M. Barbara Benitz & J.P. Gustave Erichson
1815-1872        1813-1874

Barbara very likely emigrated in the late 1830’s, going to Texas possibly to join her second cousin, Wilhelm Benitz, who had arrived in Texas in about 1835.  The Harris County (Houston) marriage records show that on the October 30, 1840, a Barbara Benitz married Gustave Erichson.  It is almost certainly her, as the US census records (of 1850, 1860, & 1870) show Barbara Erickson as born in Baden between 1818 and 1820.  (Note: The early US census takers consistently misspelt Erichson with a K instead of an H.)

Gustave and Barbara apparently remained in Houston, Texas, where Gustave became a well known and important gun-smith and dealer.  They had 8 children between 1842 and 1856 (see family tree, below), and were well-off; the census records show their assets grew from $12,000 in 1860 to 15,000 in 1870, and that they had servants.  Barbara died in her 57^th year, on 17 August, 1872, and Gustave in his 60^th, on 5 January, 1874.

Earlier, during June, 1838, Gustave worked as a civilian for the Army of the Republic of Texas.  He invoiced the republic $35 for Making the Iron work to an Emery machine.  His audited claim (#8922) was authorized for payment on 14 February, 1839.

In June & July, 1847, Gustave was the grantee for two plots of land in Bexar County, each 320 acres.  It’s possible they were in payment for services rendered to the republic/state.

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Gunsmiths

Two of Gustave’s sons, Otto and Alexander, continued in the gun trade and owned gun-shops.   During the US Civil War (1861-1865), Otto served as a private in the Confederate States Army (Company C, 1 Texas Heavy Artillery).  Otto and Alexander (then a teenager) reportedly also worked at a pistol factory in Andersonville.

The following excerpts were kindly provided by Chris Hirsch from his forthcoming book: “The Texas Gun Trade, 1780 - 1899” (work in progress, 2004, Houston, Texas).  Chris specializes in the restoration of antique firearms.

 

The ERICHSONS of Houston

Erichson, Alexander 1866 – 1890+ in Houston.  Listed as a gunsmith at 50 Milam.  He was a son of early Texas gunsmith, Gustavus Erichson.  Alexander worked with Gustave from 1866 - 1870.  In 1870, he was listed at ‘CRR north of Buffalo Bayou’.  He was also listed as working with his brother, Otto, for a period of time.  The 1870 census shows his age as 25.  Alexander and his brother are reported to have worked in the pistol factory, with the Dance Brothers, at Anderson during the American Civil War.  This would have him working there as a teenager.  (Houston Directory)(1870 census) Alexander Erichson was listed as district clerk in 1890.  (Texas Directory)

Erichson, J. P. Gustavus 1838 - 1872 in Houston.  Listed as a gunsmith on Milam between Congress & Preston.  ...  Gustave was a gunsmith working from the Republic of Texas era, through the American Civil War, until 1872.  One very nice .44 caliber cap and ball revolver is known with his name stamped on the barrel.  This revoler has been attributed to the Confederate factory at Anderson Texas that is most known for the association with the famous Dance brothers of Texas.  This revolver could possibly have come to Houston with Gustave’s sons, Otto and Alexander, who worked at the Anderson factory.  The Erichsons had long, successful careers as gunsmiths and gun dealers in Houston.  (Texas Directory) (The Times, Houston) (1850, 60 & 70 census)

Erichson, Otto 1860 - 1890s in Houston.  Listed as a gun & locksmith.  Was the son and successor to longtime Houston gunsmith, Gustave Erichson.  Otto worked with Gustave approximately from 1866 through 1872.  Listed as O. Erichson & Bro.  In 1877 at Gustave’s address, as O. & A. Erichson in 1878, as the Houston Gun Works - Erichson Bros.  in 1881 and O. Erichson & Co. in 1882.  Otto was listed as Market Master at City Hall in 1886 and gunsmith again by 1889.  (Houston Directory).  He was possibly associated with L. T. Noyes in 1884 and Michael Floeck in 1888.  Listed as Otto Erichson in 1890 at 275 Preston Street.  Listed as a gunsmith in the 1860 & 1870 census with father, Gustave.  (Texas Directory) (1860 & 1870 census) Three imported, double barrel, cartridge shotguns are known, one with "O. Erichson – Houston Tex" engraved on the lockplates.  The other has "O. Erichson & Co." on the lock and "O.Erichson & Co. Houston, Tex." stamped on the top rib of the barrels.

— Chris Hirsch

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Family Tree

J.P. Gustave Erichson & M. Barbara Benitz’s descendants, and other relatives:

Other Relatives of Gustave & Barbara:

In the 1860 US census, living with Gustave & Barbara was Julius Erichson, 32, born in Prussia, likely a younger brother or cousin of Gustave’s.  He was a clerk with assets of $5,000 in real estate and $5,000 in personal assets.  In 1870 he was living alone in a boarding house.  He died 4 February, 1905, aged 76 (Houston Chronicle Obits.).

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Barbara’s Vital Records:

On February 19 at one o'clock in the afternoon a girl was born at this location.  She was baptized on February 20 at three o'clock in the afternoon at the St. Peter’s church.   She was named Maria Barbara Böniz.  Father: Johann Böniz master dyer of colored goods.  Mother: Maria Barbara Herb.  Sponsors: Mr. Georg Zingler soap boiler and Maria Franziska Böniz unmarried.  Witness: Martin [surname unreadable] master wagon builder.  Endingen, February 20, 1815      Alexander Umber pastor

 

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© Peter Benitz (Benitz Family)