Source: A Twentieth Century History of Southwest Texas, Vol. II; The Lewis Publishing Co.; New York, NY, 1907, pp. 151 - 153.
Christoph Pfeuffer, a capitalist of San Antonio with large invested interests, was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, in 1841, and in 1845, when but four years of age, was brought to America by his parents, George and Barbara (Brochelle) Pfeuffer, who settled in Texas, being among the first arrivals of the German colonists who settled the town of New Braunfels in Comal county, under the direction of Prince Solms. Mr. and Mrs. George Pfeuffer were accompanied by their six children, four sons and two daughters. They suffered many hardships on the journey, particularly from illness and after landing from the ship at Indianola, Texas, their troubles continues as they made their way through a rough and uninhabited country to the proposed new colony, which was later to take an important part in the subsequent history of this section of the state. The story of George Pfeuffer's life with its privations and dangers, its contentions with the Indians and scant opportunities for advancement, would in itself constitute a large and most interesting volume if told in detail. He was made of stern material and before coming to America had accumulated a snug little fortune in the tannery business, and it was as a tanner that he laid the foundation for another fortune after he had established his home in the new world and had overcome the conditions of early pioneer life. As the years passed by he added to his accumulations and at his death left a considerable estate. His entire life after coming to America was passed in New Braunfels, where for a long number of years he was classed with the most prominent and prosperous citizens. He helped to build the first house in the town and contributed in many substantial ways to the improvement and development of the place, leaving the impress of his individuality for good upon the public life. Farming and trading with Indians, buying their furs and shipping to the old country was his principal business. He died in 1883, while his wife, who was of French ancestry, passed away in the earlier days of their residence in New Braunfels.
Hon. George Pfeuffer, the eldest son of George Sr., was fifteen years of age at the time of the family's arrival in Texas. He was educated in Germany, and following his return to Texas he embarked in merchandising at Corpus Christi, following that pursuit until the outbreak of the Civil war, while subsequent to the period of hostilities he re-established the business at New Braunfels, where under the firm name of George Pfeuffer & Brothers a large establishment was developed and an extensive trade built up in the general mercantile line. Of this firm Christoph Pfeuffer was also a member. They were largely engaged in other business affairs in that county and section of the state in addition to general merchandising, holding extensive landed interests and also carrying on farming and cattle raising. They built up a comfortable fortune in this way, carefully managing varied business interests so that success resulted. George Pfeuffer, Jr., also became prominent in politics. His fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to the office of county judge of Comal county and elected him to represent his district in the lower house of the state legislature and also in the senate. His life was notable because of its business success and for its official prominence and he commanded high respect and regard wherever known. He died in New Braunfels in 1886 at the age of fifty-six years. Valentine Pfeuffer, the second son of the family. died at New Braunfels in the latter part of 1904. Dan Pfeuffer, another son, served as a Confederate soldier throughout the Civil war, becoming a lieutenant under Captain Sayers and died at San Antonio in 1905. The two daughters of the family are Mary Pfeuffer and Mrs. Barbetta Cline, the former living in Gonzales, Texas ; Mrs. Cline, who also made her home in Gonzales, died in that city.
Christoph Pfeuffer acquired a good education and was reared to mercantile pursuits, becoming a member of the firm of George Pfeuffer & Brothers. As the years passed by they extended their efforts from one line to another until their business affairs covered a wide range ofactivity and resulted in splendid success. In 1884, Mr. Pfeuffer re-moved to San Antonio, where he has since made his home. Having been very prosperous in business his financial resources were such that he could retire from active connection with trade or commercial interests and devote his time to the supervision of his property and investments. For a long period of years he owned a fine ranch twenty-five miles north of San Antonio, on which he raised racing and other fine stock.
Mr. Pfeuffer was married in New Braunfels in 1882 to Miss Nettie Pasel. They have a beautiful home in San Antonio at No. 133 Cedar street with large and attractive flower and vegetable gardens extending to the corner of Pereida street. The furnishings of the home are all that wealth can secure and refined taste suggest and the social functions here held are among the most attractive of the city.