Austin has an unusually high number of German and Swedish immigrants who founded the city.
The city was a combination of many immigrants from around the world, but in particular those two ethnic groups made up a majority of the population in those early days. Below are a few buried in Oakwood Cemetery.
Robert Stromberg.
Robert and his wife Adelina immigrated to Austin in 1870 from Sweden. They emigrated on separate boats but found love and married in Austin. He was a pharmacist or, as known in the day, a druggist. He was also a farmer, as were many people in the early days. They grew their own food. The couple and their family lived on Swede Hill. This was a neighborhood West of Austin.
Peter Heinrich.
Born in Switzerland, not Sweden. He met his immigrant wife in New York. As a wood carver many architects used his work in their important projects. His fireplace mantels were especially popular.
Nils Lindgren.
Was born in Sweden. And a founding member of the Swedish Lutheran Church in Austin.
Charles Johnson.
Today, the Charles Johnson House is a large mansion near Deep Eddy pool. It belongs to the Veterans Administration and has a wonderful view of Lady Bird Lake upon its shores.
The Johnson family had what would be considered a private swimming pool due to their isolated location, which was an extension of what Deep Eddy today. Their large family contributed to many aspects of the city of Austin.
August Johnson EILERS.
August was a partner in the wholesale dry goods firm that was located near 4th and Congress Street in the early 1900s, very close to where the train depot was. As a part of the Johnson family, he was part of the creation of Deep Eddy Pool as a public place for recreation.
William von Rosenberg.
He was an engineer and a land agent. His office was at the southeast corner of Congress Avenue and 7th.
John Lawrence BUAAS.
He, John and his wife Helena. Opened the first of Austin’s great entertainment centers. It was in the 400 block of Old Pecan Street, which is now 6th Street. BUAAS, Hall and Garden was a popular spot for a very long time in Austin history. The hall had been built expressly to meet the wants of the community. There was a large refreshment saloon beer garden and bowling alley.
Charles William Pressler
Also a German immigrant and also a leader in creating places to gather and be entertained in early Austen. This family too had a large beer garden where people could gather and drink beer, play croquet, have dinner or picnic. Pressler worked for 40 years for the General Land Office of Texas as a cartographer and draftsman. He also was one of the founders of the German Texas free School, which exists today.
Jacob Bickler.
Born in Austin, he arrived. Born in Germany, he arrived in Austin in 1872 and was a teacher. He was a teacher in all of the. Well established German, English and just German schools in and around the Austin area.
Elizabeth Ellen Johnson Williams.
Known as the Cattle Queen of Texas. She’s not related to the Johnson family. That we discussed who lived near Deep Eddy Pool. She started off as a teacher, but became. An entrepreneur, rancher and one of the few women to. Complete the Chisholm Trail. Ethel Estes Porter.
Ima Hogg.
Her father, James Hogg, was elected in 19 in 1890 as the first native born governor of Texas.
Rebecca Jane GILLELAND Fisher.
The Comanche killed her parents and kidnapped the children, who were soon rescued by soldiers. When she was sixteen, she married. ORCENETH, Fisher. a circulating Methodist Minister. She came to Texas early on and joined the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She was part of the team of women who helped save the Alamo. From destruction
Albert STROETER.
Insurance The inscription on his gravestone in Oakwood Cemetery says “Albert FH, son of Rev Ernst F and Carrie GSTROETER., born August 12th, 1874. Died May 5th, 1875. The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away”. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Job one dot 2 one. He died from complications of teething. He’s buried next to his sister Minnie, who was one years old.
John Henninger.
He was from Bavaria, Germany. He and his wife, Magdalena, purchased land north of the Colorado River. It was the FIR first Great Northern Railroad passenger station was on their property.