History of the Lake Creek Settlement

in Texas

and

The Founding of the Town of Montgomery

in July, 1837

(From: The Early History of Montgomery County, Texas)

Important Note:

July 2012 will be the 175th Anniversary

of the Founding of the Town of Montgomery, Texas!

 by: Kameron Searle 

Artistic Rendering of How the Store of W. W. Shepperd May Have Appeared in the Lake Creek Settlement

Courtesy of Marisa A. Searle

The Lake Creek Settlement

   On July 8, 1837, the advertisement below appeared in the Telegraph and Texas Register newspaper in Houston, Texas.¹  This advertisement was the first time the names, Montgomery or town of Montgomery, had ever appeared in print to refer to a place in Texas.  It is important to remember the names W. W. Shepperd and J. W. Moody located at the bottom of this advertisement as we discover the actual history of the Lake Creek Settlement and the Town of Montgomery.

   Prior to the founding of the Town of Montgomery, Texas in July, 1837; the lands between the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and the stream called Lake Creek were known as the Lake Creek Settlement, District of Lake Creek, Precinct of Lake Creek or simply Lake Creek. 

   The Lake Creek Settlement was located in what is commonly referred to as Austin's Second Colony. On June 4, 1825, Stephen F. Austin signed an empresario contract with the state of Coahuila and Texas that called for him to introduce 500 families in Texas. Order No. 24, March 7, 1827 defined the boundaries for purposes of this contract as follows: "Beginning on the west bank of the river San Jacinto, at the ten border leagues of the coast of the Gulf of Mexico; thence following its course with the right bank of said river to its source; thence on a straight line north to the road leading from Bexar to Nacogdoches; thence with the said road westward to a point due north from the headwaters of Lavaca Creek; thence on a line due south towards the sources of the aforesaid creek; thence down said creek, on the eastern bank of the same, to the boundary line of the ten littoral leagues of the Gulf of Mexico; thence eastward, leaving clear the ten littoral leagues, parallel with the coast, to the place of beginning." Miguel Arciniega was appointed commissioner for this colony in November, 1830.²

   Below is a scan of an 1861 map of Montgomery County which has been highlighted to show the lands previously known as the Lake Creek Settlement.³  Use this map to locate the land grants of persons named in the records included on this site.  To see this map enlarged, click on the map.

Map of Lake Creek Settlement

Originally, the Lake Creek Settlement was bounded by the West Fork of the San Jacinto River on its east side and by the stream named Lake Creek on its south and west sides.  A number of early settlers received land grants within the boundaries of what became known as the Lake Creek Settlement.  The land grants highlighted on this map indicate the land owners and/or real estate mentioned by name in the Lake Creek Settlement documents listed below. These documents give us a very good idea of where the Lake Creek Settlement was located and its approximate size.

Later, as we will see, the terms Lake Creek Settlement and Precinct of Lake Creek would be used to describe the territory comprising most of what is present-day Montgomery County, Texas. 

The Montgomery Trading Post Myth

   Definition of myth (noun) - a fictitious narrative presented as historical but without any basis of fact.

   Since 1925, a number of histories have been written regarding the history of the Town of Montgomery and Montgomery County, Texas.  Most of these histories tried to explain the origin of the name of the town and county.   As we have now learned, the early explanations contained in these histories were based primarily on folklore and family tradition and not in fact.  Over time, these erroneous explanations evolved and culminated into what this author denominates the "Montgomery Trading Post Myth."

   According to the "Montgomery Trading Post Myth" a trading post known as the Montgomery Trading Post was owned and operated by one or more of the following people: Jacob Shannon, Owen Shannon and/or Margaret Montgomery Shannon or Andrew Montgomery.  According to the myth, the Montgomery Trading Post was located a half mile or a mile north or northeast of the present town of Montgomery on the Owen Shannon League near what is now known as Town Creek OR the Montgomery Trading Post was located a few miles west of the present town of Montgomery.  [Note the various historians cannot even agree on details such as ownership, location and years of operation.]  The "Montgomery Trading Post Myth" further alleges that the lands around the Montgomery Trading Post were known as Montgomery Prairie or Montgomery Settlement and that the Town of Montgomery derived its name from one or more of these people and/or the trading post. The County of Montgomery derived its name from the town.

   The only truth here is that the County of Montgomery was named after the Town of Montgomery.  Note: The trading post that in fact preceded the founding of the town of Montgomery, Texas was established in the middle of the Lake Creek Settlement by a man named W. W. Shepperd. It was located about a half-mile north of the present site of the town of Montgomery on the creek that would later be known as Town Creek.  The trading post was not known as the Montgomery Trading Post.  It was known as "the store of W. W. Shepperd on Lake Creek."  The original town of Montgomery was founded at the location of W. W. Shepperd's trading post.

   This article will prove the "Montgomery Trading Post Myth" is not true.  All the previous histories of Montgomery County, Texas are wrong.  The Town of Montgomery and Montgomery County, Texas were NOT named after a General Montgomery, General James Montgomery, General Richard Montgomery, a settler named James Montgomery and his wife Margaret Montgomery, Jacob Shannon, Owen Shannon, Margaret [Montgomery] Shannon, William Montgomery or Andrew Montgomery! 

   Furthermore, the town and county of Montgomery were not named after a place known as Montgomery Trading Post, Montgomery Settlement or Montgomery Prairie.  The evidence will also show that no one named Shannon or Montgomery had anything to do with the founding or naming of  the Town of Montgomery, Texas and that the founder of the Town of Montgomery had no reason to name the town after any of them.  

   The overwhelming evidence will show that the place where the Town of Montgomery would be founded in July of 1837 was in fact known as the Lake Creek Settlement.  Harry G. Daves, Jr., a descendant of Owen Shannon and Margaret Montgomery Shannon, wrote the following in the publication of the Montgomery County Genealogical & Historical Society, The Herald, Volume 24, Issue Number 4, Winter 2001, "Owen Shannon’s Grave," pp.161-169: 

"For some reason our Shannon and Montgomery family have tried to contend that the home site of Owen and Margaret Shannon was located within the settlement called Montgomery, which is also false. The settlement was known as the Lake Creek Settlement..."

   In Stephen F. Austin's "Register of Families", the professions of Jacob Shannon,  Owen Shannon, Andrew Montgomery and his father, William Montgomery, are all listed as "farmer."⁴  None of them are listed as "trader" which was the term Austin used to describe the operators of stores or trading posts.  As an example, C. B. Stewart's profession is listed as "trader."⁵  As Stephen F. Austin' s Register of Families and the evidence below will show, the Montgomery Trading Post is a total fabrication.

   In all the published histories of Montgomery County, Texas, the history of the place known as the Lake Creek Settlement had been omitted, neglected, or misinterpreted.  The lands, where the Town of Montgomery was founded in July of 1837, had not been known as Montgomery, Montgomery Settlement, Montgomery Prairie, or Montgomery Trading Post, prior to 1837, as the earlier histories had mistakenly reported over the years.  

   The following local historians wrote nothing about the Lake Creek Settlement in their earlier histories:

   It is quite amazing that the Lake Creek Settlement was completely neglected in all these histories given the great quantity of primary historical evidence available which clearly refers to it.  This article currently lists more than 70 different primary documents (with digital scans) proving the existence of the place known as Lake Creek Settlement, Lake Creek District, Precinct of Lake Creek and Lake Creek; AND disproving the existence of a place known as Montgomery Trading Post, Montgomery Settlement or Montgomery Prairie. 

   Many people have wasted decades looking for the archaeological site of the Montgomery Trading Post when they should have been looking for a single document to prove its existence.  There is not one primary document pre-dating the founding of the town of Montgomery in 1837, to prove the existence of the so-called Montgomery Trading Post.

   Note that when the name, Lake Creek, has appeared in the published Montgomery County histories, it is almost always used to describe the stream called Lake Creek and almost never used to describe the place called Lake Creek or Lake Creek Settlement.  

  The reader is encouraged to compare the hard evidence in this article to any of the earlier histories of Montgomery County, Texas.  You will be amazed at how inaccurate and lacking they are with regard to the early history of the Montgomery County, the founding of the Town of Montgomery and the origin of the name of Montgomery County. 

   The population of Montgomery County has been growing rapidly in recent years, and it is now more important than ever that Montgomery County's early history be correctly told.  Many of the primary sources supporting the conclusions in this article have been scanned to provide future Montgomery County historians with the information needed to correct future published histories of Montgomery County.  This article will also assist 4th and 7th grade school students writing histories of Montgomery, Texas and Montgomery County, Texas. 

   The Lake Creek Settlement Era (1830's- 1840's) is one of the most interesting periods in Montgomery County history. During the Lake Creek Settlement Era:

July 8, 1837 

   It is important to remember the date July 8, 1837.  July 8, 1837 is the date the names Montgomery and town of Montgomery appeared in print for the first time in the Telegraph and Texas Register newspaper published in Houston Texas.  See "Montgomery" advertisement above.  Before July 8, 1837, deeds and other land records, newspapers, business records, marriage records, election records, etc. refer to Lake Creek Settlement, Lake Creek District, Precinct of Lake Creek or simply Lake Creek.  After July 8, 1837, these names pass out of common usage rapidly and are replaced with Town of Montgomery or simply Montgomery.

Time Line

Texas State Library and Archives - English Field Notes 6-423 

1831 Plat Drawn by Surveyor Elias R. Wightman of the Owen Shannon League,

John Corner League, William Atkins League, Iron Mound League and Thomas Corner Tract

First Settlers Received Mexican Land Grants - 1831 

Mary Corner, James Pevehouse, Archibald Hodge, James Hodge, Owen Shannon, William C. Clark, William Landrum, Zachariah Landrum, William M. Rankin, Noah Griffith, Benjamin Rigby, William Atkins, Jacob Shannon, Raleigh Rogers, John Corner, and Anne White receive leagues of land from Empresario Stephen F. Austin. 

William C. Clark Purchased 600 acres - January 1, 1831

William C. Clark purchases 600 acres land on the John Corner League from John Corner. The six hundred acres were "contained within the following lines and boundaries, to wit, commencing at the North West corner of the aforesaid [John Corner] League and running thence South half mile English measure. Thence due East a line parallel with the East and west line of the same League such a distance as will make Six hundred acres or will inclose that amount of land and the upper line of the Tract to commence at the North west corner of the League and run East the distance requisite."  See Montgomery County Deed Vol. B. pp. 317-319.  Clark paid John Corner $250.00 on January 1, 1831 before John Corner actually received his land grant.  Given the fact that this payment pre-dated Corner's receipt of his land grant, it appears that William C. Clark helped to pay John Corner's costs and fees to clear his title out of Stephen F. Austin's land office at San Felipe. 

John Corner Received Mexican Land Grant - May 10, 1831

John Corner receives his Mexican land grant for one League of land [League No. 27] from Empresario Stephen F. Austin in Austin's Second Colony on May 10, 1831.  Corner had already sold 600 acres of this land to William C. Clark. See Montgomery County Deed Vol. B. pp. 317-319.

Lake Creek Settlement

Initially the lands between the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and the stream called Lake Creek become known as the Lake Creek Settlement.  This area would also be described by the terms District of Lake Creek, Neighborhood of Lake Creek, Precinct of Lake Creek or simply Lake Creek. Later the terms Lake Creek Settlement and Precinct of Lake Creek Precinct would also be used to describe the territory comprising most of what is present-day Montgomery County, Texas.

W. W. Shepperd Purchased 200 Acres - September 15, 1835

The Indian Trading Post

William W. Shepperd purchases 200 acres of land from William C. Clark in the northwestern most corner of the John Corner League on September 15, 1835.  These are the two hundred western most acres of the six hundred acres that William C. Clark purchased from John Corner on January 1, 1831.  See William C. Clark to Wm. W. Shepperd, Montgomery County Deed Vol. A, pp. 29-32.

It is here, in the middle of the Lake Creek Settlement, that W. W. Shepperd will found the first trading post or store.  Here, he will trade with the Indians and early settlers.  Known as "the store of W. W. Shepperd on Lake Creek", this is the Indian trading post that preceded the town of Montgomery. 

See the letter written by Charles Bellinger Stewart's son Edmund B. Stewart to Mrs. J. W. Brosig on July 7, 1922: "There were at that time a few of the descendants of the original settlers of this county who came with their parents to this section as colonists, but were altogether ignorant of the organization of the old 'principality' of Montgomery...W. W. Shepperd was the first to have a store at the old town of Montgomery under the hill."  Also, see the numerous deeds and other records executed at the store of W. W. Shepperd on Lake Creek scanned in below. 

C. B. Stewart will marry Julia Shepperd on these two hundred acres of land at the house of W. W. Shepperd on Lake Creek on March 11, 1836. 

Town of Montgomery Founded - July 8, 1837

"Old Montgomery" or the "Old Town Below the Hill"

"Montgomery" and the "Town of Montgomery" appear in print for the first time in the Telegraph and Texas Register newspaper on July 8, 1837.  The Town of Montgomery is founded in Washington County by W. W. Shepperd in partnership with J. W. Moody, the First Auditor of the Republic of Texas. 

The town is founded in July 1837 on the 200 acres of land W. W. Shepperd purchased from William C. Clark on September 15, 1835.  Shepperd had founded his trading post or store here.  Later historians will refer to this town as "the old town under the hill" or "old Montgomery."  By July 1837, the town already had a store, a gin, a stockyard and a blacksmith shop.  W. W. Shepperd and his wife, Mary Steptoe Shepperd, lived here in a house with their minor children. Their adult children also lived here.  By July 1837, it appears that C. B. Stewart was living here as well.  The blacksmith was named Thomas Adams and he had built a house here.    W. W. Shepperd owned a number of slaves.  His wife, Mary Steptoe Shepperd owned eight slaves that she had inherited from her father.  Of course these slaves lived in houses here as well. 

Following the July 8, 1837 advertisement, Shepperd would begin selling town lots on these two hundred acres.  As an example, Charles Garrett, the son-in-law of Owen Shannon and Margaret Montgomery Shannon purchased a lot from Shepperd here in 1837.  See William W. Shepperd to Charles Garrett, Montgomery County Deed Vol. B, p. 304.

W. W. Shepperd and his partner, J. W. Moody, named the town Montgomery.  J. W. Moody had been the Clerk of the County Court of Montgomery County, Alabama, for many years before coming to Texas.  The Town of Montgomery, Texas was named after Montgomery County, Alabama.  Montgomery County, Alabama was named for Major Lemuel P. Montgomery who was the first man killed in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend.

County of Montgomery Created - December 14, 1837

Originally part of Washington County, the Congress of the Republic of Texas creates Montgomery County five months after the Town of Montgomery was founded.  This act is signed into law by President Sam Houston on December 14, 1837.  Montgomery County is named after the Town of Montgomery.

Nine Commissioners Select Montgomery as County Seat

The Act creating Montgomery County authorized nine appointed commissioners to select the place of the "seat of justice" [county seat] of Montgomery County.  These commissioners selected the town of Montgomery as the county seat.   By February 1838, Jesse Grimes was recording documents in "open court" in the town of Montgomery below the hill established by W. W. Shepperd in July of 1837 on the land he purchased from William C. Clark in 1835.  The original town of Montgomery below the hill on the creek, that later became known as Town Creek, was the first county seat of Montgomery County.

W. W. Shepperd Purchased 200 Acres from John Corner - February 26, 1838

On February 26, 1838, just three days before the first Montgomery County Commissioners' Court meeting on March 1, 1838, W. W. Shepperd purchased 212 acres of land from John Corner.   These 212 acres were located immediately south of the two hundred acres he had purchased from William C. Clark on September 15, 1835.  See John Corner to Wm. W. Shepperd, Montgomery County Deed, Volume A, pp. 21-28.  The tract described as Tract No. 4 in this deed is important.  On March 1, 1838, W. W. Shepperd will donate a one half undivided interest in 200 acres of these 212 acres of land to Montgomery County. Tract No. 4 will later be known in future deeds and documents as the "Town Tract" or the "Montgomery Town Tract." 

County Seat Moved on March 1, 1838 to New Town of Montgomery on the Hill

At the first meeting of the Montgomery County Commissioners Court on March 1, 1838 through his agent, C. B. Stewart, W. W. Shepperd induced the Commissioners to move the location of the Town of Montgomery from his 200 acres of land below the hill to 200 of his 212 acres of land on the hill due south of the original site of the town. He did this by donating an equal half undivided interest in 200 acres of land and sixty acres of pine land adjoining the town to the county.  

"[I]t being put to question whether said donation should be accepted it was unanimously received - and the question being also whether the place of the Town presented by C. B. Stewart as agent for W. W. Shepperd should be received the same was also unanimously received and adopted."⁶.

The site selected as the county seat on March 1, 1838 is the same land purchased by W. W. Shepperd from John Corner just three days before on February 26, 1838.  Later historians will describe this as "the new town of Montgomery" or "the town on the hill."

Conclusion of Time Line 

   W. W. Shepperd founded the Indian trading post or store on the 200 acres of land he purchased from William C. Clark on September 15, 1835.  William C. Clark had purchased these two hundred acres from John Corner on January 1, 1831.

   When Shepperd created the town of Montgomery in July of 1837, the town of Montgomery was located on the two hundred acres he bought from Clark.  This will be referred to by later historians as the "old town", "old Montgomery'', "the old town below the hill" and "the old town under the hill."  It is important to note that Montgomery County officials such as Chief Justice, Jesse Grimes, and Montgomery County Clerk and Recorder, Gwyn Morrison, had already been conducting county business in the town of Montgomery as early as February of 1838. 

   On February 26, 1838, W. W. Shepperd  bought 212 acres of land from John Corner directly south of the two hundred acres he purchased from William C. Clark in 1835.  On March 1, 1838, 200 acres of these 212 acres will become the site of the "new town" of Montgomery.

   No one named Jacob Shannon, Owen Shannon, Margaret Montgomery Shannon, William Montgomery or Andrew Montgomery had anything to do with the founding of the Indian trading post/store, the "old town of Montgomery" or the "new town of Montgomery." 

   Many decades after the town of Montgomery was founded, the coincidence of a family name, Montgomery, was mistakenly used by amateur historians to try and explain the source of the name of the town and county.  Over time, this story was repeated so many times, it became accepted as fact.  Those not emotionally attached to the Montgomery Trading Post story can quickly see it for what it is, myth, folklore and legend. 

Facts are Stubborn Things

American founding father, John Adams, spoke of the irrepressibility of facts and evidence when he said:

Facts are stubborn things;

and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion,

they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.    

John Adams

Argument in Defense of British soldiers

in the Boston Massacre Trials

There is nothing like first-hand evidence.

Sherlock Holmes in The Study in Scarlet

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Lake Creek Settlement - The Proof 

1833 Shannon Family Articles of Agreement

   Below are "Articles of Agreement" made between Jacob Shannon and his sister, Rutha (Ruth or Ruthy) Shannon Miller.  Jacob Shannon and Rutha Shannon were children of Owen Shannon and Margaret Montgomery Shannon.  It is very important to note in reading this deed that both Jacob Shannon and his sister Rutha believed they lived in a place known as the Lake Creek Settlement and not a place known as Montgomery, Montgomery Settlement, Montgomery Prairie or Montgomery Trading Post.   Some histories report Jacob Shannon's name as "Jacob Montgomery Shannon."  The author has never actually seen his name written this way in a primary document.  Here he signs his name Jacob Shannon.

Jacob Shannon

-To-

Rutha Miller

Texas Austins Colony

Lake Creek Settlement

August 8^th 1833

Articles of agreement made and entered into between Jacob Shannon of the one part and Rutha Miller of the other part both of the Colony and Settlement aforesaid, Showeth that the said Jacob for and in consideration of an agreement entered into heretofore the said Jacob is to let the said Rutha have the one half of his said League of land lying in said neighborhood, the said Rutha having paid the one half of the expense, said League which League being known by the name of Beadye on which the parties now settled so as to be divided as to the equal to both of the parties in soyal, water and timber, all of which League is held by the said Jacob by grant from the Government of which said Jacob has disposed to Mathew Hubert three hundred and fifty acres of English measure of which each of the parties is to deduct from the agreement from their said half, or to divide the residue after deducting the three hundred and fifty acres then to be divided as above, in witness whereof we hereunto set our hands and affix our seals.

Jacob Shannon

   Montgomery County Deeds, Vol. N, page 254.  Witnesses to the signing of this document in the Lake Creek Settlement were Mathew Hubert and John Shannon. 

1834 Stephen F. Austin's Register of Families

   Stephen F. Austin is recognized as the "Father of Texas."  Below is another early reference to the Lake Creek settlement found in Stephen F. Austin's Register of Families.⁸   On January 13, 1834, at San Felipe, these details of a land transaction in the Lake Creek settlement between Thomas Chatham and J. M. Springer were recorded as follows:

Austin's Register of Families, Book 2, Page 7

"Jan 13.    Thomas Chatham from the State of Alabama.  33 years old.  Ditha his wife 23 years old.  1 Male child 3 female do.  Occupation farming.  Applies for 4 quarters of league in Lake Creek settlement, marked J. M. Springer who relinquishes in favor of Chatham. [In pencil] Relinquishes first selection and applies for vacant land between Austin and Greenwood.

   See Stephen F. Austin's Register of Families, Book 2, Page 7, Texas General Land Office, Austin, Texas. 

   Thomas Chatham's land grant is located close to the center of the Lake Creek Settlement directly below the John Corner League on the map.  In an 1870 affidavit in support of a military pension for John Marshall Wade, Thomas Chatham swore to the following statement:

"And Thomas Chatham says on his oath that he personally knew the said John M Wade now here present before him in the year 1835 in the month of October at  the place then called Lake Creek Settlement now the town of Montgomery in the State and County aforesaid, that the said Wade and himself joined Capt W Wares..."

   See "1870 John M. Wade Pension Application" below.  Also see Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Wade, John M., Type: PE, Reel #: 243, Frames: 524-526.

1834 Will of Owen Shannon

...with all our house hole and kitchen furnature  The Real or Landed property as follows - One Quarter League of land being in the neighborhood of Lake Creek a part of which tract I have...

   Owen Shannon was the husband of Margaret Montgomery Shannon.  Owen Shannon was the father of Jacob Shannon.  Margaret Montgomery Shannon was the aunt of Andrew Montgomery. 

   According to the "Montgomery Trading Post Myth" a trading post known as Montgomery Trading Post was owned originally by Andrew Montgomery and later by Owen Shannon on the Owen Shannon League.  The "Montgomery Trading Post Myth" further alleges that the lands around the Montgomery Trading Post were known as Montgomery Prairie or Montgomery Settlement.  Here, Owen Shannon refers to his "Real or Landed property as follows - One Quarter League of land being in the neighborhood of Lake Creek." 

   Nowhere in Owen Shannon's will does he mention a place called Montgomery, Montgomery Trading Post, Montgomery Settlement, or Montgomery Prairie.  He only mentions "the neighborhood of Lake Creek."  In fact, no where in the 9 pages of probate records of the Estate of Owen Shannon does anyone mention a place called Montgomery, Montgomery Trading Post, Montgomery Settlement, or Montgomery Prairie.  Click here to see Owen Shannon's will and probate records.   

   The inventory of Owen Shannon's estate does not mention a trading post. The inventory only mentions 6 slaves, various livestock, household and kitchen furniture, farming utensils and one fourth of a league of land including the late residence and improvement of the deceased.  The inventory is signed by Marget Shannon, widow of the Deceased; Jacob Shannon, Administrator; Jesse Grimes, Mathew Hubert and W. W. Shepperd, Appraisers; and Joseph Lindley and J. H. Shepperd, Assisting Witnesses.

   Jacob Shannon was appointed the Administrator of his father's estate.  Jacob Shannon believed he lived in the Lake Creek Settlement.  See the 1833 Articles of Agreement between Jacob Shannon and Rutha Miller above and the Affidavit of Jacob Shannon in the 1870 Mathew Cartwright Pension Application below.   

   Witnesses to the signing of Owen Shannon's will were Henry Goff, Mary Corner, Matthew Hubert, James J. Foster, William C. Clark, Benjamin Rigby and George Allen.  On the map above, notice the location of the Mary Corner, James J. Foster , William C. Clark and Benjamin Rigby Leagues in relation to the Owen Shannon League.

   This Will is dated April 12, 1835, but the year has is incorrect.  The probate of Owen Shannon's Will began on June 9, 1834.  Jacob Shannon sought the administration of his father's estate on February 24, 1835.  Owen Shannon almost certainly executed his Will on April 12, 1834 and died between that date and June 9, 1834.  Click here to see the documentary evidence that Owen Shannon died in 1834 as proved in open Court by Jacob Shannon in 1850.

   Owin (Owen) Shannon's will and probate papers are located in Austin County Clerk's office in a file referred to as the "Old Probate Files."  The Owen Shannon probate file is File 41(11).  Special thanks to Austin County Clerk, Carrie Gregor, for locating these documents which date from the time of Austin's Colony.  Special thanks to Harry G. Daves, Jr. who originally discovered this document.  Also see The Herald, Volume 24, Issue Number 4, Winter 2001, "Owen Shannon’s Grave," by Harry G. Daves, Jr., pp.161-169 which contains a complete transcription of Owen Shannon's Will.

1835 Deed Margaret Shannon to Charles Garrett

Montgomery County Clerk, Deed, Vol. F, pp. 65 and 66

   At the house of Charles Garrett in the Precinct of Lake Creek upon San Jacinto, Before the witnesses C. B. Stewart and Henry Goff, I Margaret Shannon do declare that Owen Shannon deceased my late husband did in his life time donate and give in fee simple and perpetual right to the citizen above named Charles Garrett one quarter of a League of Land , granted to him the said Owen Shannon as a colonist by the State of Coahuila and Texas.

   This is another deed that proves that the "Montgomery Trading Post Myth" cannot be true.  Charles Garrett, a member of Austin's "Old Three Hundred," was Margaret Shannon's son-in-law.  Garrett was married to Nancy Shannon.  Margaret Shannon was the wife of Owen Shannon and the aunt of Andrew Montgomery yet she is executing a deed regarding Owen Shannon's real property in the "Precinct of Lake Creek."  Again, there is no mention anywhere in this deed of a place called Montgomery, Montgomery Prairie, Montgomery Settlement or Montgomery Trading Post.  This deed was executed by Margaret Shannon on September 17th, 1835.  Witnesses to the signing of this document were C. B. Stewart and Henry Goff.  C. B. Stewart appears to have been in the "Precinct of Lake Creek" to purchase land from John Corner.  See below.

1835 Deed John Corner to Charles B. Stewart

   Title Deed from John Corner to C B Stewart. half league land on waters Lake Creek & San Jacinto

Dated 20th Sepr 1835

Recorded Nov 19, 1836                                                      [sic] first Judge

   See page 23, Washington County Clerk, Deed Book A-1.  Page 23 of Washington Conty Deed Book A-1 is a list of "Records by C B Stewart" recorded with the Washington County Clerks Office.  This is a record of a deed for a half of a League from John Corner to C. B. Stewart dated September 20, 1835 and recorded on November 19, 1836.  In addition to his many other activites, C. B. Stewart was also a land speculator. 

   W. W. Shepperd had purchased 200 acres of land from William C. Clark in the northwestern most corner of the John Corner League just 5 days before on September 15, 1835.  Shepperd's land purchase on the John Corner League became the site of Shepperd's store in 1835 and the original site of the town of Montgomery in July, 1837.  C. B. Stewart will also marry W. W. Shepperd's daughter, Julia Shepperd, there on March 11, 1836.

Lake Creek Settlement Goes to War

1835 Letter R. R. Royal to General Stephen F. Austin and General Sam Houston

    Between October 11, 1835 and October 31, 1835, the Permanent Council was effectively the government of Texas.  R. R. Royal, the President of the Permanent Council of Texas in San Felipe, wrote a letter to General Stephen F. Austin and General Sam Houston at the headquarters of the Texas army in Bexar (San Antonio) on October 31, 1835.  In his letter he strongly encouraged the army to hold its ground.  In this letter, Royal promised more supplies and advised of reinforcements:

"...Reinforcements are coming from every Quarter and If you but Just hold on a little San Antonio must fall Just at the sight as If it were of your superior numbers.  If you or a portion of you leave it will discourage and prevent the Reinforcements now getting up in all parts of the Country  75 men from N. Orleans, in complete uniform have Just left Brazoria and will soon Join you  an Express from Lake Creek says in a few days 50 men from that Quarter will leave for head Quarters  men from Nacogdoches came in today and from all accounts we expect a great many more from there in a few days."

   From The Papers of the Texas Revolution 1835-1836, Presidial Press, Austin, 1973, Vol. 2, pp. 279-281.  Also see Barker, The Austin Papers, Vol. III, pp. 223-224. 

   Some of the men who served as reinforcements "from Lake Creek" appear in many of the documents that follow below.  It is interesting to note that C. B. Stewart was appointed the Secretary of the Permanent Council.  See "Journal of the Permanent Council (October 11-27, 1835)", Edited by Eugene C. Barker, The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Vol. VII, April , 1904, No.4.

1835 - Bond William Busby to W. W. Shepperd

Bond - Lake Creek, Austins Colony, Texas. Know all men by these presents, that I W^m Busby, of Spring Creek, Austins Colony, Texas am held and firmly bound to W. W. Shepperd, his heirs and assigns, in the sum of Eighteen hundred Dollars, to the faithful payment  of which sum, I bind myself, heirs and assigns, by these presents, this 4th day of November 1835

   The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas: the above named W. W. Shepperd, has this day purchased of me, the Said Busby, all my right, title, claims and interest to my one half league, in Vehleins Colony, on the East San Jacinto. Now if the Said W^m Busby, shall by the first of March next, cause to be made, or to make to the Said Shepperd, or his assigns, a good and lawful title to the above described land, then this bond to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue in law, this day and date above written.

William Busby

A. Garner

W.M. Rankin

John M. Springer

   See Montgomery County Clerk, Deed, Vol. A., pp. 61-62.  William Busby executed a bond in favor of W. W. Shepperd in Lake Creek on November 4, 1835.

1835 Appointment of James J. Foster Commissioner for Organizing Militia

   Lake Creek Settlement settler, James J. Foster's name appeared in the newspaper on January 16, 1836 as a "commissioner for organizing militia" for the Jurisidiction of Washington.  He was appointed by the General Council on November 28, 1835.

Council Hall, San Felipe

de Austin, Nov. 28, 1835

   The following named gentlemen have been appointed by the council to several offices designated.

For jurisdiction of Brazoria.

   L. C. Manson, first judge, Robert Mills, second ditto.  J. S. D. Byrom, Matthew Patton, and James O'Connor, commissioners for organizing the militia.

For jurisdiction of Washington.

   James Hall, first judge, Hugh M'Guffin, second ditto.  James J. Foster, John W. Hall, and Asa Mitchell, commissioners for organizing militia.

   See the January 16, 1836 edition of the Telegraph and Texas Register newspaper, published in San Felipe de Austin, Vol. 1, No. 13, p. 1, c. 1.

1835 Appointment of James J. Foster

   Resolved, that this House appoints the following persons, to act in concert with colonel Fannin, for carrying into effect the objects of the above circular:

For Lake Creek,          James J. Foster,

   See December 12, 1835 edition of Telegraph and Texas Register, published in San Felipe de Austin, Vol. 1, No. 9, p. 2, c. 1.  On December 10, 1835, the General Council of the Provisional Government appointed a number of men to assist Col. James Fannin to "collect reinforcements" for "aiding in the reduction of Bejar."  The man appointed to collect reinforcements in Lake Creek was James J. Foster.  At some point, James J. Foster resigned.  See the 1870 Affidavit of Jacob Shannon near the end of this chapter.  Despite Foster's resignation, militiamen from the Lake Creek Settlement would fight in the Battle of Concepcion, the Grass Fight and the Siege of Bexar in the first stage of the Texas War for Independence.

1835 Military Discharge of Hiram Brumet

Lake Creeke

Decr the 29 1835

This is to Certify that Hiram Brumet Joined my Company on the 4 day of (ink smeared but probably October)  Discharged His Duty faithfully as a Private and is hearby honorably Discharged.

John M. Bradley, Capt.

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Clark, William C., Claim #: 1242, Type: AU, Reel #: 18, Frames: 134. This is Hiram Brumet's discharge from the army of Texas following his service in the Siege of Bexar (San Antonio).  This discharge is interesting because Captain John M. Bradley signed it in Lake Creeke.  As will be seen below, Brumet served in the Texas army as a substitute for William C. Clark. See 1836 Hyram Brumet to William C. Clark document below. 

   William C. Clark was one of the original settlers in 1831.  The W. C. Clark League is located on the map above between the W. Atkins League and the west fork of the San Jacinto River. 

1836 W. W. Shepperd Notice in Telegraph and Texas Register

NOTICE

The public are hereby cautioned against buying, bargaining, or trading for a note of one thousand dollars, held against me by Col. Jared Groce, as I have just claims aginst that gentleman.  Certain papers may be exhibited by him, to prove the justice of the note, which I can prove were not legally obtained.

WM. W. SHEPPERD.

Lake Creek, Feb. 12, 1836.                                                     193                             

   Telegraph and Texas Register, Thursday, March 17, 1836, Vol. I, No. 20, published at San Felipe de Austin by Joseph Baker & Bordens. This notice ran at least one other time in the Telegraph and Texas Register on March 24, 1836, Vol. I, No. 21, published at San Felipe de Austin by Joseph Baker & Bordens. W. W. Shepperd and Col. Jared Groce were cousins and had extensive business dealings with one another. Here on February 12, 1836, Shepperd is residing in the place known as Lake Creek.

   William W. Shepperd had been operating a store and living on two hundred acres of land in the John Corner League which he purchased from William C. Clark in 1835.  These two hundred acres of land would be developed into the town of Montgomery in July of 1837.  W. W. Shepperd and his family were the first residents of what would become the town of Montgomery.

1836 Hyram Brumet to Wiliam C. Clark

Lake Creek,  Feb. 28, 1836

     I hereby certify that I served as a substitute in the Texas Army for the Bearer Wm. C. Clark, during the Fall Campaign against San Antonio, and that I hereby transfer to him all the right, title and interest in and to a discharge received for said services in my name.

     Given at Lake Creek on the  Day and date above written.

test. Young Caruthers                          Hyram his X mark Brumet

Jno. Wade

Jonathan Collard

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Clark, William C., Claim #: 1242, Type: AU, Reel #: 18, Frame: 135.

1836 Marriage of C. B. Stewart

   On March 1, 1836, at Washington (Washington-on-the Brazos), the Texian Independence Convention began.  The convention lasted from March 1 to March 17, 1836.  The delegates to the convention declared Texas independent from Mexico on March 2, 1836.  One of these delegates was Charles B. Stewart.  Stewart, who had already served as the first Secretary of State of Texas, was an active member of the convention where he signed the Texas Declaration of Independence and was a member of the committee that drafted the Constitution of the Republic of Texas.    Later, historians would credit him with designing the Lone Star flag and Seal of Texas in the Town of Montgomery, Texas in 1839. 

   On March 6, 1836, the Alamo fell.  As the Texas Revolution raged on, an interesting and little known fact about C. B. Stewart occurred.  C. B. Stewart, one of the most active members of the convention at Washington left the convention for several days and got married.  On March 8, 1836, James Hall, Judge of the Municipality of Washington, authorized "W. W. Shepperd of Lake Creek" to celebrate a contract of marriage between C. B. Stewart and Julia Shepperd.⁸   Stewart left Washington and traveled to the house of W. W. Shepperd on Lake Creek where he married Julia Shepperd (W. W. Shepperd's daughter) on March 11, 1836.⁹ 

Washington County Clerk, Deed Book A-1, p. 240

Republic of Texas

County of Washington

   Be it remembered that on the Eighth day of March 1836 Eighteen Hundred and thirty six that I James Hall Judge of the Municipality of Washington authorised W W Shepperd of Lake Creek to celebrate a contract of marriage between C B Stewart & Julia Shepperd of which I herein make due record this 23 day of Jany 1837

Copying the same to Wit

   To W W Shepperd Esqr.

Sir- You are hereby authorised to celebrate a contract of marriage between Chas B Stewart and Julia Shepperd and give to it the said contract the necessary formality before assisting witnesses

Washington March 8. 1836

signed

James Hall

Primary Judge

   By virtue of the foregoing authority to me directed I William W Shepperd on Lake Creek on the 11^th day of March 1836 caused the contract of Marriage between the parties referred to be executed...

   Washington County Clerk, Deed Book A-1, p. 243

...not being present. Appeared John Wade  W. C. Clark and Chas Garrett whom [water damage] know and certify to be citizens of the county who declare that they were  present on the 11th day of March 1836 at the house of the sd W W Shepperd as aforesaid on Lake Creek and saw the within parties C B Stewart and Julia Shepperd united in marriage they signing the within bond, to which they signed their names severally in testimony...

   As seen above, W. W. Shepperd's house and store were located on the two hundred acres of land in the John Corner League which Shepperd had purchased in 1835 from William C. Clark.  So C. B. Stewart and Julia T. Shepperd were married in the Lake Creek Settlement on the lands that would later become the Town of Montgomery in July of 1837. As will be seen later, it is important to note that three of the witnesses to the marriage were John Marshall Wade, Charles Garrett and William C. Clark. 

   Stewart then returned to the convention at Washington by March 16 where he signed the Constitution of the Republic of Texas on March 17, 1836.  Below is a letter written by C. B. Stewart on the day he returned to the Convention at Washington (March 16, 1836) describing the fall of the Alamo and the desperate situation in Texas.

   See the Tuesday, April 26, 1836 edition Richmond Enquirer newspaper published in Richmond, Virginia, Vol. 32, No. 117, p. 4.

   The account of James Hall authorizing "W. W. Shepperd of Lake Creek to celebrate a contract of marriage between Chas. B. Stewart and Julia Shepperd" was published for the first time by Louis Wiltz Kemp in his book, The Signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence.  Kemp's book was originally published in in 1944 and later republished in 1959.  See pages 333-334 for the account of Stewart/Shepperd marriage. 

   In a couple of weeks, I will be making a reprint of the 1959 edition available to the Charles B. Stewart West Branch Library of the Montgomery County Memorial Library System in Montgomery, Texas for historians and school students to use in their research.   The section of the book pertaining to Texas founding father, Dr. Charles Bellinger Stewart, is found on pages 330-336 of Kemp's book.  Kemp's book also has a very nice copy of the handwritten Texas Declaration of Independence that was reproduced in Kemp's book before original copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence had begun to fade.  Click here for more information about Texas historian, Louis Wiltz Kemp.

1836 Recollections of J. H. Kuykendall

   J. H. Kuykendall, a soldier in the army of the Republic of Texas was with Sam Houston during his tactical retreat from Gonzales in 1836.  J. H. Kuykendall provided the following quote from Sam Houston:

He then said, "My friends, I am told that evil disposed persons have reported that I am going to march you to the Redlands.  This is false.  I am going to march you into the Brazos bottom near Groce's, to a position where you can whip the enemy ten to one, and where we can get an abundant supply of corn from Lake creek."

   J. H. Kuykendall, "Recollections of the Campaign," quoted in Eugene C. Barker's "The San Jacinto Campaign,"  Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume IV, p. 300.  "An abundant supply of corn" does not come from a creek.  Houston is referring to the settlement known as Lake Creek.

1836 Justice of the Peace Lake Creek Precinct

   From the Compiled Index to Elected and Appointed Officials of the Republic of Texas: 1835-1846 published by the State Archives Division Texas State Library, 1981, pp. 21, 23 and 42; three different men held the office of Justice of the Peace in the Lake Creek Precinct from 1836-1839.  The Lake Creek Precinct was located in Washington County in 1836 and most of 1837.  [Note: Montgomery County would not be created by the Congress of the Republic of Texas until December 1837.]

Peter Cartwright - Justice of the Peace - Lake Creek Precinct

Martin P. Clark - Justice of the Peace - Lake Creek Precinct

George Galbraith - Justice of the Peace - Lake Creek Precinct

      Two of these men, Martin P. Clark and George Galbraith, would serve as Commissioners on the first Commissioners Court of Montgomery County held on March 1, 1838. Click to see the minutes of the first Montgomery County Commissioners Court meeting. 

   See the 1837 Affidavit of George Galbraith below to see J. Worsham also listed as a Justice of the Peace in the Lake Creek District.

1836 Deed Charles B. Stewart to Benjamine Rigby

At the store of William W. Shepperd on Lake Creek on the 24th day of June 1836.  Before us the undersigned, Witnesses, who authenticated this title at the request of the parties interested there being no Judge or notary present, Appeared Benjamine Rigby a Citizen of Austin's Colony who declared that in fullfillment of a contract made and entered into on the 25th day of April 1835 with Chas B. Stewart also a ..." 

   See Montgomery County Clerk, Deed, Vol. B., pp. 268-270.  Deed executed "  The witnesses to this deed were W. W. Shepperd, John Wade and William Rankin. Witnesses to the original contract on April 25, 1835 were James Buckhanon [possibly Buchannon] and John Geline [or Giline].

   It is interesting to note here that W. W. Shepperd's store appears to have all the qualities that the mythical "Montgomery Trading Post" was supposed to have had.  Much business was transacted at W. W. Shepperd's store. Deeds and other legal documents were executed there by the early settlers regularly.  [Note: In 1838, W. W. Shepperd would become the first Post Master of Montgomery, Texas and Montgomery County and his store  would become the first post office of the town and county of Montgomery.] 

   And yet, this has all escaped recent Montgomery County historians.  They continue to cling to the Montgomery Trading Post Myth.  No similar legal documents can seem to found in the Montgomery County Courthouse that were executed in like manner at "the store or trading post of Andrew Montgomery" or "the store or trading post of Owen Shannon."  If the Montgomery Trading Post ever existed and it was the center of the so called "Montgomery Prairie" or "Montgomery Settlement" as the Montgomery Trading Post Myth alleges, where are all the documents similar to the one above that would confirm its existence?  Logic would dictate that they should exist, but they don't.

1836 Day Book Entry of Charles B. Stewart

Cover of Charles B. Stewart's Day Book from 1836 to 1852

 June 25, 1836,     Left on Sale with W W Shepperd Lake Creek 6 papers Vermillion e  4/ - - - - - 3.00

  C. B. Stewart made this entry on June 25, 1836 in his Day Book from 1836 to 1852.  Charles Bellinger Stewart Papers, Texas State Library and Archives, Austin Texas.  Note C. B. Stewart makes no mention of any place called Montgomery in his "Day Book" prior to July 8, 1837. 

   It is also interesting to note that the July 8, 1837 advertisement for the Town of Montgomery from the Telegraph and Texas Register newspaper (see at the beginning of this article) was cut out and glued to the inside front cover of C. B. Stewart's Day Book from 1836 to 1852.

   There are many other references to the Lake Creek in Stewart's Day Book, space on this page does not allow for scans of all of them.  For instance, there a couple of pages of land transactions in Lake Creek involving C. B. Stewart and Charles Garrett (Owen Shannon and Margaret Montgomery Shannon's son-in-law).

1836 Advertisement for the Town of Houston

   The Allen brothers founded the Town of Houston, Texas.  On August 30, 1836, the advertisement below was placed by the Allen brothers with the Telegraph and Texas Register newspaper published in Houston, Texas. 

THE TOWN OF HOUSTON 

Close Up

   The town of Houston is distant 15 miles from the Brazos river, 30 miles, a littler North of East, from San Felippe, 60 miles from Washington, 40 miles from Lake Creek, 30 miles South West from New Kentucky, and 15 miles by water and 8 or 10 by land above Harrisburg.

 

August 30, 1836.-6m

A. C. Allen, for

A. C. & J. K. Allen

   Here the new Town of Houston is described as being located 40 miles from Lake Creek.  It is clear from the context that the Allen brothers are referring to the place known as Lake Creek and not the stream known as Lake Creek.  The Lake Creek Settlement was known well enough that the Allen brothers used it as a reference point to describe to people where the new Town of Houston was located. 

1836 Allen Brothers Letter to Congress of Republic of Texas

         This is an excerpt from the letter written by the Allen brothers to the Congress of the Republic of Texas promoting Houston as the capital of the Republic of Texas in 1836. Houston became the capital of the Republic of Texas from 1837 to 1839. The Spring and Lake creek settlements are specifically referred to in the letter.

ARGUMENT FOR HOUSTON

Made by the Promoters to the Texas Congress in 1836

...This town is situated at the head of navigation — in the very heart of a rich country. It was selected as a town which must become a great interior commercial emporium of Texas. The trade of upper Brazos, the Colorado, of Trinity and San Jacinto rivers, of Spring and Lake creek settlements, must find its way into Galveston bay through the town of Houston.

"John K. Allen, for A. C. & J. K. Allen.

  Houston, A History and Guide, Compiled by Workers of the Writers’ Program of the Work Projects Administration in the State of Texas, Sponsored by the Harris County Historical Society, Inc., The Anson Jones Press, Houston, Texas, 1942, pp. xi and xii.

1836 William C. Clark Power of Attorney

 

     Know all men by these presents, that I, Wm. C. Clark, of Lake Creek, Municipality of Washington, and Republic of Texas, do hereby nominate, constitute, and appoint Young Carrethers of the precinct, municipality, and Republic above mentioned, my true and lawful Attorney to transact all business with the proper authority of this Republic relative to a discharge from the Army of Texas, belonging to Hiram Brumet: transferred by said Brumet to me. And I Wm. C. Clark do by these presents agree to let the said Carrethers receipt, for any papers, which may come from the Government aforesaid, or its legal officer - and bind myself to abide by his transactions for me in this matter in all respects. And I hereby empower him (if he sees proper) to sell, convey or otherwise dispose of said discharge, and the accompanying papers.

     Given at Lake Creek, this Sixth Day of November, 1836, in presence of the following witnesses

Wm. C. Clark

Jonathan S. Collard

W. W. Shepperd

Jno. Wade  

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Clark, William C., Claim #: 1242, Type: AU, Reel #: 18, Frame: 132.  Special thanks to Charlene Grafton, a descendant of William C. Clark, who discovered this document.  This document led to the discovery of two other documents in this paper: 1835 Military Discharge of Hiram Brumet and 1836 Hyram Brumet to William C. Clark, which were also executed in Lake Creek.

1836 Deed John M. Springer to Jeremiah Worsham

Top of Page 3

John M Springer

To

Jeremiah Worsham

An Instrument of conveyance from John M. Springer to Jeremiah Worsham

                   Memorandum of an agreement made and entered into by and between John Springer of the first part, and Jeremiah Worsham of the other part, both of the Republic of Texas, Witnesseth; That the said John Springer...

Top of Page 4

Vol A

...the conditions and stipulations herein contained, they bind themselves, the one to the other in the penal sum of Ten Thousand Dollars.   Done in Lake Creek before the witnesses at the end.

This 10th day of December 1836.

Attest                                                              John M Springer

B. B. Goodrich

Mathew Hubert

William Keys

Wm. C. Clark

Wm. Cartwright

   John M Springer to Jeremiah Worsham, Montgomery County Deeds, Vol. A, pp. 3 and 4.  This December 10, 1836 deed executed in Lake Creek was recorded on January 31, 1838 in the "old town" of Montgomery.

   John M. Springer was married to Elizabeth Landrum the daughter of Zachariah Landrum.  Jeremiah Worsham was married to Catherine Landrum also the daughter of Zachariah Landrum.  For more information on how the Landrum, Worsham, Springer and Rankin families mentioned throughout this article were related, click here.  Zachariah Landrum's League is just west of the John Corner League where the Town of Montgomery would be founded in July 1837.  Six months before the town of Montgomery was founded, John M. Springer and Jeremiah Worsham were conducting business in Lake Creek, not Montgomery, Montgomery Settlement, Montgomery Trading Post or Montgomery Prairie. 

   It is also important to take note of the witnesses to this deed who also believed they were witnessing a deed in Lake Creek: B. B. Goodrich, Mathew Hubert, William Keys, Wm. C. Clark and Wm. Cartwright.  Note on the map the location of the William C. Clark and William Cartwright land grants and their close proximity to the John Corner League. Also, see the reference to Mathew Hubert in the Jacob Shannon to Rutha Miller Articles of Agreement, above, which was executed in Lake Creek Settlement in 1833.

1836 Obituary of Ann Rebecca Mock

   The following obituary recording the death of Ann Rebecca Mock on Lake Creek settlement on November 29 appeared in the December 17, 1836 edition of the Telegraph and Texas Register.¹⁰

DIED

   On the 29th November, on Lake Creek settlement, Ann Rebecca, youngest daughter of William and Ann Mock, aged one year.

1837 Day Book Entry of Charles B. Stewart  

Lake Creek     January 5, 1837    Capt. Crane paid me in full - - - -2.00

   C. B. Stewart made this entry on January 5, 1837 in his business journal titled Day Book from 1836 to 1852.  Charles Bellinger Stewart Papers, Texas State Library and Archives, Austin Texas.  Note C. B. Stewart makes no mention of any place called Montgomery in his "Day Book" prior to July 8, 1837. 

   Captain John Crane was a soldier in the Texas Revolutionary army who fought in the Siege of Bexar and later served in John Marshall Wade's cavalry company.  John Crane was killed in the Cherokee War in 1839.  Click here to see a note executed by John Crane in 1838 in Montgomery which was probated by C. B. Stewart as attorney for W. W. Shepperd in 1840.

1837 Bond Samuel McCombs

[Scan Bond]

   See Washington County Deed Book A1, page 36, where Samuel McCombs signed a bond on January 7, 1837, "at the store of W. W. Shepperd on Lake Creek."

1837 Bond John Thomas to John Pyle

...make each or individually the proper title agreed on to the said Pyle either or both of us as the Case may be, are to be freed from the above penal Bond of One thousand dollars each

   Done at the house of William Landrum on Lake Creek on the 9th day of Jany. 1837 before the witnesses-

W. M. Rankin                                              John N his X mark Thomas

J. Worsham                                                James his X mark Thomas

William Landrum                                       Cancelled as to James Thomas

Raleigh Rogers

Zacheus Wilson

   Montgomery County Clerk, Deeds, Vol. L, p. 359.

1837 Deed John Thomas to William Landrum and John Pyle

Republic of Texas

Lake Creek  January 10th 1837.

Whereas I John Thomas a resident citizen of the Republic of Texas by the constitution and Laws of Colonization am entitled to one league and Labor of land as a settler  Now therefore the said John Thomas have bargained and agreed and by these presents do bargain and agree with William Landrum and John...

   Montgomery County Clerk, Deeds, Vol. B, p. 407.  Witnesses to this deed were J. Worsham (Jeremiah Worsham), W. M. Rankin, Zacheus Wilson and William Keys.

Deed David Thomas to William Landrum and John Pyle

David Thomas

-To-

Wm. Landrum & Jno. Pyle                                 Republic of Texas

                                                                                Lake Creek 10th Jany 1837

Know all men by these presents that I David Thomas a resident citizen of the Republic of Texas have for and in consideration of the sum of One Hundred Dollars to me in hand paid by William Landrum and John Pyle the receipt whereof I hereby acknowledge, bargained and sold and by these presents do bargain and sell unto the said Landrum and Pyle One third of a League of Land which I am entitled to as a...

   Montgomery County Clerk, Deeds, Vol. L, pp. 357-358. 

1837 Deed William Busby to W. W. Shepperd

Page 50

William  Busby                 Republic of Texas

To   Deed                           County of Washington

Wm. W. Shepperd                                     At the Store

of William W. Shepperd on Lake Creek on

the 14th day of January 1837. Eighteen

Hundred and thirty Seven, before us the citizens

R M Cravans, William Keys, Thomas Adams, and

C. B. Stewart, who witness this act, there being no 

Notary  present.  appeared William Busby, whom

we know and certify to be citizen in the full...

   Montgomery County Deeds, Vol. A, pp. 50-53.  Witnesses to this deed include R. M. Cravens, William Keys, Thomas Adams and C. B. Stewart.

1837 Bond Samuel McCombs to W. W. Shepperd 

Bonds for $2,000                             Saml M'Combs

                                                    to W. W. Shepperd

Republic of Texas

County of Washington

    Know all men by these presents that I Saml. MCombs of the County of               Am held and firmly bound by this act to pay or cause to be paid to W W Shepperd of Lake Creek the sum of Two thousand Dollars  on my failure to do as follows...

...half league of land.  And I sign the Same before the witnesses whom I authorise to go before the proper Notary or Judge and prove the same according to law, this bond and quit claim having been read to me before signing the Same  Done at the store of W W Shepperd on Lake Creek January 17 1837

 

Signed        Saml his x  mark McCombs

Witnesses                                                                Witnesses

R M Cravens                                                             W Busby

Thos Adams                                                             Chas B Stewart

    See Washington County Clerk, Deed Book A-1, pp. 36 & 37.  Another legal document executed at "the store of W. W. Shepperd on Lake Creek." 

1837 Deed A. U. Springer to John Pyle

Top of Page

Bottom of Page

   Montgomery County Deeds, Vol. H, p. 133.  "Done in the settlement of Lake Creek  before the witnesses in the Year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and thirty seven and on the 18th of the month of January.  -A. U. Springer-"  Again, take note of the witnesses: Zaheus (Zacheus) Wilson, John M. Springer, William Landrum, James P. McFarlan (McFarland), Thomas Chatham.  A. U. Springer acknowledged his signature on this deed on November 25, 1843 before the Montgomery County clerk and the Deed was filed of record on November 28, 1843.  See Montgomery County Deeds, Vol. H, p. 134.

1837 Washington County Election Returns

Close-up 1837 Election Returns Justices of the Peace of Washington County Texas

Republic of Texas

County of Washington

   I do hereby certify that on collating the returns from the several precincts composing the county of Washington for the election of County officers for said County the following persons were found to be duly elected -- to wit-

R. Stevenson - Sheriff

T. P. Shapard - Clerk of District Court

Robt. Merritt - County Clerk

W. P. Smith - Coroner

G. Walker & J. Beauchamp, J. P. for prc. of Hazard

J. G. Swisher}

Shub Marsh}                   Justices for Precinct of Hidalgo

E. Roddy}

S. R. Roberts}                                   "                 Washington

Jer. Washam [Worsham]}

Geo Galbraith}                                  "                  Lake Creek

Wm. Roberts}

Wm. Robinson}                                 "                  San Jacinto

A. McGuffin}

J. L. Bennett}                                     "                  Viesca 

Washington 13th Feby 1837

Jno. P. Coles

Chief Justice  

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic of Texas Election Returns 1835-1845, Box 2-9/44, 1837 - Washington Co.  This is a wonderful record from the Texas State Archives.  It shows the precincts in Washington County in 1837 before Montgomery County was created.  Six precincts are listed: Hazard, Hidalgo, Washington, Lake Creek, San Jacinto and Viesca.  As we will see below, three of these precincts will be located in the new County of Montgomery when it is created later in December of 1837.  Jer. Washam (Jeremiah Worsham) and Geo. (George) Galbraith were elected as Justices of Peace in the Precinct of Lake Creek.  Both of these gentlemen appear in numerous documents associated with the Lake Creek Settlement.

1837 Day Book Entry of Charles B. Stewart

Wm Landrum self    Lake Creek   Feby 28, 1837

To advice and prescription for wife this date $2.00

To advice and directions   day after ----        $1.00

   Another entry from C. B. Stewart's Day Book from 1836 to 1852.  Charles Bellinger Stewart Papers, Texas State Library and Archives, Austin Texas.  This entry dated February 28, 1837 refers to medical advice and treatment provided by C. B. Stewart in Lake Creek.  The William Landrum League is located next to the Benjamin Rigby League due west of the Owen Shannon League.  See the map above.

1837 Business Record - Day Book of Charles B. Stewart

34              Purchases    Discharges   Land a/c   in consp

and for joint a/c Charles Garrett myself    Lake Creek--

    This entry appears at the top of page 34 of C. B. Stewart's Day Book from 1836 to 1852, Charles Bellinger Stewart Papers, Texas State Library and Archives, Austin Texas.  Pages 34 and 35 contain a number of joint business dealings between Charles B. Stewart and Charles Garrett in Lake Creek.  It should be recalled that Charles Garrett was the son-in-law of Owen Shannon and Margaret [Montgomery] Shannon. 

1837 Affidavit of James Lee

Frame 26

On Lake Creek on 6th March 1837,  Personally came before me Geo Galbraith a duly qualified justice of the peace for Lake Creek Dist Washington county James Lee who says that he does not for himself or any other person owe any thing to the Government- that he has not embezzled or taken any arms ammunitions of war or any other thing belonging to the Government or caused the same to be done- that the annexed discharge is the same that was given him for his services in the army that it is original just and true and that he has not received or retained any thing belonging to the Government

James his X mark Lee

Sworn to and subscribed to before

me a Justice of the Peace aforesaid

Geo. Galbraith J. P.

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Stewart, Charles B., Claim #: 965, Type: AU, Reel #: 101, Frames: 25-30.  You can look these records up online at:  http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/repclaims/index.php  James Lee served as a Sergeant in Captain William Ware's Company.  His army discharge papers were signed by John Marshall Wade.  James Lee sold his claim for three months service in the army of the Republic of Texas to Charles B. Stewart on March 6, 1837.  Stewart purchased army discharge papers from several veterans of the Texas Revolution.  Here we find an example of George Galbraith as Justice of the Peace of the Lake Creek District.

Bond Evin Corner to Charles B. Stewart

This act made on Lake creek this sixth day of March 1837 before the Witnesses signed at the end , Witnesseth that Evin Corner did on the 14th day of September 1835 contract as a married man with C. B. Stewart to clear my land out of the land office, on this and signed a contract to that effect which is hereto sealed before Michael Gillou and James Wilson and I do hereby ratify and confirm said contract and I bind myself  and my heirs and successors to under the penal profit sum of Ten Thousand...

   Montgomery County Clerk, Deeds, Vol. B, pp.221-223.  Witnesses to this bond were Charles Garrett and B. B. Goodrich.

1837 Business Record - Day Book of Charles B. Stewart

Contracted in name Garrett and Stewart with Ransom Fultons of Lake Creek to do his land business.  All that Government may give to him on the halves.  He was not here at the Declaration of Independence but came to Texas in Novr 1836

    Another entry from C. B. Stewart's Day Book from 1836 to 1852, page 34.  Charles Bellinger Stewart Papers, Texas State Library and Archives, Austin Texas.  Given its location on the page, this entry was made between March 8 and March 15, 1837.  This is an example of a joint account of Charles Garrett and Charles B. Stewart in Lake Creek.

1837 Business Record - Day Book of Charles B. Stewart

Drew on Judge Hall to be paid out of my store in favor of the order of Chas Garrett for three hundred Dollars in 4 Dfts for $50 each and 4 Dfts for $25 each.  these to be given as premiums on joint a/c to persons who may wish their lands cleared out. Should Mr Garrett pay me the cash for one half of each or all of these Dfts the goods advanced upon the said half shall be put to him at cost and cartage and Should he pay property upon paying my half in cash I am to have my half in the same manner.

Lake Creek    March 15, 1837                 C. B. Stewart

    Another entry from C. B. Stewart's Day Book from 1836 to 1852, page 34.  Charles Bellinger Stewart Papers, Texas State Library and Archives, Austin Texas.  This is another example of a joint account of Charles Garrett and Charles B. Stewart in Lake Creek.

1837 Washington County Commissioners' Court

April 3, 1837 

   Washington County, Texas was created in 1836 and was organized in 1837.  See February 13, 1837 election returns above.  The first Washington County Commissioners' Court meeting was held on Monday, April 3, 1837.  Many references were made to the Lake Creek Settlement in the first nine pages of the minutes of the Washington County Commissioners' Court.  At the first meeting on April 3, 1837, Justices of the Peace Jeremiah Worsham and George Galbraith represented the precinct of Lake Creek. 

Minutes of the proceedings of the Court of Commissioners of Roads and Revenue in and for the County of Washington.

Republic of Texas

County of Washington

Court of Commissioners

In pursuance of an "Act organising Justices' courts, and defining the power and Jurisdiction of the same; and also Creating and Defining the Office and powers of Commissioners of Roads and Revenue," passed December 20, 1836.  and also, of an "Act authorizing and requiring County Courts to Regulate Roads, appoint Overseers, and Licence &c.  the members composing said Court in and for the County of Washington assembled at the Court house of said County in the Town of Washington on Monday the third day of April A. D. 1837.  Members present, The Hon. Jno. P. Coles Chief Justice.  Subal Marsh J. P. for the precinct of Hidalgo.  John Beauchamp and Gedeon Walker JS P. for the precinct of Hayard [Hazard]  Stephen R. Roberts J. P. precinct of Washington.  Jeremiah Washam [Worsham] & George Galbraith J'sP. precinct of Lake Creek  William Robert and William Robinson J's p precinct of San Jacinto.  Hugh McGuffin J. P. precinct of Viesca.

   At the April 3, 1837 meeting, George Galbraith made the following motion:

   On motion of George Galbraith.  Resolved that a road be ordered to be laid from Lake Creek Settlement to the County line in the most direct and practicable rout to the City of Houston and Benjamin Rigby, Raleigh Rodgers, Hiram Rosin, Charles Garrett and William Rankin be appointed to survey said rout and report to this Court at the next regular term thereof.

   See Washington County Texas Court of Commissioners of Roads & Revenue 1836-1846, originally transcribed by the WPA, 2001, GTT Books, Indexed by Pat Gordon 2002, pp. 1 & 2.  The next day, on Tuesday, April 4, 1837, William Robert from the precinct of San Jacinto made the following motion:

On motion of William Robert.  Resolved that a road from the City of Houston to Lake Creek Settlement be continued to run North from Lake Creek Settlement in the most direct and practicable rout to New Cincinnatti on the Trinity and that William Clark   Job Collard  H M Crabb  John Caruthers and Ranson Alfin be appointed to survey said rout and report to this Court at the next regular term thereof. 

   See Washington County Texas Court of Commissioners of Roads & Revenue 1836-1846, originally transcribed by the WPA, 2001, GTT Books, Indexed by Pat Gordon 2002, p. 3.  A copy of Washington County Texas Court of Commissioners of Roads & Revenue 1836-1846 is now available in the Charles B. Stewart West Branch Library of the Montgomery County Memorial Library System in reference area for local historians and 7th grade Texas history students to use in their research.

   It is important to note that a place called "Montgomery" does not appear in the Washington County Commissioners' Court Minutes for the first time until October of 1837, three months after the Town of Montgomery was founded.

1837 James A. Wilson Assignment to Charles B. Stewart and Affidavit

Frame 706

For the sum of Eight dollars to me in hand paid by Charles B Stewart, I sell and convey to him all my claim and right to one month and seventeen days service in the volunteer army of Texas at  San Antonio upon which there is a pay of Twenty dollars per month and as such I sell it to him for the above Eight dollars.

Lake Creek  April 9 - 1837  the said certificate attached to this sale of it.

James A his X mark Wilson

Witness

Geo. Galbraith

Lake Creek       1837   April 9

This day came James Wilson and said that he does not for himself or any other person owe the Government any thing-  that he has not taken embezzled or retained any munitions or any other thing belong to the Gov't or caused the same to have been done and that the annexed discharge is original Just and true, the same given him by J. L. Bennett and S. F. Austin

James his X mark A Wilson

Sworn and Subscribed to

before me on the above date

Geo. Galbraith

J P Lake Creek dist

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Stewart, Charles B., Claim #: 960, Type: AU, Reel #: 126, Frames: 705-708.  You can look these records up online at:  http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/repclaims/index.php  James Wilson participated in the Siege of Bexar.  His army discharge was signed November 24, 1835 by Captain Joseph L. Bennett.  Wilson's discharge was counter-signed by then Commander in Chief and General, Stephen F. Austin.

   C. B. Stewart, always the business man, made an excellent bargain.  He paid James Wilson $8.00 for his army discharge on April 9, 1837.  On April 27, 1837, J. W. Moody, the First Auditor of the Republic of Texas, paid C. B. Stewart $31.33.  Stewart as assignee of James Wilson, almost quadrupled his money in just two and a half weeks.

April 21, 1837 was a very busy day in the Lake Creek District as will be seen in the following documents.

1837 Affidavit of A. U. Springer

Frame 581

Lake Creek Dist   April 21, 1837

   Before me came A. U. Springer and said that the annexed discharges are original just and true- that he does not for himself or any other person owe anything to the Government he has not taken embezzled or retained any army ammunitions or horses mules or any other thing belonging to the Government nor has he caused the same to have been done by any other person excepting one 3 point Blanket at San Antonio.

A U Springer

Sworn to and Subscribed

to before me Geo. Galbraith

Justice of the peace

Lake creek Dist.

I hereby authorise C B Stewart to have my accounts on Government audited for my use  Lake Creek dist April 21, 1837

A U Springer

Witness                                                                Witness

W M Rankin                                               Geo. Galbraith

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Springer, A. U., Claim #: 953, Type: AU, Reel #: 99, Frames: 579-583. See the A. U. Springer League on the map above.  The map has his middle initial wrong and shows A. W. Springer.  The A. U. Springer League is located to the south of the location where Lake Creek empties into the West Fork of the San Jacinto River. 

1837 Affidavit of John M. Springer

   Lake Creek Dist   April 21, 1837

Before me, came John M. Springer and said that he does not for himself or any other person owe any thing  to the Government that the annexed discharge is original just and true, that he has not taken embezzled nor retained any army ammunition horse, mules or any other thing belonging to the Government, nor has he caused the same to have been done

John M. Springer

Sworn to and subscribed

to before me on the above

date Geo. Galbraith

Justice of the for Dist. aforesaid

I hereby appoint and authorise Charles B Stewart to have my Government claims audited and settled for my a/c Lake Creek Dist   April 21, 1837

John M. Springer

Witness                        Witness

W M Rankin                  Geo Galbraith

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Springer, John, Claim #: 952, Type: AU, Reel #: 99, Frames: 585-588.  Also see J. M. Springer above in 1834 Stephen F. Austin's Register of Families and in 1836 Deed John M. Springer to Jeremiah Worsham.

1837 Affidavit of Raleigh Rogers

Frame 544

Lake Creek Dist  April 21, 1837

Before me came Raleigh Rogers and said that the annexed discharge and receipt are original just and true that he does not for himself or any other person owe any thing to...

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Rogers, Raleigh, Claim #: 954, Type: AU, Reel #: 89, Frames: 542-547.  Raleigh Rogers was one of the original settlers who received his League from Stephen F. Austin in 1831.  See the Rogers League on the map above located directly to the south of the Thomas Chatham land grant and John Corner League.

Frame 543

I authorise C B Stewart to have my a/c audited for me for my a/c Lake Creek Dist  April 21, 1837

Raleigh Rogers

Witness                                  Witness

Geo. Galbraith          [James] X Wilson

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Rogers, Raleigh, Claim #: 954, Type: AU, Reel #: 89, Frames: 542-547.  You can look these records up online at: http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/repclaims/index.php 

1837 Affidavit of George Galbraith

Top of Frame 113

Lake Creek District Washington County on the 21st day of April Eighteen Hundred and thirty seven comes George Galbraith and says the annexed discharge is original, Just and true  And he owes...

Bottom of Frame 113

...of War, or any kind of property whatever belonging to the Republic of Texas; or caused the same to have been done.                

George Galbraith

Sworn and Subscribed before me    J Worsham J.P.

A Justice of the Peace for Lake Creek

District County of Washington Republic

of Texas

 

Frame 114

I hereby authorise C B Stewart to have my claims - audited for my account

Lake Creek   April 21, 1837

Geo. Galbraith

Witness                                              Witness

W M Rankin                                    J Worsham

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Galbraith, George, Claim #: 955, Type: AU, Reel #: 34, Frames: 110-113.  You can look these records up online at:  http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/repclaims/index.php  See the land grants to George Galbraith on the map above.

1837 Affidavit of Dickerson Garrett

Frame 431

       Lake Creek Dist   April 21 1837

Before me came Dickerson Garrett and said that he does not owe the Government anything for himself or any other person that the annexed discharge is original just and true.  And that he has not taken retained or embezzled any army ammunition or any other thing whatsoever belonging to the Government nor has he caused the same to have been done

Dickerson Garrett

Sworn and subscribed to

before me Geo. Galbraith a Justice of the

Peace in and for Lake Dist

on the date aforesaid

Frame 430

I authorise J.G.W. Pierson to have my account on the Government audited for my a/c

Lake Creek Dist  April 21, 1837

Dickerson Garrett

Witness                                      Witness

Geo. Galbraith                           J Worsham

  Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Garrett, Dickerson, Claim #: 5432, Type: AU, Reel #: 34, Frames: 430-431.  You can look these records up online at:  http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/repclaims/index.php  See the land grants to George Galbraith on the map above.

1837 - Chief Justice John P. Coles Describes Boundaries of Washington County

   In a Joint Resolution passed by the Congress of the Republic of Texas and signed into law by President Sam Houston on December 17, 1836, the Chief Justice of each county in the Republic of Texas was required to provide a description of his county's boundaries to the Secretary of State by the first day of May, 1837.

 Beginning on page 926 of Annotated Civil Statutes of the State of Texas by John Sayles, 1894, Abilene, Texas, Published by The Gilbert Book Company in St. Louis Missouri; John Sayles and Henry Sayles transcribed the descriptions of each of the counties provided by the Chief Justice of each of the counties.  

   Washington County Chief Justice, John P. Coles, provided the following description of the county boundaries of Washington County, Texas.  His description of the boundaries of Washington County is very careful to specifically include a reference to "Lake creek settlement."

   Washington.-Beginning at the mouth of Caney creek on the west bank of the Brazos river; thence following said creek to its source; thence west on the dividing ridge between the waters of New Year's creek and the principal or western fork of Mill creek until it strikes the eastern line of the county of Mina; and thence north on said eastern line of the county of Mina to the San Antonio road; from thence following said road eastward crossing the Brazos river to the west bank of Trinity river; thence fol-

COUNTY BOUNDARIES.

[APPENDIX.

lowing down said west bank to the county of Liberty (which is undefined); from thence following said line of Liberty to the northeast corner of the county of Harrisburg; from thence following the north line of the county of Harrisburg to the northeast corner of the county of Austin, so as to include Lake creek settlement; from said northeast corner of the county of Austin, following the north line of Austin, to the mouth of Ponn [Pond] creek on the east bank of the Brazos river; and thence up said east bank to the point opposite the mouth of Caney creek, and thence across the Brazos river to the place of beginning.

(Furnished by Jno. P. Coles, chief justice. No date given.)

   See Annotated Civil Statutes of the State of Texas by John Sayles, 1894, Abilene, Texas, St. Louis Missouri, The Gilbert Book Company, pages 930-931.

1837 Affidavit of Matthew Moss

Republic of Texas   Washington County May 8th 1837

Lake Creek Precinct

     This deponent sayeth that he served in the volunteer Army of Texas from the 6th day of March 1836 until the 6th of June 1836  the deponent further sayeth that he does not owe the public anything directly or indirectly

Matthew Moss

Sworn and

Subscribed

before me

J Worsham J P

   See Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Dikeman, Cyrus, Claim #: 7983, Type: AU, Reel #: 124, Frame: 94.  Matthew Moss was another volunteer who joined William Ware's San Jacinto Volunteers.  Moss joined the Texas army on the day that the Alamo fell.  Matthew Moss fought in the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. 

   This document and the one below were both executed on May 8, 1837. One was sworn to in the "Lake Creek Precinct" and the other was sworn to in the "Lake Creek District" showing how interchangeably the terms were used.

1837 Affidavit of Benjamin Rigby

The Republic of Texas

Washington County

Lake Creek District

 

On the 8^th day of May Eighteen Hundred and thirty seven came Benjamin Rigby and says the annexed discharge is original just and true and he owes the Government  nothing either for himself or any other person nor has he retained, sold or embezzled  any arms  munitions of war or any kind of property  whatever belonging to the Republic of Texas or caused the same to be done.

 

Benjamin Rigby

Sworn and Subscribed before

George Galbraith

Justice of the Peace for the Dis

trict and County aforesaid

 

I authorize and appoint Charles B. Stewart to have my account audited. May the 8th 1837

Benjamin Rigby

   See the Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Rigby, Benjamin, Claim #: 2613, Type: AU, Reel #: 88, Frame: 113.  Benjamin Rigby executed his affidavit on the same day as Thomas Chatham below.  Benjamin Rigby was one of the original settlers who received his League from Stephen F. Austin in 1831.  See the Benjamin Rigby League on the map above directly west of the John Corner League and directly north of the Zachariah Landrum League.

1837 Affidavit of Thomas Chatham

Frame 337

The Republic of Texas

Washington County

Lake Creek District          On the 8th day of May

Eighteen hundred and thirty seven came Thomas

Chatham and says that the annexed discharge is

original, just and true, and he owes the ...

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Chatham, Thomas, Claim #: 2610, Type: AU, Reel #: 17, Frames: 335-341.  Thomas Chatham swore to this affidavit before Lake Creek district Justice of the Peace, George Galbraith.  Like many of the Lake Creek Settlement veterans of the Texas Revolution, Thomas Chatham  served in Captain William Ware's Company in the Texas Army.  See Frame 338.  You can look these records up online at:  http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/repclaims/index.php 

Frame 341

   We the undersigned do hereby

authorise Chas B Stewart to have our

discharges audited in our respective names

for our uses.

Lake Creek      June 2, 1837

Thomas Chatham

Ben Jami[son?]

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Chatham, Thomas, Claim #: 2610, Type: AU, Reel #: 17, Frames: 335-341.  You can look these records up online at:  http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/repclaims/index.php

1837 Affidavit of Alexander Whitaker

Before me Jeremiah Worsham one of the Justice of the Peace for the Republic of Texas, the County of Washington District of Lake Creek personally appeared Alexander Whitaker who says that the annexed discharge is just and true and that he owes the Government nothing on this or the annexed discharge but one pair of shoes of fine quality either for himself or any other person.  Nor has he retained any arms or munitions of war, or embezzled any kind of property belonging to the Republic of Texas or caused the same to have been done

May 13th 1837                                                              

Alexander his X mark Whitaker

Sworn and subscribed

before me J. Worsham JP

for the said Dist and County

aforesaid

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Whitaker, Alexander, Claim #: 1300, Type: AU, Reel #: 113, Frames: 334-336.  You can look these records up online at:  http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/repclaims/index.php    

   Special thanks to native Texan Rita Kern who discovered this reference to the District of Lake Creek in the affidavit of her ancestor Alexander Whitaker.  This is another example of Jeremiah Worsham as the Justice of the Peace of the District of Lake Creek.

1837 Deed William M. Rankin, Sr. to Daniel. L. Richardson

Republic of Texas

County of Washington        

   Know all men by these presents made and signed at the store of W. W. Shepperd on Lake Creek on the       day of June Eighteen Hundred and Thirty Seven   That I William Rankin Senior have sold and do hereby in public and bonafied sale, sell transfer and convey unto...

   Montgomery County Deed Book F, pp. 12-14.  Just days before W. W. Shepperd and J. W. Moody would place the advertisement for the new town of Montgomery in the Telegraph and Texas Register newspaper, we see people executing a deed in a place that they are still calling Lake Creek.  As in all the previous documents, no one called the place where the town of Montgomery would be founded in July 1837 Montgomery, Montgomery Prairie, Montgomery Settlement or Montgomery Trading Post.  Witnesses to this deed were Charles B. Stewart, R. M. Cravens and George W. Davis.

1837 Deed William Busby to William F. Bowen

...at the Store of W. W. Shepperd on Lake Creek

Witnesses                                                   William Busby {Seal}

Chas. B. Stewart

Jos. L. Bennett

Charles his X mark Garrett

Republic of Texas

County of Washington

Know all men by these presents that I Harriett Busby wife of William Busby of Washington County...

   See Washington County Clerk, Deed Book A, pp. 175-177.  This deed was executed on June 13, 1837 about three weeks before the town of Montgomery is founded in early July 1837. On June 13, 1837, the location where the town of Montgomery will be founded is still commonly described as the store of W. W. Shepperd on Lake Creek.

Harriett Busby, Wife of William Busby to William F. Bowen

..or may have as aforesaid in favor of the said William F. Bowen his heirs and assigns forever.  Witness my hand & seal at the store of W. W. Shepperd on Lake Creek this 14th day of June Eighteen hundred and thirty seven

Witnesses                                                   Harriett Busby {Seal}

Chas. B. Stewart

Chas Garrett

   See Washington County Clerk, Deed Book A, p. 177.  Another legal document executed at "the store of W. W. Shepperd on Lake Creek." 

1837 Washington County Commissioners' Court

July 3, 1837

   In the minutes from second meeting of the Washington County Commissioners Court which was held in the Town of Washington on July 3, 1837, we find the following references to the Lake Creek Settlement:

At a meeting of the County Com^rs, held this day, were present, Jn^o P. Coles, president:  Shub Marsh  Jno. Beaucham,  S. R. Roberts, Jere: Washam, Geo McGuffin, J. G. Swisher, E. Roddy  Geo: Galbraith  Absent  W. Roberts  W Robinson  Gid Walker  and Jos: L. Bennett  Resolved, that till the next meeting of this Court time be extended to the Comm^rs on the laying out the course of roads to make their reports in, and that the several persons hereafter named be added to those already named on the different Routes Viz  Jno Millican, Dr. Hooton & Carey White on the route from Washington, by Millchams to San Antonio Road from Washington East to New Cincinatti, added Rob^t Ray W Sanders and Jn^o Tumbleston - from the town of Washington west to the County line, Clem^t Raney & Adol. Hope, added---from Washington to City of Houston, E. Fuqui-- " [from]   do[Washington] to San Felippi  W. Townsend and Tho^s. Stephens --  Lake Creek to Houston, W. Keys, Jno. Thomas & J. Landrum added--  from Lake Creek settlement to New Cincinatti, Lewis Cox & -- Mr. Daniel added;-- from Millicans to San Felippe, added from Batiste village to New Cincinatti, added Capⁿ Ware & Col.Crane--

   See Washington County Texas Court of Commissioners of Roads & Revenue 1836-1846, originally transcribed by the WPA, 2001, GTT Books, Indexed by Pat Gordon 2002, p. [5].  A copy of Washington County Texas Court of Commissioners of Roads & Revenue 1836-1846 is now available in the Charles B. Stewart West Branch Library of the Montgomery County Memorial Library System in reference area for local historians and 7th grade Texas history students to use in their research.

   Prior to the July 8, 1837 advertisement in the Telegraph and Texas Register newspaper introducing the Town of Montgomery, the Town of Montgomery does not appear in the minutes of the Washington County Commissioners' Court.  In early July, the area is still being called Lake Creek and Lake Creek Settlement. 

   It is very important to note that a place called Montgomery does not appear in the Washington County Commissioners' Court minutes for the first time until October of 1837, three months after the town was founded.

Documents Above Are All Dated Before July 8, 1837

July 8, 1837

Town of Montgomery, Texas Founded

From the July 8, 1837 Edition of the Telegraph and Texas Register

MONTGOMERY

SITUATED in the county of Washington, sixty miles northwest of the city of Houston, thirty five miles east of the town of Washington, and six miles west of the San Jacinto River, in the centre of a high, beautiful and undulating district of country, distinguished for health, good water, and soil.

   It is expected that a new county will be organized, at the next session of congress, embracing this section of country. in which event, the town of Montgomery from its central position, must be selected as the seat of justice.

   The San Jacinto affords an excellent keel boat navigation to this point.  The most direct route from the the city of Houtston to Robertson's colony and Red River settlements, and from Bevil's settlement to Washington, pass through this town.  The great extent of good land lying contiguous, and its increasing and enterprising agricultural population, cannot fail of making this one of the most flourishing inland towns in this republic.

   Sales of lots at auction will take place in the town of Montgomery, on the first Monday in September ensuing, and continue for three days.

   Terms of sale, six, and twelve months credit.  Notes with approved security will be required.  Good titles will be made upon the payment of the first notes.

W. W. Shepperd,}                               

J. W. Moody,       }  for company.

   Texas 4th July, 1837.

 

   See the Saturday, July 8, 1837 edition of the Telegraph and Texas Register, Vol. 2, No. 25, Whole No. 17, p. 3 published in Houston, Texas.

   As stated at the beginning of this article, this date is significant.  The names "Montgomery" and "town of Montgomery" appear in print for the first time to describe a place in Texas in the July 8, 1837 edition of the Telegraph and Texas Register which was published in Houston, Texas.  And we can date the founding of the original Town of Montgomery to this date.

   In this advertisement, W. W. Shpperd and J. W. Moody make a couple of surprising predicitions.  They predict that a new county will be created in the next session of congress and that the town of Montgomery will be selected as the county seat of the new county.  As we will see, both of these predictions will come true.

   For a while after this date, July 8, 1837, the terms Lake Creek Settlement, District of Lake Creek, Precinct of Lake Creek and Lake Creek will be used synonymously with the terms Montgomery and Town of Montgomery.  The next two documents are examples of the "Lake Creek" and "Montgomery" terms being used interchangeably.

   Shortly thereafter, the terms Montgomery and Town of Montgomery will become the more popular names and Lake Creek Settlement, District of Lake Creek, Precinct of Lake Creek and Lake Creek will quickly fall out of common usage. 

  Charles B. Stewart considered the Montgomery advertisement important enough to glue a copy of it onto the front inside cover of his Day Book from 1836 to 1852 .  See bottom left of scan.

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

  See C. B. Stewart's Day Book from 1836 to 1852, Charles Bellinger Stewart Papers, Texas State Library and Archives, Austin Texas.  Note C. B. Stewart makes no mention of any place called Montgomery in his  Day Book from 1836 to 1852 prior to July 8, 1837.

Close-up of Montgomery Advertisement in Charles B. Stewart's Day Book

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Documents Below Are All Dated After July 8, 1837

1837 Deed William Buchannon to C. B. Stewart

Page 241

Deed W. Buchannon, Guardian [sic] to C. B. Stewart

Republic of Texas

County of Washington

District of Lake Creek

   Page 243

"...affect the goodness of this act.  And I sign this act at the store of W W Shepperd on Lake Creek in the town of Montgomery on the 2nd day of August Eighteen hundred Thirty seven - and there being no Notary present I acknowledge..."

  Washington County Clerk, Deed, Volume A, pp. 241-243.  This wonderful deed is something of a Rosetta Stone.  The District of Lake Creek and the store of W. W. Shepperd on Lake Creek and the Town of Montgomery are all the same place!  This deed was signed on August 2, 1837 less than a month after the town of Montgomery was founded on July 8, 1837.  This may be the earliest known deed referring to the town of Montgomery.

   All the names for Lake Creek Settlement will soon fade away being replaced with Montgomery, Town of Montgomery and County of Montgomery.

1837 W. W. Shepperd Agent for the Telegraph and Texas Register

Enlarged

   August 12, 1837, edition of the Telegraph and Texas Register, Vol. II, No. 30, Whole No. 82, page 1, published by Cruger & Moore in Houston, Texas.  Just over a month after the July 8, 1837 advertisement for the sale of lots in the town of Montgomery was first run, W. W. Shepard [Shepperd] is listed in the masthead of the Telegraph and Texas Register as the agent of the newspaper in "Montgomery, Lake creek."  

   This was the first edition in which W. W. Shepperd appears as an agent of the Telegraph and Texas Register. He is the agent at Montgomery, Lake creek.  Before the July 8, 1836 edition, the Telegraph and Texas Register used only the names Lake Creek or Lake Creek Settlement to designate the place. The name Montgomery had only been in use to designate the place since July 8, 1837 (a little over a month).

    The "Buchannon to Stewart" deed signed on August 2, 1837 (see above) uses the terms "on Lake Creek", "District of Lake Creek" and "Town of Montgomery" synonymously.  Now, just a few days later, we see the Telegraph and Texas Register using the names Montgomery and Lake Creek synonymously.  The Telegraph and Texas Register begins to use both names interchangeably right on the cover of the newspaper in its masthead. It appeared this way for months.  See December 9, 1837 edition of Telegraph and Texas Register below.

AGENTS FOR THE TELEGRAPH

...W. W. Shepard, Montgomery, Lake creek.

   The "Lake creek" name will be dropped from the Telegraph and Texas Register masthead shortly after the creation of Montgomery County on December 14, 1837. As an example, the January 8, 1840 edition of the Telegraph and Texas Register lists W. W. Shepard as agent in "Montgomery" only.  The "Lake creek" is gone.

1837 Affidavit of James P. McFarland

On the 18th day of August 1837 Before me George Galbraith a Justice of the Peace for the District of Lake Creek Washington County in the Republic of Texas personally appeared James P McFarland who says the annexed discharge is original just and true, and that he owes the Government nothing for himself or any other person nor has he retained, sold or embezzled any arms, munitions of war, or any kind of property whatever belonging to the Republic of Texas or caused the same to have been done.

Sworn to and Subscribed

before me Geo. Galbraith

a Justice of the Peace for said

County & District

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: McFarland, James P., Claim #: 3330, Type: AU, Reel #: 67, Frame: 556.   You can look these records up at:  http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/repclaims/index.php

1837 Washington County Commissioners' Court

October Term, 1837

Commissioners Court

(Monday 2nd)                                          October term 1837

At a regular sitting this day present, The Hon^ble J. P. Coles, Chief Justice, John Beauchamp   Gid: Walker, Jeremiah Washam   Geo: Galbraith, Will^m Roberts, W^m Robinson--absent  Sh: Marsh   H. McGuffin   J. G. Swisher   Jos^h L. Bennett----

S. R. Roberts--E. Roddy & H. M^cGuffin resigned--

The minutes of the last meeting having been read, and a quorum being present the court proceeded to business--  The following road reviewers Reports were received & approved-viz

X Will^m C. Clark   John Caruthers          {}            From Cincinatti

H M Cobb   R Alphin   J. S Collard           {}            to Lake Creek Settlem^t

 

W. M. Rankin, Ben Rigby                         {}              District of Lake Creek

X Hiram Rosson   Ralegh Rogers           {}             to City of Houston

Cha^s Garrett                                              {}

 

Asa Hoxey, Horatio Chriesman             {}             from Washington

C. Raney   W. C Wilson - -                       {}             to west boundary line

Elijah Collard, Jos: Lindly                        {}             Baptiste village to

R. McGee                                                     {}             Lake Creek Settlem^t

Pleasant Gray   " [appointed]  " [overseer,]  " [for]  second  Do [precinct] of Road from Cincnatti to Lake Creek--

      See Washington County Texas Court of Commissioners of Roads & Revenue 1836-1846, originally transcribed by the WPA, 2001, GTT Books, Indexed by Pat Gordon 2002, pp. [7], [8] & [9].  The town of Montgomery was founded in July of 1837.  As late as the October term of the Washington County Commissioners Court, the terms Lake Creek Settlement, District of Lake Creek and Lake Creek are still being used. 

    At the October term meeting of the Washington County Commissioners' Court, the minutes will refer to Montgomery for the very first time.  At the beginning of the October term meeting the terms Lake Creek, District of Lake Creek and Lake Creek Settlement are used. At the end of the October term meeting, the term Montgomery is being used.

Jn^o Conner [Corner] appointed overseer on road leading from to intersect Montgomery to Houston--

Jno Ryle overseer on Road from Montgomery to Houston

   See Washington County Texas Court of Commissioners of Roads & Revenue 1836-1846, originally transcribed by the WPA, 2001, GTT Books, Indexed by Pat Gordon 2002, p. [9].  A copy of Washington County Texas Court of Commissioners of Roads & Revenue 1836-1846 is now available in the Charles B. Stewart West Branch Library of the Montgomery County Memorial Library System in reference area for local historians and 7th grade Texas history students to use in their research.

1837 Montgomery County, Texas Created

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

An Act

Creating the County of Montgomery

I certify that the within act originated in the House of Representatives

Frances R. Lubbock

Chf.Clk. HR.

   For primary source, see An Act Creating the County of Montgomery, 2nd Congress, Regular Session (1837), Texas Secretary of State, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Division.  On December 14, 1837, Montgomery County was created by an Act of the Congress of the Republic of Texas.  Also see The Laws of Texas, 1822-1897, Gammel, Volume I, Austin, The Gammel Book Company, 1898, pp. 1375-1376:

AN ACT

Creating the county of Montgomery.

Sec. 1. Be it enacted, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Texas, in Congress assembled, that all that part of the county of Washington, lying east of the Brazos, and southeast Navisota rivers, shall constitute and form a new County to be known and designated by the name Montgomery county...

approved

Sam Houston

Joseph Rowe

Speaker of the house of Representatives.

MIRABEAU B. LAMAR,

President of the Senate.

14^th Dec 37

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

      For primary source, see An Act Creating the County of Montgomery, 2nd Congress, Regular Session (1837), Texas Secretary of State, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Division. 

   Joseph Rowe, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who signed the Act creating Montgomery County, and W. W. Shepperd had an additional connection.  Joseph Rowe and W. W. Shepperd were both "Agents" for the Telegraph and Texas Register newspaper.  Rowe was the agent in San Augustine and Shepperd was the agent in Montgomery, Lake creek.  For a primary source see the December 9, 1837 edition of the Telegraph and Texas Register published at Houston, Texas 5 days before the Act creating Montgomery County was signed.

   Note: All the documents that follow are all dated after the creation of Montgomery County on December 14, 1837.

1837 John Pyle Advertisement

CAUTION

All persons are hereby cautioned against purchasing or trading in any way for a head right of J. J. Smith, as I have purchased and paid for the same.              JOHN PYLE.

Lake Creek, December 19, 1837.-107 3t*

   See December 30, 1837 Telegraph and Texas Register, Vol. 3, No. 3.

1837 Francis J. Cooke to J. W. Moody

Lake Creek  Decr 30th 1837

Dr Sir

        When I was last at Houston I left my discharge with you to be Audited  You were to send it by Doct Stewart since that time.  I have not seen the Doctor and consequently do not know whether you have or have not sent it-   If you have not please deliver it Mr H Rosson who will hand you this and thereby much oblige

Very Respectfully

Your Obt Servt

Francis J. Cooke

   See Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Cooke, Francis J., Claim #: 4066, Type: AU, Reel #: 20, Frame: 325.  Francis J. Cooke fought in the Battle of San Jacinto.  Not only does this document mention Lake Creek, but it is example of a resident of the Lake Creek Settlement referring to C. B. Stewart as "Doct Stewart" and "the Doctor."  For another example, see the "1838 Mary Corner Advertisement" below.

March 1, 1838 - First Montgomery County Commissioners' Court Meeting

   On March 1, 1838 at the very first Montgomery County Commissioners Court meeting, the minutes provide the following:

Page 1

"The president placed before the board the written act of donation of W. W. Shepperd to the County of Montgomery of an equal half undivided interest in the Town of Montgomery and Sixty acres of pine land adjoining - donated for County purposes and being put to question whether said donation should be accepted it was unanimously received - and the question being also whether the place of the Town presented by C. B. Stewart as agent for W. W. Shepperd should be received the same was also unanimously received and adopted."

   These are the original hand written minutes of the Montgomery County Commissioners Court found on page 1 located in the Montgomery County Clerk's Office in Conroe, Texas.  Also see Montgomery County Clerk, Deed, Vol. E, p. 285.

Larger Than the State of Delaware

   Following the creation of Montgomery County in 1837, the town of Montgomery was the county seat of an extremely large county.  In her book, Melinda Rankin noted that (prior to the creation of Grimes County and Walker County) Montgomery County was so large that it was larger than the State of Delaware.

   Montgomery was at one time the local seat of government of a territory larger than the State of Delaware, extending from the San Antonio road (the old "king's pass" of the anti-Texan era) on the north, to Spring Creek on the south, and from the Brasos on the west, to the Trinity river on the east, some seventy miles on either course - and now containing the counties of Grimes, Walker and Montgomery.

   See page 145 of Melinda Rankin's book, Texas in 1850, printed in Boston by Damrell & Moore in 1850.

1838 - Montgomery County Commissioners Advertise Lots in Town of Montgomery for Sale

Town Lots of Montgomery,

Seat of Justice for Montgomery county, For Sale. A Sale of Lots in the town of Montgomery will take place on the premises, on the 4th Monday of April instant.  Terms made known on the day of sale.

By order of the County Commissioners.

april 14.                                                                                             [sic] 22-3t*

   This advertisement ran at least three times.  See the April 14, 1838, April 18, 1838, and April 21, 1838 editions of the Telegraph and Texas Register newspaper published in Houston.

1838 Election Returns for Montgomery County and Precinct of Lake Creek

   Some time between the first Montgomery County Commissioners Court meeting on March 1, 1838 and April 30, 1838 elections were held in Montgomery County.  On April 30, 1838, Jesse Grimes provides Robert A. Irion, the Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas, the election returns below.

April 30, 1838

Montgomery April 30th 1838

Hon. Robert A. Irion

Sir

                                      In the organization of the County of Montgomery the following named persons were duly elected   To Wit:  Abram Zuber Clerk of district Court, Gwyn Morrison Clerk of County and Probate Courts, Joshua Robbins  Sheriff, Daniel Quinby  Coroner, Daniel T. Dunham, Zoraster Robinson, Hillory M. Crabb, Luther M. T. Plummer, Martin P. Clark and George Galbraith Justices of the Peace for said County, all of whom have been duly qualified and are acting in their official capacities respectively.

Jesse Grimes  Chief Justice

County Court, Montgomery County

      Texas State Library and Archives, Republic of Texas Election Returns 1835-1845, Box 2-9/44, Election Returns 1838- Montgomery Co.  There was some miscommunication and Jesse Grimes re-submitted the returns to the Secretary of State on May 30, 1838.  These returns are more detailed.

May 30, 1838

Montgomery County,   May the 30th 1838

Hon. R. A. Irion

Dear Sir

                                  Your communication of the 5th from some cause did not reach me until yesterday 

   The County of Montgomery was organised as early as practicable after receiving the proclamation of the President on that subject.  One of the Justices elect having been a while absent from the County the returns of his qualifications was not received until the April term of the Probate Court, when I immediately made return of all the County Officers, with the exception of Constables to the Department of State which I hope you have received but for fear it has not reached you I have sent you another which I have to do from memory being at home sixteen miles from the County Clerks office.

   Abram Zuber Clerk of the district Court;    Joshua Robbins Sheriff   Daniel Quimby Coroner.  For the precinct of Viesca  D T Dunham and Zoraster Robinson Justices of the peace and Peter Tumbleston Constable.  Precinct of Lake Creek Martin P Clarke and George Galbraith Justices of the Peace and William S. Taylor Constable.  Precinct of San Jacinto Hillory M Crabb and Luther M Plummer Justices of the Peace and                     Constable.

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic of Texas Election Returns 1835-1845, Box 2-9/44, Election Returns 1838 - Montgomery Co.  Jesse Grimes provided some additional election returns on October 30, 1838. Martin P. Clarke and George Galbriath were elected Justices of the Peace for the Precinct of Lake Creek and William S. Taylor was elected the Constable of the Precinct of Lake Creek.

William S. Taylor

A San Jacinto Veteran

Died February 2, 1869

Erected by the State of Texas

1936

   Above is the 1936 Texas Centennial Marker honoring William S. Taylor located in the "Old Cemetery" in Montgomery, Texas.

1838 Mary Corner Advertisement

Notice - I forwarn all persons from trading for a bond given by me to Dr. Stewart for clearing out a league of land.  I further forwarn them from trading for a half league of land, deeded from me to his wife, as he has not complied with his contract.                      MARY CORNER

      Lake Creek, sept. 25, '38                                                                    3t-f63

   September 29, 1838, edition of the Telegraph and Texas Register, Vol. IV, No. 5, Whole No. 161, page 3, published by Frances Moore, Jr. in Houston, Texas.  Not only does this advertisement mention Lake Creek but it also refers to "Dr." Stewart.

1838 Election Returns for Montgomery County and Precinct of Lake Creek Continued

October 30, 1838

Republic of Texas

Montgomery County

       I do hereby certify that Ephraim H. Grey has been duly elected and qualified a Justice of the Peace in the precinct of San Jacinto to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Hillory M. Crabb.  Peter Cartwright has been duly elected and qualified a Justice of the Peace in the Precinct of Lake Creek to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Martin P. Clark - and Samuel McAdams has been duly elected and qualified Coroner to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Daniel Quimby

Given under my hand and private seal

having no seal of office, the 30th day

of October A.D. 1838

Jesse Grimes     Chief Justice

County Court

Montgomery County

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic of Texas Election Returns 1835-1845, Box 2-9/44, Election Returns 1838 - Montgomery Co.  The three precincts in Montgomery County in 1838 identified in these election returns are the Precinct of Viesca, the Precinct of Lake Creek and the Precinct of San Jacinto. In 1839, these three very large precincts were replaced with a number of political subdivisions called beats.  For some reason, William S. Taylor ceased to be the Constable of the Precinct of Lake Creek as evidenced by the election of Nathan Drake in November of 1838. 

1838 Nathan Drake Elected Constable of the Precinct of Lake Creek

   The earliest elections records in Montgomery County were recorded in a small book in the County Clerk's Office called Records of Official Bonds 1838-1848.  This book is great primary source for the names and offices held by the earliest officials in Montgomery County.  On page 12, we find the election of Nathan Drake as the Constable of the Precinct of Lake Creek.

Records of Official Bonds 1838 - 1848;  Page 12

12     Nathan Drake Bond as Constable

Republic of Texas

Montgomery County         

Know all men by these presents that we Nathan Drake, W. W. Shepperd and Charles Garrett are held and firmly bound unto Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas and his successors in office in the just and full sum of One Thousand Dollars good and lawful money for the payment whereof we bind ourselves, our heirs executors and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents.  Sealed with our seals and dated the 25th day of November A. D.  1838 and third year of the Independence of the Republic of Texas.

The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bound Nathan Drake has been duly elected Constable of the Precinct of Lake Creek

Now if the said Drake shall faithfully perform all the duties that are or shall be required of him by law as Constable of said Precinct then the above obligation to be void.  Otherwise to be and remain in full force and effect.

Nathan Drake {Seal}

W. W. Shepperd {Seal}

Charles Garrett {Seal}

Approved the 26th November 1838.

Jesse Grimes Chief Justice

Montgomery County

Close-up of Page 12 

The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bound Nathan Drake has been duly elected Constable of the Precinct of Lake Creek...

   The sureties on Constable Drake's bond were W. W. Shepperd and Charles Garrett; and Montgomery County Chief Justice Jesse Grimes approved the bond. 

   Special thanks to Vera Meek Wimberly for abstracting Records of Official Bonds 1838-1848 which included the information about Constable Nathan Drake.  See page 110 , Vol. 13, #3, Fall 1990 edition of The Herald, article entitled Montgomery County Texas Official Bonds 1838 - 1848.  Special thanks to Sharon Wilson and the rest the Montgomery County Clerk's Office for the great job in locating this wonderful primary document from the first year of the county's existence.

1839 William Atkins to Allen Samuel - Title Bond

Top of Page 219

Title Bond   William Atkins to Allen Samuel

Republic of Texas

Montgomery County

   Know all men by these presents that I William Atkins of the said County of Montgomery and Republic of Texas aforesaid am held and firmly bound unto Allen Samuel of said County and Republic aforesaid in the just and full sum  of Twenty five hundred Dollars current money of this Republic of the value of gold or silver dollars for dollars to the payment of which I bind myself my heirs executors and administrators jointly and severally, firmly by these presents signed and sealed this 5th day of August in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine.

Middle of Page 220

...West 178 varas  South 42 deg West 50 varas cornered on a Box Elder at the crossing of Atkins creek   Thence South 20 deg West 200 varas intersected Stoner survey line and cornered on an Elm 10 inches in diameter marked A.S.   Thence South 74 deg West with said survey line 102 varas to its corner   Thence South 16 deg East 400 varas to the beginning,  the said Land lying  and being in  the said County of Montgomery in the District of Lake Creek     Now when ever the above bound William Atkins fully complies with the conditions of the above said bond then and in that case the above obligation to be null and void and of none effect otherwise to remain in full force and virtue in Law and Equity, signed sealed and delivered on the day and year first above written in the presence of                                                                                    William Atkins {Seal}

Geo. Galbraith  

James Corner

   Montgomery County Clerk, Deed, Vol. E., pp. 219-221.  The date of this title bond is August 5, 1839.  The term District of Lake Creek is still in use in 1839.  The witnesses were Geo. Galbraith and James Corner.  The Stoner survey mentioned here is a reference to land that Lewis Stoner purchased from William Atkins earlier January 19, 1839.  See Montgomery County Clerk Deed Vol. E, pp. 288-290. 

   William Atkins was one of the original settlers who received his Mexican land grant from Empresario Stephen F. Austin in 1831.  The William Atkins League is located just southeast of the John Corner League. Click here to see a map showing the location of the William Atkins League.

1840 Methodist Quarterly Conference Meeting- Montgomery Circuit

  Methodist conference meetings were held at a different location in the Montgomery Circuit each quarter.  At the third quarterly conference meeting of the Methodist Episcopal Church's Montgomery Circuit held Saturday, September 26, 1840, a vote was taken as to where the next quarterly meeting should be held.  The Lake Creek Settlement was chosen as the site of the December 1840 quarterly conference meeting.

Question  4th  where shall the quarterly meeting be held.

Ans.  in Lake Creek Settlement on 19th and 20th of december

J.H. Collard Secretary                                              Littleton Fowler

   See the "Journal of the church conference held at Montgomery 1839-1850" located in the Oscar Murray Addison Papers in the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin [formerly the Barker Texas History Center] in Box 2A103.  Not only is the Lake Creek Settlement mentioned, but one of the members voting at the third quarterly conference meeting in 1840 was Edley Montgomery, the son of William Montgomery and brother of Andrew Montgomery.   Click here for more on the early history of Methodism in Montgomery County.

1840 Lake Creek Meeting House

4th quarterly Meeting Conference for Montgomery Circuit held at Lake Creek Meeting house on the 20 December 1840   Members preasent  Francis Wilson president pro tem  R.W. Owen  Robert Crawford Circuit preachers  J.H. Collard  John C. Woolam  Cyrus Dikeman  B. B. Stansell  Edley Montgomery

   See the "Journal of the church conference held at Montgomery 1839-1850" located in the Oscar Murray Addison Papers in the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin [formerly the Barker Texas History Center] in Box 2A103.  When the quarterly conference meeting was held in the Lake Creek Settlement in December of 1840, the meeting was held in a building referred to as the "Lake Creek Meeting house."  This is the first and only reference to this building that has been located to date.

1841 Cyrus Dikeman Letter in Telegraph and Texas Register

   The following letter was written by Cyrus Dikeman regarding Sam Houston's Presidential re-election chances in 1841.

Mr. Dikeman a very repectable and intelligent settler of Montgomery county, under date of July 27th, writes as follows"

Lake Creek, Montgomery County,

July 27, 1841

Dr. F. Moore.

   Dear Sir: - From what I can hear, the impression has gone abroad, that Gen. Houston will get all the votes in this county, and knowing this to be an error and believing that is calculated to prejudice the election of Judge Burnet, I conceive it to be my duty to inform you that unless I am greatly mistaken Judge Burnet will get at least 200 votes in this county - a majority of the respectable farmers will vote for Judge Burnet.

I am yours, &c.,

CYRUS DIKEMAN.

   See August 11, 1841 edition of the Telegraph and Texas Register newspaper, Vol. 6, No. 37, page 3.

   1845 Alexander McCown Advertisement in the Montgomery Patriot  

  Even after July 8, 1837, the area around the Town of Montgomery was still known as the Lake Creek Settlement for some time. 

Masthead of July 2, 1845 Montgomery Patriot Newspaper

Page 4

   July 2, 1845 edition of the Montgomery Patriot, Vol. 1, No. 10, page 4, published by John Marshall Wade in Montgomery, Texas. Click here to see a scan of the original advertisement.

    The fact that the area around Montgomery was known as Lake Creek or the Lake Creek Settlement cannot be disputed.  Above is an advertisement published in the July 2, 1845 edition of the Montgomery Patriot newspaper published by John Marshall Wade.  The advertisement placed by A. M'Cown (Alexander McCown) is for the sale of lots in the Town of Montgomery.  In describing Montgomery, the advertisement describes, "The lands surrounding Montgomery known as the Lake Creek Settlement, being of such a rich and fertile character..." 

   Alexander McCown was the brother and agent for James McCown.  In 1839, James McCown had purchased W. W. Shepperd's equal half undivided interest in the Town of Montgomery as well as the two hundred acres due north of the town for $4,000.00.  

   It is interesting to take note of John Marshall Wade's motto in the newspaper masthead, "Let all the ends thou aim'st at be thy Country's, thy God's, and Truth's" 

    John Marshall Wade attained the rank of Colonel during the Texas Revolution and manned the "Twin Sisters" at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836 when Texas won its independence from Mexico.

1855 Nat Hart Davis Interrogatory to Jesse Grimes

The State of Texas}

County of Montgomery}  

District Court   To Jacob Shannon or your Attorney of record A Hemphill Esq.  Take notice that Plaintiff will apply to the Clerk of the District Court of said County for a commission to take the answers of Jesse Grimes a witness residing in Grimes County to the following Interrogatories.  The Depositions to be used by Plaintiff in a certain cause now depending in said Court No 923, wherein Ruth Miller is Plaintiff and you are Defendant.

August 17th 1855                               N Hart Davis

                                                   Atty for Plaintiff

Ruth Miller

   vs  923

Jacob Shannon

District Court   Montgomery County.

Interrogatories by Plaintiff to be propounded to Jesse Grimes a resident of Grimes County.

Int. 5th     In, or previous to, 1833 did you know of a League of Land in Lake Creek Settlement known or called Beadye League?  If yes  what name has it now and whose Leagues does it adjoin; and what name has it now?

   Montgomery County District Court, Case No. 923, Montgomery County, Texas.  Here, Attorney Nat Hart Davis propounds an Interrogatory on Jesse Grimes which presumes the existence of the Lake Creek Settlement.  He is asking about the Beadye League.  The Beadye League was the League that Jacob Shannon received from Empresario Stephen F. Austin in 1831.  The Beadye League was later known as the Jacob Shannon League.  Click her for more information about Nathaniel Hart Davis and the N.H. Davis Pioneer Complex and Museum in Montgomery, Texas.

1857 Nat Hart Davis Cross Interrogatories to William Shannon

Cross Question 34th    Had he [Jacob Shannon] made much property before Ruth Miller came to lake creek settlement?

Cross Question 49th    How long had Jacob Shannon been living in lake creek settlement before Ruth Miller came?

Cross Question 50th    How long had your Father [Jacob Shannon] been here?  how long had your Grand Father Shannon [Owen Shannon] been here?

Cross Question 56th    When your father [Jacob Shannon] moved to lake Creek Settlement near the present town of Montgomery was not Jacob Shannon the poorest one of the Shannon men?

Cross Question 57th    When was the last Time you saw the alleged or pretended instrument asked about in the 5th direct Interrogatory?  Who was then & there?

N Hart Davis

Atto for Plff

   See Ruth Miller vs. Jacob Shannon, Montgomery County District Court, Case No. 923, Montgomery County, Texas.  Here, Nathaniel Hart Davis propounded three Cross Interrogatories on William Shannon on June 15, 1857 which presumed the existence of the Lake Creek Settlement.

   Nathaniel Hat Davis was an early attorney and later a Judge in Montgomery, Texas and Montgomery County, Texas.  Click here to read more about Nathaniel Hart Davis.

1870 John M. Wade Pension Application 

   On October 4, 1870, Thomas Chatham swore out an affidavit in Montgomery County in support of John Marshall Wade's Pension Claim Application.  To see another reference to Thomas Chatham and the Lake Creek Settlement, see the 1834 entry in Stephen F. Austin's Register of Families above. You can look this pension record up at:  http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/repclaims/index.php

Bottom of Frame 524

And Thomas Chatham says on his oath that he personally knew the said John M Wade now here present before him in the...

Top of Frame 525

...year 1835 in the month of October at  the place then called Lake Creek Settlement now the town of Montgomery in the State and County aforesaid, that the said Wade and himself joined Capt W Wares...

 Bottom of Frame 525

   That the said John M Wade participated in the Battle of San Jacinto, to the best of his belief and knowledge on the 21st day of April 1836, that he returned from said Battle to the Lake Creek Settlement now the county and town of Montgomery where he resided for many years in fact up to the present date save about 6 years that he resided in Walker County, that he now resides in and has charge of the office of county surveyor of said County   that he is about 55 or 56...

  Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Wade, John M., Type: PE, Reel #: 243, Frames: 524-526. As has been noted previously in this article, John Marshall Wade published a newspaper in Montgomery , Texas during the Republic of Texas called the Montgomery Patriot. 

   Thomas Chatham lived in the Lake Creek Settlement from 1834. Here in his own sworn statement he leaves no room for doubt when he says he knew John M. Wade in 1835 at, "the place then called Lake Creek Settlement now the town of Montgomery."  Chatham follows this statement with another, "he [Wade]returned to the Lake Creek Settlement now the county and town of Montgomery..."  This document is devastating for proponents of the "Montgomery Trading Post Myth."  The place where the town of Montgomery was founded was called Lake Creek Settlement prior to July 8, 1837 and not Montgomery, Montgomery Settlement, Montgomery Prairie or Montgomery Trading Post. 

   John Marshall Wade and Thomas Chatham joined William Ware's company in the Lake Creek Settlement in October of 1835.  Capt. William Ware went west and founded the town of Waresville in the early 1850's in what is today Uvalde County, Texas.

   It is interesting to note that the forthcoming movie Seven Days in Utopia will feature a scene filmed in the Waresville cemetery where William Ware is buried.

1870 Mathew Cartwright Pension Application

   On October 8, 1870, Mathew Cartwright, John M. Wade and Jacob Shannon signed affidavits regarding Mathew Cartwright military service during the Texas Revolution in support of his Pension Claim Application.  You can look these pension records up at:  http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/repclaims/index.php

Mathew Cartwright Affidavit

...[sic] seventeen days longer, and [sic] all probability of a re invasion was at an end that he then returned to his place of residence in Montgomery County then called Lake Creek Settlement in the Municipality of Washington now the County of Montgomery..."

  Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Cartwright, Mathew, Type: PE, Reel #: 207, Frame: 596.  After describing his extensive military activities in 1835 and 1836, Mathew Cartwright swore "that he then returned to his place of residence in Montgomery County then called Lake Creek Settlement in the Municipality of Washington now the County of Montgomery..."  Clearly the area was called Lake Creek Settlement not Montgomery Prairie, Montgomery Settlement, Montgomery Trading Post or Montgomery as several recent historians have maintained in their recently published histories.

   Mathew Cartwright fought in the Battle of San Jacinto.

John M. Wade Affidavit  

And the said John M. Wade says that he knew the said Mathew Cartwright now present before him in the years 1835 & 1836 at Lake Creek Settlement in the Municipality of Washington now County of Montgomery that he saw said Mathew Cartwright in the army of the Republic of Texas...

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Cartwright, Mathew, Type: PE, Reel #: 207, Frame: 597.    John Marshall Wade had been the publisher of the Montgomery Patriot newspaper in the town of Montgomery during the 1840's.  See advertisement in the July 2, 1845 edition above.  John M. Wade knew exactly where the Lake Creek Settlement had been.  John M. Wade was elected the Surveyor of Montgomery County in 1840.  See page 23 of Records of Official Bonds 1838-1848 located in the Montgomery County Clerk's Office.

Jacob Shannon Affidavit

    "And Jacob Shannon says that he is a resident citizen of Montgomery County and has resided in what is now said County from the year 1830 to the present date, that he knew the said Mathew Cartwright now present before him, in the year 1835 at and in Lake Creek Settlement now said County of Montgomery that he also knew him  in the Army of Texas in the Campaign at San Antonio de Bexar in the year 1835 that he went from said Settlement in company with himself as members of Capt Fosters company under Capt Jos L Bennet (Foster having resigned)..."

     Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Cartwright, Mathew, Type: PE, Reel #: 207, Frame: 598. 

     It is important to remember that Jacob Shannon was the son of Owen Shannon and Margaret Montgomery Shannon and that he is a close cousin of Andrew Montgomery.  Andrew Montgomery was Jacob Shannon's mother's nephew.  According to the "Montgomery Trading Post Myth," this is the very family that the names Montgomery, Montgomery Settlement, Montgomery Prairie or Montgomery Trading Post supposedly spring from.   Here again, however, Jacob Shannon swears to the existence of the Lake Creek Settlement and not a place known as Montgomery, Montgomery Settlement, Montgomery Prairie or Montgomery Trading Post. This document and the Jacob Shannon to Rutha Miller Articles of Agreement above are disastrous to anyone trying to cling to the "Montgomery Trading Post Myth."  There was no place called Montgomery prior to July 8, 1837.

    For those historians that have claimed that Jacob Shannon operated a trading post in the 1820's in what would later become Montgomery County, this document is also conclusive proof that that cannot be true.  Jacob Shannon swears that he has resided in what is now said [Montgomery] County from the year 1830 to the present date.  He is very clear on the year and makes no reference to the 1820's.

    Jacob Shannon mentions "Capt Fosters company."  Jacob Shannon is referring to James J. Foster.  See Foster's land grant in relation to the other land grants in the Lake Creek Settlement on the map above.  It is just north and east of the Owen Shannon League.  James J. Foster was the original army recruiter in the Lake Creek Settlement for the Republic of Texas.  This same James J. Foster also witnessed the signing of Owin Shannon's will shortly before Owin Shannon's death.

1870 Evin Corner Pension Application

   On October 20, 1870, Evin Corner signed an affidavit regarding his military service during the Texas Revolution in support of his Pension Claim Application.  You can look these pension records up at: http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/repclaims/index.php

...day of July AD 1836.  I, the said Evan Corner do also swear I volunteered a second time under J M Wade at Lake Creek Settlement on or about the 4th day of July AD One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Six...

   Texas State Library and Archives, Republic Claims, Name: Corner, Evin, Type: PE, Reel #: 210, Frames: 265 and 266.

1936 Centennial Monument - Town of Montgomery

   Texas Centennial monument in front of the Montgomery Community Building in Montgomery, Texas located on SH 149 two blocks north of SH 105.  This marker was erected by the State of Texas in 1936 for the Texas Centennial.  Most Montgomery County historians prior to 1962, recognized W. W. Shepperd's role in the founding of the Town of Montgomery.  The monument reads as follows:

TOWN OF MONTGOMERY

FOUNDED IN JULY, 1837 BY

W. W. SHEPHERD

INCORPORATED IN 1848

MONTGOMERY COUNTY WAS CREATED

DECEMBER 14, 1837

JAMES MITCHELL, PLEASANT GRAY,

WILLIAM ROBINSON, ELIJAH COLLARD

CHARLES BARNETT, JOSEPH L. BENNET

DR. B. B. GOODRICH, D. D. DUNHAM AND

HENRY FANTHROP, COMMISSIONERS,

SELECTED MONTGOMERY AS THE COUNTY

SEAT AND IT REMAINED AS SUCH

UNTIL 1889

IMPORTANT TRADE CENTER

BEFORE THE CIVIL WAR

Shepperd Street in Montgomery, Texas

Shepperd St. & Eva St. (Highway 105)

   Lake Creek Settlement resident and Montgomery town founder, W. W. Shepperd, is also remembered today with a street named in his honor.  Shepperd Street is located just west of Cedar Brake Park in Montgomery, Texas.  Recently the street signs were replaced and W. W. Shepperd's name has been misspelled "Sheppard" on the new street signs.

   In coming weeks, I will continue to add to this web page and include more information about the Lake Creek Settlement.  I will also include more information about J. W. Moody and I will explain in more detail how the Town of Montgomery and Montgomery County really got their names.   It has been my great pleasure to begin to set the record straight and correct the early history of the Town of Montgomery and Montgomery County, Texas.  

Kameron K. Searle

¹ Telegraph and Texas Register, July 8, 1837, Vol. 2, No. 25, p. 3, Houston, Republic of Texas.

² Information on Austin's Second Colony provided by Galen Greaser of the Spanish Collection in the Archives and Records Division of the Texas General land Office in Austin, Texas.

³ 1861 Map of Montgomery County, Texas, Texas General land Office

⁴ 1830 Citizens of Texas, Gifford White, Eakin Press, Austin, Texas, 1983, pp. 34, 37, 39 and 41. 

⁵ Ibid, p. 34.

⁶ Montgomery County, Texas County Commissioners Court Minutes 1838 - 1845, Montgomery County Clerk, March 1, 1838, p.1.

⁷ Stephen F. Austin's Register of Families, ed. Villamae Williams, [From the originals in the General Land Office, Austin, Texas], Genealogy Publishing Co. Inc., 1984, p.88.

⁸ Deed Book A-1, Washington County Clerk, p. 240.

⁹ Deed Book A-1, Washington County Clerk, pp. 240-243.

¹⁰ Telegraph and Texas Register, December 17, 1836, Vol. I, No. 47, p. 4, Columbia, Republic of Texas.

   Special thanks to Narcissa Martin Boulware for her efforts to correctly report and preserve the early history of the Lake Creek Settlement, the Town of Montgomery and Montgomery County, Texas and for her continued assistance in this project.

   Special thanks to Montgomery County Clerk, Mark Turnbull, and his staff in the Montgomery County Clerk's office in Conroe, Texas for all your assistance in locating and copying almost half of the primary historical documents used in this article.

   Special thanks to Galen Greaser, Translator with the Spanish Collection in the Archives and Records Division of the Texas General Land Office, for his information on Mexican Land Grants in 1831 and Austin's Second Colony.

   Special thanks to Austin County Clerk, Carrie Gregor, for locating the Owen Shannon's will and probate records.

   Special thanks to the Washington County Clerk's Office in Brenham, Texas for your assistance in locating the records of the marriage of Charles B. Stewart and Julia Shepperd at the home of W. W. Shepperd in Lake Creek on March 11, 1836 during Stewart's service as a delegate to the Convention at Washington on the Brazos.

Your Help Would Be Appreciated in Writing the History

of the Lake Creek Settlement and the Town of Montgomery

   I am currently writing a history of the Town of Montgomery, Texas which will include the extensive details regarding the activities of W. W. Shepperd, J. W. Moody and Charles Bellinger Stewart in the founding of the town and the earliest days in the history of Montgomery County.  The book will include many facts which have been omitted from other histories including the very existence of the early community known as the Lake Creek Settlement.  The book will begin to correct the myth that there was ever a place called Montgomery, Montgomery Prairie, Montgomery Settlement or Montgomery Tading Post anywhere within the Lake Creek Settlement prior to July 8, 1837. 

   If you know of other primary historical documents that refer to the Lake Creek Settlement, District of Lake Creek, Precinct of Lake Creek or Lake Creek which have not been included on this site, please let me know about them so that they can be included.  I will be glad to give you credit for your historical discovery. 

   Also see my Help Wanted - Lake Creek Settlement page for specific documents and information I am looking for.  Thanks 

Challenge

   Also, if you are aware of a single primary historical document that refers to Montgomery, Montgomery Prairie or the Montgomery Trading Post prior to July 8, 1837, I would appreciate it if you would bring them to my attention.  As it is, I have never seen a single primary document referring to a place called Montgomery, Montgomery Prairie, Montgomery Settlement or Montgomery Trading Post anywhere within the Lake Creek Settlement dated prior to July 8, 1837 when W. W. Shepperd and J. W. Moody ran their advertisement in the Telegraph and Texas Register newspaper offering lots for sale in the new town of Montgomery.  This challenge is open to everyone including all historians, members of the Montgomery Historical Society, Montgomery County Genealogical and Historical Society, Inc., MCG&HS, and the curators of the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County.  Prove me wrong if you can! 

Also see my Help Wanted - Montgomery Prairie page.

Thank you,

Kameron Searle

21410 Park York

Katy, Texas 77450

281-398-8871

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