Peter Henry Oberwetter
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(January 8, 1830 - May 21, 1915) A native of Germany, Peter Henry Oberwetter migrated to Texas about 1849 and settled first in New Braunfels, then Comfort. He later moved to Austin, where he gained distinction as a botanist. He pioneered in crossbreeding the amaryllis, imported rare bulbs, and wrote articles regarding his botanical research. He was also a landscape artist for the State of Texas. Married to Catherine Marie (Mary) Schade (d 1914), he had six children. Recorded - 1977
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Peter Henry Oberwetter emigrated from Germany around 1849, settling first among the German communities of New Braunfels and Comfort before moving to Austin, where he made his name as a botanist. He pioneered the crossbreeding of amaryllis, imported rare bulbs, published his research, and even served as a landscape artist for the State of Texas. He died in 1915 after a long life in horticulture.
Why it matters
Oberwetter reflects the scientific and cultural contributions of German immigrants, whose expertise enriched Texas well beyond farming and trade.
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Themes & tags
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