By the mid-19th century, political unrest and economic uncertainty were driving countless German families to seek a new life across the Atlantic. Among them was a determined young man named Caspar Real, whose journey from Hanover to the Texas Hill Country would help shape the heart and soul of Kendall County.
From Hanover to the Hill Country
Born on March 15, 1828, near Göttingen in the Kingdom of Hanover, Caspar Real was the youngest of five children. Raised in a culture that valued education, hard work, and family, he came of age during a period of upheaval in Europe. With the promise of opportunity in America, the Real family made the life-changing decision to emigrate in 1845, when Caspar was just 17.
The United States—particularly Texas—was an attractive destination for German immigrants, thanks to organizations like the Adelsverein (Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas), which actively encouraged settlement in the Lone Star State. Caspar arrived during this wave of immigration and began working as a farmhand, gaining vital experience that would later support his success as a landowner and rancher.
Settling in Comfort
By 1847, Caspar had made his way to the Texas Hill Country and established himself in what would later become Comfort, Texas, in Kendall County. The area, with its rolling hills and fertile ground, was ideal for farming and ranching. German settlers like Caspar brought with them a spirit of industriousness and resilience that helped transform the rugged frontier into thriving communities.
Caspar quickly distinguished himself through hard work, perseverance, and a deep commitment to community. He expanded his landholdings, raised livestock, and built a successful homestead. In Maria Schmidt, he found a life partner who shared his values. Together, they raised a family—Johann, Heinrich, Anna, and Elise—passing on to them the principles of integrity, service, and determination.
A Community Leader in Times of Peace and War
Comfort, founded by German Freethinkers, was known for its progressive ideals, including religious tolerance, public education, and resistance to slavery. These values aligned closely with Caspar Real’s own beliefs. When the Civil War erupted, many German-Texans, including Caspar, remained loyal to the Union cause. Kendall County became a stronghold of Unionist sentiment.
Caspar served in the Comfort 1862 Militia and later in the Kendall County Squad of Cavalry, part of the 31st Brigade, Texas State Troops. Though official records list him as a private, some accounts refer to him as a captain of the local Home Guard. Regardless of title, his service during this turbulent time exemplified his steadfast commitment to protecting the community he helped build.
Shaping Kendall County’s Future
In the years following the war, Caspar Real remained a central figure in Kendall County’s development. He served multiple terms as a county commissioner, playing a key role in shaping the county’s infrastructure, governance, and civic institutions. His advocacy on behalf of local farmers and ranchers reflected his belief that communities thrive when their voices are heard.
One of Caspar’s enduring passions was education. Recognizing the transformative power of learning, he helped support the establishment of schools across the region, ensuring that children of settlers would grow up with access to the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
A Legacy of Generosity and Service
Beyond his political and economic achievements, Caspar Real was widely respected for his generosity and compassion. He was known to offer financial support, employment, and a helping hand to those in need. Neighbors described him as a man of integrity—someone who never forgot where he came from or who he served.
He passed away on January 12, 1892, at the age of 64, but his legacy endures. His life stands as a testament to the values that built Kendall County: hard work, courage, community, and vision.
Remembering Caspar Real
Today, Comfort still bears the cultural imprint of its German founders. The town’s architecture, traditions, and civic spirit reflect the ideals of those early pioneers—among them, Caspar Real. His descendants continue to live and work in the region, preserving the legacy he helped establish.
Caspar Real’s journey from immigrant farmhand to community leader embodies the spirit of the American frontier. His story is not just a chapter in Kendall County’s history—it is a cornerstone of it.
