Who were the Lateiners--Freethinkers?

Who were the Lateiners--Texas' Freethinkers?

Simply put, they were a group of nineteenth-century German intellectuals. We must remember that Germany until 1871 was a confederation of independent states, similar to the American colonies prior to the current constitution.

These intellectuals, among whom were scientists, nobles, physicians, engineers, astronomers, and others, began to resent the authority and restrictions of organized religion and political absolutism they faced in Germany. Individually and in groups these "Freethinkers" began to flee their homeland for what they hoped would be freedom and democracy in America. They settled in various parts of the United States, but our primary concern here is with those who came to Texas.

The first group arrived in Texas in early 1847, led by Dr. Ferdinand Herff and settled  at what became known as Betina, at the union of the Llano River and Elm Creek. Other settlements soon followed: Millheim in Austin County, Latium in Washington County, Sisterdale and Tusculum (Boerne) in Kendall County. These are collectively known as the Latin Colonies since their inhabitants, German intellectuals, were said to hold discussions in Latin from time to time. The name Lateiners ("Latin ones") referred to these men.

The German revolution of 1848 hastened the flight of these individuals and their families to the United States. Edwin Scharf (see his essay in the right-side column) estimates one thousand Freethinkers, with about two hundred-fifty surnames, came to the Texas Hill Country. Unfortunately, many of these families are unknown to us. The list in the left column is a composite from several sources. They were among several thousand other Germans to make their homes here. It is these Lateiners with whom we are especially interested in this blog.

If you have information or family stories about those listed, or others, please send us your comments.