THE BELGIAN TEXANS

THE TEXIANS AND THE TEXANS

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES AT SAN ANTONIO THE BELGIAN TEXANS

The University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio 1994 THE TEXIANS AND THE TEXANS

A series dealing with the many peoples who have contributed to the history and heritage of Texas. Now in print: Pamphlets - The Afro-American Texans, The Anglo-American Texans, The Belgian Texans, The Chinese Texans, The Czech Texans, The French Texans, The German Texans, The Greek Texans, The Indian Texans, The Italian Texans, The Jewish Texans, The Lebanese Texans and the Syrian Texans, The Mexican Texans, Los T~janos Mexicanos (in Spanish), The Nor­ wegian Texans, The Spanish Texans, and The Swiss Texans.

Books - The Danish Texans, The English Texans, The German Texans, The Hungarian Texans, The Irish Texans, The Japanese Texans, The Polish Texans, The Swedish Texans, and The Wendish Texans.

The Belgian Texans Principal Researcher: Samuel P. Nesmith

©1975: The University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio 801 S. Bowie St. San Antonio, Texas 78205-3296

Rex H . Ball, Executive Director

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 76-356238 International Standard Book Number 0-86701-063-0

Second edition revised; second printing, 1994 This publication was made possible in part by a grant from the Houston Endowment, Inc.

Printed in the United States of America THE BELGIAN TEXANS

Fr. Douay and the death oj La. Salle

elgians first set foot on Texas hostile Indians, but Douay survived to Spanish rule then, so Banul was con­ soil with La Salle in 1685. return to France and tell the story of sidered a Spanish subject. While still a B Even prior to that time, La Salle's death. young man he traveled to New Spain natives of this small, north European Belgium, and especially the prov­ seeking a new life with better oppor­ country had influenced exploration of ince of Flanders, furnished many nota­ tunity. By 1719 he was at the presidio the New World. Gerard Mercator, the ble pioneers. Most were farmers who of San Antonio, possibly having arrived father of modern cartography, was a came to enjoy the blessings of freedom, the year before with the founding Belgian, as was Peter of Ghent, a lay the chance to acquire wealth and the Alarc6n Expedition. In 1721 the young brother whose educational techniques, promise of good land. The Belgians did blacksmith was recruited by the pioneered among Mexican Indians, not arrive in large numbers at first; the Marques de Aguayo to accompany an were later adopted in Texas. Even the greatest inflow occurred late in the 19th east Texas expedition. Given the rank king of Spain during much of the explo­ century. By that time these immigrants of corporal, Banul helped build six mis­ ration period was a Belgian, Charles V had come to represent widely divergent sions and two presidios in eastern Texas of Ghent. It was he who launched the backgrounds and occupations. Each and Louisiana. epoch-making expedition of Hernan brought his own valuable contribution Two years later he returned to the Cortes against Mexico, which led to to his new homeland. presidio of San Antonio. In addition to Spanish conquest in a large part of the shoeing horses and mules, he also made Western hemisphere. most of the iron hardware and did Three Franciscan priests from the much of the woodwork at the missions province of Hainaut arrived with La JUAN BANUL San Antonio de Valero and San Jose. Salle - Maximus Le Clerq, Zenobius 1719 During this period Banul married Membre and Anastasius Douay. One of the earliest Belgians in Texas Marfa Adriana Garcia, a Flemish Membre and Le Clerq were killed in was Juan Banul, a master blacksmith widow, and in 1730 they were living in the massacre at Fort Saint Louis by born in Brussels. Belgium was under Mission San Antonio de Valero, where,

1 firsthand the nature of the land and its people. The representative would report to the king and the Belgian Chambers. They could determine then the value of a treaty with Texas. At last Belgium agreed to send a commissioner to Texas, and a young artillery captain, Victor Pirson, was chosen.

VICTOR PIRSON 1842 At 32 Victor Pirson was already well known in Belgium. He had played an active role in its war for independence and had served as attache to the Belgian legation in Constantinople. When appointed as agent to accom­ pany Hamilton to Texas, Pirson was cautioned by the government that he was being sent only as an observer and that he was in no way empowered to .:\ ~, make treaties. With this stipulation ~. i} • Pirson was to meet Hamilton in Juan Banul, by Michael Waters England for their departure on Novem­ ber 19 . When they met H amilton in addition to operating the blacksmith " goods. Van de Weyer indicated that informed Pirson that he would be forge, he was also master of the saw­ King Leopold I of Belgium might be unable to leave England until Decem­ mill. In 1737 he was the only black­ willing to discuss trade concessions. ber 4. During this delay Hamilton smith operating in the Province of When next in Brussels Hamilton met requested Pirson to transmit two added Texas. He had land in the Villa de San with the foreign minister, but nothing clauses for the treaty. One stated that Fernando, and in 1741 he was granted was agreed upon. While keenly inter­ Belgian arms and munitions sent to additional land in recognition of more ested in Texas as a foreign market and Texas would enter duty free and the than 20 years of loyal service to the possible site for colonization, the others extended the loan to 20 years. Spanish crown. Belgians were afraid that official recog­ On the day of departure Hamilton nition might jeopardize trade with decided to remain behind, sending Mexico, which still claimed Texas. Pirson to Boston, where he would be Before returning home in 1841 BELGIAN INTEREST Hamilton contacted Van de Weyer General James Hamilton IN TEXAS once more and proposed that, in ex­ 1840 change for a Belgian loan of 37 million Following its war for independence, the francs (over $7 million), Texas would young Texas republic was deeply in allow certain Belgian products favored debt. Solution to this problem seemed status over imports from other nations to lie in European recognition and the and allow Belgian vessels the privileges negotiation of substantial loans with the of coastal trade. Since the Belgian gov­ governments of Europe. Under the ernment wanted an American colony administration of President Mirabeau there is some indication that Hamilton Lamar, General James Hamilton was agreed to do what he could to make a appointed commissioner of loans and site available in Texas, though it was began his official rounds. In London he not written into the treaty. The met the Belgian minister, Sylvian Van Belgians were still reluctant to advance de Weyer. Belgium itself was a new so large a sum against the revenue of nation, having gained its independence a country about which they had so little from the Netherlands in 1830, but information; therefore, Hamilton pro­ already it controlled much capital and posed that the king send a reliable produced large quantities of export representative to Texas to observe

2 quality of the land and the prospects for On arnvlllg III San Antonio colonization. He was surprised to find Pirson visited the missions and histori­ Austin so primitive, compared with cal sites, as most tourists do. His European capitals. He was even more attention then turned to the subject of dismayed when three members of a commerce, which he knew would be of nearby family were killed and scalped interest to Belgian merchants by Comanches. considering a trade agreement. Assisted At last Pirson was presented to by Andre Antoine Mellaerts, a local Houston and was given permission to businessman and fellow Belgian, Pirson examine all registers and archives of the gathered information on the volume of Republic. From this research Pirson goods traded in San Antonio and even could determine population, revenue, purchased samples to take back with public debts and other sources of him. Instead of exploring the region income and expenditures by which he between the Nueces River and the Rio could better report the advantages of a Grande as he had intended, Pirson Belgian loan. decided to leave for Galveston. This was due in part to news of an impend­ ing invasion from Mexico. Pirson reached Galveston in early March and PIRSON'S TRAVELS submitted a report on harbor condi­ Upon congressional adjournment in tions there. Victor Pirson early February Pirson was convinced President Houston and Anson that little else could be accomplished in Jones were also in town, and Pirson met by Hamilton's oldest son. Docking Austin; he decided, therefore, to see had a last visit with them. They in late December, Pirson hurried to more Gf the republic and set out in the expressed a desire to draw Belgium and Washington, D.C., where he visited company of about a dozen congress­ Texas into closer diplomatic ties; President John Tyler on New Year's men returning to their western homes. Houston suggested replacing Hamilton Day 1842. On learning ofPirson's mis­ sion to Texas Tyler became concerned at the prospect of a Belgian colony in Victor Pirson meets Andre Mellaerts, by Michael Waters a republic the United States had talked of annexing. The next day Pirson con­ tinued his journey by packet to Charleston and then on to New Orleans. During this voyage he met Henri Castro also bound for Texas. Castro had recently completed negotia­ tions for a colony in Texas, and he gave Pirson a copy of his contract to use as a model in his negotiations. Hamilton joined Pirson in New Orleans, and the two took a steamer to Galveston, arrivingJanuary 25. From there they proceeded to Austin via Houston. While Hamilton had been in Europe President Lamar had been replaced by Sam Houston, who was determined to take a closer look at financial matters. When Pirson and Hamilton arrived in Austin on Febru­ ary 1, Hamilton immediately called on President Houston to discuss his negotiations for the Belgian loan. The matter was submitted to the Senate, but no decision was reached. Meanwhile, Pirson was recording his impressions of Texas, including some very favorable ones about the

.3 with Ashbel Smith to continue negotia­ from the project and went on to other tions. Secretary of State Jones brought important roles in Belgian life. up the subject that had been foremost The continued hope for a Belgian in everyone's mind, but had not been loan and recognition prompted Texas officially mentioned - Belgian coloniza­ to send yet another charge d'affaires to tion. Houston was prepared to grant Belgium, William Henry Daingerfield. the Belgian government two extensive Waiting until May 1844, Daingerfield tracts of land along the Rio Grande, tried again. This time he was advised between the Castro and Kennedy by the Belgian government that not grants, in exchange for the introduction only did it wish to preserve Mexican of 600 to 1,000 families of high charac­ commercial ties, but it was certain that ter. This land was to be held for the the United States planned to annex colonization project until December 1, Texas anyway. This ended the matter 1842, after which time, ifno action was of Belgian recognition and the loan. taken, the President could dispose of it. Though four years oflabor had yielded nothing substantive, the threat of European interest did prompt the United States to move in the annexa­ FURTHER BELGIAN tion of Texas. Henry B. Shiner NEGOTIATIONS As Pirson was preparing to sail news County about 1875. A dozen years came that a Mexican army under PETER SHINER later he donated land for the townsite General Rafael Vasquez had captured Peter Shiner, a native of Luxembourg, of Shiner, which was named in his San Antonio, Goliad and Refugio. Belgium, settled in 1842 at Victoria, honor. Another son, William B., was Pirson's report, submitted on August 9, Texas, where he became a prominent a noted San Antonio real estate man. 1842, dealt favorably with the Republic merchant, land speculator and stock­ After graduating from college he briefly of Texas in general, but expressed raiser. In 1858 he delivered 1,300 joined his brother in management of concern over unstable political and "'horses purchased in Mexico to a buyer their father's ranch near Victoria, but military conditions. The Belgian in Illinois. This was one o( the first sold his interest in order to live and government did not wish to endanger major trail drives north. work in San Antonio, where he was a its relations with either Mexico or the About 1860 Shiner sold his noted civic worker until his death in United States. holdings in Victoria and moved to San 1919. His brother Henry died two As Houston had promised Ashbel Antonio, where he opened a store on years later. Smith was sent as the new charge Military Plaza. He also opened a d'affaires to Europe. Smith asked rendering works near the stockyards, Pirson to arrange a meeting with Count buying large numbers of cattle and de Briey, the Belgian foreign minister. killing them for the hides and tallow. BELGIAN BRICKS FOR This was done, but nothing fruitful was During the Civil War he was an ST. MARY'S accomplished, because Belgium did not outspoken Union man. In 1865 and 1845 wish to imperil its new treaty of com­ 1866 he served on the San Antonio City During the spring of 1845 Bishop John merce with Mexico. As the colonization Council under the provisional govern­ M. Odin visited Europe in an attempt deadline of December 1 drew near ment. Later he was a Bexar County to recruit new priests for his Texas Pirson urged the government to act. A Commissioner for two terms before diocese and collect additional funds for contract was prepared on November 18 resuming duties as a city alderman. his churches. His quest took him to calling for the immigration of at least After the war he purchased Belgium, where he was approached by 350 families during the first year. De ranches in Frio and Lavaca Counties relatives of Father J. M . Paquin. Father Briey not only questioned whether the and in 1869 established a candle and Paquin, a Vincentian priest and vicar­ colonists would remain loyal to soap factory at San Antonio. Operating general of Texas, had perished in the Belgium, but voiced concern for their under the name of P Shiner & Sons, yellow fever epidemic at Galveston in safety, since they would exist in a buffer this was one of the first major manu­ 1844. Bishop Odin had long dreamed zone on the Mexican border of Texas. facturing industries in the Southwest. of building a new church in the coastal He also doubted the need for coloniza­ After his death in 1881 Shiner's city, and Father Paquin's relatives now tion in Texas, since Belgium was sons carried on his business. One of assisted by donating a half-million already backing a similar scheme in them, Henry B., became a great cattle­ bricks for the construction of a Guatemala. Pirson was unable to man in his own right. After early cathedral there. Since Paquin had been contribute further; so, with the Texas experience managing his father's herds pastor of old St. Mary's it seemed an colonization plan ended, he withdrew the son began acquiring land in Lavaca appropriate tribute.

4 time. He gained experience as a fron­ tier scout and in 1850 was approached by Big Foot Wallace to serve as shot­ gun guard on the first stage run from San Antonio to EI Paso. He continued working for the stage line and married Refugia Salcedo. When not serving as guard he operated a small sheep ranch in Limpia Canyon. Later he acquired cattle, and after Fort Davis was estab­ lished in 1854 he frequently sold milk at the post. Indian attack was a con­ stant threat, and when the 8th Infantry left in 1861 Dutchover took refuge in the fort to await the expected Confed­ erate troops. There were not enough soldiers to man the post permanently; so, when the Confederates evacuated, they left Dutchover in charge. Soon after the troops departed Chief Nicolas and 250 Apaches swooped down on Fort Davis, intent on St. Mary's Cathedral at Galveston ransacking the place. Dutchover, with his family and four Americans, had no Throughout 1846 the bricks were servic~ attempted to convince Diedrick time to escape, but hid fearfully on a loaded in the ships of Antwerp bound that he only had to make his mark and rooftop. After 48 hours the Indians for Galveston and were sent freight-free he would be fed and cared for. When grew tired oflooting and had begun to as ballast. By early 1847 the transfer ~ked his name he responded blankly. scatter. One of the Americans was was complete, and construction on St. At last one said in exasperation, "Aw, dying and could not be moved, so on Mary's Cathedral began in March. he's Dutch all over. We'll call him that." the third night he was left in hiding, The massive Gothic structure was the Thus he was listed on the roll as and Dutchover led the others toward largest church in east Texas. In Diedrick Dutchallover. The name was Presidio 92 miles away. Four days later November Father Paquin's remains still too cumbersome, so the "all" was the exhausted party reached safety. were reinterred within the new building dropped, leaving Dutchover. When Federal troops returned in by his friend, Father John Brands. One After the Mexican War Diedrick 1867, Dutchover was employed as an year later the church was completed Dutchover lived in San Antonio for a army contractor to haul timber from and stood as a proper monument to a man who had faithfully served his Diedrick Dutcfwver and Family church and the people of Galveston.

ANTON DIEDRICK (Dutchover) 1846 In 1842 young Anton Diedrick was walking the streets of his native Antwerp when he unwittingly wit­ nessed a murder. The killers, fearing exposure, had Anton shanghaied onto the first outgoing vessel. For several years he was kept a virtual prisoner aboard ship until in Galveston he got his chance to go ashore. The task of finding food and a job was complicated because he spoke only Flemish. A pair of soldiers recruiting for Mexican War

5 Sawmill Canyon for use in rebuilding the fort. Even with a heavy guard he would frequently lose oxen at night to the Apaches. Dutchover spent the rest of his days near Fort Davis and was still there when the last soldiers left in 1891. The Dutchover name remains promi­ nent in far west Texas, where numer­ ous descendants live today.

JOSEPH AND THEODORE VANDER STRATEN Zwischen den Upterzeiehneten, Entre I.. soussigiles. .\. joseph Vander Straten, a veteran of den Verein zum II S " 'd CI ' , Napoleon's army, left Antwerp in 1846 ' d' a OClete e 0 ODlsatloD au Texas with four sons and a daughter to join SC hDtze der EIDwan erer ID Texas, ' G.- DHANIS & C.'• Henri Castro's colony in Texas. G." DHANIS & C·" Landing at Port Lavaca, they It.. U. l • mIelIeI D !otwerpen, !overs . journeyed by oxcart to their land at l."t A't. awgutdlt .... Notar J. HANEGIUEFF par 1ltI. ".... Ie !IS ftwilr t846, deMnl I. Castroville. joseph's wife and one ~ . d... !IS Fl6roar t846. fIOt.irt J. HANEGIUEFF, daughter had remained in Belgium until a home was prepared for them. "La Sociite de Colonisation au Texas" Contract Tragedy occurred when the wife died and was compounded when the two a ge~neral contractor and built many of European representative who signed all youngest sons died of malaria. Vander the city's early stone buildings, colonists' contracts. While under his Straten decided that the land at including the Menger Hotel, begun in direction the colonists established the Castroville was too barren and condi­ __ 1858. A close friendship developed town of Vandenberg (named for the tions too unstable, so he moved to San between the Vander Stratens and the consul general of Texas at Antwerp) Antonio, where he found employment . Menger family. joseph lived at the and, in 1847, the town of D'Hanis. as a cook. In 1850 he built a home hotel until his death in 1873. Although the town was named in his behind the present Menger Hotel. In 1854 Theodore had married honor there is no indication that joseph's son Theodore worked as Miss Franceska Leznick, who had D'Hanis himself ever visited the place. a stonemason. One of his first jobs was immigrated with Father Leopold Laid out by Theodore Gentilz, the to repair the walls of the Alamo in Moczygemba's Polish colonists. During townsite grew. Two years later its preparation for its occupancy by the the Civil War Theodore moved his Alsatian families were given protection United States Army. Later he became family to Boerne, where he led a from roving Indians when Fort Lincoln detachment of scouts on patrol against was established nearby. In 1881 the Theodore Vander Straten marauding Indians. Descendants of the town moved one mile west to join the family still live in the area today. railroad, leaving old D'Hanis to join the list of Texas ghost towns.

D'HANIS 1847 JOHN PHILIP GOETSEL Henri Castro was beset with troubles AND THE FOUNDING in the summer of 1845. Having OF LOUVAIN successfully defended himself on 1856 charges of fraud, he found his Texas In 1854 the first of Victor Considerant's colony was still faced with serious colonists arrived at La Reunion near financial problems. While in Belgium Dallas. Many Belgians were included. Castro transferred the entire Occupational backgrounds were colonization project to a group of diverse: poets, engineers, architects and Antwerp bankers. Among these was workers, but no farmers. Since La Guillaume D'Hanis, who became the Reunion was intended to be an agri­ principal administrative agent for the cultural colony, this obviously could "Societe de Colonisation au Texas." present difficulties. Among the first to After 1846 D'Hanis was the principal arrive was john B. Louckx of Louvain,

6 who was with the advance party. near the creek and was subject to the DR. CHARLES A. Because of his architectural training he overflow after heavy rains. Goetsel OTTERBEIN was appointed supervisor of construc­ recognized that the land was unsuitable tion. He was joined by John Philip for farming, so he attempted to estab­ Charles A . Otterbein, a well-known Goetsel, also of Louvain, who was in lish a ranching economy. But the dentist and investor of Weatherford, charge of building the rock houses for colonists were no better cowboys than Texas, was compelled by his political the settlers. They were assisted by they were farmers. activities to leave his native Tervuren, Ferdinand Michel, another Belgian, Goetsel had invested 30,000 francs Belgium. As a young man he edited a who made lime for the mortar. in La Reunion, which he hoped he newspaper, L'Abeille, in which he After a year of labor and many could withdraw from that project to advocated that the French-speaking natural disasters it became clear that help his own. The directors refused to portion of Belgium should be annexed this was not the utopian colony that had return his money, arguing that Louvain to France. He soon found it expedient been hoped for. In 1856 Goetsel pur­ was established in opposition to La to voice such opinions from the oppo­ chased 17 sections of land on Mountain Reunion and that it might draw away site side of the Atlantic. In 1856 he Creek, just south of present Grand their trade. By late 1857 most of the established a less controversial dental Prairie, with the intention of establish­ families at Louvain had decided that practice at Weatherford. ing a separate colony for the Belgians. they were not suited for the rustic life In the 1870's the M emphis, El He named the town Louvain after his and were beginning to move to Dallas Paso and Pacific Railroad went bank­ home in Belgium. Many La Reunion and Fort Worth. Eventually Goetsel rupt. Its bondholders, mostly French, colonists joined Goetsel; houses and himself closed his store and post office formed the Franco-Texan Land other improvements were built as the and moved to Dallas. Company to take over and dispose of nucleus of his proposed city. the railroad lands that secured the Unfortunately their location was too bonds. Many of the investors, rather

The building of La Reunion, by Michael Waters

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7 return first to Uvalde and then to San . . Antonio. He continued on to Austin, where he violently refused service in the Confederate army. H e hurried back to San Antonio and sought a way out of his dilemma. He wrote the Belgian consul in New Orleans that he was in danger of being pressed into the local militia, but the consul replied that conditions in New Orleans were the same, and it was useless for him to try to intervene. At this point Houzeau decided to render all possible aid to the Union cause. The most prominent Unionist in San Antonio was Charles Anderson, Residence of Dr. C.A. Otterbein at Weatherford brother of the Union commander at than sell their bonds at a loss, decided then to the Colorado watershed. His Fort Sumter. Anderson had been to move to Texas and occupy the land. abolitionist views quickly surfaced in arrested because he had freed his Dr. Otterbein ultimately became a the course of his travels. He found little slaves, an act that was interpreted as shareholder and a director in the evidence of slavery on the upper aiding the enemy. Houzeau and his Franco-Texan Land Company. His Brazos, in marked contrast to the lower friends decided to help Anderson stepdaughter had married George P. reaches of the Colorado. Near Smith­ escape. On October 22 he waited for Levy, the company's last president. ville his abolitionist sympathies were Anderson with provisions and a mount Otterbein resigned his post not long expr~ssed when he assisted the escape and accompanied him far enough to before this company's charter expired of some Negro slaves. In turn he had ensure that he was beyond danger. in August 1896. He died at Weather­ to save his companion, who was cap­ Back in San Antonio attempts were ford in 1905. His wife, who was an ,J:ured by the planters. Houzeau made to discover who had helped artist and sculptress, returned to France returned to San Antonio and in August Anderson escape. Houzeau feared that to live out her life. .attempted another geological expedi­ he might be exposed at any time and tion, this time to the Pecos River planned his own escape. country. Conditions were so unsettled In February 1862 Houzeau, dis­ and the threat of Indian depredations guised as a Mexican laborer accom­ JEAN-CHARLES so prevalent that he was compelled to panying a wagon train to Brownsville, HOUZEAU 1858 Houzeau helps Anderson escape, by Bruce Marshall Jean -Charles Houzeau, one of Belgium's most famous astronomers and naturalists, found himself dis­ missed from the staff of the Royal Observatory because of his outspoken political views. In October 1857 he landed at New Orleans, stayed briefly, then pushed on to Texas. Seven months later he was living in San Antonio, where he surveyed for irrigation ditches. Opening up some of the old Spanish acequias and cutting new channels, he was able to help local farmers with their water needs. He soon moved to Uvalde, where he planned various geological and scientific expeditions into different parts of the state. On one of these expeditions in 1861 Houzeau explored the upper Brazos River and descended it, crossing

8 left San Antonio carrying secret documents from local Unionists. Two days out of Brownsville they were challenged by a party of Confederates. Houzeau's dark complexion and fluent Spanish supported his disguise, and a search failed to locate the messages secreted within his shotgun. The wagons were passed without incident, and on March 20 Houzeau crossed into neutral Mexico. There his message was given to the United States consul. After a while he continued to New Orleans, which was then in Union hands, and became political editor of a Negro newspaper. From 1868 until 1876 he lived on a plantation in Jamaica. He then became director of the Royal Mr. and Mrs. Frank Van Der Stucken Observatory in Brussels. In December of 1882 he returned to San Antonio under happier circumstances than those tion, the objective being to free regular of his departure - as chief of the Belgian returned to Belgium. He deeded his Confederate troops for war service. Astronomical Commission to observe house, store and stables to his father­ Shortly after their organization in-law, and the mill to his brother. He the transit of Venus. they were detailed to guard federal then dug up his money from its hiding prisoners at nearby Fort Mason. Some place beneath the floor of his house and members of the company objected to returned with his family to Antwerp, guarding prisoners whose political where he established another mill. His FRANK VAN DER bel~fs were similar to their own; there son, Frank Jr. , born in Fredericksburg STUCKEN wa~ talk of a mutiny. When word .of an in 1858, became a noted symphony 1862 escape plan reached Captain Van Der conductor in both Europe and the Frank Van Der Stucken and his Stucken, he quickly ended it. As long United States. brother, Felix, immigrated to Texas as Texas was part of the Confederacy from Antwerp with Henri Castro in and he was in its service, he would 1846. They left Castro's colony, how­ follow orders. ever, and moved to Fredericksburg, In July 1862 the company was where Frank assisted in the construc­ ordered to transport the prisoners from FELIX VAN DER STUCKEN tion of Fort Martin Scott. In the early Fort Mason to Vicksburg, Mississippi, In 1862 Felix Van Der Stucken and his 1850's in Fredericksburg he opened a to be exchanged for Confederate pris­ brother Frank opened the Reliance store and soon became a prominent oners in Union hands. In January 1863 Flour Mill at Fredericksburg. The citizen; he was twice elected county the outfit escorted another group of operation was left to Felix, while Frank commissioner. He and a partner also prisoners to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, served in the army. In 1865 Frank secured government freighting con­ then served briefly on the Rio Grande assigned his share of the ownership to tracts to supply west Texas military and elsewhere in Texas. In December his brother and returned to Antwerp. posts. In 1862 Van Der Stucken Captain Van Der Stucken's unit was Felix remained in Fredericksburg to opened the Reliance Flour Mill in taken into the Confederate army as become one of its outstanding citizens. partnership with his brother, but this Company E, First Texas Cavalry, and In 1869 he was appointed a county activity was cut short by the Civil War. given the responsibility of rounding up commissioner by the military govern­ Most Gillespie County residents Union sympathizers and bringing them ment. In 1889 his son Alfred joined his held Unionist sympathies, but there to trial. Naturally the company was father in the milling business. At this was fear that the Confederacy might ineffective in this role, and in February time the mill was remodeled, and the begin conscripting in the area. As a 1864 it was disbanded. burr millstones were discarded in favor token gesture Frank Van Der Stucken While he was in service Frank of a more modern roller system. The was authorized to raise a company of Van Der Stucken's business had been Gold and Red Star Flour, produced by 75 state rangers, presumably to serve conducted for him by his partners, and the F. Van Der Stucken & Sons Mills, as a home guard unit for Indian he had become wealthy. In 1864 he was were favorites in central Texas for defense. These rangers were under elected chief justice of Gillespie County, many years. In 1904 Felix was an state, rather than Confederate, jurisdic- but a year later he resigned and organizer of the Citizens Bank of

9 On a February night in 1896 he and a friend were walking home in the moonlight after a game of cards in ( J agons's saloon. Within moments after the friend entered his own front gate, Schodts was gunned down at the corner of Eleventh and Washington Streets. His daughter and two grandchildren were his only survivors.

PIERRE VAN HOLLEBEKE 1879 Pierre Van Hollebeke owned and oper­ ated several large west Texas ranches Reliance Flour Mill, Fredericksburg before his death in the saddle at age 74. As a young man in his native Antwerp, Fredericksburg and served as president teers and Belgian settlers. As conditions Belgium, he operated one of the small until his death in 1913. grew progressively worse French sup­ skiffs that plied Antwerp canals, port dwindled. When Maximilian was carrying people and merchandise. executed by Juarista troops in 1867 Imbued with a spirit of adventure, he Belgians were no longer welcome in came to the wide expanse of west Texas BELGIANS IN Mexico. Some went north across the in 1879, settling on a small ranch south SOUTH TEXAS RIO" Grande, and at one time Belgian of Colorado City. His wife and children 1867 immigrants lived in most of the river joined him the following year, and for a few months they lived in a dug-out In 1864 the Archduke Maximilian towns from Laredo to Brownsville. ... like so many other plains pioneers . accepted the imperial throne of Mexico At first Hollebeke tried raising under the sponsorship of Napoleon III. sheep, but subsequently found cattle When he and his Belgian-born wife, ranching more to his liking and his Carlota, went to Mexico, they were MICHEL SCHODTS profit. He gained his American citizen­ accompanied by Belgian army vol un- 1869 ship in 1888. In the 1890's he operated Michel Schodts's assassination on the a small freight line, delivering equip­ The Empress Car/ola streets of Brownsville in 1896 stunned ment and supplies to the XIT and other south Texas. The Belgian-born mer­ west Texas ranches. In 1900 he began chant was a highly regarded business­ operating a general store at Midland, man with no known enemies. The but three years later he settled on an assassin, believed to be a hired killer from Mexico, was never brought to Michel Schodts justice. Schodts was given one of the largest funerals ever seen in Brownsville to that time. A native of Antwerp, he immi­ grated at age 25 to New Orleans, where he worked as an accountant. The Civil War was already under way; so in 1862 he moved beyond harm to Matamoros, then a thriving export center for Texas cotton as well as a Confederate supply base. Schodts became first a clerk, then a partner, in a prosperous import house. In 1866 he married Susan Diaz. At her untimely death three years later he and his small daughter moved across the river to Brownsville, where he built a highly successful trade in lumber and building materials.

10 Shortly b efore the Spanish American War he established Weltens's Bakery. In 1898 it was Weltens who delivered the bread and pastries to Teddy Roosevelt's "Rough Riders," in ., training at the Old Fairgrounds. Sev­ eral years later the bakery moved to an expanded location at Prospect Hill. Bread from its ovens was famous on San Antonio's west side for many years.

HERMAN VAN DAELE 1884 In middle age Herman Van Daele was stirred by a call of adventure that had been stimulated by letters from a friend in the American West. Finally Herman decided to experience the excitement firsthand. Van Daele arrived in San Antonio on New Year's Day 1884, his 50th birthday. He acquired land on the old Frio City Road. His wife and chil­ dren cam e as soon as he had prepared a home for them. Hollebeke Ranch, Sterling City, c. 1890 Van Daele, born in Liedekerke, Belgium, had always lived close to the Andrews County ranch and became chef at the M enger Hotel, where his soil; his father had been a truck farmer. the county's first postmaster at knowledge of five languages quickly After a year at the Frio City Road site "Hollebeke." From 1907 to 1909 he established him as unofficial interpreter he found good rich earth at a reason­ lived at Knowles, New M exico, then for the community. Then he worked at able price near the intersection of South purchased a large spread in Culberson Richter's Bakery for nearly a dozen Brazos and Laredo Streets. This County. He was one of the area's years before his dream came true. 20-acre truck farm at first suffered a biggest landowners at the time of his death in 1928. Weltens' delivery service, by Bruce Marshall

E.D. WELTENS 1881 At an early age Edward Weltens decided that he was a better cook than farmer; so, leaving his home near Brussels, he obtained a job as chef on a passenger vessel out of Antwerp. He acquired a reputation as an excellent baker. Once, while visiting in Galveston, he traveled to San Antonio, where he had heard there were other Belgian families. He liked the appear­ ance of the town and decided it would be a good place to establish a bakery. About 1881 Weltens moved to San Antonio, but did not have enough capi­ tal to build his bakery right away. For several years he worked as the pastry

11 already world-famous for its high quality. It was further decided to complete the edifice with a zinc statue of the Goddess of Liberty. The sculptor is unknown, but there is some evidence that he was a Belgian (among other guesses). The figure was cast in sections, and the pieces assembled on the capitol grounds in February 1888. It was then hoisted into place and finished in time for the May opening. Although h er features appear exaggerated when seen at close range, they mellow to proper proportions when viewed from the ground, testifying to her maker's skill.

Herman Van Daele lack of irrigation. Water had to be ADOLPH BAETEN hauled from Apache Creek; or, in the Adolph Baeten worked on his father's dry season, purchased from property farm in Belgium until he was almost owners along San Pedro Creek. It 30. Then in 1888 he moved to San Adolph Baeten became apparent that another source Antonio, where he worked at odd jobs must be found; so, in 1894 Van Daele until ~ 1892, when he leased land on joined Herman Van Daele in digging and the Baeten family cooperated in Probandt Street. It was necessary, one of the first artesian wells in Bexar drilling their own well. The result was however, to buy irrigation water from County. It was dug on the Van Daele one of the first artesian supplies devel­ t,.he San Pedro Creek - at the rate of $2 property, but Baeten paid the drilling oped in Bexar County. Not only could per acre; so, in 1894 Adolph Baeten expenses. Both men agreed to share the the Van Daele and Baeten land be irri­ gated, but there was now enough water to sell for a penny per barrel. The Goddess oj Liberty Van Daele also operated a dairy in conjunction with his highly success­ ful truck farm. About 1922 a baseball stadium was built on a portion of his , \ property and was named Van Daele Field in his honor. He died the following year at 89. A half century later his descendants are still living on the property.

THE GODDESS OF LIBERTY 1888 When the old Texas Capitol burned in 1881 designs were already afoot to build a new capitol. Work began a year later on the same site. The first plans called for a limestone structure with a brick-supported dome, but technical problems caused a change to pink granite. To hold the dome in place, it was decided to use lightweight steel girders imported from Belgium. This was natural, as Belgian steel was

12 water. After the well came in Adolph got married, built a house on his prop­ erty leased from Van Daele and began farming. Eight years later he moved to a larger place and finally, in 1907, to a 32-acre site on Zarzamora Street. H ere the Baeten Truck Farm became one of the show properties of San Antonio, where many new vegetables and fruits were introduced in the area.

CHARLES PERSYN 1891 During the winter of 1812 two Persjn brothers accompanied Napoleon's ill­ The Hooge Family in 1896 (Peter second from left, Philemon standing by him) fated retreat from Moscow. Able to go no further, they stopped in the Belgian settle when the time came. He contin­ They lived happily on this farm until town of Lokeren, which they made ued on to Del Rio, where he worked her death in 1901. Charley later their home. One of the brothers, who as assistant foreman for the Southern remarried and continued raising changed the spelling of his name to Pacific Railroad on construction of the produce for many years. Pete Persyn, Persyn, was the grandfather of Charles high bridge over the Pecos River. a farmer himself, was very successful Persyn. Filled with the spirit of adven­ When this project was completed at growing radishes. He is also credited ture, 16-year-old Charley ran away in 189~ Persyn moved to San Antonio. with introducing cauliflower to the San from home in 1886 and worked passage He wrote his brothers, Pete and Antonio market, clearing over $3,000 aboard an America-bound ship. For Casmire, urging them to emigrate. on his first crop. About 1905 Casmire five years he held a variety of jobs, from T!,J.ey did so later that year. Charley, returned to Belgium, but other relatives miner to zookeeper. About 1891 he meanwhile, was employed at Alamo soon replaced him. Today numerous passed through San Antonio while Irpn Works, where he finally . saved Persyn descendants still play an active working for the Southern Pacific Rail­ enough money to buy his own farm. In role in the agricultural economy of road. It struck him as a nice place to 1896 he married Augusta Verstuyft. Bexar County.

The Persyn Family (Charles at left, Pete holding grey hat) THE HOOGE FAMILY 1892 In 1892 Peter Hooge left the family farm near Ghent, Belgium, and moved to San Antonio. For two years he worked on the railroad and in 1894 was joined by his brother Philemon. To­ gether they rented 25 acres of irrigated land on Probandt Street and began growing vegetables. They were able to send enough money home for their father and five brothers and sisters to emigrate in 1896. The Prohandt Street land was fertile, but the rent was expen­ sive, and there was talk of closing the San Pedro canal. Shortly after 1900 Peter and Philemon moved to other property on Brady Street. There they drilled a water well in joint effort with their neighbors, the Wauters family. The venture was unsuccessful; the Wauters sold their land to Philemon and moved.

13 In 1903 Peter married Elizabeth dren while her father and two older Chavagneux. For six years the couple brothers worked in the fields. In 1903 lived near Espada Mission, where they they decided to drill a water well on repaired many of the buildings, assisted their Brady Street property. A vow was the priest and operated the store. In made that, if the well was productive, 1909 they moved back to the city limits. a chapel would be built. Although the In 1916 Philemon and his family result was disappointing it was decided homesteaded a small ranch near to build a chapel anyway. The one­ Columbus, New Mexico. He had no room structure was quickly completed, more than settled when Pancho Villa and Stephanie gathered the children of raided and ran off his stock. Discour­ the Belgian colony to teach them the aged, he returned to Texas and started catechism and to broaden their educa­ a ranch near Campbellton. tion. The small chapel was also used That same year Peter Hooge and by the adults whenever Father his family moved again, this time to Heuchemer from Sacred Heart Parish Valley Wells. He remained until 1925, could come to say mass. when he became a soft drink distributor When Stephanie felt that her at Pearsall. In 1931 he joined Philemon duties to her family had been fulfilled , at Campbellton, where they owned a she made plans to satisfY her lifelong fruit orchard. Peter's family subse­ dream of becoming a nun. In 1906 she quently returned to San Antonio and bade goodbye to her kinsmen and became an important part of the friends, and returned to Belgium, Mr. and Mrs. Octave Van de Walle Belgian community. where she joined her sister Camilla Hooge (Sister Mary Leocadia) in the convc;,nt at Beirvelde. There she took poorer. After seven years of hard times in Valley Wells the Van de Walles STEPHANIE HOOGE the name Mary Lutgardis and became a teacher. She was prevented by failing moved back to San Antonio. 1903 qealth from returning to San Antonio They farmed first at St. Peter's When her mother died in Beirvelde, and starting a school for the Belgian Orphanage on Mission Road, and later Belgium, Stephanie Hooge assumed children. In 1911 she died of pneu­ on Castroville Road and Morey Road. the care of her five younger brothers monia at her convent in Beirvelde. In In 1929 Octave visited his father in and sisters. She had wanted to enter a San Antonio her chapel continued Belgium. When he returned to Hous­ convent, as her younger sister had under the name of St. John Berch­ ton he was met by his wife and son, done, but felt a sense of responsibility mans, as she had wished. St. Stephen's who had brought a truckload of vege­ to her family. When the Hooges moved Church, which now occupies the site, tables with them. The vegetables were to San Antonio in 1896 it was Steph­ is dedicated to her memory. quickly sold at the market and since anie who educated the younger chil- that time the Van de Walles have had a wholesale outlet at the Houston Stephanie Hooge Produce Terminal. The family survived OCTAVE VAN DE WALLE the depression years and began buying 1905 land around Kelly Field. At the start In 1905 Octave Van de Walle left his of World War II they had the largest father's farm near Lokeren, Belgium, truck farm in the San Antonio area, to start a life of his own in San Antonio. with more than 800 acres under cultiva­ A year later he married Marie Leonie tion. In 1937 Octave brought his four Hooge and began farming a small plot sons into the business, and it became of ground at Zarzamora and Brady Van de Walle & Sons. Later three Streets. In 1910 Octave, his wife and grandsons became partners. In 1942 her brother Peter Hooge donated land Van de Walle & Sons were granted for the new St. John Berchmans large government contracts to supply Church. Because of crop failure the vegetables to nearby military bases. Van de Walles moved in 1914 to Valley This led to the introduction of some Wells in Dimmit County. The situation new crops, in addition to the inevitable did not improve; one year there would potatoes. In 1945 the firm was given a be drought, the next year flood. While special certificate for meritorious service the farmers who remained in San by the Quartermaster General. Octave Antonio during World War I pros­ Van de Walle retired from business pered, those in Valley Wells became after suffering a stroke, but continued

14 to assist from the sidelines until his death in 1952. Later that year Mrs. Van de Walle rebuilt St. Stephen's Church as a memorial to her husband.

"COMPAGNIE DES EAUX DE SAN ANTONIO" 1909 In 1906 the San Antonio Water Supply Company was organized to supply the city of San Antonio. The organization experienced financial difficulty, and after three years 90 percent of the stock was sold to a group of Belgian investors in Antwerp. Under a new name, "Compagnie des Eaux de San Antonio," they not only continued the waterworks, but expanded it. From 1910 to 1920 the city's population almost doubled. In 1914 Germany St. John Berchmans Church, c. 1910 invaded Belgium, and all communica­ tions between the stockholders in Verschaffelt. While lying ill in Santa REVEREND RICHARD Antwerp and the company in San Rosa ~Hospital he heard a nurse Antonio were cut off. Throughout VERSCHAFFELT speaking Flemish. They talked of the World War I the interest and dividends Belgian colony in San Antonio, and as Richard Verschaffelt was responsible that ordinarily would have been sent to hi!; health improved the priest visited for the rebuilding of St. John Berch­ the investors were put back into the the colony. He envisioned the chapel as mans Church and was its first pastor. company for expansion. When the tne site of a new Belgian chur~h. In In addition to regular parish duties, he armistice was signed in 1918 the 1910 it was decided to enlarge the origi­ was also an educator, sometimes a Belgian owners badly needed money to nal chapel. Additional land was physician and an advisor in business rebuild their devastated land. The donated by Peter Hooge and Mr. and matters. Born at Ghent, Belgium, in Belgian franc had fallen to its lowest Mrs. Octave Van de Walle. Work 1879, he had expressed an interest in point; so, by selling their stock, they began in July and was completed two the Church from his earliest years. He would be getting a comparatively months later at a cost of $1300. The was ordained a priest in 1898. After greater number of francs for use at simple structure did not even have a serving churches in Belgium and in home. In 1920 a syndicate of San bell until 1912, when an old fire bell Paris he sought to fulfill a long-time Antonio businessmen purchased the was donated by Mayor Bryan Cal­ dream of becoming a missionary. In stock from the Belgian investors. Since laghan. Even then, it was about six 1904 he had his chance when he went the company's net worth had increased months before a tower could be erected. to Tulancingo, Mexico, to minister to considerably there was a substantial Until 1947 St. John Berchmans the Indian tribes there. During this profit for both parties. was the Belgian national parish, with period he visited San Antonio on all services conducted in Flemish. Then annual trips north. Father Richard there was a revision of parish boun­ remained in Mexico until forced out by daries which greatly diminished the the Revolution of 1910. After getting ST. JOHN BERCHMANS Belgian influence. In 1948 new land acquainted with the Belgian colony of CHURCH was purchased and St. John Berch­ San Antonio he recognized the need for 1910 mans relocated. The original Brady a Belgian national church, which he Named in honor of a 17th century Street chapel was remodeled by Mrs. promptly set about to organize. Belgian saint, St. John Berchmans Octave Van de Walle in 1952 and In 1912 he was asked by the Church can trace its origins to the one­ renamed St. Stephen's. In 1965 St. bishop to go to Marfa, Texas, and to room chapel erected by Stephanie John Berchmans moved to its present work with the Mexican missions. Hooge in 1903. Use of the chapel site on Cupples Road. A rectory and Although life there was difficult he declined after Stephanie returned to a school stand nearby. Throughout the cheerfully carried out his duties until Belgium. Interest revived in 1910 with history of St. John Berchmans Church, World War I began. He felt then that the appearance of Father Richard most of its priests have been Belgian. his homeland needed him more, and he

15 Houston as director of the Treble Clef Club. A year later he saw possibilities for starting a symphony orchestra and turned to Miss Ima Hogg for help. A trial concert was given at the Majestic Theater with a group of 35 musicians selected and led by Blitz. The trial concert was a success, and the Houston Symphony Association was formed soon after. Blitz was appointed the first conductor. For the next three years he conducted both the Houston Symphony Orchestra and the Treble Clef Club. He then left the orchestra and moved to a monastery in Arkansas to further develop his techniques. In 1917 Blitz became conductor of the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, which had been sponsored by Mrs. Reverend Richard Verschaifelt at the Grothues home, 1910 Anna H ertzberg. About 1923 he left the orchestra, and for two years he and asked to be relieved of his position. Conservatory of Ghent in 1905, after his wife taught music, gave concerts Verschaffelt tried unsuccessfully to completing an eight-year course in four. and frequently accompanied Josephine return to Belgium. In 1917 he joined Young Blitz sailed from Antwerp Lucchese on her tours of Texas. In 1930 the Canadian Expeditionary Force and to New York that same year, but soon the couple moved to Sherman, where was sent overseas. While in occupied foun"'d the northern winters too harsh. he headed the stringed instrument Belgium he was captured by the His father contacted an old friend, department at Kidd-Key College. After Germans and sentenced to be executed. ...Herman Bal, who was chairman of the five years he became chairman of the With the aid of Resistance forces he was music department at Baylor Female music department at Texas Technolog­ able to escape from prison on the night .College in Belton, Texas, and secured ical College in Lubbock, where he before his impending execution. employment for Julien. The young spent another 15 years. In 1950 he After the war the priest returned man soon moved on to San Antonio, retired and moved to Dallas, where he to the United States and was pastor at Houston and back to Europe for post­ and his wife taught music and Thibodeaux, Louisiana, until 1932. graduate work. In 1912 he returned to conducted a workshop for the staff of Father Vervaeke of St. John Berch­ mans died, and Father Richard Julien Blitz and the San Antonio Symphony returned to San Antonio for his second term as pastor. He labored for ten more years, but age and illness were his companions until his death in 1942 .

JULIEN PAUL BLITZ 1912 In his 66 years Belgian-bomJulien Paul Blitz led two major Texas symphony orchestras-one at Houston, which he founded, and another at San Antonio. These two organizations laid important foundations for later cultural develop­ ment in the state. The man responsible was born at Ghent of a Belgian father and an American mother. Both were musicians, so it was not surprising that Julien should have an early love of music. He graduated from the Royal

16 the Dallas public schools. In 1951 Tip's Place. There patrons could relax Julien Paul Blitz died, after having and enjoy a game of bolls or shoot pool. contributed more than 40 years to Tip also dispensed advice to local music education in Texas. farmers on the type of seeds to buy, how to cultivate their land, and even gave counsel in simple legal matters. He always urged expansion of the AVIEL "TIP" VANDER Belgian colony and was influential in POORTEN bringing additional emigrants from the 1917 Old Country. At his death in 1936 "Tip" Vander Poorten was a highly respected leader of San Antonio's Belgian community. CAMILLE DE WINNE His nickname derived from World War 1920 I service when he learned his first song in English, the ever-popular "It's a A center of Belgian culture in San Long Way to Tipperary." He was Antonio is the Belgium Inn, owned and excessively generous with his rendition operated by the De Winne family. The of the melody. Tip was assigned to the founder, Camille De Winne, arrived in Quartermaster Corps and was fre­ San Antonio from Overmeer, Belgium, quently chosen to drive General about 1920. At first he worked on Peet Pershing's staff car. He and the general Calle's farm, but soon obtained a job enjoyed a long and enduring friend­ at Ed Weltens's Prospect Hill Bakery. ship. In 1927 he bought the 3-Points In 1923 Camille, by then a foreman, Camille De Winne service station and a small cafe at felt secure enough to get married. The Quintana and Frio City Roads. He following year he opened a small gro­ it evolved into a small restaurant. expanded the diner into a tavern called cery store on West Commerce, which When Prohibition was lifted in 1933 he was operated by his wife while Camille opened a package store and tavern "Tip» Vander Poorten worked at the bakery. In 1925 he called the Belgium Inn. This became opened his own bakery next to the gro­ the most popular of the Belgian gath­ cery store and called it the Daylight ering spots, offering card games, darts Bakery. Soon he had a thriving bread and Belgian bolling. During World route among the Belgian farmers. War II the bakery was closed because De Winne began selling sand­ of a shortage of raw ingredients. After wiches in the grocery store, and soon the war the restaurant was enlarged,

Camille De Winne (right) and Rudolph De Winne

17 Belgian social gathering, showing bolls and dart boMd and tourist courts were added next ~asier to clean, which was important in vegetables all year long. No segment of door. This gave the De Winnes a block­ an agricultural society. the agricultural economy is so fickle as long complex which is still in use today. One of the most popular Belgian the growing and marketing of highly pastimes was the sport ofbolling. The perishable truck crops. Too much or game was played with round wooden too little rain, labor problems, insects, bolls, which resembled flat cheeses, the blight and other diseases cast a shadow SOCIAL LIFE object being to roll the disk in an arc over every crop year. Another threat is The Belgian "Kermess," or outdoor to a peg at the opposite end of the alley. even worse-no market! festival, was traditionally held in mid­ The player whose boll came closest to Through the Bexar County Truck August and again on November 17, the peg and survived the bombardment Growers Association, these farmers depending on the condition of the of the opposing team was declared the have encouraged their own members harvest. Another festive event was June winner. The women enjoyed a similar and others to assume the risk of raising 21, the Belgian national holiday. In game, but it involved rolling the boll vegetables on a year-round basis. More reality, however, the Belgians of San into a narrow box. Dancing was also importantly, they have tried to create Antonio required no special reason to popular, and sometimes the dancers a stable market. At first vegetables were celebrate, and each evening generally wore native costumes. Today these tra­ brought from the fields by wagons and found some of the colony in the ditional games have disappeared, sold in stalls at the old market in Belgium Inn, Belgian Village, Flanders except for special occasions, such as the Military Plaza. Today vegetables are Inn or one of the other local spots. Texas Folklife Festival. processed and packaged, then speeded There, over a cool drink, they could by truck to their destination. In 1952 discuss the crops. In earlier days Henry Van de Walle was influential in wooden shoes were worn, and these starting the first annual South Texas were sometimes the source of free BELGIAN ACHIEVEMENTS Vegetable Day show to acquaint con­ drinks from non-Belgians who would IN AGRICULTURE sumers with locally grown crops and to buy a round for the privilege of trying Thanks to their ingenuity and dili­ encourage quality improvement. on the wooden footwear. These shoes gence, the Belgian vegetable growers of Belgian farmers have also pio­ also had another practical side; in addi­ San Antonio have made it possible for neered new roles in irrigation. The tion to being economical, they were Texas housewives to prepare fresh siphon technique which they intro-

18 more than a score of civic organiza­ tions, and at one point led efforts to build the World Trade Center.

ANDRE GRAINDORGE 1966 Brussels-born Andre Graindorge ran away to sea at 16 and worked as a deck boy on a Belgian freighter. Among his duties was helping the ship's cook, who recognized Andres potential and recommended that he attend cooking school. Graduating from the Ecole Hotelier in Brussels, he began working as a baker on a cargo liner operating between Antwerp and North America. H e soon became head chef and achieved recognition for his many Belgian and French dishes. In 1965 he married Loelleta Carpenter of Austin and decided to settle there. In 1966 he Aviel Bauwens with vegetable wagon became the chef at the Polonaise, where many Texans enjoyed his culinary talents. After two years he became chef duced into this area is a far cry from Belgian underground, then after the at the Swiss Chalet and a year later the days when water had to be carried war, with the American Military assumed management of the cafeteria to the ditches by hand. A series of C;overnment in Europe. Here he for the local IBM plant. siphon tubes are placed in the ditches decided that he would like som~day to at right angles to the water source, and g~ to America. In 1947 he got his Andre A. Crispin the gravity flow system diverts the chance. Early that year Crispin arrived water to the individual furrows. in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with In addition to growing vegetables, $30 in his pocket. He worked for a many San Antonio Belgians produce a while with a wholesale grocer and kept flower crop in the fall. A major market hoping to have his own company. for these flowers has been the Mexican In 1949 he moved to Houston, population of south Texas, who use where he opened a small import-export them to decorate cemeteries on All business with money borrowed from Souls Day. Through modern technol­ friends . This was the start of the ogy and untiring labor these Belgian Crispin Company, which primarily farmers have contributed impressively imports iron and steel products and oil to the San Antonio economy. field tubular goods. Today the Crispin Company is a multimillion-dollar con­ cern, with affiliates throughout the United States, and offices in Europe, ANDRE A. CRISPIN Latin America and South Africa. 1949 In addition to his business enter­ Typical of many Texas success stories prise, Andre Crispin has many other is that of Andre A. Crispin. Born in activities. In 1953 he was named one Brussels, young Andre served with the of five outstanding young Texans by a Belgian army during the dark days of committee of Texas businessmen for his 1940. After Belgium's defeat by the work in the steel industry from 1950 to Germans he continued his education at 1953. He was president of the World the University of Louvain and gradu­ Trade Association of Houston and is ated with an engineering degree in the founder and past president of the 1943. Wishing to aid his occupied World Trade Club. Prominent III country, he served for a time with the Houston society, Crispin belongs to

19 CONCLUSION The 1850 Texas census revealed only eight Belgians living in the state, seven of those in San Antonio. More than a century later most Belgian Texans remain concentrated in the Alamo City. While many diverse occupations are represented, agriculture heads the list. Belgian Texans have experimented widely in the introduction of new crops and have improved irrigation tech­ niques. There have been countless individual success stories in other fields of endeavor. Today it is difficult to distinguish Belgians from other ethnic groups, since many of their distinctive folkways are no longer observed. They have blended into the local culture until they survive more as Texans than as Belgians. They retain a proper pride, Andre Graindorge however, in their contribution to the growth of their adopted land. Ever since arriving III Austin business was good, and Andre's Graindorge had wanted to open his reputation grew. In 1972 the enterprise own restaurant. In March 1970 he moved to a new location on Highway leased the old Courthouse Cafe and 71. Here his Belgian-style game dishes remodeled it as Andre's. It was a family have earned him a reputation as one of operation, and each member pitched -- the finest chefs in Texas. in. While conditions were cramped

The Bauwens Family's Belgian farm band, San Antonio

20 INDEX

Aguayo, Marques de, 1 D'Hanis, Guillaume, 6 Louckx, John B., 6-7 Alamo, 6 D'Hanis, Texas, 6 Louvain, Belgium, 6, 7, 19 Alamo Iron Works, 13 Diaz, Susan Louvain colony, 7 Alarcon Expedition, 1 see Schodts, Susan (Diaz) Lubbock, Texas, 16 Anderson, Charles, 8 Diedrick, Anton, 5-6 Lucchese, Josephine, 16 Andre's (restaurant), Austin, Texas, 20 Diedrick, Refugia Salcedo, 5 Luxembourg, Belgium, 4 Andrews County, Texas, 11 Douay, Anastasius, 1 Marfa, Texas, 15 Antwerp, Belgium,S, 6, 9, 10, 11 , 15, Dutchover, Anton Diedrick Matamoros, Mexico, 10 16, 19 see Diedrick, Anton Maximilian, emperor of Mexico, 10 Apache Indians, S, 6 El Paso, Texas, 5 Mellaerts, Andre Antoine, 3 Austin, Texas, 3, 8, 19, 20 England,2 Membre, Zenobius, 1 Baeten, Adolph, 12-13 Flanders, 1 Memphis, El Paso and Pacific Baeten Truck Farm, San Antonio, Fort Davis, Texas,S, 6 Railroad, 7 Texas, 13 Fort Lincoln, Texas, 6 Menger Hotel, San Antonio, Bal, Herman, 16 Fort Martin Scott, Texas, 9 Texas, 6, 11 Banul, Juan, 1-2 Fort Mason, Texas, 9 Mercator, Gerard, 1 Banul, Maria Adriana (Garcia), Fort Saint Louis, Massacre of, Mexican War, 4, 5 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 9 Fort Worth, Texas, 7 M exico, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 15 Bauwens, Aviel, 19 Franco-Texan Land Company, 7-8 Michel, Ferdinand, 7 Bauwens family, 20 Fredericksburg, Texas, 9 Midland, Texas, 10 Baylor Female College, Frio County, Texas, 4 Military Plaza, San Antonio, Belton, Texas, 16 Galveston, Texas, 3, 4, 5, 11 Texas, 4, 18 Beirvelde, Belgium, 14 Garcia, Marfa Adriana Mission Espada, 14 Belgian Astronomical Commission, 9 see Banul, Maria Adriana (Garcia) Mission San Antonio de Valero, 1, 2 Belgium Inn, San Antonio, Texas 17-18 Gentilz, Theodore, 6 Mission San Jose, 1 Bexar County Truck Growers Ghent\. Belgium, 13 , 15 , 16 Moczygemba, Fr. Leopold, 6 Association, 18 Gillespie County, Texas, 9 Mountain Creek, 7 Blitz, Julien Paul, 16-17 Goddess of Liberty statue, 12 Napoleon I Boerne, Texas, 6 Goetsel, John Philip, 6-7 see Bonaparte, Napoleon bolling (game), 17, 18 Obliad, Texas, 4 Netherlands, The, 2 Bonaparte, Napoleon, 6, 13 Graindorge, Andre, 19-20 New Orleans, Louisiana, 3, 8, 9, 10 Bosto'n, Massachusetts, 3 Graindorge, Loelleta (Carpenter); 19 Nicolas, Chief,S Brands, Fr. John, S Grand Prairie, Texas, 7 . Nueces River, 3 Brazos River, 8 Guatemala, 4 Odin, Bp. John M ., 4 Brownsville, 8, 9, 10 Hainaut, Belgium, 1 Otterbein, Charles A., 7-8 Brussels, Belgium, 1,2, 11, 19 Hamilton, Gen. James, 2, 3, 4 Overmeer, Belgium, 17 Callaghan, Bryan, 15 Hertzberg, Anna, 16 Paquin, Fr. j.M., 4, 5 Calle, Peet, 17 Heuchemer, Fr. , 14 Pearsall, Texas, 14 C ampbellton, Texas, 14 Hogg, Ima, 16 Pecos River, 8, 13 Capitol Building, Austin, Texas, 12 Hooge, Elizabeth (Chavagneux), 14 Pershing, Gen. John, 17 Carlota, empress of Mexico, 10 Hooge, Marie Leonie Persyn, Augusta (Verstuyft), 13 Carpenter, Loelleta see Van de Walle, Persyn, Casmire, 13 see Graindorge, Loelleta (Carpenter) Marie Leonie (Hooge) Persyn, Charles, 13 Castro, Henri, 3, 4, 6, 9 Hooge, Peter, 13-14, 15 Persyn, Pete, 13 Castroville, Texas, 6 Hooge, Philemon, 13-14 Peter of Ghent, 1 Charles V of Ghent, 1 Hooge, Stephanie, 14, 15 Pirson, Victor, 2-4 Charleston, South Carolina, 3 Houston, Sam, 3-4 Port Lavaca, Texas, 6 Chavagneux, Elizabeth Houston Symphony Association, 16 Presidio, Texas,S see Hooge, Elizabeth (Chavagneux) Houston, Texas, 3, 14, 16, 19 Refugio, Texas, 4 Citizens Bank of Fredericksburg, 9, 10 Houzeau, Jean-Charles, 8-9 Reliance Flour Mill, 9 Civil War, U.S., 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 Jones, Anson, 3-4 Richter's Bakery, San Antonio, Colorado City, Texas, 10 Kennedy land grant, 4 Texas, 11 Comanche Indians, 3 "Kermess," 18 Rio Grande River, 3, 4, 9, 10 "Compagnie des Eaux de Lamar, Mirabeau, 2, 3 Roosevelt, Theodore, 11 San Antonio," 15 Laredo, Texas, 10 "Rough Riders," 11 Considerant, Victor, 6 La Reunion colony, 6, 7 Royal Observatory, Brussels, Belgium, Cortes, Hernan, 1 La Salle, Sieur de, 1 8,9 Crispin, Andre A , 19 Lavaca County, Texas, 4 St. John Berchmans Church, Crispin Company, The, 19 Le Clerq, Maximus, 1 San Antonio, Texas, 14, 15, 16 Culberson County, Texas, 11 Leopold I of Belgium, 2 St. Mary's Cathedral, Galveston, Daingerfield, William Henry, 4 Levy, George P. , 8 Texas, 4-5 Dallas, Texas, 6, 7, 16 Leznick, Franceska, 6 St. Stephen's Church, San Antonio, De Briey, Count, 4 Liedekerke, Belgium, 11 Texas, 14, 15 Del Rio, Texas, 13 Limpia Canyon, Texas ,S Salcedo, Refugia De Winne, Camille, 17-18 Lokeren, Belgium, 13, 14 see Diedrick, Refugia (Salcedo) San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, 16 Texas Technological College, Van de Weyer, Sylvian, 2 San Antonio, Texas, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, Lubbock, Texas, 16 Van Hollebeke, Pierre, 10-11 9, 11, 12 , 13, 14, 15 , 16, 17, 18, Tyler, Pres. John, 3 Vasquez, Gen. Rafael, 4 19, 20 Uvalde, Texas, 8 Verschaffelt, Rev. Richard, 15-16 San Antonio Water Supply Valley Wells, Texas, 14 Verstuyft, Augusta Company, 15 Van Daele, Herman, 11-12 see Persyn, Augusta (Verstuyft) Schodts, Michel, 10 Van Daele Field, San Antonio, Vervaeke, Fr., 16 Schodts, Susan (Diaz), 10 Texas, 12 Vicksburg, Mississippi, 9 Sherman, Texas, 16 Vandenberg, Texas, 6 Victoria, Texas, 4 Shiner, Henry B., 4 Vander Poorten, Aviel "Tip," 17 Villa, Francisco (Pancho), 14 Shiner, Peter, 4 Vander Straten, Joseph, 6 Wallace, Big Foot, 5 Shiner, Texas, 4 Vander Straten, Theodore, 6 Washington, D.C., 3 Shiner, William B., 4 Van Der Stucken, Alfred, 9 Wauters family, 13 Smith, Ashbel, 4 Van Der Stucken, Felix, 9-10 Weatherford, Texas, 7, 8 "Societe de Colonisation au Texas," 6 Van Der Stucken, Frank, 9 Weltens, Edward, 11, 17 Southern Pacific Railroad, 13 Van Der Stucken, Frank, Jr., 9 Weltens's Bakery, San Antonio, Tervuren, Belgium, 7 Van de Walle, Henry, 18 Texas, 11, 17 Texas Capitol Van de Walle, Marie Leonie (Hooge), World Trade Association of Houston, 19 see Capitol Building, Austin, Texas 14, 15 World War I, 16, 17 Texas Folklife Festival, 18 Van de Walle, Octave, 14-15 World War II, 19 XIT Ranch, 10

PHOTO CREDITS All prints are from the collections of The University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures - San Antonio, courtesy ofthe following lenders. Credits from left to right are separated by semicolons and from top to bottom by dashes. Cover Mary Persyn, San Antonio. Page 1 Jules Verne, The Exploration of the World (London, 1882), page 429. Page 2 The Institute of Texan Cultures-Dudley G . Wooten, A Comprehensive History oj Texas (Dallas: Wm. G. Scarff, 1898), vol. I, page 313. Page 3 Belgian Institute for Information and Documentation, Brussels, Belgium - The Institute of Texan Cultures. Page 4 Edwin Wolters Memorial Museum, Shiner. Page 5 Library of the Daughters ofthe Republic of Texas at the Alamo, San Antonio-David Andrew Simmons Collection, The University of Texas Barker Texas History Center, Austin. Page 6 Library of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas at the Alamo, San Antonio-Mrs. Clara Christians, San Antonio. Page 7 The Institute of Texan Cultures. Page 8 Virginia H. Taylor, Austin - The Institute of Texan Cultures. Page 9 Pioneer Memorial Museum, Fredericksburg. Page 10 Van Der Stucken Family, San Antonio-Harper's Week?y, May 29, 1858, page 341; John Henry Brown, Indian Wars and Pioneers oj Texas (Austin: L.E. Daniell, n.d.), page 723. Page 11 Rosa Belle Cooksey, Pecos - The Institute of Texan Cultures. Page 12 Mr. and Mrs. Herman Ripps, San Antonio; Ellis A. Davis and Edwin H. Grobe, The New Encyclopedia of Texas (Dallas: Texas Development Bureau, n.d.), vol. III, page 2356-Archives Division, Texas State Library, Austin. Page 13 Mary Persyn, San Antonio-Mrs. Leo Persyn, San Antonio. Page 14 Mary Persyn, San Antonio-Mary Persyn. Page 15 Mary Persyn, San Antonio. Page 16 Mary Persyn, San Antonio - San Antonio Symphony Association. Page 17 The San Antonio Light Collection, The Institute of Texan Cultures­ Mr. and Mrs. Louis Vander Poorten, San Antonio; Mrs. Camille De Winne, San Antonio. Page 18 Mrs. Cyril Persyn, San Antonio. Page 19 Mrs. Homer Verstuyft, San Antonio-Crispin Company, Houston. Page 20 Bill Records, Austin-Mrs. Homer Verstuyft, San Antonio. Back cover Mrs. Homer Verstuyft, San Antonio. One of a series prepared by the staff of THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES AT SAN ANTONIO