Family
photos courtesy of
Chris Fry chrisjfry(at)gmail.com |
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Heinrich "Henry" Bentz, son of Christian Christoph Bentz and Juliana Veiock, was born September 1, 1886 in McPherson, South Dakota. Christian Christoph Bentz (December 7 1857 Neu Freudenstal, Bessarabia, Russia – January 23, 1943 Missoula, Missoula, Montana) and Juliana Veiock (February 1858 Rohrback, Odessa, Ukrayina – September 5, 1953 in Brule, South Dakota) were married c 1879. They immigrated to the United States, arriving in New York on August 21, 1886.
Children of Christian and Juliana Bentz were: Henry, their fourth child, married Fredricka “Freda” Wolf c 1912 in North Dakota. In January, 1920, they were living on Main Street in Fredonia Village, Logan County, North Dakota, where Henry was the postmaster. By December, 1920, the family had moved to Francitas, Jackson County, Texas where Henry had a general store. In the fall of 1932, Henry purchased the Charles Harriman farm on East bay near Palacios, Texas in Matagorda County and Henry began farming.
Children of Henry and Freda Bentz were: Henry died in Houston on September 30, 1970 at the Winterhaven Home, 6534 Steubner-Airline. His home address was 435 Azaleadell Lane, Houston. He was buried at Forest Park West Cemetery.
Fredricka died at The Alliance Village in
McAllen, Hidalgo County, Texas on December 18, 1971. She, too, was
buried at Forrest Park. |
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Funeral services for Mrs. Freidrich Wolf Bents, 80, of Houston were held at 12 noon Monday at the Settegast-Kopf Kirby Drive Chapel with Rev. James Riper officiating. Interment was in Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. A native of Antelope N. D. and a former resident of Palacios, she passed away Saturday in McAllen. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Clara Burgdorff, Houston; Mrs. Mary Carothers, Bartlesville, Okla.; three sons, Irvin C. Bentz, Albert F. Bentz and Henry C. Bentz, all of Houston. Nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Palacios Beacon, December 23, 1971 |
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The Ladies' Aid gave an interesting program at the church Friday evening, when all those to whom Mrs. W. F. Schwind had loaned a dollar to invest for the church, brought in the money earned on their investment. Each member of the Aid told the story of how she had increased her dollar. Some of the ladies had baked and sold pies and bread, some had served ice cream, lunch, or dinner, and some had done sewing. Mr. Henry Bentz and Mr. Wingart also told amusing tales about their experiences with the dollars loaned them, and several musical numbers and readings were given. Mrs. Schwind's investment of $20.00 brought in $115.00, which will be applied on the church painting fund. --Palacios Beacon, December 10, 1920 |
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Mrs. R. Wolf, mother of Mrs. Henry Bentz,
who has had several sick spells lately, is improving rapidly. --Palacios
Beacon, June 3, 1921 |
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On Thursday, May 18, a party in honor of Mr. C. O. Hardy, celebrating his birthday was held. Forty-two games were much in favor, five tables being occupied.
Toward the end of the evening, exceedingly tasty
refreshments were served, and included a birthday cake measuring
approximate two feet across, or at least appearing so, and a forest
of candles, the number of which is difficult, and in addition, an
accurate count would not be diplomatic. The guests were as follows:
Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Wingert, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bentz, Mr. and
Mrs. R. S. Kingham, Mrs. Harry Ellis, H. B. Fislar, V. A. Egger,
Harold and Ellis Kingham, Watts Langston, Misses Sophie and Elsie
Lubben, Jewel Langston, Leta Kingham, Edgar Meyer, Vance Dye, Glenn
Ellis and the writer. --The Palacios Beacon, May 26, 1922 |
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Henry Bentz, his mother and two sons, motored to Palacios Thursday. --Palacios Beacon, July 7, 1922 |
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Deutschburg Thursday night, March 29, there will be a debate between Messrs. Bentz and Wingart, of Francitas, and Messrs. Best, F. Schmidt and Kunover, of Deutschburg. Subject "That the compulsory school law should have been made," affirmative Deutschburg. Everybody come. --Palacios Beacon, March 23, 1923 |
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Francitas Prof. Harbison and family took Sunday dinner at the Bentz home. School election Saturday went in favor of Mr. Henry Bentz and Mr. McClaridy. Rev. Broome and son, Charles, were guests at the Bentz home Sunday. Rev. Broome preached Sunday night. Mr. and Mrs. Stall, Mr. Harbison and family, and Mr. Bentz and family attended church and S. S. at Rich Square Sunday. --Palacios Beacon, April 10, 1924 |
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Sub-County Meet Held Fri.
Those winning first and second
places follow:
Misses Esther Bullock, LaNelle
Richards, Elizabeth Ruthven and Albert and Isadore Bentz,
motored to Houston Thursday as winners in Palacios school meet, here
last Friday and Saturday. The girls winning in tennis and the boys
in declamation. They were accompanied by Mr. Lowry. –Palacios
Beacon, April 4, 1929 |
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"B" Honor Roll - Seniors:--Isadore Bentz, Jammie Hood, Floyd Martin, Bob Trull, Willis Michna --Palacios Beacon, October 24, 1929
Miss Joe Beth Robinson and Isadore Bentz
were chosen as the most popular girl and boy of the Palacios High
School and will be crowned King and Queen at the Carnival Friday
night. –Palacios Beacon, October 31, 1929 |
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Misses Nancy Price, Lenora Michna, Clara Bentz and Elizabeth Faubion in costume gave the sailor’s dance in a very charming manner.
The Style Show as put on by Isadore Bentz, in which nine of
the young boys acted as models, was the scream of the evening. Those
modeling, in which were shown the latest and popular styles for
young ladies and school girls, street suits, afternoon dresses,
beach costumes, and evening gowns, were John Barnett , Jr., Henry
Lawson, Sammie Hood, Joseph Tanner, Thomas Bullock, Chas. Stramblad,
Bob Trull, Fulton Lothridge and Berle Faubion. --Palacios Beacon,
November 7, 1929 |
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The Community Club will hold its next regular
meeting at the school house Saturday night, May 10, at which time
there will be a debate between Francitas and Deutschburg. The
subject to be debated is:--“Resolved, That Prohibition is
Fundamentally a Success.” Francitas having the affirmative and
Deutschburg the negative. Those to represent Francitas are, Messrs.
Wm. F. Schwind, H. Bentz and Gillespie. Those to represent
Deutschburg are Messrs. W. R. Neuszer, Paul Gerhard and L. P.
Neuszer. --Palacios Beacon, May 1, 1930 |
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Girls: Eva Smith, Ruth Hood, Gladys Cox, Clara
Ward, Opal Bonner, Elva McKissick, Anna Cornelius, Esther Bullock,
Gladys Frankson, Audrey Harvey, Esther Anderson, Margaret Hunter,
La-Nelle Richards, Clella Mae Wolfe, Elizabeth Ruthven, Dorothy
Stramblad, Mary Allen Elliott
Boys: Bob Trull, Harold Bell, Sammie Hood, Floyd
Martin, Willis Michna, Isadore Bentz, Henry Lawson, Rodell
Matteson, Burton Duncan. --Palacios Beacon, May 29, 1930 |
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Rev. C. B. Ray from Palacios, was on our program last Sunday afternoon at three o'clock which was sponsored by our four Sunday School classes, honoring class No. 3 for having read the most Bible verses for the last quarter. That class, with their teacher, Mrs. Ruth Hardy and a class membership of ten boys and girls, all seniors, read in the neighborhood of 50,000 verses of Bible. Class No. 2, all Junior boys, in the neighborhood of 40,000 Bible verses, six in the class, with Mrs. Hudson as teacher. Class No. 4, which is the age of 25 and up to 70 years of age, read something like 21,000 verses, with Mr. H. Bentz as teacher. At this occasion Bro. Ray brought us a great message on the subject "Christian Character," in which was stressed the value of Sunday School and Bible reading, and the very important matter of character building. We are very grateful to Rev. Ray for the message and as everyone present, which was a very nice congregation, enjoyed the services very much and so did the preacher, as he remarked, to the writer afterwards, "How these people listened so attentively, was a pleasure to be witnessed." We, as a Sunday School, are looking forward to the fourth Sunday of each month, for on that day Rev. Carrol B. Ray will bring us a message at 3 o'clock p. m., and we are welcoming everybody, that will, to come and worship with us. Mr. Payne of our city has been on the sick list, but at this writing we are glad to say that he is up and around and feeling better.
We had the eliminations in
Declamation Saturday, March 26, and the following were
victorious:--Junior Girls, Gladys Collins; Junior Boys, Henry
Bentz; Senior Girls, Clara Bentz, and Senior Boys,
Albert Bentz, the last three winning by default, since they did
not have anyone to speak against. --Palacios Beacon, March
31, 1932 |
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The Francitas school is well pleased with the outcome of the County Meet, having won several first, second and minor places. The Bentz children, Albert, Clara and Henry, were again victorious in declamation, respectfully in the senior, senior and junior decisions. Gladys Collins won second place in the junior girl decision, this being her first year to compete. She gives promise of being a first place winner another year. Albert Bentz was also the first place winner again in the mile run. He did not place in the district contest in the mile run last year, but won the unanimous decision of the judges for first place in declamation and took fourth place in the State Meet. The school and community are very proud of all the children that entered any of the events in the County Meet this year and hope that next year we may win many more places. The children are busy this week taking their seventh month examinations. We have only one month remaining in the school term.
The perfect spellers of the week
are: |
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Albert Bentz, who won fourth place in the State Meet last year in Senior Boys Rural Declamation, again won first place in the District Meet held at Victoria last Friday and Saturday. His sister, Clara, won first in Junior Girls Declamation last year at the District Meet and won second place in Senior Girls Declamation this year. Henry, brother to Albert and Clara, won second place this year in Junior Boys Declamation. Gladys Collins, our Junior Girl contestant in the District Meet, did not place, but this being her first year to enter, gives promise of being a winner next year.
Perfect spellers for the week
are:-- |
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Isadore Bentz came home
Saturday of last week and returned to Houston Monday. He loves his
family, enough reason for him to come home ever so often.
Palacios Beacon, May 12, 1932 |
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The purpose of the meeting with the Matagorda County Commissioners' Court was to advise them that the bond issue necessary to finance this district's part of such a road down the Brownsville Railroad thru Francitas has been voted; that the LaWard district has voted; that the LaWard district has voted bonds for such a road; and that in view of the fact that Matagorda County has had the necessary funds for the construction of the road in Matagorda County available for some time, to secure the co-operation of Matagorda County before the Highway Commission to hasten the construction of the road. Arrangements are being made for a delegation favorable to the project to present its merits to the State Highway Commission at the next meeting of the body. Commissioner A. J. Peters from this Precinct accompanied the delegation and gave assurance of the co-operation of Jackson County.
Those from Francitas who were in
the party were H. Bentz, W. H. Wingert, Wm. F. Schwind, W. R.
Joines, J. D. Langston and Watts Langston. --Palacios Beacon,
May 12, 1932 |
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Our school closed Wednesday nite, May 4th, with the graduation exercises. We were pleased to have Rev. David Roberts and wife of Ganado with us on this occasion. Mr. Roberts made a very interesting talk to the graduates. The High School graduates were: Albert Bentz, Helen Parish, Lawrence Carroll. The Grammar School graduates were:--Devodia Landin, Luther Hardy, Myrtle Harris, Fred Price, Harry Landin. Those honored for highest grade average were:--Lawrence Carroll, Albert Bentz, Opal Price, Clyde Payne, Francis Harris, Gladys Collins, Devodia Landin, Franklin Pearce, Morgan Pearce, Tommy Hawkins, Mary Mildred Bentz, Mary Louise Carville, Edna Harris, Sylvester Vickers. Honors were awarded the following students for neither being absent nor tardy during the school term:--Lula Maud Hawkins, Mary Louise Carvell.
Albert Bentz and his
teacher, C. E. Buck, have returned from a trip to Austin, where
Albert participated in the State Interscholastic League Meet, as
Rural Senior Declaimer. Albert won first place, bringing home both
the large cup and gold medal. We are very proud of him and wish him
equal success in the future. He is the third student of our school
to bring back a cup from Austin. Charles Brown in Rural Declamation
and Vesta Hardy in Essay Writing. --Palacios Beacon, May 12,
1932 |
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Isadore Bentz, of Francitas, a Palacios High School graduate, was one of two hundred and twenty-two Rice Institute students whose scholastic standing merited special mention of commendation in connection with scholarship award named in a list made public by the registrar's office. These students received none of the monetary awards offered by several of the scholarships, but attained high ranking.
Isadore was a sophomore at Rice
last year and his many Palacios friends are watching his progress
with interest. --Palacios Beacon, August 25, 1932 |
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H. Bentz, of Francitas, accompanied by his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Bentz, of North Dakota, who are
making him a visit, was in Palacios last Thursday. While here Mr.
Bentz informed us that Rev. W. G. Buchard would begin a union
meeting at the church in Francitas on the second Sunday in June. He
said the church building had been thoroughly cleaned, and well
screened, seats refinished and everything in fine shape for the
comfort of all those who would come and help in this meeting which
is undenominational. Everybody is invited and chorus and musicians
from nearby town are to assist. Subjects for the first week and
those furnishing special music are as follows:
Saturday “A vision of the Captain,” Lutheran
Choir of El Campo. --Palacios Beacon, June 7, 1934 |
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Palacios Beacon, May 28, 1936 |
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The marriage of Miss Clara Bentz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Bentz, of this city, to Mr. Benny Burgdorf, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Burgdorf of Houston, was solemnized at eleven o'clock Saturday morning at the First Baptist Church, Rev. L. W. Crouch officiating. The bride's attendants were her sister, Miss Mary Mildred Bentz, and Miss Donna May Burgdorf, sister of the groom. The groom was attended by his father, and brother, H. E. Burgdorf who served as best man. The vows were taken in front of a latticed arch draped with coral vine and other pink flowers, and a profusion of beautiful flowers and foliage attractively arranged decorated the altar where the wedding party took their places for the impressive ring service. The wedding music was furnished by Mrs. A. E. Burton at the piano and Mr. John Richards, violin. Mrs. F. L. Harper sang the bridal solo. A reception for the newly weds, immediate families and a few close friends was held in the Houston South Main Baptist house in the B. Y. P. U. grounds, at the noon hour. During the afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Bergdorf took their departure for a short honeymoon trip, after which they will return to Houston where they will make their home. Mrs. Burgdorf came here from Francitas with her parents, and graduated from our high school. For a time she was employed at the Ruthven Grocery, resigning her place to go to business college in Houston where she has finished her course and now has a position at the Houston Clinic. Mr. Burgdorf also lived in Francitas going from there to Houston, and a friendship made in early days grew to romance, culminating in Saturday's marriage. Also a closer union of two families that were almost like in the early days in North Dakota, before the younger generation migrated to Texas, has been found. The Beacon joins the many friends of these young people in congratulations and wishes for them a long and happy journey through life.
Among those here for the wedding
were the groom's parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. Burgdorf, Sr., brother and
wife, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Burgdorf, sisters, Mrs. Ruth B. Jackson and
two children, and Miss Donna May Burgdorf, Mrs. R. S. Kingham and
daughter, Mrs. Gibson, all of Houston. --Palacios Beacon,
October 5, 1939 |
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A family re-union was held Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. Bentz, honoring his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. Bentz, who are leaving Texas this week for their former home at Eureka, S. Dak., and then go to Missoula, Mont., to make their home with a son, John Bentz. Mr. and Mrs. Bentz, Sr. have made Palacios their home for the past six years and made many friends here who wish them well in their new home. Guests from out-of-town at the re-union Sunday , were Mr. and Mrs. Penny Bengdorf and Albert Bentz, of Houston, I. C. Bentz, of Freeport, and Mr. and Mrs. E. M Bentz and two daughters, Peggy and Jim Annie of Houston. E. M. Bentz is a son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Bentz, who accompanied them to Houston where they will visit for a few days before leaving for their northern trip. --Palacios Beacon, June 27, 1940
Names of Matagorda County Men Now
In Armed Services Listed Below |
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Mr. Henry Bentz of Palacios was
over to attend church services here last Sunday. --The Edna
Herald, April 22, 1954 |
