The Rev. August Engel (1818-1904), a circuit riding Methodist preacher and teacher, immigrated to Texas from Germany in 1846. In 1859 he married Katharina Ernst (1837-1920), and they had six children. He served as postmaster for five years in Blanco County and for 32 years at Cranes Mill in Comal County. In 1904 he was succeeded as postmaster by his son August Engel, Jr., who had purchased six acres in Gillespie County from Carl A. Luckenbach in 1885. A post office was established in Engel's home there in 1886, with August Engel, Jr. serving as postmaster. His sister Minna, who was married to C.A. Luckenbach, was asked to name the new post office and chose the name Luckenbach. A general merchandise store with a post office area, blacksmith shop, cotton gin, saloon, and warehouses were added to the property, and a dance hall (Tanz Halle) there became a center for local gatherings. William Engel replaced his brother August Engel, Jr. as postmaster of Luckenbach in 1890. William's son, Benno W. Engel, Sr., was appointed postmaster in 1935 and served for 36 years. The Luckenbach Post Office was discontinued in 1971 after 85 years of continuous service to Gillespie County and the community.