Albert Friedrich Christian Koepke

Place of Birth

SOME FAMILY HISTORY Wilhelm Carl Christian Friedrich Koepke was born in Tischendorf, Mecklenberg, Strelitz, Germany on June 14, 1840. In 1867, in Loitz, Germany, Wilhelm married Friedericke "Maria" Dorothea Toll, who was born in Tischendorf, Macklenberg, Strelitz, Germany on June 14, 1843. Wilhelm and Maria moved frequently, as the birthplaces of their children indicate, but they stayed in Rehberg for several years before emigrating to Texas in 1896. Maria's children before she married Wilhelm Koepke were - Carl Ludwig Christian Toll (1863-1863), born in Loitz. Wilhelm Toll (June 24, 1866 - March 30, 1952), born in Loitz. Married Maria Gau. The children of Wilhelm and Maria Koepke - Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Koepke (1869-?), born in Cantnitz. Married Emilie Adolphine Karoline Kock Friedrich Carl Johann Koepke (1871-?), born in Loitz. Albert Friedrich Christian Koepke (1873-1945), born in Quadenschoenfeld. Married Friedericke Christiane Witt in 1894. Auguste Wilhelmine Johanne Koepke (1875-1950), born in Dewitz. Married Paul Carl William Holz (1871-1935). August Carl Friedrich Koepke (1878-1941), born in Dewitz. Married Clara Citzler (1882-1925) on Dec 26, 1915. Wilhelmine Auguste Friedericke Koepke (1880-1899), born in Quadenschoenfeld. Married Herbert Niemeyer. Heinrich (Henry) Johann Friedrich Koepke (1883-1960), born in Quadenschoenfeld. Married Louisa Kiesling (1876-1933). Theodor Karl Friedrich (Louis) Koepke (1885-1952), born in Quadenschoenfeld. Married Louisa Mohrhusen (1883-?) Quadenschoenfeld is about 6 miles west of Rehberg, and Dewitz is about 6 miles northwest. In October of 1896, Wilhelm and Maria, together with their five youngest children (now aged 11 to 21), boarded the ship POLARIA at Hamburg bound for America. They arrived at Galveston, Texas, on November 22 after a voyage of about four weeks. Upon arrival, Wilhelm had $25.00 in his pocket. Carl, Friedrich, and Albert remained in Germany. Wilhelm Toll had already come to Texas in 1893. It is fairly certain that it was at his suggestion that the rest of the family followed, because he paid the fare for the family. The family settled in Fayette County at the Trinity Hill community just west of La Grange. Less than four years later, Maria died on September 27, 1900, at the age of 57. She is buried in the Trinity Hill cemetery. Wilhelm later moved in with William & Marie Toll in Giddings and then with his son, Henry, and Henry's wife, Louise, at Trinity Hill, staying some time with each one. Wilhelm finally made his home with his daughter, Auguste Holz, and her husband, Paul, at the O'Quinn community southwest of La Grange. There he died on July 16, 1928, at the age of 88. He, too, is buried in the Trinity Hill cemetery.