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Gc 976.4 T41h 1827211
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02290 0671
HISTORYC
OF
METHODISM IN TEXAS.
BY
REV. HOMER S. THRALL.
OF THE TEXAS CONFERENCE.
HOUSTON : E. H. CUSHING, PUBLISHER. 1872.
Okee
1
ENTERED according to act of Congress, in the year 1872, by E. H. CUSHING,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
LANGE, LITTLE & HILLMAN, PRINTERS, ELECTROTYPERS AND STEREOTYPERO, 108 to 114 WOOSTER ST., N. Y.
1827211 INTRODUCTION.
AN unpretending volume is here offered to the reading public. While it details a few of the facts and incidents connected with the establishment of the Methodist Church in Texas, it hardly aspires to the dignity of a history. Other parties are preparing similar publications, and when they have all been given to the press, the future historian will have materials for a complete and connected history of Texas Methodism. This is sent forth in its present imperfect state, that errors may be corrected and omis- sions supplied.
The author has obtained his information from persons. who were actors in the scenes described ; from journals of Quarterly and Annual Conferences ; from the printed "Min- utes," and from files of old newspapers, especially the Texas Christian Advocate and Houston Telegraph. Those who have attempted to obtain accurate statements of facts and dates, will appreciate the difficulty of our undertaking. In some instances a score of letters were written in vain to ascertain the date of one transaction.
Though this is entitled "Methodism in Texas," the
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INTRODUCTION.
general Christian reader will find nothing offensively de- nominational. There is no glorification of Methodism, either in its doctrinal system or economic arrangements. Very little is said in praise of living men, and there is no fulsome adulation even of those deceased. Their labors are noticed, and the results written. These results are sum- med up in the Appendix, which contains : 1st, An alpha- betical catalogue of Texas itinerants. 2d, A list of our Annual Conferences, giving places, dates, officers, and some statistics. 3d, Some statistics of the Conferences of 1871. 4th, The preachers' appointments for 1872.
There is one department of this volume which will, we trust, be found of special interest-the record of triumph- ant deaths. We have gratefully traced the pathway trod- den by our fathers and predecessors ; a pathway which their tracks have illuminated ; a pathway leading and lur- ing us onward and heavenward. .
The general result of our labors in Texas, though not a subject for denominational glorying, is still gratifying. The collection of forty thousand members in Church fel- lowship is no small achievement. To God be all the glory !
The inquiry suggests itself. Have we done all that we might have done? Considering the scriptural and yet popular theology of Methodism-our extemporaneous style of preaching directly to the people, our charming hymnol- ogy, our almost omnipresent itinerant system, which should
5
INTRODUCTION.
penetrate every neighborhood, and permeate the whole mass of people with the leaven of Gospel truth-have we done all that was practicable ? Oh, if every minister and layman had attained the full measure of personal piety, and exhib- ited the active zeal, of genuine missionaries, how many more precious souls might have been brought to Christ !
The results, such as they are, are given to the public in hopes that our cotemporaries in the Christian Church, and especially our co-laborers in the itinerant field, may be stimulated to increased exertions in the great work of dif- fusing through our entire population the savor of the knowledge of Christ.
If the reader derives a tithe of the pleasure from the peru- sal of this little volume which the writer has experienced in preparing it for the press, he will be grateful to that Providence which has placed it in his hands.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
FROM THE EARLIEST SETTLEMENTS IN TEXAS TO THE REVOLUTION IN 1836.
SECTION I.
On Red River- William and Henry Stevenson-The Orrs-Denton ; his early life, extraordinary eloquence, and tragic death-First quarterly conference-Wm. G. Duke, J. W. P. Mckenzie, and other preachers. 13
SECTION II.
In the Redlands-Henry Stevenson-Needham J. Alford-Sumner Ba- con-Threats of cowhiding a preacher-Col. Piedras-James P. Stevenson-A camp-meeting-James Bowie- Class organized near San Augustin-The McMahans-First missionary appointed for Texas 18
SECTION III.
In Austin's Colony-An Improvised Camp-Meeting-Henry Steven- son - John W. Kinney : his Early Life and First Labors in Texas .. 22
SECTION IV.
East Texas, 1834, 1835-James P. Stevenson- Wm. C. Crawford-A Metamorphosis-First Class in Shelbyville-Local Preacher Job M. Baker 26
SECTION V.
First Church organized in West Texas - Call of a Preacher - Battle of San Jacinto - Third Meeting at the Kinney Camp- Ground-Appealfor Missionaries 29
8
CONTENTS.
SECTION VI.
On the Navidad-Immigrants from North Alabama-A Prayer in Camp-Notes of some of these Immigrants, etc .. 33
CHAPTER II.
FROM THE ARRIVAL OF THE MISSIONARIES, IN 1837, TO THE ORGANIZATION OF THE TEXAS CONFERENCE, DE- CEMBER, 1840.
SECTION I.
Arrival of Mr. Alexander-Camp-Meeting at McMahan's-At Sem- pronius-Mr. Fowler, Chaplain to the Senate-A Class-Meeting in a Corn-crib. 37
SECTION II.
Dr. Ruter's Early Life-Labors in Texas-Sickness and Death-His Family. 40
SECTION III.
Scenes in Washington - Preachers threatened with a ducking-Ad- ministrator on the Devil's Estate - Smoking out a Preacher- Churches in 1838-Additional Laborers. 44
SECTION IV.
Appointments for 1839-Death of Strickland-Jasper Circuit-Cente- nary Camp-Meeting - The Voice of Prayer in the Night - Three D. D.'s. 47
SECTION V.
East Texas Appointments, 1840-Dr. Baker's Narrative of Events in the East-Death of Moses Spear 52
SECTION VI.
Appointments in West Texas for 1840-The Work on the Colorado- Elect Ladies-John Haynie-A Dream-James Gilleland killed by Indians .. 55
9
CONTENTS.
SECTION VII.
Personal Sketches : Henry Stevenson - Sumner Bacon-Ellis P. Bean. 58
CHAPTER III.
FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF THE TEXAS CONFERENCE IN 1840, TO THE DIVISION OF TEXAS INTO TWO CONFER- ENCES, AND THE ORGANIZATION OF THE M. E. CHURCH . SOUTH, 1845.
SECTION I.
First Texas Conference-Appointments for 1841 and 1842-Episcopal Correspondence. 64
SECTION II.
Texas in 1842-Recruits from Ohio-Conference at Bastrop, December 1842-Appointments for 1843-Swimming Creeks, etc .. .. 67
SECTION III.
Camp-Meetings in 1843, in the West-Cedar Creek Meeting-A Camp- meeting Tour in the East-A Midnight Scene- Frank Wilson's Sermon to Stock-men. 73
SECTION IV.
Conference in the Fall of 1843-Dream of a London boy-Appoint- ments for 1844-John Clark-Appointments for the two Texas Conferences for 1845. 78
SECTION V.
The General Conference of 1844-The Louisville Convention-The General Conference of 1846-Complete Organization of the M. E. Church, South. 82
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV.
FROM 1846 TO 1855.
SECTION I. A new Era-First Church in Peter's Colony-Austin-San Antonio- Corpus Christi-Old Washington Circuit .. 88
SECTION II.
Methodism in Galveston, Houston, Chappell Hill, Matagorda, Clarksville district, Gilmur, Brownsville, Springfield district, and Waxahachie- U. S. Census Report of Churches in Texas in 1850. 93
SECTION III.
The East Texas Vendetta-Personal Sketch of John Taylor-General Conferences of 1850 and 1854 .. 98
SECTION IV.
Necrology-Poe-Fowler-Sullivan-Booker-Bell-Richardson-John Patton-Young Cameron-Garrett-L. Patton-J. W. Addison- McElroy-Rabb-Gen. Burleson 102
CHAPTER V.
FROM 1855 TO 1865.
SECTION I.
A Prosperous Era-Cedar Mountains-Fort Worth-Gatesville-Fort Graham-San Saba-James Dancer-Indian Reservations and Missions- Placido Revivals-Church-building-U. S. Census Reports for 1860. 108
SECTION II.
The Texas German Mission. 113
11
CONTENTS.
SECTION III.
Texas Christian Advocate and Book Depository 116
SECTION IV.
General Conference of 1858-Expunction of the Rule against Slavery- Troubles in Northern Texas-Anthony Bewley -Secession movement -Preachers in the Army. 122
SECTION V.
Necrology-Kavanaugh-J. W. Cope-Henry Fullingen-Wm. F. ยท Hubert-H. D. Hubert-H. B. Hamilton-M. C. Robertson- W. P. Senson-W. A. Shegog-John Haynie-J. C. Wilson-J. W. Kinney-D. Carl-Wm. Craig-H. Yoakum-J. W. Hodges-E. J. Mercer-John Rabb 127
CHAPTER VI.
FROM 1866 TO 1871.
SECTION I.
The New Departure-Changes wrought by the War-Proposed Changes in Church Economy-General Conference of 1866-Suggestion of the Bishops -Class-Meetings-Probationary Church-Membership- District Conferences-Lay Representation-Extension of Pastoral Term. 134
SECTION II.
The New Departure, continued-The Colored People-Organization of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church in America-Election of Col ored Bishops, etc .- Providential Mission of the M. E. Church South- N. W. Texas and Trinity Conferences-New Bishops-General Con- ference of 1870-Visit of Bishop Janes and Dr. Harris, with Proposi- tions for a Reunion. 140
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CONTENTS.
SECTION III.
Educational Institutions-Rutersville-San Augustine-Clarksville- Chappell Hill-Bastrop-Huntsville- Henderson-Goliad-Starville - Waco- Paris-Waxahachie, etc. 145
SECTION IV.
New Churches in Marshall, Jefferson, Houston, Navasota, Bryan, Gal- veston ; Dedication-Tom Parmer's Experience-David Ayers- Increase of Members 1870, 3,284-Bishop Marvin's Tour-District Conferences-Local Preachers-Revivals, Church-buildings, etc .- Religious Denominations in Texas. 149
SECTION V.
Necrology, 1866, 1867-S. A. Williams, Wm. A. Smith, George Tittle, J. H. D. Moore, N. H. Boring-The Epidemic of 1867-T. F. Cook -Death of Wm. T. Harris at Lavacca, of Perham at Corpus Christi, of O. B. Adams at Victoria-The Fever at Houston-Mr. and Mrs. Rees and others Victims-Heflin and Kitrel at Huntsville-Fever at Chappell Hill-The McIntyre Family at Brenham-Q. M. Menifee at Lagrange- Wooldridge, Homil, Goodgion, Lynch, Lambden., Tanzy, Foote, Bond, Shipman, F. Wilson 159
SECTION VI.
Necrology, 1868-1871-A. Davidson-Shanks-Faucett-Crabb-Mul- lins-Felder-Palmer-J. R. Burk-Boyd-J. H. Addison-Laf- ferty-Bridges-Kinnison-J. H. Neely-Manly-W. P. Smith- Irvine-L. B. Whipple-Turrentine-Annis-C. G. Young-Mulkey -T. H. McMahan-Wm. Devers-Browning-Charles Shearn- Mrs. Kerr- Another Lady-In the twilight-The way blazed out. 169
METHODISM IN TEXAS.
CHAPTER I.
FROM THE EARLIEST SETTLEMENTS IN TEXAS TO THE REVOLUTION IN 1836.
SECTION I.
On Red River- William and Henry Stevenson-The Orrs-Denton ; his early life, extraordinary eloquence, and tragic death-First quarterly conference-Wm. G. Duke, J. W. P. Mckenzie, and other preachers.
Up to almost the period of annexation in 1836, the region of country between the Sulphur Fork and Red River was supposed to belong to the United States, and was under the jurisdiction of officers appointed to govern the territory of Arkansas. As early as 1818-1819, this scope of country was visited by Methodist preachers. Among these preachers were William Stevenson and Henry Stevenson, and twin brothers named respectively Washington and Green Orr. William Stevenson was an itinerant, and a member of the Missouri Conference. We do not know certainly that the societies organized by these pioneers maintained a continuous existence, but we do know that some families that attended their ministrations were among the first to welcome the missionaries, and
14
METHODISM IN. TEXAS.
[CHAP. I.
to unite in forming churches in other portions of Texas. Among these we may mention the Rabbs and Ingrams of Fayette County, and Nathaniel Moore of Travis County.
In this company of preachers William Stevenson stands forth as a man of pre-eminent preaching abilities. From 1821 to 1825 he was presiding elder on the Arkansas dis- trict, Missouri Conference. Subsequently he was presiding elder on the Louisiana district from 1829 to 1833. To the day of his death he cherished a deep interest in the wel- fare of the church in Texas, and often, while sustaining a superannuated relation, came into the republic and held meetings.
Washington Orr died in Missouri, in 1852. Green M. Orr travelled two years in Arkansas; then located on the south side of Red River, in Lamar County, and for twenty years was a useful local preacher. He then removed to Indianola, in West Texas, where he spent the last twelve years of his life. In periods of affliction, when Indianola was visited by yellow fever, Father Orr (as everybody called him) devoted his entire time to visiting the sick, burying the dead, and laboring to supply the destitute. In 1860 he personally raised the money and superintended the building of a church. In 1863 the Federal forces entered Matagorda Bay, and established a post in Indian- ola. While the army was there the old gentleman died. It was fortunate for him that Dr. Orr, surgeon of the post, was the preacher's nephew. He attended to his uncle in his last sickness, and saw him buried. By common con- sent, the citizens call their church Orr Chapel.
In 1835 the name of Sulphur Fork first appears in the list of appointments. John M. Carr is the preacher. In 1836, E. B. Duncan and Wm. G. Duke are upon this work.
15
METHODISM IN TEXAS.
SEC. I.]
In April, 1837, a quarterly conference was organized at a meeting held near where the town of Clarksville now stands.
In the fall of 1837, John B. Denton and E. B. Duncan were appointed to the Sulphur Fork circuit.
John B. Denton was a native of Clark County, Arkan- sas. While yet an infant he had the misfortune to lose both his parents. It was the further misfortune of this doubly-orphaned boy to be thrown into a family destitute of moral culture, and who hardly observed the decencies of life. In this wretched family, amid squalid poverty, young Denton performed the most menial offices. Until he was twelve years old he had never enjoyed the luxury of hat or shoes. Disgusted with this degraded kind of life, he ran away, in hopes of bettering his condition. Without forming any definite plans for the future, while scarcely out of his teens, he married. Soon after this he professed religion ; and, with this change in his moral nature, came a yearning for mental culture. Fortunately, his young wife encouraged him, and taught him letters at night by the light of blazing pine-knots. It was not long until he was licensed to preach, when his wonderful powers began to develop.
The people of Virginia were not more surprised at the masterly eloquence displayed by Patrick Henry, in the celebrated tithe suit, than were the. Arkansians at the ora- torical powers of this unlettered and uncultivated frontier boy. This furnishes another illustration of the fact that orators, like poets, are born, not made. Young Denton had a fine personal appearance and musical voice. His language rose with the grandeur of the theme, until it would remind the classical scholar of Cicero. His action
16
METHODISM IN TEXAS.
[CHAP. I.
was like that of Roscius,-his use of figures most appro- priate. We have read an apostrophe to water in one of his temperance speeches, which, for impassioned eloquence, is equal to almost anything found in our language. His mas- tery over the human passions was complete. He could touch them as the skilled musician touches the chords of his instrument. When he addressed the multitudes that flocked to hear him preach upon the sublime themes of the gospel, his appeals were all but irresistible.
Mr. Denton was first admitted on trial in the Missouri Conference in 1838, but his meagre support and growing family compelled him to give up travelling. He studied law, prospered in business, paid off his debts, and deter- mined to re-enter the itinerancy. During the early part of 1837 he visited the Redlands and preached extensively. In the Fall he was readmitted into the Arkansas Confer- ence, and appointed to the Sulphur Fork circuit. Falling in company with Rev. Littleton Fowler, the two crossed Red River together, and Mr. Fowler preached his first ser- mon in Texas in the house of Rev. Wm. G. Duke.
Mr. Denton and his colleague did not have much suc- cess on their circuit. During the summer, preparations were made for a camp-meeting in Shelton's camp-grounds, but an Indian raid prevented the meeting from being held. A company of citizens collected to pursue the sav- ages, and naturally looked to Denton to lead them. While in pursuit, Mr. Denton was riding considerably in advance of his company, when an Indian rose in a thicket and shot a rifle-ball that went too fatally for its victim. Denton fell, mortally wounded. His men, though finding them- selves in an ambush, rescued the body of their leader, and buried him at the root of a tree on the bank of a stream
17
METHODISM IN TEXAS.
SEC. I.]
in Wise County. The creek bears the name of Denton. The Texans, in token of their grateful remembrance of his piety and his patriotism, also gave his name to Denton County. Thus a brilliant meteor, which suddenly blazed out upon our ecclesiastical horizon, was as suddenly ex- tinguished.
Jacob Whitesides travelled the Sulphur Fork circuit in 1838. In September, 1839, a camp-meeting was held upon the circuit, at which there were some thirty conversions. Preachers, B. Gregory (presiding elder), W. G. Duke, Wm. Craig, and Wm. Mulky. In 1839 the name of De Kalb first appears on the Minutes, with S. Clarke for preacher. The same year, J. W. P. Mckenzie is appointed to Sulphur Fork circuit. Mr. Mckenzie had been four years an itin- erant. Henceforth he is to be identified with the educa- tional interests of Texas Methodism, and to build up and give his name to one of the most successful literary insti- tutions in the State. In 1840 Mr. Mckenzie is continued on Sulphur Fork circuit, and Mason B. Lowrie sent to De Kalb. The appointments for 1841 are, James Graham to Sulphur Fork and Jefferson Shook to De Kalb. James Graham is continued on Sulphur Fork in 1842, and Geo. Benedict sent to De Kalb. In 1843 Wm. G. Duke is sent to Sulphur Fork, and Jefferson Shook and David L. Bell are sent to De Kalb. At the close of this year the Red River country, with 707 white and 64 colored members, is trans- erred to the East Texas Conference, with which it is henceforth to become identified.
18
METHODISM IN TEXAS.
[CHAP. I.
SECTION II.
In the Redlands-Henry Stevenson-Needham J. Alford-Sumner Ba- con-Threats of cowhiding a preacher-Col. Piedras-James P. Ste- venson- A camp-meeting-James Bowie- Class organized near San Augustin-The McMahans-First missionary appointed for Texas.
PREVIOUS to annexation the region of country lying between the Sabine and the Trinity Rivers was known as the Redlands. In 1824 Henry Stevenson sent an appoint- ment for preaching at the house of Mr. Stafford, near San Augustine. Gomez Gaines, the alcalde, hearing of this, interdicted the meeting, and it was not held. Two days afterward, Mr. S. did preach at Mr. Thomas', on the Atoyac Creek. In 1829 Mr. S. was on the Rapides circuit, in Louisi- ana, and held a camp-meeting not far from the Sabine River, at which a good many Texans were present, a number of whom professed religion and united with the church. He was again on the Rapides circuit in 1830, and occasionally crossed the Sabine and preached in Texas.
In the Spring of 1832, Needham J. Alford, a local Metho- dist preacher, and Sumner Bacon, a Cumberland Presby- terian, held a two days' meeting in Sabine County, near where the town of Milam now stands. The Mexican officer Gaines " pronounced " against the meeting, and there was other opposition. The preachers went to fill the appoint- ment. Just before the hour for preaching, a Mr. Johnson appeared on the ground with a heavy whip, declaring he would horsewhip the first preacher who entered the stand. In the midst of this confusion Alford arrived, to whom some one repeated Johnson's threat. " Well," says he, "I am as able to take a whipping as any man on this ground." Alford was a muscular, strongly-built man, a stranger to
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SEC. II.] METHODISM IN TEXAS.
fear, who, in Louisiana, had gone by the name of the bull- dog preacher. Johnson looked for a moment at the brawny arm of the preacher stretched out at full length over the book-board, and quietly retired .*
During the progress of this meeting some one reported it to Col. Piedras, the Mexican commander at Nacogdoches. Piedras asked, " Are they stealing horses ?" "No." " Are they killing anybody ?" "No." "Are they doing any- thing bad ?" "No." "Then let them alone." +
In May, 1833, James P. Stevenson (son, we believe, of William, but no relation of Henry Stevenson), held a two days' meeting at Milam, and, by special request, a camp- meeting in the neighborhood of Col. Samuel B. McMahan's.
* Alford subsequently lived for many years at Horn Hill, Texas. + Don Jose de las Piedras was one of the most generous and noble of all the Mexican officers sent into Texas during the period of its colonial history.
When Bradburn, the commander of Anahuac, had arbitrarily seized W. B. Travis, Patrick C. Jack, and Munroe Edwards, and thrust them into a dungeon, as soon as Piedras heard of it he arrested Bradburn and sent him to Mexico, and released the prisoners. But Piedras was a monarchist, and did not believe the Mexican nation capable of maintaining a republic. When the Texans declared for the Constitution of 1824, Piedras refused to join them. The Texans under Col. Bullock, determined to capture Nacogdoches. After a short fight, in which three Texans and a number of Mexicans were killed, Piedras ordered the evacuation of the town and a retreat toward San Antonio. They were intercepted at the Angelina River by a company of Texans, and Piedras, finding that all his soldiers were willing to espouse the republican cause, surrendered. Col. Piedras was forwarded to S. F. Austin, at San Felipe, who sent him to Tampico. True to his principles, he there espoused the cause of centralism, and was captured and shot. The reader may be glad to learn that Mexia, the chief who had Piedras shot, soon suffered the same fate.
20
METHODISM IN TEXAS.
[CHAP. I.
This was on the Fourth of July. There were a number of conversions at this meeting ; and another was held at the same place in September following, at which a church of 48 members was organized, and Col. Samuel McMahan was appointed class-leader. Col. McMahan had been a seeker of religion in Tennessee, and came to Texas in 1831. While engaged in secret prayer on the bank of Aish Bayou in 1832, he was happily converted. He was a prominent and useful citizen, and commanded one of the battalions in the fight with Piedras at Nacogdoches. His son, James B. McMahan, was wounded in that fight. James B. McMa- han is now a local preacher in Madison County. It was said of the elder McMahan that no young man ever lived in his family without becoming converted. Among those brought into the church through his instrumentality, we may mention J. T. P. Irvine, Enoch P. Chisholm, and Acton Young, who all married daughters of the old gentle- man, and subsequently became travelling preachers. Sam- uel D. McMahan was licensed to preach at a quarterly Conference held by Mr. Alexander in 1837. He finished his course in 1854, and sleeps in the graveyard near the church which bears his name, and which is so intimately associated with the establishment of Methodism in the Redlands .-- There was still a disposition on the part of some to persecute. Mr. Bacon and some local preachers made an appointment for a two days' meeting. Col. James P. Bowie,* hearing that evil-disposed persons were going to
* James P. Bowie was a man of commanding figure, six feet high, strongly built and well proportioned. He was taciturn among strangers, though with his friends he was free and jovial. His
respect for religion was derived from his pious mother. When aroused, his whole appearance changed, and his dark-blue eye flashed
21
METHODISM IN TEXAS.
SEC. II.]
break it up, went on the ground and made a large cross. He then declared very emphatically that the meeting should not be molested, and that he was captain in that neighbor- hood This, of course, secured peace.
In 1834 Henry Stevenson was on the Sabine circuit, in Louisiana. In June of this year he crossed the Sabine and preached at the house of George Teel, in San Augustine County. He organized a church. The first to join was Miss Eliza McFarland, - who soon afterward married Dr. Lawhon, a local preacher. A number of the Teels, Zubers, and others, joined the church. In July he held another meeting in the neighborhood of Col. McMahan's. In the Fall he attended the Mississippi Conference in high spirits, hoping to be returned as missionary to Texas. Though he encountered some opposition to the projected mission, he finally prevailed, and, among the Mississippi appointments for 1835, we read : Texas Mission-Henry Stevenson.
with the fierceness of the tiger. A duel, in which he was engaged on a bar in the Mississippi River, was one of the bloodiest on record. This was in September, 1827. The weapons used were knives, and from this circumstance originated the Bowie-knife. Two men were killed and Bowie himself wounded. Coming to Texas soon after this, he married a Spanish lady of San Antonio, daughter of Don Juan Martin Veramendi, vice-governor of Coahuila and Texas. In 1831 James P. Bowie and his brother Rezin, and nine other Tex- ans, were surrounded by 164 Indians on the San Saba River, and successfully resisted the attack, losing only one man, and having three wounded. The Indians lost in killed nearly half their num- ber. James P. Bowie was admitted to citizenship in Coahuila, and obtained a charter for establishing a cotton factory, but the war com- ing on, he joined the Texan forces, and fell in the Alamo with Crockett, Travis, and their brave comrades.
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