In the year 1865, a group of three adventurous young men found themselves camping and exploring the untamed frontiers of South Texas. The rolling hills above D’Hanis provided a picturesque backdrop for their journey, as they searched the wide-open country for livestock. Little did they know that their lives were about to take a dramatic turn.
As they filled their bellies with campfire food, a sudden attack by a small band of Comanche, riding horseback and shooting arrows into their midst, changed everything. The young men were ill-prepared, with just one gun and one bullet. Only one of them would survive to tell the tale, and his name was August Rothe, one of four Rothe brothers who played a pivotal role in settling D’Hanis.
Fast forward 154 years, and the legacy of the Rothe family continues to thrive. There are approximately 500 living descendants of the four Rothe brothers and their sister. August's grandson, Billy, and his wife, Rosie, had seven children. In this article, we have the privilege of interviewing two of them – Tom and Rick – to gain insight into their unique branch of the Rothe family tree and its profound connection to the rich history of South Texas ranching.
"The four original Rothe brothers succeeded because they stayed together and continued doing business together even after their father died in 1872," explains Tom. These pioneers arrived in Texas in 1854, with August being just seven years old at the time. Their mother passed away shortly after their arrival, and their father, Heinrich, took on the responsibility of raising the motherless children.
The Rothe family quickly adapted to the rugged open ranges along the Hondo and Seco creeks, facing challenges like the fence wars of the era and enduring six-month-long cattle drives to Kansas multiple times. They also navigated numerous run-ins with hostile Native Americans. But their unwavering commitment to working together and investing in land paid off.
By the late 1800s, the Rothe brothers had amassed an impressive 100,000 acres of land in Bandera and Medina counties and 16,000 head of cattle. They were instrumental in establishing 85,000 acres of fenced grassland. Today, their descendants carry on this proud tradition, stewarding the land and continuing the cattle business.
Tom, a practicing attorney, speaks passionately about his connection to the land and livestock, a love that was nurtured by his grandfather's daily visits to the old ranch house. The family's dedication to preserving the land and ranching traditions is evident in the way they involve their children and grandchildren in the operation. It's a connection that extends across generations.
The Rothe family's story is one of hard work, loyalty, and a deep appreciation for the land they call home. They have faced challenges, celebrated traditions, and built a legacy that spans over a century and a half. In this article, we'll delve deeper into the Rothe family's history, their daily life on the ranch, and their vision for the future. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of South Texas and the people who call it home.https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2019/11/08/south-texas-rancher-profile-the-rothe-brothers.html
