The Weimar Mercury
8 Nov 1935
History of Ammannsville
1870-1935
ACCUMULATED FROM VARIOUS RECORDS AND FROM PIONEERS WHO FOUNDED AND RESIDED IN AMMANNSVILLE, TEXAS.
It's Early Settlement.
AMMANNSVILLE, a village in the southeastern part of Fayette county, Texas, according to best available records, was founded in the year 1870. Andres Ammann was the first to settle and start a permanent home here and the settlement was later named in his honor. The first to follow Mr. Ammann into this community were a man name Runnels, Rudolph Snajstrla and family. Chas. Munke and family, J. J. Holloway and the Duve family, all of whom came during the [latter] part of 1870.
In 1872 Frank Kossa, who had resided in the Bluff, now Hostyn, section since 1856, moved to the Ammannsville community. The next year found the following emigrants settling in this section: The family of Frank Sobotik, Frank Barta, Kristian Koether, Frank Horak, Jos. R. Bartos, Joseph Kneitz and Alois Filip. The following emigrants came in 1874: The mother of Jos. R. Bartos and two of his brothers, Roman and Valentin. In 1876 the families of Martin and Valentin Srubar, Peregrin Fisher, Joseph Vacek, Jos. Munke, Jos. Muzny, Ignac Muzny, Tom Smith, John Steffek and Theofil Heller came to this section. The year 1877 added J. J. Fietsam, Fritz Brandes, Mr. Warrenken [Warnken?], Mr. Schumacher and Paul Farek. The year 1879 found the village rapidly growing, especially in number of Czech and German families.
The hardships to which these early settlers were subjected are almost unbelievable to the present generations. Especially so are their tales of long trips made with oxen to more distant places. A round trip to Houston usually required a month or more.
Commercial History.
About 1876 Henry Holster founded the first place of business here. He sold out to Valentin Srubar, who in turn sold the business to Paul Farek and Valentin Kadlecka. This partnership business was bought out later by Joseph Stavinoha. Mr. Stavinoha rebuilt and enlarged the building, which was made to include a dance hall. Illness caused him to sell out to Jos. F. Lidiak. Later Peter Jurasek bought the business from Mr. Lidiak. He in turn sold out to Joseph Anders. Harry Knebel now a merchant at Weimar, bought the business from Mr. Anders. Mr. Knebel sold out to John Barta, Sr., who in turn sold to his son-in-law, Jos. Barton. In 1924 Mr. Barton sold the building to the K. J. T. and K. J. Z. T. lodges. The lodges tore down the old structure and built the present K. J. T. and K. J. Z. T. Hall.
Another place of business was started in 1878. It was established by Mr. Duve, who in 18?? sold the business to Theofil Heller. Mr. Heller sold out the merchandise and rented the building to Fritz Munke. Mr. Munke remained in business for two years and then retired. The building was later moved and business in it was discontinued.
In 1885 Eckert Stuercke erected a larger business [establishment], including a dance platform. After several years he sold out to J. J. Vacek and Chas. Rippel. Later Mr. Vacek became sole owner, but we bought out by John F. Cernosek. The latter in turn disposed of the business to L. G. Bartos. In 1912 Mr. Bartos sold out to his brother, John M. Bartos, who in 1927 sold the business to his son. John A. Bartos, the present merchant.
The year 1895 found J. V. Dobrava [Doubrave?] erecting a new building, which provided a business place and dance platform. Mr. Dobrava conducted the business for several years. He sold out to F. J. Parma, who was a popular leader of the people of this community. His business prospered and he had to build several additions to his establishment. Mr. Parma's untimely death in 1915 was a great loss to the community. After his passing the business was managed by Mrs. Parma with the aid of her children. F. J. Parma Jr. bought the business from his mother, later selling to the present owner, Willie Bohuslav.
In 1917 J. J. Fietsam bought a parcel of land from Edward Rabel and constructed two business buildings. One building was used for a doctor's office and drug store, which the other was used for a pool room. The stockholders of the drug store were F. J. Parma, J. J. Fietsam, Dr. Anderson deCalb Lewis and J. M. Bartos. Messrs. Bartos and Parma finally sold their stock to Mr. Fietsam and Dr. Lewis. Later Dr. Lewis sold his half interest to Mr. Fietsam and moved away from Ammannsville. Mr. Fietsam sold a half interest to J. V. Dobrava. Chas. Naiser came along and bought out Mr. Dobrava's interest and later became sole owner by purchasing Mr. Fietsam's share. In 1923 the buildings and land were sold to Matej Bohac and the following year Mr. Naiser sold the drug store business to J. V. Bartosh. The drug store and cold drink business is still carried on in one building by Mr. Bartosh, while the other building is being used by the owner, Mr. Bohac, for a meat market.
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The cotton growing industry was prospering in the Ammannsville community, and soon a cotton gin became necessary. The first gin was built east of Ammannsville by Mr. Hefner in 1870. He operated the gin for several years and then quite the business. In 1872 the community's second gin was constructed northeast of the town by Mr. Lewis, who later also abandoned the enterprise. The third and successful gin was erected in 1877 in Pale's Grove, about a half mile east of Ammannsville, by Theofil Heller, Sr. In 1879 Mr. Heller decided to tear down the old gin and re construct it along more modern lines. He installed the most up-to-date machinery that could be obtained at that time. With the amount of cotton steadily increasing, this gin prospered. However, after Mr. Heller had sold the enterprise to his sons., Theofil Heller, Jr., and John Heller, a fire destroyed it. In 1888 a new gin was erected by the Mewes and Koenig company, and new and modern machinery was installed. It was later sold to Theofil Heller, Jr. and Joseph Munke. After several years of successful operation, they sold the gin to Frank E. Pargac, who also managed it successfullly until it was destroyed by fire. Mr. Pargac sold the premised to Jos. J. Barta. He immediately erected a new gin building and installed modern machinery of the Murray type. After several very successful years, Mr. Barta sold out to his son, John R. Barta, and Willie Bohuslav. The latter subsequently bought out Mr. Barta's interest. Under his ownership the gin still prospers.
The year 1876 found the community in need of a blacksmith. Mr. Naiser became Ammannsville's first blacksmith, building his smithy, not under the spreading chestnut tree, but under a spreading china tree. He later sold out to John Kocurek, who was shot in a mysterious way. The smithy was accordingly abandoned and finally was destroyed. Mr. Kruppa then erected a new smithy, which he sold to Fritz Ganzer. It was destroyed in the storm of 1909. The present smithy was constructed by John Sumbera. Mr. Sumbera sold out to Edward Rabel, who operated the shop until 1926, when he sold his smithy and real estate holdings to Matej Bohac. Mr. Rabel's son, Fred, rented the smithy from Mr. Bohac and became Ammannsville's blacksmith after 1926. Fred Tengler later bought the machinery and tools from Mr. Bohac and Took over the blacksmith business. Mr. Tengler in turn sold the machinery and tools to Mr. Bohac. Mr. Spann was engaged as blacksmith, but was injured in an automobile accident and had to retire, being followed by Mr. Kasmir. Mr. Bohac finally sold out to his son. Adolph Bohac, who is the present blacksmith.
Ammannsville's next establishment was the Ammannsville State Bank. This institution was founded in 1914. It was possible to have the institution mainly through the efforts of George Herder of Weimar, F. J. Parma, J. J. Fietsam, John F. Kossa, John M. Bartos, Jos. W. Kossa and John A. Cernosek. The above mentioned stockholders and numerous minor stockholders accumulated enough capital to start the bank. George Herder served as first president and F. J. Parma was the bank's first cashier. Mr. Parma was followed in that capacity by his sons, Ivan C. Parma, Albert P. Parma and Frank J. Parma. The bank liquidated and the doors were closed in 1929. The building and fixtures were sold.
Establishment of a garage was next in Ammannsville's business history. Adolph J. Kristek erected a building and opened for business in 1916. Being drafted into service during the World War, he sold out to twenty-three stockholders. These stockholders, after a number of years of business, sold out to John A. Cernosek and his son, James A. Cernosek. The latter and his brother, John L. Cernosek, conducted the business for several years and then sold out to R. B. Jasek, the present owner.
Ammannsville since the year 1876 has been the place for holding justice court in this precinct. The following justices of the peace have served: Tom Smith, 1876-1881; Wm. Perry, 1881-1884; E. Hubbard, 1884-18885; W. J. Roberts, 1885-1887; A. J. Knapek, 1886-1899; Frank E. Mews, 1889-1892; Jos. J. Fietsam, 1892-1898; Henry Laturnus, 1898-1901; Peter J. Janacek, 190-1912; J. V. Dobrava, 1912-1931; and J. M. Bartos, 1931, to the present time.
Doctors who practiced medicine in Ammannsville are: Dr. Holman, Dr. McGee, Dr. J. S. Zvesper, Dr. Shaver, Dr. Byard, Dr. Daehne, Dr. Fuller, and Dr. Anderson deCalb Lewis. Dr. Lewis was the community's last physician.
School History.
The community's first public school was erected in 1876, about a quarter of a mile west of Ammannsville. Mr. Brandes and Mr. Fiala were the first teachers. Mr. Fiala resigned and Jos. R. Bartos became Mr. Brandes' assistant. After some time a larger building was bought from Tom Smith and was remodeled into a school building. The first teachers in this school were Tom Smith and J. J. Vacek. They were followed by A. J. Fastusek and Mr. Treptoo.
About this time a new school was built by the German population. This, a two-story building, was completed in 1890. The first floor was used as a school and the second floor was used as a Hermann Sons lodge hall. The successive teachers were as follows: Mr. Treptoo, Mr. Krackler, Miss Latimore, Miss Graves, Miss Vrazel, Miss Moebus, Miss Mary Melchar, Miss Alma Melcher, Miss Vitle, Miss Natie Melchar, and Miss Stastny. The school was damaged by the storm of 1900. However, it was repaired and teaching continued there until 1909, when another storm struck the building, and teaching was discontinued. Miss Stastny was the school's last instructor.
Meanwhile, in the other school, sometimes called the Czech public school, teaching continued. Mr. Treptoo having been employed by the German public school, Alois Kallus followed Mr. Fastisek as teacher, Joseph Drozd followed him and after several years was succeeded by F. J. Parma. Upon the latter's resignation, teaching duties were again placed in charge of Mr. Pastusek, who several years later resigned and moved to Oklahoma. Mr. Juricek was his successor, taught for one year and resigned.
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About 1904 the scholastic population of the Ammannsville district was about 166 pupils. The small building was getting crowded and therefore it was decided to erect a larger one. The old structure was sold to Chas. Bartos and a new building was completed the same year. Catholic nuns were the first teachers in the new school. They served faithfully for a number of years, being followed by Mr. Kulhanek and Mr. Darilek. It was about this time that the German school was discontinued because the building was damaged by storms. Mr. Kulhanek was succeeded by Mr. Hajek as Mr. Darilek's assistant. The latter was followed by Mr. Morkovsky. The teaching staff was then increased to three, with Mr. Morkovsky, Miss Angelina Skripka and Miss Elma Hennige in charge. They were followed by Mr. Adler and Mr. Hilscher, Mr. Bohuslav later replacing Mr. Adler. Miss Ida Trial succeeded Mr. Hilscher and taught with Mr. Bohuslav. Mrs. Bohuslav later succeeded Miss Trial. Mr. and Mrs. Bohuslav served as the last teachers in the public school, as the building was sold to the church in 1925 and was then used for a parochial school, with the nuns as teachers.
That same year a new public school building was erected, thus giving Ammannsville two schools again. Mr. and Mrs. Bohuslav were employed as the teachers, the latter being released later, leaving the duties to Mr. Bohuslav. Miss Olga Kahanek and Marie Fisher next saw service and taught together until an untimely death took away one of the community's best citizens, Miss Fisher, in 1935. She was succeeded by Miss Vlasta Zaruba, who is Miss Kahanek's assistant this year.
Church History
Ammannsville's first Catholic settlers attended church services at Bluff. In 1889 the Rev. P. Wronsky conducted the first Catholic services at Ammannsville on the porch of the home of Jos. R. Bartos, which place is no the Chas. Mazoch estate. The first meeting of members for the purpose of erecting a church was held in September, 1889. The result was an agreement to build a church. Peregrin Fisher, Jos. Vasek, Sr., and Theofil Heller donated 11 1/4 acres of land for the church grounds and cemetery. The cornerstone was laid in March, 1890, and a wooden church, 80 X 30 ft., was completed the same year at a cost of $800. Dedication of the new building was held the same year, with the Rev. Bishop Neraz of San Antonio conducting the ceremonies, assisted by a number of priests.
The Ammannsville church was somewhat of a mission church to the Bluff parish. The Rev. Julius Vrana served as the first mission priest until November, 1894. He is still active in Slovanic parishes in Pennsylvania. Rev. C. J. Benes, now of Nada, took over the parish duties in that year and served until 1897. Rev. B. Neubert followed Father Benes, serving until March, 1901. Very Rev. Jos. Szymanski, now of Weimar, was Father Neubert's successor, serving the parish untill 1906. Next in line was Rev. Jos. Horacek, who served until 1903, when he was succeeded by Rev. Emil Schindler, now deceased. Father Schindler and the present pastor, Rev. Alfons Raska, were seminary students together at San Antonio. In 1909 Rev. Father Heckman was assigned to administer to the spiritual wants of the parish, but he remained only a few months. The honor of Monsignor was later conferred upon this minister, who is now stationed in Fredericksburg.
The Ammannsville church was damaged greatly by a storm which struck the community on June 21, 1909. Shortly afterwards on July 25, a meeting was called by Rev. Frank Machan, who had succeeded Father Heckman, and it was agreed to build a new church at once. The architects and builders were the Matustik brothers. The new church was formally dedicated on November 24, 1910, by Most Rev. Bishop Shaw of San Antonio. At this time confirmation was also administered, 160 receiving the sacrament.
Lumber that was salvaged from the old church was utilized in erecting a rectory. Ammannsville's first resident priest, Father Machann, was the first to occupy it. Later the rectory was sold to Jos. R. Bartos, was moved away and is now the home of John A. Bartosh.
Father Machann made a trip to Europe, but upon his return resumed his pastoral duties at Ammannsville for several years. In 1910 he was transferred to Shiner and Father Neubert returned as his successor. During his stay, in 1916, a new rectory was built, John Bujnoch being the architect and builder. In 1916 Rev. Jos. K. Kopp succeeded Father Neubert as the Ammannsville pastor.
A disastrous fire destroyed the Ammannsville church on October 2, 1917. However, fire insurance was carried on the church in the R. V. O. S. fire insurance company, and this was of material help in building another church. John Bujnoch was architect and builder of the new church, which stands today. Work was started on its immediately and the new building was completed in 1919. On December 22 of that year Most Rev. Archbishop A. J. Drossaerts of San Antonio, assisted by several priests, dedicated the new house of worship. Confirmation was also administered at this time. 85 being confirmed.
In January, 1920, Father Kopp was transferred to Moulton and Father Raska took over the pastoral duties. Still the local pastor, Father Raska has served the parish longer than any previous priest.
A new parochial school was erected and dedicated in 1930, Archbishop Drossaerts participating in the dedication. In April, 1931, Father Raska took leave and went to Europe, Rev. B. M. Heintze taking over the pastoral duties during his absence. Father Heintze is now pastor at Plum.
May Ammannsville prosper further commercially, educationally and spiritually!
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