USA > Texas > Henderson County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 3
USA > Texas > Freestone County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 3
USA > Texas > Leon County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 3
USA > Texas > Anderson County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 3
USA > Texas > Limestone County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 3
USA > Texas > Navarro County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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COLONIZATION RESUMED.
In 1819, after Spain had sold Florida to the United States, by which sale the latter Government agreed to relinquish all claim to Texas, efforts were made on the part of Mexico to colonize her province. Several liberal propositions were made, but none accepted till citizens of the United States took the inatter in hand. The survivors of the Magee expedition had given glowing accounts of Texas and its possibilities, and of the liberal disposition of the Mexican authorities, and a number of Americans set out for the new field of enterprise. Moses Austin, who had moved into Mis-
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HISTORY OF NAVARRO, HENDERSON, ANDERSON,
·
souri when it belonged to Spain, resolved to become the founder of a Texas colony. To make preparations, he visited San An- tonio, but was at first coolly received by Governor Martinez, and ordered to leave the province; but, happening to meet Baron de Bastrop, whom he had pre- viously known, that gentleman, who was one of the alcaldes of the municipality, be- came warmly favorable to Austin's plan, and through his influence the Governor was induced to give the colonial project his sanction. With the aid of De Bastrop, Austin succeeded in getting the signatures of all the officials of the city to his appli- cation, which was forwarded to Arredon- do, the commander of the eastern interior provinces.
Having no doubt of the success of his application, Austin. returned to Missonri to make arrangements to introduce his colonists; but on his journey he was so much exposed that he took sick and died after reaching his home. During the time that he was in Mexico, his son, Stephen Fuller Austin, was in New Orleans ma- turing plans to co-operate with his father. Arredondo promptly gave his assent to the colonial project, and Veramendi and Teguin, two prominent citizens of San Antonio, were appointed commissioners to meet Austin at Natchitoches. Stephen Anstin, hearing of these commissioners and the meeting place, set out to go there, bnt on the road heard of the death of his father. The authority of the elder Austin was transferred to the son. Being cordially received at San Antonio, he returned to New Orleans, and with the assistance of citizens of that city purchased a vessel,
loaded it with supplies and started for the mouth of the Colorado river; but the schooner was never afterward heard from.
Anstin at once departed by land, and was joined on his trip by ten companions. The lands selected were npon the Brazos and Colorado rivers, and the party reached the bank of the Brazos December 31. The conditions upon which the colonists were permitted to settle were at first quite strin- gent. They must be Roman Catholics; citizens of Lonisiana; must take an oath to support the Spanish monarchy, and be of exemplary character. Each man was to receive 640 acres of land, his wife 320, and each child 160. To the heads of fami- lies eighty acres were given for each slave brought in. The land was to be paid for at the rate of twelve and a half cents per acre.
But the condition of affairs was so un- settled that Austin was compelled to wait a whole year before .a goverment suffi- ciently stable was formed by which he could arrange his colony on a firm basis. As an inducement to colonists a clause was inserted in the law, which is quite lengthy, exempting all colonists from taxes, tithes, ete., for six years. The settlements filled up and grew with considerable rapidity. Austin had opened a farın on Red river, where he raised a large quantity of prod- nice for his colony. He gained the friend- ship of General La Garcia, commander of the eastern interior provinces, and made friends of all the leading persons with whom he came in contact. In consequence of the restless and rambling disposition of a majority of the colonists, they scattered front San Jacinto on the east to Navidad
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LIMESTONE, FREESTONE AND LEON COUNTIES.
23
on the west, and from the coast of the gulf to the old San Antonio and Nacog- doches road. Ferries were established, farms opened, stores set up, and the condition of the colonists was assuming quite a comfort- able aspect.
Hayden Edwards also obtained a con- tract for the introduction of some 800 families, with grants of land sufficient for all that he might bring. He was nnfor- tunate, however, in his location, as it was in the neighborhood of Nacogdoches, which had been settled by a roving band of dan- gerous characters. Besides this, Edwards got into trouble with the Mexican authori- ties, and his contract was annulled after he had spent several thousands of dollars in bringing out his colonies. He organized a party and attempted to regain his pos- sessions, but was finally defeated. These transactions occurred in 1826.
Numbers of other empresario grants were made throughout the country, too numerous to give in detail here.
The people in Austin's colony enjoyed all their rights and privileges for several years without molestation, and for six years, as previously stated, were exempt from taxation. The government gave them liberal grants of land, and those dissatis- fied with their first locations were per- mitted to change.
Austin filled the position of military as well as civil ruler, and up to 1828 was the superior judge. Although he did every- thing that he could to bring in colonists, and he was eminently successful, yet the history of frontier expansion shows that it is no easy task. Especially in Texas the difficulties were great, it being remote from
other settlements and in the midst of a country- so vast that one fails to appreciate the extent of it. These colonies were, in addition, in a foreign country, with laws and a government entirely different from that whence the settlers came, and in a country, too, filled with hostile Indians and scarcely less treacherous and cruel Mexi- cans. Taking into consideration these facts, the success of the Austin movement was most marvelous. But he was no ordinary man, and his colonists were sturdy, brave and industrious. They asked no favors of the Mexican government, and were left to pursue their business uninterrupted. They knew how to protect their homes, and were more than a match for a dozen savages. From that race of pioneer heroes came the stock that afterward threw from their necks the Mexican yoke, and gave rise to the mighty arms and masterly heads which are now so numerous in the Lone Star State. The statesmen and warriors who have been and are now lending luster to the Ameri- can name sprang from that grand old body of fearless men and women.
POPULATION.
In 1834 the population, as estimated by Almonte, whom Santa Ana sent into Texas to gather statistics, was 36,300, of whom 21,000 were civilized and 15,300 Indians. An extract from Almonte's report shows that while the Mexican population fell off nearly one-half from 1806 to 1834, the Americans had grown from nothing in 1820 to 7,000, exclusive of negroes. He says:
" In 1806 the department of Bexar con- tained two municipalities,-San Antonio
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HISTORY OF NAVARRO, HENDERSON, ANDERSON,
with a population of 5,000 souls, and Goliad with 1,400; total, 6,400. In 1834 there were four municipalities, with a population respectively as follows: San Antonio, 2,400; Goliad, 700; Victoria, 300; San Patricio, 600; total, 4,000. De- ducting 600 for the municipality of San Patricio, an Irish settlement, the Mexican population had declined from 6,400 to 3,- 400 between 1806 and 1834. The depart- ment of the Brazos (Austin and De Witt's colonies) had the following municipalities: San Felipe, 2,500; Columbia, 2,100; Mata- gorda, 1,400; Gonzales, 900; Mina, 1,000; total, 7,000 to 8,000, exclusive of negroes."
TAXATION.
Matters were progressing satisfactorily in Texas, but the question of taxation was arising, -how to obtain revenue to support a government for the rapidly increasing population ; for colonists, as well as other people, must be ruled with officers, and those officers must be paid for their services. Without lawful restraints society lapses into anarchy, no matter how well contented the people may be at the start. The colon- ists of Texas were not only exempt from all internal taxes and titles, but could bring what they liked into the country free of duty. From the foundation of Austin's colony up to 1830-'31, Texas from one end to the other was exempt; but the exemp- tion of so large a portion of the State could not have the effect of producing plethora in the treasury at Saltillo; so, not having the funds to pay officials, very few officials were to be found in Texas. A number of expedients for raising the de- sired amount of revenne were tried. The
Texans, no matter how good they were as citizens, did not feel kindly toward assess- ors and tax collectors. They had lived so long without those burdens that they dreaded worse than ever to return to them.
The time of expiration of tax exemption in the case of many of the colonists liad now arrived, and in 1830 the government took steps to collect. It was not unreason- able that it should do so, if the process came about in the usual manner; nor would it have been objected to by the people. If the assessors and collectors had gone about their work without any display of force, all would have been well. But the Anglo- American can not brook in silence a civil officer parading around with armed bands of soldiers at his heels and accompanied by officers with dictatorial powers. The question of slavery had some influence, of course, in the growing discontent, as the Mexican government had abolished that institution, after guaranteeing the colonists protection for their slaves when they first came.
The Fredonians at Nacogdoches had caused suspicion against the Americans, and, besides, the United States had re- newed its claim on Texas.
All these things were but precursors to the storm that was shortly to burst upon the people, and by which Mexico was des- tined to lose much of her fair territory. It was evidently the intention of the au- thorities thoroughly to Mexicanize Texas, as in April, 1830, a decree was issued prohibiting any further immigration into Texas from the United States, which was followed by a still more odious one, direct- ing that Mexican convicts be banished to
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LIMESTONE, FREESTONE AND LEON COUNTIES.
Texas. Custom houses were to be estab- lished at several points at the border, and about 1,000 soldiers were to be distributed throughout the settlements. These soldiers were the vilest wretches that ever wore a uniform, and their officers, clothed with absolute power over the citizens, were un- principled and restless. Many acts of op- pression are recorded against the minions of Bustamante, but the tyrant Bradburn stands conspicuous. This officer seems to have taken special delight in annoying the Texans. He endeavored to close all the ports in Texas except Anahuac, in order that he and Teran might reap the benefit, their headquarters being at that port; but his action was so nujust that it called forth the leading citizens, who demanded the instant nullification of the order, and they succeeded. He then endeavored to set the slaves of the Texans free, causing them much trouble and inconvenience.
His next act was the arrest of William B. Travis, Patrick A. Jack, Monroe Ed- wards and others. The news of this ont- rage flew like fire before the wind over the plains of Texas; and the smothered indig- nation broke out in the raising of a mili- tary company and marching to the Ana- hnac, who, upon approaching that place, captured seventeen of Bradburn's soldiers. The citizens then demanded the release of the prisoners held by Bradburn, which was at first refused; but at the intercession of a liberal Mexican officer, Colonel Sou- verin, Bradburn agreed. The citizens re- leased the soldiers, but the treacherous Bradburn broke his word and retained the citizens.
The citizens now resolved to take the fort, and sent for cannon at Brazoria; but in the meantime Santa Ana had pro- nounced against Bustamante, which ma- terially changed the aspect of affairs. Bradburn was relieved from command and the prisoners in the fort released. The citizens of Brazoria, not knowing of this change in the situation, and smarting un- der the order of Bradburn, rose in arms and demanded the surrender of the fort at Velasco, then held by Ugartechea. The fort finally surrendered.
The three most important forces sent to Texas had now been disposed of. The rem- nant, that is, those who had escaped the Texan bullets, were now gathered together and sent to Tampico, to assist in the revo- Intion against Bustamante. "Thus ended the warlike commotions of these colonies,", says Edwards. "On the 2d of September, 1832," he continues, "just as the inhab- itants were informed that their greatest arch enemy, General Teran, and his troops, on their way from Mexico to Matamoras, had been surrounded by the Liberal forces of General Montezuma, and that, too, on the identical plain where the injudicious Iturbide lost his life. Teran, having de- termined within himself neither to unite with the Liberals nor submit to them as a prisoner, returned to a private place and fell on his own sword, appearing, to those who found him still alive, as inexorable in the hour of death as he was uncompro- mising in political life."
"Texas." says another writer, "now breathed one enthusiastic feeling of admi- ration for Santa Ana as the undoubted · hero and main support of the Federation."
2
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HISTORY OF NAVARRO, HENDERSON ANDERSON,
But one short year, even, can make mighty changes in a man's opinions and actions. Who would have thought at that time that the apparently patriotic Santa Ana would become the tyrant he afterward proved to be, and the butcher of the gal- lant martyrs of the Alamo ?
The legislature at Saltillo, in April, 1822, repealed the liberal colonization law, and passed another based upon the decree of April, 1830. The new law forbade any- body but Mexicans from becoming em- presas, but the influence of the delegation from Texas was so far felt that a law was enacted creating new municipalities, and allowing the people to elect their officers. A movement was made to form a separate State of Texas, and to a separation from Coahuila, as the former had sufficient popu- lation, and the junction of the two States was considered only temporary when in 1824 they came together for convenience. The project fell through, and Austin, who had gone to Saltillo to consummate the separation, was arrested and placed in prison, where he remained for nearly two years, sometimes in solitary confinement without any of the comforts of an ordinary prison.
Texas was quiet during this time (1834), but Coahuila was in a state of revolution. Santa Ana now began to show his cloven foot in matters touching Texas. At a con- vention to consider the Texan question, he drew up a set of resolutions which bore hard on the Texans. Austin seemed to confide in Santa Ana, and wrote favorably of his project, but the Texans did not
have faith in him, and his actions a little later proved them to be correct in their estimate of him.
THE REVOLUTION.
At the beginning of the revolutionary period the colonists were in quite a pros- perous condition. They had found in their new homes just what they had songht. A steady increase was going on in the population; their cattle and horses were multiplying; cotton, corn, sugar and all that they needcd in the way of produce was easily cultivated, and in large quanti- ties. They were contented and happy, but the politieal sky was beginning to be over- cast with dark and portentious clouds. Santa Ana, who had taken the reins of government as a Republican, was getting into full accord with the aristocratic and . church party, and was preparing to over- throw the Republic. He was ambitious, unprincipled, cruel and treacherous. He betrayed the party which had elevated lim to the highest position in Mexico. He still held Austin in confinement, who was ignorant of the charges against him. There could be no justifiable accusation against the Texan leader. A few concessions were made to Texas, in order to cajole the set- tlers. An additional delegate was allowed that State in the general legislature. In the fall elections of 1834, the Centralist party, headed by Santa Ana, was victori- ous everywhere except in Texas, Zacatecas and Coahuila. In revenge for the action of Zacatecas, that State was declared to be in rebellion, and the number of militia was reduced to only one in every 500 per- sons, the balance being disarmed. Many
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LIMESTONE, FREESTONE AND LEON COUNTIES.
acts of usurpation were perpetrated upon the citizens of the three sections which had not endorsed Santa Ana at the late election, and finally that general, at the head of about 5,000 men, started for Zacatecas to reduce that Republican State to submission. The governor of Zacatecas, Francisco Garcia, was a Republican of high standing, but lacking military ex- perience and ability. He had under him fully as many soldiers as Santa Ana. He evacuated the city and made a stand on the Guadalupe plains, and after a bloody battle he was disastrously defeated, losing 2,000 killed or wounded, and the rest taken prisoners. This was a terrible blow to the Republican cause, and in addition Santa Ana was clothed with unlimited power. He soon used this power by dis- solving all State Legislatures. The people of Texas were thus left without a civil government. True, the political chiefs and alcaldes exercised their functions, but the laws were all of Spanish origin and dis- tasteful to the Americans. Being mostly farmers, the Texans were averse to any warlike measures, if they could honorably be avoided. Some were for submission to Santa Ana, but the slumbering lion in the nature of these hardy border mnen fore- boded a terrible storm when the lion should be aroused by too much prodding from the keeper. Santa Ana in the meantime was preparing, under cover of collecting the revenue in Texas, for the military occupation of the province. He landed 500 men at Lavaca bay, and forwarded them under General Ugartechea to San Antonio. The customhouse at Anahuac was taken in charge and enormous dues
were demanded. So excessive were they that W. B. Travis raised a company and captured Captain Tenorio and the soldiers at the customhouse. They were shortly after released, as the act of Travis was thought by his friends to be too hasty. When Tenorio reported these proceedings to his superior officer, he was sent on a still more uncalled-for errand. A Mexican Republican, Lorenzo de Zavala, had taken refuge in Texas, and Santa Ana, fearing his influence, ordered lis arrest; but no one would undertake the task. Another order was sent from headquarters to arrest R. M. Williamson, W. B. Travis, Samuel M. Williams, Moseley Baker, F. W. Jolin- son and John H. Moore, and a subsequent order included the names of J. M. Carra- vahal and Juan Zambrano. The two last being Mexican citizens, they were carried off; but the job of arresting the first six persons was considered so dangerous that no officer had the temerity to attempt it. In addition to these Mexican outrages on the Texans, the Indians were becoming troublesome. Merchants and traders were intercepted and killed, and their goods carried off. But these Indian outrages served one important purpose: they gave the Texans an excuse for forming com- panies, procuring arms and drilling osten- sibly for operations against the savages, but really to resist the encroachments of the despotic Mexican government. The companies were called "committees of safety," and their business was to dissemi- nate information, secure arms, ammuni- tion, etc. A central committee was also formed which met at San Felipe, and an administrative council was organized. The
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HISTORY OF NAVARRO, HENDERSON, ANDERSON,
council sent Messrs. Barrett and Gritton to San Antonio on a mission of peace to Gen- eral Ugartechea, but nothing was accom- plished. Stephen F. Austin in the mean- time was returning, when he was made chairman of the council at San Felipe. He expressed regret at the action of his friends and stated that he had hoped to find every- thing peaceful.
Santa Ana still professed to have the kindest feelings toward the Texans, and he authorized Austin to tell his people that he was their friend, and that he desired their prosperity; that he would do all he could to promote it, and that in the new constitution he would use his influence to have conditions therein to give Texas a special organization, suited to their educa- tion and habits. But Santa Ana could be nothing but treacherous, as the treatment of the people in that portion of the State occupied by his troops but ill accord with his professions of good will. Citizens were arrested, money forced from those who fell into the hands of the despot's minions, and communities stripped of their arms, the soldiers compelling families to support them, the attempt to disarm all citizens being a principal feature of the plan of subjugation. Captain Castenado was sent to Gonzales to seize a small can- non which had been given to the corpora- tion for protection against Indians. The citizens were unwilling to part with their gun, and prepared to resist the demand of Castenado, who had 150 soldiers to back him. A company was organized, which charged the Mexicans and put them to flight in disorder. The news of this con- fliet roused a warlike spirit in the Texans.
A company was raised to capture the Mexican garrison at Goliad. Captain George Collingsworth led the party and almost withont firing a gun the exultant Texans made prisoners of the whole force, about twenty-five, including Colonel San- doval, besides obtaining 300 stand of arms and military stores to the amount of $10,- 000. The Mexican fort at Lipantitlan was also captured shortly after.
Not only had Austin returned, but the noted Benjamin R. Milam had escaped from Monterey and returned and joined the patriot forces. Austin, who was a born commander, was put in immediate com- mand of the Texan forces on his arrival at Gonzales, which was on the 11th of October.
The consultation met October 16, but there being only thirty-one members present an adjourninent was made until November 1. November 5 a preamble and set of reso- lutions were adopted, in which the declara- tion was made that although they repudi- ated Santa Ana and his despotic govern- ment, they yet clung to the Constitution of Mexico of 1824. On November 12 an ordinance was passed for the creation of a provisional government, with an executive council, to be composed of one member from each municipality. Henry Smith was made Governor, and James W. Robin- son Lieutenant-Governor. Sam Houston, who, it will be noticed, had figured some little in Texas history since 1832, was selected to command the army to be raised; and just here an extract from a biographi- cal sketch of this famous man will not be inappropriate:
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LIMESTONE, FREESTONE AND LEON COUNTIES.
"After the very adventurous life in the Indian country Houston visited Washing- ton, in 1832, and when he left he bore a commission as confidential Indian agent among the tribes in the Southwest. He had already been meditating a settlement in Texas, and the establishment of a stock ranch on some of her beautiful prairies. He determined to visit the province, partly to look for a new home, and partly to fulfil his mission to the Indian tribes within her territory. He crossed Red river at Jones- boro, December 10, 1832, and proceeded to Nacogdoches, passing but two houses on the route. At San Felipe he met James Bowie, who invited him to visit San An- tonio and have a 'talk' with some Co- manche chiefs, then camped in the neigli- borhood of that city. From this period Texas became his home, and for thirty years his character forms her principal figure, and her soil entombs his mortal re- mains.
"Mr. Houston was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, in 1793, and, his father dying when he was fourteen years old, young Sam moved with his mother and her nine children to Blount county, Ten- nessee. He ran away and joined the Chero- kee Indians; was in the battle of Horse Shoe, on the Tallapoosa river, in 1814; was made Indian agent in 1817. He studied law, and in 1819 was district attor- ney of Davidson county, Tennessee; in 1823 he was elected to Congress, and after his second terin was elected Governor of Tennessee. In January, 1829, he married a Miss White, and they seemed to live happily together, but one morning Mrs. Houston left for her father's house in Gal-
latin, and the governor fled from the city in disguise, after resigning his position. The cause of these mysterious proceedings have never been made known, the two persons interested carrying the secret to their graves. Houston was the man that Texas needed at the period of his advent here. He had had experience as a legis- lator, as an executive, and as an officer of the United States army. His youth had been passed in severe struggles with pov- erty, and nearly his whole life had been spent on the frontier. He was a pioneer among those hardy adventurers who are constantly enlarging the boundaries of civil- ization. He was still in the prime of man- hood, and his fine physique pointed him out as one born to cominand. Around the camp-fires, in the company of his com- panions-in-arms, lie was · jovial-perfectly at home; could barbecue his own meat, and, when he enjoyed such a luxury, could prepare his own cup of coffee. Self-reliant and self-helpful, he exacted no service from his soldiers that he was himself unwilling to undertake. When planning a campaign, or conducting a battle, he was equally self- reliant, but more reticent, seldom advising with his brother officers. He also pos- sessed the rare and wonderful gifts of a popular orator. He could sway the multi- tudes as the trees of the forest are bent by the passing tornado. He could on any occasion, on a moment's notice, address his fellow-citizens, or his fellow-soldiers, in such strains of convincing eloquence as in- spired his auditors with his own lofty sentiments. The advent of such a man into Texas properly forms an epoch in our history."
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