Fayette County, Texas - The whole text, 1902 (part 7 of 8)

The subject of this sketch is a son of the man whose biography the reader has perused just before. He has proved liimself a chip of the old block and worthy in every respect of the reputation established by his father. During his terms as sheriff of the county from 1886 to 189i, he has established a reputation for fearlessness and efliciency well known throughout South Texas. By the faithful discharge of his duties in that office he has made a great number of strong friends throughout the county.

Brutus L. Zapp was born August 15, 1851, at La Grange, He received only ten months' schooling in his life, but in later years he acquired a fair education by self- study. After iiis father had moved to Roundtop (1SC7), he worked on the latter's farm staying at his home. His fearlessness and efficiency had already attracted the attention of his fellow citizens, so that they elected him marshal of Roundtop. In 1882 he went to La Grange and served as chief deputy sheriff under John T. Rankin up to 1882. In that year he married Miss Mary Wertz of La Grange. The following year he was elected sherifTof the county. In this oflice he served four terms till 1894, when he declined to run for re-election. He was in the gin business since 1890, He started mercantile business in 1896 in which business he sliil remains, enjoying the implicit confidence of his customers.

[Note. -^ By oversig^ht, in the hurry of work, the following biographies were not put in thsir proper places. Tne writer begs to be excused for his oversight. Tha first should follow the biography of Hon. A. B. Kerr on page 284, and the second the biography of Chas. H. Sehaefer on page 286.]

H. L. Kreische was one of the first and best architects who ever came to Fayette County. He was the builder of tlie third Fayette County Court House, a solid, substantial structure which at the time it was buiU, was one of the finest court houses in the state. The reader will find a picture of this court house on paore 118. There are a great many citizens in the county who preferred this court house to the more elegant new building and who regretted to see this substantial building in which they had gathered in good and evil times, torn down to give place to a new building. The court house built by him in 1855 was demolislied in 1890. Prior to 185o he had built the second Fayette County jail in company with Mr. A. Ammann. They were complimented by the commissioners' court on this work "done in a good and workmanlike manner," and this resolution was spread on the minutes of tlie court (see page 195). The buildings erected by H. Ij. Kreische excelled by their solidity and massiveness. The rock building on the 131uff now occup.ed by his family, and the brewery nearby are specimens of his exquisite workmanship and give fnir promise to stand for ages.

H. L. Kreische was a perfectly honest man who judged other people by his own standard of honesty. It could not fail that such a man sometimes misplaced his confidence and tliis embittered the last years of the life of this good mau- H. L,

Mr. Kreische was born at Goetschen, Saxony, and was educated there as an architect. He came to Texas in 1840. In 1855 he was married to Miss Josepha Appelt who had come to this country with her brother Franz Appelt in 1853. H. L. Kreische died in 1882. His widow and six children, three sons and three daughters, are surviving him. They are the owners of the Bluff, the mo8t beautiful spot in Fayette County,

The genial disposition, the big-heartedness and the irreproachable honesty of L. Schlottman are well remembered by the people of Schulenburg. He was a man who had seen much of life, who had met with reverses as every man has, and finally reached a secure port in the position of bookkeeper for the oil mill and lumber business of Chris. Baumgarten, Sr. This position he filled ably, faithfully and honestly for a period of twenty years, leaving to his children as the best inheritance a good name.

Louis Schlottman was born on January 13, IS-']?, at Hamburg, Germany. In 1853 he came with his father, Dr. Adolphe Schlottmann, a very highly educated gentleman, from Germany to the United^ States and first settled near Uoundtop, Texas. Here they farmed for a number of years. At the beginning of the Civil War, his father opened a drugstore at lloundtop and conducted same during the war. Love of adventure and travel and a longing to see the world caused Louis to leave home and thus we find him working in Nicaragua on the first railroad built in that country. He also bought some real estate there. But after a time, he became tired of Nicaragua and made several sea voyages, one of which brought him to Liverpool, England. Here he met the wife of his choice, Miss Lucy Marten, became ac(iuainled with her and was married to her on July 3, 1SG5, in J.iverpool. The same year he returned to lloundtop and assumed the management of his father's drug business at that place, Later ou he was appointed postmaster at)Uouudtop. la

1880 he moved with his family to Schulenburg, Texas. Here he worked lirst as a carpenter, but soon secured a position as bookkeeper for the oil mill and lumber yard of Mr. Chris. Baamgarten, Sr., which position he held for a period of twenty years to the time of his death on August 30, 1901.

He left three children : Louise, wife of Mr. A. W. Beniker, in the saloon business at Schnlenburg; Bismarck, employed at Mr. Chris Baumgarten's oil mill oat Schulenburg, and Wilhelm, a farmer near Schulenburg.

Statistics Of Fayette County

4. For Seat of Government Austin received 409 votes, Rutersville 1, Washington 2. For a special Jail Tax 35 votes were cast for and 284 against, i; March 4, 1850.)

5. On order of Chief Justice an election was held at the Court House in LaGrange in accordance with the provisions of the act incorporating the town of La Grange for one mayor, five aldermen and one constable on the 4th day of March 1850, 51 votes were cast ; B. Townsend was elected mayor ; Francis Frede, P. C. Beall, P. V. Shaw, James Murphy and Lewis Williams were elected aldermen and E. P. Howland constable,

7. Election held 1st day of August, 1853 for Gov., Lieut. Gov., liand Com. and Representatives (State and LT. S.) Constitutional amendment relating to River appropriation and Court House resolution was defeated.

8. Elections for State, County and Beat officers. Aug 7 1854 for and against the Liquor License 785 votes were cast in this election ; of these only 114 voted for and 270 against the liquor license ; the balance not voting. For Free Ferry 182. against fiee Ferry voted 69. The County Commissioners were voted for by the whole county. In this year there were 9 justice and election beats. 9 Justices of the Peace and 9 constables were elected. The same day was also first election for School Trustees ; the county was divided into 18 school districts. Also election for mayor, aldermen and town constable in La Grange. Mayor Charles Longcope elected.

11. El. Aug. 4, 1856 for State and county officers Beat No. 4 is the first time called Roundtop, No. 5, Fayetteville, No. 6 Lyons, No. 7 Black Jack, No. 8 Scallorn, No. 9 Burleson, No. 10 is skipped. No. 11 Mulberry. This election 10 Justices and constables were elect8d.

12. In this year 5 justices of the peace having failed to qualify after the Electoral Election they were voted for again; then for one no returns were made ; 3 again failed to qualify. Elect, held Nov. 4, 56 also for Presidential Electors.

13. In a special election for an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Hon. A. S. Lipscomb only 136 votes were cast, three precincts only making returns. The returns certified to by county commissioners William Hunt and William Young, probably in the absence of the county judge, but the latter made a like return as the above commissioners and wrote across the first certification the words: Null and Void. In a special election for representative, held August 27, 1851, there having been a tie at the election held August 3, 1857, two county commissioners certified again to the returns of the election viz., Joel W. Robison and William Young, but this time the judge seems to have accepted their certificate as valid.

2. Election for State Officers: Chief Justice S. C, Ase. Justice, Att'y. Gen'l., Comptroller of Accounts, Treasurer, Diet. Att'y., County and Beat Officers.

5. At an election hold March, 19, 1860 upon the proposition to levy a special tax to aid in the construction of the B. B. B. & C. Railroad, tax proposition received 516 votes ; against 286.

9. El. held Nov. 6. 1861 for Electors for Pres, and Vice Pres. of the Confederate States and for Member of Congress of the Confederate States.

10. Elect, held Aug. 4, 1862 for State and connty officers, 2 justices of the peace and one constable in each beat, 13 beats; for War Tax 372 ; against 154.

12. Elect, held Aug. 1, 1864 for State, County and beat officers, 5 justices of the Peace and 1 constable for each precinct. There were not candidates enough for five justices in each precinct. County Com. elected by the whole county (4 Comm.)

13. Elect, held Jan. 8, 1866 by order of Andrew J. Hamilton, Provisional Gov. for one delegate to a State Convention for the purpose of altering and amending the constitution. 484 votes were cast.

14. Elect, held June 25, 1866 for Gov. and all State officers, all County officers ; 2 justices of the peace and 1 constable for each of the 14 beats.

During the era of Reconstruction, election records were kept very carelessly. For some time elections were held only at the county seat. Voters had to register and pass in line. Some notes are here given on elections during these times.

In the election of 1874 there were elected five justices of the peace and five school directors. The whole county voted for them. In that year the first vote in Fayette County for state superintendent of public instruction was recorded.

Note - In the election of 1880 the question for locating Main University and Medical department was voted on. The vote went against separation of the Medical Department from the Main University, and Austin was selected as the place for the University by an overwhelming vote.

Growth of Value of Taxable Property. The earlier records on Uiis subject are stored away in the cellar of the court house and in a dilapidated condition. The amounts of the taxable property assessed in tlie county from 18-47 to 1860 are taken from the Minutes of the Commissioners' Court. It is sufficient for this book to show the increase in taxable! property since 1878 as found in the records at the taxcollector's office. JiOoking at the increase of taxable property, there is nothing unreasonable about it. A disaffected politician may find here a chance to speak of the increase of taxes anil of the tax-ridden people, but it should be borne in mind by the reader that three railroads, the branch of the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway Company from Columbus to La Grange, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas, and the San Antonio and Aransas Pass (branch from Yoakum to Waco) have been built since that time. Not only did their property add to the wealth of Fayette County, but they also enhanced the value of the farm lands.

A record of the growth of the number of school cliiklren h;is not been kei)t by the preceding superintendents. What purports to be this record may be clear to the individuals who have written it as notes to make a report from, but to no one else. The reader will notice in the table below the sudden falling oflffrom 9762 children in 1898 to 7401 in the year 1899. This is due to the stricter methods now employed in taking the gcholastic census. Still, in a great many instances, these methods cause a great deal of confusion and oversight on account of the unfamiliarity of the people with them. The present incumbent, Superintendent Stierling, states that in spite of all efforts to take a correct and complete census, the figures for the number of school children during the last two years have fallen to about 500 below what they should be. Superintendent Stierling was kind enough to furnish the following information as regards his term of otiice.

The main line of the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway Company passes througli the southern part of Fayette County, through Schulenburg and Flatonia, for a length of 22 miles, and is assessed at $198,092. The branch road of this company from Columbus, or rather from Smith Junction, to LaGrange runs through the county for a distance of 13 2 miles, which are assessed at S79,865. The proportionate amount of rolling stock of this railroad company is assessed at $45,44o. Thus, the total value of the property of this company is assessed at $;523,400. On this the company i)ays $2788.12 state and county taxes. These assessments, as well as the subse(iuent ones, have been taken for tlie year lllOO.

The Missouri, Kansas and Texa.s Railway Comi)any passes through the center of tiie county and through the county seat. La Grange. It assesses in the county '-VA miles of railroad track at $280,500; its proportionate amount of rolling stock at $23,886. Thus the assessment of this company amounts to $804,386, on which it pays $2576.71 state and county taxes.

at $215,900; the proportionate amount of rolling stock, at $24,111. The total value of the assessed property ia $240,011, on which $2032.09 state and county taxes are paid.

The Houston and Texas Central Railroad Company, whose railroad line passes through the northern part of Fayette County, through Carmhie and Ledbetter, assesses its 6 miles of railroad track at $48,090; the proportionate amount of rolling stock at $9,727, the total assessment being $57,817, on which $489.52 state and county taxes are paid.

The Southwestern Telephone and Telegraph Company owns 76 miles of line m the county, assessed at $4000, and pays $33.87 state and county taxes thereon.

The Western Union Telegraph Company owns 110.4 miles of line in the county, assessed at $0430 and pays $54.44 state and county taxes thereon.

The total value of the property of the Railroad, Telegraph and Telephone Companies in Fayette Ci^unty is assessed at $938,144 ; the taxes paid thereon amount to $7,942.95. A glance at this statement shows that whatever prejudices against the railroads some people may have, they must admit that the railroads are well taxed. Their property amounts to about the ninth part of the property of the whole county and the taxes paid thereon to nearly the tenth part of the taxes. The difference between the part which their property forms in relation to the property of the whole county and the part whic'i the taxes collected thereon amount to in relation to the taxes of the whole county, their property being the ninth part of the whole part of the county and the taxes paid thereon only the tenth part of the taxes collected in the county, is due to the amount of poll tax collected in the county besides the tax on property. As the taxes paid by the Railroad, Telegraph and Telephone Companies amount to $7,942.95 per year, pro rated per day their taxes amount to $21.21 ; an amount of taxes paid only by the county's substantial farmers.

Cities And To Win'S La Grange

La Grange lies in*a big bend of the Colorado River. For about a mile, the Colorado rnns due south until it (strikes the Blul!" mount, opposite La Grange ; here its course is turned eastward so that it encloses in this angle the city. West and south of La Grange rises the Blutf, north of La Grange abruptly rises a high plateau, while towards the east tlie land rises gradually. La Grange, therefore, lies in a deep basin, sheltered on all sides against storms. It is said that the Indians always built their camps in storm-proof localities and for this reason the present site of La Grange was the former location of an Indian camj).

La Grange is a beautiful city. The best view of it may be had from the Bluft'. Two hundred feet below, at the feet of the spectator, flow the red waters of the Colorado, enclosing from two sides a fertile bottom checkered by corn and cotton fields, a beautiful foreground for a picture of the city. Tiie court house, the steeples of churches and the red roofs of some larger residencfs break pleasantly through tlie green of liveoak groves. To the left the bridges and waterworks, to the right the compress and the railroad wagon park give this picture a fitting termination. The high wood-covered hills rising back of La Grange form an appropriate background with Chalk Bluff to the left and the town of Rutersville to the right as a close of the background. What strikes most, is the harmony and symmetry of the picture. An artist could not arrange his subject more artistically than

Programs, Letter Heads, Enveloiies, Circulars, Cards, Checks and Drafts - all work done in this line finished better than can % be done in any inland office.

The principal streets of La Grange are those leading from the public square. Most of the streets are nicely graded and graveled. The residences are elegant, with beautiful gardens and lawns in front, What strikes the stranger most upon visitinf La Grange is the great number of large and beautiful liveoak trees, veterans of the wood that reach back into past centuries. Of the more noticeable buildings may be mentioned the court house, the jail, the First National Bank Building, the Schuhmacher Bank building, the Heintze building, the Rooenberg building, the Meyenberg building, the Casino, the Opera House, the school and the compress.

La Grange was settled in the latter part of the twenties on land granted to John H. Moore. It was for a long time a very inconsiderable place. The first settlers had come from Tenne.-- gee and named their new home after their old home, LaGrange

Louis Rice

Has his Studio at the Southeast Corrior of the Public Square. A nice picture of yourself, taken with artistic taste, is a most acceptable and cherished gift to your friends. L. Rice is sure to please you. Come and call on him "at

W. S. Robson. J. T. Duncan Attorneys At Law

The Census of L)()0 gives La Grange 2400 inhabitants. Its population is American, German and Bohemian. About onetliird of the population are negroes.

La Grange is an independent school district; it lias two schools, one for white and one for colored pupils. Tlie school for white pupils is managed by Prof. C. A. Brown with the assistance of an able corps of teachers and visited by 251 pupils. The colored school is visited by 106 pupils and managed by Prof. . Jefferson. The city levies a district school tax.

The lodge brother has a large choice of lodges to join to. There are not less than nine lodges in La Grange : Odd Fellows, Knights of Honor, Knights and Ladies of Honor, Free Masons, Knights of Pythias, United \Vorkmen, Sons of Hermann, Fraternal Mystic Circle and A. L. of H. Some of these lodges insure the lives of their members, others aid them in case of sick-

Texas

The city ot La Grange has made a reputation for sociability over the whole State. The principal gathering place is the Casino, Here the whole town, enforced by a great many outsiders, gathers on festive occasions. The building is owned by a club, the Casino Club. Another club that contributes its share to entertainment is called "the La Grange Froesch," a German singing club which repeatedly has earned ppplause at feasts by their songs, Traveling theater troops generally find large audiences in this social city.

La Grange lias a fertile surrounding country that contributes to its trade, it has the rich Colorado bottom land northwest and southeast of it, the fertile Rutersville prairie to the northeast and the rich Navidad prairie to the southwest. Only very little land around La Grange is not fit for cultivation. The county being one of the oldest in the State, one of the original counties, a great many small places in the county sprang up before the arrival of the railroads. The stores and sliops in these places are a great convenience for their neighborhoods, but impair the otherwise brilliant business prospects of La Grange.

La Grange is situated on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad and on a branch of the Southern Paciiic from Columbus. There are two express companies in La Grange, the American and the Wells Fargo. By telegraph it is connected with the outside world through the Western Union and the Postal Telegraph Cable Company. La Grange is the headquarters of the Southwestern Telephone Company, a local system.

The main pursuit of the citizens of La Grange is the mercantile business, supplying the farmers of the neighborhood and purchasing their products. There is one wholesale grocery business in La Grange ; there are 7 general merchandise stores, furnishes its customers the very latest styles of Dress Goods, Millinery, etc. Nowhere else will ihv purchaser find a firm who takes such pride to keep up with the times and the changes of fashion. If you wish to be dressed in up-to-date style, examine our dress goods and millinery, always of the lateat. We will suit you in styles and in prices.

tailors, 1 millinery, 2 restaurants, 3 hotels, 1 lumberyard, 2 livery stables, 2 granaries, 1 marble yard, 1 English, 1 German and 1 Bohemian newspaper, 16 lawyers, 2 dentists, 5 physicians, 2 banks, 2 meat markets and two photograph galleries in La Grange.

Of industial establishments of greater importance are the waterworks and electric light plant, a cotton oil mill, a cotton compress, a soda and ice factory and two gins.

The writer will now mention some of the business men of La Grange to whom he is obliged for patronage of his book. It may be said that these gentlemen take some pride and interest in their county and do not look only on dollars and cents, but are public spirited enough to give their support to a worthy enterprise. In the writer's judgment, such men who feel an interest in their county are worthier to be patronized than those who do not, who live only in the county to accumulate all the dollars they can, who show no other interest for the people among whom they live as gathering from them dollars first, last and all the time. A man who deals with people to whom he presents only dollars and cents never will receive as fair treatment from them refuse to use cheap inks, shoddy papsr and old type. There is nothing that is so critically examined as job printing. It always shows the kind of stuff it is made of at a glance.

is recognized as the leading English paper in Fayette County and is read by 2000 people. "Tne Old Reliable" is a weekly gu^st of the intelligence of Old Fayette.

as frotn men who, on account of their station in life, feel obliged to evince an interest in the advancement of the community where they live. It is only natural for the writer to wish that the latter may reap benefits from their liberality towards him and he takes this occasion to bespeak tlie jiatronage of the friends of this book for those business men wlio enabled him by their support to get out this work.

Judge A. Haidusek, the owner of the Svoboda and president of the birst National Bank of La Grange, has established a reputation for liberality throughout the state. Tliere never has come a literary man or printer who solicited his aid and who did not receive his hearty support. There is no man who takes greater pride in Fayette County than the judge and it was most natural that he gave his aid to this writer in getting out this book. The writer only hopes that his work may meet his expectations.

dusek as president and John B. Hollovvay as cashier is the most solid financial institution in the county and debervedly enjoys the fall confidence of the people. The Schuhmacher Bank is the other financial institution of La Grange and shares with the First National Bank tlie patronage of the capitalists of the county.

Of the merchants of La Grange August Heintze, jr., is undoubtedly the leading one. There is not a more liberal, more energetic and more accommodating merchant living in La Grange than he. Since he has opened his large department store, a great many faces of people who traded before elsewhere have appeared again to trade in that city. He carries an immense stock of goods.

Rosenberg & Co. are the owners of an elegant store and carry an immense stock of goods. In the dry aoods line Carl Mosigis up-to date and keeps up with the fashion. Friedberger & Johnson are their able competitors.

There is no place like home when it is cosy and comfortable, and there's no place like A. Hariget's Furniture Emporium to get the means to make it so.

In Buryino The Dead Friedberger &. Johnson

stores and treat their customers liberally. Aug. Streithoff and Connell k, Holloway are the hardware firms in La Grange and also do first-class work in roofing, guttering, etc.

The marble yard of 0. E. Stolz has a reuutation for turning out masterpieces of art in the monumental line, well established throughout South and Central Texas, and is assisted l)y a corps of able agents.

In the hotel business Joe Kainer ranks in the front as well for accommodations as for liberal rates. No hotel in South Texas furnishes its patrons ao many accommodatiQ,ii» aa tela-

B. White, Wm. Hermes, jr., and J. Meyenberg, jr., are engaged in the drug business and share the patronage of La Grange and neighborhood with each other.

Drs. T. W. Moore and II. A. McKinney have a large practice and are known for their liberal rates. They do not cure a man first to kill him with their bills for medical attendance afterward.

La Grange is well protected against fire. As stated before, it has a good waterworks system. A volunteer lire company does eflicient service in case of fire.

While La Grange has not increased very rapidly in population, it has been on a constant, steady growth. Wliile in 1880 there were only two storehouses on the public scjnare, in 1850 it was large enough to be incorporated. During the last decade its population increased thirty-five percent. In 18!)0 it l.ad according to the U. S. census ISOO inhabitants, now their number is 2400. The increase of its business kept pace with the increase of its population.

During the last few years the farmers around La Grange made only little more than half of the usual crop on account of the boll weevil plague, This vyfts ^ great drf^wtlvick to t|je Uusi- ness of La Grange. There also being a large number of prosperous, thriving villages in the immediate vicinity of La Grange, doing a general merchandise business and thereby curtailing that of La Grange, it may be said that for its present po})ulation and its tributary country, the mercantile business is overdone in La Grange, l^a Grange is favorably situated for the manufacturing business. If it shall not remain at a standstill, it must engage in these pursuits. Lately, the establishment of a cotton factory has been much talked about. It should be the time udw to start this enterprise, before Texas is overcrowded with establishments of this kind. The conditions for a market of the manufactures may then be less favorable than now. The market may then be overcrowded.

My new hotel is furnished with all modern equipment.s for tha accommodation of the traveling public, viz., Electric Lights, Hot and Cold Baths, etc. Airy Rooms, Good Table, Prompt Service, Liberal Rates. Your patronage solicited.

that year the location of the future capital of the Republic of Texas was considered by congress ; La Grange was a competitor for obtainnig the seat ; the bill making it the capital of Texas carried in congress, but was vetoed by President Houston. In 1850 La Grange was incorporated. In 18BU the Grand Lodge of Free Masons held its session in La Grange. In 1862 the sale of spirituous liquors was stoppcid in La Grange by order of the Provost Marshal. In 1867 a yellow fever epidemic broke out in La Grange. In 1869 and 1870 the Colorado River overflowed considerable portions of the city. In 1900 another overflow of the Colorado inundated portions of La Grange. The picture of the strvet going west towa^rds the river from Mohrhusen'S (formerly Wm. Haase's!'corner) gives an idea as to how far the water went. In 1901 the Grand Lodge of the Order of the Sons of Hermann held its sessions in La Grange. The oldest building in La Grange stands on the northwest corner of the public square. It is a two story building, known as the Fink building and built in 1810.

Keeps In Stock

Medicines, Patent Medicines, Perfumery, Fancy Goods, Toilet Articles, Stationery, Cigars, etc., in fact, eve'rythins: that is usually carried in a first-class drug store. Physicians' prescriptions filled with care and dispatch. Your patronage solicited.

The following gentlemen constitute the present city government: Robert Sample, mayor; Will Loessin, marshal; Ed. Mattingly, treasurer; Frank Rosenthal; secretary; E. H. Moss, attorney.

Aldermen of the first ward, B. L. Zapp and Win. McKinney ; second ward, L. Rosenthal and Gus Werth ; third ward, Chas. Helmcamp and Lotliar Rose ; and fourth ward, F. H. Wagner and J. M. Byrnes.

Located on the eastern edge of the rich and fertile Ross Prairie, lies one of the most beautiful little cities of Kouth Texas, the City of Fayetteville. All around Fayetteville lie fertile prairie lands ; one mile east of it, postoak begins, about three miles west of it, the timber lands of Cumming's Creek limit the prairie. The substantial farms, the beautiful gardens and the fruit-bearing fields speak of the industry and the wealth of the population and are the delight of the traveler. Faj^etteville is situated about twelve miles east of La Grange on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad. Occupying the slopes of a hill, it is of picturesque appearance. In the middle of the large public square stands the court house, which was erected there by the county to serve as the justice's court house. Of the more noticeable buildings may be mentioned the Chromcik school, the Germania school, the Catholic church, the Presbyterian church and tlie Z:rpp building, the latter a handsome brick building at llie northwest side of the public square,

Fayetteville is a very old place. It used to be called in the early times Sam Alexander's, thus named after the first settler in that country who had come there during the early days of the republic. In the year 1847 it was laid out by P. J. Shaver who owned the land on which it is now situated as a town. Tlie population of the to\yn and surrounding country was at that

Fayetteville, Texas

Crockery and Hardware. He also keeds Fresh Beer on tap and invites your custom. Call on him and you will call again. Pays highest market lirice for country produce.

Tiie people of Fayetteville are a free and open hearted |)eople. They are known throughount the cotinty as a jolly set, and are therefore accordingly popular The entertaiinnents, bal!s and festivities which the people of this city arrange have become famous throughout South Texas. Tlie easy manners, the cordiality with whicii a visitor is received by these generous people are not the least attraction which these festivities ofier. The Fayetteville music band furnishes delightful music and has come out victor in more than one band contest. The Fayetteville Saengerbund under the leadership of Prof. J. Hansen has repeatedly received recos;nition and applause at state "saengerfeasts." A club that deserves favorable mention for tlie balls and entertainments it arranges is the Germania Verein with Hon. Max Meitzen as president and Mr H. W. H. Zapp as secretary. The Verein owns a fine large two stor}^ building which also serves as a school house.

Of the religious side of life two churches, the Catholic with Rev. Father J. Chronicik, and the Presbyterian with Rev. Wenzel Pazdral take care. There are a great many Bohemian Catholic Societies under the auspices of the Catholic Church. They have associated then:iselves to promulgate the teachings of that church and to serve in the interest of hum mity and religion. Tiieir names are: St. Joseph's, Father J. Chromcik, presitlent, Valentine Michalsky, secretary, Frank Machala, corresponding secretary ; St. John's, Aug. Pavel, i)i'esident, Roiidan Kallus, secretary ; Bohemian Catholic Workmen Society (Benevolent Association), Rohdan Kallus, president, Jgnaz Rek, secretary ; Bohemian Catholic Young Men's Society (Stanislaus), Joseph Slansky, president, Louis \V . Machala, secretary; Altar Society, Mis. Mary Wichita, president, Mrs. Agnes Kubena, secretary.

etteville is Corpus Christi Day. A long procession led by the Catholic priest starts in the morning from the Catholic diurcli, walks around the square and stops at each corner to hold services. Very often thousands come to Fayelteville from far and wide to witness this impressive ceremony. The reader finds a picture of this attractive scene.

Fayetteville has two schools, the Chromcik school and the Germania school. The Chromcik school was founded by Faither Chromcik and named after him. It is under the management of Mrs. \Vm. Langlotz. The Germania sciiool has been for a n'lmber of years under the able management of Prof. Wm. Eilers, a teacher of great reputation ; this year it will be taught by Prof. John L. 8tierling, former superintendent of the Shiner schools. The school is taught in the building of the Germania Verein, a large two story frame building of which a picture is given in ihia book.

Dry Goods, Clothing, Hats, Shoes, Notions, Drugs, School Books and Supplies of every description. Handle the Celebrated Standard Cultivators and Implements, Newton Wagons, New Home Sewing Machines, etc. Highest prica paid for cotton and country produce.

The business of FayelteviUe is mostly merchandising. The city consists of 4 ^zeneral merciiaudise stores, 5 groceries, 2 dry goods and notions stores, 4 full saloons, 5 beer saloons, 2 blackstnilii and wlieelwright shops, 2 fiirnitore and hardware stores, 1 tin and hardware store, 1 saddkr, 2 gins, 2 beef markets, 2 beer agencies, 1 Jivery stable, 2 hotels, 2 drug stores, 5 physicians, 1 lawyer, and 1 lumber yard. Among the business men of Fayplleville the writer especially mentions H. \V. H. Zapp, the owner of the oldest and largest mercantile establishment in Fayetteville; Dr. C. J. Scliramm, a physician of fine learning and widespread reputation and ))roprietor of the leading drug store in Fayetteville; August Heinsohn, the proprietor of an immense lumber yard, the largest in Fayette County; Otto A. Vetter, the jovial proiirietor of a saddlery ; F. Kallus, merchant tailor, equal in skill and workmanship to the best in any city ; C J. Klimicek, F, J. Piwetz and Kubena & Co. are successful business men, they are in tlie saloon and grocery business.

Fayetteville. Texas

etteville, the same is at present not in operation. People as is always the case have to n\y fur their experience in business whi'jh they do n )t know. Bat tliere is no reason why a ci'i'a n.-i-y under proper management should not prove a success.

Fayetleviile is a husilin^ town. In 1882 it was incorporateil for the purpose of improving the town. Hon. JNIax Meitzen was the lirst in:iyor uf the to.vn. In October. 1S87, the Taylor, Bastrop and Houston railroad - which later on was bought by the Missouri, Kansas & Texas - came into the city, and since tlien Fayeltevilie lias been on a steady and healthy growth. 'J'here is now quite a difference between the city of Favetteville of to-d.iy - a thriving railroad station of the M., K. & T. - and the sleepy countr}^ town of seventeen years ago. The reader will lind a picture of Fayetteville seventeen j'ears ago and make tlje comparison, in 1S93 four business houses burned down and elegant, substantial buildings were erected in their stead.

Fayetteville is well protected against fire. A well and windmill and a large water tank have been erected on the public square. Mains have b.^en laid over the largest portion of the town with hydrants at convenient distances. A volunteer fire company under command of Captain Henry Steves is prepared to do efficient service in case of fire. ]

Below follows a list of the oldest settlers of Fayetteville, | prepared by Prof. VVm. Filers, and a list of the oldest Bolieniian' settlers, prepared by Judge Tom Hruska. They will no doubt be most acceptable to the readers and recall to a great many of them the memory of their dead friends.

Fayettevillk, Texas

First settlers of the Fayetteville neighborhood : - Jack Crier, was assassinated, when he was over one hundred years old, near EUinger ; Sam Ross, after whom Ross Prairie was

Klave Jarmon ; Jim Gay and U, Gay, after whom Gay's Hill was named; Sidney Gregory; Kidd Chirk; W.Cook; tlie breeding family which numbered thirty-seven members ; Nie. Ware, relatives to Tanner; the Barnetts, near Biegel settlement;

First Bjliemian settlers : - Tom Batla; deceased, came to Fayetteville in lS5o ; Vine. Rypel in BSjI ; both came from Bohemia; Jos., John and Baul Wychopen, Jos. Bastovica, Jos. Jecmenek, Paul .Jecnienek, all deceased, and Jos. Hlawaty, still living, came from i\B)ravia to Fayetteville in BS5.") ; John Hruska, John Odlozelik, Frank Horak, Jos. Horak, tlie latter still living, came from Moravia to Fayetteville in LS5().

The present officers of Fayetteville are : Henry Tftuch, mayor; Conrad Bertsch, marshal : Dr. C. J. Schramm, O. A. Veiter, John R. Kubena, Geo. Z)ll and John IJelble^ alderiiieu,

Hinrich Eilers, born Nov. 24, 1820, in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. He came to Texas in 1845, lived at Warrenton two years and then moved to Ross Pi-airie where he lived continuously until his death Jan. 23, 1899.

H. G. Cook, born March 12, 1824, in the Gx-and Duchy of Oldenburg. He came to Fayette County in 1845. He died at his old home in Ross Prairie March 16, 1880.

Jacob Laferre was born in Germany Sept. 23, 1828. He came to Ross Prairie in 1847. Left for the gold fields in California in 1849, returning to Ross Prairie after an absence of several years, and lived there to the time of his death, Aug. 28, 1901.

Joseph F. M. Sarrazin came to Cat Spring, Austin County, in 1834, from Westphalia. He moved to Ross Prairie in 1843 and Jived there up to the time of his death.

Chas. Aug. La ^g'.otz was born at Schoenfeld, Saxony, Feb. 23, 1826. He came to Housron in 1848, and moved from there to Fayetteville in 1850, where he still lives.

K John Christodemus Helble settled at Biegel in 1844. He left for the gola fields in California in 1849 and returned in 1851. He died some years ago over, 80 years of age.

Flatonia is situated in the southwestern part of the county on the crossing of the Southern Pacific and the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway. East and south of it are rich black prairie lands, west and north is postoalc. Flatonia is favorably situated, in the best part of the mineral region of Fayette County. In its neighorhood are tine kaoUn and clay beds ; coal may also be found in the neighborhood of Flatonia. While none of these mineral resources are developed right now, there is a chance of their future development on account of tlie city being situated at the crossing of two important railroads.

Flatonia stands on a bed of rich black clay. In wet weather the streets are muddy and cause a great deal of inconvenience. There are several substantial brick buildings in Flatonia.

The land on which Flatonia stands was owned by \Vm. Ferris and bought of him by the Southern Pacific Railway Company which laid out the town on its arrival in that section of country, early in 1878. One mile southeast of Flatonia was situated old Flatonia (a place that has now disappeared from the surface), and three miles northwest of Flatonia was the town of Oso (no trace of that, town is left). The people of these towns moved on the arrival of the Southern Pacific to the new town and in a very short time it was a thriving little city. It soon was incorporated. The election for incorporating the town of Flatonia was held November 8, 1875 ; November 10 it was proclaimed incorporated and on the sixth day of December, lS7o. the first election for mayor and aldermm was held by John Cline.

The population of and about Flntonia was originally entirely American, but after the Civil War a great many Germans and Bohemians have been attracted by the fertile lftnc]g ^nd settled there. Now Ihe^' form the tnnjority of the population. During the last ten years a great many Greeks, Arabians and Italians liave settled in Flatonia and established themselves in business, selling pea-nuts by the pack.

The summit of the nourishing times in Flatonia was reached before the arrival of tiie San Antonio and Aransas Pass. Those were lively times then. C .tton was carried then to P^latonia fronj as far as Yoakuu). At that time the country w:is a stock country. The cowboys held their rendezvous m Flatonia and very often made times too lively for peaceable citizens. But those times liave ])assed. Since the arrival of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway, Flatonia had an energetic competitor in tlie thriving town of Moulton, Its trade was cut off from all sides and tlie disappointment of having lost it which could not be helped, still reflects from the business attitude of its citizens. Puringtbe last decade it not only not gained, but

Boot And Shoe Maker. I.

Of the business men who treated this writer with kindness and patronized him in spite of the hard times - which kindness for that reason he appreciates the more - he mentions tiie former mayor of Flatonia, the jovial and popular Stotfers, the proprietor of a iirst-class saddlery ; Mr. Win, .Stein who excels in Jiis line of work in rooting and guttering, and who is prepared to do all kinds of tin work ; Wm. Fritsche, the artistic shoe maker, and last but not least, Ernst Olle, who keeps in his popular barroom the purest and best brands of whiskies, liquors, wines, beer and cigars. In connection with this business he runs a restaurant.

The city of Flatonia has two able newspapers which have ^ been spoken of under the iiead of "Newspaper Press of the County." The [)eople are public spirited and take a great interest , in .county alLiirs. On all public questions Flatonia is generally heard from. The late crop failures have to some extent depressed the spirit of her citizens, but there is no doubt that

Fi.Atonia, - - - Texas

There are two churches in Flatonia: the Methodist with Rev. W. T. iMcDonald, and the Baptist with Rev. J. M. Sallee. The people of Flatonia are religious and earnest members of their churches.

The following lodges are represented in Flatonia : Knights of Pythias; VVoodmen of the World, J. H. Murphy, C. C, H. R. Thulemeyer, clerk ; Woodmen Circle, Miss Maud Murphy, clerk ; Knights of Honor; A. O. U. W.; Hermann Sons; R. A. M.; A. F. and A. M., J. F. Mulcahey, W. M., F. P. Yaeger, secretary; Odd Fellows, J. H. White, N. G., W. A. Beckham, secretary ; Royal Society of Good Fellows.

The following gentlemen are the city officers : Mayor, J. D. Bunting; Secretary, H. R. Thulemeyer; Treasurer, B. A. Kempe ; Attorney, Chas. Nesrsta ; Marshal, W. O. Goode ; Aldermen, J. H. White, F. P. Yaeger, Wm. Stein, R. L. Simmons, Frank Worley, C. Stoffers, Albert Kubjana, and J. A. Ce^dwel}.

This little city is quite an historic place. It was formerly calledTownsend's. Two miles from it is the former colony of the "Nassau Adelsverein," founded in the forties.

Round Top is situated about sixteen miles from La ({range on the Ija Grange-Breniiam road. It is built on top of a hill which overlooks the Cumming's Creek bottom lands. Northeast is the rich La Bahia prairie. North towards Ledbetter is postoak.

Round Top used to be in olden times (juite a considerable l)lace. Even afier the arrival of the Texas Central and the building of Carmine, it held its own f)r a long time. Lately, Carmine being situated on the railroad, has cut off some of the trade of Round Top on account of its more favorable location. Still, the traditions and old established business relations of the place will always retain for it a considerable trade.

The population of Round Top is now entirely German, very few of the old American settlers .having remained in its neighborhood. Among the old settlers of Round Top may be mentioned Geo. Fricke, a vetcan of the Mexican War who served in that war under Gen. Wintield Scott ; C. E. Bauer, the Weyand

Lutheran church who for a generation worked faithfully at that place in the vineyard of Our Lord, higlily respected and beloved by all who knew him.

Physician

place important enough to deliver their public addresses there before intelligent audiences.* These feasts are still very famous and always attract a large crowd. They are generally arranged by the Round Top Shooting Club, an organization known throughout South Texas, The president of this organization is Fritz Fricke, the secretary is Hy. Pochmann.

There are two lodges at Round Top : Knights of Honor, G. Froehlich, sr., secretary ; and Sons of Hermann, H. C. Ruramel, president, Fritz Fricke, secretary, (membership 32).

*NoTB. - In those early times Round Top was quite apolitical center. It was the home of the two leading politicians of the north side of the county, Judge C. Henkel, a democrat, and Robert Zapp, a republican. Both took an active interest in politics and were great campaigners.

Dealer In Stoves, Ranges

As remarked before, Round Top is, for a town not connected by any railroad, on account of its surrounding rich agricultural country, a very considerable trading place. Of the business men who appreciated the work of the writer on their home county to such an extent as to plac3 with him a small ad. and to whom, therefore, the friends of the book should feel kind, because it enabled the writer to get out such a work, he mentions Ernst Fricke, the accommodating postmaster of Round Top, who is the proprietor of a good sized mercantile establishment, dealing in groceries, crockery and hardware; W. J. Dippel & Bro, in the general merchandise business ; \Vm. Ginzel, the old popular tin man of Round Top ; O. H. Helmecke, who is the proprietor of one of the largest blacksmith and whcelwrigiit shops in the county and a skillful workman; Gus Bender, whose saloon is the popular meeting place of the Round Top people ; and Dr. A. Posch, a skillful and learned physician and surgeon, a man of high standing among his colleagues and the people. Round Top has lour stores, three saloons, one drug store, one tinsmith shop, one gin, one blacksmith shop, one cigar factory, one photograph gallery, one physician and one shoemaker. Quite a considerable place. It is the seat of justice for the precinct. A nice court house and calaboose stand on the public square.

A fire company has been organized to protect the city against fire. The president of the fire company is Hermann Rummel, the captain of the hook and ladder company Otto Poppe.

No city in Texas has a greater reputation for the congeniality of its people than Schulenburg. The free and easy and yet refined manners of its inhabitants never fail to make the stranger feel at home. The splendor and the tasty arrangements of its festivities have made for Schulenburg the name of the festive city of South Texas.

Schulenburg is situated in the soutiiern part of Favette County on the Southern Pacific Uiilroad. It is at a distance of eighteen miles from the county seat. It lies in the rich black land Navidad prairie, one of the richest agricultural sections in the state. The elegant farm residences, the beautiful gardens in front of them, the rolling prairie laid out into fertile corn and cotton fields, speak of the industry and energy of its people and leave on the traveler a pleasing impression. The section is traversed by the Navidad and its tributary the Mixen Creek.

One mile southeast of Schulenburg lie the grounds of the Schulenburg Live Stock and Fair Association. The semi-annual races held there attract the sporting element of the wliole state. Dr. I. E. Clark, Mr. \Vm. Cornelson and Mr. H. (Iraf may be mentioned as the principal promoters of the races. One mile northwest of Schulenburg is the Filers Park. The same is not yet finished, but gives promise to become one of the most attractive spots in Texas. A sixteen feet high dam, forty feet widp at the foot and thirty feet wide at the top has been built across a creek. On the lake which this dam will hold, two boats will invite the visitor to take a row along its beautiful banks covered with verdure and interspersed with liveoak groves. This park, the writer predicts, will become a very popular resort for the Schulenburg people and their guests.

John Vaoeik Schul.Enburg, Texas

Not less attractive t,han its surroundings is the city, itself. A stranger walkine: through its streets will be , impressed by the solid and substantial business houses and the elegant residences. In the fall of the year, the business streets, viz , Main street - which presents quite a metropolitan appearance - and Lyons and Upton Avenues are crowded willi wagons, buggies and other vehicles, and give a good idea of the extent of Schulenburg's business. Of tlie more noticfable buildings may be mentioned the Sengelmann Building, tlie most elegant saloon in the county; the Perlitz Building ; the R. A. Wolters Building; the Ilussek Bank Building ; the Schaefer Building, and the Wolters Business Buildings. The Southern Pacific owns a fine garden, nicely laid out, in front of the depot.

Schulenburg is named after Louis Schulenburg who owned a four hundred and fortv acre farm south of the, railroad. trp,ck which he sold to W. Pierce. Schulenburg stands, on the; l^nd; owned by him, on sixty acres of Mr. Chris. Baumgarten's land, which is offered their patrons upon most reasonable terms. They pay the highest value for country produce and always offer more for cotton than can be obtained elsewhere.

on one hundred acres of Frank and Rosine Stanzel's land, on liftcen acres of John Wittbecker's land and on cue and a half acres of Franz and Rosine Stanzefs land. All these parties gave one-half of their lands to the Southern Pacific Railroad Company as an inducement to locate the town thereon. fSchuIenburg was built in 1873. A great many Higli Hill jjeople moved to Schulenburg on the arrival of the Southern Pacific and built up the latter place. The city grew rapidly ; May 24, 1875, it was incorporated.

Of the old settlers of Schulenburg may be mentioned first Mr. Chris. Baumgarten who by a great many ])eople is called "The Father of Schulenburg," not only on account of his age, but because there wab no man who took more interest in building up Schulenburg and promoting its industrial enterprises than he. Other old citizens of Schulenburg are Krnst Baumgarteu who established Uie first lumber yard in Schulenburg, it consists of oUO acres of FincBotlom Land. The Navidad River runs through the farm, of wliich one hundred acres is well set with iJerniiKhi (ira>^s and JJiirr Clover. Alfalfa grows finely on this farm, an 1 in fact is the only hay fed on the i)remises. 'J'here are two stallions on the farm,

Cotton and Country Produce are bought at Highest Market Prices. Come and see our immense stock of brand new goods before you buy elsewhere. SCHULENBURG, TEXAS.

R. Wolters, sr., the capitalist, M. C. Levey, H. P. Schaefer, Max and Julius Schwartz, I. Russek, H. Graf, W. D. Keuper and a great many others. Of those who have died may be mentioned: Heinrich Schaefer (came to the United States in 185G, first settled at Round Top, came to Schulenburg in 1872, died in 1885;; Henry Perlitz and Paul Breymann, sr.

The population of the town is nearly entirely German ; with a sprinkling of Americans and Bohemians. Like ail towns of South Texas, it has its share of negroes. The population numbers about 1200 inhabitants.

It has been remarked before that Schulenburg has a wide reputation for sociability and the splendor of its festivities. People who do not approve of feasts and tlie drinking incident thereto speak of this city as the "Free Republic of Schulenburg," a name that rather pleases the burghers. If people of a prohibition stamp who condemn such feasts would only once visit a Schulenburg feast, the orderly behavior of the guests, the innocent enjoyment of life with many harmless, humorous incidents would convince the most scrupulous that these feasts are really necessary to build up an independgnt, contented, happy and strong race of people. Tlie Turn Verein is an ardent promoter of these festivities.

A literary society which owns a fine library attends to tlie pertaining of a higher education and to elevating the moral tone of JSchulenburg society to a higher plane.

He will promptly write out his Official Certificate and Seal every Legal Document you may present to him. He will aJso write for you Land Deeds, Releases, Bills of Sale, Powers of Attorney, Wills and anything else in that line, in English, German or French. If you have any land, houses or any property to sell, give a description of it - price, locality and so on - to M. C. Levey and he will look up a purchaser for you; or if you want renters, he will hunt them for you; if you want to buy land or other property, go right away and

The old fellow is not noisy; he will not pull you in by the coat collar, but if once you buy of him, you will always do so. He carries as a specialty the most popular brands of Chewing and Smoking Tobaccos, the Best of CofTees - green, roasted or ground, the Choicest Stock of Candies, Fruits, Nuts and Pastes. Also a complete assortment of Notions, Overalls, Jumpers, Socks, etc.. Toys, Dolls and Christmas Goods, Fancy Vases, Fancy Cups and Saucers.

JB^i°'And then if you want anythmgfrom New York, Chicago or any other big city, simply leave your order with the man who will attend to it right; his name is

Most of the people of iScliulenburg and neighbjrhood are communicant& of tlie Catholic cluirch. Schulenburg has a fine Catholic church of which Kev. Father Madiis is the priest. The otlier denominations ; Lutheran. Christian, Methodist, Baptist, etc., own togetiier a church building, called the Union church, in which preachers from otlier communities explain the scripture of Our Lord and show the audience liow to walk tlie way of righteousness.

Schulenburg, in the center of tlie richest ngncuUural section of the county, is a great trading jjoinl. Perhaps its merchants do more business than tliose of any other town in tlie county. Schulenburg has nine general merchandise stores, four groceries, one hardware store, one jewelry store, two saddleries^ two blacksmith shops, one livery stable, two lumber yards, one furniture stoie, one buggy and wagon business, three bjilding contractors, one joiner, two newspapers, one bank, one opera --hous'e^ two dancing halls, six full saloons, two beer saloons, two hotels, two restaurants, three meat markets, one bakery, three physicians, two drug stores, one dentist, one photographer, three beer agents, one tailor, three shoemakers, two millineries, three gins, one oil mill and one compress.

The oil mill is the property of Mr. Chris. Baumgarten, sr., and under the able management of his son, Gus- Baumgaiten. It is.a model oil mill and hardly e([ualed anywhere in the United States.

Of the business men to wliom the writer is obliged for their patronage he names Boettcher Bros. Co., Perlitz Bros., and U. A. Wolters in the general merchandise business, H. P. Schaefer who is the owner of a lirst-class hardware store, the largest between Houston and San Antonio, Schwartz J5ros., the proprietors ot a lirst-class livery stable and successful horse traders, Dr. I. E. Clark, the widely known owner of the Bermuda Valley Stock Farm, a farm as famous as the blue grass region of Ken-

Schulenburg, Texas

Invites the public to try his' noted fine brands of Whiskies, Liquors, Wines and Cigjars. Fresh Beer always on tap. Call on us, you will be pleased and call again. Fine Restaurant in connection with the bar.

Keeps in stock the Finest Brands of Whiskies, Wines and Liquors, especially the Famous Saratoga, Pennland, Metropolitan Club and Old Reserve. Keeps the choicest brands of Cigars. The famous New Orleans beer always on Tap. SCHULENBURG, TEXAS.

tucky for breeding fine horses, Paul Breymann, -the proprietor of a drug store of metropolitan style, 0. Kallus, who does a large business in the saddle and harness line, Sengelmann Bros,, Beniker Bros., E. J. Gully, John Vacek and H. F. Skarke in the saloon business, F. M. VVilks, the popular jeweler of Schulenburg. VVm. Tauch, who makes as fine a photograph of yourself as can be made in any city as large as San Antonio or Houston and not to forget, M. C. Levey, real estate agent, notary public and leading grocer and contributor of original writings to the county papers. The writer found him a well educated gentleman and most interesting talker. In his writings there breathes a spirit of true iiuman kindness that attracts and pleases the reader.

The writer may mention once more the two newspaper men of Schulenburg to whom he is indebted for many interesting hours. With Mr. \V. R. King he was in business relations in regard to printing his book which relations haye been altogether pf the

1 keep in stock a large assortment of the latest and most fashionable styles of Jewelry which I sell at the very lowest prices. If you need any jewelry for presents to your family or friends, you will obtain better and more satisfactory bargains by dealing with a reliable home firm than by sending money away to fraudulent concerns and receiving shoddy goods. Repairing of Watches and Jewelry a specialty.

most pleasing nature. The priming entailed a great amount of very particular work and the style in which it is done is a credit to the Sticker and will no doubt meet tho approval of tiie reader as it has met that of the writer.

To Mr. Frank Miller the writer is obliged for repeated kind mention in that lively paper, the Schulenburg Sun, of his book on Fayette County. It would be hard to iind a more accomodating and pleasing gentleman than Mr. Miller.

Schulenburg has for fire protection seven wells and watertanks. It has a fire department with one engine company and one hook and ladder company, consisting of about 36 members. The officers are Henry Eilers, President and Gus. Depmore, Chief. The latter is a very experienced lire-man, having been lor a number of years chief of the Columbus fire department and having served also in the St. Louis and Galveston fire depa:rtments. The city voted to issue $11,500 in bonds for erecting a stand-pipe and laying mains through Schnlenburg for its protection against fire. Tlie proposition carried and the bonds have been approved by the Attorney General. As soon as they are sold the work will start. This thriving little city will then be protected against fire as few cities in the state.

The city officers are: Mayor, Theo. Wolters ; Marshal, Hy. Eilers; Aldermen, H. Bohhnann, Dr. I. E. Clark, Chas. Windel, F. F. Schaefer, serving also as city secretary and R. A. Wolters, serving also as city treasurer ; \V. R. King, City Attorney,

Towns And Settlements Amm Anns Ville

Ammannsville, the seat of the justice court of precinct No. 7, Fayette County, is one of the most thriving lit'tle country towns in the county. It is situated in a rich blackland prairie on the Fa3'-ette County school lands, about eleven miles south of La Grange. It is a nice handsotne place; the population is German and Bohemian and as liberal and generous as can be found in the county. Most of the people are communicants of the Catholic Church. They own a fine church building in which their resident priest. Rev. Joe Szimanski, preaches to large and attentive audiences. The town has two schools, one under the management of Prof A. Pastusek, the other under the management of Miss M. A'razel.

Ammannsville does a considerable business. It has three stores and saloons, two blacksmith shops, one drugstore, one physician and two gins. The business men of Ammannsville showed themselves most liberal in their patronage of the work of the writer, and the latter, therefore, wishes them abundant success which in every way they merit. The writer had for twenty-three years, enjoy the reputation of satisfying their customers and turning out a first class long tibi-e cotton that receives the highest price in the market. Your custom solicited.

and a Fine Hall for dancing and theafrical performances have established a reputation in the southern part of Fayette County. Agent for F. Lotto's Book on Fayette County, Her History and Her People.

Ammannsville, Texas Ammannsnille, Texas

the pleasure of becoming acquainted with Dr. .John S. Zvesper, a learned Bohemian physician; Mr. J. J. Vacek, the jovial postmaster of Ammansville; F. J. Parma, one of the most successful pushing business men in the county; Joseph Vacek, Jr., owner of fine thoroughbred stallions; F. F. Ohnheiser, the Ammannsville architect; T. R. Heller, J. P. Heller and J. J. Munke, the popular ginners, of solid standing and reliability; F. A. Ganzer, the blacksmith whom it would be hard to beat in his line of work.

T. R. Heller. J. J. Munke First Class Cotton Gin

with the latest and most modern improvements which turns out a first class long fibre staple. They run in connection with the gin a corn and grist mill. Come and see them. You will find them O. K.

I Biegel, ... - Texas

Biegel lies about eight miles east of La Grange on the La Grange-Fayetteville road, between Cedar and Baylor Creek. The surrounding country is sandy and gravel postoak. The better portions and the creek bottom lands are cultivated, the balance serves for pasture Biegel settlement is one of the oldest settlements in Fayette County. It was founded by Joseph Biegel in 1832. It is a voting precinct and since 1875 a post-office. Mr. Theo. Kroll is the postmaster and merchant in that place. This mercantile business was established by his father, Mr. H. Kroll, in 1866, and is the oldest mercantile business in the county. From 1862 to 1866 Mr. Kroll also ran a distillery, the only distillery ever run in Fayette county, to the knowledge of the writer. In the earlier times Biegel used to be quite a prominent place. The dances, balls and feasts that were arranged there acquired quite a reputation and attracted guests from miles afar. The feasts now-a-days are given under the auspices o/ the Biegel shooting club, which was organized in 1872. The founders of this club were Theo. Kroll, Geo. Siebrecht, Louis Struve and (ieo. Mauer. Its officers now are R. December, president, and Otto Kirscb, secretary.

Among the first settlers of Biegel were: B. Sherer, the first commissioner of that precinct (deceased); his son, August; C. Hallinger, J. 0. Tschiedel, Carl Wolle and Struve, a Russian oflicer who publishtd his autobiography, full of adventures.

Black Jack Springs

Black Jack Springs is situated about ten miles southwest of La Grangfi on the La Grange-Flatonia road, on tlie north side of the rich and fertile Navidad Prairie. Nortli of Black Jack Springs is postoak. Black Jack Springs is the name of a post office and a voting precinct of Fayette County. It was settled in the early fifties. Among the first settlers were the Gorham, Dr. Routh, J. P. Romberg, G. W. Tuttle, Jones and O. B. Fitzgerald families. The population is American, German and Bohemian. There is a Lutheran Church in the settlement with Rev. Kern as preacher.

Opposite La Grange, across the Colorado River and south of Buckner's Creek, begins the Bluff settlement, extending as far as Williams' Creek. The bottom lands of Buckner's Creek and Williams' Creek, the blackland liveoak sections in the western part of the settlement and the blackland i)ortions of the Navidad Prairie are very fertile. It contains also a great many gravel hills, covered with postoak. Of these latter lauds only the better portions are used for fields, the balance remains as pasture land. The Bluff is the most picturesque section of tlie county; in fact, there is found nowhere in Southern Texas more beautiful scenery. First, there is the road leading up to the Bluff between hills and valleys, nicely graded and graveled. This excellent piece of road work was the first road work done in Fayette County; it was done under Judge A. Haidusek's administration and still remains a model piece of road work. If the traveler, after reaching the summit, takes the first road to the left, it leads him to Kreische's Blulf. From this i)lace the best view of the city of La Grange may be had. Precipitately

On top of the Bluff is the vault that holds the bones of the Dawson men and the Mier prisoners who died for their country in expeditions against Mexico. Here is also the beautiful pavilion of tlie Bluff' shooting club, and the residence of Mr. Kreische, a solid two story brick building. A fine building that at present is not used is the brewery built by Mr. H.L. Kreische, three stories high, built of rock and picturesquely situated. In earlier times it was a popular resort of the La Grange people and perhaps in time it may be so again. If the traveler descends the sloping sides of the Bluff and walks along its base, he finds huge rocks that have solved themselves from the Biuff" and fallen down. To notice their shapes and how they are piled upon each other is quite a pastime. On some of these rocks a little dirt and the seeds of trees have gathered, and good size trees have grown on them, their roots having split the rocks. There are a great many springs on the Bluff with the choicest water.

The Bluff settlement is one of the oldest settlements in the county. It was settled in the thirties and named after the bluff. A great many of the old settlers are Germans who left their country on account of the revolution in Germany of 1848. They were a highly educated, intelligent class of immigrants, friends of liberty and democrats at heart. A superior class of immigrants lias never reached the shores of this land from any Euro-

> pean country. Among the oldest settlers are the Huebner Willrich, Richers, Helmcamp, Kreische, Otto, Tell, Hausmann, Kraemer, H. Loehr, Wildner and Hinke families. The population is German with a sprinkling of Bohemians and Americans.

Two clubs which own fine halls take care of the social side of life, the Bluff Shooting Club at the Blufi" pavilion and the Teutonia Club at the Teutonia hall.

Bluff is a voting box of the county and a post office, it has two stores, a blacksmith shap and agin. The reader will find Mr. Joseph Hausmann, the proprietor of a store, a fine blacksmith shop and a first-class gin, a very accommodating gentleman.

Bridge Valley

Picturesquely situated on the base of a large bend of Buckner's Creek, lies the Bridge Valley settlement. West and south of it is Buckner's Creek. Behind Buckner's Creek to the south rise the wood-crowned hills of the Bluff. It is situated on the La Grange Flationia road, about three miles west of La Grange. The land is the fertile Buckner's Creek bottom, blackland, and to the north sandy postoak.

The population is German and American. The first settlers were Col. John Daucy, Farquhar, Ed. Miiuton and the Kirks. It was settled in the forties. The German and Bohemian population came there in tJie eighties. In 1898 it became a postoffice. The voting is done at La Grange.

Bridge Valley, being so near to L? Grange, is a small place. It consists of a store and saloon, a blacksmith shop and a school. in A. Legler, the jovial postmaster and mercliant of this place, the visitor will find a very entertaining talker.

Carmine

Carmine lies in tiie northeastern part of Fayette County, right on the Washington County line, on the Austin branch of the Houston and Texas Central. South of it lies the rich La Bahia prairie, north of it is sandy postoak.

It is a thriving business town. It consists of four general merchandise stores, four saloons, two blacksmith shops, one lumber yard, two drugstores, one millinery, one furniture house, one livery stable, two gins, two meat markets. The town has a newspaper, the New Century, edited by Messrs. iMenn and (loerdel, two enterprising gentlemen who promise to make a success of their paper. There live three resident physicians in the town.

Of the business men who treated the author of this book with kindneas, he mentions Mr. Chas. Wagner, a public-spirited citizen, well known not only in Carmine, but in the county, the proprietor of the leading drugstore in Carmine; Umland & Hoppe; A. M. Weyand & Bro., proprietors of large general merchandise stores, and E. F. Hetzel, a worthy ypung man from Austin County, who has established himself in the butcher business at Carmine.

Carmine has two lodges, the Woodmen of the World and the Sons of Hermann. In the VV^oodmen lodge, C. Gillespie is presiding oflicer and Henry Menu secretary. In the Sons of Hermann lodge, Hermann Wendorf is president and Julius Menke, secretary.

Carmine was built in the year 1884. It lirst went by the name of Sylvan. After the establishment of the post office at that place, it took the name of Carmine. The first settler in the town was Dr. B. J. Thigpen, who owned the land on which

Old settlers of the Carmine neighborhood are the L. Fuchs family, C. Krueger, F. Hermann, Hermann Eichler, Wm. Johle, Ed. Garland, Wm. Krause and Chas. JNIeinicke.

Cedar

About five miles west of La Grange lies the Cedar settlement. It lies on the La Grange Flatonia road on the north edge of the fertile Navidad Prairie. The name of Cedar was given to the settlement on account of the many cedars planted in its neighborhood. In old times, it used to be a very popular resort for amusement and it was known as such throughout the county. The laud around Cedar is very fertile. The first settlers in the Cedar district were Bill Lewis, John Lewis, Ferrill, Dr. Denker, Franke and Allen. They settled there in the forties. Cedar consists of a store, saloon and postoffice combined, also of one large hall. It has a physician. It is not a voting place, but is a post-office. The people vote at the Bluff box. The Cedar Macnnerchor which holds its meetings at O'Quinn takes care of the social side of life.- Cedar also has a lodge of the Sons of Hermann. The population of Cedar is mostly German.

Cistern

Cistern is situated in a fertile mesquite prairie of a rich brown chocolate color. Parts of the prairie are mixed with postoak. A great deal of fine pasture land is still lying outunfenced. About two miles west of Cistern runs the Peach Creek through fertile bottoms. The Peach Creek is a tributary of the Guadalupe River. Cistern is at a distance of twelve miles northwest of Flalonia, at the same distance northeast of VVaelder, Gonzales county; ten miles west of Muldoon, nine miles east of Rosanki, Bastrop county, and sixteen miles south of Smithville, Bastrop county. Therefore, it has several market places situated on diverse railroads to bring its products to.

P Cistern, Texas

public square. It was settled in the latter part of the fifties. First it went by the name of Whiteside's Prairie, then by the name of Cockrill's Hill, and since 1863 it went by the name of Cistern. The latter name was given to the place, because, on account of minerals, the wells did not furnish good tasting drinking water, and the people all built cisterns for water. The water from the wells generally contains iron and sulphur. The water of Slack's well was especially noted for its health-producing and curing properties and was used by a great roany patients. The first settlers were the Cockrills; other old settlers were C. H. Wellborn, deceased; Ira Mullen, deceased; William Brown, Adam Zumwalt.

Cistern has a population of about 150 inhabitants. The population consists of Americans, Cermans and Bohemians. They live in the greatest harmony.

Does your work in his line promptly and cheaply. Keeps in stock Plows, Middlebreakers, Cultivators, Cotton and Corn Planters and Cornstalk Cutters. Wagons and Buggies made to order. Horse shoeing a specialty. Your custom solicited.

with all modern equipments. Best gin in that section of country. Prepared to gin forty- five bales per day. Corn Mill, Corn Crusher and Grisl Mill in connection.

Netardus, of Praba, who holds services in the Catholic Church, and by Rev. Kern, of Black Jack Springs, who preaches to a Lutheran congregation in the Cistern schoolhouse.

The social life of Cistern centers in the Harmony Club. Its membership consists of Germans and Americans. The founder of the club was Ad. Plentl. The club owns a tine hall with a beautiful park of four acres. The president of the club is Jacob Marburgor.

There are two lodges in Cistern: Cistern Lodge No. 155, O. D. H. S., with Leopold Michalski, president, and Carl Rietz, secretary, and a lodge of the Woodmen of the World.

Cistern has a general merchandise store, a drugstore conducted by Mr. Wm. Mennike; a saloon also conducted by him; a blacksmith shop conducted by Mr. Alfred Egg; agin conducted by Mr. Felix Knight, and a physician.

Colony is situated eight miles northwest of Flatonia. The surrounding country is sandy and loamy postoak. It has one store, a blacksmith shop and three churches. The l>aptist Chnrch is in charge of Rev. J. M. Fricrson, the Cliristian Ciiurch in charge of Rev, G. M, D. Thomason, and the Methodist rhurch is at present without a preacher. It was settled in 1880 by Mississippians; it was named by them Colony as colony of Mississippians. The population is American.

Dubina lies about fourteen miles south of La Grange m a rich, fertile country. The hind is postoak and liveoak and black prairie. It lies on Hedden Creek and one mile from the Navidad Creek. Hon. Josei)h Peter is the proprietor of a large store and barroom, of a gin and of a l)lacksmith shop in Dubina. Dubina has a hue Catholic Church building and a hall for public meetings and entertainments. Dubina is a Bohemian name, meaning in Englisii ''oak grove." The name was given to the place by Judge A. Haidusck, whose father, Valentine llaidusek, and Joseph Peter were the first settlers in that j)art of the country. The population is German and Bohemian.

EUinger is situated on the branch road of the Southern Pacific Railroad from Columbus to La Grange, about twelve miles southeast from La Grange. It is located on the W. 0. Burnham league; one hundred acres of its present site belonged to John H. Meyer and one hundred to Henry Fordtran of Galveston. The name of EUinger was given to the place by a Bohemian named Andreas Ondrey, who suggested the name to James Converse, superintendent of the Southern Pacific Railroad, while in conversation with him. It was laid out in 1883 and the first men who opened up business in EUinger were Fritz Hotmann, Charles and Dan Meyer, Chas. v. Rosenberg and Hill & Hill.

North of EUinger lies the rich black land Ross prairie, south of it the productive bottom lands of the Colorado River. These rich, fertile lands are separated from each other by a sand and gravel ridge covered with postoak. Therefore the surrounding country of EUinger, with the exception of said gravel ridge, is a rich agricultural section.

EUinger has two churches - a Lutheran, with Rev. Robert Heise, who also preaches in Fayetteville and Haw Creek, and a Catholic, situated about one mile north of EUinger at a place called Live Oak Hill. The Catholic Church is under the care of Rev. Father Cblapic.

Doors, Sash, Blinds, Deere Implements, Buggies, Grub and Stump Machines, Window Glass, Wagons, McCormick Mowers, Well Tubing, Pipe Fittings, Paints and Oils, Rubber Belting.

Ellinger, Texas

Make a specialty of Flour, Sugar, Salt and Coffee, jg Keep in stock a complete assortment of Guns, Pistols and g Ammunition. Buy Cotton, Cottonseed and all kinds of < Country Produce at highest market prices. Come and see % them. ^ groceries, two furniture houses, three hardware stores, one implement and carriage house, one drugstore, two gins, two blacksmith shops and four saloons.

The writer is obliged to the following gentlemen who took some interest in his work on their home county for their patronage and hopes that the bestowal of their confidence may have been placed on a worth3'- enterprise and that his work may meet their approval.

The oldest business men in P^llinger are Messrs. J. and B. Wacker, who established themselves in business at Ellinger in 1884. They carry a large stock of staple and fancy groceries, hardware and crockery, and especially a fine assortment of pistols, guns and ammunition. They are reliable gentlemen and substantial, solid business men. Their father, Mr. Dietrich Wacker, was one of the first settlers in Ross prairie. C. F. Steves has a lumber and hardware business of the most extensive assortment, carrying everything from a nail to a stump-pulling machine. A customer can get there articles which he often would fail to get in large size cities. E. J . Weber keeps in his elegant drugstore pure and fresh drugs and other lines of goods that are usually kept in a first-class drugstore. He also serves the public as notary public and sets up all legal documents in binding shape and style. W. F. Burow owns a first-class gin and turns out a superior class of cotton. He constantly studies how to improve his machinery, and on account of his close attention to business has become a model ginner in the county, J. Y. Machalek is a popular young merchant in the furniture and hardware business at EUinger, and a skillful mechanic. Scheel Brothers are the proprietors of a first-class barroou], which has become the headquarters for the farmers of Kllinger.

In Live Oak Hill, one mile north of Eiliuger, Mr. Aug. Girndt welcomes in his elegant saloon his guests from near and far, keeps the purest whiskies and other liquors. He is the proprietor of a fine hall with one of the best floors for dancing that can be found in the county. Young and old gather there for amusement and recreation.

The population of EUinger is German and Bohemian. Among the first and the oldest settlers of the Ellinger neighborhood may be mentioned Dietrich Wacker, Dan Meyer, John Meyer, Aug. Beyer, Joseph liaabe, Chas. Ehlinger, 8arrazin, Dohm, Jacob Dirr, Peter Koelil, Joe Koehl, Jacob Koehl, Andreas Schreiner, Muegge, Henry Cook. Jos. Sommers, Wm. Hoelscher, Anton Hoelscher, Fietsam, Hy Fattmann.

Engle. - Texas

Engle lies midway between Schulenburg and Flatonia on the Southern Pacific Railroad. North of it is postoak, south of it rich, fertile prairie land. It is a thriving little town; has a postoffice. The voting is done at Mulberry, a schoolhouse thus named in its neighborhood. It consists of two general merchandise stores, three saloons, one blacksmith shop, one photograph gallery, one tinsmith shop and one lumber yard. The population is German and Bohemian. Amongst the first settlers of place, deals also in real estate and serves as notary public. Mr. Louis Melcher has a first-class saloon and a fine photograph gallery. Mr. 1. J. Gallia was the first merchant in that place and bailt his business there in 18'JU.

Freyburg is situated about seven miles north of Engle. onehalf a mile east of the East Navidacl in a tine looking jjrairie. It lies in one of the richest agricultural sections of the county. It is a postoffice and a voting place. As voting place it goes by the name of Thulemeyer's. A tine M, E. Church building gathers in its roomy aisle a devoted Methodist conoregation. Rev. F. Bomfalk is the preaclier in that church. The mercantile business of that place was established in the year 18G(S by Mr, F. Thulemeyer; it is now ownfd by Mr. C. F. Thulemeyer. There are also a gin and a blacksmith shop close to the place. The population is German and Bohemian. Among the first settlers were F. Thulemeyer, B. Warnken, Fr. Burns, J. Romberg, Bernh. Romberg, F. \V. Richter, John Czichos, Aug, Hahu, Fritz Laux.

Halsted is the name of a station about six and a half miles east of La Grange on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad and two miles and a half north of the Colorado River. The immediate surrounding country is sandy postoak and gravel and serves mostly for pasture, but a short distance soutli of it lies the fertile Colorado River bottom and north of it the very fertile liutersville prairie. In its immedtate neighborhood lie also some very fertile bottom lands of Baylor and Wuerzner's Creek. Halsted is a pnstoffice and has telephone connection, daily mail and freight and passenger service. Mr. .J. H. VVessels established his mercantile business at that place in 1S*)0. He is also the proprietor of a saloon, a large lumber yard and a first-class gin, equipped with all modern improvements, In fact, he and his employees are Halsted. In 1900 it became a postoftice. The voting is done at Biegel. The neighborhood of Halsted was settled long before the place was established. Among the oldest settlers of the neighborhood, P. Heller, C. Halfinger, B. December, L. Struve, Kobt. Fohl, Mrs. A. VVoUe may be mentioned. The population is German with a sprinkling of Bohemians. ,

Haw Creek is situated about ten miles in a northerly direction from Fayetteville on the William H. Sheppard league. It has a rich agricultural surrounding country with the Haw Creek and Cummings Creek bottoms in its immediate neighborhood. It is a postoffice and a voting precinct and consists of a store, a gin and a blacksmith shop. Among the oldest families and settlers in that neighborhood may be named the Menking family, the Aschenbeck family, L. Bartliugk, Draws and Voelkel.

High Hill

Before the arrival of the Southern Pacific into Schulenburg High Hill was quite an important place. At that time it consisted of six stores - some of them made of self-made brick - and three blacksmith and wheelwright shops. It was built in two different localities at a little distance apart. The upper part of the town had the name of Oldenburg, but now the name of High Hill stands for the whole place.

High Hill is situated about three miles north of Schulenburg on top of a hill and its buildings and the tall steeple of its fine Catholic Church building can be seen in clear weather from Schulenburg. It is built on the E. Anderson league. West Navidad and Forster's Creek gre in its neighborhood.

High Hill is a postoffice and a voting precinct of the county. It has a fine Catholic Church which was built in 1870 and of which Rev. Father H. Gerlach is the priest.

Theo. Helmcamp is the proprietor of a first-class saloon and also of a fine hall where the people of High Hill gather for amusement and entertainment. John Wick is the postmaster and merchant of that place. There is also a gin and blacksmith shop at High Hill.

High Hill is an old place. The oldest settlers of that place were Eckert, Hermann Bauch, the Fahrenthold and Eschenberg families, F. CI. Seydler, Perkins, Green, Adamek

High Hill. -59955 Texas

Dry Goods, Boots, Shoes, Hats, Caps, Hardware, Crockery. Glassware and Saddlery. Keeps a first class assortment in these lines. Highest prices paid for country produce. HIGH HILL. -59955 TEXAS.

A. Bilamek, Franz Wick, Anton Bednarz, Joseph Hollas, Joseph Heinrich, sr. , F. Kleinemann, Geo. Herder, Gerh. Siems, P. Stuelke, Gerh. Nordhansen, Chas. Hiukel, Edward Schubert, Capt. Chas. Wellhansen, Aug. Knechler, Ernst Goeth, J. F. Hillje,who built the first cotton gin and oil mill in the High Hill neighborhood.

for eight years and have ginned on an average 1425 bales of cotton per year, notwithstanding bad years. They have the latest and most modern gin improvements, enjoy the confidence of the neighborhood and run in connection with their gin a corn and grist mill. They have electric lights, are progressive and always meet the demands for first class work. - 1». HOLMAN, TEXAS.

Holman is picturesquely situated on Pecan Creek, about thirteen miles southeast from La Grange on the La Grange- Weimar \'alley road, two miles distant from the Colorado in Mullins' Prairie. North of it are the bottom lands of Williams Creek. The country is very rich and fertile blackland prairie. The population is American, German and Bohemian. First settlers, G. W. Lewis, Nat Holman, J no. Ossina, Lott Fisher and the Seydler family. It consists of two stores and saloons, a blacksmith and wheelwright shop. Kristek Bros, are the progressive owners of a first-class gin which gins on an average 1425 bales per year. At night the gin building is illumed by electric lights.

Ledbetter lies in the northern part of the county on the Houston & Texas Central about one mile north of Cummings Creek on the watershed between the Colorado and Brazos Rivers. The surrounding country is postoak. In its neighborhood are gravel pits and rock quarries tiie rock of which was used for the construction of the Galveston jetties.

To the traveler, coming from La Grange, Ledbetter presents a pretty appearance. A small prairie lies in front of it, forming a lawn for the town. The pretty red-roofed residences are pleasantly set off by the green of the postoak.

The town has a Union Church, in which Rev. B. W . Allen of Giddings preaches to a Methodist and Rev. Coupland of Rockdale to a Presbyterian congregation. The Baptists also own a church building. Rev. F. H. Morgan is the preacher of their church.

The town is incorporated for school purposes. The principal of the school for this year will be Prof. Saunders, who formerly taught at Walhalla.

Ledbetter is a postoflice and a voting precinct of the county. It consists of four general merchandise stores, two lumber yards, two drugstores, two saloons, one blacksmith shop. There are two resident physicians in the town. While in Ledbetter, the writer became acquainted with T. M. Vernon, the leading druggist in Ledbetter, Wm. Kruse, a popular merchant of that place

Dry Goods. Boots, Shoes, Hats, Notions, Hardware, Crockery, Saddlery, etc. My motto is: Quick sales and small profits. Highest prices paid for cotton and country produce.

and he was also patronized by his friend L. C. Rummel, the eflicient and successful manager of the Ledbetter Co-operative jAimber Association, an association of substantial farmers who invested their surplus capital in this lumber business. It was organized in 1888. The officers of the company are J. C. Specks els, president, B. E. Siegmund, secretary, and \V. 13. Barnes, \Vm. Peters, Fritz Knoche, Paul Schuhmanu and J. H. Hushing,

Thfe population of tlie town and neighborhood is American, German and Wendish. Amongst the oldest settlers of the town may be mentioned J. C. Hillmann, L. C. Kummel and K. Albers; of the neighborhood, John Rost, Geo. Eschenberg, Friedrich Mueller, Fritz Rethke, Tabken, and Kruse.

Notes. - The Houston & Texas Central Railroad came to Ledbetter in 1870. A few miles south of Ledbetter is Alexander Branch, thus named after a white trapper who was killed there by Indians.

The Moravan settlement lies in Navidad Prairie, about seven miles southwest of La Grange and two miles south of the La Grange- Flatonia road. It consists of a fine Catholic Church, a store and saloon. The land is fertile and occupied mostly by Bohemian settlers. Moravan has no postoffice. It used to be a voting precinct of the county. The first settlers in that settlement were W. Brookfield. John A. Huebner, Evans and

In Moravan, the K. J. T., a Bohemian Roman Catholic Benevolent Union of Texas, was organized and incorporated on August 15, 1895. It consists of 3f5 lodges and does an insurance business, limited to Texas. Most of its members live in Fayette County. The total insurance in force amounts to $617,400. The society commenced business in July, 1899. Last year they paid out $9000 in death claims. The officers of the organization are: Rev. J. Chromcik, Spiritual Director, Fayetteville; F. A. Parma, President, Praha, Texas; F. C. Janda, Secretary, La Grange. These data speak better of the energy, ability and solid standing of its officers than any words of the writer. They speak for themselves and are a high credit to the energy, will power and business talent of the Bohemian element.

Muldoon is a railroad station on the Waco branch of the San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railroad, midway between Flatonia and West Point. In its neighborhood are the large rock quarries of Hon A. B. Kerr, from which rock was shipped to Galveston for the construction of the jetties. The surrounding country is mostly postoak. The Buckner's Creek bottom in its neighborhood is very fertile, Muldoon is a postoffice and a voting precinct of the county. It consists of one general merchandise store, conducted by Kerr Bros., one saloon, one hotel, one blacksmith shop. In Dr. H. H. Mitchell, who has been a resident physician ot Muldoon since 1891, the writer found a pleasant gentleman, a physician of fine standing among the people with whom he lives.

The Muldoon country was settled in the thirties. It was named after Rev. Fatlier JMiquel Muldoon, a resident Catholic priest of Mexico, to whom the Mexican government had granted four leagues of land in Fayette county. On one of these leagues the town of JMuldoon is situated. It was built in 188G. The population of town and neighborhood is mostly American, witb a sprinkling of Germans and Bohemians. Among the old settlers may be mentioned Alex. St, Clair, li. Leitenberg, Chas. Luck, Jesse Parker, W. P. Ivey, Jesse Blackvvell, J. J. Sullivan, Herm, Loessin, Bennett Ilay, J. M. Ray^ II. Harkins.

Nechanitz lies eleven miles north of La Grange and nine miles south of Ledbetter, on the La Grange-Ledbetter road in Long Prairie. This prairie extends to Waldeck and is fertile land. Nechanitz is a voting jjrecinct and a post office. It was named after Nechanitz, Bohemia, the home of Hon. Wen^el Matejowski, one of the oldest and most reliable merchants in the county. He owns tlie store and gin at Neclianitz. The post office was established in 1873.' The population is now German. Old settlers: Wenzel Matejowski, Recklefs Meiners, Frank Ahlhorn, Julius Weisshuhn, Anton Weber, Chas. Oeser, William Peters, John Marquardt, Christian Marquardt and others.

Oldenburg

Oldenburg is the name of a settlement about ten miles northeast of La Grange on the La Grange-Round Top road on the banks of Clear Creek. The surrounding country is rich black land prairie.

The town consists of two stores, a saloon, a physician's office, a blacksmith shop, a tin shop and a gin. Louis Vodkel is the leading merchant of the whole neighborhood, who has been in business at Oldenburg for sixteen years, and Muesse Bros, are the popular young saloon men of the town. They own a fine hall in a beautiful grove of liveoaks. The entertainments given in the park are very popular.

Oldenburg is a postoffice, but not a voting precinct of tlie count}^; the people do their voting at Rutersville and Warrenton. It was founded in IBSO by Gus. Steenken, in company with A. Heintze, and named Oldenburg because a great many people of the neighborhood had come from that country, their native home, and settled here. The population is German and Bohe- niian. Among the old settlers may be named Gerh. Belirens, F. Oppermann, John Imken, Aug. Gan, Hy. Alhorn, Albert Meinardus, J. B. Meinardus,

The O'Quinn settlement is situated seven miles southwest of La Grange on the La Grange-Flatonia road on OHiuinn's Creek. South of 0"(iuinn is the rich Navidad Prairie, nortli of it the sandy postoak of Buckner's Creek mixed with loam. The Biickner's Creek bottom lands are very fertile. It was settled mostly by Germans as early as 1850. Among the first families who settled there were the Sellers, Luck, Sample, Duellberg, Melcher, Bruns and John Voigt families. The settlement was named after an Indian chief by the name of O'Ciuinn; another version is that it was named after an Irishman by that name. O'Quinn is a postoflice, but not a voting place. The people mostly vote at Black Jack Springs. O'Quinn has two stores - one conducted by Mr. J. C. Melcher, the other one by Mr. T. A. Dieckert,both popular gentlemen - a gin and a blacksmith shop. It has two lodges, the Knights of Honor and the Fraternal Mystic Circle.

The old settlement of Oso is situated about three miles northeast of Flatonia. It used to be quite a town, but nothing has renaained of it but the name retained by the neighborhood. After the Southern Pacific passed through the county the town of Oso was deserted and its people settled in Flatonia. Once there were three stores, a mill and a gin, a tannery and a blacksmith shop at Oso. In old times it was a voting precinct, but after Flatonia was built the latter city became the voting precinct of that section of the county. Among the first settlers were the Menefee, Lane, Harrison and Cobb families. The population is American and German,