2020-1 Remembrances Special EditionCity of Schertz
Remembrances Special Edition Article 2020-1
Presented by: Schertz Historical Preservation Committee
Source: The Journal, German-Texan Heritage Society, Volume XXXXI, No. 3, Fall 2019, p. 123
Johann (“Jean”) Schertz’ - Texas Settlement History
The following is the historical recounting of the settlement schedule of one of the seven
children (six single, one married) that accompanied Joseph and Anna Marie Schertz aboard the
Jean Key Teau sail ship departing in October 1843 from Antwerp, Belgium in route to Indianola,
Texas. The Schertz family first took refuge in San Antonio, Texas and from there moved to New
Braunfels, Texas along with Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels Germany and his settler troop. The
family became one of New Braunfels’ first settler families. The story of family members’
migration to areas outside of New Braunfels is told for some, but not all of the sons and
daughters of Joseph and Anna Marie. The reader may be particularly familiar with the story of
the family’s eldest son Sebastian who is considered the founding father of Schertz, Texas.
However, little is known or written about the remaining children. Thus, it was a pleasant
surprise to learn of son Johann Schertz’ movements from New Braunfels to Boerne, Texas
where he and his family became one of the first founding families. The source of discovery for
Johann’s family migration history is cited above and their family movements are summarized
below.
Johann’s first settlement venture was the purchase of a five-acre lot (#115) in New Braunfels.
In January 1849, Johann and his brother Sebastian purchased property (600 acres) along the
Cibolo Creek in Guadalupe County Texas at a location later to become Schertz, Texas.1 The
brothers are listed as residents of the purchased land. In 1851, Johann married Segunda Rude
and a year later they moved to the Texas Hill Country at a location of what is today Boerne,
Texas, becoming a first settler family of that community. Johann and Segunda purchased two
large lots on Main Street in Boerne and lived there for several years. In 1855, the couple
purchased 160 acres on Spring Creek Road about three miles north of Boerne. They moved to
the Spring Creek Road location soon after purchasing the 160 acres and began farming and
ranching operations. Johann’s family was one of the first German families to occupy land in the
Boerne area.
Sadly, in 1860, at the age of 36, Johann died suddenly of appendicitis. His wife and children
moved back into Boerne and became active citizens in the affairs of the town and other Texas
areas. Family relatives still reside in Boerne, New Braunfels and Schertz Texas. Johann’s grave
site is located on the property and it has been nominated for designation as a Texas Historic
Cemetery.
1 Guadalupe County Reverse Index to Deeds, Book 1-2, 1854-1883 & Guadalupe County Deed Book K, p.189