Peter Joseph Ingenhuett Homestead
Comfort, Kendall County, Texas
Marker Inscription
German immigrant Peter Joseph Ingenhuett (1833-1923) came to Texas and settled on a farm near Comfort in the 1850s. In 1861, he married Marie Karger (1843-1913), and they moved into town in 1867. The Ingenhuetts opened various businesses along what is now High Street, including a hotel, saloon, and livery stable. Ingenhuett served for nearly 25 years as the Comfort postmaster. The small cottage at the back of this property was the Ingenhuett home until the larger dwelling at this site was built in 1888. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
German immigrant Peter Joseph Ingenhuett (1833–1923) settled on a farm near Comfort in the 1850s, part of the wave of German settlers who gave the Texas Hill Country its distinctive character. After marrying Marie Karger in 1861, he moved into town and opened businesses along High Street—a hotel, saloon, and livery stable—and served nearly 25 years as postmaster. The small cottage behind the property was the family's first home until a larger house was built in 1888.
Why it matters
The Ingenhuett homestead reflects the enterprising German immigrants who built the towns and commerce of the Texas Hill Country and shaped its enduring cultural identity.
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Related people
- · Peter Joseph Ingenhuett
- · Marie Karger
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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The Gass Schmiede
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This limestone-block building rose in 1890 as a blacksmith shop—a 'schmiede'—for Jacob Gass in the German community of Comfort. Rock mason J. Gottlieb Lorbeer spent nearly a year on the lower level, walking in each week from Sisterdale, while the upper floor was fitted out quickly as a residence. Paul Ingenhuett bought the building in 1903, and in 1932 his family opened it for use as a museum and public library.
Paul Ingenhuett Home
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Born in 1868 on this Comfort block, Paul Ingenhuett succeeded his father Peter Joseph in the family mercantile business, then branched into farming, sheep and cattle ranching, and helped found the Comfort State Bank. In 1897 he hired noted architect Alfred Giles—already at work on other Comfort buildings—to design this home, built of limestone quarried on family land.