Johann Wilhelm Buxkemper
Johann Wilhelm Buxkemper (called "William"), b November 28, 1849 in Germany, d June 30, 1943 in Westphalia, Falls County, Texas and buried in St. Mary's Cemetery - was a son of John Theodore Buxkemper, b July 25,1810 in Sulsen Parish, Olfen, Westphlia, Prussia, d February 26, 1868 in Frelsburg, Colorado County, Texas, and his second wife, Elizabeth (Hoelscher) Buxkemper, b September 7, 1821 in Olfen, Westphalia, Prussia, d April 23, 1905 in Frelsburg, Colorado County, Texas, who immigrated to America - landing in Texas on their son, William's, birthday, November 28, 1849. They settled in Frelsburg, Texas, where other German immigrants had settled, and remained there the remainder of their lives.At the early age of about twelve years, William Buxkemper went to work for a freight-hauling establishment, and William later described for his grandchildren the exciting incidents the wagon drivers and workers experienced - crossing the paths of well - known "desperadoes" as Sam Bass and the Dalton Boys.
On January 20,1874 at Frelsburg, Texas, William was married to Margarete Ordner, b August 1, 1853, d December 8, 1931 and buried in St. Mary's Cemetery at Westphalia - a daughter of Peter and Barbara (Tredemi) Ordner, whose son, Frank Ordner, had married Elizabeth Buxkemper - sister to William - in 1870.
William and Margarete Buxkemper had five children and they also adopted five-year-old Florence Murphey, born in New York ca 1900, and was then about the age of their older grandchildren.
The five children were:
Mary Buxkemper - who married Paul Witzsche;
Anton Buxkemper - the only son - who died at age six years;
Barbara Buxkemper - who married Henry Kleypas;
Bertha Buxkemper - who entered the Order of the Sisters of Divine Providence in San Antonio, Texas on June 17, 1902, and took the religious name of "Sister M. Theophilia, CDP".
William Buxkemper was a popular musician - playing the tuba in a band formed by the men of the community; but it was said that he also played all other brass instruments, plus the violin and guitar, which he played for dances held at the parish hall and in the homes of many of Westphalia's citizens. He led the band that marched in parades, and also played for the two-day picnics in and around Westphalia, Rosebud, and Heidenheimer. On First Communion Sunday, the band traditionally led the children from the school to the Church. The band had several different uniforms - each smartly decorated with rows of braid.
William was also very interested and active in pol- itics, and one of the highlights of his life was the recognition bestowed upon him by the early Texas Governor, James "Pa" Ferguson, who singled him out in the crowd, and shook his hand.
At the age when most men retire, William was still hard at work - being in his eighties. Finally, he did retire from farming, and was his grandchildren's favorite story - teller. He spent many hours reading Western stories about the heroes and "Bad men" of his younger days. Although Johann Wilhelm and Margarete (Ordner) Buxkemper had many grandchildren, none carry the name of "Buxkemper, as their only son died as a child.
Some biographies from "Families of Falls County", compiled and edited by the Falls County Historical Commission.
Permission granted to Theresa Carhart by the Falls County Historical Commission, for use on this page.
