the raising of six children of her husband by a former marriage. Of these all have died except Mrs. Keuffel, who lives in Germany, and Mrs. John Vogt of O'Quinn. Beside her children, themselves grandparents, she leaves to mourn her loss twenty-three grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. The funeral took place Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the home of Emil Koehler, and the remains were followed to the Lewis Cemetery [Cedar Cemetery] by a very large number of relatives and friends who loved and honored her. May her rest be peaceful.

ELIZABETH CARLTON WILLRICH

Willrich

Elizabeth C. Willrich, 72, died January 18, 1993.  Preceded in death by husband, Louis Otto Willrich, Jr., she died in a Schulenberg Nursing Home.  Longtime Houston resident, she was a graduate of San Jacinto High School and a 1941 graduate of University of Houston.  Survived by sons, Louis O. Willrich, II, Houston, Francis B. Willrich, Georgetown, Gerard M. Willrich, Houston and La Grange and Thomas Willrich, Houston; daughters, Elizabeth Baber, Baytown and Mary Jane Sanchez, Missouri City; sisters, Mary Jane Lack and Ann Hall, Houston and Susan Andrews, Morgan City, LA; brother W. B. Carlon, West Columbia, TX; fourteen grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and other loving family members.  Vigil for the deceased is 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 19, 1993, Earthman Downtown Chapel, 2420 Fannin.  Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 20, 1993, at St. Vincent de Paul, 6800 Buffalo Speedway, with Rev. Paul Felix, celebrant.  Rite of Committal is in Forest Park Lawndale.

Contributed by Rob Brown

GEORGE WILLRICH

La Grange Journal, September 1, 1932

JUDGE WILLRICH'S DEATH

When the news came to Winchester that Judge Willrich had died Wednesday morning, it was very unwelcome. Judge Willrich had many friends in this part of the county, and he always found a hearty welcome when he came to mingle with us. We know, and everyone knows, that eventually, this debt is to be paid by us all, but we decline to have it thrust upon us. During his career as county judge of Fayette county, Judge Willrich found many loyal supporters in this section; they regarded him as their friend and many are the friendly deeds he did for them. Personally, we sincerely regret his loss; and to his widow and other relatives we offer our sympathy.

Contributed by Rob Brown

GEORGE OTTO WILLRICH, JR.

George Willrich Rites Held Tuesday

George Willrich of Lane City, Texas, died Monday in Coney [Caney] Valley Hospital.

Last rites were held for the deceased, who is a brother of Werner G. Willrich of La Grange, on Tuesday morning at the Wharton Funeral Home and continued at the Wharton Catholic Church.

Other survivors include his wife; four children; another brother and 13 grandchildren.

Contributed by Rob Brown

JULIUS WILLRICH

The La Grange Journal, 13 Feb 1919

OLD CITIZEN RESPONDS

Death Comes Peacefully to Prof.

Julius Willrich

Tuesday night without warning, the grin reaper claimed another of our oldest citizens, when Prof. Julius Willrich, aged seventy-eight years passed to his reward February 11, 1919. He was born December 31, 1841. Not ill but ever active and about as was his custom, few could believe the report when it was circulated early Wednesday morning. Prof. Willrich, prominently connected and for nearly sixty years a citizen of this county, was of a quiet and friend-making disposition, ably educated and proficient to his calling – school teacher, which he pursued for many years. At one time he taught at the Teutonia School which was near Mt. Eliza where he lived with his parents, Georg K. and Elise (Kukuk) Willrich for a time.

In this country when the North and South struggled for supremacy, he served as a confederate soldier, retaining this dignified bearing until the end.

From the home of Mrs. Elise Mensing in this city the funeral will be held today, Thursday, afternoon at two o'clock with interment at the Cedar Cemetery. Friends, relatives and acquaintances are asked to attend. Prof. Wilirich leaves many relatives and friends to mourn his departure.

LESLIE HANS WILLRICH

Houston Chronicle, Sunday, February 24, 2002

Willrich

LESLIE HANS WILLRICH , 87, died Friday, February 22, 2002. He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Myrtle Arceneaux Willrich. He is survived by his wife Mabel Harpster Willrich , son Stephen and wife Alicia, grandchildren: Andrew, Peter, Christian and Paula, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Leslie, a Houston resident since 1962, was born May 14, 1914 to parents George and Annie Willrich of LaGrange, TX. A graduate of Texas A & M in 1941, he was a Navy veteran of WW II, seeing service in the Aleutian Island and North Africa. Moving to Port Arthur, TX after the war, he met and married Myrtle Arceneaux. His carer with Texaco Oil included 14 years in Venezuela where many lifelong friendships were forged; these include Larry and Grace French, Jeff and Ethyl Adams, and Harry and Joyce Lingfeld. A wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 24, 2002 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 9900 Stella Link Road, Houston, TX. The funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 25, 2002 with burial in Port Arthur. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

Contributed by Rob Brown

LOUIS OTTO WILLRICH, SR.

The Houston Post, Saturday, November 27, 1937

Willrich – Louis O. Willrich, 54, of 1101 MacGregor, died at 11 a.m. Friday at his home.  He had been a resident of Houston for 35 years.  He was private secretary and auditor for Dan Japhet.  Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Narine Martin Willrich; a son, L. O. Willrich, Jr.; three daughters, Narine Elizabeth, Ann Martin and Mary Jane Willrich, all of Houston; three sisters, Mrs. Gretchen Sladczyk, Mrs. Augusta Schaefer, and Miss Rita Willrich, all of La Grange; and two brothers, George Willrich of La Grange and Hans A. Willrich of Houston.  Funeral services will be held at the home at 10 a.m. Saturday and at Holy Rosary church at 10:15 a.m.  Rev. E. C. Fowler will officiate.  Burial will be in Forest Park cemetery under the direction of Perry-Foley funeral home.  Active pallbearers will be E. C. Japhet, C. B. Japhet, D. E. Japhet, W. J. Stoner, C. R. Allen, E. P. Cuenod, C. A. Casperson and A. F. Miller.  Honorary pallbearers will be D. A. Japhet, Sigmond Rothschild, J. A. Wilkins, Dr. W. W. Coulter, R. S. Coon, Norman Atkinson, L. B. N. Schneider, L. F. Schweikart, Franklin C. Jones, Dr. H. J. Ehlers, Floyd Easterwood, E. B. McGeever of New York city, Gus Sengelmann of Schulenburg, Dr. George Sladczyk of Port Arthur, Gus Japhet, G. C. Street, H. M. Wilkens, Lloyd Shannon, E. E. Robertson, John C. Williams, G. A. Grandt, Frank Buelow, P. S. Hoffman, Dr. W. L. Sengelmann, T. A. Cargill, H. W. Gordon, dr. R. H. McMeans, J. J. Devine, H. A. Sauer, Lamar Q. Cato, A. E. Kiesling, Allan H. King, O. M. DuClos, R. M. Bain Jr., J. H. Madigin, Ike Gans, Hugh Wilkin, W. J. Sauer, J. A. Pollard and Sam Rouse.  Perry-Foley funeral home directing.

Contributed by Rob Brown

OLIVIA TUTTLE WILLRICH

La Grange Journal, Thursday, November 23, 1944

Mrs. Olivia Tuttle Willrich

Death came to Mrs. Olivia Tuttle Willrich, widow of the late Judge George Willrich, Tuesday, November 21; she had reached the age of  79 years, 7 months and 23 days. At the Koenig Funeral Home chapel the Rosary was held Wednesday evening; funeral services in the same chapel are announced for Thursday morning at 9:15 o'clock; continued service and Requiem Mass will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic church at 9:30 o'clock.

Due to all data relating to this good woman, not being obtainable this (Wednesday) morning, the obituary in full cannot be given; it will be written by a friend of Mrs. Willrich and appear in the next issue of the Journal.

Interment will be made in the new city cemetery, Koenig Funeral Home in charge.

La Grange Journal, November 30, 1944

Memoriam In Mention To Mrs. Willrich

Mrs. Olivia Tuttle Willrich widow of the late Judge George Willrich, died after a brief illness abed, Tuesday of last week.  Announcement of her death created many expressions of regret, regret that she who had ever been at the call of service in civic work, should have been called hence. Age of the departed was not given thought.

Mrs. Willrich, born Olivia Tuttle, a daughter of a pioneer citizen of Fayette county, who came from Rochester, New York, a century ago, was born at Pin Oak, southwest from LaGrange, removing to Flatonia with her husband after their marriage, later coming to LaGrange where Judge Willrich, first practicing law, later serving the county as county attorney and for 16 years a county judge, made his home.  Denied the happiness of children being born to this union, Mrs. Willrich took to her care and for education, those whom she desired to assist.

Brilliant of mind, capable as a writer, and always willing, both in her church work and in her literary and civic work, she aided many worthy enterprises of the city.  Friends never found her reluctant, she appeared where her services were welcomed and where such service could be of benefit.

Family connections being identified, first with the struggle of the colonists, she was recognized as a daughter of the American revolution; with her father removing to the South and both her husband's father and her own identified with the Confederate army she devoted much time in keeping the organization known as Daughters of the Confederacy active, and served officially in the local chapter; her name was also connected with the Daughters of the Texas Republic.  ­Active in church work, affiliated with the Catholic church, she was constantly aiding and abetting some worthy effort in behalf of that church and was instrumental in organizing the Mothers' Club of the Sacred Heart Parochial school at LaGrange.

Interested in the preservation of the tomb on Monument Hill south of LaGrange, she served for many years as president of the Monument Hill Memorial Association; due to her efforts, assisted by other members of the Association, beauty was restored to the sacred spot and a memorial tomb was erected over the bones of the Men of Mier and Dawson's men who fell at Salado Creek, near San Antonio.  Never unwilling, never too tired despite the constitutional ailment that was her's, she joined with the Catholic Women in keeping the National

Council of Catholic Women, Brenham District, active.  The office of president of that organization was in her charge when she was stricken by her last illness.  She was arranging to attend the meeting that was to be held Sunday, November 23, at Galveston.  Death interfered.  Due to her knowledge of business, parliamentary law and the work that women can do, she became a member of the Business and Professional Women's Club of LaGrange.

Thursday morning Requiem Mass was celebrated at the Sacred Heart church by Rev. S. A. Zientek.  Following the Mass Rev. Zientek review­ed the life of Mrs. Willrich, and in an eloquent tribute, spoken with emphasis and with sincerity pointed to the many deeds of good she had committed during her near to four score years and ten.

Attendance upon the obsequies was large; friends who were associated with her civic endeavors, which included the Garden Club of La Grange, and relatives of both her husband and her immediate family, were present.  The last respects were paid at the cemetery where beautiful flowers covered the couch under which she will sleep.

Among those attending the funeral services, and coming from a distance, the following (which is only a partial list) are given:

L. W. Kemp, Mr. and Mrs. C. C Shumway of Houston.

Misses Edna J. Tuttle, Helen Tuttle, Marion Tuttle Brazelton of San Antonio.

W. E. Schmid, Emily Schmid, Hilda Schramm, Mrs. James F. Carroll of Brenham.

Mr. and Mrs. John Tuttle, Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe Tuttle of El Campo.

Miss Rosalie Gutowski of Chapel Hill.

Miss Lizzie Hubbard and Clarence Hubbard of Hills Prairie.

Mrs. W. Tait, R. E. Tait, Mr. and Mrs. William Tait of Columbus.

Major Geo. Sladczyk, Baltimore.

Contributed by Rob Brown

OTTO WILLRICH, SR.

La Grange Journal, February 14, 1929

THE OLD OAK WITHERS AND DIES

"As sturdy as the oak" - until the heavy hand falls and response is inevitable.  So "Come unto Me all ye who are weary, and heavy laden, and I will give thee rest."

Otto Willrich, Sr.

Born in Elsen, Hanover, Ger.    February 19, 1845
Died at La Grange, Texas February 13, 1929
Aged 83 yrs, 11 mos, 24 dys

In paying a tribute to this good citizen I seek not to worm my way into the good graces of those who were his dependents, as children, I refer to the man whom I have known since my early youth; I use the honorable name "man" because, in the circle in which he lived he had the respect of every one who knew him, and never hesitated to extend to me the right hand of fellowship.  To have known him is one of the precious assets of mine.   He belonged to that class of citizens who have made the world a better place in which to live; the legacy he leaves to his children is not measured according to his holdings, but in the standard of worth, which prompts those who knew him well, to say: "This was a man." He scorned to do a dishonest act, and was a living example of the son who believed it a valuable privilege to uphold, without stain - by act or speech - the name of his ancestors.  From his home, established when he took unto himself a mate, there was sent out a family of children who looked upon the father as an example to emulate. Otto Willrich was a citizen who craved no honors; in his retiring manner of living, not alone or unto himself; the doors were opened by the magic word of welcome to all who cared to enter. And with endowment the Creator gives to the sturdy oak of the forest, to withstand the ravages of time and the vicissitudes of life, he bore, with fortitude, whatever affliction there was visited upon him, realizing that the lot of all men, like the cross to the Savior, must be borne.  He accepted these edicts as they were tendered. And when the Great Reader, of the Chart of Life, wrote the edict, January 26, 1922, that a companionship of 52 years should cease, he bowed in acquescence, and saw Mama Anna, his wife, start on her celestial journey. All partings are painful, he lived on, patiently awaiting the hour when his name would be announced; yet he manifested his usual interest in all things, and stood ready, like the soldier of honor, to obey a command.  The world will not stop moving because he is gone; the world will not be changed, because of his going; there are too many of us still here, but this vacancy his going has caused, will be sacred to those who bear his descendency, and it will be an inspiration to them, because, Otto Willrich, Sr., was a worthy trustee, a guardian of the name entrusted to him.  He has passed to his sons and daughters, the sword of his father, of his grand-sires, and  thereon is no tarnish. He was a credit to his family name.  The loving prefix of father, following that of a son and grandson, remains as a memory in the circle in which he lived, and in the minds of relative and friend. I sincerely regret that my enfeebled condition prevented my attendance upon the hour when they carried him to his resting place.  I am glad it was my privilege to have known him, I would have been happier to have been more closely associated with him.  The sympathy, at the loss of a father and brother, is expressed to his sisters, and to his children.  B.F. HARIGEL

Otto Willrich was brought to America by his parents when still an infant - only one year old.  His parents settled in the old Bluff section and took up farming.  When Otto reached his fourteenth year, he was taken back to Germany, in order that he might receive the advantage of the tutelage of earned educations at his birthplace, and for four years he remained in Germany.  Returning to Fayette County as a young man, and to the parental home, he entered as a farmer and in the year 1870, was united in marriage with Miss Anna Kloss who made him a good wife, became the mother of his children and helped to rear a very interesting family.  Eleven children blessed this union; the living children are: Mrs. V.C. Sladczyk, Otto Willrich, Jr., and Mrs. Augusta, wife of Geo. Schaefer - La Grange; Geo.  Willrich, farmer near La Grange, H. A. and Louis Willrich of Houston, and Miss Rita, who nursed him in his declining years, and lived at the family home near the city. The children who preceded him were: Mrs. E. Lueders, Miss Elise, also grown, and Fritz, aged 2 years.  Mrs. Willrich died, as stated January 26, 1922.  Two sisters and one half-sister also survive. These are: Mrs. Franziska Vogt, La Grange; Mrs. Anna Gross, San Antonio; Mrs. Louise Koehler, La Grange.  Mr. and Mrs. Otto Willrich, Sr., with their living children and grandchildren present, and other relatives, celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedding, in the year 1920; there are 18 grandchildren and one great grandchild who survive him.  In attendance upon the funeral, held with religious services by Rev. R. Heise, first at the home of his son-in-law, V.C. Sladczyk, Wednesday afternoon at 2:30, and the body taken to the Cedar Cemetery and placed by the side of his wife, were many, relatives and friends - and the following from afar: Dr. Geo. Sladczyk of Port Arthur; Mr. and Mrs. S.S. Sengelmann of Houston; H.A. Willrich and family; Arthur Sladczyk and Louis Willrich of Houston and Gus Gross of San Antonio.  Requiescat in Pace.

Contributed by Rob Brown

OTTO T. WILLRICH

The La Grange Journal, Thursday, May 25, 1933

Otto T. Willrich Failed To Return Home

When relatives who had visited with him at the Brenham Hospital last Wednesday afternoon, returned to La Grange, they gave out the unfriendly report that while his condition was considered favorable, O. T. Willrich, injured in the automobile accident the Sunday previous, was far from being able to return, and in the event he did return, he would have to wear braces.  Which, unwilling as were his relatives and friends to accept the inevitable, denoted nothing less.  That the invasion of death should occur, as fast as it did, was to everyone a painful shock.  Mr. Willrich died at about 3:00 o’clock Thursday morning.

Sunday, May 14 – Mother’s Day

O. T. Willrich, Mrs. Willrich and son O. T., Jr., and niece, Miss Lorine Kruse, and Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Steinmann, in the Willrich family automobile, were en route to College Station to attend the program arranged for the entertainment of fathers and mothers for Mother’s Day, and met with a very deplorable accident.  In that accident Mrs. Steinmann was fatally injured and died within a few minutes after the automobile ceased to run; Mr. Willrich was taken to the Brenham Hospital, a dislocated vertabrae being his chief injury.  From Sunday morning until Thursday morning he lingered, and at 3:00 o’clock, without a struggle, he passed to his reward.

The body was brought to La Grange and prepared for burial; at the family home in the western end of the city, funeral services were held, and from the home the body was taken to the St. Paul Lutheran church, where Rev. R. Heise spoke in eulogy of the departed and the choir and Sunday school sang appropriate hymns.  The place of worship was filled with sympathizing friends, on the church yard were equally as many, who came to mingle their tears with those of the relatives and to pay respect to one who was ever regarded as a worthy citizen, a good father and husband, a friend to those who desired his friendship.  Interment was made at the new cemetery, with flowers banked high and over much space at the newly acquired plot.  The pall bearers were:  O. E. Stolz, Alex. E. von Rosenburg, O. E. Hagemann, Fred Wolters, Milton Schmidt and B. F. Harigel.

Biographical and Reference

Otto T. Willrich was born on what is generally known as Bluff, to the south of La Grange, and was the third child of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Willrich, who lived in that part of the county for more than fifty years.  He was reared on a farm, and was instructed in the events of life yet to transpire, to be honest, frugal, and above all, gentlemanly in his demeanor to his fellow man.  His parents were of that high type of citizenry who merited the good will and respect of their neighbors, and the children born to this union upheld that regard; Otto T. Willrich being a living example for many years.  Otto was born November 29, 1877; after leaving the farm he became associated with the local firm, The von Rosenberg Company; his strict attention to business, his loyalty, and his genial approach to custom, merited his continuance in the employ; that firm has lost a valuable man.

Unpretentious, believing in that principle that the best friends are those who are friends because their friendship is merited, he lived in peace and contentment with everyone.  Fourteen years ago, late in years of manhood, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Annie Addicks, and that union was blessed with one child, O. T. Jr.  The widow and son survive.  He is also survived by two brothers in Houston, Louis and Hans, and one brother of near La Grange, George Willrich.  Three sisters, Mesdames V. C. Sladczyk and George Schaefer, and Miss Rita Willrich also survive.  There are a number of nieces, cousins and nephews who will miss this good old boy, who always had the right hand extended in welcome.

The little widow, injured in the same accident, her face still discolored and her limbs aching from the effects of that injury, bore up bravely; she will miss him as all loving wives shall miss their chosen companion, but, in her firm belief she accepts the verdict of the Master, and looks forward to that day when the reunion shall occur.  “It is God’s will, and I shall not complain.”  What more beautiful can be the words of one who leaned upon the staff of her husband, and with him found peaceful happiness in their church membership.  Her older son, Gilbert O. Addicks, to whom Otto was ever an advisor and companion, upheld the arms of his mother and with equal fortitude bore up well under the affliction, both in the same faith and hope, looking forward to that Great Day when events of this sad nature shall cease.

Flowers are brought to the bier of one whom the community loved; in the passing of a citizen, that touch of Nature that makes the whole world kin, is exemplified by deed, and words of sympathy expressed.  When the sad news came, there was manifested an interest and sincere sympathy that would bring to the confession of appreciation, grateful words from the most indifferent.  The little widow, abed still from her injuries, welcomed her friends, they came constantly and with that open-hearted feeling of kinship created by the severing of the threads of life, sought to allay the pain that this parting had created.

The Journal believed in the man all knew as plain, good and kind Otto Willrich, the friendship of long standing suffered the blow to be inflicted and questioned not; yet, as the editor looked upon the calm, placid face, and in the next room saw the little woman who had, hand in hand gone down the pathway of life in real happiness, carrying on with him in every reversal as well as gladsome event, witnessed their sincere devotion and unflinching faith in their religious demeanor, it brought the usual query: “Why this separation?”

May Time deal gently with all who are feeling the pang of a temporary parting, and may the eventide, when the joy was experienced ever, at the home-coming, be robbed of its cruel sting, and that absence which is so keenly felt,  become less effective, to the end that even she who believed and still believes, may find comfort at the knowledge that temporary absence is but a meagre part of that course of human experience that ends in blissful communion, when loved ones shall gather together again, for all time.

Contributed by Rob Brown

2nd LT. OTTO T. WILLRICH

La Grange Journal, Thursday, September 7, 1944

Lieut. Otto Willrich Killed In France

Terse was the message received by Mrs. Annie Willrich, Monday afternoon at 5:00 o’clock:

“The Secretary of War desires me express his deep regret that your son, 2^nd Lieut. Otto T. Willrich, was killed in action on the 17^th of August in France.  Letter follows.”

SignedL J. H. ULIO,
The Adt. General

Contributed by Rob Brown

Fayette County Record, Friday, September 8, 1944

LT. O. T. WILLRICH, LA GRANGE, IS KILLED IN FRANCE ON AUG. 17

Was With Patton's 3rd Army In Drive On Luxembourg

Second Lieut. O. T. Willrich, 21, of La Grange was killed in action in France on August, 17, according to a message received by his mother, Mrs. Annie Willrich, late Monday afternoon from the war department.

Lieut. Willrich was with the 35th Infantry Division, a part of Lieut. Gen. George S. Patton's Third Army, which at that time was headed for Luxembourg.

He was the first army officer from La Grange to lose his life in World War II, and was a high school mate of Ensign Alton W. Hanisch, who perished in a plane crash off the West Coast August 26.

Lieut. Willrich was born at La Grange on January 12, 1923, and graduated from high school here in 1940. He entered Texas A. and M. college, and lacked only seven semester hours (six weeks of work) of graduating when he was called by the army on Mary 21, 1943. After being stationed for a time at Fort Sam Houston, he was sent to officers' candidate school at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he received his commission on January 21 this year. His next station was Fort Jackson, South Carolina, until early June, when he was sent to England and then to France on July 7.

His last letter to his mother was written on August 13. Over four days . . . He told of a hard battle.

Beside his mother, he leaves a half-brother, Capt. Gilbert Addicks of Knoxville, Tennessee, who is stationed in the state of Georgia.

RITA WILLRICH

The Fayette County Record, Friday, October 7, 1988

Willrich

Last rites for Miss Rita Willrich, 97, of La Grange were conducted Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Koenig-Peel Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. William Hassel officiating.  Burial was in the Cedar Cemetery.

Miss Willrich passed away Sunday in Care Inn of La Grange where she was a resident for a number of years.

She was born in Bluff, near La Grange, Jan. 12, 1891.  She was the daughter of the late Otto and Anna (Kloss) Willrich.  She resided in the Bluff community until the death of her father and then moved to La Grange to reside with her brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Sladczyk.  Although she never married, she was like a mother to a number of her nieces and nephews.  She took care of her father till his death and also her sister Mrs. Sladczyk.

Contributed by Rob Brown

WERNER G. (RED) WILLRICH

Willrich

Funeral services for Werner G. (Red) Willrich, 68, of La Grange, were held Saturday at 11 a. m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with The Rev. Msgr. Harry Mazurkiewicz officiating.  Burial was in the city cemetery.

Mr. Willrich passed away August 13 at Fayette Memorial Hospital.

A lifelong resident of La Grange, he was born here on Sept. 5, 1912, the son of the late George and Anna (Wieting) Willrich.  He was united in marriage at Plum on Jan. 16, 1939 with Antonia Korenek who preceded him in death in Nov. 1964.  On June 11, 1980 he was united in marriage with Mrs. Sophie (Mazac) Pecha.

Mr. Willrich was a bowling alley manager and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Sacred Heart Holy Name Society.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Sophie Willrich of La Grange; one son, Werner L. (Pete) Willrich of La Grange; one brother, Leslie Willrich of Houston; and two grandchildren, Scott Edward and Kimberly Ann Willrich of La Grange.  He was preceded in death by one brother, George.

Contributed by Rob Brown

ADOLFINE WILKE

Schulenburg Sticker, 29 Oct 1903, page 1

Death Record.

Deaths reported for the week ending Oct. 24th 1903.
  
Wilke: Died at Haw Creek Oct. 16 03 Cedema [Oedema] Pulmonum; Adolfine Wilke, aged 31 years 9 months.

Contributed by Matt Cross

BRUCE WILSON

Weimar Mercury, 25 March 1927, page 5

BROUGHT HERE FROM CALIFORNIA FOR BURIAL

Bruce Wilson, aged about 48 years, son of "Uncle Si" Wilson, well known colored farmer of the Holman Valley section, died at Venice, a suburb of Los Angeles, California, where he was engaged in the barber business, one day last week, and the remains arrived here on the Sunset Limited train last Thursday morning. Under the auspices of the colored lodge of Knights of Pythias, of which order deceased was a member, the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Holman Friday afternoon. As we understand it, Bruce was born and raised in this section, and is favorably remembered by many of the older citizens.

CHILLIE WILSON

See newspaper account of deaths of Chillie Wilson and Frand Anderson.

FRANCIS WILSON

Schulenburg Sticker, 21 March 1913

DEATH REPORTS

Francis Wilson, age 26 years and 3 months pulmonary tuberculosis, near Holmn [Holman].

Contributed by Matt Cross

POLION WILSON

See newspaper account of gin boiler explosion which killed Polion Wilson and others.

ISEDOR WIND

Schulenburg Sticker, 8 Sep 1916

Isedor Wind died at his rooms at the Kautsky home Thursday morning, aged 43 years. Mr. Windt has been confined to his bed for some weeks, following an operation for a throat ailment from which he has suffered for years and his death was not unexpected. He carried insurance in the W. O. W. and has no immediate relatives dependent upon him.

Schulenburg Sticker, 15 Sep 1916

Card of Thanks

We wish to thank the many friends who so kindly assisted during the sickness and death of our relative, Isedor Wind. Especially are we grateful to those who nursed him so faithfully, to the pall bearers and to those who sent the beautiful floral offerings; to his brothers in the W. O. W., and to Rev. Father Meiser.

Mrs. Rosalia Wind,
Mrs. F. Moser,
Mrs. H. J. Peterson,
Joe Wind,
Bernard Wind,
M. P. Wind.

Contributed by Matt Cross

FLONIE E. WINKFIELD

Weimar Mercury, 13 Oct 1900, page 6

KILLED BY EXPLOSION.

Flatonia, Texas, October 5.—The boiler of a gin situated six miles west of Faltonia and belonging to Wink Winkfield, a wealthy colored farmer, exploded at about noon today with disastrous results. Five people were killed outright and six were badly wounded.

The list of the dead is as follows: Flonie E. Winkfiled, Eel Anderson, Delia Kline, Ruby Kline, Polion Wilson.

The wounded are: Alice Watson, Effie Lee, Ab Belton, Albert Martin, Wink Winkfield and Henry McMicken.

The last two mentioned are owners and managers respectively of the gin and are almost sure to die.

The above are all colored people, except Henry McMicken who was in charge. The gin house was totatlly destroyed. The boiler was blown 100 yards out of postion and pieces of iron and debris were strewn in every direction. Not a single portion of the gin was left standing and there is nothing to indicate where the gin once stood. Four of the list of the dead were children and were in the gin yard at the time of the explosion and were blown yards away. The body of Flonie Winkfield was, after some time, found in a hog pen, thirty yards distant, where it had been blown, and when found the flesh had been torn by the hogs from the body as to render her almost unrecognizable.

The accident is supposed to have been caused by the water having been allowed to get too low in the boiler.

ANNA WINKLER

Weimar Mercury, 21 Nov 1896, page 5

Little Anna Winkler, the 8-year-old daughter of Mrs. John Schneider, died Tuesday night at 11:30 o'clock, after a brief illness. She was here from High Hill attending the Catholic school. Her remains were laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock, a large crowd of sympathizing friends witnessing the interment.

ANTON WINKLER

Schulenburg Sticker, 25 Feb 1909

MR. ANTON WINKLER DEAD.

Mr. Anton Winkler, aged 83 years, died at 5 o’clock Monday afternoon at the home of his son, Emil, after an illness of a few weeks duration. His remains were tenderly consigned to their last resting place in the Catholic Cemetery the following afternoon at 4 o’clock, Father Mathis officiating.

Mr. Winkler was born in Klein, Petersdorf, Germany, in 1826 and came to this country with his family, in 1873 locating in Fayette county near High Hill.

Deceased leaves a wife, four daughters, Mesdames Chas Fiedler, Chas Burger and Chas Beileck, all living near here, and Mrs. Ben Freeman of Houston; three sons, Frank, Joe and Emil, to mourn his demise to whom the Sticker extends its sincerest and heartfelt sympathy in their sad hour of sorrow.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ANTON WINKLER

Schulenburg Sticker, 21 Feb 1913, page 1

MR. ANTON WINKLER.

Mr. Anton Winkler, one of our oldest citizens of this section, died Saturday last at the home of his son, Franz, on Middle Creek.

Mr. Winkler, if he had lived, would have been ninety years of age on the 21st of May. He was born in 1823 at Heinzendorf, Austra [sic]. Came to this country in 1865, settling in this neighborhood, having lived here ever since. His wife preceded him in death fourteen years ago. He leaves five sons, Messrs. Karl, Franz Adolph, Gustav and Joseph, three daughter [sic], Mesdames John Woellert, Ferd. Woellert and Ferd Stanzel and many grandchildren.

His remains were laid to rest in the St. Rosa’s Catholic cemetery Monday morning, Rev. A. Mathis officiating. Peace to his ashes.

Those from a distance who attended the funeral were: Mrs. Theresia Woellert of Floresville, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Winkler of Lockart [sic], Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kemper of Shiner, Mr. Ed. Berger of Flatonia, Messrs. R. A. Menth and Aug. Grohmann of Rosanke, Bastrop county.

Contributed by Matt Cross

CECELIA WINKLER

Weimar Mercury, 22 Feb 1908, page 4

From Frank Blaschke of the Navidad community, who was in town Monday morning, we learned of the death of one of his neighbors, Miss Cecelia Winkler, whose death occurred on the 10th of the month, from a combination of measles and pneumonia.

EDNA WINKLER

Schulenburg Sticker, 12 Mar 1903

LITTLE EDNA WINKLER DEAD.

Edna the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gus Winkler, of Lockhart died at the home of her parents at the above place, on Sunday last and the remains of the treasured little darling were forwarded here, accompanied by the bereaved parents, where they were interred in the Catholic Cemetery Monday afternoon March the 9th the funeral services which were conducted by Father Mathis having been attended by many relatives and a concourse of friends of the afflicted parents. Mr. and Mrs. Winkler formerly resided here, the latter being the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Blumrich and are the recepients [sic] of much sympathy in their bereavement.

Contributed by Matt Cross

WINKLER Infant

Schulenburg Sticker, 1 Aug 1901

The infant babe of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Winkler died Wednesday morning, 24th, and its remains were interred that afternoon in the Catholic cemetery.

Contributed by Matt Cross

WINKLER Infant

Schulenburg Sticker, 28 Nov 1913

Our sincere sympathy goes to Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Winkler in the loss of their little daughter who returned to the Heavenly Father Wednesday morning, after a brief stay of eight months on earth. The little darling was laid to rest by tender hands in the Catholic cemetery at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, Rev. Mathis officiating. May the assurance that their little daughter is at rest in the arms of him who said, “suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for as such is the Kingdom of Heaven,” console them in their sad hour.

Contributed by Matt Cross

Mrs. Joe WINKLER

Schulenburg Sticker, 23 July 1903

MRS. JOE WINKLER DEAD.

After a lingering illness of about five months, Mrs. Joe Winkler of Lockhart died at 3 o’clock Saturday morning and the remains were brought to Schulenburg for interment which occured [sic] at the catholic [sic] Cemetery Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock, Father Garlich performing the last sad rites.

Mrs. Winkler was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hass of this city whom, together with a husband and a host of relatives and friends she leaves to mourn her untimely demise. Our sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved family.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JOHN WINKLER

Schulenburg Sticker, 3 March 1916

DEATH REPORTS

John Winkler, age 86 years, died Feb 10, near Schulenburg.

Contributed by Matt Cross

VERONICA WINKLER

Schulenburg Sticker, 22 July 1909

Mrs. Veronica Winkler, mother of our fellow townsmen, Messrs. Joe and Emil Winkler, died Monday morning, after a lingering illness and and [sic] her remains were laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock Father Mathis officiating. A more extensive write-up will appear in our next issue.

FILIP WINNISDOERFER

Schulenburg Sticker, 26 Nov 1903

Death Record.

Winnesdorf: Died at Biegel of paralysis of the heart Filip Winnisdoefer aged 61 yrs and 11 months.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JOSEPH WINNISDOERFER

La Grange Journal, 14 Feb 1926

Joseph Winnisdoerffer was buried Sunday afternoon at the Townsend Cemetery near Round Top. He had died at Lexington last Thursday, 11 February 1926 leaving, as chief mourners, his widow of his second marriage, and two sons: A. J. of Carmine and Harry Jacob of Lexington. Rev. A. H. Falkenberg, pastor of the Round Top and Carmine Lutheran Churches, officiated.

Deceased was born 8 November 1848 at Flesting, France. When a mere lad of six years, in the year 1854, he came to America with his parents, Jakob and Barbie Winnisdoerffer. After arriving at Galveston, the family journeyed to the Biegel Settlement where a home was established. Death invaded the home shortly after their locating at Biegel, claiming the mother; the father died while the Civil War was being fought. The remains of both parents were buried in the vicinitty of what was generally known as Kroll's Store.

In the fall of 1870 Joseph Winnisdoerffer removed to Round Top and on 29 November 1872, he was married to Mary Holmes. God blessed this union with one son, Albert Joseph, now a citizen of Carmine. Because they loved children and not being blessed with another child, they adopted Bessie Ahnert when she was an infant of fourteen days, in 1886. Bessie is now the wife of Otto Kiel of Carmine.

When Mary Winnisdoerffer succumbed 25 January 1895, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Winnisdoerffer took the adopted daughter into their home and later saw her happily married to Otto Kiel.

In the year 1902, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Mrs. Annie Hollodoy of Lexington. For twenty-four years they lived at Lexington. To them two children were born, one of whom, the daughter, lived to be only three days of age. Harry, a fourteen year old son, survived.

For a number of weeks preceding his demise, Mr. Winnisdoerffer was quite feeble. In addition to his two sons, his adopted daughter, his daughter-in-law, Mrs. A. J. Winnisdoerffer of Carmine, one grandchild, Mrs. A. F. Menke, and his aged sister-in-law Mrs. Augusta (Fuchs) Winnisdoerffer of Round Top, several other relatives and a host of friends will mourn his going. A good man has gone to his reward. May his sleep be peaceful.

Transcribed by Norman C. Krischke

CLARENCE WINSTON

Weimar Mercury, 28 Apr 1900, page 1

La Grange Journal:
An accident by which Clarence, the 9-year-old son of Jos. Winston, colored, lost his life occurred on Thursday afternoon. They boy, together with a number of other children, were fishing at a place known as Bine branen about a mile and a half from town. While moving about, jumping from one rock to another, accidentally slipped and fell into a hole some four or five feet in diameter, and said to be almost bottomless. Its walls runs perpendicular for about six feet, and then recede to a great extent beneath the surface rock. The little fellow was not an adept in water [sic.], and having undoubtedly dropped below the upper [layer] of rock failed to reach the opening when he came up. The alarm was immediately given, but it was some time before the body was recovered. The father is an [employee] at the Katy freight depot and has been for the past six years.

MATILDA (MATTIE) WINSTON

See article about murder of Mattie Winston and her granddaughter, Ara Pope.

HENRY WINTER

Schulenburg Sticker, 4 May 1905

Deaths Recorded Since Last Report.

Henry Winter, LaGrange, age sixty-seven years, died March 24.

Contributed by Matt Cross

HENRY WINTER

Weimar Mercury, 29 Nov 1918, page 2

SCHULENBURG BOY DEAD SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE

Mrs. Henrietta Winter received a wire early Wednesday morning from Washington informing here of the death in France on November 1 of her son, Henry Winter, aged 34 years, from pneumonia. Decedent left here with other soldier boys in July of this year for overseas. — Schulenburg Sticker.

WILLIAM WINTER

Weimar Mercury, 19 Apr 1890, page 2

Died, in Schulenburg, on Friday night, April 4th, 1890, after a brief illness, Wm. Winter, aged about 53 years.—Schulenburg Messenger.

ADOLPH HERMAN (COTTON) WITT

Undated news clipping

Adolph Herman Witt

Funeral services for Adolph Herman Witt 56 of Baytown was held July 2, 1968 at 2:00PM at Memorial Baptist Church of Baytown. Adolph, also known as Cotton, was born in LaGrange on August 23, 1911 to Martha (Harbers) and Adolph Witt, Sr. of Rabbs Prairie. Cotton passed away on June 30, 1968 after a year long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 33 years Martha Witt of Baytown, two sons, James William Witt and Paul David Witt of Baytown, one grandson, Scott Douglas, of Baytown, one brother, Lyman W.Witt, of Houston and one sister Dainty Dell Smith of LaGrange Texas. He was a member of Memorial Baptist Church of Baytown and worked at Humble Oil and Refining in Baytown after moving from LaGrange. He was a member of the Cedar Bayou Masonic Lodge No.321. His hobbies were working on radios,selling insurance, and gardening. He also was an avid fisherman. Internment was at Memorial Gardens in Baytown.

Photo and obituary contributed by Paul Witt

ALBERT F. WITT

Undated newspaper clipping

Albert F. Witt Rites Set Tuesday

Funeral services of Albert F. Witt, lifelong La Grange resident, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Rev. Clarence Oestreich officiating. Burial will be in the La Grange City Cemetery.

Burial will be in the La Grange City Cemetery.

Mr. Witt passed away at Fayette Memorial Hospital Sunday afternoon, one day before having reached his 72nd birthday.

He was born at La Grange on April 15 1896, the son of Fritz and Frieda Erdmann Witt and was united in marriage with Miss Gussie Gillam here on Dec. 9, 1925. A retired carpenter, Mr. Witt was a member of the La Grange American Legion and World War I Veterans Barracks No. 1538.

Beside his wife, he is survived by three sisters, Misses Alma, Laura and Nola Witt, all of Victoria; and three brothers, Elo of Holman, Edgar of La Grange and Fred Witt of Victoria.

Mr. Witt will remain at the Koenig Funeral Home chapel until 8 a.m. Tuesday

Transcribed by Cathleen Witt Dunne

ALWIN CARL WITT

January 1943

Alwin C. Witt, 40, Passes Away Here

Alwin Carl Witt, 40, lifetime resident of Fayette county, passed away at the hospital here Tuesday morning after an illness of several months duration.

Born at La Grange on October 30, 1902, Mr. Witt was married to Miss Adele Tramp on October 24, 1927.  He had been a resident of La Grange for the past 14 years, during which time he was employed by the Texas Public Service company.  At the present time he was chief engineer for the company at its plant here.

The body will lie in state in the Koenig Funeral Home chapel until 9 a.m. Friday, when it will be taken to St. Paul’s Lutheran church for services at 10 o’clock.  The Rev. R. Heise will officiate and burial will be in the new city cemetery.

He is survived by his widow, his mother, Mrs. Frieda Witt, a daughter, Naomi Ruth Witt, all of La Grange; four sisters, Mrs. Arthur Heune and Miss Alma Witt of La Grange; Miss Laura Witt of Victoria and Miss Nola Witt of Houston and five brothers, Albert Witt and Elo Witt of La Grange, Alton Witt, in the army and stationed at Boston, Mass., Edgar Witt of Lubbock and Fred Witt of La Grange.

Koenig Funeral Home is in charge.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

ANNIE NITSCHKE WITT

Mrs. Annie Witt Rites Held Wednesday

 Funeral services for Mrs. Annie Witt, 80, who passed away at her home Monday, June 15 will be held Wednesday, June 17, at 4 p.m. at the St. Paul’s Lutheran church in La Grange.  Burial will be in the La Grange cemetery.  The Rev. H. T. Flachmeier will be in charge of the services.

Born in Fayette County on April 27, 1879, Mrs. Witt was the daughter of Ernest Nitschke, Sr. and Caroline Horak Nitschke.  She was married to William Witt, Sr. on Feb. 2, 1904.

She is survived by her husband, William Witt, Sr. of La Grange, two daughters, Mrs. Joe Trlicek Jr. of La Grange and Mrs. Lyle McClang [McClung] of Houston; four sons Carl J. Witt of Panhandle, Texas, Milton, Willie of La Grange and Clinton of Temple.  One son Herbert preceded her in death.  One sister, Mrs. Henry Huebel of La Grange, and 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren also survive.

Mrs. Witt will remain at the Koenig Funeral Home Chapel until 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

AUGUST WITT

DEATH’S TOLL

August Witt

August Witt, of La Grange, aged 81 years, 7 months and 21 days, died at the home of his son Gus. Witt at Smithville, Thursday, July 17.  The body was brought to La Grange and taken to the Koenig Funeral Home where it remained until Friday afternoon and then taken to the St. Paul Lutheran Church; services were held at 4:00 p.m., by Rev Brunotte of Carmine—Rev. Heise, due to illness, was unable to officiate.  Interment was in the new City Cemetery, Koenig Funeral Home in charge.

Mr. Witt was born in Germany, Nov. 26, 1859, immigrating to Texas in 1870, settling at Chapel Hill, in Washington county.  Later he removed to Rutersville in Fayette county, where he lived until 1921, when he removed to La Grange.  He had lived in Fayette county since 1872.

He was bereft of his wife, nee Miss Carolina Marquart, July 21, 1936; both were members of the St. Paul Lutheran church of La Grange.  Surviving are his sons, Gus. and Alfred Witt of Smithville; one sister, Mrs. Minnie Kipp of Giddings; three brothers, Wm., Henry and Otto Witt of La Grange.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

AUGUSTA L. (GUSSIE) GILLIAM WITT

Undated La Grange newspaper clipping

Mrs. Albert Witt Dies at 67; Rites Held Monday Morn

Funeral services for Mrs. Gussie L. Witt, wife of the late Albert Witt, were held at 10 a. m. Monday at the First Baptist Church with Rev Ben Gill officiating. Burial was in the La Grange City Cemetery.

Mrs. Witt, 67, passed away Saturday at Fayette Memorial Hospital.

She was born at Muldoon on Sept. 5, 1901, daughter of Richard H. and Pauline Vibrock Gilliam, and was united in marriage Dec. 9, 1925, with Albert Witt at La Grange. Her husband preceded her in death on April 14 of last year. Mrs. Witt was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Auxiliary of World War I Veterans.

Surviving Mrs. Witt are her aged Mrs. Pauline Gilliam of La Grange; two sisters, Mrs. Marion (Ruth) Wessels of La Grange and Mrs. Arthur (Gladys) Janacek of Rosenberg; two brothers, Roy Gilliam of Glendale, Calif., who with his wife here on a visit, and Otis Gilliam of Houston; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Witt remained at the Koenig Funeral Home chapel until 8 a. m. Monday.

Contributed by Cathleen Witt Dunne

CARL WITT

Jan 1975

Last Rites Held Wed. for Carl Witt

Funeral services for Carl J. Witt, 67, of Panhandle were held at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Koenig Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Alvin Walter officiating.  Interment was in the La Grange City Cemetery.

Mr. Witt, a custodian, died Sunday in the M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston.

He was born in Rabbs Prairie on Jan. 6, 1908, a son of William and Annie Nitschke Witt, Sr., and was married to Rachel Teinert on Feb. 7, 1937, in Warda.  Mr. Witt had resided in Rabbs Prairie until 30 years ago when he moved to Panhandle.

Surviving are his wife, Rachel of Panhandle; two daughters, Mrs. Ralph (Pauline) Ruder, Jr., of Lawrence, Michigan; and Miss Lanita Witt of Baltimore, Md.; two sisters, Mrs. Joe (Leona) Trilicek of LaGrange and Mrs. L. W. (Rosie) McClung of Houston; one brother, Willie Witt of La Grange; and one granddaughter, Cynthia Joyce Ruder of Lawrence, Michigan.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

CAROLINA MARQUARDT WITT

Mrs. Carolina Witt Passes Away Here

Deceased came to this country fifty-six years ago, settling in the community of Rutersville.  She was married to August Witt a year later and continued to reside in the Rutersville section for many years.  She was a devout member of the Lutheran church.  

Funeral services were held from the home Thursday morning at 9 o’clock, the Rev. R. Heise, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran church, officiating.  Interment was made in the new cemetery.  

Besides her husband, she is survived by three sons, Fritz of LaGrange, Gus and Alfred of Smithville; four grandchildren, one great-grandchild; three brothers,William Marquart of Houston, Aug. Marquart of Nechanitz,Rud. Marquart of Houston; three sisters, Mrs. Annie Giese of Houston, Mrs. Geo Hunsler of San Antonio and Mrs. Minnie Meinen of Park.  

The Record joins the large number of friends of the bereaved in extending sincere sympathy.  

Koenig Funeral home conducted the funeral.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

CLINTON WITT

February 1965

Clinton Witt Dies; Funeral In Temple

Clinton Witt, a drug salesman residing in Temple for the past 14 years, passed away Saturday [Feb. 20] morning at M. D. Anderson hospital in Houston where he had been a patient for two weeks.  He was 45.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Monday at the Temple Lutheran church and burial was in Bellwood Memorial Park.  Rev. James B. Essinger officiated.

Mr. Witt , a native of the Rabb’s Prairie community, was the son of the late Wm. Witt Sr. and wife, Annie Nitschke.  During World War II he was stationed in San Antonio and after the war continued to live there until he was transferred to Temple.

Surviving are his wife, the former Mary Matejowsky of Nechanitz; two daughters, Kay and Patti, both of Temple; two sisters, Mrs. Joe Trlicek Jr. of La Grange and Mrs. Lyle McClung of Houston; and three brothers, Milton and Willie Witt Jr. of La Grange and Carl J. Witt of Panhandle.

Unknown newspaper

Clinton Witt

Clinton A. (Clint) Witt, 45, 3926 Loop Drive, died in a Houston hospital Saturday morning after several weeks illness.

Funeral services will be Monday at 3 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church.  The Rev. James B. Essinger will officiate.  Burial will be in the Bellwood Memorial Park.

The body will be taken to the church one hour before service time.

Mr. Witt was born in La Grange and had lived in Temple for the past 14 years, moving here from San Antonio.  He was the South and Central Texas representative for the Rexall Drug Co.  He was married to Miss Mary Matjowsky in San Antonio on Feb. 26, 1944

Mr. Witt was a member of the First Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Kay and Patti of Temple; two sisters, Mrs. Lyle McClung of Houston and Mrs. Joe Trlicek of La Grange; three brothers, William Witt and Melton Witt, both of La Grange and Carl Witt of Panhandle.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

EDGAR F. WITT

The Fayette County Record, Friday, January 23, 1998

Witt

Edgar F. Witt, 84, of La Grange died Jan. 19 in the Schulenburg Regency Nursing Center.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan 22 at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Harry Mazurkiewicz officiating. Burial was in the La Grange City Cemetery.

Mr. Witt was born Feb. 8, 1913 in Rabb’s Prairie, the son of the late Fritz and Frieda (Erdmann) Witt. He was united in marriage with Hattie Parma June 7, 1941 in Ammansville. Before retirement, he was a salesman for H. Dittlinger Roller Mills Co. Mr. Witt was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Holy Name Society and the American Legion. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Only immediate survivors are numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, seven brothers and four sisters.

Sergeant Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Transcribed by Cathleen Witt Dunne

EDNA EMMA BRANDT WITT

Fayette County Record, February 26, 2002

Witt

Funeral services for Edna Emma (Brandt) Witt, 86, of Holman are set for Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. at Koenig & Strickland Chapel with burial to follow in the Brandt Cemetery.  The Rev. Arlyn Hausmann will officiate.

Witt died Feb. 24 in La  Grange.

Born, Nov. 20, 1913 in Holman, she was the daughter of George and Julia (Hickel) Brandt.  She married Elo August Witt Feb. 13, 1934 in La Grange.  A farmer, rancher and homemaker, she was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Farm Bureau, Fayette County Home Demonstration Club and a 4-H leader.

Survivors include two daughters, Dolores Laufer and husband Finley of Rosharon and Cathleen Dunne and husband Patrick of La Grange; four grandchildren, Joel Stahmer of Midland, Richard Stahmer of Clear Lake, Pamela Bradshaw of Houston and Cynthia Laufer of Rosharon; and three great-grandchildren, Aaron Stahmer, Laura Bradshaw, and Eric Stahmer.

She was preceded in death by her husband.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

ELO AUGUST WITT

No name or date of newspaper; died June 12, 1983, Columbus, Texas; buried June 14, 1983, Brandt Family Cemetery, Holman, Fayette County, Texas

Witt

Elo August Witt, 75, of Rt. 3 La Grange, died Sunday in the Columbus Community Hospital.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church with the Rev. Clarence Oestreich officiating.  Burial will be in the Brandt Cemetery in Holman.

Born in Fayette County on Feb. 23, 1908, he was the son of the late Fritz and Frieda (Erdmann) Witt.  He was united in marriage with Edna Brandt on Feb. 13, 1934 in La Grange.  Mr. Brandt [Witt], a farmer in the Holman community, was a member of the Lutheran Brotherhood and of the Farm Bureau.

Surviving are his wife, Edna Witt of La Grange; two daughters, Dolores Laufer of Rosharon and Cathleen Stahmer of Houston; one sister, Laura Witt of Victoria; two brothers, Edgar Witt of La Grange and Fred Witt of Victoria; and four grandchildren, Joel and Richard Stahmer of Houston and Pamela Bradshaw and Cynthia Laufer, both of Rosharon.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

ELSIE HELEN WESSELS WITT

Colorado County Citizen, 28 Jul 1960, page 8

Sister of Columbus Man Dies at 54

Mrs. H. A. Witt, 54, of Austin, sister of John E. Wessels of Columbus, was buried in the La Grange cemetery last Thursday after services in the Koenig Funeral home.

She was a native of the Prairie Valley community in Fayette county.

Survivors include 3 sons, Herbet A. Witt Jr. of Ft. Worth, Harvey and Robert Witt of Austin; a sister, Mrs. Annie Frers of West Point; 4 brothers, John E. Wessels, George Wessels of Houston, Ervin Wessels of Galena Park and Pat Wessels of La Grange.

ERWIN WITT

June 3, 1920 – June 3, 1924

From an undated, unidentified newspaper clipping

Death Exacts Another From A Happy Home

Tuesday afternoon Erwin, the four year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Fritz C. Witt died at the farm home at Rabb’s Prairie, and Wednesday afternoon they brought his little body to the new cemetery at LaGrange, and placed it to the final rest.  We express our sincerest sympathy to the bereaved parents in this hour of sorrow.  The loss of one who had reached only such a brief age is a wound that Time alone will heal.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

FRED CARL WITT

Fred Witt

Fred Witt, 72, of Victoria, died Wednesday [May 3] in a local hospital following a long illness.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at First English Lutheran Church with the Rev. Harold Pearson, pastor, officiating.

Burial will be in Colonial Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Colonial Funeral Home.

Mr. Witt was born Nov. 23, 1916, in Rabbs Prairie, to the late Fritz and Freida [Frieda] Erdmann Witt.  A resident of Victoria since 1944, he was the owner and manager of Acme Glass Co. from 1949 to 1971, when he retired.  He was a member of First English Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Witt of Victoria; three daughters, Diane Schulte of Kirksville, Mo., Janice Russell of Fairfield, and Sharon Hynes of Austin; a sister, Laura Witt of Victoria; a brother, Edgar Witt of LaGrange; and three grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters and five brothers.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

FREDERICK C. (FRITZ) WITT

Death Claims Local World War Veteran

Frederick C. (Fritz) Witt, 52, La Grange  world war veteran, passed away Friday at the veterans’ hospital in Hines, Ill., where had been a patient for the past several weeks.

The body arrived here via Katy Monday afternoon and will lie in state at the Koenig Funeral Home until Tuesday morning when services will be conducted at the St. Paul’s Lutheran church at 9 a.m.  The Rev. R. Heise will officiate.  Interment will be in the new city cemetery.

Mr. Witt was born at Rutersville February 4, 1887, son of August Witt and wife, the latter now deceased.  He was united in marriage on November 14, 1933 at Prairie Valley with Miss Frieda Harbers.  He entered the army when war broke out and served six months, part of which time was overseas.

Of recent months Mr. Witt was in bad health and despite efforts of government physicians at the Legion and Hines veterans’ hospitals, he passed away.

He was an active member of the H. J. Ehlers post of the American Legion.  His Buddies will take part in the last rites.

Surviving are the widow; one son, Atlan; his father; and two brothers, Gus and Alfred Witt of Smithville.  One brother and two sisters preceded him in death.

Koenig Funeral Home will direct the funeral.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

FRIEDA WITT

Mrs. Frieda Witt

Mrs. Frieda Witt was interred in the La Grange city cemetery following services at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.  Rev. A. Rode of Victoria and Rev. H. T. Flachmeier of La Grange officiated.

Mrs. Witt died in Victoria, her home, on Sept. 9.

Mrs. Witt was born in Germany on Feb. 17, 1877 and married to Fritz Witt who preceded her in death.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

FRITZ WITT

Fritz Witt

Auf seiner Farm in Rabb’s Prairie starb am 7. August, Herr Fritz Witt nach laengerer Krankheit.  Er hatte sich vor einiger Zeit gut gebessert und die Nachricht von seinen Tode kam unerwartet.  Fritz Witt wurde am 26. April 1869 in Mecklenburg-Strelitz geboren und kam am 5. Januar 1871 mit seinen Eltern nach Amerika.  Die Familie ließ sich zuerst in Washington County nieder und zog dann nach Fayette County, nahe Rutersville, wo sie lange Jahre wohnte.  Der Verstrogene[sp] verheiratete sich am 6. April 1893 mit Fraulein Frieda Erdmann.  Diese Ehe wurde mit 12 Kindern gesegnet, wovon 11 den Vater ueberleben.  Der aelteste Sohn ist in der Armee, im Camp Green stationirt[sp].  Weiter ueberleben ihn seine trauernde Gattin, seine betagten Eltern, 5 Brueder und eine Schwester.  Durch Fleiß und Sparsamkeit hatte er fuer seine Familie gesorgt und diese wird ihn schmerzlich vermißen.  Am 8 August fand seine Beerdigung unter allgemeiner Beteiligung auf dem neuen Friedhofe in La Grange statt.  Herr Pastor Baer von Waldeck leitete dieselbe und sprach herzliche Worte des Trostes.  Er ruhe sanft.  Der schwer betroffenen Familie sprechen wir unser inniges Beileid aus, und moege die allheilende Zeit auch diese herbe Wunde vernarben.

[translation:

Fritz Witt

Contributed by Diane Schulte

GUS WITT

GUS WM. WITT

Death came to Gus. Witt, a former citizen of La Grange and later of Smithville, died at an unknown hour Saturday night.  He had retired at his usual hour, apparently in good health.  When his wife approached his bedside to awaken him – surprised that he had not risen early as was his wont – she made the shocking discovery that death had claimed him.  Death evidently came peacefully, his bed position showing no disturbance of him having changed his position.  He was 59 years old.

Deceased, (a son of Mr. and Mrs. Aug. C. Witt, for many years citizens of La Grange, and now deceased) was born at Rutersville, lived for a few years at O’Quinn and then removed to Smithville.  In that city he was united in marriage with Miss Krueger who, with one married daughter who lives in Galveston, survive.  Werner, a son, died 10 years ago at the age of 15 years.

By the death of Gus. Witt, the Aug. Witt family is reduced to one, Alfred Witt of Smithville.  Two sisters and two brothers preceded Gus. to the grave.  Funeral services for Gus. Witt were held Monday afternoon, and interment was in the Smithville cemetery.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

HERBERT WITT

Died 1959
No newspaper reference

Herbert A. Witt Dies At Austin

Herbert A. Witt Sr., 54, a La Grange area native but resident of Austin for the past 12 years, expired at an Austin hospital Monday.

Mr. Witt was brought Wednesday morning to the Koenig Funeral Home where funeral services were conducted Thursday morning with the Rev. W. C. Ahlrich of Faith Lutheran church, Austin, officiating.  Burial was in the La Grange city cemetery.

The deceased was born in La Grange, son of William and Annie Nitschke Witt Sr.  He was married to Miss Elsie Wessels at Prairie Valley on June 9, 1929.

The couple resided in Austin for the past 12 years, Mr. Witt being employed by the H.E.B. grocery chain.

He leaves his wife of Austin, parents of La Grange; three sons, Herbert Witt Jr., Harvey and Robert Witt, all of Austin; two sisters, Mrs. Joe Trlicek Jr. of La Grange and Mrs. Lydia McClung of Houston; four brothers, Carl of Panhandle, Milton and William Witt Jr. of La Grange and Clinton of Temple and five grandchildren.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

JOHN WITT

John Witt Expires Friday Morning

John Witt, 41, of the Rabb’s Prairie community passed away suddenly at his home Friday morning.

Funeral services were held Monday morning at 9 o’clock at the Koenig Funeral Home chapel and burial was in the new city cemetery.  The Rev. R. Heise officiated at the last rites.

Mr. Witt was born at La Grange on December 15, 1900 and had been a resident of this area all of his life.  In 1931 he was united in marriage with Miss Emogene Schaefer and to this union two children, Joycle and Quentin, were born.

Beside his widow and children, he leaves four sisters, Mrs. Arthur Witt [Huene] and Miss Alma Witt of La Grange, Miss Laura Witt of Victoria and Miss Nola Witt of Houston and six brothers, Albert, A. C., Edgar and Fred Witt of La Grange, Elo Witt of Holman and Alton A. Witt of Florida.

Koenig Funeral Home directed the funeral.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

LYMAN W. WITT

Funeral services for Lyman W. Witt, 72, of Pasadena were held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Forest Part Lawndale Funeral Home in Houston.  Burial was in the Memorial Oaks Cemetery with the Rev. Wm. Putman officiating.

Mr. Witt passed away on December 31 in a Houston hospital following an extended illness.

Born in La Grange on Aug. 20, 1909, he was the son of the late Adolph and Martha (Harbers) Witt.  He resided in Houston and Pasadena for the past 43 years.  He was a retired Shell Oil Co. employee.  Mr. Witt was a World War II veteran and was a member of the American Legion Post 102 and Fayette Memorial VFW Post No 5254, both of La Grange.

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

MARTHA HARBERS WITT

Unidentified news clipping

Martha Harbers Witt

Funeral services for Martha Harbers Witt, 79, were held at 10  o’clock Monday morning at St. Paul’s Lutheran church with Rev. H.T. Flachmeir, officiating. Burial was in the La Grange cemetery.

Mrs. Witt passed away at Fayette Memorial hospital Saturday evening following a lengthy illness.

Born in Mecklenburg, Germany, on Oct. 31, 1884, she came to this country at the age of 5 years with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Harbers, the family settling in the Prairie Valley area. Following the death of her husband, Adolph Witt, on May 20, 1925, she came to La Grange to make her home and has resided here since.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Leslie (Dainty) Smith of La Grange; two sons, Lyman Witt of Houston and Adolph Witt of Baytown;  five half-sisters Mrs. Hugo Freudenberg, Mrs. Werner Tramp, Mrs. Antonio Lueders of La Grange, Mrs. Vertha Bruns of Junction and Mrs. Albert Taylor of Rutersville; two half-brothers, Henry Harbers of Plum and Emil Harbers of Baytown; and  eight grandchildren.

Contributed by Paul D. Witt

OTTO CARL WITT

Newspaper Unknown, Died April 8, 1975

O. Witt, 87, Vet Musician Passes Away

Funeral services for Otto C. Witt, 87, were held at 2 p.m. this Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Rev. Clarence Oestreich officiating.  Burial was in the La Grange City Cemetery.

Mr. Witt, who resided at Wunderlich’s Boarding House here for the past eight years, passed away Tuesday at Fayette Memorial Hospital.

Born near Rutersville on Feb. 27, 1888, he was a son of Carl Witt St. and Augusta Roch Witt, and married Miss Emma Legler at Plum on Dec. 22, 1910.  They lived at Rabb’s Prairie, where they owned and operated a farm, until November 1925 when they built and moved into a new home at 558 N. Franklin St. in La Grange.  Mrs. Witt preceded her husband in death on July 16, 1966.

The deceased, who also engaged in carpenter work, was a widely known musician and was associated with about 25 different bands in his earlier years.  Among these were the 360^th Army Band at Galveston, the Liebscher Band, Speckles Band, Matejowsky Band, Giddings Chamber of Commerce Band under three different leaders, the Anton Legler Sr. Band, Matocha Band, Pavlas Band and was with Baca’s Band for more than 35 years.

Surviving Mr. Witt are a brother-in-law, Otto Legler of La Grange; sister-in-law, Filomena Legler of Richmond; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Witt remained at the Koenig Funeral Home chapel until noon Thursday.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

RALPH E. WITT

Handwritten date on clipping  2-22-1985, no name of newspaper; died 2-22-1985

Witt

Ralph E. Witt, 45, of Beaumont passed away Friday in Beaumont.

Funeral services were set for this Monday at 2 p.m. at Broussard’s Memorial Chapel in Beaumont and burial in Magnolia Cemetery in Beaumont with the Rev. Kieth Tekel officiating.

Mr. Witt was born in La Grange March 1, 1939, the son of Minna (Koenig) Witt and the late Willie Witt.  He resided the past 15 years in Beaumont where he was owner and operator of Witt Steam Steam Ship Agency.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Beaumont.

Surviving are his wife, Beverly Witt of Beaumont, his mother Minna Witt of Austin, one step-daughter, Shelia Connally of Baton Rouge, La.; two sons, Steve Witt of Beaumont and Russell Witt who is in the U. S. Air Force stationed in Germany; two step-sons Steven Childree of Port Neches and Christopher Childree of Nederland; and one sister Geraldine Berens of Austin.

Contributed by Diane Schulte

WILLIAM WITT

Schulenburg Sticker, 19 Apr 1906

Deaths Recorded Since Last Report.

Wm, Witt died Jan. 27, age 16 years 7 months and 20 day.

Contributed by Matt Cross

Mrs. CONRAD WOELLENBERNDT

Schulenburg Sticker, 9 Mar 1899

Mrs. Conrad Woellenberndt, aged 87 years died at her home near Warrenton last Sunday.

Contributed by Matt Cross

WOELLERT Child

Schulenburg Sticker, 6 July 1899

DIED. – The 5-year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Woellert died last Wednesday. The disease with which the child was afflicted was pronounced diptheria [sic]. The remains were laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery the next day.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ANNIE WOELLERT

Lavaca County Tribune, July 1, 1947

Mrs. Annie Woellert Dies Thursday

Mrs. Annie Woellert, nee Annie Muehr, age 81 years, 8 months and 3 days, died Thursday, June 26, at 7:50 p.m., at the Renger Hospital here, following a serious illness.

The deceased was born in Germany [actually Schlesisch-Wolfsdorf, Austria], and came to this country in 1894.  In the year 1896, she married John Woellert, who preceded her in death.  She was a member of the Christian Mothers Society.

Funeral services were held Saturday, June 28 at 9:15 a.m., at the Kubena Funeral Home, and a Funeral High Mass followed at the Sacred Heart Church at 9:30 a.m.  Very Rev. A.J. Morkovsky officiated.  Interment was in the Catholic Cemetery here.  Rosary was recited Friday night at the Kubena Funeral Home at 8 p.m.

Surviving are four daughters, Miss Mary Woellert at home; Mrs. Leo Wenske of Moulton; Mrs. Albert Heinzel of Hallettsville; Mrs. Ed. Rab of El Campo; five brothers, Anton Muehr, Rudolph Muehr and Richard Muehr of Weimar; Charles Muehr of Schulenburg; and Bill Muehr of Bastrop; one sister, Mrs. Adolph Matzke of Weimar, and five grandchildren.

Contributed by Mark Schumann

JOSEF WOELLERT

Schulenburg Sticker, 23 Aug 1900

Josef Woellert.

At the home of his son John, Josef Woellert, aged 77 years, died of old age last Friday afternoon at 3 o’clock. Mr. Waellert [sic] was among the oldest settlers of Fayette county, having landed here in 1866, from which time he continuously lived in this vicinity, farming and bricklaying.

He was a man of honor and was beloved by all who knew him. Five children, all grown, are left to mourn his demise. The funeral took place in the Catholic cemetery at High Hill, Saturday afternoon, Rev. Father Gerlach officiating. The Sticker extends condolence.

Contributed by Matt Cross

MARY WOELLERT

Lavaca County Tribune, March 30, 1965

Mary Woellert

Miss Mary Woellert, 71, Hallettsville resident, died Sat., March 27, at 6:40 a.m. in the Renger Memorial Hospital in Hallettsville.

Funeral services were held at the Kubena Funeral Home at 8:15 a.m. and at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 8:30 a.m., Monday, March 29^th.  Burial was in Sacred Heart Cemetery.  Rt. Rev. Msgr. A.J. Morkovsky officiated at the Funeral Mass and at the other rites.

Pallbearers were George Dornak, Herman Kristek, Maurice Parr, Gordon Judd, Vernon Wenske and Joe Laake.

The deceased was born in Fayette County, July 15, 1894.  For some years she had lived in Hallettsville.

Surviving are three sisters: Mrs. Leo Wenske of Moravia, Mrs. Albert Heinzel of Hallettsville, and Mrs. Ed. Rab of El Campo, and several nieces and nephews.  One brother preceded her in death.

Contributed by Mark Schumann

CHARLES WOELP

Schulenburg Sticker, 15 Aug 1907

Chas. Woelp.

Mr. Chas. Woelp, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Woelp, died Monday after a lingering illness. His remains were laid to rest in the city cemetery, Editor Theuer officiating at the grave.

Chas, a number of years ago, fell off of a house, hurting his back and breaking his right arm. The arm was set, but grew back crooked, and about a year ago he had it reset and it never did heal any more, causing the back to become afflicted again, which is probably the cause of his death.

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

Contributed by Matt Cross

ANNE WOLF

Schulenburg Sticker, 22 Sep 1911

MRS. ANNE WOLF DEAD.

After an illness of a long duration, the last year of which she was confined to her bed, Mrs. Anne Wolf died Sunday afternoon September 17, at 3 o’clock.

Mrs. Wolf was born in Christiana, Norway, January 21, 1829. She was married to John Wolf in 1859. They come to American [sic] in 1866, first settling in Chicago and afterward removing to Schulenburg, having lived here over thirty years. Her husband preceded her in death about six years ago. She was the mother of six children, three of whom survive her, are Mrs. Annie Friedrich and Misses Jo and Nettie.

Mrs. Wolf was a devoted member of the Lutheran church and lived a consecrated Christian life and she bore her long suffering as only a devout Christian can. She has now gone to her Master who will say to her, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joys of the Lord.” Oh, what a joyful moment that will be.

Mrs. Wolf was highly respected and loved by all who knew her.

Interment took place in the City Cemetery Monday afternoon at 5:30 o’clock, Dr. Thomas Martin, minister of the Christian Church of Aransas Pass, officiating.

The Sticker joins the many friends of the family in extending sincere sympathy.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JOHN G. WOLF

Schulenburg Sticker, 29 June 1905

MR. JOHN G. WOLF.

Mr. John G. Wolf, one of our oldest citizens, died at his home Sunday at 12 o’clock, noon, after an illness of several months duration with canser [sic], and his remains were laid to rest in the city cemetery the following day at 4 p. m., Rev. Passmore of Flatonia officiating.

Mr. Wolf was born August 23, 1828, in Herrenberg, Germany. Married Miss Annie Neese of Christania, Norway. Came to America in the year 1865 and removed to Schulenburg in 1874 where he has been living since.

Mr. Wolf was a carpenter by trade and many houses in the city were constructed by him. He also superintended the construction of the first Southern Pacific rail road bridge.

He leaves a wife, three daughters, Mrs. Frederick and Misses Jo and Nettie and two grandaughters [sic], Misses Nora and Alice Frederick, to mourn his loss, to whom the Sticker begs to extend its sincere sympathy.

Contributed by Matt Cross

EMILIE WOLFF

La Grange Journal, April 23, 1936 pg. 2

Carmine Section

Mrs. Michael Wolff

Mrs. Michael Wolff died at her home near Round Top, Friday, at the age of 74 years. She had been very ill for three months. Her husband preceded her in death last summer. Besides eleven children and their families she is survived by many other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, at the Richter Cemetery at Round Top, with Rev. Kralik officiating. We extend out sympathy.

Transcribed by Stacy N. Sneed

EMILIE BLOCK WOLFF

La Grange Journal
Thursday, February 8, 1934

Grandmother Wolff Journeys Onward to Eternal Rest

Death’s invasion and the toll exacted, has created another vacant chair in the home where a grandmother was the welcome guest and the happiest of the family.

Mrs. Emilie Wolff, nee Block, died at the home of her son Alvin Wolff, near Nechanitz, Wednesday of last week, January 31; she was 88 years, 7 months and 21 days old when her departure occurred.

Mrs. Wolff was born in Janowitz, Germany, June 10, 1845, and emigrated, with her parents to America, when a child of tender years; she was united in marriage with Peter Wolff., June 19, 1874, who preceded her to the Great Beyond, May 27, 1910.

The funeral of this good mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was held Thursday afternoon, with interment at the Waldeck cemetery, the body being placed next to that of her late husband.  Rev. Carl Baer, pastor of the Waldeck Zion’s Church, of which she was a faithful member, officiated at the home and at the grave.

Surviving her are the following children; Adolf Wolff of Pflugerville, Mrs. Minna Zwernemann of Siehl, Mrs.Jette Mueller of Gonzales, Mrs. Pauline Stuermer of Houston, Gustav and Alvin Wolff of Waldeck.

Sixty-nine others will miss the kind words of this woman; there are 25 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

May Mother Wolff see His glory is the wish of her friend.

Transcribed by Connie F. Sneed

FRIEDERICKE WOLFF

The La Grange Journal, March 5, 1936 pg. 2

Mrs. Fred. Wolff Dies Friday—Aged Ninety-Two Years

Death claimed Mrs. Fredericke Wolff, at her home near Warda, Friday, February 28; she had been ill for several weeks. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 3:00 o’clock, Rev. Otto Heintschel of Haw Creek conducting the religious services. Deceased had reached the advanced age of 92 years, 9 months and 2 days.

Mrs. Wolff was born in Germany and immigrated to America when she was a young woman. The family first resided in the neighborhood of Rutersville, and for the past 55 years she lived near Warda; her husband preceded her in death about one year ago.

Two sons, Wm. Wolff at the late home deceased and Chas. Wolff of Route 1; and two daughters, Mrs. Wm. Gau of near La Grange and Miss Minnie Wolff, at home.

There are 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

The La Grange Journal, March 12, 1936 pg. 5

Death Reported

Transcribed by Stacy N. Sneed

PETER WOLFF

Schulenburg Sticker, 16 June 1910

DEATHS REPORTED.

Died at Waldeck, May 27, Peter Wolf, age 71 years 8 months and 12 days, of asthenia.

Contributed by Matt Cross

AGNES WOLLE

La Grange Journal, Thursday, July 11, 1907

Death of An Old Citizen

Mrs. Agnes Wolle died at her home near Halsted on July 2.  She was one of our oldest settlers, having emigrated to Texas in 1848 from Saxony, Germany.

Deceased was born Jan. 31, 1827, in 1846 she was united in holy wedlock to Charles Wolle, with whom she left Germany to seek a new home.  They located at Ross Prairie, this county, but a few years after removed to Biegel, Texas.  After twenty-four years of happy life, her husband died in 1870, leaving her with five children.  Two weeks later her youngest son was born.  However, the almighty in whom she trusted, permitted her to overcome this shock and she worked on faithfully and unflinchingly, and had the satisfaction of raising an interesting and useful family.  In 1885 a daughter, Emily, died and a son, Chas., died at the age of 38 years.  Though buffeted about hard waves of this life, she never faltered, but cheerfully did her duty.  At all times she was willing to help the needy, to console the surrounding, to help when she could.  The last years of her life she spent among her children who adored her, and did all they could to brighten her last days.

Contributed by Rob Brown

A. WOLTERS

La Grange Journal, 18 August 1880

Died—On the 16^th day of August, 1880, A. Wolters, aged 64 years.

Mr. Wolters was an old and highly respected citizen of our county; was a German by birth, and immigrated to this state about the year 1844.  He leaves a wife and six children to mourn his death.

Contributed by Kathy Carter

ADOLPHINE WELLHAUSEN WOLTERS

Schulenburg Sticker, 24 May 1906

MRS. R. WOLTERS SR., DEAD.

It becomes our sad duty to chronicle the death of one of our oldest and most esteemed and respected citizens which occurred Sunday afternoon about 6 o’clock. Mrs. Wolters had been ill about three months with pneumonia and suffered a relapse a few days ago and owing to her extreme old age failed to recover and she passed away surrounded by loved ones, to her eternal reward on high.

Mrs. Wolters was 72 years, 8 months and 26 days old; was born in Hildesheim, Hanover, Europe and came to this country in 1845, first settling at Catsprings, Austin County, where she was joined in holy wedlock to Mr. R. Wolters December 25, 1849 afterwards removing to High Hill and than [sic] to Schulenburg when the town first started.

Deceased was the mother of eleven children, six of whom are living, Mrs. Louise Roos, Mrs. Otelia Horner, Mrs. Mary Kessler and Mrs. Ella Clark of the city and Mrs. Augusta Roos of Yoakum and Mr. E. Wolters of Shiner, one sister, and one brother survive her, Mrs. Sophia Flato and Mr. Chas. Welhausen of Shiner, her husband and 17 grand-children and 4 great grand-children also survive her.

Interment took place in the City Cemetery, Monday afternoon at 6 o’clock many griefstricken relatives and friends witnessing the last sad rites performed by Rev. Piepenbroke of the Lutheran Church, of which the deceased was an honored and esteemed member.

Our sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved ones in their hour of sorrow especially to the venerable husband who has lost the companion who was the joy of his younger days and the solace of the older ones. A companion who has walked hand-in-hand with him through the many years of their wedded life, ever ready to share trouble and fortune alike. On Christmas days in 1899 they celebrated their golden wedding.

Those who attended the funeral from a distance were: Mrs. A. Roos, Mr. Hampus Roos and wife of Yoakum Mr. Oscar Roos, Victoria, Mr. Chas. Welhausen and wife, Messrs. C. B. Welhausen, E. F. Wolters and family, J. A. Wolters, Mrs. Sophia Amsler of Shiner, Miss Clara Welhausen and Mr. C. P. Johnson and wife of Flatonia Mr. Ed Roos and wife, Mrs. J. F. Wolters of Houston and Miss Louise Wolters of Seguin.

Contributed by Matt Cross

E. J. WOLTERS

Shiner Gazette, 25 Aug 1910, page 1

Death of Ernst Wolters.

The sad news was received from Schulenburg last Sunday of the death of Ernst Wolters, brother of Max and Julius Wolters. Mr. Wolters was stricken suddenly with congestion of the brain and lingered but a short time. He was 54 years old and leaves a wife and three children and three brothers to mourn his untimely taking off. The funeral took place Monday and was attended by Mr. J. A. Wolters.

Weimar Mercury, 26 Aug 1910, page 1

NECROLOGICAL.
E. J. Wolters, of Schulenburg.

The many friends of E. J. Wolters of Schulenburg were shocked to hear of the death of this estimable gentleman Monday, which occurred at his home in that city Sunday night, caused by congestion of the brain.

The funeral services were conducted by the Sons of Herman lodge of Schulenburg, of which order he had been a member since its organization, at 5 o'clock Monday afternoon. The Schulenburg Liederkranz assisted in the services by rendering a few appropriate selections which were very impressive, and the high esteem in which he was held by the citizens of this entire section was attested by the large procession which followed the remains to the grave. Friends from every section where he was known were there to pay their last respect to one who was a friend to all, for such he was, no one knew but loved him and had a kind word to say of "Ernst" as he was affectionately called.

He was in his 53 year, and was married to Miss Anna Wolters in 1881 at High Hill, who, with a son and two daughters survive him. The bereaved wife and children have the sympathy of all.

Shiner Gazette, 1 Sep 1910, page 1

Death Claims E. J. Wolters

“In midst of life, we are in death” is a true saying. The news of the sudden death of Mr. Ernst Wolters, Sunday night at about 10:30 o’clock, came as a shock to his relatives and many friends and cast a gloom over the entire community.

Mr. Wolters had not been feeling in his usual health for several days, and Sunday he visited the doctor for some medicine for a severe headache which he was suffering from, and as he grew worse later on in the day, no one thought that the illness would become serious. But at 10:30 he passed into the great beyond, dying suddenly of congestion of the brain.

Mr. Wolters was born September 15, 1856, at New Ulm, Austin county. He came to Schulenburg in 1874 and engaged in the saddlery business, which business he conducted until a few years ago, when he accepted a position in the saloon of his brother, F. C. Wolters, after whose death he became associated with his brother-in-law, Mr. Rudi Nordhausen, in the saloon business.

Deceased was married April 19, 1881, to Miss Anna Nordhausen. Five children blessed this union, two having preceded the father in death; a wife, two daughters, Elise and Clara, and one son, Herbert, survive him and mourn his untimely death. Besides the family, one sister, Mrs. Ella Moekel of Shiner, and four brothers, R. A. of Schulenburg, M. E. and J. A. of Shiner, and Charles of of [sic] New Ulm, and a host of friends and relatives to mourn his untimely demise.

Interment took place Monday afternoon at 5:30 o’clock in the City cemetery, Rev. J. C. Pauling officiating and under the auspices of the Herman Sons, of which order he was an esteemed member. President Anton Beneker conducted the Herman Sons’ services. Appropriate songs by the ladies and the Liederkranz were sung during the ceremonies. The long concourse of friends who followed the remains to their last resting place was a fitting tribute to his memory and the esteem in which he was held by his fellowmen. Thus one by one Schulenburg is being stripped of her best citizenship.

The Sticker joins the many friends of the grief-stricken wife, children, sister and brothers in extending sincere and heartfelt condolence and sympathy. – Schulenburg Sticker.

Gazette articles contributed by Matt Cross

F. C. WOLTERS

Schulenburg Sticker, 28 Nov 1907

F. C. WOLTERS DEAD.

Mr. F. C. Wolters, one of Schulenburgs’ [sic] substantial citizens, died Thursday last at 3:30 p. m. after a short illness. His remains were consigned to their last resting place in the City Cemetery at 4 o’clock Friday afternoon under the auspices of the Hermann Son’s [sic] Lodge, of which he was an esteemed member. The Ladies singing club and the Liederkraz rendered a few beautiful songs at the grave.

Mr. Wolters was born in New Ulm, Sept. 11, 1862; was married to Miss Norma Miller in 1885; came to Schulenburg in 1886 and engaged in business in which he had been actively engaged in until his death.

He leaves to mourn his demise, a wife and two daughter [sic], Mrs. Henry Seeberger and Mrs. Walter Helmcamp, four brothers, Max and Julius of Shiner, R. A. and Ernst of Schulenburg; one half-brothers [sic], Mr. Chas. Ernst of New Ulm and one half sister, Mrs. Ella Meckels of Shine [sic].

We extend our sincere sympathy to the grief stricken relatives.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ROBERT WOLTERS, Sr.

Schulenburg Sticker, 1 March 1912, page 1

ROBERT WOLTERS, SR., DEAD

Robert Wolters, Sr., died at his home in this city February 23, 1912, at the age of 91 years, 5 months and 2 days.

Mr. Wolters was one of the few surviving pioneers of early Texas. Below we reproduce a sketch of his life from the History of Fayette County:

“Robert Wolters is one of the few men whose fortune it was to witness the development of an infant struggling republic into a great state, the coming empire state of the Union. He has lived under the flag of the Republic of Texas, under the Union flag when Texas became one of the states, under the Confederate flag and again under the Union flag. Just pause and think of the different phases of development. Texas, an infant republic, in dire distress, the country harrassed [sic] by marauding Indians when he was a youth, and Texas grown to full manhood, the wonder of the world as to the possibilities of future development. If he looks back to his own life, he finds an analogy there. Robert Wolters, the struggling boy and Robert Wolters, the old man, one of the capitalists and most respected men of the county.

Mr. Robert Wolters was born September 20, 1820, in Elberfeld, Prussia, and came with his father, Jacob Wolters, his mother and three sisters to the United States in 1834. His father had left the old country on account of his political convictions. The family landed in New York and after a short time went to Philadelphia where his father established a bakery. But the Yankees of those times did not put on as much style as their decendants [sic]. [T]hey generally baked their own bread, and under these circumstances, his father found it a hard task to provide for his family, much less to make any headway. Therefore the family went to New Orleans in the spring of 1835 and in May of that year they came to Texas and landed as Velasco. There they took a little steamboat which carried them up the Brazos River to Brazoria. From the latter place they traveled in ox wagons to where now Frelsburg stands and settled on the Piper league. They built the first log house in the Frelsburg neighborhood in the fall of 1835, but before the house was ready, his mother died under a tree in July 1835. There were very few settlers at that time in the country. The comforts were very primitive. His father acquired a skill in manufacturing rawhide chairs for which there soon was a great demand. He brought and sold them as far as to the Cole settlement in Washington County. One time on his return trip from Cole settlement, a band of hostile Indians camped near Postoak Point between him and his home. To wait in a safe place until they had withdrawn was a great inconvenience, to pass by there was a still greater risk. His father chose to risk to pass by, passed them in the middle of the night and young Robert had to walk along with a piece of bacon skin and every once in a while grease the axles of the ox wagon to keep them from squeking [sic]. They reached their home safely without having encountered the Indians. His father married again in 1848 and then moved to the Mill Creek near industry [sic]. Robert and his brother August remained on their father’ farm near Frelsburg, until his father had sold the same. After this, young Robert worked for some years on the farm until he had money enough to buy a team and then he traveled for four years as a teamster. December 25, 1849, he married Miss Adolphina Wellhausen of Cat Spring, Texas. He bought 400 acres of the Pettus league in Austin County and farmed there till 1858 with his brother. In that year he moved to Cypress, Blanco County, still harassed by Indians. In 1865 he bought a farm two miles east of High Hill, Fayette County, and moved to his place the same year.

In the fall of 1866 he established a store in High Hill and in 1872, when the Southern Pacific came to Fayette County, he moved to Schulenburg where he still resides.”

He leaves surviving him an only brother, Mayor Theo. H. Wolters of this city; a son, Edmund F. Wolters of Shiner; and five daughters, Mesdames Augusta Roos of Yoakum, Louise Roos, E. B. Kessler, Hugo [Ottilie] Horner and I. E. [Ella] Clark, all of this city. Sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren mourn his loss, besides a large number of nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces and cohateral [sic] relations.

Early in life he engaged in the mercantile business, in this city in 1874 with the advent of the railroad and the building of the town. He was a successful merchant. Twenty-five years ago he retired from active business affairs, living quietly and happily here in his home enjoying the esteem and love of all classes.

A detailed story of Mr. Wolters’ life would include many incidents relating to the history of Texas and its gradual growth and upbuilding.

In the presence of a great concourse of people who had come from many adjoining counties to pay their last respects to the old patriarch whose friendship in life all had valued, his mortal remains were laid to rest on Sunday eve in the family burying grounds, Rev. F. Piepenbrok officiating.

In his last illness, pneumonia, he remained conscious to the last, and a time had come when even hopes of recovery were entertained, but expectedly, in a clear voice, he said to an old black family servant, “this is the end,” and passed away.

Those from a distance attending the funeral were: Mrs. Agusta [sic] Roos, Messrs. Hampus and Robert Roos of Yoakum, Mr. Oscar Roos of Victoria, Mr. Emanuel Roos of Eagle Lake, Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Wolters, Messrs. Chas. Welhausen and Chas. Flato, Max and Julius Wolters of Shiner, Hon. Jake Wolters of Houston, Mrs. M. Richter, Messrs. Geo. Herder, Owen Heyer and Ernst Goeth of Weimar, Miss Clara Welhausen, Messrs. C. P. Johnson, Ed Arnim and A Brunnemanof [sic] Flatonia.

Contributed by Matt Cross

THEODORE H. WOLTERS

Schulenburg Sticker, 3 Aug 1917

An Old Pioneer Passes Away

Theodore H. Wolters died July 29, 1917, at his residence in Schulenburg after an extended illness of several months. The deceased was born at Industry, in Austin county, Texas, April 15, 1846, the son of Jacob Wolters, an early Texas pioneer from Germany, and follower of General Sam Houston. When the civil war commenced Theodore Wolters, a lad not yet fifteen, enlisted in the Confederate service. He served with Green’s brigade. He was the kid of that organization, which early in the war marched westward across Texas and held the enemy away from the Texas border. He was at Santa Fe, Albequerque [sic]; Val Verde and Glorietta. With the brigade he came again across the state and remained with it through its successful campaigns against General Banks in Louisiana, in the meantime participating in the recapture from the Federals of Galveston. He was an enthusiastic member of Green’s Brigade Veteran Association. Recently when the Veterans met in LaGrange a number of them paid him a visit.

For twenty-five consecutive years Theodore Wolters was Mayor of our town, retiring at the end of a quarter of a century of efficient and faithful service. For a number of years past he has been an inspector of the Pure Feed Control located at College Station. In this position he traveled all over South Texas and thus met thousands of men and made friends everywhere. No man was ever more unanimously loved and no man ever loved his friends more than he. He loved a good story and could tell one, something few men can do. In February of this year he was attacked by the grippe. From that he never rallied. The ablest of doctors in Texas were consulted. In Galveston and Houston they told him frankly there was little hope for his recovery. The announcement by eminent physicians did not perturbe [sic] him. “Take me back to Schulenburg – do not let me die away from there.” And they brought the old veteran back to the town he loved so well, to the people who, both white and black, rich and poor, men, women, and children, loved him. For months he suffered. All that loving hands could do was done. The faithful wife was at his side day and night to the end. From time to time he had his children and grand-children at his bed-side. Last Thursday he plead to have his grandson, Russell Wolters, a National Guardsman in the Federal service, to come to him. A telegram to the commanding officer from Dr. Peter procured Russel a furlough. On Friday Russell came, an upstanding, clean-cut young soldier. Already the old veteran was conscious that the end was near. When Russell came those present in the room withdrew. What transpired between these two, the veteran grandfather who in his youth fought against the stars and stripes and the soldier grandson who has consecrated his youth to defend it – was too sacred for others to see, for other ears to hear. And then Russell left to return to his “reveille, and the veteran must have heard the far-away sound of his eternal “taps,” for with Russell gone he said, “Mamma, now let me sleep.” He lingered until Sunday morning, when he passed away. Thus closes the book of life for one who never had an enemy. He lived his life in service to his country, his state, his county and his town. It was a life of unselfish service, for in the public places he occupied there was only nominal financial remuneration. Thousands in South Texas will mourn his passing and are glad that they knew him.

He left surviving, his widow, nee Margaret Wink, three sons, Jacob F., Ed. T., Wallace and one daughter, Mrs. J. C. Baumgarten. He is also survived by nine grand-children.

The funeral was held Monday afternoon, the services being conducted by Rev. T. J. Windham, of Houston, the burial being under the direction of the Masonic Lodge, of which deceased was one of the oldest members. He was also a member of the K. of P. Lodge and the O. D. H. S.                                    C.

Schulenburg Sticker, 3 Aug 1917

Louis Voelkel of Rutersville, an old confederate comrade of Theo. Wolters came in to attend his funeral Monday. He is authority for the statement that since the death of Uncle John Wertz, and Uncle Ted. Wolters, the oldest native born citizen of this section is Uncle Chas. Luecke who was born at Houston in 1846 and will be 72 in February, though no one would know it to look at him.

Contributed by Matt Cross

AARON WOOD

Schulenburg Sticker, 10 Oct 1913

DEATH REPORT

Aaron Wood, 22 years, 1 month and 22 days, pulmonary tuberculosis, LaGrange.

Contributed by Matt Cross

A. G. WOODS

Dallas Morning News, 10 April, 1892           

A.G. Woods

Flatonia, Tex., April 8
A telegram was received today from Mr. C.F. Woods at Hot Springs, Ark., announcing the death of his brother, A. G. Woods, who had gone there for the benefit of his health. The remains will be brought here for interment.

Contributed by Debbie Hanson

JOSEPHINE WOODY

Schulenburg Sticker, 27 Oct 1916

Elgin, Texas. – Dr. and Mrs. T. B. Taylor were summoned to LaGrange, Saturday, to attend the funeral of Mrs. Josephine Woody, mother of Mrs. Taylor, whose death occurred in the old homestead near LaGrange. Mrs. Woody had reached the age of 84 years and was surrounded by her children when death came. Mrs. Woody had visited Elgin many times and had a number of warm friends here.

Contributed by Matt Cross

HENRY WOOLRIDGE/WOOLDRIDGE

Weimar Mercury, 14 Feb 1913 [page 5 was incorrectly dated 7 Feb 1913]

A young negro man, son of George Wooldridge of the Pecan neighborhood, while in the company of Gearge [sic.] Davis and another young negro, was accidentally shot and killed by young Davis. The boys, we understand, were going hunting and, at the time of the killing, were pranking with pistols. From all reports obtainable the killing was entirely accidental.

Schulenburg Sticker, 28 Feb 1913

DEATH REPORTS

Henry Woodridge [sic.], age 17 years, 6 months, wounds caused by pistol bullet, Holman.

Death Certificate for Hy. Woolridge, about 17, son of George and Alice Woolridge, lists death date of February 8, 1913 and states he was buried the next day in the Shaw Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

NAE WORLDS

Schulenburg Sticker, 7 Nov 1913

DEATH REPORTS

Nae (col) Worlds age 28 years, 6 months and 22 days, valvular lesions of the heart, near Schulenburg.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JAKE WORMLEY

Schulenburg Sticker, 27 Aug 1903

Death Record.

Wormley: Died at LaGrange, Aug. 15th-03 of scirrhosis [sic] of liver and heart failure, Jake Wormley, aged 70 years.

Contributed by Matt Cross

FRANZ WORZNIK

Schulenburg Sticker, 14 July 1904

DEATHS.

Worznik: Died at Round Top, 7-1-04, of Atelectasia Pulmonum, Franz Worznik, aged 52 days.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ALFRED JAMES WOTIPKA

The Baytown Sun, August 18, 2007

Funeral services for Alfred James Wotipka, 55 OF La Grange was held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 17, 2007 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellinger with Father Stephen Nesrsta officiating.

Interment followed in the La Grange City Cemetery.  A Rosary was recited at 7:30 PM on Thursday at the Koenig Stickland Chapel led by Garland Polasek.

Alfred James Wotipka was born November 3, 1951 the son of Alfred H. and Winifred (Novosad) Wotipka passed away Sunday, August 12, 2007, at Monument Hill Rehab & Nursing Center in La Grange at the age of 55 years, 9 months, and 9 days.

He is preceded in death by his parents Alfred H. and Winifred Wotipka and infant brother Dan Edward Wotipka.

Survivers include: Sister: Patricia Clark and husband Michael of La Grange; Brother-in-law: Jose Smidovec of Ellinger, TX; Nieces: Laurie Vasquez of Highlands, TX, Cari Dare and husband Steve of Fishers, ID; Nephews: Vasquez and fiancée Danielle Cordova of Webster, TX. Jason Vasquez and wife Stacey of Barbers Hill, TX, Joe Smidovec and girlfriend, Alyssa Beard of La Grange; Great nieces & nephews: Jessyka, Caitlyn, Brett, Braelyn, Brynlee, Jakob, Alexus, and Peyton: Aunts: Elizabeth Wotipka of Baytown, TX, Sister Alberta Novosad of Houston, TX, Uncle: Clarence Behrens of New Ulm, TX. Active Pallbearers: Mark Vasquez, Jason Vasquez, Gary Jenning, Joey Smidovec, Todd Longwell, and Joe Smidovec.

Honorary Pallbearers: Delmar McLean and Steve Dare. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellinger, Ellinger Fire Department, or ASERA Hospice Care of Bastrop.

Funeral Arrangements by Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home, 208 W. Pearl, La Grange, TX 78945, (979) 968-31

Transcribed by Gayle Clemons Newkirk

ANNA DANIEL WOTIPKA

Weimar Mercury, 30 Jan 1892, page 2

Mrs. Wotipka, mother of Frank Wotipka, died on the 16th instant and was buried in the city graveyard.—Schulenburg cor. Journal

ANNIE SIVEK WOTIPKA

Baytown Sun, Monday, July 18, 1955

Mrs. Annie Wotipka, 74, of 1222 Magnolia, died at 3:30 a.m. Sunday in a Baytown hospital. She has been a resident here for 25 years.

A rosary was recited at 7:30 p.m. Sunday and another will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Earthman Funeral Home. A service will be held at the funeral home at 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, preceding services at 8 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic church with the Rev. M. A. Hebert officiating.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in La Grange.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. E. C. Harvey of Baytown; three sons, Alford H. Wotipka, Albert J. Wotipka and Jerome P. Tomecek, all of Baytown; two brothers, Joe Sivek of Fort Worth and Frank Sivek of Plum; a sister, Mrs. Mary Trilicek of la Grange; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Pallbearers include John D. Sivek, Joe L. Liska, T. F. Kloesel, Elo F. Veselka, Jack Chapman and William Novosad.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

EDWARD LOUIS WOTIPKA

Victoria Daily Advocate, Wednesday, January 17, 1934

FLATONIA, Tex., Jan. 17. – Edward Louis Wotipka, 48, who was hurt in an automobile wreck last week on the Moulton road, died Monday. Funeral was held from the residence of his father, Martin Wotipka, Tuesday afternoon. A wife and three children, father, brother and sister survive.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

EMILIA WOTIPKA

Galveston Daily News, Wednesday, March 17, 1948

FLATONIA, March 16 – Funeral services for Mrs. Emilia Wotipka, 73, lifelong Flatonia resident, were held at Smith's funeral home with Rev. W. L. Hightower and Rev. Walter Froehner officiating. Interment was in City Cemetery.

Survivors are: Two sons, F. L. and W. M. Wotlpka; two grandsons, Barney, and Walter Wotipka Jr. and one great grandson, all of Flatonia.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

FERDINAND FRANK WOTIPKA

Shiner Gazette, Thursday, December 14, 1944

Funeral services for Ferdinand Frank Wotipka, 78, who died Thursday morning, Nov. 30, were conducted Friday afternoon at the family residence. Rev. Walter L. Froehner, pastor of the Flatonia Methodist Church, officiating. Burial was in the city Cemetery.

Mr. Wotipka had been in ill health a long time and passed away at the Schulenburg hospital where he was receiving treatments.

Ferdinand Frank Wotipka was born October 3, 1866 at New Ulm, Austin County, Texas the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Martin Wotipka. In the early days of his life his parents moved to the Flatonia community where he lived some fifty years. On March 7, 1893 he was married until his passing. Two sons Frank and Walter, were born to this union.

Mr. Wotipka was preceded in death by his parents and two sons Ed. and Martin; the latter dying in infancy.

Mr. Wotipka is survived by his sorrowing and suffering wife, a the time in a convalescent home; two sons: Frank and Walter, of this city; two grandsons, both in the service of our country; four sisters: Mrs. John (Annie) Hajek of Gonzales, Mrs. Herman (Mary) Olle of Flatonia, Mrs. Otto (Agnes) Olle of Flatonia, Mrs. Otto (Julia) Franke of Elgin; one brother, August of San Antonio; and other relatives and a host of friends.

Those who attended the Wotipka funeral from here were: Mrs. and Mrs. August Linbrugger, Mrs. Elsie Bannert, Messrs. Alfred Schramm, K. Spoetzel, Chris Menning and L. Trautwein.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

FRANK WOTIPKA

Colorado County Citizen, February 5, 1953

Frank Wotipka Of Flatonia Is Buried There Sunday

Funeral services were held in Flatonia Sunday afternoon for Frank Wotipka, 59, part-owner of Meyer Motor company, Ford dealer here, and brother-in-law of Vastine Gosch of Altair.

Mr. Wotipka, who had been in frail health for some time, died in Renger hospital at Hallettsville Friday night, following a stroke suffered at his home about 8 p.m.

He had operated the Ford agency in Flatonia since before World War I.

Survivors include his widow, the former Wilma Gorsch; a son, Barney, and a brother, Walter, all of Flatonia. Mr. Wotipka had spent his entire life there.

Going from here for the services were Mr. and Mrs. Gorsch, Mr. and Mrs. Tanner Walker, Mrs. Tom J. Oakes, Massey Duncan and Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Meyer.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JOHN HENRY WOTIPKA

Baytown Sun, Friday, January 7 1955

John Henry Wotipka, 73, died at 7 p.m. Thursday at his home at 1222 Magnolia.

Funeral services will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph’s Catholic church with the Rev. Dennis Kennedy, pastor, officiating. The body will be taken to La Grange for a graveside service at 2 p.m. Saturday. Burial will be under direction of Earthman funeral home.

A Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Friday at Earthman Chapel.

A retired farmer, Wotipka moved to Baytown about 23 (or 25) years ago. He occasionally engaged in construction work after moving here.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Anna Louise Wotipka of Baytown, a daughter, Mrs. E. C. Harvey of Baytown; three sons, Alfred H. Wotipka, Albert J. Wotipka and Jerome P. Tomecek [as printed], all of Baytown.

Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Louise Sury of La Grange, Mrs. Christine Horak of La Grange and a brother, E. D. Wotipka of Baytown, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Pallbearers will be Leo Wotipka, Leo E. Wotipka Jr., John D. Sivek, Joseph Sivek, Jack Chapman and Joe Liska.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

MATHILDA ELIZABETH BITTNER WOTIPKA

Hallettsville Tribune-Herald news clipping

Mrs. R. F. Wotipka Dies February 19th

Mrs. R. F. (Mathilda Elizabeth) Wotipka, age 79 years, 4 months and 25 days passed away suddenly at 11:30 a. m. Feb. 19 in Corpus Christi.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Feb. 21, at 9:45 a. m. from the Smith Funeral Home, continuing at 10 a. m. at Sacred Heart Catholic

Church. Interment was in Flatonia City Cemetery.

Survivors include: Her daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Christian of Corpus Christi; two grandchildren, Barbara and Mildred; a brother, A. E. Bittner, and a sister, Mrs. Marie Nitschmann, both of Flatonia.

The daughter of Barbara Cervenka and Anton Bittner, deceased was reared in Flatonia. She married Roman Wotipka June 20, 1910; lived in San Antonio from 1929 until 1947, when she moved to Corpus Christi to live with her daughter, Mrs. Christian at 1190 Florida Street. Mr. Wotipka preceded her in death on Oct. 18, 1928.

Contributed by Matt Cross

WALBORGA ALBRECHT WOTIPKA

Dallas Morning News, September 26, 1927

Flatonia, Fayette Co., Texas. Sept. 25.-- Mrs. Walborga Albrecht Wotipka 81 one of Fayette County's oldest citizens, died at her home one mile south of town.

She leaves her husband and several sons and daughters.

Funeral was held in the city cemetery.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

WILMA GOSCH WOTIPKA

Victoria Advocate, Monday, January 22, 1996

FLATONIA – Wilma G. Wotipka, 98, of Flatonia died Saturday, Jan. 20, 1996.

She was born Dec. 8, 1897, in Cistern to the late Albert and Charlotte Marburger Gosch. She was a homemaker.

Survivors: son, Barney Wotipka of Flatonia; brother, Lenert Gosch of Flatonia; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: husband, Frank Louis Wotipka in 1953; one sister and two brothers.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Smith Funeral Home, the Rev. Dean Evans officiating.

Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Flatonia, Smith Funeral Home, Flatonia.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

ROMAN WOTYPKA

Weimar Mercury, 26 Oct 1928, page 3

FLATONIA MAN FOUND IN DYING CONDITION

Mr. Roman Wotypka, age 43, was found about 4:30 p. m. Friday in a wagon in the warehouse of his employer, the Arnim & Lane Store, in a dying condition. Medical aid was quickly summoned, but the unfortunate man died despite all efforts to save his life.

Opinions of three physicians differ as to the cause of his death, according to our informant over the telephone, two of them holding that there was no trace of poison and one expressing the opinion that there was. Examination of the premises revealed no trace of poison and nothing except a glass was found nearby.

The man was in prime of life and apparently in good health. His family life is said to have been happy. It is thought that he felt sick and went into the wagon away from the rest of the force in the store where he could rest for awhile and there fell victim to the attack to which he succumbed.—LaGrange Record.

LESTER OSCAR WOYTEK

Herald Coaster, Wednesday, July 11, 2001

Funeral services for Lester Oscar Woytek, 81, of Ledbetter, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 12 at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine, with the Rev. Paul Bohot officiating. Interment will follow at Ledbetter Cemetery in Ledbetter.

Pallbearers are Jim Baur, David Faske, Marcus Faske, Allen Kaiser, David Woytek and Coby Zoch.

Honorary pallbearers are members of the American Legion in Giddings.

A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 11 at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings.

Lester was born May 16, 1920 in Sublime to August and Elvie Meyer Woytek. He passed away Monday, July 9, 2001 at Oakland Manor Nursing Center in Giddings.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Norma Woytek.

Lester is survived by his wife of 48 years, Louise Zoch Woytek; twin daughters, Elaine Haynes and husband, John, of Austin and Betty Whitehead of Austin; son, Larry Woytek and wife, Betty, of Round Top; grandchildren, John Haynes Jr. of Austin, Lindsay and Coby Zoch of Giddings, Michelle Barrett of Houston and Scott Woytek of Round Top; great-grandchildren, Dylan Zoch and Skylar Zoch, both of Giddings; brothers, the Rev. Cliff Woytek and wife, Grace of Beaumont and George Woytek and wife, Joyce, of Houston; and sister, Joyce Bauer and husband, Weldon, of Pasadena.

Lester served in the Army during World War II in the Asian-Pacific campaign. Upon returning to the states, his career followed his love of music, beginning with a morning radio show at KTRH in Houston.

He went on to establish Longhorn Records, where he recorded with his band, “Lester Woytek and the Melody Cowhands.” His popular hits of the time included “Drive-In Blues” and “The Salt Grass Trail.”

In 1954, he established Woytek Specialties, where he continued to work until the time of his death.

Lester was a long-time member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine, and served in the Men in Mission Brotherhood. He was also a member of the Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Department and the Carmine Lions Club.

Funeral services are under the direction of Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

LOTTIE WRIGHT

Flatonia Argus, November 1970

MRS. LOTTIE WRIGHT CLAIMED BY DEATH

Mrs. O.D.(Lottie) Wright was born Dec. 4, 1895, the daughter of the late Rudolph and Ludmilla (Bier) Ling.

She passed from this life Nov. 13, 1970 in the Youens Hospital in Weimer at the age of 74 years, 11 months, and 9 days.

Aunt Lottie, as she was so affectionately known, lived her entire life in Flatonia. She had resided in the Flatonia Convalescent Home for about the past three years, after her health failed and she could no longer live alone in her home.

She was united in marriage to O.D. Wright July 27, 1919. Mr. Wright having passed away Sept. 5, 1956.

In 1941 Mr. and Mrs. Wright took into their home and their hearts, a foster son, Martin Haseloff.

Mrs. Wright was a member of the Flatonia Baptist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Services for Mrs. Wright were held Sunday, Nov. 15, at 4:00 p.m. from Smith Funeral Home Chapel with her pastor, Rev. Graydon Howell officiating. The Baptist Choir rendered two beautiful hymns.

Pallbearers were nephews Herbert Agricola, Robert Agricola, Arvil Hart, Jessie Morris, Elton Ling, George Zimmerhanzel.

She is survived by: Her son, Martin Haseloff, his wife, Dorothy; three granddaughters, Brenda Gail, Cynthia Dianne, Sherri Lynn Haseloff of Nederland, Texas; one sister, Mrs John Kocian, of Flatonia.

Mrs. Wright leaves many lovely memories with many friends and relatives as she spent her entire life doing for others. She loved "family" and her greatest joy was having them gather 'round her.

Contributed by Brenda Wyble

FRANK WROE

Colorado Citizen, 23 Apr 1891, page 2

La Grange Democrat: At Winchester last Monday Frank Wroe, aged 14 years, was accidentally shot and killed by an officer who attempted to arrest two negroes that were fighting, struck one of them with his pistol, when it fired killing young Wroe, who was standing near by.

KATIE & MARVIN WROE

Schulenburg Sticker, 22 Oct 1903

Death Record.

Wroe: Died at La Grange, Sept 17-03, of Amoebic Dysentery, Katie Reese Wroe, aged 3 years and 9 months.

Wroe: Died at La Grange, Sept 27-03, of Amoebic Dysentery, Marvin Wroe, aged 5 years and 10 months.
  

TOENJES HEINRICH (HENRY) WUBBENHORST

La Grange Journal, July 30, 1936 pg. 2

In Memoriam

Toenjes Heinrich Wubbenhorst was born September 13, 1857, in Sanderkesee, Oldenburg, and died July 19, 1936, at Park, Fayette County, Texas. Deceased had been ill health for several months; funeral services were held Monday afternoon, July 20, at 3:00 o’clock, Rev. Carl Baer officiating. Interment was made in the Rutersville cemetery. He had reached the age of 78 years, 10 months, and 6 days.

As a young man of 28 years he came to Texas. After staying for five years in Texas, longing to see his dear old mother once more was so great, that he returned to his fatherland, for visit.

On December 22, 1892, Mr. Wubbenhorst was married to Mrs. Friedericke Mischer-Huber. Mr. Wubbenhorst was and honest and respectable citizen, who through hard work and economy, became a successful farmer. As a kind husband and father, neighbor and fried, he was highly respected by all.

Surviving him are his widow, Mrs. Friedericke Wubbenhorst, one son Heinrich near Oldenburg, Mrs. Fritz Treybig (Wilhelmine), Mrs. Fritz Hackebeil (Marie), Mrs. Alwin Imken (Alma), Mrs. Wm. E. Brendle (Katie), Mrs. Th. Keilers (Johanna), Mrs. Emil Moellenberg (Annie), 27 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and one sister in Germany. One son, Albert and one daughter, Mrs. Edwin Eilers (Ella) preceded him in death.

Our sincere sympathy is offered to the surviving relatives.

Transcribed by Stacy N. Sneed

EDWARD WUNDERLICH

The La Grange Journal, March 19, 1936 pg. 7

Haw Creek News

Edward Wunderlich

Death saddened the homes of many in our community Monday morning of last week, when the news case that Edward Wunderlich had died suddenly, Sunday night, March 8, of a heart attack.

Mr. Wunderlich had been in ill health for the past few years, and spent most of the time at home. He reached the age of 73 years, 4 months and 15 days.

Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at 10:30 o’clock with interment in the Haw Creek cemetery; Rev. J. Bosshard, pastor of the Lutheran Church of Warrenton officiated at the house and grave.

He leaves to mourns, his wife (nee Louise Hoffmann), four daughters Mrs. Walter (Clara) Hassler of here, Mrs. Ewald (Paula) Weyand of Nassau; Mrs. Henry (Stella) Neumann of Round Top; Mrs. F. (Lillie) Naegelie of Houston; two sons, Erwin and Raymond Wunderlich of here, and eight grandchildren.

Pallbearers were: Herbert Henschel, Monroe Rudolff, Erwin Schneider, Henry Treybig, Gus. Peters and Harry Rudolff.

Transcribed by Stacy N. Sneed

HULDA EMMA BERTHA WUNDERLICH

Schulenburg Sticker, 6 June 1913

DEATH REPORTS

Hulel [sic.] Emma Bertha Wunderlich, age 19 years, 4 months and 19 days, pneumonia, near Haw Creek.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JOHANNA WYCHOPEN

Obzor Hospodárský, Wednesday, January 1, 1908

Sestra Johana Vychopen od řádu Čechoslovan, čís. 40., zemřela na souchotě dne 20. prosince 1907, ve stáří 33 let. K Jednotě přistoupila 3. října 1903; číslo certifikátu 2562 a dle stanov oprávněna jest k podpoře v částce $1000.

Sister Johana Vychopeň from Čechoslovan order, no. 40, died of consumption on 20 December 1907 at the age of 33 years. She the society on October 3, 1903; the certificate number is 2562 and according to the statutes is entitled to support in the amount of $1000.

Obzor Hospodárský, Wednesday, January 15, 1908

Hillje, 22. pros. - Dne 9. pros. se odstěhoval p. J. Vychopen k Seaton, tím pozbýváme dobrého bratra a občana. Přeji mu mnoho zdaru. Od řádu Čechoslovan, čís. 40., dokonala svolji pozemskou pout' Johana Vychopen, která byla již dlouhý čas nemocna. Zanechává truchlícího manžela, dvě dítky, a mnoho přátel. Pozůstalým projevuji hlubokou soustrast. Bratr Pavel Dornák starší, od řádu Čechoslovan, míní jeti do Ev(u?)ropy na návštěvu. Přeji mu, aby se měl, jak sám si představuje.

Hillje 22 Dec. - On 9 Dec. P.. J. Vychopeň moved to Seaton, thereby we loose a good citizen and brother. I wish him good luck. From the order Čechoslovan, no. 40th, ended the perfect earthly pilgrimage of Johana Vychopeň who was already sick a long time. She leaves a grieving husband and two little ones, and many friends. We extend profound condolences to the bereaved.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis
Translated by Alfred Ermis