Transcribed by Gerhard Vowinckel 1990
with The Letters of Otto Wuppermann from Texas to his Father in Barmen, Germany 1848, 1850
and The Reminiscences of Clara Wupperman Tafel of her Girlhood Years in Texas

Translated by Alice Wupperman Lundy 1991, 199 
Published 1993 and Friend Press Orange, California

This Translation is in the Public Domain. It was made, with permission, from the original transcription in German, Elise Wuppermann Texanische Tagebuecher 1850 - 1860 which is marked "All Rights Reserved" (alle Rechte vorbehalten) Hamburg 1990 by Gerhard Vowinckel 

While the translator and editor have imposed late-twentieth-century standards of English grammar and punctuation, along with a regular scheme of indicating dates, they have left the spelling of proper names largely as in the nineteenth-century German. The writers found no need in their personal correspondence or diary-writing to maintain consistent spelling or to avoid nicknames or shortened forms for people or places. Also, readers not familiar with German should note that the affectionate ending -chen on a name is more or less equivalent to English -y in Mikey, Johnny, Suzy. In lieu of footnotes, translator's comments appear in square brackets. 

ABBREVIATED GENEALOGY OF THE TIPS FAMILY IN TEXAS 

Johann Conrad, born Jan. 12, 1797, Solingen. d. Jul. 3l, 1850, Live-Oak-Hill Farm (near Seguin, Tex.) (of yellow fever). Wife Anna Caroline, born Nov. 23, 1800 the oldest daughter of Wm. Braun, merchant in Elberfeld. d. Jun. 27, 1885, Austin, Tex.

1. Julius b. Sept. 11, 1828 Elberfeld d. Sept. 7, l867 La Grange, Texas

2. Elise b. Jan. 26, 1830 Elberfeld d. June 25, 1918 Dsseldorf m. Live-Oak-Farm Sept. 27, 1850 to Otto Wuppermann from Barmen, who had migrated to Texas but returned to Germany l863. Children: Clara 1851, Herman 1852, Eugen 1859, Lilli 1861, Richard 1863, Laura 1865, Walter Otto 1874, Dsseldorf. d Oct. 27, 1950 Austin.

3. Eduard b. May 23, 1832 Elberfeld d. June 20, 1872, Austin, Texas m. Olga Basse, b. Jan. 31, 1841, d. Feb. 25, 1914

4. Hermine b. Nov. 15, 1833 Elberfeld d. Oct. 2, 1903 Darmstadt m. Johann Staehely, b. Elberfeld 1825?, d. Darmstadt.

5. Clara b. May 31, 1835, Elberfeld. d. Live-Oak-Farm, Jul. 25, 1850.

6. Rdiger died early.

7. Gustav b. Nov. 27, 1839 Elberfeld d. Aug. 24, 1917 Houston, Tex. m. Marie Bertalet.

8. Walter b. Jul. 23, 1841 Elberfeld d. Apr. 20, 1911 Austin, Tex. m. Feb. 6, 1867, Mary Jane Pearce, b. Aug. 11, 1848 d. Jul. 26, 1921 in Pau, France, buried Austin.

9. Helene b. Jun. 1844 Elberfeld d. Sep. 22, 1930, Cuero, Tex. m. Emil Reiffert b. Elberfeld, d. Sep. 22, 1930, Cuero. 

Willow Spring (Weidenquelle) two English miles from Seguin 13 English miles from New Braunfels Rhodius Farm August 12, 1848

My Dear, Beloved Father!

On June 30 my last letter to you left New Orleans. Since then I wrote from Galveston to Gleichmann and Ernst with the request that they give you the message of my happy arrival on Texas soil. In these four weeks I have made a long trip through the country, looked around here in the area of the Guadalupe River, and finally a few days ago, with Krochmann and Bechem, bought a 200-acre farm. It has timber, a house, cookhouse, a barn and a garden, all for 1 thousand dollars. To that we will add 15 milk heifers with calves for ten dollars each, three riding horses for 30 dollars in 14 days at our property; pigs with young 5/6 dollar, chickens, dogs, cats, furniture, kitchen utensils; a yoke of oxen $40, a supply of food until the first crops, all for about 500 dollars. With these we hope to establish for the time being, by work and effort, a reasonably worry-free but admittedly very modest existence. There is a woman who came with us from Europe, but whose husband stayed in New Orleans; we have hired her for 5 dollars to manage our kitchen and dairy work. We came to know her on the ship as very orderly, hard-working and tidy; we believe that she is a good acquisition. Actually it would have been much more sensible if one of us had married first and brought his wife along, but that cant be helped now.

I would have written to you sooner if we hadnt been traveling about so homelessly till now. Even today I would have hesitated (the former owner is still living here), but we have our belongings in the barn, and I am sitting out on the porch, so that I can tell you more details later, if your birthday had not reminded me of it.

So, my dear Father, on this important day, I wish you Heavens richest blessings in every respect, and that it may be the Lords will to leave you among your children for a long while yet, and that you will see the day when you receive the message that all is well with me, and that I am happy and content and progressing. I have thought of you a lot today, and imagined your grandchildren and children and friends coming to you and congratulating you; and how they then also think of your son in Texas, and hope to have news from him. In the afternoon you will sit in the garden, and take a walk. I would so much like to be with you today and to hear how you are getting along. Yesterday I read a New York newspaper from July 1, and was astonished to learn what all has happened in Europe , and am so much more eager to receive news from you, and to know what effect the political events have had on the businesses of Theodore and Gustav and Peter and Fritz and Wilhelm. I hope and do not doubt that my funds are on the way via letters of credit to the firm of Schmidt & Co. New Orleans, to whom I received a letter of recommendation from Gleichmann. This is even better than to Warnecke and Kirhoff, N.O. That is, I would prefer if it were still possible a letter of credit from Gleichmann to Schmidt & Co.

First, I am sending you a little summary from my diary, from which you see that in spite of various indispositions and difficulties on the trip here it has gone quite well with me so far and I have remained well. We still protect ourselves while working during August and September, especially during the middle of the day, but then we go to work vigorously. We do not consider owning Negroes, though there are some in this land, but not many. If we should definitely need workmen, we can find some Germans in the New Braunfels area. In the meantime we prefer to do as much as possible ourselves. That way one gets along best, and the unusually fertile soil, the ease of raising cattle, swine, sheep etc., and also the few needs one has here, makes it all easier.

Admittedly after only a few weeks in the country I naturally dont presume to give a good judgment, much less to invite anyone to emigrate. The idea to emigrate must come to each on his own; it is no small matter to forsake house and home, native land, friends and relatives and accustomed lifestyle, and to establish for oneself something wholly and totally new in every respect. Considering the existing conditions in Europe and Germany, or rather what happened in May or June, and perhaps what occurred since then, I am glad to be here. After all that Ive heard and seen here, I do believe that in the long run I will like it here. To be sure, anyone who is accustomed to the luxuries and the lifestyle in our large German cities admittedly will find here many differences and will lack a great deal. On the other hand, here there are pleasures that one has no idea of in Germany. As I said, as little as I am disposed to advise anyone to emigrate, yet it would make me very happy if someone else in the family would decide to come here. If this should be the case due to conditions there, or for some other reason, he is welcome to join me if he wants to work hard.

Oh, how different many conditions are here! There, even a wealthy father of a family looks with anxiety at his many children. Here they are a blessing even to the poorest. Even the four-year old lad helps his father drive the sheep into the pen in the evening. He rides the horses to water; here even the smallest children ride. As the boy grows older he learns to handle oxen, to plow, harrow, etc. Several times I have seen 10-year old boys help their fathers accomplish important farming duties. The cattle here are different from those in Germany; that is, much more tame with people. Though larger and stronger, they allow themselves to be led by children as by adults, and most of the children enjoy those chores. The parents have the profit of having their children usefully employed near them. Since only minimum effort is needed here to care for the soil and animals, the parents always have enough time to spend educating their children. Incidentally, I can ride from here to Seguin in 10 or 20 minutes, and there are schools there.

So, dear Father, stay well. In my next letter I hope to be able to assure you that I am making good progress in the many new things I have to learn here. Give my greetings to all my acquaintances and also to the old gentleman Mr. Teschenmacher. Though I had 

promised, it will be impossible for me to write to him today, because I have to get fresh hay for the draught-oxen (in winter the cows, calves, sheep and horses run free). And I have to shell corn for the mill, so that for another week we will have meal for bread when Mrs. Krger comes. Give me the joy of a reply soon, and dont forget the political news.

Your devoted son Otto. 

August l6

After closing the letter I received your news of July 8, for which I thank you heartily. Accordingly I expect my funds soon, and if possible by letter of credit on Schmidt and Co., N.O. per Gleichmann in Hamburg (an associate of his firm, Consul Schmidt, lives in Hamburg). Thereby you would be spared the costly shipment of cash money. Greetings to everyone back there in Elberfeld. I cordially reciprocate their greetings. Tell Auffermann that Stefflin died of yellow fever in New Orleans. If the three scamps are too great a burden for his wife, he can send one or two of them over here, including god-son Walther. I will look after them here without it costing them anything.

I just read in a New York newspaper news from Paris of June 20. It was so disturbing that I will be glad when my funds are actually received, for I believe that it is much safer to invest money in this country than in Germany. Texas is still very much behind in many respects, but it is improving remarkably, from all that I have heard from various people whom I consider very honorable. If only 100 thousand Germans with diligent hands came, even without means, they could all live here and prosper; but the emigrant must not let himself be misled and stay at the coast. He must arrive here between September and February and immediately come at least into the higher country 90 miles from the coast. I will write to Hohrath. 

Osnabrck, March 5, l849 Mr. Reinhard F. Wuppermann Jr. Barmen

At the request of my brother Eduard Krochmann in Willow Spring at Seguin in Texas, I take the liberty of sending you herewith a package with various items, as listed below, with the respectful request that you forward it to him. He indicates you will be sending other articles to Willow Spring in the near future. Respectfully, H. Krochman 

H.W. No. 2 a package contained in gray linen l hair brush 6 hunters bags 6 dress shirts l money pouch l comb l piece of soap l length of linen cloth

Herewith by ferry post H.W. No. 2. A package in gray linen containing diverse items, according to the declaration.

Franco 21/2 To Reinhard F. Wuppermann Jr. 4 Barmen 

April l, l850. Easter Monday evening. My beloved Father!

By the time you receive these lines I hope you will have received my letter of March 1. I dont want to conclude the beautiful days of Easter without chatting with you, even though only briefly for today. I spent yesterday morning quietly at the farm, and at midday we had the two lively boys of our new neighbors the Tipses (10 and 12 years old) here with us; in the afternoon two more small siblings came, too. So we let the dear children hunt the brightly painted eggs which we had made for them and hidden in yard, barn and cowpen. We used a harmonica to give them a signal when a child came close to an egg. I heartily enjoyed the excitement of the children, and remembered how your grandchildren often, in these special days every year, enjoy your colored eggs. In the evening Mr. Bechem and I were at Tipses for several pleasant hours of visiting with these folk, whom we like more and more.

This morning the new German preacher Jung in Seguin celebrated Holy Communion, and Mr. Bechem and I took part . May the Lord bless it to me, and let it be of lasting effect for me! We then stayed in Seguin at the home of a devout Christian-spirited man, Clasing. He is from Braunschweig, where he was a furrier. He has a small farm here, where we later spoke to Jung. Admittedly, he is a Methodist preacher, but so far I like him, although, like most Methodist preachers, he does not have the education that most preachers in Germany have. The Methodist Church here does much to place preachers. They suggested to the Germans hereabouts that they make a firm offer to a preacher for the good people of Braunfels if we wanted to contribute something. This was soon accomplished, so Jung was called here from Galveston, though due to the illness of his wife he could only recently begin. He now lives in the Schumann Settlement circa eight miles away, between Braunfels and here, and preaches alternately here and there, so that we will have services only every fortnight. He asked me about Pastor Feldhoff in Barmen, from whom he had received a letter years ago through a Mr. Lutter from Barmen. Soon he will visit us here; then I will get to know him better.

Toward evening, during a violent thunderstorm, we returned from Seguin on foot, for we lost three of our horses five or six days ago, and have not yet been able to find them again. In spirit we have surely been close today, my dear Father. You must have thought of me; and longed to know how Im getting along, how I am spending the holidays in distant Texas! Let me close for today. I want to read a while yet, and then go to bed. 

Friday evening April 5, 1850, 12 oclock

Greatly moved, I sit down today to give you an announcement of the greatest importance for me. I mentioned to you in passing in my earlier letters our neighbors, the Tips family. But I told you nothing about the fact that for some weeks a special interest ties me to that house. I will say it briefly, my dear Father: my special interest ties me to the eldest daughter of Mr. Tips, Miss Elise Tips. Her charming, really extraordinary attributes have completely seized my heart, little by little, the more we were together. For years I had not considered myself capable of fervent, sincere inclination. To my own great astonishment I found that suddenly feelings appeared that did intimate it. I tested myself with the greatest care. I attended the Holy Communion for this reason as well as my own special desire, to get quite clear to myself about my expectations of a wife, and about my firm intention to make her happy, etc., etc. (Elise was at that time not at home, but in Braunfels with her relatives.) So I came to the firm conclusion to recommend this important, most important matter to the Guide of all human fortunes, and to ask for His blessing, and to beg for His sign, if it were possible. I had a rival, a neighboring young German (not from our area; you dont know him at all). To my distress, he had ridden along to Braunfels, so that I believed I must fear the worst. In my prayers I commended this especially to Our Lord! So, Easter Tuesday came, and Wednesday Elise was back; I spoke to her, but could not detect any special partiality toward me. The great uncertainty upset me exceedingly. Finally I determined to confide in the parents by letter, and to ask them their opinion. Just then your letter of February 12/15 arrived, along with enclosures to Gustav, Lansa, Hohrath. What you say about marriage suited my situation so specifically that I impulsively decided firmly to deliver the letter, which I still had in my pocket. So that is what I did, on the day after receiving your letter. The rest you can easily imagine. In my letter I requested that the parents consider carefully, and finally on the third day I went back to the Tipses. The elders were quite agreed; they even spoke of honorable union, but referred me completely to the daughter, with whom alone I must settle the matter, to win her consent. The parents had told her nothing about my letter. With the greatest embarrassment I went to Elise in the cowpen this evening, where she was milking. When she was finished I took the milk pail from her and took her to the door; but then I could delay no longer; with the sweat of fear on my brow, I made my request in very blunt words, and then heard to my great astonishment and joy that for a long time a sincere affection for me had existed in the depths of her pure heart! I could and couldnt believe that such a charming young girl could actually have a sincere affection for such a miserable, stubborn 31-year-old fellow.

But as Elise over and over assured me of this, there, then, dear Father I truly became overjoyed. So then for a long time we sat on a log under the beautiful starry sky, until the cool evening air reminded me to take Miss Elise into the house. We called her mother, who took us to her father. We received the heartfelt, sincere blessing of her parents, and were formally presented to the other 7 siblings as betrothed. Hereby I now come to request your approval also, my dear Father. I believe I may expect it. My fiancee is 20 years old, so artless, simple, natural as no girl I have ever seen, and moreover very intelligent, honest, very hardworking, and industrious as well, and, I am convinced, sincerely devout! I said immediately: with God we want to begin our union; all depends on Gods blessing; without that we are lost. Elise agrees with me completely, and so I believe I can hope that we will be happy together on this basis! Elise sings well and plays the piano well, to my extraordinarily great joy. However, there is no fortune whatever, not even for a good trousseau, as Mrs. Tips already told me. God grant the rest!

I hope you reply soon; you can imagine how important your consent is to me. More details later.

Affectionate, doubly heartfelt greetings to all. Your loving son Otto

Elise is small, but healthy and strong; the sea voyage agreed with her especially.

The enclosure to Mr. Bechem is urgent. You would oblige Mr. Bechem very much by prompt attention. All goes well in the settlement, including with Fischer von Knemann. 

July 30, 1850.

Dear Father!

Last week I wrote to you. Since then we have experienced very difficult days. In the night between Wednesday and Thursday I watched beside Father Tips, because he was extremely weak, but also very excited, and in the heat of delirium wanted to spring out of bed. The following day the old gentleman was somewhat better, while the mother had high fever, and the third daughter suffered so that she raved incessantly, and could be kept in bed only with great difficulty. Toward evening I went home to finally rest a while. It was midnight when suddenly Eduard Tips, the second son, 18 years old, came to my bed (here we sleep mostly with open doors), woke me, and seemed to want to prepare me for something out of the ordinary. A terrible fear gripped me, and I begged him to speak openly; and he said: Otto, we have only three sisters! What? I cried, Is Clara... Yes, said Eduard, Clara is dead!! No one had thought of that; you can imagine our terrible fright! I sprang out of bed, threw on a few clothes, and hurried out to the Tips farm. Along the way, in the prairie, one of our horses was tethered; I took it with me to Tipses, and asked a cowboy to saddle it, while I went inside. In the front room lay the father, completely apathetic from weakness. In the ladies bedroom there was boundless crying! Toward 10 oclock in the evening Clara had become quieter; the others were glad and went to bed. Later the worried mother had heard Clara breathing very heavily. Later Clara became very quiet. The mother became aware of this, and in spite of her own serious illness she got up and went to Clara and found heralready stiff and cold, with clouded eyes!! The spirit had already departed from this lovely, most charming girl!! You can picture the terror, the terrible dismay of the whole unhappy family, who all except Eduard and 10-year-old Gustav are sick and ailing. All attempts at resuscitation failed. After a while I threw myself on my horse and hurried to Fischer von Knemann, whose sorrow and sympathy were very great when I awakened them from their sleep with such terribly sad news. I wrote a letter to Dr. Nohl while Mr. Knemann dressed and prepared to take it to Braunfels. I assumed, surely with good reason, that such an occurrence at the ill Tips family must have a very protracted effect, especially on the poor inconsolable mother, so that the attendance of a doctor would be very necessary. We healthy ones were horribly affected; how much more so the ill ones! Finally, finally the morning dawned. I mounted my Katy and hurried to Seguin on sorrowful business. A coffin for the dear deceased must be made quickly, for in this hot climate no corpse keeps 24 hours. On return I was very glad to find several American women of the neighborhood at Tipses, to help with word and deed. The choice of a burial spot was discussed; under 3 large beautiful live oaks we found a suitable place. Now all the men of the neighborhood were called upon to dig the grave. All followed suit with the greatest willingness. It was hard work, as the soil was stony and the day very hot, and it was l0 oclock by the time they started. Eduard, Mr. Bechem and I were too exhausted to be able to help; Mr. Fischer had to remain behind to take care of his cook, Amalia, who had recently been seriously injured in a fall from her horse. (In Texas it is the custom that the farmers themselves choose a burial place for their dead, usually on their own land, and then inter them.) Toward noon Dr. Nohl came. He found that Claras death was caused by a sudden paralysis of the lungs. He brought strengthening remedies for the sick ones. In the afternoon I rode to Seguin to get the coffin. Cabinetmaker Schieffer from Elberfeld had made it; he and our dear sharing friend Schmitt came too. Everything then proceeded according to custom. The American women helped with great, sacrificial sharing. Twilight began as the funeral procession started. Bechem, Krochmann, Fischer, Knemann, Schmitt and Schieffer carried the dear deceased, so loved by us all! Eduard and Gustav, Julius led by me, the Americans of the neighborhood, and then the American women on horseback followed. The burial spot is about 2 or 300 steps from the Tips house. I shall never forget this sad walk, wending down the hill, as we brought this young German girl to her final resting place here in distant Texas under the tall live oaks. Our hearts wanted to break; only the thought of the inscrutable but wise decrees of The Almighty could give us a measure of peace! We sang a few verses from our hymnal at the grave, lowered the coffin, filled in the grave and threw up a mound over it; then we sang again and departed.

In the house of mourning I found the father unexpectedly quiet and lucid. Also the mother was more calm than I could have hoped; my dear fiancee had set aside her own grief and her great weakness, and summoned all that only so sympathetic and sincerely devout a disposition as Elise possesses, to console her mother! 

August 2, 50

Prepare yourself, dear Father, for a further sad message! Our good, dear Papa Tips is no more; yesterday evening we buried him! I am still hardly in a condition to write to you today, and do it only because the post leaves tomorrow and I dont want you to receive this sad news from others first. Last Saturday, the day after Claras burial, in the morning Father was again extremely weak and exhausted; in the afternoon he was a little better, so that following Mothers wish, I did not ride to Braunfels for the doctor. In the night, before Sunday, at 3 oclock in the morning I did mount my Katy and hurried away, and quickly arrived. I had the medicine promptly prepared after I had received exact medical instructions from Dr. Nohl. At eleven oclock I was back at Tips. Hardly then had I lain down at home to rest, when Gustav Tips came and called me back to the father, whose weakness and excitement had again increased greatly! Two hours later at 3 oclock Sunday afternoon Mr. Krochmann rode off again at a gallop to Braunfels and returned at 12 oclock at night with Dr. Remer. Dr. Nohl was too ill with dropsy to be able to come. Dr. Remer from Breslau is known as a very good physician; this occasion was the first time I had met him, and I now trust him fully. He attended the patient in the night, stayed with us to sleep, and was with Mr. Tips until about 9 oclock in the morning. The drops he had brought along, taken from a spoon with white Rhine wine, agreed with the patient very well, and strengthened him and tasted very good to him. Afterwards Dr. Remer explained to me that Mr. Tips was in great danger, that strong help had come too latehis fever made him very disturbed. From then on Eduard Tips and I stayed with him constantly until his end on Wednesday evening; he often needed the help of 2 men. Also Mr. Krochmann was so good as to watch with us once. Tuesday midday Dr. Nohl came, and Wednesday morning Dr. Remer came again; he predicted the end within the next 24 hours. Many abscesses troubled the patient greatly; especially the very necessary bandaging; also often anxiety, and breathlessness. His gentle character and his submission to what lay before him, and of which I am convinced he had the correct presentiment, was often touching. Wednesday midday he said to me: This is the end for me. Then he ate according to his appetite, 6-8 spoonfuls of chicken soup, but which I could administer in only very small quantities. Swallowing became very difficult for him. The medicine which Dr. Nohl had given him had no noticeable effect.

Wednesday afternoon I was so terribly exhausted from constant emotional excitement and physical effort of nursing that I had to lie down in the sickroom to rest, because I could not sleep due to excitement. Eduard Tips cared for the patient and I helped only when necessary. From midday on Mr. Tips was very quiet and we believe he slept often. Toward 6:30 oclock in the evening it became hard for us to give him the medicine; the poor man was simply too weak. Mrs. Tips lay in the next room; she was prepared for his end, and with his increasing weakness she wished to be brought to his bedside. At 8:30 oclock the patient was to take medicine again; but we succeeded in feeding him only half a spoonful. So we made an attempt with very strong drops which we shoved into his mouth on crushed sugar. But the weakness was too great; it didnt succeed! We held it appropriate to fulfill the mothers wish; she came and sat down by her husbands bed, supported by us all, for the poor woman, who had only in the past 2 days been freed of the fever by the strong measures of Dr. Remer, suffered terribly from weakness and agitation. In these moments, as we all believed the death of our dear Father was no longer distant, there appeared, to the comfort of us all, Mr. Schmitt from Seguin, that wise, sensible counselor. He was very welcome, for the time approached when good counsel was valuable. About 9 oclock Wednesday evening, July 3l the patients breathing became ever slower, and soon he passed away quite softly and quietly in the arms of his wife!! With difficulty we brought the mother back to bed and to the other females. You can imagine that for Eduard and me this night was without rest. We called Mr. Krochmann, who with the help of us two and Mr. Schmitt took the body to another room, where the same night he was washed and dressed.

The next morning I again mounted my Katy to hurry to Seguin to order the coffin etc. With true devotion, close and more distant American neighbors then appeared to make the grave, which was finally accomplished about 5 oclock in the evening. Forgive me for omitting further details. With everyones greatest participation, the burial took place. Dr. Remer explains his sickness as a nerve fever, Dr. Nohl as a putrid fever. As for me, I lean toward Dr. Remers word rather than Dr. Nohls; [later records indicate it was probably yellow fever] the latter in my opinion does not intervene quickly or strongly enough for this climate. Just between usI do not care to have dealings with Dr. Nohl or come into conflict with him. Considering the circumstances, the mother is doing well, extremely weak and exhausted. My dear fiancee sends you many greetings. She is still very weak; in fact I fear Dr. Nohl has let her get too weak! With heartfelt love, your faithful son.

Ott

Texas Diaries

Transcribed from the handwritten manuscript for her granddaughter Alice Lundy, nee Wupperman Prepared by her great-grandson Gerhard Vowinckel Translated into English by Alice W. Lundy 1990 

(Inside cover, on a pasted-in sheet with the engraved initials E W:)

Everything in this world may Pass, change. Happiness and sorrow do not last, But my love forever. May what God wills always come to pass, We will trust Him. Devoutly look up to Him. To love you, to dedicate my life to you To be loved by you only Is my greatest happiness; My wish on earth Never to be parted from you!

From your faithful Elise. Live-Oak-Hill, 11 June, 1850 

My Diary,

begun on 29. September, 1850, on the first day of our marriage. 

After my return home (death) my Texan and German diaries and letters shall pass into the possession of my be- loved daughter, Clara Tafel. After her, they should go to Lily Thomae, and after Lily to Laura Vowinckel. Dsseldorf, 9 Nov. 1915 Your deeply loving Mother, Joh. Elise Wuppermann 

September 1850

29) Yesterday we celebrated our wedding, a glorious, happy day, a day filled with happy, sweet expectations, full of love and joy.

My beloved Otto and I were married at 5 oclock in the evening in the garden of our dear mother, under a beautiful oak, by Preacher Joung; he gave a beautiful, meaningful sermon. The guests: Jettchen and Bianca Nohl, Minchen, and Lenchen, Mr. Ferguson, Schmiedt, Krochmann, Fischer, Knemanns, Heusinger, and my dear Mother and brothers and sisters, stood in a circle around us, congratulating and hugging us lovingly. Oh Father, oh Clara, I missed you so very much; why did you leave so soon? But how egotistic of me to complain so. You no longer have grief, or pain, and are with our gracious Father in Heaven!

After the wedding service we had a glass of wine, and then went into the house for our meal. Among other things, we had a beautiful sand tart from Mr. Tillmann, a cornstarch pudding from Jettchen, and a rice cake by me. Ham, pork roast, potato salad, before dinner a bouillon, after dinner tea. The guests asked us to make some music, so Hermine and I sang several duets, after which Minchen accompanied me to our dear little house. My dear Otto was dressed in black, with a white vest, and a rose boutonniere in his lapel. After I was dressed, dear Hermine fastened in my hair a myrtle wreath which she had made, and my precious Mother surprised me, as she presented me a beautiful pin set with diamonds, a gift of my dear Otto, and pinned it to my breast. Otto wore a watch chain made of my hair, a gift of my brother Julius. As wedding gifts we received: from Louis and Jettchen a dozen flat plates and salad fork and spoon with silver handles; from Mr. Ferguson a soup spoon, ordinary salad fork and spoon and a water bucket of cedar with copper hoops, from Minchen a pretty bedspread, from Mr. Schmidt 4 ducks, and from Mr. Bechem a pretty little chest, which we wont receive till after he leaves. This morning I prepared a good beefsteak for us. In the afternoon Mother and my brothers and sisters visited us.

October 1850

15) Tues. Today Louis told us that dear Minchen is engaged to Gustav Heusinger. Eduard shot a large deer.

19) Sunday. We took a little tour to hunt for pecans. Mother and brothers and sisters drove; Otto and I rode. We spent a quite enjoyable day, for lunch had bread and butter with eggs, diligently hunted nuts and returned home early. Poor Helenchen had fever. Intermittently I tickled my bear a little, and in return he squeezed my feet hard with his paws.

29) My dear Otto has a thick swollen cheek and toothache. This morning he brought our 4 pigs from Willow Springs. Yesterday Mr. Reinbach visited us, who was on the way to travel to Germany to fetch his mother and sisters. His driver brought the two womens saddles for Mother and Hermine. The latter visited me yesterday afternoon.

25) Otto branded and marked our cattle with Messrs. Bechem and Krochmann. The gentlemen stayed for midday dinner with us.

3l) Our chicken house was finished. Otto shot a big rat. Otto lanced the boil on his tooth, and the swelling and pain are stopping. Mr. Schmidt is traveling to Indianola to fetch his wife, and will buy provisions for us. Julius is in Seguin, to make us a joiners bench. Mr. Tillmann is visiting Mr. Bechem. He has a bad hand, was here today. I poured 98 wax candles for next summer.

November 1850

2) Today Otto with Mr. Schuchardt closed up the lower part of the house on the outside. Early in the morning a pig lay dead in the pen. My dear husband today sold the first butter, 2 lbs., for 20 cents a pound. This evening Otto and Mr. Sch. killed a large skunk in the smokehouse.

3) Sunday. This morning Otto made the dearest little box, with the help of Mr. Schuchart, which he said was for our little Caro. But after dinner he confessed to me that it was intended for two doveshe had ordered them from Navarra when he bought Mina and Biancaand that theyre meant for me. The good, dear man! In the afternoon we rode over to Navarras to get the doves. The ladies were very polite; gave us another 2 young doves, 3 sticks of sugar cane and flowers, and showed me the beautiful big spring.

4) My dear husband oiled the kitchen floor with Mr. Schu., and found a little egg snake under the fireplace, the 3d in 5 weeks. Previously I killed 2 large moccasin snakes, one at the spring, the other in the kitchen in the salting tub.

7) This morning Brill brought a quarter of beef. We salted it down and tomorrow it will be smoked. Unfortunately, poor Mother has fever again. Mr. Krochmann brought Otto letters from our dear father [R. Wuppermann], and sister Laura, which unfortunately brought the sad news of the death of our dear sister Mathilde. Three dear, beloved relatives have parted from us in this year. That is very painful. On 28 Sept., on our wedding day, the letters had been mailed.

8) Today, in cleaning out the corn crib, Otto found an egg snake. This morning, with Mr. Krochmann, he drove our Horn into the pen. Toward noon my dear man shot a big rat in the smokehouse.

9) I roasted and ground a small sack of coffee for an American who came to the fence and asked for it, for 20 cents.

14) Otto bought Cid, and was several days in Seguin, concerning Mr. Bechems lawsuit.

15) Hermines birthday; my dear Otto is readying our living quarters, and my brothers are helping him. It is very agreeable and pleasurable to sell butter. Up to now I have taken in $2.50 for butter.

17) Otto, with Mr. Rogers, Bechem, and Julius, branded Ali, Cid, and Mary. Then we butchered one of the three pigs for winter.

18) Sunday. With Mother, Julius and Hermine, we rode to Seguin and visited Tom Johnsten and Klasing. In the evening we had coffee at Mothers. Otto has a little swelling on his leg.

December 1850

6) Otto and Julius butchered 2 pigs, one weighing 128 and the other 140 pounds. We had a double norther for 6 days, and 5 degrees cold. Ottos swelling and pain have lessened considerably.

8) My dear Otto shot a squirrel, a duck and a partridge.

13) Otto, with Messrs. Krochmann and Bechem, drove Rose into the pen, with a beautiful heifer calf. A few days before, we made bratwurst sausages and scrapple. I suffered greatly from the cold.

14) This morning Otto rode to Braunfels to buy gear for the horses. In Seguin he lost his blanket, which Mr. Tillmann returned. I was with Mother all day. As Otto wants to stay over until tomorrow, I asked Eduard to sleep here, which he did. In the afternoon Mother had company, Rogers and Brills. We made music, which they enjoyed very much. You could die laughing when Mother speaks English. For instance she said to Miss Perregh, Et is heute werry wrm. To Mr. Rogers: Iss yue modder well? Mr. Rogers: Yes Mem. Mother: Yes?

15) For several days Ive been feeling nauseated, very shivery and tired. If its really the reason Mother thinks, I would be unspeakably happy.

21) Today Eduard shot 5 rabbits, of which he brought us 2. On the 15th Otto came back from Braunfels, and brought a young Spanish horse which he had bought in Braunfels for 10 dollars and named Fritz.

24) Today we were visited by Mr. Krause and another man named Maurer, who spent the night with us. In the afternoon I decorated a little Christmas tree. A stick of wax was used for little lights. In the morning I baked spekulatius [a spicy Christmas cookie]. tterchen brought the children from Mothers in the evening. They each received a plate of speculacius and some other small trinkets. As I heard them coming I lighted the tree, which was quite pretty. Ottochen surprised me with a nice laundry basket and a watering can, which I like very much. I gave him l pair of boots, a pair of deerskin gloves and a pair of knitted ones, and a blue carpentry apron. We all enjoyed it very much and drank a little glass of punch together. How good my dear, beloved Otto is, and how very much I love him!

25) First Christmas Day, bad weather, rain all day. We had a little party at lunch; Mother and siblings and Messrs. Bechem and Krochmann. Midday dinner a fine meal: a roasted turkey, noodles, potato salad, cut green beans, apple pie. We played charades, and about 8 oclock had tea, for which I served two kinds of good bread, smoked meat, butter, cheese, and apple pie. Then we talked a while more, and sang a Christmas carol.

26) Last night and today constant rain. We had to move our beds into the main room.

January 1851

6) Monday. How happy I am to be back in our dear little house, to be able to milk our sweet cows again, and again to bake for my darling hubby his favorite food: hot cornbread. On New Years eve we were at our dear Mothers, where we drank a glass of punch. On New Years morning we started our trip to the Zibolo. First we rode to Mothers, to congratulate her on the New Year. The poor woman lay in bed and had a fever. It was so cold that to warm ourselves we several times walked considerable stretches. Otto led the horses, but I ran behind and drove the horses on with a stick. At 1 oclock in the midday we arrived at Nohls. The Guadaloupe was so small that we could ride through. In the evening we were at Fergusons for tea, where we had a good time. Since Fritz was lame, Otto borrowed Bill from Ferguson, a lovely little horse, which I rode to the Zibolo and back. Otto was so hoarse that he could hardly speak. On the second we rode to Riotte. En route old Niles ran into us, and showed us the nearest way to go . Mr. Wallrath and Mrs. Riotte received us in a very friendly manner. Mr. Riotte had gone to San Anton, but returned in the evening. We stayed until Sunday morning, and Mr. Wallrath accompanied us to Braunfels. While I visited with dear Mrs. Riotte and her children, Otto rode around to several neighbors in the area. The main purpose was to look at wagons. The last morning he finally found one which he will probably buy. On the 3d we were at Brachts for coffee. Mrs. B. and I were happy to see each other again. She was well and in good spirits; they were living quite comfortably in a pretty little house. Mrs. Bracht promised to visit us quite soon. On the 4th I went with Mrs. Riotte to Perimanns, who have bought the pianino from the old von Steins. Since I have become closer acquainted with the dear Riotte family, I doubly regret that they dont live close to us. We both caught bad colds; I especially got a bad cough. In Braunfels we met Heusinger, to whom Minchen had introduced us on Dec. 30 as her fianc. They spent the night with us, and the next morning rode back to Braunfels with Bianca, Goldbeck and Seele, who came with them.

7) Yesterday at our return we heard that a chicken had died, and one of the doves had had an accident. Today Otto and Mr. Krochmann recaptured that wild Nonne, who had run away. He is again working on the fence at Willow Spring.

13) Yesterday our dear mother decided to follow all our advice, to accept Louis and Jettchens invitation to Braunfels to recuperate and finally get rid of her fever. Julius drove her there this morning. I hope to God, and pray that He will soon return her to us in health.

17) We have another strong norther. On the l4th Mr. Runge visited us, and gave us the good news that the awaited boxes are on the way; he stayed overnight with us. On the 15th Mr. Riotte visited us. He came to hire a negress. In the evening we went up and made music, which entertained Mr. Riotte very much. Otto finally brought letters from Germany, of which 5 were to Mother, 2 to Julius, and one from Uncle Hermann to me. Mr. Krochmann is helping Otto make the fence secure, and to improve the gate to the cowpen. Yesterday morning Otto and Mr. Bechem and Mr. Riotte rode over to get the wagon from Maclln.

Otto hasnt returned yet. At all events the norther is delaying him. Today again it is raging and blustering with full force. Today I made up a little poem for him, entitled: Hihsenbeinchens Return Home. Walter and Helenchen are sleeping here.

19) Sunday. Yesterday evening my dear Otto came back; he brought the wagon. He brought the long-awaited two boxes with the wedding gifts. Last night we unpacked the larger one, and this afternoon the smaller one. Both contained beautiful gifts, among which were a silver soup spoon, l dozen each newly silvered spoons and teaspoons, l dozen table knives and forks, a little tea- and spoon case, 2 pieces of linen and many household articles. Also a beautiful spice shaker, 2 small sacks of prunes, a large can of tea, garden tools, a beautiful lamp with 6 globes, 3 lampshades, and 3 dozen lamp wicks; thread, strong; for Otto a tobacco pouch, for me a money pouch, and l pretty childs cap, and other things. These beautiful gifts give us lots of pleasure. For H. Knemann there was also a little package, out of which we made a box cake. Today Otto is in bed; last night he had to vomit violently, probably because he overate. This morning Julius rode to Br. to deliver Mothers letters from Germany, and to inquire about the state of her health.

24) We had a visitor: Preacher Kleist, whom we liked quite well. Letter from Mother; unfortunately she has the fever again.

26) Today I turned 21 years old. My dear Otto gave me a mattress, Hermine a plum cake. Julius had dinner with us; we had rabbit ragout with noodles and plum compote. In the afternoon we all rode to church, and in the evening all the siblings had tea with us. So: now Im 21 years old; a year ago I hardly knew my beloved Otto, and now I have been his wife for over 4 months. May the dear, Good God let us live a long time, happy and without sorrows, and as now loving each other sincerely!

27, 28) Otto and I worked together in the garden the whole day. Otto dug it all up, while I raked and sowed seed.

February 1851

4) This morning I drowned our little cat because she stole too much. Tomorrow I will drive with Eduard to Braunfels to bring Mother home.

7) Yesterday I returned from Braunfels. Mother is, sadly, still not well. Mrs. Ferguson delivered a stillborn. The poor, poor woman, how I grieve for her. Minchen came with us, to stay here 4 weeks. The day before yesterday morning I accompanied her and Eduard to their future farm, which I liked quite well. Today Otto transplanted the peach trees, with which I helped him.

March 1851

9) Today I went with my dear husband to holy communion. Pastor Kleists sermon did not edify me at all. Also, the service was not as solemn and festive as in Germany. Mother and Hermine also attended the communion service. This evening Messrs. Bechem, Runge, and Listig were here to tea. The weather is unusually warm and nice now.

10) Christian, the boy whom Otto hired to help him, today had a fever after a heavy cold. Otto wrote to Dr. Morgan about him. A few days ago Bianca was here to introduce her fianc; they took Minchen back with them. Today Otto finished planting the corn.

A few days ago Otto had a little argument with Hermine about Hans (the horse), which is, however now happily settled.

12) Sunday. Edmund v. Stein took us to Braunfels in Fergusons wagon, to take part in the Amateurs Concert. Hermine and I rode with him, Eduard rode horseback, and Otto came the next day. I visited Mrs. Ferguson and drank cocoa with her. In the evening, the 13th, the concert took place. Hermine and I played the Overture to The Caliph of Baghdad and sang the duet from Freischtz; Schelm, halt fest [Rascal, hold fast]. I sang the aria from Robert the Devil; Mr. Listig, Miss Dittmar, Eduard and Hermine played alternately. After the concert was a ball, and I had the pleasure of dancing several times with my darling hubby. Intermittently coffee, tea and wine with fine pastries were served; also good potato salad, head cheese, bread and butter, and roast veal, pork, and turkey. We enjoyed ourselves very much, and only about 1:30 in the morning did we go to Nohls. The next day it rained. We couldnt go home till Friday. Mr. Seele drove us. The other day he proposed to Hermine, who of course didnt accept. We sold Louis 72 lbs. of bacon, which Mr. Seele took along.

The 26th of March the piano was picked up from Mothers, in the evening at 9 oclock, by Messrs. Morgan and Hill. When will she have another? Mother sold it for 200 dollars.

The 25th I caught a skunk in the bedroom. Otto was not at home. I called Julius and Eduard, who shot it dead.

The 27th Otto drove in Altsche and Flora with young calves. Christian has fever, and I also have been very unwell since yesterday morning.

April 1851

On April the tenth I made 18 pounds of butterat least four pounds for me and four for Mother, and ten for Mrs. Brill. On the eleventh Otto buried it in the smokehouse.

On the thirteenth, Nami delivered a dead calf in the cowpen. On the fourteenth, Almas calf died.

20) Easter. We and Mr. Bechem ate dinner at Mothers: turkey, green salad with eggs, and cut green beans. After the meal Navarros came, and stayed till the next morning because of the rain. I rode to church with Otto, Messrs. B., Julius and Eduard. Pastor Kleist preached quite well. In the evening we drank tea at Mothers, ate Easter eggs and rice cakes. The second day of Easter nothing came of the party going to Geronimo Springs. Otto worked all day in the field.

26) Today I received letters from Germany, from Aunt Hannchen, Louise Korte, sister Laura and her daughter Laura; Otto from Aunt Hannchen and brother-in-law Hsterey.

June 1851

22) For a long time I have written nothing in my diary, so I have to make up pretty far. Three weeks ago Staehely came to visit us, or rather to see Hermine. James Ferguson and Mrs. Riotte had mentioned her to him. He liked her very much and promised us a second visit in a fortnight. Mrs. Theisen and her husband paid us a first visit.

The 8th (first day of Whitsuntide) we ate at Mothers: roast venison from Goldbeck, and beans. Mrs. Opem and Perrig, Mr. Bechem and Mr. & Mrs. Schmidt also ate there, the first two uninvited.

The 9th (second day of Whitsuntide) we drove to Geronimo Spring at 6 oclock in the morning, on Louis Goldbecks land. Mr. Bechem, Fischer and Prbsting as well as Mrs. Cooke, Ccilie and Josepha Navarro went along. The two Goldbecks had built a long table and benches at a beautiful spot in the [river] bottom. With the Braunfelsers we were 29 persons. Fritz Goldbeck shot 2 fish, both of which Jettchen claimed. We had provided well for ourselves: cold turkey, smoked meat, eggs, bread, butter, grape torte, and Otto cake. Navarros had baked cookies. About 6 oclock in the evening we went and robbed a bee tree. Practically all of us ate too much, which disagreed with us. Toward evening, by the most beautiful moonlight, we played group games, and sang several pretty songs. Prbsting became very foolish, so his blanket, saddle, whiskey flask and boots were confiscated. Eduard played for dancing; my poor Otto too, dutifully danced several times, though he felt very unwell. Several days previously Theodore Goldbeck struck himself hard in the foot with his axe. We amused ourselves quite well and drove back home at 10 oclock the next morning. The next day Otto drove back to get the bees, but they had flown away half an hour before.

14) Staehely returned. After our evening meal we all went together to Mr. Fischers. Mr. Bechem carried Mother, and Mr. Staehely carried Hermine across the creek; I rode.

16) We rode to Seguin, visited Mrs. Theisen and played piano. On the way back Mr. Bechem was a bit tipsy.

17) After dinner Mr. S. proposed to Hermine. She asked for a fortnight to think it over.

19) Otto rode to Braunfels to make further inquiries about Mr. Ss character. They gave him the best testimonials. He also rode to lkers concerning a girl to help me. But she couldnt be persuaded. Im getting sick of all this work. Dear God, only a few weeks more and well have a dear child, but what all Ill have to suffer till then! If only it were finally here. How we will both love the dear child, and how we will endeavor to rear it as a good, pious person! Dear Father in Heaven, give us blessing. If only my beloved Otto stays healthy. Unfortunately, lately he is often feeling unwell!

20) My dear husband returned from Braunfels healthy and in good spirits.

21) He rode to San Anton to the auction to be held there on the 23rd, hoping possibly to trade that wild Fritz and his gold watch and pistols.

23) Monday, old Luziano Navarro invited us and Mr. Bechem to his birthday celebration. His son called for us in the pretty little new wagon. We spent the whole day quite happily, and ate the first very fine watermelons of the summer. Young Navarro drove us home again in the evening. That is a very amiable family!

25) Otto returned quite healthy and happy from the trip to San Antonio, but without having bought or traded anything. He had been received quite hospitably by Kampmann and his wife.

28) The 14 days of consideration had not quite passed, but Hermine asked Otto to tell Johann Staehely that he should come today. We invited Mother and Hermine to tea and puff pastries in the evening, so that Hermine and Johann could have an undisturbed conversation. After refreshments we left them alone in the room. After the conference had lasted about an hour, we all drank a glass of wine to the health and happiness of the engaged couple.

We drove in the cow Lame Foot, with her new calf.

Otto shaved off his beard in honor of Hermines engagement.

July 1851

4) Otto was in Seguin with Mr. Bechem, Eduard, Gustav and Walter for dinner. They did not enjoy it much. Johann and Hermine in Braunfels to introduce themselves as betrothed pair. Julius with them to go from there on the next day via Zibolo [Cibolo] Creek to San Anton, where he wants to look for work.

10) My dear Otto this morning again rode to Hordenville and Braunfels to hire a girl for me. Yesterday afternoon the poor man had a terrible toothache. He had gone to Mothers to roast coffee beans, since the heat hurts me, but he had to stop. Toward evening Otto shot and killed a big snake at the spring.

Yesterday I had such a fright that I could hardly breathe, and trembled all over. That tricky Horn kicked me three times hard in the milk bucket, for which Otto whipped her hard with the whip. I had a very bad night, and terrible dreams. I only hope my sweet child was not harmed by it!

13) Otto had a toothache again yesterday, so he applied 2 Spanish fly plasters. This morning he borrowed Navarros wagon to fetch a girl for me from Hordenville; he brought us and Mother each 5 beautiful watermelons. Helenchen, Gustav and Walter are in Braunfels. Julius has the fever. Today we invited Mother, Johann, Hermine and Eduard to dinner. We had roast rabbit with Savoy cabbage, beans from Mother, and rice pudding. Later we drank a glass of ginger beer. Johann caught the fever. Toward 5 oclock Otto drove to Hordenville. As I watched him leave, I had such a sad feeling that I had to cry; I didnt know why myself. May it not be some premonition of an approaching accident. Dear God, protect my beloved husband! This night I am sleeping all alone on the gallery.

21) On the 14th Otto brought Hanchen to us; so far I am satisfied with her, as she shows much inclination to work. But she does have several unpleasant faults: talks too much, loves to snack, and tends to fibbing. However, I hope with time and Gods help to break her of these faults. Julius has had the fever for 11 days but is, thank God, improving. Dr. Morgan is treating him, but he is still very weak. John was also very sick with the fever for several days. Otto is busy making leaf fodder. So far he has made 350 bundles and will make l50 more. Mr. Schmidt (Johannes) had the cholera, and was dangerously ill, but is now improving. Today is Monday. This week I am washing for the last time before my confinement, for it is getting too hard for me. Helenchen has been for a fortnight in Braunfels at Nohls, but John writes that she is homesick. Yesterday noon Mr. Bechem ate with us. I had soup, a large rabbit which Otto had shot, cabbage, and grape cake. Today for dinner we devoured a raccoon which Eduard had shot at Millcreek. The 15th was my dear Ottos birthday; he turned 33 already. I baked him a grape cake and made up a little poem to go with it. Six weeks ago I went ahead and gave him 2 pairs of blue work pants, since he needed them very much.

24) This morning Otto rode to Seguin with Mother concerning a midwife for me. Otto talked to Mrs. Dee about it. He also brought letters from Germany, one from Father, one from brother Ernst and one from brother Gustav. After Mother and Otto had breakfast, he rode to Seguin to attend the trial there, after he had first attended the burial of Springers child.

25) A year since Claras death. I made a wreath, which we laid on the unforgettable grave. On the 27th I went back with Mother and Eduard, and the wreath was almost completely destroyed by the ants. Julius is convalescing. John and Hermine made engagement visits to Navarros and Mr. Fischer. Otto is unwell and is taking pills for diarrhea.

August 1851

On the 5th our dear Clrchen was born. On the 4th, Monday, Otto rode to Seguin, where he stayed the whole day. In the afternoon I washed a shirt for Otto, but complained to Mother, who was with me, of a stomachache, which got worse and worse toward evening. About 7:30 Otto returned from Seguin, and asked hows it going? I said not good, etc. but did get supper on the table in spite of occasional strong pains. Soon after, Otto called Mother, and about 10 oclock, as the pains were getting unbearable, I asked her to send Otto to Seguin to get the midwife. After a long hour he returned with Mrs. Dee, an American. She declared the child could arrive within an hour. The pains kept getting more terrible, and occasionally I vomited, and felt faint. Nevertheless I had an inexpressible joy when I heard the first cry of our child. Otto had a horrible sleep in the night, but in spite of that he had to be constantly holding my hand, which I must have pulled at very hard, because 8 days later my arms were still sore. Our dear Mother shed tears several times in sympathy for me.

On the 8th that detestable Alfes came for his lying, thieving Hannchen. Mother and I cried with anger at the insolence and crudity of these people, and I cried for fear of the bad effects that this horrible anger could have on Otto.

13) Caroline Hohlfeld came to us.

18) In the evening Mother went home. At first she had wanted to stay longer, but Hermine let everything get too untidy. The 12th was Father Wuppermanns birthday. To celebrate the day Otto gave me a bottle of wine, gingerbread, a piece of sponge cake, and little peppermints.

16) I wrote to our dear father and congratulated him on his birthday.

17) Sunday, for the first time I went up to Mothers again. John Staehely was there too. A wager between John and Mother about Clrchens nose a year from now: 3 bottles of wine.

30) Evening tea party, Pastor, Mother, John and Hermine. Fergusons, whom we expected, didnt come until Sunday the 31st, were with us in the morning, drank a glass of ginger beer, saw the spring, etc. At noon we all ate at Mothers, incl. Mrs. Dove and Mr. Bechem. We had fried pork, noodles, potato salad, and plums. After dinner as we were drinking a cup of coffee John got a high fever. In the afternoon we visited Mr. Bechem, and in the evening we were at Mothers again for tea. I was glad to have the dear Ferguson folks here for once, but in spite of all our urging they didnt want to stay overnight. On this day Otto first had the idea (in a conversation with Mr. Ferguson) to move to Friedrichsburg and start a store there. My dear Otto told me this in the evening, and although I was at first very surprised I soon saw his reasons quite clearly. We will then have a better, though in some respects not so pleasant, life. We wont have so many vexations and Otto will earn with less effort than he now has to put forth, like the average man. But parting from Mother and siblings will be terribly hard for me.

September 1851

On Sept. 1 Otto dug up the butter, which had kept quite well.

2) Yesterday afternoon Caroline H. went to visit her father, and hasnt returned yet. It seems its over with her, too. Namis calf, Jhrling, is dead. Julius and Gustav happened to be near Braunfels when retrieving his Biene and was driving her back. Today he brought us the sad news that Gustav Heusinger died suddenly Sunday morning of a lungstroke. Poor, poor Minchen. Otto and I immediately wrote inviting her to come to us. 

6) Count Reichenbach visited Otto to hear family news. Saturday evening and Sunday morning he had a dizzy attack. Otto and Eduard could hardly hold him. Dr. Morgan bled him on both arms Sunday afternoon. On the 9th he went to Braunfels, and a few days later to Navarro to learn Spanish. Our dear Clrchen had fever several times, which caused me much fear and worry. On the 13th Hermine went to Braunf. and the Zibolo, and returned on the 15th.

10) An unpleasant development at Mothers. Eduard wrote me an impertinent letter. In the evening he came down here; we had at least a 2-hour long conversation with him. But, because of his heartless stubbornness, we were unable to convince him of his injustice.

21) On Sunday morning a reproachful letter from Mother, in which she unfairly forbade us her house.

22) Early in the morning Otto rode to Mr. Schmitt to lay the matter out to an understanding older man. He said we were right, so we wrote to Mother clearly explaining how she had done us a great injustice, but weve had no reply. We have both done everything possible in the matter, gone to the greatest lengths; therefore we calmly await further developments. Mother will eventually very much regret having done us such an injustice; I feel very sorry for her. Yesterday we had a very good time at Navarros. I took Clrchen, who is now, thank God, quite well, for the first time on horseback. Julius returned from Braunfels today, and is for the time being without a job. He brought us a letter from my dear father-in-law. Today I had the negress Juno here, who did 6 weeks laundry.

23) Today Hermine fetched our child, because Mother wanted to see her. We let her take her, because we want to be as nice as possible to Mother, and because we thought it was the first step toward reconciliation. But no such thing.

26) Today Mr. Bechem and Knemann were here to tell us good-bye. Mr. B. took along some prairie tea, to take to our father in Germany. Since yesterday morning Julius is helping Otto haul in corn. Our darling little angel is doing quite well; she is getting bigger every day and brings joy to our hearts with her friendly smile. Dear God in Heaven preserve to us this treasure. With Mother its sadly still the same.

27) We now have 3 dogs: Caro, Philax, and Nestor. Today I was at Mrs. Brills, where I ate my first apple in a long time. For several days now weve had great heat again. Yesterday afternoon around 3 oclock, 88 degrees. Today Otto finished harvesting the corn. Today we had the first mild norther.

28) Today it is a year since we were married. Much has changed in this year, but not our love. My precious hubby brought me 8 apples today and a bottle of wine from Seguin. In the afternoon the children and I went to hunt grapes. 30) Otto and John rode to Braunfels to talk to Louis about me. Returned on the 3d and brought some pills for me. 

October 1851

On the 4th Otto had a blood-letting by Dr. Morgan, since he hasnt been any better, feeling ill, dizzy, headachy, etc.

On the 5th Otto rode with Fritz and Hans, whom I have christened Juno, to Hordenville, to sell Fritz. But he didnt get any farther than to Steins, where Fritz threw him off, though thank God he wasnt hurt. Fritz ran far back and lost the good bridle from Germany. Was found again later.

7) G. Reichenbach helped Otto brand 2 calves, and made 6 beautiful cigars.

8) Otto sold Fritz for 24 dollars to a man named Flagge, and yoked 2 oxen together. Our little angel is beginning to laugh aloud; she is a friendly child, and lies in bed all day without crying. Our dear good Father in Heaven, bless our beloved child, may she grow up to Your and our joy; give us understanding and strength to rear a good, pious child. The old American from Yorks Creek was here today and offered to sell us a Negro girl, but as Otto is going to start a store we wont need her now. It seems to me the 250 iron pills are beginning to work; since yesterday I am beginning to feel stronger and better.

Sorry to say that my dear good hubby is still not getting better. Daily he is getting more violent and becomes angry at the slightest trifle. Dear God grant that he will soon be better again. His violence is especially unpleasant to me when friends or one of my siblings are there, as I think then I feel it more: a woman can be proud of her husband (if he quietly and calmly meets each big, and, especially, small unpleasantnesses in life), and he is a support to which she can cling, and to whom she, the weaker one, can look up with trust and admiration. But if her husband swears and storms around at every trifle that gets in his way, then a woman who loves her husband has to be ashamed of him, cannot respect him, has no support from him, especially if she herself is considerate and calm while he is not. My dear, beloved Ottos violence, thank God, is caused only by his present illness; isnt he otherwise the best man in the world? Yes, thank God that he and none other is my husband. Everyone has his faults and I well realize mine are far more numerous.

John Staehely arranged for us all to ride to Seguin to make music. Mother and Julius caught up with us on the way. She pressed my hand, and all was forgiven and forgotten. Otto took Clrchen on his horse with him. In Seguin Mother took her on her lap; the whole afternoon she was quiet and well-behaved. For a long time the key to the piano could not be found; finally Julius brought it. We played and sang to our hearts content. John had a headache.

13) Mother sent Helenchen down to invite us for coffee. I went up with my Clrchen, and we had a real nice time. In the evening Mr. Schmitt was here.

16) After coffee, Otto started his trip to Fredrichsburg. May the dear God bring him back healthy and content. After I had eaten at Mothers I went with her, Helenchen and Clrchen to Amalia, where everything was in great disorder. Without coffee, to which we had looked forward, we returned. Mr. Schmitt came over to buy 25 bushels of corn from Mother. I gave the bay horse 6 ears of corn.

17) At Mothers I roasted coffee. She invited me to eat with her as long as Otto is away. Helene helped me drive the Schecks calf into the field. Clrchen was unwell. She had diarrhea. The pigs were in the field again. In the evening the bay horse came and got four ears of corn. I sent Mother some bread.

18) Two pigs in the field. They had ripped up a lot of leaf fodder. Caro has worms. Helene and I cleaned up the yard and the rooms. With difficulty we drove the three pigs into the pen, and closed it up. I gave the bay some corn. Clrchen was well. I had a real good appetite. Today I hauled eleven buckets of water.

19) Sunday. Goldbeck came over for potato pancakes. At noon Clrchen had a bit of fever. Otherwise we are all quite well except for Amalia. In the evening Clrchen was well again. There was a dead chick in the chicken house.

20) Last night I was wakened by chickens squawking, and this morning I found a chicken that was just barely alive, but it was so torn up that I had to kill it. I sent it to Mother and she fried it. Eduard brought me a letter from my dear ttchen, which gave me great joy. At the same time, he brought one from Mr. Dittmar to Otto. Caro was wounded again by the boar. Betty came in the evening, and I gave her six ears of corn. Reichenbach finally returned the lantern.

21) Nothing special happened, except that the bay got himself eight ears of corn and Ms Perrihs got married.

22) I often looked up the road toward Seguin to see if my hubby was coming, but he didnt come. I am so lonely for him; if only he would come back soon healthy and in good spirit.

23) I succeeded in driving that wild Hannes, and with great effort the wild Carlchen, into the pen.

24) Another whole day gone, and Otto still didnt come. Tomorrow he must come, or I will be very fearful for him. Every time the dogs bark I run out in vain, and countless times I vainly look down the road. Otto will find our dear child stronger and bigger. She has another bad cold. Good night dear man of my heart, Id like to make up a little verse for you, but Im too upset to have a reasonable thought. God be with you!

25) Evening once again and still Otto hasnt come. Today hes been away 10 days. No, this is almost unbearable, this constant tension, and yet, what can I do? Nothingexcept to wait patiently.

After dinner Mr. Fischer came to visit Otto. Later Ccilie and Josepha Navarro came with Hermine, for whom I made a cup of coffee.

27) Mr. Schmidt came from Braunf. to inspect Willow Spring. He rode off again on the 30th, after he had offered 1700 dollars, and Otto cannot and doesnt want to sell for less than 1800. Schm. went out several times to shoot a deer, but did not get one, which seemed to make him very angry.

31) John and Jettchen arrived at Mothers.

November 1851

1) In the afternoon I went to Mothers and plucked a turkey for the wedding.

2) John and Hermines wedding day. In the morning I made garlands to decorate the gallery. Around midday after lunch Minchen came down to see our dear child; the poor woman, what all she has gone through! Then I drove to Seguin with Eduard to get the roast and the cake from Tillmann. About 5 oclock we went up, taking our dear Clrchen. The guests: Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson, Messrs. Fischer and Prbsting, Mr. and Mrs. Navarro and Cooke, Ccelia as bridesmaid, Louis, Jettchen, Bianca, Minchen, Goldbeeck, and Doove, were already assembled. Preacher Eisenlohe from Braunfels married them under a beautiful elm in the middle of the yard. The dogs caused much disturbance, and it was rather amusing that the pastor twice shushed Hermine. To celebrate the occasion Otto shot off 20 previously loaded rounds. Soon afterward we sat down to table; I sat between Louis and P. Eisenlohe. The meal consisted of turkey bouillon, a whole suckling pig, potatoes and green beans, salad, potato pudding, roast turkey with chopped giblets, and preserved plums. Tillman had baked a pretty pastry, and Hermine a grape cake. Otto, in a little speech, asked those present, in memory of our late father, to take a sip from the large silver goblet. Many merry, merry toasts were proposed, and numerous songs were sung. All were happy and gay. At 10:30 the gentlemen accompanied us home and, after another little serenade, returned. Poor Minchen had a toothache in the night.

3) All breakfasted together at Mothers; Mrs. Ferguson gave me a little dress for Clrchen. Only Jettchen had a hangover, because she had eaten too much. Around 8:00 oclock everyone left, Hermine and John in a little decorated cart. I helped Mother all day.

4) Uncle Hermans birthday. The fifteenth will be Hermines birthday.

10) Schuchard is rebuilding the chimney on the house. On the 8th Otto shot a terribly thin pig, which we singed and cleaned in the moonlight. I wrote to Louise Korte.

13) Otto rode to Braunfels to speak with Mr. Schmidt concerning the sale of Willow Spring.

16) Otto returned, just as Mother and I were about to ride off to Navarros. The surprise and happiness was great. Just before that we had had a great scare, because Mother and Helene, who sat behind, had fallen from the horse, but hadnt been hurt at all. Otto brought along Mr. Alex. W.S. probably sold. Schmitt (Joh.) relatives arriving. Aunt Helenchens birthday.

17) Otto rode with Mr. Alex back to Braunfels; sadly his headache is still not better. Gustav rode along to stay with Louis. Clrchen is very well.

18) The negress Juno came this morning. In the afternoon as I was about to lay several things out to bleach, I saw Horn, a wild cow, who had run away from me several days ago, walking in the bottom. I enticed her with corn, and see there, here came Violetta too, with the darlingest heifer calf running along. That gave me great joy.

Its really only half an existence, to be living without the beloved man; for 2 days I havent seen him, and to me it seems as though it had already been 8 days. Perhaps it would be easier for me if Otto were quite well again. This is my daily prayer to God!

Betty and the old Bones came for their portion of corn late in the evening. That fat Beerbarrel came about 9 oclock. Mr. Hahnert, with wife and children, is moving into the schoolhouse on the hill.

19) Julius brought me a thick letter from the post office, to Otto. I opened it, and found a lot of letters from Germany, 3 among them to me. Letter from Hermine to Mother.

23) Mothers birthday. Julius and Otto set up a little table with the simple gifts, and then we led Mother in; she was very surprised and moved. From Otto she received 2 bottles of wine, 2 apple pies, l glass bubble of white sugar, and from Helenchen a green washline. From Julius a large porcelain jug, from Hermine 2 little morning caps, and from John a teapot. In the afternoon we had coffee at our house. Mr. Wieprecht was also there. John wanted to come, but was prevented by the fever.

December 1851

1) During these days Otto sold his wagon to the Hahn brothers for 80 dollars cash.

7) Willow Spring is now, fortunately, sold. In the process Otto had many unpleasantnesses with that scoundrel Henri Runge. Schmidt bought it for 1700 dollars. Yesterday there was to be an auction of plows, horses, etc., but it didnt take place because of a complete absence of buyers. This evening I had a little argument with Otto: without his knowing it I gave back Prbsting his Rock. Otto scolded me a bit strongly; I began to cry and accused him of treating me like a child, but pretty soon we were reconciled. Otto is unfortunately bothered constantly by heat in his head. Thus he is easily irritated and angered by the smallest trivialities. The poor, dearest man, this illness has lasted too long; gladly I would sacrifice a little finger, if it would cure him. We had a great fright yesterday evening. Our sweet angel fell out of bed, but thank God was not hurt.

9) Minchen was with me 10 days. She was still very sad over the loss of Heusinger. Minchen is a good-hearted woman. She made Otto a pretty vest at my request; I gave her my real black veil, which pleased her very much. Yesterday evening Bianca and Theodor came; today after lunch they and Otto rode to Braunfels again. Yesterday Otto, in spite of his illness, finished building the chimney; the good manif only God will soon make him well again.

10) Yesterday evening I had a great scare. I went into the cowpen to drive out the calves, and when I came back, I found our beloved child lying on her face and breathless. The dear God saved her once more, for if the calves had not left the pen quickly and I had come a couple of minutes later, the beloved child could have strangled.

January 1852

4) So, with Gods help and His gracious care the old year passed without misfortunes. With fresh courage, the best resolutions, and trusting in God, I begin the new year. If only He will maintain our health and faith.

My dear Otto is, thanks to our dear Father in Heaven, finally improving. He is now practically always with Fergusons, and we often do not see each other for 10-14 days, but faithfully write to each other.

We spent Christmas quite merrily; John and Hermine were here, both cheerful, and also Julius, who has established an elementary school in San Anton and so far has 15 students. The Holy Eve was celebrated first at Mothers, and then with us. Otto received from Mother 2 pair of good woolen socks and a beautiful silk foulard scarf, which he lost a few days later while driving cattle. I surprised Otto with a fine beaver hat and a small pipe. He surprised me with a MOUSETRAP!! From Mother I received 2 pair of white and l pair of merino wool stockings and a silk ribbon, both of us received a big chunk of beautiful grape torte, and Clrchen received 6 little shirts, 2 pair of stockings, and several bibs. Both we and Mother had set up little Christmas trees. The first evening we were at Barroos wedding, but we didnt have a good time, so we went home right after the supper, which was served in a large tent. On Christmas Day our dear Clara was baptized. We drove through an unpleasant rain to the church, which had just shortly before been vacated by goats. Soon the pastor arrived, and baptized: Clara, Anna, and Laura, who was held over the font by Hermine, as proxy for Laura Hsterei. Thereupon we went into the Akadamie and made music till about 4 oclock, after we had first treated ourselves to jellyroll and wine. Then we drove home again, where we spent a very entertaining evening with Messrs. Wieprecht and Tillmann. We had potato salad, roast duck and venison, rice pudding, tea, bread, cheese and a fine cake from Mr. Tillmann. Later we had a glass of punch.

February 1852

20) In January 1852 Otto sold old Fox for 25 dollars to H. Hahner. On the 26th I turned 22 years old. My dear hubby surprised me with beautiful gifts. I had expected nothing. Otto called me into the next room, and there was the black chest covered with a dirty towel (which served as tablecloth) and on it were displayed 4 bottles of Bordeaux, a pair of new shoes, a pound each of sago and barley, a pound of raisins, a large bag full of candy, 4 packets of matches, and pink trimming for a hat. In addition my dear man gave me a check on his account for $5. The thought that he had carried this all out by himself to please me made me so happy that I was moved to tears. Also dear Mother and Helenchen came over to congratulate me. We drank a little glass of wine together.

For about 3 weeks now Georg Schmitt and his sister have been living on the farm. Therefore we have to make do with the big room, which actually works quite well, for: There is space in the smallest hut for a happy, loving pair!

Our dear Mother and Helene have been visiting with Hermine for 4 weeks. I had expected them back today with my beloved hubby, but in vain. I hope they will come tomorrow. I hope then to go with Clrchen for a few weeks to Hermine and Johns. Our dear child has been able to sit up alone since Feb. 10, and already has a little tooth.

I am and feel myself to be very happy now; all are well, Otto and I love each other wholeheartedly, and we have a healthy, friendly, beloved child. Also, we are making progress in our plan to move to Friedrichsburg. Ottos corn sold well, about 150 bushels at 70 cents; the farm rented to good people, the wagon sold for $80, etc. Daily I thank our Maker for all his goodness and love; may He bless us further, and spare us from sickness and harm!

Poor John still constantly has the fever. Mr. Krochmann has probably left for Germany by now. Julius has only 12 pupils. At Christmas 51 he started a school in San Antonio. On New Years Eve Otto was in Braunfels; I was at Mothers, where we drank eggnog and everybody proposed a toast.

In January I received a dear letter from our dear father, which I promptly answered. I also wrote to Mrs. Betzhold, Aunt Minchen in W. and Auguste Wupperm. Mother received a long letter from Aunt Hanchen. 

March 1852

26) At last I am back from my long trip, and glad to be home again. On Feb. 23 I drove with Otto and Clrchen and Nestor in Louis gig to Braunfels. There I visited Mrs. Ferguson, who was friendly as always. One evening, the 24th, there was a concert. But since it wasnt pleasing to Otto, I declined. After the concert there was a ball, which I enjoyed very much. My dear Otto took care of our child. At 11 oclock Louis persuaded Otto to join the ball while he watched the child. On the 25th we drove to Humboldt. After a 3 1/2-week stay Otto came for me again, and we were both glad to have it behind us. My stay there can in every respect be described as unpleasant. Mostly the weather was terribly stormy and rainy, so that we couldnt get outdoors except for one Sunday, when we were at Stappert and Wahlrath. John grumbled a lot, and was always cross. Instead of thanking Otto when he came twice to help him with planting and shocking corn, he ignored him and was unfriendly and domineering. Hermine was indifferent and cooked miserably badly. In Braunfels I spent a pleasant several days. Julius came over one day, too. I saw the Grothaus family again, healthy and happy. April 1852

5) Rose had died, so we had Eduard butcher her calf, too. We gave Mother a hindquarter, and gave Eduard the hide for doing the butchering.

6) Mr. Bettge bought 9 cows and 3 yearlings from us for 121 dollars. Eduard and Mr. Kettner helped herd them off this morning. Mr. Grothaus bought Nonne for $12; Mr. Bettge bought: Flora, Blackhead, Scheck, Violetta, Alma, Horn, Hinkfuhs, Mina, and Hannes. Otto rode with him to Braunfels. Otto has now definitely decided to start a store in Seguin, to my great joy. I would gladly have followed him to Friedrichsburg, but this way it is a thousand times pleasanter for me to stay near our dear Mother and siblings. Clrchen is constantly very restless, as she is cutting her next two little teeth. Also Louis gave her the smallpox vaccination; of 4 pox, 2 ulcerated, and she has a rash over her whole body, which causes much itching.

On the 26th of March we took Alice with us, but she was often homesickthat wild mustangso on the 4th of April Louis came in the middle of the night to take her back. He was so inconsiderate as to demand clabber for himself and his 4 companions, but Otto refused him, much to my approval.

On the 4th Otto drove in my Mary, with a most darling foal, which I named Rosinchen.

Otto bought the house of Elliott & Taunten in Seguin for $625. Georg Schmitt will build a gallery onto the back. Otto traded my Mary with her foal for a big American horse; but it ran away, and Otto hunted it unsuccessfully for 14 days. He had just posted notices everywhere that he would pay a reward of $5 to anyone who brought it back to him, when a quarter hour later he happened to find it himself, and sold it to Navarro for $60. Our charming brother-in-law told Julius and numerous others that Otto moved here only for my sake, and did nothing himself. The fellow is himself so wicked that he cant understand that someone else is capable of doing something good.

Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson were with us for dinner one day on their trip to Indianola. We invited Mother, too, and had a rooster, salad, fritters, and green beans. After they enjoyed coffee with us, they continued their tripMrs. Ferguson to take the baths at Indianola, and Mr. F. to Galveston on business, where he will also buy supplies for Otto.

May 1852

11) We attended Bianca and Theodors wedding, where we enjoyed ourselves quite well; we had taken Clrchen with us on horseback. On the return trip Mrs. Grothaus rode with us, which gave us much amusement, because her horse stopped under practically every tree. We rode past Louis spring, and ate lunch at Navarros. Several days later we received the sad news of the death of our dear sister-in-law, Auguste Wuppermann; she died 6 weeks after childbirth, of typhus. Also, Ottos Aunt Gretchen and Uncle Joung died within 2 days of each other.

25) In recent days Otto has been doing lots of business: he traded a fine tablecloth and 12 napkins worth $20 and a silver soupspoon worth $12 to Taunten toward walnut wood for counters, materials, etc. for the store. He traded Betty with her foal worth $90 to Milet for wood from Bastrop; an ox at $13.50 and 2 pigs, $5 for shingles. I traded him Jud for Juno, and sold the old Mexican sow with 7 young ones to Mrs. Runge for $8. Otto gave Mother a yoke of oxen for her horse Boz.

30) Pentecost. Julius, John and Hermine are at Mothers. Julius visits us often, the others not at alljust as well! The conceited fellow told Mother he wanted to forget everything and made friendly gestures toward Otto, but hed been cold and unfriendly toward him. The first day of Pentecost we ate at Mothers (while Mother and siblings ate with us at the first Easter noon and evening meals). In the afternoons we were at the Academie for entertainment.

31) For several days Ive been drinking mineral water, which Dr. Nohl prescribed for my stomach, and which agrees with me very well. Otto bought an apparatus from Mr. Grothaus for $5. Now Im suffering badly from fatigue and dizziness. Otto is, thank God, healthy. Clara has a very bad ear and a heavy cold, and is troubled by her teething. The 6th is about to erupt; she stands up alone at a chair, and crawls about busily.

In Seguin several people died of cholera, among others the two tailors, Kessler and Windstrot. 

June 1852

4) This morning Otto left for Indianola to contact Fromme. How glad I am that the dear, good man is this far along. He worries too much; recently it has caused him sleepless nights, and no happy hours. He still lacks $200 to pay for the freight. In the meantime James Ferguson has promised to lend it to him.

On the 6th, Mother, Eduard and Hermine went to Louis spring, and will bring Minchen back with them, who will stay 3 months with Mother. Because my beloved hubby cant go along, I am content to stay at home with my darling child.

28) Yesterday I talked to Malchen Schmitt, and asked her if she would care to move in with us if we move to Seguin, for $5 a month. She would like to very much, but wants to talk to her brother about it first. Otto helped today working on our new house in Seguin, so the workers will make some progress. This evening he brought me the first apple chips from his own store. Hermine is going home tomorrow morning to the Cibolo, after visiting Mother for 4 weeks, during which time she never once set foot in our house; [two lines have been made illegible; instead is written:] naturally, John incited her to it.

26) Clara is making attempts to walk; for 14 days already shes been standing alone in the middle of the room, and runs past the chairs. The angel child gives us much joy; she already has 8 little teeth, and says, Atta, atta, atta.

July 1852

28) Gustav is at Dr. Henfs in San Antonio, and goes to Juliuss school. Alice Nohl recently fell from her horse and got a deep wound on her forehead. Unfortunately, Mrs. Ferguson, who had gone to Indianola to take seabaths, caught a fever. So Mr. James hurried there to find out if the dear, good woman had recovered. Our dear Mother has also been sick for several days; tomorrow morning early she wants to go back to New Braunfels with Minchen and Hermine. From there she wants to go to the Zibolo for a week. Eduard, too, has the fever today. In a week I want to have all three of them here for lunch. 

August 1852

13) Tomorrow it will be 4 weeks since our dear Mother contracted a gastric fever. She had fever for 7 days. She took a sweat bath every day for 1/2 to 1 hour, wrapped in a damp sheet and wool covers, after which she lost the fever. But she still has no appetite and is still very weak. I was up there 3 1/2 weeks, nursed her and did her work. Since yesterday Mariechen Haner is up there half a day daily to help her, for 6 bits [75 cents] a week. Last Sunday Julius was up there; he was quite cheerful, soon wants to become a Ranger, and gave Clrchen $1, for which I bought her 2 pair of little shoes. On the 5th Clrchen had her birthday. She was very sick on that day, had a fever, and vomited often. I gave her nothing but sugar water, which agreed with her well. Also, my dear husband was, on that day and several days following, very unwell, but is well again now.

Yesterday that horrid fellow von Doct. moved out of our house. Today the plasterers are plastering our living room. Tomorrow Eduard is going to Braunfels to work as a stonemason. Then Mother will be all alone on the farm with the younger boys and Helenchen. Clara is energetically running about in the yard, and gives me great joy with her friendly, loving nature. Since my dear, good father-in-law loaned Otto $800, poor Otto has been helped with many of his worries. So far the business is going only slowly; actually, it is a quiet time now with all stores.

Watkinses left for the Salao this week without telling us good-bye.

Im always feeling well now, thank God, and hope this time to have a boy, who will be named Conrad Theodor. Mrs. Runge still has the fever.

October 1852

8) Since the 19th now I have been in town with my dear hubby. I like it much better here, especially because one sees more people. Also, I have a much prettier room than at the farm. The gallery has a railing all around, and I no longer have so much rough work. Also, for about 14 days now I have had a pretty, convenient stove, which is, after all, an extraordinary amenity. Last week I wrote a long letter to Father and a little note to Laura. Mother is constantly improving, and comes to visit us one day every week. Julius was with us 8 days in August, during which Otto made a business trip to Braunfels and San Antonio. He is now bookkeeper with Calehan in S. Ant. and earns $40 a month, and later will even make $50. Since Julius is away, Mr. Tillmann is practically always with us. As of Oct. 1 he pays $8 board per month and sleeps in the storehouse. For 5 weeks Malchen Schmitt has had an abscessed thumb, and couldnt do our washing for 4 weeks. She is so slow and disorderly, lazy, and phlegmatic, that as soon as Ive recovered from my confinement Im going to let her go. Then possibly Ill get along myself with the help of a 10- or 12-year-old girl.

On Sept. 28 it was 2 years since we married. We have experienced much that was good as well as unpleasantnesses, but our love has remained the same. If I could relive the two years, and still had the choice to take my dear Otto or not, I would, even as then, with joyful willingness, become his wife, and I believe my good hubby would choose the same! Our beloved Clrchen gives us great joy, and is a great comfort in gloomy hours. She now has 8 front and 3 back teeth; she is almost too energetic, and makes us lots of work. Every day she falls several times from whatever chair shes climbing on, in spite of our forbidding it. Recently she climbed up the high stairs in the store, and it took me a great effort to carry her down. She steals crackers, prunes, candy, packets of tobacco, nails, onions, candles, in short anything she can reach, and every few minutes he comes running after her to retrieve the stolen goods.

This morning Otto rode out very early on Ali to bring in Juno and her foal, which had worms on its head, and found the foal dead. We had heard about it Sunday; since it was too late for Otto to ride out himself, he offered Mother half a dollar if she would get Gustav to drive it inagain, as usual, refused. Otto took a lot of trouble, hunted it day before yesterday on foot without finding it, offered several people, including that shiftless Mohlfeld, $1 to driven it in, etc. [blacked out]: Mother, Mother,?????? your detestable disagreeableness and egotism are all to blame! Yet it is the duty of the children to pardon a fault in the parents, for they do cause them much grief and work in their youth, as I myself am experiencing with my child; therefore I should forgive and forget this also!

The business has been very quiet the past several weeks. Otto often takes in only $3 or at most $10 in a day.

A report that Mr. Bechem is coming. If it were true I would be very happy.

It is Sunday morning, 11 oclock; it is cool, but the sun is shining so bright and friendly; a pretty little fire is burning in the fireplace, and Clrchen our beloved child is lying asleep in her bed. She looks pale and delicate. The past few days she has had a bad cold and a high fever, and still has a heavy cough. I too have a heavy cold and cough. Mr. Theisen was lodging with us the whole week. He was giving testimony in court concerning folk history. Mother, Gustav, and Helene took Jettchen Nohl back to Braunfels yesterday morning (in the wagon), but returned this evening. Otto, too, rode to Braunfels very early this morning, planning to return this evening or early tomorrow. He sold a white mare to an Irishman last week for $21. He loaned that plus Hagemanns saddle to a certain Clarenbach von Remscheid, and the latter, presumably going for a short ride, disappeared 8 days ago with horse, saddle, and a shirt borrowed from Tillmann. The business is bringing in approximately $10-15 per day.

Hipp died of yellow fever. 

November 1852

17) Yesterday Mrs. Runge was here. She wept terribly because she had received the news that her husband lay dangerously ill of yellow fever in Indianola; probably she will travel down there by next Saturday. Mr. Krochmann has arrived in Indianola. Yesterday we read the first New Braunfelser Zeitung [New Braunfels Times]. John plans to start a store in Braunfels in a few weeks, and, in fact, with credit in San Antonio.

For 2 weeks now Ive been expecting my confinement, but it seems that perhaps another 2 weeks will pass. May God grant that it will go as happily as the first time.

Yesterday the first immigrants came through here. The business is going better now$18, $20-25 per day. Julius in San Ant. is sick.

20) Letter from Julius; he is better. Yesterday evening Otto made a condolence visit to poor Mrs. Runge, who yesterday received the terrible news of the death of her husband; I wrote her a few lines. Since a few days ago Otto has had a boy, David Allen, to help him in the store.

23) Mothers birthday. Otto invited Mother for today, to eat sauerkraut with us. We gave her several small gifts, arranged on a table, encircled by a pretty wreath: a little almond cake, 1 little gilded milk pitcher filled with almonds, raisins and candy, a bottle of olive oil, and 2 1/2 pounds of plums. We spent quite a happy time together, ate broth, and sauerkraut with beef. Afterward we drank a glass of wine to Mothers health, and had apple pie with it. Later, after we had had a cup of tea together, Otto accompanied Mother home.

Today we weighed ourselves on the gallery. Mother weighed 110 pounds, my dear hubby 152 1/2, Helene 54, Clrchen 19, and I 116 1/2 lbs.

Julius sent a carton of potatoes and wine, which unfortunately didnt arrive in time.

December 1852

19) On the 5th the long-awaited little Theodor finally arrived, in the morning about 8 oclock. Otto wanted to ride Ali to Neuntdterns, but I asked him instead to go to Mrs. Dee and call her. About 9 oclock she came, and I visited with her quite a while longer, the pains getting stronger all the time. In the meantime Otto rode to Mothers to call her, and about a quarter to 11 dear Mother came, and about 11 oclock little Th. was born. Mother stayed with me 10 days, and nursed me faithfully.

Yesterday Mr. Bechem arrived here again. He brought us many letters and a box full of things. Eduard also finally returned; he had been to Bastrop with Fritz Goldbeck; there they had gotten boards, and sold them in San Antonio. Yesterday Gustav came from San Antonio (where he had taken a horse to Julius, who is unfortunately still sick), returned through Braunfels and brought along Johns little wagon, in which Mother wants to drive to Braunfels next Tuesday to care for Hermine, who is also expecting within a few weeks.

Mr. Bechem brought me 4 letters from Louise Korte, Alwine Tillmann, Laura Hsterey and Aunt Hanchen, for Otto from Father (who included a pretty little package of ribbon), and his friend Hohrath.

Otto is suing the swindler James, who owes him $75, of which hell probably get nothing back. This is a considerable loss for him, and worries him sorely. Ive often warned him not to trust the fellow so much, but he allowed himself to be deceived by the mans sanctimonious mask.

Yesterday Gustav took Clrchen back to Mothers. But she wasnt gone very long when I already began to regret letting her go; I long to see the dear child again, and I urged Otto to bring her back this eveningOtto, incidentally, had gone to the Jeronimo at about 10 oclock with Mr. Bechem. Mr. Griesenbeck had an attack of yellow fever in Indianola. Rust sold his store to Oliver and ???????. Calvert sold all his possessions for $8000.

February 1853

13) Today Otto and I took a pleasant walk along the Guadalupe; on the way back we visited Ankermllers and Klasings. Otto and I wrote to Father and Laura. On Dec. 24 Hermine delivered a little girl. Mother went over on the 20th, and had to nurse Hermine and also Julius, who was deathly ill. We spent Dec. 25, the first day of Christmas, very quietly and peacefully. I couldnt do a tree because I couldnt get wax candles anywhere in town. Eduard and Gustav spent the day with us. Otto gave E. a pair of trousers and Gustav a pair of shoes. Otto and I gave each other nothing, as we expected the box from Germany, whose contents were to be our Christmas gifts. The box arrived on Dec. 29, as well as Mr. Bechems piano, which we rented from him. On the 18th of January Lieschen came, and that stupid chick, Mamsell Schmitt, shoved off. On January. 26 I turned 23 years old. Otto gave me a pretty little sewing box, 4 lemons, 2 bottles of wine, and a beautiful cake from Mr. Tillmann. Mr. Theisen visited us the 29th and 30th.

On the 3d I wrote to Hermine that we would like to change the continuing unpleasant relationship, and lets visit each other again, etc., to which Hermine replied on the 9th, and in fact quite friendly and courteous. Thank God that its to this point again, and Otto, for my and Mothers sake, kept a low profile.

Mr. Bechem helped Otto plant shade trees in front of our house. Hermine visited us and Mother with her little daughter Emilie (a small, frail child). Hermine had gotten rather thin, but she was more affectionate than formerly.

March 1853

3) Yesterday I received a letter from Minchen that she wants to marry for the third time, and is engaged to Wilhelm Reuter.How is it possible?!

Yesterday I weighed both my little kiddies; Clara weighed 22 and Theodor 14 lb.

Yesterday evening Calverts stable burned down, a terrible fire. Just recently a lot of corn and hay had been hauled in. It was so light that one could have seen to read on our gallery. H. Runge returned from Indianola the day before yesterday.

July 1853

22) For a long time I have written nothing in my diary. Much sadness and much happiness has happened in our family in the meantime. Emilie Staehely died June 29. I drove over with Mother, Julius, Helenchen, and my two children. As we had crossed the ferry Walther met us to give us the news. I returned the next day with Julius, who was delivering merchandise for Otto. On July 4 I was alone at home with my children. I had let my girl Minchen go to Braunfels. Julius and Gustav were with me. The latter had fever. Otto rode to Braunfels, where he had a very good time, and even danced several times.

We received letters from Father and Laura, and answered them. Hermine was with Mother for 14 days for a visit, and took Helenchen back with her so she can go to school there. She brought Ccelia Navarro back as well, to keep her a couple of weeks.

Mrs. Bremer died. Mr. Jung died. Moreaus had a little girl, Hulda.

Eduard is sick, has the fever. I am very worn out from nursing the baby, often so weak that I cant stand, and have lost 15 lb. in 3 months, now weigh 85 lb.

Otto is building a new house of stone. He has lots of annoyances with it, as he cannot get the necessary building timber, and people lie to him and cause delays.

Clara is beginning to talk quite nicely, and is getting a little more reasonable. She calls her little brother Titi; he is a splendid, plump little fellow. At six months he sat up alone, which he first did at Mothers when I visited her for a week with both children. At the same time Caroline Bastian was at Mothers for several days, too. At 7 months he crawled, and now at 7 1/2 months he stands alone at a chair. He is the embodiment of friendliness and liveliness. Clara doesnt gain much. Wieprecht thinks she may have worms. For that she had to wear a damp cloth around her tummy for a while; and I bathe both her and Theodor in cold water every morning.

Mr. Griesenbeck has been working since Monday as clerk in our store. Im very happy for my dear Otto; the poor man wont be so dreadfully tied down. July 15 was Ottos birthday. I had ordered a grape torte from Mr. Tillmann, with which I surprised him before dinner. At 8 oclock I drove in Wintzs little cart, with Mrs. Cooke and Paris Smiths boy to Plumrich, and by 11 was home again with a big basketful of plums.

On July 25 I moved into the Hipp house, a beautiful, comfortable, roomy dwelling. On the 27th the fireplace and chimney between dwelling and store were torn down. On the 28-29 I weaned my little Theodor, since nursing drained me so much that I was finally so weak I could hardly stay on my feet. The milk still causes me much pain, breasts very swollen and stone-hard. Eduard still has fever.

August 1853

On the 19th I rode with Walther (who after 9 months at Johns finally visited Mother for a few days) to Braunfels to attend a ball on Sunday evening. Our dear, good Mother stayed with the children. We rode off about 5 oclock, came to the ferry in the dark about 8, and shouted for about 1 1/2 hours, but the ferryman was too lazy to come. So there was nothing to do but camp at Wyskemanns for the night.

We drank a glass of beer and ate bread and butter, we lay down on a bed made up of boards and blankets; lying on it, instead of getting rested one only got more exhausted. After breakfast we rode right to Braunfels, where we were greeted quite hospitably. During the morning Hermine and I went bathing at vom Steins. In the evening we all went to the ball together. That is, we drove there. Ccelia Navarro was unfriendly. Otto unexpectedly surprised us in the morning. We had a good time together. John was drunk and behaved disgustingly. Monday morning I went bathing again with Hermine, then rode to Minchens and from there to Stahelys, where the old Navarros were with the wagon, to pick up Ccelia. About 4 oclock we all went home together, including Eduard, who is now rid of the fever.

September 1853

Yesterday I rode with H. Griesenbek to his mothers. The Jung farm is situated attractively, but the house is a dog kennel. The wood and trees are small and crippled, and the area around the house looks disorderly. Julius Griesenbeks house is a miserable little hut which stands on a rough hill with stunted trees. Both farms are rough and wretched, and have increased my antipathy toward farming. My dear Otto is well and cheerful, the business is going well, our pretty home is nearing completion, Klara is very well, and she talks more every day. Today she stuffed some partly-chewed nuts into Titis mouth, and asked him: Want some nuts, Titi? No more, you be sick! Our dear little Titi is, thank God, improving. Hes getting more cheerful. But he still has bad diarrhea, for which I must give him two enemas every day. My dear hubby has now promised me a new wardrobe!

January 1854

16) This evening I found the name Erens [Evens?] on the forged $20 note.

My beloved hubby left for San Antonio this morning in Fahrs wagon hitched to 2 mules, so for several days Gustav and I have to manage the store alone.

Since I last wrote in this book, much has again happened in this family, and thank God mostly good. Our sweet little son is completely well again, and in fact through a water cure by Mr. Wieprecht. In appreciation Otto gave him a Mexican Plneit [plant?] for Christmas. Our dear Titi was so sick several times that I feared for his life, but our gracious God spared him for us.

Julius recently became engaged to Anna Tischmeier, and now is accompanying her to Houston, probably to attend to certain inheritance arrangements, and then he will bring her back here. The new sister-in-law from Spee pleases me quite well. She is natural and friendly16 years old, Julius 25, so they suit each other agewise well, like my dear Otto and I. Today Mr. Carl Griesenbeck introduced his fiancee, Miss Rser.

We have been living for several months in our new house. At first I was very cold here. But since Otto, at my frequent request, had a ceiling installed in the room it is warm and pleasant there.

Since Christmas I have had a new girl, Sophie Schubert; she is stupid, but much better than Minchen. Several days ago Mr. Krochmann came by Mothers, and today traveled on to Braunfels and San Antonio. He is still always the good, loyal friend.

Mr. Bechems illness has worsened recently. Now he needs the water cure for half a year, and is living with Wieprecht on our farm; they board at Mothers.

Bianca Goldbeck has borne a little son, so now Louis is a jolly grandfather.

Uncle Peter is remaining very quiet in Braunfels. He has not been here again since his arrival.

We celebrated the days of Christmas quite happily. I had made a pretty little tree, and gave my Otto a handsome new bathrobe; Otto gave me a rocking chair, which will probably not arrive until my birthday. The first day we were happily at Mothers; ate an excellent fat turkey for dinner. In the afternoon Tischmeiers came and we made lots of music together; in the evening the Christmas tree was lighted. From Mother we received: Otto, a fat turkey; I, a feather bed with a silk binding. We gave her a large porcelain bowl.

New Year's Eve Otto and I were happily together, drank a glass of Wipp, and congratulated each other on the New Year.

On January 1, Mother, Julius, Eduard, Helene, Mr. Bechem and Wieprecht joined us to eat sauerkraut. In the evening we lighted our little Christmas tree and let it burn out, ate Pussertcakes [?], and were very gay.

On the 8th Julius accompanied the Tischmeier family down to Indianola.

On the 17th, Otto has cold traveling weather, since this morning suddenly a norther stormed in. Eduard wants to go to Bastrop tomorrow to get a load of boards and then sell them in San Antonio or Braunfels. Earlier, he had been in Indianola; I loaned him my breadbox, and he lost the lid and didnt mention it until I asked him about it. Right afterward, he asked Otto for $2 to go and get Juno, which he had seen several days before; anybody else would do it for $1. The previous summer Otto had contributed $5 to lighten his loss of a wild mare, which had died because of his carelessness. [The next sentence is blacked out.]

May 1854

16) Practically half a year has passed since I entered anything in this book. Much has happened in that time. Juliuss engagement was canceled. Otto gave me a rocking chair for my birthday; in addition we have added the following new furniture: 1 pretty wardrobe, a small milk cupboard, and 8 pretty wicker chairs. In March Hermine delivered a little girl; Mother was with her 4 weeks. In April Hermine spent several weeks with Mother with her little Eugenie, and just at that time my poor dear husband got sick, and had a bad gallbladder attack. The second night I sent to Dr. Starkeit was high time. Otto got so weak that he couldnt bear even the slightest noise, and at the same time he was in a very irritated mood. Eduard, Mr. Krochmann, Dr. Starke and I alternated sitting with him at night. Louis visited him once, too, at my request. I wrote to him through Mr. Seele. He confirmed Dr. Sts prescriptions, and if Otto had not had a relapse the illness would not have lasted 4 weeks. On the 9th and 10th of May Otto again had terrible toothache and facial pains. On the 11th it improved somewhat, so he drove to San Antonio early in the morning to buy summer goods, and to take part in the songfest. Saturday morning Julius (who had come to us in the second week of Ottos illness), Eduard, and Mr. Wm. Fromme, who was visiting Mother for 2 weeks, also rode to San Antonio. Yesterday and today I minded the store all alone, an unpleasant business, especially when one is, as I am, expecting to deliver in 8-14 days. That horrid Albert ran off to Braunfels on the second Easter Day, in spite of Ottos bad illness. And Sophie married a fellow whom she had known 8 days. Tomorrow, I hope, my beloved hubby will come back well again from San Ant. Both our children are covered with sores and rash. Clrchen, Im sorry to say, is not improving; she doesnt weigh more than half a year ago: 27 lb., and often causes us irritation by copying all that unpleasant Ernestines naughtinesses. Titi is a darling little angel, plump and healthy, and is beginning to talk.

June 1854

24) On the 8th of June our little Anna was born, about 11:30 oclock in the midday. I suffered much more than with the first two children. The child had the umbilical cord wrapped twice around her neck (a result of my having tied up the vines on the arbor in front of our door, and reached up high too much) and therefore couldnt deliver properly. Six days before my confinement, after much searching, I obtained a nurse from Brfls, Mrs. Hildebrand, who did deliver the baby. She receives $10 per month, which she does earn. Mother happened to come that evening, to attend Schmidtchens wedding, and was very glad that it had been accomplished. Mrs. H. nursed me like her own daughter, and also took care of the rest of the household quite well. Her only fault is that she talks too much. Otto, thank God, is completely well again. A month ago he and Julius were in San Antonio for the Songfest. For the past 2 weeks Clara has been with her grandmother.

25) On July 3 the Staehelys had their child baptized. Mr. James Ferguson, Mr. Bechem, and I were sponsors. In Braunfels I enjoyed myself very muchon the 4th of July on the Zinkenburg; on the hill; music; and at a ball. On the way there ???? Mama in the little postwagonterrible heatClara vomited a number of times. In Brfs. we were received very cordially by Hermine and John. One afternoon at Moreaus for a coffee visitat Fergusons for chocolatewe bought a perambulator for $4 1/2Wilhelm Elbers shot himself on July 5, probably because of an unhappy love affair with Alma Nohl. John drove us, Mr. Bechem and me, back to Seguin in Fergusons wagon. Two miles out of Braunfels we were met by Kreutz with his wife and child. The most recent news, according to his wife, from Alex Ferguson, is that Kreutz was en route to Braunf. to demand $400 of Alex F. to rear the child. If F. doesnt want to pay, hell sue. On James Fs behalf, John requested a conference, and offered $200, but Mrs. Ferguson will not hear of it, because she has high hopes. Mrs. K. drove back to Seguin with us, and Mr. Bechem as mediator returned to Braunfels. Once returned here, John allowed himself the rude remark that it had been a stupid trick for Otto to tell Kreuz that he had heard that his wife too had had dealings with other men, etc., etc. The haughty way in which John said this so angered Otto that he asked Mr. Bechem to tell John that such rudeness in his home, etc. Mr. B. did this, and it caused Johns own self-conceit to suffer so that he swore never again to enter our house. In fact, he immediately returned to Br., and with him Mrs. Hildebrand, who in the last few days had been insufferable, because she had dreamed that her husband had died, so that I was glad to be rid of her. Mrs. Shick helped me several days, until on June 18 I again obtained a decent girl (at least so it seems till now), Ernestine Glser.

Today Louis Nohl was here and prescribed cod-liver oil for our poor little Titi. Theodor has scrofula and is cutting his eyeteeth; he has become very thin and has a swollen belly. Clrchen is now growing well, and is pretty healthy. Little Anna is a darling child; she is growing noticeably and is very healthy. John left for Germany today; his mother died, and he will probably inherit $15,000.

Julius is managing Staehelys business during Johns absence. I am sorry that Julius isnt with us oftener. He was quite amusing and made lots of jokes with Mrs. Hildebrand. To replace him we have had Mr. Looff since about 8 days ago. Now Otto wants to build on a bedroom, and to our joy Mother plans to come to us for several months, as soon as she has rented her farm. Today Mother received a letter from Aunt Hanchen. Stuve, with his wife, arrived in Braunf. the day before yesterday.

The 15th, Ottos birthday, he was still in a bad mood and affected by his anger toward John. I baked him a large cake with raisins, and gave him a picture of Kossuth [Hungarian patriot who came briefly to the United States], 6 linen handkerchiefs, and a little square of silk.

[On the last page of the manuscript is the note: On July 30 1854 Otto weighed 145 lb., Elise 102 lbs., Clrchen 27 lb., Theodore 21 lb., Anna 11 lb.]

September 1854

20) Next Monday our dear Mother is leaving the farm. The day after tomorrow she wants to have a little auction. Then she will stay with us for two weeks, and will then go to Mrs. Ferguson. Our bedroom is being built; Ill be very glad when the beds get out of the living room, as that will give us more space. Tomorrow I will write to Uncle Hermann to bring us a piano.

December 1854

On Wednesday, December 6, God took our dearly beloved Annchen to Him. The child was too beautiful and lovable for this evil world, in which there is so little joy and so much grief. The poor child suffered terribly from dysentery, cramps, and teething. The attack of dysentery was so severe that Louis and Dr. Morgan could not save her. Day and night the good Louise and I watched beside her, supported the last two nights by our dear Mother, who came from Braunfels at my request.

On Nov. 23, Mothers birthday, she was with Mrs. Ferguson, who delivered a baby on that day. On the 24th, at Ottos request I rode to Mrs. Wilcox, on the Guadaloupe, because she was sick. On the 24th Annchen was sick and had violent diarrhea. That night Otto rode to Braunfels to attend a concert and ball at the local Choral Society. Sunday the poor child even lost some blood. This frightened me so that I called Mr. Zorn and asked him whether he thought I should have someone call an American doctor, but he definitely advised against it. The illness continued to get worse, in spite of baths and medicines, and on the 6th our most dearly beloved child died. On the 7th we drove out and buried her beside our good father and dear Clara. On the 8th she would have been exactly 6 months old.

On the 9th Mother got sick, with headache and fever, and had to stay with us, though she had intended to return to Fergusons. On the 10th we had a letter from Aunt Hannchen, and from Eduard in Austin. Clrchen and Theodor both have heavy colds and have a bad rash at the mouth. January 1855

On Dec. 12th I accompanied my mother to Braunfels, and caught such a bad cold that I got a throat infection and suffered much. On Dec. 24th I traveled to Braunf. with Clrchen and Theodor, stayed 14 days at Nohls, and enjoyed myself very much at Nohls and Moreaus. The children received gifts there, too. On New Years there was a pretty ball at the Casino; Otto had come, too. There was a lottery of all sorts of trivia; I won a pin with a glass button, a deck of cards, and a little tin of hairpins.

On Jan l5th Otto gave me a barrel of potatoes, a pretty tablecloth, and 2 pretty blue dishes as Christmas gifts. I gave him a cigar case, a white shawl, and a ladyfriend [??]. The children received a little table. Oh, if our sweet, beloved Annchen were still alive, how gladly I would exchange balls, entertainments, and everything of that kind! The rash on the childrens mouths is healed.

26) My birthday; I turned 25 years old. My dear good Otto gave me a pretty lacquered washbasin, a painted brooch, and 2 cakes. The dear fellow even ran around until he found me a bouquet of greenery.

February 1855

20) Clrchen was quite sick for 8 days. Had a bad catarrh, fever, spit up bile several times from a heavy cough. Fritz had to ride to Braunfels 3 times. Louis prescribed for her quite well without seeing her, and she is now, thank God, quite well again. Otto has been on a trip for 8 days with Mr. Carl Wieprecht, to look about in the Guadaloupe Mountains or the Rio Blanco for a good piece of property to farm and raise cattle. On the 19th Otto returned and told me that he will probably buy Wilkes Farm, situated 20 miles from Braunfels on the road to Friedrichsburg.

March 1855

At the end of February Otto and I and the children went to Braunfels in Fahrs little cart. We lodged at Moreaus, and went to the ball at the Club in the evening. It was too full, too many ordinary folk there, and Otto was annoyed that I often sat by Hermine. On Monday we drove home again, and took our dear Mother along, who stayed with us for a month. Just at that time we received 2 boxes of oranges and 1 barrel of fresh apples. Mother and I often went for walks with the children along the Guadalupe. Unfortunately, during recent weeks it has often been very cold, so that we have not been able to go out. Lehmann and Eduard left for a trip in February, and Mr. Pelzer took Lehmanns place.

April 1855

On the first, Otto and Mr. Andro Erskine traveled up to see Dr. Potters mill.

August 1855

For almost 14 days I was at our dear Mothers with both the children. She lives in the little cottage with Helenchen. During that time her piano arrived. Ottos and Johns disagreement resulted in several very unpleasant scenes. Practically every day we went on coffee visits, often bought peaches for ourselves, and had quite a pleasant time. I was the very picture of Struwelpeter here, and was often exhausted. Julius became engaged to Anna Pelzer. Otto took a trip with Mr. Bechem into the hills, and with the help of Mr. Groth, a land surveyor, laid out the town of Middletown. He had lots of rain, and stayed a number of days longer than he had intended, so I was greatly worried about him.

The Democrats held a big barbecue here in Seguin. We had 4 Braunfelsers and Agnes Dittmar lodging with us.

15) Ottos birthday. I baked him 2 plum tarts, which I encircled with pretty wreaths, gave him a pair of suspenders, and composed a little poem for him. On that day there was a barbecue here. I had exhausted myself the day before, doing so much baking that in the morning I fainted. After Louise ran away I was 4 weeks without a maid. Later Mrs. Heinze came to work for me. We arranged for our clerk, Mr. Radeleff, to board elsewhere, because just now provisions are quite short, and he is a formidable eater. 

September 1855

17) Julius was here for several days. His company (business with Staehely) fell apart before it started. Now he wants to establish his own business here. Mr. Otto Fischer was here with 2 Mexicans; he brought shingles and took goods with him, including 2 young kittens. Simon took our bitch; Schulze went along. Yesterday Otto drove Mad. Fromme and her little son to Dr. Nohls, because the child is not very well. From there Otto will drive into the Martinus, perhaps to buy several mares from Real; and from there to San Antonio to buy supplies.

Yesterday I had a letter from Eduard. He doesnt care to follow Ottos suggestion to move to the new town on the Blanco. The Indians have recently been stealing and murdering, and come quite close to the towns. Mr. Andro Erskine wants to go out against the Indians with a company of volunteers, which company Mr. Bechem plans to join, too. Otto is quite well and in good spirits. Clara and Theodor are quite well too, and give us much enjoyment. As for myself, I am now on the whole in better health than at the beginning of pregnancy; especially as the morning sickness has practically stopped.

Nothing came of Erskines expedition against the Indians because General Smiths help in getting weapons, provisions, etc. was not forthcoming.

November 1855

On the 12th little William Otto was born, at 3:30 at night. The midwife, Mrs. Hildebrand, had been here since Nov. l. Anna Pelzer was here for a 14-day visit. On Oct. 30 we arranged a ride for her back to Braunfels by Suchard, and to bring Mother and Mrs. Hildebrand back. On November 1 Otto traveled to Austin in the pleasant company of Americans, and attended the barbecue there, which he enjoyed very much.

Today, the 19th, Sunday, Otto and Julius rode this morning at 6 oclock to Braunfels, in spite of a pretty strong norther. They plan to attend the theater tonight. From there Otto will ride to San Antonio tomorrow, to make various purchases. Since 3 weeks ago, Julius is a partner in Ottos business; he realized that a business of his own was not going to work; it is good on both sides that it has turned out this way.

We can be very thankful to our Dear God that the birth of our little Otto went so quickly and well; if only He will preserve him in good health. My maid, the sanctimonious Mrs. Heinze, gave me notice on the 24th that [a sentence blacked out] because I dont want Otto to give her son-in-law, Glser, the shingles on credit. Its horrid herethe servants are so insolent. Mrs. Hildebrandt is an outstanding exceptionshe is a wonderful example of a midwife.

What good luck, and what happiness, to have my dear, good Mother with me. With what love she cares for me, and takes on the housework as if it were her own. 

Used Courtesy of Gerhard Vowinckel 

January 1856

About 2 weeks before Christmas our dear, good Aunt Hanchen arrived, well and happy, from Germany. For Christmas we made a beautiful big Christmas tree. Unfortunately I did not have a maid, and had to do all the work alone with Mother and Auntie, which was very difficult for me because I was still very weak from my confinement. It was very unpleasant for me for Mothers and Aunties sake. Mrs. Schick came down to do the washing and milking. We had made beautiful cakes and little pastries, and would have had a happy time if it had not been so terribly cold. We gave Julius a fine tablecloth and 6 napkins, and a leather bucket with copper hoops. Our dear Mother received a beautiful clock and a pair of silk gloves, and Aunt Hanchen the same kind of gloves and a fine comb. My dear, good Otto gave me a half-length of fine linen, tulle for a veil, a pair of gloves, and a tin container of green peas. Otto received from me a hat, vest, gloves, and the start of a pair of suspenders. The first day of Christmas was terribly cold, so that we all crouched as close to the stove as possible. On the second day Eduard came, and we had a fine roast turkey; but our poor, dear Mother unfortunately had a bad headache. The following day Mother and Auntie drove back to Braunfels with Suchard. On New Year's Day Julius and Anna were married; they were married at Staehelys by Mr. Seele, and afterward went to the ball at the Union Club.

On January third our present maid, Tine, arrived. I had had her brought here from Yorks Creek by Nagel. [See entry below for March 2.]

On January 26 I turned 26 years old already. It was extremely smoky in our living room that day. Otto gave me a barrel of German potatoes.

March 1856

Our dear Clrchen has been with Mother in Braunfels for 3 weeks, and sorry to say has a fever and gastritis; Louis did say that there is no danger, but nevertheless I am very concerned about it. Louis was here to see Theodor, who has scarlet fever; thank God he is now improving very much.

2) (Seguin) At the same time [that he brought Tine the maid, Nagel] took Alma back, who was here 2 weeks, during which time unfortunately we had constant rain and cold. Little Otto has a herpetic infection on both cheeks. Louis says he could easily get rid of it, but its better not to, because it could easily cause swollen glands in the lower abdomen.

Otto has already been back to Middletown. Through Louis I hear that Indians have been seen again. Since my last confinement I do not feel quite well again, even though I have fed Otto generously with oatmeal, and Louis advised me to take the mineral water cure.

May 1856

Pentecost Sunday, May 11. A sad, at least very boring, Whitsuntide: 3 days of rain, so very dirty; Otto in Middletown; Julius to Brfs. to visit his wife, who has been visiting Mother for 2 weeks already. So I was all alone with the children. But still I have cause to be thankful to God, that our dear Ottochen is better again. Last week he was sick, first 3 days with high teething fever, and then after the first little tooth had come through, heavy diarrhea, so that he has become quite thin. Eight days ago Otto drove off to Mitn. with Batholomae, the carpenter, and on the way there took Aunt Hanchen to Braunfels. The next night my beautiful Juno died, probably from too much exertion after foaling. Probably now the beautiful foal will not thrive, either.

Aunt Hannchen was here about 8 weeks. The first 4 weeks of her sojourn here I was in Braunfels with ttchen visiting with dear Mother, to take a mineral water cure, but without any observable success. At Easter there was a concert there, for the benefit of the school. Otto came over, too. I sang the Adelaide, and, with H. Schtze, a duet from Faust. Mrs. Torry and Mrs. v. Roth sang a duet, and later in a quartet. I was received in very friendly way by all friends and relatives, especially by dear Alwine and Franz. On the other hand I became acquainted with Hartmanns from a very unfavorable point of view. After dear Aunt Hannchen has returned to Braunfels, it seems very lonely here; she was so good about taking care of my household, and caring for our two dear eldest children, so that I could stay in Braunfels quite without worry.

For a month now Amalia from Fischers has been here at young Whlers. She arrived during my absence. Auntie, who didnt know her, didnt take her in, so now she seems to be stirred up by Whlers, for she will not come, in spite of repeated invitations. While I was in Brfs. the gray stallion, Gray Pasha, was stolen from Martinos. Again a great loss!

On the 4th Otto drove up into the hills with Bartholomae, and took dear Aunt Hanchen along to Braunfels. He drove for the first time with our new wagon, and hitched up Juno, who had a little foal, and the mule. Juno didnt want to pull at all, so that Otto had great trouble with it. The next morning she was dead. The poor foal is with Cramer in Hortontown, who will raise it.

20) Ottochen, the little angel, already had 2 teeth; he was quite sick for a week, had fever 3 days, and then the severest diarrhea. Early in the morning and in the evening I gave him a little glass of fresh cows milk. Since he did not digest it at all, but excreted in rock- hard clumps, I have not given him milk any more. Also, for several days he had nettle- rash. Two days ago I weaned him; the good little angel screamed loudly only the first evening, and since then has quietly resigned himself to his fate. The child is not pretty, but so good and friendly that he is everybodys favorite, especially Juliuss.

On the 16th Mr. Baier came through here with his pretty wife, whom he introduced to us. The 20th, yesterday, Gustav Pelzer brought his sister here again. Anna was off on a trip for 3 weeks; Julius boarded with us long enough that I earned $9 from him, with which I shall buy 6 bed sheets from Mother. Edmund and Mathilde were married on the l9th. Anna Dittmar is engaged to Mr. Konrads, Mr. Real to a Miss Kaehe, who had traveled by ship with Aunt Hanchen. Aunt Hanchen sent me as a love gift a beautiful lorgnette!

Klrchen has grown well. Every morning it is her job to scrub the candle-lighters, which is not very suitable for her. The child is quite excitable, and for her age very smart; she has a good, affectionate heart, but many faults, of which the worst is a tendency to fibbing. For some time she has often been having very heavy nosebleeds. Theodor is an obstinate little fellow, but a kindhearted boy.

21) Today Mr. Krochmann was here, but only about 5 minutes, since he was immediately leaving with the post to San Antonio. But he promised to stay for a day on his return trip.

August 1856

17) Again I must enter great, great sadness in my diary. On July 23 our beloved little Otto died, after 5 weeks of painful suffering from teething fever, dysentery, and mucous fever. The good little angel remained conscious until a few minutes before his death. He was terribly ravaged, nothing but skin and bones. Aunt Hanchen came 2 weeks before his death, and faithfully helped me nurse him. On the 24th I wrote to Franz Moureau, and he sent a messenger with a letter from me to poor Otto at Middletown, to bring him the mournful tidings. We drove in Suchards carriage, Aunt Hannchen, Mrs. Zorn, the children and I, to the gravesite of our loved ones, beside whom we buried the beloved boy with hot tears. He was 8 months and 11 days old.

During the following days we packed up our things, and drove to our good Mothers. On the 6th Otto finally took us to Middletown. We had a bad trip, terrible heat, shortage of water, and lost a mule at the Guadalupe, so that we had to drive to M. with 2 horses instead of 3, of which one was sick. Auntie and I both like it quite well here, but by no means is everything finished here. The greatest inconvenience is that we have to haul the water such a distancefor Otto 300 steps, and for me 450.

Of course we could not celebrate Ottos birthday, because he was in Middletown and I in Seguin with the deathly ill child. I crocheted him a little pouch for steel and tinder, had a pair of red slippers made for him, and gave him a box of effervescent powder.

14) Auntie and I went with Georgs wife and daughters and my children to hunt wild plums. We found quite a lot, and preserved them for Mother and us for the winter. We bathe in the morning before sunup, and in the evenings in the moonlight, because we do not yet have any little bathhouses. Day before yesterday evening, Auntie drove with Otto 4 miles from here, where she got 15 big, beautiful chickens.

We have about 50 horses, 6 cows with calves, and a number of pigs. In Seguin Otto bought a sturdy wagon, in which about 6 persons can sit comfortably. Theodor and Clara are now, thank God, quite well; may the Dear God preserve them to us, and make of them good, upright people. I am so weak from all the night-vigils, worry, and grief that I weigh only 92 pounds and am very feeble. Also, my stomach is not well, so that for about 4 months I have suffered a lack of appetite. In the space of 3 months I lost 14 pounds.

November 1856

29) This afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Meierhofer came to visit us. We had expected them for midday dinner, but they couldnt come before noon because they had lost their mules. Ive been home again for 12 days, after I took the water cure at Dr. Kapps for almost 5 weeks, admittedly with quite good results. Here at home I still must continue the cure. I do already feel much stronger, and have a pretty good appetite, and have gained 4 lbs. Otto and I became acquainted with the families of Degener and Rhodius, very dear, pleasant people. But let me begin at the beginning.

I rode with Otto first as far as Judge Johns Farm, where we overnighted with the tenant, Mr. Hees. It is a big, beautiful farm. There we saw 500 beautiful apple and pear trees, and in October still gorgeous roses in bloom. The next morning I rode with my dear Otto to Dr. Kapp, where we arrived about 11 oclock, to consult him about my ill health. He advised me to stay now, and to utilize the cure, because it is bad to approach the winter with the condition I was in. My main trouble is a weak stomach, and constipation. Otto also hoped that I would want to take the water cure, and I myself have strong faith in it. I decided to stayespecially because I knew that the children were well cared for by our affectionate Aunt Hanchen. Once during my absence, Clrchen was somewhat sick with a fever, which soon improved. My dear husband visited me every Sunday, which then always became a special occasion for me.

During my stay in Sisterdale, a horrifying scene took place. The 22-year-old son of Dr. Runge was murdered and scalped by Indians half a mile from his house. He had 5 arrow wounds and a knife-stab in his breast, and he was found naked and mutilated. Horrible for the poor parents and siblings. Nine young people, all friends of young Runge, followed the Indians several weeks. When these friends were close on their heels, the Indians set the prairie on fire, so that they could no longer follow the tracks.

Otto arrived in the night with H. Stockmanns, so as not to be seen by Indians. He did not bring a horse for me, because he did not know that I was able to ride yet. Dr. Kapp declined to lend us a horse. Otto appealed to Mr. Degener, who not only loaned us a horse as far as Currys Creek, but also accompanied us with his son. En route his son shot a deer, which he presented to us. From Currys Creek Otto and Mr. Stockmanns had to alternate walking.

December 1856

My joy at seeing my beloved children and good Aunt Hanchen was so great that I shed tears of happiness. A few days later I dismissed Stockmanns, who always came to meals without doing any kind of work in return. Otto treated him very brusquely, but didnt want to give him his walking papers, so I undertook to do it. Then for 2 weeks we had Herbst and Bindseil here for board and room. Herbst made a Dannstie cover [ceiling? rug?] in the living-room, tanned several bear hides, and made bridles and other things. Bindseil framed our new kitchen. One day, during a strong storm, the roof blew off our smokehouse; however it was not yet covered with shingles. Twelve days before Christmas Otto drove to Seguin, and returned only 3 days before the holidays. In these 9 days I tended the store alone, and unhappily had to forego my water cure the whole time. Otto brought our dear Mother and Helene along from Seguin. Mother had been 4 weeks with Julius and Anna, who had borne a little son on Dec. 5th, Titis birthday.

We spent the Christmas holidays quite enjoyably together. Since Mother forgot to bring the forms for the speculatius cookie cutters, we made all sorts of fantasy figures, which was lots of fun. On Christmas Eve I went into Aunt Hanchens room, where Mother and I had decorated the little tree, and arranged the gifts. Otto came off the worst this time, since I had no time to make him something, and no opportunity to buy him something; so I baked him 3 applecakes, which he so likes to eat. Otto surprised me with very lovely gifts: a pretty checked wool dress, a pair of white gloves, very elegantly packaged scented soap, a little bottle of perfume, a pretty little package of hairpins, a little silk scarf, and a pair of pretty scissors. The good man made every effort to fulfill all my wishes, and it made me feel very sorry that I could not give him anything. Aunt Hanchen received a beautiful womans saddle, a calico dress, a work basket, riding gloves, and several trifles. Mother received a little bucket with copper hoops, a little jar of apple jam, a bottle of honey, and trifles. Helene received a pair of Sunday shoes, belt, hairpins, etc. Wilhelm received a good hat. Clrchen and Theodor were beside themselves with joy; they both had picture-books, dolls, dishes, etc., etc., and from Mother each one $1 in their money-box. Aunt Hanchen gave me another bottle of eau de Cologne, and a little package of shoelaces.

The little tree was charming, and we were all quite gay. On the first day of Christmas, Otto, Auntie and I rode to Hodges Mill, where a large dinner was being given. The food was quite good, the people all very respectable, and the weather wonderful. We were home again by 6 oclock in the evening, and ate fresh head lettuce from Mothers garden, with potato cakes. On the second day of Christmas we took a pleasant walk in the afternoon on the other side of Cherry Creek.

28) Sunday. This afternoon Mother, Otto, and I took a hearty walk, where we stood on a high hill in the most magnificent weather, and saw a very beautiful, even an enchanting, view. Aunt Hanchen was too tired to go along, since she had ridden to Specht with Otto only yesterday. The children are, thank God, very well and lively; may God keep them so.

January 1857

The 26th, my birthday, Mother gave me a pair of beautiful white Merino wool stockings, Aunt Hanchen a pair of kid gloves, and a velvet ribbon to wear under my collar. A few days before we had butchered 3 pigs, which Mr. Pressler brought for us from the Pedernales. One broke our pen, and after long hunting was found again at the Blanco, shot there, and carried up. On my birthday we were all very occupied salting the meat and making sausage. Otto was very cross and often rude to me, even when Wilhelmine was near. Nowadays hes enthusiastic, and dreams of nothing but Germany.

Aunt Hannchen explained to me, to my great regret, that she wants to leave us. She cares a lot for Otto and me, but is afraid that in the summer, in the heat, the work will be too difficult for her. She thinks she could find a more pleasant position elsewhere. It is especially disagreeable to her that so many uncultured people come here, and often eat with us, which makes meals very unpleasant.

In January I rode with Otto to Btges, but found only his wife at home. She was very friendly and polite, but served us quite a miserable meal. On the ride back, when it was pitch dark, my horse Castor shied badly as we rode through a freshly plowed field. I fell right on my head, but escaped with only a thorough scare and headache. Otto caught the horse, and I mounted again, still trembling all over.

February 1857

On the 11th Louis Nohl surprised us late in the evening; he came from Friedrichsburg. He said I looked much better than he would have thought; I should just continue with the water cure, etc. Also, he liked it quite well here with us, and also the whole area.

13) Otto traveled to Braunfels in company with Mr. Robison, and from there to Seguin, where he must stay several weeks to collect old debts. We, Mr. Iwonsky and I, are working busily in the garden.

19) One of our neighbors, Brmmer, lost his 4-year old child. Iwonsky has gone to help hunt him.

22) The poor child has still not been found, though all the neighbors went on foot and on horseback to look for him; no trace of him has been found. It is terrible for the parents.

Yesterday, with Erfurt, I planted a large plot of German potatoes. Clrchen and Theodor are, thank God, both very well. We especially enjoy Theodor, with his good nature, droll ideas, and cheerfulness. Clara is not so open and affectionate as Titi. She seems to be developing a talent for drawing; also, she writes the words I write out for her quite well. Otto has traded in the mule, Jl, on a 2-year-old stallion, a six-shooter, etc., all totaling $140. He has baptized the mule Hector; hes beautiful, strong, gray in color.

April 1857

30) Once again I have long neglected to write down the daily happenings in this book. In April Julius visited us for several days, while Otto was in Seguin 3 weeks. Eduard was with us for several days, too, and both liked it quite well here. Mr. Seele, Bechstdt, and Baier were here for dinner and spent a night, on their way to Friedrichsburg. The gentlemen were very entertaining, and we often laughed quite heartily at Seeles jokes. Otto traded our wagon for a donkey stallion.

May 1857

On the 4th I rode with Otto to Dr. Kapp to consult him again on his opinion of the state of my health. The last 4 miles we rode most of the time at a gallop, as we were somewhat apprehensive of Indians; both of us were wearing six-shooters. We arrived safely at Kapps. The sun shone extremely hot at midday, so that my face was completely sunburned from the hot air. Early in the morning the temperature was only 3 deg. [40 *F], and by midday it was 28 deg. [90 *F]. Dr. Kapp and his wife received us quite hospitably, and the doctor advised me to wear damp bandages around my abdomen, and to use enemas and sitzbaths. For my 5-month-long sniffles he could do nothing directly; it was probably related to my stomach and abdomen. In the morning we got up at 5 oclock, I went into Kapps cowpen and milked 2 glasses of milk from an old cow, one of which I drank immediately and the other I took to Otto. Then, without further breakfast and after taking leave of Dr. and his wife, we rode directly home again, where we arrived by 10 oclock.

The next day, the 6th, I had a terrible headache and toothache. On the 7th my dear Otto started on his big trip to New Orleans, New York, and Germany. He bought an excellent pony for me from John Robison. This little Bill, a pacer, cost $75 in cattle, and I rode him to accompany Otto as far as Seguin. Parting from the children was very difficult for him. We rode first to Fischers, where we arrived at 10:30, had dinner with them, and after we had rested a while we mounted up again to ride another 6 miles that evening. Little Fischer resembles his father exactly, and is very far from being a pretty child. From Fischers we rode straight to the Guadelupe; Otto missed the correct crossing; he let his horse leap up a steep slope. Since I was too timid, and Bill refused, too, I dismounted to lead him up. Otto, who was afraid that we would not arrive at G. Schmidtts before dark, where we hoped to spend the night, became furious over the little delay, ran over and grabbed my horse by the bridle. It shied away, and almost knocked me to the ground and stamped me. When I scolded him for his rude, angry behavior, he replied it was nothing but obstinacy on my part, and called me hard-headed and that I should keep quiet. When I tried to explain to him that it was not obstinacy but fear, he said, When I say be quiet, be quiet. Then he rode ahead a bit, swearing. I saw that no reasonable word could be exchanged with him, and rode behind him, deeply offended. Shortly before sunset we arrived at Schmitts, and slept in one room with husband and wife, both 50 years old. Otto slept on a bench, and I on a messy, bug-infested bed, where of course I didnt sleep 10 minutes the whole night. The next morning we were up again quite early. The first thing Otto said to me was that he was very sorry for his behavior yesterday, for which naturally I heartily forgave him.

We rode across the wild, romantic Bear Creek, and about 11 oclock we happily arrived in Braunfels. We first rode to Mothers, and said good-morning, and then to Moureaus. As we arrived there, several ladies were standing in the front room, including Jettchen. As she saw us, she was so surprised that she spilled half a container of liquid pomade on her pretty gingham dress and on the floor of Alwinas pretty room. In the afternoon I consented to be sketched in my riding costume by H. von Iwonsky, so I could give Otto a picture to take along on his trip. Toward evening I brought Mother to Moureaus, where I made music with Alwine. Otto accompanied Mother home again. On Saturday we rode to Seguin, where we arrived at 9 oclock in the evening. Julius and Anna received us graciously. Sunday we went to Zorns; Monday toward evening we rode together to Erskin, where we stayed for supper. On Tuesday morning, May 12, Otto departed on his big trip by stage, on which he rode to Indianola. Although we had promised each other to part with a smile on our lips, sadness overcame us at the thought of such a long separation.

On Tuesday afternoon Julius and Anna went for a ride on our horses, while I took care of their delightful little boy. Wednesday morning R. Voigt accompanied me to Braunfels. I went directly to Mothers. In the afternoon we went together to Hermines, who was very glad to see me and had baked a beautiful Rodon cake. John was as usual.

August 1857

31) Now I have already received 2 letters from Otto from Germany. The first I could read only with many tears of joy and sadness, as he tells of his delight at again standing on the soil of his fatherland, and the mixture of great joy and sadness at again embracing his good father. Aunt Hanchen and Mother too were moved to tears when I read them the letter. In the second letter my beloved Otto describes how his dear relatives celebrated his birthday so beautifully, and even on my behalf remembered him with lovely gifts. (In this letter was also enclosed a very dear letter from my dear Alwine. In the first letter were enclosed nice letters from Laura Hsterey and Aunt Minchen Tips.) O how happy I am for my good man, that he can have the joy of seeing all the dear relatives again. During Ottos absence I spent 5 weeks with my dear Mother, where I really enjoyed myself on July 5 at the theater and ball. Julius and Anna were there, too. Juliuss little son, who was sick, was not there, but he is well again now.

On June 26 little Alfred Staehely was born. During the 8 days that Mother spent with Hermine, Helene and I were alone. Little Elfriede was also very sick. Hermine and John finally decided to consult Wieprecht, and to utilize the cold-water cure for the child. The last 8 days that I spent in Braunfels I had practically constant toothache. Otherwise I was very cheerful with my good mother, and daily went bathing with her and Helene in the glorious Comal. We busily made music with Hulda Stuve, Hermine, and Walter; at Mothers we also sang Mendelsohns Quartette in the evenings. Every week I heard only good through Aunt Hanchen; also I received letters from Otto and my dear father- in-law. When I had been there 3 weeks I wanted to go back, but could find no opportunity. Nor was it possible for Iwonsky to send a wagon from home. Finally Dr. Kster was so good as to send his servant to drive us home. To my great joy Mother and Helene accompanied me. We left Braunfels at 4 oclock in the morning, and were here by 4 oclock in the afternoon.

Since Im back here again weve had a lot of activity. Mr. Iwonsky papered our living room, which turned out quite pretty. Weve had a lot of company recently. Mr. Anderson, his wife, and Mrs. Stith were with us a whole day. We had quite a nice dinner, very cultured, agreeable people. They brought with them a negress who helped with the cooking and afterward washed the dishes. I gave Mrs. Anderson a little basket of figs and a little jar of jelly. A few days later she sent a piece of meat and a dozen rosebuds; I had toothache all day. Then Mrs. Robison was here a whole day. Mr. Fischer and his wife came one Sunday, and took Aunt Hanchen and Mother along in the evening. They stayed till Wednesday, when Mr. Fischer brought them back in his carriage. My dear brother Eduard was with us 8 days; we enjoyed being together. At the same time that Mother and Auntie were at Fischers, Mr. Iwonsky was in Braunfels. Yesterday the dear Fergusons, with their little daughter Emma, and Mrs. Pauli, a pleasant, cultured lady, were with us all day. The day passed very pleasantly and enjoyably, and would have been even much more pleasant for me if I had not again had constant toothache the whole day.

About 10 oclock, before Fergusons arrived, we had a great misfortune. I was busy straightening the living room, which I had swept, when I heard Auntie give a loud scream and a great outcry from the kitchen. Much frightened, I ran into the kitchen, and there lay the burning stove on its side. Two roasted cocks and a rice pudding were mingling their juices on the floor. With Mr. Iwonskys help the stove was soon set upright, and the two cocks fortunately saved.

A few days before, Goar and Mr. Ferguson came to alert us to the visit. After the damage had been cleaned up (though Aunt Hanchen still had a headache from the fright), Fergusons arrived. Mrs. Ferguson liked it very well at our place, especially the papered walls. I served them a glass of Rhine wine and macaroons.

For dinner we had noodles, chicken, cucumber pickles, ham, rice pudding with wine sauce, and preserved plums. Then, after we had taken a rest till about 3:30, I made good coffee, for which Auntie had baked raisin cake. Toward evening we showed our guests the little bathhouse, the spring, and the garden. They then took their leave and drove on to Goars, to visit the next day at Andersons. I urged them to stay the night, which they declined with thanks.

Our bathing spot is now so low that we can no longer bathe there, which is especially disappointing to the children, who especially like to bathe. The Guadalupe is quite dry from Schurz to Btge, a distance of 6 miles. Our dear children are, thank God, quite healthy, and give Auntie and me great joy. I very much wish that I could say the same for myself. Dr. Nohl advised me to go to Wieprecht at Braunf. and take the water cure (I had written him about my nasal complaint and asked his advice), but I dont care to do that. I have also written to Dr. Kapp, and am waiting to see what he will advise. For a week now I have let Mother pack me up every morning and have sweated heavily, [In the water cure, one is wrapped up completely in a wet sheet, then in a warm blanket, and given a hot drink and left to sweat for an hour or so. A horrid experience. The theory is that the pores will excrete whatever is causing the illness.] I had hoped to get rid of my toothache, from which I have been suffering for 4 weeks , but so far no success. In our garden, from which we had promised ourselves so many pleasures, in spite of all my effort I havent grown a thing. First everything was destroyed by the very late northers, and later the great drought prevented anything from coming up. The business is extremely slow; Julius, too, writes that he has nothing to do in Seguin. There is no longer any trace of grass at Seguin, on the Zibolo, at Martinos, or in Braunfels, so that people all had to drive away their cattle and horses.

My dear Otto sent me from New Orleans a great amount of dried fruit: plums, figs, dates, jellies, coconuts, lemons, and grapes.

Otto had great losses on the horses; 1 mare and 9 foals died, and since spring 4 horses have run away, and still havent been found again.

Aunt Hanchen bought herself a cow for $12, which we named Fats.

September 1857

Mr. Iwonsky rode to Hodges & von der Deeken to collect some money, but returned without any. For a month now I have had constant toothache, and 6 times have had Mother give me the hot-pack in the mornings and sweated heavily, but it didnt help and my abdomen got weaker, so I gave it up. One morning as Mother was packing me up, Titi said to her: Grandmother, dont you think, too, that Mother is very dear? The little boy is so dear, and so cheerful; Clara, too, is very affectionate and sympathetic, and will surely some day make an excellent nurse.

2) Today I received an affectionate, 12-page letter from my beloved Otto, several lines from brother-in-law Auffermann, and from Mr. Horath, and a note from Sophie Mathi. Ottos letter is very tender and affectionate. Also from Eduard I received a letter, wool, and his daguerrotype, which gave me much pleasure as it resembles him so much. Yesterday evening, on the advice of old Mr. Iwonsky, I took a real horse cure for my toothache: I drank half a glass of brandy in small sips. It was ghastly, as if my whole mouth were burning, but what wont one do in desperation when one has toothache for 4 weeks? I got so dizzy that I had to go to bed, and threw up three times, but I did get rid of the toothache. If only it doesnt come back. Otto wrote to Mr. Iwonsky that he probably would start home on Sept. 15. If only God would grant that I am well again when he returns; what a joy for my dear husband and for myself.

3) Last month Mr. Iwonsky and I papered the living room with a friendly blue paper, and Aunt Hanchen made a new drapery.

I received a very nice letter from my dear Alwine, and answered it. Also from Aunt Minchen, Laura, Sophie Mathi and brother-in-law Auffermann.

4) Today I received a reply from Dr. Kapp; he advised me to snuff up water into my nose, and to take footbaths and sitzbaths. Bad toothache again.

5) This afternoon hefty toothache again. The young Kaehe brought back the lost horses from the Martinos, for which I paid him $5.

The Free Masons want to hold a festival, and were here to buy some supplies on $30 credit, which we politely declined.

6) August Jonas helped Mr. Iwonsky yoke one of the escaped mares with one of the cavalry horses. Still toothache.

7) Today Mr. Rittberg was here; he inspected the horses and is interested in buying them. Since Real charges only $35 for a mare and foal, Mr. Iwonsky suggested that $25 a head is too much, so we charged $22.50 per head. Since the toothache has continued uninterrupted, within an hour I am planning to ride with Mr. Iwonsky to Reszinsy, to ask him if he can dig a tooth out by the roots for me.

8) Mr. Rescinsky gave me creosote to cauterize the wound, and terribly bitter pills to stuff into the tooth, and gutta percha, to fill the tooth. It seems that the pain disappears after the mouth is so chewed up from the powerful stuff that the skin keeps coming off. In Mrs. R. I found a quite courteous, cultured lady. Jette Deutsch had criticized me to her, which is the reason she had not visited us up to now.

10) Last week Mrs. Lang told me that Cibo had the deed to our property lying ready. Otto just wrote to Mr. Iwonsky concerning that. So Iwonsky immediately wrote to Cibo, to please send the deed, because Langs are moving away from here, and it would be much more inconvenient later to have it signed by Mrs. Lang. Cibo neither replied nor sent the deed, and tomorrow Langs are leaving.

In the letter from Eduard in which he gave me his daguerrotype, he writes that he is giving up his wheelwright business, will go for a time to Julius to learn the shopkeeper business, and then start a grocery business in Austin.

This morning I had Mr. Iwonsky weigh me, and I weighed only 91 pounds, so since Otto left I have lost 6 pounds. My stomach still isnt in orderits always full of bile. Vegetables and fruits, which are my best sources of nourishment, are entirely lacking.

13) For several days the bitter taste in my mouth in the morning has abated, and my tongue is less yellow-coated. The night before last we had such a strong rainstorm that this morning the Blanco is flowing strongly everywhere, so now we will have beautiful grass for the cattle and horses this winter. Last night I dreamed that Otto had come back; he had become an old man with a snow-white beard.

15) Yesterday I received a precious, tender letter from my beloved hubby; O, how I long to see him again; if only he were already happily here. In our garden turnips, lettuce, beets, squash, and carrots are greening. Helenchen caught a cold from running barefoot in the Blanco, and is sick abed. Again I dreamed all night of Otto.

16) Poor Aunt Hanchen had a great misfortune last night. In the darkness in the kitchen she stumbled over the wood box, which fell against the stove, the stove fell over, and Auntie with all her weight fell onto the stove with her right hand. Her hand is terribly burned, the whole hand covered with blisters.

18) Day before yesterday in the evening we had a terrible storm. In the calf pen a big tree was uprooted, the apartment was quite twisted around and overturned, and the roof of the store and storehouse was almost torn off. Several logs were pushed right to the north, and it is a wonder that the whole roof didnt fly off. Dan and Ben Georg helped Mr. Iwonsky push the logs back into place, using a thick iron bar. For 3 nights and 4 days Ive been suffering terribly with toothache. Ive used everything possible for it: strong drops, so that the gums fall in bits from my mouth, sitzbaths, footbaths, cold and hot packs on my head, cold and warm water in my mouth, all ineffectual. Im completely discouraged, and sometimes think death would be better than such a life. It is most fortunate that Mother is here; she now does Aunties work, who because of her burned hand cannot do much, and also for me. My head aches so that there is no way I can lie. Clara and Theodor are very well, and also Helene is better again.

Mr. Anderson, who ate here the day before yesterday, gives us hope that he will buy our houses and horses.

19) Today there was a lot of commotion down in the store; Anderson was there, too; toward evening he rode away very drunk. They were betting on the clay-pigeon shooting and horse racing. Mother, who had caught a cold at the bathhouse, had a bad headache all day. Aunt Hanchens hand is somewhat better. My toothache has also improved very much, so that I can at least sleep at night. Friday it was so bad several times that I ran about like crazy, sobbing loudly. I dont like Iwonsky any more. He is terribly untidy, and I will strongly advise Otto not to engage him as clerk when we move to Seguin. In his last letter Otto writes: In case I should stay in Germany this winter, I would have work enough here, etc. In the first moments I almost fainted from fright: the thought of being separated from my beloved husband so long is too terrible. But I comforted myself with the thought that that was just a momentary idea, and in fact a very unhappy one, which my beloved hubby will not carry out. Oddly, Julius has the same idea: He writes: If I were in Ottos place, I would stay in Germany for the winter! Yes, if we could sell everything up here and spend this winter in Braunfels, and Otto would write me in spring: Follow me! yes, then it would be a different matter! Otto always speaks of going back to Seguin, of which I have a secret horror, for one thing because in that unhappy house, which swarmed with ants, we lost our two so-beloved children, and then because of the bad race relations between Germans and the Americans who live there.

Sunday the 20th. Today at noon, as we had just sat down to table, young Dittmar turned up here, on a trip to Friedrichsburg. We were just about to share portions of a very small cabbage from our garden and venison roast, with dried plums and apples. Although I several times invited him to eat, he declined, saying he had already eaten a lunch he had packed. He told me among other things that Andro Erskine, who had recently been drinking a lot, had gotten into a fight with another American, and had broken an ankle, so that hell probably have to walk with crutches for the rest of his life.

Iwonsky rode out today to return 12 sheep of Mr. Andersons which had run away and which Iwonsky had found.

21) Again a whole sleepless night with terrible toothache. O, God, what have I done to have to suffer so?

22) Yesterday afternoon we collected a whole little bucketful of cactus pears, took a lovely walk, and the children picked a pretty bouquet. My toothache is somewhat better. This evening a hefty rain storm.

Today we already have the first norther. It isnt actually so cold that we need a fire in the fireplace, but if it keeps on like this the few vegetables in the garden will freeze before they are big enough to eat. I received a letter from John, enclosing advice concerning the water cure.

On the 28th, our 7th wedding anniversary, at 6 oclock in the evening John arrived in his cart and brought Hermine, with the little Alfred and Eugenie. Hermine wept with joy at seeing us (we had gone to meet them as far as Georgs), from which I did see that she has an affectionate heart. She wants to stay with me 4 weeks, to my great happiness. Mother and Helene, who had been with us for 2 months, drove back the next morning with John to Braunfels. I gave Mother a pair of sturdy shoes in appreciation of her stay here.

Anderson yesterday received the news that McKulloch now no longer wants to move, so unfortunately he no longer wants to buy our houses. Tomorrow Ben George will marry Miss Marie Duces.

Aunt Hanchens hand has been completely healed in 14 days by wet bandages. 

October 1857

1) This evening I was working in the garden spading up a bed for beets and sowing lettuce when I heard someone at the store calling, Halloh. I asked Clara to bring me the store key; how surprised I was when Julius and Anna with little Gustav stood at the gate in a single-span buggy. Its only unpleasant theyre on bad terms with Hermine. Gustavchen is very thin and sickly.

4) Yesterday morning Anna and Julius drove to Fischers; I accompanied them on my Bill.

On the 5th, Sunday morning, after we had been hosted in very friendly manner by Fischers, we returned. I rode some way ahead, and saw Julius driving a distance behind me. After I had ridden a mile I no longer saw their rig, and rode about 7 miles beyond the Crossing all alone. When they finally caught up with me Julius told me that they had lost their way, and had come out again at Fischers field. I saw 3 deer, which watched me curiously, and quietly let me ride by them. Three miles from home I traded with Anna, because she wanted to ride. Hardly was I in the buggy when a sudden rain shower hit us. I felt lucky for the trade, for I was somewhat protected by an umbrella, while Anna got quite wet.

On the 8th Julius and Anna drove back to Seguin via Fischers and Braunfels.

15) This afternoon I rode with Hermine to Mrs. Goar, to pay a condolence visit. Mr. Goar died 8 days ago, and I could not attend his funeral because Mr. Iwonsky could not find my horse. Mrs. Goar was at first quite pissed about it, but after I explained and apologized she became friendlier. We had a beautiful ride, a clear, lovely day. Theodor had gotten a big bruise from a fall when we got home. A daughter of Dr. McKinney fell from a horse and was dragged, so that she died of it.

On the 17th Mr. Iwonsky and I attended a big meeting on the Big Blanco. Pfarr and Milford Day invited me to dinner. The previous evening there had been great excitement there. Boose the sheriff wanted to arrest Pfarr, with the help of the brothers Blasingham. Pfarr defended himself, and a shoot-out occurred, in which one of the Blassinghams was wounded.

Today John picked up Hermine and her children. He was so friendly as to bring me 100 lb. of flour, and vegetables from Jettchen. Both Hermine and I were quite moved at parting, and the 4 weeks that she spent with me passed quite pleasantly and quickly.

Between here and Currys Creek 5 horses have been killed with arrows, and partly dismembered; probably by Indians. They belonged to Sparks. In this area 15 or 20 men have gone out to pursue them.

Last week we made a potful of rhubarb jam from our garden.

December 1857

For the holy Christmas Eve we had a quite nice little Christmas tree. The children were beside themselves with joy, for they had noticed nothing. They each received $1 from Grandmother, and from Auntie several miscellaneous trinkets. I received a woven underjacket and a pretty piece of lace to use on a dress. From Iwonsky the children received a pistol, fishes, and little feather dusters. From me they received a box of blocks and tin dishes, knives and little whistles, etc. Iw. received a carton of cigars and a silk neckerchief from me, Auntie a calico dress, 2 aprons, 2 dozen envelopes, and a little square of silk.

Although I heartily enjoyed the childrens pleasure, still I missed my good husband very much. How much he relished everyones enjoyment last year! When will I have him home with me again?

We have taken over from Mr. Robison the delivery to the Rangers for $200 compensation. Again this will cause a lot of trouble and disturbance. The Rangers are stationed at the source of the Blanco.

January 1858

26) My birthday, Aunt Hanchen surprised me with a kings cake, a pretty little collar, and cuffs. The dear children congratulated me too, and were happy that I had my birthday. This afternoon we took a lovely walk in glorious weather, in 15 degrees [R.] warmth. The children even found several pretty flowers blooming along the fence. So far we have had a very mild winter, but a great deal of rain. If only my good Otto were here, my happiness would have been complete. Clrchen has learned to spell from Mr. Iwonsky, and is now progressing under his guidance, and I teach her writing and knitting. She learns remarkably quickly and easily. Titi Hermann is a dear boy; he is growing well now, and is everyones favorite. 

February 1858

On Wednesday, the 24th I received from Julius the happy news of Ottos safe arrival in New York. That was a happy surprise, for Otto had written me that he would sail in March. The good man; he wanted to spare me the worry about his undertaking the trip at such a dangerous time of year. Just 2 weeks ago a letter arrived from Otto in which he sent me his portrait (photograph), and the previous week, too, the long-awaited little trunk of gifts from Germany arrived. The most precious to me, Ottos and Sophies picture, had broken into many pieces. Mr. Rescinsky will try to restore it for me. Unpacking the lovely things gave us all, me and Auntie and the children, great fun. Clara received a very beautiful doll, and both got a lot of pretty picture- and storybooks and a game with flowers. I received a beautiful piece of linen for shirts for me, dried salad beans, beans to plant, berries, hair ribbon, little collars, a brooch, and a good book of devotions from dear Papa. Also my good hubby, well knowing how much I like to eat them, included candied pears. The velvet for jackets for Mother and me is very crushed. Now, God willing, in a few days we will finally after so long a separation have each other again. How happy I am to be seeing him again, and from now on I will daily do my best to make life sweeter for my good, beloved Otto. He does deserve it, and loves me with his whole heart, as I do him. It is very good that he is returning now instead of not till April or May, since it might be possible through his negotiation to bring the county seat here.

28) Today again we are having a pretty cold norther, after a number of days of very hot weather, 20-22-24 degrees Reaumur. May God only grant that in the coming year we have more rain, so that people can raise a good crop; otherwise we will have a famine. Eduard could develop a good business, but he lacks good merchandise. Freight charges have gone down from $4 to $3.50 per 100 lb. Walter has a job with Dewine in San Antonio, but he doesnt make anything. Gustav, the poor rascal, had a bout of fever and is again without a job. I invited him to come and stay with us until something else turns up for him, but he wants to try first in Austin. Moureaus this month were blessed with a fourth girl. Franz would rather have had a boy; I comforted him with the thought that its postponed, not canceled. Our dear Mother is occasionally having dizziness and bad headaches, which probably is caused by her old problemconstipation. I now consult Mr. Reszinsky, and it does seem to me that his medicines and prescriptions agree with me very well. The children are quite healthy; God keep them so! Clara learns very easily; last week she wrote her first letter to Grandmother.

March 1858

Sunday the 6th. So far no further news from my beloved Otto; if only no accident happens to him on his trip here from New York. This week I hope to get news that he is in Seguin. Then, if Mr. Fischer himself doesnt care to, I will drive myself down; Ill get Mr. Jonas to accompany me and drive myself. For a year now Ive had a red rash on my face, which is very ugly but not painful. My Bill has been lost for 3 months, and Im afraid I will not get this good, beautiful horse back. March 1859

A whole year has passed, and many changes have taken place. At the beginning of April my dear Otto returned in good health from his trip. I traveled to Seguin to meet him, where we stayed several days, and then drove via Braunfels and Fischers to Twin Sisters. En route we broke something on the wagon, and Otto was very unhappy about the bad conditions here.

In June Otto took me to Braunfels to Mothers, where I stayed three weeks and benefited from the water cure. At the beginning of August Aunt Hanchen departed. She had disagreements with Otto, acted rude, etc., so that we were basically glad when she was gone. Hermine was so good as to take the children for 4 weeks, so that I could finish the cure. In August I drove with Otto to San Antonio, where we lodged for 3 days with Riottes, and relished the marvelous peaches.

Otto was all alone at Twin Sisters, where he had a pretty dull time, when only the old slovenly Mrs. Magers occasionally cooked for him. When I came up again I was 4 weeks without a maid, then Otto rented Georgia from Robinson, but I had more annoyance than help from her. At the beginning of November we moved back to Seguin; after Otto had expended great effort to sell the houses, he finally succeeded in making a deal with Stuart: half the houses and the land for half a house in Lavaca.

On Nov. 5, 1858, the day of the death of my good father-in-law, we moved away from up there. We drove in our heavily-loaded buggy. The furniture had left several days before in 3 heavily-loaded oxcarts. Georgia rode behind on my Bill. At Scherzs John drove the buggy through the Guadalupe and broke it quite in two. So we had to spend the night with Scherz. Besides us there were two other families there, so that l9 people were there, all in one room. The buggy was fixed well enough that we could continue the next morning. In Braunfels we stayed several days with Hermine and then had to wait 2 days in Seguin for our furniture.

We celebrated Christmas together quite happily. Sunday the 2nd, Tips and Dittmars were with us for a meal. On January 9 our little Eugen was born, at 11:30 in the morning, 2 weeks earlier than I had expected him.

July 1860

6) Yesterday morning in the dawn Otto rode to Braunfels and from there to Twin Sisters, to brand the horses, which now with the foals already number approximately 100 head. In the night at 1 oclock I awakened and woke Otto, but it was still too early for him. Later about 5 oclock when I awoke his bed was empty, and he had departed without my noticing it. John has left for New York. Mr. and Mrs. Zorn recently returned from New Orleans; they had taken a long pleasure tour all the way to New York. Julius, too, was in New Orleans. Mother went to Austin to help Olga in her first childbirth. I have definitely broken up with Anna Pelzer since Christmas, which makes me feel very good, as I dont have to suffer her rudeness any more.

In the middle of May I went to Hermines for 3 weeks, and the end of May I took part in the Sngerfest there. Since spring I have been constantly unwell, and am drinking mineral water prescribed by Louis. Otto suffered last winter very badly from rheumatism, which thank God has almost completely disappeared. However, he is not entirely well, which is probably caused partly, too, by the terrible heat this summer. Today, July 6, at 5 oclock in the afternoon it is 34 degrees R. in the shade. Clara and Herman, who go to school at Miss Mahoina Sanders but now have 2 months vacation, can already read and write English quite well, especially Clara. Eugen is getting his eyeteeth. The pitiful, weak little baby has become a healthy, pretty boy, who gives us much joy. He still talks very little: Mama, Papa, Hama and Claka, attette and wasa [eat and water?] is about all he says. His favorite occupation is chasing about after the chickens, and hanging around with Floras youngster, Little. Instead of the mulatto Betsy, whom I had last year, and who had a child in June, during which time I unfortunately had Miss Bhm for 2 months, for the first 6 months I put up with the disorderly Annette Moos. Now have a Negro girl, Lisa, pr. Liza, from Dr. Fennel.

Last summer at Pentecost Herman and Eugen were baptized, to which Mr. Krochmann, Hermine, and Mother were invited. John declined. Mrs. Zorn was also present. The day before yesterday we and all the children and Liza went to the Guadalupe bottom for a barbecue 

Clara Wupperman Tafel

Texas Reminiscences [written in Barmen, Germany, in 1925]

l850

As I have already told in the Wuppermann Family Chronicle, my father, a handsome, distinguished-looking man, could have led a pleasant and respected life. But his energy and love of travel drove him to distant places, where, as we know, he engaged in farming with Messrs. Krochmann and Bechem.

On the farm called Willow Spring, as farmers they had to do all the work. One of the men usually had to stay at home and do the housekeeping, while the other two did the field work. They had to do everything themselves, even cut each others hair; once when Otto visited his neighbors the Tipses, Elise, later my mother, thought, If only I could cut Mr. Wuppermanns hair; its cut in terrible stairsteps!

The Tips family lived on Live-Oak Hill, where in early l850 they had experienced a very bad time. The whole family lay ill with chills and fever, and if Cousin Minchen had not come to nurse them, death would probably have demanded more sacrifices than it did. This cousin of my mother, Minchen, born Tips and married Lensen, had also emigrated with her young husband. She was a very jolly person, and my mother used to tell that her father, Grandfather Peter, always wore a cap on his head, which he took off and held before his face during lengthy prayers. Then daughter Minchen prayed, Dear God, please dont let Father pray so long. Im hungry! She lived with her husband on a farm on the Cibolo River, and at that time came to nurse the family. After the familys arrival in Texas, Father Konrad wrote enthusiastic reports about the wonderful country, which were published in the Elberfeld newspapers, and still exist today. Father Konrad and l6- year-old Klara became very ill with the chills and fever, and both died of the illness in July. (Once, in my childhood, my parents took me to visit the graves, lying in the middle of the prairie, and also buried there were a brother and sister of mine who died in infancy.)

Otto and Elise had become engaged on April 5, and on September 28 the wedding took place under a large elm tree on Grandmothers farm. Many dear friends and family came from near and far: Nohls, Fergussons, Schmidts, Krochmann, Fischer, Krhnemann, and Husinger; but in the diary which my mother started on Sept. 29, l850 she wrote, Oh Father, Oh Klara, we missed you so much! Why did you leave us so soon? The wedding gifts were appropriate to the circumstancesof very practical nature: plates, salad-fork and spoon with silver handles, soup spoons, a water bucket of cedar wood with copper bands, a beautiful bedspread, four ducks in the chicken yard, and similar items. Cousin Minchen, who had lost her husband after only a short time, later became engaged to Mr. Husinger.

At the Live-Oak-Spring farm, to which the newlywed couple moved, there was still much left to be done. According to Mothers diary the young husband, with the help of friends, had much work to do: finish building the chickenhouse and the smokehouse, improve the pen (fencing for various animals); spade up the garden, etc. Otto was often on horseback to bring back escaped cows (the cattle grazed in open prairie); or to attend to business in the little town of Seguin. In the meantime Elise busily made butter and sold it to other farmers, and busied herself with sowing and planting in the garden. Between times Mother made music when visitors came, or they rode to Seguin to visit Nohls and Brachts. (Dr. Bracht and his wife and the related family of Dr. Nohl were: father Louis, mother Jettchen, and daughters Alma and Alice. They had emigrated with the Tips family.) They made excursions into the virgin forest with wagon and horse, with mother and siblings, to gather wild pecans in sacks. The herd of cattle increased; they bought cows and little calves from Navarros, the Spanish neighbors, driven into the pen and named (Minna and Bianca). The first little pig was butchered. Otto drove in his share of the cattle from Willow Spring. Elise found and killed an eggsnake in the corncrib, and twice in the kitchen large moccasins (large, black, very dangerous snakes). Meat was salted and smoked. The horse Cid was bought. With the help of friends and brothers, Cid, Uli and Mary were branded. (The branding of horses was done by heating an iron bar with the owners initials at the end to glowing heat, and pressing it against the shackled animals shank.) In December two large pigs weighing 128 and 140 pounds were butchered, and among other things scrapple was made. Brother Julius shot a large deer; Eduard 5 rabbits; Otto ducks and partridges. Mother Tips made efforts to converse with American neighbors, and it caused much amusement when she said: Is y moder well? And to Miss Perret she said: Et iss heute werri warm. Otto bought the horse Fritz; Elise pours 98 candles of wax.

The circle of hospitality on the Texas farms was very extensive: all acquaintances and whoever they brought were certainly accepted at every meal and overnight. In December the first Christmas was celebrated with splendid food at Elise and Ottos with mother and siblings. After New Year's they took a tour to German friends on the Cibolo and to New Braunfels, where there was much music-making and also dancing. The letters from Germany from both sides of the family brought much joy, but especially two boxes containing many beautiful wedding gifts from Barmen (from Ottos father and sisters). Also they rode to church in Seguin. l85l

On January 26 Elise turned 2l years old. In this blessed land one could reap two or three crops a year, and even at the end of January the young married couple were digging and planting their garden and planting peach trees in beautiful warm weather. In early March Otto planted corn in the field (Indian corn, maize). In the meantime both were in New Braunfels, where Elise and Hermine participated in a concert. They played a duet from the Overture to The Calif of Bagdad, sang the duet from Freischtz: Scoundrel, Hold Fast; Elise sang an aria from Robert the Devil; Miss Ditmar, Mr. Littich, Eduard and Hermine took turns singing and playing. After the concert there was a ball, and, as my mother wrote: I had the pleasure of dancing with my dear Hubby; very good refreshments were served, we enjoyed ourselves very well, and finally went to Nohls at 2:30 A.M., where we spent the night. In April 18 pounds of butter were buried in a little crock in the smokehouse, and thus preserved. At Easter a picnic at the Geronimo Springs was planned, but nothing came of it, and Otto worked the whole day in the field. Soon one could eat beans and venison roast. On the second day of Pentecost they could take a tour to the Geronimo Spring, on land which belonged to Messrs. Nohl and Goldbeck. Messrs. Bechem, Fischer, Prbsting, Mrs. Cook, and Ccilie and Josefa Navarro went along. The two Messrs. Goldbeck had built a long table and benches at a beautiful spot in the bottom (river bank). Also they were joined by the Braunfelsers, so they were 29 persons. Fritz shot two fish. We had all provided ourselves with good provisions, with cold smoked meat, eggs, bread, butter, grape torte, an Otto cake. Navarros had baked cookies. Toward evening we went and robbed a honey tree, but practically all of us ate too much, which agreed with us very badly. Later, in the most beautiful moonlight, we played games and sang pretty songs, during which Mr. Prbsting was badly teased, and gradually lost his saddle, whiskey-flask, his blanket, and his boots. Then Eduard played for dancing. My poor Otto also danced a few times, although he felt quite unwell. But we did enjoy ourselves very well, and didnt drive home until 6 oclock the next morning. The next day Otto drove back with Schmidt to get the bees, but they had flown away.

Otto, like all farmers, swapped a great deal: horses, clocks, boots, pistols were thus obtained and disposed of. At the end of July they took a trip to Navarros. Young Navarro came in a pretty new wagon, took the ladies and brought them home again in the evening. These invitations for the whole day were quite customary among the farmer families, and were very pleasurable. In the summer people always slept on the gallery surrounding the house, since they were quite isolated.

A great disadvantage was that the unfamiliar climate, ignorance of rules of safety precautions, and the consequences of unusual exertions resulted in the many many fevers among the farmers.

On August 5, to the joy of the parents, they heard the first cries of their first child, your now old mother Klara, dear children. On Sept. 2l Klrchen was taken on horseback by her mother to spend a happy day at Navarros. Daughters of German working men were engaged as maids, and a Negress came in to do the washing. On Sept. 27 Otto was busy harvesting corn; it was still very hot, the temperature 100 degrees. Otto suffers much with headache and dizziness, and always feels unwell. He doesnt tolerate well the constant hard work in the hot climate, and he is thinking of opening a store in the hills of the Guadalupe in Fredricksburg. Elise took care of the whole farm, and got very angry with the pigs, which broke out and ruined the field; the boar bit and wounded one of the three dogs. They seriously considered selling Willow Spring.

On November 2, 51, Hermine married John Staehely. This uncle was even more unpractical than the other German farmers. Once he gave the pigs soapwater to drink, from which they perished. He soon gave up his farm, and the family moved to New Braunfels, where he set up a store and became a merchant. I was often with this very beloved aunt, in New Braunfels as well as later in Germany, to which she returned in l864. She lived first in Wiesbaden and later in Darmstadt. You, my dear Reinhard, were with Uncle and Aunt Staehely several years while your father and I were still in Turkey. l852

In February Otto and Elise with Klrchen were in Humbold with Staehelys for three weeks, and in New Braunfels. In New Braunfels there were a concert and a ball. Elise writes in her Diary, My dear husband kept our child during the ball, but at 11 oclock Louis (Dr. Nohl) relieved him, sent him to the ball and took care of the child.

In April Otto and Elise sold their 9 cows, Nonne, Flora, Black-Head, Scheck, Violetta, Alma, Horn, Lamefoot, and Hannes, and 3 calves, which were driven away by their mounted new owners. Otto bought a house in Seguin rather than Fredricksburg, and added on a gallery. This was behind the store, which fronted right on the mulberry tree- bordered street. But he lacked a great deal in furnishings and wares. In spite of selling everything they could do withoutcattle, silver, etc., etc.Otto was very worried till all was ready. But in August Elise too could move into town, and in December my brother Hermann was born. Two other siblings were born in Seguin, Otto and nnchen, but both died, at the ages of 7 and 8 months, in that climate of fever, dysentery and diarrhea. 

My Reminiscences

So transitory is our youth, So lasting our memories of it.

My first memory is the following: I was probably about 3 years old, on Grandmothers farm in the yard, where Uncle Eduard was splitting wood. I must have been sucking my thumb, for my uncle called to me, Come over here, Ill chop off your thumb for you! In great terror I ran to my mother, and demanded her handkerchief for comfort. That was always my comfort, but only my mothers; if someone else offered me theirs, I angrily rejected it. Then I remember that in Seguin, in the night, someone once threw stones from the street onto our roof. Later, it was our move into the hills, where my parents moved when I was 4 years old. My father had built a pretty farm there, with a smokehouse (when one went into this freestanding little blockhouse, with no board floor, one could see hanging under the roof many hams and sides of bacon); chickenhouse, and free-standing kitchen. The farm lay very beautifully on a hill, with a magnificent view into the distance, to two very beautiful, equally high mountains called Twin Sisters, and that was the name of the farm too. Right close by flowed a beautiful clear river, the Blanco River, and still today I can remember the rushing of the beautiful waterfall, which one could hear especially clearly at night.

There my father raised horses on a large scale, and also cattle. I can still well remember the red-haired, good-natured, trusted foreman, Wilhelm Jonas, who with the help of cowboys herded the horses, cattle herd, and large herd of swine.

My brother Hermann and I had a wonderful life there. All day we could play with our toys in the very large fenced yard under the trees and in the bushes. In the morning we could drive the ducks to the river (in the evening they came back on their own), where we waddled along in the same path as the ducks. Once when our mother expressed disappointment at the poor egglaying of the ducks, my little brother said, Mother, if I were a duck I would lay an egg every day. Besides the big dog Nestor, we had a little playmate in the little black and white puppy Flora, who lay beside our little bed when we slept, sat with us at our table at play, and was fed cake and sugar lumps. Once when Aunt Hermine and Aunt Helene were visiting us at Twin Sisters, the ladies went to the Blanco River to bathe and fish. Flora snapped at a piece of bacon on the fishline and got the fishhook caught in her lip. To my fright she came galloping to the house, dragging the fishing-rod behind her, and my mother had to cut a piece out of her lip, so that for the rest of her life she had a sort of laughing expression.

In the fall the large herd of horses were driven in, and young horses were branded and broken, that is, caught with a lasso and ridden by the cowboys. This was naturally very dangerous for the riders. Once Wilhelm Jonas was seriously injured when a horse he was riding reared up and fell over backwards. Also the swine herd was driven in in the fall and those intended for butchering were shot, since they were too wild to be killed otherwise. Then occasionally a big, strong boar would break out, was followed by the riders and the dogs, and held at bay in the river. Then such a horrible noise resounded that I can still remember it today. As children imitate everything, my brother and I played hog-killing too. In fact we caught big black grasshoppers, cut off their heads according to the rules, and hung up the haunchesfor which we got a hard spanking.

I well remember a big, heavy wildcat which lay chained to one of the outer posts of the gallery, and to our horror killed a hummingbird. And sometimes when chickens were killed, when they were being prepared to eat, we would find in their stomachs pins which Mother had dropped and lost during her sewing. Also there was a beautiful large white hen which regularly always sneaked through the fence into the neighboring chaparral (very dense thorny bushes) to lay her eggs, and one day appeared with a large brood of chicks. At a second attempt she was killed by a marten, and in the morning lay dead in the bushes. The cattle herders had to be very alert to guard the cattle against wild animals, e.g. jaguars, and sometimes calves were dragged away. The many poisonous snakes were very dangerous, and you will all remember that I have often told you about my and our parents terrible fright when once I stepped barefoot on a rattlesnake, and that it was considered a great miracle that I hadnt been bitten by the snake, which was probably sleeping in the warm evening. Just as well I remember one morning very early when my mother took us to her in the bedroom, and pointed out of the window where there was a large snake trying to crawl up the stairs to the second floor. My father finally killed it with his rapier and a large stick. While chopping wood Wilhelm Jonas was once bitten on the foot through his boot and almost died of the poison.

Naturally, my brother and I each had our own cow and own horses, when we gradually learned to ride. My cow, from which I always got fresh milk in the cowpen each morning, was named Thusnelda. She had the bad habit, instead of grazing in the prairie, of breaking through the fence and grazing in the field, so she was shot.

Once when the kitchen roof was reshingled, we gathered a lot of shingles and made a little house out of them. We hunted wild carrots, because we had seen the pigs dig them up and eat them. We took them in our little hut and ate them with salt, and were determined to sleep there at night, but that was not allowed.

My father had built a little blockhouse at the foot of the hill, inside the fence, and had furnished it as a little store, to serve the many German and American farmers who lived near and farther away. This store was managed by a young man, an artist by vocation, named Iwonski. He was also my teacher, and he painted me and my brother as children. You probably all know the little picture. He also helped my mother diligently in the garden. [This picture now hangs in the home of Herman and Alke Wupperman in Pinneberg.]

I can still well remember that my mother had a very pretty brown pony named Billy. When, on May 7, 1857, my father began his long journey via New Orleans and New York to Germany, my mother accompanied him on horseback to Seguin, where they visited several acquaintances, to whom my father said his good-byes. They also stopped over in New Braunfels, where in the meantime Mother Tips and her younger children were now living. It was a difficult time for my mother. She had with her a sister of my grandmother, Aunt Hannchen, Wilhelm Jonas, and Iwonski; the two men stayed as protection against possible Indian raids. I still remember that she suffered badly from toothache, and paced the room for days crying with pain. Across the river, which we could cross on large stones when not much water was flowing, there lived an American family named George. The old mother sat at the hearth smoking a short pipe. Every evening there sounded through the valley the loud cry, Sook, sook, calling the pigs, which gathered and were fed in long troughs. While my father was still away, Indians stole these neighbors horses, which disturbed my mother very much. It later led to my parents decision to leave this area. The pleasant farm was later burned during the War of Secession by a band who were camping there.

My memories of this time also include watching my mother shoot a large opossum in a tree above our chickenhouse, while Nestor, who had treed it, stood below barking. The opossums ate chickens and eggs. I received a beautiful little Newfoundland puppy from a neighboring fine American family, which I took along when we moved to Seguin. But later he became too much bother for my mother, so he was taken away from me.

Old Mrs. George, mother of Dan and Ben George, was a great enemy of snakes. As my mother and brother were taking a walk one day, on their return they found a big rattlesnake lying coiled in the middle of the road, and ran back the way they had come. After a while they came back again and happily the snake was gone. When Mrs. George heard that my mother had not killed the snake, she was beside herself with anger, for every snake should be killed, especially the poisonous ones. Once, on horseback, my father was followed by a large black snake, and could only outrun it when he let the horse gallop.

Not only deer and wild turkeys, but also a lot of wild fruit was nearby: grapes big and small, many wild plums, wild nuts, and little wild pears. I can remember that a young farmer once came to our house, leading his horse by the bridle, with a large deer across the horse, which he sold to us, with hide and antlers, for three dollars.

During my fathers absence in Germany my mother had many visitors, both family and friends: my grandmother with my youngest aunt, Helene, only 6 years older than I, and my Aunt Hermine with children, weeks- and months-long; also the brothers and friends of the parents. Some of our nearest neighbors were a German family, Fischer, but even so one had to visit them on horseback or by wagon. Once we drove there, and the loaded hunting gun lay in the bottom of the buggy. By an accidental jolt it fired, and grazed my fat old Aunt Hannchen along her leg, which offended her intensely.

Originally, in August of 55, my father had bought this land up on the Blanco for a town named Middletown. He had laid it out with a land surveyor, and bought the land from the state. Since the war intervened, no town came of it, but perhaps there is one there now.

Many friends of my parents: Edmond and Mathilde von Stein, Franz Moreau and wife, the Dittmar family, and others visited us up at Twin Sisters. After the deaths of the two younger children, nnchen and Otto, my mother was very sick for a long time. To recuperate she spent 5 weeks at Dr. Kapps Watercure Institute at Sisterdale in the mountains. I remember that Father and Mother rode there in half a day. During their stay there, a young farmer named Runge was killed by Indians with arrows, scalped, and robbed of his clothes. Nine young people, friends of young Runge, followed the Indians for several weeks, and as they were on their heels the Indians set fire to the prairie, destroying their trail. From then on, when Father wanted to visit Mother he rode at night because of the Indians; when he went to bring her home, he was accompanied by Mr. Degner and his son and Mr. Rodius, German farmer friends who also lived in Sisterdale in the hills, to bring them safely home.

During my fathers absence, if Mr. Iwonski was busy otherwise, my mother had to take care of the store and the connected post office. Once when Grandmother and Aunt Helene were visiting us, I dressed myself up with a parasol and a pair of old white gloves to receive them, and was deeply offended when they laughed at me; for only cows and pigs could appreciate this splendor.

In spite of the fact that my mother had sufficient protection in the house, she always slept with a loaded six-shooter under her pillow. Not only my parents, but also my plump old aunt and my grandmother had ladies saddles and rode, which was not wholly without danger. My mother fell several times, and a young girl in the neighborhood was dragged and suffered fatal injuries.

As I said, in my fathers absence my mother had many visitors, even though one had to ride or drive 12 hours from New Braunfels to Twin Sisters. Also the neighboring German and American farmers, Andersons, Robinsons, and other very fine Americans, didnt want her to have to be constantly alone. My father had had a pretty bathhouse built on the bank of the crystal-clear Blanco River. Above this was a marvelous spring, from which came all the water for the farm. The climate up in the hills was wonderful. My mother writes of her birthday on January 26, 1858, that in a temperature of 65 degrees they took a long walk. My dear little brother Hermann was at first called Titi (Theodore), but after my fathers return from Germany this name was changed to Hermann, since my father had promised way back in elementary school to name his eldest son after his best friend, Herman Delius. After my fathers return from Germany my little brother learned to ride. Yes, soon he rode on unsaddled horses, and I too was allowed to have this pleasure, sitting behind my mother on the horse. I well remember a Christmas at which we children had made gifts for our parents: my brother a slate covered with writing and I a knitted article. My father, who was in Germany during [the winter of] 1857-58, wrote home enthusiastic letters, especially about his favorite niece, Sofie Matti. On February 24, 1858, my father landed in New York on his return trip. Among other matters he writes, My idea, to have completely forgotten Germany as soon as I landed on American soil, did not quite materialize, although my joy was great when one morning I entered the magnificent port of New York. The very stormy trip had lasted 15-1/2 days. He continues his trip from New York by train and writes from Philadelphia, I arrived here in the City of Brotherly Love yesterday evening, and must spend Sunday here because here in Uncle Sams land no railroads may run until 11 oclock tonight. Then via Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Louisville and Cairo I will arrive at the Mississippi, and swim on down to New Orleans. My father often described to us the glorious trip on the giant river.

In May my mother again went to take the water cure, this time at New Braunfels with Dr. Wieprecht, son-in-law of Dr. Kapp. She suffered for years with stomach trouble. At that time, too, I went to school in New Braunfels, but only for 3 months, as I was in delicate health; during the hot months my father took me back to the better climate of hilly Twin Sisters. Father loved to have his children with him, because he had to be away from them so much. At that time he wrote to Mother, Hermann is beginning to be a bit wild, rides almost every day on an unsaddled horse, but which I lead. Mornings and evenings he drives horses and calves into the pen, and for milking, and makes himself useful that way. Then in the evening he goes to bathe with Papa in the crystal-clear Blanco. Clara learns unusually easily, but has a delicately built physique, so we have brought her into the cooler mountain air during the hot summer months. The area is beautiful, but already in June it is very hot, 80 or 85 degrees, and on stormy humid days 100+ degrees. Europeans really arent made for the tropical climate. There are a great many snakes this year, and they even get into the houses. In the morning Hermann noticed an egg snake above his head, which fortunately isnt poisonous. On July 28 we again had 98 degrees in the shade, but in the afternoon a pleasant southerly breeze came up. The two beloved children are sitting with Auntie devouring a melon (Hannchen Braun took care of the household during Mothers absence), while she tells them stories about Germany.

Below the house was a garden with a high stake fence, then a corral for cows and calves, and beyond, 300 steps from the house, the Blanco falls, from rock to rock, forming beautiful waterfalls. Beyond the river valley a lovely chain of mountains rises, with the two equally high Twin Sisters. Below the waterfalls of the Blanco River the banks are very high. At one point the river flows along a rock face over 100 feet high. The area is really romantic, but it is too hot to go hiking. Papa is thinking of closing out his affairs in Texas and going back to Europe, for he is heartily tired of Texas. Mother is frequently ill. Also, during Fathers absence his business manager Iwonskis large expenditures caused him difficulties and considerable losses. In the fall of 58 he decided to return to Seguin, where he wont have to live near such disorderly, wild border dwellers, rowdies who were often known to rob and murder.

How well I remember our departure and trip to Seguin in November 58. Pulling one of the wagons we had a horse named John, and at noon we were resting with a family at the ferry crossing of the Guadalupe River. The horse, which had been left untended with the loaded wagon, shied at something and raced around the whole fenced lot of the farm, always kicking at the wagon, till it was smashed to bits. Later, on a drive with me and my father, John kicked the whole front of the wagon to pieces, so Father got rid of him. After the wagon had been laboriously repaired we continued the trip, accompanied by large luggage vans. In Seguin we could not move into our house, since my Uncle Julius Tips, my fathers business partner, was still occupying it. We moved into a house called the James House, which was also situated very attractively near the Guadalupe River. From there one could see across large, lower-lying cotton fields, to the magnificent river flowing through deep forest.

At Christmas in 58 many beautiful gifts arrived from Germany for parents and children. Among others for my mother were a little writing desk filled with all sorts of delightful things; a little notebook, a little black box that I kept for a long time and then gave to Udelein; a gorgeous doll; a silver thimble for me; and many beautiful picture books for us children.

In January of 59 my brother Eugen was born, and later he and my brother Hermann were baptized together. Hermann and Klara go together to school to Miss Klasing, a little misshapen person, and learn next to nothingbut they are occupied, and there is heavenly quiet in the house when the restless ones are away. I quote the following from a letter of my mothers to niece Sofie Matti: Now I dont know anything else new, except that your dear Uncle Otto, in spite of all his work, is very well, big and fat and cheerful, sometimes very affectionate and agreeable, but sometimes grumpy. Havent you noticed that he is inclined to the latter especially before breakfast? In this case you would have to do as I do, and give him a good pounding on the back, or drip a bit of water on his head, which quickly makes him quite tame. We already sleep at night with the little one with open doors; today we had 85 degrees in the shade. To Mothers remarks is added a note from Papa dated March 5, 59: Dear Sofiechen! My wife dutifully gave me her letter of yesterday to read before sending it off. I must admit that she was sounding rather shrewish, but actually its not so bad as she pretends. She uses the beautiful water of our spring more for bathing and drinking than for pouring over her old man [written in English] as the husbands are usually called in Texas. Spring this year is beautiful. Since February trees and meadows are fully green; pear, plum and all fruit trees are laden with blossoms. I often think of you all, and wish you could enjoy this, too.

I also want to describe how my mother went to meet my father in March 58. My father wanted to be in Galveston on March 4, l858, and from there to travel by the post stage or wagon to Seguin. My mother borrowed a light wagon from our neighbors, the Fischers, and drove to New Braunfels taking Klrchen, who was to visit her grandmother there for several weeks. She writes about it: I hired a boy, who rode along beside the wagon, and myself drove through the Guadalupe River without incident, though the river was so high that the water came into the wagon; we stayed overnight with a farmer, and on the second day arrived safely in Braunfels. But, oh dear! Here she had to wait two weeks, for Otto had been delayed in New York on business. This time seemed to stretch out forever. Then she drove to Seguin, where finally after so long a separation they celebrated a blissful reunion. In Seguin, after the return from the mountains, they celebrated a beautiful Christmas with a Christmas tree, and many Americans came and admired this little tree as a miraclethey had never seen such a thing in their lives. Mother writes with disdain that even cultured American women smoke their little pipes.

Mr. Jamess house, in which we lived, also was set in large grounds with the most magnificent huge trees hung with gray Spanish moss. Here too, we children had a delightful life, with a chickenyard, dogs, naturally horses to ride and drive, and little schoolmates. We soon went to school to an American, Miss Malvine Sanders, and there learned at least something. At home we had guinea-fowl, too, which wandered through and laid their eggs in the reeds by the river, where they were eaten by a possum. Once some American boys came by who had caught one, and were dragging it along by its tail. One noontime I was sitting on our back verandah busy with schoolwork when I saw a big raccoon sneak out of a big woodpile and climb up a tree behind the house. I called my mother, who shot it and gave it to an old Negro, Uncle Ruben. He lived in a little house in our neighborhood with his wife, Aunt Betsy, who was hired to do housework for us. Toward evening when I came out on the verandah again, the Negro came and asked me, Miss Clara, do you want a chicken leg? To which I answered, Of course, gladly! and ate the fried chicken leg with relish. As I was finished, he told me with a big laugh that it was a raccoon-leg, and I almost got sick at my stomach. In the area around our house many persimmon trees were growing, with black, soft fruit a little bigger than a walnut which tasted good but were forbidden to us because of the dreadful, indelible stains they caused on hands and clothing. We had brought our dogs, Nestor and Flora, from Twin Sisters. We were very happy when Flora had a delightful little puppy, named Little. Our little brother, now a year-and-a-half old, lugged him around all day. One day the little pet was resting in the shade of a huge cotton bale, when it rolled over and crushed the little creature. (Incidentally, my father had in the meantime begun a cotton business, and numerous big bales were lying in the yard.) The little dead animal was carried to a little dry creek, and to our great amazement we watched as Flora, who sat alongside, raised her head and howled, shedding large tears. Once on a Sunday afternoon a schoolmate of my brother Hermann came by and invited him to join in a walk along the bottom (wooded river valley). My father didnt allow it, saying, Sundays one stays at home. This was very fortunate, because one of the two boys who went later fell into the river and was drowned.

After the death of our Grandfather Reinhard Theodor Wuppermann, the whole estate was liquidated by Uncle Matti, widower of Fathers eldest sister, nnchen. House and garden were sold, and the beautiful old family home at Schüren came into other hands. Part of the reason for this was that both Fathers brothers, Theodor and Gustav, had gone bankrupt, though at different times (besides, Theodor had another house). These matters aged Father greatly, and he could never get over the fact that the family home and the marvelous garden could not stay in the family. The great longing to return to Germany and to the circle of the family in Barmen was decreased; but the idea of returning as soon as possible was not given up, even though not necessarily to Barmen. His niece Sofie had written about the great family horror (said of the house and garden), and also about the many illnesses in the family. The faithful niece, Johanna Auffermann, over the long term kept this far-distant Uncle Otto in touch with every thread of the family. It has only been since reading her letters that it has become clear to me how congenial his relationship with this smart, good, noble, and fine niece had been. In one of his letters, thinking of his return home, my father writes, But in these times after a year of bad harvests, who will buy my hundred horses, my 540 acres on Elm Creek, my cattle, my land and houses on the Blanco River? Otherwise, though, financially it was going well with my father, for by buying up cotton, which he had been selling to Mexico since 58, he was making a good profit.

Concerning us children he writes the following: Klrchen is being reared in the German way, and later is to go to her Aunt Laura to boarding school. She is a smart little creature, already knows how to cook, speaks better English than Papa and Mama, and from time to time we have to take her out of school for a few months, or she studies more than is good for her health. Hermann (called Titi by his little sister) on the other hand is a born lazy bones, possesses endless calm, but at the same time has a good dry wit. (In numerous letters Papa, who had so many young nieces, remarked how very much he was against girls marrying so young. But when his own eldest daughter was not yet 18 years old she became engaged, and married a year later. Poor Papa!)

My father was away a great deal, partly to look after his land and herds, and partly on businesses. As I turned 8 years old, my returning father surprised and delighted me on my birthday with a whole wagon-load of girlfriends from New Braunfels, plus a box of delicious peaches. (These must have grown particularly well in New Braunfels, where he had been, for there were lots of peaches available in Seguin. Every morning an old Negro came from a farm near Dittmars and drove from house to house with an open wagon with peaches.) Since I spent much time in New Braunfels with my grandmother, I had many friends there: Emmy Torri, Elise Kster, Toni Benner, Emilie vom Stein and my little cousin Eugenie Staehely. Toward evening, then, my dear father drove them all home again.

That same summer I begged my mother until she allowed me to go barefooted. At that time we went a long distance to school at Mrs. Midlins. The school, as usual held in a small blockhouse, lay at the other side of the town, on the other bank of a deep creek under beautiful trees.

In the low-lying house of Mr. James, my father that year of 1860 suffered a great deal with rheumatism and neuralgia, in spite of the fact that we had a very hot summer; for instance, already in June it was 85 degrees in the shade. Also that summer there were barbecues, a feast outdoors where a whole pig was roasted; and camp meetings (outdoor religious services) where at the close there was eating and dancing. My father was, as I said, often in the mountains at Twin Sisters, when the horses, about a hundred of them, were driven in and branded; and otherwise in the country round the Brazos River, where he also owned land; on the Cibolo, and in St. Antonio. Once when I was out for a drive with Papa, with John hitched to the wagon, the horse kicked out so often that the whole mud guard was broken to bits. (A buggy is a two-seater wagon with a covering, in which one can set an extra little bench for a child.) Consequently, that bad old John was sold and a very pretty horse named Seppo was bought. Hermann, who was 8 years old at the time, could already ride 20 English miles in a day, and rode with Mother to New Braunfels, and went on rides with Mother and Papa. The heat of that summer of 60 kept getting hotter up to 110 degrees in the shade. When my Aunt Hermine in New Braunfels christened her youngest little daughter Klrchen, my father and I stood up as godparents.

In 1860 or the beginning of 61, I dont exactly remember which, the idyll in the James house ended and we moved back into our own house, lying more in the center of the town. This house with garden, of which I have made a sketch, was back of Fathers store, which was on a street lined its whole length with mulberry trees. I can still remember today how delicious these tasted. In front of our house there was a rose bed, and I can still today remember the scent of the Prince Royal rose. On one side, between the garden that stretched along the whole length of the house and the gallery, there stood a row of beautiful mallow plants, at which the hummingbirds buzzed while they sank their long beaks into the flowers. Also in this garden stood a tree of luscious plums with red spots (I have never been able to find that kind again), and whoever got up first in the morning could gather those that had fallen. On the other side of the dwelling, connected to the house by a covered walkway, was a free-standing kitchen with a little eating room where one could eat on cool days, and a second room for the Negresses. (My mother, who was very independent, at first bought several Negro girls, with whom she had bad luck, but always sold them at a profit, but then she rented from Parson Wilson an excellent older Negress, and then bought her for $1100. She was named Lou (Louvinia). I can still well remember the special little Negro celebrations which she could have. These consisted of much eating with banjo music, and followed by dancing. On the other side of the kitchen was a yard with so-called shade trees, planted by my father. In the spring these had bushels of light lavender blooms, and in the summer bushels of yellow, unpleasant-tasting fruit [chinaberries]. Next to this yard was the cow-pen, an open stall for the horses, and the coachhouse. Next to the store, which was separated from the house by a yard and a garden, my parents had had the carpenter, Mr. Lesser, build two additional rooms, since the dwelling-house consisted of only two large rooms and a lovely, airy gallery.

After a brief time at school with Mrs. Midlin we returned to school with Miss Malvina Sanders, who was an excellent teacher. She had moved her residence, and lived in a completely different direction, way out of town. The road to it was very attractive. We passed sugarcane and melon fields, had to use large stepping-stones to cross a creek in which there were many crawfish, and so reached the school (blockhouse) standing under magnificent trees. The town, which was very spread out, had scattered on this side a number of beautiful, large houses surrounded by beautiful gardens. I still remember one which belonged to a French family, La Guette, who had a charming l7-year-old daughter, Lucie. Also on this side of town was the cute little house of the couple named Sherwood. They were Americans from the North. It often occurred that people from the North came to the south for their health. This couple loved children very much, and had taken me especially to their heart. I was often with them, could look at their magnificent picture books, and play with the Newfoundland dog. Every morning he was given a little basket with money in it to carry in his mouth to the butcher, where he bought his meat. Mrs. Sherwood once gave me a canary bird hen, which sang sweetly. She had carried it in a little cage on her lap on the trip from the North, and I owned it for a long time. Mr. Sherwood was Superintendent of the Sunday school. Already in 1858 and 59 Hermann and I attended the Sunday School. It was held quite near to us in the Court House. We just loved to go there, because not only were the teachers, men and women, very friendly, but also we received all sorts of pretty things, each week could borrow books from their library, and each time we attended we received three little cards, on which we could read Good lessons, Good behavior, and Punctuality. When we had a sufficient number of these little cards, we received colorful little cards with charming, fine pictures. After a certain number of these one received large pictures, and finally at Christmas a beautiful book as Reward of Merit. Each man and each woman teacher had only one bench full of pupils, so that the teachers knew the pupils very well. My teacher, whom I loved very much, was named Miss Julia Coorpender, a beautiful young girl. At Christmas time a huge cedar tree was decorated as a Christmas tree, which besides being hung with candles also had little silk bags filled with fine bonbons, which were then distributed.

In May came the festival of the May Queen, for schools and Sunday school. This is a festival much loved in the United States, when the most popular young girl was queen, with a great court of court ladies and all sorts of courtiers. I can remember being dressed in a white muslin dress, with a wreath and a garland of rose-geranium and oleander blossoms, as one of the court ladies.

We children felt nothing of the already prevailing uneasy political atmosphere. On free afternoons (Wednesday and Saturday afternoon) Hermann visited his friend George Wilcox in the country, where they practiced riding calves in the cowpen. One Sunday he went to visit his friend Buss on the farm in the prairie, all dressed up in his elegant white linen suit, with shoes and stockings. In the evening he returned, I can well remember, with a sturdy stick over his shoulder, on the front end shoes and stockings, and on the back two partridges and a rabbit. He was extraordinarily skillful at using the sling shot, and had bagged his game on the way. He was a dear boy, a good brother, a typical wild youth! At 11 years he went alone with his little gun squirrel hunting in the river bottom.

Every spring the horses, excepting a few riding stock, were taken to the so-called spring pasture (meadow). These were broad, fenced meadow areas, in contrast to the way horses and cows usually pastured in the ownerless prairie. If only one horse was at home, both of us rode together on free afternoons, I in front on Mothers saddle, Hermann behind me on a blanket, to friends in the country; we especially liked to visit the children of Parson Wilson. There, with our little friends, we made excursions into the woods, looked for wild fruit, or berries for chewing-gum (we got chewing-gum from a certain berry which had, under the outer skin, a rubbery skin over the seed), and when we were tired and hungry we went to the old Negress, the so-called Mammy, who had reared the children, and let ourselves be treated to ginger-cake and fried chicken. On this as on all other large American farms and plantations the Negroes all had their own little blockhouses with chickenyard and garden, and Mammy was always gladly ready to slip her little favorites some goodies. It was from these kind parents, Parson Wilson and his wife, that my mother had obtained our excellent Negress Lou.

In the early years of the 60s there was much visiting back and forth between my parents and the relatives and friends in New Braunfels, which in contrast to Seguin was almost entirely settled by Germans, and I remember the following families: Mrs. Benner, who managed the post office and had a splendid garden in the middle of which was a circular rosebed as memorial to a deceased daughter. Emil vom Stein and wife with their daughter Emilie, who later was a good friend; James Fergusson and wife, who were among the oldest and best friends of my parents. (On our wedding trip in Stuttgart I visited Mrs. Fergusson, then widowed, who was living in Stuttgart with her only daughter Emmy.) Also Mr. and Mrs. Stuve. The former later gave me my first music lessons, the latter lessons in sewing. Franz Moreau and wife, who owned whole cupboards full of the most wonderful playthings for their three daughters; also von Grens, Schmidts, Forke, Buss, Flge, etc. Behind the big Flge house lived my little grandmother in a very nice little house set in a large garden. I remember that in her garden delicious peaches grew, and luscious sweet yellow tomatoes.

But in Seguin there were also German families, though few. Especially the Dittmar family associated a lot with my parents (attorney Dittmar and family were from Darmstadt and, if I remember correctly, had emigrated on the same ship with Tipses); but they lived on the other side of the Guadalupe River on a farm, and the drive there was not quite without risk because of having to take the ferryboat. Here, where the deep river flowed through the dark forest, lay the large estate of my fathers friend Mr. Andrew Erskin. There was a farm, plantation, a cotton gin (where seeds were removed from the cotton bolls, and crushed mechanically to press out the oil which was used for greasing wagons, etc.); also he owned the very large ferryboat, on which one crossed with wagon and horses. I can still remember well how uneasy and trembling the horses were when the big heavy iron chain was hauled in. The animals were especially restless when the so- called bullfrogs were croaking, and they probably also scented the alligators in the deep river (bullfrogs are large frogs which bellow as loudly as oxen). On the end of the ferry ride they just drove up the incline and to Dittmars farm. My Braunfelser friend, Emmy Torry, was often with her Dittmar grandparents, and I visited her there. Besides the two sons, Emil and Albrecht, the youngest daughter Agnes, a very pretty young girl, was often at our home.

At Erskins, who had a large number of children, it once happened that a two-year-old little girl couldnt be found. As children do, she had wandered off, come to the river, and according to the tracks had been pulled into the water by an alligator. Only her little hat was found.

Especially in the so-called bottoms of the river, in the primeval forest, the most magnificent trees grew: oak, elm, giant cedars, as well as large pecan trees with excellent, thin-shelled nuts; also the hickory tree with excellent wood and walnut-like fruit with thick, extremely hard shells and tiny kernels. In the prairies there grew an acacia-like mosquito tree [mesquite] with long thorns and long, red, sweetish-tasting pods. Ive already told about the persimmons. American grapes [also called mustang grapes] grew on vines as thick as ones arm which snaked from tree to tree in the bottoms. These we children loved to use as swings, the so-called grapevine swing. Of birds I remember the magnificent red cardinals, the mockingbird, the entrancing hummingbirds, the whippoorwill, an evening bird that makes this saddest of calls; the many wild doves and the innumerable vultures, or turkey-buzzards.

The beautiful river valleys were sites for barbecues and camp meetings; I remember very well one camp meeting, I believe arranged by the Sunday school. People came in their wagons from all around, some from far away, and gathered around the parson who conducted the camp meeting services. Later tablecloths were spread, some on the ground and some on long tables with benches that had been built ahead of time by Negroes. Plates, implements, and food were brought out of the wagons and spread out. On the ground one sat on blankets or leather seats from the wagons. Roast turkey, ham, cake, torte, grapes, peaches, and many other foods were eaten during lively conversations. After this picnic an old Negro played on a level spot sprinkled with sawdust for dancing, and last was a candy-pull. For this, old Negro cooks stirred over the fire a bit of butter and a lot of molasses (the thick residue from making sugar from sugarcane). It was cooked over an open fire until it was thick enough to cut. One spread a bit of butter on ones fingers and two people, mostly young men and ladies, were given a still-warm piece, which was alternately pulled and folded back on itself, until the mass was light golden-yellow; then it was braided, and laid on paper to cool, broken in pieces, and distributed to the children. In the evening, then, partly by moonlight, everyone happily returned home.

In Seguin, as I said, practically the whole population were Americans. I remember the names Johnston, Patty, Wilson, Cotton, Brown, Jefferson, James, and others. The Germans were mostly shopkeepers and artisans: Nolte, Zorn, Klasing, Schmidt, Schuchard, etc. Mr. Nolte was postmaster; Schuchard drove regularly from Seguin to New Braunfels to deliver letters, goods, and travelers; Schmidt was a cabinet maker; he lived with his wife without children in a very beautiful garden, in the middle of which was a pretty little house, and next to it were his workshop and beehives. They loved children very much, and I remember that when I had to order something there I was allowed to examine with great interest the many beautiful colored pictures hanging all around the walls of the room, all framed to the same size.

I do not exactly remember the beginning of the War. As I mentioned, my little brother and I went to Miss Sanderss school, far from our house. It was too far for us to go home for lunch in the hot weather, so all the children coming from near and far brought their lunches, mostly in little tin buckets. We too took ours, consisting of bread, cooked meat, and a big bottle of milk. So at noon we ate together under the beautiful trees, when there was lots of trading of food. Once my little brother and I surprised our dear teacher, Miss M. Sanders (a beautiful, stately blonde figure, who lived with her mother in a neat house next to the blockhouse school), as she tearfully took leave of her fianc, who stood beside his saddled horse and was going to the War. Later she gave up her school, and we came to a Mrs. Nelson to learn.

Since all young people, including the teachers at the Female and Male Academy, went to the war which began in 1861 between the Northern and Southern states, Mrs. Nelson had a large addition of boys and girls to her school. Hermann and I made friends there with many American children: Tony Goodrich, Jonny Gordon, George Wilcox, Blucher Erskin, the children of Parson Wilson, and others. Among the little girls it became customary to make memory gifts of their own hair sewn on paper in the shape of little wreaths, and I still treasure mine from Franky Brown, Ada Cotton, Jenny Burgess, and others (the first one died while swimming). On the free afternoons, Wednesday and Saturday, I was then often in American homes, and remember that because of the heat we sat for hours on blankets in a darkened room and played jacks.

My father, who definitely felt more congenial with Americans than my mother did, became good friends with Mr. Erskin, a well educated, amiable man, but like so many Americans given to drink. When he once asked him, How is it that your son has such an unusual name, and what does it actually mean? he exclaimed, What, you dont know your great General Bluker (he meant Blcher)?

Mrs. Nelsons school, a large house, was quite close in our neighborhood. The classes consisted of boys and girls arranged by ages from 8 to 14 years, and the two teachers always conducted one class while in the next room the children prepared for the next class. There was no homework assigned. Later, at age 12, I went to a good German school. From the Sunday school, too, all the young men went as volunteers to the War. Later, as the armies of the Southern states diminished, older people also volunteered, including Mr. Erskine, Sherwood, and others. My father, too, then 44 years old, signed up in a cavalry unit, but was discharged because of rheumatism, and so went to San Antonio in the administrative service of the Army. My young uncles, first Gustav and later Walther, were from the beginning in the Texas Rangers (scouts); in the later war years all young Germans were pressed into the war service and woe to those who would try to flee to Mexico to avoid military service, often motivated by their parents: at the border they were seized and shot. The names of Fort Sumter at Charleston, South Carolina, in April 61 taken from the Confederation (Southern) and the slaughter at Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Richmond (Virginia), Chattanooga, Bull Run are still firm in my mind, as well as the names of the Northern and Southern generals, especially of course the southern Robert Lee (after whom my brother Richard was named Richard Lee; Stonewall (who earned this name because he stood like a stone wall and didnt move) Jackson; Buchanan, Johnston. As well as those of the North, Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan. Many patriotic songs were produced which are still in my possession, above all The Bonny Blue Flag, with the refrain: Hurrah! Hurrah! for the bonny blue flag, That bears a single star! (The state of Texas had a blue flag with a large silver star in the middle, thus single star). In Seguin as well as later in New Braunfels, Hermann and I took part in performances of concerts, live pictures, raffles, and similar activities for the wounded soldiers and survivors of the fallen; our musical mother also took part by singing and playing the piano.

Because practically all men left Seguin (in New Braunfels there were almost no Negroes) there was the danger that the Negroes would become hostile toward the remaining whites. Of course the Negroes knew exactly what the War was about. The Proclamation of the President of the Northern States, Abraham Lincoln, which promised freedom for all the slaves, had made the Negroes very rebellious. (As is well known, for many years already there had been strong friction between North and South. The Northern states did not need the slaves, whereas in the southern states they were indispensable to the owners of the large plantations to cultivate their large holdings of cotton and sugarcane, and they would lose a large part of their fortunes through freeing the slaves, which did actually happen later.) The War was lost after 4 years of heavy fighting, since the heavily populated North could send more manpower into the field than the weakly populated South; for those on both sides demonstrated great bravery. It did happen that Negroes held to their masters and were then killed by others. We heard of a loyal Negress who, as she was working in the cotton field, overheard a plot being concocted, whereupon she wanted to hurry to the house to warn her mistress; as she left the field she was killed from behind by a Negro with an axe. The Negro was thrown into jail, to be hanged, but in the night the jail was burned after the man had been freed. I well remember the bright blazing light. The Indians also were agitated, and near Fredrichsburg in the hills a whole family were killed.

Also, there were plenty of white rowdies, and I remember very well how one evening Papas young clerk, Alfred v. Stein of New Braunfels, came in from the store and said to my mother, How glad I am that I could put those drunken fellows, among which was Andrew Erskin, out into the street. A short time later Mr. Armstrong, brother of Mrs. Sherwood, came in and asked Mother for her six-shooter (which she refused, thinking of her own danger), and he said Andrew Erskin had been found lying in his own blood nearby, and he wanted to follow the murderer. Mother went out with a lantern, with Mrs. Lesser and Alfred to the front of the store, where they found everything covered with blood. The murderer was caught just as he was about to mount his horse and flee. Later before the judge, he said he had really wanted to kill my father, but he was out of town. My father often visited his friend, who did recover, and was later killed in the war.

During the War years my father had bought two big gray mares, Margarethe and Martha, of Spanish descent. Especially the latter was so big that three of us children could ride on her back, and she pulled our buggy as though it were a nutshell. She caused my parents much irritation, especially my mother in my fathers frequent absences, because she kicked down the fences and repeatedly stamped through our pretty garden. As I said, my father traveled a great deal. He was engaged in the cotton trade, as I mentioned before. The product was shipped through Mexico and on to London. A business friend of my fathers, a very cultured Frenchman, Mr. Eugen Jean of Havana, in 1862 became more closely associated with him. He was often at our home, and I remember him very well. Once Father and Mr. Jean took me with them to San Antonio to Navarros, old friends from our farming days; I remember Amelie Navarro, about my age, and their wonderful garden, with pomegranate fruit, grapes and bananas, as well as the Spanish-style VERY peppery dishes.

Often my father traveled with Andersen, probably with permission and also partly in the employ of the government, to Mexico through Eagle Pass, Chinava to Monterey to buy merchandise. This was because in Texas not only foodstuffs but especially all manufactured goods (as there was no industry in the land) tobacco, tea, etc. were expensive to unavailable. So I remember that the men smoked all sorts of things in their pipes, even sumac leaves. In many families, especially where there were Negresses, cotton fabric for clothing was woven, a gray color called homespun, which made very simple clothes.

From one of my fathers trips in the 60s years I have saved several letters which my mother later gave me. Here are several quotations:

Eagle Pass, 1 August 62 My dear little Wife! Just now you will be sitting down to table with the children, and thinking of their father. How I would like to be with you, for the heat is unbearable and of course gets worse with each day that we go further south. Griesenbeck arrived this morning, and tomorrow we depart; 5 gentlemen, 7 servants, drivers and guards, in 3 coaches in this land of wilderness, heat, dust, and robbers. The latter we have no special reason to fear in the meantime. Here I have heard that there is practically no merchandise to be had in Monterey. The French have blockaded Tampico and Veracruz, and no European merchandise can enter Mexico. Also in the interior supplies are said to have become very scarce, so that we fear we may not even think of importations. On 4 August. Now a few lines more before we go into this desolate, hot, parched land on the other side of the Rio Grande, to travel to Monterey. Here we have had to be delighted to have been received in a very friendly manner by the whites. De Castro, Provost-Marshall and School Inspector, a very amiable man, put us up in his home in a most friendly manner. He was born in London and has seen the world; also Duclos and 6-10 young people who are here, some Germans and some French. We immediately became acquainted with them all, were well received, and ate together with them a quite good, half American and half Mexican meal. Monterey, 17 August. This morning at 7 oclock, with Pentenreader and wife and Mr. Jean we made a tour deep into the hills. Drove nine miles on neckbreaking roads, through canyons and lovely valleys, all at the foot of high mountains; then stopped at magnificent springs, breakfasted (coffee, eggs, sardines, bread, etc.) and after that on foot farther on steep footpaths, always farther. After ca. 3 miles, under shade trees magnificent rocky grottos with bubbling springs, steep canyon walls, sky-high on both sides, with at the top only a bit of blue ether showing, mostly quite bare but often with fan palmstrunks as thick as ones thigh and up to 50 feet tall, from whose branches our fans are made in Central America, growing out of the cliffs. Finally our wanderings ended at the foot of a perpendicular cliff wall 100 to 150 feet high. A Mexican climbed up and then down a rope hanging from above. He belongs to the timber raftsmen, who deliver the timber from the highest mountains, where much fir wood grows. They deliver it down to Monterey; but here the rafting is not by water as in the Black Forest. The felled trunks are thrown down such a steep cliff from the ridge of the mountain and then dragged down along UNBELIEVABLY BAD trails by mule teams, hitched one behind the other. After we had feasted our eyes on the really grand prospect of the area and of even higher craggy summits above us, we returned to camp. There Sancho, Pentenreaders factotum, his cook, coachman, houseboy, etc. had prepared for us a fine dinner. It was 5 oclock. Lying on our carriage seats, we enjoyed with endless pleasure delicious chicken soup, roasted and fried chicken, two kinds of salad of native plants, and fruits such as radishes, Swiss cheese, claret, grapes, and good coffee. After brief pistol-shooting practice we started the return trip, happily passing all the dangerous spots on the way, visited a mine where lead is dug out and melted down, and passed the huts of the poor mountain dwellers. One ponders on what human happiness really is. A hut of stakes with a roof of straw suffices in this mild climate against all eventualities of winter and summer! Tortillas, frijoles, a piece of meat dried in the sun, onions, and the wild red pepper satisfy these brown nature dwellers completely. They know nothing of furniture. A deer hide is their bed, the clay floor their table and chair and sofa. Who is really happier, they or we?!! Before we arrived in town, the light cart of von Deutz broke down, and it was only a stroke of luck that Mr. Jeans spirited mules didnt run over it. Two hours after dark we came to the hotel; the broken buggy was brought in by natives. 22 August. This afternoon I drove with Pentenreader in his wagon to Saltillo; after a short stay I will return to Texas with Mr. Jean. This morning early we were in a quite large garden in town, where we saw hundreds of orange and lemon trees, loaded with wonderful fruits, which however will not be ripe for another month. So now comes the time for departure, unexpectedly soon. Farewell, kiss the dear children, and remember your loving Otto.

These trips by coach could be made only in a group with protection.

At l2 years of age I went to New Braunfels to a German school with German and English teachers. I lived with my grandmother and Aunt Helene in her neat cottage with garden. I took piano lessons from Mrs. Stuve, and from Mrs. Lavrenz received instruction in handwork. I had plenty of pleasant socializing with the many German girls my age. I remember various school festivals, once with costumes on Shrove Tuesday. The head teacher, Mr. Schmitz, who also led the choir and whom we all liked very much, was showered with little gifts from us on his birthday, as well as little wreaths and bouquets. Once he invited all his pupils and their parents and siblings to a ball at his house, with cake and coffee. We children went early at 3 oclock; it was in Mr. Schumachers large hall, and later when the adults came, everyone, large and small, danced gaily together. In Mothers diary we read, I had trouble bringing Klara and Hermann home at 10 oclock; especially Hermann was really crazy about dancing; he danced almost every dance with Meta Khler, and without embarrassment, no matter what was played, he danced always at a gallop.

My young aunt Helene also had many friends, among others a Miss Brner, and Miss Marie Konring, who always came in from her farm by horseback. She was a brilliant horsewoman, and mounted the most restless horse with a light spring. I found a new friend in a young Canadian, Sally Mather, whose parents lived in a large house with a swarm of children and Negresses, including one who was a weaver. I kept up my correspondence with her from Germany. With another friend, Emilie vom Stein, we girls bathed in her bathhouse in the garden, in the crystal clear, very cold Comal River. This river originated not far above New Braunfels from many magnificent large springs in the forest. It had only a short course as a wide, beautiful stream, and at the town there was a large dam where Torrys Mill stood; but close below the town it flowed into the Guadalupe River. Picnics at the Comal Springs, with egg hunting at Easter time in the beautiful meadows in the woods, were very popular.

After my parents moved to New Braunfels in early 64, Emilie v. Stein and I had many rides together. Once we rode to visit a German farm wife, with a tin bucket hanging from my saddle horn, to buy butter. We had to cross through a pasture; as I dismounted to open the big gate, my horse tore the bridle out of my hand, gave a couple of kicks to get rid of the saddle (unsuccessfully), and ran off. By good luck several people came up, caught the horse, and helped me back into the saddle. When we arrived at the farm womans house, we accompanied her to her spring, where the butter was kept cool in a large stoneware pot. As she raised the lid, a black moccasin slithered away past her hand. We were happy that the very poisonous creature had not harmed us, and rode gaily home.

One also had to be wary of poisonous insects. The big tarantulas, grayish spiders as big as ones hand, with a big red mouth, were very dangerous; I remember the death of a Negress who had been bitten by a tarantula while picking cotton near Seguin. Equally dangerous were the ca. l6-cm.-long centipedes. I remember a young girl who while dressing found such an insect and killed it; it bit her through her nightgown, and she was sick a long time. Several times I sprang back out of bed because a little, admittedly not very dangerous, scorpion had stung me.

Since my father was away a great deal traveling, my parents decided to move to New Braunfels. In Seguin one kept hearing of the Negroes plotting against the whites, and it began to feel uncomfortable. We took the two Negresses (Lou and Diana, bought in 63). We lived on the edge of the town, with stable and coachhouse close by, and here my brother Hermann, and even Eugen and I, rode often. Hermann had his own little horse, named Frank; at the age of 10-1/2 he rode with my father to Twin Sisters, and often besides that. I remember that Dr. Bracht had a pretty little brown stallion as a riding horse, and since people often loaned their horses, once my brother Hermann rode this one without a saddle, and of course was smoothly thrown off by the temperamental little animal. But that didnt scare me off, and the next Sunday I proudly rode this magnificent pacer beside the carriage with my parents and siblings on an outing.

In front of this house in New Braunfels there also took place the memorable occurrence when Hermann was practically run over by a big traveling coach with two big mules, but escaped with only a bloody ear. It happened this way: my father had a business friend visiting from Mexico, and during their conversation had admired his fine Mexican rebozo [probably a sarape, A.L.] (a large rectangular shawl woven of the finest wool in tasteful patterns, with a slit in the middle, dropped over the head, to protect a rider from rain and cold). So when the Spaniard was leaving, as he entered his carriage, he sent his servant back to present the admired rebozo to my father as a gift, in the chevalieresque manner of many of the men of the old Spanish families. My father hurried into the street and wanted to return the valuable gift. At this moment Hermann ran out, surrounded by a swarm of wasps, whose nest he had knocked down, beating with both hands at the insects swarming over his head, and bumped against the already restless mules. He was knocked over and fell with his head right in front of the wheel. The driver was able to hold the hard- mouthed animals in control, so that Hermann escaped with only a squashed ear. I was standing close by, and can still remember all the screams of terror. As the Spaniard saw that no further damage had been done, he drove swiftly away, and the beautiful wrap remained in Fathers hands. For years it lay over the sofa in his room, then belonged to Hermann, and is still in the possession of his son Hermann.

After Aunt and Uncle Staehely moved away with their family in October 63, at first to Monterey in Mexico and in March 1864 on the ship Willi Weber to Germany, I moved with Grandmother and Aunt into their roomy house with its large garden. Often in the evenings Aunt Helene and I lay on a bench in the garden, and she pointed out to me the pictures in the stars, and so I learned about Orion and the Big and Little Bears.

Here I must explain how exceptionally capable my mother was. She had not only always helped my father in the mountains at Twin Sisters, and during his absence in Germany managed everything, but always and in all ways had stood by him. During his trips she supervised the store and the men working there, and looked after the horses so that my father once wrote, The good woman really understands more about horses than I do. And later in Seguin and New Braunfels she supported him in everything. To make a point of it I must here describe what a magnificent swap she once made. It was before Christmas 63, and she writes, Before Christmas I made a good swap with that little Schmidt. I gave him the old clock, which ten years ago I got for a pair of gold earrings from Mrs. Runge, plus a pair of fireplace fenders, against a pair of fat little pigs, which we guessed to be about 100 pounds each, and which he had to butcher and clean the entrails and deliver. Later it turned out that the one little pig weighed 140 pounds and the other even 145. Otto cut up the pigs into sausage, with the help of brother Gustav, who was taking a rest leave from his business and visiting us. Uncle Henry, the Negress Dianas father, came in the evening after supper and stuffed the sausages. The liverwurst is a delicacy, and we sent some of it to Mother and Klara for Christmas to New Braunfels.

For years my parents had had the plan to go back to Germany, discussed it innumerable times, and as it seemed that the War of Secession would last a long time yet, decided in the spring of 65 to prepare to carry out this plan. In Seguin my mother had already sold everything dispensable. Since my father, employed by the government, had obtained his discharge because of continuing rheumatism, the rest of our possessions were sold in New Braunfels. We obtained a large traveling wagon with two large mules hitched to it, and seating space for 6. My father would occupy the coachmans seat, with Aunt Helene and my mother; then Grandmother and the three little siblings, Eugen, Lilly and Richard. A freight wagon with four mules was driven by the American owner, named Gallaher; as I remember he was quite sickly and mostly bad-tempered. That wagon was to carry all luggage, foodstuffs for weeks, mattresses, and bedding, and my brother and I were to ride with Mr. Gallaher. Mr. Jean and his young clerk, the Spaniard Mr. Navarra, also wanted to make the trip to Mexico.

In San Antonio, the first destination of the trip, we were to join a large number of travelers in their own buggies, among others a Catholic bishop in a large, comfortable carriage, and their servants. Since the Mexican population were considered very bigoted in their spirituality, and highly revered their clergy, the bishop was considered as a protection against Mexican robbers. Because of the Indians and robbers, it was necessary to travel in large companies, accompanied by a number of mounted Mexicans, who had already been recruited for the purpose. After many farewell festivities and all sorts of difficulties, we finally departed from New Braunfels on April 20, 1865 in our two wagons and in the evening came to our first camp.

At this point Id like to recall something that happened during the time that I lived with my grandmother in New Braunfels. On beautiful days we walked for about 2-1/2 hours through an attractive area and, as soon as we arrived at the big beautiful farm of Correths (while I was with my grandmother in New Braunfels I often visited the Correth family with her) the family was called from the field: Mr. Correth, a stately, very courtly man, the stout wife, young sons and two teenage girls, of whom the younger, Anna, was my friend. Once she showed me a letter from Austria with the address: Countess v. Correth. What, I exclaimed, you are a countess? As I knew, Count Correth came from the Tyrol. The eldest daughter and husband, Count and Countess Musebach, with many small children, worked like peasants on their farm, and looked very bad. I remember that they had a huge chickenyard, and always gave us a little basket of eggs to take home. While the mother and eldest daughter set the coffee table, the old man carried on a lively conversation with Granny, while Anna and I disappeared into her room. Toward evening then we were accompanied a long distance homeward. They were fine, lively, congenial people, with a dialect quite unfamiliar to us.

In November 64 my father was once more in Mexico with Messrs. Runge, Navarro, Jean, and Navarran, this time in the east, in Brownsville (Texas coast) and Matamoros (Mexican coast), on the Rio Grande, where they discovered many acquaintances from Texas as well as letters from Germany, some as much as a year old. (The Texas ports were all blockaded by the Northern states for several years.) l865

In New Braunfels a very enthusiastic social life developed, especially with the Runge family and their beautiful niece Mary Pierce. Aunt Helene and I loved the l7-year-old so much that we ardently hoped that she and our good Uncle Walter would get engaged. This wish did come to pass, in the very same year, and in later years we often saw the dear couple Walter Tips and wife Mary in Germany, in Dsseldorf and Darmstadt. You all of course knew them, too.

At age 12-1/2 Hermann drove alone in a buggy to a farm 8 miles away and back.

Now the time for departure was set. Invitations and picnics accumulated, all sorts of accessories for traveling, such as jelly, zwieback, sardines, given by acquaintances, piled up. In the meantime one more concert and ball were given for the benefit of families of soldiers, to which many acquaintances from Seguin came, and from which there still exists a program. We and Grandmother held an auction; we were still camping in the house, with the furniture already sold, sleeping on mattresses on the floor. We rented out our Negresses for a year eachLou for 80 dollars to the Schmitz Hotel as a good cook, and Dina for 60 dollars to an old couple. In renting them we strictly required promises of good treatment for both Negresses. We were delayed partly by bad weather and partly by the difficulty of finding a driver and wagon for our possessions. Most of the wives didnt want their husbands to make the long, dangerous trip. Finally on April 19 a contract was made with the American Galeher, and on the 20th we departed.

So here I want to include my description of our trip from April 20 until May 10. Papa required me to always learn English well, since it was the world language, even though he hated the English, and always said that an Englishman becomes decent only after hes had a crack on the head. So, from short German notes which I still possess, I had to write a description of our trip while we were on the ship. So here it is, though naturally its only a childs inferior work [she would have been 14 years old]:

A TRIP FROM NEW-BRAUNFELS COMAL COUNTY TEXAS TO MATAMOROS, MEXICO

After having been kept back for weeks by constant rain and a certain teamster, Rollwink, (who then left us in the lurch) with whom Papa had made an arrangement to take our baggage, we started in the afternoon of the 20th of April from New-Braunfels, a German town in the County of Comal, Texas, to St. Antonio, 36 miles distant. It was a fine day. Mama, Papa, Grandmama, Aunt Helene, Eugen, Lilly and Richard rode in a large hack or traveling carriage, and my brother Hermann and I rode with the teamster, an American by the name of Gallaher, in the Baggage wagon. We reached the camp late in the evening, it being almost dark, but still we were cheered by the hope of finding good grass and water for the mules. Just as my Aunt and Papa, after giving the reins to my mother, who sat on the front seat of the hack, had got down, one of the Mules, Lula, young and spirited, sprang suddenly forward, as if frightened by something, at the same time jerking Mama over the dashboard to the ground, while the animals, still more frightened by the screams of the children, rushed on. It was a terrible sight! My Aunt, brother and I standing horror-strucken, not knowing what to do, my Papa running to stop the mules, the teamster sitting in the wagon and holding tight the reins of his animals fearing that they might also get frightened and Mama springing up, collecting her thoughts the next moment after she had fallen, run and throw up her arms, and at last succeeded in bringing the mules to stand! Truely, we thought her a heroine! All were very much excited, till Papa and boys succeeded in making a large fire, while the rest were busy in preparing supper, the beds, etc. Very late did we lay down this night to rest. After midnight we were awakened by the howling of a sharp north wind, so frequent in that state, and as at the time we went to bed it was warm and we had not taken much covering, we all suffered from cold, until we had got up and covered ourselves warmer. The next morning all went further down the hill into a grove or hollow, where the trees protected us from the wind, for it was indeed very cold. Papa put the wild mule before the teamsters wagon, for all were so afraid of her, that they declared they would not ride in the carriage unless another mule was put in the place of Lola. Towards noon it grew warmer and in the evening about 5 oclock we came to a place 3 miles from St. Antonio, where there was fine grass, trees and tolerable water. We made a fire in a small gulley, but the stones burst from the heat and sprang about at a furious rate, so that we had to make the fire on the grass. (They were firestones, which blew apart quite dangerously.) The next day being the 22nd of April, Papa went to town, St. Antonio, to learn if the gentlemen who were to accompany us from here, were prepared, while the rest except Hermann, who went with Papa, staid in the camp. Lilly and I rambled about, searching for fresh water, pretty stones and flowers. That evening Papa came back and told us, that the gentlemen were not quite ready and that we would have to wait two days more; we had been there allready one day. The same evening, while Papa was breaking a bough off a dry tree, he slipped over a rock, fell and hurt his left knee; he soon forgot the worst pain and thought no more about it. After a few days the pain in the leg grew worse and Papa concluded to consult a doctor. Dr. Herft of St.Antonio told Papa that his leg was quite out of joint and if he would not take great care of it, it would become seriously hurt. Papa could not take great care of himself on account of having too much business to attend to, consequently it became worse with him. Every morning, while we were in camp near San Antonio my brother and I together or I by myself went about half a mile to some farmers, where we bought milk and cheese; we also went in the evening, thus having fresh milk every day. During the three days of our incampment my brother Hermann shot 25 wild doves, which the children plucked and which were in due time prepared and eaten. My uncle Walter, who had gone to San Antonio the day before we started from home, came out to the camp and visited us several times and also bade us farewell there, if not for ever, for a long time. He was a dear son, brother and uncle to all of us. We had several visits from other gentlemen from San Antonio while in camp. Papa traded a fine American mule, Hope, for wild Lola, which was quite gentle and would stand as quiet as a lamb, while Lola could not be brought to stand more than two moments without rearing and jerking.

On the morning of the 25 of April, all started with a joyous heart at the prospect of continuing our journey from the camp near San Antonio to that city, where a party of ten persons were to join us. Arriving at the city, we halted at the hotel of Mr. Jean, a friend of Papas, who was among the travellers; we had to wait several hours on account of the several travellers consisting of a Catholic bishop and a Jew by the name of Martin. At last we were tired of waiting and prepared leaving, and for the bishop to follow, Mr. Jeans horses, Dick and Dock, two fine animals, were brought up and put into the carriage, but they were so wild and spirited, that they could hardly be held; now they were in the carriage; and driver sprang in while the horses rushed forward very wildly, rearing and springing all the time; but turning a corner to join us, they suddenly halted and could not be brought to move either by good words or the whip, which were not spared by the driver. After some time Dick, who was the wildest, commenced rearing up and at last plunged into another street. In a few moments they came galopping down the street, and although we tried to get ahead of and so check them, rushed by us; Papa drove on and in the suburbs of the city we saw them again, running as fast as they could; soon we saw Mr. Jean with another gentleman who told us that on account of something being broken on his carriage, he would follow us, while we should drive on with Mr. Ochoa (the gentleman with him), who was also one of the party.

In about two hours Mr. Jean came up with us, his horses having abated a little of their wildness, telling us that the rest of the party would come up in the night. Arriving at the Medina River, 15 miles from San Antonio, in the evening, we encamped for the night. It was a fine place for a camp, on one side a high precipice along the foot of which the river was flowing as clear as crystal, then a small elevated space of ground with beautiful, tall, overarching elm-trees, and covered with grass, and on the other side again a high hill, upon which were Mexican huts. During the evening Mr. Cardenas and his moso (servant) arrived at our camp, while the bishop, Mr. Martin and their driver preferred staying in one of the Mexican huts at the top of the hill, during the night. At twelve oclock my Aunt got up and said that we should get up and put the bedclothes into the baggage wagon, as she was sure it would rain; we thought that she was mistaken, but as she insisted on, we did so to please her; we had hardly got ready, when it commenced to rain and all had to crawl into the carriages. The rain continued till in the morning. During the night Papa was very much afraid, that the river would rise, and it was all we could do to keep him from driving through the river in the night. The next morning Mr. Jeans horses were so spirited, that he could not put them to the carriage. But after harnessing them, he took the reins and let them walk about for some time, until they were somewhat soothed and after prancing some in the carriage, behaved quite well. The party consisted now of Mr. Jean, Mr. Navaran in Mr. Jeans carriage and their moso, Mr. Cardinas and his moso, Mr. Ochoa and his companion, our carriage and baggage wagon and the Bishop, Mr. Martin and their driver, who were not with us yet. The river had not risen a bit during the night and the banks were not slippery, which Papa had feared. The road fine at first became very sandy; it rained or rather drizzled all day. Papas leg was so bad by this time that he could not walk without being supported by two persons. In the afternoon the Bishop and company came up with us, he said that if we would drive with him, he would take us to a house near the road. Accordingly, in the hope of finding a shelter for the night, we drove back with him, soon taking a side-road and all of the carriages followed the Bishops coach. After driving a little piece the road or track ended, but as the driver of the Bishop assured us, that he was well acquainted with that section of country and knew well, where the house was situated, we continued, thinking that we now must go on as we had commenced once. At last we reached the house after driving through bushes, gullies, ditches and creeks. There resided in this house a hospitable Frenchman, Capt. Duran; his wife, a Spanish lady, was also very hospitable. It was wet and dreary out of doors, and as the Capt. kindly invited us to stay with them till the next day, we gladly accepted his invitation; we prepared and ate our late dinner in the kitchen, as the house consisted only of two rooms, a sitting room for all and a kitchen without floor; the family consisted of the host, the hostess, the little son, a sister, brother and niece of the hostess; they had several servants also. (The owner and the related gentlemen slept up under the roof). We slept very well on the floor of the little sitting-room, while the rest of the party camped near the house under some beautiful trees. This house stood in the midst of thick bushes and trees, very much hidden. Papas knee was so bad now that he could not walk at all; Capt. Duran kept a few pieces of calico and domestic for sale of which mama took several yards and made Papa a good bandage; with the help of this, put so tight around his leg that he could not bend it, and a rough crutch which the kind brother of the hostess made for him, he could walk a little, although he still suffers very much. The next morning we started again after bidding the kind people adieu; the bishops carriage took the lead again, the driver assuring us that the main road was near and could easily be reached. This fellow must have been either an imposter or a fool, for again he led us through bushes, deep gullies and holes, that, had we not seen him drive through first, we would have believed it to be an impossibility to pass them. After two hours we found the road and continued our journey. Mr. Jean was so kind as to drive our carriage in consequence of Papas knee being so bad, that he could not drive himself and rode with Mr. Navaran in Mr. Jeans carriage. Towards noon we crossed a creek called San Miguel, which was a very bad place in consequence of the rain; while crossing it, one of the mules in our carriage slipped and fell three times, but at last succeeded in reaching the top of the hill on the other side. We encamped late in the evening near the road; we saw many tracks of tigers (or Panther) near the camp, but saw none. The grass was beautiful. This camp was very pretty.

28th April. This morning we started very early. The bishop always drove so fast, that the rest could not keep up with him, consequently he was seldom with us, either by night or day. Toward evening it was near a good rancho when Mr. Jeans moso pointed towards some high hills, where he had seen some suspicious looking persons who were probably robbers or Indians. We drove tolerably fast (two hours at a gallop), until we came to the rancho, where we bought some milk. Driving several miles further, we found a fine grass plot and encamped for the night. We saw whole prairies covered with cactus. This camp was but three miles from the Nueces River.

29th of April. We were now in the bottom of the dreaded Nueces River. It was in a fine state covered with grass and flowers instead of mud and weeds. Papa has always said during our journey till to this spot: If we cross this river with safety, we may thank God. Having made the same voyage in the previous year, he had crossed this river in such a state, as would have made it an impossibility for all who were not driven by necessity; whole trains of wagons and mules had been lying there for weeks, waiting until it was possible to cross. At nine oclock we arrived at the river or rather at the bed of the river, for it was perfectly dry and in the best state. The bank was dreadfully steep and I was continually in dread, that the carriage would turn over the mules. Mr. Jean bought a bay horse on account of his gray horse Dick becoming lame; traveling this way the previous year he had much trouble with this horse and was now more cautious. At twelve oclock we camped near a rancho where there were no trees at all. It was intolerably hot and we had to stay inside of the carriage for shelter from scorching rays of the sun; there were some very pretty flowers of which I plucked and laid into a book. Towards evening, as it had been extremely warm that day, the mules and horses began to be thirsty, and we were glad when we found a fine bay; but what was our dismay, when we saw a dead ox at the end of the bay, lying in the water and thus making it unfit to be drunk either by man or animal. Several miles farther we found water, but it was salty. We were compelled to water our mules, although the rest of the company drove on; soon we caught up with the rest, who were waiting for us. They had found a large bay of fine water; accordingly we drove there and watered the animals again. At dusk we drove to the right of the road into high grass; here we all with our friends Mr. Jean and Navaran, drank some wine and ate some cake (with wine and gingerbread we celebrated the successful crossing of the feared Nueces). Here we saw a rabbit.

Sunday 30th of April.This morning soon I went to fill our water-keg, but the banks of the water, which was near our camp were so steep that I could not reach the water and almost fell in by attempting to do it. Mr. Jean, who saw my fruitless attempts, had the kindness to fill the keg for me. Returning to the camp, we all continued our journey. In the afternoon towards five oclock we arrived at a Mexican village, Los Ojuelos (the clear springs), where we found some beautiful water; there we washed ourselves (that is, very thoroughly, which one could not always do). We also went into a small store, where we saw a Mexican playing the harp. On some account or other we were still there after the rest had driven off and as Papa was not acquainted with the road in this part of the country, he was the more anxious to keep up with the rest. We drove very fast but saw as yet nothing of the others; the dust was dreadful, the animals grew tired and more tired. Then Aunt Helene and I got out and walked a good piece, but we always staid near the carriage, fearing every minute to see an Indian or a robber spring out of the shapperells (thick thornbushes) which were on both sides of the road. (Also we saw the tracks of large snakes; repeatedly the men killed some of them). It was getting dark and at last we saw Mr. Jean standing on the left side of the road in a small gulley waiting for us. We drove into the shapperells or rather into a small opening in the shapperells, but there were so many pricklepears that we could hardly find room to spread our bed-clothes. This camp was 5 miles from Los Ojuelos; we found good grass but no water. Every night guards had to wait and watch about the camp, for Indians and Mexicans were possible to attack us at every moment. In the night I heard a noise and voices speaking, the horses were wild and beginning to stampede (break out, flee). Perhaps the horses were scenting an enemy and we were very much afraid; but soon they again became quiet and I fell asleep again. During the night a heavy dew fell which was very lucky, as we had found no water.

Monday the 1st of May. We started in the morning and drove 30 miles. Aunt Helene and I walked once and saw many tiger tracks. Late in the evening we drove far from the road to the right. The camp was bad, for the country was ugly, quite flat and no grass. No water could be found until at last the servant that had gone to look for water came back and took the mules and horses 3 miles off, where they had found some water, after seeking a long time for it. It was so late that mama and grandmama would not make any supper, so we had to do without, while Papa and the boys went and ate with Mr. Jean.

Tuesday 2nd of May. Towards evening, we found fine water on the road in cisterns in a small Mexican village, Los Es Robos. (The cisterns were surrounded by high stakes.) We saw some small half naked Mexican children hovering in the dirt. After the mules were watered, we drove on. After driving five miles on we stopped for it was perfectly dark. We drove to the left of the road, where we found no water and no grass, only a sort of marsh grass. Mr. Navarren had shot a rabbit in the afternoon and gave it to Eugen; after they had made a big fire, Hermann fried it very nicely and when we ate it we found the meat was very tender. When I was wrapped up in my blankets, I heard the melancholy cry of the wip-por-will out in the dark night and a shuddering seized me and fear was in my heart. Wednesday 3rd of May. At half past 5 oclock we started and after driving 6 miles we got to some houses called South Range, where we found water for the mules. We also succeeded in getting some milk. The sandy ground was everywhere covered with traces of sandcrabs and we first thought they were traces of snakes. Mama and Aunt Helene were full of fun and ran to a large as it seemed untenanted house; when they were about to put their heads in at the window, they were scared by a curious noise and they came back laughing at themselves for having been scared so much. By dinner time we came to Davis Ranch, also called Rio Grande City. At a large store, Sokush & Co. we asked where we could stay. A gentleman, Mr. Rinker, advised Papa to go to the barracks and camp there. It was a terribly hot day and we had to drive through deep sand. When we at last reached the barracks, we found them occupied by Confederate soldiers and we returned to Davis Ranch. Mr. Rinker was so kind as to allow our carriage to drive into his yard and took us to his wife into the house. Mrs. Rinker was very kind.

To this point I had finished, and from here on I will return to my German notes:

May 4. We were delayed by Mr. Jean. We didnt leave till late, 9 oclock in the morningvery sunny and hotmet Mr. Gordon from Seguinfinally we drove away alone again waited for Mr. Jeanfinally continued with himlowlands, nice shadePapa and Hermann went to hunt waterother companions and wagons are joining usMr. Jean lost againHermann and moso (servant) went to hunt Mr. Jean and waterone of the recent arrivals tells us about the areashowed us the place where his brother had been murdereda soldier whom we met took us to a place where there was supposed to be waterplace was dryfurtherwe got some cistern water at a ranchothe people dont want to take any pay for itMr. Jean found againat night more companions arrivedgot some green corn (maize) for the horses and mules.

May 5. Off earlyto Rio Grande CityHope (a mule) broke down21 miles to Edinburghferryoccupied by Confederatesopposite a beautiful Spanish churchat noon a very pretty camp in a bottom on a lakebeautiful trees, woodcocks, rabbitsin the afternoon American trainwild turkeys sightedpassed the haciendas of Llun and Zacatanalways close to the riverin the evening turned right off the roadgave the animals waterthen left off the road into a mesquite chaparral and into campMr. Jean made a big firea trade of sausage for milklittle grassat night very hotfear of horsethieves and similar rabble.

May 6. Rain in the morningat ten oclock stopped and let the horses graze on nice fresh grassMexican refugeesConfederate military trainsMexican soldiershaciendas are increasing in numbers, mostly deserted because of the Civil War45 miles till evening right off the trail into campasked around till we finally found a pretty, open place in the middle of the bushmosquitos-wax.

Sunday, May 7. On the road terribly early because of fear of rain. (Before, I forgot to say that the mattresses taken along for camping are made in such a way that the head end fits under the wagon, with a pillow and covers; over the covers an oilskin sheet against the heavy nightly dew. So Auntie and I shared a mattress, Hermann and Eugen on another, both under the luggage wagon, while Mr. Galleher slept in the wagon. Mother, Grandmother, and the two little ones slept in the big traveling coach, and my father under it. If it rained everything immediately had to be packed up and we waited patiently until morning to travel on.) Fifteen miles to Brownsvilleon the way a Confederate captain gave Papa some very important political news, of the death of President Lincoln and that was finished. Our pretty little water barrel, that Hermann and I had to fill every morning, was stolen from the back of our luggage wagon10 oclock in the morning in Brownsvillecamped in a yard at an estatePapa in the afternoon to Matamoroshunted a house for usfound none.

May 8. Papa and Mama again to Matamorosfound a housein the afternoon all drove to the river to crossin great heat and dust Major Waltersdorf led us into his houseat the ferry load and unloadfinally acrossin Matamoros we moved into the same poor house that Staehelys had occupied a year before, with an old Mexican and his daughter, for 2- 1/2 dollars a day renttwo rooms by the lot where the horses staystamped earth floor rats, mice, lice, and especially fleas torment us very much. (My grandmother promised to pay me 10 cents if I would catch 100 fleas; when I got to 80 we departed, and I got nothing!)near a large marketMexican soldiersFrench soldiers, who moved through the streets at night as guards, and I can still hear the loud call: qui viveon the streets many kinds of food are hawked: pan, leche, agua, pandevavos, and others. Milk 25 cents a quart, water 50 cents per barrel, very bad brown water out of the rivermet many acquaintancesAunt Helene receives grapes from Mr. Navarrenin the evenings on the Alameda very nice musicthere we saw Mr. Rossi from New Braunfels, Mr. Krochmann from Bagdad, Captain Schnibbe from the ship Weser, Wagner from Galveston, Hartmann from San Antonio, and two old acquaintances: Julius Moreau and Mr. Iwonski.

Two weeks we languished in Matamoros, until on May 22 we sailed in a beautiful ship down the Rio Grande to Boca del Rio. This trip lasted two days, with repeated stops to load cotton. We arrived on May 24, and Papa had to find a place for us to live in this miserable little town, where everywhere there were single little houses of boards. One of these stood in deep white sand near the ocean, where we had to live until we had the message from Captain Sandstett of the Bremer sailing ship Willi that we could travel. We had hoped to be able to travel in the same ship, Weber, with Captain Schnibbe with which the Staehelys had traveled the previous year, but that plan fell through. On June 1, on a lighter, we safely passed the dangerous bar where every year many people lose their lives. From the narrow lighter we were, one at a time, hoisted up by sailors. Of the ship Willi I still remember well the captain, the friendly sailors, the keen rat catcher (a boxer dog), who one day lacerated the steersmans whole hand.

In the Gulf of Mexico we lay for weeks in windless calm in great heat. We sat all day on deck, where a large tent of sails had been stretched; that was where Hermann and I had lessons from Papa in arithmetic and geography. In the mornings at 6 oclock we could take the loveliest sea baths. Grandmother, Auntie and I occupied ourselves with knitting, sewing, and embroidery. My good grandmother, then 64-1/2 years old, had suffered a great deal from rheumatism en route, but had remained active. Aunt Helene returned in 1867, after she had become engaged by correspondence, and married Mr. Emil Reiffert in Quero, where she still lives today at age 8l. Then Grandmother also moved back to Texas, and in 1872 she made the long trip, also to visit her sons, and died there in 1887 at the age of 87.

We occupied the nice stateroom with surrounding cabins, and were the only passengers. The large 3-master Willi had made a trip around the world, and in Mexico had loaded cotton for Liverpool; the sailors had many beautiful things, especially shells from China, and gifted us children with them; I still have a number of these shells. In the evenings one of the sailors always played a large accordion, and I still remember the song: Whoever wants to become a soldier, he must have a gun, and how lively the sailors danced to it. Once a shark was harpooned and hauled into the air, but it was able to escape. Also, large edible fish were caught and served for food. The meals were not good: much canned food, and fresh lean mutton [presumably sheep were brought on board live and slaughtered as needed. A.L.]. For years after I couldnt stand even the smell of mutton. Besides that, especially my poor mother and I were seasick for 5 weeks out of the 51-day trip! My youngest brother, Richard, 1-1/2, had not withstood the long trip well, and had dysentery from the first day on board ship. I can still vividly remember how in the middle of the night he would call in his thin little voice, mnne, mnne, mnneh! which meant, water, water. It was thanks to my mothers constant nursing that the skeletally thin little child began to improve at the end of the voyage. My fathers knee was also healed by the end of the trip, which was probably due to the excellently crafted crutches made by the ships carpenter. On July 14 Aunt Helene, who had been healthy on the whole trip, celebrated her 20th birthday, and received a magnificent box of bonbons from Captain Sandstett.

When after long weeks we reached the latitude of Newfoundland, we entered a strong storm with considerable cold, and this weather lasted with few breaks to Liverpool. As we approached this harbor the sailors pointed out to us in the distance a large sailing ship, Captain Schnibbes Weser, and it filled us with great pleasure that they had also crossed the ocean safely .

On July 22 we entered the great harbor of Liverpool, but stayed on board until time for our departure by train to Hull. We supplied ourselves with the most necessary clothing, for we must have looked AWFUL: calico sun bonnets (a sort of Dutch hat), and totally faded and worn-out clothes; it was only with the greatest effort and expense that one could get material for clothing in the last years in Texas.

On the second day after our landing, a Sunday, we accepted the invitation of the family of Emil Htte, related to Papa, at Birkenhead, the estate of the rich Liverpool merchant. At that time it made an ineradicable impression on me to realize with what kindness this highly elegant English wife and children received us, who looked like a bunch of Gypsies. (Httes also later lived in Dsseldorf.) So, the trip continued, from the western to the eastern coast of England, to Hull; from there by steamer to Rotterdam and by train to Barmen. Now the destination of the long trip had finally been reached.

After my parents had recuperated at the home of our good Uncle Gustav Wuppermann and Aunt Isidore in Barmen, they went in search of a place to live, and when they found it in the charming village of Boppard on the Rhein the whole family moved there in September 65. It was the year of delicious wine, and as something completely new we were invited everywhere to the vineyards in the hills, and feasted on the wonderful, sweet grapes.

Grandmother Tips and Aunt Helene, who in the meantime had visited with Uncle and Aunt Staehely in Wiesbaden, also moved to Boppard, where two old sisters of my grandmother were already living. In October my youngest sister Laura was born.

Meantime my father had consulted with his many relatives in Westphalia, and had found a position in Dortmund. To be closer to him, the whole family moved to Dsseldorf at the end of 66. There began the sound learning and regular school attendance for us children. Brother Hermann and I did not feel ourselves quite comfortable in Germany, and missed our Texas life of freedom, much riding, etc. VERY MUCH.

My teenage friendships with, among others, Anna Tafel, your fathers sister, developed most pleasantly. Papa wished that I would take the teachers examination, as a number of my friends did, and I had already decided to do it when I became acquainted with your father. END

Elise 

Clara