Wilhelm Maywald
1830-1910
Born: Germany
Died: , , Texas, USA
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1830-1910
Born: Germany
Died: , , Texas, USA
On Nov. 18, 1872 Wilhelm Maywald, a locksmith from Hungary, arrived in New Orleans aboard the passenger ship Vandalia. He was accompanied by his wife, Pauline and five children. His age was listed as 42 and his wife was 37. I could not read the name of their oldest child (9), but next was Emil (8), unreadable (6), Lewis (3) and Paul (10 mos). How and when the family got to Texas is unknown at this time. This would indicate that Wilhelm (William) was born in 1830. Information about their ship: VANDALIA / KEHRWEIDER / POLONIO 1871 2,810 gross tons, length 330ft x beam 39ft, one funnel, two masts (rigged for sail), iron construction, single screw and a speed of 11 knots. There was accommodation for 150-1st, 70-2nd and 150-3rd class passengers. Built by Caird Co, Greenock, she was launched for the New Orleans service of the Hamburg America Line on 22nd Apr.1871. However, her maiden voyage which started on 28th Jun.1871 was from Hamburg to New York. Her 27th and last voyage on this service started 12th Feb.1883 and she was then sold to British owners. In 1884 she was sold to the Hamburg-Hansa Line, renamed KEHRWEIDER and started Hamburg - Montreal sailings on 12th Apr.1885. She commenced her last voyage on this route on 17th Oct.1891 and then made a single round voyage between Hamburg and Boston. In 1892 she returned to Hamburg America Line ownership and continued on the Hamburg - Boston route. Renamed POLONIO in 1895, she was sold in 1897 and scrapped at Spezia.[North Atlantic Seaway by N.R.P.Bonsor, vol.1,p.390] [Merchant Fleets by Duncan Haws, vol.4, Hamburg America Line] How the family reached Texas is not known at this time.
Wilhelm settled in Addicks Texas along with three of his brothers, August Gustaf and Henry. Wilhelm opened a sawmill. Then August and William moved to Plantersville. William later moved to East Bernard.