Texas Historical Marker #09239
Samuel Wolfenberger. Born in Virginia 1804; came to Texas 1831. Died 1860. Fought under Lt. W. J. Russell at Velasco. Participated in the storming and capture of Bexar. Served with Colonel Robert M. Coleman's Rangers in 1836. His wife, Caroline, born 1806. Died 1873. Erected by the State of Texas, 1956 #9239
?, Rockne, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #09177
Nicholas W. Eastland. Star and Wreath Born 1804; came to Texas in 1834. A volunteer soldier in Captain Horton's company, in Colonel Fannin's command, in the spring of 1836. He escaped capture in the Battle of Coleto. Died 1891. Erected by the State of Texas 1957 #9177
?, Rockne, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #09223
Rockne. Beginning as a farming community, Rockne traces its roots to German settlers who came to the area in the 1840s. In November 1846, the Daniel and Mortiz Lehman families arrived at Indianola, Texas from Schlesien, Prussia. They soon settled in this vicinity on Walnut Creek. Later, Andreas and Franz Meuth arrived from Wurges, Germany and settled on Sandy Creek. Also from Wurges, John Wilhelm, John Wolf, John Hartman and Philip Goertz arrived in 1856 and established farms along Walnut Creek. In 1876, Philip Goertz and Michael Wolf donated land to area settlers to build the first Catholic church, Ascension of Christ Church. The building was destroyed by an arsonist's fire in 1891. The next year, on land donated by John T. Lehman, local residents established the Sacred Heart Church and Cemetery. During its long history, the community has been known by many names. First called Walnut Creek because of its proximity to the stream, it was known as Lehman when a store and post office was established in 1900 with Martin Lehman as postmaster. The settlement later came to be called Hilbigville after William Hilbig and his sons opened a general store. In 1931, the children of Sacred Heart School renamed the town in honor of Knute Rockne, renowned coach of Notre Dame University, who had died in a plane crash earlier that year. Rockne continues to be a rural community, with Sacred Heart Catholic Church at its center. (2006) #9223
?, Rockne, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #09240
Samuel Wolfenberger. (1804 - 1860) Early land grantee in this area. Of Dutch descent, he was born in Virginia. Came to Texas (then part of Mexico) in 1831 as a colonist of Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas." Received a Spanish league of land (4,444 acres) here. Active in Texas Revolution, he took part in storming of Bexar in 1835; served with Robert Coleman's Rangers in 1836. Lived in Bastrop many years, joining effort to promote town as capital of the Republic in 1839. Was collector same year; alderman 1845-47. Married Caroline Fliesart; had 7 children. Grave located 1 mi. E. (1972) #9240
?, Rockne, TX, United States