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135 Epilogue, 1887–2011 R oberT aNd alice Kleberg welcomed their first-born child on November 18, 1887. Dr. Arthur Spohn, Mifflin Kenedy’s son-in-law, delivered the baby boy in a rented two-story residence called the Greer House on Carancahua Street in Corpus Christi. Robert had found that “good and comfortable” place where Alice could stay while awaiting the birth.1 They named their first child Richard Mifflin Kleberg, after his grandfather and his grandfather’s best friend, Mifflin Kenedy.2 Mifflin must have been delighted with this little boy who would bear both their names. On November 27 Robert took the time to write to his brother about his new son.The letter was written from Corpus Christi, where Alice was still recovering. Corpus Christi Nov. 27—1887 Dear Rudolph— While I know that your time is much occupied with the discharge of the duties of your office I know that no news from me at this time is good news; that we are all well but your congratulations were the first to reach us and your letter of congratulations gave us so much pleasure. Alice and our little boy are doing as well as they possibly [can?] both growing stronger each day. The little boy seems blessed with a splendid physique, good looks, his head is large and well-shaped-and adorned by a [tuft?] of dark hair, but his eyes are now gray or blue, it is difficult to see which. His proud mother and mother [sic] think 136 Epilogue he favors me very much. I wish you could see Alice looking at her little treasure. She is the personification of a happy mother. Today is the ninth day and so far we have kept Alice perfectly quiet and will try to continue to do so for some days more until she can leave her rooms. Both she and mother join me in love to you, Tillie and the children—Let us hear from you Affectionately your bro. Robt.3 The Children of Robert and Alice roberT aNd alice went on to have four more children: Henrietta Rosa Kleberg (Larkin-Armstrong), born July 17, 1889; Alice Gertrudis Kleberg (East), born January 9, 1893; Robert J. Kleberg Jr., born March 29, 1896; and Sarah Spohn Kleberg (Johnson, Shelton), born April 12, 1898.4 The family lived in the enlarged ranch home, and often their cousins from the Agua Dulce Ranch would come for a visit along with their parents, Richard and Lizzie King. Minerva King Patch, Richard and Lizzie’s daughter, described the visits. Santa Gertrudis was twenty-five miles from Agua Dulce Ranch, and the family traveled by stagecoach accompanied by a man on horseback who took down fences for the stagecoach to pass and then replaced them. It was a long trip through the sea of grass, mesquite, prickly pear, and occasional clumps of live oak trees. After reaching the Santa Gertrudis, the King and Kleberg cousins would ride horses. The girls could ride side-saddle, but they preferred to ride astride with divided skirts. Each day of the visit usually followed a routine. Everyone was awakened early and served coffee.Then the family gathered for breakfast , a large meal with oatmeal, hotcakes, or biscuits.Then the cousins would mount their horses and ride until noon, when they ate dinner —the largest meal of the day. If anyone missed dinner, there was still always food available; it seemed that the ranch cooks never slept. Dinner was followed by a long nap in rooms shaded by shutters and slats. After the nap there was coffee again, and the grownups would go for a drive in the carriage. At dusk the family gathered for supper, ...

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