USA > Texas > A Twentieth century history of southwest Texas, Volume II > Part 55
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count of the Illinois supreme court's decision affecting a portion of the Torens plan.
Mr. Kerr is a most charitable and generous man, giving freely to all worthy enterprises, while his benevolent spirit has prompted his active and liberal assistance to many individuals in need of aid. He is, how- ever, thoroughly unostentatious in his giving. From 1870 until 1880 he was prominently identified with the organization of the Texas State Grange and for eight years was a member of the first executive commit- tee.
Mr. Kerr has been happy in his home relations. By his first marriage he had three children who are yet living: Thomas O., James L. and W. B. Kerr, and his sons have been closely associated with him in his business operations. His present wife, to whom he was married in Fayette county in 1870, was Elizabeth Ragsdale, who was born and reared in this state, a daughter of Charles C. and Sarah (Sealorn) Ragsdale, pioneers of Texas. There are three children by the present marriage: John A., Charles Grove and Mrs. Alice Lela Price. Mr. Kerr has perhaps derived the more pleasure from his wealth because of the opportunities that it has given him to provide for his family. He is, however, most generous with his means in assisting others and in behalf of the necessities. As a business man he has been conspicuous among his associates not only for his success but for his probity, fairness and honorable methods. In every- thing he has been eminently practical and this has been not only manifest in his business undertakings but also in his private and social life and in his benevolences. Having made his way through the world by dint of his own efforts he has always had a kindly sympathy for those whom he found starting in life as he had started and he has interested himself in advancing men who were struggling to obtain a foothold in the busi- ness world. He possesses a warm hearted, genial nature and has drawn about him a circle of devoted friends.
Fayette County.
THEODORE WOLTERS. Occupying a position of prominence among the leading citizens of Schulenburg, Fayette county, is Theodore Wol- ters, who has served as mayor of the city since 1889, and is still, in 1907, filling this important office. A progressive, clear-headed, wide- awake man, pleasant and courteous in his manner, and possessing good business energy and tact, he has won the respect of the community, and rendered himself popular with all classes of citizens in this metrop- olis. Of substantial German parentage and ancestry, he was born, April 15, 1846, in Industry, Austin county, Texas, a son of Jacob Wolters.
A native of Germany, Jacob Wolters was born, in 1797, at Elber- feld, near the Rhine. Learning the trade of a baker when young, he followed it in his native country until 1835, when, accompanied by his wife and their four little children, he emigrated to the United States, crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel. After a voyage of several weeks he landed at New Orleans, from there coming by water to Texas, which was at that time a part of Mexico. He located in Colorado county, near Frelsburg, where as head of a family he was granted a
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league of land by the Mexican government. He was just getting well settled when the war for independence broke out, and he joined Gen. Houston's command, starting at once for San Antonio to relieve the garrison at Fort Alamo. News being received, however, of the fall of the fort, General Houston sent all of the married men home to look after their families. On his return Jacob Wolters stowed his family in a truck wheel cart, which was drawn by a pair of steers, and started for the Brazos country. While on his way thither he was offered a league of land for the steers and cart, but replied that he would not exchange them for the whole state of Texas. Near Saint Phillips, Texas, he, with a number of other men and their families, took possession of some vacant buildings on a plantation. Feeling that his wife and chil- dren were safe, he then started to join General Houston's army, but while enroute was informed that the battle of San Jacinto had been fought, the Americans being victorious, and independence already won. Taking his family with him, he subsequently returned to his old home, where he found that his buildings had all been destroyed, and every- thing, almost, of value taken away. Luckily, however, he and four or five of his neighbors had taken the precaution before leaving to hide about one hundred bushels of corn, which the Indians and Mexicans had failed to find, and on this they subsisted until another crop was raised. He at once erected another log house, and there continued his residence for a while longer. Trading his property, subsequently, in Colorado county for improved land at Industry, Austin county, he there continued the occupation to which he was reared, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1865. The maiden name of his second wife, the mother of his son Theodore, the subject of this sketch, was Louisa Maybrink. She was born in Hamburg, Germany, and was first married to a Mr. Marks, who died near Houston, Texas. Going to Houston to be married, Mr. Jacob Wolters made the journey on horseback, leading another horse for his bride. After the ceremony which made them husband and wife the bride, although she had never before ridden horseback, mounted her steed, and rode the entire distance of ninety miles on his back. Four children were born of theit union, Theodore being the only one now living.
Having obtained his early education in the pioneer schools of Aus- tin county, Theodore Wolters remained at home assisting in the care of the home farm until 1863. Then, a beardless boy of seventeen years, he enlisted in Wilhausen's Brigade, Light Artillery, and was first sent to Brownsville, and thence to the eastern part of the state to fight Banks' army, and was with his command until the close of the war, participating in many engagements. Returning home, Mr. Wolters resumed farming, and continued thus employed until 1879. Coming then to Schulenburg, he embarked in business on his own account, and has continued here since, being now numbered among the leading and influential citizens of the place.
Mr. Wolters married, in 1871, Margaret Wink, who was born in Texas, a daughter of Louis and Catherine (Meyer) Wink. Into the household thus established five children have been born, namely: Jacob, a well-known attorney of Houston; Edmund, of Lane City; Otello,
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wife of C. Baumgarten, of Big Springs; Katie, wife of Eugene White, of El Paso; and Wallace, a student. Religiously Mr. Wolters is a Lutheran, and Mrs. Wolters is a member of the Roman Catholic church.
E. RUDOLPHI VOGT. Occupying a noteworthy position among the leading citizens of Schulenburg is E. Rudolph Vogt, widely and favor- ably known as the county surveyor of Fayette county, and likewise as judge of Precinct No. 8. The descendant of a pioneer settler of this county, he was born, October 15, 1858, near the town of Cedar. His father, John Vogt, was born in Hamburg, Germany, where his father, John Vogt, Sr., spent his entire life.
Venturesome and ambitious, John Vogt left home when a boy in his teens, taking passage on a sailing vessel, in which he crossed the Atlantic, landing, after a voyage of thirteen weeks, in Galveston, Texas. Coming immediately to Fayette county, he found but scant evidence of civilization in these parts. Deer roamed over the unbroken prairie in herds, wild game was very plentiful, and the following six months he spent in gunning and trapping. He then secured work as a farm hand, receiving as wages twenty-five cents a day. He was energetic and industrious, and as his usefulness increased his wages were ad- vanced. Prudent and thrifty, he saved a large proportion of his earn- ings, and when ready to take upon himself the cares and responsibilities of a married man, he bought a tract of land near Cedar, cleared and improved a homestead, and on this has since resided. He married, January 15, 1857, Frances Willrich, who was born in Germany, a daughter of George Willrich. In 1846 Mr. Willrich emigrated from Germany to this country, bringing with him his family, and located on a farm at the Bluffs, in Fayette county. He married Ely Kukuk, who was born in Germany, September 27, 1808, and is now living on the home farm, near LaGrange, where she has the distinction of being one of the oldest residents of Texas. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. John Vogt seven children were born, namely: Margaret; E. Rudolph, the special subject of this brief sketch; Charlotte; Anna; George; Fritz ; and Julius.
Having completed his early education in the pioneer schools of Fayette county, E. Rudolph Vogt studied civil engineering under a private tutor, and at the age of nineteen years began surveying on his own account. In his chosen occupation Mr. Vogt has since continued, and as his work has extended across the state from east to west, and from the Red river to the Rio Grande, he has acquired an intimate knowledge of Texas and its people, and has watched with genuine pleas- ure the development of the various industries throughout this section of the Union.
In 1883 Mr. Vogt married Annie Nollkemper, who was born at Cedar, Fayette county, a daughter of Henry and Katherine Nollkemper, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Vogt are the parents of three chil- dren, namely: Charles A; and Otto and Emil, twins. An influential member of the Democratic party, Judge Vogt has ever taken an active part in local affairs, and is now serving his second term as judge of Precinct No. 8. In 1888 he was elected to the position of county sur-
Mr. and Mrs. Christian Baumgarten.
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veyor, and with the exception of one term has since filled this office. Fraternally the Judge is a member of Lafayette Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M.
CHRISTIAN BAUMGARTEN. It is doubtless true that many of the most energetic and enterprising young men of European birth leave their early homes for a larger field of operation, and on American soil find the goal of their ambitions. Prominent among this number is Christian Baumgarten, of Schulenburg, who came from the fatherland to this country poor in pocket but rich in courage, and has since through his own efforts risen from a very humble position to that of one of the representative men of a prosperous and intelligent community, and an important factor in advancing its industrial and business interests. A native of Germany, he was born, March 13, 1836, at Magdeburg, on the river Elbe. His father, Christian Baumgarten, Sr., spent his entire life in Germany. As a young man, he served a number of years as an officer in the German army, and after retiring from military life was engaged in farming and stock raising. He reared three sons, all of whom emigrated to America, locating in Texas. Gustav and Adolph live in Lavaca county.
Christian Baumgarten was educated in the fatherland, and at the age of fourteen years began learning the carpenter's trade. After serv- ing an apprenticeship of three years he worked for a while as a journey- man. In 1854 he went to Bremen, where he was employed for a few months as a shipbuilder. Determining, however, to try his fortunes in a newer country, he embarked on a sailing vessel in the fall of that year, and after a rough and stormy voyage of eleven weeks landed at Galves- ton, Texas, which was then a small and unimportant seaport. Finding employment at shipbuilding, he remained there fifteen months, in the meantime saving $450. With this sum he started up the country. At the forks of the Trinity river he met an Indian maid with a bear. Buy- ing the bear, he sent it as a present to his old ship carpenter. Then, buying a pony and saddle from an Indian, Mr. Baumgarten began ex- ploring the country roundabout. Unable to speak much English, he had rather a hard time, and in a short time his money was gone, and he re- turned to Galveston empty handed. Resuming work in the ship yard, he continued at his employment for a few months and then went to La Grange, Fayette county, where he secured work at the carpenter's trade. Although a strong Union man, Mr. Baumgarten was ever loyal to his state, and during the Civil war enlisted in Company B, Third Texas Regiment of Infantry, with which he remained a short time. He was then transferred to the Engineer Corps, and served under General Ma- gruder, who promoted him to the position of first sergeant of the Second Engineer Corps. He then served in that capacity in the Trans-Mississippi Department until the close of the war.
Returning from the field of conflict as poor in purse as when he landed in Galveston, Mr. Baumgarten, who possessed excellent physical ability, a strong and courageous heart, and willing hands, again turned his attention to his trade, and during the ensuing few years saved some money. This he invested wisely in 1869, buying a tract of land a part of which is now included within the limits of the town of Schulenburg.
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Since that time he has been engaged in various enterprises on which fortune has smiled. He has erected several buildings in Schulenburg and has established a hardware and furniture store here. Very enter- prising and progressive, he was the first in this vicinity to develop the cotton seed oil industry, and when he built the first mill he put in it, in addition to the machinery required in making oil, a beet sugar press, sending to Europe for it. Mr. Baumgarten subsequently invented and patented perforated plates, which are now in general use in the oil mills. He has established oil mills in various parts of the state, thus greatly benefitting the cotton raisers, and adding to his annual income. He likewise invented and patented a hydraulic press for baling cotton, and this was exhibited at the New Orleans Exposition in 1885, receiving much commendation. To the great number of enterprises in which Mr. Baumgarten has been interested he has always given his personal atten- tion, and now, although past three-score and ten years of age, he is as active as ever, both physically and mentally, and is looking forward to the establishment of new projects of value. He makes frequent visits to New Mexico, where he has large mining interests, and is quite suc- cessful in his operations.
On June 5, 1859, Mr. Baumgarten married Ernestine Pannwitz, who was born March 12, 1841, in Penig, Saxonia, near Leipsic, a daughter of Johan Gottlieb and Wilhelmina (Schultz) Pannwitz. On the death of his wife, Mr. Pannwitz came to Texas, and resided the remainder of his life with Mrs. Baumgarten, who came to this country prior to that time with an aunt. Fourteen children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Baumgarten, and of these five have passed to the higher life, namely: Mary died at the age of thirteen years; Lillie died when seventeen years old; and three died in infancy. Nine children are still living, as follows: Ernest, Gustav, Emil, Anna, Christian, Elizabeth, Charles, Willie, and Fritz. Ernest married Matilda Schulenburg, and they have two children, Otelia and Alma. Gustav married Ida Wallace, and they are the parents of four children, Wallace, Roy, Audrey, and Norma. Emil married Susie Harris. Anna married Max Walters, and has two children, Victor and Gustav. Christian married Otelia Walters, and they have four children, Katherine, Ralph, Louise, and Mildred. Elizabeth, the wife of Gustav Ruhmann, has three children, Ernestine, Gustav, and Anna. Charles married Valley Singlemann and they have two sons, Charles and Henry. Willie married Mary Schumann, and they have one child, Marie. Otelia, the eldest daughter of Ernest Baum- garten, and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Baumgarten, married Amel Rahner, and has two children, Lester and Olga.
ISAAC EDGAR CLARK, M. D. Conspicuous'among the leading physi- cians of Fayette county is Isaac Edgar Clark, of Schulenburg, who by his knowledge and skill has built up an extensive and lucrative prac- tice, acquiring an excellent reputation as a medical practitioner. Aside from his professional duties, the Doctor is greatly interested in other affairs, being identified as a stockholder in various enterprises, and being the owner of the Bermuda Valley Stock Farm, which he devotes to the raising of choice registered stock. A son of Dr.' Harvey S. Clark, he was born, December 23, 1860, in Polk county, Texas. His
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paternal grandfather, Isaac Ellis Clark, moved from North Carolina, his native state, to Tennessee, where he purchased a plantation, on which he resided until his death, at the venerable age of ninety-three years. He was prominent in local affairs, serving for a number of years as sheriff of Tipton county, and at Lee Chapel built a church for the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and as long as he lived supported it himself. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary McCleary, was born in North Carolina, of Scotch-Irish ancestry.
Born and bred in Tipton, Tipton county, Tenn., Harvey S. Clark there received a substantial education in the common branches of study, and when a young man began to read medicine with his Uncle David. Subsequently entering Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, he re- ceived his diploma there in 1854. The following year he came to Texas, and for a brief time resided in Polk county and from there moved to Gonzales county. He was afterwards actively employed in his pro- fession in Lavaca county. He continued in practice for many years, meeting with good success, but he is now living somewhat retired, man- aging his valuable stock farm, where he breeds thoroughbred cattle and horses. Dr. Harvey S. Clark married Cleopatra Ann Robertson, who was born in Saulsbury, Tenn., a daughter of Wyatt and Cynthia (Fer- guson ) Robertson. She died about 1876, while yet a young woman.
Leaving the common schools, Isaac Edgar Clark pursued his studies in Covington, Tenn., for five years, after which he began the study of medicine with his father. Going then to Philadelphia, ne entered the Jefferson Medical College, his father's alma mater, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1882. Dr. Clark immediately began the practice of his profession at Moravia, Lavaca county, where he remained five years, winning a large and lucrative patronage. Com- ing to Schulenburg in 1887, he has met with distinguished success as a physician and surgeon, his professional ability being recognized and appreciated by his numerous patrons, and by his fellow-physicians. The Doctor takes great pride and pleasure in his landed possession, the Ber- muda Valley Stock Farm, which he owns, being one of the best and most valuable ranches in this part of the state. It contains four hundred acres of celebrated "Navidad Bottom Lands," which produce in abun- dance the most nutritious grasses grown. He is a great admirer of fine stock of all kinds, and raises nothing but registered horses and cattle, those of his breeding and raising being widely known.
Dr. Clark married, April 23rd, 1888, Ella Walters, who was born at High Hill, Fayette county, Texas, a daughter of Robert Walters, a native of Germany, and a granddaughter of Jacob Walters. who emi- grated from Germany to Texas in 1835, bringing with him his family. Doctor and Mrs. Clark are the parents of two children, namely : Cleo and Harvey R.
SENGELMANN BROTHERS. Among the thrifty and enterprising busi- ness men of Schulenburg are many who come from substantial German stock, and prominent among this number are Charles and Gustav Sengel- mann, leading dealers in choice wines and spirituous liquors. Sons of Hans Henry Sengelmann, Sr., they were both born and reared in Sprenge, Holstein, and there acquired their early education.
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Hans Henry Sengelmann, Sr., was born in Germany on the 26th of October, 1820, and, having spent his entire life in the fatherland, died January 14, 1907. In Sprenge, which was also his birthplace, he learned the trade of a shoemaker when quite young, and made that his life occupation. He took an active part in the revolution of 1848, and was one of the five survivors of the war in his locality. He reared five chil- dren-Henry, Johanna, August, Charles and Gustav. Of these Henry and Johanna never left the fatherland. August and Charles came to Texas when young men, and from 1876 to 1887 were engaged in business together.
August and Charles Sengelmann resided with their parents untii the latter was seventeen years of age, attending the local schools. Emigrat- ing to Texas, they first located at Columbus, where they entered the employ of their uncle, Henry Ilse. Industrious and economical, they saved their earnings and in 1876 settled in Schulenburg, where Charles has since been actively engaged in business.
In 1885 August Sengelmann returned to Germany to visit his father, and on coming again to America brought with him his brother Gustav, to whom he sold his interest in the business in 1888 and went back to the old country. He was a man of much business ability, enter- prising and energetic, and, becoming proprietor of one of the leading hotels of Kiel, a seaport of Schleswig-Holstein, he carried on a large and profitable business until meeting his death in an automobile accident July 13, 1905. His wife and four children still reside in Kiel.
In 1893 Charles and Gustav Sengelmann were burned out. and in 1894 erected a large, handsome and substantial two-story brick build- ing which they now occupy, it being one of the finest blocks in Schulen- burg.
In 1879 Charles Sengelmann married Elizabeth Arnim, who is a native of Texas, born in Moulton, Lavaca county, a daughter of A. A. and Von (Schaste) Arnim. Mr. and Mrs. Sengelmann are the parents of the following nine children: Henry, Wally, Minnie, Molly, Charles, Lillie, Alexander, Klondike and Hester.
Like his brothers, Gustav Sengelmann received excellent educational advantages in his youth. As previously mentioned, he came to the United States with his brother August, in 1885, succeeding him in busi- ness and becoming an active member of the firm known as the "Two Brothers." He has since been closely identified with the industrial and mercantile interests of Schulenburg. Gustav Sengelmann's wife was formerly Bertha Sommer, who was born in Schulenburg, a daughter of Ferdinand and Augusta Sommer, her parents being both natives of Germany. Three children have been born of this union-Gustav, Jr., Silva and Wilbur.
Both Charles and Gustav Sengelmann are members of the Sons of Hermann. Charles is also identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He takes great interest in civic affairs, and for a number of years has served as alderman.
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Wharton County.
W. J. HEFNER. The spirit of enterprise and progress which has been so dominant in Southwestern Texas in recent years and has been the important element in the marvelous growth and development of this part of the state, is manifest in the life and work of W. J. Hefner, who is a popular and prosperous merchant and lumber dealer of El Campo and is also president of the El Campo National Bank. His life record began at Fayette county, Texas, December 1, 1859, and he was reared to agricultural pursuits. During the period of his youth he acquired a good elementary education at the common schools and afterward pursued a business course at Waco, Texas. His parents were Balser and Cynthia D. (Slack) Hefner, the former a native of Virginia and the latter ot Georgia. They were married in Texas. The father was a descendant of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry and was reared on a farm in Virginia, remaining under the parental roof until 1855, when he came to Texas, settling in Fayette county. He was a mechanic and builder and there was great demand for his services at that time. He did much toward the upbuilding and improvement of Fayette county, having a liberal patronage in the line of his chosen vocation. After his marriage, how- ever, he settled upon a ranch and turned his attention to stock farming, improving a good homestead upon which he yet resides. He also owned and operated a gin and mill and has prospered in all of his business undertakings. During the late war he served in the Confederate army and was stationed at Galveston, Texas. He participated in some skirmishes with the Federal troops but was never wounded nor made a prisoner. He is the only member of his family that ever came to Texas. A consistent and worthy member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, his life has been in harmony with his profession and in all relations he has been found upright and honorable, treating his fellow men in much the way that he has desired to be treated by them. He has never aspired to public office or public notoriety of any kind but has lived the quiet, uneventful life of a farmer and stockraiser. His ac- quaintances, however, know him to be charitable to the needy and afflicted, a good neighbor and a loyal friend. His wife is a daughter of Thomas Slack of Georgia, who became one of the early settlers of Fayette county, Texas, where he successfully engaged in raising stock. He was too old for active service in the Civil war but used his influence in support of the Confederacy. In the community where he lived he was a leading and influential resident and was highly respected by all who knew him. He died at the old homestead in Fayette county. His children were: George; Sowell; Thomas; Mitt, who became Mrs. Walker and afterward Mrs. Fisher; Cynthia D., the wife of Balser Hefner ; and two daughters whose names are not remembered.
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