Texas isn’t the first place that comes to mind when we think about the American Revolution. It was still part of Spain’s New World Empire when we declared ourselves free of Britain in 1776. And the fight, lasting about eight years, was more than 1,500 miles away.
But there is a connection.
Several dozen of the heroes who fought in the American Revolution later found their way to Texas and made a home. A handful of them came in as part of Stephen Austin’s “Old Three Hundred,” the original settlers who paved the way for future frontier folk. Let’s have a look at just a few:
Alexander Hodge. Born in Pennsylvania in 1757, Alexander Hodge was only 17 when he first signed on to stand against the British. He fought under “Swamp Fox” Francis Marion and later moved to Texas in 1824 after being recruited by Stephen Austin. As one of the “Old Three Hundred,” he was granted land on the Brazos River where he started a plantation called Hodge’s Bend. During Texas’ own revolution years, Hodge helped women and children during the “Run-away Scrape” after the fall of the Alamo. And his sons were active in the revolution, as well. Hodge died in 1836. He’s buried at Hodge Bend Cemetery.
Owen Shannon. Born in Georgia in 1762, Owen Shannon was a mere 14 years old when he took up arms against the British. He fought with Captain James French’s First Battalion out of South Carolina. In 1821, Shannon came to Texas with his family. He is also grouped with the “Old Three Hundred” and was granted thousands of acres in Montgomery County. He operated the Montgomery Trading Post until his death in 1834. He was buried on his property, though the location is unknown. Officials have placed a grave marker with his name at First Methodist Church Cemetery in Montgomery.
William Smeathers. Born in West Virginia in 1759, William Smeathers served in General Nathaniel Green’s Southern Army. Like many at that time, Smeathers was just a teenager when he battled the British. He fought in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, the Battle of King’s Mountain and the Battle of Eutaw Springs. Smeathers came to Texas with Stephen Austin in 1812 at the age of 62. When Austin left to recruit settlers, Smeathers stayed, helping to build a fort on the Brazos River. Later, Austin granted him land in Lavaca County. He died in 1837. Several of his grandsons were instrumental in the Texas Revolution.
In celebration of the Fourth of July, Veteran Energy salutes these American heroes and all who’ve followed in their footsteps. Happy Independence Day, America.
