USA > Texas > Washington County > Brenham > The history of Brenham and Washington County > Part 9
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9
River traffic assumed business importance about 1842, which year witnessed the appearance of the stern wheeler. "Mustang." Some dozen steamboats were put regularly on the river, and it was no uncommon sight to see as many as three boat, all being docked at the large wharves at Washington. The two side wheelers, "Brazos" and "Wash- ington," were put in commission during the late '40s. The finest boat that ever sailed the river was the "Fort Henry." Thousands of bales of cotton and much produce were shipped to Velasco and Quintana, and many passengers made trips back and forth. River traffic improved with a rapidity unparalleled from 1844 to 1854, but from about the 12th of May, 1854, when the Brazos was so full that one of the boats ran clear out of the banks of the river into a large plantation, and there remained, navigation practi-
104
cally ceased. By common consent the people concluded that their only hope was in railroads, and railroads alone.
According to the records in Austin, Washington County was organized December 14, 1837. The first county seat was Washington, which afterwards became a great polit- ical center; and the first county officers under the Re- public were: John P. Coles, chief justice; R. Stevenson, clerk; J. P. Sheppard, clerk of the district court; and R. Merritt, clerk of the county court. Washington continued to be the county seat until the fall of 1841, when the records were removed to Mount Vernon. In 1844 Brenham was elected the county seat.
The majority of the citizens of Texas favored annexation, and at a mass meeting held in Washington in the spring of 1845, strong resolutions were passed urging President Jones to convene Congress. Pursuant to his proclamation, the Congress of the Republic of Texas met, June 16, 1845, for the last time, at Washington. Both houses unanimously consented to the Joint Resolution of the United States. Thus it will be seen that old Washington witnessed the assembling of the convention which made the Declaration of Independence, and the last session of the Congress which terminated the Lone Star of the Republic, and added Texas to the United States of America.
At the close of the '40s and in the early '50s this almost extinct town reached the zenith of its glory, and attained its greatest commercial importance. With a population of over 1,500 souls it was one among the larger towns in Texas. The fine water facilities made it a distributing point for Middle Texas. The old place was prospering and building on safe and sure lines, until 1858, when it made the fatal mis- take of refusing to give a bonus of $11,000.00 to the Hous- ton & Texas Central Railroad. The railroad officials then abandoned the route which had been surveyed through the Brazos bottom, and built the road to Navasota. There were only two or three people in Washington who favored the advent of the railroad. A majority of the citizens claimed that it would interfere seriously with their river navigation and trade. One man, with wisdom beyond his fellow towns- men, pleaded with them to raise the bonus. He walked the streets entreating the inhabitants to accede to the de- mands of the railroad officials. Finally, seeing how utterly futile his efforts were, he cursed the town, and in his wrath prayed that he might live to see the day when the site. of Washington would be planted in cotton. This prayer has been very nearly granted, for today there is nothing left but a few old buildings fast tottering to the end, and one store, which supplies the wants of the adjacent farmers.
105
Around the once proud old town are farms, but the site is so thickly studded with brick foundations, old cisterns and the debris of what was once a commercial center, that it is impossible to plow or cultivate it. Weesache grows in every nook and corner; nothing remains but the shadowy mem- ories of a haunted past, and a shaft of gray Texas granite erected at the suggestion of Superintendent E. W. Tarrant by the school children of Washington County in 1900, April 21st, to tell that "Here a nation was born."
Down where the Brazos sings a low, sweet song, Of the glory of the vanished years When Washington was once so great and strong And faced the future with no fears, There stands a monument of granite gray To mark a spot of hallowed earth, And tell of Texas Independence Day When a nation had its glorious birth.
It's no cloud-capped. lofty, towering spire, But just a shaft of modest gray,
Erected there by the children's great desire To commemorate the liberty day. It marks the tomb of a nation that is dead; For the Texas Republic is no more,
And her heroes their silent tents have spread, With all the hosts long gone before.
Sad desolation reigns around this spot, Twice the capital of a nation; Its glorious story ne'er will be forgot, For it is of brave men of every station. Straight stands the shaft, while Time unrolls her scroll And all alone; for everything has gone;
There's nothing left but Fame's bright honor roll, And the shaft, to tell a nation was born.
On its way to the Gulf the Brazos River goes, In spring and summer, winter and fall; Around its banks so high the weesache grows, And hoary oaks stand grim and tall, While the monument keeps watch by night and day, O'er the lonely place where memories tread ;
And e'er the river sings along its way,
A requiem for the town that is dead.
106
SOME EARLY GERMAN SETTLERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY AND THEIR DESCENDANTS
Of the peoples who came from across the water none have done more to build up the interests, or advance the commer- cial and agricultural importance of Texas, than have the honest, industrious and God-fearing Germans, who left their beloved Fatherland to enjoy the freedom of thought and in- dependence of action that is the blessed privilege of every citizen of the United States.
A great many Germans have, from time to time, settled in Washington County, and a great many have spread from Washington County to the northward and to the westward. The population of the county at the present day is composed largely of Germans; and some of the descendants of the original settlers are living within its confines. They have ever been citizens to aid in the development of farming in- terests and in the improvement of business conditions, and especially have they given assistance in religious, educa- tional and musical activities. The fires of patriotism, en- kindled in the old country, have burned brightly in their souls ; and some of the "bravest of the brave" soldiers who wore the Confederate gray were the Germans who enlisted from this county.
Charles F. Fordtran and Friedrich Ernst, while not the first Germans to come to Texas, were the first permanent settlers. Fordtran, who was born May 7, 1801, was from Minden, Westphalia, and Ernst was from Varel, Oldenburg; after leaving Germany they met in New York. On April 3, 1831, they arrived at Harrisburg on the Mexican schooner "Saltillo," commanded by Captain Huskin. From Harris- burg they went to San Felipe, where they stayed several weeks, endeavoring to secure land grants. Ernst selected a league of land where the town of Industry, Austin County, now stands, one-fourth of which he gave to Fordtran. Sam- uel M. Williams gave Fordtran a league of land in this same vicinity as compensation for surveying two leagues. On July 4, 1833, Charles F. Fordtran married Almeida Brook- field, who was born in Detroit, Michigan. The death of this Texas veteran occurred at Industry, November 1, 1900, when he was nearly 100 years of age. Both he and his wife are buried in Prairie Lea cemetery at Brenham.
107
The first German to locate permanently in Washington County was Henry Eichholt, the father of Louis and Wil- liam Eichholt of Cedar Hill. The place of his nativity was Brocken, near Berlin. He arrived at Washington in the spring of 1846, with just fifty cents in his pocket. Unable to speak English, and in a strange country where no one spoke his native tongue, the inflexible will of the poor Ger- man boy was undaunted, and with the determination to overcome obstacles that has ever marked the Teutonic race, he bravely set out to find work. In his heart there was the love and fear of God, for he was a Christian. His first work was that of driving an ox team, and cutting hay. He after- wards engaged in farming. In 1847 he was united in mar- riage to Louise Roehling, who came with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. Roehling, that year from Germany. Upon a farm of 200 acres, bought on the installment plan, near where William Penn is now located, they built a two-room cabin of cedar logs, with stick-and-mud chimney and dirt floor, that was comfortable in summer, but scarcely suffi- cient to keep out the sleet and snow of winter. Their bed- stead was a home-made affair, one side of which was nailed to and supported by the wall. A big trunk brought by Mrs. Eichholt from across the water served as the dining table. It having become necessary to have a wagon for his team of oxen, Mr. Eichholt very ingeniously made one of hickory, fashioning the great wheels of solid hickory logs. There was an abundance of prairie chickens, wild turkeys, wild hogs and deer, a supply to always reward the hunter's effort. Life was peace, contentment and happiness for the youth- ful couple: and they made good friends, who appreciated them for their true worth. Being deeply religious, Mr. and Mrs. Eichholt helped Rev. Kraft, in 1860, to establish the third Lutheran church in Washington County, at William Penn, on the same lot where the present church now stands. They were charter members. About this time he purchased a farm near Cedar Hill, and operated a grist mill for the soldiers and the public during the war between the States. and was thus excused from army service. The death of Henry Eichholt occurred September 13, 1900; his wife died July 2, 1899. In modern poetry there is no avocation that has been graced and dignified more than that which in real life is most prosaic. Lowell, Whittier, Burns and others have cast the veil of romance around the sturdy form of the farmer, as well as the occupation which he follows, and have made him honored of men. The example set by this first German farmer was one of economy, energy and hon- esty, added to which was a deep and abiding faith in the Christian religion, and this example is today being followed by the German citizens of Washington County.
108
MR. AND MRS. HENRY EICHHOLT THE FIRST GERMAN SETTLERS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
The love of adventure that is inherent in every strong and happy young man caused three boys, with ages ranging from 17 to 19, to seek dwelling places and search for fortunes in the new world. William Bohne, William Schlottmann and Frederick Eichholt arrived at Old Washington on the Brazos in the spring of 1847. The fires of hope and love burned brightly in their souls and hearts, for they came to prepare homes for three beautiful, blue-eyed, golden-haired girls to whom they had plighted their troths in far away Westpha- lia. Being superior farmers they soon found employment on the farm of John II. Seward at Independence, and for two long, weary years they toiled and saved, until sufficient funds were accumulated to pay the passages of their loved ones across the ocean. No greater example of trust and devotion may be found than that displayed by these pure and innocent German girls, Elizabeth Pieper, Elizabeth Richter and Louise Mernitz, the eldest being scarcely nine- teen, who forsook home, parents and friends, and made the long voyage to join those whom they had chosen as life com- panions. The vessel in which they sailed having anchored at the mouth of the Brazos, they came up the river to Colum- bia in a steamboat, and thence by wagon to Indusry. As the girls could not speak English they had difficulty in mak- ing themselves understood, until they found Charles Ford- tran, the first German settler. He came gallantly to the rescue, sent for the young men, secured the licenses, and joyously attended the weddings of Elizabeth Pieper to Will- iam Bohne; of Elizabeth Richter to William Schlottmann, and of Louise Mernitz to Frederick Eichholt. These happy marriages were solemnized in Brenham. Some of the most prominent citizens in Washington County are direct de- scendants of these worthy people.
H. Roehling and family came to this county in the fall of 1847; first stopping near the trading point which is now Chappell Hill, later going to work on the John H. Seward farm near Independence.
F. F. Sprain and wife, Henrietta Pieper Sprain, and four children, Minna, Henrietta, Henry and William, left the province of Westphalia, Germany, October 4, 1850, and landed in Galveston November 22nd. On the way the boy Henry died and was buried in the ocean. Among the cher- ished possessions of this family were four wagon wheels, which they brought with them from the Fatherland. At Houston Mr. Sprain made the rest of the wagon, mounted it on the wheels, purchased a yoke of oxen, and made the long journey to Independence, which consumed two weeks. Their first crop was made on land rented from John U. Seward. As Mr. Sprain had some money he fared better
110
than the majority of the emigrants, and was able the next year to buy a farm of 150 acres near Brenham. Six years later he bought a big farm four miles south of Brenham at $5.00 per acre, and the inconveniences of the old log house. with dirt floor and stick and mud chimney in which he first lived in Texas, were forgotten in the more comfortable and pretentious dwelling built entirely of cedar. Henrietta Sprain died in 1891, and F. F. Sprain died in 1903. Their direct descendants are Henrietta, widow of J. F. Winkel- mann; Bertha Sprain, the wife of Louis Tesch of Brenham; Adolph Sprain, J. F. Sprain of New York and William Sprain, of Salem. William Sprain, who lives at the old family home with his wife, Dora Tesch, the daugh- ter of Louis J. Tesch, is a worthy successor of his pious father. He was educated in the country schools in Washington County, and at the age of 20 years began life on his own account. During the war between the States he assisted his father in the operation of a grist mill, where products were ground for the benefit of the public and the soldiers, and was thus exempted from the duties of a sol- dier. This mill was the first steam mill to be built in this section.
From 1846 to about 1854 the list of German settlers, as near as can be ascertained, includes Henry Eichholt, Wil- liam Bohne, William Schlottmann, Frederick Eichholt, H. Roehling, Valentine Hoffmann, F. W. Schuerenberg, F. F. Sprain, C. Emshoff, William Roehling, Henry Loesch, H. Schmidt, William Meyer, H. Bockelmann, William Hoege- meyer, C. Schulte, H. Wehmeyer, William Zeiss, George Khrone, C. Dannhaus, F. and John Plueckhorn, Henry and F. Schawe, William Wedemeyer, Christian Wiede, John Rahm, F. Wehmeyer, Frederick Ehlert, Louis Lehmann, Frederick Kramer, H. Klanke, F. Wiese, H. Ceckler, F. Fahrenfort, F. Riebe, C. Grabe, Mernitz, F. Harms, Giesen- schlag, Dierke, Herman Knittel, Louis Tesch, Fred Frank, William Schemlthoppf, William Seidel, Henry Hering, L. F. Hohlt, Homeyer, Henry, Fritz and William Broesche. In nearly every instance these pioneers were accompanied by their wives and children.
On October 6, 1846, there landed at Galveston, Valentine Hoffmann and his good wife, Maria Katherina, who, with their descendants, were destined to wield a wonderful in- fluence over the agricultural, religious and commercial life of Washington County. They were born in the village of Ankerot, Province of Hessen, Germany. Their first place of residence was Galveston ; however, after six months they removed to Austin County. In 1848 they located perma- nently at Berlin, in Washington County, and in 1852 bought
111
their first farm of 156 acres, for which they paid $525.00. For 19 years they toiled together, and reared and educated their six children, until death ended the life of the good hus- band and industrious father September 1, 1871, at the age of 71 years. In 1854, Mr. and Mrs. Hoffmann assisted Rev. Ebinger in the organization of the Eben-Ezer Church-the first Lutheran church to be established in Washington County.
Few people live to reach the allotted three score and ten, and for the century to be rounded out is truly remarkable. Maria Katherina Hoffmann lived to be 102 years of age, having retained her health and faculties until within a few months of her demise, which occurred October 8, 1907. At 70 her eyesight failed and she had to use glasses; at 80 it was restored, and she was able to read the little old German Bible, which she had brought with her from Germany, with her natural eyes. Beginning with childhood her chief con- solation was in this divine book, and it sustained and com- forted her all through her long, useful and beautiful life, and was her rod and staff when the sad end came.
These pioneers taught their children, J. J. Hoffmann, John Hoffmann, R. Hoffmann, Mrs. Mary Catherine Struwe, Mrs. Mary Margaret Harriss and Mrs. W. C. Broesche, the prin- ciples of right living, thus exemplifying the foundation of much of the frugality and honesty that characterizes so markedly the Germans of today in Washington County. When the 100th birthday anniversary of Mrs. Hoffmann was celebrated, March 31, 1905, at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, she had the extreme satisfaction of know- ing that her descendants had profited by her wise counsel, and that among the 146 children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren, there was not one who was unworthy of their ancestry.
Of the sons, two answered the call to arms at the begin- ning of the four years' strife between the North and South, and served as members of Company E, Tom Green's Brig- ade, until the close of the war. They are J. J. and John Hoffmann. John died soon after the war and J. J. returned to his farm near Berlin, where he operated a gin, and steam and corn grist mill.
R. Hoffmann, the third son, established a mercantile busi- ness in Brenham in 1867, and for over forty years was one of the most successful merchants and most prominent men of the town. He married Dorothy Anna Hitscher, and of this union there were born three daughters, Louise, the wife of R. A. Schuerenberg; Emma, who married Hampus Roos, and Lillian, and three sons, Reinhardt, Edward F. and John,
112
all of whom are now dead. R. Hoffmann died February 28, 1909.
This pioneer family of Hoffmanns became allied in 1886 with the Schuerenbergs, another family of early settlers, by the marriage of Louise Hoffmann and R. A. Schueren- berg. This last named family, which added so much to the good qualities of the German element in Washington County, had its origin with the coming, in 1848, of Captain Freder- ick William Schuerenberg. He was born at Kettwig on the Ruhr, Province of the Rhine, and was graduated from Dues- seldorf University. His first location was at Chappell Hill, and he engaged in blacksmithing until the beginning of the war between the North and South. In 1861 he entered the army as a captain under John Sayles, and was assigned to duty as a drillmaster. At the close of the war he went to Independence, and later to Berlin, where he farmed, raised stock and operated a blacksmith shop. In 1855 he married Louise Mueller, a native of Perleberg, Province of Bran- denburg. In company with relatives, she came to Texas in 1849, and with them settled in Brenham, where the wedding took place. They were blessed with five children, only two of whom, R. A. and F. W. Schuerenberg, are living. In 1875 Captain Schuerenberg moved to Brenham and opened a blacksmith shop, in connection with which he subsequently began the manufacture of plows and farming implements. This business he conducted successfully up to the time of his death, laying solidly and well the foundation for the vast business which his energetic and enterprising sons have since built.
At the death of Captain Schuerenberg, March 17, 1882, the management of the estate devolved upon R. A. and F. W. Schuerenberg. The younger son had learned the blacksmith trade in his father's shop, so he took charge of that depart- ment; the elder, being an expert accountant and good buyer, assumed control of the office.
Robert Alexander Schuerenberg was born in Berlin, Tex- as, August 21, 1859, and was educated in the public schools. In 1886 he married Louise Hoffmann, daughter of R. Hoff- mann, and they have one daughter, Lillian, who became the wife of Tom A. Adams November 11, 1915.
Frederick William Schuerenberg was born in Berlin, Texas, January 17, 1862; he also received his education in the free schools. He was married in 1886 to Bertha, the daughter of E. Reichardt, and they have two children, Ben- ita, the wife of J. J. Marek, and Bertha, the wife of C. A. DeWare.
When their mother died the Schuerenbergs became sole heirs to the property. Trade increased, close application
113
--
C. KLAERNER
caused nearly every venture to end well, and success came quickly. They added a general stock of fine carriages, wagons, harness, automobiles, etc., and in time erected bet- ter and more modern buildings. Today their plant covers two acres of ground, and their business is considered one of the largest and most reliable industries in this part of Texas.
Most people get out of the world just what they put into it. The Schuerenberg brothers invested industry and en- ergy, and in return they have received the reward of plenty ; they donated honesty and integrity, and to them has come peace and tranquillity, their greatest contribution was self- sacrifice, helpfulness and kindness, and their return has been a great fortune, contentment and happiness.
C. KLAERNER.
Another splendid type of the Teutonic race is found in C. Klaerner, the man of scholarly attainments, who has done so much for Washington County and Brenham in literary, musical and educational circles.
He was born November 9, 1861, at St. Johannis, near Bayreuth, Bavaria, Germany, his parents being cultivated and intelligent people. For seven years he attended the public schools, later taking private lessons to prepare for entrance into a normal. After three years he was gradu- ated, and then took a course in a seminary. Inspired by the stories of the glories of Texas, he left his native land at the early age of nineteen years, and came to Austin County, where he worked on a farm and taught the farmer's children. In 1881 he passed a teachers' examination at Columbus, and he was granted a certificate. For six years, then, he conducted a school at Frelsburg, Colorado County.
In 1887 he accepted a position in a school in Austin County, where he remained four years. He came to Bren- ham in 1891, and for six years gave instructions in mathe- matics, methods and German at the Lutheran College, finally establishing the fine school of learning known in South Texas as the German-American Institute, where for ten years children were given superior advantages in securing educations, and in the study of the German language.
When the law creating the office of county superintend- ent of education went into effect, C. Klaerner was chosen by the commissioners court of Washington County to fill the responsible position. Being thoroughly accomplished in the government of school affairs, he had wisdom that gave keen insight into conditions, and knew instinctively all im- provements that were so urgently needed. His first aim was the improvement of the school property and the em-
115
ployment of good teachers. The district system was intro- duced, local Teachers' Institutes were conducted at stated intervals, pupils' examinations were held, and a school an- nual was published. Old school houses were repaired, new ones built, the playgrounds were made more attractive, and in many communities the school became the social center. The study of music was encouraged, the children were taught to sing, and in some instances pianos or organs were pur- chased. After seven years of arduous toil, he voluntarily retired to resume teaching, the avocation which he preferred to all others.
A valuable treatise on "Proportion and Percentage" was published in 1904 by Prof. Klaerner. For a number of years he was on the staff of the "Texas Volksbote," and his editorials, written with profundity of thought and brilliancy of metaphor, carried messages which, rightly interpreted, brightened the lives of those to whom they were delivered.
Prof. Klaerner is a member for life. of the Germania Verein, which organization he served for several terms as president. He was musical director of the Vorwaerts Sing- ing Society, and master of the choir at the St. Paul's Evan- gelical Lutheran Church. As an eloquent orator, a talented musician, and one who is passionately fond of poetry and song, he has ever done a wonderful work in encouraging the study of the most beautiful things in life. His ability, mu- sically, is known all over Texas, and at the State Saenger- fests his knowledge of music is valued and his fine voice is appreciated. When Dr. Johannes Hagen resided in Wash- ington County he paid a high tribute to this gifted man by dedicating a series of poems to him.
In recognition of true worth the State Historical and Library Commission, unsolicited by him, appointed Prof. Klaerner State Librarian in the spring of 1915, and the duties of this high office are being faithfully and conscien- tiously discharged to the eminent satisfaction of the people of Texas.
Upon his removal to Austin friends arranged a reception that was ample evidence of his popularity and prominence in Brenham.
H. F. HOHLT.
H. F. Hohlt, president of the First National Bank, and one of the most prominent merchants in Brenham, was born in Washington County, December 16, 1859. His parents were L. F. Hohlt and Dorothea Hohlt, and they came from Hanover, Germany, in 1851 to this county.
H. F. Hohlt was reared on his father's farm, and that was where he developed the strong body, and acquired the
116
-
H. F. HOHLT
STORE AND BUILDING OF H. F. HOHLT COMPANY
habits of frugality and thrift that have been such great fac- tors in his success in life. His first schooling was obtained in the rural schools, and later he went to Baylor University, Independence. His business career began July 31, 1883, when he, associated with C. Brockschmidt, opened a very small store in Brenham. This co-partnership continued un- til January 1, 1902, at which time he purchased the inter- est of the Brockschmidt heirs.
The ever-increasing volume of trade necessitated help, and in January, 1909, his mercantile holdings were duly in- corporated under the firm name of H. F. Hohlt Company. In 1914 the massive, and conveniently arranged, brick store house was built as a permanent home for the mammoth business. The clerks in this establishment are taught mod- ern methods in their work. They are treated with the ut- most kindness, and there is a mutual aid association among them which was inaugurated by Mr. Hohlt.
This influential citizen is identified with a number of bus- iness enterprises in a managerial, or advisory capacity. He is president of the Brenham Banner-Press Publishing Com- pany; president of the Texas Volksbote Publishing Com- pany ; president of the H. F. Hohlt Company, and was elected president of the First National Bank in 1910. Re- ligiously he is affiliated with St. Paul's Evangelical Luth- eran Church. Being deeply interested in educational work, his services as trustee of the Lutheran College at Seguin are deemed invaluable in the upbuilding of that school of learning.
On January 5, 1882, H. F. Hohlt and Miss Caroline Grebe were united in marriage, and they have four sons, Edwin, Arthur, Herbert and Ernest. Mrs. Hohlt is quiet and re- tiring in disposition, and her time is largely devoted to her household and her children. Withal she is a gracious gen- tlewoman who exemplifies the charm of true womanhood, and she is held in affectionate regard by all who have come within the sphere of her influence.
By his own efforts H. F. Hohlt has made his way in the world, and few self-made men have ever been more suc- cessful. He has the esteem and confidence of the masses. All people are his friends, and none are too poor or too low- ly to get words of encouragement and helpfulness from him. Although at all times a very busy man, he is never too preoccupied to stop his work, and give time and thought for the general good of Brenham and Washington County. This estimable man possesses the vital force that is the basis of all enduring greatness that lives when this earthly tabernacle is dissolved. He possesses character, and men trust, believe in, and honor him.
119
P
HUGH KERR
One of the most conspicuous literary men in the early history of Washington County was Hugh Kerr, who wrote "A Poetical Description of Texas." This poem is a narra- tive of many interesting events in Texas, embracing a period of several years, interspersed with moral and polit- ical impressions ; and also an appeal to those who opposed the union of the Republic of Texas with the United States, and the anticipation of that event. These verses were pub- lished in New York by the author in 1838.
Hugh Kerr was a native of Ireland, and he and his family resided some miles from Independence, near Captain Cris- man's. He was affiliated with Prospect Presbyterian church, being a charter member. His death occurred in this county in 1843. Copies of Kerr's poem are very rare; the history of Texas, which is embodied, is skillfully and interestingly handled-the fall of the Alamo and the battle of San Jacinto being very graphic. The story of the latter reads as follows :
Eighteen hundred and thirty-six, The month of April twenty-first, The date in full we here affix, A record of that storm which burst U'pon a guilty murd'rous crew, By instruments of providence: Some gallant freemen conscious, too, That they then act in self-defense.
At half past three, the afternoon, The Texans move in firm array, The Mexicans espy them soon,
Behind their breastworks for them stay.
The Texas line when formed advance In double quick time to the for, Reserve their fire but sternly glance. The word Fire rings, and dash they go.
Then sounds of terror and dismay Affright the Mexicans, and lo, In loud cry, the Texans say, Remember now the Alamo. Remember Travis, Crockett, too; Remember Fannin, still they cry;
No breastwork stops, and they pursue- - The slain around in hundreds lie.
120
Now like a raging torrent force, The Texas rifles slash and slay, And like the trees in tempest course, So fell the Mexicans that day. A very short time did transpire, From the commencement of the fight, The routed Mexicans entire Were killed, wounded or put to flight.
Six hundred thirty killed that day, Two hundred eight of wounded men, Seven hundred thirty captured, say, A few escaped pursuers then ; Among the captured is their chief, The noted Coss, Almonte, too, And many others-to be brief, Their treasure, trappings, old and new.
-
Next day Santa Anna in disguise, A wandering fugitive, was found; He tried to shun his captor's eyes By crouching prostrate on the ground. When forced from there in mean attire, He would not yet his name disclose; For Houston, then, he does inquire, And thence to him the party goes.
He had attempted to evade, By crossing where the bridge had been; On foot he had to retrograde, And sunk in mud his horse was seen.
As they pass on to Houston's tent, The Mexicans around exclaim, Behold, Santa Anna! In he went, And there to Houston told his name.
He added in faltering tone, "The brave are always found humane," And craved his life from hin alone, Who soothes him in a gentle strain. And now humanity attends, For though they might retaliate-
The murder of their faithful friends Such guilt they will not imitate.
121
SPRING.
Little clouds at daylight, Blown about the sky, Like butterflies so gay and white, Are flying heaven-high.
Little fragrant flowers, With May come into bloom, And all the woodland bowers Are reeking with perfume.
Little birds are singing Of happy springtime days, And the ambient air is ringing With their songs of praise.
PEACE AND GOOD WILL.
Straight from bright Bethlehem's shining star,
Where all the Herald angels are,
Down the wintry skies some angels come, With soft and snowy wings unfurled, And the music from their heavenly home, Sweetly floats out o'er the weary world.
They're bringing for you and me good cheer Enough to last for another year, When they'll be coming back again, Singing the same sweet old refrain,
That's ringing down the ages still, Of peace on earth, to men good will.
THE ANGEL OF DEATH.
With a radiant face, like a shining star, And sandal-feet in swiftness shod,
Out of the valley of rest that lies afar, Comes the angel of death-belov'd of God; Where the watchers sad their vigils keep, He bends and touches the eyelids down, And places the flowers of endless sleep, Where shines the well earned halo-crown.
He gathers the story of a life complete, Led by a good and honest man, Whose faith, and hope, and charity sweet, Were ever after the beautiful plan; As he stoops to bear the soul away, Just at the set of the life's last sun, You can hear the Master softly say, "Come, good and faithful servant, well done."
-R. E. Pennington.
122
COME SIT WITH YOURSELF TONIGHT.
Come sit with yourself tonight, And count the beautiful things you've done this year; Have you made anybody's days more bright, And did you wipe away a single tear?
When you found roses by the way, Did you treasure them for their fragrance rare, And sing a song of praise for the joyous day, And a happy heart so free from care?
Come, see if you've been forgiving, And find out what kind of a life you've led;
Have you sent sweet flowers to the living, Or did you put them on the graves of the dead?
Come and talk with yourself tonight, And tell how many beautiful prayers you've said ; Have you offered thanks for His love and light, And are you grateful for your daily bread?
Come meet your past with uplifted face, And as the old year dies can not you see Your new life must be like the Beautiful Place, God meant that this wonderful world should be.
123
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 0 014 648 285 5
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.