Dr. Paul Spellman of Wharton Junior College, author of “Race to Velasco” and several other books, spoke to the members on finding Zadock Woods, a Texas pioneer.
Honored during the meeting was Brandon North, who is the winner of the chapter’s seventh grade essay contest. Brandon is the grandson of Robert and Nancy Rooke of Woodsboro and the son of Becky North of Corpus Christi and formerly of Woodsboro.
He was presented a certificate and $50. He is a student at St. James Episcopal School. Brandon read his essay entitled “Rip Ford, Texas Ranger.”
On Tuesday, Jan. 26, the Daughters toured several historical sites in the Western part of Nueces County. Anita Eisenhauer, Joan Bluntzer, Theresa Baucum, Janie Cone, Lois Welch, Joyce Berkebile, and Joanne Arnold met at the site of the Battle of Agua Dulce Creek, not far from Banquete Park.
Ralph and Clarence Balko showed the ladies the site of the centennial marker. On Agua Dulce Creek, an engagement of the Texas Revolution occurred at the site in 1836.
Dr. James Grant and his party of 26, three of whom were of Mexican nationality, were surprised and defeated by a Mexican force under Jose de Urrea.
Six were captured and taken prisoner. Six of the volunteers escaped and shortly afterward five of the men joined James W. Fannin at Goliad and later were killed in the Goliad Massacre.
After touring the Battle site of the Agua Dulce Creek, the Daughters toured the Banquete Cemetery. Anita Eisenhauer, vice president of the chapter, gave a talk on the area history.
The Banquete Cemetery is on the Banquete Creek. The oldest marked grave is of Joseph Madray, a local rancher who served in the Confederate Army and died of typhoid fever, June 1863.
Also buried there are other Confederate soldiers and Banquete residents including members of the Elliff, Rabb, Bennett, Wright and Hunter families.
By tradition the cemetery property was once the site of stock pens belonging to Sally Scull, notorious horse trader and cotton freighter of the Civil War period, whose historical marker is in Refugio County.
After the tour, the group had lunch at “Joe Cotton’s BBQ” in Robstown.
The Chapter celebrated Mirabeau B. Lamar Day, a Texas Honor Day. Lamar is honored as “Texas’ Father of Education.” He served as second president of the Republic of Texas from 1836-1841.
During his administration, congress granted each of the existing 23 counties four leagues of land to be used for educational purposes. In addition, 50 leagues of land were granted for the development of universities.
Lamar also supported the Homestead Act of 1839 and during his term the Lone Star State Flag and state seal were officially adopted.
Post a Comment
