Cuero, Texas -On Sunday, March 23, the DeWitt County Historical Commission hosted a captivating event at the English German School, located on the Chisholm Trail Museum grounds in Cuero, Texas. The gathering celebrated the unveiling of a newly translated historical work, C.H. Waltersdorff’s History of DeWitt County. Originally written in German in 1899, the book offers an unparalleled view into DeWitt County’s history before 1900.
The highlight of the event was a thought-provoking presentation by Dr. James Kearney, a scholar with a Ph.D. in Germanic Studies from the University of Texas, who not only translated the book but also provided context through an introduction and over 100 detailed footnotes. During his talk, Dr. Kearney shed light on the discrimination faced by German Americans in the United States during the early 20th century. He recounted the harsh realities, including prohibitions on speaking German and extreme acts of violence such as tarring and feathering, which emphasized the gravity of the prejudice they endured. Attendees were reminded of the parallels to modern forms of discrimination, offering a sobering reflection on history’s enduring lessons.
The story of the book itself is as remarkable as its contents. Beverly Bruns, a member of the Historical Commission, discovered the manuscript tucked away with other German-language documents belonging to her family—a long-forgotten treasure passed down through generations. Recognizing its historical significance but limited by her knowledge of German, she enlisted the help of fellow Commission members and ultimately reached out to Dr. Kearney to bring the text to life for contemporary audiences.
Attendees also enjoyed a Kaffeeklatsch and German wine tasting, making the afternoon a blend of cultural celebration and historical education. Copies of the translated book were made available for purchase, ensuring that the rich history of DeWitt County will continue to reach new generations.
The event was a resounding success, offering a rare glimpse into the county’s past while honoring the resilience of its German-American community. From accounts of early settlers to insights into the infamous Sutton-Taylor feud, the book serves as a vital connection to the stories that have shaped DeWitt County’s identity.
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