Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery
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The Reverend Christian Oefinger, serving as pastor of the Castroville Lutheran Church, led in founding this congregation in March 1852. The first church building was dedicated in 1854, coincidental with a synod convention held in Castroville. Bethlehem Lutheran Church hosted synod meetings in 1869, 1875, and 1894. The present brick structure, dedicated in 1914, was built largely by parishioners. St. John's Lutheran Church of New Fountain, founded in the late 1850's by the Rev. A. Kitterer and served by Bethlehem's pastors, merged with this congregation in 1949.
                                                Rev. Stephen M. Schur, Pastor (in 1996), Quihi, TX
                                                                        Texas State Historical Marker

LOCATION:  3901 FM 2676 (29 23.66N - 099 01.79W)

NOTE: The following tombstone inscriptions were copied word for word, line for line.  Tombstones identifying more than one grave are identified by a hyphen (1-2).  Underlined information is relative to all graves or burials sharing a common tombstone.  FS signifies footstone.  A slash (/) indicates the end of a line.  Information in italics (italics ) represents comments or observations made by the transcriber or are from other sources as noted.

Compiled by the Medina County Tombstone Inscription Project, Jim Menke, Coordinator, in cooperation with the Castro Colonies Heritage Association, Historical Research Committee.  (2004)

No. Name Inscription/Remarks
A1 BOEHLE, L HEILGE SCHRIFT / L. L. BOEHLE / GEB. / Mai 27, 1810 / GEST. / Marz 26, 1895 / Ein Streiter Jesu Christi. / Gründer der Gemeinde / Erbauer der Kirche
(Translation: HOLY SCRIPTURE / L. L. BOEHLE / BORN MAY 27, 1810 / DIED MARCH 26, 1895 / A warrior of Jesus Christ / Founded the community and built the church) FS - L.L.B.
Graves A1 and A2 enclosed with ornamental iron fence
A2 BOHLE, B AUF WIEDERSEHN / Heir ruht in Gott / Betha Lubben / Geboren / Schmidt / Bohle / Geb. Dez. 2, 1824 / Gest. / Jan. 16, 1882.
(Translation: TILL WE MEET AGAIN / Here rests in God / Betha Lubben / Nee / Schmidt / Bohle / Born Dec. 2, 1824 / Died. / Jan. 16, 1882)
Headstone broken in two pieces and lying on ground. Graves A1 and A2 enclosed with ornamental iron fence.
A3 _____, __
 

Headstone broken, only base remains on grave.
A4 ECKHART, R Hier ruhet in Gott / Regina Eckhart / eine geborne Binder / aug Königr. Württenberg / geb. den 22 Juni 1829 / gest den 14 August 1873
(Translation: Here rests in God / Regina Eckhart / nee Binder / from the kingdom of Wurttemberg / born June 22, 1829 / died Aug. 14, 1873)
A5 BOEHLE, F HEILIGE SCHRIFT / FRIEDERICH BOEHLE / Geb. in Emmern / Aint Ohsen. Hanover / Marz 20, 1785. / Gest. am Quihi / Aug. 24, 1867. / Friede seiner Asche
(Translation: HOLY SCRIPTURE / FRIEDERICH BOEHLE / Born in Emmern / District Ohsen, Hannover / March 20, 1785 / Died in Quihi / Aug. 24, 1867 /Peace be with his ashes) Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence. FS - F.B.
A6 SAATHOFF, L AUF WIEDERSEHN / LUEBBE / SAATHOFF / GEB. / Juli 9, 1851: / GEST. / Okt. 24, 1867.
(Translation: TILL WE MEET AGAIN / LUEBBE / SAATHOFF / BORN / July 9, 1851 / DIED / Oct. 24, 1867) FS - L.S.
A7 BALZEN, M Hier Ruhet / MIMKE / BALZEN / Geboren / Nov 22, / 1853 / Gestorben / Nov 25, / 1877 / Der Meister ist da / und ruft dich.
(Translation: Here rests / MIMKE / BALZEN / Born Nov. 22, 1853 / Died Nov. 25, 1877 / The Master is here and He calls you.)
B1-2 BREITEN, E
 


BREITEN, R
 

Hier Ruht / EMIL / BREITEN / GEB. / 13 SEPT. 1884 / GEST. / 14 SEPT. 1884
(Translation: Here Rests / EMIL / BREITEN / BORN / SEPT. 13, 1884 / DIED / SEPT 14, 1884)

ROBERT / BREITEN / GEB. / 25 Okt. 1885 / GEST. / 28 Okt. 1885 / Ihr ruht nun hier mit Staub bedeckt / Bis Euch der Herr einst Auferweckt.
(
Translation: ROBERT / BREITEN / BORN / Oct. 25, 1885 / DIED / Oct. 28, 1885 / You're sleeping under dusty dome / Until the Lord will call you home) FS - R.B. Concrete curbing around graves. 18" cement petal vase at foot of graves. Curbing.

B3 APP, K KATHERINE / APP / Marz 11, 1874 / Juni 22, 1884
(Translation: KATHERINE / APP / March 11, 1874 / June 22, 1884)
B4 OEFINGER, A ANNA OEFINGER / GEB. SEPT. 25, 1871 / GEST. NOV. 14, 1879
(
Translation: Anna Oefinger / BORN SEPT. 25, 1871 / DIED NOV. 14, 1879)
Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence. No headstone. Iron plate on iron fence.
B5 RIFF, I Gone so soon / In Memory of / IDA RIFF / BORN JUNE 15, 1881 / DIED JUNE 23, 1881
Tombstone broken
B6 HEYEN, R R. Louise /Tochter von / G. & C. Heyen / Geb. / Dec. 12, 1880 / Gtarb. Aug. 19, 1881 / Der Herr hat es gegeben / Der Herr hat es genommen, / Der Name des Herrn sei gelobet
(
Translation: A. Louise / Daughter of / G. & C. Heyen / Born / Dec. 12, 1880 / Died Aug. 19, 1881 / The Lord has given / The Lord has taken. / Praised be the name of the Lord.) Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence. No gate.
B7 SAATHOFF, F FRANZ FRIEDRICH SAATHOFF . . .Geb. der 15 Dec. 1879 / gest. der 20, Nov. 1883 / Mir ist. Gegeben / Gewalt ____
(Translation: . . . Born Dec. 15, 1879 / died Nov. 20, 1883 / To me is given power _____.) Marker broken into rubble.
B8 DEGRODT, F FRITZ HEINRICH DEGRODT / 3-18-1880 / 11-25-1883
No headstone. Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence. Metal tag with above information on top of back fence.
B9 BALZEN, E ERNEST E. / BALZEN / Oct. 3,1887 / Nov. 13, 1887 / Gone but not forgotten.
FS - E.E.B.
C1 OEFINGER, U URSULA / OEFINGER
Broken headstone. Graves 1, 2, & 3 enclosed with ornamental iron fence. Copper plate above headstone attached to fence reads: IN MEMORY OF / URSULA OEFINGER / BORN 10-16-1803 / DIED 10-18-1885.
C2 OEFINGER, K KATHARINA / OEFINGER
Leaning headstone. Graves 1, 2, & 3 enclosed with ornamental iron fence. Copper plate above headstone attached to fence reads: IN MEMORY OF / KATHARINA OEFINGER / BORN 8-1-1866 / DIED 1-21-1881
C3 HAUSER, A ANNA MARIA / HAUSER
Broken headstone. Graves 1, 2, & 3 enclosed with ornamental iron fence. Copper plate above headstone attached to fence reads: IN MEMORY / OF ANNA MARIA HAUSER / BORN 3-28- 1810 / DIED 9-9-1880
C4 BOHLEN, F FRIEDERIKA / BOHLEN / GEB. DEN 7, / OKT. 1868 / GEST. DEN / 10, DEZ. / 1880 / Das Loos ist mir / gefallen aus Liebe / mir ist ein / Erbtheil geworden
(
Translation: FRIEDRIKA / BOHLEN / BORN OCT. 7, 1868 / DIED / DEC 10 / 1880 / Fate has found me / Love was my Heritage) FS - F.B.
C5 ADEN, G Hier ruhet in Gott / GRETJE J ADEN / GEBORENE / SAATHOFF / GEB. / Mai 12, 1820 / GEST. / Dez. 29, 1886 / Selig sind die Todten, die in dem / Herrn sterben.
(
Translation: Here rests in God / GRETJE J ADEN / NEE / SAATHOFF / BORN / May. 12, 1820 / DIED / Dec. 29, 1886 / Blessed are the Dead, / who died in the arms of the Lord) Grave enclosed in ornamental iron fence; at foot is what appears to be concrete curbing for small grave. Illegible wooden marker.
C6 OEFINGER, A Hier ruhet der Leib / Von unserem Vater, / ANDREAS OEFINGER / GEB. / Marz 19, 1819 / GEST. / Jan. 4, 1887. / Der Wieder kunft seines Herrn, / und Heilandes wartend. / Ich weis dass mein Erloser lebt, und Er / wird mich hernach aus der Erde aufer / wecken.
(Translation: Here rests the Body / of our Father / ANDREAS OEFINGER / BORN / March 19, 1819 / DIED / Jan. 4, 1887 / Waiting for the return of the Lord and Savior / I know that my Redeemer lives and He / will soon awaken me from this Earth.) Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence. Mfg. By the Rogers Iron Co. Springfield. O. Patented Nov. 22, 1881
C7 NEUMANN, T Holy Bible / TRINTJE / NEUMANN / GEBORENE / EILRES / GEB. / Jan. 25, 1813, / GEST. / Oct. 9, 1888.
(
Translation: Holy Bible / TRINTJE / NEUMANN / NEE / EILRES / BORN / Jan. 25, 1813 / DIED / Oct. 9, 1988.) FS - T.N. Grave enclosed with concrete curbing. Large cedar tree growing from grave.
C8 BALZEN, H HEILGE SCHRIFT / HEINRICH H. BALZEN / GEB. / Juni 11, 1825 / GEST. / Dec. 7, 1888 / So Sehlummere sanft du guter Vater / Das Grab entriss dich uns zu früh / Du warst uns Schutz und treuer Führer. / Ach wir vergessen deiner nie.
(Translation: Holy Scripture / HEINRICH H BALZEN / BORN / June 11, 1825 / DIED / Dec. 7, 1888 / Sleep softly, you good Father / The grave tore you away from us too soon / You were our Shield and Leader / Alas, we will never forget you.) Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence. FS - H.H.B. mfg. by Springfield ARCHITECTURAL IRON WORKS, SPRINGFIELD O.
C9-10 SAATHOFF, M


 

SAATHOFF, J
 

AUF WIEDERSEHN / MARTIN J. SAATHOFF / GEB. / Jan. 30, 1815; / GEST. / Marz 20, 1864.
(
Translation: TILL WE MEET AGAIN / MARTIN J. SAATHOFF / BORN Jan. 30, 1815 / DIED / March 20, 1864) FS - Unmarked. Graves 9 & 10 enclosed with ornamental iron fence. Large cut field stone under south end of fence.

JANS. M. SAATHOFF / GEB. / Marz 12, 1850; / GEST. / Sept. 15, 1889.
(
Translation: JOHN M. SAATHOFF / BORN / Mar. 12, 1850; / DIED / Sept.15, 1889.) Graves 9 & 10 enclosed with ornamental iron fence. Large cut field stone under south end of fence.

C11 DEGRODT, W WEKE de / GRODT / Geborne / ONNEY / Geb. / Aug. 9, 1807 / Gest. Juli 8, 1890 / Der Glaube führt / durch Todesschmerz / Zum Himmel auf / das fromme Herz.
(
Translation: WEKE de / GRODT / Nee / ONNEY / Born Aug. 9, 1807 / Died July 8, 1890 / Faith leads the pious heart / Through mortal agony / into heaven's bliss) Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence. FS - unmarked.
C12 BOEHLE, H HENRICH F. / BOEHLE / GEST. Juli 22, 1890 / Im Alter von / 70 Jahren.
(
Translation: HENRICH F. / BOEHLE / Died July 22, 1890 / At age / 70 Years) FS - H.F.B. Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence.
C13 SCHUEHLE, E ELISABETHA / Geb'ne / KEIM / Gattin von / M. SCHUEHLE / GEB. / Okt. 4, 1821 / GEST. / Juli 27, 1890 / Im Lande, wo's kein Scheiden giebt, / Vereint Gott, die sich heir geliebt
(
Translation: ELISABETHA / Born / KEIM / Wife of / M. SCHUEHLE / BORN / Oct. 4, 1821 / DIED / July 27, 1890 / In Land where there is no parting / God gathers together those who loved each other.
D1 BALZEN, M Mimke Herman Balzen
Grave enclosed by ornamental iron fence. Small metal label on fence states: Mimke Herman Balzen / 2 Jan 1879 - 25 Jun 1890 / RWB 1975
D2 BORCHERS, A Alfred Henry Borchers / 1890 - 1892
Temporary metal marker. Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence. Wooden corner posts.
D3 HEYEN, B Bertha J. Heyen / Geb. Juli 15, 1889 / Gest. Januar 5, 1894
(
Translation: Bertha J. Heyen / Born July 15, 1889 / Died January 5, 1894) Metal marker on fence. Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence.
D4 UNMARKED
Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence.
D5 BOEHLE, F OUR DARLING / FRIEDA C. / BOEHLE / SEPT. 22, 1893 / MAR. 7, 1895
FS - FCB. Granite stone. Grave outlined with red bricks.
D6 HARTUNG, E IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE ARE MANY MANSIONS / EDLIN / MARY / HARTUNG / BORN / FEB. 13, 1900 / DIED / NOV. 3, 1900 / Rest little one, /  A mother's tears / may fall / But not for worlds / would she her / child recall: / HARTUNG
FS - EMH. Headstone upset from base. Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence mfg. by the STEWART IRON WORKS 3RD & CULVERT ST. CINCINNATI O.
D7 BOHLEN, E EWALD / BOHLEN / GEB. DEN 22 / OKT, 1897 / GEST. DEN / 28, DEZ / 1900 / Ich habe dich je / und je geliebt, darum / habe ich dich zu / mir gezogen aus / lauter Gute.
(Translation: EWALD / BOHLEN / BORN / OCT. 22, 1897 / DIED / DEC. 28, 1900 / I have loved you / forever and always / that is why I / called you home) FS - EB
D8 GERDES, M MARIA / GERDES / SEPT. 11, 1901 / JUNE 2, 1902 / A flower.
Concrete cover, BABY.
D9 BORCHERS, H HARRY FRITZ / BORCHERS / 5-18-1905 / 11-15-1905
Graves 9-10 enclosed by ornamental iron fence. Temporary metal marker.
D10 BORCHERS, H HENRY ALFRED / BORCHERS/ b. 1892 d. 1906
Graves 9-10 enclosed by ornamental iron fence. Temporary metal marker.
D11 HALLER, C CORRINE HENRIETTA HALLER / Born October 3, 1907 / Died April 1, 1908
Grave enclosed by ornamental iron fence manufactured by Stewart Iron Works Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. metal marker on gate.
D12 BALZEN, R Unser Liebling / Roland G. Balzen / Geb. Mai 9, 1906 / Gest. Aug. 28, 1909 / Er war ein stilles, gutes Kind, / Fromm, wie Gottes Engel sind.
(
Translation: Our Darling / Roland G. Balzen / Born May 9, 1906 / Died Aug. 28, 1909 / He was a quiet and darling baby / pious as God's angels may be) Red granite marker
D13 BALZEN, H
No headstone. Small metal marker in fence states: HERMAN FRITZ BALZEN / 29 SEPT. 1905 - 7 DEC. 1910. / RWB 1975.
Grave enclosed in ornamental fence.
D14 ROHLF, H Herbert Rohlf / Geb. Oct. 1, 1905 / Gest. Mai 30, 1911
(
Translation: Herbert Rohlf / Born Oct. 1, 1905 / Died May 30, 1911) Graves 14-15 enclosed in ornamental iron fence.
D15 BREITEN, E Hier Ruht / ESTHER M. / BREITEN / GEB. / 21 Dec. 1909 / GEST. / 16 Aug. 1912 / Schlumre sanft.
(
Translation: Here Rests / ESTHER M. / BREITEN / BORN / Dec. 21, 1909 / DIED / Aug. 16, 1912 / Sleep softly) Graves 14-15 enclosed by ornamental iron fence. FS - EB
D16 MUMME, M META EMMA / MUMME / SEPT. 8, 1912 / FEB. 24, 1913
Granite marker; concrete curbing.
D17 GRELL, J J. O. GRELL / GEB. / FEB. 20, 1830 / GEST. / AUG. 12, 1914 / NACH TODESSCHMERZ UND / GRABESRUH. FUEHRT CHRISTUS / UNS DEM HIMMEL ZU.
(
Translation: J. O. GRELL / BORN / FEB. 20, 1830 / DIED / AUG. 12, 1914 / AFTER MORTAL PAIN AND / REST IN THE GRAVE, JESUS / WILL LEAD US TO HEAVEN'S GATE.) Grave enclosed in ornamental iron fence mfg. by THE STEWART IRON WORKS CINCINNATI OHIO.  Tall granite headstone. FS - J.O.G.
D18 FUOS, J JAKOB FUOS / DEZ 25, 1834 / OKT. 4, 1914 / FUOS/ Christus ist mein Leben und Storber mein Gewinn.
(
Translation: JAKOB FUOS / DEC 25, 1834 / OCT. 4, 1914 / FUOS/ Christ is my Life and Death my Prize) Large granite marker with letter "F"
D19 BOHLEN, E E. A. BOHLEN / Geb. / Nov. 17, 1842 / Gest. / Jun 6, 1915 / Das stille Grab erschrecht / den Frommen nich, / Er hofft auf Gott, und furch / tet Kein Gericht.
(
Translation: E. A. BOHLEN / Born / Nov. 17, 1842 / Died / June 6, 1915 / The still grave does not scare the believer. / He hopes in God and has/ no fear of judgment.) Grave enclosed by ornamental iron fence. Tall red granite marker.
D20 LINDEBURG, T TALKE MARGRETA / LINDEBURG / GEB. FAHSLER / GEB. JAN 8, 1827 / GEST. JAN. 15, 1915 / In my father's house are many mansions. / LINDEBURG
(
Translation: - TALKE MARGRETA / LINDEBURG / NEE FAHSLER / BORN JAN 8, 1827 / DIED JAN. 15, 1915) Tall granite marker. FS: unmarked. Concrete curbing.
D21 OEFINGER, P PAUL OEFINGER / GEB. FEB. 5, 1826 / GEST. OKT. 17, 1915
(
Translation: PAUL OEFINGER / BORN FEB. 5, 1826 / DIED OCT. 17, 1915) Grave enclosed by ornamental iron fence. No headstone. Metal marker on fence.
D22-23 NEUMANN, O
 

NEUMANN, A

NEUMANN / OLDMAN / AUG. 29, 1835 / MAR. 29, 1916 / FATHER

ANNA / APR. 27, 1849 / SEPT. 25, 1936 / MOTHER
Graves No. 21-22 enclosed by ornamental iron fence.

D24 OEFINGER, A ANNA MARIA OEFINGER / IN MEMORY OF / ANNA MARIA OEFINGER / Born 1-19-1837 / Died 7/1/1923
No headstone. Grave enclosed by ornamental iron fence mfg. by THE STEWART ORNAMENTAL IRON FENCE CO.
E1 GERDES, A ANNA
Back side of headstone read: ANNA GERDES / GEB. / Dec. 16, 1869. / GEST. / Aug 13, 1890. / Getrennt doch ohne Hoffnung nicht, / Vereint, in bald bei Gott im Licht. / Hier Kampf, dort Fried; / Hier Leid, dort Freud.
(
Translation: ANNA GERDES / BORN / Dec. 16, 1869 / DIED / Aug. 13, 1890 / Separated but not without Hope / Reunited in God's Light / Here we suffer there is bliss.) Marble curbing around grave.
E2 OEFINGER, J HEILIGE SCHRIFT / JOHANN OEFINGER / GEB. / Dez. 18, 1830 / Gest. / Mai 1, 1891. / Ruhe sanft, denn fromm und bieder / War dein Wandel bis ans Grab, / Ruhe sanft, wir sehn uns wieder, / Spricht der Geist den Gott uns gab.
(
Translation: HOLY SCRIPTURE / JOHANN OEFINGER / BORN / Dec. 18, 1830 / Died / May 1, 1891. / Rest softly, for true & pious / did you wander to the Grave / Rest softly, we will meet again / speaks the Spirit that God gave.) Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence with metal arched arbor. FS - J.O. Marble headstone broken.
E3 BALZEN, H POSSIBLE GRAVE OF / HARM HINRICH BALZEN / BORN FEB 20 1801 E FRIESLAND / DIED MAY 11, 1891 / ANYONE HAVING OTHER INFOR- / MATION ABOUT THIS GRAVE SITE / PLEASE NOTIFY / P. W. BALZEN / 523 GETTYSBURG ROAD / SAN ANTONIO TEXAS 78228 / AUG. 1982
Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence with metal arched arbor. No headstone. Metal marker on metal fence at foot of grave.
E4 BOEHLE, M MARY / BOEHLE / GEB / ADEN. / BORN / OCT. 12, / 1829. / DIED / JAN. 13, / 1892. / IN MEMORY OF / OUR DEAR / MOTHER
(
Translation: MARY / BOEHLE / NEE / ADEN. - - -) Obelisk broken, five pieces on ground. FS - M.B.
E5 LINDEBURG, J JAHN J. LINDEBURG / GEB. DEN 12 TEN MARZ / 1811 ZU HOLTUP / OSTFRIESLAND / GEST. DEN 3 TEN / APRIL 1892. / In my father's house are many mansions.
(
Translation: JOHN J. LINDEBURG / BORN MARCH 12 / 1811 AT HOLTUS / OSTFRIESLAND / DIED / APRIL 3, 1892) Concrete curbing around grave. FS - unmarked.
E6 HEYEN, J IN MEMORY OF / JOHANN HEYEN / BORN 1-23-1831 / DIED 7-3-1892
Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence. No headstone. Above inscription on metal plate attached to back fence. Metal plate 10" x 2" with name J. Heyen lying on ground at base of large cedar tree growing from grave.
E7 OEFINGER, U Hier ruht der Leib / unserer Mutter / URSULA OEFINGER / GEB. / MAI 25, 1825; / GEST. / JUNI 18, 1896. / Der Glaube führt durch / Todesschmerz zum Himmel / auf das Fromme Herz / Christus ist mein Leben, / und Sterben ist mein Gewinn. / PM 1.1.21.
(
Translation: Here rests the body / of our Mother / URSULA OEFINGER / BORN / May 25, 1825; / DIED / JUNE 18, 1896. / Faith leads the / Pious heart through mortal pain into Heaven's bliss / Christ is my Life / and death my Prize.) Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence. FS - U.O.
E8 BALZEN, G GESCHEE. / Gattin von / HEINRICH BALZEN / GEB. / Feb. 21, 1826; / Gest. / Oct. 20, 1897. / Liebe die auf Erden / uns vereinet, / Blühet ewig in den / Himmel fort. / Wo kein Auge mehr / ob Trenrung weinet / Und vereid igt reine Seelen dort.
(
Translation: GESCHEE / Wife of / HEINRICH BALZEN / BORN / Feb. 21, 1826; / Died / Oct. 20, 1897 / Love uniting / us on earth / Will forever bloom in / Heaven / Where no Eyes will / cry at parting / and our pure souls will be reunited.) Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence, mfg. by SPRINGFIELD ARCHITECTURAL IRON WORKS, SPRINGFIELD O. FS - G.B.
E9 HEICKMANN, D DIEDEREICH, HEICKMANN / PVT J H CONNER CO TEX VOL / MEXICAN WAR / APR. 3, 1819 - JUL 10, 1899
Military marker. Cedar stump in middle of grave. Old wooden headstone leaning against stump - not legible.
E10 VOGEL, C CHRISTINE / VOGEL / GEB. / Sept. 22, 1824. / GEST. / April 3, 1899 / VOGEL / IN MEINE VATER'S HAUS / SIND VIELLA WOHNUNCEN
(
Translation: CHRSTINE / VOGEL / BORN / Sept. 22, 1824. / DIED / April 3, 1899 / VOGEL/ In my Father's house / are many mansions) Yellow brick curbing on right side of grave. Broken limestone base right of headstone.
E11 OEFINGER, L LOUISE OEFINGER / GEB. JAN. 17, 1871 / GEST. MAI 2, 1899.
(
Translation: LOUISE OEFINGER / BORN JAN. 17, 1871 / DIED MAY 2, 1899.) Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence. No headstone. Metal marker with above information attached to back fence.
E12 ADEN, E Hier ruht in Gott / EHME LUBBEN / ADEN / GEB. / Mai 31, 1826; / GEST. / Juni 2, 1899. / Selig sind die Todten / die in den Herrn sterben.
(
Translation: Here rests in God / EHME LUBBEN / ADEN / BORN / May 31, 1826; / DIED / June 2, 1899 / Blessed are the dead / who died in the arms of the Lord.) Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence. FS - E.L.A.
E13 GRODT, H HENRY D. / GRODT. / GEB. Oct. 5, 1835 / GEST. / Juni 13, 1901 / Wer überwindet der/ Wird es alles ererben / und ich werde sein Gott / sein und er wird / Mein Sahn sein. / affb. Johanne's 21 Verse 7 / DEGRODT
(
Translation: HENRY D. / GRODT. / BORN Oct. 5, 1835 / DIED. / June 13, 1901 / He who overcomes / Will inherit everything / and I will be with God / and He will be my Staff [Patron] John 21:7 / DEGRODT) Stone obelisk, broken.
E14 BALZEN, A AUGUST J. BALZEN
Grave enclosed by ornamental iron fence. No headstone. Iron marker with above information wired on iron gate.
E15-16 BOEHLE, L


 

BOEHLE, A
 

Front side of headstone: LOUISA / KURKA / BOEHLE / ADEN / MAR. 6, / 1876 / GEST. OCT. 11, / 1903
On side: Gone but not forgotten
(Translation: LOUISA / KURKA / BOEHLE / ADEN / MAR. 6, / 1876 / DIED Oct. 11, / 1903) FS - L.K.B.

Backside of headstone: ANTJE / BOEHLE / ADEN / Oct. 19, / 1854 / GEST. / Oct. 19 / 1903
(
Translation: ANTJE / BOEHLE / ADEN / Oct. 19, / 1854 / DIED / Oct. 19 / 1903) FS - A.B. Tombstone fixed wrong; obelisk faces front and back, should face left to right side. Marker on iron gate: THE / STEWART / IRON / WORKS / 3RD & CULVERT ST. / CINCINNATI. O.

E17 BOEHLE, F B / FRIEDERICH L. / MAR. 27, 1849 / SEPT. 5, 1924 / Resting in hope of a glorious resurrection. / BOEHLE
FS - F.L.B.
F1 KAPPNER, E Hier Ruht / EMMA KAPPNER / GEB. OEFINGER / 7 FEB. 1866 / GEST / 31 AUG. 1904 / ALTER, 38 YAHRS / 6.M. 24. TG. / Die richtig vor sich gewandelt haben / Kommen zum Frieden und ruhen in ihren / Kammern. Yes. 57.2. / Herr Jesu Christ die Seele mein Befehl / ich in die Hande dein.
(
Translation: EMMA KAPPNER / NEE OEFINGER / FEB 7, 1866 / DIED / AUG. 31, 1904 / 38 YEARS OLD / 6 MONTHS. 24 DAYS / They who walked the righteous path / Will enjoy peace and sleep in their / Chambers. ----- Lord Jesus, I commend my Soul / into your Hands.) FS - E.K.O. Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence.
F2 ECKHART, T. THERESA ECKHART / DEC. 25, 1853 / JUNE 2, 1905 / AT REST
FS - T.E.
F3 SCHULTE, H HILKE SCHULTE / BORN SEPT. 4, 1840 / DIED APRIL 11, 1906
Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence. No headstone. Above information on metal plate attached to fence. Two footstones, I. M.B. and L. N. are mis-allocated and may come from Grave 4, Ida Mary Burkett and Grave 5, Louise Nietenhoefer.
F4 BURKETT, I In my father's / house are many / mansions / IDA MARY / Wife of / H. S. / BURKETT / BORN / MAY 4, 1892 / DIED / DEC. 22 / 1906 / She crossed the troubled river / That lies twixt us and heaven: / To her a robe of whiteness / A golden crown is given
F5 NIETENHOEFER, L LOUISE / NIETENHOEFER / Geb. / Juni 6, 1882 / Gest / Apr. 26, 1907 / Der Meister / ist da / und ruft dich
(Translation: LOUISE / NIETENHOEFER / Born / June 6, 1882 / Died / Apr. 26, 1907 / The Master / is here / and He calls you.) Headstone broken from base.
F6 FUOS, A Hier ruht / ANNA FUOS / geb. / Juni 14, 1838 / In Aldingen / Württemberg / Gest. / NOV 26, 1907 / Im Alter von 69 Jahren / 5 Monaten 11 Tagen / unser Glaube ist / FUOS
(Translation: Here rests / ANNA FUOS / born / June 14, 1838 / In Aldingen / Wurttemberg / Died / NOV 26, 1907 / Age 69 Years / 5 Months 11 Days / We Believe / FUOS) Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence mfg by THE STEWART IRON WORKS CO CINCINNATI
F7 NIETENHOEFER, J JOHANN / A NIETENHOEFER / GEB / JULI 14 / 1886 / GEST. / FEB 8, / 1908 / Auf Wiedersehn
(Translation: JOHANN A NIETENHOEFER / BORN / JULY 14 / 1886 / DIED / FEB 8, / 1908 / Till we meet again) FS - J.A.N. White marble.
F8 NIETENHOEFER, A AUGUST H. / NIETENHOEFER / Geb / Jan. 27, 1889 / Gest / Jan 2, 1909 / Im Lande / hier es Scheiden giebt / Vereint Gott die / sich hier geliebt
(Translation: AUGUST H. / NIETENHOEFER / Born / Jan. 27, 1889 / Died / Jan 2, 1909 / We have to separate on this Earth / but God will / reunite us with our loved ones. FS - A.H.N. White marble)
F9 BOHLEN, E LEAD KINDLY LIGHT / In Liebender / Erinnerung an / EMIL BOHLEN / Geb. / Jan. 16, 1882 / Gest / Sept 24, 1910 / Herr Lehre mich doch / das es ein Ende mit mir / haben muss und mein Leben / ein Ziel hat, und ich davon / muss. / Gegangen, aber / nicht vergessen
(Translation: LEAD KINDLY LIGHT / In loving / Memory of / EMIL BOHLEN / Born / Jan. 16, 1882 / Died / Sept 24, 1910 / Lord, teach me / that my life / has to end and / that I must leave / Gone but / not forgotten.) Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence, mfg. by THE STEWART IRON WORKS CINCINNATI O.
F10 NEUMAN, A ALBERT NEUMAN / BORN / APR. 6, 1838 / DIED / OCT. 30, 1910 / Sleep father dear / and take thy rest / God called thee home / He thought it best. / NEUMAN
Grave enclosed with concrete curbing. Large vase at foot of grave.
F11 BOLEN, F FOLKE BOHLEN / Geb Gerdes / Geb / Juni 22, 1847 / Gest. / Jan. 17, 1911. Endlich hast Du uber wunden / Manche schwere harte Stunden / Manchen Tag und manche Nacht / hast du in Schmerzen zugebracht. / Standhaft hast Du sie ertragen, / Deine Schmerzen, deine Plagen / Bis der Tod dein Auge brach / und de warst in himmel wach.
(Translation: FOLKE BOHLEN / Nee Gerdes / Born / June 22, 1847 / Died / Jan. 17, 1911. Finally you have overpowered / many grave and serious hours / Many a day and many a night / You had to cope with pains and fright / Courageously you have endured all pains and torments you incurred / till death did close your dying eyes / and you woke up in heaven.)   FS - F.B. Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence.
F12 NIETENHOEFER, J COME YE BLESSED / JOHANN / NIETENHOEFER / Geb. Okt. 27, 1829 / Gest. Dez. 14, 1911. / Im Himmel labt nach / Trenn und schmerz / Des Wiedersehens Lust das Herz
(Translation: COME YE BLESSED / JOHANN / NIETENHOEFER / Born Oct. 27, 1829 / Died Dec. 14, 1911 / After the pain of leaving here / the reunion in Heaven / Will delight the heart) FS - J.N.
F13 HEYEN, M MARIA E. HEYEN / GEBORENE LOESBERG / GEB. MÄRTZ 9, 1834 / GEST. JULI 28, 1912
(Translation: MARIA E. HEYEN / NEE / LOESBERG / BORN MARCH 9, 1834 / DIED JULY 28, 1912) Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence. Large field stone under south side of fence. No headstone. Metal plaque on fence.
F14 GRELL, A ALKE GRELL / JUNE 11, 1840 / DEC. 24, 1912 / GRELL
Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence manufactured by Stewart Iron Works, Cincinnati, Ohio.
F15 PAUSS, B. B. PAUSS
Grave enclosed with ornamental iron fence. No headstone. Metal tag on fence with name.
F16 FUOS, L LOVE / LIFE / TRUTH / LINA FUOS / MAI 7, 1884 / SEPT. 10, 1913 / Zum Heiland ging / ich dir voran / folge nach auf rechter Bahn
(Translation: LOVE / LIFE / TRUTH / LINA FUOS / MAY 7, 1884 / SEPT. 10, 1913 / I led the way to the Savior / so follow me righteously.)
F17 NEUMANN, K KATHARINE / NEUMANN / June 16, 1851 / March 3, 1929 / At Rest
Grave surrounded with concrete curb, large cement vase at south end.

 UNMARKED GRAVES

The burial records at Zion Lutheran Church, Castroville, Texas, indicate that the following six burials took place at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery. Their graves are unmarked and their locations unknown.

  DIETRICH, H
(No. 19) Helen Mary Dietrich (child) Lutheran
Age - 2 1/2 years
Died - Quihi, Dec. 28, 1856
Buried - Quihi, Dec. 29, 1856
Parents - Gerd. Dietrich and Anna Heiseen
  EHMEN, H
(No. 5) Harm Ehmen (Lutheran)
Age - 33 years
Died - Quihi, June 17, 1853
Buried - Quihi, June 18, 1853
Spouse - Antge Saathoff
  GERDES, V
(No. 22) Venne Durks Gerdes
Died - Quihi, April 1857
Buried - Quihi Apr. 3, 1857
Spouse - Jan. Gerdes
  HEUCHLING, C.
(No. 23) Christina Heuchling
Died - Quihi, Apr. 17, 1857
Buried - Quihi, Apr.. 18, 1857
Spouse - Fries Heuchling
  ROMME, B.
(No. 20) Balzer Balzen Romme
Age - 29 years, farmer
Died - Quihi, Mar. 2, 1857
Buried - Quihi, Mar. 3, 1857
Spouse - Gertrude Loessberg
  SAATHOFF, F
(No.1) Folkert Saathoff
Age - 32 years 6 months. Blacksmith
Died - Quihi, June 11, 1852
Buried - Quihi, June 12, 1852
Spouse - Antja
The burial records maintained by Paul Guinn, Hondo area sexton, Guinn-Horger Funeral Home, lists the following burials at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery, but their graves are unmarked and their locations are unknown.
  BRYAN, E.
Emma Anna Eckhart Bryan; age 27, died March 2, 1915
  FASELER, J
Johann H. Faseler; age 75; died November 20, 1913
  GOTTLIEB, H
Heinrich Louis Gottlieb, age 10; died August 8, 1904
  HARTMANN, F
Floyd Hartmann; age 0; died September 19, 1939
  KONKE, D
Dirk Jasper Konke; age 49; died July 21, 1888
  MAYER, E
Elizabeth Mayer; age 83; died March 26, 1873
  McKINNEY, R
Rosalie McKinney; age 2; died March 2, 1927
  SAATHOFF, T
Trintje, Saathoff; died September 23, 1904
  SCHUEHLE, F
Fred Schuehle; age 0; death unknown
LOST CHILDREN'S GRAVES:
Tradition states that in the early years of the church, an epidemic occurred and a number of children died. They were buried in the southeast section of the cemetery. Their graves were marked with small white wooden crosses. Time has erased these markers, and the grave sites have been lost.
GRAVES LOCATED OUTSIDE BUT ADJACENT TO THE BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH CEMETERY:
G1 GERDES, H Herman Gerdes, born 1842 in Westphalia. He committed suicide and therefore he could not be buried by church rules in the old Quihi Lutheran Cemetery. He was buried in the lane between the cemetery and the Heinrich Brucks field, the lane being the one which went to the Oldman Neumann home, no longer there. The grave had a tombstone but since the lane is no longer used, the grave and tombstone were plowed over and lost.
                                                                 Medina County History, F211
G2 MUMME, A Heir ruht / AUG. MUMME / GEB. / 9 Sept. 1851 / GEST. 19 Marz 1879
On back side of the headstone is the following: Ermordet bei / Bekannter Hand / J. M. M. G. C. W. / Bin ich todt? O Nein, Ihr / Liebn. Oben strömt / das Leben frei. Aller / Todt ist drunten blieben / Alles Sterben ist vorbei! / Wollt ihr wissen wie es / geht? Kommet höher, / Kommt und seht.
[Murdered by the hand of someone I knew J.M. M.G. G.W. Am I dead? / Oh no, you / dear ones. Here above life / goes on. All Death remained there below, / all dying is over! / Would you like to know how it / is? Come up higher, Come and see. Translation: Texas Graveyards by Terry G. Jordan]

Linda Gilliam Vereen in her article on "Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery, Quihi, TX" states the following: "There is one very unusual burial, that of August Mumme, my ggg uncle. He is buried across a road that runs through the far side of the cemetery, and his grave is situated on a north-south axis, rather than the traditional east-west orientation. There are several stories regarding his death. The one handed down in my family is something to the effect that as a young man August got involved with a band of local cattle rustlers. After some time, he became apprehensive of his involvement, and resolved to turn his cohorts in to the authorities. Before he could do so, he was murdered by his colleagues. An inscription in German on his tombstone says he was murdered at the hands of his acquaintances, and three sets of initials are inscribed. Other versions of the story are that August turned outlaw and was killed in the act of cattle rustling by his more upright neighbors. My grandfather told me that regardless of the circumstances of his death, murder caused very hard feelings in his home community of New Fountain and that the then minister of the church there refused to bury him. The family then applied to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, whose minister agreed to bury him, but only set apart from the main body of the church cemetery."1

1 Vereen, Linda Gilliam; "Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery", Quihi, TX; www:TXGenWeb

TXGenWeb, Medina County - Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery (MCTIP) updated on 11/07/2013

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