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- Oliver C. Hillebrandt. On December 2, 1915, death removed a striking figure from among the veteran stockmen of Texas. 0. C. Hillebrandt had begun following the cattle trails of the Southwest as early as 1869, and consequently he was in every way qualified for membership in the "Old-Time Cattle Trail Men's Association," which was organized in San Antonio in May, 1913. Familiarly known as "Bud" Hillebrandt, he was one of the most widely known and best beloved of the Texas cattle men. While his home was at 1012 Howard Street in San Antonio, his business headquarters for the past ten years had been in Brownsville. He had spent the Thanksgiving holidays with his family and was making arrangements to return to Brownsville when stricken with pneumonia.
A native son of Texas, spending his entire lifetime within its borders, he identified himself when little more than a boy of fourteen years of age with the Confederate cause as a cadet and served only a few months before the close of the war. Afterward he was associated with various business enterprises, from which he won a gratifying success. With the eye of a proprietor he had watched and participated in the great development of the state and had contributed generously of his abilities in positions of public importance.
Oliver C. Hillebrandt was born July 14, 1851, on Mulberry Creek on the line of Lavaca and Fayette counties, Texas, a son of Oliver Levi and Clarinda (Patterson) Hillebrandt. The Hillebrandts were among the earliest settlers of Texas. His grandfather, Christian Hillebrandt, was born in Denmark but came to the United States when a boy. When the War of 1812 broke out he enlisted for service in the American iorces and was with General Jackson at New Orleans and in several other campaigns. He moved into the borders of the Mexican province of Texas as early as 1818. Dr. James P. Patterson, maternal grandfather of Mr. Hillebrandt, was likewise an early settler of Texas, and for many years followed his profession as a physician and surgeon. Oliver Levi Hillebrandt was a Texas patriot in the war for independence, having joined General Sam Houston's army in 1836. Afterwards he became a stockman and devoted the greater part of his life to the handling of cattle. He earned his success through the display of good business judgment and perseverance and was known in his community as a public spirited citizen.
Oliver C. Hillebrandt was two years of age when his parents removed from the vicinity of his birth to Victoria County, and there he grew up, receiving his education in the pioneer schools. Under the capable direction of his father he was brought up in the cattle business, and to that vocation he devoted his active lifetime. Much of his career was spent on the frontier and in the great border districts of Southern Texas. During the long period of years when all the country south of San Antonio to the Rio Grande was the scene of recurring depredations and outlawry, he was a participant in dangerous experiences and a witness to many sterling episodes. Through his years of contact with the Mexicans he spoke the Spanish language fluently. This accomplishment assisted him greatly in his work as deputy United States customs inspector on the Rio Grande, a position he held two years. He was subsequently deputy United states marshal at San Antonio.
The late Mr. Hillebrandt was a man of wide experience in business affairs in Southwest Texas, where no man bore a better name in stock circles. While the greater part of his attention was given to the cattle business, he also had some successful experience in the land business. The straightforward nature of his dealings won the confidence and esteem of all with whom he was associated.
Mr. Hillebrandt was married in Dewitt County, Texas, to Miss Carrie Youngblood, who survives him together with five children, namely: L. F. Hillebrandt of Center Point; L. B. Hillebrandt of San Antonio; Mrs. F. 0. Noessel of San Angelo; Mrs. H. S. Fairbank of Carrizo, New Mexico; and Miss Sallie Hillebrandt of San Antonio.
A history of Texas and Texans, Volume 4 By Frank White Johnson
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