WILLIAM HENRY WENTLAND

GLASS BOTTLE ABOUT 5 INCHES TALL FOUND IN MANOR
 IN LATE FEBRUARY, 2021. WRITING ON IT SAYS
"W. H. WENTLAND REGISTERED DRUGGIST MANOR, TEXAS"

Although he was born February 28, 1874 in Dayton, Michigan, by the time he was eight years old, W. H. Wentland was living in Travis County, TX, where he worked on a farm near Manor. He attended school through the age of sixteen at which time he decided he wanted to become a merchant. After working for five years as a clerk in a general store in Manor he had saved enough money to purchase an interest in a drug store located there. His partner in the business was a registered pharmacist and, under his guidance,  Wentland began studying the available books in his spare time and after a few years, he was able to pass the Pharmacy Board examination and became a registered pharmacist himself. On June 1, 1906, he became sole owner of the drugstore. 

Over the years he became very active and involved in the development and growth of the town of Manor. An article published in the July 10, 1910 edition of The Austin Statesman newspaper said this;

"One of the reliable and successful business men of Manor and one who is doing his full share to push the city onward to the front, is Mr. W. H. Wentland, who is a dealer in drugs, stationery and jewelry. His stock is always large and carefully selected and his prices are always as low as the lowest, when the quality of his goods is taken into consideration. Mr. Wentland is a man who has many friends and there are many people who live around Manor who like to come to this place just in order to get to trade with him. As a citizen he is enterprising and substantial and has always been known to be a booster for Manor. Whenever you are in Manor call and get acquainted with this gentleman. You will always find him of an accommodating nature."

When Manor was incorporated in 1913, Wentland was one of the first five aldermen elected, along with a mayor and a city marshal.  He and the other 4 aldermen all served a second term when they were overwhelmingly re-elected the next year. 

Wentland also served for eight years as Secretary / Treasurer for the City of Manor, this taking him at least through 1921. By 1923 he was elected Mayor of Manor, an office which he held at least through 1935.  

THE AUSTIN STATESMAN - APRIL 2, 1924

On May 13, 1935 Wentland was appointed Postmaster for the City of Manor, a position which he filled until his retirement from that post on May 31, 1950.

RECORD OF APPOINTMENT OF POSTMASTERS
1832 - SEPTEMBER 30, 1971

In 1909 he became a member of the Texas Pharmaceutical Association and, over the years, he served on just about all of it's committees. After several years as vice-president of the organization, in 1923 he was elected President of the largest Pharmaceutical Association in the country. 

WILLACY COUNTY NEWS - RAYMONDVILLE, TX - JUNE 21, 1923

A publication titled THE PHARMACEUTICAL ERA in its July 7, 1923 edition said about Wentland;

"He is also prominent in Masonic circles and has been elected worshipful master, a position he still holds, six successive times. He is a Knight of Pythias, having served in all stations in that order, is a Modern Woodman, and a steward in the Methodist chruch. He has also been president of the local school board, belongs to all local organizations of the town, is a perpetual booster and an all-around good fellow." 

Over a period of years, Mr. Wentland owned various pieces of property in Manor. In January of 1895 he purchased all five lots in block 78 of Manor from A. E. Lane for $400. These lots are located just across Lexington street to the west of Jennie Lane Park and south of the Bloor house. 

In January of 1910 , he purchased lot 9 in block 30 of Manor from J. W. Bitting and his wife M. A. Bitting for $1500. This lot would be located straight across (north) Parsons Street from Ramos Restaurant. He sold this lot to J. S. Howse and Lillie Conaway in December of that same year for $1065.

In January of 1914. W. H. Wentland purchased  lot 15 in block 23 of Manor from Henry Harvey Harris and his wife Fay Harris. In addition to an unknown down payment  Mr. Harris held 7 vendors lien notes for $500 each for a total of  $3500. These notes were paid off in January 1925. This lot is located on the south side of Parsons Street between Lexington and Burnet Streets and about halfway between Manor Grocery and Ramos Restaurant and became the location of the W. H. Wentland Drug Store. 

In August of 1920 he purchased lots 1, 2 and 3 in block 43 of Manor from W. B. Raney and Jodie A. Raney for $1500. These lots are located on the north side of Boyce Street between Caldwell and Lexington Streets. 

In September of 1921, he purchased lot 7 in block 23 of Manor from M. C. Abrams, J. F. Nagel and Wm Luedecke, Trustees of the Clayton Vocational Institute for the sum of $175. This lot would have been located directly behind (south) of Ramos Restaurant between Lexington and Burnet Streets and facing the railroad tracks. 

In March of 1926, Mr. Wentland, in his role as Mayor of the City of Manor, purchased lot 4 in block 24 of Manor from W. G. Luedecke for a total price of $1. Maps from 1925 seem to indicate that the  Manor jail was located there at that time. The Manor water tower would be built there in 1935-1936. 

William Henry Wentland and Albertina Margaret Billeisen were married on April 16, 1900 in Travis County. 

THE AUSTIN DAILY STATESMAN, APRIL 18, 1900

Mrs. Wentland, who went by "Tina" was just as active and involved in Manor clubs, organizations and social programs as was her husband. When she was elected a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Manor School section of the 1936 Defender yearbook said this about her;

"She has served the State Federation of Women's Clubs as President of Fifth District, Recording secretary twice, and chairman of different departments of work in the organization. She is a charter member of the Austin Women's Club and now a member of the Board of Directors recently elected a member of Austin Parliament Club; President of two Pioneer Clubs of Manor P. T. A., and the Literary Treasurer of Ladies Auxiliary of Texas Pharmaceutical Association; twice convention chairman of Travis County Druggist's Wives Association; Chairman of Red Cross distributors: Chairman of local Woman's division of N. R. A., Life member of Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers. Her interest is not limited to club, educational and church work, but is also prominent in politics - serving as a National delegate of the 1928 Presidential convention in Houston....

Most commendatory among her many achievements, is the unparalleled service she has rendered in the social welfare of her own little city. Foremost among Red Cross workers, leader in building a beautiful clubhouse in town, sponsor for raising the school to higher educational rating, and active in every forward movement for progress, she holds presiding offices in many organizations, and freely gives here time and talent in advancing her city and state."

THE AUSTIN STATESMAN, NOVEMBER 5, 1916

Tina Wentland died July 21, 1943 at the age of 63 and was buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Although she was obviously so much more, her death certificate lists her simply as a "housewife".

W. H. Wentland died November 28, 1956 at the age of 82 and was buried alongside his wife in the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. He had been a widower for 13 years. Records seem to indicate that the Wentlands had no children. 

MAYOR W. H. WENTLAND (standing) AND JACK SUNDBERG POSE WITH NEWLY PURCHASED FIRE TRUCK. DATE OF PHOTO IS UNCERTAIN BUT TRUCK APPEARS TO BE PROBABLY 1915 - 1925 MODEL T FORD. 

Thanks to Lynn Sundberg Gates for the photograph of the Manor Fire Truck

Thanks to Jourdan Tucker for making the glass bottle available for photographing.