Cesenea "Cenzie" (Holzschu) Brecht (alternate spelling Cresencia Holzshuh Brecht) was born on November 1, 1856, in Ulm, Germany, and came to New York when she was 10 years old. She arrived in Prescott, Yavapai County, Arizona Territory, with her sister, Mrs. C. A. Luke, on May 22, 1874.

On February 27, 1877 (recorded April 2, 1877), Cenzie married Frederick Gustav Brecht, a blacksmith, in a ceremony presided over by Judge A. Tweed, which took place in her sister's home.  The Arizona Weekly Miner of March 2, 1877, reported, “At the residence of Hon. C. A. Luke, Feb 27, 1877, by Hon. C. A. Tweed, District Judge, Mr. Fred C. Brecht and Miss Crecencia Holtzshue, both of Prescott.  The marriage was speedily followed by the usual congratulations and a supper, of which those who partook were delighted with.”

According to the book Echoes of the Past, Volume II, Frederick Brecht was a carriage-maker who made "the best mountain buggies" in his wagon shop on Gurley Street next to the Granite Street Bridge. Frederick later became an official of Prescott National Bank.

The Arizona Weekly Journal Miner of June 4, 1902, carried a “Local and Personal” item:  “Mrs. F. G. Brecht returned Sunday evening from California, where she has been residing for a year.  She returns greatly improved in health.  Mr. Brecht went to California ten days ago and accompanied her home.”

Cenize was a charter member of the Golden Rule Chapter No. 1, Order of the Eastern Star and was the Grand Matron of the Arizona Grand Chapter. She was a member of the Methodist-Episcopal Church and lived at 147 Grove Avenue, Prescott. She had no children, and after the death of her husband on March 14, 1942, she was cared for by her husband’s niece, Miss Elizabeth Weber of Glendale California. She died July 15, 1952, and her funeral was held at her home on Grove Street.

Donors: Mrs. Henry Hartin and Mary d'Aix
Photo Located: RGC-MS-39, Box B, F - Brecht, Cesenea
Updated: 5/7/2015; D. Sue Kissel