Heinrich Kensing_Johanna Borchers Kensing
Cherry Spring, Gillespie County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Heinrich Kensing (November 11, 1822 - July 26, 1865) Johanna Borchers Kensing (August 4, 1823 - July 29, 1865) German immigrants, arriving in Texas in 1845, and migrating to Gillespie County by 1850. In 1862 the Kensings moved into Mason County (about 7 miles NW). On July 26, 1865, the couple were attacked by Indians near Platt Kopf (1.5 miles N). Kensing died instantly; his wife died on the 29th, at the Conrad Welge House (.33 mile NE), leaving 7 children. Recorded - 1972
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Heinrich and Johanna Borchers Kensing were German immigrants who reached Texas in 1845 and settled in Gillespie County before moving into Mason County. In July 1865 the couple were attacked by Indians near Platt Kopf; Heinrich died at once, and Johanna died three days later at a neighbor's house, leaving seven children. A 1972 marker records their fate on the exposed Hill Country frontier.
Why it matters
Their deaths speak to the violent, contested edge of German settlement in the Texas Hill Country, where immigrant families and Native peoples collided over the same land.
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Related people
- · Heinrich Kensing
- · Johanna Borchers Kensing
Themes & tags
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