George Pfeuffer.
New Braunfels.
Source: Daniell, L.E. Types of Successful Men of Texas; Eugene von Boeckmann, Printer and Bookbinder; Austin, Texas, 1890, pp. 573-589.
Away back in the forties, when Texas was a republic, a society was formed for the protection of German immigration to this country, a current of which had strongly set in. Two causes were in operation to cause it: the over-crowded state of the Faderland, and the great struggle among the poorer classes for existence, -a struggle rendered more desperate by the operation of a law which dedicates every male of the entire population to his country's service, as a soldier, for a term of years; and the glowing reports that had gone back from pioneer emigrants, of the wealth of resource and boundless possibilities offered in this new world to men of energy, enterprise and pluck. These considerations induced large bodies of sturdy Germans to follow in the path blazed out by their predecessors; and when immigration was systematized and encouraged by a company formed for the purpose, the influx of German immigrants into Texas was, for a time, greatly augmented, and the better class of working people begun to pour in.
Among the passengers on the good ship "Washington," when she sailed from the shores of the old world, with her prow directed to the setting sun, was the family of Pfeuffers,-father and mother, four sons and two daughters, the eldest of the sons being George Pfeuffer, the subject of this sketch. His father, in the old country, had been a tanner by trade, and was interested in extensive tanneries. Allured to the shores of the new world by the experiences of those who had preceded him, he closed up his business, converted his worldly possessions into cash, and with his frau and six children and their household goods embarked, as stated, on the ship Washington. This was in the fall of the year 1845. On the 25th day of November, she came to anchor in the Galveston harbor, and landed her cargo of Germans. After a little rest, the Pfeuffers, still under direction of the Society for Promotion and Protection of German Immigration, took passage on a schooner for Indian Point, the Indianola of more recent days. On the passage the schooner was wrecked, and the Pfeuffers lost all or the greater part of their little belongings, hence they were turned loose on the shores of a new world almost penniless. Of stern stuff indeed must the heart of a man be made when so circumstanced. In a strange land, with a young family, the oldest of whom was a lad of fifteen, and destitute of the commonest necessities of life, most men would have despaired.
But, those sturdy pioneers knew no such word as fail; they must succeed. They were worse off, in some respects, than were the followers of Cortez when he burned his ships, - retreat was impossible. They had come to this country to hew out a fortune, to found a colony and to build a home.
It is not our purpose to follow the fortunes of this body of immigrants, but singling out the eldest son, George, whose brilliant career as a citizen, a merchant, a politician and a statesman in the better days of Texas, has so recently closed, it is proposed to narrate the principal events in his life and career; and in doing so, it becomes necessary, incidentally, to string on the thread of his life's story bits of interesting history connected with the legislation of Texas, and particularly with reference to the development of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, -reminiscences which, it is to be hoped, will not prove uninteresting to the readers of this work, -George Pfeuffer, the whilom forlorn emigrant lad of fifteen, in latter life was so identified with much of this history that it would be impossible to write his life without doing so.
He was born in Obernbriet, in the kingdom of Bavaria, on the 17th day of October, 1830. He died September 15, 1886, in the -fifty-seventh year of his age.
In that brief period, how much of life, -earnest, laborious, struggling life; how much of hopes deferred, of disappointments; how much of ambition; and later, of successes and triumphs, of accomplished purposes, of good done and progress made; of delightful prosperity and hosts of devoted friends; of happy homes and loving hearts; of all this, how much is encompassed? Very much. Comparatively young, -in the very midst and prime of mature manhood, he had yet lived scores of years, if time could be reckoned by deeds, and his name is graven on the pillars that support the great educational system of Texas -on the hearts of a grateful constituency as well as in the annals of his adopted country.
In every country and in every clime, there is some physical feature that is conspicuous and characteristic. Even in our own rugged Rockies, where all is grand, the 'Boulder Rock" stands boldly conspicuous, the crowning and overshadowing glory of that grand region. So, in every country and amongst every people some one man rises supreme, grand and imposing, at once the head and emblem of his race. To the thrifty community of Germans planted in the beautiful valley of the Guadalupe, George Pfeuffer became such a man. He was the Boulder Rock of New Braunfels, the Colossus of Comal, the recognized head and front of every enterprise, the representative man.
Shortly after their settlement on the coast of Texas, Pfeuffer, Sr., purchased land at New Braunfels, and begun its cultivation and improvement. George, meantime, being ready and willing to turn his hand to anything that promised a livelihood, secured employment as clerk or assistant with John F. Torry, in a store. Shortly afterwards the United States and Mexico went to war (1846) and George Pfeuffer went to Corpus Christi, where he secured employment with Chas. Ohler, one of the wealthiest businessmen of that time and place, and later became secretary to H.L. Kinney, a wealthy Englishman. George had received the rudiments of an excellent education before leaving Germany, and was quite proficient in most of his studies. His education was of great assistance to him in acquiring a knowledge of the English language, and he availed himself of every opportunity of mastering the idioms of that difficult language and of acquainting himself with the manners and customs and methods of business of the people among whom fortune had thus cast his lot. Being naturally bright and quick, he soon became master both of the English and Spanish languages, and familiar with the manners of both nationalities. In the position of secretary, he won, by his gentlemanly address and quick perception; as well as by his genial nature, many warm friends, and they gave him every aid and encouragement. Chief among these were Mr. Somers Kinney, who was, at that time, the editor of a paper published at Corpus Christi, Colonel Fullerton and Colonel Shotwell.
Having familiarized himself with the manners and customs of the Americans and Mexicans, and their methods of business, and possessing a sound judgment, he was soon enabled to make some very advantageous investments. These proved profitable, and he thus laid the first stone in the foundation upon which his subsequent fortune was built.
Although separated from his parents, he was in constant communication with them, and occasionally visited them. Hence, being acquainted in New Braunfels, and identified with it through the family connection, he was naturally interested in what interested them. When they organized their Saengerfest and held the first meeting ever held in Texas, he was present and joined them. He subscribed, along with other Germans, to the New Braunfels Zeitung, the first German newspaper published in Texas.
While residing at Corpus Christi, he became acquainted with Miss Susan Gravis, between whom and himself a strong attachment soon existed, and he resolved to marry. They were united in marriage on the last day of the year, 1855, ten years after his arrival in Texas.
When the war between the States broke out (1861), Corpus Christi being exposed to the enemy, Mr. Pfeuffer took his family, consisting then of his wife and several small children and, and went to New Braunfels. He did not participate in the war, but carried on his business as a member of the firm of Wm. Mann & Co., at San Antonio. In consequence of the war, and the great depreciation in value of Confederate money, which was the principal circulating medium, he lost heavily, especially in the latter mentioned business. Hence he closed out his interest in it, and associating with him one of his brothers, begun anew, at New Braunfels. Here they engaged in merchandising, under the firm name of Geo. Pfeuffer & Brother, a.firm name which has endured through all these years, and the sign still stands over the old place, a monument to his name and a perpetual reminder of New Braunfels' great loss. The new firm prospered, both being smart, active and enterprising young men. Schools were in flourishing operation, and he thus acquired the means to give his children a good education. He bought property as his means increased, and made many judicious and profitable investments. He continually broadened his operations, and in addition to his mercantile business, he was soon carrying on extensive industries in several parts of the State. He owned and operated a saw mill in Northeast Texas, in the rich pine region of the Trinity river; he established lumber yards along the line of the International & Great Northern Railroad, and kept them stocked from this and other mills. There was great demand for pine lumber along this line; it was unprecedented, and Pfeuffer availed himself of the opportunity. He made money rapidly. He extended this business even into Mexico. Notwithstanding his multitudinous business interests, he found time to devote to social intercourse, and to public affairs as well. Politically, he was a Democrat, (and before the war, was a Secessionist,) and from an early age took a deep interest in the politics of the State and county. He was also a member of the Turn Verein, a Master Mason, an Odd Fellow, and a staunch member of the German Protestant church.
With a natural taste, then, for politics, he having acquired a comprehensive knowledge of American manners and customs, and an insight into political methods particularly, acquired by close observation and intimate personal acquaintance with many leading men, it is quite natural that he should have entered into the arena at a comparatively early period of his life; moreover, he had studied the laws of Texas to some purpose. This still further fitted him to serve his people in politics. Pleasing and popular in his manners, and of a commanding presence and dignified yet affable bearing, he soon acquired influence in public life.
His first preferment was in 1877, when Dr. Theodore Koester having resigned the office of county judge of Comal county, he was chosen by the county commissioners for his successor. He filled the unexpired time of his predecessor so successfully, and to the satisfaction of all parties, that at the following election, November, 1880, he was unanimously re-elected. During his administration, the new county jail was built. The county judge being ex-officio superintendent of the public schools- a subject in which Mr. Pfeuffer always took a deep interest- he set to work to advance the cause of education in his county, and to perfect their school system. Accordingly he secured good teachers for every school community, and believing the time of teaching was too short, advocated and was instrumental in securing an extension of the sessions. Soon the schools were in session all the year round. He was largely instrumental also in having extended the charter of the New Braunfels Academy, which had expired by limitation.
In every convention of the Democratic party he was an active participant, and in the election of all State officers. From an early day he saw the necessity of railroad extension as a means of development and the advancement of civilization, and his activity in aiding the railroad enterprises was one of his chief characteristics. It was a hobby with him, and his advocacy of the extension of the Houston and West Texas Narrow Gauge road made him widely known. In this connection, probably, he first attracted attention as a public spirited and able man. In 1880, Governor O. M. Roberts appointed him one of the directors of the Agricultural and Mechanical College, at Bryan.
This was the beginning of his remarkable career. Here he found a field for the exercise of those extraordinary qualities that distinguished him; for when, as Senator from the Twenty-fifth District, he was sent to the Eighteenth State I,egislature, shortly afterwards, so deeply interested was he in the scheme promised by the scope of the Agricultural and Mechanical College, as his broad mind pictured it, or thought it should be; so much of good and real usefulness to the State did it promise if properly administered and developed, that he begun at once to take steps to put it upon solid foundation, and to ensure its support and protection by the State equally with other branches of education. Here was something like they have in the old world- a school of art, a school to fit the youth of Texas for everyday practical work. And we may say also, here was the beginning of his troubles; for never was a man more misrepresented- we will not say misunderstood- and for his zeal he received from the press and a part of the people curses deep and loud. He was accused of being the enemy of education, of trying to destroy the State University, and a thousand other things equally absurd. But he was brave and courageous, and though his generous heart was stung and bruised by these great injustices, he never despaired, he had the courage of his convictions that he was right, to sustain him, and he trusted to results; to the future to justify and approve; trusted to the intelligence and better sense of the people after the cloud of misrepresentation shall have been swept away by the sunshine of truth.
The State has provided most munificently for her schools. It was thought this newly inaugurated school and branch of the University,-a most important step,-should be entitled to a portion of the school fund, and accordingly Senator Pfeuffer, among his earliest acts in the Eighteenth Legislature, introduced a bill for that purpose. True, the bill called for a reduction of the salaries of some of the University professors, and this, it seems, was the "head and front of his offending." Senator Pfeuffer held that the standard of education required of the matriculants was so low, and the curriculum of the University such, that professors of world-wide reputations, who required four and five thousand dollars salary, were not necessary, and that professors fully qualified to fill those chairs could be found for half the sum. Such a storm of indignation was raised in consequence of this advocacy-a tempest in a teapot-that the students, doubtless instigated by the professors, threatened to hang him in effigy, and did actually hold an indignation meeting.
His defense of the Agricultural and Mechanical College, and of his bill, was something grand. The injustice done him and the enthusiasm awakened in his 'breast in behalf of his trust, aroused the latent powers of his nature, and for an hour or more, just before adjournment, he poured forth words of burning eloquence, in resistless torrents.
To give an insight into his views on this subject, and that the reader may better understand the position of affairs, as well as to give a sample of his eloquence and logic, we quote below from his speech on that occasion:
Senator Pfeuffer rose to a question of privilege and said:
"This Senate knows to what I have been subjected in public prints. I will not refer to what may have been said in this Senate in connection with certain measures I have introduced and advocated. I was here to respond in person or, constructively in person, and could confront antagonism in debate before this body on all questions of difference that may have arisen between me and my fellow Senators. * * * I desire to be heard to respond to a mischievous, selfish and venal press that has persistently misrepresented me, and held me up for ridicule, in every form that could either wound the feelings of its subject, or prejudice the sentiments or opinions of the citizens of his State that he has faithfully labored to serve. I will not say that the whole press has been thus ungenous, nor is it against the whole press that I defend. To many of the papers I return my thanks for their fairness in stating my position on questions at issue. Only a few miserable writers and publishers have been unscrupulous, and day by by (sic) day loaded their columns with constant sneers, ridicule, criticism and words framed in a thousand forms devised to raise a prejudice against me, from every view. It is thus that these venal sheets have their power, they crush or they elevate. The most worthy man or the most righteous cause may be ruined by a corrupt press. Under their present assumed privilege as journalists, irresponsible, itinerant bohemians may day by day indulge in their taunts, their criticisms, their misrepresentations, and the officer or citizen affected has no remedy other than brute force, or that of the slow and uncertain statute, whose provision they are careful to avoid. We cannot engage in a war of words, as officers and citizens, and make defenses day by day, and correct falsehoods uttered by those who control the ink-horn of an editor, and by those lesser powers of the press who disseminate their works day by day, either as sensationalists, or for gain. There are but few of us who have not felt these unjust, ungenerous attacks, and in our labors individually, and as members of this body, all have felt keenly the insults that have been heaped upon us. Members have been assailed by mere, scribblers who have scarcely kept pace to record the subject of legislation. They assume a knowledge of the details and proprieties of all measures, and unparalleled effrontery has been dashingly blazing itself in the columns of a few of these sheets, controlled by scribblers who wield a quill ready to turn their lines into vinegar and gall or into soft and gracious plaudits and high sounding panegyrics, as may be indicated to them by their back ground masters prompting with the jingle of gold as the reward for their work. * * * If public men are to be adjudged by representatives of this class, whether they be friends or foes, we have fallen on unhappy times; and if the power exists that can raise or crush-raise that which is most unworthy, and crush that which is innocent of wrong-and by misrepresentation in good or in evil, elevate or lower at their pleasure,-unhappy is the age! Unhappy be the times in which the venom of the slanderer or the praise of a tool or hireling can reach so far, mercilessly poisoning public sentiment, or by soothing apologies lull to sleep just criticism or condemnation. The common slanderer with only a persistent tongue and active foot, is limited in his mischievous work; the slandering journalist that can lay ridicule on your person, misrepresentation of your action, false interpretation of your motives, insinuations against your honesty, and scandal against your reputation as a man-and you powerless to defend-is a creature of this age alone! His effusions are placed at the door of your own domicile day by day, and on the tables of your friends and constituents, who honor and trust you- and you powerless against his assaults.
"I claim the right in these last hours of this session, when it may no longer be urged that I am in debate by an insidious move on questions for legislation, to reply to charges that, as stated, have been made in a thousand forms, misrepresentations that each day assume new phases.
"I was made Chairman of the Committee on Education at this session of the Legislature. For some years past I have been one of the Directors of the Agricultural and Mechanical College at Bryan. I have felt a profound interest in the success of that institution. This Legislature had scarcely met when we heard words of ridicule addressed against the A. & M. College, and derisive sneers at its efforts; suggestions that it be abandoned as an educational institution and converted into an asylum. These enemies of the A. & M. College thought that it was inimical to the State University at Austin. The A. & M. College had friends. There were those amongst us who believed it was an institution that should receive the first care of the State. We may have been of the opinion that the class of our youth whom the A. & M. College proposed to cultivate, was as important to the State, and would, when leaving that institution be worth as much for her prosperity, as urban scholars, versed in the languages of Greece and Rome, or proficient in the soft tongues of Spain and Italy, the brilliant language of France or the stately manliness of the language of my fatherland.
There were some who thought that the schools where the farmers’ sons were taught the nature of soils, the chemistry of crops, were as important as the schools in which metaphysical jargon is heard in wrangling from morning till night. There were some who thought that sound instruction in the history of domestic animals, a knowledge of the capacities of their different breeds, their adaptability to our climate, their diseases and remedies and best modes of rearing, their anatomical structure, and everything necessary for their successful management, was as useful as the pleasing science of entomology, that may expand itself in volumes on the anatomy of the carrion-beetle, or tremendous discussions, unfolding the purpose of the house-fly, or how the swamp gallinipper serves as assistants in hygiene, in our kitchens, and around our poisonous lagoons.
"There were some of us who had these thoughts relating to the relative utility of the two classes of what is termed 'high education, '-the one looking to gain producers on our farms and ranches-the other as supplying material from which the bench and the bar, and pulpit, the medical corps are recruited; and from which also comes the vast herd of idlers who are too highly cultivated to work in manual labor, and too worthless to follow out in any line for which their education may fit them, to be useful as members of society.
"We think we may be pardoned for holding in importance the science which teaches our youth to look to the earth, and inspect its soils, and discern the hidden powers of nature that when applied, will make teeming crops, and an abundant yield. We may be pardoned if we think this science equal in dignity, and equally useful with the science that would consult the stars and the planets; and endeavor to determine their occult influences- influences which, if discovered, could never be controlled. It may be discovered that spots on the sun control vegetation, and the phases of the moon regulate the tides and the weather; but it is beyond the powers of man to regulate these awful influences. Metaphysical wranglers may worry their minds over innate ideas, questions of time and space, or even the calculation of the number of angels that might dance upon the point of a needle, the practical knowledge of one's self, as each man may discover, and an analysis of, and knowledge as it grows with us; and a knowledge of things that are actually around us are as worthy of thought, as these questions of the school man. It is as important and as dignified to know how to stretch and preserve the skins of cattle slaughtered with the knife and save their meat for food, and pack it in barrels with salt, as to be able to kill the ephemeral butterfly, with chloroform, and preserve it with arsenic, packed away in a show case with a Greek name in pollysllables (sic) pinned on its back, doing the honors of an epitaph and biography, offered as an atonement for its poor little life that was taken for science's sake by some murderous, crazy bug-hunter.
"There were those who thought the studies of the proper appreciation of the pulley, the lever, the wedge and wheel and axle, to aid the power of man's feeble muscles, and the principles of machines that assist to make work easy and redeem men, women and children from a life of toil, were quite as important and dignified as the study of the mechanics of the solar system, or as the dreams of the fanciers who imagine, in their reveries, that they hear the music of the spheres. There are even those who thought that the culture and development of an actual, real, first-class taurus -a regular bull, that could paw up the earth and bellow with no uncertain sound, and whose prowess could be seen. and whose future progeny might be contemplated with pride, was a study as dignified, as refined, and perhaps as useful as a study of the prowess of the Centaur, the ferociousness of the three headed dog, Cerberus, the hideousness of the Lernean Hydra or Jupiter, in the form of a bull, when he eloped with Europa, or the white bull that was loved by the unchaste Pasipha, or Minotaurus, their dreadful offspring. The one who has been so greatly decried as the hero of the Agricultural and Mechanical College farm is the actual bull for the farm for actual use. He is, in every sense of the term, fit, socially, to move in the society to which he belongs. The others are the monsters and bulls of classic readings for the dreamer in mythology, and serve for raising ideas and images that are horrible and unchaste beyond description.
"But enough of these comparisons. In practical life and practical work, there are no useless, senseless humbugs. In the pastimes of science, literature and art, there are thousands of things that the world were better had they never been; but being if they were forgotten.
"But in thus contrasting much that is embraced in polite learning with the useful and practical knowledge needed in every day life, let it not be understood that those who gave dignity and importance to that which is useful to the masses, either decried or tried to lower the proper dignity of higher education in literature, science or art. While there is much of chaff in the ordinary so-called higher education, its aims, objects, and effects on society in its enjoyments, its government, its strength and prosperity, are all important. The mistake that has been made is by the zealous friends of higher education that treats of the polite branches. They have lost track of the usefulness of the branches that should be taught to the masses, in agriculture and mechanics, and in kindred pursuits. Because there were those who would not ignore the necessity that the State should endow with lavish hand the institute that looked to the enlightenment of the masses in their ordinary pursuits, they were pronounced enemies to higher education, -enemies of: the great State University. Never was a more unjust charge uttered; never was there a party more grossly misrepresented. The importance and dignity of both classes of education were fully appreciated. It was to distribute the revenues provided for education to all these subjects, and to foster all the institutions that were to make our people more enlightened, prosperous and happy, that influenced the introduction of the measure, in regard to the University and common school establishments that my name has been coupled with,-much said to my detriment, and unjustly, as misunderstanding my sentiments, and misrepresenting both my opinion and the measures proposed by legislation.
''Since the effect of the measures introduced by myself have been so loudly commented upon, and their substance has been so scandalously misrepresented, and I have been denounced and ridiculed as an enemy of the University and education, I deem it but justice to myself and to those who have stood with me, to briefly set forth the leading points in the bill proposed. It is to repel unjust attacks that persistently were persevered in, seeking to destroy my influence for the present and damage me in the future, that I speak."
Here Senator Pfeuffer analysed his bill, and compared it with the original law creating the University and providing for its management, pointing out many palpable defects in the latter, the result of hasty legislation and immature consideration. He secured State aid, and the College was put upon firm footing, and is to-day in a flourishing condition. As President of the Board of Directors, he was most zealous and efficient, making the welfare of the College a constant study and care; everything that could be done to promote its popularity and success was done, and to-day it stands, a monument to 'his devotion, and to his zeal in the cause of practical education.
If, for a time, neither the press nor the people would see the injustice done him in this senseless outcry, his constituency, the administration and his colleagues on the Board of Directors appreciated his manly struggle, and testified it, as well as their faith in his ability to secure the permanent welfare of the College by electing him President of the Board of Directors. This was in 1884, and in the next session of the Legislature, to which he was returned, he continued his efforts. The present prosperous condition of that College can be with justice, largely ascribed to his zeal in the cause, and his untiring efforts in his behalf.
He first went to the Senate in 1882. The 25th district consists of the counties of Blanco, Kendall, Comal, Hays, Llano, Guadalupe, Caldwell and Gillespie. At the convention of the Democratic party of that district he received the nomination for State Senator, and at the election following, November 7, 1882, he was elected. Immediately on taking his seat he became a power; he at once commanded the respect of his colleagues and the presiding officer, who saw in him working qualities which fitted him admirably for the chairmanship of important committees. He was made Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and at the next session (19th Legislature) was assigned to the important one of education, just the position he was best calculated by natural bent and training to fill, and the one most appropriate and congenial to his nature. It was by no means a bed of roses, as we have shown; it was not a sinecure. He was not the man for such; his element was in work and hard work.
He was an eminently just man, and as fearless as just. More- over, his mind was evenly and well balanced. He could engage in debate and encounter the most violent opposition without losing his temper or becoming excited. His position on all questions of public policy was liberal. He stood up manfully for the rights of his constituency at all times, had a proper conception of his own, and as he respected those of others, he demanded that his should be respected. He was a liberty-loving man; just the man, we conceive, who in old times and beneath other suns, would have made a tyrant tremble. In "prohibition" as the amendment (proposed) to the Constitution at that time was called, he saw the danger signal; the first steps in a scheme to "curtail the liberties of the people," and he opposed it with all the vigor and ability of his nature. He also opposed, and with success, the tightening of the Sunday-law, proposed by some Puritanical crank who sees sin in ordinary rational living; and at all times his intercourse with his colleagues and the public was characterized by a uniform courtesy and a remarkable grace of manner.
He was a fine looking man, with character written in every lineament of his speaking countenance; he reminded one of those heroes of the middle ages who wielded the battle-axe; we can easily imagine that in more recent times his countrymen must have been like him; they who stormed the Sedan, and followed Bismarck and Von Moltke to Paris; certainly he was
"Cast in the massive mould
Of those high -stat tired heroes old"-
who made the history of Europe in mediaeval times one chapter of chivalrous deeds.
Senator Pfeuffer was strong in his personal likes and dislikes. His friends he "grappled with hooks of steel," and stood by them "through evil as well as through good report." All who really knew him and understood him, liked him. He was the soul and essence of honor, the embodiment of integrity; his word was his bond. Ex-Governor John Ireland was among his earliest and most constant friends; he had been associated with him in social and political life; they were intimate; and when the vast crowd of mourners stood around the grave that swallowed up all that was mortal of George Pfeuffer, the cast and shell of mighty manhood, whose great soul had burst its natural bands; when the hot tears welled up from breaking hearts and wet the sod that should hide his loved form forever from human sight, there was none who mourned more sincerely the great loss to society and the State than John Ireland. He was with him in his last moments, accompanied the cortege to New Braunfels, and delivered over the grave a parting tribute to his friend-the benefactor of the little German colony, their staff and support, their friend and representative, and Texas' able statesman.
He served two terms as State Senator, and at the expiration of his second term he wished to retire; but his friends urged him to stand for a third term, and with that self-sacrificing devotion to the public good which always characterized him, he consented to have his name go before the convention. At that convention his opponent was Major J. V. Hutchins. Prohibition was made an issue, and, there was a lock. Ballot after ballot was taken, and Senator Pfeuffer lacked only one vote of receiving the nomination. Still, the friends of both parties stood firm; neither would yield, and finally, as is often the case in such emergencies, a new man was centered on, and the Hon. W. H. Burges was declared the nominee, and was elected. It was during this exciting period, or just after the nomination, that he went to Austin. In passing up Congress avenue, in company with some friends, he complained of a dizziness, and entered a store and took a seat. The premonitory symptoms of apoplexy were apparent; in a few minutes he was stricken down, never to rise again. He was carried to the house of Mr. Lawrence, his brother-in-law, and physicians and his family were summoned. But the hand of death was upon him. He died quietly, on the 15th day of September, 1886. Never did the shafts of death find a more shining mark.
"Never a more sturdy oak
Blasted by the lightning stroke."
He left a large family, consisting of his wife, four sons and two daughters. The eldest son, Mr. Somers Pfeuffer, carries on the extensive lumber business and looks after the matters of the estate, a very considerable one. The other sons are George H. Pfeuffer, in the mercantile business in Cotulla, and Frank L. Pfeuffer, in the same line of business in New Braunfels, and Master Ulrick, a lad of 15, attending the A. and M. College. One daughter is the accomplished wife of Dr. A. Garwood, a physician of New Braunfels, formerly of Bastrop.
Senator Pfeuffer had surrounded his family with all the forts of life; had a beautiful home, nestled in a grove of superb live oaks, where all the rare plants and flowers bloom under the tender care of Mrs. Pfeuffer and her daughters, assisted by Mr. Frank; had given his children a good education, and established them in social positions second to none in the State. There is, about the old home, an air of quiet repose, of comfort and refinement; everything there speaks of him and testifies to his tender care and wise forethought for those he loved. We can imagine how a man of his ardent temperament must have enjoyed the quiet repose of this lovely home, surrounded by his happy and grateful family, after leaving the heated halls of legislation or the exciting scenes of the hustings; how he must have contrasted his successes in life with what it must have been had not the star of destiny guided his footsteps to the shores of bountiful, beautiful Texas.
On the 31st of March, 1887, memorial services were held by the State of Texas in the Senate Hall, in memory of Senator Pfeuffer and Hon. E. F. Hall, Hon. T. B. Wheeler, Lieutenant-Governor and President of the Senate, presiding. A committee consisting of Hons. Houston, Burges and Terrell submitted a set of resolutions, expressive of the sentiments of the Legislature on the death of these distinguished members, which resolutions were adopted and spread upon the Senate Journal, and a copy sent to the family of each. On that occasion, Senators W.H. Burges and Houston delivered each an (sic) eulogy on the life, character and services of Senator Pfeuffer, both of which are a part of the Senate record.