Frances Rebecca Holbein
In memory of
Frances Rebecca Holbein
born February 22, 1860
Died August 10, 1874
Drowned in company with her
Sister Lillian August
Aged 12 years
At St. Joseph Island, Texas
Beyond the sunset’s purple rim
Beyond the twilight deep and dim
Where clouds and darkness never come
Their souls shall find a healthy home
Photo Credit: Rosa G. Gonzales
1. Corpus Christi History by Murphy Givens
Corpus Christi Caller Times (January 26, 2000). Available on microfilm.
2. Letter from Ruben Holbein, 1874
A card of thanks
To the people of St. Joseph and Mustang Islands, and the citizens generally, being in that section. I desire to return my sincere and heartfelt thanks for the uniform kindness shown me in my affliction, and for their ___________ for the bodies of my daughters, Fannie and Lilly, drowned on Monday the tenth inst.
Ruben Holbein
Source: Corpus Christi Weekly Gazette, Saturday Aug. 22nd, 1874, p.3 Col 2
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission
3. News report on drowning
A MOURNFUL ACCIDENT!
Drowning of Mr. Reub. Holbein’s Two Daughters
It is seldom indeed, an never before so closely brought home, that we have been compelled to chronicle such a melancholy and distressing accident as that which took place last Sunday; A casualty, which has filled with deep grief a whole community and nearly broken the hearts of two fond parents. It appears that Mrs. Lewis, the daughter of Mr. Robt. Holbein, living upon Sr. Joseph’s Island, was married a few days ago; and upon the occasion of her wedding Mrs. Reub. Holbein consenting to her daughters, Fanny and Lilly, aged respectively 14 and 11 years being present. Sunday evening last while walking upon the beach with their cousin, Mrs. Lewis’ child, and desiring to bath in the waters of the Gulf, they ran away from the little one. Gaining a secluded in what is known as the "Bayou, " or channel between the islands, they disrobed and plunged in. Little Emily coming up soon after, and looking for them, saw nothing but two piles of clothing. Running as fast as her little limbs could carry her, she gave the alarm. Search was instantly instituted, but no trace of the girls was found save that already mentioned. The search was continued into the night, with grappling irons and boats, but all the efforts made were unavailing and fruitless. The bodies were not recovered. It was supposed that the little ones were drawn into deep water by the receding tide which was running out very rapidly, or else were taken off by the sharks—more likely the former. Messengers were sent to acquaint the stricken parents wit the irreparable loss. We deeply and sincerely sympathize with Mr. and Mrs. Holbein in their sore affliction. Just budding into womanhood, full of heath, vivacity and exuberance spirits, it is indeed terrible to think that these two sweet children have been so suddenly been taken away, and in such a manner. We know not how to express our sorrow and that of the friends of the two lost ones. No person can be blamed, for every precaution had been taken that was thought necessary, and yet, in one moment, a home is made desolate, two bright beings gone to "that bourne whence no traveler returns," and two loving parents struck down with a woe that passeth all understanding. It is a woeful to story to tell and we would that it had not happened. Major Lewis, Mr. Robt. Holbien, son-in-law brought the sad intelligence to Mrs. Holbein, who was rendered almost insane by the loss she had suffered. The father departed for the Island last Wednesday evening, to make a last endeavor to find the bodies of his daughters. He was very much afflicted and has received a shock that will take years to efface.
Source: Nueces Valley, Sat. Aug. 15, 1874, p. 3 col. 2
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission
4. Obituary
A--- occurrence-------brought the sad intelligence of the sudden death by drowning of the two daughters Fanny and Lilly of Mr. and Mrs. R. Holbein, of this city aged respectively 11 and 14 years. It appears that the children were on a visit, and were expected home the day following on which they were drowned. On Monday, accompanied by a child of five years, they repaired to the bay beach for the purpose of bathing the current was then running out about six knots. Nothing was known of them until the little child came home and remarked, "That Fanny and Lilly had got into deep water and were gone down under the wharf," meaning the Aransas Wharf. Appearances indicated that they had undressed and walked in together and not knowing the nature of the ground supporting them the water deepened gradually, _____ this bay, were suddenly precipitated into the channel and swept away. Every effort was made up to a late hour on Monday to recover the bodies but without success. This deplorable loss of two idolized children has plunged the fond parents into inconsolable grief. The sympathies of the entire community go out with one accord to the afflicted, and were it possible for them to receive consolation from human sources during this hour of heart trial, their tears of sorrow would soon be dry. God giveth and God taketh away.
Source: Corpus Christi Weekly Gazette, Saturday, Aug. 15, 1874, p.2. col. 2
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission
5. News item, 1874
RECOVERED
Last Monday, some boatmen passing Mud Island, above Shell Bank, found the remains of Fanny Holbein, one of the victims of the sad accident recorded last week. The body was much decomposed from the action of the water, having been lost over a week when found, and as speedily as possible was coffined upon St. Joseph's Island, where it had been taken.
No trace as yet has been found of Lily, the youngest child. The body has since been brought to the city.
Source: Nueces Valley, Aug. 22, 1874, p. 3, col. 4