The Shiner Gazette - June 17, 1971
Adolph Richter, esteemed citizen, whose entire lifetime was identified with Shiner, Texas, quietly crossed over into the Great Beyond after a lengthy illness at 11:15 a.m. Friday, June 4, 1971 in Huth Memorial Hospital, Yoakum, where he had been a patient for five weeks. He attained the age of 82 years, 3 months and 29 days.
He was placed at rest in the Shiner City Cemetery beneath a bower of beautiful blossoms. The services were largely attended, many relatives, friends and business associates came from distant points to express their respect and esteem.
In the early history of the city of Shiner a boy, Adolph Richter, was born on February 5, 1889. According to city records he was the second white male child born within the present corporate limits of Shiner.
He was the youngest of ten children born to Moritz and Augusta (Herder) Richter, natives respectively of Germany and Frelsburg, Colorado County, Texas. As a young lad, he attended the Shiner Public School and summer sessions at St. Ludmila's Academy. After completing his studies in Shiner, he attended Nash Academy Institute in Cuerro for an additional 12 months.
He returned home in 1908 to become a clerk in the Shiner Hardware Store, then known as the ‘Tin Shop'. Here he worked for the same firm the rest of his lifetime. Since 1919 he served as store manager and part owner.
On October 8, 1910, he was married to Valasta Valenta in Cuero by the Rev. J.W. Israel and the couple made their home in Shiner. They did not have any children of their own, but nieces and nephews of their respective families, as well as a countless number of other children and young people were the beneficiaries of their wise counsel and warmness of heart.
Mr. Richter was destined to play a major role in the civic life and affairs of the community in which he was born.
As a teenager and young man he became an avid baseball and softball fan and devoted much time to playing the game, coaching, managing and, in later years, to sponsoring many teams, especially in Little League.
Shortly after his marriage, he became a rookie member of the Shiner Fire Department. He was elected chief in 1920, a position he held for 28 consecutive years until being elected Chief Emeritus in July of 1948, which continued to be his title on the rolls of the department.
When he became chief, Shiner has no motorized fire equipment and only a make-shift fire station. Today Shiner has a modern fire station and up-to-date equipment.
As a member of the city council from 1928-32 and as mayor of Shiner from 1932-42 and 1944-47, Mayor Richter was instrumental in esing the water system and securing natural gas for the city. In 1939, he took the lead and started improvements, which have given the city an expanded layout on hard surface roads without increasing taxes of assessing property. These improvements meant building up a $500,000 city indebtedness, but under his own administration the complete debt was liquidated within one five-year period. He also inaugurated free city-wide garbage pickup and night watchman services. In 1942 he organized civil defense and the Firemen's Auxiliary.
Mr. Richter served continuously on the board of directors for the First National Bank since January 8, 1929, was a charter member and organizer of the Shiner Business Men's Club, member of the Shiner Chamber of Commerce, charter member of the Shiner Rotary Club, with a perfect attendance record, and was a member of the Baptist Church for over 50 years. He also served as a vice president for the Guadalupe District Firemen's Association and in 1948 was elected president, serving until the October 1949 convention in Shiner.
In June of 1947, he resigned as mayor because of ill health. As a tribute to years of unselfish service to the city and his fellowman, the Shiner Chamber of Commerce presented him with a gold watch and the Business Men's Club, a plaque, mementoes that he cherished through the years.
Mr. Richter was the type of a leader whom the people respected, honored and loved. He was known for his conservative characteristics. He objected to and avoided publicity. He moved quietly among his fellowmen, without ostentation.
His main object in life was to be a friend to man and especially the young people – always ready to organize their interests and help them.
His philosophy and theme in life – "To live in a house by the side of the road. To be a friend to man." His honesty and integrity won him the friendship and admiration of all races and creeds.
He leaves to mourn, his devoted wife and life's companion for over sixty years, Mrs. Valasta Richter of Shiner; four nieces, Mrs. Alice Kemp, Mrs. Clarabelle Daniels, both of Houston, Mrs. Thelma Parker of Waco, Mrs. Irene Knudsen of Bellevue, Wash.; four nephews, Maurice O. Richter of Oakland, Calif., Dr. Wm. Richter of Spokane, Wash., C.C. Welhausen of Yoakum and Ray Welhausen of Shiner.
Mr. Richter was the last surviving member of his immediate family and was preceded in death by his mother, May 17, 1896; his father, February 19, 1901; seven brothers, Rudolph, Julius, Louis, Charles, Henry, Walter and Otto Richter; two sisters, Mrs. C.B. (Henrietta) Welhausen, June 11, 1944; Mrs. Wilson R. (Ella) McComan, June 21, 1964.
A truly prominent and representative citizen has passed to eternal reward. He will ever be recalled as one who contributed his time, talent, means and effort to the up-building of Shiner and vicinity.
Adolph Richter, esteemed citizen, whose entire lifetime was identified with Shiner, Texas, quietly crossed over into the Great Beyond after a lengthy illness at 11:15 a.m. Friday, June 4, 1971 in Huth Memorial Hospital, Yoakum, where he had been a patient for five weeks. He attained the age of 82 years, 3 months and 29 days.
He was placed at rest in the Shiner City Cemetery beneath a bower of beautiful blossoms. The services were largely attended, many relatives, friends and business associates came from distant points to express their respect and esteem.
In the early history of the city of Shiner a boy, Adolph Richter, was born on February 5, 1889. According to city records he was the second white male child born within the present corporate limits of Shiner.
He was the youngest of ten children born to Moritz and Augusta (Herder) Richter, natives respectively of Germany and Frelsburg, Colorado County, Texas. As a young lad, he attended the Shiner Public School and summer sessions at St. Ludmila's Academy. After completing his studies in Shiner, he attended Nash Academy Institute in Cuerro for an additional 12 months.
He returned home in 1908 to become a clerk in the Shiner Hardware Store, then known as the ‘Tin Shop'. Here he worked for the same firm the rest of his lifetime. Since 1919 he served as store manager and part owner.
On October 8, 1910, he was married to Valasta Valenta in Cuero by the Rev. J.W. Israel and the couple made their home in Shiner. They did not have any children of their own, but nieces and nephews of their respective families, as well as a countless number of other children and young people were the beneficiaries of their wise counsel and warmness of heart.
Mr. Richter was destined to play a major role in the civic life and affairs of the community in which he was born.
As a teenager and young man he became an avid baseball and softball fan and devoted much time to playing the game, coaching, managing and, in later years, to sponsoring many teams, especially in Little League.
Shortly after his marriage, he became a rookie member of the Shiner Fire Department. He was elected chief in 1920, a position he held for 28 consecutive years until being elected Chief Emeritus in July of 1948, which continued to be his title on the rolls of the department.
When he became chief, Shiner has no motorized fire equipment and only a make-shift fire station. Today Shiner has a modern fire station and up-to-date equipment.
As a member of the city council from 1928-32 and as mayor of Shiner from 1932-42 and 1944-47, Mayor Richter was instrumental in esing the water system and securing natural gas for the city. In 1939, he took the lead and started improvements, which have given the city an expanded layout on hard surface roads without increasing taxes of assessing property. These improvements meant building up a $500,000 city indebtedness, but under his own administration the complete debt was liquidated within one five-year period. He also inaugurated free city-wide garbage pickup and night watchman services. In 1942 he organized civil defense and the Firemen's Auxiliary.
Mr. Richter served continuously on the board of directors for the First National Bank since January 8, 1929, was a charter member and organizer of the Shiner Business Men's Club, member of the Shiner Chamber of Commerce, charter member of the Shiner Rotary Club, with a perfect attendance record, and was a member of the Baptist Church for over 50 years. He also served as a vice president for the Guadalupe District Firemen's Association and in 1948 was elected president, serving until the October 1949 convention in Shiner.
In June of 1947, he resigned as mayor because of ill health. As a tribute to years of unselfish service to the city and his fellowman, the Shiner Chamber of Commerce presented him with a gold watch and the Business Men's Club, a plaque, mementoes that he cherished through the years.
Mr. Richter was the type of a leader whom the people respected, honored and loved. He was known for his conservative characteristics. He objected to and avoided publicity. He moved quietly among his fellowmen, without ostentation.
His main object in life was to be a friend to man and especially the young people – always ready to organize their interests and help them.
His philosophy and theme in life – "To live in a house by the side of the road. To be a friend to man." His honesty and integrity won him the friendship and admiration of all races and creeds.
He leaves to mourn, his devoted wife and life's companion for over sixty years, Mrs. Valasta Richter of Shiner; four nieces, Mrs. Alice Kemp, Mrs. Clarabelle Daniels, both of Houston, Mrs. Thelma Parker of Waco, Mrs. Irene Knudsen of Bellevue, Wash.; four nephews, Maurice O. Richter of Oakland, Calif., Dr. Wm. Richter of Spokane, Wash., C.C. Welhausen of Yoakum and Ray Welhausen of Shiner.
Mr. Richter was the last surviving member of his immediate family and was preceded in death by his mother, May 17, 1896; his father, February 19, 1901; seven brothers, Rudolph, Julius, Louis, Charles, Henry, Walter and Otto Richter; two sisters, Mrs. C.B. (Henrietta) Welhausen, June 11, 1944; Mrs. Wilson R. (Ella) McComan, June 21, 1964.
A truly prominent and representative citizen has passed to eternal reward. He will ever be recalled as one who contributed his time, talent, means and effort to the up-building of Shiner and vicinity.
The Shiner Gazette - June 17, 1971
Adolph Richter, esteemed citizen, whose entire lifetime was identified with Shiner, Texas, quietly crossed over into the Great Beyond after a lengthy illness at 11:15 a.m. Friday, June 4, 1971 in Huth Memorial Hospital, Yoakum, where he had been a patient for five weeks. He attained the age of 82 years, 3 months and 29 days.
He was placed at rest in the Shiner City Cemetery beneath a bower of beautiful blossoms. The services were largely attended, many relatives, friends and business associates came from distant points to express their respect and esteem.
In the early history of the city of Shiner a boy, Adolph Richter, was born on February 5, 1889. According to city records he was the second white male child born within the present corporate limits of Shiner.
He was the youngest of ten children born to Moritz and Augusta (Herder) Richter, natives respectively of Germany and Frelsburg, Colorado County, Texas. As a young lad, he attended the Shiner Public School and summer sessions at St. Ludmila's Academy. After completing his studies in Shiner, he attended Nash Academy Institute in Cuerro for an additional 12 months.
He returned home in 1908 to become a clerk in the Shiner Hardware Store, then known as the ‘Tin Shop'. Here he worked for the same firm the rest of his lifetime. Since 1919 he served as store manager and part owner.
On October 8, 1910, he was married to Valasta Valenta in Cuero by the Rev. J.W. Israel and the couple made their home in Shiner. They did not have any children of their own, but nieces and nephews of their respective families, as well as a countless number of other children and young people were the beneficiaries of their wise counsel and warmness of heart.
Mr. Richter was destined to play a major role in the civic life and affairs of the community in which he was born.
As a teenager and young man he became an avid baseball and softball fan and devoted much time to playing the game, coaching, managing and, in later years, to sponsoring many teams, especially in Little League.
Shortly after his marriage, he became a rookie member of the Shiner Fire Department. He was elected chief in 1920, a position he held for 28 consecutive years until being elected Chief Emeritus in July of 1948, which continued to be his title on the rolls of the department.
When he became chief, Shiner has no motorized fire equipment and only a make-shift fire station. Today Shiner has a modern fire station and up-to-date equipment.
As a member of the city council from 1928-32 and as mayor of Shiner from 1932-42 and 1944-47, Mayor Richter was instrumental in esing the water system and securing natural gas for the city. In 1939, he took the lead and started improvements, which have given the city an expanded layout on hard surface roads without increasing taxes of assessing property. These improvements meant building up a $500,000 city indebtedness, but under his own administration the complete debt was liquidated within one five-year period. He also inaugurated free city-wide garbage pickup and night watchman services. In 1942 he organized civil defense and the Firemen's Auxiliary.
Mr. Richter served continuously on the board of directors for the First National Bank since January 8, 1929, was a charter member and organizer of the Shiner Business Men's Club, member of the Shiner Chamber of Commerce, charter member of the Shiner Rotary Club, with a perfect attendance record, and was a member of the Baptist Church for over 50 years. He also served as a vice president for the Guadalupe District Firemen's Association and in 1948 was elected president, serving until the October 1949 convention in Shiner.
In June of 1947, he resigned as mayor because of ill health. As a tribute to years of unselfish service to the city and his fellowman, the Shiner Chamber of Commerce presented him with a gold watch and the Business Men's Club, a plaque, mementoes that he cherished through the years.
Mr. Richter was the type of a leader whom the people respected, honored and loved. He was known for his conservative characteristics. He objected to and avoided publicity. He moved quietly among his fellowmen, without ostentation.
His main object in life was to be a friend to man and especially the young people – always ready to organize their interests and help them.
His philosophy and theme in life – "To live in a house by the side of the road. To be a friend to man." His honesty and integrity won him the friendship and admiration of all races and creeds.
He leaves to mourn, his devoted wife and life's companion for over sixty years, Mrs. Valasta Richter of Shiner; four nieces, Mrs. Alice Kemp, Mrs. Clarabelle Daniels, both of Houston, Mrs. Thelma Parker of Waco, Mrs. Irene Knudsen of Bellevue, Wash.; four nephews, Maurice O. Richter of Oakland, Calif., Dr. Wm. Richter of Spokane, Wash., C.C. Welhausen of Yoakum and Ray Welhausen of Shiner.
Mr. Richter was the last surviving member of his immediate family and was preceded in death by his mother, May 17, 1896; his father, February 19, 1901; seven brothers, Rudolph, Julius, Louis, Charles, Henry, Walter and Otto Richter; two sisters, Mrs. C.B. (Henrietta) Welhausen, June 11, 1944; Mrs. Wilson R. (Ella) McComan, June 21, 1964.
A truly prominent and representative citizen has passed to eternal reward. He will ever be recalled as one who contributed his time, talent, means and effort to the up-building of Shiner and vicinity.
Adolph Richter, esteemed citizen, whose entire lifetime was identified with Shiner, Texas, quietly crossed over into the Great Beyond after a lengthy illness at 11:15 a.m. Friday, June 4, 1971 in Huth Memorial Hospital, Yoakum, where he had been a patient for five weeks. He attained the age of 82 years, 3 months and 29 days.
He was placed at rest in the Shiner City Cemetery beneath a bower of beautiful blossoms. The services were largely attended, many relatives, friends and business associates came from distant points to express their respect and esteem.
In the early history of the city of Shiner a boy, Adolph Richter, was born on February 5, 1889. According to city records he was the second white male child born within the present corporate limits of Shiner.
He was the youngest of ten children born to Moritz and Augusta (Herder) Richter, natives respectively of Germany and Frelsburg, Colorado County, Texas. As a young lad, he attended the Shiner Public School and summer sessions at St. Ludmila's Academy. After completing his studies in Shiner, he attended Nash Academy Institute in Cuerro for an additional 12 months.
He returned home in 1908 to become a clerk in the Shiner Hardware Store, then known as the ‘Tin Shop'. Here he worked for the same firm the rest of his lifetime. Since 1919 he served as store manager and part owner.
On October 8, 1910, he was married to Valasta Valenta in Cuero by the Rev. J.W. Israel and the couple made their home in Shiner. They did not have any children of their own, but nieces and nephews of their respective families, as well as a countless number of other children and young people were the beneficiaries of their wise counsel and warmness of heart.
Mr. Richter was destined to play a major role in the civic life and affairs of the community in which he was born.
As a teenager and young man he became an avid baseball and softball fan and devoted much time to playing the game, coaching, managing and, in later years, to sponsoring many teams, especially in Little League.
Shortly after his marriage, he became a rookie member of the Shiner Fire Department. He was elected chief in 1920, a position he held for 28 consecutive years until being elected Chief Emeritus in July of 1948, which continued to be his title on the rolls of the department.
When he became chief, Shiner has no motorized fire equipment and only a make-shift fire station. Today Shiner has a modern fire station and up-to-date equipment.
As a member of the city council from 1928-32 and as mayor of Shiner from 1932-42 and 1944-47, Mayor Richter was instrumental in esing the water system and securing natural gas for the city. In 1939, he took the lead and started improvements, which have given the city an expanded layout on hard surface roads without increasing taxes of assessing property. These improvements meant building up a $500,000 city indebtedness, but under his own administration the complete debt was liquidated within one five-year period. He also inaugurated free city-wide garbage pickup and night watchman services. In 1942 he organized civil defense and the Firemen's Auxiliary.
Mr. Richter served continuously on the board of directors for the First National Bank since January 8, 1929, was a charter member and organizer of the Shiner Business Men's Club, member of the Shiner Chamber of Commerce, charter member of the Shiner Rotary Club, with a perfect attendance record, and was a member of the Baptist Church for over 50 years. He also served as a vice president for the Guadalupe District Firemen's Association and in 1948 was elected president, serving until the October 1949 convention in Shiner.
In June of 1947, he resigned as mayor because of ill health. As a tribute to years of unselfish service to the city and his fellowman, the Shiner Chamber of Commerce presented him with a gold watch and the Business Men's Club, a plaque, mementoes that he cherished through the years.
Mr. Richter was the type of a leader whom the people respected, honored and loved. He was known for his conservative characteristics. He objected to and avoided publicity. He moved quietly among his fellowmen, without ostentation.
His main object in life was to be a friend to man and especially the young people – always ready to organize their interests and help them.
His philosophy and theme in life – "To live in a house by the side of the road. To be a friend to man." His honesty and integrity won him the friendship and admiration of all races and creeds.
He leaves to mourn, his devoted wife and life's companion for over sixty years, Mrs. Valasta Richter of Shiner; four nieces, Mrs. Alice Kemp, Mrs. Clarabelle Daniels, both of Houston, Mrs. Thelma Parker of Waco, Mrs. Irene Knudsen of Bellevue, Wash.; four nephews, Maurice O. Richter of Oakland, Calif., Dr. Wm. Richter of Spokane, Wash., C.C. Welhausen of Yoakum and Ray Welhausen of Shiner.
Mr. Richter was the last surviving member of his immediate family and was preceded in death by his mother, May 17, 1896; his father, February 19, 1901; seven brothers, Rudolph, Julius, Louis, Charles, Henry, Walter and Otto Richter; two sisters, Mrs. C.B. (Henrietta) Welhausen, June 11, 1944; Mrs. Wilson R. (Ella) McComan, June 21, 1964.
A truly prominent and representative citizen has passed to eternal reward. He will ever be recalled as one who contributed his time, talent, means and effort to the up-building of Shiner and vicinity.
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