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Deed from Sherman Arnold Henry Runge of Funchal, Madeira, Portugal to Henry Runge, references a land transfer of many thousands of acres of land in Concho and Matagorda Counties, a substantial portion of which was formerly owned by the German Emigration Co. March 9, 1869 [handwritten copy of original]

Letter from Emil Reiffert to C. A. Goeth referencing an inheritance affair. Written on letterhead of H. Runge & Co. Banking & Exchange Office, Cuero, Texas. January 15, 1891.[handwritten]

Court appointment of Executors appointing Emil Reiffert, Henry J. Runge, and Louis Runge executors of the estate of the late Julia Runge. March 23, 1896

Will of Henry Runge. June 2, 1894 [handwritten]

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Letter from Julius Runge to C. A. Goeth referencing a meeting to be arranged. November 16, 1900

Revocation and Assignment of Power of Attorney from Hans Eyl and his wife, Meta Runge Eyl, Dr. Gustav Stromeyer and his wife, Anna Stromeyer, all of Hannover, Germany to C. A. Goeth. Filed subsequently in 12 counties. December 10, 1900

Letter from Julius Runge to C. A. Goeth confirming an appointment. January 21, 1901

Letter from Henry J. Runge to A. C. (C. A.) Goeth that accompanied a deed for land in Mason County. January 30, 1901

Letter from Henry J. Runge to C. A. Goeth authorizing cancellation of revenue stamps on deeds of land attached from six counties. February 1, 1901

Partition Deed from Henry J. Runge to heirs of Henry Runge. February 1, 1901

Partition Deed from Julie Runge to heirs of Henry Runge. February 1, 1901 [2 copies]

Letter from Henry J. Runge to Mr. A. C. Goeth (C.A.) requesting signed deeds returned from Mrs. Julius Runge. February 4, 1901

Letter from Henry J. Runge to Mr. A. C. Goeth (C.A.) describing disputed wording in a deed. February 7, 1901

Letter from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth discussing matters relating to Goeth's handling of a settlement for his clients dealing with Julius and Henry Runge in Galveston. The letter alludes to personal characteristics. February 10, 1901

Letter from Henry Runge to C. A. Goeth discussing a delay in signing a deed. February 11, 1901

Letter from Julius Runge to C. A. Goeth discussing ranch transactions and financial difficulties resulting from the disastrous Galveston storm. March 24, 1901

Letter from C. F. Carsner to C. A. Goeth discussing several lots in Victoria, Texas. March 21, 1901

Partition Deed between Johanna Runge, Julius Runge, Louis N. Runge, Meta Eyl nee Runge, Hans Eyl, Anna Rosa Stromeyer nee Runge. Filed in eight counties. October 12, 1901

Surveyor's field notes written by S. D. Williams, County Surveyor for Runnels County, references German Emigration Co. property. November 14, 1901

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Memorandum of Agreement between Lange & Doose (Max Lange and C. A. Doose) and C. A. Goeth denoting an agreement on certain terms in a land transaction. The document is signed with strikethroughs and annotations. February 20, 1902

Letter from F. Cronk to H. J. Runge discussing a proposition involving land in Tom Green and Concho Counties. August 4, 1902 [handwritten copy]

Letter from Henry to C. A. Goeth discussing an enclosure of patents and deeds to certain tracts of land. August 8, 1902

Letter from Federick C. von Rosenberg to Henry J. Runge questioning the status of a lease controversy. August 11, 1902 [copy]

Letter from Julius Runge to C. A. Goeth regarding short clarification. August 13, 1902

Letter from Frederick C. von Rosenberg to C.A. Goeth discussing lack of communication from the Runges. August 14, 1902

Letter from Henry J. Runge to C. A. Goeth, attachment to an accompanying document. August 16, 1902

Letter from Frederick C. von Rosenberg to C. A. Goeth discussing the Runges' wish to cancel a lease; indicates disagreement. August 18, 1902

Letter from Henry J. Runge to C. A. Goeth discussing a deed. August 23, 1902

Letter from John Seiders, County Judge of San Saba County to C. A. Goeth discussing title problem and is attached to an accompanying letter from G. A. Walters, an attorney in San Saba, Texas. August 23, 1902

Letter from Henry J. Runge to C. A. Goeth discusses the legal difference between a partition and a sale. August 26, 1902

Letter from Henry J. Runge to C.A. Goeth seeking information as to court date. August 28, 1902

Telegram from Julius Runge to C. A. Goeth advising of a delay in travel. August 29, 1902

Letter from Emil Reiffert to C.A. Goeth discusses the absence of a woman's will or an affidavit of death. September 5, 1902

Letter from Emil Reiffert to C. A. Goeth, was attached to an affidavit. September 9, 1902

Letter from Henry J. Runge to C. A. Goeth, was attached to a deed. September 18, 1902

Letter from Henry J. Runge to C. A. Goeth was attached to a set of letters concerning the lease of certain lands to the Hume Bros. September 19, 1902

Certified Judgement of an 1850 judgment in the case of Henry J. Runge vs. The German Emigration Co. September 26, 1902 [handwritten copy]

Letter from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth discussing an offer to buy land by George T. Hume of the Hume Bros. September 27, 1902

Judgment in 1850 case of Henry J. Runge vs. The German Emigration Co. Includes name in German as well as a listing of all principals in the company which includes many princes, counts, and dukes. September 29, 1902 [copy]

Letter from Henry J. Runge to C. A. Goeth discussing filing a release against the Hume Bros. October 2, 1902

Letter from Julius Runge to C. A. Goeth discussing settlement with the Hume Bros. October 15, 1902

Letter from Frederick C. von Rosenberg to C. A. Goeth discussing a final settlement in the case of J. L. Hume et al vs. Henry J. Runge. October 16, 1902

Letter from Henry J. Runge to C. A. Goeth requesting certain documents. October 28, 1902

Memorandum from Frederick C. von Rosenberg to C. A. Goeth acknowledging receipt of monies on behalf of Hume Bros. October 30, 1902

Letter from Frederick C. von Rosenberg to C. A. Goeth discussing other money matters in the case. October 30, 1902

Memorandum from Frederick C. von Rosenberg to C. A. Goeth discussing money matters in the case. November 3, 1902

Ledger list prepared by Walter Tips, provides a listing of V/L Land Notes of Las Moris [sic] Ranch. November 7, 1902

Letter from J. W. Hancock, Deputy in Department of Justice, Western District of Texas, to Messrs. Webb and Goeth denies any deeds being on file as the originals were removed. November 13, 1902

Letter from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth congratulating3 the latter on a legal victory and mentions that he would prefer someone else other than Adolf Runge being made receiver of the ranch property. November 15, 1902

Transfer of land from German Emigration Co. to Meta Eyl and Anna Strohmeyer. November 18, 1902 [copy]

Letter from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth discussing someone who would like to sell their lots. December 11, 1902

Letter from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth discussing travel plans and whereabouts of Julius Runge and Johanne Runge. December 11, 1902

Letter from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth discussing the Runges and their financial dealings with Sullivan bankers in San Antonio as well as the possibility of putting the ranch in receivership. December 24, 1902

Power of Attorney from Johanna Runge, Julius Runge, Louis Runge, Charles Fowler, Anita Runge to Walter Tips to liquidate all lands and livestock of Las Moras Ranch. December 27, 1902

Legal Agreement stating Julius and Henry Runge to turn overall management and give a complete accounting of ranch affairs to Walter Tips. December 27, 1902

Letter from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth accompanied in a letter of transmittal from Julius Runge. December 30, 1902

Tax Assessment listing of lands owned by Eyl and Strohmeyer in Concho County. December 31, 1902

Notes tallying land sold. February 1902 - December 1902 [handwritten]

This collection consists chiefly of correspondence regarding the Runge family of Galveston, Tex. and Menard, Tex., including Henry Runge, his sons Henry J. Runge and Louis Hermann Runge, their cousin Julius F. Runge, as well as family members in Hannover, Germany, including heirs Hans Eyl and his wife Meta Eyl; German immigrant and Texas businessman Walter Tips (1841-1911) who, after the death of Henry Runge, had formed the Las Moras Ranch Company (December 21, 1879) with his wife's aunt Julia Runge, wife of Henry Runge, and Runge's sons Henry J. Runge, and Louis H. Runge; German Emigration Company lands, lawyers and law firms in Austin, Tex. and San Antonio, Tex., including C. A. Goeth, the firm of Webb & Goeth, Adolph Goeth, the business partner of Walter Tips and brother of C. A. Goeth.

Also present are: legal documents, including deeds, wills, powers of attorney, some ranch operations records, including ranch inventories, accounting ledgers, and handwritten notes. These papers record the operations and transfers of ownership of over 130,000 acres of property, principally in the Texas counties of Comal, San Saba, Tom Green, Concho, and Menard, collectively known as the Las Moras Ranch.

Beyond the acquisition, operation, and ultimate liquidation of this ranch property, however, an interesting part of Texas history, that of the Adelsverien or German Emigration Company, and early German immigrant settlement are illuminated through the documents in the collection.

The collection series reflect the history of the ranch from its foundation until its sale in 1913.

• Series 1 begins with an 1867 legal document showing a transfer of ownership of many thousands of acres of land from Hermann Arnold Henry (Heinrich) Runge (1821-1861) of Funchal, Madiera, Portugal to his brother and business partner, Henry Runge (1816-1873). Henry Runge paid for the land in American Gold. Other documents in the papers include a very large judgment against the Adelsverien or German Emigration Company, a copy of the lengthy handwritten "Last Will of Henry Runge," probated April 2, 1873, and that of his wife, Julia, dated March 23, 1896.
• Subsequent documents in Series 2-Series 4 of the papers highlight the operation and eventual liquidation in 1913 of the Las Moras Ranch, including transcontinental communications between Germany and Texas among heirs to the Runge fortune. Several of these family letters scattered through the papers may be particularly difficult to translate since they are written in Kurrentschrift, a Gothic handwriting style.
• Playing important roles in the later transactions concerning the ranch properties were the sons of Henry Runge (1816-1873): Henry J. Runge (1859-1922), Louis Hermann Runge (1861-1936), and his nephew Julius F. Runge (1851-1906). Henry J. Runge and Julius F. Runge were financial advisors, while Louis Runge served as the ranch manager and lived on the Las Moras Ranch property. Walter E. Tips (1841-1911), another German immigrant, Texas Senator, and successful hardware merchandiser, who married into the Runge family, along with C. A. Goeth (b. 1869), a San Antonio attorney, were involved in the ranch operations and legal issues concerning the eventual dispersal of Las Moras Ranch property.

These documents chronicle the partitioning and sales of the ranch properties. Included are letters, deeds, financial disclosures, assignments of trusteeships, and letters written in German from family members living in Hannover, Germany. The year 1908 is void.

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Letters chiefly between Walter Tips and C. A. Goeth discussing the disposition of certain funds, indicate a great deal of traveling back and forth to Europe, and certain difficulties among the heirs. 1907

Memorandum of Agreement documenting the appointment of Walter Tips as Manager and Liquidator of the Las Moras Ranch, as well as percentage interests held among the heirs. Included is a complete accounting of the ranch assets and liabilities. May 22, 1907

Memorandum from Louis H. Runge and Henry J. Runge discussing receipt of monies and travel overseas. June 28, 1907

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Letters between Walter Tips and C. A. Goeth. The content of these letters is mostly social in nature; including topics such as the impending engagement of Tips' daughter to a German citizen and moving to Germany much to her mother's dismay, a Texas deer hunt for the prospective groom, and travel arrangements. Some discussion about funds disbursement to the heirs. April-October 1909

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Letter from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth discussing Eyl children in Germany, sickness, and acknowledges reading of a legal document sent previously. October 17, 1910

Affidavit of Death executed in Germany to certify the death of Meta Eyl and distinguish her heirs. November 5, 1910

Power of Attorney from the children of Meta Eyl, appointing C. A. Goeth attorney in fact to act on their behalf in land liquidation. November 5, 1910

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Letters, chiefly between Walter Tips and C. A. Goeth discussing a contestation of the power of attorney executed in Germany, family matters, and the weather. The last letter from Walter Tips was written six days before his death. February 2, 1911 - April 14, 1911

Telegram from C. A. Goeth and family to Mrs. Walter Tips expressing condolences. April 20, 1911

Letter from Adolph Goeth, the business partner of Walter Tips and brother of C. A. Goeth, to C. A. Goeth expressing that business will continue under name of Walter Tips & Co. and that he could not attend Walter Tips' funeral due to an accident. April 26, 1911

Letters from Eugene Tips, business partner and son of Walter Tips, to C. A. Goeth. Appears Eugene Tips and Adolph Goeth assumed the role of managing the Las Moras Ranch liquidation. April-October 1911

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Letter from C. A. Goeth to Hans Eyl providing a lengthy explanation of approaches to take in securing the benefits of the land sales for the children who are not of age. September 12, 1912

Letter from Henry J. Runge to C. A. Goeth expressing the wishes of Hans Eyl concerning his interest in his wife's estate and doing things according to German law. November 14, 1912

Power of Attorney from the children of Hans Eyl, appointing C. A. Goeth attorney in fact to represent their interests. December 30, 1912

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Affidavit drawn-up in Germany declaring the children of Meta Eyl of age. January 4, 1913

Statement submitted to C. A. Goeth by Adolph Goeth, on assets and liabilities. March 13, 1913

Memorandum of Agreement and Final Partition Deed made to all heirs of Henry Runge and partial owners of the Las Moras Ranch. Joint declaration of their portions satisfied and holds the estate of Walter Tips harmless and releases any further responsibility. March 13, 1913

Letter from Eugene Tips to C. A. Goeth thanking Goeth for the role he played in the liquidation of Las Moras Ranch.

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Letters and cards, chiefly from the heirs to Las Moras Ranch who were living in Hannover, Germany. There is a death notice and a single handwritten letter in German, from C. A. Goeth in San Antonio. 1911-1913 [not translated]

This series of documents is sparse but lends a general idea of the running of the ranch as well as additional land acquisition. There is only one document representing each of the years of 1905 and 1906

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Memorandum from Julius Runge to Messers, Webb, and Goeth. A handwritten list of indebtedness by owners with a letter of submission attached. January 16, 1903

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Receipt acknowledging the commission of payment made by C. A. Goeth to Lange Doose who apparently acted as agent in a land sale. March 20, 1903 [handwritten]

Letter from Walter Tips to Max Martin giving formal notification of management change and verification of livestock inventory. May 4, 1903

Lease contract. May 6, 1903

Lease contract. May 23, 1903

Letter from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth informing of payment for surveying. June 21, 1903

Letter from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth concerning sales of animals from the ranch. July 17, 1903

Letter from Henry J. Runge to Walter Tips concerning some title issues. July 24, 1903

Letter from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth reporting sales of cattle and prices received. July 25, 1903

Letter from L. W. Ainsworth to Walter Tips referencing some land titles. July 27, 1903

Letter from W. F. Brandes to C. A. Goeth discussing the need to move some fences that are encroaching on property lines. August 18, 1903

Letter from H. Runge & Co. to C. A. Goeth discussing lots in Victoria, Texas. August 26, 1903

Letter from Henry J. Runge to Walter Tips that accompanied enclosures of letters that supported a claim. September 2, 1903

Letter from W. F. Brandes to C. A. Goeth discussing trade for 640 acres. September 2, 1903

Letters largely between Walter Tips and C. A. Goeth indicating the accompanying attachments, questions of title, and in one instance, squatters' rights to ranch lands.

Letter and list of lands from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth. The list of lands total over 24,000 acres of lands not owned or leased by the family; asks comparison to a list sent previously to complete the total list. December 23, 1903

Tax Assessments in Concho and Tom Green counties. December 1903

Cattle accounting including a tally of cattle on hand and that expected. 1903; Undated [handwritten]

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Letter from Walter Tips to Max Martin thanking him for a venison ham; apparently a contraband item. January 19, 1904

Vendor's Lien note from Meta Eyl and Anna Strohmeyer of Hannover, Germany using C. A. Goeth's power of attorney for 160 acres of land. February 29, 1904

Letter from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth advising of a citation served upon him for an undisclosed lawsuit. March 23, 1904

Letter from Henry J. Runge to C. A. Goeth discussing delinquent taxes and purchase of land in a tax sale. April 1, 1904

Letter from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth expressing confidence in the outcome of a lawsuit for 5,000 acres. April 6, 1904

Letter from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth giving a statement of condition for Las Moras Ranch for the year, ending on May 1, 1904. May 5, 1904

Letters from Walter Tips to C. A. Goeth that accompanied enclosures of various sorts to do with operations and land sales and acquisitions. May-June 1904

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Inventory of Lands. September 4, 1905

Letter from F. M. Newman to Walter Tips giving a lengthy opinion on a lawsuit concerning a land title. April 28, 1906

This series includes materials such as legal documents, handwritten notes and drafts, and inventories of land.

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Land inventories and German Emigration lands in Concho and Tom Green counties survey information. Undated

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Handwritten drafts, notes, and accountings. Undated

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Empty envelopes from C. A. Goeth or Webb & Goeth that appear to have contained monetary notes payable from individuals. Undated

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Abstracts and conveyances to and from Runge and Tips in Menard and Concho Counties. Undated

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Maps and ledger sheet. The following oversize maps and ledger sheet are housed separately:
One Blue-line plat map with handwritten annotations, titled "German Emigration Co. Surveys Tom Green and Concho Counties", approximately 15 x 36 inches:

One Blue-line plat map, titled "Map of Las Moras Ranch-Menard County", approximately 17 1/2 x 22 inches:

One Ledger sheet, approximately 20 x 24 inches.

One printed map of Concho County, Texas, approximately 30 x 30 inches.