Gone To Texas

Friday, April 19, 2024

It happened in 1897

A mysterious airship traveled across the states, and in April of that year, it arrived in Texas. The numerous sightings of the "air train" were reported by many (including the ones regarded as "truthful citizens"), while others were hoping to see it and travel in it.

Clipping source: Ousley, Clarence. Galveston Tribune. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 17, No. 129, Ed. 1 Monday, April 19, 1897, newspaper, April 19, 1897; Galveston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1253119/: accessed April 13, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Rosenberg Library.

Clipping source: Cain, Thomas C. The Bastrop Advertiser (Bastrop, Tex.), Vol. 45, No. 8, Ed. 1 Saturday, April 24, 1897, newspaper, April 24, 1897; Bastrop, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth205344/: accessed April 13, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Bastrop Public Library.

Clipping source: Gardner, J. W. The Daily Texarkanian. (Texarkana, Ark.), Vol. 13, No. 215, Ed. 1 Friday, April 16, 1897, newspaper, April 16, 1897; Texarkana, Arkansas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1656744/: accessed April 13, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Arkansas State Archives.

The assumptions and speculations on the air ship (ships?) origins had no end.

Clipping source: Ousley, Clarence. Galveston Tribune. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 17, No. 128, Ed. 1 Sunday, April 18, 1897, newspaper, April 18, 1897; Galveston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1252872/: accessed April 13, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Rosenberg Library.

The air ship designer was found?

Clipping source: The Houston Daily Post (Houston, Tex.), Vol. Thirteenth Year, No. 7, Ed. 1, Sunday, April 11, 1897, newspaper, April 11, 1897; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth84148/: accessed April 13, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

Some suspected it could be a secret state project.

Clippings source: Gardner, J. W. The Daily Texarkanian. (Texarkana, Ark.), Vol. 13, No. 215, Ed. 1 Friday, April 16, 1897, newspaper, April 16, 1897; Texarkana, Arkansas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1656744/: accessed April 13, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Arkansas State Archives.

More and more sightings were reported.

Clipping source: The Galveston Daily News. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 56, No. 24, Ed. 1 Saturday, April 17, 1897, newspaper, April 17, 1897; Galveston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth465634/: accessed April 13, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

Some people suspected the craft was out of this world.

Clipping source: Wheeler, Jesse O. The Daily Herald (Brownsville, Tex.), Vol. 5, No. 213, Ed. 1, Tuesday, April 20, 1897, newspaper, April 20, 1897; Brownsville, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth115928/: accessed April 13, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

Some claimed they not only saw the air ship, but also photographed it.

Clippings source: Ousley, Clarence. Galveston Tribune. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 17, No. 127, Ed. 1 Saturday, April 17, 1897, newspaper, April 17, 1897; Galveston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1252926/: accessed April 13, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Rosenberg Library.

Others quickly discredited the photos and somebody, inspired by the air ship craze, wrote a poem abut the mysterious vessel.

The air ship flew over El Paso in the middle of the night.

Clipping source: El Paso Daily Herald. (El Paso, Tex.), Vol. 17, No. 93, Ed. 1 Tuesday, April 20, 1897, newspaper, April 20, 1897; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth295941/: accessed April 13, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

And the judge saw it too.

Clipping source: The Galveston Daily News. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 56, No. 25, Ed. 1 Sunday, April 18, 1897, newspaper, April 18, 1897; Galveston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth465540/: accessed April 13, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

More truthful citizens observed it in Texas.

Noah's ark?

Did it multiply?

Some claimed they had been taken for a ride in the air ship.

Clipping source: Lowry, J. H. Honey Grove Signal. (Honey Grove, Tex.), Vol. 7, No. 8, Ed. 1 Friday, April 23, 1897, newspaper, April 23, 1897; Honey Grove, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth387865/: accessed April 13, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Honey Grove Preservation League.

A few lucky Texans had a chance to inspect the air ship.

Clipping source: Source: Cain, Thomas C. The Bastrop Advertiser (Bastrop, Tex.), Vol. 45, No. 8, Ed. 1 Saturday, April 24, 1897, newspaper, April 24, 1897; Bastrop, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth205344/: accessed April 13, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Bastrop Public Library.

The air ship passengers spoke English and they talked to a local sheriff.

Clipping source: Wheeler, Jesse O. The Daily Herald (Brownsville, Tex.), Vol. 5, No. 219, Ed. 1, Tuesday, April 27, 1897, newspaper, April 27, 1897; Brownsville, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth115934/: accessed April 13, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

An extraordinary person was spotted among the air ship passengers.

Clipping source: Wheeler, Jesse O. The Daily Herald (Brownsville, Tex.), Vol. 5, No. 218, Ed. 1, Monday, April 26, 1897, newspaper, April 26, 1897; Brownsville, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth115933/: accessed April 13, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

Mr. Schrader (the person really existed) was another phenomenon and a kind of celebrity of that time. He used "blessed handkerchiefs" during his divine healing sessions. Well, it was quite a different story, though.

Was the air ship real? Did it really travel around the state? What do you think?

Kudos to "The Portal to Texas History" for the old newspapers.

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Andrew Wos & Agnes Zdeb

Andrew and Agnes did not live in Texas. However, some of their descendants do reside in the Lone Star State.

✬

Andrew (Andrzej) Woś was born in (or near) Nisko, Subcarpatian region, Poland (then Galicia, Austria), on 27 November 1884. On 🚢1 March 1902, 27-year-old Andrzej left the port of Hamburg, Germany on deck of the vessel "Milano". The man arrived in New York on 17 March of the same year.

13 June 1908 - Andrew filed an application/declaration of intention to become a US citizen. At that time, he resided in Wallingford, Connecticut (1,2).

⚭ 26 November 1908 (3) Andrew married Miss Agnes (Agnieszka) ZDEB, born on 1 February 1887 (4). The marriage took place in Wallingford (I did not find any records confirming the year when Agnieszka came to the US).

👉 Mr. Andrew Wos signed a petition for naturalization on 15 June 1910 (5). On 7 October of the same year, he became a US citizen (6, 7).

Andrew lived with his wife at 52 Pearl Street (New Haven, Connecticut), and worked as a spinner. The man was 5 feet 6/8 inches tall and had grey eyes and brown hair.

On ♦ 26 March 1915, a daughter, Jeanne Evelyn, was born in Wallingford to Andrew and Agnes (8).

By September 1918, the young couple had moved to Passaic, New Jersey where some of Andrew's relatives lived as well. In the WW1 registration draft, he stated that he worked at the "saloon business" at 131 Passaic St., and he resided at that address with his wife Agnes. The record reads also that Andrew Wos had blue eyes and black hair (9).

👉 Census 1920 - the family was registered at Wallington (borough), New Jersey. Andrew owned a soft drink cafe there (10).

👉 Census - 4 April 1930 - Mr. Andrew Wos owned a restaurant in Passaic Ward #1, Passaic, New Jersey (11).

♦ 1937 - the man passed - I did not find any records regarding his death.

After that, Jeannie was married to Mr. Richard F Wilderotter, born on 10 August 1914, in New Jersey (12), to Philipp J Wilderotter and his wife Caroline Becker. The young couple traveled to the Bahamas in July and August 1939 (13,14).

👉 Census 1940 - Mrs. Agnes Wos (age 52) still lived in the same place in Passaic. She had 3 lodgers who lived at her place (15).

Ten years later, the lady lived with the family of her daughter Jeannie in Newark Township, Essex, New Jersey. Mrs. Agnes worked as a housekeeper at the local college (16).

Agnes Wos passed in ♦ January 1978 in South Orange, Essex, New Jersey (17).

Sources:

1."Connecticut, Naturalization Records, 1795-1945", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:ZFHG-28MM : Sun Mar 10 10:32:08 UTC 2024), Entry for Andrew Wos, 13 Jun 1908.
2. "Connecticut, Naturalization Records, 1795-1945", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Z8LR-7MMM : Sun Mar 10 06:06:14 UTC 2024), Entry for Andrew Wos and Agnes Wos, 13 Jun 1908.
3. Connecticut marriages
4. "Connecticut, Naturalization Records, 1795-1945", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6KRM-RDRC : Sat Mar 09 01:32:19 UTC 2024), Entry for Andrew Wos, 7 Oct 1910.
5. "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JKT2-S2C : 8 January 2021), Agnes Wos, Jan 1978; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
6. "Connecticut, Naturalization Records, 1795-1945", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6KBZ-S8FR : Sat Mar 09 05:55:24 UTC 2024), Entry for Andrew Wos and Agnes, 15 Jun 1910.
7. "United States, New England Petitions for Naturalization Index, 1791-1906", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX5T-5RK : Fri Mar 08 10:15:01 UTC 2024), Entry for Andrew Wos, 1910.
8. "United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6KMG-Y6GY : 10 February 2023), Andrew Wos in entry for Jeanne Evelyn Wos, .
9. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZJB-M7X : 31 December 2021), Andro Wos, 1917-1918.
10. "United States Census, 1920", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4PR-2S4 : Mon Mar 11 01:40:29 UTC 2024), Entry for Andrew Wos and Agnes Wos, 1920.
11. "United States Census, 1930", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X4FD-54D : Sat Mar 09 23:17:08 UTC 2024), Entry for Andrew Was and Agnes Was, 1930.
12. "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JY9T-BQQ : 7 January 2021), Richard F Wilderotter, 17 Dec 1993; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
13."United States Census, 1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K4TT-WC8 : Sat Mar 09 12:48:58 UTC 2024), Entry for Agnes Wos and Michael Petrabuska, 1940.
13. "New York, New York Passenger and Crew Lists, 1909, 1925-1957", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:24L4-KPS : Sun Mar 10 03:47:51 UTC 2024), Entry for Jeanne Wilderotter, 1939.
14. "New York, New York Passenger and Crew Lists, 1909, 1925-1957", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:24L4-B6R : Sat Mar 09 15:19:56 UTC 2024), Entry for Jeanne Wilderotter, 1939.
15. "United States Census, 1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K4TT-WC8 : Sat Mar 09 12:48:58 UTC 2024), Entry for Agnes Wos and Michael Petrabuska, 1940.

16. "United States 1950 Census", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6F92-X5SH : Mon Mar 18 21:22:48 UTC 2024), Entry for Richard Wilderotter and Jeane Wilderotter, 15 April 1950.

17. "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JKT2-S2C : 8 January 2021), Agnes Wos, Jan 1978; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).

findagrave.com

familysearcg.org

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Frank Pyka & Family

Franciszek Pyka was born on 29 November 1859 in Bandera, TX. His parents, Johann and Franciszka, and siblings came from Silesia to Texas in January 1855. Johann Pyka was a master wheelwright and a carpenter (1, 2). Frank grew up where he was born and helped his father with farming on the family farm (3).

⚭ 22 May 1883 - young Frank married Miss Franciszka Jureczki (4). She was born in the old country (Kamionek, Opole Region), on 25 January 1860, to Jacob Juretzki and Tekla Matysek (5).

Soon, the first son was born to Frank and his wife. Matthew Frank came to this world on ♦ 21 September 1884.

Then, more children arrived:
Sylvester Leonard on ♦ 31 December 1885,
August James on ♦ 21 August 1887,
Emmett Emanuel Louis on ♦ 26 March 1889,
Valentine Blasius on ♦ 3 February 1891,
Mary Frances on ♦ 1 February 1894.

👉1895 - Frank paid taxes for 289 acres which he rendered. The land (worth $722) was originally granted to W. Kelly. Mr. Pyka owned 1 wagon (or carriage), 8 horses/mules (of $90 value), and 15 head of cattle that were worth $98 (6).

♦ 3 January 1896 - Johann Pyka, Frank's father, died.

Agatha M, daughter, was born to Frank and Frances on ♦ 29 January 1896.
Helen Susan was born on ♦ 10 August 1898

Mourning time in the family - baby Agatha M died on ♦ 1 July 1899.

The youngest son, Joseph V, came to this world on ♦ 18 September 1900.

👉Taxes 1900 (7) - Frank rendered 239 acres (worth $475) and 50 acres (worth $250). The land originally was granted to Mr. Kelly. Mr. Pyka owned 11 horses/mules, 20 head of cattle (worth $200), and 4 hogs (estimated value of $5).

Grieving time again - ♦ 20 February 1904 - Frank's mother, Franciszka, passed in Bandera.

⚭ 12 November 1906 - Matthew married Miss Lina (Magdalena Elizabeth) Knopp

(8), the daughter of Anton and Gertrude Knopp. She was born on 29 October 1886 in Gillespie, TX.

Clipping source: Campbell, William. Southern Messenger (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 15, No. [39], Ed. 1 Thursday, November 22, 1906, newspaper, November 22, 1906; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1247337/: accessed April 2, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

👉 April 1910 Census - Frank, Frances (both age 50), and children, Emmett (age 21), Mary (age 16), Helen (age 11), and Joseph (age 9) were registered in the family household in Justice Precinct #1, in Bandera. Frances' mother (age 84) lived with them as well (9). The latter (Tekla Juretzki) passed in the same year on 2 July.

⚭ 25 August 2011 - Sylvester (who had gone to Arizona) married Lydia M Stigle in Globe, Gila, AZ (10).

⚭ 28 January 1914 - August James married his sister-in-law, Laura Knopp, who was born on 13 March 1882 (11).

⚭ 16 November 1914 - Mary married two-year-older Henry Mazurek (12), born on 10 January 1892. He was the son of Theodore H. Mazurek and his wife Mary Barbara Kalka.

It seems after the marriage Mary and her spouse Henry (a 27-year-old stockfarmer) lived in Mary's family home (or visited during the census?). January 1920 - the census clerk recorded them and their three children in the household of Frank Pyka (age 60). Frances (Mary's mother, age 60), and siblings, Emanuel (age 30), Valentine (age 28), Helen (age 21), and Joseph (age 19) were the household members as well (13).

On ⚭ 15 July of the same year, 21-year-old Helen married Joseph Mazurek (14), born on 16 March 1897. He was the son of Philip Henry Mazurek and Rose Mary Kalka.

⚭ 1 Feb 1921 - 20-year-old Valentine Blasius married 14-year-old Miss Teresa Knopp (15), who was born on 6 December 1896 in Fredericksburg, to Anton and Gertrude Knopp.

Clipping source: Dietel, William. Fredericksburg Standard (Fredericksburg, Tex.), Vol. 14, No. 20, Ed. 1 Saturday, February 5, 1921, newspaper, February 5, 1921; Fredericksburg, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1418378/: accessed April 2, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

Joseph V married Nettie Lucille Higgins in ⚭ 1929, in Louisiana (?). Nettie was born on 20 November 1907 in Missouri.

👉 1930 - all the children of Frank and Frances' had left the family home. The couple lived on their own in their house in Justice Precinct #1, Bandera, TX (16, 17).

Frank lived 80 years, 6 months, and 11 days. He left this world on ♦ 9 June 1940 at 5:40 PM (18). His wife Frances passed on ♦ 1 July 1952.

Sources:

1. Silesian Texans
2."United States Census, 1860", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFP-JJK: Sat Mar 09 07:26:38 UTC 2024), Entry for John Kilka and Francisca Kilka, 1860.
3."United States Census, 1880", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFFK-S99: Thu Mar 07 23:24:37 UTC 2024), Entry for John Pika and Fannie Pika, 1880.
4. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLZV-NQ6 : Sun Mar 10 02:09:25 UTC 2024), Entry for Mr Francis Pyka and Miss Frances Juritzki, 22 May 1883.
5."Deutschland, Preußen, Ostpreußen, Katholische und Lutherisch Kirchenbücher, 1551-1992", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:DNGK-5PMM : Sat Mar 09 21:41:19 UTC 2024), Entry for Franzka Juretzka and Jacob Juretzka, 26 Jan 1860.
6. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", , FamilySearch (https://www.fami"Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBMZ-4D3 : Sun Mar 10 00:23:27 UTC 2024), Entry for Frank Pyka, 1895.lysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBMZ-4D3 : Sun Mar 10 00:23:27 UTC 2024), Entry for Frank Pyka, 1895.
7. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBMZ-6D7 : Fri Mar 08 17:07:05 UTC 2024), Entry for Frank Pyka, 1900.
8."Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9KRH : Sun Mar 10 05:47:42 UTC 2024), Entry for Mathew Pyka and Lina Knopp, 1906.
9. "United States Census, 1910", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2MR-KT8 : Sat Mar 09 16:16:18 UTC 2024), Entry for Frank Pyka and Francis Pyka, 1910.
10. "Arizona, County Marriages, 1871-1964", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1X-DL3N : Fri Mar 08 08:36:26 UTC 2024), Entry for Sylvester L Pyka and Lydia M Stigle, 25 August 1911.
11. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLZK-DY8 : Sun Mar 10 13:53:56 UTC 2024), Entry for Mr A J Pyka and Miss Laura Knopp, 28 Jan 1914.
12. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FX39-XPJ : 22 January 2020), Mary Pyka in entry for Henry Mazureck, 1914.
13. "United States Census, 1920", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCM5-7Y8 : Sat Mar 09 00:50:41 UTC 2024), Entry for Frank Pyka and Francis Pyka, 1920.
14. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FX39-NZC : 22 January 2020), Helen Pyka in entry for Joseph Mazurek, 1920.
15. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLZK-JX7 : Sat Mar 09 14:50:01 UTC 2024), Entry for Mr Valentine B Pyka and Miss Teresa Knopp, 01 Feb 1921.
16. "United States Census, 1930", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HG1W-26Z : Fri Mar 08 09:58:44 UTC 2024), Entry for Frank Pyka and Francis Pyka, 1930.
17. "United States Census, 1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KWNN-7S1 : Sat Mar 09 07:36:14 UTC 2024), Entry for Frank Pyka and Francis Pyka, 1940.
18. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K39S-1JQ : Sun Mar 10 01:20:10 UTC 2024), Entry for Frank Pyka and John Pyka, 9 June 1940.

familysearch.org

Photos: 12 August 2020

Monday, March 25, 2024

Louis Peter Vitek

About one couple whose marriage certificate is on display at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange, TX.

⭐

Louis (Alois) Peter Vitek, the son of Joe Vitek and Antonia Novak, was born on 8 July 1914 in Texas (0).

Louis' grandparents, Martin Vitek and Anna Slansky were born in Moravia.

🏠 Census 1920 - Louis lived with his parents (age 33 and 30) and siblings, Bohumil (age 7) and Emil (age 5), in Justice Precinct #3, Austin, TX. Mr. Joe Vitek was a farmer (1).

On ⚭ 24 November 1936, the young man married Miss Edith Rita Bohac. It happened in Austin, TX (2). Edith, born on 31 July 1918 in Granger, Williamson, TX, was the daughter of Vinc E Bohac and Antonia Marek (3).

👉 1940 Census, on April 6, Louis Vitek worked as a truck driver for road construction and lived at the home of Mr. Albert G Kulhanek in the town of Bedias, Justice Precinct #7, Grimes County (4).

👉 April 22 - The young couple, Louis and Edith, was registered in Justice Precinct #2, Williamson County (5).

Louis passed on ♦ 3 November 1986 in Williamson, Texas (6). Edith lived much longer, until ♦ 23 August 2007.

According to my finds, the couple had one son.

Sources:

0. "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VDVW-6PB : 1 January 2015), Alois Vitek, 08 Jul 1914; from "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2005); citing Texas Department of State Health Services.

1. "United States Census, 1920", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHY2-RYG : Sun Mar 10 08:34:47 UTC 2024), Entry for Joe Vitek and Tonie Vitek, 1920.

2. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLZN-FZK : Sat Mar 09 07:23:28 UTC 2024), Entry for Louis P Vitek and Edith Bohac, 24 Nov 1936.

3. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LJ6-42MM : 14 February 2020), Edith Rita Bohac, 1918.

4. "United States Census, 1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KWV1-994 : Sun Mar 10 21:09:14 UTC 2024), Entry for Albert G Kulhanek and Ruby A Kulhanek, 1940.

5. "United States Census, 1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K4QV-P36 : Sun Mar 10 07:56:28 UTC 2024), Entry for Louis P Vitek and Edith Vitek, 1940.

6. "Texas Death Index, 1964-1998," , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JVT6-JJF : 5 December 2014), Louis Peter Vitek, Williamson, Texas, United States; citing Department of State Health Services, Austin.

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Rev. Gustav William Sager

Gustav William Sager was born in Arneckeville, Texas, on 31 July 1898. His parents were Heinrich Christof Sager and Alma Emilie Stahl. In 1900, little Gustav lived with his parents and siblings in Justice Precinct #8, DeWitt, TX. Mr. Heinrich C Sager was a farmer (1). When Gus was growing up, he helped his father with farming (2).

👉 The 1918 Military Registration Draft found Gustav Sager in Seguin, TX, where he was a student at Texas Lutheran College (3). Later, the man continued his studies at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.

Gustav William Sager was 🕆 ordained on 26 July 1925. He started his ministerial service at ⛪ St. John's Lutheran Church in Southton, Texas (he worked there until 1932).

On ⚭ 23 July 1926, Rev. Sager married Miss Estell Ida Szillat (born on February 26, 1905, in Brenham, Washington, TX). She was the daughter of Rev. Gustav Ferdinand Szillat and Ms. Ida Schmidt.

Clipping source: Sunday American-Statesman (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 13, No. 52, Ed. 1 Sunday, August 1, 1926, newspaper, August 1, 1926; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1445319/: accessed March 22, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

Clipping source: Robertson, Ruby. Brenham Banner-Press (Brenham, Tex.), Vol. 43, No. 106, Ed. 1 Monday, August 2, 1926, newspaper, August 2, 1926; Brenham, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1173949/: accessed March 22, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library.

Rev. Gus Sager and his wife Estella had 3 children.

Before Pastor Sager came to Fredericksburg, he worked at ✝ St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus, Texas, then at ✝ St. John's Lutheran Church in Boerne, Texas (from 1929 to 1939), and at ✝ St. John's Lutheran Church in Bartlett, Texas (from 1939 to 1951).

WW2 Military Draft Registration found Rev. Sager in Bartlet, Bell, TX (4).

👉 November 1951 was the month when the parson started his ministry at Zion Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg.

👉 7 September 1952 - Zion's centennial celebrations started (lasted for a month).

👉 26 September - a special pageant "Steadfast in Faith", written by Alfred Crenwelge, was presented at the Fair Grounds.

👉 28 September - a special church service took place (with guest speaker Dean A. C. Streng of Texas Lutheran College, assisting speakers: Rev. F A Bracher, Rev. L G Hannemann, Rev. Raymond W Durst, Rev. R J Weber, Rev. Kurt Hartmann, Rev. O Lindenberg; Robert Klingelhoefer - Congregation president, and Herman Ochs - Grace Lutheran Sanitorium Superintendent).

👉 For Zion's centennial celebrations, Pastor Sager translated into English the booklet written earlier in German by Pastor Bracher. Besides that, he also updated the history notes on Zion LC.

During Rev. Sager's years in Zion:

- the educational annex was completed and dedicated on 20 December 1953,
- additional Bible classes and a youth choir were organized,
- Christian kindergarten worked in the Annex for 2 years,
- the educational courses for church workers were promoted.
- Rev. Gus Sager officiated 105 baptisms, 80 confirmations, 44 weddings, and 74 funerals.

👉 The parson finished his service at Zion in April 1959, when he accepted an appointment for the position of the Superintendent of the Round Rock Trinity Lutheran Homes.

Following that, the man worked as a Visitation Pastor at ✝Faith Lutheran Church in Austin and also supplied ✝ Faith Lutheran Church in McDade, TX, and ✝ St. John Lutheran Church in Jourdanton, TX.

Rev. Gustav William Sager passed on ♦ 28 January 1984, in Tarrant, TX (5). His wife Estella preceded him in death. She died on ♦ 2 August 1984. They were both buried in Bartlett, Bell County, TX.

Clipping source: Tribune-Progress (Bartlett, Tex.), Vol. 97, No. 1, Ed. 1, Thursday, August 12, 1982, newspaper, August 12, 1982; Taylor, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth81550/: accessed March 22, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Bartlett Activities Center and the Historical Society of Bartlett.

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👉 Quite a few family members of Pastor Sager's became ministers as well. Including (among others) his two sons Allan and Wilfred, brother Felix, and his great-uncle Michael.

As for other family members who passed when Rev. G. W. Sager was still alive

♦ 18 Jun 1953 - his father, Henry C. Sager, died in Arneckeville,

♦ 10 Oct 1963 - his mother, Alma Emilie Stahl Sager, passed away,

♦ 5 January 1968 - his sister, Alma L. Sager (born on 15 December 1901), left this world,

Clipping source: The Cuero Record (Cuero, Tex.), Vol. 74, No. 5, Ed. 1 Sunday, January 7, 1968, newspaper, January 7, 1968; Cuero, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth703401/: accessed March 23, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Cuero Public Library.

♦ 23 March 1974 - another sister, Frieda Charlotte (born on 20 May 1891), died,

♦ 29 October 1977 - Otto Henry Sager (born on 25 August 1892), Gus's brother passed,

♦ 24 December 1977 - sister, Olga Christine Dorothea (Sager) Nagel (born on 6 November 1894), departed,

♦ 12 May 1978 - brother, Reuben Otto (born on 18 July 1912), passed away.

Sources:

https://swtsynod.pastperfectonline.com,
"150 Years of God's Grace 1852-2002", Zion Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, TX,
findagrave.com.

1. "United States Census, 1900", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3L5-S7T : Wed Mar 06 15:34:44 UTC 2024), Entry for Henry Sager and Alma Sager, 1900.

2. "United States Census, 1910", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2MQ-QVH : Sun Mar 10 13:42:36 UTC 2024), Entry for H C Sager and Alma Sager, 1910.

3. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:78D3-DYZM : 25 December 2021), Gus William Sager, 1917-1918.

4. "Texas, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1947", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QL3D-RX8T : Sat Mar 16 03:58:49 UTC 2024), Entry for Gustav William Sager and Gus W Sager, 16 February 1942.

5. "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JYTT-G3Y : 10 January 2021), Gus Sager, Jan 1984; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).