Arnold (Johann) Papers, 1856-1872
Description
Johann Arnold (also Johannes and later John) was born in Michelsrombach, Hesse-Kassel (now part of Germany), on 1817 March 30. He and several other settlers from Michelsrombach immigrated to Texas in 1844 on board the ship Weser as part of Henry Fisher's San Saba Colonization group. Arnold was among the colonists traveling with Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels to the new settlement of New Braunfels; he is considered a first founder of that community. First working as a stonemason, Arnold later became a merchant in New Braunfels. He also served on the New Braunfels Academy Board of Trustees between 1858 and 1860.
The collection contains letters, account statements, and printed material received by Johann Arnold, representing transactions with other businesses in Texas and beyond. Significant trading partners represented are H. Runge and Co., A. Fromme and Co., and H. Iken of Indianola; F. Guilbeau, Pentenrieder and Blersch, Vance and Brother, and Theisen and Deutz of San Antonio; and A.D. Grieff and Co. of New Orleans. Most of the material was attached to an invoice book; several loose items have been separated into folders. The bulk of the papers date from 1856-1860.