USA > Texas > A Twentieth century history of southwest Texas, Volume II > Part 24
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children included Valentine Haass, who was born April 3, 1829, who be- came the father of Judge Haass. In 1856 the father and sons engaged in ranching and were making rapid progress when the Indians made a raid upon their ranch, and secured all their stock. They with other settlers went in pursuit of the red men but recovered only two head of horses. The father, George H. Haass, never made an effort to engage again in that business and spent the remainder of his life among his children, these being : Valentine, now a merchant ; Phillip, a stock farmer and ex-sheriff of Medina county ; Fritz, a stock farmer ; Sibelle, the wife of J. Bendele, a stock farmer; and George, also a stock farmer.
Valentine Haass, the father, became a naturalized citizen in 1856, and in 1862 he and his brother Phillip were conscripted for service in the Confederate army. The former was taken to San Antonio, where, upon examination, it was found that he was disabled for army service and was consequently discharged, after which he returned to his home in Castro- ville. In the latter part of 1862 he was elected district clerk, which office he held until 1869, when he resigned. He was interested in a mercantile enterprise for a number of years, while in 1880 he was elected to the office of county judge but on account of poor health resigned the office after a year. He likewise served as mayor of Castroville and was also justice of the peace for a time. He was a most prominent and influential man in political and business circles in Castroville and Medina county and took an active and helpful part in the growth and development of this part of the state. In his business dealings he has been known to be re- liable and trustworthy and throughout the long years of his connection with commercial interests had the confidence and good will of all with whom he was associated. The wife of Valentine Haass bore the maiden name of Aalke Gerdes, their marriage being celebrated in August, 1862. She was born and reared in Hanover, Germany, a daughter of Harm Gerdes. The father emigrated with his family to the new world in 1851, at which time he settled in Medina county, where he was engaged in stock farming, and it was while he was looking after his stock that the Indians came upon him and massacred him, killing him by stabbing with a lance, he having twenty-five wounds, being dead when found. His widow re- mained on the ranch, where she carefully reared her children, and later when they all were settled in homes of their own she lived among them and died at a ripe old age. Her children were: Gerd, who freighted for the Confederacy during the war and is now a stock farmer and a preacher of the Methodist denomination in Guadalupe county ; Hilka, the wife of F. Schulte; Volka, the wife of E. A. Bohlen ; Aalke, who became Mrs. Haass; and Harm, who entered the Confederate army, from which he never returned, being last heard from in Louisiana. To Mr. and Mrs. Valentine Haass were born four children: Henry, a prominent merchant and county surveyor of Castroville ; Herman E .; Ida M., the wife of W. Edgar, a commission merchant of San Antonio; and Louie, who died at the age of four years.
Herman E. Haass spent his early boyhood and youth in Castroville, assisting his father in his business affairs, and at the age of twelve years he learned the printer's trade. He later was engaged in the stock busi- ness on his own account for three years, but abandoning that pursuit,
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then engaged for a similar period in the profession of teaching, during which time he studied law. In 1889 he passed the examination and was admitted to the bar of Medina county. He located for practice in Castro- ville, since which time he has practiced successfully before all the courts of this county. At one time he was engaged in the publication of the Castroville Anvil, a local newspaper, while in 18go he became a candidate for county judge. He was defeated in this election, but in 1894 once more became a candidate for that office, being then elected, and by re- election he has continuously filled the office to the present time, discharg- ing his duties in the most efficient and creditable manner. He has also served as notary public and has ever been prominent and influential in Democratic ranks. He acted as chairman of the Democratic county com- mittee, and the first primary election was held under his arrangement. The party has never held county nominations. Both the Democratic and Republican parties claim the county but at the present time all the county offices are filled by representatives of the former party.
During the years of his active connection with the profession of law, Judge Haass has also found time for other interests, having for a long period been engaged in farming and fruit-raising. He is also a stock- holder in the National Bank of Hondo and is well and favorably known in financial circles in this part of the state. He is public-spirted in a marked degree and gives his co-operation and support to every move- ment which is instituted for the betterment of his city or county. He takes much pleasure in outdoor sports, his chief enjoyment being that of fishing. He is a worthy and consistent member of the Lutheran church, and is a Royal Arch Mason, serving as secretary of the blue lodge for many years.
In 1893 occurred the marriage of Judge Haass and Miss Lisetta Renken, who was born in Castroville, in 1873, a daughter of Henry T. and Lisetta (Kueck) Renken, both natives of Hanover, Germany. The father emigrated to the new world at an early day, and in 1849 went to the gold-fields of California and there engaged in mining. He was very successful in his new ventures in America and after he had accumulated a little capital and purchased a tract of land in Medina county he sent for his wife, who joined him in Medina county, after which they located on the land which he had previously purchased and there engaged in stock farming, in which he met with gratifying success. He took an active and helpful interest in many public movements and particularly in the system of education. He was the first superintendent of schools in Medina county and for a number of years served as mayor of Castroville. He was a consistent member of the Lutheran church and was identified with the Masonic order, serving as master of the lodge. His wife was also a Lutheran in her religious faith, and by her marriage became the mother of five children: Henry, a traveling salesman for a San Antonio firm ; William, who is employed by a brewery in that city; Louisa. who became the wife of Nick Tschirhart, and at her death left one son ; Herman, who is foreman in a macaroni factory in San Antonio, and Lisetta, wife of subject of sketch.
The marriage of Judge and Mrs. Haass has been blessed with two
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Fred . Metzger
Louise Chetyger
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interesting children : Silva, who was born December 31, 1894; and Edgar, born November 12, 1899.
Many persons are looking forward to the publication of a local history of Medina county, with Judge Haass as author. In addition to his other duties he is preparing a history of Medina county from the time of its first inhabitants. Through his connection with his brother, H. V. Haass, county surveyor, he has gained a general experience with affairs in Me- dina county, its people, its lands, land titles and history, which is second to none. Without doubt the promised volume will be a valuable contribu- tion to the historical literature of this portion of Texas.
FREDERICK METZGER, a veteran of two wars, and with the United States Second Cavalry in Texas for five years, has been prominently identified with the settlement and progress of Hondo and Medina county, where he now makes his home. He was born in Germany, March 5, 1833, and acquired a good education in the schools of his native country and in Galveston, Texas. His parents were Peter and Apollonia (Adam) Metz- ger, both descended from honored old Catholic families of Germany, who were of high social rank as well. Peter Metzger was a well-to-do man of his day and engaged in the business of distilling and brewing malt and wines. He continued in Germany until 1845, when he emigrated with his family to America, landing at Galveston, Texas, in February, 1846. He soon sought another location, however, going by water to Indianola, and there all of his effects connected with the distillery and the brewing busi- ness, together with his personal property, were landed on the beach. Be- fore he could secure teams or other means to have these conveyed to a place of safety a flood came and washed all away and he was thus left empty handed, having only a small sum of ready money remaining. Soon afterward he returned to Galveston, where he resided until the latter part of 1847, when he died a victim of yellow fever. His capital had been dispelled through the removal to America and by the flood, and his family were thus left in limited circumstances. His wife had died in the father- land in 1836. The children had all come to America, but Frederick is the only one now living. The others were: Carl, a physician who prac- ticed at Galveston, Texas, until his death in 1849; Mrs. Anna M. Burgess ; Antone, a Texas farmer, who died June 4, 1906, at the age of eighty- two years ; and Jacob, who became a merchant and pilot, in 1860 returned to Germany to attend to some business interests and while again making the voyage to the new world died at sea.
Frederick Metzger was fourteen years of age when he arrived in America. In 1847 he enlisted as a musician or drummer boy for the Mexican war under Captain V. R. Jones of the Twelfth Regiment of Infantry, and was assigned to Sibley's brigade General Scott's command. He proceeded to the front, participated in memorable battles and cam- paigns and on the expiration of his term of service received an honorable discharge July 25, 1848. He then returned to Galveston and soon after- ward was employed on a steamboat as pantryman and second steward. He continued in this business for a short time, but in 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold, started for California. He had gone as far as Leavenworth, Kansas, when he became ill with chills and fever, remain- ing there until all of his outfit was gone and he could proceed no farther.
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He then returned to Missouri, where he engaged to drive a yoke of oxen in breaking prairie. In the morning he would be thus employed and in the afternoon he would suffer with a chill, it being some time before he got that disease out of his system. In 1851 he returned to Galveston in order to benefit his health, but other troubles set in and in 1853 he went to Martineco Island in the West India islands and was much benefited by the change. In 1855 he landed at Norfolk, Virginia, and became a sailor on a receiving ship. At Baltimore, in July, 1855, he enlisted under Captain Palmers in Company D of the Second United States Cavalry and was sent into camp at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri. From there the regiment marched two thousand miles to Fort Camp Cooper, Texas, and later the command was detailed for various duties. In 1856 they began and completed Camp Verde in West Texas and during that period went on various raids after the Indians, taking part in many run- ning fights but seldom bringing the Indians to a stand. The most hotly contested battle in which Mr. Metzger participated was at Kickapoo Springs, where a hand to hand fight ensued, in which he saved the life of Orderly W. McDonald by killing the chief who was about ready to take McDonald's life. Mr. Metzger with his command took part in many raids and engagements with the red men and was always on duty at the front but was never wounded, although he had some close calls. During his five years' service he traveled over many parts of Texas. On the ex- piration of his term of enlistment he was honorably discharged in 1860, at which time his deportment and character were reported as excellent.
After leaving the army Mr. Metzger engaged in merchandising and hotel keeping at Leon Springs, Texas, for a year. In 1861 Mr. Metzger married Miss Louisa Lange, who was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1844, a daughter of Ludwick and Johanna (Stremyer) Lange, also of Hanover. Her parents on emigrating to America landed at Galveston in July. 1851. The father was a stonemason by trade and followed that pursuit for many years. Later he settled on a farm in Kerr county, where he remained until his death in June, 1886, when he was seventy-seven years of age. He did both plain and ornamental stone work for the government at Camp Verde. He accumulated a competency for his old age through his well managed business interests. All who knew him entertained for him high regard, for he lived an upright, honorable life. He was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church and never departed therefrom. His children were Fritz, Charles, Henry, Lutwrena, Louisa and Augusti, all deceased except the girls.
Mr. and Mrs. Metzger have the following children : Fred A., who is a business man of Mexico: Charles, chief clerk in a store at Hondo ; Louis, who has learned and followed the tinner's trade; Anna, the wife of Pat Lynch ; William, a machinist at Beaumont, Texas; and Powell, who is chief clerk of a mercantile house at Pleasanton, Texas.
Following his marriage Mr. Metzger settled on a ranch in Kerr county, where he continued until the Indians raided his place and run off all of his stock till he had not a horse left. He had to leave the ranch because he no longer had the means wherewith to cultivate it. In 1862 he joined the Confederate army in Duff's cavalry regiment and was as- signed to the southwestern division, being stationed at Brownsville,
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Texas, where his command remained until they were forced to vacate by United States troops. While there Mr. Metzger was engaged in watching the border and looking after deserters and smugglers. He then went to the Trans-Mississippi department in northeastern Texas and the Indian Territory, where he was actively engaged in duty, so continuing until the close of the war, when the regiment was disbanded at San Antonio. He then returned to his wife, who had remained with her father at Camp Verde, and soon after his old comrade, Mr. Mc- Donald, whose life he had previously saved, found employment for him with the Federal government as a camel master with a number of men under him. The government had a large number of camels brought to Texas for service on the plains and Mr. Metzger was thus employed for nine months. After saving a small sum of money he returned to his ranch and carried on farming for a year. In 1867 he removed to New Fountain, Medina county, where he engaged in huckstering and peddling with two mules and a wagon. In that business he was successful and later he opened a store, which proved profitable until it was destroyed by fire with heavy loss. He then built a gristmill, with steam power, which he operated for several years, but later abandoned milling in 1881 and became a traveling salesman for Osburn & Company of New York, dealers in agricultural implements, with a branch house at Dallas, Texas. Mr. Metzger continued in that business for ten years, building up an excellent trade, and during that decade he established a store at New Fountain, which his family conducted. On leaving the road he assumed the management of his store, in which he continued until 1891, when he
Hondo.
removed to the site of Hondo, where he built the first house and con- ducted a hotel. He yet owns but now rents Hotel Metzger. He con- ducted the hotel and bar room here for a number of years and did much for the upbuilding of Hondo and the removal of the county seat to this place. He owns several lots and buildings in the town, including a com- modious brick and stone residence. In 1895 he retired from active busi- ness life and is now living in comfort and ease in a most pleasant home. He looks after his ranch and properties and he has secured several vacant lots. In 1900 he patented a fine acetylene light, superior to anything be- fore invented. He is now manufacturing and selling this light and has many testimonials from prominent people, who speak of the excellent satisfaction which it has given. He has made a good record both in davs of war and days of peace and now has a competency for old age. In politics he is a stalwart Democrat and has served as justice of the peace and notary public. He is also an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity and has filled all of the chairs in the blue lodge.
ROLF FRERICHS. This name is inseparably connected with the his- tory of Hondo and Medina county, by reason of the extent and im- portance of his business interests, and also by reason of the service he has performed that has directly promoted the material development and upbuilding of the county. He was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, January 5, 1833. He was reared to farm pursuits and received a liberal education while spending his boyhood days in the home of his
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HISTORY OF SOUTHWEST TEXAS
parents, John and Atto (Frareka) Frerichs, both of whom were natives of that province of Germany, where they were married, reared their family and died. Both were descended from worthy Protestant families of Hanover, where their ancestors had lived for many generations. Both were Lutherans in religious faith and were most highly respected residents of the community in which they resided. The father was identified with many industries and furnished employment to many laboring people. In connection with farming he operated a sawmill and engaged in the brew- ing of malt and wines. He was a prosperous man and very prominent and influential in the community. He advised his children not to go abroad but to remain in the fatherland, saying that he would leave them a good farm and home. All took his advice except Rolf, and the old homestead is yet in their possession. Both parents died there, leaving a comfortable competence and an untarnished name to their family.
Their children were Richard, Lena, Fritz, George, Rolf and John. The last named made a visit to this country in 1873, but returned to the fatherland.
Rolf Frerichs is the only one who married and reared a family and the only one who became an American citizen; but he has never had occasion to regret the emigration, for here he has accumulated a larger fortune than all the remaining members of the family, with their father's estate included. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age. In the old country every man is liable to military duty. In times of peace, the recruits for the standing army are drawn by lots, and Mr. Frerichs was always fortunate in drawing a blank, thus having the privilege of remaining at home. In 1857, desiring to visit America. and belonging to an influential family, he secured a leave of absence from the king for one year, and if needed for military service he would return home when notified. He was then to apply to the German consul, who would furnish him transportation free. Accordingly he came to America and, never notified, he never returned. Landing at Galveston in 1857, he soon afterward made his way to Medina county, where he was employed, at ten dollars per month and board, by a man who was opening up a farm, but he did not like the meals and accommodations furnished him and sought employment with another farmer. He soon realized the conditions which existed on the frontier and that in order to establish a home here one must be deprived of many of the advantages and comforts of an older civilization, so he rented land and began farm- ing for himself. At that time no cotton was raised here. In 1858 he purchased some land and began farming. He soon commenced raising stock, and as the range was free and the grass good his stock accumulated fast and he prospered until the Indians, who were friendly in an early dav, began stealing the stock, and if the white men interfered, they killed them. Thus life and property were greatly imperiled. In time Mr. Frerichs' herds had grown to extensive proportions and he had also manv horses. He was one of the first in the county to fence the pasture and later he engaged largely in general farming. In each venture he was successful and later he took contracts from the federal government for furnishing supplies to Forts Cooper, Clark and Duncan. He like- wise engaged in merchandising in this county and traded extensively.
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He readily recognized and quickly improved a business opportunity and his labors, while bringing him a handsome competence, were also a source of much benefit to the settlers.
At the time of the Civil war, although he favored the Confederacy, he did not wish to "enter the army or leave the state," so he kept quiet and later joined the home guards. After the war he continued actively in business along many. lines with his usual success. He was the first to buy and introduce different kinds of farm machinery : thresher, reaper and corn sheller, and in fact has always been a leader in progress and business enterprise. In his early merchandise experience he huckstered all over the county, sold goods and bought produce, for which he found a market at San Antonio. He also hauled loads of eggs, butter and produce to the forts. He bought, improved and sold lands. He has now sold off his land save two farms which he rents. In 1884 he retired from farming and stock-raising, and located in the village of Hondo, where he engaged in merchandising.
Realizing how much more advantageous it would be to have the county seat at the center of the county, he joined Judge Blocker in an effort to secure its removal from Castroville to Hondo and after a long fight, in which these two gentlemen were the leaders in favor of the removal, they won success (in 1902). Mr. Frerichs has been a most important factor in the upbuilding of Hondo. He is a broad-minded, intelligent business man and has been the architect of his own fortunes and accumulated a goodly estate. After some years he withdrew from merchandising and now gives his attention to outside speculation and to the building and renting of properties. He assisted in organizing the First National Bank of Hondo, of which he became a stockholder and director. He was the first to realize the need of waterworks for domes- tic purposes and fire protection and, organizing a private company, he sank a deep well. He owned one-third of the stock of the new company. Later the business was reorganized and incorporated as a stock company, the capacity of the plant was increased and the enterprise has proved a profitable investment. He has introduced many new, practical and bene- ficial ideas for the upbuilding of the city and county and while he has practically retired from business he is never idle but is always wideawake, alert and active in the management of his own investments or enterprises for the public good.
Mr. Frerichs has reared an intelligent family of children and instilled into their minds the lesson taught him in the fatherland that honor and honesty is all that makes the man. He was married in 1858 to Miss Anna Degrote, who was born in Germany in 1840, a daughter of Harm Degrote, who died in the fatherland, after which his widow brought the family to America in 1857, settling in Medina county, Texas, where she purchased land and improved a farm, keeping her children together and rearing them to lives of respectability and worth. She was a faithful member of the Lutheran church. Her children were: Henry, who served in the Confederate army and is now deceased; Harm who was accidentally killed by a team; Mrs. Autka Gaddis; Anna, Mrs. Frerichs ; and Antje, now Mrs. Palson.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Frerichs has been blessed with seven
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children : Lena, the wife of A. Schuley; Antje, the wife of August Schuley; Jane, the wife of J. C. Bless, a merchant of Hondo; John, a prominent stock farmer; Henry, engaged in the same line; Fritz and Herman, who are in business in Hondo.
ISAAC H. KING, president of the Hondo State Bank, belongs to that class of representative business men who in advancing individual interests also promote the public welfare, and in Hondo he is recognized as a valued factor in business and public life, his influence ever being on the side of progress and improvement. He was born in Grimes county, Texas, February 5, 1848, and in his youth attended the country schools, having to walk a distance of three miles. He carried firearms on account of the Indians. His parents were John J. and Ann L. (Pitts) King, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Georgia, their marriage being celebrated in Texas. The father was a son of William King, of Tennessee, who was born and reared his family in that state and there died. He was prominently identified with the interests of his locality and was an industrious and trustworthy man. The King family were leading Methodists of Tennessee. In the family of William King were five children: John J .; Isaac H .; George, an attorney at law ; William, and Mrs. Garrett.
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