If you’ve spent any time digging into the history of Kendall County, you’ve probably come across the name Frederick Voges. He wasn’t the flashiest figure in Texas history, but he was one of those hardworking, salt-of-the-earth folks who helped turn this part of the Hill Country into a thriving community. A German immigrant who made his way to Texas in the mid-1800s, Voges built a life from the ground up—farming, raising a family, and laying down roots that would stretch across generations.
From Germany to Texas
Frederick E. Voges was born 19 Jan 1820 – Hanover, (Prussia) Germany to Johann Cord Heinrich “Friedrich” Voges and Katharine Oelerking. Friedrich E Voges married Friederike Heinz, and they had 7 children. Now, we don’t know a whole lot about his younger years, but like many Germans in the mid-19th century, he decided to leave the Old Country in search of something better. Times were tough in Germany—political upheaval, economic struggles, and just a general sense that life could be better elsewhere. And where did folks like Frederick set their sights? Texas, of course!
At some point in the 1850s, he made the long, grueling journey across the Atlantic, eventually settling in New Braunfels, one of the best-known German settlements in Texas. The area was already home to a strong German community, which made the transition a little easier. But let’s be clear—being a pioneer in Texas was no walk in the park. It took determination, grit, and a whole lot of sweat to carve out a good life in those days.
Family and Building a Life
By the time the Voges family packed up and moved to Kendall County, Frederick had his eyes set on farming. He managed to secure a 300-acre spread on the Balcones, and that land became his family’s homestead. One of his sons, Friedrich Ernst “Fritz” Voges, was born in 1852 in a little settlement called Hortontown (now part of New Braunfels). As the family grew, so did their ambitions. Texas was full of opportunities, and they weren’t afraid to chase them. The Texas Hill Country had good, fertile soil, and Frederick knew how to make the most of it. Like many German immigrants, he had a strong work ethic and a knack for turning the land into something productive.
A Life of Hard Work
Frederick didn’t just farm for his family—he played a part in feeding the whole community. His son, Fritz, eventually got involved in the local butcher business, working alongside his father-in-law, Conrad Adam. Together, they helped provide fresh meat for folks in Boerne and the surrounding areas, which was a big deal back then. Having a reliable food source was essential for a growing town, and the Voges family was right in the thick of it.
Life in early Kendall County wasn’t just about work, though—it was also about building relationships. The Voges family married into other well-known settler families, like the Adams and Bergmanns, weaving themselves into the social fabric of the area. These were the kinds of folks who didn’t just think about their success; they helped their neighbors, built businesses, and shaped the future of the town.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Frederick Voges lived a long and full life, passing away in 1903. His son, Fritz, carried on the family legacy, living until 1942 and being laid to rest in the Boerne Cemetery. Even today, the Voges name is well remembered in the region.
Frederick may not have been the most famous figure in Texas history, but he was one of the countless hardworking pioneers who made the Hill Country what it is today. He was a farmer, a family man, and a true part of the Texas story.
So, next time you drive through Kendall County and see the rolling farmland, think about folks like Frederick Voges—people who took a chance, worked hard, and helped build something lasting. Their legacy isn’t written in big history books, but it lives on in the land, the families, and the community they helped create.
