Edward Degener

Unlike Ottomar von Behr whose life was cut short after only a few years in Texas, Edward Degener had a long and distinguished career. Born in Brunswick, Germany, on 20 October 1809, Mr. Degener served as a member of the Anhalt-Dessau legislature and the first National Assembly at Frankfurt-am-Main in 1848, prior to emigrating to the United States. Arriving in Texas in 1850 he settled in Sisterdale as a farmer. When he arrived he purchased the original house built by Nicolaus Zink, the first building in the Latin community of Sisterdale. Zink, the surveyor of New Braunfels, left that town in an ox wagon on his way to Fredericksburg early in 1847. One night he camped at such a wonderful spot at the mouth of Sister Creek that he decided to stay there.

During the Civil War Degener, as a Union supporter, was arrested by Confederates for sedition. Although he pleaded innocent, he was found guilty and had to post a bond of $5,000. His sons Hilmar and Hugo died during the Battle of Nueces in October 1862. Later Degener, Edward Steves, and William Heuermann purchased land for the Treue der Union Monument. Degener had been on the advisory board of the Union Loyal League in Sisterdale. After the death of his two sons he and others began to leave Sisterdale. He went to San Antonio.

After the Civil War Mr. Degener served in Texas' constitutional conventions of 1866 and 1868-1869. One of his greatest efforts was to see universal suffrage in Texas. However, it would be many years before this happened.

After Texas was re-admitted to full statehood, Degener was elected to the Forty-first United States Congress, 31 March 1870-3 March 1871. He failed to secure  re-election.

Mr. Degener's business concerns included the San Antonio National Bank which opened in 1866 in the French Building on Main Plaza. In November 1873 he purchased an interest in the San Antonio Express for $500.00.

From 1872 to 1878 Edward Degener served on the San Antonio City Council.

In 1878 his son Hans, a lumber dealer, was living with him and his wife. He retired in 1885. His home was at the corner of Avenue C and Travis Street.

Mr. Degener died on 11 September 1890 and is buried in Plot 6, Lot B of City Cemetery # 1. His wife Marie was born in 1815 and died in 1891 and is buried beside him.