3/8/1798: Birthday of the "Paul Revere of the Texas Revolution

[Craig Tx]

On this day in 1798, Mathew Caldwell was born in Kentucky. He settled in Dewitt County, Texas, in 1831.

Caldwell earned the name "Paul Revere of the Texas Revolution" because he rode from Gonzales to Bastrop to call men to arms before the battle of Gonzales in October 1835. He was also called "Old Paint" because his whiskers were dappled. He was a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Caldwell commanded a company in the defense of Goliad. He was captured during the Santa Fe expedition and imprisoned in Mexico. He died at his home in Gonzales in 1842 and is buried there. Caldwell County was named in his honor.

[Winter Hawk]

What did he die of?  He wasn't all that old.  Mexican imprisonment probably didn't do his health any good.  More fascinating history, thanks Craig!

~Kees

[Craig Tx]

Unfortunately, I have no idea what he died of.