Earlier this month the Hermann Sons Life Siemering Lodge met downtown to care for their namesake cemetery. The six-acre site was long forgotten and poorly maintained; the overgrowth had become unbearable. Thanks in part to the Siemering Lodge who initiated the endeavor and led by Treasurer Chris Naughton and Vice President Mark Lee, it looks better than ever.
Not only are the interred members of the fraternal organization, but many are also German immigrants who made generous contributions to the history and culture of San Antonio.
The historic representation in the cemetery is vast. Among the soap makers, potters and photographers, there are Germans who served in conflicts from the Civil War, Confederate and Union soldiers, both World Wars, even a soldier of the Franco-Prussian War. A San Antonio Police officer who was wounded in the line of duty only to die from complications due to Anthrax found this his final resting place.
Beer is a significant part of San Antonio culture as well. The famous Brewmeister, Herman Joseph Weiss is interred here. If that name doesn’t mean anything to you, perhaps Shiner’s Spoetzl Brewery and the Pearl Brewery might ring a bell.
What an honor it is to have such a historic cemetery to visit, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the men and women who resurrected this fantastic under recognized gem.
Thank you to everyone who took part.
