Bandera merchant honored
with Memorial Cross
Emil Huffmeyer, a former Texas Ranger and Bandera merchant, was honored with a Texas Ranger Memorial Cross on Saturday, Oct. 26, at San Marcos City Cemetery.
Organized by the Former Texas Rangers Association (FTRA), the ceremony celebrated Huffmeyer’s contributions to the Texas Rangers and his legacy as a community leader in Bandera.
Born in San Antonio in 1847, Emil Huffmeyer came from a pioneering family of German and French immigrants who settled through the Henri Castro Colony in Castroville.
As the eldest of five children, Huffmeyer faced early challenges, including the loss of his parents, which left him and his siblings orphaned at a young age.
By age 22, he had established himself as a skilled wheelwright and joined the Texas Ranger Frontier Forces in 1870. Serving with Company L at Camp Degener under Captain H.R. Von Bibberstein, Following his service, Huffmeyer moved to Bandera, where he became a notable figure in the local economy.
In partnership with his brother, Adolph, he opened a mercantile store under the name E. Huffmeyer & Brother, which thrived as a local business for a decade.
Today, a Texas Historical Marker stands at the former site of their store, commemorating the Huffmeyers’ influence on Bandera’s early development.
The store’s legacy continued even after Emil sold his share to his brother and moved to San Marcos, where he opened another successful mercantile business on the town square.
An active member of the Christian Church, he was a leader in San Marcos until his retirement in 1913.
The recent memorial ceremony included three generations of Huffmeyer’s descendants, led by Carol Brooks, his second great-granddaughter, who organized the event. Her son, Jarred Popham, opened the service with a prayer, followed by his 7-year-old daughter Charlotte leading the U.S. and Texas Pledges. Brooks shared stories of her ancestor’s life, highlighting his resilience and service.
Texas Ranger Joe Davis gave a presentation on the history of the Texas Rangers and the significance of the Memorial Cross, while Texas Ranger K.W. Fricke led the traditional Ranger Prayer.
The service concluded with a rifle salute by the Texas Ranger Color Guard and the installation of the cross by family member Dustin Popham.
The event, attended by descendants from across Texas, was made possible with support from the Texas Historical Foundation and volunteer hours from the Texas Ranger Society Children of the American Revolution, the Captain Thomas Moore Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the William Hightower Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.