Christian D. Lubben

Christian D. Lubben (December 2, 1863 Oldenburg, Germany - June 10, 1944 Austin, Travis Co, TX) immigrated to the United States departing Antwerp, Belgium on the Rhynland and arrived in New York on April 4, 1884. His destination was Illinois.

He left Illinois and moved first to Colorado and then to Nebraska where he married Lena Amalia Schumann in 1897.

The Lubbens had seven children, six of whom were:
Renke G. Lubben March 7, 1898 Nebraska - June 29, 1980 San Antonio, Bexar Co, TX
Christina Lubben Jan 1900 – before April 15, 1910
Sophie Marie Lubben Martin November 14, 1901 - February 11, 1958 married Eugene Ruben Martin January 3, 1897 - December 24, 1974
Elsie Lubben Foote b c 1906
Richard "Dickie" Lubben b c 1908 - d November 11?, 1911
Edna Lubben Pounders June 1, 1911 - March 9, 1994 married William Pounders December 8, 1912 - January 29, 1990

The family were early settlers in Francitas, Jackson County, Texas, moving there in 1911. The three-year-old son, Richard "Dickie" died in November 11 of the same year. Eleven years later, Lena died on December 9, 1922 and was buried in Palacios Cemetery in Palacios, Matagorda County, Texas.

1900 Census – Seward County, Nebraska – Precinct D
Christ Lubben, head, Dec 1863, 36, married 3 years, Germany, Germany, Germany, immigrated 1884, naturalized, Farmer
Lena Lubben, wife, Dec 1873, 26, married 3 years, 2 children-2 living, Germany, Germany, Germany
Renke Lubben, son, Mar 1858, 2, Nebraska, Germany, Germany
Christina Lubben, daughter, Jan 1900, 4/12, Nebraska, Germany, Germany

1910 Census – Seward County, Nebraska – Precinct D
Chris Lubben, head, 46, married 1, 13 years, Germany, Germany, Germany, General Farmer, immigrated 1884
Lena Lubben, wife, 38, married 1, 13 years, Germany, Germany, Germany, immigrated 1879?
Renke Lubben, son, 12, Nebraska, Germany, Germany
Sophia Lubben, daughter, 8, Nebraska, Germany, Germany
Elsie Lubben, daughters, 4, Nebraska, Germany, Germany
Dick Lubben, son, 22/12? Nebraska, Germany, Germany

Francitas Land Records

1920 Census – Jackson County, Texas – Francitas
Chris Lubben, head, 54, Germany, Germany, Germany, naturalized, General Farmer
Lena Lubben, wife, 48, Germany, Germany, Germany, naturalized
Renke Lubben, son, 21, Nebraska, Germany, Germany
Sophie Lubben, 18, Nebraska, Germany, Germany
Elsie Lubben, 14, Nebraska, Germany, Germany
Edna Lubben, 8, Nebraska, Germany, Germany

Christian married 2^nd Margaret Dempsey in 1926, Houston, Harris County, Texas
Margaret Jane (May 28, 1876 Canada - August 9, 1940 Francitas, Jackson County, TX) was the daughter of James Dempsey and Catherine C. Dempsey.

1930 Census – Jackson County, Texas - Francitas
Chris D. Lubben, head, age 66, Germany, Germany, Germany, Truck gardener
Margaret Lubben, wife, age 55, Canada, Canada, Canada
Sophia Lubben, daughter, age 26, Nebraska, Germany, Germany, Public School teacher
Elsie Lubben, daughter, age 24, Nebraska, Germany, Germany
Edna Lubben, daughter, age 18, Texas, Germany, Germany

1940 Census – Jackson County, Texas – Francitas
Christ D. Lubben, head, 76, Germany
Margret Lubben, wife, 63, Canada?
Elsie Lubben, daughter, 34, Nebraska, Public School Teacher
 

Christian D. Lubben

Last Saturday, June 10, 1944, we received a message that our friend Christian Diedriech Lubben had passed away at the home of his son, R. G. Lubben in Austin, Texas. Mr. Lubben was born in Oldenburg, Germany, on December 2, 1863.

He emigrated to America in 1883, a young man of 20. He lived first in Illinois, then for a few years in Colorado. Settling in the state of Nebraska, he was married to Miss Lena Amelia Schumann in 1897.

Seven children blessed this union, four of whom survive. They are Dr. R. G. Lubben, of Austin; Mrs. Sophia Martin, of Palacios; Miss Elsie Lubben, of Dayton and Mrs. Edna Poundels [Pounders], of Denison.

The Lubbens came to Francitas, Texas, in 1911, one of the pioneer families of our town.

Mrs. Lubben lived for only eleven years after coming south. She died in December, 1922.

In 1926 Mr. Lubben was married to Miss Margaret Demsey, of Houston, who preceded him in death by four years. She died in August, 1940.

Mr. Lubben made his home in Francitas for more than 28 years, but after the death of his wife he was in Austin with his son, until his death. He had been in poor health for many months, so death was not unexpected.

The writer had the privilege of knowing the deceased quite well and found him to be a very humble conscientious, Christian man. His tastes were simple, his convictions sure, and his every day living bespoke true gentility.

He loved the soil, and all growing things. He found “sermons in stones and books in running brooks.”

Along with his gardening from which he derived his livelihood, he always grew his roses, and other favorite flowers. These he loved devotedly. From his garden of blossoms he spread the gospel of beauty to those about him.

His watchword was “thrift” and his life was near the close ere he failed to do his “daily dozen” in his garden. He was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church, and loved to attend services.

On days he could not attend church he would pluck a rose, hand it to the minister, and with his peculiar chuckle say, “Here take this and let it ‘preach’ for you.” It always did. Yes, he could do “little” things in a “big” way.

To those who loved him let us say,

“He is not dead, he’s just away.”
The door of Heaven opened wide
And now he stands by his Savior’s side.
The Lord he served with honest zeal,
Can comfort your hearts, and make you feel.
Your father has passed to his reward
He rests on the great, broad breast of God.
There all the peace—Yes, we can say,
“He is not dead, he’s just away.”—A Friend.

Funeral services, under the direction of Taylor Brothers, of Bay City, were held from the Palacios Funeral Home, Rev. Gummelt, pastor of the Vanderbilt Lutheran Church, conducting. Interment was made in the Palacios cemetery.

Among the friends of Francitas who attended were Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Wingert, Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Pearce, Messrs. J. A. Lindsteat and E. Linton.

Palacios Beacon, June 15, 1944

Photo courtesy of Bonnie Benson
 

FRANCITAS

(By Mason Hirsh)

Lena Amelia Schumann Lubben

It is with regret that the writer resumes the role of chronicler, to record the passing of Mrs. Chris Lubben, of Francitas.

Following a brief illness, Mrs. Lubben embarked upon the one journey from which there is not returning, at 8:15 p.m., Saturday, December 9th. Her husband and two daughters, Elsie and Edna, were at her bedside at her death. Mr. Renke Lubben and Miss Sophia Lubben, the former a Professor of Mathematics at the University at Austin and the latter a student at that institution, did not arrive in Francitas until Sunday.

The funeral services were held on Monday at 3 p.m., the Rev. Knoerenschild, of the Koop settlement north of Vanderbilt, officiating. The ceremony was conducted under the canopy of the sky, and was impressively solemn and consoling. Hymns were sung by the many grouped about the coffin, the melody rising unrestrained upon the still air. Practically the entire population of Francitas, as well as many friends of the deceased from the Koop settlement and from Deutschburg were present to pay a last tribute of respect and affection to the departed. Messrs. W. H. Wingart, J. L. Stall, J. F. Evers, Gus L. E. Smith, T. A. McCoy and J. M Young acted as pall bearers.

No one who knew Mrs. Lubben can but reflect with deepest sorrow and regret upon her untimely end, in the midsummer of her life. But to her family and friends, stricken with grief in their irreparable loss, there is supreme consolation in the thought of the words which formed the theme of the funeral services--"He that believeth in Me, though he be dead, yet shall he live." And as it is an incontestable fact that Mrs. Lubben was a Christian in the truest sense of the word, so it is also certain that her passing is not death, but the beginning of life; an incomparably better and happier life than that of the mortal body.

In the death of a woman such as Mrs. Lubben, words, no matter how flowery or well chosen, are futile to express the magnitude of the loss which is the entire community's and words which would do justice to the sterling character and lovable traits of the deceased, are certainly infinitely beyond the poor power of the pen which writes this.

It is quite unnecessary to state that the sympathies of all Francitas, as well as of the host of other sincere friends, are with the bereaved family.

Mrs. Lubben was born in Germany, and would have been 41 years old on the day following her death, December 10th. Mr. and Mrs. Lubben were among the earliest of Francitas settlers.

The Palacios Beacon, December 15, 1922                                             Photo courtesy of Bonnie Benson

 

Margaret Lubben

Margaret Jane Dempsey Lubben, wife of Chris Lubben, died at her home in Francitas, Friday, August 9, aged 64 years, two months and 12 days. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the family residence, conducted by the pastor of the Blessing Catholic Church, and interment made in the Palacios Cemetery under the direction of the Palacios Funeral Home.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Lubben is survived by one sister, Mrs. Gus Smith, in Oregon; one brother, Mr. Dempsey, of Hammond, Ind., three stepdaughters, Mrs. E. R. Martin, Francitas; Miss Elsie Lubben, of the home, Mrs. W. R. Pounders, Tyler, Texas, and one step-son, R. G. Lubben, of Austin, and a host of friends who regret her passing. Heartfelt sympathy is extended the bereaved ones.

Palacios Beacon, August 15, 1940
 

Renke G. Lubben

Photo courtesy of Bonnie Benson

Renke G. Lubben (1898-1980), Ph.D., University of Texas, 1925.

Renke Gustav Lubben was born on March 7, 1898, at Utica, Nebraska. His family moved to Jackson County, Texas, and he entered the University of Texas in 1916. He there received his B.A. in 1921 and his Ph.D. in 1925; he was R. L. Moore's second Texas doctoral student. Lubben remained at the University of Texas at Austin for his whole career. He taught courses in advanced geometry, advanced algebra, analytic geometry, and trigonometry. His research was in point-set topology and foundations of geometry. He died in 1980.--University of Texas

B.A. (1921) Texas. Thesis title: "The double-elliptic case of the Lie-Riemann-Helmholtz-Hilbert problem of the foundations of geometry", (102 pages). Signers: R. L. Moore, M. B. Porter, H. J. Ettlinger, G. Watts Cunningham, Edward L. Dodd, A. P. Brogan, Albert A. Bennett.

Lubben's Ph.D. thesis gave the solution to the then last remaining problem in the foundations of geometry. He was an independent discoverer of maximal compactifications of completely regular spaces, although priority in publication is assigned to Stone and Cech. He was a National Research Fellow in 1926-27. He served on the Texas mathematics faculty until his retirement.

1940 Census - Austin, Travis County, Texas - 708 W 22 1/2 Street
R. G. Lubben, head, 42, Nebraska, Assistant Professor, State University

1942 Austin, Texas City Directory: Chris D. Lubben, 3218 Clearview Drive
 

Christina Lubben
Jan 1900 – before April 15, 1910
 

Eugene Ruben Martin          Sophie Marie Lubben Martin

Buried Ganado Cemetery, Ganado, Jackson County, Texas

Photo courtesy of Find A Grave Volunteer Bob Kelch #47122091
 

Elsie Lubben Foote

Ray C. Foote
 

"Dickie" and Elsie Lubben
R. G. Lubben Papers, di_10661, The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin, Used with permission
 

Baby Dies - Richard Lubben

Richard the three year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Lubben died very suddenly Saturday noon of membraneous croup. The little fellow had been sick only a short time. The funeral was held at the First Church of Christ Sunday after which the body was buried in the Francitas cemetery. A large crowd of friends of the family who sympathized with the parents in their loss attended the funeral. The Rev. Mr. Powell of Blessing preached the sermon.

Francitas Bee, November 16, 1911
 

William Pounders          Edna Lubben Pounders

Buried Mission Burial Park North - San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
 

Lubben Family in the News
 

Chris Lubben  a new arrival, who brought his family along with him and constructed a small house for temporary occupancy, has lumber on the ground and is now building a two story house, the lower story of which will be used for a store.

Francitas Bee, February 2, 1911
 

The ladies of the committee in charge of securing funds for the erection of a church will give an oyster supper in the new Lubben building Friday night, February 24. Supper will be served from 6 to 8 p. m. Oysters served any style. After supper a program will be rendered. Everybody cordially invited.

Francitas Bee, February 23, 1911

Oyster Supper

The oyster supper Friday night in the new Lubben building was one of the most enjoyable events yet held in Francitas, the large store building being packed to its full capacity. A large number of Blessing and LaWard young folks attended.

Francitas Bee, March 2, 1911

New Buildings

The large two story building of Joins brothers across the street west of the Gibson store is nearing completion as is the two story building being constructed by Chris Lubben across the street south from Joins brothers. Stocks of general merchandise will be put in both of these buildings.

These are fine days for the youth of Francitas. Every time a new building is completed the owners turn it over to the young people for a dance. Last Thursday night the dance was held at the Lubben building and tonight (Thursday) it will be held in the Joins brothers building. Everyone is invited.

Francitas Bee, March 9, 1911

The New Store
Penrod and Baer Cast Their Lot With People of Francitas and Start General Store.

Penrod and Baer is the newest general merchandise firm in Francitas which has every appearance of being a live combination which will go after business and do business. Mr. Penrod and Mr. Baer both hail from Beaver City, Neb. and they bring with them the endorsement of the people of that section of Nebraska. Mr. Baer is a son of our Mr. William Baer.

The new firm has opened up in the Lubben building with a stock of groceries, dry goods, vegetables, fruits and feed. It is now figuring on a warehouse and within this is secured, which will be within ten days or so, a large stock of feed will be installed and handled in car lots. This will be a great convenience to the feeders in this section of the gulf coast who have to ship in their feed and store it before beginning to fatten their steers.

Mr. Penrod and Mr. Baer with their families came to Francitas ten days ago and at once got busy and are now ready for customers.

Francitas Bee, April 13, 1911

Old Land Mark Gone.

In the tearing down of the building northwest of the Nebraska Inn occupied as a temporary residence by Chris Lubben and family, Francitas loses an old land mark.

This building was put up by Mr. Lubben in January upon his arrival in the city for a temporary home. He has since built a residence and a store room and the first home has outlived its usefulness and had to give way to a bigger building.

Francitas Bee, April 20, 1911

New Lutheran Church

P. Klenk, missionary for the German Lutheran church with his territory covering the Brownsville railroad territory was here Wednesday visiting with Chris Lubben. Mr. Klenk came to look after the construction and establishment of a German Lutheran church.

"I heard there were a great many Germans here" said Mr. Klenk "so I came to see about the establishment of a church. One will be built here some time in the future, just as soon as few more Germans get here."

Francitas Bee, May 18, 1911

RESIDENCE PROPERTY

Chris Lubben  500

Francitas Bee, June 8, 1911

Rev. P. Klenka a German Lutheran preacher will be here Sunday and officiate at services to be held at 10 o'clock. It is probable the services will be held at the residence of Chris Lubben. Mr. Klenka was here some time ago and he will in all probability organize a German Lutheran church. When the organization is perfected it will not be long before a church will be built for this congregation There are several German Lutherans in Francitas and many more are coming in the fall.

Francitas Bee, June 15, 1911

The Rev. Mr. Klenk, German Lutheran, preached Sunday at the home of Chris Lubben. This is the last time Mr. Klenk will be in Francitas this year as he leaves at once for Springfield, Ill., where he again enters school. He will be succeeded in this territory by the Rev. F. Stelzer, who will visit Francitas at least once each month.

Francitas Bee, July 13, 1911

The Rev. Mr. Stelzer of Palacios German Lutheran church will preach at the residence of Chris Lubben Sunday morning. All are invited to attend the services.

Francitas Bee, October 26, 1911

Chris Lubben

A Builder--Is Chris Lubben. This man came here early last winter, stayed at the hotel a few minutes, and put up a temporary shack. Today he owns a big two story store building and also has a nice home south of the railroad. He is really a worker and no man stands higher with his neighbors in this entire city.

Francitas Bee, November 23, 1911

Onions Grown By Chris Lubben Wgt. 5 1/2 Lbs.
June 5th 1912  Francitas Tex.
 

Basket Ball Game

Saturday, Dec. 6, The Francitas High School Girls Basket Ball team, attended by teachers Prof. Lewis, Misses Womack and Bosey, went to Lolita and staged a game of basket ball with the school team there.

Although it was a windy day the game was [an] exciting one; but also an easy victory for Francitas. The final score being 10 to 1.

Francitas.
Forwards--Jewel Langston, Hazel Dye.
Guards--Sophia Lubben, Emma Slaughter.
Centers--Mary Alice Slaughter, Mildred Jackson.

Palacios Beacon, December 12, 1919

Miss Sophia Lubben who has been visiting with friends, Mrs. Wickham and Jewel Langston, returned to her home in Francitas Tuesday.

Palacios Beacon, July 29, 1921
 

FRANCITAS

(By Mason Hirsh)
 

We have to announce that the Francitas Land & Improvement Company, due to great expansion of business during the year just past, is forced to move into larger quarters, and after the first of February will be found occupying the large building owned by Mr. Chris Lubben, which stands west of the postoffice.
 

The Palacios Beacon, January 27, 1922
 

FRANCITAS

  (By Mason Hirsh)

J. E. Hackett of San Francisco, accompanied by his wife, has arrived in Francitas. Mr. and Mrs. Hackett have driven from California in their car, camping along the route, and are in Francitas looking over property which they own.

On Friday evening, March 24, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Lubben celebrated their silver wedding anniversary. The festivities came as a total surprise to Mr. Lubben, who was persuaded into absenting himself during the day, so that the necessary preparations could proceed without his knowledge. A representative gathering was present from Vanderbilt and Francitas, and included such prominent citizens as H. R. VonKessel, of Francitas, Mr. Cope of the Cope Settlement at Vanderbilt, and the Rev. Knoerenschild also of Vanderbilt, both the latter accompanied by their wives. An exceedingly abundant repast was served, the menu being too extensive to allow particularization, but it will suffice to say that the twenty guests partook of the repast with such good will that we doubt it enough remained to satisfy the two months old puppy owned by the writer. Mr. and Mrs. Lubben's three daughters, Misses Sophie, Elsie and Edna, who planned and executed the celebration, are to be warmly congratulated upon their industry, to say nothing of culinary ability.

The Palacios Beacon, March 31, 1922
 

Deutschburg

Miss Sophia Lubben, Messrs. Von Kissel, Wilrodt and Hirsch called at the Evers home Monday afternoon.

Palacios Beacon, April 7, 1922
 

Deutschburg

Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Evers and family spent Sunday at the Lubben home in Francitas.

Palacios Beacon, April 21, 1922
 

FRANCITAS

  (By Mason Hirsh)

As a fitting close to the school year in Francitas, a program was presented by the pupils on Thursday night, and the Commencement Exercises were held by the Graduating Class on Friday night, April 21st. The program was distinctly a success, and reflects greatly to the credit of the teachers, Misses Hunter, Ruthven and Mr. Lewis, as well as to the pupils who participated. All of the teachers above have been formally requested by the School Board to again take up their duties in the Francitas School next year, and we are confident that a better selection would be impossible.

The program of the commencement exercises follow:

  1. Invocation, Rev. W. O. Benold.

  2. Commencement Chorus, Students.

  3. Salutorian, Elsie Lubben.

  4. Address, Rev. Waters.

  5. Class History, Elsie Lubben.

  6. Class song, "Lepus Parvulus Flevit," Class

  7. Class Poem, Harold Kingham.

  8. Class Prophecy, Hazel Dye.

  9. Valedictorian, Harold Kingham.

10. Vocal Duet, Rev. and Mrs. Waters.

11. Class Will, Jewel Langston.

12. Presentation of Diplomas, Member School Board.

The Palacios Beacon, April 28, 1922
 

FRANCITAS

  (By Mason Hirsh)

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
 

FRANCITAS

  (By Mason Hirsh)

Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Evers, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Lubben, R. Lubben and Miss Edna Lubben visited Vanderbilt last Sunday.

C. O. Hardy and family, Miss Sophie Lubben and R. H. VonKessel, chaperoned by the writer, journeyed to Palacios last Sunday, stopping at the coming "Greatest oil well in the United States," the Taylor No. 1, enroute. While there was nothing in particular to see, we fell rewarded simply by gazing upon the well of which the infallible clairvoyants have spoken so highly. More power to their prophesies.

The Palacios Beacon, June 30, 1922
 

FRANCITAS

  (By Mason Hirsh)
 

On Sunday, July 16th, an impromptu picnic party journeyed to Port Alto on Carahcahua Bay. After reveling in the briny deep (?) until sunset, prodigious quantities of food were consumed and there followed an agreeable losstude, lasting until the time for departure had arrived. The party included Mrs. Hattie E. Heidy, Mrs. Geneva Guyon, Miss Frances Ruthven of Palacios, Misses Sophie and Elsie Lubben, Miss Jewel Langston, Mr. H. B. Fislar, J. L. Dalby of Houston and Mason Hirsh, Helen Heidy and Edna Lubben.

The Palacios Beacon, July 21, 1922
 

R. H. Von Kessel and Christ Lubben, of Francitas, were Palacios visitors today.
 

Palacios Beacon, July 13, 1923
 

Miss Ruth Chamblee of this city and Miss Elsie Lubben, of Francitas, are teachers at the Deutschburg school for this term, and began their work Monday.

Palacios Beacon, September 15, 1927
 

Dr. R. G. Lubben, Former Francitas Boy, To Attend Math. Convention

Austin, Texas, Aug 21.--The University of Texas will be well represented at the national convention of the American Mathematical Society to be held at Boulder, Colo., August 27-29. A number of them will read papers before the society. Those who will attend are N. E. Rutt, Dr. Leo Zippin, Dr. Harry Schultz Vandiver, John Henderson Robertson and Dr. R. G. Lubben. Dr. Lubben is the son of Chris. Lubben, who lives in Francitas, and received his earlier education in the schools there. He has many friends in Palacios who are pleased to learn of his advancement and honors being conferred on him.

Palacios Beacon, August 22, 1929

Carancahua

Miss Sophia Lubben and a friend of Francitas were Sunday evening callers at the Slaikeu home.

Palacios Beacon, May 1, 1930

Carancahua

Miss Sophia Lubben and Miss Mary Pearce of Francitas visited in the Slaikeu home Monday afternoon.

Palacios Beacon, May 8, 1930

Carancahua

Miss Sophia Lubben and Miss Mary Pearce of Francitas, were in Carancahua on business last Wednesday nite.

Palacios Beacon, May 22, 1930

Miss Sophia Lubben, accompanied by Mrs. Chris Lubben, came over from Francitas Wednesday, the latter to have some dental work done. Miss Lubben is one of Jackson County's successful school teachers and informed us she was going to teach the Carancahua school the coming term.

Palacios Beacon, August 28, 1930

Carancahua
 

Miss Sophia Lubben was a Sunday guest at the Slaideu home.

Palacios Beacon, September 25, 1930

Carancahua

Our teacher, Miss Lubben and pupils went to Francitas last Friday to play a game of ball with the team there, but the weather was so threatening that they returned home without playing the game. They will try it again some time.

Palacios Beacon, March 12, 1931

FRANCITAS

  (By Mason Hirsh)

J. E. Hackett of San Francisco, accompanied by his wife, has arrived in Francitas. Mr. and Mrs. Hackett have driven from California in their car, camping along the route, and are in Francitas looking over property which they own.

On Friday evening, March 24, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Lubben celebrated their silver wedding anniversary. The festivities came as a total surprise to Mr. Lubben, who was persuaded into absenting himself during the day, so that the necessary preparations could proceed without his knowledge. A representative gathering was present from Vanderbilt and Francitas, and included such prominent citizens as H. R. VonKessel, of Francitas, Mr. Cope of the Cope Settlement at Vanderbilt, and the Rev. Knoerenschild also of Vanderbilt, both the latter accompanied by their wives. An exceedingly abundant repast was served, the menu being too extensive to allow particularization, but it will suffice to say that the twenty guests partook of the repast with such good will that we doubt it enough remained to satisfy the two months old puppy owned by the writer. Mr. and Mrs. Lubben's three daughters, Misses Sophie, Elsie and Edna, who planned and executed the celebration, are to be warmly congratulated upon their industry, to say nothing of culinary ability.

The Palacios Beacon, March 31, 1922
 

Carancahua

Nearly everyone in the neighborhood enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt at the A. Frankson home after preching services Sunday afternoon. Eggs were plentiful and every one got his share. Candy eggs were served to the crowd by our teacher, Miss Sophia Lubben.

Palacios Beacon, April 9, 1931

Carancahua

Miss Sophia Lubben was a Sunday guest at the David Frankson home.

Mrs. David Frankson and Miss Sophia Lubben visited in the Slaikeu home Sunday afternoon.

Palacios Beacon, April 16, 1931

Carancahua

Miss Sophia Lubben spent the weekend with home folks in Francitas.

Palacios Beacon, April 23, 1931

Carancahua

Miss Sophia Lubben of Francitas was in the neighborhood Monday.

Palacios Beacon, May 21, 1931

Chris Lubben, of Francitas, was a Palacios visitor Monday. He was accompanied by his son, Prof. Renke Lubben, of the State University, who is at home for a short vacation.

Palacios Beacon, July 2, 1931

The Misses Sophia and Edna Lubben of Francitas visited at the Schicke, Emil Peterson and Dave Frankson homes over the week end.

Palacios Beacon, July 9, 1931

Francitas Facts.
 

Miss Edna Lubben spent the past week end with homefolks.

Miss Elsie Lubben went to Austin Monday to be at the bedside of her sister, Miss Sophia, who underwent an operation for appendicitis Sunday last.

The Edna Weekly Herald, March 3, 1932
 

Deutschburg School and Community News

Saturday evening the school children entertained with a Hallowe'en program. The auditorium was effectively decorated in orange and black serpentine, the windows were festooned with moss and crepe paper, and black silhouette cut-outs of witches, owls, and cats were in borders above the black-boards and doors. The stage back-ground was a wooded scene--small shrubs, autumn leaves, and moss with an occasional Jack-o-lantern or skull and cross-bones. The program rendered was as follows:--

Reading, "Jack, Watch Out!"--Isabelle Henderson.
Playlet, "Meeting the Witches"--Primary.
Pantomine--"Mr. William Wallace Williamson."
Song, "Creepy Little Scarecrows"--Primary Boys.
Monologue, "Change of Mind"--Louise Hurta.
Song, "Shadows"--Girls.
Play, "Pirates and Pearls"--Intermediate and High School.

A large crowd was present. Among our visitors from out of the community were Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Mathis, Mrs. Stall, and the elder Mr. Mathis, of Blessing; Messrs. James and Cecil Buck, Miss Lucile Buck, Mr. Watts Langston, Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Pearce, Mr. Leonard Johs, Misses Elsie and Edna Lubben and Mrs. C. D. Lubben of Francitas.

The dance which was given after the program was also well attended.

Palacios Beacon, November 3, 1932

Deutschburg School and Community News

Misses Aileen Howell and Mary Pearce entertained with a social at the teacherage, Saturday afternoon. The honoree of the occasion was Mrs. Ruby Rampmeier. Decorations were pink and blue garlands and streamers. A buffet luncheon, consisting of salad, cakes and coffee, were served. Guests of the afternoon were Mesdames J. Neuszer, Hester, Wilbur Henderson, Joan Brown, C. D. Lubben, John Martin, Polifka, Tony Hurta and Misses Kate Hester of Cuero, Annie Mae Hurta and Sophie Lubben of Francitas.

Palacios Beacon, January 26, 1933

Chris. Lubben, one of the pioneer settlers of Francitas, transacted business in Palacios Monday and made the Beacon office an appreciated call.

Palacios Beacon, January 31, 1935

Francitas Facts

Miss Sophia Lubben was home from Little Kentucky for the week-end.

Edna Weekly Herald, November 21, 1935
 

Misses Lubben and Mrs. Mary Pearce Howell of Francitas were shopping in Edna Saturday.

Edna Weekly Herald, November 28, 1935
 

Francitas School News.

Miss Edna Lubben attended the State Teachers' Association at San Antonio during the Thanksgiving recess. She also visited with friends in Austin.

The pupils in Miss Lubben's room have a lot of new library books which are being enjoyed by the children.

Miss Lubben reports the following prize readers in her room:

Low First--Angie Mae Martin

High First--Margaret Joines

Second Grade--L. E. Pryor

Third Grade--John Edward Martin

The Edna Weekly Herald, December 5, 1935
 

Francitas Facts.

Dr. Renke Lubben and Mr. Pounders of Austin came in Sunday for a few days visit with the Lubben family.

Miss Sophie Lubben and several other friends from Little Kentucky were here Friday night for our school program and Christmas tree. Come again. We are glad to have you.

The Edna Weekly Herald, January 2, 1936
 

Francitas Facts.

Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Howell were guests of Miss Elsie Lubben Saturday evening.

Mesdames Lubben and Carroll and Misses Green and Carroll were guests of Mrs. E. Koch Sunday.

The Edna Weekly Herald, February 6, 1936
 

Francitas Facts.

Misses Sophia and Edna Lubben, Mrs. Mary Pearce Howell and Morgan Pearce were in Bay City Saturday.

The Edna Weekly Herald, February 20, 1936
 

Francitas Facts.

Mrs. Heisner, her daughter Mrs. E. Frels and Mrs. Annie Lindstrom of Gresham, Neb., spent a few days in the home of Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Lubben while looking after business here last week.

Miss Sophie Lubben was home over the week end.

The Edna Weekly Herald, February 27, 1936
 

Mrs. Chris Lubben and Miss Edna Lubben were Palacios visitors Tuesday, Miss Lubben, who is a teacher in the Francitas school reported the school was closed for the week due to so much illness among the children.
 

Palacios Beacon, March 19, 1936
 

Francitas Facts.
 

Misses Sophia and Elsie Lubben were in Dick[in]son? for the past week end.
 

The Edna Weekly Herald, June 25, 1936
 

Francitas Facts.

Our Sunday school was left without a shepherd again when Mr. and Mrs. Pollman moved away, but at the next meeting the members elected Mr. T. A. Crisp to fill out the unexpired term. Tommy Hawkins was made secretary to replace Morgan Pearce who has gone to Edna to attend school. Miss Edna Lubben was chosen to teach Mrs. Pollman's class of Junior girls. We are indeed glad to have our new members work with us and expect a good year both in Sunday School and the day school.

The mothers and fathers of our school felt very muchly complimented when Miss Lubben invited us to help entertain Mr. and Mrs. Crisp and Miss Norris. So last Friday evening at 7:30 we all met at the school house and had a very nice evening.
 

The Edna Weekly Herald, September 24, 1936
 

Francitas Facts.

Miss Sophia Lubben spent the week end with homefolks here. She and Miss Edna were Bay City visitors Saturday.

The Edna Weekly Herald, November 26, 1936
 

Francitas Facts.

Renke Lubben of Austin spent Christmas with homefolks here.

Misses Elsie and Sophia Lubben were also home from their respective schools for the holidays.
 

The Edna Weekly Herald, December 31, 1936
 

Little Kentucky Items
 

Miss Sophie Lubben attended the teachers’ meeting in Edna Saturday.

Edna Weekly Herald, February 4, 1937
 

Francitas Facts.
 

Mrs. Lubben and Miss Edna were visitors in Dickinson and Houston the last week end.
 

The Edna Weekly Herald, April 22, 1937
 

Francitas Facts.
 

Misses Sophia and Edna Lubben went to Austin for the past week end.
 

The Edna Weekly Herald, May 20, 1937
 

Francitas Facts.
 

Mrs. C. D. Lubben and Miss Edna Lubben were in Dickinson Saturday. Miss Elsie Lubben accompanied them home. They came by way of Houston calling on Mrs. J. A. Howell.

The Misses Lubben, Mrs. Pearce and the King family went to Bay City to see "Romeo and Juliet" Wednesday evening of last week.
 

The Edna Weekly Herald, June 3, 1937
 

Sophie Marie Lubben married Eugene R. Martin on June 10, 1937 in Matagorda County, Texas. Marriage books H, page 261
 

Francitas Facts.
 

The Misses Lubben and Mr. and Mrs. Gene Martin were at the shower given for Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Yoas last Sunday.

Miss Sophie Lubben and Mr. Gene Martin (with the other Lubben sisters) went to Houston Tuesday and came back as Mr. and Mrs. Gene Martin. Congratulations.

The Edna Weekly Herald, June 17, 1937

From Tyler, Texas, comes the announcement of the marriage of Miss Edna Lubben, of Francitas, to William Robert Pounders, Jr., of Tyler, which took place at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Austin, Friday, June 10.

Palacios Beacon, June 16, 1938
 

Francitas Facts.

Mr. and Mrs. Gene Martin, with Miss Elsie Lubben, visited in the Lubben home Sunday.

Saturday, April 29, Messrs. C. D. Lubben, M. Linton, A. Linderstedt and R. H. Pearson enjoyed a birthday dinner at the home of the last mentioned.

The Edna Weekly Herald, May 4, 1939
 

Francitas Facts.
 

Miss Elsie Lubben is home from Kingsville.
 

Edna Weekly Herald, July 20, 1939
 

Francitas Facts.

Miss Elsie Lubben spent a few days in Ashwood visiting her sister, Mrs. R. E. Martin last week.
 

The Edna Weekly Herald, September 7, 1939
 

Francitas Facts.
 

Mr. and Mrs. Gene Martin, with Miss Elsie Lubben of Buckeye, were chatting with friends over here last Sunday.

The Edna Weekly Herald, June 18, 1942
 

Francitas Facts.

Dr. Renke Lubben and his father of Austin were here Saturday. We are glad to note that Mr. Lubben has regained his wonted health.
 

The Edna Weekly Herald, September 3, 1942 

Christian and Renke were living at this house at the time of Christian's death in 1944 - 3218 Clearview, Austin, TX - Photo from 2015

Foote-Lubben Vows Said in Double Ring Ceremony

The wedding of Miss Elsie Lubben to Ray C. Foote of Van Nuys, Calif., was solemnized at the First Methodist Church at 4 o’clock Sunday, May 27.

Rev. Jewel Strong read the double-ring ceremony before an altar decorated with smilax, gladioli, fern, and a huge white wedding bell.

Traditional wedding music was presented by Miss Doris Noland, pianist, and Miss Boonie Ford, vocalist.

The bride was given in marriage by her brother, Dr. Renke G. Lubben, of Austin. She wore an aqua mesh dress with brown accessories and a corsage of pink sweetheart roses.

Attendants were Mrs. O. J. Hubbard of Houston, matron of honor, and Ellis Kingham, best man. Ushers were W. M. Trousdale and Roy Hudspeth of Dayton.

Immediately after the ceremony a reception was held at the home of Mrs. W. M. Trousdale. The home was decorated throughout with spring flowers in crystal containers.

The bride’s table was laid with a white lace cloth with centerpiece of white gladioli and daisies and white tapers burning in silver candelabra.

The three-tiered wedding cake topped with a miniature bride and groom was served to the guests by the bride’s sister, Mrs. E. R. Martin. Miss Ela Creager presided over the punch bowl.

Miss Thelma Bagley registered the guests in the bride’s book.

Out-of-town guests besides the attendants included Mrs. E. R. Martin, of Junction, sister of the bride; Miss Bertha Hartman and Miss Ella Muller of Dickinson; O. J. Hubbard and Harold Kingham of Houston; Mr. and Mrs. W. H. King and daughter, Dorothy of Highlands; Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Coward and Miss Muriel Coward of Liberty.
 

The bride, a graduate of the University of Texas, has been teaching in the Dayton schools for the past six years. She formerly lived in Francitas, Texas.

Mr. Foote is with the Lockheed Aircraft Company at Van Nuys, Calif. and formerly lived at Francitas. After a short wedding trip, the couple will be at home at Van Nuys.

Liberty Vindicator, Liberty, Texas, June 7, 1945
 

Facts From Francitas.
 

Dr. Renke Lubben, with Miss Gail Pounders of Austin, visited at the Pearce home Tuesday. They are here for a few days visit with Mr. and Mrs. Gene Martin.
 

The Edna Weekly Herald, June 27, 1946
 

Mrs. Ray Foote, the former Elsie Lubben, who now lives in Los Angeles, Calif., visited Palacios friends Saturday. She was accompanied by her sister, Mrs. Sophie Martin, who lives near LaWard. Mrs. Foote also visited her sister at San Antonio and brother Renke Lubben in Austin.

Palacios Beacon, December 5, 1946
 

La Ward Items
 

Dr. Renke Lubben of Austin spent the past week end here as a guest of his brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Martin.
 

Edna Weekly Herald, February 10, 1949
 

Francitas Facts

Mrs. Lubben and Miss Edna were visitors in Dickinson and Houston the last week end.

Edna Herald, April 22, 1957