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Biographies of Individuals in Texas History
Note: We try and put folks in their county of residence, so please check there
also.
Erastus "Deaf" Smith
Deaf or Erastus Smith was born in New York in 1787. Went to Mississippi in 1798. Came to Texas in 1817, and having returned home came again to Texas in 1821. Being hard of hearing, he hecame silent and fond of solitude. He was a most efficient and indefatigable observer of the movements of the Mexican army during the war, and his perfect knowledge of the country, and astonishing coolness and bravery made him an invaluable scout for the patriot army. He married a Mexican lady in San Antonio, by whom he had several children. He died at Fort Bend in 1839
[Source: "A Brief History of Texas from its Earliest Settlement", 1873, by De Witt Clinton Baker. Transcribed by K. Torp]
Stephen F. Austin
This distinguished man, who was the first successful American colonist to Texas, was a native of Austinville, Virginia, 1793.
When only eleven years old he went to Connecticut to pursue his academical studies.
Entering Transylvania University in 1808 he advanced with rapidity and graduated with distinction. Previous to this time, his family had removed to Missouri.
In 1813, Austin being twenty years old, he was elected to the territorial Legislature of Missouri, and was annually reelected to that position until 1819, when he removed to Arkansas.
His father, Moses Austin, having received a grant of land in Texas from the Mexican authorities for colonization purposes, went to that country to prosecute his undertaking; but, dying soon after, he bequeathed his darling scheme to his son Stephen, with instructions to carry it to a successful termination.
Accordingly, Colonel Austin, having obtained, after many delays and difficulties, all the guarantees possible from the treacherous and ever-fickle Mexican government, introduced at different times a large number of substantial colonists from the United States.
To these settlers were given, at a mere nominal price, grants of land for their permanent homes. During all the years of Austin's intercourse with his people, to whom he was a protector and a father, he was beloved and respected by them all.
Honesty and straightforward and conscientious dealing were the qualities which secured to him their esteem and confidence.
Says one who knew him well, and by whose pen a well-written sketch of Austin has been indited, "He was known and beloved by all. Every child of every colonist was known to him, was eager to welcome him, and to be permitted to play upon his knee."
When Austin entered Texas in 1821, there was but one settlement from the Sabine to San Antonio. This was at Nacogdoches.
No sound of the settler's axe had ever waked the echoes from the forests of the Brazos to the hills of the Colorado. Austin first planted upon the banks of these rivers the cabins of the Anglo-Saxon, and opened the vast wilderness to the plough of the husbandman.
When Austin counseled peace, the voice of discord was hushed throughout his colony. When his voice was raised for resistance every rifle within its borders was taken from its rest to do his bidding.
After devoting the best years of his life to the consummation of the great plan to which he had devoted himself with untiring assiduity, he was seized with a violent disease at Columbia, Brazoria Co., and there died December 25, 1836, in the forty-fifth year of his age.
Much that is interesting in his life must necessarily be omitted here. His long and perilous pilgrimages to Mexico in the interest of his people; his exertions to obtain for them the fulfillment of the pledges made to him; his unwarrantable detention and imprisonment in Mexico; his unwillingness to counsel his people to take up arms against that government, while a vestige of hope for peace remained; his firm and decided voice, speaking words of encouragement and hope during the dark hours of war; his laborious travels in the United States to obtain needed succor for his struggling countrymen-all these afford ample material for a volume of absorbing interest.
But let this suffice. His name and his fame belong to Texas; and no blot ever rested upon either. To him justly belongs the name "The Father of Texas."
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
David G. Burnet
This distinguished citizen of Texas was the son of William Burnet of Newark, New Jersey, where he was born in 1789. He received a liberal education, and in 1805 entered the counting-house of Robinson & Hartshorne, New York.
His tastes were not in accord with the dull routine of a clerk's life, and in 1806 he entered under General Miranda, in the expedition for the independence of Spanish America. After the failure of this he returned home, where he remained until 1817, when he went to Natchitoches, Louisiana.
At this time his lungs were threatened with disease, and by advice of his physician he went among the Indians, with whom he remained, following their mode of life for more than a year, when he went to Cincinnati, Ohio.
Mr. Burnet came to Texas in 1826, and at once became an active participant in her affairs.
Going to Saltillo, he entered into a contract with the Government of Coahuila and Texas, for the colonization of the latter State.
This contract, through the bad management of the company to whom he intrusted it, amounted to nothing.
In 1831 Mr. Burnet, having married in New York, came again to Texas. The vessel in which he was, in approaching Galveston, was partially disabled, and he and Mrs. Burnet barely escaped being swallowed up in the waters of the Gulf.
In 1833, he was elected a delegate to the Convention at San Felipe, and was a leading member in its deliberations. In 1834 he was appointed Judge of the Municipality of Austin, which position he filled with marked ability.
When the oppressive acts of Santa Anna drove the people of Texas into resistance, Judge Burnet took an early and decided stand in favor of the independence of that State.
He was, in 1836, elected President ad interim of the Republic of Texas. In 1838, Judge Burnet was elected Vice-President of Texas, Lamar being President. After the termination of his vice-presidency, he for many years lived in the quiet seclusion of his home near the San Jacinto River.
Judge Burnet was made Secretary of State in 1846, and held that office until the close of Henderson's administration.
In 1866 Burnet was elected Senator to Congress by the Legislature of Texas, but was not admitted to a seat.
In 1868 he visited the place of his nativity, Newark, New Jersey, and after a few months' absence returned to Texas. His death occurred in 1870.
Judge Burnet was a man of culture and refinement. He was a ready and fluent writer, and an eloquent orator.
His oration upon the death of John A. Wharton was a masterpiece of its kind.
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Baron De Bastrop
This distinguished foreigner and friend to Texas came from Prussia to our shores at a very early day. He was the first commissioner of Austin's colony. He died in 1828. A county in Texas bears his name.
[Source: "A Texas scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Lorenzo De Zavalla
Lorenzo De Zavalla was a native of Yucatan. While quite young he was elected to represent his State in the Cortes of Spain. He was afterward a member of the Mexican Congress and Governor of Mexico.
After the overthrow of the Republic in Mexico, he came to Texas, where he took an active part in the struggle for liberty. He was elected vice president of Texas in 1836. He died shortly afterward.
["A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Sam Houston
The subject of this sketch was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia. When yet a child, his parents moved to the mountains of Tennessee, where he was reared. His ancestors were of Scotch origin. His mother is said to have been a lady of much beauty, and high degree of intellectual culture. She was also noble and benevolent, and ever ready to sacrifice her own comfort to those whose wants or sufferings excited her sympathy.
Houston was a sad truant when a school-boy. The schools amid his native hills were not numerous, nor of a first-class character, and his delight was rather in the chase of the deer than in the haunts of knowledge. When thirteen years old his father died, and his mother moved, with her large family, to Tennessee.
Here the boy Sam became acquainted with the Cherokee Indians, who lived near by his home, and much of his time was spent with them in the chase.
This was much more to his liking, than studying, or working on the farm. Much of Houston's early life, indeed, till he was eighteen years old, was spent in this manner, living alternately with the Indians, with whom he became a favorite, and at his home.
In 1813, the second war with England having broken out, Houston enlisted as a private soldier, and was made sergeant of a company. He soon became the best drill-officer in the regiment.
During the war with the Creek Indians, Houston served under General Jackson. He participated in the sharp conflict with that enemy which took place at To-ho-ne-ka, or Horseshoe Bend of the Tallapoosa River, Alabama.
The breastworks of the enemy were gallantly stormed by the 31st regiment, and he was the second to scale the works, the major (Major Montgomery) being the first, and instantly killed. Here he received a painful wound from an arrow which remained sticking in his thigh.
After trying in vain to extract the arrow, he called upon a comrade to do it. The comrade, a lieutenant, tried and failed. "Try again," said Houston, raising his sword; "and pull it out or I strike you down." With this incentive, the next effort to withdraw the barbed point succeeded, tearing away the flesh, and leaving an ugly wound which never completely healed.
General Jackson ordered Houston to the rear; but, regardless of the order, he was soon in the thickest of the fight.
Just before the conclusion of this decisive action, when volunteers were called to make a charge upon the only part of the fortification from which the Indians had not been dislodged, Houston instantly leaped to the front, calling upon the men to follow him; dashed across the precipitous ravine, and up to the breastworks, from which came deadly volleys of musketry and arrows.
Here the gallant young officer received two balls in his right shoulder, which at once disabled him, and he was carried from the field just before complete victory crowned the arms of his comrades.
Houston's recovery was for a long time doubtful, but at length he recovered sufficiently to join his regiment just before peace was declared.
In November, 1817, Houston was appointed to an agency for the Cherokee Indians, and during the winter went with a delegation of that tribe to Washington, to represent their interests to the Federal authorities.
When Houston was twenty-five years old, he went to Nashville, and engaged in the study of law. He was soon admitted to the bar, and was, even from the first, a successful advocate. He was about this time made Adjutant General of Tennessee.
He was, in 1823, elected to Congress, and afterward re-elected by an almost unanimous vote.
In 1827, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, by a large majority.
While Houston was Governor of Tennessee, he married a lady of respectable connections; but in little more than two months a sudden and inexplicable separation between the parties took place. This sudden sundering of the marriage tie, about which many conjectures were afloat but nothing definite was known, gave rise at the time to great excitement, and the friends of the lady made many serious charges against the governor. To none of these did he reply, and quietly resigning his office he left the State of Tennessee. Houston now returned to his friends, the Cherokees, with whom he remained, occasionally visiting Washington City in their behalf, until December, 1832, when with a few friends he came to Texas. He was elected a delegate from Nacogdoches to the convention which met at San Felipe in 1833, for the purpose of framing a State constitution. From this time General Houston appears as a prominent actor in the affairs of Texas.
In 1835, he was appointed general of the military district east of the Trinity. He was a member of the Consultation of 1835, also of the Convention which declared the independence of Texas, in March 1836. Immediately after the Declaration of Independence, the convention elected Houston commander-in-chief of the armies of Texas.
He at once took the field, and after the fall of the Alamo and Goliad, he conducted the retreat of the army to San Jacinto, where, on the 21st of April, 1836, he administered to the Mexican forces under Santa Anna the crushing defeat which secured the independence of Texas.
In the action he suffered a painful wound in the ankle, from which he never fully recovered. In the fall of 1836 he was elected First President of the Republic of Texas. In 1839 and '40, after his time of office expired, he served in the Congress of the Republic. In 1841 he was again, almost by acclamation, elevated to the head of the Texas government.
After annexation, Houston was elected Senator from Texas to the Congress of the United States. This position he filled with marked ability until March, 1859. After his return to Texas Houston was elected Governor in the fall of 1859.
At the breaking out of the civil war in 1861-5,.General Houston opposed the secession of Texas, and favored separate State action. This course not agreeing with the views of the advocates of unconditional secession, he was deposed from the office of Governor, March, 1861.
On the 18th day of that month Governor Houston left his official chair. This was the end of his public career. He retired to the privacy of his home in Walker county, where he died in July, 1863.
His well-earned fame, and the remembrance of his virtues, are alike the property of his countrymen. The praise of the historian is not needed to magnify the one, nor could his silence or censure detract from the other.
[Source: "A Texas scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Chronology of Houston's life:
March 2, 1793 -- Born to Samuel and Elizabeth (Paxton) Houston in Rockbridge County, VA
1813 -- Enlisted in the United States Army during the "War of 1812"
May 1818 -- Resigned from the Army as a first lieutenant, to begin the study of law
October 1818 -- Elected district attorney of Nashville, Tennessee, district
ca. 1819 -- Appointed adjutant general of the Tennessee state militia with rank of colonel
1821 -- Elected major general of the state militia
1823 -- Elected to U.S. House of Representatives as delegate from Tennessee
1825 -- Re-elected to U.S. Congress
1827 -- Elected governor of Tennessee
1829 -- Married and separated from Eliza H. Allen of Gallatin, Tennessee
1829 -- Resigned as governor of Tennessee
1829-1835 -- Served as business and diplomatic agent for the Cherokees in the Indian Territory
1832 -- Houston's probable first trip into Texas
1833 -- Returned to Texas to attend the Convention of 1833 as a representative of Nacogdoches
1835 -- Elected delegate to the Consultation, and the General Council elected him major general of the Texas Army
1836 -- Elected delegate to the Convention of 1836; elected commander-in-chief of the Texas Army; led army to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21
1836-1838 -- Elected and served as President of the Republic of Texas
1839-1841 -- Elected and served as representative from San Augustine County to the Fourth and Fifth Congresses
1840 -- Married Margaret Moffette Lea in Marion, Alabama
1841-1844 -- Elected and served second term as President of the Republic of Texas
1845 -- Elected delegate from Montgomery County to the Convention of 1845
1846-1859 -- Elected by the Texas Legislature to the U.S. Senate
1856 -- Discussed as possible presidential candidate for the Know-Nothing Party
1857 -- Defeated in election for governor of Texas
1859 -- Elected governor of Texas
1860 -- Discussed as possible presidential candidate for the Constitutional Union Party
1861 -- Declined to take the oath of allegiance to the Confederacy and was ousted as governor by the Secession Convention
July 26, 1863 -- Died at his home in Huntsville, Texas
[Source: A guide to the Sam Houston Papers, The University of Texas at Austin]
Anson Jones
Anson Jones was born in Massachusetts in 1798. He studied medicine, and commenced its practice in Philadelphia in 1826. He came to Texas in 1833. During the struggle for independence he entered in the army as a private soldier. He was elected to the second Congress of Texas in 1837. In 1838 he was appointed Texas minister to the United States. After his return he was elected Senator from Brazoria county, and was Secretary of State under Houston's second administration. In 1844 he was elected president of Texas which position he held until after annexation, when he surrendered the executive office to Governor Henderson, who had been elected first Governor of the State of Texas. He put an end to his life in a fit of mental aberration in 1858.
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Mirabeau B. Lamar
Mirabeau B. Lamar was born in Georgia in 1798. He came to Texas in 1835. He served with distinction in the Texas revolution, and afterward in the Mexican war. He was the first Vice-President and the second President of the Republic of Texas. He died in 1859. General Lamar possessed fine literary taste. He was the author of a book of poems called "Verses, Memoriales." The following poem from his pen is appended to this notice:
The Star And The Cup
"I love the bright lone star that gems
The banner of the brave,
I love the light that guideth men
To freedom or the grave,
But oh ! there is a fairer star
Of pure and holy ray,
That lights to glory's higher crown,
And freedom's brighter day.
It is the star before whose beams
All earth should bow the knee-
The star that rose o'er Bethlehem
And set on Calvary."
"Let others round the festive board
The maddening wine-cup drain;
Let others court its guilty joys,
And reap repentant pain.
But oh ! there is a sweeter cup,
And be its raptures mine,
Whose fragrance is the breath of life,
Whose spirit is divine.
It is the cup that Jesus filled,
He kissed its sacred brim;
And left the world to do the same
In memory of Him."
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Dr. Branch T. Archer
The subject of this sketch was a native of Virginia. At an early age he went to Philadelphia to pursue the study of medicine. In 1831 he emigrated from Virginia to Texas.
Immediately upon his arrival he declared his intention to take part and lot with the people in the struggle which he believed to be inevitable.
He soon informed himself of the past history of Texas, and of the differences between them and the general government of Mexico, and took an active part in the discussion of all public questions.
It was in the latter part of 1831 that the first movement was made by the inhabitants of the jurisdiction of the Brazos, to oppose the execution of orders issued by the military commanders at Anahuac and Velasco, closing all the ports in Texas except the port of Anahuac (Galveston). This step was taken to facilitate the collection of taxes for the payment of troops sent by the general government for the regulation of the civil administration of the province.
The offensive order had been issued by Colonel Bradburn, commandant at Anahuac, and had only been repeated by Lieutenant-Colonel Ugartechea, commanding at Velasco.
A public meeting was held at Brazoria on the 16th day of December, 1831, and it was resolved to demand the revocation of the obnoxious order. The meeting appointed Dr. Archer and G. B. McKinstry to act as commissioners to make the demand. They accordingly proceeded to Anahuac.
The conference concerning the matter in hand was between Archer and Bradburn.
They walked together from the site of the old fort to the shore of the bay. Bradburn attempted to gain time by suggesting why he could not give a definite answer at once. Archer pressed the subject with warmth. He declared that the act in question was a usurpation of power on the part of Bradburn; that it was wholly unauthorized. Bradburn replied that it did not become him to listen to such language, and that he should take no action in the matter until he could communicate with his superior, General Teran. Archer rejoined as follows, "I once more appeal to you to rescind this decree; if you refuse it the flames of war will be kindled in this country at once, and, as the immediate author of that war, you will be held accountable."
The eagle glance and bold bearing of the deputy shook the nerves of Bradburn.
His countenance fell, and he consented to revoke the obnoxious decree.
During the year 1835 Archer attended at the public meetings of the colonists, and declared himself in favor of separation from Mexico at any hazard.
When the consultation of all Texas met at San Felipe in November, 1835, Dr. Archer was chosen President of that body, and in that capacity distinguished himself by firmness and ability.
By the consultation, Dr. Archer, W. H. Wharton, and Stephen F. Austin were chosen agents to proceed to the United States, and solicit aid and comfort for Texas.
He was a member of the first congress of the republic from Brazoria county, and was made speaker at the second or adjourned session held at Houston, in June, 1837, and he was secretary of war for some time under Lamar's administration. Through all the trials of Texas, he was her stanch and able friend.
In 1845, when the people of Brazoria assembled in mass meeting, to express their views on the question of annexation, Dr. Archer was sent for to preside at the meeting. The messenger found him in feeble health, and in profound distress at the death of a favorite daughter. The wishes of the people were made known to him. He replied that he could not preside over the meeting. His heart, he said, was torn by affliction, his firmness was gone.
The messenger urged him to attend the meeting of so much moment to the people of Texas, and added, "We do not forget, sir, that you helped to rock the cradle of our revolution, and we now ask your aid in a moment as vital as any in the past."The old gentleman's eye kindled, and rising with dignity he said, "Tell the people I will comply with their wishes. I will bury my griefs."
In private life Dr. Archer was above all praise. His name was never coupled with reproach; he was polite, patriotic, brave, and humane. His name is written where it will be read in coming ages.
He sleeps in the same earth with his friends and co-laborers in the cause of independence, W. H. Wharton, and John A. Wharton, the latter of whom has been finely named by Burnet, "the keenest blade on the field of San Jacinto."
Dr. Archer died at Brazoria, in September, 1856.
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Edward Burleson
Edward Burleson was born in North Carolina in 1789. In 1815 he moved to Virginia. In 1824 he moved thence to Tennessee. In 1831 he came to Texas and settled on the Colorado River, a short distance below Bastrop.
When the Texas revolution broke out, General Burleson was made second in command to Stephen F. Austin. He was in command when the gallant Johnson and Milam assaulted and took the city of San Antonio, and captured the Mexican army under General Cos. He commanded the first regiment of volunteers at San Jacinto.
After the war he was appointed Brigadier-general of State troops. From 1838 to 1841 he was unremitting in his exertion to protect the frontier from Mexican and Indian depredations. Under his command the Cherokees were expelled from Texas.
In 1841 General Burleson was elected vice-president of Texas. In 1842 he was again in the field to repel the invasions of Valasquez and Woll. During the Mexican war with the United States, Burleson enlisted as a private soldier and fought at Monterey, and at the other hard contested fights. He was afterward elected to the State senate, and while in that position died at Austin, 1851.
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
David Crockett
The remarkable subject of this sketch was born in what is now the State of Tennessee, on the Nolachucky River, on the 17th day of August, 1786.
His father was an Irishman, and his mother a native of Maryland. He was one of a large family of children, was born in a rugged locality in a rough community, and was possessed in an eminent degree of the strong and inflexible will which characterized the early settlers of a wild and unbroken country. He enjoyed no opportunities for the cultivation of a naturally vigorous intellect, and until the age of eighteen could neither read nor write.
When he was seven years old, his parents moved to Jefferson county, Tennessee, where our hero's time was spent in alternately hunting and working at home under the supervision of a stern but kind-hearted father.
When about eighteen years of age he fell desperately in love with a young Quaker girl; or, as he says himself, "I fell head over heels in love, and I thought that if all the hills around her house were pure gold, and were mine, I would give them all to talk to her as I wanted to, but when I tried to say anything to her, my heart would begin to flutter like a duck in a puddle, and if I tried harder, my heart would get up in my throat and choke me like a cold potato." He however found voice to plead his cause with success, and soon afterward married and settled in Franklin county, Tennessee.
At the breaking out of the Creek war, Crockett volunteered and served with gallantry until its close, when he again settled down quietly at home, where he seems to have lived in great happiness with his wife who bore him several children; and to her death, which took place in 1821, he alludes in the most touching manner.
He married a second time, and for the second partner of his adventurous life he seems to have cherished a strong affection. During those early days, the settlers in the backwoods were but little troubled with law or government, and for mutual protection they organized in Crockett's neighborhood a sort of de facto government, and elected him magistrate.
This position he seems to have filled with justice and impartiality; and, to quote his words, "although my warrants for arrest were never written, my word was enough, and the offender was taken dead or alive; nor were my judgments ever appealed from, but stuck like wax."
In 1821, he was first, and against his own inclination, elected to the State Legislature. At that time he first met in Nashville, Colonel, afterward President Polk.
The following incident is told, illustrating the ignorance of Crockett then. In a company Colonel Polk addressed him thus, "I suppose, Colonel Crockett, the legislature will make a change in the judiciary." "I suppose so," said Crockett, and got out of the way as soon as possible, "for," says he, "I at that time did not know what in thunder the judiciary was."
Guided by his sound sense and acute observation, and assisted by a wonderful quickness of perception, he soon mastered all the necessary problems in the theory of his State government, and served his constituents with such fidelity that he was returned to the legislature in 1823, although in the meantime he had removed his home to a distant part of his district.
In 1827, and again in 1829 and 1831, Crockett was elected to the Congress of the United States. He afterward made a tour through the principal cities of note in the North and East; and was received with much attention as a genuine representative man of the hardy frontiersman of the Southwest.
In the canvass of 1834-35, Crockett having taken strong ground against the Jackson and Van Buren democracy, was defeated for Congress by a small majority.
Soon afterward and as he says, chagrined at his defeat and disgusted at the political condition of his State, Crockett bade farewell to his family and came to Texas, where in a short time he enrolled among the 150 brave spirits in defense of the fortress of the Alamo in Bexar.
Here he fought, the bravest of the brave, until on the memorable 6th of March, 1836, he yielded up his noble life to the resistless weapons of the blood-thirsty foe.
He died as he had lived. He was slain, but dauntless to the last.
David Crockett was a man of wonderful native eloquence, and during the last five years of his life, made many speeches to his countrymen, and wielded a sharp and trenchant pen.
His life of Martin Van Buren, published in 1835, abounds in keen satire, unstudied humor, and bitter invective. We give one or two extracts from its preface, to show the straightforward way in which he used the English language. He says, "Van Buren is as opposite to Jackson as dung is to diamond. Jackson is open, bold, warm-hearted, confiding, and passionate to a fault. Van Buren is secret, sly, selfish, cold, calculating, distrustful, treacherous." Again he says, " There are some who will read this book with such strong prejudice against its author, and such idolatrous worship (not for the subject of these pages, but for the man who makes him, Jackson), that if every letter was bible light, every word gospel truth, every sentiment inspiration, read out by the Angel Gabriel with a tongue of thunder from the top of the reddest streak of lightning that ever split the blackest cloud of heaven, they would not believe a syllable of it."
David Crockett was a wonderful man. What culture might have made him, no one can tell. What he was, all Texans know, and to them his memory will be ever dear.
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
J. W. Fannin
J. W. FANNIN was a native of North Carolina. He came early to Texas, and took an active part in the stirring events of 1835 and 1836.
In January, 1836, he was appointed by the provisional government of Texas, an agent to raise troops and money for the republic. He, with his regiment, was captured at the Coleto by the Mexican forces under General Urrea, after a hard-fought battle; and was shot in violation of the terms of surrender, at Goliad, Texas, on the 27th day of March, 1836.
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Patrick C. Jack
Was a native of Alabama. He came to Texas prior to the year 1832. During that year he participated, under the command of Colonel F. W. Johnson, in the capture of the port of Anahuac, which was commanded by Colonel Bradburn. He died at Houston in 1844, at which time he held the position of judge of that district.
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
William H. Jack
Brother of Patrick, came to Texas at the same time. He served in the Texas army in the battle of San Jacinto. He was secretary of state of the government ad interim under President Burnet, was also a member of the congress of the republic. He was a lawyer of distinction. He died in Brazoria county, in 1844.
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Benjamin R. Milam
He was born in Kentucky, in 1791. He came to Texas in 1816. He afterward went to Mexico where he espoused the republican cause, and while there experienced many hardships. At the breaking out of the Texas Revolution, he returned to that State. He assisted in the capture of Goliad, or La Bahia, in the fall of 1835. He led one of the divisions at the storming of San Antonio, and was there killed, December 10, 1835.
The following incident in the life of Colonel Milam, is extracted from Pease's History of Texas:
"While in Mexico, Colonel Milam was imprisoned in Monterey. His winning manners soon made him a favorite with the jailer, who occasionally allowed him a walk to the river to bathe. He profited by the indulgence, and made arrangements with a friend to have a fleet horse ready for him at an appointed place. The colonel passed the sentinel, as he was wont to go to the river, walked quietly on, mounted and fled.
A few days hard riding brought him to Texas. When he reached there, he found the war of independence begun. With a few choice spirits it was determined to attack the fort at Goliad, or La Bahia, then in the hands of the Mexicans." The account of the attack is thus given: "Their axes hewed down the door of the room where the colonel commanding slept, and he was taken prisoner in his bed. A sentinel fired. A rifle-ball laid him dead on the spot. The discharge of fire-arms and the shout of voices now became commingled. The Mexican soldiers fired from their quarters, and the blaze of their guns served as a target for the colonists. The garrison were summoned to surrender. They asked for terms. The reply was, No terms, come out and surrender, and come quick, or you will be killed every one of you. I can not keep the men back much longer." "Oh !" shouted the Mexicans, "keep the men back, for God's sake; and we will come out at once." And they rushed out with all possible speed, and laid down their arms. Thus by a handful of men was this fortress of Goliad taken, a fort which with a garrison of 350 men in the war of 1812-13, had withstood a siege of more than 2,000 Spanish troops, and forced them to retire discomfited. The colonists in this affair were led by Captain Collingsworth, assisted by Colonel Milam. Of the garrison three were killed and seven wounded, and many prisoners taken. Of the Texans, one was wounded.
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Dr. James B. Miller
A native of Kentucky, came to Texas in 1829. He soon afterward associated himself in the practice of medicine with Dr. R. Peebles at San Felipe de Austin, where he continued to reside and practice his profession until 1834, when he engaged in the mercantile business with A. Sommerville. In the winter of 1834, he was appointed political chief of the department of the Brazos. In 1835 when the black cloud of war was about to burst upon Texas, he at first favored conciliatory measures. As soon, however, as he became satisfied that Texas had to choose between submission to the worst of tyrannies, or resistance, he joined the party who had determined to defend their rights, and gave the war his hearty support. He was appointed by General Houston secretary of the treasury; subsequently, after annexation, he became a candidate for the office of governor, and though not elected received a large vote.
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Thomas J. Rusk
Thomas Jefferson Rusk was one of the noblest sons of Texas. He was born in South Carolina in 1803. He was educated for the law, and having removed to Georgia, he became distinguished at the early age of twenty-nine as one of the first lawyers in that State.
In 1835 he came to Texas and settled in Nacogdoches. In 1836 he was elected a delegate to the convention at Washington, and by that body was chosen secretary of war.
In the battles which followed, General Rusk took an active and distinguished part, and General Houston being disabled by his wounds received at San Jacinto, he was made commander-in-chief of the Army.
In November, 1836, he was appointed to a seat in the cabinet. The congress of 1838 elected him chief-justice of the supreme court, which position had been vacated by the death of James Collingsworth.
In 1843, Rusk was elected major-general of State militia. In 1845, he was made president of the convention which assembled at Austin to frame a State constitution.
In 1846, the first legislature of Texas elected him United States senator, which position he filled with marked ability and satisfaction to the people of Texas until his death in 1857.
Thomas J. Rusk was one of those men whose death was the signal of mourning to a host of friends all over the State he had faithfully served. Modest in manners and disposition, social and domestic in his habits; and with a warm and generous heart, he was indeed one of nature's noblemen.
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Don Erasmo Seguin
He was a Mexican. He lived in Bexar, Texas. He was a member of the Congress of Coahuila and Texas. He was a stanch friend of Texas and of Stephen F. Austin. He died in 1836.
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Sidney Sherman
He was born in March, 1805. 1831 he moved west and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio. Early in 1836, fired with zeal to aid in the struggle of Texas against Mexican misrule, he raised a company of fifty men and departed for that territory. Arrived at Washington on the Brazos, he found everything in confusion, the enemy in large numbers were occupying the country, and Travis was besieged in San Antonio by a vastly superior force. The Alamo fell, and Travis and his brave fellows were butchered, and the whole available Texas force, under the command of General Houston, fell back to the Brazos and made a stand at the memorable field of San Jacinto. Upon this bloody and decisive field General Sherman behaved with distinguished gallantry. He led a charge of cavalry with great coolness and intrepidity, on the 20th, the day preceding the battle. He is said first to have sounded the battle cry, "Goliad and the Alamo," and he participated in all the stirring scenes of that decisive day. His rank at San Jacinto was Colonel of the second regiment of Texas Volunteers.
In 1842 General Sherman was elected representative to the congress of the republic from Harris county, and afterwards major-general of State militia. Since annexation he has pursued a quiet life at his residence by Harrisburg, Texas. The last years of his life were spent in energetic efforts to build up the railroad interests, of Texas, and especially of his own section.
He died at Galveston in August, 1873.
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
William B. Travis
William B. Travis was a native of Georgia. He came to Texas in 1830, and established himself in the practice of law, first in the town of Liberty, and afterwards in San Filipe.
He was one of the first who entered in the army for her independence. He commanded the garrison of the Alamo, at the storming of that fortress, and was killed after a defense unparalleled for heroism, March 6th, 1836.
A monument commemorating the defense of the Alamo stands in the rotunda of the capitol at Austin.
On the 24th of February Colonel Travis issued this stirring appeal, which was sent by a trusty messenger through the Mexican lines:
To The People Of Texas And All Americans In The World
Fellow-citizens And Compatriots :
"I am besieged by a thousand or more Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a continual bombardment and cannonade for twenty-four hours, and have not yet lost a man. The enemy have demanded a "surrender at discretion," or the garrison is to be put to the sword when taken. I have answered the summons with cannon-shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls.
I shall never surrender or retreat.
Then I call upon you, in the name of liberty, patriotism, and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid with dispatch. The enemy are receiving re-enforcements daily, and will doubtless in a few days be increased to three or four thousand. Though this call may be neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible, and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country.
Victory or death.
William Barrett Travis, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding.
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
John A. Wharton
A brother of William H. Wharton, was one of the most gallant of the early defenders of Texas. He came to Texas in 1829, and died in 1838. He was adjutant general of the Texas army; and was a member of the house in the first and second congress. Of him David G. Burnet eloquently said in his funeral oration, pronounced in December 1838, that "the keenest blade on the field of San Jacinto is broken."
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
William H Wharton
He was a native of Tennessee; came to Texas in 1829. Returned, and came again in 1831. Was a member of the convention of 1833; and also of the general consultation of 1835; and was one of the three commissioners appointed by that consultation to the United States. He was a member of the first senate of the republic, was first minister to the United States. After his return, he was again elected senator, which position he held until his death, in 1839.
[Source: "A Texas Scrap-book", by De Witt Clinton Baker, 1875 - Submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Author, born in Feliciana, Graves county, Ky., 7th April, 1837. Her father was a teacher, and his little daughter was placed in his school at six years of age. She had no special love for books, except for reading, spelling and grammar, but her ambition kept her at the head of most of her classes. She completed her course of study in Clinton Seminary. After leaving school she taught for a year or two. In 1857 she became the wife of John Joseph Bedford, a friend and associate of her childhood. There were six children born to them, four of whom are living. Mrs. Bedford's literary career has in a great measure become identified with Texas, her adopted home. From her sixteenth year she continued to write until her marriage, after which her pen was silent for nearly fifteen years. She has published two volumes of poetry, "A Vision, and Other Poems" (Cincinnati and London, 1881), and "Gathered Leaves" (Dallas, 1889). Mrs. Bedford has for years contributed to various periodicals. Her present home is in El Paso, Texas, where she is social and literary editor of the El Paso "Sunday Morning Tribune."
(American Women Fifteen Hundred Biographies, Volume 1, Publ. 1897. Transcribed by Marla Snow)
Journalist, was born in Texas. She is the daughter of the late Judge Thomas A. and Annie C. Dwyer, of English descent. Miss Dwyer comes of a family renowned at home and abroad for uncommon gifts, Judge Dwyer left his native heath in youth, and his life became part and parcel of the early history of Texas and the Rio Bravo. Six children blessed his home, and upon the youngest daughter, Bessie, alone fell the mantle of his literary powers and histrionic ability. As a child she dominated amateur circles in Texas as an acknowledged star, and she played a wide range of characters. Death abruptly removed Judge Dwyer, and his daughter found herself alone on the threshold of womanhood, minus a practical education and heir to naught but her father's mental gifts. The War of of the Rebellion and other reverses dissipated a once generous fortune, and actual necessity faced the bereaved family. Casting to the winds the prejudices existing in the South against female occupation beyond the portals of home, Miss Dwyer accepted a position in the post-office department and held it six years. During that time vagrant poems and sketches from her pen were published. Waning strength necessitated change and rest, and in 1868 she resigned her position and visited her married sister at a remote army post in Arizona and later in New Mexico. Three years of rest restored her health, and she returned to civilization and entered journalism. Her sketches of army life and vivid word painting of scenes in two Territories and Old Mexico won notice at once. Her most remarkable works are two stories published in the Galveston "News," "Mr. Moore of Albuquerque" and "A Daughter of Eve." Miss Dwyer at present fills a position on the staff of the " National Economist." Washington, D. C. She is a correspondent for some of the prominent southern journals. Her home is in San Antonio, Tex.
(American Women, Frances Elizabeth Willard, Mary Ashton Rice Livermore, Volume 1 Copyright 1897. Transcribed by Marla Snow.)
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