A case study of two brothers, Julius and Wilhelm Wagner, who immigrated to the United States from Baden, Germany. Julius immigrated as part of an early communist group, the "Darmstädters" or "Forty," who established the utopian settlement of Bettina in 1847. His anti-slavery beliefs forced Julius to Mexico during the Civil War, but he returned to Texas after the war. His older brother Wilhelm fled Germany in 1851 as a result of his liberal political beliefs and settled in Texas. He founded a German-language newspaper when he moved to Freeport, Illinois.

This volume discusses the history of Cherokee County including its communities, geography, and major events. The statement on the dedication page says: "This book is the story of Cherokee County from its earliest days through its founding and development and the achievements of its people to the present -- its rich heritage from its founders, its lasting contributions to the Republic of Texas, the State of Texas, the Confederate States of America, and the United States of America. This book highlights Cherokee County's place in time" (p. iv). Index starts on page 707.