John O. Meusebach
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John O. Meusebach, born Baron Otfried Hans von Meusebach, (May 26, 1812–May 27, 1897), was at first a Prussian bureaucrat, later an American farmer, politician, and member of the Texas Senate.
He was born in Dillenburg, Duchy of Nassau, one of four children of Baron Carl Hartwig Gregor von Meusebach, a judge solicitor, and Ernestine von Meusebach née von Witzleben. Upon arriving in Texas, he dropped his noble title and became simply John O. Meusebach. In 1845, he became the second commissioner general of The Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas, succeeding Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels. For Prince Carl, Meusebach oversaw the development of New Braunfels, Texas and as commissioner of the Society, he founded the town of Fredericksburg, Texas which became a home for many German Texans. He later forged an 1847 treaty with the indigenous Comanche people. This treaty is regarded as one of the few treaties between white settlers and Native Americans that was not broken.
Meusebach died on his property in Loyal Valley near Fredricksburg.
[edit] Sources
- John O. Meusenbach. Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved on May 27, 2006.
- Kennedy, Ira. History of the Pedernales River Valley. Retrieved on May 27, 2006.
- John O. Meusbach (1812-1897). The Texas Horticulture Hall of Fame. Retrieved on May 27, 2006.
| Preceded by Benjamin Rush Wallace |
Texas State Senator from District 22 (Fredericksburg) 1851–1853 |
Succeeded by William Harrison “Howdy” Martin |
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