Footprints of Fayette A-E

Lancelot Abbotts was born in England in 1812 and emigrated to Texas in January 1835. He worked as a printer and a clerk at San Felipe until he joined the Texas army in February 1836. Abbotts served as a camp guard during the Battle of San Jacinto. For this service he was awarded a donation certificate for 640 acres of land in 1841.This land was located in Austin County. In March 1849 Abbotts bought the William Toy League of land in present southwestern Fayette County. According to the July 1850 Federal Census of Fayette County Abbotts was now employed as a printer by the newspaper in La Grange known as the Texas Monument. Abbotts was also listed as being married on that census but it is unclear when he was actually married. Abbotts and his wife, Elizabeth, built a large home on his league of land about 1857 and raised sheep. It was a profitable if unusual business for this area. In 1860 his flock of sheep yielded 620 pounds of wool. Sometime between 1868 and 1870 Abbotts returned to his native England. His cousins, the Thomas Carter family were occupying the Abbotts home in 1870. There were several rumors as to why Abbotts left Texas including one of the more colorful ones that speculated that he had inherited land and a title in England which required him to give up his land holdings in Texas. In an 1874 letter to his old friend, Moses Austin Bryan, Abbotts states that he "has not willingly left Texas." He also states that he gave away his land in Fayette County to his nephew's family and that he gave away his other land to the relatives of his wife because he felt bound to give something to her family because he could not give it to her as she "has left me to weep." Abbotts never returned to Texas. He told Bryan that he would have done so the following spring had his wife not died. Lancelot Abbotts is best known in Fayette County for the house that he built. It is a three-story stone house constructed on an exceptional site. The orientation of the house creates a cooling breeze. The thickness of the walls retain heat in the winter while keeping it cooler in the summer. At present, part of the house still stands.

Adolph and the Boys

During the heyday of Texas Polka Music in the 1930s, one Fayette County Orchestra became known statewide through its radio programs, recordings, and live performances. Originally known as Adolph and the Boys, the group later changed their name to reflect their sponsors.

It all started in 1935, when Julius Pavlas, an old-time musician and Engle resident, entered his band in a contest at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio. They took first place. The band came to the attention of Universal Mills, a large Texas flour producer, who invited Mr. Pavlas and his band back to San Antonio for an audition. Many of his band members refused to go, so Mr. Pavlas had to hurriedly round up new musicians, plus an announcer who could handle network radio broadcasting. He invited Johnny Luecke, an electrician and ham radio operator, to be the announcer and Tom Hinton of Weimar as sound engineer.

The musicians added came from Lee Prause's band from Schulenburg. After considerable practice and an audition, the band was accepted for network performance. The first program went on the air on November 3, 1935 and was sponsored by Goldchain Flour. The band was known as Adolph and the Goldchain Bohemians.

The band wore original Tyrolean costumes and broadcast live from the stage of the Cozy Theatre in Schulenburg. The programs ran from 8 to 8:15 each weekday morning and Sunday afternoons from 3 until 3:45. The program was carried over TQN (Texas Quality Network), which included stations WOAI in San Antonio, KPRC in Houston, and WFAA and WBAP of Dallas-Fort Worth. The audio was transmitted over telephone lines.

During this time the band made a number of 78 rpm recordings on the Okeh and Vocalion labels. These recordings were later re-released on the Columbia Red label.

The band consisted of nine members, among which were Herbert Kloesel and Lee Prause of Schulenburg; Charlie Rainosek of Weimar; and Arthur Kloesel of Hallettsville. Scott Kirsch, a violinist with the Houston Symphony, helped with the band's tuning and balance. Henry Kubala, of St. John, was the solo clarinetist. Buddy Heyer, the pianist, wrote many of the band's arrangements.

The last radio broadcast of Adolph and the Goldchain Bohemians was heard on the last day of May in 1937, thus ending an era of musical history for Schulenburg and Texas Polka music.

Early Archeology in Fayette County

History is the term applied to events occurring after written records have been kept. In Texian terms, history began with Cabeza de Vaca publishing a journal of his visit to the Texas coast beginning in 1527. All events happening before this time is referred to as prehistory. Archeology is the reconstruction of history prior to written records. For milleniums the area bordering the Colorado River has been a cultural oasis. Traces of early human culture have been identified at numerous locations.

In 1966, work was underway at the Frisch Auf! golf course when workers digging a trench unearthed skeletal remains. The owners contacted the State Archeologist, who soon arrived with a small crew to investigate and perform salvage archeology. Excavations were begun and the ground yielded parts of at least four skeletons, fragments of a fifth, and quite possibly a sixth. The bones were at a depth from 16 to 30 inches. Placement of the remains indicates that burial times differed.

The skeletons were removed from the pipeline trench to be studied. Analyses of the first pair of skeletons show them to be adult males. During excavation, two Scallorn arrowpoints were found lying between the males. The presence of these flint projectile points suggests that these two humans were interred between A.D.700 and A.D.1200.

The fourth was an infant. Accompanying the infant were three offerings for the next world. On the west side of the skeleton was an antler tine that was oriented in a north south direction. North of the skeleton and lying east-west lay a piece of petrified wood that had been shaped and smoothed. Adjacent to the smoothed stone lay one valve of a fresh water muscle with its concave surface up.

The other two skeletons appeared to be an infant and possibly an adult male. The construction equipment had rendered further identification impossible.

A surface survey was conducted turning up a shard of Leon Plain pottery. The reddish exterior and dark brown interior had been tempered with pulverized bone and grit. This type of pottery has been associated with a culture later than the Scallorn points. Several flint tools were also recovered.

The significance of the discovery is that this is the first Scallorn point found in a Central Texas burial, which greatly aids in identifying the age of the skeletons.

The Arnim Brothers

In March of 1886 in the small frontier Texas town of Tascosa a huge gunfight took place. Bodies of the dead and wounded were lying all over the main street of town as residents came out to gawk after the shootout was over. One of the badly wounded men in the street was Charley Emory. His brother, Tom, had also been involved in the fracas but was uninjured.

What does this have to do with the history of Fayette County? The Emory brothers were not really named Emory. Charley and Tom were brothers but their surname was Arnim.

Tom had been born William Arnim. His parents were Alexander and Marie Arnim who owned a grocery store in Fayette County. William had been convicted at age twenty-two in Fayette County district court of theft of an ox and sentenced to two years in prison. William arrived at Huntsville on June 9, 1876 and was entered into the prison record as prisoner # 5339. He was described as having red hair, blue eyes, and being a slender young man. William escaped from custody on March 21, 1877 and headed west. He changed his name to Tom Emory and settled near Tascosa. His younger brother, Charley Arnim, joined him some time later and also adopted the Emory surname. Tom and Charley worked on ranches in the area, played poker in the saloons and sometimes worked as deputies with Pat Garrett. While working as deputies they once pursued Billy the Kid all the way to Nevada but then lost his trail.

In May 1896 a petition was sent to Governor C. A. Culberson for a pardon for William/Tom. Testimonials and affidavits backed the petition from both the county attorney who had prosecuted William/Tom and the judge who had sentenced him. Judge L. W. Moore wrote "The reputation of the convict since his escape from the penitentiary has been good. There is no family more esteemed than of this man and he is represented by those who know him as reformed and making a good citizen." Shortly afterwards, William/Tom surrendered himself to prison authorities at Huntsville on May 9 and his pardon was granted on June 16.

Released to the Schulenburg community, he lived a blameless life thereafter. He died on May 26, 1914 and is buried in Schulenburg. Charley died March 9, 1895 and is buried near Flatonia.

Robert E. B. Baylor

Politician, Soldier, and Preacher: Founder of Baylor University and Mary Hardin-Baylor University

Robert Emmett Bledsoe Baylor was indeed a remarkable and memorable man. Skilled in both politics and religion, Baylor was a double-edged sword who worked for the betterment of society. Born on May 10^th, 1793 in Lincoln County, Kentucky to Walker and Jane Baylor, Robert Baylor received his schooling at a small country school and later at several academies around Paris, Kentucky. He served in the War of 1812 and afterwards studied law under his uncle who was a judge. In 1819, Baylor was elected to the Kentucky Legislature and then when he moved to Alabama in the early 1820s, he was elected to the Alabama Legislature. Finally in 1828, he was elected to the US Congress.

Hidden amongst Baylor’s political talents were some militaristic skills as well. During the tenure of US President Andrew Jackson, Native Americans were being relocated onto reserves into western lands such as in Alabama. The Georgia Legislature passed an act in 1829 requiring Native Americans living in Alabama to have permits in order to cross the Chattahoochee River and enter into Georgia. This act, coupled with President Jackson’s decision to station 1,000 US troops to protect frontier settlers, as well as a series of land scams that were directed towards the Native Americans, caused much unrest and disturbance, thus leading to the Creek War of 1836. In 1836, Baylor commanded and led a battalion of Alabama volunteers against the Creek Indian uprising.

In 1839, during a Baptist revival meeting in Alabama, Baylor was converted and became an ordained Baptist minister. In that same year, Baylor made the trip to Texas where he first settled in Biegel, which was southeast of La Grange in Fayette County. He later moved to Washington County. In the early 1840s, he helped to organize the Union Baptist Association, as well as the Texas Baptist Education Society. His political career continued when he was elected judge to the Third Judicial District of the Congress of the Republic of Texas in 1841. He was elected to the Supreme Court of the Republic of Texas and at the Texas Convention of 1845, Baylor represented Fayette County as a delegate and served on three committees: annexation, judiciary, and general provisions of the constitution. He helped draft the Texas constitution and voiced his opinions on favoring “free public schools, homestead exemptions, annual elections, and the exclusion of clergy from the legislature”.

Also in 1845, Robert Baylor began to prepare his petition, which led to the establishment of Baylor University and Baylor Female College (now the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor). A year later, the Texas State Governor J.P. Henderson appointed Baylor as judge of the state’s Third Judicial District, a position he held until 1863.

His religious fervor was what brought him to preach every chance he had. It is said, that “while traveling through his judicial districts on horseback to enforce the law, Baylor held court by day and preached in the evenings”. Baylor had been a Mason since 1825 and in the mid- to late-1840s, he served as chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Texas Masons several times.

Baylor died a bachelor in 1873 at his home in Gay Hill, Washington County, and was buried on the Baylor University campus, but in 1917 his body was reinterred at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor campus.

Bermuda Valley Racetrack

Wagering on horse races was legal in the state of Texas before World War I and racing was a very popular sport. One of the most widely known racetracks in Texas was the Bermuda Valley racetrack. The remains of the site can still be seen southwest of Schulenburg on the St. John Road. A few men who enjoyed horseracing and who were interested in making money started the Bermuda Valley Farm Racetrack. The main promoters of the track were Dr. I. E. Clark and his son, Harvey, along with William Cornelson, H. Graf and several other Schulenburg men. The organization was chartered by the state of Texas as the Schulenburg Livestock and Fair Association.

The construction of the track was most unique. In 1897, Dr. Clark laid out the track. His associates gently suggested to this headstrong man that perhaps he should hire a surveyor to lay out an oval track that would be half a mile in distance. The doctor said "Oh I don't need a surveyor!" He then hopped in his buggy and drove it in what he thought was an oval shape. Men followed him laying out stakes as he went. As it turned out the track was five-eighths of a mile and egg-shaped. The shape and size were not exactly correct but he had come very close.

The races at Bermuda were held semi-annually and were the social event of the year. The races were the main draw but there were also agricultural exhibits, carnival activities, home demonstration competitions and games. The grandstands held up to fifteen hundred people and there was room for more visitors to stand. Average attendance was around three thousand. Folks came from as far away as San Antonio and Houston for the race days. They arrived by train and were taken to the track by horse drawn hacks.

The horse races themselves were for thoroughbreds. Any breeder of thoroughbreds could race at Bermuda Valley. The Farm was also known for breeding horses. One of the most famous horses bred there was named Orb. He set a world record in a horse race in Mexico. Many people were employed at the track as jockeys, horse trainers and stable boys.

When the last race was held at the track in unknown. As far as can be determined it was probably sometime around 1919 or 1920. A historical marker was dedicated at the site in 1968.

Annie Webb Blanton - Suffragist

Just a short time ago, women of any age had absolutely no rights, none. They could not been seen alone in public, drive, work (except to be a mother and housekeeper), or, least of all, voice their own opinion. For some time, early censuses only listed males—females were not significant. Only a short time ago, women became individual voices thanks to people such as Annie Webb Blanton, a native of Fayette County.

Annie, born on August 19, 1870, was a graduate of La Grange High School in 1886, taught in a rural school in Fayette County, and understood the need for women to proclaim a voice in America, thus becoming a acknowledged part of history. One of seven children of Thomas Lindsay and Eugenia Webb Blanton, Annie moved to Austin upon the death of her father in 1888 and taught elementary and secondary schools, supporting herself by teaching while attending the University of Texas, where she graduated in 1899.

As a strong believer in equal rights for women, and already having written several grammar books, Annie Webb Blanton was the first woman to hold the position of president of the Texas State Teachers Association in 1916. Her election as State Superintendent in 1918, where Texas women exercised their voting rights for the first time thanks to Governor William P. Hobby, was won via a bitter campaign including Annie being accused of atheism. She was a Methodist and retaliated by charging the incumbent Walter Doughty with close association to the former impeached governor James Ferguson and the breweries.

Annie Webb Blanton's early career included establishing a system of free textbooks for students, revising teacher certification laws, raising teachers salaries, and efforts to improve rural education. In 1920, upon her reelection, voters passed the Better Schools Amendment, Annie's proposal, which was a means of removing constitutional limitations on tax rates for local schools districts. She returned to the University of Texas in 1923, where she received her master's degree, taught at UT, and then took a leave of absence to earn her PH.D. from Cornell University. Upon her return to UT in 1927, she remained a professor of education there for the remainder of her life.

During this time, Annie published several books, founded the Delta Kappa Gamma Society (an honorary society for women teachers), was very active in national educational groups, and remained concerned for the needs of rural schools.

She died in Austin October 2, 1945 and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Several public schools carry her name as well as a women's dormitory at the University of Texas in Austin.

Annie Webb Blanton

Annie Webb Blanton was born in Houston, Texas, the daughter of Thomas Lindsay Blanton. Blanton, a native of Virginia, came to Houston with his mother at the age of twelve. Her mother was Eugenia Webb Blanton, of LaGrange, Texas, granddaughter of Asa B. Hill and daughter of General William G. Webb, names well known in Texas history. She received her early schooling in a private school in Houston. Her secondary training began in the Houston High School and ended in the high school of La Grange, where the family made their home after the death of her mother. After teaching one session in a rura1 school in Fayette County, she moved with the other members of her family to Austin. After she moved to Austin, where she taught in both elementary and secondary schools, she supported herself by teaching while studying at the University of Texas, where she graduated in 1899.

After graduation she joined the English faculty of North Texas State Normal College in Denton. While in Denton she authored several grammar textbooks, joined women's organizations, and rose to head the Texas State Teachers' Association. In 1918, when Texas suffragists realized that they had a political friend in Governor William Hobby, they sponsored Annie's candidacy for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, otherwise known today as the Texas Commissioner of Education. After a hard campaign, she defeated her opponent in the Democratic primary and subsequently sailed to victory in the general election. Annie Webb Blanton thus became the first woman to be elected to statewide office in Texas. She had been teaching in one way or another since 1886. Blanton was passionate about women's rights as well as education.

Blanton felt that one of the most important ways to ensure the children of Texas had a good education was to provide them with good teachers. She felt that teachers' salaries were too low to ensure the best quality.

In 1929 Annie founded Delta Kappa Gamma, an honor society for women teachers. She stressed professionalism to the group, calling for leaders “of strong personality, unimpeachable honor, unselfish nature and fine professional attitude.” Annie is remembered as a warm, caring teacher who inspired her students by example.

Blanton, who never married, was a Methodist. She died in Austin on October 2, 1945, and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Public schools are named for her in Austin, Dallas, and Odessa, and a women's dormitory at the University of Texas at Austin bears her name.

The Bluff Community

The community of Bluff was located on the south side of the Colorado River across from La Grange between Buckner’s Creek and William’s Creek. It was named for the high limestone ridge that drops down 200 feet from Monument Hill State Park to the river bottom. This is the most picturesque section of the county with panoramic views of the city of La Grange, the winding river and the beautiful valley below.

The area was settled in the 1830s, although Aylett C. Buckner was already living on the creek that bears his name by the mid-1820s. A great many of the old settlers were Germans who emigrated to Texas during the mid-to-late 1840s, especially after the 1848 revolution in Germany. They were a highly-educated, intelligent group who built fine homes for the era and developed social organizations, shooting clubs and schools. There were also a few Americans of Anglo descent, as well as Moravian and Bohemian immigrants who began arriving in the 1850s. Some of the early families were the Willrichs, Kreisches, Hausmanns, Kraemers, Loehrs, Helmcamps, Huebners, Lauxes, Fietsams, Richters, Hensels, Sladczyks, Jandas, Klimiceks, Hilshers, Lidiaks, Adamciks and Rainoseks.

Indians lived here before the white men took over their ideal habitat, which was well-suited for their native lifestyle. They utilized the large boulders below the bluff and the small caves in the cliffs for shelter. The bluff itself provided a vantage point for viewing the countryside to spot oncoming bison herds. The river not only gave them food and water, but also a means of transportation. The woods were filled with wild game, grapes, persimmons, berries, pecans and various roots, bark and leaves used for medicinal purposes. The clay found along Buckner’s Creek was probably used for making cooking and storage containers. For many years, settlers found a prolific number of artifacts left by these early residents, evidence of their existence in this idyllic setting.

There were also numerous springs, crystal-clear pools and waterfalls tumbling over the rocky ledges. The availability of good water influenced H.L. Kreische, a German stonemason, to build a brewery and his home on the bluff. The topography was perfect for his brewery needs, plus he had an endless source of sandstone rock which was essential for the construction of his three-story brewery that was nestled in a ravine. He took advantage of the downhill slope to collect rainwater in an underground cistern. A limestone kiln that he built was used to provide mortar for the brewery and his three-story home that sat on the very top of the bluff, affording him the best view of the countryside below. The old road and bridges that he built from his brewery down to his ferry across the river on the east side of the bend are still evident under a blanket of leaf mulch that has accumulated for 100 years since the road was last used. Part of the upper road has been cleared by volunteers for a new walking trail within Monument Hill State Park. There is still a clearing from Business 71 south to the river that runs in front of an old stuccoed stone house facing what most likely was Kreische’s ferry road, just east of the present-day Business 71 Bridge.

Kreische’s brewery had a beer hall on the top floor, a popular resort where many local people gathered, usually on Sunday afternoons, dressed in their finest. There was also a pavilion called the Schuetzen Verein (shooting club), which was used for dances, club activities and other entertainment. It was adjacent to the vault that held the remains of the men of the Dawson and Mier expeditions, who were killed in conflict with the Mexicans. The burial vault, monument, brewery ruins and old home have all been incorporated into the state park.

The old Bluff Road that was graded and graveled made its way down through what is now the Frisch Auf Golf Course, first crossing Buckner’s Creek on a wooden bridge built in 1859 and later on an iron bridge built in 1886 to a road that is now Business 71. That road crossed the Colorado River to La Grange over an old wooden bridge built in 1883. It was replaced with a steel bridge in 1899. The winding Bluff Drive and Highway 77 river bridge were not built until 1926. Before the bridges were built, people had to cross the river on ferries. As early as 1839, John Moore operated a ferry that crossed the river at the west end of Lafayette Street, which was known as Ferry Road until the late 1840s.

One of the early German schools in the Bluff community was housed in the Teutonia Hall. Another school was located near the Luckenbach home located on Highway 77 south. Bluff had its own post office and voting box, which was located in the general merchandise store owned by Joseph Hausmann, who also built a blacksmith shop and gin adjacent to his two-story home. The old gin collapsed and was removed in 1978, but the old abandoned home, store and blacksmith shop stood next to the Hausmann Gin Road for decades, waiting for their demise while resting in the solitude of a small community that died long ago. The home met its fate; however, the store and blacksmith shop were rescued from their impending doom and moved to Marburger Farm, a venue for antique dealers, located between Warrenton and Round Top. Although no longer at their original site, they are now the last remaining vestiges of the old Bluff community, a reminder of times forgotten.

The Bridge Valley Settlement

The Bridge Valley Settlement was located in a large bend of Buckner’s Creek about three miles west of La Grange on the Flatonia Road, now known as FM 609. The area was first settled by Colonel John W.S. Dancy and Edward Manton, who came to Fayette County in the 1830s. They both had large land holdings in the area and were instrumental in trying to establish the town of Colorado City on the west side of the Colorado River at the La Bahia Crossing. This venture failed after John Moore successfully advertised for settlers to move to the new town of La Grange that he founded across the river, and flood waters inundated the proposed town site, which never progressed past the planning stage.

German settlers came to the Bridge Valley area in the 1880s, farming the fertile land. At one time, the community had a mercantile store, a post office, blacksmith shop and a saloon, all owned by Anton Legler, the first postmaster, who later moved to Plum, Texas, where he established a gin, mercantile store and lumber business. A native of Bohemia, Legler first became a farmer in the Bluff area, worked at the Kreische Brewery, and eventually became a successful businessman. He was a skilled musician, who organized the Bridge Valley Band that won first place in 1892 at the Battle of Flowers’ festival in San Antonio.

There was a one-room school in Bridge Valley that operated from circa 1880 until 1940. Some of the teachers were Walter Stierling, Jesse Jochec, Gilbert Jochec and J.J. Sula.

In addition to Anton Legler, some of the earlier Czech-Moravian settlers included Joseph and Barbara Mozisek of Janovice, Moravia, who purchased a 250-acre farm. Joseph Bordovsky, the son of August and Rosie Bordovsky of Trojanovice, Moravia, who had settled at Cedar, married the daughter of Frank Baca, a native of Bordovice, Moravia, who also had land holdings in Bridge Valley. They settled on her father’s farm, eventually buying 100 acres of land from him. Joseph Bordovsky was a man of many trades, ultimately becoming very prosperous. In addition to being a watchmaker, he was a carpenter, farmer, blacksmith, gunsmith, craftsman, and trustee for the school. He also played the organ in the Catholic Church at Hostyn and was a musician in the Bridge Valley Band. Franz and Johanna Rainosek of Frenstat, Moravia were also early settlers.

A few old homes belonging to the early settlers are still standing in the community that is now predominantly comprised of small farms and newer homes built on acreage carved out of the larger, older farms. All that is left of the Bridge Valley Settlement, as it was known, are the memories of a few older persons who had ties to the community that eventually disappeared off the map.

Robert Tecumtha Browne

Bones Back to La Grange

During the Mexican War in 1848, and five years after the Mier men had been decimated, an armistice was agreed upon between the two competing armies.The American Army was at Concepcion, the most advanced post of the army, and twenty men of General Walter P. Lane's command, knowing they were only about fifty leagues (about 150 miles) from the Hacienda de Salado, where on March 24, 1843, the Mier prisoners had been decimated, resolved to make the effort to exhume their remains and bring them to their own country. Five of the men drew white beans at El Salado, and John Dusenberry and James Sealy, who were two of the five, remembered the exact spot where their comrades had been buried. By forced marches they reached the spot, but the priests of the village and other important dignitaries bitterly opposed their removal, but finally the Texans carried their point. On reaching the spot they found a cross had been erected over their graves, and the ground had been consecrated.

A kind hearted Mexican woman kept the grave and the cross with flowers, and there they knelt and made their devotions. When the earth was removed and the cross fell, the cry of "Por Dios" or "Oh! God!" went around the circle, The remains, even to the smallest bone, were placed in sacks, put upon pack horses and by forced marches, they safely reached Concepcion. General Woll, the American commander, made the offer of free transportation to Galveston, and Mr. Dusenberry reached La Grange, Texas, in June 1848, this having been the place decided upon by the Americans for their final resting place. On September 18th of the same year, the Dawson men who had fallen in the fight at Salado Creek, six miles southeast of San Antonio, whose remains had been disinterred, were reinterred with the Mier men and now rest on Monument Hill in La Grange. A monument was erected to them at that place and the State of Texas also erected another, which stands in the courthouse yard, on which are inscriptions telling of their brave and heroic deeds.

List of Texans decimated at El Salado March 25, 1849: L.L. Cash, James D. Cocke. Capt. Wm. Eastland, who went from La Grange, Edward Este, Robert Harris, Thos. L. Jones, Patrick Mahan, James Ogden, Charles Roberts, William Rowan, J.L. Sheppard, J.M.N. Thompson, James N. Torrey, Humboldt James, Henry Whaling, M.C. Wing, making seventeen in all.

From The Boy Captive, pp. 323-324, by Fanny Chambers Gooch-Iglehart Bones Iglehart

Fayette County Historical Commission editors note: There at least two published versions of the return of the remains of the decimated men on the Mier Expedition. While the recollections vary widely on the specifics of the retrieval and the truth lies somewhere in between, the respect and courage of John Dusenberry and his men demonstrated by returning their fallen comrade's remains to their families is heroism to its highest degree.

Roy Bucek

Schulenburg Ties for Second in the State Meet

In 1938 there weren't class designations and all high schools competed on the same level. The state track meet in Austin featured such powerhouse Houston schools as Milby and Reagan High, Brackenridge High from San Antonio and other schools from Abilene, Austin, San Angelo and Port Arthur. The small high school of Schulenburg was included and finished second in the state against all the larger schools. What made this feat even more remarkable is that one man scored all the points for Schulenburg. That individual was Roy Bucek.

Roy Bucek was born in the Freyburg area and was an exceptional athlete in his 4 years at Schulenburg High School. He was quite sensational in both track and football. In the 1938 state tournament in Austin, Roy scored many points but he broke the state record for 120 high hurdles. After high school, Roy attended Texas A&M University where he continued his enthusiasm on the football field and the track. Roy was a guard on the National Champion Football team that beat Tulane in the Sugar Bowl in 1939. A&M continued its prowess on the gridiron becoming Southwest Conference Champions in 1940 and 1941.

But Roy really shined on the track. After winning many meets, 1942 was his banner year where he recorded the fastest time in the low hurdle in the U.S. with a time of 22.5. He was the high point man at the Southwest Conference track meet. That same year at the Drake relays, he helped break the world record for the 480 yard shuttle relay—a record that still stands today, but his crowning achievement was being voted "All American in Track"—the first all American in track in the history of Texas A&M.

Unfortunately, there wasn't an Olympics in 1942 because of the war, but if there had been, Roy would have been there. After graduation, Roy was given a commission and played football for the Eastern Armed Forces All Stars who were competing against professional teams such as the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions. He later served with the 7th Army in Europe where he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. In 1946, he was asked to try out for the Olympics, but with the loss of an eye, Roy had a difficult time competing. Roy moved back to Schulenburg where he became a successful businessman and still resides today.

Aylett C. "Strap" Buckner

He was a husky, red-haired giant of a man. As if he didn't know his own strength, he playfully slapped men on the back with such force as to cause bruises and injury. With no provocation at all, he knocked men down without the least intention of doing them harm. He hunted the strongest game with no other weapon than his bare fists; and the wildcat, wolf, and bear soon became scarce in the Colorado lowlands. With just one blow, he turned back Triste Noche, the huge black bull that had been striking terror among the settlers&emdash;after pausing just long enough to secure a red blanket and garner an audience. Emboldened by this feat, he even challenged the devil himself to a duel. Or so the stories go.

His name was Aylett C. Buckner. Nicknamed "Strap" because of his monumental size and strength, Buckner was one of the first permanent settlers of Fayette County. The history books describe him as a filibuster, Indian fighter, Old Three Hundred colonist, soldier of fortune, duelist, rebel, physical prodigy, and folklore hero of colonial Texas.

Born of Anglo ancestry in 1794, in Virginia; he first traveled to Texas in 1812, as a member of the Gutierrez-Magee expedition, an early filibustering expedition that took place against the backdrop of growing unrest in Mexico against Spanish rule.

He returned to Texas in 1816 under Francisco Xavier Mina, a Spanish revolutionist and filibuster, and again in 1819 with Dr. James Long, a Mississippi native who twice attempted to claim Texas for the United States. It is thought that Buckner spent the intervening years in the Natchez, Mississippi, area.

Between 1821 and 1822, Buckner returned to Texas with Peter Powell and Oliver Buckner. They settled on the west banks of the Colorado River in Fayette County, in the area known today as Buckner's Creek. Lotto, in his book Fayette County: Her History and Her People, described the early settlers this way:

"The character of the first white settlers was like that of all other men who undertake to wrest a country from a wilderness: adventurous, energetic, brave, and self-reliant. No other men would undertake hard jobs like that. Men who look to friends, relatives, and the government for support and comfort, or men who appreciate the bonds of friendship and affection higher than the excitement to risk, act, and conquer, men who prefer peaceable pursuits to a life of toil and danger are not elements that undertake to settle a new country. They were not needed here and they did not come."

The 1823 census record lists Buckner as a twenty-nine-year-old farmer. He became one of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred settlers when he received the title to one sitio (a league or 4428.4 acres) of grazing land and two labores (354.2 acres) of cropland in 1824, all in Matagorda County. But the early relationship between Buckner and Austin was marked by violent quarrels over Austin's refusal to grant Buckner the land he desired.

An Early History of Fayette County, written by Weyand and Wade, reports that Buckner threatened to take his claim over Austin's head to the all-powerful Mexican government in San Antonio. He wrote a letter to the "Father of Texas" in which he set forth his argument.

"I was one of the first men to build a cabin, the first man who had a plow stuck in the field," wrote Buckner. "I have kept a house ever since I have been settled in your colony. I have never asked the first cent for a man eating under my roof and have fed as many and I believe more people than any man in this colony, yourself not excepted, and have not received the first cent. I have lost as much and I believe more property by Indian depredations than any man on this river or perhaps in the colony with very few exceptions."

When his letter did not produce the expected results, Buckner became openly defiant of Austin's authority. In fact, he became such a nuisance that Austin ordered Buckner to answer charges of "orderly and seditious conduct against the authorities of the Government." But that never happened. Andrew Rabb, who was commissioned to deliver Buckner to Austin, delayed carrying out his orders due to an illness that suddenly developed upon receipt of Austin's command.

In the meantime, Austin consulted with two men, the wealthy Jared E. Groce and John P. Cole, as to how the Buckner problem could best be handled. Apparently Austin and his advisors adopted a policy of leniency, as shown in a letter to Fayette County Judge James Cummins. In this letter, Austin states that Buckner's "exceptionable" acts arose from a misunderstanding, and the misunderstood Buckner compromised to conform to the laws of the colony.

Eventually all was forgiven and forgotten. Buckner and Austin buried their difficulties and worked together to solve the most pressing problems for the colonists: protection from the Indians and resistance to arbitrary Mexican government.

In the summer of 1824, Austin sent Buckner and a commission of five other men to an area near the present site of Waco. They were successful in drawing up a treaty with the Waco and Tawakoni Indians. However, in accordance with the unwritten policy pursued by both races, the treaty was not kept.

In 1826, Buckner was named commander of the militia against the local Indians. In the winter of that year, he made a retaliatory expedition against a band of Karankawas thought to have murdered the Flowers and Cavanagh families, members of Austin's Old Three Hundred colony. Buckner commanded another attack against the Karankawas at Live Oak Bayou in 1831.

In 1832, Buckner led a company of volunteers from the areas of present Fayette and Matagorda counties at the battle of Velasco. There, in June of 1832, Buckner was killed. He was one of seven Texans who died in the battle, the first battle of the Texas Revolution.

Legend has it that the Indians, impressed by his strength, nicknamed Buckner the "Red Son of Blue Thunder" and offered him marriage with the Indian princess Tulipita. Nevertheless, Buckner died a bachelor and a hero in Texas history and folklore.

He Should Not Be Forgotten!

[Aylett "Strap Buckner]

The earliest settler (Anglo or Tejano) in Fayette County was probably Aylett "Strap" Buckner, a warrior by any standards, a strong defender of personal rights and a well-known early Texas pioneer, who was killed in one of the earliest battles of what turned out to be the Texas Revolution. Unfortunately, Fayette county has forgotten this pioneer, for nowhere in the county can I find a historical plaque, celebrating his accomplishments and even the name of that Colorado River tributary where he first settled, Buckner's Creek, which is unmarked where it crossed two of our highways. Surely we can do better than that?

For those who are not familiar with Strap Buckner, let me briefly tell part of his story. In 1821, Stephen F. Austin arrived in San Antonio de Bexar to claim the land grant awarded earlier to his father by the government of New Spain. Austin's grant included all or part of the land in what would become 17 Texas counties, including one that over a decade later would be named Fayette County.

But, even before Austin was awarded his grant, another Anglo-American settler had taken possession by "squatting" on a tract of land that would be located inside of Austin's Colony, and a few miles outside of present La Grange. That man was Aylett C. "Strap" Buckner, a man, who when put upon was not afraid to defend his rights.

Strap Buckner, 18 years old, had first come to Spanish Texas in 1812, to fight against the Spanish authority. He had joined a group of men called "patriots" by those fighting Spain and "filibusters" by those supporting the crown. They had formed what was called: The Republican Army off the North, consisting of Mexican and American men fighting side by side for the liberation of Texas from Spain. They were surprisingly successful, defeating the Spaniards, in Nacogdoches, again at La Bahia and on April 1, 1813, Spanish Governor Salcedo surrendered San Antonio de Bexar and all of Texas to the filibusters.

Spain was not about to ignore the loss of Texas, and a strong punitive expedition was mounted to take Texas back from those revolutionaries. This they did by defeating The Republican Army of the North in the bloody battle of el encinal de Medina, south of San Antonio de Bexar, in 1813. Aylett Buckner may have already left the army before that final battle, but he was back in Texas by 1816 and again in 1821, with two more revolutionary armies fighting Spain. By the time a treaty was signed between Mexican revolutionaries and the rulers of New Spain liberating Mexico, Buckner was in Central Texas living on that tract of land near the Colorado River and Austin had his land grant. A few years later, the Mexican government would acknowledge Aylett Buckner's role in the fight for the liberation of Mexico.

Over the next decade, Strap Buckner would survive a nasty personal conflict over Fayette County land with Stephen F. Austin that would provoke Austin to set the sheriff on Buckner, who would refuse to serve Austin's complaint on Buckner. Fortunately the conflict would soon be forgotten. A few years later, Buckner would become a trusted member Austin's inner circle when he was appointed to command Austin's militia and in 1831.

Buckner was killed in 1832 at Velasco by Mexican soldiers, in what some call the first battle of the Texas Revolution.

No less an early Texas hero that Travis or Crockett, Fayette County's history and its roots are ill served when even Buckner's Creek remains unmarked!

A Letter From Burnham’s Crossing

Historians have characterized William B. Travis as being many types of person: hero, rabble-rouser, martyr, self-absorbed narcissist, and womanizer. One of the most conspicuous characteristics of Travis that this author admires is his ability to write stirring prose. The best example is the “Victory or Death” letter from the Alamo.

In December of 1835, Travis was gathering volunteers and supplies at San Felipe to go to the assistance of the Texian troops at San Antonio de Bexar, which the last dispatch had the Mexican troops trapped inside the Alamo. This situation would soon reverse itself in two months. Travis and his party left San Felipe and arrived at Burnham’s Crossing on the Colorado River in present day Fayette County. He sent this dispatch:

An interesting side note, as Travis was penning this letter to “His Excellency Henry Smith” from Jesse Burnham’s house, Burnham was in San Felipe casting a vote to impeach Henry Smith.

Carmine Bank Robbery #1

Hamilton-O'Dare

It was the 1930s and the notorious Bonnie and Clyde gang seemed to be everywhere. One of the gang was Raymond Hamilton. He had more nerve in handling a gun and was as cool as a cucumber when robbing banks. He made Clyde Barrow look like a novice.

The Carmine State Bank had the misfortune of a visit from Raymond Hamilton and his sidekick Gene O' Dare on Wednesday, November 9, 1932. The two men entered the Bank at about 11:15 and forced cashier Herbert Doerr, bank president William Stuermer, director William Plueckhahn and two bank customers to hold up their hands while the two bandits scraped up the money. Immediately after snatching the money, estimated at $1400.00, the robbers backed out of the bank and jumped into a Chevrolet Coupe and sped away.

Fayette County Sheriff Will Loessin was notified and immediately left for Carmine in company with Deputy Jim Flournoy. Later witnesses stated that the two bank robbers purchased gas at a station on the Ellinger highway and then headed straight for La Grange. It was reported that the two passed through La Grange driving over the Jefferson Street Bridge. Officers telephoned Weimer and other places to be on the lookout for them. Two Texas Rangers arrived to help take up the trail. The get-away car was later found abandoned in Smithville. It was suspected that the thieves stole another vehicle and traveled on.

Hamilton and O'Dare, who so easily and calmly robbed the Carmine State Bank, were seasoned bandits. They used the side roads to elude capture and many believed that their route had been carefully studied well before they ever entered the Carmine Bank. They made it all the way to Bay City, Michigan, where supposedly Hamilton's father lived. They were arrested and taken into custody on December 6, 1932. They were brought back to Texas to the Dallas jail where Hamilton already faced 4 felony charges and a murder charge in Hill County. The Carmine bank officials promptly identified both Hamilton and O'Dare as the bank robbers and that charge was added to the list.

The Fayette County Grand Jury convened and returned indictments against both men. On February 1, 1933, Gene O'Dare was sentenced to life imprisonment for his part in the Carmine robbery. Seven deputies surrounded him as he was led back to his jail cell. Ray Hamilton was supposed to have been tried with O'Dare, but was awaiting his murder trial in Hill County.

On Friday May 5, 1933 Sheriff Loessin and Deputy Flournoy traveled to Dallas to bring Hamilton back to La Grange to stand trial for his part in the bank robbery. By then Hamilton had been tried five times, convicted four times, and assessed sentences totaling sixty-five years. Extra guards were placed on duty at the Fayette County jail for two reasons; Hamilton had a history of escaping from jails and officials were afraid his friends Bonnie and Clyde might try to break him out.

On Monday May 8, 1933, twelve jurors were selected and testimony was concluded the next day. Hamilton's attorney presented no witnesses and Ray Hamilton did not testify. Fred Blundell, Fayette County district attorney, completed his presentation in two hours. Bank officials Plueckhahn and Doerr and three other witnesses identified Hamilton as one of the bank robbers. Hamilton was found guilty and given a 99-year sentence to go along with his other prison time. He was then returned to the Hill County Jail where he escaped only to be recaptured the next day. He was eventually sentenced to 263 years at Huntsville.

On January 16, 1934, Bonnie and Clyde broke Ray Hamilton out of prison by killing two guards in a bloody shoot out. Ray Hamilton's sensational criminal career ended with his execution in the electric chair on May 10, 1935. He was only 21 years old.

Carmine Bank Robbery #2

Addington-Campbell

While the Carmine Bank was still reeling from the effects of the Hamilton-O'Dare robbery they were targeted once again. But this time the bank and the town were ready. When three strangers arrived in Carmine the curiosity of the citizens was aroused and phone calls were made to deputy Flournoy notifying him of the three suspicious men. Flournoy said, "We kept an eye on them and the bank, I thought they would pull the job that day, but when they returned the next afternoon we were ready".

At about 3:30 on January 11, 1933, one of the bandits entered the bank and handed Assistant Cashier William Plueckhahn a note with a name on it and asked for directions. Before the cashier could answer the bandit pulled a pistol from his pocket and stuck it through the cage. "Stick em up" he ordered. The only other people in the bank were Bank President William Stuermer and customer John Krause. They, along with the cashier, were forced into the vault where the bandit scooped up $1224.00 and was about to leave when Flournoy arrived. The second bandit was outside in the get away car and was disarmed by Flournoy. The deputy then went to the back door of the bank, tried to enter and found it locked. The noise momentarily caused the bandit to look away giving cashier Plueckhahn the opportunity to grab his pistol and shoot the bandit twice in the head, killing him instantly.

The third man, believed to be waiting in another car outside of town was not found. The dead bandit was identified as Leon Addington of Oklahoma. His accomplice was Robert Campbell who was brought to the Fayette County Jail where he spent time playing dominoes and laughing with Gene O'Dare.

Addington's body was brought to the Reichert and Kneip undertaking parlor in La Grange where folks from all over the county came to view the body. Pictures were taken and circulated through the community. Addington's body was shipped out to Oklahoma on the midnight train.

Carmine Dramatic Club

Transcribed by Connie F. Sneed

Taken from the Dallas Morning News, 28 June, 1930:

TEXAS BOASTS LITTLE THEATER

DRAMATIC CLUB AT CARMINE, FAYETTE COUNTY, FOUNDED IN 1895

What may be the oldest Little Theater in America has been discovered in Texas, and it is not the Dallas Little Theater. It is the Carmine Dramatic Club of Carmine, Fayette County in South Texas, which has functioned for thirty-five years according to the theatrical trade paper, Billboard. On its rolls are two charter members who still take an active part in the productions.

The beginning of this group was humble, but it has built a reputation for giving excellent plays, which extends far into the adjacent counties. Every play is presented before a capacity house. The history of the Carmine Dramatic Club began when the young folks of Carmine presented their first play thirty five years ago. Had not the determined members had the stamina to forget all of the trials and difficulties of that first play, there probably would have been no history to record today.

The first play was “At Cross Purposes” and the would-be Thespians discovered that there were more things to be considered than just selecting and rehearsing a play. There were other primary considerations—little things like a theater, a stage, curtains, lights, properties and seats. The club members who remember that first play recall with much humor some of the now comical improvisations such as the red calico curtain for a drop, the makeshift stage and boards on beer kegs.

This group now meets whenever a play is to be put on and people for miles and miles watch for the announcement of these plays and their well-known players. For instance H.L. F. Doerr has been interpreting comic parts in this Little Theater for more than twenty years. In private life he is the cashier of the Carmine State Bank—his appearance is the signal for the most enthusiastic applause. His name on the program assures a full house.

Then there is Norma Bauer, present director, and also one of the charter members. She is versatile, playing equally well the part of an Indian squaw, a frost bitten old maid or a stern mother. Three Weyand brothers have played numerous parts. Only one, Max, now remains with the club. His deep resonant voice and acting ability have pleased many audiences. Another favorite is Leon Hoppe. Carmine audiences have watched him progress from a juvenile part to those of a lover, a hardened villain and the philosopher. Other favorites include Henry Haberlein, Alfred Hoppe, Irene Fricke, Ella Hoppe and Alma Doerr. Among the more youthful stars are Lila Kieke and Lorraine and Katherine Siebel.

Each performance given by the Carmine players nets in the neighborhood of $300.00 or more, and on occasions the group has played banker to some of the city institutions.

The First Catholic Church in Fayette County

by Carolyn Heinsohn

In the early 1850s, settlers in the Ross Prairie area of Fayette County, who were primarily of German and Czech origins, were gathering together in their homes for religious services. In spite of their language and cultural barriers, these early settlers joined together to find comfort in God’s Word. They felt that God had not only provided them with the courage to make the drastic change of leaving their homelands for an unknown future, but also the opportunity to achieve a better life in the New World. In spite of having undergone countless adversities in taming their new land, including difficulties in providing food, shelter and clothing for themselves, hostilities from Indians and weather extremes, they were still thankful for their newly-found freedoms and ability to acquire land.

Two priests, Reverends. J. Anstaett and Peter Victor Gury, were recruited by the Bishop of Galveston to serve the needs of the early immigrants in Central Texas. Rev. Gury helped found many churches, especially in Fayette and Colorado counties. Both priests celebrated Mass in the homes of the Zapalac, Hoelscher and Scheel families, who were early settlers in the Ross Prairie area. It was decided that a church should be built, so 28 ½ acres were acquired by Bishop J.M. Odin of the Galveston Diocese from Carl Hillman and his wife. A small log church, named St. Joseph, which these families built, was dedicated on May 10, 1855. It has the distinction of being the first Catholic Church in Fayette County.

A cemetery was established near the church, most probably soon after the first church was built. A few of the early parishioners were buried in this cemetery, including Anton Hoelscher, Sr., who died circa 1857, and possibly his teenage son, Franz. The names of other burials are unknown, although Hoelscher family recollections indicate that several graves were still evident prior to World War II. This small cemetery also has the distinction of being the first Catholic cemetery in Fayette County.

Anton Hoelscher, Sr. and three of his four sons, Anton, Jr., Josef and Wilhelm, who emigrated from Westphalia, Germany to Texas in 1846, all owned land at Ross Prairie, where they were hoping to establish a town. According to family tradition, Anton, Sr. had drawn up plans for the town, which included a church, school and businesses essential to support the needs of the local residents. The population in the area increased, so by 1859, the settlers felt that it was necessary to replace the crude log church with a small frame church. However, it seems that the visionary plans for a town ended with the death of Anton Hoelscher, Sr.

Charles Ehlinger, an early settler in the area, had set up a sawmill, blacksmith shop, gin and general merchandise store at Live Oak Hill, two miles south of Ross Prairie, so some members of St. Joseph’s parish decided that it was not advantageous for their future to remain at that site. After the decision was made to relocate the church circa 1861, Charles Ehlinger moved the church to the top of Live Oak Hill, a beautiful site with a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside. In October 1864, Charles Ehlinger, for a consideration of $275.00 and 28 acres of the original land at Ross Prairie, sold approximately 33 ½ acres of land to St. Joseph’s Church at Live Oak Hill, which is still the land on which the present church and cemetery are located. The one-half acre on which the cemetery was located at Ross Prairie was not included in the transaction. Earlier deeds of transactions for the surrounding acreage always excluded that one-half acre as a Catholic cemetery, but by the 1920s, it was never mentioned again. The Hoelscher family marked the burial site of Anton Hoelscher, Sr., presently located on private land, with a tombstone placed there in 1954, as well as erecting a marker on Wecheta Road in 2006, commemorating their immigrant family’s contributions toward establishing St. Joseph’s Church and settling the area.

As the Catholic population continued to increase, the small frame church that was moved from Ross Prairie became inadequate. It was replaced by a larger church that was completed in 1865. The first parochial school and home for the nuns were built in 1866, followed by the first rectory, which was constructed in 1872.

More businesses were established at Live Oak Hill, including a post office, which was located at the foot of Live Oak Hill. The community was eventually named Ehlinger after its founder, Charles Ehlinger, a prominent businessman and benefactor. After the railroad was built two miles to the west in 1881, the station was named Ellinger, a variation of the name Ehlinger, due to a clerical misspelling in some legal transaction. All of the businesses from the foot of Live Oak Hill were moved adjacent to the railroad and became the present town of Ellinger. The church, rectory and school remained at Live Oak Hill.

As more Moravians moved to the area, they began to call the beautiful hill where the church was located “Hostyn Hill”, after Hostyn in Moravia, a pilgrimage place dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the most revered of all their holy places. This site closely resembled the original Hostyn, so the settlers originating from that area lovingly attached the same name to this hill. Later, this proved to be confusing when Rev. Paul Kaspar changed the name of the community of Moravan, located six miles southwest of La Grange, to Hostyn in 1925 for the same reason – its resemblance to Hostyn in Moravia. Thereafter, the original Hostyn was referred to as Hostyn Hill near Ellinger.

The Catholic population continued to grow, so St. Joseph’s Church was replaced by a larger, more elaborate church in 1879, which was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. This church was destroyed by fire on Easter Sunday in 1905. While a new church was being constructed, a severe storm almost completely demolished the building, leaving only the tall tower and steeple standing. The parishioners, undaunted and determined, completed another church by the fall of 1906. Eventually, the name Immaculate Conception evolved into St. Mary’s Church near Ellinger.

Throughout the years, changes were made to the interior and exterior of the church, most notably to the steeple, which was lowered due to instability. Several years ago, the parishioners restored the church to its original splendor, as well as restoring a shrine built in 1928, which was a replica of one of the Stations of the Cross at Hostyn Hill in Moravia, Czech Republic. The old school and rectory are no longer there, but the beautiful church sitting high on a hill in southeast Fayette County still serves as a reminder of the dedication and faithfulness of the early Catholic settlers in this part of Texas.

Sources:
The History of St. Mary’s Church near Ellinger, Texas
Recollections of Hoelscher family traditions
Fayette County Deed Records. Researched by Carolyn Heinsohn

Unique Cemetery Art

by Lillie Mae Brightwell

Katerena Jaeickova and Matej Hajicek markers at Praha. Other Andera crosses are seen in the background.

Jan Polansky marker at Fayetteville

St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Praha, Texas has approximately four dozen or more of Charles Andera’s unique ornate, distinctive cast metal crosses that mark the final resting places of Roman Catholic Czech Americans. Andera’s beautiful grave markers have been found in cemeteries from Prague, Oklahoma to Bohemia, New York; from Pisek, North Dakota to Hallettsville, Texas. Most of the ones in Praha, Texas are marked with a "C", or "C Andera Tremont", or "#5 1897 C Andera Spillville, Ia", but some are not marked at all. Most of the markers were placed in the cemetery in the late 1800s to 1910.

Andera’s markers, which don’t rust, were sold in eight different basic designs. Usually they were put together in three chosen pieces. There is a very small cross on one of the graves in Praha. His crosses are also found in the St. John’s Fayetteville Catholic Church Cemetery. Upon entering the cemetery and looking towards the railroad track, one will see the cross that marks the final resting place of Anna Mikolaj, 1897, and down the road, the marker for Zofie Polansky, 1878, can be found. More crosses can be seen to the left and right in the old section of the cemetery.

Andera was an immigrant from Bohemia, who settled in Spillville, Iowa. One sole ad for his crosses has been found in a 25th anniversary history of the Catholic Workman.

Symbols and decorations used for the markers were a skull and crossbones, angels, cherubs, crucifixes, the Lamb of God, statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mother, the crown of thorns, quatrefoils and trefoils. Not much history has been found, and no one has his formula for his cast metal crosses. These Czech-American treasures cannot be purchased today.

Census of Fayette County in 1887

by Ed Janecka

Sometimes it is interesting to look back and compare and also see how things have changed. Statistics for Fayette County which were printed in 1887 state the following.

There are 6 private and 1 national bank, 161 merchants, 21 lawyers, and 34 physicians.

Improved land sells at prices ranging from $15 to $50 per acre, unimproved $3 to $20 per acre.

Population in 1887 was 34,040: males 17,678, females 16,362; Americans 5212; Blacks 8298; English 57; Germans 13,901; Danes 2; Hungarians 4; Irish 35; Wendish 284; Mexicans 82; Spanish 1; Swedes 7; Poles 57; Russians 4; Scotch 10; Chinese 2; Bohemians and Moravians 6084.

La Grange had a population of 2500; Flatonia, population 1800; Schulenburg, population 1500; Round Top, population 500; Fayetteville, population 400; Ellinger, population 350.

Fayette County had a total school population of 7321 and 148 teachers. Average wages paid teachers: white - males $49.37, females $43.12; blacks - males 52.70, females $39.86.

The total number of pupils admitted to the schools in 1887 was 5848, average attendance 3718, average length of school term 98 days. Total tuition revenue from all sources was $38,066.85.

In 1887 there were 248,509 acres in prairies, 263,782 in timber, 183,325 in pastures, and 139,512 in cultivation. Corn, oats, rye, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, sugar cane, sorghum cane, millet, hay, broom corn, and cotton were all grown in Fayette County with cotton having the most acreage under cultivation at 82,804 acres. In 1887 there were 35,187 bales of cotton ginned in Fayette County with a value of $1,662,585. In 1887 15% of the cotton crop was destroyed by worms, and 30% of all crops were injured due to the drought. The farmers produced 382,840 pounds of bacon, 3055 pounds of lard, 36,196 bushels of corn, 20,598 pounds of honey, and 6974 gallons of molasses. They also produced peaches, plums, pears, melons, vegetables, grapes and 2757 gallons of wine valued at $2924.

Fayette County farmers also raised ducks, geese and over 140,000 chickens producing over 370,000 dozens of eggs. There were over 1,590,000 gallons of milk and 485,282 pounds of butter produced from 13,822 milk cows. There were 18,054 horse and mules in the county as well as 38,954 head of cattle, 29 jacks and jennies, 7280 sheep, 409 goats and 9000 hogs.

As you can see, Fayette County was a much different place in 1887 than it is today. It is interesting to note that our current population is estimated to be around 24,000. Fayette County hit its peak in the census of 1900 with a population of 36,542. The census in 1900 indicates that Travis County had a population of 47,386, Harris County 63,786, Galveston County 44,116, Fort Bend County 16,538, Colorado County 22,203, Austin County 20,678, Bastrop County 26,845, Washington County 32,931, Lavaca County 28,121 and Lee County 14,014. In 1900, Fayette County was the 17th most populous county in Texas.

C.S.P.S.
Cesko-Slovanska Podporujici Spolecnost

The Czech names from which the initials were taken for the C.S.P.S. were CESKO-SLOVANSKA PODPORUJICI SPOLECNOST. According to the S.P.J.S.T., the C.S.P.S. contained all the features and earmarks of a genuine fraternal organization as it is defined and understood today, even in the various insurance codes and laws. It set up a lodge constitution, ritualistic form of work, a representative form of administration, and payment of benefits to its members in the event of death and sickness. One of the main purposes of the C.S.P.S. is "...to foster and preserve the Czech language in this new Nation and the general moral, spiritual, and economic well-being of our countrymen."

The C.S.P.S. was the first fraternal benefit Society of its type, but not recognized as such. There was a lack of communication between the Czech and English language.

In Thomas S. Hruska Sr.'s manuscript he writes: "We were a handful - six in number- in the vicinity of Ellinger who were convinced that in order to preserve the Czech nationality, it was necessary to organize". In 1897 there were 27 C.S.P.S. lodges in Texas. In Fayette County there was: Cechomoravan # 105 in Ellinger, organized April 6, 1884; Texan # 104 in Praha, organized April 13, 1884; Radhost # 114 in Schulenburg, organized August 24, 1884; Navidad # 117 in Dubina, organized March 19, 1885; Sam Houston # 137 in La Grange, organized December 21, 1893; and Velehrad # 209 in Engle, organized April 7, 1896. Hruska recorded many years later that if it had not been for the C.S.P.S. Chapter organized at that time in Ellinger, there would have been no Czech-English Independent School at Ellinger.

Bratri Svetla # 157 in Wesley, organized August 7, 1889 was envious of lodge # 105 Ellinger's building and cemetery. John Havlik, Sr. was preparing to donate land for a cemetery north of the Wesley Lodge building when it looked as if the C.S.P.S. was in trouble in Texas. The delegates from the Midwest and Texas, at the XIth Convention of the C.S.P.S. in St. Paul, Minnesota, made an effort to set up mortuary payments according to age and occupation and to secure mortuary benefits in the amount of $500 and $1000, seek insurance coverage for their wives, and to restructure the C.S.P.S. The majority of the delegates were opposed to these reforms. There were other reasons in Texas for a breakaway. A new Roman Catholic fraternal benefit Society had been formed and the Grand Lodge of a German organization, Sons of Hermann, was organized that same year. The Sons of Hermann had a lot of C.S.P.S. Czech members who spoke fluent German. "Texas Fever" - texaska horecka - rose to a high pitch.

On December 28, 1896, 25 Czechoslovaks met in La Grange for the purpose of organizing a new fraternal benefit Society in the state. This was the start of the S.P.J.S.T. in Texas and the exit of the C.S.P.S. Three days later, the main lodge of he C.S.P.S. convened in La Grange at which were present the following representatives of the lodges: John Hajek from Texan - Praha; Jakub Vackar from Radhost - Schulenberg; I. J. Gallia from Velehrad - Engle; Jos. Petr and Frank Tymel from Navidad - Dubina; J. R. Kubena, Lad Vanek and Frank Cihal from Sam Houston - La Grange.

The last convention held by the C.S.P.S. in Texas was conducted by the Main Lodge of he C.S.P.S. of the State of Texas, in La Grange on June 19, 1897. Delegates representing Fayette County Lodges were: Jan Michal, Texan; A. M. Konyakovsky, Cechomoravan; Jakub Vackar, Radhost; Frank Tymel, Navidad; L. V. Vanek, Sam Houston; and I.J. Gallia, Velehrad.

Most of the C.S.P.S. members did not drop their C.S.P.S. membership immediately, and many maintained their membership for a good many years but at the same time they purchased S.P.J.S.T. (SLOVANSKA PODPORUJICI JEDNOTA STATU TEXAS) insurance coverage. The Texas S.P.J.S.T. received the bulk of their enthusiasm and support.

The XXIInd and the last convention held December 28, 1932, under the banner of the C.S.P.S., took place in the Sokol Slavsky Building in Chicago. In that convention, final and formal approval was given to joining the new C.S.A (CECHOSLOVAK SOCIETY OF AMERICA" (CESKOSLOVENSKE SPOLKY v AMERICE). That marked the end of the C.S.P.S. in the United States and the beginning of the C.S.A. Only 2 or 3 original Texas C.S.P.S. chapters remain in the C.S.A. today. The C.S.A. does give itself credit for being America's Oldest Fraternal Benefit Society. Czechoslovak immigrants who wanted to provide some security for their widows and children upon their death founded it in 1854 in St. Louis, Missouri, as the Czecho-Slovanske Podporujici Spolecnost (Czecho-Slovak Protective Society).

William A. Chandler

Citizen of the Old Town of Lyons

William A. Chandler was born about 1820 in Georgia. He married Susan E. Simms, born about 1829, on June 15, 1843 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia. William's brother, Pleasant B. Chandler, had been in Fayette County since 1846 and encouraged William and his family to come to Texas. They arrived some time between December 1851 and November 1853.

In December 1854, William Chandler bought 530 acres of land from Jesse Green, east of present Schulenburg and started a cotton plantation.

The Lyons Masonic Lodge No. 195 was chartered January 22, 1857, and William served as it's first Secretary.

In 1860, he donated an acre of land for "Educational and Religious purposes". It was not used for school purposes because it was too far, 3.5 miles, from the town of Lyons. The one-acre school land was located in the area that is now called "Bird House Hill".

In 1860, he loaned $300.00 to the Lyons Lodge to build a school and lodge. It was built in the southwest part of Lyons on 3/4 acre of land donated by A.M. Hanna and 1/4 acre of land donated by W.H. and Nancy Ann Fitchette, son-in-law and daughter of George and Keziah (Cryer) Taylor. The lodge and school opened March 22, 1861.

Typhoid fever was raging in Fayette County in 1861 and William contracted the disease and died July 26, 1861. He son, John B., died of the same illness September 17, 1861. Susan, the wife and mother died of the fever October 3, 1861. It is believed that all three are buried in the Navidad Baptist Cemetery, established in 1853, since it is the nearest cemetery and William was a Deacon in the Baptist Church. He was buried with full Masonic honors. P.B. Chandler, his brother, was a Baptist Minister and also administrator of the Chandler estate.

The probate record of William A. Chandler shows that 30,000 pounds of cotton was auctioned out of his estate which indicates, by the enormous quantity, that he had a gin and ginned cotton for neighbors as well as his own.

Pleasant B. Chandler lived at Fayetteville and moved to Coryell County in 1874 where he died in 1904. The Chandlers were important citizens of early day Fayette County.

Chapel Cars

Railroad history and church history briefly intertwined in La Grange in the early years of the twentieth century. Traveling ministers using railroad cars converted into chapels spread their message throughout the western section of the United States.

These special rail cars were known as chapel cars. Most of them were elaborately constructed with pews for the worshippers, altars, pulpits and even stained glass windows at one end. The minister and his family had living quarters in the opposite end. Each car was given a nickname usually reflecting the sponsorship of the car.

Most of the chapel cars were affiliated with the Baptist ministry but Catholic groups sponsored at least three cars. The railroad generously transported the chapel cars from one location to another because they hoped to exert some influence over the rowdy railroad workers.

In late August and early September 1903 one such railroad ministry chapel car stopped in La Grange. Reverend G. E. Rogers brought the car, Good Will, to the Katy freight depot. Reverend J. D. Harling, who provided the music for the services, assisted Reverend Rogers. This car was sponsored by the American Baptist Society. It was built in 1896 and remained in service until 1938.

Gospel services were conducted twice a day. The Katy freight yard was such a distance from the daily lives of most people in La Grange that not many worshippers attended the services. It simply was not convenient for the worshippers to go that distance twice a day, especially since the last service began at 8 pm. Upon hearing of this dilemma County Judge George Willrich offered the courthouse to the minister as a more central area to conduct his services. During the worship services at the courthouse Reverend Rogers went into detail with the assembled worshippers about the history of the railroad chapel cars as well as their purposes.

After a two-week stay in La Grange Reverend Rogers moved on to Smithville with the Good Will car. Rogers would later write in his journal that his visit to La Grange was unsuccessful since it appeared that the town was full of heathens who were only interested in drinking beer.

The Good Will car traveled all over the western section of the United States until it was retired in 1938 and placed on a permanent foundation in Sonoma County, California. It is still at that location today, privately owned and in poor condition.

Reverend Joseph Chromcik, the First Czech Priest in Texas

Czech Catholics who had settled in the Fayetteville area from the mid-1850s to the early 1870s were unhappy with the priests who had been serving them, because they all spoke languages other than Czech, making it difficult to participate in religious services. Some of them had been communicating by letters with Reverend Joseph Chromcik of Lichnov, Moravia near Frenstat, located at that time in the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. They decided to invite him to take over their spiritual care. In 1870, representatives visited Bishop Dubois of the Galveston Diocese to make preliminary arrangements; he sent an official request to the Bishop of Moravia, asking for Reverend Chromcik to be sent to Texas.

Known as “Little Father” (Taticek in Czech), Reverend Chromcik arrived by horse-drawn sled on Christmas Eve in 1872. He celebrated his first Mass in Fayetteville on Christmas morning, a joyous occasion for all those who had been anxiously awaiting his arrival.

He labored for the Catholic community in Fayetteville and the surrounding area, the perfect example of Christian virtues, friendship, humility, neighborliness and selfless service. He was compared to Father Miguel Muldoon, who was very instrumental in early Fayette County history; they both had exemplary traits of character.

Besides the town of Fayetteville, Father Chromcik served at least a dozen other communities during his more than thirty years of missionary work in Texas, including parishes in Fayette, Austin, Washington, Burleson, Williamson and McLennon Counties. He built the Chromcik School in 1875 in Fayetteville and taught there for 15 years.

The best way to describe Father Chromcik is to quote some excerpts from the tribute by Fayette County historian Houston Wade:

Besides building a school, a rectory and enlarging the Fayetteville church in 1881, Reverend Chromcik was instrumental in establishing the KJT, the Czech Catholic Union of Texas, in Bluff, Texas in 1889. He died in 1910 and is buried in the Fayetteville Catholic Cemetery.

The Fayetteville Catholic Daughters of America honored Father Chromcik by naming their court after him, Court Chromcik No. 1440. A bronze statue of Father Chromcik, dated 1845-1910, was erected in 1932 between St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and the rectory in Fayetteville in his memory and honor on the sixtieth anniversary of his arrival in Texas in 1872. Two State of Texas Historical markers, one for the Catholic parish and its 125^th anniversary and one for Reverend Joseph Chromcik, “The Little Father” and the first Czech priest in Texas, were dedicated in September 1995.

William Coltrin

William Coltrin was born in Cayuga County, New York on April 30th,1801. He was the eighth of ten children born to William and Emma Coltrin. Not much is known about his childhood. By 1825 he was living in Indiana. It was there that he met and married Drusilla Crawford. He did not stay put for long. He left his wife and headed for Texas.

He arrived at Velasco on January 28, 1836 on the schooner, Pennsylvania. Coltrin had been recruited for the Army of Texas in New Orleans by Captain Amasa Turner and he was a member of Captain Turner’s Company at San Jacinto. For this service he was issued Donation Certificate No. 471 for 640 acres of land. A muster roll in the General Land Office gives his enlistment date as February 13, 1836. On another muster roll he is shown as having enlisted as a member of Company A, First Regiment of Regular Infantry on Galveston Island, February 26, 1837. The deed records of Harris County show that Coltrin was a resident of that county when he sold his Headright Certificate to John Belden.

Some time in between 1840 and 1842 he arrived in Fayette County. Coltrin joined Captain Nicholas M. Dawson’s Company and was present at the massacre on September 18, 1842, near San Antonio. Coltrin was one of the very few who survived the battle. He was captured and imprisoned in Castle Perote in Mexico. It was there that he supposedly died. None of his relatives ever heard from him again.

On October 29, 1850, F. W. Chandler of La Grange, was appointed as the administrator of his estate in Fayette County. In his will, William mentioned two of his sisters, Lucy and Hannah, and a brother-in-law, John Holmes. Chandler noted that he wrote to these heirs but never received any response. At the time of the probate William’s estate was worth $169.37.

Coltrin’s wife, Drusilla, having never heard from William again, was later married to Bartholemew Durkee in Indiana.

Commencement Day 1858

Confession Letter Exonerates Man Who Served Prison Term In Texas

Cottonseed Flour – Schulenburg Oil Mill

The Journey of a School

The County Line Schoolhouse

The County Line School, Fayette County Public School No. 80, was built in 1900 by the parents of students, who attended this one-room, one-teacher country school. A typical school of that era, it was a wooden frame building with a porch and shingled roof. Located in the John Andrews League in southeastern Fayette County, the school was built on land donated by Leopold Schimek (Simek). It was situated near County Road 264 (now called Kovar Road) near the Fayette County-Colorado County boundary line. Local children, as well as those from the Pisek area of Colorado County attended this school. The children walked to school, except for one lucky boy who rode his Shetland pony to school.

At first water was brought by bucket from Kocurek’s farm across the road. In later years, a hand-dug well was excavated by Bill Plagens not far from the school, using tools made by John F. Mikus in his farm blacksmith shop, which was located on the neighboring farm. During the winter, parents would supply the wood for the pot-bellied stove. The students played in the woods near a branch of Allen’s Creek, not far from the school building. They also planted and watered a flower garden bordered with rocks around the school.

When the school closed after the spring term of 1943, the land reverted back to Leopold Schimek. Students were transferred to the Fayetteville Independent School District, as most of the small rural schools were being consolidated.

The former County Line School No. 80 had an interesting and varied “life”. After 43 years of being a one-room school house, it was moved to the Fayetteville I.S.D. school grounds where it was used for one year as a school lunchroom. When the Willow Springs School was moved to a site one mile east of Fayetteville, now Columbus Hall Lane, to be used as a colored school, the County Line School building was moved again to be used as their lunchroom. When schools were being integrated, those students started attending Fayetteville I.S.D., and the Knights of Columbus, Chromcik Council, bought the school building in 1965 along with the lunchroom building. The K.C. members used the former County Line School building for playing cards and dominoes and the former Willow Springs School for their meetings and socials. About 1980 the K.C.’s sold the County Line School to R.V. (Smokey) Renck of Warrenton to be used for the sale of antiques. In 1989, Mr. Renck sold the building to Maurice and Shirley Sacks, who moved it once again to Sandy Hill on County Road 2621, three and a half miles from Highway 50 near Brenham, Texas. It is now situated on a high hill with a great view and is well-preserved as part of a complex which includes two bed and breakfast homes called “Heartland”. The old school is used as a meeting room, for exercise and Yoga classes and even weddings.

Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Wotipka organized the County Line School reunion of the former students, teachers and trustees, which started in May 1986 and continued until the last one which was held in May 2007. Due to the deaths and advanced age of the former students, it was decided to discontinue the reunions and to donate the remaining monies in the reunion treasury to the Fayetteville Area Heritage Museum, where a replica of this unique school that was made by Harry Supak can be viewed.

Viola Spiess, a former teacher of the County Line School, who faithfully attended all of the reunions, was instrumental in having a commemorative sign erected not far from the original school building site; it can be viewed from Kovar Road.

Information provided by: Minutes of the reunions, former students, Knights of Columbus, Fayette County Texas Heritage, Vol. I, R.F. Renck, Maurice and Shirley Sacks, Wayne Schmidt. Photo shows a replica of the County Line School in the Fayetteville Area Heritage Museum

Extracts From the Fayette County Commissioner Court Minutes in the Republic of Texas

The following is a sampling of interesting resolutions and court orders issued in the early years of the county which gives a glimpse of life in the Fayette County of the 1840s in the Republic of Texas. As there are no explanations readily available for the orders, some are very cryptic while others offer straight forward explanations.

July 6th 1840: “Resolved that Jesse Burnam be required to move the family of Thomas C. Scidmore from the present place of abode to La Grange and furnish the family with a house and necessary means of sustenance and that he be required to present his account to the Commissioners court for liquidation.”

January 4th, 1841: “Resolved that a certain Negro man taken up as a runaway and committed to the County Jail who calls himself Henry be taken out of the jail as the responsibility of the County and hired for the benefit of the county until his Master or Owner takes him away or a Law enacted provides for runaway negros. And that W. B. Meriwether and William Nabers be appointed trustees to him said negro and report to the County.”

Feb 15th 1842: “Ordered by the Court that hereafter moneys paid into the County from Estrays must be paid in gold or silver in accordance with laws.”

January 1st 1844: “Ordered by the court that appropriation for building a Court House, for buying a Ferry rope, and for building a Poor House be cancelled.” “Ordered that Josiah O’Daniel be fined Twenty five dollars for absenting himself without leave and that R.B. Jarman, Francis Smith, W.B. Bridges and James Robinson be fined Twenty five dollars each for non attendance.” (These are county commissioners absent from a meeting Jan 1.) “Ordered by the court that Messr. H. Ferrill, A.A. Gardenier and J.S. Lester be allowed three dollars per diem each for four days during the time they were employed in making out the report out of any money not otherwise appropriated.” “It was ordered by the court to audit the claim of W. Fitzgerald for boarding a runaway negro in the year 1840.” “It was moved and seconded that the Sheriff be authorized to pursue the most practicable course so as to secure persons whether in jail or otherwise to be at his own discretion which being put to vote was carried in affirmative.” “It was ordered by the court to audit the claim of A.A. Gardenier (sheriff) for fifty three dollars for boarding, ironing (leg irons not laundry), and keeping prisoners and repairs on the jail.”

The majority of the records involved the altering of county roads, the running of the ferries, and payments to citizens for unexplained services rendered.

Crime and Punishment

Fayette County was but six months old in July 1838, but she already possessed a jail. The building cost $460.00 and was sufficient for the keeping of prisoners in those early times for prisoners were ironed and chained then.

Ten years later, the jail was up for sale because "the jail is of no service to the county". It took a while for a new jail to be built so prisoners were boarded out to different persons. The charges for boarding a prisoner were extraordinarily high, $3.00 per day. The county was spending a disproportionate amount of their annual funds on keeping prisoners. It was time for a new jail,

At the same time, the Texas State Legislature passed a bill establishing the first state prison. A committee of three men, including, William Menefee of Fayette County, were appointed to select a site and purchase land. Why they chose Huntsville is still a mystery but the prison was built there. The first prisoner was registered on October 1, 1849 and was William G. Sansom of Fayette County. He was convicted and sentenced to three years for cattle theft. Sansom was only 18 years old but was a member of a gang of thieves. They were accused of stealing everything from horse and hogs to slaves. Sansom was delivered to the Hunstville prison on horseback escorted by the local sheriff and 5 citizen deputies acting as guards. Such protection was warranted as Sansom's outlaw gang had declared they would attempt to rescue him but did not do so.

In 1852, William Lewis' plan for a new Fayette County jail was accepted. Local stonemasons Ammann & Kreische received the bid for construction and built the structure on two lots on the corner of Main and Crockett Streets. This jail served the county for great many years until the simple old structure, though solid was deemed insufficient to "baffle the hopes of escape of the ingenious prisoner".

In 1882, a contract was issued for the construction of the third Fayette County jail on the same site as the previous building. The new jail was a solid, substantial, modern building that served the county for more than 100 years. It still stands at 171 S. Main Street in La Grange.

Sheriff August Loessin was in office for 26 years beginning in 1894. During that time he performed the duties of "Executioner" on two occasions. Gallows were constructed behind the jail building in plain view of the cellblock. Prior to this time, prisoners were hung from trees along the Colorado River bank.

In November 1898, Clay Ford brutally murdered Mathilda Winston and her little granddaughter in order to steal $37.00. The case was tried and the verdict "death by hanging" which was carried out in July 1899.

In June 1905, the Sheriff was notified that a pregnant woman living near Schulenburg had been attacked and raped. A local posse had been formed to find and hang the perpetrator on the spot. The Sheriff assigned his Deputy, Will Loessin, the task of going to get the suspect and bring him safely back to the jail. John Boyd was arrested and jailed to await his trial where he was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. More than three years later on the morning of January 8th, 1909, Sheriff August Loessin hung John Boyd by the neck until he was "dead, dead, dead". It was the last hanging in Fayette County.

Two other cases stand out in the annals of Fayette County crime and punishment. In early February 1925, William Langhorne of Chappel Hill, Texas coerced two La Grange teenage sisters to accompany him on a car ride. Outside of town, he stopped the car and attacked the younger of the two. When the older sister tried to subdue Langhorne, he shot her fives time with a pistol, mortally wounding her. The younger girl survived and was able to make it to a farmer's house and call for help. The sheriff arrested Langhorne after a car chase across Fayette County. The murder trial commenced five weeks later and "spectators crowded into the courtroom." Some spectators even brought their lunches so they would not have to leave their seats because they knew they would not get them back. Nine days after the trial began the jury returned the guilty verdict with punishment set as death in the electric chair. Langhorne must have appealed his sentence because the State of Texas never executed him.

In February 1933, the Fayette County sheriff's office received a report that Henry Stoever of Schulenburg was missing. Marie Dach, the widow of Anton Dach, had employed him as a farm hand. After a two-month investigation, the remains of Mr. Stoever were found shot, burned and buried under Marie Dach's new hen house. She was arrested and brought to the jail in La Grange. Mrs. Dach's reasoning for the heinous act was the "cumulative result of a series of cruelties and indignities having for their beginning a criminal assault committed two months previously." On May 4, 1933, the grand jury indicted her for murder. The murder trial began on May 22, 1933. It took two venire of 125 men to select the twelve-man jury. Most prospective jurors disqualified themselves because they were opposed to inflicting the death penalty on a woman. Three days into the trial and "the courtroom was crowded and the heat fierce". The case went to the jury late in the day and when no decision came forth the jurors were "locked up for the night". They submitted their verdict the next morning, May 25, 1933. Marie Dach was to die in the electric chair. It was only the second time in the State of Texas that a woman had been given the death penalty. Marie Dach died in the Fayette County jail on August 23, 1933 due to voluntary starvation while awaiting an appeal to her death sentence.

William Vannoy Criswell

William Vannoy Criswell was the second son of John Yancy Criswell Sr. and Eleanor Vannoy. He was born in Knox County, Kentucky on April 15, 1815 and arrived in Texas in December 1830 with his parents and siblings.

He served with the Republic of Texas Army several times throughout his youth. He was in the Indian Campaign from 25 July to 13 September 1835. He served as a private in Captain J.C. Neill's Artillery Company from 28 September 1835 to 13 December 1835, including the Siege of Bexar. He also served in the “Come and Take It Battle” at Gonzales, Texas in October 1835. He was discharged in December, 1835 at which time he went home to help his father care for the family during which time the Alamo fell. The family got caught up in the “Runaway Scrape”. William enlisted again on 27 March 1836 and served until 27 June 1836 under the command of Col. Edward Burleson, 1st Regiment, known as the Mina Volunteers, later Company “C'. He was at the Battle of San Jacinto. His name appears on the bronze plaque inside the theater at the San Jacinto Monument and Battlefield in Houston, Texas.

He married, on October 12, 1844, a Miss Mary Elizabeth [Polly] McMicken. They had six children; Elizabeth [Bettie] Jane, Sarah Elizabeth, Mary [Mollie] Ann, John Henry, James Yancy [Yank], and Lillie Martin. All the children were born in Fayette County, Texas. William died January 19, 1858 and was buried in a small family cemetery known as “Criswell Cemetery” near his home at Mulberry Creek near Praha, Fayette County, Texas. In 1936, his bones were removed for reburial at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, where they now lie. His bones were intact at the time of reburial, as Polly had had his grave lined with limestone. All in all, William received five recorded Republic of Texas land grants.

The First Czech Sermon of St. John the Baptist Church

In the 1850s Czech immigrants began arriving at Ross Prairie. This area is located in the most southeast corner of Fayette County between the small towns of Fayetteville and Ellinger. At the time there was only one church in the area, The Evangelical Lutheran Church. Unfortunately for the Czech people all services where in German and most did not understand the German language. They were welcome to use the church, but it was hard for them to join in. Many spiritual difficulties haunted them. They were unable to go to confession because the priest didn't understand them. Those who attempted to go to confession were frustrated about the lack of communication and felt as if they were not absolved of their sins. The Czech ladies who longed to sing in their beautiful voices could not because their melodies where different from the Germans. They grieved deeply over this and hoped that someday they would have a priest of their own to lead them spiritually. Konstantin Chovanec and John Vychopen went to the Bishop in Galveston to plead for a Czech Priest. He allowed them to seek a Czech priest on their own. The two men hurried home with the news and talked about constructing a church for their anticipated new priest. Money was tight, but everyone pitched in what ever they could, even the Germans offered to help if the church would be built in the town of Fayetteville. Everyone agreed and the construction of the Czech Catholic Parish of St. John the Baptist church began. Finally in 1870 a simple but efficient church was completed. Soon Father Felix Dombrovsky arrived to lead them, but unfortunately and to their great disappointment he was Polish and they couldn't understand him. Once again they found themselves in the same predicament as before. They survived, but soulfully they yearned for a Czech-speaking priest. Many claimed it a miracle when a message arrived that a priest in Lichnov, Moravia named Joseph Chromcik agreed to come to America and serve them in spiritual matters. Months past and they had not heard a word about his arrival. On Christmas Eve 1872, Father Chromcik arrived in Fayetteville and officially took over the parish on Christmas Day. Indeed the joy of the Fayetteville people knew no bounds for they had yearned for so many years to hear the word of God in their own mother tongue. It was indeed a glorious Christmas for them when Father Chromcik spoke the first mass and preached his first sermon in Czech.

John Dancy

John Winfield Scott Dancy was born in Greenville County, Virginia in 1810. Dance grew up in Alabama and attended college at Nashville University. He received a law license in Tennessee. He married in July 1835. His wife died soon after. Upon her death, Dancy decided to move to Texas. He became a citizen of Texas on January 13, 1837. He traveled throughout the new land. In 1838, Dancy purchased 640 acres of land in Fayette County. Dancy was an innovator in the area of farming and ranching. He introduced long-staple cotton to Texas and developed the first hydraulic ram in the state to provide irrigation for his plantation.

Dancy was elected to the Sixth Congress of the Republic of Texas in 1841. Later he would serve as Fayette County representative in the Senate in both the Second and Fourth state legislatures. Dancy ran for Governor of Texas as a Democrat in 1853, but placed last among six contenders. In February 1861 he was a delegate to the Secession Convention.

Dancy had a long-standing interest in and love for railroad development. During his tenure in Congress he worked to pass several pieces of legislation to promote the interest of railroads. This earned him the nickname of "the Father of Texas Railroads." He wanted to build a railroad from Texas to California. Dancy maintained a law practice in La Grange. Dancy planned to develop an area across the Colorado River from the current city of La Grange, which he intended to name Colorado City. He wanted to rival the promotion of John H. Moore's town of La Grange. The new town was to have 156 blocks set aside for commercial and residential property. Frequent floods along the Colorado River made the plan unworkable and it never progressed beyond the planning state. Dancy remained active in La Grange. He edited the newspaper, Texas Monument from July 1850 until June 1851. He was on the committee formed to raise funds to build a monument for the men killed during the Dawson and Mier expeditions. Dancy was a founding trustee of Rutersville College, the first college chartered in Texas.

John Dancy married again in 1849 to Lucy Ann Nowlin. They had a son and five daughters. Dancy died on February 13, 1866. He is buried in the La Grange City Cemetery in the family plot that is bordered by an ornate wrought iron fence. Additional history on the Dancy family and maps of Colorado City can be seen in the archives of the Fayette Heritage Museum.

Nicholas Mosby Dawson

Nicholas Mosby Dawson was born in Woodford County, Kentucky. In 1808 his parents removed to White Co., TN, where he was educated. In 1834 he came to Texas and located near his kinsman, W.M Eastland, in what is now Fayette County.

When news of Santa Anna’s invasion reached his vicinity, he volunteered and was elected Second Lt. of Company B of the volunteers and participated in the battle of San Jacinto. He served as captain of a militia company in 1840 during an Indian campaign in what is now Mitchell County. A short time after the battle, he quit the Army and resumed business and was residing in Fayette County in 1842, when Adrian Woll made his raid into Texas and captured San Antonio.

As soon as the news reached La Grange, he organized a company and hastened to the front on the day of the battle of Salado. While trying to lead his men into the Texan’s camp, he was surrounded by an overwhelming force of Mexicans. When about half of his men had been killed, he raised the white flag. It was fired upon and the fight renewed. He finally surrendered his pistol to a Mexican officer. He was then seized by the Mexican soldiers and put to death. There were fifty- three men in his company, many recruited from Fayette, Gonzales and DeWitt counties. In what became known as the Dawson Massacre, thirty- three were slain in battle, fifteen surrendered, five of whom were wounded and two who made their escape.

On September 18, 1848, Dawson’s remains and those of thirty-five other victims of the battle were buried along with casualties from the Mier expedition in a vault on Monument Hill near La Grange. Dawson County is named for Nicholas Dawson.

Donkey Baseball

Donkey Baseball is a vanishing piece of Americana. During the 1930s, a possibly new form of fundraising and entertaining was traveling throughout America.

The La Grange Journal, in May of 1934, reported that: "Under the auspices of the La Grange Fire Department, an "innovation in base ball" will be played at the Coca Cola park (ed.: now the North Side park at the end of Main Street) next Saturday, May 19, at 4:30 p.m. This means a "scream" for the baseball fans; for two reasons, the teams will be leans and fats, and they will be mounted on donkeys. Get ready for a real spill."

"The Fire Boys have been "scratching their brains" for something out of the ordinary to entertain the public, as they are in need of a few dollars in order to carry their delegates to the State convention at Mineral Wells, next month. They believe they have something that will take well. Price of admission to grounds will be 25 cents for adults and 15 cents for children."

"The arrangement for the game was made with a Mr. Moore, who will furnish the donkeys." Editor's comment: Donkey baseball is played closely to regular baseball, except the defensive team is astride donkeys, as is the batter. The pitcher, catcher and batter, stand on their own two legs until the ball is hit, the hitter has to mount up, and navigate his donkey around the bases. The fielders have to ride to the ball, dismount, remount, and throw the ball to the appropriate player to make the out. The personality of the donkeys leads to hilarious interesting situations.

"No preparation has been made to supply towels to catch the tears, but there will be plenty of rolling space on the grounds where you can relieve yourself of a hearty laugh."

The following week the Journal reported that: "Something for the kiddies last Saturday when the "donkey base ball game" was played at the Coca Cola park, for the benefit of the La Grange Fire Department. The attendance was not as large, on the part of the grown-ups as it would have been, probably, had the event been held on any other day than Saturday. But the proceeds were such that after the expenses were paid, the percentage amounted to a small sum for the fire boys."

"Those who witnessed the game had their laugh; prior to the opening of the game the parade was staged about the public square; some of the donkeys, used in the game, were being ridden by the long-legged bunch as well as a few stouts; the owners of the donkeys and the trucks furnished radio music."

The editor fondly remembers Ralph Godfrey's Donkey Baseball and Basketball games in Schulenburg in the early 1960s. Yes, they played basketball in the gym with rubber shoes on the donkeys. The Internet lists two companies still in the business. There's no record of what the farmers, who had to deal with the orneriness of mules while plowing, thought of this.

William Mosby Eastland

William Mosby Eastland rarely passed up on an opportunity to join an expedition or to sign on with the Texas Rangers. The son of a veteran of the War of 1812, Eastland fought valiantly in the Texas Revolution and in every frontier expedition on which he embarked. In the end, two factors led to his demise: his willingness to defend Texas and an unlucky black bean.

William Eastland was born in 1806 in Woodford County, Kentucky. When still a child, he moved with his family to Tennessee, where he was educated. He entered the timber business as a young man but relocated his family to Texas in 1834 upon the advice of family friend Edward Burleson. Eastland settled in present Fayette, near what is now La Grange, with his wife; children; two brothers; and a cousin, Nicholas Mosby Dawson, who also became a Texas Ranger leader.

Eastland’s first Ranger campaign was with Colonel John Henry Moore in the summer of 1835. He served as first lieutenant of Captain Michael R. Goheen’s La Grange Ranger Company. The expedition gathered at Fort Parker and pursued Indians into the area of present Dallas-Fort Worth.

Once his unit was disbanded on September 13, Eastland quickly became involved in the Texas Revolution. He joined Captain Thomas Alley’s company, a part of the Volunteer Army of Texas, on September 28, 1835. He served with this unit through December 12, when he was discharged at Bexar. During his time of service, Eastland lost his black mare at the Bexar siege, which was valued by Captain Alley at sixty dollars.

Eastland enrolled in the Colorado River settlement’s volunteer company of Captain Thomas Rabb and was initially elected second lieutenant. He later advanced to first lieutenant when Captain William Heard took command for the departed Rabb. Eastland fought with Heard’s company on April 21, 1836, at the historic battle of San Jacinto.

Following San Jacinto, William Eastland soon became engaged in the Ranger business again. He joined Captain John G. McGehee’s Bastrop Rangers as a private on July 1, 1836. After four months along the Colorado River settlements without any major battles, McGehee’s Rangers were discharged by Colonel Edward Burleson on November 20.

On December 14, 1836, Eastland was appointed to take command of a mounted rifleman company to be organized in Gonzales County.

In October 1837, Eastland led a group of his Rangers out on what was later called the Eastland Expedition. They departed Fort Smith on the headwaters of the Little River in pursuit of Indians who had stolen horses. Eastland’s men penetrated Indian country between the Colorado and Brazos Rivers, living off the wild game that they killed.

A loyal supporter of the frontier fights that helped open the settlement of Texas, William Mosby Eastland had not felt that he was to die in vain. Shortly before he drew the fatal black bean, he was interviewed by a Texas newspaper editor who was also being held prisoner. “For my country, I have offered all my earthly aspiration,” stated Captain Eastland, “and for it, I now lay down my life.”

In 1848, the remains of Captain Eastland and the other Mier victims were moved to Monument Hill, near La Grange, for re-interment. Eastland County is named in his honor.

Eblin's League As a Competitor for the State Capitol

Texas has had many official government headquarters. Natchitoches held that honor from 1721 until 1762. After that date, the Spanish moved the capital of the Province of Texas to San Antonio and remained there until 1836. Stephen F. Austin chose San Felipe de Austin on the banks of the Brazos River as his sight until it was burned in April of 1836. The war between Texas and Mexico forced the Texas government to become migratory. The following towns, for brief periods, were the headquarters of the Texas government: Washington on the Brazos, Harrisburg, Galveston and Velasco. The first Congress of the Republic of Texas met at Columbia, in October of 1836 and in a joint session decreed Houston to be the capital until 1840. When the second Congress of the Republic of Texas met in Houston in 1837, a Commission was named to "inquire into the propriety of selecting a site on which to locate permanently the seat of "Government of the Republic". On December 14, 1837, Congress chose a new Commission of five members to select several sites and make a report by April of 1838. In March of 1838, the Commissioners met at the John H. Moore Plantation in Fayette "for the purpose of examining such sites as may be deemed eligible and receive proposals for same". After a very short period of time, the Commission had selected the John Eblin League which made up most of what is today the city of La Grange. There were other landowners adjacent to the John Eblin League who were willing to donate part of their land for the new Capitol. Two days after the selection the Committee had made their decision. Congress met in joint session. On the second vote Eblin League received 27 votes out of a possible 40. After the balloting ended, the Speaker announced that Eblin's League in Fayette County had been chosen by a majority vote as the permanent site of government in Texas. Other provisions of the act were (1) the name of the site was to be called Austin; (2) land was to be reserved for a university (3) the seat of government was not be removed from Houston until 1840. There is no evidence that the people of Texas objected to the site, but President Sam Houston vetoed the bill, giving reasons that it was premature to select a new site and he felt it would require greater financial outlay than he was willing to grant. Most people felt he wanted the Capitol to remain in Houston because it bore his name.

Hugo Ehlers

Sorrow - Soldier is Lost

"Regret to inform you that Sergeant H.J. Ehlers fell in action" were the chilling words that Mr. Ehlers received in a telegram just one day after the glorious celebrations of peace that occurred on November 11, 1918 when World War I came to an end. La Grange had been relieved that it had not lost any lives to the fighting but now the town would have to grieve for one of its own. Private H.J. Ehlers, son of Hugo and Agatha Ehlers died while in service for his country at St. Etienne, France on October 10, 1918. Private Ehlers was a member of the Medical Corps, 143d Regular 36th Division. News of Hugo's death came to La Grange November 12, 1918, just one day after the great news that arms had been lowered and preparations for peace were underway. On November 13, 1918, after hearing the news, the La Grange City Council drafted several resolutions in memory of Private Ehlers. One of the resolutions stated that "the City of La Grange, named for the Home of that gallant Frenchman, Marquis de La Fayette, wishes to record before the world her part in the partial payment of America's debt to France, through the supreme sacrifice of our beloved soldier-citizen." The La Grange Fire Department also drafted resolutions of respect in memory of Private Ehlers, who was a fellow fire fighter, who "made the supreme sacrifice upon the battlefield of France, upholding the traditions of our forefathers with true Americanism". Jimmy, as he was known by his friends, was a La Grange boy who was loved and respected and was said to bring cheer to all he came in contact with. The remains of Private Hugo Ehlers were returned home to La Grange until 1921 and his funeral service was held on September 30, 1921. M.H. Arnold of Smithville conducted the service at the Presbyterian Church in La Grange. He was laid to rest at the New La Grange City Cemetery. The attendance for Private Ehlers service was large and included people from all classes. The Handel Club and associates sang hymns. After the service the procession to the cemetery included many soldiers, both army and navy, and a band. In a show of love and respect many flowers were placed upon his casket and gravesite. The American Legion Hall in La Grange was named the H.J. Ehlers Post No. 102, Department of Texas, in honor of Hugo Ehlers.

Photo from Hugo Ehlers' funeral courtesy of Fayette Heritage Archives and Museum

El Camino Real de los Tejas

During the Spanish rule of North America, the King owned all facets of what would be considered public property today. Camino Reale, the King’s highway, was a designation given to the official government roadways of Spain. These were the paths that the official couriers of the King carried Royal dispatches from central Mexico to the remote posts, such as San Antonio and Nacogdoches. The roadways connecting seats of government were designated Camino Reale de [destination].

In the 1690s, Spain began being concerned about the encroachment of France from the Mississippi River area. To reinforce their claim, Spain decided to establish several missions and presidios in East Texas (Tejas). Their first attempt was a route (Camino Real los de Tejas) through San Antonio, San Marcos, east of Austin, and heading eastward through Milam County to Los Adaes, (now) Louisiana. The Apaches soon put a stop to their expeditions through their territory. Another route was attempted, this time further south, utilizing the pine forests and oak thickets to act as a buffer to the Apaches on horseback. This worked. The new route came up from Goliad, through DeWitt and Lavaca counties and entered Fayette County just south of Praha. The road continued northeastward just north of the Methodist Church in Freyburg, intersecting FM 609 at Peeler Road. The camino followed FM609 crossing Buckner’s Creek in the vicinity of the contemporary location. It then headed northeast in the prairie between Bordovsky Lane and FM 609. The camino crossed US 71 just west of where the bypass and the business 71 meet. The Colorado River was forded at Svrcek’s Riffles, it then turned eastward crossing Jordan Creek, and US 77 just south of Rabb’s Road. In the 1700s, the crossing was moved to between the bypass bridge and downtown La Grange bridge. Heading back northeastward, the camino paralleled SHs 159 and 237 joining the highway a half-mile just east of Round Top. The modern location crossing of Cummins Creek was utilized in the 1690s to enter present day Round Top, where it headed out FM 1457 several miles before curving back north towards Carmine and exiting the county there. The route then continued through Burton and on to east Texas. During its existence, which in some areas is still used, the trail has been expanded to other areas as needs dictated. It is also known by other names in these areas such as the La Bahia Road and Old San Antonio Road.

It must be noted that the Spaniards were not “exploring” or “discovering” routes to East Texas. They were following Indian guides who had been using these trails for hundreds, if not thousands of years. The caminos themselves were not precise roadways as we think of them now; in some areas, they could have been a half mile wide. The Spanish were driving several hundred head of horses and numerous pack animals on their supply trips to the missions. Throughout the trips, Fayette County was heavily populated with Native Americans who congregated in the area for trade and hunting.

The El Camino Real de Tejas was designated by Congress as a National Park System Historic Trail in 2004.

Footprints of Fayette

These histories were written by members of the Fayette County Historical Commission. They first appeared in the weekly column, "Footprints of Fayette," which is published in local newspapers.

Lancelot Abbotts