Boerne in Kendall County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Dr. Ferdinand Ludwig von Herff
Photographed By James Hulse, October 15, 2022
1. Dr. Ferdinand Ludwig von Herff Marker
Inscription.
Dr. Ferdinand Ludwig von Herff. . In the 1850s, a few courageous and well-trained European doctors responded to the health needs of the citizens of San Antonio. For more than fifty years, Dr. Ferdinand Ludwig von Herff worked tirelessly to provide leadership and medical knowledge and to improve medical practices in Texas. He was born Ferdinand Charles von Herff in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany on November 29, 1820, but he never used the name Charles. When he later became a United States citizen, he dropped the "von" from his name and was called "Dr. Herff." In 1847, with a group of idealistic young Germans, Die Vierziger (The Forty), Dr. Herff failed in an attempt to establish the Bettina Socialistic Colony in Texas. He returned to Germany and married Mathilde Klingelhoffer (1823-1910) in 1849. The next year, they immigrated to New Braunfels and settled in San Antonio., Herff's second home here on a ranch in Boerne was a family retreat. Dr. Herff practiced medicine here and was instrumental in bringing to Boerne the railroad and Saint Mary's Sanitarium. During the Civil War, he served briefly as a Brigade Surgeon for Gen. Robert E. Lee and the Confederacy. However, the Herff Ranch was occupied by Confederate Rangers as Herff was known as a Union sympathizer. He treated all in need, including Native Americans. Dr. Herff achieved many medical breakthroughs in surgery, as well as introducing new procedures to the medical community. As one of the great pioneer doctors, he held many distinguished positions in local and state organizations, and received honors for his many contributions. His diligent efforts for the profession and patients whom he loved helped set standards for the medical profession, facilities and continuing advances.
In the 1850s, a few courageous and well-trained European doctors responded to the health needs of the citizens of San Antonio. For more than fifty years, Dr. Ferdinand Ludwig von Herff worked tirelessly to provide leadership and medical knowledge and to improve medical practices in Texas. He was born Ferdinand Charles von Herff in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany on November 29, 1820, but he never used the name Charles. When he later became a United States citizen, he dropped the "von" from his name and was called "Dr. Herff." In 1847, with a group of idealistic young Germans, Die Vierziger (The Forty), Dr. Herff failed in an attempt to establish the Bettina Socialistic Colony in Texas. He returned to Germany and married Mathilde Klingelhoffer (1823-1910) in 1849. The next year, they immigrated to New Braunfels and settled in San Antonio.
Herff's second home here on a ranch in Boerne was a family retreat. Dr. Herff practiced medicine here and was instrumental in bringing to Boerne the railroad and Saint Mary's Sanitarium. During the Civil War, he served briefly as a Brigade Surgeon for Gen. Robert E. Lee and the Confederacy. However, the Herff Ranch was occupied by Confederate Rangers as Herff was known as a Union sympathizer. He treated all in need, including Native Americans. Dr. Herff achieved many medical breakthroughs in
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surgery, as well as introducing new procedures to the medical community. As one of the great pioneer doctors, he held many distinguished positions in local and state organizations, and received honors for his many contributions. His diligent efforts for the profession and patients whom he loved helped set standards for the medical profession, facilities and continuing advances.
Erected 2013 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17655.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is November 29, 1820.
Location. 29° 46.83′ N, 98° 42.912′ W. Marker is in Boerne, Texas, in Kendall County. Marker is on Herff Road, ¼ mile north of Old San Antonio Road, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located of the left side just past the main entrance to Herff Farms. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 33 Herff Road, Boerne TX 78006, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Ferdinand Ludwig von Herff, physician, son of Christian von Herff and Eleanora von Meusebach, was born at Darmstadt, Germany, on November 29, 1820. He came from an aristocratic family, and his father was chief justice of the Hessian Supreme Court. While attending the University of Bonn, Herff lived with his uncle, the president of the university, and was able to meet many famous people. Studying under influential medical scientists and learning avant garde concepts and techniques, he began his medical education at Berlin and finished in 1843 at Giessen. While a surgeon in the Hessian Army (1843–47) he developed ingenious techniques in plastic surgery and tuberculosis treatment.
(Submitted on October 22, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 140 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
