5/19 A Two Fer!

[Craig Tx]

5/19/1829: Irish trader takes citizenship oath

On this day in 1829, George B. McKinstry took the oath of Mexican citizenship, required of all settlers in Texas at that time.

McKinstry, born in Ireland in 1801, had arrived in Texas about a month before, probably by way of Georgia. In Stephen F. Austin's Register of Families McKinstry is listed as a trader, and in 1830 he was appointed the first postmaster of Brazoria. In 1833 Austin, deploring McKinstry's central role in the Anahuac Disturbances and the battle of Velasco, wrote that McKinstry had "done as much harm to Texas as any man in it." Ironically, Austin died at McKinstry's home in Columbia in December 1836. McKinstry himself died less than a year later, on December 10, 1837.


5/19/1836: Indians take captives at Fort Parker

On this day in 1836, a large force of Comanche warriors, accompanied by Kiowa and Kichai allies, attacked Fort Parker, located on the headwaters of the Navasota River in what is now Limestone County.

During the raid the Comanches seized five captives, including Cynthia Ann Parker. The other four were eventually released, but Cynthia remained with the Indians for almost twenty-five years, forgot white ways, and became thoroughly Comanche. She was perhaps the most famous Indian captive in Texas history. Her son Quanah became a celebrated Comanche chief.

[BEAVERMAN]

Thanks Craig, always a good read!

[Winter Hawk]

What the Beaverman said! 

~Kees~

[Craig Tx]

Thanks y'all!  :-)