PAUL PIEPER

Paul Pieper, b June 20,1846 in Frelsburg, Colorado County, Texas, d April 28, 1914 at Barclay, Falls County, Texas and buried there in Barclay Cemetery - was a son of native German parents who were early settlers of Texas. His father died in 1854, and young Paul was faced with helping with family responsibilities, resulting in very little formal schooling.

In May 1862, young Paul enlisted in the Confederate States Army at Camp Terry - serving in the 17th Regiment of the Texas Infantry.

On August 24, 1866 at Columbus, Colorado County, Texas, Paul Pieper was married to Katherine Wendel, b August 24, 1846, d December 6, 1924 and buried in the Barclay Cemetery. At the time of their marriage, Paul's sole possessions were four small mules. Katherine was a daughter of Francis and Cecelia (Mayer) Wendel.

In the Fall of 1868, the family and a friend, Bernard Bigler, moved to Rockdale, Milam County, Texas, where Pieper became an agent for a large tract of land - selling it in small farms to early settlers. Bigler was a carpenter, who erected homes on the land.

In 1882, Paul Pieper and his family moved to Barclay in Falls County, Texas, remaining there for the rest of his life. His energy and fine business management contributed greatly to the development of the community. He accumulated much valuable land and property, and deeded the site of both the Barclay Public School, and the Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery in Barclay. His son, A. J. Pieper, was named a Trustee in the Deed dated March 1, 1886.

Paul Pieper was active in politics and public affairs, being a well-informed citizen. He served as County Commissioner for several terms, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Paul and Katherine (Wendel) Pieper were the parents of eight children - rearing seven of these:

Adam J. Pieper, b April 6, 1867, d May 13, 1929 at Barclay - married Mary Schmidt, b February 7, 1871, d January 24,1944 at Barclay.

Lena M. Pieper, b December 13, 1868, d July 1, 1945 - married Albert R. Kasner, b May 13, 1865, d April 18, 1936 at Barclay.

Cecelia Margaret Pieper, b July 15, 1871, d August 4, 1937 and buried in Barclay Cemetery.

Elizabeth Pieper, b ca 1873 - married Anton Ocker. They had three infant daughters, including twins, buried in the Barclay Cemetery. No further information.

Infant Daughter Pieper, b & d 1876.

Richard S. Pieper, b February 15, 1878, d February 12, 1952 - married Emma Lehman, b June 14, 1882, d May 24, 1959 and buried in Barclay Cemetery.

Paul A. Pieper, b June 17, 1880, d October 4, 1927 - married Sophie Lehman, b October 21, 1880, d October 31,1918 and buried in Barclay Cemetery.

Katherine ("Kate") Pieper, b August 29, 1882, d March 21, 1964 - married John Stock, b December 14, 1879, d July 29, 1956 and buried in Barclay Cemetery.

Copyright Permission granted to Theresa Carhart for printing the biographies of these Falls County Families to this Web page.
"Families of Falls County", Compiled and Edited by the Falls County Historical Commission, page 355 column 2 and page 356 column 1.  
Member of Falls County Historical Commission.