A colonizer and statesman, Manuel Lorenzo Justiniano de Zavala was one of the most talented and capable of the many native Mexicans involved in Texas’ struggle for independence from Mexico. He was born in the villiage of Tecoh in what is now the state of Yucatan, Mexico, on October 3, 1789. While still in his … Read more
The following family register entries to Lone Star Junction are posted so that our viewers can share information about specific families that lived in early Texas. Inquiries of more general interest in Texas history should be posted in our Texas History Forum. We invite all interested viewers to participate in the register. IMPORTANT: Refer to Guidelines for Posting Family … Read more
The following are people that performed key roles in the development of Texas before 1900. Click the name for additional biography and details of each individual. Birth Death TexasRevol. IndianFights MX/AMWar Civil War Branch T. Archer 1790 VA 1856 TX ✅ Stephen F. Austin 1793 VA 1836 TX ✅ Peter H. Bell 1812 VA 1898 … Read more
A severe illness at the age of fifteen left R. M. Williamson crippled for life. As a result of the illness, his right leg was drawn back at the knee. To compensate, he wore an artificial limb from the knee down, which led to his widely used nickname of “Three-Legged Willie.” Williamson was born in … Read more
In a land and at a time known for its tough and colorful characters, William A. “Bigfoot” Wallace felt right at home. During his sixty years in Texas, he set the standards as a ranger, backwoodsman and folk hero. Born in Lexington, VA on April 3, 1817, Wallace grew up and worked on his father’s … Read more
Born in South Carolina on 9 August 1809, William Barret Travis will always be remembered as the Texas commander at the Battle of the Alamo. He spent his childhood in Saluda Co., SC, which was also the home of James Butler Bonham, another Alamo defender. Travis studied law and became a practicing attorney for a brief … Read more
For over fifty years, Alexander Terrell maintained a high profile in Texas. His public service career progressed from that of district court judge to military officer, legislator, and U. S. minister to Turkey. Born in Virginia on November 3, 1827, Terrell moved with his family to Missouri at an early age. There, he studied law … Read more
For his role in the Provisional Government during the early stages of the Texas Revolution, Henry Smith is remembered as the first American governor of Texas. He is also remembered as having married three times (all sisters to each other), and as the father of nine children. Smith was born in Kentucky on May 20, … Read more
Erastus Smith was hearing impared. Despite this handicap, however, Smith became one of Sam Houston’s most reliable and most trusted scouts. He was a man of few words, but was well known for his coolness in the presence of danger. Born April 19, 1787 in Dutchess County, New York, Smith moved with his parents to … Read more
Born August 13, 1805 in Hartford, Connecticut, Ashbel Smith graduated from Yale in 1824 and became a doctor in 1828. After further medical study in Europe, he decided to go to the newly formed Republic of Texas in 1837. Here, he remained a resident for life. Soon after arriving in Texas, Smith was appointed surgeon-general … Read more