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Johann (John) Kampmann was born 12-25-1819 in Waltrop, Germany and lived in Kreis Recklinghausen, Munster, Westphalia, Prussia (Germany). His dad died when John was only 14. John was interested in architecture since childhood. He served successively as an apprentice in the trades of carpenter, blacksmith, stonemason, and plasterer in and around Europe. He was an apprentice on the building of the Cologne Cathedral. He proved himself in Europe in his trade assisting as a superintendent of construction of the Apollinaris Church. He came to America with his mother in 1848. He married Caroline Bonnet(t) on May 14, 1850 and had five children. Two died in childhood, believed to be Lina & Eliza who are buried together. His other children were Eda Caroline, Hermann D., & Gustav A. Kampmann.
He started his own business with John Fries called Kampmann & Fries Bldg. Firm. They built the land office in Austin and courthouse in Bastrop. He designed and built some famous buildings such as the Menger Hotel, the Beckman house in the 1850's, and others around San Antonio prior to the Civil War. In 1852 Kampmann dissolved the company and continued business for himself. He built his own house which used to be a showplace in San Antonio, but no longer exists. John died while on a trip to Colorado Springs, CO and is buried in San Antonio, TX.
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KAMPMANN, JOHN HERMAN
John Herman Kampmann (deceased), of San Antonio, stands as one of the most conspicuous examples of self-made man that this State can present. He came to San Antonio in the robust health of youth, competent in his profession and line of trade, but with scarcely money enough to pay for a day's entertainment. At the close of his long life, he died leaving monuments of wealth and hosts of friends, and no man to say that by him he had lost a dollar, but rather that in many cases great good had come to him by the aid and friendship of Mr. Kampmann. San Antonio points to him with pride.
Our subject was born in Waltrop, Kreis Beibinghausen, Munster, Westphalia, Prussia, December 25, 1818, a son of John Peter and Elizabeth Selingshof. His father died when our subject was fourteen years of age, but the mother lived to old age. Our subject was educated in the elementary school, but in early youth went to Cologne, and there worked in summer and attended the university during winter. He early had a taste for all mechanical pursuits, with a strong preference for architecture and building; so to fit himself for that profession he served successively as an apprentice to the trades of carpenter, blacksmith, stone mason, plasterer, etc. About his first work while still a youth, was as a stone cutter on the great dome of the Cologne Cathedral. He was next associated with a Mr. Heiden, a builder, and with him they erected many buildings along the river Rhine. They were the builders of the Apollinaris Church, under the direction of Count Furstenberg. He now became the Count's superintendent of construction and architecture, with whom he was on the most friendly terms. He served in the military ser- vice for three years, and was appointed to an office in the service at the expiration of the time. He again joined Mr. Heiden and Couut Furstenberg, and was the superintendent of many buildings erected by the count. Another effort was made to press him into the army, but through the influence of Count Furstenberg he was granted a furlough to go to England, and on his departure the count said: "I am afraid Herman, you will never return." This proved true, for he did not. On reaching England, he soon sailed for America. Arriving at New Orleans, he went to Galveston, Texas, thence to Indianola, and thence in ox carts, taking two weeks to make the trip, to New Braunfels. After sojourning there a short time, he came to San Antonio, in 1848. Absolutely without means, as a friend (?) in New Braunfels had borrowed his money, he began life as a mechanic, on such building work as he could secure. After a short time he joined Mr. John Fries, an early builder in San Antonio. They soon secured several contracts, among them to erect the land office at Austin and the courthouse at Bastrop. The latter building was several years in construction, and during that time he resided in Bastrop, but returned to San Antonio in 1852. In 1850 he married Miss Caroline Bonnet, a native of Charlottenberg, Prussia, near Coblentz on the Rhine. She came to Texas with her parents, Henry Daniel and Maria Hennig, in 1845, landing at Galveston January 1. They were of the colonists for New Braunfels, and went at once to that place, but in three months came to San Antonio. Here Mr. Bonnet bought teams and did carting, also engaged in stock-raising, but had his home in the city during the remainder of his life. Duing the latter twenty- five years he lived retired, and died November 22, 1883, eighty-four years of age. His wife, to whom he had been married fifty-five years, survived him eleven months, she dying October, 1884.
About 1852 the partnership of our subject and John Fries was dissolved, and subject from that time on continued alone, erecting the best of such buildings as were built in San Antonio before the war. At the outbreak of war, subject raised a company of Germans, becoming Captain of a company that was attached to the Third Texas Infantry. They were stationed at Camp Verde for some time, and then ordered to Brownsville, where they served on frontier defense for abont one year, then went to Galveston. Here subject was promoted to Major, but his health was greatly impaired by rheumatism, and he was detailed to start a hat factory at La Grange, to make hats for the soldiers. Nearly every thing in the way of facilities and appropriate tools, etc., was lacking, but by employing mechanics from Mexico, he soon had the factory in good working order, and made thousands of hats which were turned over to Gen. Kirby Smith. He continued at that post till the end of the war. At once he resumed building in San Antonio, soon erected a large factory and planing mill for himself, to make doors, sash, blinds, etc., and for this establishment brought the first steam engine to San Antonio. Its advent was a great day for the city then. It was a most successful venture, and for a long time it afforded employment for many men, often 150. Mr. Kampmann did the work on the Menger Hotel, which later became his by purchase, when he completed this fine building to its present design; it still belongs to the estate, and has long been known as one of the best hotels in the United States. The following is quoted from a newspaper article on the completion of the Kampmann Block, "The style of architecture in San Antonio, when Mr. Kampmann came to this city, was almost entirely Mexican. This soon changed, however, with the buildings designed and planned by Mr. Kampmann. While the contractor he often worked upon them himself. His first house was built on Alamo Plaza, and was the Bitter house, and is still standing. The next, the Stomberg house, had to make way for the Menger Hotel, and from that time dates the development of San Antonio, and with it the building of more substantial houses; so much so that Mr. Kampmann found it advisable to lay aside the pick and trowel, and go into that business as a contractor and builder. He later built many houses for himself, and his last work was the erection of a large four story block on the corner of Main Plaza, West Commerce Street and Solidad Street. The only fault connected with it is that owing to the narrow street the beautiful facades do not come to that prominence which they so richly deserve. Nevertheless Mr. Kampmann has built himself a monument that will remind future generations of its projector and builder, and also recall to them the first and most successful contractor and builder of San Antonio."
In 1883 he with Mr. Edward Hoppe formed a stock company to erect a brewery. From this the Lone Star Brewery was constructed in 1884, at a cost of $150,000. He was the first President of this institution. He was also one of the projectors and organizers of the San Antonio Gas Company, and was President of this company till his death. He was the first to introduce electric bells in San Antonio. He began the erection of his handsome home, where his widow still resides, in 1854, but it was not completed till after the war. It now stands as one of the handsome homes in San Antonio. He was most sympathetic with all workmen, and he often started some work to give the needy ones work, when there was no regular employment. He erected St. Mark's Episcopal Church. This work was long delayed, but the present handsome church was at length completed. He became a member of the Masonic order, Alamo Lodge No. 44, in 1855, was quite an active Mason during all the succeeding years. Resolutions of condolence and sympathy, passed by the lodge and presented to his widow, bear this high tribute to his worth: "His business life was successful, and he was highly esteemed for probity and upright dealing. By energy, prudeuce and foresight he attained a position among the business men of Texas, second to none. Socially he was urbane, courteous and polite; respected by all who knew him. As a Mason he was zealous and true, and as a husband and father he was affectionate, kind and indulgent.'
In the latter years of his life he lived retired, and devoted some time to raising high grade Jersey cattle. He bought a tract of land adjoining the town, where he erected a summer home, and where he seemed to delight to spend quiet days attending to his stock. Since our subject's death his son Herman, drilled an artesian well on this place, which has a strong flow of highly impregnated sulphur water; it has proved to be most valuable for many ailments, and is destined to become much more popular as it becomes better known. Mrs. Kampmann, who has visited many noted springs in the United States and Europe for her health, has found a nearly total cure, for a long and deep-seated affliction. He died at Colorado Springs, Col., while on a visit to that resort for Mrs. Kampmann s health, September 6, 1888, and was buried at San Antonio, September 13. He left a widow and three children: Ida, was educated in Europe, in 1875 married Dr. John Herf, a brilliant young physician. He died, leaving one child, John Herf. After seven years of widowhood, she again married to Theodore Meyer, vice-president, and one of the partners of Meyer Bros. Drug Company, of St Louis. To this union there are two children: Theo and Elizabeth. Herman, who was educated at Philadelphia, Pa., and Troy, N.Y. He is married to a most estimable lady, Elizabeth Simpson. They have four children: Herman, Jr., Isaac, Ida and Robert. Since his father's death he has managed the Kampmann estate, and is besides interested in several individual enterprises, has been the promoter of many things for San Antonio's benefit and is one of the leading business men of the city. Gustav, was educated in Virginia and Tennessee. Mrs. Kampmann is an active member of St Mark's Episcopal Church, and a worker ; is a member of the German Ladies Aid Society, and greatly interested in works of charity. [Transcribed from: "Memorial and Genealogical Record of Southwest Texas" Chicago: Goodspeed Brothers, Publishers 1894 page 657-660]
He started his own business with John Fries called Kampmann & Fries Bldg. Firm. They built the land office in Austin and courthouse in Bastrop. He designed and built some famous buildings such as the Menger Hotel, the Beckman house in the 1850's, and others around San Antonio prior to the Civil War. In 1852 Kampmann dissolved the company and continued business for himself. He built his own house which used to be a showplace in San Antonio, but no longer exists. John died while on a trip to Colorado Springs, CO and is buried in San Antonio, TX.
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KAMPMANN, JOHN HERMAN
John Herman Kampmann (deceased), of San Antonio, stands as one of the most conspicuous examples of self-made man that this State can present. He came to San Antonio in the robust health of youth, competent in his profession and line of trade, but with scarcely money enough to pay for a day's entertainment. At the close of his long life, he died leaving monuments of wealth and hosts of friends, and no man to say that by him he had lost a dollar, but rather that in many cases great good had come to him by the aid and friendship of Mr. Kampmann. San Antonio points to him with pride.
Our subject was born in Waltrop, Kreis Beibinghausen, Munster, Westphalia, Prussia, December 25, 1818, a son of John Peter and Elizabeth Selingshof. His father died when our subject was fourteen years of age, but the mother lived to old age. Our subject was educated in the elementary school, but in early youth went to Cologne, and there worked in summer and attended the university during winter. He early had a taste for all mechanical pursuits, with a strong preference for architecture and building; so to fit himself for that profession he served successively as an apprentice to the trades of carpenter, blacksmith, stone mason, plasterer, etc. About his first work while still a youth, was as a stone cutter on the great dome of the Cologne Cathedral. He was next associated with a Mr. Heiden, a builder, and with him they erected many buildings along the river Rhine. They were the builders of the Apollinaris Church, under the direction of Count Furstenberg. He now became the Count's superintendent of construction and architecture, with whom he was on the most friendly terms. He served in the military ser- vice for three years, and was appointed to an office in the service at the expiration of the time. He again joined Mr. Heiden and Couut Furstenberg, and was the superintendent of many buildings erected by the count. Another effort was made to press him into the army, but through the influence of Count Furstenberg he was granted a furlough to go to England, and on his departure the count said: "I am afraid Herman, you will never return." This proved true, for he did not. On reaching England, he soon sailed for America. Arriving at New Orleans, he went to Galveston, Texas, thence to Indianola, and thence in ox carts, taking two weeks to make the trip, to New Braunfels. After sojourning there a short time, he came to San Antonio, in 1848. Absolutely without means, as a friend (?) in New Braunfels had borrowed his money, he began life as a mechanic, on such building work as he could secure. After a short time he joined Mr. John Fries, an early builder in San Antonio. They soon secured several contracts, among them to erect the land office at Austin and the courthouse at Bastrop. The latter building was several years in construction, and during that time he resided in Bastrop, but returned to San Antonio in 1852. In 1850 he married Miss Caroline Bonnet, a native of Charlottenberg, Prussia, near Coblentz on the Rhine. She came to Texas with her parents, Henry Daniel and Maria Hennig, in 1845, landing at Galveston January 1. They were of the colonists for New Braunfels, and went at once to that place, but in three months came to San Antonio. Here Mr. Bonnet bought teams and did carting, also engaged in stock-raising, but had his home in the city during the remainder of his life. Duing the latter twenty- five years he lived retired, and died November 22, 1883, eighty-four years of age. His wife, to whom he had been married fifty-five years, survived him eleven months, she dying October, 1884.
About 1852 the partnership of our subject and John Fries was dissolved, and subject from that time on continued alone, erecting the best of such buildings as were built in San Antonio before the war. At the outbreak of war, subject raised a company of Germans, becoming Captain of a company that was attached to the Third Texas Infantry. They were stationed at Camp Verde for some time, and then ordered to Brownsville, where they served on frontier defense for abont one year, then went to Galveston. Here subject was promoted to Major, but his health was greatly impaired by rheumatism, and he was detailed to start a hat factory at La Grange, to make hats for the soldiers. Nearly every thing in the way of facilities and appropriate tools, etc., was lacking, but by employing mechanics from Mexico, he soon had the factory in good working order, and made thousands of hats which were turned over to Gen. Kirby Smith. He continued at that post till the end of the war. At once he resumed building in San Antonio, soon erected a large factory and planing mill for himself, to make doors, sash, blinds, etc., and for this establishment brought the first steam engine to San Antonio. Its advent was a great day for the city then. It was a most successful venture, and for a long time it afforded employment for many men, often 150. Mr. Kampmann did the work on the Menger Hotel, which later became his by purchase, when he completed this fine building to its present design; it still belongs to the estate, and has long been known as one of the best hotels in the United States. The following is quoted from a newspaper article on the completion of the Kampmann Block, "The style of architecture in San Antonio, when Mr. Kampmann came to this city, was almost entirely Mexican. This soon changed, however, with the buildings designed and planned by Mr. Kampmann. While the contractor he often worked upon them himself. His first house was built on Alamo Plaza, and was the Bitter house, and is still standing. The next, the Stomberg house, had to make way for the Menger Hotel, and from that time dates the development of San Antonio, and with it the building of more substantial houses; so much so that Mr. Kampmann found it advisable to lay aside the pick and trowel, and go into that business as a contractor and builder. He later built many houses for himself, and his last work was the erection of a large four story block on the corner of Main Plaza, West Commerce Street and Solidad Street. The only fault connected with it is that owing to the narrow street the beautiful facades do not come to that prominence which they so richly deserve. Nevertheless Mr. Kampmann has built himself a monument that will remind future generations of its projector and builder, and also recall to them the first and most successful contractor and builder of San Antonio."
In 1883 he with Mr. Edward Hoppe formed a stock company to erect a brewery. From this the Lone Star Brewery was constructed in 1884, at a cost of $150,000. He was the first President of this institution. He was also one of the projectors and organizers of the San Antonio Gas Company, and was President of this company till his death. He was the first to introduce electric bells in San Antonio. He began the erection of his handsome home, where his widow still resides, in 1854, but it was not completed till after the war. It now stands as one of the handsome homes in San Antonio. He was most sympathetic with all workmen, and he often started some work to give the needy ones work, when there was no regular employment. He erected St. Mark's Episcopal Church. This work was long delayed, but the present handsome church was at length completed. He became a member of the Masonic order, Alamo Lodge No. 44, in 1855, was quite an active Mason during all the succeeding years. Resolutions of condolence and sympathy, passed by the lodge and presented to his widow, bear this high tribute to his worth: "His business life was successful, and he was highly esteemed for probity and upright dealing. By energy, prudeuce and foresight he attained a position among the business men of Texas, second to none. Socially he was urbane, courteous and polite; respected by all who knew him. As a Mason he was zealous and true, and as a husband and father he was affectionate, kind and indulgent.'
In the latter years of his life he lived retired, and devoted some time to raising high grade Jersey cattle. He bought a tract of land adjoining the town, where he erected a summer home, and where he seemed to delight to spend quiet days attending to his stock. Since our subject's death his son Herman, drilled an artesian well on this place, which has a strong flow of highly impregnated sulphur water; it has proved to be most valuable for many ailments, and is destined to become much more popular as it becomes better known. Mrs. Kampmann, who has visited many noted springs in the United States and Europe for her health, has found a nearly total cure, for a long and deep-seated affliction. He died at Colorado Springs, Col., while on a visit to that resort for Mrs. Kampmann s health, September 6, 1888, and was buried at San Antonio, September 13. He left a widow and three children: Ida, was educated in Europe, in 1875 married Dr. John Herf, a brilliant young physician. He died, leaving one child, John Herf. After seven years of widowhood, she again married to Theodore Meyer, vice-president, and one of the partners of Meyer Bros. Drug Company, of St Louis. To this union there are two children: Theo and Elizabeth. Herman, who was educated at Philadelphia, Pa., and Troy, N.Y. He is married to a most estimable lady, Elizabeth Simpson. They have four children: Herman, Jr., Isaac, Ida and Robert. Since his father's death he has managed the Kampmann estate, and is besides interested in several individual enterprises, has been the promoter of many things for San Antonio's benefit and is one of the leading business men of the city. Gustav, was educated in Virginia and Tennessee. Mrs. Kampmann is an active member of St Mark's Episcopal Church, and a worker ; is a member of the German Ladies Aid Society, and greatly interested in works of charity. [Transcribed from: "Memorial and Genealogical Record of Southwest Texas" Chicago: Goodspeed Brothers, Publishers 1894 page 657-660]
Johann (John) Kampmann was born 12-25-1819 in Waltrop, Germany and lived in Kreis Recklinghausen, Munster, Westphalia, Prussia (Germany). His dad died when John was only 14. John was interested in architecture since childhood. He served successively as an apprentice in the trades of carpenter, blacksmith, stonemason, and plasterer in and around Europe. He was an apprentice on the building of the Cologne Cathedral. He proved himself in Europe in his trade assisting as a superintendent of construction of the Apollinaris Church. He came to America with his mother in 1848. He married Caroline Bonnet(t) on May 14, 1850 and had five children. Two died in childhood, believed to be Lina & Eliza who are buried together. His other children were Eda Caroline, Hermann D., & Gustav A. Kampmann.
He started his own business with John Fries called Kampmann & Fries Bldg. Firm. They built the land office in Austin and courthouse in Bastrop. He designed and built some famous buildings such as the Menger Hotel, the Beckman house in the 1850's, and others around San Antonio prior to the Civil War. In 1852 Kampmann dissolved the company and continued business for himself. He built his own house which used to be a showplace in San Antonio, but no longer exists. John died while on a trip to Colorado Springs, CO and is buried in San Antonio, TX.
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KAMPMANN, JOHN HERMAN
John Herman Kampmann (deceased), of San Antonio, stands as one of the most conspicuous examples of self-made man that this State can present. He came to San Antonio in the robust health of youth, competent in his profession and line of trade, but with scarcely money enough to pay for a day's entertainment. At the close of his long life, he died leaving monuments of wealth and hosts of friends, and no man to say that by him he had lost a dollar, but rather that in many cases great good had come to him by the aid and friendship of Mr. Kampmann. San Antonio points to him with pride.
Our subject was born in Waltrop, Kreis Beibinghausen, Munster, Westphalia, Prussia, December 25, 1818, a son of John Peter and Elizabeth Selingshof. His father died when our subject was fourteen years of age, but the mother lived to old age. Our subject was educated in the elementary school, but in early youth went to Cologne, and there worked in summer and attended the university during winter. He early had a taste for all mechanical pursuits, with a strong preference for architecture and building; so to fit himself for that profession he served successively as an apprentice to the trades of carpenter, blacksmith, stone mason, plasterer, etc. About his first work while still a youth, was as a stone cutter on the great dome of the Cologne Cathedral. He was next associated with a Mr. Heiden, a builder, and with him they erected many buildings along the river Rhine. They were the builders of the Apollinaris Church, under the direction of Count Furstenberg. He now became the Count's superintendent of construction and architecture, with whom he was on the most friendly terms. He served in the military ser- vice for three years, and was appointed to an office in the service at the expiration of the time. He again joined Mr. Heiden and Couut Furstenberg, and was the superintendent of many buildings erected by the count. Another effort was made to press him into the army, but through the influence of Count Furstenberg he was granted a furlough to go to England, and on his departure the count said: "I am afraid Herman, you will never return." This proved true, for he did not. On reaching England, he soon sailed for America. Arriving at New Orleans, he went to Galveston, Texas, thence to Indianola, and thence in ox carts, taking two weeks to make the trip, to New Braunfels. After sojourning there a short time, he came to San Antonio, in 1848. Absolutely without means, as a friend (?) in New Braunfels had borrowed his money, he began life as a mechanic, on such building work as he could secure. After a short time he joined Mr. John Fries, an early builder in San Antonio. They soon secured several contracts, among them to erect the land office at Austin and the courthouse at Bastrop. The latter building was several years in construction, and during that time he resided in Bastrop, but returned to San Antonio in 1852. In 1850 he married Miss Caroline Bonnet, a native of Charlottenberg, Prussia, near Coblentz on the Rhine. She came to Texas with her parents, Henry Daniel and Maria Hennig, in 1845, landing at Galveston January 1. They were of the colonists for New Braunfels, and went at once to that place, but in three months came to San Antonio. Here Mr. Bonnet bought teams and did carting, also engaged in stock-raising, but had his home in the city during the remainder of his life. Duing the latter twenty- five years he lived retired, and died November 22, 1883, eighty-four years of age. His wife, to whom he had been married fifty-five years, survived him eleven months, she dying October, 1884.
About 1852 the partnership of our subject and John Fries was dissolved, and subject from that time on continued alone, erecting the best of such buildings as were built in San Antonio before the war. At the outbreak of war, subject raised a company of Germans, becoming Captain of a company that was attached to the Third Texas Infantry. They were stationed at Camp Verde for some time, and then ordered to Brownsville, where they served on frontier defense for abont one year, then went to Galveston. Here subject was promoted to Major, but his health was greatly impaired by rheumatism, and he was detailed to start a hat factory at La Grange, to make hats for the soldiers. Nearly every thing in the way of facilities and appropriate tools, etc., was lacking, but by employing mechanics from Mexico, he soon had the factory in good working order, and made thousands of hats which were turned over to Gen. Kirby Smith. He continued at that post till the end of the war. At once he resumed building in San Antonio, soon erected a large factory and planing mill for himself, to make doors, sash, blinds, etc., and for this establishment brought the first steam engine to San Antonio. Its advent was a great day for the city then. It was a most successful venture, and for a long time it afforded employment for many men, often 150. Mr. Kampmann did the work on the Menger Hotel, which later became his by purchase, when he completed this fine building to its present design; it still belongs to the estate, and has long been known as one of the best hotels in the United States. The following is quoted from a newspaper article on the completion of the Kampmann Block, "The style of architecture in San Antonio, when Mr. Kampmann came to this city, was almost entirely Mexican. This soon changed, however, with the buildings designed and planned by Mr. Kampmann. While the contractor he often worked upon them himself. His first house was built on Alamo Plaza, and was the Bitter house, and is still standing. The next, the Stomberg house, had to make way for the Menger Hotel, and from that time dates the development of San Antonio, and with it the building of more substantial houses; so much so that Mr. Kampmann found it advisable to lay aside the pick and trowel, and go into that business as a contractor and builder. He later built many houses for himself, and his last work was the erection of a large four story block on the corner of Main Plaza, West Commerce Street and Solidad Street. The only fault connected with it is that owing to the narrow street the beautiful facades do not come to that prominence which they so richly deserve. Nevertheless Mr. Kampmann has built himself a monument that will remind future generations of its projector and builder, and also recall to them the first and most successful contractor and builder of San Antonio."
In 1883 he with Mr. Edward Hoppe formed a stock company to erect a brewery. From this the Lone Star Brewery was constructed in 1884, at a cost of $150,000. He was the first President of this institution. He was also one of the projectors and organizers of the San Antonio Gas Company, and was President of this company till his death. He was the first to introduce electric bells in San Antonio. He began the erection of his handsome home, where his widow still resides, in 1854, but it was not completed till after the war. It now stands as one of the handsome homes in San Antonio. He was most sympathetic with all workmen, and he often started some work to give the needy ones work, when there was no regular employment. He erected St. Mark's Episcopal Church. This work was long delayed, but the present handsome church was at length completed. He became a member of the Masonic order, Alamo Lodge No. 44, in 1855, was quite an active Mason during all the succeeding years. Resolutions of condolence and sympathy, passed by the lodge and presented to his widow, bear this high tribute to his worth: "His business life was successful, and he was highly esteemed for probity and upright dealing. By energy, prudeuce and foresight he attained a position among the business men of Texas, second to none. Socially he was urbane, courteous and polite; respected by all who knew him. As a Mason he was zealous and true, and as a husband and father he was affectionate, kind and indulgent.'
In the latter years of his life he lived retired, and devoted some time to raising high grade Jersey cattle. He bought a tract of land adjoining the town, where he erected a summer home, and where he seemed to delight to spend quiet days attending to his stock. Since our subject's death his son Herman, drilled an artesian well on this place, which has a strong flow of highly impregnated sulphur water; it has proved to be most valuable for many ailments, and is destined to become much more popular as it becomes better known. Mrs. Kampmann, who has visited many noted springs in the United States and Europe for her health, has found a nearly total cure, for a long and deep-seated affliction. He died at Colorado Springs, Col., while on a visit to that resort for Mrs. Kampmann s health, September 6, 1888, and was buried at San Antonio, September 13. He left a widow and three children: Ida, was educated in Europe, in 1875 married Dr. John Herf, a brilliant young physician. He died, leaving one child, John Herf. After seven years of widowhood, she again married to Theodore Meyer, vice-president, and one of the partners of Meyer Bros. Drug Company, of St Louis. To this union there are two children: Theo and Elizabeth. Herman, who was educated at Philadelphia, Pa., and Troy, N.Y. He is married to a most estimable lady, Elizabeth Simpson. They have four children: Herman, Jr., Isaac, Ida and Robert. Since his father's death he has managed the Kampmann estate, and is besides interested in several individual enterprises, has been the promoter of many things for San Antonio's benefit and is one of the leading business men of the city. Gustav, was educated in Virginia and Tennessee. Mrs. Kampmann is an active member of St Mark's Episcopal Church, and a worker ; is a member of the German Ladies Aid Society, and greatly interested in works of charity. [Transcribed from: "Memorial and Genealogical Record of Southwest Texas" Chicago: Goodspeed Brothers, Publishers 1894 page 657-660]
He started his own business with John Fries called Kampmann & Fries Bldg. Firm. They built the land office in Austin and courthouse in Bastrop. He designed and built some famous buildings such as the Menger Hotel, the Beckman house in the 1850's, and others around San Antonio prior to the Civil War. In 1852 Kampmann dissolved the company and continued business for himself. He built his own house which used to be a showplace in San Antonio, but no longer exists. John died while on a trip to Colorado Springs, CO and is buried in San Antonio, TX.
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KAMPMANN, JOHN HERMAN
John Herman Kampmann (deceased), of San Antonio, stands as one of the most conspicuous examples of self-made man that this State can present. He came to San Antonio in the robust health of youth, competent in his profession and line of trade, but with scarcely money enough to pay for a day's entertainment. At the close of his long life, he died leaving monuments of wealth and hosts of friends, and no man to say that by him he had lost a dollar, but rather that in many cases great good had come to him by the aid and friendship of Mr. Kampmann. San Antonio points to him with pride.
Our subject was born in Waltrop, Kreis Beibinghausen, Munster, Westphalia, Prussia, December 25, 1818, a son of John Peter and Elizabeth Selingshof. His father died when our subject was fourteen years of age, but the mother lived to old age. Our subject was educated in the elementary school, but in early youth went to Cologne, and there worked in summer and attended the university during winter. He early had a taste for all mechanical pursuits, with a strong preference for architecture and building; so to fit himself for that profession he served successively as an apprentice to the trades of carpenter, blacksmith, stone mason, plasterer, etc. About his first work while still a youth, was as a stone cutter on the great dome of the Cologne Cathedral. He was next associated with a Mr. Heiden, a builder, and with him they erected many buildings along the river Rhine. They were the builders of the Apollinaris Church, under the direction of Count Furstenberg. He now became the Count's superintendent of construction and architecture, with whom he was on the most friendly terms. He served in the military ser- vice for three years, and was appointed to an office in the service at the expiration of the time. He again joined Mr. Heiden and Couut Furstenberg, and was the superintendent of many buildings erected by the count. Another effort was made to press him into the army, but through the influence of Count Furstenberg he was granted a furlough to go to England, and on his departure the count said: "I am afraid Herman, you will never return." This proved true, for he did not. On reaching England, he soon sailed for America. Arriving at New Orleans, he went to Galveston, Texas, thence to Indianola, and thence in ox carts, taking two weeks to make the trip, to New Braunfels. After sojourning there a short time, he came to San Antonio, in 1848. Absolutely without means, as a friend (?) in New Braunfels had borrowed his money, he began life as a mechanic, on such building work as he could secure. After a short time he joined Mr. John Fries, an early builder in San Antonio. They soon secured several contracts, among them to erect the land office at Austin and the courthouse at Bastrop. The latter building was several years in construction, and during that time he resided in Bastrop, but returned to San Antonio in 1852. In 1850 he married Miss Caroline Bonnet, a native of Charlottenberg, Prussia, near Coblentz on the Rhine. She came to Texas with her parents, Henry Daniel and Maria Hennig, in 1845, landing at Galveston January 1. They were of the colonists for New Braunfels, and went at once to that place, but in three months came to San Antonio. Here Mr. Bonnet bought teams and did carting, also engaged in stock-raising, but had his home in the city during the remainder of his life. Duing the latter twenty- five years he lived retired, and died November 22, 1883, eighty-four years of age. His wife, to whom he had been married fifty-five years, survived him eleven months, she dying October, 1884.
About 1852 the partnership of our subject and John Fries was dissolved, and subject from that time on continued alone, erecting the best of such buildings as were built in San Antonio before the war. At the outbreak of war, subject raised a company of Germans, becoming Captain of a company that was attached to the Third Texas Infantry. They were stationed at Camp Verde for some time, and then ordered to Brownsville, where they served on frontier defense for abont one year, then went to Galveston. Here subject was promoted to Major, but his health was greatly impaired by rheumatism, and he was detailed to start a hat factory at La Grange, to make hats for the soldiers. Nearly every thing in the way of facilities and appropriate tools, etc., was lacking, but by employing mechanics from Mexico, he soon had the factory in good working order, and made thousands of hats which were turned over to Gen. Kirby Smith. He continued at that post till the end of the war. At once he resumed building in San Antonio, soon erected a large factory and planing mill for himself, to make doors, sash, blinds, etc., and for this establishment brought the first steam engine to San Antonio. Its advent was a great day for the city then. It was a most successful venture, and for a long time it afforded employment for many men, often 150. Mr. Kampmann did the work on the Menger Hotel, which later became his by purchase, when he completed this fine building to its present design; it still belongs to the estate, and has long been known as one of the best hotels in the United States. The following is quoted from a newspaper article on the completion of the Kampmann Block, "The style of architecture in San Antonio, when Mr. Kampmann came to this city, was almost entirely Mexican. This soon changed, however, with the buildings designed and planned by Mr. Kampmann. While the contractor he often worked upon them himself. His first house was built on Alamo Plaza, and was the Bitter house, and is still standing. The next, the Stomberg house, had to make way for the Menger Hotel, and from that time dates the development of San Antonio, and with it the building of more substantial houses; so much so that Mr. Kampmann found it advisable to lay aside the pick and trowel, and go into that business as a contractor and builder. He later built many houses for himself, and his last work was the erection of a large four story block on the corner of Main Plaza, West Commerce Street and Solidad Street. The only fault connected with it is that owing to the narrow street the beautiful facades do not come to that prominence which they so richly deserve. Nevertheless Mr. Kampmann has built himself a monument that will remind future generations of its projector and builder, and also recall to them the first and most successful contractor and builder of San Antonio."
In 1883 he with Mr. Edward Hoppe formed a stock company to erect a brewery. From this the Lone Star Brewery was constructed in 1884, at a cost of $150,000. He was the first President of this institution. He was also one of the projectors and organizers of the San Antonio Gas Company, and was President of this company till his death. He was the first to introduce electric bells in San Antonio. He began the erection of his handsome home, where his widow still resides, in 1854, but it was not completed till after the war. It now stands as one of the handsome homes in San Antonio. He was most sympathetic with all workmen, and he often started some work to give the needy ones work, when there was no regular employment. He erected St. Mark's Episcopal Church. This work was long delayed, but the present handsome church was at length completed. He became a member of the Masonic order, Alamo Lodge No. 44, in 1855, was quite an active Mason during all the succeeding years. Resolutions of condolence and sympathy, passed by the lodge and presented to his widow, bear this high tribute to his worth: "His business life was successful, and he was highly esteemed for probity and upright dealing. By energy, prudeuce and foresight he attained a position among the business men of Texas, second to none. Socially he was urbane, courteous and polite; respected by all who knew him. As a Mason he was zealous and true, and as a husband and father he was affectionate, kind and indulgent.'
In the latter years of his life he lived retired, and devoted some time to raising high grade Jersey cattle. He bought a tract of land adjoining the town, where he erected a summer home, and where he seemed to delight to spend quiet days attending to his stock. Since our subject's death his son Herman, drilled an artesian well on this place, which has a strong flow of highly impregnated sulphur water; it has proved to be most valuable for many ailments, and is destined to become much more popular as it becomes better known. Mrs. Kampmann, who has visited many noted springs in the United States and Europe for her health, has found a nearly total cure, for a long and deep-seated affliction. He died at Colorado Springs, Col., while on a visit to that resort for Mrs. Kampmann s health, September 6, 1888, and was buried at San Antonio, September 13. He left a widow and three children: Ida, was educated in Europe, in 1875 married Dr. John Herf, a brilliant young physician. He died, leaving one child, John Herf. After seven years of widowhood, she again married to Theodore Meyer, vice-president, and one of the partners of Meyer Bros. Drug Company, of St Louis. To this union there are two children: Theo and Elizabeth. Herman, who was educated at Philadelphia, Pa., and Troy, N.Y. He is married to a most estimable lady, Elizabeth Simpson. They have four children: Herman, Jr., Isaac, Ida and Robert. Since his father's death he has managed the Kampmann estate, and is besides interested in several individual enterprises, has been the promoter of many things for San Antonio's benefit and is one of the leading business men of the city. Gustav, was educated in Virginia and Tennessee. Mrs. Kampmann is an active member of St Mark's Episcopal Church, and a worker ; is a member of the German Ladies Aid Society, and greatly interested in works of charity. [Transcribed from: "Memorial and Genealogical Record of Southwest Texas" Chicago: Goodspeed Brothers, Publishers 1894 page 657-660]
Inscription
born in Waltrop, Prussia
Family Members
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