2010-1 Remembrances Special EditionCity of Schertz History
Remembrances Publication Special Edition 2010-1
Presented by: Schertz Historical Preservation Committee
Remembrances of Old Town — Main Stree,
Schertz' First Transportation "Czar"
Willie Hillert
In 19t" and early 20th centuries, the "czar" for transportation was the town blacksmith. The
transportation "czar" for Schertz in the early years of the 20t" century was a man named Willie
Hillert. In those days, the primary mode of transportation was horse and horse driven wagons or
buggies. Willie was the person that the citizens of Schertz depended upon to keep their horses
shod, their equipment repaired and thus their livelihood protected.
Willie was born on March 14, 1879, the son of John (born: 5 -31 -1851) and Bertha (Trebes) (born:
9-4-1860) Hillert. John Hillert was a skilled carpenter by trade as well as a local Schertz farmer.
John and his wife owned and worked a farm at the spot where FM 1518 and Lower Seguin Road
intersect (northwest comer). The family farm house was built by John Hillert over a ten year
period and was completed in 1885. The house and barn still stand today at the above location and
are now owned by John Hillert's great, great grandson Conrad Hillert. Willie's grandparents,
Wilhelm and Pauline Hillert were first generation immigrants to Texas. Wilhelm and his wife
settled in the New Braunfels, Texas area sometime in the mid- 1800s. Wilhelm became the Comal
County Chief Surveyor. Willie and his wife Mary had one daughter, Marcella (Schwenger), who
graduated from the tenth grade at Schertz High School. Willie and his family lived in a house on
Main Street in Schertz near Willie's blacksmith shop. Willie died June 25, 1971 of old age.
Willie was a man of many talents but focused his skills on the blacksmith profession. He entered
that profession at a very young age and at twenty years of age he owned his own blacksmith shop
in Schertz. His shop was located on what is now a part of the 700 block of Main Street (south side
where Main Street meets Randolph Street). The shop was one of just a few wooden buildings and
homes then erected on Main Street. The back of Willie's shop was immediately beside the
railroad tracks. Everyone in Schertz and many in neighboring communities brought their horses
and equipment to Willie for servicing. He was an honest and highly respected professional
craftsman. His great grandson Conrad Hillert recalls stories of how children used to come to visit
the blacksmith shop and watch Willie crack pecans on his anvil for the children to eat.
Willie Hillert's blacksmith shop (circa 19 10)
In the 1930s the original shop was destroyed and Willie moved his operation further down Main
Street into the same building where the Ford dealership was situated.
Never referred to as a "czar", Willie Hillert certainly qualified as a person of authority on
transportation matters of the time. He was not a person who sought recognition and certainly no)
a elevated title. However, his life and skilled performance in service to the Schertz community
warrant his memory be preserved and celebrated. Willie is but one of many early Schertz
community citizens deserving of special recognition and respect.
(Photos and story supplied by Mel Hillert, nephew of Willie Hillert)
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