THE DESCENDENCY OF GEORGE F. AND AUGUSTA WIPPERNITZ BLOCK, 1846-2003
By W. T. Block
The George Frederick Block family arrived in the Golden Triangle of Texas in May, 1846, with 5 sons born in Germany and 3 more born later in Beaumont. They lived in Beaumont 1848-1854; back to Port Neches, 1854-1859; to Pavell's Island, mouth of Sabine River, 1859-1866, where they operated a cypress shingle mill; back to Port Neches, where they operated another shingle mill, 1866 to 1882. In the later year George F. Block, along with 7 of his 8 sons, moved to Orange, leaving only son Albert left at Port Neches.
Hence Block descendents have populated the Golden Triangle for 157 years as of 2003, and specifically Orange and Orange County for 121 years. Actually Charlie Block was living in Orange as early as 1875, where he was a lumberman. According to his
obituary of Mar., 1893, George Block, age 90, was a Mason, a well-educated man; trained as a portrait painter, who spoke several languages; and was once on the staff of Prince Otto von Bismarck.
During the Civil War, Frederick William, Charles, Albert, and George Lewis Block served the Confederate States, as cannoneers in Co. B, Spaight's 11th Texas Battalion, serving variously at Forts Griffin, Grigsby, Manhassett, and Deputy, the latter a few miles south of Orange.
In 1882 George Block, along with his 7 sons, F. William, Charles, George Lewis, Leopold, Adolf, August and Joseph, moved to Orange. The Block surname became synonymous with 'wooden boat builder,' although some of the old Blocks were farmers, lumbermen, and shingle makers. Today's Evergreen Cemetery at Orangre is filled with generations of older Blocks who lived out their lives in Orange County.
As of 2003, the descendency of the Block family exceeds 5,000 persons. Blocks have fought, even died, in every war since 1860. Infantrymen such as Farris, W. T., and Otis V. Block fought in Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. And others such as Louis, L. Otis, and Doyle Block enlisted in the Navy, Marine Corps, or Army Air Corps.
Block descendents have filled every profession and journeyman trade in the Golden Triangle. Surely more than 50% of them were employed in the refineries and chemical plants. Many of them have served as teachers in the public schools. From the original Joseph Blcck and his son Jesse, who were fiddlers; Albert Block who was a square dance caller, to the present-day Gerald Block and L. Otis, many of the Blocks became accomplished musicians. Ten of Albert Block's great grandchildren are medical doctors. Hence the Golden Triangle Block descendents have done their part to make America a great nation, including fighting in wartime to preserve our freedom.
Used with permission
Back to Orange County
Biographies Page
Back to Orange County
TXGenWeb
USGenWeb
