Good Turnout for History Reenactment

It was a beautiful, sunny, morning, a perfect day to reenact some of the most important events in Pleasanton's history. March 24, 2012, the Atascosa County Historical Commission and a number of dedicated volunteers, after a great deal of planning did just that.

In 1861 one of the county commissioners, Elijah O'Brion, after riding, unarmed to check his horses on the Laparita, made a daring escape from the Indians, jumping over the Bonita Creek, with three arrows in his back, barely making it back to Pleasanton.

The Indian problems were bad out on the ranches. Jose Antonio Navarro wrote a letter to his son, Angel, and to the San Antonio Express, asking for help out on his ranch on the Atascosa Creek. These letters were read during the reenactment by Jim Coronado.

On March 29, 1862, Cpt. Lewis Maverick rode into Pleasanton and mustered men from Atascosa and surrounding counties into what would become Company E of the 32nd Texas Volunteer Cavalry. This would very soon become the 36th Wood's Regiment. More than 17 volunteer horse riders were on hand Saturday to represent the men who mustered in 1862.

During the war the county bought a large quantity of corn, took it to a San Antonio mission (San Wan in the county records)and had it ground into meal, then distributed it to the families who had men in the war. A horse drawn buggy was used during the reenactment to carry burlap sacks of corn, then it returned with cotton sacks of ground corn. Souvenir, miniature sacks were given to some in the crowd.

These events were recreated for a crowd of 80-100, finished by the men riding home on their horses, and taps played on a real bugle. Old-time music was played by fiddle and guitar throughout.

Additional photos can be found on the Atacosa County Historical Commission facebook page.

Book Signing! "The Dead Men Wore Boots"

Alan Duaine, son of author Carl Duaine, will be on hand to sign copies of the 2nd edition of "The Dead Men Wore Boots" on Saturday, November 5, 2011, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. This will take place at the Pleasanton City Hall,which is the actual site where the 32nd Texas Volunteer Cavalry, Company E, mustered on March 29, 1862.

A limited number of the 1st edition were printed in 1966 and now sells for as much as $450. This 2nd edition will sell for $37.50 and will make a great gift for lovers of Texas history.

The book signing is sponsored by the Atascosa County Historical Commission.

Hunt Continues For Civil War Veterans and Stories

The 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War is here. Texans played an important role in the war effort in terms of manpower and leadership. It produced a general, it was the adopted home of a lieutenant general, three major generals, thirty-two brigadier generals and almost on hundred colonels. As for troups, the Lone Star State supplied the cause with forty-five regiments of cavalry, twenty-three regiments of infantry, twelve battalions of cavalry, four battalions of infantry, one regiment of heavy artillery, and three light artillery batteries. There were twenty-eight infantry regiments and two legions that remained under state control. There was even a company of the 32nd Texas Volunteer Cavalry that mustered in Pleasanton in March of 1862.

The Atascosa County Historical Commission and a group of interested citizens has formed a committee to locate and mark as many veteran graves, Confederate and Union, as they can find. In addition, they would like to collect stories of the men who served, and the home front stories. What went on at home while the men were off fighting? We want to know who signed up to protect the women and children from the Indians. We also want to know about the Tejanos who fought in the war.

If you have a story to share, give us a call. We'll help you with the research and we'll help you write it, if you need it. If you know where a veteran of the Civil War is buried within the county call us. Barbara Westbrook 830 769-4333 or Norman Porter 830 569-2680.


Source: Ashcraft,Allan C., Texas in the Civil War: A Resume History,Texas Civil War Centennial Commission, January 1962, Austin, Texas

Historic Preservation Conference

This year the annual Historic Preservation Conference, sponsored by the Texas Historical Commission, will be held March 31-April 2. It will be held at the Sheraton Austin Hotel on East 11th St. The conference is a great opportunity to attend workshops on all sorts of subjects from preserving historic cemeteries to grant writing to fund raising opportunities. For more specifics, visit the THC website at www.thcstate.tx.us or call them at 512 463-6255.

Russell Cemetery Dedicated

On August 1 the Atascosa County Historical Commission held a ceremony to honor the Russell family. They are buried in a tiny cemetery in the middle of a pasture on the Jacob Ranch. Dr.Norman Jacob and his son Dr.Mark Jacob restored the cemetery, with the help of ranch manager Darrell Hickey and ranch worker Ray Ybarra.

The event was held at 9:00 a.m., to beat the heat, and under the many huge Live Oaks. It was a pleasant morning, with a constant cool breeze. At least 25 people from the area came, including Diana Bautista, our county judge, Diane Gonzales, our county clerk and Lonnie Gillespie, county commissioner for that precinct. Junior historians in attendance were, Elias Krueger from San Antonio and Juaquin Zuniga from Pleasanton. The invocation and benediction were said by Reverend Joe Berkley from the Poteet United Methodist Church, who commented that, being from the city, he never thought he'd be praying in the middle of a Texas ranch with cows wandering all around. Norman Porter, Sr., Chairman of the historical commission simply replied, "just watch where you step".

Dr. Norman Jacob seemed pleased with the event, saying, "I'm surprised that so many people have taken such an interest in the project".


photo taken by Elias Krueger

Jourdanton City Cemetery Marker is Dedicated

April 18, 2009 was a day of celebration. The Jourdanton City Cemetery, which was layed out with the town in 1909, unveiled a new Official Texas Historical Marker. The ceremony, originally planed to be held within the cemetery, had to move to the community center and library because of a much needed rain. The turnout was large. J.W.Holmes, president of the cemetery association was MC, speakers were County Judge Dianah Bautista, Norman Porter, Sr., Chairman of the county historical commission, Mayor Larry Pryor and the marker inscription was read by Barbara Westbrook, chair of the historical marker committee. The colors were presented by V.F.W. Post #4853, and taps was played by Pat Dornak. An opening prayer was read by Rev. Lyn Means from the First Baptist Church of Jourdanton, and a benediction was given by Rev.James Schendel from the United Methodist Church of Jourdanton.

A Civil War re-enactment was planned for the cemetery, but, also had to be moved inside. Rick Brockman and his wife, each in costume, presented an interesting array of flags, and other Civil War era items.

The highlight of the event was when the Jourdanton Jr. High advanced 7th and 8th grade, Science/History club students portrayed 17 people who are buried in the cemetery. The kids worked for months researching, creating costumes, and writing their scripts. They each got into their characters and it was a huge hit. They plan to present their acts at future events.

ACHC Wins Award

For the second year in a row, the Atascosa County Historical Commission was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Texas Historical Commission. The distinction was given to 82 of Texas's 254 counties. The awards are presented to acknowledge the dedication of county historical commissions that have cultivated a strong relationship with their county commissioners court and the THC. The Atascosa CHC is involved in many community projects, and reported over 5,000 volunteer hours in 2008. The award was presented at a special reception during the annual preservation conference in Lakeway, near Austin.

Historic Photo and Oral History Clinic

The Jourdanton Community Library and the Atascosa County Historical Commission are teaming up with the Institute for Texan Cultures on January 27, 28 and 29 to review old photos brought in by citizens from the area. Any Texas photos will be appreciated. The Institute will sort through them and make copies, returning the originals. The copies will be on file at the Institute in San Antonio for use by historians and possibly used for displays. The Atascosa County Public Libraries will also retain copies and may use them for special events, like the upcoming Jourdanton centennial celebrations. Several other Atascosa County towns are approaching the 100 year mark and will be celebrating as well. It's a great way to preserve your family photos. The event will take place at the Jourdanton Community Center, from 9:00-4:00.

There will also be a workshop to learn how to interview and record oral histories. That will take place on January 27, about 8:00 am, and interviews will be recorded throughout the day, and will continue on January 28. There will be bilingual interviewers on hand. There are many stories that need to be preserved before the history is lost. The Atascosa County Historical Commission will also go to private homes or nursing homes to record histories at any time.
The commission will retain the original recording and will make copies for the family of the interviewee.

So, bring your old photos and while you are waiting for them to be copied, participate in the oral history project. It will be a great thing to leave for your family and community for generations.

For information concerning the events call Dorothy at 830 769-3087 or if you have an elderly family member who can't get to the event call Barbara at 830 769-4333 and we'll go to their home.

Rossville Reunion

Texas Ranger Cross at gravesite of Alex Ross
Texas Ranger Cross at gravesite of Capt.Tom Mather Ross
Clyde Ross Westbrook reading narrative for his grandfather, Alex Ross

Navarro Descendants Honor Texas Rangers

Ranger Sgt.Ray Martinez(retired) left; Norman Porter,Sr. right

Descendants of Texas patriot Jose Antonio Navarro honored brothers, Capt.Tom Mather Ross and Alex Ross, Texas Rangers, on April 5, 2008. Ranger crosses were unveiled in a dedication ceremony sponsored by the Atascosa County Historical Commission and the Former Texas Rangers Association. The ceremonywas held during the Ross, Langston, Mayers reunion. Family members from as far away as Oregon were on hand for the event.

Norman F.Porter, Sr. served as MC. Sandy Westbrook provided an invocation. Retired Ranger Sgt.Ray Martinez spoke, and led the group in the Ranger Prayer. Grandson of Alex Ross, Clyde Ross Westbrook, read an historical narrative and his oldest son, Ross Westbrook read one for Capt.Tom Mather Ross. The Atascosa County Girl Scouts presented the colors and recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the Texas Flag. The Ranger crosses were unveiled by Randall Westbrook, Mary Westbrook Bell and Dee Westbrook Ditmore.

After the unveiling, a great meal was provided by McBee's Bar-B-Q. The reunion attendees brought an array of delicious desserts that were enjoyed by all. Many great stories were shared, and the group decided to meet again in 2010.

Cemetery Laws and Preservation:Topics of Meeting

The Atascosa County Historical Commission hosted an opportunity for the community to hear Gerron Hite from the Texas Historical Commission on Jan.16, 2008. The program was held at the Jourdanton Community Center. At least twenty-one Atascosa county cemetery associations were in attendance, as well as many interested citizens. County Judge Diana Bautista was there, as well as Norman Porter, Dorothy Manning, Sandy Zuniga, Diana Guthrie, Roger and Mary Jane Cumpion, James Collins, Morris Porter and Barbara Westbrook, members of the county historical commission.

After covering the topic of Texas cemetery laws, Gerron Hite discussed the Texas Historic Cemetery Designation program. Hand-outs were provided for each subject. After a short break for cookies and coffee, there was ample time for questions and answers. It was a wonderful learning experience for all.

Atascosa County has many historic cemeteries. Some are in great shape, while others need work. Hopefully the commission can organize more "clean-up" days and recruit more volunteers to help. Anyone interested can call Dorothy Manning at 830 769-3087, Norman Porter at 830 569-2680 or Barbara Westbrook at 830 769-4333.

Zavala Cemetery Clean-up

On Saturday, December 8th, the Atascosa County Historical Commission sponsored a clean-up day at the Zavala Cemetery, south of Poteet. The cemetery was overgrown with brush, and the graves were inaccessible to visitors. Several commission members attended as well as several interested citizens. It took three hours because it all had to be done carefully, by hand. No equipment could be used, as this might damage potential hidden grave markers. Several wooden crosses were found, as well as one broken slate cross from 1913. Pieces of the cross were found, and an attempt to repair it will be made. It was hard work, but very rewarding.

The Commission plans to work on at least one rural, neglected cemetery each month, at least until summer. The Pleasanton Express will publish the time and place of the next cemetery to be cleaned. Anyone interested in helping can contact Dorothy Manning, at the Jourdanton Library at 830 769-3087.

Brite Cemetery Gets Historical Marker

More than 200 people attended the dedication of Brite Cemetery near the Verdi community on Saturday, October 20. Some traveled from as far away as Mexico City.

Those present came to honor the memory of those brave early settlers who ventured into Atascosa County just a few years after the Battle of the Alamo.

The Atascosa County Historical Commission joined with the Brite Cemetery Association for the momentous occasion.

Commission chairman Norman Porter welcomed the crowd and Pastor Ray Bean, Pleasanton Church of Christ, gave the invocation. the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tabitha Lee Sang, great granddaughter of the pioneer Byrd family and the Pledge to the Texas Flag was led by Haley Booth, granddaughter of the early Fuller family. Joe Wayne Vickers, descendant of Thomas R.Brite, upon whose land the first burials occurred, sang the Texas anthem.

Honored guest Sgt. Ray Martinez, a former Texas Ranger and hero of the UT tower sniper incident, spoke about the importance and activities of the Former Texas Ranger Association. As the ceremony began two former rangers buried in the cemetery-Robert Elijah Neill (1827-1878) and Thomas Ransdele Brite (1824-1859)- were remembered by their descendants.
Marcy Williams Porter, descendant of Robert E.Neill, told the story about Robert having his arm crushed at the age of 12, served as a private in Captain Highsmith's Company of the 1st Regiment of Texas Mounted Volunteers. He came to what is now Atascosa County in 1853 and served in the Texas Rangers at least two more times following the Mexican War.

In 1855 Neill served with the Mounted Rangers for the protection of the western frontier. In 1859 he participated in defeating the Mexican bandit, Cortina, and later fought in the Battle of La Bolsa Bend. As a 1st Lt., Neill served in the Civil War as part of the Atascosa County Mounted Minute Men, Texas State Troops.

Iris Brite Porter, granddaughter of Ranger Thomas R. Brite, told about him moving to what is now Atascosa county in 1854. At the age of 18, Brite served as a mounted volunteer in the Republic of Texas Volunteer Army. Other service periods included the Woll Campaign with Texas Volunteers pursuing Mexican General Woll to the Mexican border. After Texas became a state, Brite served in a volunteer Ranger Company on the Mexican Border near Brownsville during the Mexican Border War (1846-1848). His third son, William T. Brite, was reportedly the first child of Anglo descent born (July24, 1856) in Atascosa County. When the county was formed, Thomas R.Brite was elected the first Tax Assessor-Collector. The following year, he became the County Treasurer.

President of the Brite Cemetery Association Tommy Caraway was presented with the Historic Texas Cemetery Certificate issued by the Texas Historical Commission, and the Brite Cemetery Texas Historical Marker was unveiled by cousins Mabel Lee Neill Miller of San Antonio, grandmother of Olympic gymnastic winner Shannon Miller; J.B.Moseley of Poteet; and Judge J.Taylor Brite of Pleasanton.

Members of the Brite Cemetery Association provided a huge meal for those who attended the ceremony. Pastor Bean offered the benediction and a recorded rendition of TAPS, courtesy of Bob Hurley, followed.

The history of the Brite Cemetery was researched and written by Commission Chairman Norman F.Porter. It was the basis of the application for the Historical Texas Cemetery marker.

The Atacosa County Historical Commission is eager to assist other organizations hoping to make application for a Texas Historical marker. According to Porter, "By recognizing and dedicating historical cemeteries and buildings, citizens of today are helping to insure that these revered sites will not become the parking lots and shopping malls of tomorrow".

(taken from article in Pleasanton Express on 10-24-07)