09/08/2026
Before resumes and cover letters, this is how you applied for a county job.
In December 1898, if you wanted to be janitor for the brand new Comal County Courthouse, you simply wrote a letter to the judge and commissioners explaining your qualifications and naming your price.
Mell Walkup in our County Clerk's Office discovered a whole file of these letters about 10 years ago, and they're a fascinating window into New Braunfels history.
Today's letter comes from Albert Marrion, who offered to serve as janitor for the courthouse and custodian of the park on the Public Square. His job description: keep the courthouse spotless, keep the lawn cut, and keep the walks in perfect condition.
His asking price: thirty dollars a month.
Read his letter in full below, in his own handwriting and words.
"Gentlemen:
I the undersigned hereby offer my services to the Hon. County Commissioners as Janitor for the new County Court House and as custodian of the Park on the Public square, and promise to perform all the duties incumbent upon me, while in the service of the County, to the best of my ability, and I promise that while in the service of your County (should I be your choice) that I shall make every effort to acquit myself to your entire satisfaction. My understanding of the work to be done is to clean, and to keep clean, the Entire New County Court house and Everything that appertains thereto, and further, to keep the city park on the Public Square clean, keep the grass (or lawn) cut, and all walks in perfect condition, and promise that I shall devote my entire time to the above mentioned duties, all of which I agree to do for the sum of ($30.00) thirty dollars per month, all of which is respectfully submitted.
Your obedient servant, Albert Marrion"
