Name/Title
Deidrich Heye [Reciept]Description
Receipt made out to Turner Hook & Ladder Co. from D. Heye to repair two trunks totaling $1.00 and dated December 1, 1881. Letterhead reads:
"San Antonio, Tex. December 1st 1881
Bought of D. HEYE,
CARRIAGE TRIMMER AND MANUFACTURER OF HARNESS AND SADDLERY.
KEEPS CONSTANTLY ON HAND
SADDLES, BRIDLES, COLLARS, LEGGINS, WHIPS, ETC.
Terms: CASH Commerce Street
Nov 29 ??? 2 Trunks $1.00
Rec'd Payment
//D. Heye//"
On the left side:
"REPAIRING / NEATLY DONE / TO ORDER."
Verso:
"$1.00
D. Heye
Dec 1, 1881"Context
Deidrich Heye was part of a wave of German settlers who came to central Texas during the mid-19th century. Born in Holstein in 1837, he received his initial training in saddlery in his native country, then moved on to an apprenticeship in England, which had the reputation for being the best in the business. He then moved on to Mexico City, where he learned the art of silver-decorated saddles, the basis for the American western saddle. He came to San Antonio in 1866, where he set up a shop on Commerce Street, then the principal business street in the city. He and his workers quickly built up a reputation for quality saddlery and prospered during the period of the cattle drives during the next two decades. The firm produced work saddles too, but the Heye saddle became the darling of wealthy stockmen, with their distinctive concho pattern and quality leather work.