In 1850, the Lungkwitz and Petri families emigrated to the United States, landing first in New York City, then migrated to Wheeling, West Virginia, but ultimately ending up in the settlement of Pedernales, Texas near Fredericksburg in 1851.
In 1852, the two families bought a 320-acre farm for $400 in the settlement of Pedernales, Texas near Fredericksburg and took up farming and cattle ranching. 
