(April 14,1823 - March 18, 1902) A native of Hildesheim, Hanover, Germany, Hermann Seele came to Texas in 1843. He became the fist school teacher in New Braunfels on August 11,1845 when he held class for 15 pupils beneath elm trees at the foot of the hill. Selle helped organize first Protestant church, the newpaper "Zeitung," and several social and cultural clubs. He was first district clerk for Comal County,1846-54, state legislator,1863-65, justice of the peace, mayor, city alderman, and postmaster. A farmer,lawyer, and supporter of public education, Seele left written accounts of pioneer life in New Braunfels. (1976)