Draft version

Henry (Heinrich) Ludwig Besse

(Friendly comment from Mrs Linda R. Senne, Shannon, U.S.A)

Henry Ludwig Besse is one of the sons of forester (Förstermeister) Heinrich Ludwig (born 28.10.1767) and married to Catherine Scharl[otte] Deutzer (his parents). Henry Ludwig came to New York in 1848. He went to Milwaukee in 1856 where he worked in the mercantile business until he moved to Butternut, WI in 1878 and became merchant and postmaster until 1882. Henry Ludwig was a founding father of Butternut, and there is much mention of him in the history of Butternut. The newspaper ran a special on the history of the town.

At which time Henry moved to San Antonio, Texas. He died in Texas on 1.7.1896.I am not sure why he went to Texas, as all of his family was in Wisconsin, but I believe it was due to tuberculosis. At least one of his sons, Arthor Gustoff, had the disease, and I am told several uncles were afflicted as well. The weather there was supposed to be a better climate for those who were sick, so some of the Besse's died and were buried there. The son Arthor Gustoff died at the age of 21 years, leaving a wife and unborn child (a son), who was my great-grandfather Arthor Gustoff David.

My great-uncle John of the Besse Forest Products Group is the son of Arthor Gustoff David. My grandmother Helen is his daughter. They are the only two left, as a brother Robert died in December 1999, and another brother Arthor died in the early or mid-1960's before I was born. He was killed by a drunk driver. He left a wife and two children as well, all of whom I believe are still living. My mother is right now staying in the family home in Wisconsin with my grandmother Helen, as she is 86 or 87 years now, and can't get around very well. My mother's name is Janice, and is Helen's only child.

Henry Ludwig was a founding father of Butternut, and there is much mention of him in the history of Butternut. The newspaper ran a special on the history of the town.