Edward Adolphus Peareson, born on September 2, 1867, in Matagorda County, Texas, served as Sheriff of Fort Bend County after being elected in 1902. The son of P. E. Peareson, a Civil War lieutenant, Edward’s family has a long military history. He served as a captain in State troops before receiving a major’s commission in the Spanish-American War. He married Josie Stansbury in 1889 and had two children, of whom only D. Rugely Peareson survives.
L. M. Stroble, Captain from Fort Bend County, resigned in December 1861 and passed away in 1872. W. R. John, promoted to Captain, was wounded in 1863 and 1865. Several officers and enlisted men from Fayette and Lavaca Counties experienced injuries, resignations, or death during the conflict, reflecting the high toll on the ranks of Company F. Many served valiantly, facing capture, hospitalization, and ultimately the sacrifices of war. The list chronicles their fates through the Civil War’s tumultuous years.
William Stafford, an early settler of Fort Bend County, Texas, emigrated from Tennessee and initially settled in Louisiana. He arrived in Texas in 1822 as a colonist of Stephen F. Austin, eventually establishing himself at Staffords Point on Oyster Creek. Stafford was a pioneer sugar producer and built a horse-powered gin in the colony. His home was destroyed by Mexican forces under Santa Anna during their march; however, following the victory at San Jacinto, he returned to rebuild his life. Stafford died in 1840.
Judge William Masterson, born August 13, 1871, in Brazoria County, Texas, comes from a notable lineage connected to early Texas history, including a grandfather who served in the Texas navy. After the death of his father in 1877, Masterson worked diligently to pursue his education at the University of Texas and became a lawyer before reaching adulthood. He married Fannie Pierce Harris in 1894 and moved to Fort Bend County in 1897. Judge Masterson is currently serving his second term as County Judge.
The roster of Terry Rangers, Company G details the fates of its members during the Civil War. Key figures include Captain W. Y. Houston, who was killed in action on August 9, 1862, and Lieutenant William Ellis, who died at Murfreesboro in December 1862. Other notable entries include promotions and discharges, as well as several deaths, including those of W. H. Bigelow and James English. The document highlights the sacrifices and changes in the ranks through the war’s progression, reflecting the unit’s challenging history.
Adam Sylvester Neel was born on August 25, 1844, in Fort Bend County, Texas, to William T. Neel and Mary Stafford. The family faced hardships during the Mexican conflict, including property loss. After relocating to Richmond, they endured the yellow fever epidemic, which claimed the life of Adam’s sister, Sarah. Adam married Ellen Stafford, and they had three children: Cain, Aletha, and Sylvester. The Neel family settled near Richmond, along the Brazos River, where they continued to reside.
Edgar P. Andrus, born on October 34, 1858, in Richmond, Fort Bend County, descends from a pioneering family. His grandfather, William Andrus, was an early settler with Austin’s colonists, and the family experienced the tumult of the 1836 Mexican army invasion. While Andrus’s forebears were primarily farmers, his father pursued law and real estate. E.P. Andrus is married to Mary V. Sweeny, and they have one daughter, Beulah Mary. He is currently serving his second year as District Clerk.
Charles S. McElroy, born in 1827, is a notable pioneer of Fort Bend County, Texas. He arrived in Texas in 1832 with his father from Connecticut and settled near the Colorado River. Their early life was marked by hardships, including Indian raids that led to tragic losses among settlers. After a brief relocation due to danger during Santa Anna’s invasion, the McElroys moved to Houston. McElroy has lived in Fort Bend County since 1840, making it his permanent home for over fifty years.
Henry Lee Ransom, born on December 29, 1870, in Brenham, Texas, serves as a deputy sheriff in Fort Bend County under Sheriff Peareson. A distinguished veteran, he enlisted in the U.S. Volunteers on August 15, 1899, and notably participated in the Philippine-American War, being the only soldier from Fort Bend County to do so. Ransom’s military service included multiple engagements, and he received an honorable discharge in 1901 with a commendable record. He remains unmarried and has no family.
General William M. Wilkinson played a significant role during the War of 1812 and was tasked with monitoring Aaron Burr’s potential invasion of Northern Mexico, including Texas. In response to Burr’s plans, Wilkinson gathered forces and confronted advancing Spanish troops near the Sabine River, eventually negotiating a treaty that established a neutral zone. He later prepared military defenses in New Orleans against Burr’s expedition, although Burr ultimately did not arrive and was later acquitted of conspiracy charges.
George Washington Pleasants, born in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1809, moved to Texas in 1830, settling in Columbia, where he faced a cholera epidemic that claimed the lives of his two sisters. He joined General Austin’s army during the Mexican War and fought at San Antonio and San Jacinto. Pleasants settled in Fort Bend County, marrying Jane Brush in 1842. He served as deputy sheriff during the county’s early organization. Pleasants lived until 1891, and his family included seven children, with significant descendants in Richmond.
Clement Newton Bassett, born in Richmond, Texas, on January 7, 1842, serves as the Tag Collector of Fort Bend County. His father, a Virginia native, practiced law in Richmond and represented his district in the State Legislature before dying in 1848. Bassett joined the Confederate Army in 1861, fighting in several battles and sustaining two wounds. After marrying twice, first to Lida Moore and then to Libbie Mitchell, he has five children. Currently serving his first term, he was elected unopposed.
Walter W. Little was born on October 31, 1828, in Fort Bend County, Texas. His father, William Little, a Pennsylvania native, emigrated to Texas as part of Stephen F. Austin’s colony in 1821. The family played a significant role in the establishment of the Fort settlement and its defense against Native American attacks. Walter witnessed pivotal moments during the Texas Revolution, including the flight from approaching Mexican forces. He married Sarah R. Wilson in 1858, later remarrying after her death. Walter currently resides in Eagle Lake, Texas.
Horatio Cariesman, born in Virginia in 1792, moved to Kentucky and later Missouri, where he engaged in surveying. He immigrated to Texas in 1822, settling near the Colorado River after a challenging journey marked by illness and tragedy. Cariesman served as a surveyor under General Austin and later held the position of alcalde in San Felipe. He was involved in military efforts during the Texas Revolution, though he missed the significant battle of San Jacinto. Cariesman passed away in Burleson County in 1848.
John T. Gibson, born on December 16, 1878, in Fort Bend County, succeeded his brother, J. S. Gibson, as Tax Assessor after his death. Appointed to fill the unexpired term, he was subsequently elected in 1902. The son of J. A. Gibson and Missy Tennie Anderson, he is currently in his first elected term, serving as a competent and satisfactory officer. Gibson remains unmarried and is recognized for his effective management of the tax assessment responsibilities in the county.
The post lists the names of individuals associated with Mier Prison, highlighting their uncertain fate. Among them are notable figures such as Capt. Claudius Buster and Capt. William M. Ryon, alongside numerous others from various backgrounds, including military and civilian roles. Many names are marked with asterisks, indicating ties to Fort Bend County. This compilation reflects the diverse group of prisoners whose destinies remain largely unknown.
The post lists various individuals associated with different companies, likely military or affiliated with a conflict, who managed to escape from a river. Notably included are names from Buster’s, Cameron’s, Eastland, Ryons, Reeses, and Pierson’s companies. It also mentions George W. Bonnell, who was captured and killed following his escape. Additionally, a brief mention of other Mier prisoners is included, featuring names like Alfred Alle and John R. Alexander.
A detailed account records the fates of various individuals associated with the Surrender at Mier. Notable figures include Whitfield Clark and Caleb St. Clair, who escaped wounded, while others, such as Robert Beale and John Videler, managed to flee to Texas. Several were killed or died from their injuries, including those executed at Salado and Huehuetoca under orders from Santa Anna. Some were later released through requests from prominent figures, while others faced uncertain fates, highlighting the perilous circumstances faced during this tumultuous period.
Moses Austin, born in 1767 in Connecticut, was a pivotal figure in the early American colonization of Texas. After a series of business failures, he turned to Texas as a means to rebuild his fortunes. He traveled to San Antonio in 1820, initially facing legal challenges but eventually gaining support from local officials for his plan to settle American families in Texas. Upon returning home, he fell ill and died in June 1821, entrusting his son Stephen with the execution of his vision for colonization.
Stephen F. Austin, entrusted by his father Moses to settle Texas, faced significant challenges following his father’s death. After securing a land grant and navigating early setbacks, he guided the first group of immigrants to Texas, laying the foundation for future settlements. Austin’s leadership was pivotal during the Texas Revolution, where he served as a military commander and later as Secretary of State. His dedication to the colonists and enduring struggles ultimately led to his death in December 1836, marking the loss of a key figure in Texas history.