25th Annual Germanfest

A publicAtion of october 5 & 6, 2019 October 3, 2019 Page 2 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 Germanfest Schedule of Events Roberts Cove, Louisiana October 5 and 6, 2019

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 2:30 p.m. Roberts Cove Germanfest Folk & 12:30 p.m. Threshing...... Equipment Area Rathkamp Dancers...... Big Tent 9:30 a.m. Opening Ceremony and 1:00 p.m. Roberts Cove Germanfest Folk & Tap the Keg...... Big Tent 2:30 p.m. Beer Brewing Awards... Folklore Tent Rathkamp Dancers...... Big Tent

10:00 a.m. Auf Geht’s Band...... Big Tent 3:00 p.m. Alpenmusikanten Band...... Big Tent 1:30 p.m. McNeese Alp Horn Ensemble...... Big Tent 11:00 a.m. Old Fashion Sausage Making 4:00 p.m. Aug Geht’s Band...... Big Tent By Randy Simon in honor of Tommy 1:30 p.m. Church Tour From the Pew & Jackie Ohlenforst...... Folklore Tent 4:00 p.m. Schweinebraten Old Time Josie Thevis...... St. Leo Church Swine Processing By 11:00 a.m. Roberts Cove Germanfest Joey Ohlenforst...... Equipment Area 1:30 p.m. Sauerkraut Recipe Demonstration Folk Singers...... Big Tent by Claire Broussard, Bernadette Guidry, 5:30 p.m. Alpenmusikanten Band...... Big Tent Loretta Boudreaux...... Folklore Tent 11:00 a.m. The Village Mobile Petting Zoo...... Kinderland 6:30 p.m. Closing Time 1:30 p.m. Magic of Barry Primo...... Kinderland

Noon Genealogy Computer 2:00 p.m. Alpenmusikanten Band...... Big Tent Demonstration...... Museum SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 2:30 p.m. Genealogy Computer Noon Alpenmusikanten Band...... Big Tent 9:00 a.m. Outdoor Mass...... Big Tent Demonstration...... Museum

12:30 p.m. Threshing...... Equipment Area 10:15 a.m. Eugenie Pflieger 3:00 p.m. McNeese Alp Horn Special Performance...... Big Tent Ensemble...... Folklore Tent 1:00 p.m. Roberts Cove Germanfest Folk & Rathkamp Dancers...... Big Tent 10:30 a.m. Alpenmusikanten Band...... Big Tent 3:30 p.m. Auf Geht’s Band...... Big Tent

1:30 p.m. Auf Geht’s Band...... Big Tent 11:00 a.m. Roberts Cove Germanfest 3:30 p.m. Drawing...... Big Tent Folk Singers...... Big Tent $100 Survey Winner - Details at Information Booth 1:30 p.m. Church Tour From the Pew Mary Ann Leonards...... St. Leo Church 11:00 a.m. Magic of Barry Primo...... Kinderland 4:30 p.m. Closing Time

1:30 p.m. Zucker Platzchen Demonstration 11:00 a.m. How to Make Sauerkraut Donna Leonards Spaetgens..... Folklore Tent Mary Ann Reiners & fly...... Folklore Tent * Schedule subject to change

Noon Auf Geht’s Band...... Big Tent ** Must be 21 to purchase alcohol

GERMANFEST MUSEUM HOURS: SATURDAY 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. & SUNDAY 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. GIFT SHOP HOURS: SATURDAY 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. & SUNDAY 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. KINDER LAND (KIDDIE LAND) GAMES & ACTIVITIES: SATURDAY 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. & SUNDAY 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. $8 ADMISSION FOR 13 AND OLDER COVERS ALL ACTIVITIES EXCEPT FOOD, DRINKS AND SOUVENIRS — FREE PARKING FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST ASSOCIATION AT 337-334-8354 OR EMAIL [email protected] 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 3

It’s Time To Celebrate The 25th Annual Germanfest St. Leo Catholic Church Grounds - Hwy. 98 Saturday, October 5, 2019 9:30 am ~ 6:30 pm North of I-10, Rayne, LA (Hwy. 35), Admission Charged Immediate Left on Hwy. 98 at Chevron, Sunday, October 6, 2019 10:00 am ~ 4:30 pm approximately 3 miles. Adults ~ $8.00 (13 & Up) Outdoor Mass ~ Sunday 9:00 am Follow The Signs Willkommen! Free (12 and under) The Roberts Cove Germanfest Association, Inc. says... ‘Danke’ (Thank You) for your Wonderful support Through Memberships, Donations, Services, Sponsorships, Etc.

Thanks To Our Major Band Sponsors: Thanks To Our Cash Sponsors: Thanks To Our Media Sponsors: Thanks To Our In-Kind Sponsors: Lawrence & Mary Cramer A.L.C. Real Estate KATC - Tv 3 City of Rayne Claire Beslin KLFy - Tv 10 Crowley High School Bier’s Pharmacy KPLC – Tv 7 Crystal Weddings Broussard, Poche’, LLP Crowley Post Signal Dugas, Soileau & Breaux, LLC Thanks To Major Cash Sponsors: Pamela Darr, M.D. Louisiana Farm & Ranch Gabe’s Cajun Food Restaurant Habetz Roof Service, Inc. Dugas, Soileau & Breaux, LLC Rayne Acadian Tribune Garber Farms Hensgens Fertilizer Co. Gabe’s Cajun Food KAnE 1240 AM La Rice Mill, Inc. Hensgens Grain Elevator Gessey-Ferguson Funeral Home KAJn 102.9 FM Marie Habetz Lafayette Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. KnGT 99.5 FM Frederick Heinen Lake Arthur Butane Co. Fred & Annette Gossen KBon 101.1 FM Jerry Heinen Reach4 Communications John Menard Tire Co., Inc. KSIG 1450 AM Lafayette Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Inc. Rice Palace Mouton Pharmacy & Home Medical Equipment KSLo 107.1 MIX/ 103.7 THE GAME Lake Arthur Butane Shop Rite Food Stores Matt & Sherry Rimmer KSMB 94.5 FM Dennis Leonards & Sons G F & P Zaunbrecher Farms Herbert & Reneé Schilling KXKC 99.1 FM LSU Rice Research Station Sunshine Quality Solutions, LLC Myrtle & Willie Etta Servat KXKS 93.7 FM notre Dame High School The Warren & Betty Guidry Foundation Sittig Mobile X-Ray – Johanna Habetz Sittig WynK 101.5 FM Tommy ohlenforst Family E.L. Habetz Builders Phillip & Liz Zaunbrecher KEUn - 105.5 FM Schilling Distributors Abell & Son Physical Therapy Clinic of Rayne, Inc. KyBG - 102.1 FM Larry Habetz Bank of Commerce & Trust Company Dot Leger KvPI - 92.5 FM Gatti's Pizza Road Home Therapy Center Rice City Fire & Safety Rayne State Bank Deepwell Equipment Rentals Rayne Building & Loan Marietta Sikat Sheriff K.P. Gibson Lamm Family Care (Home, Health & Hospice) Thanks to Our Tent Sponsors: Edmund and Cheryl Habetz Cajun Country Landscaping Jaguar Energy Services Encore Healthcare & Rehabilitation new Lawn Concepts Majestic Tent & Event Center Southwind Healthcare & Rehabilitation Thanks To Our In-Kind Sponsors: Stellar Graphix Signs & T-Shirts Party Central Fontenot Insurance Agency, Inc. Abell & Son, Inc. The Charles Spaetgens Family Cramer Equipment and Supply Bisig Law Firm, LLC Doug Ashy Building Materials, Inc. A&E Farms Scott Privat Begneaud Manufacturing Cajun Propane John A. Heinen, Jr. Ace Hardware The 26th Annual Germanfest will be held October 3rd & 4th, 2020. Guidry's Electrical Service Southside Cajun Kitchen Damon & Lance Habetz Page 4 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 German Heritage Museum celebrates 25th Roberts Cove Germanfest The Roberts Cove German Heritage Museum is be included. ards barn. Leo’s son Ferdie restored the auto and celebrating the 25th Annual Germanfest with a trib- Finally, we are happy to display the 1922 Ford Ferdie’s nephew, Michael, has generously allowed ute to all the original German settlers in Roberts Model A belonging to the Leonards family. The car the car to be displayed for the festival. Cove. The museum is displaying a portrait gallery of was purchased by Joseph Leonards for his son Leo Be sure to visit the museum to enjoy more of the honoring the men and women who left their home- Leonards in 1922. For many years it sat in the Leon- rich history of the area. land and brought their families to America and the hope for prosperity. There will be a kitchen model with items from several eras in the history of Roberts Cove. See how our mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers lived their lives everyday – most often in the kitchen. Three meals a day had to be prepared. While this kitchen is equipped with several modern 1930’s ap- pliances, it still looks at some of the tasks of the first women in the kitchen. On display also are quilts from the Stamm family and several made by Louise Landry, all displayed on the Zaunbrecher quilting rack for the festival. The museum will also display both a WWI and WWII uniform and the dresses their brides wore when they married. The WWI uniform of Henry Ja- cob Jabush who in 1918 married Gertrude Wirtz and the wedding dress she wore will be highlighted. The Jabusch family has loaned both items to the muse- um. Also, the WWII jacket of Capt. John Ohlenforst and the wedding dress of his wife who married in 1946. In addition, several more historical items will Roberts Cove German Heritage Museum

Best Wishes for another great Germanfest to our friends and neighbors in Roberts Cove on your 25th Annual Germanfest

‘Our Frogs don’t polka or Yodel, but they sure do leap Mighty High! City of Rayne

We also say ‘Danke’ (thanks) for CITY HALL: 801 The Boulevard • P O Box 69 • Rayne, Louisiana 70578 your friendship and business. Phone: 337-334-3121 • Fax: 337-334-6607 Internet Site: http://www.rayne.org From the Administration and Staff 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 5 Order Arrival of Roberts Cove German Settlers 1. October of 1877 Founding trio arrive including: 6. September 22, 1882 - Heinen - G. Josef & M. Josepha Jöris 12. February 23, 1892 - Herman Joseph Habetz & Arnold and Herman Joseph Grein, Johann Gerhard Thevis and Peter Heinen, and Johann Peter Schlicher & Johann Ronkartz Elizabeth Klein, Janssen traveling with Franz Reiners Joseph Thevis 7. October 6, 1882 - Scheufens - Johann Theodore & Marie 13. July 1892 - Joseph Hubert and Sophia Leonards Knipping 2. March - April 1881 Arrival of the first 3 German families Katharina Janssen Scheufens, and Johann Arnold Jacobs & Thevis family – Peter Joseph & Johanna Pieppers Heinrich Joseph Spaetgens 14. 1894 - Robert and Magdalena Heintz Jabusch Vondenstein family – William Joseph & Maria Josepha Killen; Achten family – Heinrich Joseph & Maria Josepha Pieppers 8. July 24, 1885 - Dr. Henry Leonards 15. November 1895 - Ferdinand and Bernadine Kesse Stamm August Leonards and Herman Joseph Grein (same man as above) 9. September 1887 - August 1888 - Dischler - Joseph & Franz 16. July 8, 1896 - April 21, 1897 - Heinrich Habetz Sr. and son Heinrich 3. November 17, 1881 - Arrival of 8 more German families Xavier Jr. and Joseph Peter and Katharina Kittel Bollich (largest group of German immigrants) Wirtz family – Hubert 10. 1888 - Johann Wilhelm Ohlenforst & Anna Maria Koch 1894 - 1896 Gielen family – Johann (John) Gielen and Magdalena Krausen Arrival of Emslander families (area on Dutch border to the north) Schlicher family – Lambert & Marie A. Ohlenforst Schlicher The 1890’s Berken family - Johann Herman & Angela Adelheid Berken Hensgens family – Christian & Regina Tellers Hensgens Bunt Brothers - Gerhart (George) Bunt & John Henry Bunt Gossen family – Peter & M. Agnes Killen; 11. March 31, 1891 - Joseph Schaffhausen and H. Leo Habetz Cramer family - Johann Herman and Anna Gesina Berken Reiners family – Franz & Marie Veronika Knoben; Cramer Thevis family – Jacob & Gertrude Mertens Thevis & daughter Hüsers family – Johann Heinrich and Margaretha Wilkens Gertrude Thevis Klein Hüsers Zaunbrecher family – Nicholas & Marie Helena Leonards Meyer - Johann Bernard Meyer Peter Joseph Leonards (came as Joseph Zaunbrecher)

1882 1900 – 1908 4. March 6, 1882 - Heinen brothers Gerhard Joseph Heinen and All three came to the United States several generations after Peter Wilhelm Heinen – to visit settlement arriving in the United States the first time: (returns to Germany to bring family) 1900 - Neu family - Jacob Neu and Barbara Zarn Neu 1907 - Schatzle family - Florenz and Margaret Simon Schatzle 5. May 5, 1882 - Theunissen - Hubert Jos. & Marie Katherine 1908 - Olinger family - Ferdinand and Barbara Neu Olinger Kerres Theunissen

Best Wishes to our valued friends in Roberts Cove for another Best Wishes to the Germanfest Germanfest Celebration Association on Another Successful Year! of ‘Faith & Family’. LARGE Gossen Funeral Home SELECTION Mon - Fri OF 504 N. Polk St. • Rayne • 334-3141 5:30am - 7pm SPECIALTY Jarrod Gardiner • Kecia Gardiner Sat MEATS 6am - 7pm Sun Best Wishes to our valued Chamber member 7am - 3pm ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST ASSOCIATION We support you and the Annual Germanfest! We’ll see you there! Also Available Hot Boudin, Pepper Jack Cheese Stuffed 107 Oak St. Rayne, La. Boudin Balls, Burgers, Boudin Biscuits, and 337-334-2332 So Much More Like us on Facebook: Rayne-Chamber-of-Commerce 1421 The Boulevard, Rayne www.raynechamber.com 337-393-2750 Page 6 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 From Schierwaldenrath to Roberts Prairie from the notes of Josie Thevis Most of the account of this trip is told by Gertrude brought with them, such as Schwarz brot, (black bread), while the men and older boys Thevis Klein, daughter of Jacob Thevis, in 1954 when the was diminishing. The food they had abroad was not at traveled by train to Rayne Sta- community was in the process of building the new St. Leo all what the Germans were accustomed to; so once their tion to build shelters and pre- IV Church in Roberts Cove and in her later years, as she bread gave out, their trip became more difficult. The fruit pare for the their arrival. At lived to be 101 years of age. included oranges which they had not eaten before. Rayne Station, they were met She was eighteen years of age when she made the trip While they were on this ship, they were like one big by Joseph Achten in a wagon with her family. In Germany, before they came, she said, it family, sharing chores and responsibilities as preparing pulled by team of oxen. The took all summer for the families to sell their farms, homes the groups meals, doing the dishes, washing clothes and night before their arrival at and everything that they could not bring with them She entertaining the children. Their spirit of community was Rayne, there were storms and remembers her daddy having a mill he left behind. also carried out in prayer while abroad the ship. They dai- the streams flooded. They The Thevis family’s luggage consisted of six boxes and ly recited the Rosary and one man in the group read the could not reach their new one bag. They all had to book passage on an appropri- mass from his missal. home and spent their first ate steamliner and say farewell to their friends and rela- Landing in New Orleans on November 17, 1881, after night at The Stranger’s Hotel tives. While still in Germany they made a pilgrimage to five weeks at seas, the families were met by Father The- across from the Rayne Depot Kevelaer in honor of the Blessed Virgin, for she is the Star vis and Anton Frey. Mr. Frey, who owned a large tract of and continued their journey to of the Sea. Finally, in October, they were ready. The plans land near Roberts Cove, met with the men to inform them Roberts Cove. were made for all the families coming to America to meet of the availability of buying land for $3.00 an acre. An- For the first winter of their at Sempelveld, Holland. They went there by wagons. From ton Frey had bought the 640 acres of land on October 1, residence in America, the new Sempelveld, they went by train to the port of Antwerp, 1881. When he sold land to the new German immigrants families lived with those already Gertrude Thevis Klein Belgium. They remained there for the night they boarded in January 1882, the price was actually $3.25 -$4.50 per here until the Thevis sawmill a small ship and later took a train to Liverpool, and on acre with interest up to 10%. could cut enough lumber for them to erect log cabins. to Grimsby, England. In England, they boarded the Eng- The ladies and children were taken to the Convent of These were crude, and the families suffered from the cold lish freight ship called the S S. Mississippi. They traveled the Holy Trinity Parish, while the men stayed at the old and many privations through those first few months. along the Spanish Coast and stopped in Coruna, Spain Hotel Mississippi in New Orleans. The group remained The evidence of the suffering that these families went and loaded coal. there while getting provisions, clothing and other neces- through the first two years is evidenced by the five deaths They stopped in Havanna, Cuba to unload a cargo of sities in preparation for the final portion of their long trip occurring during this time. The fifth death hit the Thevis onions. While they were in harbor, they were able to pur- and arrival at their new home. family in a big way, being Maria Gertrude Thevis, wife of chase fresh fruits. This helped because the food they had The women and children remained in New Orleans Jacob, who died at 50 years. Congratulations to the Germanfest Association for Congratulations sponsoring this heritage event! Let us help you make to our Friends the most of your hard-earned money in Roberts Cove with superior banking 300 N. Adams • 334-3181 services. www.bankofcommerceandtrust.com Best Wishes for a on 25 Years Bountiful Germanfest to all our friends & customers of Celebrating Rayne Randal Girouard & David Reed, Faith and PhaRmacy Owners/Pharmacists James J. “Jimbo” Petitjean 713 Curtis Drive • Rayne Acadia Parish Phone: 334-5105 • Beeper: 270-3897 Assessor Family 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 7 Thevis Family By Josie Thevis Odin, who met Fr. Thevis while returning Father Thevis, fired with a desire to Marigny (often called “Little Saxony” with via Germany from Rome’s Celebration of bring the Gospel to people in distant lands, all the Germans living there). The ravag- Three brothers in the Thevis family the 18th Centennial of the Martyrdom of so offered himself and was accepted. Ar- ing yellow fever recurred in 1868 and took played roles in the establishment of the SS Peter and Paul. The second Archbish- riving at New Orleans in the midst of the the life of Father Scheck. Father Thevis German Settlement in Roberts Cove. This op of New Orleans, Odin, had visited the virulent yellow fever epidemic of 1867, he was then asked to become pastor. section on the Thevis family was originally Cologne and the Rhine country, soliciting received appointment as assistant to Rev. Father Thevis gained considerable in- written by Josie Thevis in 2003 an edited volunteer clerics as missionaries in his Ignatius Scheek, pastor of the German fluence over New Orleans’ leading Ger- for this publication. vast archdiocese. Church of the Holy Trinity in the Fabourg man Catholics. With his immense drive and energy he wasted little time in mak- Fr. Peter Leonard Thevis ing his presence felt in his adopted city. 1837-1893 He founded the German School of the The Reverend Peter Leonard Thevis Holy Trinity for young children. He also is a name that has been used very many brought the Benedictine sisters from times throughout the history of the set- Covington, Kentucky, to teach the lower tling of Roberts Cove as a German com- grades and an instructor from Germany munity. Father Thevis was also instru- for the upper grades. mental in seeing that this community of Another venture, the founding in May settlers would have a Catholic leader and 1870 of a German Catholic newspaper, German education. Der Echo von New Orleans, was less suc- The Rev. Peter Leonard Thevis was the cessful for him, lasting only six months. ninth of eleven children born to Johann Its demise was due to its decidedly Ger- Daniel Thevis and Maria Barbara Jansen. man point of view in the midst of the Fr. Thevis was the first of three members of Franco-Prussian War. the Johann Daniel Thevis family to come With the recurring attack of yellow fe- to the United States. His two other broth- ver, Fr. Thevis besought that St. Roch’s ers were Jacob and Peter Joseph Thevis. prayers that his flock might be spared, After college in Gangelt, Minor Seminary and he urged his people to supplicate in Aachen and Theology studies in Tubin- him. Tradition has it that during that year gen, Munster, Bonn, and Cologne, he was of anxiety and tragedy throughout the ordained a priest on April 27, 1862 in the city, none of the parishioners of Holy Trin- Archdiocese of Cologne. His early ministry ity died of the dread fever. was in Frankenthal (Rheinpfalz area) and Gratefully, Fr. Thevis decided to carry Hambach (Julich). out a promise that he had made to erect His immigration to America came in 1867 at the request of Archbishop J M Gerhard Thevis Fr. Peter Leonard Thevis See THEVIS, Page 8 Herman Joseph Grein Herman Joseph Grein is hann Theodore Grein and Ma- his uncle, left Germany and ed States. They were sched- there. Herman Grein returned recognized as one of three co- ria Katharina Gertrud Gielen. sailed to the United States to uled to be in New Orleans by to Germany supposedly in founders of the German Set- Theodore Grein was a farm- look over prospects for their the first week in November of search of a bride. tlement on Roberts Prairie in worker in Millen and Katha- families to come to the Unit- 1877 for Johann Gerhard The- He returned to the United January 1880. rina Gielen was a maidservant vis’s name was published in States on March 11, 1881 on Grein, his friend, Johann living in Kreutzrath when the the newspaper on November 7, the SS Donau along with the Gerhard Thevis, and his un- two were married in 1840 in 1877 as having a letter at the Vondenstein family, August cles, Peter Joseph Thevis, Millen. post office. Leonards and Johanna Piep- along with the Rev. Peter Leon- Tragically, less than 2 However, due to an out- pers, the fiancée of Peter Jo- ard Thevis, Pastor of Holy Trin- months after his son’s birth, break of Yellow Fever, the trio seph Thevis. Unfortunately, he ity in New Orleans, met in Rob- Theodore Grein died Jan 31, landed in New York instead. did not find a bride for himself erts Prairie and determined it 1842 in Millen. One year later, They traveled west to Milwau- and remained single. was suitable to settle there. she married Johann Gerhard kee, and while Gerhard Thevis He homesteaded the first According to the oral histo- Habetz on Valentine’s Day of worked in the Ohlenforst mill, land in Roberts Cove and lat- ry of the Germans, it was very 1843. Heinrich Habetz, the Herman worked for the rail- er purchased land in Roberts warm and Grein remarked in father of Habetz families in road building boxcars. After Cove. In 1881 he signed his his “Platt Deutsch” or low Ger- Louisiana was born in April of two years, the trio traveled to Declaration of Intent to be- man “If it is this hot in Janu- 1843. New Orleans arriving in Janu- come a citizen. ary, how hot will it be in July?” In the fall of 1877, Herman ary 1880 and “immediately set Following his death in 1914, Herman Joseph Grein was Grein, his friend, Johann Ger- out for Roberts Prairie”. the house that Herman Grein born December 8. 1841 in Mil- hard Thevis of Schierwalden- They returned to New Or- lived in became the home of len, Germany the son of Jo- rath, and Peter Joseph Thevis, Herman Joseph Grein leans and worked in a brewery the August Habetz family. Page 8 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 THEVIS Continued From Page 7 a chapel in honor of the saint. While on a 1843 in Langbroich and was the brother behind because she was in a convent seph Thevis, and Herman Joseph Grein. visit to his family in Germany he visited of Father Peter Leonard Thevis and Jacob in Germany at the time, When ill health Gerhard was approximately 20 years of many of the Gothic Chapels, studied their Thevis. forced her to leave the convent, she came age when he came over from Langbroich, architecture and construction. Back in He and his nephew Johan Gerhard, to America in 1890. She lived in Roberts Germany. Before he came to America, he New Orleans, he sketched with his own along with Herman Grein, were the first Cove until her death in 1950. worked at the mill for Martin Thevis Sr., hand the building he had in mind. He to come from Germany to look over the There were seven other families and his uncle. ran into a problem with the city authori- area known as Roberts Cove in January two bachelors who accompanied the The- Gerhard Thevis, his uncle Peter Joseph ties; but with the backing of his people, of 1880. vis family to America. In all, these new- and Herman Grein came to Louisiana by he fought until finally in 1874 the mayor After the trio decided to make Roberts comers comprised 49 individuals and the way of the East Coast, first stopping in granted the permit. The cemetery was Prairie and Roberts Cove the site of the constituted the bulk of the Roberts Cove Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They saw a mill so dedicated on September 6, 1875, and on settlement, they returned to New Orleans community. they went up to the man there, and Her- August 16, 1876, feast of St. Roch, the where he worked in a brewery. Most of the account of this trip is told man asked the man if they could buy the beautiful chapel and shrine was formally On March 11, 1881, 10 more immi- by Gertrude Thevis Klein, daughter of Ja- mill. The man said “no”, he didn’t want dedicated. grants arrived in New York and traveled to cob Thevis in 1954 when the community to sell it but they needed someone to run In 1878 and 1881, Fr. Thevis returned New Orleans. Among them was Johanna was in the process of building the new St. the mill. Since Gerhard had been working to his home country to encourage his fam- Piepers, who had been a maid in the The- Leo IV Church in Roberts Cove, and in her at a mill in Germany, the man hired him ily to come to America. Many meetings vis house. later years as she lived to be 101 years of while Herman worked at a railroad build- were held concerning this drastic move On March 22, 1881, Johanna Piepers age. ing boxcars. They worked there approxi- with Fr. Thevis painting a pretty picture and Peter Joseph Thevis were married by In her many interviews, she related her mately two years. of freedom of religion and plenty of land his brother, Father Thevis, in the Church memories before they left Germany. She While in Milwaukee, Gerhard and Her- to buy. In 1881 and 1882 some 60 im- of Holy Trinity. Herman Grein and August stated that her dad, Jacob, was a miller. man saw something that looked like ap- migrants from Fr. Thevis’ former home Leonards served as witnesses But, the living wasn’t good so he decided ples, so they bought a dozen. The apples settled in Roberts Cove. On March 28, 1881, Peter Joseph and to move to America where one son, Jo- turned out to be tomatoes, which they had After the first two years of Germans his nephew Gerhard Thevis purchased the hann Gerhard, had already emigrated. never eaten before. They bit into one and settling in Roberts Cove, the community first land of the German Settlement, 387 She remembered her schooling in Germa- the juice and seeds shot all over their face. needed a religious presence. Fr. Thevis acres of land for $967.50. In 1886 they ny and the daily workday with the wagons A lady in a restaurant nearby noticed they was instrumental in working with the split the land. leaving the mill every morning, each going didn’t know how to eat tomatoes, so she Benedictines to establish a Monastery in In 1888, a daughter, Maria Cornelia in different directions to get grain for the told them to eat them with sugar. That’s Roberts Cove. In the spring of 1883 Fr. Thevis, was born to the couple. mill. how Gerhard came to like sliced tomatoes Aegidius Hennemann, OSB, went to the By 1895, he sold his holdings in Rob- (In 1882, the settlement had five deaths with sugar sprinkled on top. Many fami- Cove and purchased 640 acres of land for erts Cove to the Stamm family and the in six months). The fifth death hit the The- lies still eat their fresh tomatoes from the the Benedictines in Munich. family moved back to Germany in 1896. vis family in a big way. It was Maria Ger- garden this way. When he went back to New Orleans, Maria Cornelia Thevis married Wilhelm trude Thevis, wife of Jacob, who died at After two years, they came to New Or- Fr. Hennemann learned of the change of Ohlenforst in 1920. the age of 50. Jacob died on May 31, 1907. leans and set out with Peter Joseph The- plans of the Benedictines to move from vis and Fr. Peter Leonard Thevis for Rob- Germany to Roberts Cove. Fr. Hennemann Jacob Thevis Gerhard Thevis erts Cove to look over the property. They suffered from tuberculosis and died on 1830-1907 1857-1934 (Founder) were satisfied with what they saw, so they Christmas Day, 1883. Before he died he Jacob Thevis, after hearing about this Gerhard Thevis, Jacob’s oldest son, wrote home to Germany to their families willed his property to Fr. Thevis who in- new country from his brother, Father Pe- was among the first trio who traveled with and friends regarding the conditions of the herited the property and the mortgage. ter Leonard Thevis, decided that he would Fr. Peter Leonard Thevis to check out the new world. Fr. Thevis contacted Abbot Fintan of St. bring his family to America. Roberts Cove area of Acadia Parish. Their Gerhard married Anna Maria Klein, Meinrad Abbey, Indiana who came down Jacob and Maria Gertrude Mertens mission was to see the property and what daughter of Peter Klein and Odilia Weg- in December of 1884 and purchased the were married in St. Anne’s Catholic the possibilities were to settle there. Along mann of the Fabacher Settlement on No- property from Fr. Thevis to continue the Church in Schierwaldenrath, Germany in with Gerhard were his uncle, Peter Jo- vember 25, 1884 and had five children. ministry that Fr. Hennemann has started 1855. Of this marriage nine children were before his death. born. Only two of these nine children re- Fr. Thevis served as Pastor of Holy mained in Germany, Maria and Anna Ma- Congratulations on the 25th annual germanfest! Trinity German Church for 26 years, from ria. 1867 until his death there on August 21, The oldest son, Johann Gerhard, who 1893. He has a carbuncle and he waited came over in fall of 1877, stayed in Mil- too long before going to the doctor. He was waukee for two years and New Orleans in buried in the main aisle of St. Roch’s Cha- 1880, working there several months until pel. more immigrants arrived in 1881. The Thevis’ other five children, Ger- Peter Joseph Thevis trude (18), Alois (16), Peter Joseph (14), 1843-1913 (Founder) Daniel (10) and Anna (18 mths) came with There is not much information on Pe- their parents and arrived in New Orleans ter Joseph Thevis, the youngest son of on Nov. 17, 1881, on the English Ship Johann Daniel Thevis and Maria Barbara named the S.S Mississippi. Jansen. He was born on November 25, Another daughter, Cornelia, stayed 116 E. Texas Ave. • Rayne, LA • (337) 334-3581 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 9 Vondenstein Family The spring of 1881 would see From several birth and death many with the family but died stein sells the same 50 acres to the beginning of major changes records, the Vondensteins lived at sea. However, there is no evi- Hubert Theunissen for $500 for the residents of Roberts Prai- for some time at present day dence of this. With a 10-month- The 1900 U.S. Census shows rie. The start of May, saw the ar- Brökerstrasse 53 on the line sep- old daughter, Anna, and being the family living in Hickory rival of the first German families arating Schierwaldenrath and 6 months pregnant during the Flats in Calcasieu Parish, today of Roberts Cove. Langbroich. It appears Wm. Jo- voyage, numbers don’t add. Also, known as Oberlin. Shortly after Wilhelm Joseph Vonden- seph Vondenstein worked for the there were several births and 1900, the family moved back stein was born January 7, 1831 Thevis family in Schierwalden- deaths on the ship recorded in to Acadia Parish settling in the in Langbroich, the son of Jo- rath who had a large mill. the ship manifest, but none are Maxie Prairie Hayes area. hann Peter Vondenstein (actu- Voyage aboard the ship in the Vondenstein family. Wilhelm Joseph died there on ally spelled “van den Stein” in In February 1881, the family On June 23, 1881, Josepha March 23, 1901, and wife, Jose- older records) and Marie Ger- boarded the SS Donau in Bre- Vondenstein gave birth to Peter pha died on December 19, 1913. trude Halmanns. He was living men as Wilhelm Stein (50 yrs), Joseph, the first child born in The Vondenstein children: in Harzel and working as a linen his wife, Marie (40 yrs) Marie the new German Settlement with Maria Anna (1870-1920) mar- weaver when he married on Oct (9¾ yrs); Theodore (7½ yrs); Ag- Peter Joseph Thevis and his wife ried in1889 Johann Ronkartz 7, 1867 in Langbroich to Maria nes (4½ yrs); Peter (2 yrs); Anna Johanna Pieppers as the first (1862-1907); Theodore (1872- Josepha Killen. She was born on (10 mo). Along with the family, German Godparents. 1946) married in 1902 Maria August 17, 1842 in Hastenrath, is August Leonards (28 yrs); Jo- The Vondenstein family lived Katharina Theunissen (1875- the daughter of the farmer, Jo- hanna Pippers (35 yrs old) (bride on the Jacob Thevis farm at the 1958); Maria Agnes (1876-1922) hann Arnold Killen and his wife of Peter Jos. Thevis); and settle- Theunissen homesite. He would (became Sister Mary Leona Maria Josepha Maria Elizabeth Schoffelen. At ment co-founder Herman Jo- have been working for the Thevis OSB); Peter Joseph (1878-1963) Killen Vondenstein the time of her marriage she was seph Grein, who had returned to family. married in 1917 Helena Wirtz living and working in Kreutzrath Germany to seek a bride without In December 1892, Wm, Jo- (1895-1970); Anna Catherina Katharina (1884-1968) in 1905 as a housemaid. (Josepha Killen success. seph Vondenstein pays $1 for (1879-1920) became Sister Mary married John Bernard Cram- was a half-sister to Maria Agnes There has been a family story the 50 acres site where they had Lucy OSB; Peter Joseph (1881- er (1876-1933); Henry Joseph Killen, wife of Peter Johann Gos- about an infant daughter which been living, from Jacob Thevis 1970) in 1918 married Maria An- (1887-1971) married in 1915 Ida sen. was born in Germany, left Ger- for $1. The same day Vonden- nie Jabusch (1896-1985); Anna Susan Schatzle (1893-1956). Achten Family Joseph Achten, born Heinrich Josef children had died. farmer living Nachbarheid, near Breberen, Achten on June 9, 1834 in Broichhoven, a Joseph Achten’s grandfather, Reiners Germany, his wife, Maria Josepha Piepers section on the outskirts of Breberen, Ger- Achten came to Breberen from the areas and their 3 children, Mathias(16 yrs.), Anna many, is the son of Hubert Achten and Maria along the Maas River in the Netherlands Maria (8 yrs.), and Johanna (6yrs.), board- Barbara Koulen. On September 15, 1860 at about 40 miles to the north. Joseph’s par- ed the iron steamship SS Frankfurt of the St. Maternus Church in Breberen, he mar- ents, Hubert and Barbara first lived in Bre- North German-Lloyd Line and set sail from ried Maria Josepha Pippers, the daughter of beren where they lived on a four-hectare the port of Bremen for New Orleans, LA via Johann Mathias Pippers and Maria Agnes (less than 10 acres) farm which supported Baltimore, MD. The fare for the trip from Kreckelberg. Josepha was born on August them and their 9 children, with at least two Bremen, Germany to New Orleans was $36 20, 1832 in Breberen and is the sister of of them dying as infants. (about $800) per passenger in steerage with Johanna Katharina Piepers, wife of Peter children under 10 at half price. Joseph Thevis, founder of the Roberts Cove Journey to the U.S. The ship arrived at Baltimore on April 17, Maria Josepha Settlement. By the time the Achten family On Wednesday, March 30, 1881, Hein- Pippers Ashten had left for the United States, 5 of their 8 rich Joseph Achten, then a 49 year old See ACHTEN, Page 11

Congratulations to the Roberts Cove Germanfest Best Wishes to Association on your 25th Anniversary! Sheriff K.P. Gibson the Roberts Cove Proudly supporting my and Staff Germanest community of Roberts Cove. 337-788-8700 Association Kris Spaetgens Martin, Owners on another 4668 Roberts Cove Road The Cake Barn Bakery Rayne, LA 70578 www.apso.org successful year! 337-739-3386 Visit us at www.thecakebarn.com Page 10 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 Schlicher Brothers Peter Gerhard Schlicher, had died. at his parents’ home on April born in the Brüggelchen Quar- 20, 1856, to Peter Gerhard and ter in Waldfeucht on January Johann Lambert Schlicher Maria Agnes Ronkartz Schli- 17, 1821 to Heinrich and Anna Johann Lambert Schlicher, cher. He attended St. Anna Barbara Houben, was the father age 26, better known as Lam- Catholic Church in Schier- of two of the original German bert, along with his wife, Maria waldenrath before leaving for families in Roberts Cove. The Gertrude Ronkartz, age 28, and the United States. His spouse, Schlicher family had been in their young daughter, Maria Ag- Maria Gertrude Ohlenforst, also Waldfeucht area since the early nes Schlicher, arrived in New of Schierwaldenrath, was born 1700s. Orleans, along with other colo- on January 8, 1853 to Jacob At 23 years old, he married, nists bound for Roberts Cove Franz Ohlenforst and Mary Ag- in Gangelt civil district on the aboard the ship, the SS Missis- nes Melchers. 28th of June 1844, to Maria sippi on November 17, 1881. It On October 25, 1880, a year Agnes Ronkartz the daughter took all summer to make the before their journey to Ameri- of Winnard Ronkartz and Anna necessary preparations for the ca, they were married in their Maria Lechner of Schierwalden- trip. They had to sell all their church parish Schierwalden- rath. Peter and his family lived belongings they could not carry rath, St. Anna Catholic Church. Maria Gertrude in Schiewrwaldenrath near 45 with them, book passage with About five months after their Johann Lambert Schlicher Ronkartz Schlicher Brökerstrasse. By 1882, 2 of his the steam line, and say farewell arrival in Roberts Cove, they 3 adult sons had immigrated to to their friends and relatives. welcomed their second child, a 1885, the Opelousas courier ad- and flourished. In fact, there Roberts Cove, Lambert and Pe- Lambert Schlicher was born son, Wilhelm Joseph, born May vertised the sale, which includ- was once a Ged Bath House, a ter and Aloysuis, the 3rd son, in Schierwaldenrath, Germany, 5, 1882. Imagine how Gertrude ed 1 cabin and 1 horse. convenience for both ladies and Schlicher felt, 5 weeks aboard The immigrants were fully gentlemen. However, the popu- the middle deck of a steam aware of the necessity of getting lation was constantly changing freighter in the Atlantic Ocean involved in the surroundings of as one drilling gang left for other 3-4 months pregnant! Wilhlem their new land. In 1882, Lam- oil fields and another crew came was one of the two children born bert made his Declaration of In- to take its place. A smallpox in the new settlement in 1882. tention, declaring his intention epidemic and the Spanish in- Lambert filed a homestead to become a citizen of the U.S. fluenza outbreak at the close of claim on December 12, 1882 for The He became a naturalized World War I hastened the even- 162 acres north of Crowley at citizen on Sep 24, 1890 in the tual death of the community. LA 13 and Oro Trail Rd south of 13th Judicial Ct in Crowley. At the age of 73 years, Lam- the Crowley High School. He re- Lambert was a farmer and bert Schlicher died November ceived his final patent certificate later worked in the oilfield work- 1, 1929 in Ged of throat can- on Oct. 29, 1889. That same er. Before 1918, the family left cer and is buried at Greenwood year he purchased an additional Roberts Cove and moved to Ged, Cemetery in Jennings. His wife, 40 acres of land in Roberts Cove Louisiana, located near Vinton Maria Gertrude, died on August in 1889 for $365. This price in- in Calcasieu Parish where they 28, 1918 at the age of 60. dicates a remarkable increase in worked for the W. T. Burton Oil Lambert and Agnes had 5 the value of land, as only a year Co. Ged was a typical oil boom children: Maria Agnes (1881- or two earlier, land sold for less town in the beginning of the 1971) in 1902 married Rufus than $5 per acre, but was now 20th century. Photos show oil Mires (1878-1955); Wilhelm Jo- bringing twice that amount. derricks that dot the horizon at seph (1882-1957) in 1906 mar- In 1883, Lambert was as- the end of Ged’s main street in ried Mary Lejeune (1882-1952); sessed $1.64 taxes which he 1920. Johann Peter and Sarah Meranda Thraikill Schlicher was unable to pay. In the fall of For several years, Ged grew See SCHLICHER, Page 12 Congratulations Have a great time at the on your celebration of 25TH AnnuAl GermAnfesT! "Faith & Family” from from People’s RobeRt “Robby” baRousse Credit Union Acadia Parish Clerk of Court Federally Insured by NCUA Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm mon. - Fri. • 337-788-8881 904 E. Texas Ave. • Rayne, LA • (337) 393-2495 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 11 Wirtz Family Hubert Nikolaus Wirtz, born on On Jan 9, 1882, about 6 weeks after On 8 March 1884, Hubert married Vondenstein (1878-1963); Henry Joseph March 8, 1847 in the village of Floverich. arriving, Hubert Wirtz joined the ranks of for a second time to Margaret Ann Mc- (1898-1962); Robert (1909-1919); John The son of Karl Joseph Hubert Wirtz and landholders when he, along with Chris- Cormack in St. Joseph Church in Rayne. Joseph (1903-1970) married in 1925 Ev- Maria Josepha Schröder. The Wirtz fam- tian Hensgens, Peter Gossen, and Frank That same month, he also files a home- elyn Meadus (1910-1978). ily seems to have moved to a new village Reiners made land purchases from Anton stead claim on 160 acres along Hwy 13 with each generation. We find Hubert’s Frey of New Orleans. Hubert purchased near Atwood acres. In September 1885, father was born in Floverich; his grand- 100 acres east of Christian Hensgens for he files a second homestead claim on 162 father, born in Loverich, next village to $325 with $50 down and 6% amounting acres at Hetzel and Trump Rds. and can- the east; his great-grandfather in Marien- to $3.25 per acre. Interesting to compare cels his original claim the following year. berg, a few villages to the west of Flov- to the other sales of the day: Hensgens He received the final certificate for the erich, until Jois Peter von Wirtz. and Reiners also paid $3.25 per acre but last land in March of 1891. His wife, Ludmilla Schmitz, was born at 10% while Gossen who paid cash for Margaret died 29 Jan 1919 and Hu- in 1842 in Germany. We have no other his 100 acres at $4.50 per acre. bert followed 10 years later on June 3, information on Ludmilla or her family. Eight months later, Hubert Wirtz sells 1929. She and her husband and family joined the 100 acres in August 1882 to Gerard Hubert and his first wife, Ludmilla, the group of emigrants from the Schier- Derks for only $125. The first years in the had 3 children: Karl Alphonse (1874- waldenrath area leaving Germany on Oct new settlement were very difficult for the 1952) married in 1897 Carolina Lane 6, 1881. They traveled from Antwerp Bel- new settlers. Their crops were not suc- Killmer, (1875-1950); Bernard (1878- gium to Liverpool, England. From there, cessful, and many were forced to work in 1883); Gertrude (1881-1961) married in they had a 5-week voyage on a steam the salt mines of Avery Island. 1907 August Zaunbrecher (1883-1919); freighter, the SS Mississippi, arriving On Aug. 13, 1883, tragedy struck the With his second wife, Margaret: Mag- in New Orleans on November 17, 1881 Wirtz home when Ludmilla Schmitz Wirtz delena (1886-1952) married in 1905 Phi- with five boxes and a basket. The family, died of measles. She was the first burial lemon Fox (1868-1950); Martin Andrew Hubert Wirtz (35 yrs); Ludmilla (40 yrs); performed by Rev. Aegidius Hennemann. (1888-1890); Anna Maria (1890-1890); Alphonse (7 yrs); Bern (3 yrs) and Ger- Soon after, son Bernhard also died of the Martin Hubert (1891-1947); William Hu- trude (infant), arrived in Roberts Cove as measles. They would have been buried bert (1893-1918) married in 1915 Emma part of the largest single German group in the original cemetery north of Wabash Helen Regan (1894-1918); Helena (1895- to settle in the area. Rd. 1970) in 1919 married Peter Joseph Hubert Nikolaus Wirtz ACHTEN Continued From Page 9 1881, having experienced stormy weather and very rough seas. After about half the EnjoyEnjoy thethe 25th25th passengers disembarked in Baltimore. Five children died on the voyage from Bremen but there were also four births. The next leg of the journey was calmer and sunny and brought the family to New Orleans, arriving at the St. Mary’s Street Wharf in New Orleans on April 27, 1881. AnnualAnnual Germanfest!Germanfest! The next afternoon the emigrants and their baggage were placed on board a spe- cial train which left that night bound for Texas. The Achten family traveled until Rayne Station and joined the new settlement of Roberts Prairie which now numbered 16. According to the notes of St. Leo Parish, the Joseph Vondenstein and Achten fami- lies came to the settlement together from New Orleans. The Achtens lived with her sister and husband, Peter Joseph Thevis.

Meets New Settlers When the largest group of immigrants arrived at the Rayne Station in November 1881. Joseph Achten met the group of men and older boys at the depot at Rayne Station. It rained heavily the night before their arrival, and they could not return to Roberts Prairie due to high water. They stayed their first night in their new home at the hotel (possibly the Strangers Hotel) across from the depot (corner of S. Polk and • 2218 N. Parkerson Ave • Crowley Texas Avenue where the Bruce theatre stood.) • 337-783-0754 On the 13th of March 1886, Joseph Achten filed a land claim for 161 acres in the Frey area of Acadia Parish at the corner of Frey Cove Rd and Ruppert Lake Rd. and • 2224 W. Laurel Ave • Eunice patented the claim on June 29. 1891. He sold this land to his son-in-law, Joseph • 337-457-8319 Schneider, in 1892 and returned to Roberts Cove. He, Josepha and their daughter lived on the 40 acres which later became the home of Ben Meyer when he married the • 1320 Elton Rd • Jennings youngest Achten daughter, Johanna in 1896. • 337-210-2460 On August 5, 1902 Henry Joseph Achten died and Maria Josepha Piepers Achten died May 14, 1904. Both are buried in St. Leo IV Cemetery. Page 12 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 Gielen Family Among the largest group of Ger- village of Langbroich. Chrisitan Gielen departure for the United States. the fourth and fifth death in the colony. man immigrants to Roberts Cove were worked as a “Tagelöhner”, or day labor- The Gielens joined in the planning On February 2, 1889, Johann Giel- 53-year-old Johann (John) Gielen and er which meant he worked as a farm and preparations for leaving Germany en filed a homestead claim on 80 acres his wife, Dusseldorf-born Magdalena laborer or in a shop or other business. the summer of 1881, and walked the of land at the end of Gulf States Ln. Krausen, along with their young family The Gielen family can be traced back in Pilgrimage to Kevelaer to the Shrine of (North ½ of Southwest ¼ of Section 2 of six children. Langbroich to about 1750 so far. Our Lady, as is still done today from the Township 9 South Range 2 West). He Johann and Magdelena were living As a young man, Johann Gielen left same villages. received his Final Certificate # 5146 on in Birgden, Germany, when they de- Langbroich and moved two miles to the On October 6, 1881, the 56-year-old July 21, 1894. cided to join the group of area Germans east to Birgden where he lived until he Johann Gielen, his 39-year-old wife, Johann Gielen died at the age of 68 leaving for Roberts Cove. immigrated. From the various legal doc- Magdelena, and their six children, Ma- on August 20, 1896, only two years af- Johann, the son of Johann Chris- uments, we know Johann worked as a ria Katharina (17 yrs); Johann August ter officially becoming a land-owning tian Gielen and Johanna Maria Jans- day-laborer, a handyman, a dog-han- (15 yrs); Maria Johanna (13 yrs); Jo- “Bauer”. sen, was born on March 5, 1828 in the dler, and a retailer before the family’s seph Arnold (8 yrs); Johann Daniel (7 The Gielens had eight children: Ma- yrs); and Caroline (3 yrs), began their ria Katharina (1864-1948) married in journey from Birgden to Roberts Cove 1885 William Watson Robinson (1855- with the largest German immigrant 1930); Johann August (1866-1886) SCHLICHER group. drowned; Maria Johanna, known as After six weeks they arrived in New Mary (1886-1955) married in 1889 Continued From Page 10 Orleans. The men and older boys trav- James Edward Winchester (1857- Maria Johanna Lutimilla (1883-1952) of Sarah Meranda to her first husband eled on to Rayne Station and then to 1901); Joseph Arnold Gielen (1873- married Aurelien Breaux (1872-1968) in John Rine, only one lived past infancy Roberts Cove. They built cabins and 1945); John Daniel Gielen, called “Pete” 1915; Gerhard “Garrett” Joseph (1889- Both Mary Virginia and Sarah Lilly died shelters and sent for their families stay- (1874-1956) married in 1909 Fedora 1968) married Alice East (1900-1946) in by 1892, leaving only Rosa. ing in New Orleans. Green Robinson (1889-1943); Marie 1912; and Heinrich Jakob “Jake” (1891- In October of 1891, Peter bought a lot Only 10 months after their arrival in Caroline Gielen (1878-1955) married 1965) married Jerma Myers (1896-1976) on Parkerson Avenue in Crowley for $951 Roberts Cove, Magdelena died in child- Elly Hiller (1851-1905) and married in 1911. This was at the height of the boom during birth on October 18, 1882. Her baby, Joseph Honore Fuselier (1877-1963) in the latter 1880’s to 1892. His brother had Bertha Catherine, died three weeks af- 1908 and divorced by 1910 according Johann Peter Schlicher purchased a lot in Crowley only five years ter her mother on November 5, 1882, to the 1910 U.S. Census. Johann Peter Schlicher, born August before for only $36 14, 1860, was the youngest son of Pe- By 1900, Peter and Sarah moved their ter Gerhard Schlicher and Maria Agnes family to Ganads, Texas east of Brazoria, Ronkartz. He lived in Schierwaldenrath where he farmed and raised livestock. By on Brökerstrasse the road to Langbroich 1910, the family has returned to Crow- Best Wishes to the near the edge of the town. He was prob- ley at 114 N. Parkerson. He was working ably in the group of five young men, eli- in farming and his wife ran the boarding Germanfest Association gible for conscription into the Prussian house. Sarah died in 1930 and Peter on Army, which disappeared one night in 18th of May 1942. for Another Successful September 1882.. Peter and Sarah had four children: Peter Schlicher, as he was known, Mary Agnes Schlicher (1889-1982) mar- Celebration of traveled to the port of Bremen. From here ried George Taylor (1878-1964) in 1907; he sailed with Gerhard Joseph Heinen, Gertrude Wilhelmina (Minnie) (1891- Family and Faith his family, and Johann Ronkartz in early 1976) married David Levy Murrel (1888- September on the SS Main, an immigrant 1966) in 191;, William Gerard (1893- passenger ship operated by the North 1936) married Lucille Grant (1894-1955) German Lloyd Line enroute to New York, in 1918 and Robert Edward Schlicher arriving on September 22, 1882. Sr (1895-1962) married Daisy Weekly Traveling by train to New Orleans then (1895-1983) in 1922. to the Rayne Station, the group arrived in Rosa Rine, Sarah’s daughter by her Roberts Cove. One year after he arrived, first marriage married Frank Kincel and Peter Schlicher filed his homestead claim then in 1943, Johan Bernard (Ben) Mey- on September 17, 1883, for 162 acres lo- er. cated at Goodrich Rd and Hetzel Rd west When Peters son, Robert E Schlicher of Crowley High School was off to WWI, he had a rousing send On September 22, 1887, Peter mar- off in Crowley and was escorted to Camp ried Sarah Meranda Thrailkill, who was Beauregard for his training. While in the widow of John Rine from Tyler, Mis- camp, one of his mates wrote a letter to sissippi. After Rine’s death between the Crowley Signal where he joked about Hours: Tues. - Thurs. 11 AM -9 PM 1882-1886, she moved to Prairie Hayes “Bob” Schlicher’s large feet. He remarked Fri. 11 AM - 10 PM • Sat. 4 PM - 10 PM with her three daughters to be near her that he was having trouble finding shoes • sun. 11 AM - 2 PM • Mon. Closed brother, Frank, and his wife Fanny. Of to fit him Johann Peter died in 1942 and the three daughters from the marriage his wife Sarah died in 1930 1131 Church Point Hwy. • Rayne, LA • 337-334-7913 • www.chefroy.com 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 13 Hensgens Family Historical documents tell us that – Wagoners were part of the team which tour visited the Hensgens home on cels to the newly arrived Germans for Christian Joseph Hensgens, his wife, built the wagon and would be under a Ender Strasse in Hastenrath. The tools $3.50 - $4.50 per acre. Marie Regina Tellers, and their children, wainwright – master wagon builder and from the Hensgens family wagon build- The first few years’ attempts at farm- Katherina 9; Gertrude 7; Barbara 5; Re- include a wheelwright, blacksmith and ing business were still there in the large ing corn, cotton, etc were failures for the gina 2 1/2 and Conrad, infant, came to painter. work barn. German farmers. They were forced to the United States sailing on the S.S. Mis- Maria Regina Tellers was born in After they arrived in Roberts Cove, a work in the salt mines of Avery Island in sissippi. They, along with other German Langbroich on Sep 7, 1847, the daughter big focus was to purchase farmland. On order to provide for their families. By the families from the same area around their of Wilhelm Tellers and Gertrud Ohlen- January 9, 1882, Christian Hensgens mid 1880’s Christian Hensgens joins the home in Hastenrath, County of Heins- forst. The Tellers family were joiners, purchased 100 acres of land at the rate others in growing rice as a commercial berg, State of Rhineland Westphalia, artisans who make finer things of wood, of $3.25 per acre from Anton Frey of New crop. Rice had been grown for commer- Germany, traveled to the Belgian Port of particularly lighter and more ornamental Orleans with $100 down and 10% in- cial production by the Germans of Fa- Antwerp. work than done by a carpenter, including terest on the $225 balance. Frey was a bacher settlement since the early 1870’s. From here, they made their way to furniture and the “fittings” of a house, brother to John Frey of the Frey Cove. Before that, the French Liverpool, England where they boarded ship, The Tellers family moved over the John Frey, along with several other Ger- The rice was known as Providence the ship to the United States. After stops generations to several villages around man families, had settled the Frey and Rice as it relied on the “Providence of in Spain and Cuba. The S.S. Mississip- Hastenrath. Fabacher Settlements to the northwest God” to provide enough rainfall to irrigate pi docked in New Orleans on November Regina’s brother, Herman Tellers, and in 1870-1871. Anton Frey, owner of a and flood the fields. The rice was planted 17, 1881. The immigrants were met and his family emigrated to New Orleans with large beef slaughtering operation in New in the low marshy area along the bayous greeted in New Orleans by Father Peter the group. However, they stayed in New Orleans was a financial backer of the and streams. When a drought threat- Leonard Thevis, and Anton Frey who Orleans and eventually moved to Erie, German Settlement in Roberts Cove. He ened the rice crop one year, the Hensgens owned property in Robert’s Cove. Pennsylvania and founded the Teller Or- had purchased 640 acres on October daughters hauled water all day from the Regina Hensgens, who was 2 1/2 gan Co. in 1907. 1, 1881 for a little over $1.50 per acre. bayou by buckets to wet the rice crop. years old at the time, fell in a pot of hot In 1981, the Roberts Cove Heritage Three months later he was selling par- As the methods of irrigation improved, water and was badly burned the day be- rice production expanded. Christian was fore the voyage. Her parents wrapped her able to expand his land holdings with the in a blanket to go aboard the ship. If of- purchase of 320 acres of land with his ficials saw how badly she was burned, son-in-law, Joseph Dischler along Hwy they would not let her on the ship. She 365. was hidden under a tub for the first few The Hensgens children: Katharina days when the inspector came around. A (1872-1955) married in 1893 Joseph Dis- physician was also on board and when chler (1866-1921); Gertrude (1874-1954) Christian Joseph and Regina felt it was married in 1895 Lorenz Zaunbrecher safe enough, they asked the doctor to (1870-1954); Barbara (1876-1947) mar- treat their daughter. As Hilda, her daugh- ried in 1897 William Heinen (1872- ter, stated, “She recovered, but one leg 1940); Regina (1878-1949) in 1902 mar- was always smaller than the other, and ried William Bollich (1877-1966); Conrad she had tremendous scars on her leg.” (1880-1956) married in 1905 Frances Christian Joseph Hensgens was born Schatzle (1887-1975); Johanna (1882- in Hastenrath on Christmas Day 1839. 1930) married in 1905 Joseph Klauser The Hensgens family has been in Has- (1880-1947); Joseph (1885-1959) mar- tenrath since the late 1600s and we trace ried in 1906 to Gertrude Anna Reiners the name back 6 generations to Maria (1885-1969); and Willam Nicholas (1887- Hensgens who was born about 1675. 1955) married in 1911 Maria Agnes Leo- Records show the Hensgens were wag- anrds (1890-1926) and then Lillian Mi- oners, which meant they built wagons Marie Regina Tellers Hensgens and Christian Joseph Hensgens guez (1891-1987).

Congratulations and Best Wishes CONGRATULATIONS ON ANOTHER to the Germanfest Association SUCCESSFUL GERMANFEST! on your 25th Annual Germanfest Celebration From biscuits to hamburgers Sonic to hot dogs to ice cream, AmericA'S Drive-in Sonic has it all. 1414 The Boulevard • Rayne, La. Come join us anytime of the day for our 337-334-9704 full menu of tasty cuisine. Page 14 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 Hubert Josef Theunissen and Majua Katharina Kerres Family Theunissen Theunissen Origins Maria Katharina Kerres, the immi- Katharina Kerres, the immigrant mother, Hubert Josef Theunissen and Maria The Theunissen family is first found grant mother, was born in Kerarde, Neth- that is. Katharina Kerres, the immigrant couple in Schinveld, Netherlands. Schinveld erlands on July 22, 1849 to Peter Joseph Theunissen-Kerres Marriage and the first generation of the Theunissen lies very near the German-Dutch bor- Kerres and Maria Elizabeth Merx accord- Continuing the pattern of their ances- family in the United States, were living in der. Henricus Theunissen was born here ing to the family story. However, Katha- tors, not long after their marriage at St Harzelt, Germany, a quartier in the Village about 1650. His son, Johannes Mathias rina’s birth record has not yet been found Catherine’s Church in Kerkrade on 22nd of Langbroich. Hubert Josef Theunissen Theunissen was born in 1685 and died in Kerkrade. Instead, the Kerres and February 1873, it appears Hubert and had been born in Heerlen, Netherlands on on Oct 21, 1742 in Schinveld. Johannes’s Merx families are living on the outskirts Maria Katharina left Holland and immi- the 17th of October 1842 to Johann Leon- son, Mathias, leaves Schinveld and in of Aachen, Germany in the town of Lau- grated to Unbach in the newly formed na- ard Theunissen and Elizabeth Katharina 1758 married Maria Sophia Tümmers rensberg and neighboring community of tion of Germany. Hubert and Katharina Theuwissen. from Voerendaal, Netherlands. In Voer- Vetschau. Throughout her life, M. Katha- farmed there for the next 5 years and had At the age of 31, on Feb 22, 1873, in endaal, they raised their family of at least rina Kerres Theunissen listed Germany their first 4 children in Unbach. neighboring town of Kerkrade, Nether- 5 girls and only son, Johann Mathias as her place of birth. While her husband, Then in late 1878 or early 1879 the lands at St. Catherine’s Church, Hubert Theunissen. On Feb 11, 1809 in Heerlen, Hubert Joseph, listed Holland. family moved to Harzelt, Germany. Har- married Katharina Maria Kerres. We can Netherlands Johann Mathias Theunis- We first find the records of the Kerres zelt was a small quarter adjacent to the trace various branches of their ancestors, sen married Anna Maria Vonken. These family in Gemmenich, Belgium. Here on village of Langbroich. While we have been some 10 generations back to about 1550 grandparents of the family’s immigrant the 15th June 1695 in Germmenich, Pe- unable to locate any records of land pur- or to Gillis Haessen, Hubert Joseph’s ancestor Hubert, settle in Heerlen where ter Keres, born in 1673, married Maria chases or sales in Germany, several re- great-great-great-great-great-great-great their son, Johann Leonard, and grand- Wertz. Their grandson, Johann Hubert cords refer to Hubert Joseph as “the grandfather. son, Hubert Josef Theunissen, were born. Kerres relocated about 1780 to Aachen landowner Theunissen”. The family lived (Germany). The next year he married Ma- and farmed there for the next 3 years. ria Theresa Wehren from Aachen. Their The years before their immigration to the son Mathias Joseph Kerres moves sev- United States were very difficult for farm- eral times in Germany. This was the time ers of the area. With poor harvests for sev- of the French Occupation by Napoleon eral years in a row, both food and money Bonaparte and the area was in turmoil. were scarce. The newspapers of the time Sometime later the family ends up in describe “fields of mud” where crops once Kerkrade, Netherlands where they re- main until their deaths. All except Maria See THEUNISSEN, Page 15

Happy 25tH annual Germanfest! MOUTON PHARMACY

30l S. ADAMS • RAYNE 334-2117

310 S. AdAmS • RAyne • 334-2117 Hubert Josef Theunissen and Majua Katharina Kerres Theunissen 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 15 Theunissen Rev. John Daniel Thevis Continued From Page 14 grew and flooded cellars from the large amount of rain their 3rd son, Julius Joseph, but 1 month later, he they received. died on August 26. first native son to become a On the 25th of March 1880, their youngest child All three of their sons had perished, two since their and only son, Peter Joseph died in Harzelt and was arrival in Roberts Cove 2 years earlier. These difficult priest, ordained in 1896 buried in St Mary’s in Langbroich. The next child, Jo- times were the source of Mrs. Katharina Theunissen’s hann Josef, was born in Harzelt on June 1, 1881. dislike for the move to America which lasted her life- John Dan- Six months after the largest group of immigrants time. She told her grandchildren in her thick German iel Thevis, son of left Germany, the Theunissen family began the long accent, “Amerika, they say streets are paved with gold, Jacob and Maria journey to join their former neighbors. On March Bah! what good when we have to eat grass to live”. Gertrude Mertens 29th, 1882, per Akte 743 posted that “Hubert Josef After the tumultuous first few years, the couple Thevis was only Thönnissen would be leaving immediately (for Amer- soon welcomed four more children, two girls and fi- ten years of age ica) and was holding a public auction to immediately nally two sons over the next decade. when he came sell to the highest bidder 1 seven year-old gelding, 7 In 1886, Hubert Theunissen bought his first prop- to America with cows, 4 pigs, 26 hens with a rooster, 1 house dog, 1 erty in Roberts Cove. The 50 acres across White Oak his family in No- rotating butter barrel-churn, 2 baking trays, 1 Hand- Hwy from Christian Hensgens, at the corner of Wa- vember of 1881. threshing machine with göpel, and other home furni- bash, was sold by Anton Frey. By 1892, Hubert add- When his parents ture and home objects”. ed to his holdings with the purchase of the 50 acres and the Thevis A göpel is an underground gear box which is pow- which became known as the Theunissen Home-place family left New ered by an animal (ox or horse) walking in a circle at the pine trees. This acreage was west of his origi- Orleans for Rob- around it. The gear could power a threshing machine nal purchase and sold to him by Wilhelm J. Vonden- erts Cove, Daniel used to separate the grain from the straw stalk, a wa- stein for $500 or $10 per acre. Two years later, Hubert and Lorenz Za- ter pump, or a number of other machines. There is no bought 50 adjoining his farm to the north from Joseph unbrecher, two mention of any land in this Act. Moeder for $85000 or $17 per acre. ten year old boys, Hubert Joseph and Katharina, the 3 girls, listed On Oct 21, 1908 at his home, Hubert died and was remained in New as Marie (Marie Elizabeth), 8 yrs, Anna (Anna Marie buried in St. Leo’s Cemetery in Roberts Cove. When he Orleans so they Katharina), 6 yrs, and Helene (Marie Magdelena Hel- died, Hubert left two sons and 2 daughters at home, could receive in- ena), 4 yrs, and their 11-months old son, Johann, the youngest, Peter, only 11 years old. In later years structions for traveled from Harzelt to Antwerp, Belgium by railroad. after the children married, Mrs. Theunissen would live their first com- From Antwerp they sailed to the United States on April 2 months with each of her daughters. munion from Fr. Fr. John Daniel Thevis 26, 1882 on the Belgian steamer SS De Ruyter. Maria Katharina Kerres Theunissen was 93 years Thevis. They re- After 19 days at sea, the 456 passengers arrived in old when she died on November 20, 1942. joined their families later. New York at 8 am on May 15, 1882. The voyage took lon- Hubert and Katharina had ten children: Maria Eliz- Fifteen years later in 1896, after theological studies at ger than normal because of strong gale headwinds. Off abeth Dionysia (1873-1949) who never married and Belgium’s Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, he was the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, the ship came into was the Priest’s cook; Maria Katharina (1875-1958) ordained the first native priest from St. Leo IV Church par- an ice field of large icebergs. The family traveled by train married Theodore Vondenstein (1872-1946) in 1902; ish. Ordained in New Orleans, La. on June 29, 1896, he from New York to New Orleans and to Rayne Station. Maria Magdelena (1876-1975) married Peter Joseph celebrated his First Solemn High Mass on June 30, 1896 at Five weeks later, tragedy again struck Hubert and Thevis (1868-1955) in 1897; Peter Joseph (1878-1880); the first St. Leo IV church that was built in 1893 in Roberts Katharina. For on that date, their only living son, one- Johann (1881-1882); Julius Joseph (1884-1884); Au- Cove. year old Johann Joseph died and was the first burial gusta (1885-1967) serving as priest’s cook for several Father Thevis’ life as a priest was very short. He was as- in the new St. Joseph Cemetery in Rayne. pastors at St. Leo IV; Franziska (1889-1980) married sistant to Fr. Beckelmeier at Holy Trinity Church in New Or- The first years were very difficult for the entire Wilhelm Habetz (1887-1968) in 1911; Daniel Joseph leans when he died on June 21, 1899, after only three years settlement. Crop failure and death were very common (1892-1985) married Anna Helena Meyer (1896-1988) in the Sacred Ministry. He is buried in New Orleans in the the first few years. Tragedy continued for these im- in 1918; and Peter Joseph (1897-1970) married Lillian St. Roch Chapel that was built by Father Peter Leonard The- migrants. On June 24th, 1884, the couple welcomed Green (1902-1992) in 1919. vis in the St. Roch Cemetery.

Best Wishes to our valued friends in Roberts Cove Fred Gossen Company, LLC for another successful Germanfest Celebration Real Estate Appraisals, Sales and Consulation • 334-3311 Fred Gossen, Sr. of Faith and Family Scott Dupuis Jason Gossen Marianne Dupuis Amy Gossen Brandon Stutes

www.alcrealestate.com Secretaries: Ashley Broussard 308 North Adams • Rayne, LA Melissa Mier (337) 334-3235 Page 16 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 Reiners Family Franz Anton Reiners was 33 years of age when he $1.32 (About $40 in today’s dollars). and his 32-year-old wife, Maria Veronika Knoben, left Later, he purchased other properties including their home in the Hontem area of Selsten (Ende 1 and land on Roberts Cove Rd in Prairie Hayes along Cole’s Anton-Laumen Strasse K4) outside of Braunsrath. Gulley. An interesting quip appeared in the Crowley The Reiners had been living in the Braunsrauth / paper in 1899 regarding Frank Reiners. The author Selsten area since Theodore Reiners was born there praised Frank Reiners for repairing the road in front in 1727. The Knoben family can be traced back to the of his property as he passed him near Coles Gulley late 1600’s in the Braunsrath. shoveling to repair the road. He commented how “The Franz, Veronika, who was 7 months pregnant old people are more likely to perform their civic du- when they emigrated, along with their 2 sons, Peter 7 ties than the young ones”. Frank Reiners was only 54 yrs., and William 5 yrs. boarded the freighter the S.S. years old then. Mississippi in Liverpool, England to begin their five- Franz Reiners made several return trips to Ger- week journey across the Atlantic to America. many starting in winter of 1892. On his return to the The passengers arrived in New Orleans on Novem- United States, he was accompanied by the Joseph ber 17, 1881 and were soon in Roberts Cove build- Habetz and Joseph Janssen. ing their new life. In January 1882, Frank (Franz) In September 1896, Franz and Veronika made a Reiners bought from Anton Frey 50 acres of land for visit to Germany to celebrate the 60th Wedding An- Maria Veronika $162.50 with 40 acres of prairie land (at Wabash and niversary of her parents, Arnold Knoben and Anna Franz Anton Reiners Knoben Reiners Burma Rd) and 10 acres of woodland along Bayou Maria Oidtmann married on September 11, 1836. St Leo IV. Plaquemine Brulee with $40 down. That is an average In 1907, Franz and Veronika made their final trip Five children were born to Frank and Veronika: price of $3.25 per acre for land that Frey purchased to Germany to visit relatives and returned on the SS Peter (1874-1936) married in 1900 Anna Helena for about $1.50 per acre on October 1, 1881. Vaderland arriving on August 27, 1907. On this trip, Berken in (1880-1968); William Joseph (1876-1930) The first 2 years attempts at farming in Louisiana they purchased a large crystal candle chandelier for married in 1907 Maria Elizabeth Scheufens (1884- were not successful for the new settlers. Many went St. Leo IV Church. It was later electrified and used in 1940); Catherina Josepha (1881-1938) married in to Avery Island to work in the salt mines to provide both 1893 wooden church and the present building. 1903 Peter Anton Ohlenforst (1878-1944); Gertrude for their families. In the fall of 1885, Franz Reiners Tragically, Frank died less than a week after their Anna (1885-1969) in 1906 married Joseph Hensgens is listed in the Sheriff Sale for the 1884 taxes with return on Sept. 2, 1907, and never saw the chandelier (1885-1938); Maria Catherina (1889-1966) in 1910 50 acres with improvements, 1 mare, and 2 oxen for in place and alit. Veronika died in 1930 and buried at married Arnold Joseph Scheufens (1886-1967).

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Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-770-STOP (7867). Must be 21 years of age or older to play video poker. 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 17 Gossen Family Johann Peter Gossen of Minder- Shortly after arrival in Louisiana, the ready married, widowed, remarried and gangelt, Germany, a small town located settlers went to Opelousas to begin the settled in the Netherlands by the time on the German-Dutch border, and Maria citizenship process. They signed their the family immigrated. She did not immi- Agnes Killen of Hastenrath, Germany we Declaration of Intention to become citi- grate to America with the rest of the fam- the oldest couple to make the journey to zens of the United States. Johann Gos- ily and the family recounted how difficult Roberts Cove. At 66, he and his wife left sen was a very trusted member of the the separation was for them as family their home, Haus Bautz, the house/barn group, as the families pooled together unity was important. complex common to all the farms of the their German currency and gave it to Saved by a Hat time, located on the Dutch border. him to exchange into American dollars. When Peter Joseph Gossen and his Johann Peter Gossen was the son of Changing a large amount was cheaper wife, Theresa had returned to Germany Johann Heinrich Gossen and Maria Jo- than changing a smaller amount. to visit family in 1914. They were caught sepha Bautz, born on August 13, 1815 in Until the Gossen family could build a with the onset of World War I. Upon hear- Mindergangelt. The next evening, Maria place of their own, they lived with William ing the news of the war, the Gossens de- Josepha Bautz died. His father, Johann Joseph Vondenstein and his wife, Maria cided they had to leave quickly. They had Heinrich, was left a widower with a 1 day Josepha Killen. Mrs. Vondenstein was valid United States passports and were old infant and he continued to work as a the half sister of Mrs. Gossen. The mod- American citizens at that time, yet they farmhand on the farm. On the 4th of May est Vondenstein home was on the later were apprehensive. 1852, the 37-year-old Peter Gossen mar- Theunissen family homesite. The cabin Joseph Gossen spoke English well ried the 22-year-old Maria Agnes Killen, had a dirt floor and a loft area with a but his wife still had her thick German who was working as a house maid. The ladder to climbing up into it the loft. The accent. He told her not to speak and let Gossen family came to the farm, known women and children slept in the loft area, him talk. The border inspectors ques- as “Haus Bautz”, thru Peter Gossen’s while the men slept downstairs with their tioned them as to whether or not they mother, Maria Josepha Bautz. After their guns handy for protection from intruders were really from America. After answer- marriage, they continued to live in Min- or predators. ing endless questions, it occurred to Pe- dergangelt where they were the parents Less than a year later, on October 7, ter. Gossen to show them the tag in the of 7 children, 2 of whom died as infants. 1882, Johann Peter Gossen died in Rob- hat, which read “Mervin Kahn Store, The oldest son, Henry Gossen, met erts Cove of malaria, becoming the first Rayne Louisiana. With hat in hand, the with Fr. Peter Leonhard Thevis in Lang- adult of this group of immigrants to die guard let them go. Mrs. Johann Peter Gossen broich in the summer of 1881 to hear Fr. here. Since there was no cemetery in (Maria Agnes Killen) Thevis talk up the plains of south Loui- Roberts Cove at the time, he was buried siana for their opportunities. The even- in the original St. Joseph Cemetery in tual Roberts Cove settlers were invited to Rayne and is listed in church records in Louisiana by Fr. Thevis, who had found- Rayne as being the second person to be ed the Germany colony at Roberts Cove, interred there. Louisiana in 1880 along with his brother, When Maria Agnes Killen, Gossen’s Peter Joseph Thevis, and his nephew, Jo- wife, died sixteen years later. At the time, hann Gerhard Thevis and Herman Grein. when a person died, they were buried in The Gossen family at Henry’s urging the next grave in line. The sons wanted made the decision to join the group of their mother and father to be next to one settlers from the Schierwaldenrath and another. So, one night, his sons, William on Oct 6th packed the wagon and joined and Joseph Peter, dug up his grave in the group of immigrants in Simpelveld. Rayne and moved his body to the St. Leo The family traveled to Antwerp Belgium cemetery in Roberts Cove and buried him and then to Liverpool England where next to his wife. they boarded the steam freighter, SS Mis- Peter and Maria Agnes had five chil- sissippi for the five-week journey to New dren, but only four to the United States: Orleans. John Henry Gossen (1854-1918) mar- The youngest son, William, was 10 ried in 1884 at Holy Trinity in New Or- years old when the family immigrated leans Katharine Arimond (1860-1898) to the United States. Will Gossen gave a from Blankenheimdorf, Germany; Anna detailed account of the voyage which is Katharina (1838-1935) married first described in a separate article. to Arnold Peters and after his death in Within weeks after their arrival in 1880, to Ludwig Gehlen; Peter Joseph Roberts Cove, Peter Gossen, along with (1862-1945) married in 1890 to Theresia Chrisitan Hensgens, Franz Reiners, and Zaunbrecher (1869-1933); Maria Josep- Hubert Wirtz bought farmland from An- ha Gossen (1865-1948) married 1887 Pe- ton Frey. Peter Gossen bought 100 acres ter Joseph Leonards and William Joseph located on Burma Rd for $450 cash Gossen (1871-1963) married in 1901 ($4.50 per acre); the most expensive Anna Zaunbrecher (1878-1955) . purchase of the original German immi- However, the second child, Anna grants. Katharina Gossen (1858-1935) was al- Page 18 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 Nicholas Joseph Zaunbrecher and Maria Helena Leonardo Over 150 years ago Nicholas in the Leonards family article. wrote that in 1881 and 1882, ten Joseph Zaunbrecher of Nier- Nicholas and Helena lived families left Schierwaldenrath for strass and Maria Helena Leon- in Nierstrass for 8 years where the United States because of land. ards were married on Nov 13th, they had their first 6 children, On October 11th the Thevis 1865 in Schierwaldenrath. The three of which died as infants and Schlicher families joined bride was born in the neighbor- there. About 1873-1874, Nicho- Nicholas Zaunbrecher and his ing village of Pütt. They returned las moved the family to Schier- family traveling by wagon to Sim- to Nierstrass where they lived on waldenrath where they lived at pelveld in the Netherlands. From the Zaunbrecher farm for the Oberstrasse 4, down the street there they travel by train to Ant- next 8 years. from the Heinen and Ronkartz werp. The next day they take the Eight generations before family. In Schierwaldenrath Hel- ferry to Grimsby England and Nicholas, the Zaunbrecher fam- ena and Nicholas had 5 more to Liverpool by train. Here they ily is originally found in Groten- children with 2 of these infants board the freighter SS Missis- rath 2 miles south of Nierstrass. dying. Helena had buried 5 of the sippi and sail with the 2PM tide. Three Zaunbrecher brothers, 11 children she had borne. Thus, began a 5-week jour- Paul, Arnold and Gerhard are in Conditions in Germany were ney to New Orleans and on to Grotenrath in the middle 1600s. very bad in the late 1870’s and their home in Roberts Prairie. One brother stayed in Groten- early 1880’s. The economy had On November 28, 1881, Nicholas rath, one went to Scherpenseel not recovered from the Depres- made purchased 213 acres for and our line moved to Teveren, sion of 1873. The weather for sev- $640 ($3.00 per acre). The first each marrying a girl from there eral years resulted in crop failures. years of planting cotton and corn Nicholas Joseph Zaunbrecher Maria Helena Leonards Zaunbrecher new village. There was so much rain that “the were not successful. He wanted When Joseph Zaunbrecher of fields were fields of mud and the to plant rice and they home- ments to thresh rice. He was May 6, 1926. Teveren, Nicholas’s grandfather, cellars were flooding with water. steaded land along McCain Rd among the first to use a levee The Zaunbrecher children: married Magdelena Esser in Nicholas had 4 sons who would near LA 100. system in rice fields. This was Marie Catharina (1866-1866); 1796, they went to live in the Es- need land to farm and be eligible The eldest Zaunbrecher, Wil- done through the assistance of Wilhelm Joseph (1867-1922) ser Bauerhof in Nierstrass. As we for conscription. In addition, the helm also filed a claim on 160 the Abbott Brothers who were married in 1892 Maria Walburga see in many of the German fami- government of Chancellor Otto aces on the west side of McCain engineers from Michigan. The Heinen (1869-1959); Theresa lies who settled in Roberts Cove, von Bismark were suppressing Rd. He was forced to relinquish Zaunbrecher surveying equip- (1869-19330 in 1890 married Pe- the land comes into the family the practice of the Catholic Reli- the claim because he was not of ment is on display at the Ger- ter Joseph Gossen (1862-1945); from the wife’s family. When Fr. gion during the 1870’s. Seminar- age. The claim was taken over man Heritage Museum this year. Lorenz (1870-1954) married in Zaunbrecher first began his- re ies were closed, and the village of by Herman Grein until Wilhelm Some years ago, Father 1895 Gertrude Hensgens (1874- search, somethings did not fit Schierwaldenrath did not have a reached 21 years when Grein Charles Zaunbrecher told us 1954); Maria Katharine (1872- quite right with the Zaunbrech- priest for 5 years. turned it over to Zaunbrecher. “stories are still told in Germany 1872); an infant (1873-1873) Jo- ers’s names and dates. Later, his Nicholas would have met Nicholas was an innova- of Nicholas’ feats of strength.” hann Jacob (1874-1874); Henry further research cleared up this Fr. Peter Leonard Thevis at his tor; he created an artificial lake Even with his great strength, (1875-1944) married in 1902 problem: It seems there were 2 brother’s Jacob’s home during to hold rain, thus introducing a Nicholas spent the last years of Helena Stamm (1882-1952); Johann Zaunbrecher’s who were his visit in the late and fall sum- new method of cultivating “provi- his life as an invalid, stricken Karl (1876-1950) in 1906 mar- cousins living in the same farm mer of 1881. He heard the stories dence” rice. He was among the with rheumatism. ried Helena Louisa Frey (1887- complex, each with a son named of the availability of land in Loui- first in the area to use a binder In his last years, he lived with 1969); Anna Maria (1878-1955) Nicholas about the same age. siana and religious freedom. He and steam powered thresher. his daughter, Anna, and her hus- married in 1901 William Joseph Maria Helena Leonards was decided to join the group of immi- Threshing machines were previ- band, William Goshen in a villa Gossen (1871-1963); Edward one of 5 Leonards family mem- grants leaving in the fall of 1881. ously powered by oxen. By 1886 built especially for him. Nicholas (1880-1880); August (1883- bers who immigrated to Roberts In the parish notes of St. Anna and 1887, he had purchased his died on March 30, 1918. His wife 1919) married in 1907 Gertrude Cove. More information is found in Schierwaldenrath, the pastor first thresher and ran advertise- Helena died eight years later on Wirtz (1881-1961).

Enjoy the Congratulations Enjoy the and Best of Luck 25tH annuaL 25th AnnuAl AUCOIN on the geRmanfeSt germAnfest Trucking & Excavation 25th • Dirt • Sand • Gravel • Limestone Wingate 1651 Abbeville Hwy. • Rayne, LA AnnuAl 334-5235 House Moving and LeveL ing Julien Aucoin • Trey Aucoin GermAnfest 603 Prevost Street • Rayne• 337-334-5874 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 19 Heinen Family Gerhard Joseph Heinen must have to serve as housekeeper and continue been a cautious man and shrewd her education. with his finances. Before he moved Traveling with the Heinens, was his family for their home in Schier- Johann Peter Schlicher and Johann waldenrath to the new Roberts Cove Ronkartz. Ronkartz lived next door Settlement, he and his brother, Peter to the Heinens in Schierwalden- Wilhelm made a scouting visit to Lou- rath; while Schlicher, lived 2 streets isiana. After overlooking the new set- over on Brökerstrasse. Ronkartz had tlement and its prospects, he decided asked Heinen if he could travel with to move his family to Roberts Cove. them to the United States. Heinen The Heinens were new to Schier- agreed and even promised Ronkartz a waldenrath, with Gerhard Joseph job when they got to America. Johann Heinen’s father Anton Heinen moving Peter Schicher’s brother Lambert and from the distant village of Straeten his wife had emigrated to the Roberts to Schierwaldenrath, 2 miles away, Cove Settlement in November 1881. when he married Anna Gertrude The SS Main arrived in New York Mertens in 1830. The Heinen family on September 22, 1882. The group have been traced back in Straeten for then traveled by train to New Orleans several generations and to Immerdorf and Rayne Station. Heinen began since 1685 and the Mertens were in farming with Johann Ronkartz as his Schierwaldenrath for several genera- farmhand for the first year. tions. In April of 1887, Gerhard Joseph Anton Heinen and Anna Gertrude buying his first farm, 140 acres at Mertens lived in Schierwaldenrath on north of Wabash Rd and White Oak a farm at Oberstrasse 16 after their Highway. The following year he added marriage on February 16, 1830. The Maria Josepha Joris Heinen Gerhard Joseph Heinen another 100 south of Wabash road. farm today is still owned by the Hein- land. 4-5 days at that time. In 1890, Gerhard made his first en family 6 generations later. Here in Recently, a document written in They were in Roberts Cove to look return trip to Germany. His oldest the bauerhof, Gerhard Joseph Hein- German was discovered detailing the over the new settlement of Germans daughter, Maria Walburga, had been en was born on September 6, 1845, sale of the Heinen farm in Schier- and the prospects of bringing Ger- in Zweifall with his brother, Fr, Wil- along with his 7 other siblings, 4 of waldenrath to Paul Heinen, the neph- hard Joseph’s family to America. They helm Heinen and now went to Rob- whom died as infants or children. His ew in Germany, in February 1925. liked what they saw and decided to erts Cove with her father. oldest brother, Wilhelm, was in the Gerhard Joseph had held on to the join the group of German immigrants. After her arrival in Roberts Cove, priesthood and assigned to Zweifall, property since he left in 1882 and Gerhard Joseph returned to Ger- she became engaged to Wilhelm Za- Germany. passed it to his sons at his death. many to settle his affairs and pre- unbrecher, oldest son of Nicholas On June 3, 1868, in Schierwalden- The land was actually 275 arpents pare his family for the new and very Zaunbrecher, the Heinen’s neigh- rath, the 33-year-old Gerhard Joseph or about 233 acres divided in 12 par- different life they would have. In bors both in Schierwaldenrath and Heinen married Maria Josepha Jöris, cels in the area around Schierwalden- September, Gerhard and his family, Roberts Cove. One family story goes, daughter of Christian Joseph Joris rath. The parcels ranged except for his old- second daughter Elizabeth, wanted and Maria Elizabeth Schmitz. The in size from 8 acres est daughter, Maria to marry Wilhelm Zaunbrecher, but Jöris family is traced back to about to about 60 acres. As Walburga, traveled her father said “NO. Maria will marry 1660 in the Schondorf/Hontem vil- farms were divided up from Schierwalden- Wilhelm. You will marry Alois Thevis.” lages. Josepha Jöris was born in over the generations, a rath to Bremen. Here And so, it was. Their grandchildren Schondorf on July 6, 1843. person or family may in- they boarded the SS remember in later years, the two sis- In January of 1867, Anton Heinen, herit a portion of a field, Main, the same ship ters sat in the same pew at church Gerhard Joseph’s father, died leaving an entire field, or several he had sailed on in but at opposite ends. the Heinen farm to his heirs. Gerhard fields on a farm. the Spring. Especially after his wife died in Joseph worked the Heinen farm along In February 1882, The oldest daugh- 1910, Gerhard Joseph Heinen made with his brothers Peter Wm. and The- Gerhard Joseph and ter, 13-year-old Ma- several return visits to Schierwalden- odore for the next 15 years. his brother, Peter Wil- ria Walburga, did not rath; after all, he still had his farm In the Winter of 1881-1882, Ger- helm, traveled to Bre- make the journey to interests there. In later years he suf- hard would have received word of his men where they boarded Louisiana with her fered from crippling arthritis which neighbor, Nicholas Zaunbrecher and the SS Main traveling to family. Instead, she left him in a wheelchair. He was in his family, arriving in Roberts Cove New York. They docked stayed in Germany Germany at the onset of WWI in 1914 and beginning the settlement. When in New York at Castle with her uncle, the and was unable to get home. He died Heinen and his family left Schier- Island. From there to Rev. Wilhelm Joseph there Nov. 7, 1916 and is buried the waldenrath, being the cautious man, Rayne station, they Heinen who was then Schierwaldenrath Cemetery in the he was, did not liquidate his farm made the journey by pastor of the church grave of his nephew, Heinrich Gos- holdings instead he held onto the rail, a journey lasting in Zweifall, Germany Peter Wilhelm Heinen See HEINEN, Page 20 Page 20 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 Scheufens Family The Johann Theodore Scheufens family of Hasten- DeRuyter docked on October 6, 1882. The group then have not yet been researched. rath was one of 3 families and several single men who traveled by train arriving in New Orleans October 10th. Only seven years after he bought his first 140 acres, left the village in 1881 and 1882 and emigrated to the No land purchases or homesteads have been lo- Theodore Scheufens died on February 7, 1903 at his newly founded settlement of Germans in Roberts Cove. cated for Theodore Scheufens from his arrival in 1882 farm. His wife lived there another 30 years. In September 1882, he, his wife, Maria Katharina Jans- until 1893. On Dec 19, 1893, Theodore Scheufens After they settled in Roberts Cove, the Scheufens had sen, and their daughters Maria 5 yrs and 11-month-old buys the 40-acre farm from Joseph Achten for $300 4 more children: Maria Elizabeth (1884-1940) married Agnes left Hastenrath and traveled to Antwerp, Bel- cash. That same day he sells the same farm back to in 1907 William Joseph Reiners (1876-1930); Arnold gium where they boarded the SS DeRuyter Achten for $400 - $75 down and $325 at 8% payable Joseph (1886-1967) in 1910 married Maria Catherina Theodore was born in Hastenrath on February 13, to Shcheufens over 3 years. (This was a way of loan- Reiners (1889-1966) Wilhelm Joseph (1888-1939) and 1841, the son of Gerard Arnold Scheufens and Cathari- ing money to a man without practicing “usury”, lend- Franz (Frank) Joseph (1889-1939). na Sentis. The Scheufens home is Gangelter Strasse in ing money and charging interest, which the Catholic Hastenrath. He became a blacksmith as was his father Church prohibited.) and the Scheufens for at least 5 generations in Hasten- The May 1893 recruiting pamphlet called “Der rath (That’s how far back we have traced). `The Franz Südliche Pionier” or “The Southern Pioneer” devoted Scheufens family still lives on that property today. much space to the progress of Germans in Louisiana On October 3, 1873 the 32-year-old blacksmith and in Roberts Cove. The pamphlet painted the settle- Theodore Scheufens married the 30-year-old Kathari- ment in the best colors possible, touting the region’s na Janssen, daughter of Peter Joseph Janssen and M. climate as healthy one as evidenced by the case of The- Elizabeth Schaps of Birgden, Germany. The Janssens odor Scheufens, formerly afflicted with chest ailments, were farmers in Birgden for several generations. but able to plant by himself 25 acres of rice and 10 After they married, the Scheufens made their home acres of corn since his arrival in Acadia Parish. in Hastenrath where their first 4 children were born: Then in July 1896, Theodore Scheufens buys 140 Gerhard Arnold (1875-1880); Maria Katharina (1877- acres from Gerhard Heinen. This was the original 1945) became Sr. Mary Columba, OSB; Katharina Ag- land purchase made by Heinen in 1887 (known as nes (1881-1964) (who in 1904 married Joseph Schaff- the Scheufens homeplace on west side of Burma Rd.) hausen); Maria Christina Elizabeth (1880-1880). Again, Scheufens pays $1,060 in cash for the land. The Scheufens family, and 2 single men – Heinrich It appears that Theodore may have carried on his Joseph Spaetgens and Johann Arnold Jacobs arrived blacksmith trade in addition to his farming when he Johann Theodore Maria Katharina in New York 2 weeks after the Heinen family when the settled in Roberts Cove. His additional land purchases Scheufens Jansen Scheufens HEINEN THE BEST- in the World Continued From Page 19 Simply sen. ton Joseph (1877-1929) married in CRACKLINS The Heinens had 9 children: Maria 1907 Maria Josepha Ronkartz (1889- (1869-1959) married in 1892 Wilhelm 1972); Maria Katharina (1880-1880); Zaunbrecher (1867-1922); Elizabeth Katherina Lambertina (1881-1962) in & Boudin Augusta (1871-1944) in 1890 married 1902 married John Frey Sr. (1876- as well as other Stuffed, Seasoned or Special-Cut Meats Aloysius Thevis (1866-1937); William 1957); Anna Maria (1884-1962) in Michael (1872-1940) married in 1897 Barbara Hensgens (1876-1947); The- 1909 married Joseph Martin Neu You’re Gonna odore Gregory called “Dorris” (1874- (1887-1920). All the children were Prepared Fresh 1940) married in 1899 Rosa Neu born in Schierwaldenrath with excep- (1874-1949); Karl (1876-1876); An- tion of Anna. Love It! the Old FashionCajun Way! Homemade

It’s time to plant your deer plots See us for all your mixes • Deer Blocks • Clover • Molasses • Deer Minerals Nous Parlez Francais Nous Parlez Francais • Hogwild • Bran • Food Plot Mixes • Rye Grass • Fertilizer •Lime (We Speak French) (We Speak French) • Soybeans • Duck Call Necklaces • LaCrosse & Muck Hunting Boots • K2 Coolers • Hunting Dogs Food and Supplies • Mojo Ducks • Camo Gear Just in Time for your Tailgating or Hunting Trip K2 Robert Cormier, Owner • Dana Cormier, General Manager Coolers in Variety of Colors Take I-10 Exit 97 at Scott, LA LANDRY’S FEED STORE Located 1 Mile North of I-10 at 615 Hwy. 93 North E. Hwy. 90 • Rayne • W. Hwy. 90 • Crowley • Phone: (337) 233-5805 334-4224 788-3737 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 21 Ronkartz Family Johann Ronkartz was born in Schi- docks of New York. Johann Ronkartz 1919 married Maria Regina Dischler 1969) married in 1916 Peter Leonard erwaldenrath, Germany to Johann Lam- soon found the boy. Years later, Anton (1894-1977) and Maria Agnes (1894- Thevis (1891-1987). bert Ronkartz and Maria Lucia Peters on Heinen would marry John Ronkartz’s March 11, 1862. Johann Lambert and daughter, Josepha. Maria Lucia Ronkartz lived in Schier- Johann (John) Ronkartz lived with waldenrath on Oberstrasse and it is said and worked for the Heinens for about a in the next house to the Heinens. Both year after they arrived in Roberts Cove. the Ronkartz family and the Peters fam- Johann worked for Mr. Heinen for a ily roots can be traced back in Schier- year or so and then went to work in the waldenrath to the early 1700’s. salt mines at Jefferson Island as sever- Single, 20 years old, in 1882, Johann al others were forced to do in the early Ronkartz was eligible to be conscripted years of the settlement into the German Army. The Ronkartz’s When he returned to Roberts Cove, neighbor, Gerhard Joseph Heinen, had he met Maria Anna Vondenstein while recently returned from his scouting he was running the water pump for Ger- trip in March of 1882 to Roberts Cove. hard Joseph Heinen. She would bring Johann asked if he could go with the him lunch and they became friends and Heinens when they left for the United began to “court” going to dances togeth- States. He traveled with the Heinens er. The Vondenstein and Heinen families all the way to Roberts Cove as Heinen lived across the road from each other promised him a job when they arrived in (now Wabash Rd.). Roberts Cove. By 1889, on Valentine’s Day, at 27, It is thought that Johann Ronkartz he was able to marry, and his chosen could be 1 of 5 young men of the area bride was Maria Anna Vondenstein. The that disappeared in the fall of 1882 to 19-year-old bride was the eldest daugh- escape conscription which also included ter of the Joseph William Vondenstein Johann Peter Schlicher, Arnold Jacobs and Maria Josepha Killen. and Heinrich Spaetgens all settling in On September 12, 1890 John Roberts Cove. Ronkartz filed a land claim on 109 acres Johann (John) Ronkartz and Maria Anna Vondenstein Ronkartz In September of 1882, the 20-year- in Sec 17 of Township 9South Range old Johann Ronkartz boarded the SS 1East which lies on the east side of Hwy Main at Bremen for the 2-week journey 13 at the intersection of Hensgens Rd. to the United States. Also traveling on He and Anna lived here. But in Novem- the ship, was Johann Peter Schlicher, in ber 1894, he relinquished his claim. He BEST WISHES addition to Ronkartz and the Heinens. must not have been able to pay the fees NOTRE Johann Ronkartz had developed a or meet other requirements. By 1900, for another fun special friendship with the 5-year-old The Ronkartz family is living by White DAME son of Joseph Heinen, Anton while at Oak Hwy in Roberts Cove, where they filled & successful High School sea. When the SS Main docked in New are renting their rice farm. They later of Acadia Parish York, in the shuffle of the docks and purchase land along Schultz Rd at LA luggage, young Anton wandered off into 1109. another group of people and became The Ronkartz family included 3 Providing Quality Education In A Christian separated from his family. The pan- children: Maria Josepha (1889-1972) Environment Since 1967 icked family couldn’t speak English and married in 1907 Anton Joseph Heinen Notre dame does Not discrimiNate oN the basis of race, creed, NatioNal origiN, or ethNic backgrouNd iN educatioNal programs or activities searched for the missing child on the (1977-1929); Lambert (1891-1978) in

Congratulations and Best of Luck on the • General Practice Congratulations Best th nnuAl ermAnfest • Contact Lens: 25 A G Wishes soft, hard & gas to every one at the and Best of Luck permeable Germanfest extended wear on the • Eye examinations RICHARD 25th AnnuAl FLYING SERVICE Dr. Craig M. BraMMer, Optometrist 419 N. Avenue F • Crowley • 783-3072 GermAnfest Rayne & Branch • 334-3867 Office Hours by appointment Closed Wed. afternoon & Saturday Page 22 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 Leonards Family The Leonards Family de- drained down the street from Louisiana House of Represen- cle. Sister Loretta came from scendants make up one of the the mill. The Leonards family tatives in 1916. New Braunfels and was a novi- largest groups from the first- home and farm was destroyed tiate companion of in the con- generation settlers of Roberts as well as 10 homes in the August Leonards gregation of Divine Providence Cove. Five of the 8 surviving small village of Pütt, almost the 1852-1915 with Sister Mildred Leonards. children of the Johann Wil- entire village. August Leonards was Mrs. Liebscher recognized the helm Leonards family of Pütt, In the 1950’s an un-explod- among the first German set- name Leonards and was anx- Germany were among the first ed bomb from WWII was found tlers in Roberts Cove. He ar- ious to share what she knew. settlers in Robert Cove, August, in the ruins of the basement. rived in New York on March As a child she walked past Dr. Joseph, Henry, Sophia L. Knip- A charred remnant of a wooden 11, 1881. He traveled with the Leonards home which was only ping and the eldest half-sister, beam was still found at the site Vondenstein family and Johan- 2 blocks from the school. She Maria Helena L. Zaunbrecher. in the 1970’s and still in pos- na Pieppers (fiancée of Peter remembers hearing Dr. Leon- After having lived in the session of HansOtto Leonards Joseph Thevis). ards singing German Catholic same village for over 8 gen- of Breberen, who has been a On 29 November 1882, Hymns but never saw him in erations, many factors led this host of the Roberts Cove Heri- Christian August Leonards Church. She remembered Dr. family from Pütt to Roberts tage Tour, Germany. married Olivia Fontenot daugh- Leonards as a free-spirited per- Cove - economic, religious, When Fr. Leonard Thevis ter of Dul and Mary Santer- son. Daily he would walk to the and political. Johann Wilhelm visited his family in Langbroich son in Sacred Heart Church river to ‘skinny dip’” Dr. Henry Leonards Leonards married Katharina and Schierwaldenrath Ger- in Grand Coteau. He filed a The older members of the Agnes Gielen, daughter of Peter many in the summer and fall homestead in Roberts Cove in Sister of Divine Providence re- fear of problems with civil au- Herman Gielen and Maria Hel- of 1881, he presented his case December 1883. Soon after, he call the kindness and generos- thorities. ena Jansen, on 15th Novem- for emigration to south Louisi- and his wife moved to Rayne ity of Dr. Leonards. The Sisters Joseph Leonards joined ber 1842 in Schierwaldenrath, ana to the families and friends where he ran a saloon in the were especially grateful for the some of the other colonist in Germany. Four days after the of Roberts Cove’s earliest arriv- early days of Rayne Station. books he donated to the school the first years of the colony birth of their first child, Maria als. With the arrival of the next August and his wife re- library. The Sisters also noted working in the salt mines of Helena, Katharina dies on 21 group of settlers on the 17th turned to Germany around that in the later years, he re- Avery Island. He first home- March 1844. of November 1881 on board 1900. They built a home and turned to the Catholic Church.” steaded 162 acres in late No- On 13 September 1847, Jo- the SS Mississippi, the Leon- lived in Laffeld. vember 1884 along with Nicho- hann Wilhelm marries again ards Family greatly expanded Peter Joseph Leonards las Zaunbrecher and Joseph to Anna Maria Friedrichs, the its presence in Roberts Cove. Dr. Henry Leonards 1859-1924 Gossen northwest of Crowley daughter of Johann and Maria On the ship were the largest 1857-1933 Peter Joseph Leonards was [along McCain Road]. He built Katharina Spaetgens Fried- group of German settlers in- Dr. Henry Leonards joins the youngest son of the Leon- his first home which is still richs. cluding Nicholas Joseph Zaun- his family here in 1885 after ards family, born on May 5, inhabited on this farm on Mc- On the 22nd of May 1870 brecher , his wife Maria Helena graduating from the University 1859 in Pütt. At the age of 22, Cain Rd. He homesteaded a the Leonards family suffered a Leonards.and their 6 children. of Heidelberg, (possibly arriving he was eligible for conscription second 160 acres on the east devastating blow. The family of Joseph Peter Leonards, the in New York on 24th Septem- into the German army. He se- side of McCain Rd for timber. Johann Wilhelm Leonards fam- youngest Leonards sibling is ber 1885 sailing from London cretly made plans to leave with The timber claim required you ily were living on the outskirts traveling with this group as 22 on the SS British Queen). Soon his half-sister, Helena and her plant 10 acres of trees. of the small village of Pütt Ger- year old ‘Joseph Zaunbrecher’. after arriving, he opens a medi- husband when they left for He built again near the many on the farm adjoining his At this age Joseph Leonards cal practice in Rayne. America in October 1881. church in Roberts Cove about parents, Nicholas Laurenz and should not have been able to A short time later, after Family history tells us he 1892 and moved his family to Anna Sophia Leonards. Up the leave Prussia because of con- practicing medicine in Rayne, worked all day on the farm Roberts Cove while they also street from the homeplace was scription into military service. he relocates to the German spreading manure. That eve- stayed on the farm to work. the Leonards oil-mill. This oil- Within a week after arrival community in New Braunfels ning, he walked out the back By his death he had ac- mill pressed rapeseed, a small in Rayne, Nicholas and Maria Texas. Here he marries in 1888 of the farm in his work clothes, quired over 2,000 acres of land oil rich seed produced on a yel- Helena Zaunbrecher bought to Augusta Pfeuffer and be- crossed a row of Linden trees and was a large rice farmer and lowed flowered plant still grow- 213 acres just east of the pres- comes a citizen in 1889. into The Netherlands and met cattleman. He served on the ing there today. We know it as ent church for $3.00 per acre In 1900, the recently wid- up with his family in Simpel- Acadia Parish School Board canola oil. - $640.00 Cash. The couple owed, Dr. Leonards is living on veld. in 1904, He was co-owner of Every few years, the area lived on this homeplace until Mill St in New Braunfels, Tx As “Joseph Zaunbrecher” Rayne Icehouse with brother– holds the ‘Schutzenfest’ where their deaths in 1918 and 1926. with his 3 children, sister-in- he boarded the ship. The rest is in-law, Joseph Gossen, and a there is shooting contests. One Nicholas acquired hundreds of law, and 2 servants. history! The story had a happy stockholder and member of the evening, the young men of the acres of prime farm and tim- From the notes of Sister ending, not only for his fam- Board of Directors of Rayne village were shooting of the ber land and became one of Mildred Leonards, CDP: “Years ily who enjoy the privilege and State Bank, later Bank of Com- muskets. A burning paper was the largest rice farmers in the later through the memory of benefits of living in America, merce and Trust Company of landed on the straw roof of a area having been a pioneer in the mother of Sister Loretta Li- but for him also. His brothers Rayne. He had interests in one barn and began to burn. The the rice industry. Their oldest ebscher, CDP whose childhood paid the fine imposed on him of the early rice mills in Rayne fire spread and the mill caught son, Wilhelm served was elect- was shared with Dr Leonards’ for his actions, and he was able and in the Commercial Bank afire. As the blaze spread, it ed to Acadia Parish Police Jury daughter (Gertrude) we get an- to return to Germany for two ignited trail of oil which had in 1908 and elected to in the other glimpse of our Great-Un- visits in later years without any See LEONARDS, Page 23 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 23 LEONARDS Continued From Page 22 of Rayne which folded in the Great De- The Leonards children: Joseph Wil- and son, Reiner carried with them a let- return visits to Germany in 1900, 1923 pression. liam (1887-1888); Henry Leo (1889- ter of intent, which was a form of spon- and 1927 based on his applications for Joseph owned several automobiles 1960) married in 1912 Mary Gertrude sorship. a passport to leave. They lived for a very but never learned to drive. See one of Olinger (1891-1978); Maria Agnes Joseph Knipping became a US Citi- short time in Roberts Cove; then moved them at the museum at this year’s fes- (1890-1926) married in 1911 Nicholas zen on 28th June 1898. Knipping’s to Rayne and where he worked as Rice tival. Hensgens (1887-1955); Charles Joseph health was so poor that doctors advised Broker and Saloon keeper. More infor- On March 9, 1887 Joseph married (1892-1945) married in 1915 Maria Wal- him to go to America. He later made 3 mation found in Knipping section. Maria Josepha Gossen the daughter of burga Thevis (1893-1994); Lawrence Peter Johann Gossen and Maria Agnes (1893-1945) in 1917 married Elizabeth Killen at St Leo IV in Roberts Cove. Augusta Zaunbrecher (1898-1924) and In 1890, in a special tax assessment, Maria Anna Zaunbrecher (1903-1984) he was assessed on 40 acre, 2 horses, in 1926; Maria Theresia (1894-1894); 2 mules, and 3 cows. Another assess- August (1896-1962) married in 1923 ment included 80 acres, 2 wagons and Dorothy (Dora) Beatrice Frey (1905- 1 buggy. 1991); William Joseph (1898-1898); Joseph became a citizen of the Unit- Ludovic (Louis) (1899-1978) married in ed States on Jan 24, 1891 in the Crow- 1922 Maria Gertrude Dischler (1897- ley District Court and had a passport 1965) and married in 1968 Ella Eliza- issued on 1 June 1896. beth Cobena (1903-1982); Anna Maria He also returned to Germany in (1901-1975) married in 1922 William 1902 with his son, Lawrence, and Frederick (Bill) Zaunbrecher (1899- daughter, Maria, where they visited 1972); and Philip Joseph (1908-1973) with his brother, Laurenz Leonards who married in 1928 to Maria Johanna Frey was Lawrence’s uncle and godfather. (1910-2005). Lawrence was given a German Prayer Book for his First Communion by his Maria Sophia Leonards Knipping godfather and his aunt Theresia Leon- On July 9, 1892 the youngest sis- ards and her fiancé, Wilhelm Ohlen- ter of the Leonards clan arrived in New forst. Marie learned to walk on the ship York on the SS Amsterdam sailing from to Europe. Rotterdam. Joseph Knipping, Sophia Peter Joseph Leonards and Maria Josepha Gossen Leonards Arnold Jacobs and Elizabeth Klump Jacobs Johann Arnold Jacobs, a group arrived in New York on was one of five young men who can way of life. In 1884, he (1900-1961) in 1926 married single man, set sail from An- October 6, 1882, and then disappeared one night from became a naturalized citizen, Marie Babineaux; and Agnes twerp Belgium to New York traveled by train to New Or- the Hastenrath, Germany along with seven other Ger- Katie (1905-1998) married aboard the ship, SS DeRuyter leans and on to Roberts Cove. area. They were all eligible to man immigrants from Roberts Frank Joseph Perkins (1886- in the spring of 1882. The Arnold, as he was called, be called up for Conscription Cove. 1954) in 1925. It is interesting into Bismark’s Prussian Army. On Dec. 27,1888, he mar- to note here that three of the They never contacted their fam- ried Elizabeth Klumpp (1869- Arnold Jacobs boys, Henry, ily after they left, and it wasn’t 1921). She was the daughter of Josef and John married three until after World War II that the Joseph Klumpp and Elizabeth Wilfer sisters. families in the Hastenrath area Schmidt living in the Fabacher By 1900, Arnold Jacobs learned they had gone to Rob- Settlement. and his family were farming in erts Cove. The group seems to The couple had seven chil- the Bayou Mallett Community have also included Johann Pe- dren: Maria Matilda (1890- in Acadia Parish with Henry ter Schlicher, Arnold Janssen; 1968) and married Orville working on the farm. Arnold and Johann Ronkartz. Gobert (1885-1952) in 1908 and Elizabeth purchased the Arnold Jacobs was born in with 12 children including 3 farm during the rice boom in the Hastenrath, Germany on sets of twins; Henry (1891- the1890s. By 1920, the fam- March 17, 1859. He was the 1968) married Marie Osa Wil- ily moved to the Frey area and son of Michael Jacobs and fer (1901-1988); Rosa Jacobs was farming there. The boys Katharina Janssen. Michael (Nov 6-13,1893); Josef Arnold all stayed and worked with was a carpenter in Hastenrath. (1895-1980) married Lora Wil- their father on the farm. Like many of the young fer (1906-1987) in 1924; John Arnold died on March 29, immigrants who came to the Jacobs ‘Jake’ (1898-1985) in 1936 and is buried at Our area, Arnold was interested in 1930 married Georgeanna Wil- Lady of the Sacred Heart Cem- Johann Arnold Jacobs Elizabeth Klump Jacobs functioning within the Ameri- fer (1913-2000); Arnold, Jr. etery in Church Point. Page 24 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 Heinrich Joseph Spaetgens and Maria Dilger Family A young man’s sacrifice and cour- While settling in Roberts Cove of- keeper and cook for the new pastor. land (40 acres) in Roberts Cove in age brought opportunity for many fered great promise, it also meant Heinrich Spaetgens and Maria 1889 at the price of $10 per acre. generations. According to Spaetgens hardship, disappointment and grief. Dilger fell in love and were married In off season he worked at the salt family members, this is the legacy They traveled by wagon, boat and train January 24, 1889 in St. Leo’s chapel mines in Avery Island south of New left to them by their forefather, Hein- to their new home. near the oaks. The Chapel was the Iberia, Louisiana.” Heinrich and Ma- rich Joseph Spaetgens. He was born Having left their homeland be- first school and had been moved to ria worked on their rice farm and were on the 19th of March 1861 the son of cause they could not worship freely, in the property from near Wabash Rd to slowly creating their life together when Johann Spaetgens and Maria Agnes America they were relieved to practice the north. In 1886, the pastor had the tragedy struck. Heinrich died on June Scheufens, a first cousin to Theodore their religion. In 1885, the Benedictine school enlarged and used it for church 21, 1904. Five years later, on July Scheufens. He grew up in Hastenrath priests and brothers from St Meinrad services as well. 29,1909, his wife, Maria, died of Black on Gangelt Str. where his father was a Abbey in Indiana purchased the 640 In time, Heinrich and Maria had two Fever, which can be Typhus infection. blacksmith as were his Scheufens an- acres originally bought by Fr. Aegidius sons, John Lawrence (1892-1909) and Their oldest son, John Lawrence, died cestors for several generations. Hennemann in 1883. The commu- Hubert Leo (1894-1981). All Spaetgens 3 weeks later, on August 19th at 17 In the fall of 1882, Theodore nity’s first pastor, Father Sylvan Bus- members in Louisiana today are de- years old. Scheufens was preparing to leave Has- chor OSB, a Benedictine priest from scendants of Hubert Leo. Hubert Leo This left Hubert Leo an orphan at tenrath to immigrate to the Roberts St. Meinrad, Indiana arrived in 1885. kept a journal regarding his father. In the age of 15. Young H. Leo Spaetgens Cove German Settlement. While life Later, a young girl, Maria Dilger it he wrote: “His first place of residence was appointed a guardian and was was very difficult for Heinrich Spaet- who was born on October 2, 1855 in was a homestead in Roberts Cove sent to St. Joseph College, an orphan- gens and his family, he would have St. Maergen, Baden, Germany, came about eight miles northwest of Rayne, age / boarding school in San Antonio, been up for conscription into the Ger- to St. Leo’s in Roberts Cove from St. Louisiana, in Acadia Parish where he Texas for the 1911-1912 school years. man Army. One night, five young men Meinrad, Indiana to work as a house- farmed. Heinrich purchased his first This was a painful period of his life that from the Hastenrath area disappeared. he never spoke of with his children. It was not until after WWII that the vil- On September 9, 1915, the 21-year- lagers of Hastenrath knew where they old H. Leo Spaetgens married Josepha had gone. It appears the group also Elizabeth Gossen. Lizzie, as she was included Johann Ronkartz, Arnold Ja- cobs, and Johann Peter Schlicher. called, was born in Roberts Cove on Heinrich Joseph Spaetgens left his the Gossen homestead on present day family in Germany and traveled thou- Burma Road. She was the 24-year-old sands of miles in search of a better life daughter of John Henry Gossen and when he was 21 years old. Spaetgens, Anna Katherina Arimond. Jacobs and the Scheufens family left Together they had eight children. Hastenrath in the middle of Septem- Joseph (1916-1996) married Bertha ber 1882. They traveled to Antwerp Ewing (1923-2017); John Hubert (July Belgium where they boarded the SS 2-3, 1919); Marie (1920- ) married De Ruyter, departing September 18th Joseph Broussard (1919-2016); Leo for the journey to New York. Landing (1922- ) married Ruby Faulk (1937- ); in New York on October 6, 1881 and Tony (1924-1915) married Joyce Hoff- taking the train to New Orleans, they pauir (1926-2010); Lawrence (1926- arrived on October 10, 1882. From 2010) married Carol Linscombe (1937- there, they traveled to Rayne Station 2008); Charlie (1928-2012) married by train where they met their fellow Barbara Perry (1934-1989) and Ethel Germans in Roberts Cove. Heinrich Broussard (1931- ) and Allie Agnes left behind two brothers and one sister (1931-2013) married Calvin Caillier in Hasten. Heinrich Joseph Spaetgens Maria Dilger Spaetgens (1931-1993).

Real Service.Real People.® Best Wishes on another successful Germanfest! 1151 Church Point Hwy. • Rayne http://www.lafarmbureau.com/ (337) 334-9064 Louisiana Farm Bureau® Casualty Insurance Co. Louisiana Farm Bureau® Mutual Insurance Co. 783-3306 ® Auto • Home • Life • Banking Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co. ® Southern Farm Bureau® Life Insurance Co. Real Service. Real People. 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 25 Ohlenforst Family Johann Wilhelm Ohlen- In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, were: Eva Theresia (1869- forst was born on April 15, the Ohlenforst family operat- 1870); John George (1871- 1841 in the Brüxgen area on ed a mill which the founding 1939); Anna Margaretha the north side of Breberen to fathers of Roberts Cove: Her- (1874-1918) married in 1895. Johann Peter Ohlenforst and man . In Heinrich Leonard Habetz Maria Katharina Rulands. Johann Wilhelm became a (-1874-1958) Maria Victo- Johann Peter was a baker naturalized citizen on Octo- ria (1876-1889); Peter Anton in Brüxgen. The Ohlenforst ber 25, 1880 in Milwaukee, (1878-1944) married in 1903 family has its roots in Nach- In 1885, the Ohlenforst Catherine Josepha Reiners barheid, on the south side of family left Wisconsin in 1885 (1881-1935); John Martin Breberen. relocating to the newly incor- (1880-1884); Anna Martha In the fall of 1863, he im- porated village of Rayne after (1883-1937) married Joseph migrated to the United States, their eighth child, Wenzes- August Habetz (1880-1972) landing in New York in No- laus was born. in 1902; Wenzeslaus John vember 1863. He made his In 1888, the family moved (1885-1920) married in 1914 way to the Milwaukee, Wis- to Roberts Cove purchasing Mary Frances (Mamie) Mayer consin area early 1864. His land along and south of LA (1892-1957); Henry Joseph date of arrival into the United 1111 and LA 1112, later pur- (1889-1971). married Maria States and the ship he trav- chased by H. L. Habetz. After Walburga Thevis (1896-1984) eled on has not been located. they sold this farm, they re- in 1919 On November 12, 1867 he located across Bayou Plac- Johann Wilhelm died July married Anna Maria Koch, quemine Brulee, in the lower 14, 1925 in Roberts Cove. His daughter of Johann George Prairie Hayes. wife, Anna Maria died April 2, Koch and Eva Theresia Sh- The family traveled back 1927 in Roberts Cove. ram in Milwauukee where and forth often to Wiscon- Johann Wilhelm’s brother, they lived close to relatives. sin to see their relatives, the Theodore Ohlenforst (May The Koch family had emigrat- Pinks. 19,1832-April 30, 1919) also ed from the Hesse-Darmstadt Of their nine children came to Roberts Cove with area of Germany, which is in only the youngest, Joseph his brother’s family, remained the central Rhine area of Ger- Henry was born in Roberts single, died and was buried in many. Cove in 1889. Their children St Leo IV. Johann Wilhelm Ohlenforst and Anna Maria Koch Ohlenforst Schaffhausen Family Joseph Hubert Schaff- Meinrad Abbey Seminary in 1893), daughter of Franz immigrated to Roberts Cove October 6, 1882. hausen, born Nov 3, 1855 Meinrad, Indiana where they Xavier Dischler and Caroline from the Wolxheim, Alsace, In 1927, he moved his in Gillrath Germany, was were to study for the priest- Niederst. The Dischler family France area a few years ear- family to Eunice where the the son of Johann Schaff- hood. lier. Nine months later on family lived until his death on hausen and Anna Katharina While visiting with Fa- September 22, 1893 Sophia February 17, 1938. The cou- Krückels. The Schaffhausen ther Peter Leonard Thevis in died in childbirth along with ple had five girls, therefore, family had moved from the New Orleans, they were “told their baby. no heirs here in America car- outskirts of Heinsberg to about the German settle- After Sophia’s death, Jo- ry the Schaffhausen name. Gillrath where Joseph was ment in Roberts Cove” and seph Schaffhausen returned The children are: Mary Cath- born. Joseph studied in Co- encouraged to visit. Likely, to Germany for several years, erine (1906-2005) and Eliza- logne where he became a they knew of the settlement returning to the Roberts beth Mary (1907-1984) who Botanist. already as Habetz was a sec- Cove community in 1895. remained single; Josephine Joseph Schaffhausen ond cousin to Zaunbrecher, For a number of years, he Catherine (1909-1991) mar- and friend Heinrich Leon- Gielen and Leonards fami- owned a saloon in Rayne. ried Leo Gundy Bird (1890- ard Habetz made a turbulent lies. They were so interested In 1904, Joseph married 1949) in 1943; Catherine journey across the Atlantic after seeing the opportuni- Agnes Scheufens (1881- Frances became a member of Ocean on the maiden voyage ties of this new colony, they 1964), the daughter of Jo- the Congregation of the Mar- of the freighter, the SS Du- decided to stay rather than hann Theodore Scheufens ianites of Holy Cross in New puy de L’Homme, arriving in go to St. Meinrad and con- (1841-1903) and Maria Kath- Orleans on Aug. 31, 1935, as New Orleans on July 1, 1892 tinue their studies. arina Janssen (1843-1933). Sister Mary Clare, MSC and with 4 additional passengers On January 11,1893, Katharina was less than 1 Anna Katrina (1915-2003), on the ship. The men were Joseph Schaffhausen mar- year old when the Scheufen remained at home to care for scheduled to travel on to St ried Sophia Dischler (1873- family landed in New York on the family. Joseph Hubert Schaffhausen Page 26 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 Dischler Family Franz Xavier Dischler and Caroline Sophie Nie- the English Channel to Liverpool, England. Here they derst are our Dischler immigrant couple. The couple boarded the British steamer, SS Marathon, and set sail and their 9 children immigrated to Louisiana in 1887 on September 11th. and 1888. Franz Xavier Dischler, born on Feb. 1,1838 After a stop in Queenstown, Ireland, the 785 pas- in Wolxheim,France, was the son of Franz Xavier Dis- sengers sailed on to Boston, Massachusetts, arriving chler and Fransika Widt. On Feb. 9, 1866 he married 10 days later Tuesday, Sept. 22, 1887. On the ship’s Caroline Sophie Niederst the daughter of Francoise manifest, it is recorded that the Dischler brothers had Niederst, who was living in the small village of Irm- intended to settle in “Kansas” but instead joined their stett. Caroline was born on Nov 25, 1841 in Flexbourg, cousins, Joseph Xavier and Louis Christ in Louisiana France. who had come to Louisiana in 1873 and 1876 and After the marriage, the couple lived near Wolxheim were farming near Fabacher Settlement. We assume in an area known as “Le Canal de Bruche” where they they intended all along to come to Louisiana as family grew grapes for wine making on land inherited from lore has it. The Christ brothers were first cousins to the Widt family. Franz Xavier and Caroline had 5 sons the Dischler brothers. Their mother, Helene Dischler, Franz Xavier Dischler Jr. Joseph Dischler and 6 daughters, but 2 of the children died as infants was a sister to Franz Xavier Dischler. in Wolxheim. The father, Franz Xavier Dischler Sr., and 3rd son, brothers, who were well established farmers in the Fa- The Dischler family had come to Wolxheim, Alsace, Charles, followed the older brothers a few months bacher Settlement. Xavier, Sr and his family moved to France, before 1760, from Ottersweier, Baden across later, on the SS La Bourgogne, arriving in New York the farm of Peter Thevis at Hwy 13 and 365 on Prai- the Rhine River in present day Germany. The earliest on December 19, 1887, after sailing from Le Havre, rie Hayes where they sharecropped with Thevis. Five Dischler ancestor, Johann Michael Dischler had come France. According to family lore, the pair first sailed years after he arrived, Xavier Dischler, Sr. bought his to Ottersweier from near Rastatt, Germany, about 16 from Marseilles, France, however we have no records 322 acre farm from Thevis on Jan. 2, 1892. miles north. After his father, Johann Michael, died, documenting this first leg of their journey. The La The oldest, Joseph (1866-1921), married Katherina George Ignatius Dischler, a journeyman shoemaker, Bourgogne sailed regularly on a 5-week roundtrip be- Hensgens (1872-1947) in 1893, the eldest daughter left Ottersweier, Baden and traveled west from his vil- tween Le Havre, France and New York. The fastest and of Christian Joseph Hensgens and Maria Regina Tell- lage in the Black Forest over the Rhine River to the most direct route was well established by 1887 with a ers of Hastenrath Germany. They made their home in plains of Alsace. The journeyman years of learning canal-river system providing cheap water transport to Prairie Hayes before purchasing property in Roberts a craft followed the apprenticeship years. The young Paris and then the port of Le Havre. In addition, train- Cove to make their home. man “Journeyed around” and worked for different travel was well established at that time. Two sons of Franz married two sisters of the Schul- masters of his craft with hope of one day becoming a In the summer of 1888 the remainder of the Dis- tz family. The second son, Xavier (1867-1945) met master of his craft. chler family, mother, Caroline, August, the 5 girls and and married Rosa (Wilfert) Schultz (1879-1958) in It was in Wolxheim, he married the daughter of a the family’s 5 bags of luggage, left their home on Le 1906 and purchased the Dischler farm in 1908. Their local family named Zenger. For the next 4 generations, Canal de Bruche, near Wolxheim. After traveling to An- eldest daughter, Maria (1868-1957) married Albert the Dischler family lived at ‘Le Canal du Bruche’ and twerp, Belgium, they boarded the French steamer SS Lafrantz (1872-1947) in 1894. Charles Joseph (1871- worked growing grapes and making wine. Dupuy de Lome. Sailing first to Bourdeaux, they ar- 1966) married Bertha (Wilfert) Schultz (1879-1949) in The Widt Family can be traced back in Wolxheim, rived in New Orleans on the 4th of August 1888. 1897 and farmed near Eunice. Sophia (1873-1893) France to the late 1600’s when much of this area of Al- His ship’s manifest gives us a glimpse into how dif- married Joseph Hubert Schaffhausen (1855-1938) in sace was repopulated, often by Swiss German farmers, ficult was for them at that time. Caroline and Sophia 1893 and died that same year. Two sons, Louis (1874- after the Thirty Years War had left much of this area were working as “nurses” or childcare-givers and the 1876) and Victor (1878) both died in Wolxheim, while depopulated. The nobles often granted land to these 20-year-old Maria as a hairdresser. More telling is that August (1877-1938) lived to be 61 years of age. Anna former landless peasant farmers. August at 11½ yrs. was working as a clerk and even (1879-1893) also remained single and died at age of 14 Traveling to America Anna, at 9 worked as a “nurse” also. Only Magdelena years. Maria Magdalena (1881-1914) married Anthony In September of 1887, the 2 eldest Dischler sons, and Louise, ages 7 and 6, were not working, at that Joseph Bollich (1870-1958) in 1899 and the youngest Joseph and Xavier Dischler made their way from Wolx- time. child, Ludovica Louise (1882-1939) married Franz Jo- heim, Alsace, France through Antwerp, Belgium over The Dischler family originally stayed with the Christ seph Bollich (1880-1974) in 1904.

Best Wishes on Another Successful Enjoy the Germanfest! 25Th AnnuAL Guidry’s Electrical Service gerMAnFeST David Guidry ~ Owner • Lawn Maintenance • Landscaping • Sod Kohler Visit us online @ for more details Generators • Spraying • Bushhogging Sales & www.guidryelectricalservice.com • Small Tractor Work Rayne, LA • 337-334-4485 Nick Simoneaux ~ Owner Member of Installation • Fertilizer 99 Clyde Loop • Rayne, LA • 230-6427 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 27 Joseph and Sophia Leonards Knipping The Knipping immigrant fa- seph Knipping’s father, Reiner miles east. Over the next 3 years, ther, Joseph Hubert Knipping, was a carpenter and joiner, as the Joseph and Sophia birthed was born on April 11, 1857 in the Knipping family had been and buried 2 children here, Wil- Heinsberg, Germany. The Knip- in this occupation in Heinsberg liam Joseph in September 1888 ping family had been in Heins- for several generations. The and a stillborn daughter on July berg for at least 5 generations Pohlman family, originally from 22, 1889. when Joseph Hubert Johann Mettmann, Germany near Dus- Coming to America Knipping was born to Reiner Hu- seldorf, came to Holtum, a small In June 1892, the 35-yr. old, bert Knipping and Maria Louisa town near Heinsberg and mar- Joseph Hubert Knipping, Sophia Puhlman. Joseph Hubert was ried into the Von Dahlen family, Leonards Knipping, his preg- the 6th child born to the Knip- who had lived here for at least nant, 31 yr. old wife, and 5-year ping family. He was only 16 100 years before. son Reiner Hubert, crossed months old when his mother Joseph Knipping traveled to the German-Dutch border and died in August 1858 and left his Pütt, near Heinsberg where he traveled to the large port city of father a widow with at least 3 met Maria Sophia Leonards, the Rotterdam in the Netherlands. children. Apparently three sis- youngest daughter of Johann Here the family boarded the SS ters also died as young children. Wilhelm Leonards and Anna Amsterdam along with 360 pas- When Joseph Knipping was Maria Friedrichs, the parents sengers traveling with them in 13 years old, his father, Reiner, of the 4 other Leonards siblings steerage class. After clearing Joseph Hubert Sophia Leonards married again to Cornelia Graab, who had immigrated to Roberts quarantine in New York harbor, Johann Knipping Knipping on Jan 5, 1861. Joseph grew up Cove in 1881 and 1885. Joseph the shipped docked at the Fifth in Heinsberg and went to work and Sophia Leonards were mar- Street wharf in Hoboken, New Sophia’s brothers, Joseph and their arrival, Sophia gave birth to in the field of business. He was ried on the 5th of February 1886 Jersey on July 8th. The trio went August Leonards and half –sister, their 4th child, Helena Augusta listed as a businessman or a in Waldenrath, Germany. After directly to the trains a few blocks Helena Leonards Zaunbrecher. who was born in Roberts Cove merchant. their marriage the couple moved from the dock to board a train The other Leonards brother, Dr. on the 30th of December 1892. Heinsberg is the district seat to Brachelen at Erkelenz for a for New Orleans. After arriving Henry, had already left Rayne for Helena died sometime in 1893 of the Kreis Heinsberg or county year. It was here that their first in New Orleans, they crossed New Braunfels, Texas. but we have no record of when where many of the first Roberts child was born, Reiner Hubert, the Mississippi River to Algiers After their arrival, Joseph, or where she was buried. Cove colonists has lived. We are named after his paternal grand- to board the Louisiana Western Sophia and son, Reiner Knip- First Business Established able to trace the Knipping fam- father, according to the local Ger- Railroad for the final leg of their ping, first lived on the farm of After a year or so on the Leon- ily back to at least the 1750’s man customs. After a year or so, journey. They arrived in Rayne, her brother, Joseph Leonards, in in the town of Heinsberg. Jo- the family moved to Lövenich, 8 LA where they were welcomed by Prairie Hayes. Six months after See KNIPPING, Page 28 Arnold Joseph Janssen and Elizabeth Klein Family Arnold Joseph Janssen and died at 1 month old in daughter Gertrude (Bar- was booming, and the farmers of Roberts Elizabeth Klein February 1872. Arnold bara) moved to another Cove were enjoying the huge financial One of the 1890’s additions to Roberts would often speak of his town and died there in successes that rice farming was bringing. Cove’s original families, was Arnold Jo- sister Barbara and his 1936. Fritz the youngest On February 13th, 1892, Joseph seph Janssen. He was born in Birgden, brother “Fritz”. Fritz son, moved to Haslach, Janssen joined Frank Reiners and Jo- Germany on February 7, 1868, was the is Friedrich Victor, the Germany and died there seph Hermann Habetz and set sail from third of seven children of Mathias Corne- youngest brother who in 1962. Antwerp, Belgium to New York on the SS lius Janssen and Anna Barbara Gertrude was only 6 years old From what we know, Westernland. The trio traveled in Steerage LeClerc. He spent his early childhood in when tragedy struck the Arnold Joseph Janssen Class (Third Class). The two young men Birgden, Germany along with his parents family. stayed in Birgden after stayed in the forward K compartment. An and 3 surviving brothers and 1 sister. On Arnold’s 14th the death of his father. interesting note, Joseph Janssen traveled His father, Mathias Cornelius Jans- birthday, February 7, He would have helped with 3 bags of luggage. This is the most sen, was a velvet weaver in the village of 1882, his father, Math- to care for his widowed luggage of any single immigrant to Rob- Birgden. Born March 29, 1829, Mathias ias Cornelius Janssen, mother and younger erts Cove that we know of. How Arnold Janssen had left his hometown of Birgden died leaving his widow, siblings, including his Joseph Jansen became acquainted with and by 1862 was in the City of Aachen, Barbara, and 5 children, youngest brother, Fritz. Habetz or Reiners we do not know? Germany. Here he met and, on April 23, ages 6 to 17 years. He In 1892, he made the After their arrival in New York, the im- 1863, married Anna Barbara Gertrude is listed as a Gastwirth decision to leave Germa- migrants were processed at Ellis Island LeClerc or LeClerque, the daughter of on his death certificate. ny and emigrate to the which had opened only 6 weeks before. Franz Joseph LeClerque and Barbara A Gastwirth could be an United States. Frank Reiners, being a citizen of the Unit- Vithens of Aachen. Soon after their mar- innkeeper or pub restau- Arnold Joseph Janssen Arnold Joseph comes ed States, was processed differently. The riage, Mathias and Barbara returned to rant operator. After her to Roberts Cove trio would have traveled by train to New Birgden for the birth of their first child, husband’s death, we don’t yet know what In the winter of 1891-1892, Frank Orleans, then on to Rayne. Johann Friedrich Cornelius in January happened to Barbara Janssen, as to when Reiners, one of the original 1881 colo- Joseph Janssen as he was known in 1865. Their second child, Maria Elizabeth or where she died. Johann Friedrich went nists, made a previously unknown trip to died at 1 week old. Another son, Wilhelm, to Aachen and died there in 1936. The Germany. At this time, the rice industry See JANSSEN, Page 28 Page 28 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 Jabusch Family Robert J. Jabusch born in born June 24, 1862, the daugh- na, the line ran through the 1862 in East Prussia was the ter of Jacob Heintz from Alsace- middle of the house, so it was son of Gottlieb Jabusch and Lorraine, France. moved. The house is still occu- Amelia Paul from East Prussia. They arrived in Roberts Cove pied by the Jabusch family. The East Prussia State was lo- in 1894 and settled on the prop- Robert and Magdalena Ja- cated along the eastern border erty now owned by the Joseph busch had five children: Robert of Prussia (Germany) and Rus- Dischler family. Roberts wife Cornelius (1887-1972) married sia. He came to America on the Magdalena Heintz was from in 1910 Mary Helena Thomas same ship as the Hetzel fam- Alsace, Lorraine as were the (1892-1975), step-daughter ily and the Dommert families Dischlers. The Jabusch fam- of Gerhard (George) Bunt: Leo of Crowley. Robert Jabusch’s ily did not stay in Roberts Cove and William, twin boys (1890- sister was married to a Hetzel. very long. Robert bought a farm 1891) died as infants and are We find Robert listed with Het- north of Crowley on the Mccain buried in the German Lutheran zel on the manifest of SS Ethio- at Goodrich Rd. Cemetery by the Lawson farm; pia. They boarded the ship in The house he built was Henry Jacob (1893-1986) mar- Glasgow, Scotland and traveled moved to its present location ried in 1918 Mary Gertrude to New York arriving on May 14, after 1940 from its original lo- Wirtz (1900-1987); Maria An- 1883. cation to the north. When the nie (1896-1985) in 1918 mar- Robert married Magdalena property was divided after the ried Peter Joseph Vondenstein Heintz in the 1880’s. She was deaths of Robert and Magdele- (1881-1970). Robert J. Jabusch Magdalena Heintz Jabusch KNIPPING JANSSEN Continued From Page 27 Continued From Page 27 ards farm, by December 1893, Joseph Saloon and business in Rayne from By the autumn of 1896, we first see America, most definitely would have begun Knipping had moved his family from George Zimmer and he immediately mention of Joseph Knipping in the ca- by working on someone’s farm. He may have Prairie Hayes to the town of Crowley. began to make improvements. By May reer for which he would be known: a stayed with the Habetz brothers and Herman Here in Murff’s Blacksmith Shop, Jo- of that year, he had electrified the sa- rice grader and buyer. In the harvest Grein at first. But by 1900, he was living and seph had begun his first business ad- loon having built his own DC electrical season, Joseph would travel around the working as a farm laborer for the Stamm venture in the United States. He ran the generator plant on site. He had newly region, setting up at a local hotels such family and lived on present day Wabash Rd. first in a series of ads in the December papered and painted the interior of as Kelly or the Commercial hotels. He In 1897, Joseph became a United States 23rd Crowley Signal advertising his the business. He continued to also do worked as a rice buyer for Lake Charles Citizen. skill as “electrician and gunsmith with electrical work for the public for some Rice Milling Co., Acadia Rice Mill, and Marries a the repairs of sewing machines, shot- time after the purchase of the Acme Sa- the Rayne Rice Mill, to name a few, trav- Faiquetaique Girl guns, and pistols”. He was also known loon as we see news items of his work eling from Rayne to Crowley, Jennings, By the fall of 1902, Joseph was estab- for hanging of electric bells in homes. In around the parish Lake Charles, Beaumont, Donaldson- lished and able to marry. To find his bride, fact, the Crowley Signal published an Within 3 years of arriving in the ville, and even Morse to set up rice pur- he traveled from Roberts Cove across Prai- article touting his ability as an electri- United States, Joseph had immersed chases!. The local newspapers often an- rie Hayes to Fabacher Settlement on Prairie cian who had installed quite a number himself into the heart of American life. nounced his arrival in the area with him Faiquetaique at the home of Peter Klein Sr. of electric bells and fans around the He had started his own businesses in “displaying his cash for the samples left Here the 36-year-old Joseph Janssen met area. a new and emerging field and now be- at the local hotel”. In 1909 he was rice the 21-year-old Elizabeth Klein, the young- By August of 1894, Joseph was in came the first of the German immi- grader at the White Swan Mill in Morse est daughter of Peter Klein and Odilia Weg- the telephone business also, as the sole grants to become involved in politics. He and for the last years, he was a rice man. Odilia was the niece of Fabacher set- agent for the Elliot telephone: His ad in was referred to as “the popular Rayne grader and buyer at the firm of J & E tlement founder, Joseph Fabacher. the Crowley Signal on August 18, 1894 mixologist of the fluids that exhilarate”! Weil in Rayne. Joseph purchased his marriage license in read: “‘Hello, There!’ The Elliot Tele- On Nov 19, 1895, a very contentious The Knippings were the parents of Crowley on December 29th, 1902. The Jans- phone is unequaled – either the electric Parish Democratic Executive Commit- nine children. Reiner Hubert (1887- sens were married in St Anthony’s Church for long distance, or the non-electric for tee meeting was held in Acadia Parish 1965) married Rosa Hynson (1887-1965) in Eunice on January 14, 1903. Serving as distances of less than two miles. I am courthouse. After it was not going as in 1916; William Joseph (1888-1888); witnesses were John Wilfert, Peter Leonard the sole agent for Acadia Parish for these the minority faction wanted, they “bolt- a still-born in 1889; Helena Augusta Klein, and Lawrence Perkins all of Fabacher ‘phones, with privilege to sell and erect ed” the meeting and continued their (1892-1893): Charles Joseph (1895- Settlement. in any adjoining parish. If You Want a election of delegates on the courthouse 1896);.Joseph William(1896-1988) The couple first lived on the farm of her ‘Phone Put Up – You should be sure to lawn. The Regular meeting contin- married Anna Alleman (1896-1996) in parents in Fabacher Settlement where for the get the Elliott. I have recently erected a ued inside the courthouse and Joseph 1924; Henry Joseph (1898-1945) mar- next few years, Arnold worked on the Klein ‘phone for Dr. L. C. Pulliam, to whom Knipping was elected one of 16 voting ried Louie Kessler (1900-1981) in 1926; family farm. He bought his first property in I refer. Let me give you an estimate on Delegates to the 1895 State Democratic Anna Bertha (1904-1999) married Os- October 1917, when he purchased 80 acres a line for yourself. JOSEPH KNIPPING, Convention held the following month in car Luois (Paco) Borne (1901-1984) in south of his father-in-law where he had been CROWLEY, LA.” Shreveport. A compromise of both fac- 1925 and the youngest child George farming from the Mewell Lumber Co. Fourteen months later, on Feb 23, tions was seated at the convention in- Edward (1906-1967) married Katherine By 1934, the family had relocated to the 1895, Joseph Knipping buys the Acme cluding Joseph Knipping. Sanborn (1914-1990) in 1935. Welsh area. 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 29 Habetz Family Heinrich Habetz and his he was childless in his mar- Seminary. wife, Maria Katharina Her- riage. However, he did have 3 They had traveled on the manns of Millen Germany children outside of his mar- freighter, SS Dupuy de Lome, were the parents of 8 chil- riage. Cordula was the moth- from Antwerp Belgium, arriv- dren, two of them died in in- er of one of his children. When ing in New Orleans on March fancy. The other 6 children he died, he gave one property 31, 1891. They were encour- and their father all immigrat- to each of these women and aged to visit the Roberts Cove ed to the United States. their children (and the other settlement by Fr. Thevis in Heinrich Habetz was the 40 to his widow). The Habetz New Orleans. After their son Johann Gerhard Ha- family left the ‘heide’ for Haus visit, they decided to stay in betz and Katharina Gielen Alfens. Roberts Cove and forego the born on April 14, 1843. His In 1870, Heinrich Habetz priesthood and St. Meinrad’s. mother was first married to is living in Birgden and work- The oldest son, Herman Johann Theodore Grein until ing as a farmhand when he Joseph Habetz, arrived on his death 2 months after the married on July 11, 1870 Feb 23,1892 in New York on birth of their child, Hermann in Birgden, his wife Maira the SS Westernland travel- Heinrich Leonards Habetz Sr. Herman Joseph Habetz Joseph Grein, one of the co- Katharina Hermanns from ing with Arnold Janssen and founders of Roberts Cove in Birgden. After they married Frank Reiners who had made to have come to the United 1958) married first in 1895 1881 making Heinrich Ha- the couple lives in Kreutzrath his first return visit to Ger- States. According to Habetz Anna Margaretha Ohlenforst betz his half-brother. On Feb- where he now is farming on many. Joseph Habetz was family stories she had some (1874-1918), remarried in ruary 14, 1843, Katharina his own. In fact, every official drowned 4 years later, on Jan mental health issues and was 1922 Agnes Estilette (1883- married Gerhard Habetz in document of that time refers 8, 1896, when he was haul- hospitalized in Europe. How- 1940) remarried in 1943 the Millen Church. to him as “the Farmer Hein- ing lumber to build a house ever, she did make at least a Gesina Josephine Meyer Haus Alfens rich Habetz. for himself and his fiancée, visit, for she was in Roberts (1903-1993); Elizabeth Ha- The Habetz family had Coming to America Magdelena Theunissen. As Cove, living with her family betz (1876-1941); Joseph been in Millen for at least 5 The first of the Habetz he crossed the flooded Cole’s for the 1910 Census. Some- August (1880-1972) married generations when the Hein- family to come to Roberts Gulley, the bridge gave way. time later, she returned to in 1902 Anna Martha Ohlen- rich Habetz family began to Cove was Heinrich Leon- The wagon went over taking Germany where she died Jul forst (1883-1937); John Hen- 8, 1918 in Birgden. leave Millen. When the Ha- ard, known as H.L. or Leo mules with it. He drowned ry married in 1928 Elizabeth betz family left Germany Mil- Habetz, the second son of trying to save the mules. Heinrich died after a very Kreuser (1892-1983); and len, the Habetz family was Heinrich Habetz and Katha- On Jul 8, 1896 the SS brief illness on July 7, 1916. Joseph Wilhelm (1887-1968) living at Haus Alfens, the rina. He had been born in Southwark docked in New Of interest which will require married in 1911 Josepha manor house in Millen. The Kreutzrath in 1874. His fa- York. On boats was Hein- more research, his very el- property came into the Ha- ther, Heinrich Habetz was a rich Habetz (53 yrs) and his egant obituary in the Crowley Franziska Theunissen (1889- betz family through the sis- farmer living in Kreutzrath. 11-year-old son, Heinrich Daily Signal on July 14, 1916 1980). ter of Heinrich’s grandfather, He came to Roberts Cove in (Henry). Nine months later reads “...A veteran of 3 wars, Family history talks of Ma- Cordula Suzanna Habetz. the spring of 1891 when he Elizabeth 20 (yrs), August decorated on the battlefield ria Katharina born and died She was a maid in the house- and fellow Cove immigrant, (17 yrs), and the youngest, for bravery, he applied the in 1870 and Clement in 1875. hold of Baron von Plevitz at Joseph Schaffhausen, were Wilhelm (10 yrs) were the last same manly energy to all the No record of their birth or Haus Alfens. enroute from their homes in of the Habetz family to arrive tasks he undertook in his death has been found. They The Habetz family was liv- Germany to seminary at St on April 21, 1897 also travel- life…” did have 2 other children who ing in the ‘heide’ or wooded Meinrad Benedictine Abbey ing on the Westernland from The six Habetz siblings died in infancy whose records area down from the Baron’s in Meinrad, Indiana to study Antwerp to New York. ere: Herman Joseph Ha- have been found: Peter Jo- manor house, one of 43 he for the priesthood. H.L. had Heinrich’s wife, Kathari- betz (1871-1896); Hein- seph (1879-1879) and Katha- owned. When the Baron died, a scholarship to attend the na Hermanns, was said not rich Leonard Habetz (1874- rina (1883-1883).

Enjoy the Congratulations and Best of 25th Luck on the Annual 25th AnnuAl Germanfest! ermAnfest 122 East 5th St. • Crowley, LA G 783-0650 Page 30 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 Bollich Family Peter Bollich and his sons played a pivotal role in Oberdürenbach is about 2 miles from Königsfeld over the community of Roberts Cove as the contractors the hill. who built the first St. Leo IV Church in 1893. They After the birth of their first child on July 4, 1859 provided the first permanent home for the fledging St. in Oberdürenbach, the family left their home in the Leo IV congregation. Peter Bollich and his sons were spring of 1860. They sailed from Bremen to New York carpenters and living in Jennings when the contract on the SS Louisiana arriving on May 17, 1860. His for St. Leo’s Church building was signed on November name is recorded on the ship manifest as “Peter Pol- 8, 1893. Their future as builders ended as the sons lig” in 1858 and Katherina and their first child, Peter married local daughters and soon became prosperous Joseph, followed in 1859. Their first son, Peter, was rice farmers. born July 4, 1859. A year after his arrival, they left New The Bollich family origins lie in the Rhine River val- York for Lake Superior, Mich., near Detroit where Peter ley village of Königsfeld, Germany. Peter Bollich was worked in the copper mines. The next 2 children were born on October 6, 1835 and baptized Joseph Peter born here, Stephen Joseph (on 13 June 1861) and Ger- Bollich, the son of Johann Ernest Pollig (1808-1835) trude. Some notes indicate they actually were born in Joseph Peter Bollich Katharina Kittel Bollich and Katharina Brohl (1813-1892). Soon after Peter’s neighboring Detroit 30 miles east. Peter and Katherina birth his father, Johann, died in 1835. His mother moved to Detroit and he returned to his carpentry trade and operated a grocery store and bakery. Sons An- later married again to Peter Kohl. Records indicate the before the birth of John Joseph on April 28, 1865. They thony, William, and Frank were contracting to build name originally spelled Pollig not Bollich. moved to St. Helena, Neb. by 1867 where their next 6 houses and churches in the area. Peter married in the neighboring village of children were born: Katherine, Anthony (Tony), Theo- Peter Bollich died in Jennings on Aug 16, 1912 Oberdürenbach on Sep. 3, 1858 to Katherina Kittel. dore, Ernest, William and Frank. and is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Jennings. After Katharina was born on June 18, 1836 to Peter An- By 1887 the Bollichs had joined the great migration his death, his wife, Katherina, moved to Mowata to be ton Kittel and Katherina Weidenbach. Peter Kittel was of Midwestern wheat farmers who moved to Lousiana near her sons. She died 5 years later in Mowata on the local schoolteacher in Oberdürenbach and was to the new rice farming area being advertised. Relo- June 1, 1917 in Mowata and is buried in St. Leo IV from Koblenz, Germany. He died a young man also. cating to Jennings., Peter Bollich and his sons owned Cemetery in Roberts Cove. Berken Family 1891. In fact, on July 7,1891, The Berkens already had a sis- oak trees were not easy to grow as Mayor, he signed the birth ter and a brother, Herman and there. certificate of his son, John Gesina Berken Cramer, living After the Berken home and Casper Berken. in Lafayette, thus making their barn in Hebelermeer burned in The Berken girls went to decision to move to Louisiana. 1942, the Krussel family kept school at the St. Vincent de Five children accompanied a large wooden beam with the Paul Church School in Hebel- their parents to the U.S in initials and dates of the elder ermeer before they came to the 1892: Helena (15 yrs.); Anna Berken’s carved into the wood, U.S. Helena would talk about Helena (11 yrs.); Maria Ge- up in their barn. On the Rob- the wintertime and being able bina (8 yrs.); Johann Bernard erts Cove Heritage Tour 2010, to skate from Germany to Hol- (5 yrs.) and the baby Johann the beam was presented to land across the frozen river Casper (16 months). After their Lawrence and Mary Cramer, border. arrival on November 30, 1892, both descendants of Johann Holding the Mayor’s office the Berken family traveled to Hermann Berken and is now Johann Herman Berken and Angela Adelheid Cramer Berken at that time was one of the rea- Lafayette by train via New Or- on display at the Roberts Cove Johann Hermann Berken, and Euphemia Grote. Adel- sons he did not leave Germany leans to meet their brother German Heritage Museum. Angela Adelheid Cramer heid’s parents were Johann with his sister and brother-in- and sister. In Lafayette, they Herman and Adelheid Berken and their family docked Kasper Cramer and Adelheid law, the John Herman Cramer learned about the German Berken had six children: The at Ellis Island on November Fehrman. They all lived in the family, as well as illness in his settlement in Roberts Cove and oldest child, an infant, died 30,1892. Their departure from Hebelermeer area of Germany. family. The eldest daughter, settled there in 1894. Also ar- March 20, 1872, then Euphe- Antwerp, Belgium was de- Before their arrival in the area, Euphemia, became ill with a riving in Roberts Cove at that mia Maria (1873-1892); Helena layed when they boarded the it was swampy land and unus- lung disease. She would be un- time were the Jabusch fam- Adelheid (1877-1895) married SS Westernland to begin their able as farmland. The City Hall able to immigrate to the United ily, Bernard Meyer and George in 1894 Gerhart ‘George’ Bunt journey to America. Every per- in Twist has an exhibit showing States with her illness. She Bunt, both single men. (1863-1930); Anna Helena son had to be examined and the tools that the men used to died February 21, 1892. Berken’s Bauerhof (1880-1968) married in 1900 cleared medically before de- drain the land along the Elms Because of Euphemia’s Herman Berken planted to Peter Joseph Reiners (1874- parture. Two people on board River. The men were called “col- death and another sister hav- two oak trees on his farm in 1936); Gebina (1878-1968) had a contagious disease and onists” for helping to make the ing the same lung disease, Hebelermeer before they left married in 1909 Henry Schultz the Berken Family was delayed land usable for planting crops. their doctor advised them to Germany. These trees are very (1884-1954); John Bernard for six weeks before they could Hebelermeer move to a warmer climate since tall now and are over 125 years (1881-1898); and John Casper continue the trip. Johann Herman was there was a good possibility the old. The Krussel family, who (1891-1984 married in 1919 Johann Hermann’s parents Burgermeister (Mayor) of other children would become bought the Berken homeplace, to Thecla Lambertina Thevis were John Bernard Berken Twist/Hebelermeer from 1884- infected with the same disease. are proud of these trees as the (1900-1981). 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 31 Cramer Family The Johann Herman Cramer and Anna Gesina and Johann Bernard (Ben) Meyer, Gesina’s nephew. strates this most clearly. The sale was held in the Berken family came to United States in November (Son of Anna Helena Berken and Bernard Meyer). nearby town of Meppen and the ad translates to: 1884 from the Hebelermeer community located in The family left Germany because of the severe- “Farmstead and furniture sale: Johann Hermann the State of Lower Saxony, Germany. Hebelermeer is ly depressed economic conditions and the lack of Kramer of Hebelermeer is offering at his dwell- located on the Dutch-German border with the back available land for farming as farming was the major ing on Friday 31st October 1884 at 10 o’clock in of their farms ending at the canal border. income for the family. Johann Hermann had read the morning, his 1 3/8 hectare (3.4 acres) farm as Johann Herman was the third child of Johann about farms near the Lafayette area and decided to well as 1 horse, 2 cows (milk cows), 1 beef cow, 5 Casper Cramer and Adelheid Fehrmann of Hebel- immigrate to the area. pigs, 20 chickens, 1 two-wheeled farm cart, 1 plow, ermeer. The Cramers were considered “colonists” of Before the Cramer family left, an advertisement 2 harrows, 300 Beirup potatoes, Several thousand that area which had been reclaimed swamp or lake for the sale of their farm and possessions demon- pounds of straw, 3 suitcases, 2 cupboards, chairs, bottom. It seems that in the late 1780’s, Johann and all the house and farm implements for sale to Hermann’s grandfather, Everhard – son of Caspar the public at the highest bid on credit. It will also be Cramer” had moved into the Hebelermeer area from noted, if offered just enough for the courts, the con- Aschendorf, Germany, about 35 miles to the north. tract will be imparted immediately. Meppen, 24th From 1861, when the municipality of Hebelermeer October 1884” was formed until their departure for America, both The family would have traveled by cart and rail the Cramer and Berken family had served as the from Hebelermeer to Antwerp, Belgium where they Bürgermeisters (Mayors) of Hebelermeer. boarded a steamship to New York. From there, they In November 1884, Johann Hermann and his traveled by train to New Orleans with their destina- wife, Anna Gesina Berken emigrated from Hebeler- tion being Lafayette. Coming along with the Cramer meer to the United States with their 4 sons, Johann family were the Bunt, Wilkins, Meyer and Sommers Casper (10 yrs); Johann Bernard (6 yrs); Everhard (5 families. After being in Lafayette for a few years, they yrs), and Johann Herman II (2 yrs). were told by the priest at St. John the Evangelist While two siblings remained in Germany, a sister, Church about the Germans in the Roberts Cove Maria Gebina Fischer and a brother, Herman Ever- community. The Cramers went to Mowata in 1895 hard Cramer, Johann Herman was joined in 1892 from Lafayette and then settled in Roberts Cove in by his sister, Angela Adelheid Cramer and her hus- Anna Gesina 1902. Their home place was neighbors to the Joseph band Johann Hermann Berken (brother to his wife) Johann Herman Cramer Berken Cramer Leonards family; on Wabash Rd.

CUSTOMER FOCUSED LOWER COST COMMUNITY INVOLVED

POWER FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE www.slemco.com Page 32 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 Johann Ferdinand Stamm Sr. Family The father of the Roberts Cove Stamm and Adeline; a daughter, John Ferdinand the Stamm family had been rerouted be- family, Johann Ferdinand Stamm, Sr, Anna and her husband, Stamm Jr. cause of the yellow fever epidemic. The was born in Rhode, Germany on Dec 15, Hubert S. Kopmeier, and The eldest son, John trip from Alexandria took about 3 days. 1836 and baptized in St. Cypriac Catholic their daughter, Theodora Ferdinand Stamm Jr, The mud was up to the hub of the buggy.” Church on the 17th of December 1836. Kopmeier; and Ferdinand born in Milwaukee, Wis. Stamm Advances Rice Farming Throughout his life he was known by Fer- Stamm’s 3 other daugh- on June 19, 1865, was John Stamm was faced with the prob- dinand. He was the second son of Peter ters, Marie, Helena, and the only son of John Fer- lems rice farmers had struggled with since Stamm and Elizabeth Hundt. Peter was a Adlheide. With the Stamm dinand Sr. and Bernadine the beginning of the rice planting in the farmer and stovepipe maker in Rhode. family is Peter Koch and Kesse. At the age of 25, he prairies of Acadia Parish. Before this time, The Stamm family immigrated to the his family. The Stamm’s married Mary Fredericka rice was planted in the sloughs along the United States, arriving in New York on also had 2 daughters Tietjen, who was born in bayous and used for family’s use. Often July 7, 1854, sailing from Antwerp Bel- who stayed in Wisconsin, January of 1865 in Essen, called Providence Rice, the farmer de- gium on the SS Julie. With Peter and Eliz- Caroline or Carrie and Germany. pended on Providence to provide the cor- abeth Stamm and at least 4 of their chil- Alice, who married Henry Mary Etta Stamm rect amount and timing of rain needed to dren, Carl (20 yrs), Ferdinand, (17 yrs), Scheele. The Scheeles Sweeny, his daughter irrigate his crop. The commercial produc- Elizabeth (14 yrs) and the youngest, Peter joined the Stamm family spoke of her parents: “My tion of rice in this area was spear-headed (10 yrs), are several other Stamm men in Louisiana later. mother, Mary Tietjen, had in the 1870’s by Joseph Fabacher Sr. in and women. They traveled to Milwaukee, Within two months of lived a life in her early the Fabacher settlement on Prairie Faiqu- Wis. where they settled. Within months their arrival in the com- Johann Ferdinand childhood with her moth- etaique with the rice planted in the low- of arriving, the 55-year-old father, Peter munity, the Stamm fam- Stamm Sr. er, her 5 brothers and sis- lying sloughs. Stamm, died in 1854. ily took their first step in ters… They would break With the arrival of the German immi- The two sons, Ferdinand and Carl, the transition from hard- the ice in the tub in order grant to Roberts Cove and their adoption became tinsmiths and apprenticed with ware store operator to farmer. On Jan to be able to start washing about 4 A.M., of rice as a commercial crop, came more their uncle C.T. Stamm. At 21 years old, 6, 1896, Peter Joseph Thevis, one of the no matter how cold it was. As they grew innovations. The farmers would build Ferdinand opened his business in 1857. trio of Founders of Roberts Cove, sold 280 older and went to schoo, they helped to reservoirs to hold rainwater and used this The 1858 Milwaukee City Directory lists acres of his original 1881 land purchase support the family by learning to sew and to irrigate the rice. Nicholas Zaunbrecher both Carl and Ferdinand as tinsmiths to Bernadine Stamm for $4200.00, ($15 to knit, she learned to be quite an excep- is known to have built Zaunbrecher Lake along with their Stamm cousins. Ferdi- per acre). tional housekeeper and an exceptional on his farm to hold water. In fact, one nand Carl, and Peter became partners in The Stamm clan, which included Fer- cook. And many of the mothers of the such reservoir on the Zaunbrecher farm is Stamm Brothers Hardware. dinand, Bernadine and their unmarried people in Roberts Cove were very anxious mentioned in a lawsuit in March of 1904. In the spring of 1893, Ferdinand and daughters, (Marie, Helena, and Adelaide), for their daughters to assist Mrs. (John) The farmers began to build dams in his son-in-law Hubert Kopmeier visited their son John and his family, and daugh- Stamm in her housework when she had the bayous and wooden channels and ca- New Orleans. The weather was warm, and ter, Anna and her family, now made their her 4 children, where they could learn nals to carry water to their fields. In ad- the city was full of blooming flowers while new home on the Acadia Parish Prairie. the arts of housekeeping and cooking and dition, the Abbot Brothers began to build the city of Milwaukee was frozen solid. He According to the family lore, E.C. sewing. very large canal system to supply many made the decision to move south. As a re- Fremaux, a McCormick-Deering dealer, John and Mary were the parents of farmers. The farmers cut the canal levee sult of a recruiting-booklet by W.W. Du- rode out to the Stamm farm with the in- Arnold Ferdinand (1890), Adeline (1892), to use the water as needed. son, the Stamm family decide to relocate tent of selling a piece or two of farm equip- Mary Etta (Sweeny) (1898) and Catharine The 1936 Anniversary edition of the to Roberts Cove and begin farming rice ment. To his surprise, the Stamms want- Eleanor (Guidry) (1900). Crowley Signal tells us John Stamm built when they had previously always been in ed to buy “everything they would need to Mary Etta tells us of an outbreak of Yel- a dam in Bayou Wikoff with a flue and ca- the hardware business. plant a rice crop.” low Fever. “Etta was only 3 months of age nal to flood his rice farm. The canal was Stamm Family Arrives Mary Etta Stamm Sweeney tells us: on the first trip to Milwaukee after grand- known as the Stamm canal, (later called in Roberts Cove Ferdinand Stamm built a new house for mother’s death in April of 1898. Mary re- Cramer Canal) was dug entirely by hand. In the fall of 1895, the extended Stamm his wife and daughters. The story goes turned to Louisiana with her 3 children, But without enough rainfall, there was no clan decided to join the group of Germans that Kopmeiers were afraid of flooding, Arnold, Adelaide, and Etta by train. After water to supply the dam or the fields. in Roberts Cove. Ferdinand had W.W. Du- so they built their house on stilts, high a 3 month visit in Milwaukee and before By the fall of 1902, John and Mary had son’s pamphlet lauding to great life here above the ground. And son, John, and reaching New Orleans, which was quar- decided to abandon life on the farm. on the prairies of Acadia Parish and the family moved to an old cabin-like building antined for a yellow fever epidemic, the On October 1 1902, John joined his success of rice farming. The group of 15 on the farm, probably one of the original train was re-routed to Marshall, Texas. brothers-in-law, Henry Scheele, Hubert Stamm family arrived in New Orleans on Thevis homes. After his parents and the After a delay there, the family boarded a Kopmeier and Henry Zaunbrecher in form- Tuesday November 5, 1895 per the New Kopmeier family left Roberts Cove and the train to Alexandria, Louisiana where John ing Stamm-Scheele Manufacturing Co., Orleans newspapers and checked into the farm life, John and Mary moved in the big met the family, having hired a surrey and changling the face and economy of south Gruenwald Hotel, (later the Roosevelt). house. driver for the trip to Roberts Cove and Louisiana. The formation of the Stamm- After a few days stay in New Orleans, Ferdinand Sr. and Hubert Kopmeier changing drivers and horses several times Scheele Manufacturing Co., continued the the group traveled by train to Rayne. On quickly gave up farming and moved to on the trip. Roads were nearly impass- innovations in the rice farming industry Thursday, 14th of November 1895, the Rayne. Soon Ferdinand, Sr and Berna- able with mud. For fear of the yellow fever, spearheaded by the German immigrants Crowley Signal noted the arrival of Ferdi- dine left for New Orleans. Ferdinand died people were afraid to take the family in for to Acadia Parish. The most vital service the nand and Bernadine Kesse Stamm and there on June 5, 1908 Bernadine was lodging. John managed to obtain lodging company came to provide was the devel- family to Roberts Cove. Joining their par- at the home of Helena and Henry Zaun- for one night on the long journey home. opment of the deep-water irrigation wells ents was son John F. Stamm and his wife brecher in Rayne when she died on April A Mr. Hayes, a farmer, took the family in which provided the first dependable source Mary Tiejen Stamm and children, Arnold 1, 1924. and begged that his wife is not told that of water for the cultivation of rice. 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 33 Husers Family Can you imagine the apprehension and uncertainty of know why his family was not arriving in Lafayette. He a German mother with four children crossing” the Atlan- had sent the money and knew the date they were to ar- tic Ocean in 1893?” This is the story of Maria Margaretha rive in New York. Eventually, Johann and Margaretha Wilkens (1860-1936) who married Johann Heinrich Hüs- Huesers were reunited, and settled in Lafayette, along ers (1855-1931) in Meppen Germany, in 1880. It all be- with the Berken, Bunt, Cramer and Meyer families which gan prior to 1893, when Johann Hüsers came to America are all connected through marriages. without his family to earn money to send for his wife and Arrival in Roberts Cove four children. A priest in Lafayette suggested to Margaretha Hues- The family was living in Compascuum, Emmen region ers that they might want to live in Roberts Cove where of the Netherlands after they married, and their first 4 everyone speaks German, and the Huesers family was children were born here. happy to move there. By the summer of 1894, the Hues- In the spring of 1893, Johann traveled to south Loui- ers were in Rayne and Roberts Cove. Two more children siana and stayed in Lafayette with the Bunt family and were born to Johann and Margaretha after the arrival in worked for the railroad. By the winter of 1894, he sent America. Albert was born in 1894, and Maria Gebina was Johann Heinrich Maria Margaretha for his family. In February 1894, Margaretha and family born in 1898. Huesers Wilkens Husers boarded the SS Spamdaam, arriving in New York with After their arrival in Roberts Cove, Margaretha helped her four children: Gesina (12 yrs); John Henry Jr., (8 as a secretary for the priest. Bernard Joseph told his chil- had fallen out of the chair and was already dead. yrs); John (5 years) and two-year-old Bernard Joseph on dren that he was an altar boy in the old church in the The six Huesers children: Gesina (1881-1933) mar- March 5, 1894. Family lore said Margaretha Hüsers ar- Cove and how cold it was in the church on those early ried in 1908 Emile Joseph Thoman (1882-1958); John rived in New York with her German Bible tucked under winter mornings. Henry Huesers Jr. (1885-1935) also married in 1908 one arm, and a book on “How to Speak English” tucked The grandchildren remarked about Margaretha’s Maria Agnes Gossen (1885-1929); John Huesers (1888- under the other arm. bread making skills: After preparing the dough, she 1965) married Lilly Simpson/Simmon; Bernard Joseph Quarantined on Arrival would put a cross in the dough before she baked it and (1891-1953) married in 1909 Mary Cecilia Regan (1891- While going through immigration at Ellis Island, the would bring bread to the whole neighborhood. 1979); Albert (1894-1979) married in 1914 Sarah Mitch- youngest son, Bernard Joseph, had diarrhea. The fam- Johann Heinrich Huesers died January 2, 1931 and ell (1893-1926); Maria Gebina (1898-1983) married in ily was detained and quarantined. Immigration officials his wife, Margartha, died suddenly on October 29, 1936. 1918 William Augustus Sewe (1892-1976). were fearful that the diarrhea was due to cholera, so all That morning, Margaretha told her granddaughter, Hel- Is it Hüsers – Huesers – Husers? All three spellings are five were detained at Ellis Island until officials felt sure it en, who would walk to St. Michael School, “Hurry, you’ll used by the family: Hüsers is how they spelled the name was not cholera. Margaretha Huesers said all along, that be late for school.” Helen left for school. A few minutes on the records in Germany and Netherlands. Huesers is it was the water they were drinking causing the diarrhea, later, one of her cousins stopped at the Huesers house the spelling in English without an umlaut. Some family and not cholera. and quickly came running down the street calling to Hel- members in later generations spell the name Husers in- In the meantime, Johann Heinrich Huesers did not en. By the time, they were back in the house, Margaretha stead. All three are found in records. Johann Bernard Meyer and Johanna Katharina Achten Meyer Johann Bernard or ‘Ben’ Meyer came to America as a seeking better econbecause two uncles, Johann Herman The couple’s nine children: Anna Helena (1896-1988) single man. Bernard or “Ben” as he was known by those Cramer and Johann Herman Berken and their families married Daniel Joseph Theunissen (1892-1985) in 1918; who knew him well, was born on Aug. 15, 1872 in Neu- immigrated to the United States. He also came because of Herman Joseph (1899-1919) (died of blood poisoning af- ringe, Germany near the village of Hebelermeer. He was the all the turmoil at that time in Germany. The government ter shaving off a pimple on his face); Henry Joseph (1901- son of Johann Bernard Meyer and Anna Helena Berken was forcing all the young men to join the military. 1983) married Edna Lafleur (1906-1994) in 1927; Ge- of Hebelermeer, Germany. He came to the United States His grandson, Ben A. Meyer, remembered his grand- sina Josephine (1903-1993) married Leonard Habetz Sr. father story about his coming to America. “They had to (1874-1958) in 1943; Mathias Joseph or “Motts” (1905- cross the border into Belgium where they boarded the 1979) married Maria Catherine “Pootch” Scheufens ship at Antwerp. They traveled by ship to New York. Next (1912-1988) in 1932; Maria Gebina (1908-1929); Ger- they traveled by train to New Orleans, where he got odd hard A. (1910-1975) married in 1933 Antoinette Dischler job to make money to get by.” (1911-1998); Mary Frances (1914-1986) married in 1941 Ben moved to Lafayette where his uncles had settled Leonard Alphonse (1916-1974). and got a job in Scott at the cotton gin. He worked un- Maria Gebina was 21 yrs old when the 1929 flu epi- til the season was finished. He heard that people could demic hit the area. The Meyer family was one of the most homestead land in the Roberts Cove area. He came to the affected. Ben’s wife, Johanna, died on January 24, 1929, Cove at the same time as the Johann Herman Berken, as well as their daughter, Maria Gebina, who died a week Gerhart Bunt and Robert Jabusch families. The family’s later on January 31. A third child, John K., who was 17 history said he homesteaded 40 acres of land. His home- years old at the time, contracted the flu also which left stead records have not yet been found. It is more likely him with a spot on his lung that they called the “black that the land was purchased rather than homesteaded. pneumonia.” He met Johanna Katharina Achten, whose family The family story is Dr. Bruner, from Rayne, the fam- was settled here in 1881, from Breberen, Germany. The ily’s physician, had attended a medical meeting in New Achten’s lived across the road from his uncle Johann Orleans and he brought some yet undiscovered “penicil- Johann “Ben” Johanna Katharina Hermann Berken’s farm. Ben and Johanna were mar- lin” back with him. He injected John K. with the “penicil- ried on January 21, 1896 in St. Leo IV church. lin” and he survived this dreaded disease. Bernard Meyer Achten Meyer Page 34 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 Florenz Schatzle and Margaret Ann Simon Schatzle Family The Schatzle family was one been bought sight- 3 Schatzle sons are Schilling in Baldwin with 4 sons of the last families to join the unseen. The land was all working on bridge born there. Roberts Cove settlement, ar- full of swamps and construction. At the end of the summer of riving in Roberts Cove in 1908 was soon found to be Margaret Simon 1850, the Schilling family left from the Rosaryville community unproductive and un- Schatzle died in Eu- their home and relocated to Can- west of Ponchatoula. They came suitable for farming. nice on April 9th, nelton, Indiana, on the Ohio to Louisiana from Germany by By 1901, the monks 1937 and less than River about 30 miles south of St way of Indiana. Florenz Chris- had moved the com- a year later, Florenz Meinrad. By 1854, they are in tian Schatzle and Margaret Ann munity to its present died on January 28th, Fulda, Ind. and 2 year later, in Simon are our immigrant cou- location at St Benedict 1938. Both are buried Ferdinand, Ind. Tragedy struck, ple. The couple was from south- near Covington. in St Paul Cemetery when on May 6, 1856, Jacob ern Indiana near St. Meinrad’s On the 30th of No- in Eunice. All 6 sons Schilling died in Ferdinand. The Benedictine Abbey near Ferdi- vember 1907, during served as pallbearers 32-yr old widow had 6 children, nand, IN. in April 1895. Florenz a harsh cold snap, for both parents. from 18 mo. to 10 years old. Christian and Margaret Ann embers from an over- Schatzle Family Four months later, on the Schatzle, had moved their young stoked fire, caused Florenz Christian Margaret Ann Simon Origin 15th September 1856, Angela family from Ferdinand, Indiana a fire which reduced Schatzle Schatzle The patriarch of married the 25-yr old Jacob to Rosaryville or Gessen as it the wooden monas- moved to the Mowata area. It this branch of Schat- Schatzle in St. Ferdinand Cath- was then known. It was in here tery and seminary to ashes. With appears they rented a farm near zle family is Jacob Schatzle who olic Church in Ferdinand. In where the Benedictines from St the total devastation, the monks Henry Schultz near LA 13 and LA was born in May 1835 in Ger- 1860, Jacob Schatzle was work- Meinrad’s Abbey near Ferdinand contemplated abandoning the 365. many according to the 1900 ing as an “Operative” in Cannel- had first established St Joseph’s ruined Abbey. Just before they By 1920, the family had relo- Census. While the name here in ton, Indiana. An ‘Operative’ was Priory in 1889. Florenz had come started packing their mules for cated south of Frey Community Louisiana is spelled ‘Schatzle’, a worker with specific skills in a to work at the Priory. Coming to the long journey north, 2 unlike- to the Schatzle farm, with Mar- on Jacob’s simple headstone it is manufacturing plant. In 1863, Rosaryville with the Schatzles ly benefactors appeared out of tin Schatzle and Joseph Mehling spelled “Schaetzle”. At 17, Jacob when he registered for the Civil was Joseph Klauser who mar- the blue to help resuscitate the families living next door. As was left his boyhood home and fam- War Draft, Jacob was farming ried Johanna Hensgens and Jo- St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary, the custom from Germany, Flo- ily. He sailed from the port of Le in Ferdinand. By 1867, Angela seph Mehling, who later married the Fabacher family of New Or- renz turned over a portion of the Havre France in March of 1852 gave birth to 7 more children, 5 Catherine Mary Schatzle; his fa- leans who secured the financing farm to his eldest son Martin. on SS Belle Assize arriving in of which survived. Twins, John ther, Jacob and brother Bernard and Andrew Carnegie of Pitts- During the early 1920s the rice New Orleans on 12th May 1852. and Elizabeth died in infancy; came with them or shortly after. burgh, PA who donated a train- crop failed due to water short- Among the 334 passengers are Florenz Christian Schatzle, born The priory was originally to load of steel. This jumpstarted age and the Schatzle families 12 Sisters of Charity and 27 in Ferdinand, Ind. on Feb 4, have been established at the the construction of a new “brick” were forced to give up farming. Priests who were going to Texas 1865; Bernard, Fransika, Kath- site of St. Leo IV in Roberts Cove St Joseph Abbey. The ever-outgoing Mary said, and Missouri. Great-Grandson erine, and Theresia, who entered but Archbishop Janssen decid- The family farm in Rosaryville “We’ll just move to town and all Conrad Schatzle Jr. gives the ac- the Benedictine Convent at Fer- ed that the proposed Seminary was sold and by April 1908, Flo- get jobs”. The parents, Florenz count of Jacob Schatzle’s arrival dinand on Aug. 25, 1885 as Sr which was to be built in associa- renz and Maggie Schatzle had and Margaret, along with Mary, as told by his father, Conrad Eugenia, OSB. Less than 2 years tion with the Priory, was too far relocated their family to Roberts John, Conrad and Leo moved to ‘Koonie’ Schatzle. “Two brothers, later, she died April 22, 1887. from New Orleans and the Arch- Cove. After staying 1 year in Rob- Eunice and in 1930 lived on First Jacob and Robert Schatzle, had On June 16, 1880, Angela bishop. The 1700-acre site had erts Cove, in 1909, the family St in the “yeller” house with the come from Trier to New Orleans. Schatzle died leaving Jacob a They stopped in Ponchatoula. widow at 48 with his 6 children Jacob did not like the look of the and the 6 now orphaned step- water they had to drink. It came sons. Jacob came to Louisiana ‘George’ Gerhart, Johann Bunt Families from the cistern and had ‘swig- with his sons in 1895 working The Bunt family was the smallest of the fami- Cramer Berken. Helena Adelheid died on April 16, gly things’ in the water. Robert with Florenz on his farm. After lies to come to Roberts Cove from 1896, three months after giving birth stayed and established a Schat- the death of his wife, Jacob lived the Hebelermeer area of Germany to a daughter Fina Marie Bunt, who zle branch. Jacob went on to the another 36 years until his death with 2 Bunt brothers immigrating to also died 2 months after her mother. north. By 1856, Jacob Schätzle in Huff, IN on Oct. 20th, 1916 the United States. Johann Gerhart Bunt’s third marriage was to Anna was in Ferdinand, Indiana when On the 26th of October 1886, known as “George” Bunt, the older Helena Wilkins in 1897, a niece he married the 31 yr old widow, at St Boniface Church in Fulda, brother of the Bunt family came to of Mrs. John Bunt and Mrs. John Angela Kasper Schilling. Florenz Chrisitian Schatzle mar- America in 1884 at the same time as Henry Hüsers. Gerhard Bunt died in Angela Kasper Schilling ried Margaret Ann Simon. She the Cramer family. 1930 and his widow in 1932. Schatzle and her twin sister, Anna Maria, George Bunt first married Maria His brother, Johann Gerhart, ar- Angela was the daughter of were born in Fulda, Indiana on Rosinski on July 26, 1892 in Roberts rived in May 1889 alone. In Janu- Peter Kasper and Angeline Em- May 14, 1868 to Martin Simon Cove. One week after she gave birth ary 1890, Johann brought over his ery or Angel as she was known. and Margaret Roth. Another to her son, John Henry, on Sep 15, wife, Maria Agnes Wilkins and his Angela was born on Jan 27, Schatzle-Simon marriage. 1893, she died of childbirth compli- son, Henry (16 months). John Bunt 1825 in Prussia. The family left Simon Family Origins cations. His second marriage in 1894 worked as a fruit merchant in La- Prussia and emigrated in 1841 Martin Simon’s father, (Mar- was with Helena Adelheid Berken, fayette where he died in 1909. Mrs. to the Baldwin, PA; across the garet’s grandfather), Heinrich daughter of fellow immigrants couple John Bunt lived with her daughter river from Pittsburg, PA. By See SCHATZLE, Page 35 Johann Herman and Angela Adelheid “George” Gerhart Bunt Annie until her death in 1920. 1845, Angela had married Jacob 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019 n Page 35 Ferdinand and Barbara Neu Olinger Ferdinand Olinger of Ferdi- Ferdinand and Barbara Neu Rosa Neu, to serve as his cook and him and is buried in St. Meinrad; nand, Indiana, was born on July Olinger made their home in St. housekeeper. In 1906, Joseph Neu, Joseph Aloysius married Anna Ro- 2, 1861. His wife, Barbara Neu Meinrad, Ind. where he was a tin- a brother, came to join his sister, salie Bollich in 1947; Edward John Olinger was born on December 24, smith (coppersmith) and made Rosa in Roberts Cove. married Regina Josephine Dischler 1866 in nearby St. Meinrad, Indi- tin cans and roofs on houses. He Word was received from the in 1933; Anthony Dominic married ana. Family History has it that a also made the big ball on top of the family about the availability of land Frieda Mary Boeglin in 1933; Clara Benedictine priest at St. Meinrad Monastery at St. Meinard. It is also in Louisiana. As they had a large Julia married Charles Barromeo Monastery suggested to Ferdinand said that he installed the church family and were thinking about the Dischler in 1922; Rt. Rev. Msgr. in confession that Barbara Neu bell at St. Joseph Church in Rayne. future, they decided to move their Aloysius Odilon, ordained in 1926; would make him a good wife. Their house where eight of their family “down south” in Nov. 1908. Julia Rosa married Henry Peter The wedding took place Octo- children were born, was a large They built a two-story house on the Gossen in 1929; and Emil Franz, Ferdinand Olinger ber 21, 1890 and brought a blend two-story home purchased from land Ferdinand purchased when married Mary Elizabeth Laake in of strong Benedictine spirituality. the Benedictine monks. Located he came to check out the area ear- 1936. Two of Ferdinand’s brothers were on the main street of St. Meinrad, lier in 1908. Barbara Neu Olinger died in Benedictine monks at St. Meinrad the house had previously served as He and his sons farmed rice and 1919 and is buried in Roberts Abbey in Indiana, Bro. Bernadine, their Monastery. cotton. The children went to the St. Cove. After her death, Ferdinand OSB and Bro. Aloysius; and his A decade before Ferdinand and Leo School in Roberts Cove about returned to Indiana for health rea- sister, a Benedictine nun, Sr. An- Barbara made their journey to two miles away, either by walking sons. In 1921, he married Anna tonio, OSB in St. Walburga Mon- Louisiana in 1908, a Benedictine or by horse and buggy. Abbott Scrum and remained a resi- astery in Covington, Kentucky. priest, Rev. Placidus Zarn OSB, Ferdinand and Barbara had dent of Ferdinand until his death Wife, Barbara Neu, also had three brother of Barbara Zarn Neu and nine children, 8 born in Indiana in 1942. Two of his sons, Tony and sisters who were Benedictine nuns uncle of Barbara Neu Olinger, was and the youngest, Emil, in Roberts Emil, returned to Indiana to be in Ferdinand, Indiana. Sr. Agnes, called to Roberts Cove to serve as Cove. Mary Gertrude married Hen- with their dad. Together the trio OSB, Sr. Flavia OSB, and Sr. Am- the fourth pastor of St. Leo IV Par- ry Leo Leonards in 1912; Joseph bought the “Ferdinand Bottling brose OSB. ish. In 1897 he sent for his niece, died at 18 months after a cow gored Company”. Barbara Neu Olinger Jacob Neu Jr. and Barbara Zarn Neu SCHATZLE Jacob Neu Jr. was born in Dutch the Benedictine Abbey of St. Meinrad ask- When he became the fourth rector of Continued From Page 34 Town, Pennsylvania, in the Pittsburg area, ing that German immigrants come to St. St. Leo IV Parish in Roberts Clove in 1897, had immigrated to Fulda, IN in 1850. on Mar 25, 1841. His parents, Jacob and Meinrad area to create a German commu- he brought with him his niece, Rosa Neu, Arriving in New York from Antwerp, Angela Festor Neu had immigrated from nity. Jacob moved his family to St. Mein- to be his cook and housekeeper. Rosa’s Belgium on June 3, 1850 on the SS Ed- the Saarland in Germany. Jacob Neu Sr. rad in 1842. youngest brother, Joseph Neu, soon joined wina, Heinrich and his entire family (14 was born in Schwarzenholz, Germany in As a young boy, Jacob, Jr. was reared them. Within two years Rosa had married of his children and grandchildren) had 1813. Angela Festor was born in nearby on a farm near Ferdinand. Indiana with Theodore Heinen. Fr. Zarn remained in Lauterbach in 1811. Jacob and Angela his family. He received a limited education Roberts Cove until 1907. left Erden Germany after the death of were married in Lauterbach and their first which he enhanced by his own efforts. He Jacob and Barbara had 12 children, all his wife in 1848. Martin married Mar- child, Barbara, was born there on 29th farmed for about ten years. Later, he worked born in Ferdinand, Indiana; John Michael garet Roth in Louisville, KY on April Jun 1834. The villages are in the south- in a tile factory, and then ran a portable saw- (1862-1898), remained in Ferdinand, Ind.; 30, 1854. The next year their first child east portion of Germany, very close to the mill which he ultimately purchased. Mary Margareta (1864) lived 1 day; Agnes was born in Kentucky. The couple then borders of Luxembourg and France. Jacob married Barbara Zarn on Aug. 6, (1865) died at 2 months old; Barbara mar- relocated to Fulda Ind. where Martin In spring of 1839, the 3 traveled to the 1861 in Ferdinand, Ind. Barbara She was ried Jacob Ferdinand Olinger in 1890 in and the other children were born. port of Bremen, boarded the SS Barque the daughter of Johann Zarn and Rosa Ferdinand, Ind.; Anna Maria (1868-1869) Schatzle Children Atlantic and sailed to America. After arriv- Willi, and was born on Oct. 4, 1841 in the died at 8 mo.; Peter (1870-1882); Angela Florenz and Margaret were the ing in New York on June 27, 1839, they tiny village of Ems, Switzerland which is (1872-1886); Rosa Neu (1874-1949) mar- parents of twelve children: Francesca traveled to Allegheny Co, Pennsylvania in the glacial peaks of the high alps. As ried Theodore Gregory Heinen in 1899; Margaret married Conrad Hensgens in where Jacob Jr. was born. After Jacob a young she immigrated to the United Clara (1876-1898) became Sister Agnes 1905; Catherine Mary married Joseph Jr.’s birth, his father received a letter from States with her parents and settled in St. of the Benedictine Order in Ferdinand, Theophile Mehling in 1907; Martin Jo- Meinred. Ind.; Louisa (1879-1970) became Sister seph married Francesca Louisa Schnei- The Benedictine Connection Flavia, O.S.B.; Philomena (1884-1976) be- der in 1917; Ida Susan married Henry Barbara’s brother, Father Placidus came Sister Ambrose, O.S.B.; and Joseph Joseph Vondenstein in 1915; Florence Zarn, OSB, was born in Gräutauben on Martin (1887-1920) married Anna Maria Christian Jr. married Ella Chachere in the outskirts of Ems, Switzerland Mar 4, Heinen in 1909. 1922; Aloysius Theophile married Mil- 1846. He entered the Benedictine Abbey Barbara Zarn Neu died in Roberts dred Gibson in 1948; Mary Margaret where he took his religious vows and or- Cove on May 31, 1915, and Jacob Jr. on married Dallas Boudreaux in 1933; dained as a priest. He immigrated to the November 25, 1926 while living with his Annie (1903-1911); John Joseph mar- United States to St. Meinrad Abbey in In- daughter-in-law, Annie Heinen Neu. ried Ida Marie Fontenot in 1930; Mar- diana with his fellow Benedictine broth- Anna Neu, sister of Jacob Neu, was garet Amelia married Jesse E. Morgan ers. Father Zarn, OSB, worked tirelessly born in 1845 in Indiana, also came to in 1929; Conrad Joseph married Anna in both Indiana and Louisiana and trav- Roberts Cove with her brother and died Marie Fontenot in 1932; and Leopold Jacob Neu Jr. Barbara Zarn Neu eled back and forth. here on Feb 6, 1920. married Eva Louise Esters in 1934. Page 36 n 25th ANNUAL ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST — October 3, 2019

WELCOMEWELCOME TOTO THETHE HEARTHEART OFOF CAJUNCAJUN PRAIRIEPRAIRIE COUNTRYCOUNTRY Acadia Parish! • Ample Parking for Tour Buses and Large Vehicles • Handicap Accessibility Exit 82 off I-10, turn right on Hwy. 1111 (Tower Road) • Crowley, Louisiana We invite you and your group to a real Cajun experience in the heart of Cajun Prairie Country. LEARN our history and folklore; VISIT our elegant architecture of Crowley's huge historic district and The Art Gallery. Tour the Grand Opera House of the South, VISIT Crowley's Ford Motor Company building that is City Hall and is home to the Rice Interpretive Center and J.D. Miller Recording Studio. All this and more here in Crowley, the Rice Capital of America, also known as Tree City U.S.A. The CHARM of the Frog Murals and Tree Frogs explains why Rayne is the Frog Capital of the World and Louisiana City of Murals, with its St. Joseph's Cemetery graves facing North and South, which is listed in "Ripley's Believe It or Not". Travel the Zydeco Cajun Prairie Scenic Byway to Church Point, tour the LeVieux Presbytere (parsonage home) and LeVieux Moulin (Cajun Gift Shop), Buggy Town Playground, a unique playground, imagined by chil- dren, built by the community in Church Point. Visit Charlene Richard's grave for prayer and meditation. (A proposed Cajun Saint in nearby Richard, La.) EXPERIENCE the local heritage at the tiny pilgrim's chapel and tour the German Heritage Museum in the German settlement called Robert's Cove and Kelly's Landing Agriculture Museum and Aqua-Culture Tour on crawfish and rice to learn about the importance of agriculture in our parish while view- ing the antique farm equipment and the remarkable collection of toy farm implements. Travel over to Iota, home of Tee-Mamou-Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival and view the Murals. CELEBRATE with us at our fairs and festivals; ENJOY the taste you long for that begins right here in Acadia Parish Louisiana, the Heart of Cajun Prairie Country. That remarkable Cajun cooking is at its best in any of our local restaurants. And by all means, you must dance the 'Cajun two step' or tap your feet to the unique beat of the Zydeco music! After a day of touring, RELAX in one of our fine Hotels or unforgettable Bed and Breakfast or at an RV Campground. All are centrally located and within minutes of all major parish attractions. And so, consider this an invitation to experience what the locals call.....Joie de vivre (a little joy of living) 2020 Special eventS • 5th Courir de Mardi Gras de L'anse/Mermentau Cove, Feb. 15, 2020 • 5th Mardi Gras Parade & Celebration/Rayne, Feb. 22, 2020 • 59th Courir de Mardi Gras/Church Point, Feb. 23, 2020 • 20th Carnival d'Acadie (Mardi Gras)/Crowley, Feb. 25, 2020 • 33rd Tee Mamou- Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival/Iota, Feb. 25, 2020 • 18th Cajun Woodstock (Benefit for St. Jude Hospital)/Church Point, April 25-26, 2020 • 48th Frog Festival/Rayne, May 13-16, 2020 • 26th Germanfest/Roberts Cove, Oct. 3-4, 2020 • 84th International Rice Festival/ Crowley, Oct. 22-25, 2020

Representing: Church Point, Crowley, Estherwood, Iota, Mermentau, Morse, Rayne Toll Free: 1-877-783-2109 P.O. Box 1342 • Crowley, Louisiana 70527 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.acadiatourism.org