top of page

Biographies
Black German Speakers & Their Families

Over 860 African Americans in Texas indicated that "German" was their home language and that they were native-born to native-born parents in the 1970 census. This section features short biographies of some black German speakers in Central Texas. Some are still alive and were able to tell their stories directly. Others are remembered by family, friends, acquaintances and researchers before us. The map below shows where some speakers lived in the 20th century.

Phillips, Paul Jr.

Fredericksburg, Gillespie County

Veterinarian

Credit: Paul Phillips III

Phillips, Paul Sr. & Cora

Fredericksburg, Gillespie County

Veterinarian // Farmer, Homemaker

Credit: Paul Phillips III

Phillips, Paula

Fredericksburg, Gillespie County

Artist, Professor (MICA, Baltimore, Maryland)

Credit: Paula Phillips

Shields, Henry

Ledbetter, Fayette County

Laborer (Stuermer Cotton Gin)

Williams, Ben & Lillie

New Bremen, Austin County

Laborer, Farmhand

Credit: Lilly Davis

Williams, Woodie Lee

Industry, Austin County

Minister, Farmer, Laborer (Slaughterhouse)

Credit: Lilly Davis

Wolridge, Rufus

Lexington, Lee County

Self-employed, Laborer (Oil Seed Mill)

Credit: W. O. Exner

bottom of page