Die Kettner Briefe: The Kettner Lettners: A Firsthand Account of a German Immigrant in the Texas Hill Country (1850-1875)

“Die Kettner Briefe” consists of 39 letters exchanged between Franz Kettner and his family in Germany from 1850 to 1875. The letters, printed in German with their English translations, read like a good adventure novel with each letter providing a much anticipated new chapter. The story is enhanced by photographs, both old and new, and other supporting documents. Read the “Die Kettner Briefe” to learn of hardships and dangers of frontier life faced by Franz in the Texas Hill Country. Franz was an early farmer and stockman in Comal, Gillespie, and Mason Counties. He participated in several campaigns with the Texas Rangers and later, during the Civil War, was a member of the Minute Men (local militia). He ran a store and post office in Castell. He hauled freight from the Texas coast to Fort Mason. He was a sheriff in both Gillespie and Mason Counties and was the Tax Accessor. Franz held the prestigious position of Cattle and Hide Inspector during the era of large cattle drives from Mason County.