Homesite of Theodore Rabroker
Westphalia, Falls County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founder of Westphalia Community In 1866 Theodore Rabroker (1835-1905) and his wife Mary Ann (Brucktops) (1836-1886) immigrated from Westphalia Province, Germany. They lived for a time in Pennsylvania and Iowa. In 1877, while moving to Frelsburg, Colorado County, Rabroker saw the fertile land in this area and visualized a German-Catholic community here. In 1879 he and his wife and three children became the first settlers. In 1881 Rabroker purchased 217 acres from William Neyland and became Neyland's land agent, encouraging Frelsburg families to come here. Rabroker provided a place for prospective residents to live until they bought property. Only German-Catholics were invited to settle within a five-mile radius; this resulted in strong community traditions. The Rev. John Lauth celebrated the first Mass in 1882 in the Rabroker home (400 yds. W). The residence served as the center for village religious and civic activities until a church building was completed in February 1884. After a storm destroyed the structure in May, Rabroker led efforts to erect a new church edifice, complete in July 1884. After his first wife died, Rabroker married Theresa Halfman (1854-1932) and they had six children. The Rabroker home was destroyed by fire in 1975.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Theodore Rabroker and his wife Mary Ann emigrated from Westphalia, Germany, in 1866, and after years in Pennsylvania and Iowa, Rabroker saw promise in this fertile Falls County land and imagined a German-Catholic community here. Settling in 1879 and buying acreage he resold to Frelsburg families, he deliberately invited only German-Catholics within a five-mile radius, forging tight community traditions. The first Mass was said in his home in 1882, and he led the building of the parish church that followed.
Why it matters
Westphalia embodies how immigrant faith and kinship networks planted enduring ethnic-religious communities across the Texas countryside, shaping its culture for generations.
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Related people
- · Theodore Rabroker
- · Mary Ann Brucktops Rabroker
Themes & tags
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