The Diary of Elise Tips Wuppermann
Through her First Years of Marriage
September 1850 - July 1860
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
Elise Wuppermann
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 fir |