Descendants of Ferdinand Christoph Steffens

First Generation

1. Ferdinand Christoph¹ Steffens was born in Hildesheim, Germany 1827. Ferdinand died February 20, 1875 in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas, at 47 years of age.

He married Henrietta Luedeuke in Houston, Harris County, Texas, January 5, 1870. Henrietta was born in Hanover, Germany November 12, 1838. She married Emile Luedeuke in Germany, 1855. Henrietta died August 23, 1886 in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas at 47 years of age.

Henrietta Luedeuke Drewa

March 20, 1993, we learned that Henrietta did have a son by Dr. Ferdinand Christoph Steffens. Baptismal records for this son and daughter are in the files of Ferdinand's record. He and Henrietta's son was named Carl Ferdinand Steffens and was born on July 18, 1867. He however passed away at the age of 34 on March 20, 1901, Galveston, Texas.

In 1867, Ferdinand Steffens and Henrietta Luedeuke were married (Galveston County Courthouse Marriage records. Book D, page 300.) (The Ferdinand and Henrietta meeting and history will be addressed under the Ferdinand Steffens entry.).

Sophie was not the only child born out of this Union. Dr. Steffens died September l8, l875 and is listed in Book #I, First Lutheran Church, page 688., Section on funerals, service for members who died in the l875 Hurricane (NOTE: Galveston County Mortuary Records stipulate that Dr. Steffens died of Typhoid Fever February 20, 1875. /s/ Vernon H. Drewa, Jr.). Sophie's mother died in 1886, leaving Sophie to be cared for by her two half brothers, i.e., Herman and Charles. They were Luedeuke, not Steffens, and therefore not entitled to any of the family property. (Galveston County Courthouse Probate Minutes. Judge Robert Morris Franklin, Trustee. #73-1809. Robert M. Franklin, administrator, petitioned the court to change records to correct name.....that the name of said deceased...is erroneous by stated as Henrietta "Stephens" when it should have been Henrietta "Steffens". Judge Franklin's papers. Galveston Texas History Center, Rosenberg Library.) Names seemed to have been used interchangeable during the 1800, especially with those arriving from Germany and Prussia, i.e., Edward vs. Edwin, Stephens vs. Steffens etc. She married Ed. F. Drewa 2-10-1891 (Marriage records, Book K, page 47.)

There were eventually five children. Sophia passed away with cancer of the pancreas and is interred in the family plot at Galveston Memorial Park, Hitchcock, Texas.

Herman Luedeuke left home after the death of his mother and Charles remained to take care of his half-sister, Sophie (who was 13 at this time).

It is not clear as to what happened to all the property that Dr. Steffens had accumulated at this time, but his investments were considerable. He owned the entire block of 27th and Ave. O., starting a t 27th and going west one block. He had an office and lab, as well as rental property between Ave O and Ave P. He also had rental properties next to 2701 Ave O., plus 35 shotgun rental units near the wharf. He also owned a couple of bars and even a brothel.

Payoffs were commonplace during this period. Consequently from existing re cords, it was learned that Sophie had to work in order to keep the Steffens homestead. She started out making candy, selling drugs and as a seamstress at her daddy' s doctor office adjacent the south side of the alley behind the existing homestead. Charles worked as a house painter. He met Ed Drewa on a construction site and introduced him to his half sister, Sophie.

She was l8 years old at the time and worked as a clerk in a dry goods shop.(From researchers notes, Charles history was not followed up at the time of this report.) Frederick C. Steffens arrived in Galveston on the "Juno" from Hildesheim, Prussia in l860 on the eve of the Civil War (Geue, Ethel Hander, New Homes in New Land: German Immigration to Texas l847 to l861, Passenger Lists, page 136.) He was twenty-two years old at the time. When the Civil War started in l861, he enlisted in the Galveston Artillery serving with Captain H. Van Buren's Company in Colonel Ford's Regiment of the Rio Grande Volunteers (Hayes, Charles W., History of the Island and the City of Galveston, Vol. I, page 484.) The Artillery practiced with General Ebenezer B. Nichol's on the Strand, and left on the schooner "Shark" in February l861 for Fort Brown to demand a Federal surrender of the forts along the Rio Grande River. The Federal commander surrendered and the main body of the Galveston Rifles and Artillery returned to Galveston (From the History of the Island and the City of Galveston. Same page as previous reference. Also, The War of the Rebellion, A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., Vol. 48, page 866.).

While serving with the artillery Steffens had demonstrated his knowledge, skill and medical abilities. When first enlisted he was listed as an "artisan", later this designation was changed to surgeon. While the company was on the border, Galveston was being fortified. Steffens, when he returned , was assigned to the South Battery under Commander J. J. Cook.

During the Federal occupation of Galveston the Confederates retreated to Virginia Point where they remained until General J.B. Magruder organized the recapture of the city January l, l863 (Hayes, Vol. II, page 552.). When Steffens returned to his post at the South Battery he served as military surgeon. By l864, he was the surgeon on the "Bayou City" which as assigned to the defense of Galveston Island (War of the Rebellion, Vol. l5, Chapter XXVII, p. 210. Col. Cook was given" Bayou City" to help defend Galveston. Captain Lubbock asked for a medical man to be assigned to his crew. Also, Vol. 48. Chapter LX, p. 866 is an engineer's report on Galveston Fortifications and he quotes a Dr. F. Steffens of the "Bayou City."). October 23, l865, the Board of Trustees of Soule University ordered a branch facility, the Galveston Medical College, to be opened in Galveston. Dr. Greensville S. Dowell was appointed professor of anatomy and he invited Steffens to assist him (Jones, Ralph W., Soule University: The First Roots of the Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.).

They had met during Dr. Dowell's service as Surgeon-General in the Confederate Army. When Galveston, in l867, experienced an epidemic of yellow fever Dr. Steffens assisted the Howard Association in caring for the sick and dying (Mortuary records and Howard Association papers, Galveston Texas History Center, Rosenberg Library, passim.).

While so occupied, he met Emile Luedeuke who with his wife Henrietta had also arrived in Galveston from Germany in l860. Two children were born to the Luedeuke's in Galveston, Herman in l866, and Charles in l867. Emile Luedeuke died in the yellow fever epidemic in 1867.

Ferdinand Steffens and Henrietta Luedeuke were married (Geue, passenger lists, p. 102. In l860 Emile and Henrietta arrived in Galveston aboard the "Weser" from Meindorf.)( Galveston County Courthouse, marriage records. Book D., p. 300.).

That year Dr. Steffens purchased one half of lot 4 and all of lots 5,6, and 7 on the northeast quarter of outlot 65 in Galveston (County Courthouse, deed records, book Y. page 27 ). On lot 7, in l870, he built a house for his new family, and he built a rental house on the Southside of the lot (Assessor's abstracts, Galveston Texas History Center. Dr. Steffens built a five room L-shaped frame building room deep with an attached covered porch.). Ferdinand and Henrietta's child, Sophia Steffens, was born in l872. In l873, he built a third house on the west side of his property (Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of l889).

The Galveston Medical College closed in l873, and the Texas Medical College and Hospital was formed in l873 ( The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston; A Seventy-five Year History by Faculty and Staff, l967, p. 1-10.). Dr. Steffens did not join Dr. Dowell in this; instead, he began a private practice in an office he built next to his home. He practiced medicine there until he died in the hurricane of September l5, l875 (Dr. Steffens died September l8, l875 and is listed in Book #I, First Lutheran Church, p. 688. Section on funeral, service for members who died in the l875 hurricane.( NOTE: As mentioned above, Dr. Steffens died February 20, 1875 according to records from the Galveston County Mortuary Records. Cause of Death was Typhoid Fever. /s/ Vernon H. Drewa, Jr.). Henrietta died in l886, leaving Sophie to be cared for by her two half brothers (Galveston County Courthouse Probate Minutes. Judge Robert Morris Franklin, trustee. #73-1809.

Robert M. Franklin, administrator, petitioned the court to change records to correct name...that the name of said deceased...is erroneous by stated as Henrietta "Stephens" when it should have been Henrietta "Steffens". Judge Franklin's papers. (Galveston Texas History Center, Rosenberg Library.). Herman and Charles were Luedeuke's, not Steffens, and therefore not entitled to any of the family property. Herman left home and Charles, stayed to care for Sophie. Charles worked as a house painter. He met Edward Drewa on a construction site and introduced him to Sophie Steffens. She was l8 years old at the time and working as a clerk in a dry goods store.

DESCRIPTION OF THE STEFFENS-DREWA HOUSE

(Note: The following description, and Architectural drawings were submitted to the State of Texas, and National Historical Commissions by Vernon H. Drewa, Jr. These descriptors were accepted by both the State and Federal Commission, and are based on all documents, wood core samples and soil cores samples which could be obtained. I am one of Ferdinand Steffens Great Grandsons. /s/ Vernon H. Drewa, Jr.)

When first built in 1869 the house at 2703 27th Street, Galveston, Texas was an L- shaped. one and one-half story, five room frame house, one room wide, supported by three-foot bois d’arc piling, with an attached porch on the south side of the kitchen. The piling, topped by 10x10 beam pile caps. supported the floor joists and wall framing. The exterior side walls were clapboard. The roof was pitched. There were two chimneys with corbeled caps. It had 1100 square feet on the main floor, 300 square feet of living space in the attic, and 300 square feet of porch. The house faced east on 27th street.

With additions and alterations made by Edward Drewa and his family from 1896 to 1914, the house, now facing Avenue 0, is an eight-room raised cottage with a combination roof. the front or main section one and one-half stories, the back part one story.

No alterations were made on the house until 1896 when Edward Drewa closed in the outside passageway and enlarged the porch to twice its original size. City water and electricity were added at this time. Outside privies were still in use, and oil and wood stoves were used for heating and cooking.

The wind and water of the September 8, 1900 hurricane did not move the building off its pilings but did leave four feet of water in the house. Wave action against the storm debris destroyed the west bay of the porch and part of the west wall of the kitchen.

In 1905. the Galveston grade raising project reached 27th street. Before filling was pumped in around the house Drewa first lowered the building,, then rotated it on timbers to face Avenue 0 instead of 27th street, and then raised it to grade. Approximately four feet of fill was placed under the house and on the grounds.

Brick walls protected by 3/4 inch of plaster were built from the new ground surface to the bottom of the house beams. Windows in these walls were double hung with 6/6 panes. Attic space was enlarged by moving the ridge line south and upward so that the roof extension cover the porch extension added in 1896. Metal shingles on the front roof were replaced with wood shingles to match the new wood shingle roof. Lattice was used around the edge the porch for privacy without a loss of ventilation. Gable windows were added to give ventilation to the two bedrooms. Sunburst decorations were added in the, peak of each gable and the gables were shingled above the cornice and trim. A shield design and spiral convolute was added in the gable for the front porch. The existing cornice was extended around the buildings and modillions were added to the cornice.

Brick pilasters were brought from the ground and plastered to match the house. Art wood was added at the top of porch plinths to display Drewa’s skills as a master craftsman.

The lattice around the porch was closed in with beveled siding; double hung windows on the east wall and one casement window on the remaining porch on the south side were added.

When this room became the master bedroom, the back steps were closed in. The south part of the house was extended to add a back porch. The roof over this area was added around the new porch and beveled siding was placed around the other double hung window. A bathroom, made possible because the city had just completed a sewage system, was installed off the hall adjacent to the master bedroom.

The hall was moved to the dining room side of the stairs, and now dog-leg stairs with a half landing rise from the middle of the center hall and turn back to the north to the second floor. The round delicate spindles were replaced with square long leaf pine balusters. The rails and stair treads were left natural. This work was completed by 1907.

In another effort to increase ventilation, bay windows were added to the dining room and front bedroom on the west side of the house in 1914. From that time to the present time no other changes were made in the Structure.

Cement urns on tall square bases flank the bottom of the flight of cement steps that lead to the inset porch and front entrance of the house. The porch extends to the east side of the house. On the west side of the entrance is the living room bay window. The porch roof is supported by slender pairs of wood pillars set on brick foundations. The baluster is plain with a star design in the center. The front door is a single solid door Surrounded by beveled glass side lights and fanlight.

A center hall with stairs to the second floor, extends to the back of the house and a bathroom. An archway marks the original addition to the house. On the west side double French doors open to living room. The Victorian style furniture in the living room is original to the house, as are most of the furnishings in the house, bought from the estate by the present owner. The brass and etched crystal chandelier is original to the house. The walls are plastered and the ceiling is plastered in a beautiful decorative pattern with a large center medallion. A basket arch sets off the front bay window. The next room off the hall on the west side is the dining room. There are pocket doors between the living room and dining room. Around the dining room walls is a plate rail several feet below the plastered and decorated ceiling, and wainscoting. There is a three-window bay with the center window of green, red and yellow lights.

In back of the dining room is the kitchen with tile floor., corner Cupboard and built-in dish cupboard. Off the kitchen is the laundry room, back porch and stairs to the basement.

On the east side of the center hall are two bedrooms. Different patterns in plaster adorn the ceilings. The front bedroom has a corner closet. The back, or master bedroom, has a single French door with transom opening onto the side porch.

The second floor has a center hallway with a bedroom on either side and a bathroom at the end of the hall in the front of the house. These rooms do not have the decorative plaster work of the first floor rooms. The walls were covered with wallpaper over cheesecloth and now have sheet-rock.

The ground floor, or basement, is one unfinished room used at present for storage.

The floors are red oak over the original flooring. Except for the French doors and the pocket doors, all the doors are five-panel solid doors. There are no fireplaces or mantles. The grooved woodwork with bulls eye corners and other trim, the lighting fixtures, and the plaster work are all original to the house. The windows are 2/2 with outside shutters except for 6/6 windows in the basement.

The site is a corner lot in a residential neighborhood of single homes on tree-lined streets and is across the street from Kempner Park and the "Garten Verein." The yard is landscaped with old trees and ornamental bushes and is fenced in with a picket fence.

Drewa-Steffens home as it appeared in March 1992, when put up for sale.

The inscription reads:

STEFFENS - DREWA COMPLEX

Lots 7, 6, ½ of 5 NE OUT LOT 65 ¼ 1869

House No. 2701, 2709 Ave. O.

Lots 7, 6 N. E. ¼ OUT LOT 65 - No 2701-03

WAS HOME - OFFICE FOR:

DR. FERDINAND STEFFENS

SURGEON on “BAYOU CITY”

in the DEFENSE of GALVESTON

EDWARD F. DREWA

CONCRETE - PLASTER

CONTRACTOR 1892 - 1935

Drewa-Steffens House Drawings from 1870 to Present

THE STEFFENS-DREWA HOUSE 2701 Ave. O Galveston, Texas

The Steffens-Drewa house was occupied by members of the same family for over 113 years, accordaning according to Galveston County Courthouse, 722 Moody, Galveston, Texas, Deed Records from 1867 to 1984 record family ownership. Galveston City Directories from l869 to 1984 list the family at this address. Steffens used different spellings of his name at different times appears as Ferdinand Stephens, Frank Stephens , F. Stevens, F. Steffins. The earliest part of the house was built by Frederick Steffens (Deed Records, Book Y. p. 27-8. Assessor's abstracts, Galveston, Texas. l868. Value on property and improvements, $l000.00. Lots 5,6, 6 and 1/2 of 4, NE OL 65.).

Dr. Steffens was a pioneer Galveston physician who served in the Confederate Army in the Battle of Galveston and with the Howard Association, giving aid and comfort to the victims of yellow fever during an epidemic (Hayes, Charles W., History of the Island and City of Galveston, Vol. I. p., 486. Galveston Texas History Center, Rosenberg Library. Howard Association of Galveston, records.). Alterations and additions to the house from l895 to 1914 exhibit the changes in the life of the family, the changing times and the growth of the city, and the career of Edward Drewa, a master craftsman, whose artistic work in plaster can be found in many of Galveston's most important buildings. The house is distinctive and unusual in Galveston and notable in that as an evolutionary house it reflects several different building campaigns and stylistic influences, combining Eastlake, Bungaloid and Gulf Coast vernacular, to make an attractive livable home. Interior decorations show some of Drewa's fine plaster work. The two rental houses, built by Drewa in l895 on the property adjacent to the Steffens-Drewa house, now privately owned, are twin commissary houses with fine detailing on the front facades and are, except for small changes, exactly the same in appearance as when first built. Reference materials were also located in the following documents:

Alperin, Lynn M., Custodians of the Coast:

History of the United States Army Engineers at Galveston, Galveston District United States

Army. Corps of Engineers, Galveston, l977. Davis, A.B. Jr.,

Galveston's Bulwark Against the Sea: U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers, Galveston, l961. Galveston City Directories, l882 tol935.

Galveston County Courthouse. -----Deed Records George Schneider to Ferdinand Steffens. Book Y, p. 27-8. November 13, l867.

Vernon Drewa to Raymond Reesby. #002-89-2207. March l3, l984. -----

Marriage Records.

Henrietta Luedeuke married Ferdinand C. Stephens (sic) "Steffens", December 31, l869, Book D, p. 300.

Edward Drewa married Sophia Steffens, February 10, 1891., Book K. p. 47.

Edwin Drewa married Maude Bludworth, August l0, 1914. Book Y, p. 145.

Steffen A. Drewa married Aline C. Anderson, March 22, 1922, Book 6, p. 496.

Probate Minutes. #73-1809.-----

Commissioner's Minutes. Galveston Insurance Board, 2115 Winnie, Galveston, Texas.

Geue, Ethel, New Homes in a New Land, German Immigration to Texas, 1847-1861.

Genealogical Publications, l982. Howard Association of Galveston, Records, Galveston,

Texas History Center, Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas.

Hayes, Charles W., History of the Island and City of Galveston, Vol. I. Jenkins Garrett Press, Austin, Texas. 19743.

Jones, Ralph W., Soule University: The First Roots of the Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Vol. LXV, April l962, No. 4.p. 465-474. Rosenberg Library, Galveston Texas History Center. -----

Assessor's abstracts. 1879 to 1904. -----

1865 Rebel Line of Works Map. -----

Drie, C., Birdseye map of the City of Galveston, l871. -----

Sanborn Fire Insurance maps -1889, 1899, 1912. -----

Galveston Insurance Board records. -----

Mortuary records. -----

First Lutheran Church records. 1851-1946. Book I., p.688. Singleton, Albert Olin, (1882-1947)

An Account of the Early History of Surgery in Texas. Presidential address before the Texas Surgical Society, October l932. The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

A Seventy-five year History by Faculty and Staff. University of Texas Press. Austin. 1967. p. 7-10.

The War of the Rebellion. A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Published under the direction of the Hon. Daniel S. Lamont, Secretary of War. Board of Publication, Series I, Vol. XLVIII, part I. p. 866.

Reports and correspondence, etc.

Washington, Government Printing Office, 1896, Winsor, Bill, Texas in the Confederacy, Military Installations, Economy and People. Hill Jr. College Press, Hillsboro, Texas, l978. Wright, Marcus Jr., Brig. General C.S.A., Texas in the War, l861-1865. Editor Harold B. Simpson, Col., USAF (Ret), Hill Jr. College Press, Hillsboro, Texas.

September 1, 1997:

1910 Galveston County, Texas 1870 Census Returns: P. 278

Ferdinand Stephens Age, 46 m Hanover, Germany , Physician

Henrietta Age, 31 f Hanover, Germany

Emile (Leudeuke) Age, 14 m Hanover, Germany

Agnes Age, 9 f Texas

Herman Age, 8 m Texas

Ferdinand Age, 1 m Texas

Ferdinand's occupation: Physician and Surgeon, Galveston, Texas.

Ferdinand Christoph Steffens

Steffens, Steffins, Stephens and Stephans will be used inter-changeably in all these text. Since we do no know of the language problems that personnel transcribing Steffens encountered, documents became very confusing and hard to follow. In that vain, I have not made an attempt to correct all to one spelling. For future generations looking for these documents, will be able to do so under the spelling I have given, depending on what document is being reviewed.. The spelling as it should have been was requested changed by his grand daughter, Sedonia Drewa Carder to the District Court in Galveston. Her wish was granted and his last name's spelling was STEFFENS. /s/ Vernon H. Drewa, Jr.

March 20, 1993.

Documents were found which depicted the exact date of death of Dr. Steffens, as well as their children. This is the first official documentation we have found, which proved that Sophie A. Steffens Drewa had a brother and the exact date of births and deaths of each family member. The following is from handwritten notes of Sedonia Drewa Carder (Dr. Steffens grand-daughter):

Age: Born: Died:

Christoph F. Steffens 48 1827 Feb. 20, 1875

Henrieta Ludecke Steffens 48 Nov. 12, 1838 Aug. 23, 1886

Carl Ferdinand Steffens 34 Jul. 18, 1867 Mar. 20, 1901

Sophie A. Steffens Drewa 75 Aug. 30, 1872 Jun. 4, 1948

First Ev.. Lutheran Church

24th Street and Avenue G.

Galveston, Texas

March 20, 1942

Mrs. E. F. Drewa

2701 Ave. O,

Galveston, Texas

Dear Mrs. Drewa: You will find the copies of baptism records of your brother and your-self enclosed. We are sorry we could not find anything to give the date of your father's birth. The records show that your mother was 48 years of age at the time of her death, which was on August 23, 1886, and would make her birth in the year, Nov. 12, 1838. We hope this will help you.

Yours very truly

/s/ Rev. V. Albert

Record of Baptism

To Whom it May Concern

This certifies that the records of The First Ev. Lutheran Church at Galveston, Texas show that Carl Ferdinand Steffens, son of Mr. Ferdinand Christoph Steffens and his wife Henriette nee Ludecke, born at Galveston, Texas on the 18th day of July 1867--Received Christian Baptism on January 5, 1870 administered by Rev. F. Gloor, Pastor /s/ Victor Albert

March 16, 1942

2415 Ave. G.

Galveston, Texas

September 9, 1997:

NOTE: No other documents have been received and Dr. Steffens and Henriette married on January 5, 1870. Carl was born in 1867, near the time Henriette's first husband died of Typhus. It is conceivable that Dr. Steffens adopted this baby on the date of his marriage to Henriette. Death Certificate is on file for Carl from the State of Texas. /s/ Vernon H. Drewa, Jr.

Record of Baptism

To Whom it May Concern

This certifies that the records of The First Ev. Lutheran Church at Galveston, Texas show that Sophie Marie Adolphine Stephens, daughter of Mr. Ferdinand Christoph Stephens and his wife Henriette nee Ludeker, born at Galveston, Texas on the 30th day of August 1872, received a Christian Baptism on August 31, 1873 administered by Rev. F. Gloor, Pastor. /s/ Victor Albert

March 16, 1942

2415 Ave. G.

Galveston, Texas

FERDINAND CHRISTOPH STEFFENS

Charles Ferdinand Steffens, died March 20, 1901. The actual documentation of Carl being born was not received until 1993. NOTE: All that is known at this time is she and her husband came to Galveston for medical assistance from New Ulm, Texas (Near Bellville, Austin County, Texas) when her husband became ill. /s/ Vernon H. Drewa, Jr.

Located on Page 7 of the Galveston Mortuary record #1, Jan 1, 1875 to Dec., 31, 1886:

Ferdinand Steffens, Feb 20, 1875, age 47 +, male, white, native of Germany, died of Typhoid Fever (died in city). Burial: Private. Names seemed to have been used interchangeable during the 1800, especially with those arriving from Germany and Prussia i.e. Edward vs. Edwin, Stephens vs. Steffens etc. Sophia married Ed. F. Drewa 2-10-1891 (Marriage records, Book K, page 47.) There were eventually five children. Sophia passed away with cancer of the pancreas and is interred in the family plot at Galveston Memorial Park, Hitchcock, Texas. Herman Luedeuke left home after the death of his mother and Charles remained to take care of his sister, Sophie (who was 13 at this time). It is not clear as to what happened to all the property that Dr. Steffens had accumulated at this time, but his investments were considerable.

Henrietta died in l886, leaving Sophie to be cared for by her one brother, Charles and a half brother (Galveston County Courthouse Probate Minutes. Judge Robert Morris Franklin, trustee. #73-1809. Robert M. Franklin, administrator, petitioned the court to change records to correct name...that the name of said deceased...is erroneous by stated as Henrietta Stephens when it should have been Henrietta Steffens. Judge Franklin's papers. Galveston Texas History Center, Rosenberg Library.). Charles was a Steffens in accordance with the First Lutheran Church documents. Herman was a Luedeuke, not Steffens, and therefore not entitled to any of the family property. Herman left home and Charles, stayed to care for Sophie. Charles worked as a house painter. He met Edward Drewa on a construction site and introduced him to Sophie Steffens. She was l8 years old at the time and working as a clerk in a dry goods store.

The following information is taken from the Good Sam's Magazine, January 1993 Magazine.

WALL STREET OF THE SOUTH

Galveston's proximity to the gulf resulted in some great history and some horrible experiences. In the early 19th century, pirate Jean Lafitte headquartered here while plundering Spanish ships. By the mid to late 19th century, this successful seaport was called the Wall Street of the South. Tall ships like the ELISSA, which actually visited Galveston in 1883 and 1886, brought goods and immigrants to Texas and took away cotton. With fortunes earned from shipping, banking or insurance, wealth merchants built mansions. Families with a more modest income constructed thousands of charming Victorian gingerbread cottages. Their main shopping street, The Strand, was modeled after the London street of the same name. But an 1858 warning prophesied a frightening future. I should as soon think of founding a city on an iceberg as on Galveston Island, stated the document quoted on a plaque in the Galveston Island County Historical Museum. On Sep. 8, 1900, the prophesy came true. A deadly hurricane, still remembered as one of America's worst natural disasters, nearly destroyed thriving community. An estimated 6,000 people and thousands of homes-both modest structures and magnificent mansions-were swept away.

Galveston lost forever its preeminent position as a shipping hub to a small upstart town named Houston, also a railroad terminal. The city never regained its former glory despite engineers efforts. They rebuilt and fortified their island by jacking up every building on the island about 8 feet, filling the space underneath with 10 million cubic yards of sand from the gulf, and building a behemoth (still standing) sea-wall to stop future hurricane-driven gulf waves.

LONE STAR TREASURES

Like Rip Van Winkle, for the first half of the 20th century the island's magnificent homes, estimated at more than 3,000 in number, slumbered and slowly deteriorated as the decades passed. But in the late 1950's, the Galveston Historic Foundation (GHF), the Junior League and concerned citizens awoke and rallied to save some of their historic structures slated for demolition. During the 1970, restoration efforts picked up. Through a lot of hard work, the GHF, foundations and local people have created their island's other great attraction---its historic sites. Overhung by ancient live oaks, fabulous homes filled with antique treasures line the East End and Silk Stocking National Landmark Historic Districts. Just driving up and down the streets looking at them is exciting. Many magnificent homes are open to the public: Ashton Villa, Moody Mansion, Powhatan Home and Bishops Palace. The latter is ranked among the top 100 homes in America for its architecture. Don't miss the modest 1839 Samuel May William home, one of the city's two oldest homes. At each site, watch the free audio-visual presentations. The Strand is the third National Historic Landmark District. Before exploring the art galleries, shops and restaurants along this gaslight decorated street, stop at The Strand Visitors Center and pick up free brochures. Within easy walking distance and definitely worth visiting are: The Texas Seaport Museum and tall-ship ELISSA, the Railroad Museum, the Galveston Country Historical museum and The Grand 1894 Opera House.

GHF marketing director David Bush explains, The Texas Seaport Museum interprets the port in 1883.For many, its special appeal is its computer listing of 117,000 names of immigrants who passed through Galveston between 1845-1921.

They came primarily from central and eastern Europe and settled in an arc as far north as Minnesota and North Dakota, west to Denver and east to Chicago. Six people spent 7,000 hours entering names into the computer. Ellis Island staffers even called to ask us how we did it. For genealogy buffs, the thrill of finding a family member's name is unmatched. McComb calls restoring the ELISSA the GHF's most expensive historical project. One local resident recalls, When they towed the hunk of junk into the harbor we almost died. That hunk of junk has been transformed into a jewel. ELISSA presides majestically over the bay and fulfills her mission of providing a visual and historical link between the gulf and Galveston. Located in the former district offices of the Santa Fe Railway, the Railroad Museum is another favorite. When visitor enter the waiting room (inhabited by white ghost-like sculptures depicting 1930's scenes), it's common to hear them reminisce about the past train trips, says Executive Director Tim Kingsbury. Make a stop at The Grand 1894 Opera House and you'll agree with bandleader Lional Hampton. He inscribed a picture hanging in a dressing room, To the greatest opera house. Three favorite times of the year in the historic districts are the 11 days preceding Lent for Mardi Gras, the spring GHF Historic Homes Tour and the first weekend in December for Dickens on the Strand, a lively recreation of 19th-Century Victorian England. You can travel around these areas or park and ride the old-fashioned trolleys and buses or take a horse-drawn carriage. Save time and energy for the Lone Star Flight Museum, filled with spit-and-polished aircraft. Some planes fly occasionally over the island. Another favorite attraction, Moody Gardens, has a pure white-sand beach and blue lagoon, a rehabilitative horse-riding program, unusual animals and a unique 100-foot-tall pyramid filled with a tropical rain forest. With so many offerings tailor made, this tropical island paradise is worthy of its slogan, Galveston, a city whose time has come....again. So if you're fixing to be a Winter Texan, remember Galveston Island. It's such a great place, one local was overheard exclaiming, I couldn't be happier living here unless I was twins.

October 6, 1997:

I located a Bible or New Testament, which was given to Ferdinand by his sisters. The Bible is in German as is the annotation from his sisters. The following translation is from this Bible; "To the industrious use and charming memory from your faithful sisters. Adolfine and Josephine Stefan. Hildesheim, Germany. 12 Oct 1860." I gave this Bible to one of my daughters, Karen Lynn Drewa Skrasek this date. /s/ Vernon H. Drewa, Jr.

10-21-98:

Frederick Stephens, page # 278, Galveston County, Texas, 3rd Ward, 1870 Census. From TX 1870 Census by Ronald Vern Jackson, Accelerated Index Sys. Intl. Galv.

1870 Res. Directory. Dr. F. Stephans, 27th, between Ave. N. and O.

1872 - same entry F. Stephans also had an office at 209 Market, per Galveston City Directory 1875. Listted as Dr. F.Stephans 27th at N and N 1/2.

Ferdinand Christoph Steffens and Henrietta Luedeuke had the following children:

2 i. Carl Ferdinand² Steffens was born in Galveston, Galveston, Texas. July 18, 1867. Carl died March 20, 1901 in Galveston, Galveston, Texas., at 33 years of age. His body was interred March 21, 1901 in Galveston, Galveston, County, Texas. He was christened in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas, January 5, 1870.

Carl Ferdinand Steffens

5/1/93:

It was just this year that we learned through the First Lutheran Church of Galveston, Texas records, that Carl was the eldest child of Ferdinand and Henrietta Luedeuke. My grandmother, Sophie Marie Adolphine Steffens was his sister. Since I now have his date of death, I can obtain additional history on him when I am next in Galveston.

3 ii. Henry Steffens was born in Galveston 1869. Henry died in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas.

Henry Steffens

The date of birth comes from the 1870 Census. I hold a copy of the authorization to marry from the Clerk of the County Court of Galveston, Texas dated 1 December 1870 giving permission for Ferdinand C. Stephans and Mrs. Hennriette Luedeuke to marry within 60 days and return said document to the Clerks office.

+ 4 iii. Sophie Marie Adolphine Steffens was born August 30, 1872.

Second Generation

4. Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens (Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas August 30, 1872. Sophie died June 4, 1948 in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas, at 75 years of age.

She married Edward Frederick Drewa in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas, February 11, 1891. Edward was born in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas June 14, 1870. Edward was the son of Herman Adolph 'Franz' Drewa and Georgine Wilhelmina Roselle Scheiber. Edward died June 15, 1935 in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas, at 65 years of age.

January 1995:

My cousin, Merle Drewa Denny sent me the an article on "Trek off to Galveston for another historic Tour." Among other homes highlighted is this article: Only in Texas---a shotgun style floor-plan with "Painted Lady" detailing----is on view at the 1896 Steffens-Drewa Home at 2709 Avenue O. (Note: This home is adjacent the Drewa homestead at 2701 Ave O. At this writing, there are two other homes built by my Grandfather, Ed. F. Drewa. They are lined up west of the 2709 home. /s/ Vernon H. Drewa, Jr.)

Sophie Marie Adophine Steffens

In 1867, Ferdinand Steffens and Henrietta Luedeuke were married (Galveston County Courthouse Marriage records. Book D, page 300.) (The Ferdinand and Henrietta meeting and history will be addressed under the Ferdinand Steffens entry.).

Sophie was not the only child born out of this Union.

Dr. Steffens died September l8, l875 and is listed in Book #I, First Lutheran Church, page 688., Section on funerals, service for members who died in the l875 Hurricane (However, Galveston County Mortuary Records note that Ferdinand died of Typhoid fever).

Sophie's mother died in 1886, leaving Sophie to be cared for by her two half brothers, i.e., Herman and Charles. They were Luedeuke, not Steffens, and therefore not entitled to any of the family property. Galveston County Courthouse Probate Minutes. Judge Robert Morris Franklin, Trustee. #73-1809. Robert M. Franklin, administrator, petitioned the court to change records to correct name.....that the name of said deceased...is erroneous by stated as Henrietta "Stephens" when it should have been Henrietta "Steffens". Judge Franklin's papers. Galveston Texas History Center, Rosenberg Library.) Names seemed to have been used interchangeable during the 1800, especially with those arriving from Germany and Prussia, i.e., Edward Vs Edwin, Stephens vs Steffens etc. She married Ed. F. Drewa 2-11-1891 (Marriage records, Book K, page 47.) There were eventually five children. Sophia passed away with cancer of the pancreas and is interred in the family plot at Galveston Memorial Park, Hitchcock, TX.

Herman Luedeuke left home after the death of his mother and Charles remained to take care of his half sister, Sophie (who was 13 at this time).

It is not clear as to what happened to all the property that Dr. Steffens had accumulated at this time, but his investments were considerable. He owned nearly the entire block of 27th and Ave. O., starting at 27th and going west one block. He had an office and lab, as well as rental property between Ave. O and Ave. P. He also had rental properties next to 2701 Ave. O., plus 35 shotgun rental units near the wharf. He also owned a couple of bars and even a brothel. Payoffs were commonplace during this period.

Consequently from existing records, it was learned that Sophie had to work in order to keep the Steffens homestead. She started out making candy, selling drugs and as a seamstress at her daddy' s doctor office adjacent the south side of the alley behind the existing homestead. Charles worked as a house painter. He met Ed Drewa on a construction site and introduced him to his half sister, Sophie. She was l8 years old at the time and worked as a clerk in a dry goods shop.

(From researchers notes, Charles history was not followed up at the time of this report.) Frederick C. Steffens arrived in Galveston on the "Juno" from Hildesheim, Prussia in l860 on the eve of the Civil War ( Geue, Ethel Hander, New Homes in New Land: German Immigration to Texas l847 to l861, Passenger Lists, page 136.) He was twenty-two years old at the time.

When the Civil War started in l861, he enlisted in the Galveston Artillery serving with Captain H. Van Buren's Company in Colonel Ford's Regiment of the Rio Grande Volunteers (Hayes, Charles W., History of the Island and the City of Galveston, Vol. I, page 484.) The Artillery practiced with General Ebenezer B. Nichols' on the Strand, and left on the schooner "Shark" in February l861 for Fort Brown to demand a Federal surrender of the forts along the Rio Grande River. The Federal commander surrendered and the main body of the Galveston Rifles and Artillery returned to Galveston (From the History of the Island and the City of Galveston. Same page as previous reference. Also, The War of the Rebellion, A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Government Printing Office, Washing-ton, DC, Vol. 48, page 866.). While serving with the artillery Steffens had demonstrated his knowledge, skill and medical abilities. When first enlisted he was listed as an "artisan", later this designation was changed to surgeon.

While the company was on the border, Galveston was being fortified. Steffens, when he returned , was assigned to the South Battery under Commander J. J. Cook. During the Federal occupation of Galveston the Confederates retreated to Virginia Point where they remained until General J. B. Magruder organized the recapture of the city January l, l863 (Hayes, Vol. II, page 552.). When Steffens returned to his post at the South Battery he served as military surgeon. By l864, he was the surgeon on the "Bayou City" which was assigned to the defense of Galveston Island (War of the Rebellion, Vol. l5, Chapter XXVII, p. 210. Col. Cook was given the "Bayou City" to help defend Galveston. Captain Lubbock asked for a medical man to be assigned to his crew. Also Vol. 48. Chapter LX, p. 866 is an engineer's report on Galveston Fortifications and he quotes a Dr. F. Steffens of the "Bayou City".). October 23, l865, the Board of Trustees of Soule University ordered a branch facility, the Galveston Medical College, to be opened in Galveston. Dr. Greensville S. Dowell was appointed professor of anatomy and he invited Steffens to assist him (Jones, Ralph W., Soule University: The First Roots of the Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.). They had met during Dr. Dowell's service as Surgeon-General in the Confederate Army. When Galveston, in l867, experienced an epidemic of yellow fever Dr. Steffens assisted the Howard Association in caring for the sick and dying (Mortuary records and Howard Association papers, Galveston Texas History Center, Rosenberg Library, passim.). While so occupied, he met Emile Luedeuke who with his wife Henrietta had also arrived in Galveston from Germany in l860. Two children were born to the Luedeuke's in Galveston, Herman in l866, and Charles in l867. Emile Luedeuke died in the yellow fever epidemic and two years later, in l870 (January 5, 1870 according to Galveston County Marriage Records), Ferdinand Steffens and Henrietta Luedeuke were married (Geue, passenger lists, p. 102. In l860 Emile and Henrietta arrived in Galveston aboard the "Weser" from Meindorf.)(Galveston County Court-house, marriage records. Book D., p. 300.). That year Dr. Steffens purchased one half of lot 4 and all of lots 5,6, and 7 on the northeast quarter of outlot 65 in Galveston (County Courthouse, deed records, book Y. page 27. ). On lot 7, in l870, he built a house for his new family, and he built a rental house on the Southside of the lot (Assessor's abstracts, Galveston Texas History Center. Dr. Steffens built a five room L-shaped frame building room deep with an attached covered porch.). Ferdinand and Henrietta's daughter, Sophia Steffens, was born in l872. In l873, he built a third house on the west side of his property (Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of l889). The Galveston Medical College closed in l873, and the Texas Medical College and Hospital was formed in l873 ( The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston; A Seventy-five year History by Faculty and Staff, l967, p. 1-10.). Dr. Steffens did not join Dr. Dowell in this; instead he began a private practice in an office he built next to his home. He practiced medicine there until he died of Typhoid Fever on September l5, l875 (Dr. Steffens died September l8, l875 and is listed in Book #I, First Lutheran Church, p. 688. Section on funeral, service for members who died in the l875 hurricane. NOTE: Even though this even is listed with the Hurricane victims, Ferdinand is carried on the Galveston County Mortuary Roles as having died of Typhoid Fever!!!). Henrietta died in l886, leaving Sophie to be cared for by her two half brothers (Galveston County Courthouse Probate Minutes. Judge Robert Morris Franklin, trustee. #73-1809. Robert M. Franklin, administrator, petitioned the court to change records to correct name...that the name of said deceased...is erroneous by stated as Henrietta "Stephens" when it should have been Henrietta "Steffens". Judge Franklin's papers. Galveston Texas History Center, Rosenberg Library.). Herman and Charles were Luedeuke's, not Steffens, and therefore not entitled to any of the family property. Herman left home and Charles, who took the Steffens name, stayed to care for Sophie. Charles worked as a house painter. He met Edward Drewa on a construction site and introduced him to Sophie Steffens. She was l8 years old at the time and working as a clerk in a dry goods store.

Sophie Marie Adolphine Steffens and Edward Frederick Drewa had the following children:

+ 5 i. Auguste Wilhelmine Sedonia³ Drewa was born September 17, 1891.

+ 6 ii. Edward (Edwin) William Drewa was born March 9, 1893.

+ 7 iii. George Carl Milton Drewa was born May 5, 1896.

+ 8 iv. Steffen Adolphos Drewa was born January 22, 1899.

+ 9 v. Vernon Henry Drewa was born September 16, 1906.

Third Generation

5. Auguste Wilhelmine Sedonia³ Drewa (Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Galveston, Galveston Co., Texas September 17, 1891. Auguste died December 24, 1982 in Galveston, Galveston Co., Texas, at 91 years of age.

She married Paul Eugene Carder in Galveston, Galveston, Co., Texas, June 30, 1915. Paul was born in Whitney, Hill County, Texas February 7, 1892. Paul was the son of James Carder and Mary Duncan. Paul died February 6, 1960 in Houston, Harris County, Texas, at 67 years of age. His body was interred in Hillsboro, Hill County, Texas. Paul E. Carder Uncle Paul was born in Hillsboro, Texas on February 7, 1893. He passed away in John Sealy Hospital at Galveston, Texas on February 6, 1960. He was 66 years 11 months and 29 days old.

Paul is buried in the Carder family plot at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hillsboro, Texas. His parents and three sisters are also buried here.

The following affidavit was also located by R. W. Drewa;

THE STATE OF TEXAS: COUNTY OF GALVESTON: BEFORE ME, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for Galveston County Texas, on this day personally appeared MRS. SEDONIA DREWA CARDER, the widow of PAUL E. CARDER, of the City and County of Galveston, Texas, to me well known, who, being first duly sworn according to law, on oath says:

I. FERDINAND STEFFENS, who was also known as FRED STEFFENS, Deceased, was my grandfather and was a doctor, and resided in the City and County of Galveston, Texas, for many years and until his death in about 1875.

II. FERDINAND STEFFENS, also known as FERD STEFFENS, was my grandfather. My grandmother was HENRIETTA STEFFENS.

III. My grandmother, HENRIETTA STEFFENS, died in Galveston on August 23, 1886.

IV. FERDINAND STEFFENS, also known as FERD STEFFENS, and HENRIETTA STEFFENS had only two children, and they were CHARLES STEFFENS, who died about 1900 or 1901, and SOPHIE STEFFENS DREWA, who was my mother. FERDINAND STEFFENS, also known as FERD STEFFENS, HENRIETTA STEFFENS had only the two children named, and they adopted no child or children during their lifetimes.

V. My grandmother, HENRIETTA STEFFENS, had a son by a prior marriage, HERMAN MYER, but he was not adopted by, FERDINAND STEFFENS.

VI. My Mother, SOPHIE STEFFENS DREWA, was born in about 1872, and she was also sometimes known as SOFIA STEFFENS DREWA. My mother died on June 4, 1948, and my father, ED F. DREWA, died June 15, 1935.

I am told that my grandfather was sometimes referred to as FERD STEPHENS; however, his correct name was STEFFENS, and any reference to the name STEPHENS is incorrect. This Affidavit is made solely for the purpose of placing these facts upon the public record. EXECUTED this 16th day of January, 1971. /s/ Sedonia Drewa Carder, widow of Paul E. Carder 2701 Avenue O Galveston, Texas 77550.

SUBSCRIBED and SWORN TO before me on this 16th day of January, 1971, by the said SEDONIA DREWA CARDER, the widow of Paul E. Carder, to certify which witness my hand and seal of office. /s/ Ed. J. Harris Notary Public in and for Galveston County, Texas

THE STATE OF TEXAS:

COUNTY OF GALVESTON: BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared SEDONIA DREWA CARDER, widow of Paul E. Carder, know to me to be the person who name is subscribed to-the foregoing instrument, and she acknowledged to me that she executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF OFFICE, this the 16th day of January 1971. /s/Ed. J. Harris Notary Public in and for Galveston County, Texas

August 8, 1997:

This document was located in old Galveston Newspaper files this date. The following notice appeared in the Galveston Paper regarding the marriage of Sedonia Drewa and Paul Carder. A pretty wedding was solemnized on Wednesday afternoon at 5 o'clock at the German Evangelical Lutheran church when Miss Sedonia Drewa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed. F. Drewa and Paul E. Carder were united in marriage, Rev. S. P. Hasskarl, pastor, officiating. The bride wore a traveling suit of royal blue silk poplin with a blouse of silk shadow lace embroidered in gold with hat and accessories to match. She carried a bouquet of bride roses with white maline streamers. Miss Ester Johnes, in pale pink silk with shadow lace trimmings and carrying a bouquet of bride's roses, was the maid of honor. Bridemaids were Misses Mary Warth and Leoda Walker, who wore gowns of embroidered or gandy over white satin with pale green girdles and carried bouquets of bride's roses. George Deharde and I. H. Devine were groomsmen and George Golden acted as best man. After the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Carder left on the 6 o 'clock Missouri, Kansas and Texas train for Denver, Colorado. After August 1, they will be at home to their friends at 3315 Avenue L.

September 9, 1997: As I was putting a collection of post cards that Aunt Donie received from 1902 - 1908 and later, I located numerous cards which were sent to Uncle Milton, Edwin, Aunt Donie, Grandma and Grandpa. Some from Grandma (Wilhelmina Drewa) and Willy ( her son, William Drewa).

In her youth, documentation indicates that Aunt Donie spent many times in Shiner, Texas or on trips to the Denver, Colorado area with her parents. She would write her brothers, Milton, Stephen and Edwin postcards from those locations. Also, postcards from her friends (written within Galveston) encouraged her to bring music and sing at one of their girl meetings. She must have played the piano very well, because more than one person wanted her to play for them. Many of her friend’s parents would come to visit.

One big surprise however, is a postcard written to a BERNARD DREWA, signed Grandma (Wilhelmina Drewa) and Willie. Dated Dec. 23, 1908.

It is the first time I have come across this name. Aunt Donie was 17 at this time. Uncle Edwin was 15, Uncle Milton was 12 and Uncle Stephen was 9. Dad was just a 2 year old.

Bernard was living with Grandma and Grandpa. With the signature, identifying herself as Grandma would indicate that it would be ONE of her grand children. Charles Louis is the only other sibling of Grandpa to have children of his own. The card was addressed: Master Bernard DrEwa (Drewa is copied exactly as it was written), 2703 Ave. O, City. 2703 is the old address of the Steffens-Drewa homestead. The card is a Christmas card.

Auguste Wilhelmine Sedonia Drewa and Paul Eugene Carder had the following child:

10 i. Infant⁴ Carder was born in Galveston, Texas January 1921. Infant died January 1921 in Galveston, Texas, at less than one year of age.

May 10, 1993

Was contacted by Mr. Bill Bond at the Lakeview Cemetery (57th St.) in Galveston. The following information was provided on Infant Carder: He was interred January 17, 1921 as the son of P.E. Carder in Section E, Block 40, Lot 4 East 1/2. More information will be sent when their records have finished being computerized.

6. Edward (Edwin) William³ Drewa (Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas March 9, 1893. Edward died December 30, 1953 in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas, at 60 years of age.

He married twice. He married Maude Bludworth in Houston, Harris County, Texas, August 10, 1914. Maude was born in Springfield, Missouri. Maude died March 9, 1922 in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas. Her body was interred March 11, 1922 in Houston, Harris County, Texas.

He married Betty Sheehan in Houston, Harris County, Texas, 1925.

Edward (Edwin) William Drewa and Maude Bludworth had the following child:

11 i. Edwin William⁴ Drewa, Jr. was born in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas September 1921. Edwin died November 20, 1921 in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas, at less than one year of age. His body was interred November 23, 1921 in Lakeview Cemetery, Galveston, Galveston County, Texas.

7. George Carl Milton³ Drewa (Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Houston, Harris County, Texas May 5, 1896. George died July 29, 1942 in Houston, Harris County, Texas, at 46 years of age.

He married three times. He married Ruth F. Seelhorst in Houston, Harris County, Texas, June 27, 1914. He married Catherine Elizabeth Pautsch in Houston, Harris County, Texas, January 1, 1920. Catherine was born in Galveston, Texas September 26, 1900. Catherine died 1986 in Houston, Harris County, at 85 years of age.

He married Laura May Unknown 1940.

George's occupation: CEO and President of Congress Candy Company, Houston, Texas

George Carl Milton Drewa and Ruth F. Seelhorst had the following child:

12 i. Marion Ruth⁴ Drewa was born in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas. Marion Ruth and her parents were residing at 2614 Ave. P., Galveston, Texas when her parents divorced. November 2000: Marion is deceased and believed to be interred in Beaumont, Texas.

George Carl Milton Drewa and Laura May Unknown had the following child:

13 ii. Mary Grace Unknown. Mary Grace was the daughter of Laura Mae, who was Milton Drewa's third wife. She was married to him at the time of his murder and became a prime suspect in the case.

George Carl Milton Drewa and Catherine Elizabeth Pautsch had the following children:

+ 14 iii. Merle Constance Drewa was born July 6, 1921.

+ 15 iv. Mildred Catherine Drewa was born July 6, 1921.

8. Steffen Adolphos³ Drewa (Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas January 22, 1899. Steffen died April 15, 1968 in Tyler, Texas., at 69 years of age.

He married twice. He married Mary Elizabeth Davis in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas. Mary was born in Unknown January 28, 1908. Mary died October 31, 1987 in Jacksonville, Fl., at 79 years of age. Mary Elizabeth Davis Drewa Elizabeth is interred in Rose Hill Cemetery, Tyler, Texas, next to her husband, Steffen A. Drewa.

He married Aline C. Anderson in Houston, Harris County, Texas, March 22, 1922. Aline was born March 23, 1900. Aline died December 21, 1969 in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas, at 69 years of age. Aline C. Anderson Drewa Aline is buried in Oleander Cemetery, adjacent Broadway Ave. in Galveston, Texas., next to her son, Steffen, Jr. Currently no marriage or divorce records have been researched. Aline was the ex-wife of Steffen A. Drewa.

Steffen's occupation: Retired Southern Pacific Rail Road, Tyler, Texas. Steffen was divorced from Aline C. Anderson in Houston, Harris County, Texas.

Steffen Adolphos Drewa and Aline C. Anderson had the following child:

16 i. Steffen Adolphos⁴ Drewa, Jr. was born in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas 1923. Steffen died January 11, 1945 in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas, at 21 years of age.

Steffen Adolphos Drewa and Mary Elizabeth Davis had the following children:

+ 17 ii. Marcus Egbert Drewa was born September 7, 1931.

+ 18 iii. Kenneth Steffen Drewa was born September 4, 1932.

+ 19 iv. Shirley Ann Drewa was born May 22, 1936.

9. Vernon Henry³ Drewa (Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas September 16, 1906. Vernon died September 1, 1988 in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, at 81 years of age. His body was interred October 5, 1988 in Fort Worth, Tarrant Co., Texas.

He married Juanita Maxine Shropshire in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, April 5, 1927. Juanita was born in Gainsville, Cooke Co., Texas June 13, 1906. Juanita was the daughter of Samuel Garfield Shropshire and Audrey Stella Rush. Juanita died October 8, 1994 in Bedford, Tarrant Co., Texas, at 88 years of age. Her body was interred in Greenwood Cemetery, Ft. Worth, Texas.

Vernon Henry Drewa and Juanita Maxine Shropshire had the following children:

+ 20 i. Vernon Henry⁴ Drewa, Jr. was born January 17, 1930.

+ 21 ii. Robert Wayne Drewa was born April 28, 1932.

Fourth Generation

14. Merle Constance⁴ Drewa (George Carl Milton³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Galveston, Galveston, Co., Texas July 6, 1921.

Merle Constance Drewa and Harold Kieth Denney had the following children:

+ 22 i. Dorcas Dawn⁵ Denney was born June 27, 1954.

+ 23 ii. David Drew Denney was born June 13, 1958.

15. Mildred Catherine⁴ Drewa (George Carl Milton³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Houston, Harris County, Texas July 6, 1921. Her body was interred.

She married Oscar Hahn in Not known, May 26, 1941. Oscar was born June 13, 1916. Oscar, before his retirement. was President and part owner of McGinns Mfg. Copany for 27 years. He has been retired for some time. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin.

Mildred Catherine Drewa and Oscar Hahn had the following children:

+ 24 i. Oscar William⁵ Hahn, Jr. was born June 13, 1943.

+ 25 ii. Marcus Paul Hahn was born August 10, 1944.

+ 26 iii. Anna Catherine Hahn was born July 14, 1946.

+ 27 iv. Victoria Elizabeth Hahn was born May 26, 1959.

17. Marcus Egbert⁴ Drewa (Steffen Adolphos³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas September 7, 1931.

He married Fredericka Sweeney in New Orleans, Louisiana, December 13, 1958. Fredericka was born in Tallahassee, Florida August 17, 1937. Fredericka was the daughter of Nelson Isiah Sweeney and Lillie Mae Sweeney. Fredericka died July 26, 1998 in Jacksonville, Florida, at 60 years of age.

Marcus Egbert Drewa and Fredericka Sweeney had the following children:

+ 28 i. Malvern Lawrence⁵ Drewa was born May 16, 1960.

29 ii. Marcus Edwin Drewa was born in Wesleco, Texas January 2, 1962.

18. Kenneth Steffen⁴ Drewa (Steffen Adolphos³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas September 4, 1932.

He married Nancy Catherine Steffey in Atlanta, Texas, May 24, 1955. Nancy was born in Pittsburg, Texas July 10, 1933.

Kenneth Steffen Drewa and Nancy Catherine Steffey had the following children:

+ 30 i. Catherine Elizabeth⁵ Drewa was born July 24, 1956.

31 ii. Kenneth Steffen (Jr.) Drewa was born in Tyler, Smith County, Texas September 4, 1957. Kenneth died January 12, 1999 in Jacksonville, Florida, at 41 years of age.

19. Shirley Ann⁴ Drewa (Steffen Adolphos³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Tyler, Smith County, Texas May 22, 1936.

She married twice. She married Morris Knows. Morris was born in New Orleans, Louisiana September 3, 1915. She married Jack Farmer. Jack was born in Hawkins County, Tennessee.

Shirley was divorced from Jack Farmer in About 1963.

Shirley Ann Drewa and Jack Farmer had the following child:

32 i. Sharon Nell⁵ Drewa was born ________ County, ___________. She married Reggie Tison.

20. Vernon Henry⁴ Drewa, Jr. (Vernon Henry³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas January 17, 1930.

He married Beverly Gail Wren in Fort Worth, Tarrant Co., Texas, June 9, 1954. Beverly was born in Fort Worth, Tarrant Co., Texas February 2, 1936. Beverly is the daughter of Gerald Craig Wren and Edith Wilson Turner.

Vernon Henry Drewa, Jr. and Beverly Gail Wren had the following children:

+ 33 i. Karen Lynn⁵ Drewa was born January 10, 1956.

+ 34 ii. Danna Beverly Drewa was born September 13, 1957.

+ 35 iii. Kristi Loraine Drewa was born May 17, 1960.

21. Robert Wayne⁴ Drewa (Vernon Henry³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas April 28, 1932.

He married Betty Laverne Conwell in Granbury, Texas., August 14, 1951. Betty was born in Munday, Knox Co., Texas.. November 27, 1933. Betty is the daughter of Floyd C. Conwell.

Robert Wayne Drewa and Betty Laverne Conwell had the following children:

+ 36 i. Robert Wayne⁵ Drewa, Jr. was born July 17, 1952.

+ 37 ii. Scherie Darlene Drewa was born January 1, 1955.

+ 38 iii. Debra Kay Drewa was born July 26, 1956.

Fifth Generation

22. Dorcas Dawn⁵ Denney (Merle Constance⁴ Drewa, George Carl Milton³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Ft. Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, June 27, 1954.

She married twice. She married Thomas C. Phayre II in Houston, Texas, November 23, 1973. Thomas was born in Philidelphia, Penn April 10, 1944. She married Alfred Poop in Las Vegas, Nevada, 1993. Alfred was born in Eisenerz, Austria.

Dorcas occupation: Hotel Business Manager. She resides in Portland, Or., 97213.

Dorcas Dawn Denney and Thomas C. Phayre II had the following children:

39 i. Thomas C.⁶ Phayre III was born in Houston, Texas September 28, 1974.

40 ii. Brooke Catherine Phayre was born November 28, 1977.

23. David Drew⁵ Denney (Merle Constance⁴ Drewa, George Carl Milton³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Unknown June 13, 1958.

He married Charmaine Webb in Sugarland, Texas, May 23, 1992. Charmaine was born in ________ County, ___________.

David Drew Denney and Charmaine Webb had the following children:

41 i. Blake⁶ Denney.

42 ii. Tyler Denney was born March 1994.

24. Oscar William⁵ Hahn, Jr. (Mildred Catherine⁴ Drewa, George Carl Milton³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born June 13, 1943.

He married twice. He married Barbara Smith. He married Nancy Thomas. Oscar Jr. has no children with his second wife; Nancy Thomas.

Oscar William Hahn, Jr. and Barbara Smith had the following child:

+ 43 i. Cary⁶ Hahn was born April 27, 1970.

25. Marcus Paul⁵ Hahn (Mildred Catherine⁴ Drewa, George Carl Milton³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Unknown August 10, 1944.

He married twice. He married an unknown person. He married Vonda Unknown.

Marcus's occupation: Not known. Marcus Paul never remarried. January 1994: His daughter, Kimberly is 15. Marcus is divorced.

Marcus Paul Hahn had the following child:

44 i. Kimberly Ann⁶ Hahn was born February 6, 1979.

26. Anna Catherine⁵ Hahn (Mildred Catherine⁴ Drewa, George Carl Milton³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born July 14, 1946.

She married James Hoyt Dodson September 2, 1967. James was born June 17, 1946.

Anna Catherine Hahn and James Hoyt Dodson had the following children:

+ 45 i. James Hoyt Jr.⁶ Dodson was born May 12, 1969.

46 ii. Darren Paul Dodson was born September 19, 1971. He married Lillian Theresa Tran July 15, 2000.

27. Victoria Elizabeth⁵ Hahn (Mildred Catherine⁴ Drewa, George Carl Milton³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born May 26, 1959.

She married twice. She married Mark Hampton 1982. Mark was born March 22, 1959. She married David Guevara Vidaurri 1995. Victoria married David in 1995.

Victoria Elizabeth Hahn and Mark Hampton had the following children:

47 i. Andrew William⁶ Hampton was born October 9, 1987.

48 ii. Christopher Neil Hampton was born September 13, 1989.

28. Malvern Lawrence⁵ Drewa (Marcus Egbert⁴, Steffen Adolphos³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Kansas City, Missouri May 16, 1960.

He married an unknown person.

Malvern Lawrence Drewa had the following child:

49 i. Elizabeth Susann⁶ Drewa was born in Jacksonville, Fla. February 12, 1989. Elizabeth Suzann Drewa Elizabeth is the daughter of Malvern Lawrence Drewa and ?

30. Catherine Elizabeth⁵ Drewa (Kenneth Steffen⁴, Steffen Adolphos³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Tyler, Smith County, Texas July 24, 1956.

She married Eugene Lawrence Wilson May 5, 1979.

Catherine Elizabeth Drewa and Eugene Lawrence Wilson had the following children:

50 i. Benjamin Steffen⁶ Wilson was born in Charleston, South Carolina December 2, 1979.

51 ii. Jeremy Lee Wilson was born in Charleston, South Carolina May 12, 1981.

33. Karen Lynn⁵ Drewa (Vernon Henry⁴, Vernon Henry³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Bainbridge, Cecil Co., (Elkton), Md. January 10, 1956.

She married twice. She married Randy James in Hurst, Tarrant County. Texas, January 4, 1975. Randy was born in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. Randy James Randy was the first husband of Karen Lynn Drewa Skrasek.

She married John Joseph Skrasek III. in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, May 15, 1982. John was born in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas September 14, 1945. John is the son of John Skrasek Jr. and Helena Angela Polinski. He married Delores Long in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, August 1967.

Karen was divorced from Randy James in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, April 1981.

Karen Lynn Drewa and John Joseph Skrasek III. had the following children:

52 i. Jason Craig⁶ Skrasek was born November 16, 1977.

53 ii. Joey Lynn Skrasek was born August 23, 1979.

34. Danna Beverly⁵ Drewa (Vernon Henry⁴, Vernon Henry³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Fort Worth, Tarrant Co., Texas September 13, 1957.

She married John David Elliott in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, August 27, 1981. John was born in Vandalia, Illinois December 7, 1939. John is the son of Bernard V. Elliott and Bessie Oner Skinner.

Danna was divorced from John David Elliott in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, March 27, 1996.

Danna Beverly Drewa and John David Elliott had the following children:

54 i. Brittney Gail⁶ Elliott was born September 22, 1985.

55 ii. Brooke Danielle Elliott was born February 19, 1990.

35. Kristi Loraine⁵ Drewa (Vernon Henry⁴, Vernon Henry³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Bellville, Austin, Texas May 17, 1960.

She married twice. She married Dale Childers 1984. Dale was born in Fort Worth, Texas. Dale Childers Dale was the first husband of Kristi L. Drewa.

She married Randall Wade Lucas in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, October 20, 1988. Randall was born in Luling, Caldwell County, Texas December 26, 1955. Randall is the son of Wardell Arthur Lucas and Maggie Jolene Swann.

Kristi Loraine Drewa and Randall Wade Lucas had the following children:

56 i. Natalie Rachael⁶ Lucas was born December 31, 1991.

57 ii. Sarah Marie Lucas was born April 23, 1996.

58 iii. Josuha Randall Lucas was born April 23, 1996.

59 iv. Amanda Dawn Lucas was born April 23, 1996.

60 v. Mark Everett Lucas was born February 3, 1998.

36. Robert Wayne⁵ Drewa, Jr. (Robert Wayne⁴, Vernon Henry³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas July 17, 1952.

He married twice. He married Charlotte Louise Russell in Irving, Dallas County, Texas. Charlotte was born in Not known.

He married Sherry Kay Mcferrin 1987. Sherry was born July 23, 1954. She married an unknown person.

Robert Wayne Drewa, Jr. and Charlotte Louise Russell had the following child:

+ 61 i. Chad Russell⁶ Drewa was born September 11, 1973.

37. Scherie Darlene⁵ Drewa (Robert Wayne⁴, Vernon Henry³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born January 1, 1955.

She married twice. She married Mark Oesch in Irving, Dallas County, Texas, 1973.

She married Michael Poteet in Tyler, Smith County, Texas, February 18, 1995. Michael was born in _________ County, _____________.

Scherie was divorced from Michael Poteet 1996.

Scherie Darlene Drewa and Mark Oesch had the following child:

62 i. Brian Christopher⁶ Oesch was born August 23, 1973. He married Amy Thorp in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 24, 1999.

38. Debra Kay⁵ Drewa (Robert Wayne⁴, Vernon Henry³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born July 26, 1956.

She married James Walter Lobb in Irving, Dallas County, Texas, August 24, 1978. James was born in Irving, Dallas County, Texas September 24, 1950.

Debra Kay Drewa and James Walter Lobb had the following children:

+ 63 i. Tiffany Lynn⁶ Lobb was born May 17, 1974.

64 ii. Brandie Dawn Lobb was born August 7, 1979.

65 iii. Kristin Michelle Lobb was born July 11, 1984.

Sixth Generation

43. Cary⁶ Hahn (Oscar William⁵, Mildred Catherine⁴ Drewa, George Carl Milton³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born April 27, 1970.

She married Bryce Stewart.

She resides in Kingwood, Texas.

Cary Hahn and Bryce Stewart had the following children:

66 i. Bryce Jr.⁷ Stewart was born August 8, 1994.

67 ii. Peyton Stewart was born February 14, 1996.

45. James Hoyt Jr.⁶ Dodson (Anna Catherine⁵ Hahn, Mildred Catherine⁴ Drewa, George Carl Milton³, Sophie Marie Adolphine² Steffens, Ferdinand Christoph¹) was born May 12,