Huntsville

A number of newspapers made an appearance in Huntsville before the Civil War. They included the Montgomery Patriot (1845–46), the Texas Banner (1846–50), the Texas Medium (1852–56), and the Texas Presbyterian (1850–56). Three papers associated with the American (Know-Nothing) party appeared in quick succession in the mid-1850s: the Invincible Sun (1855?-56?), the Union Advocate (1856–57), and the Huntsville Recorder (1857). The Huntsville Item, which succeeded the Texas Banner in 1850, was still being published in 1991. During Reconstruction Huntsville was also the home of the Union Republican (1867–73).

A Methodist congregation seems to have been organized by 1842; it erected its first church in 1857. A Baptist congregation was organized on September 16, 1844 (church built in 1851); Cumberland Presbyterian in 1847 (church, 1847); Old School Presbyterian, 1848 (church, 1855–56); and Disciples of Christ and Episcopalian, both by 1854 (churches, 1866 and 1870–73, respectively). The Brick Academy, also known as the Huntsville Male and Female Academy, was in operation by 1844. It seems to have been the school that received a charter on April 11, 1846, under the name of Huntsville Academy. By the fall of 1845 the Brick Academy had been joined by Stovall's Male and Female Academy. After the latter restricted its enrollment to males and was chartered as Huntsville Male Institute on March 16, 1848, the Brick Academy became an exclusively female institution. Among its teachers in the late 1840s was Melinda Rankin. The school fell into decline after the Methodist Church established Andrew Female College in Huntsville in the early 1850s. Andrew was itself abandoned in 1879, when Sam Houston Normal Institute (later Sam Houston State University), the first teacher-training institution in Texas, opened in Huntsville. Although Huntsville failed to become the site of Baylor University in the mid-1840s, the town succeeded in attracting Austin College, which opened there in the early 1850s. While the main building of Austin College was under construction, the school's first classes were taught in the Huntsville Male Academy. In 1877, when Austin College was moved to Sherman, the Methodist Church bought its building in Huntsville for the use of Mitchell College, a short-lived boys' school. This property was subsequently offered to the state in exchange for a normal school and became the site of Sam Houston Normal.

Bishop Ward Normal and Collegiate Institute for Negroes, a coeducational school founded by the Methodist Church, opened in Huntsville in 1883 and operated for seven years. It was the fifth college established for Blacks in Texas. Primary education was organized for Black children in Huntsville by 1867. Later the Andrew Female College building was moved to a new site and used as a school for Black students. Sam Houston Industrial and Training School, located five miles west of Huntsville in Galilee, was a noted East Texas school for Black youths. It was named for Samuel W. Houston, whose father, Joshua Houston, had been a slave to Sam Houston before emancipation. Samuel Houston, who had studied at Hampton Institute, Atlanta University, and Howard University, began teaching in Galilee in 1906. Although he emphasized an industrial program modeled on that of Hampton Institute, he slowly added liberal arts courses to the curriculum. By 1928 the school had over 400 students, drawn from a number of different counties. In 1930 it was incorporated into the Huntsville school system.

At the end of its first decade, Huntsville also became the site of the new Texas State Penitentiary, established by the legislature in 1847 (see TEXAS STATE PENITENTIARY AT HUNTSVILLE). The prison received its first convict on October 1, 1849. The following year Huntsville lost out to Austin in an election to choose the state capital.

Perhaps the oldest continuous business in the state is the Huntsville firm of Gibbs Brothers and Company, begun as Gibbs and Coffin in 1841. According to one account, most of the manufacturing in Huntsville before the Civil War was carried on by slaves, who made shoes and other leather goods and cigars. During the war cloth produced at the penitentiary was made into uniforms for Confederate soldiers. For transportation, early residents had access to the Trinity River through the port of Cincinnati, fifteen miles to the north, and stage lines. As early as 1856 Huntsville citizens planned a line called the Huntsville Railroad to connect at Cypress (Harris County) with the Houston and Texas Central Railway, but the road was never built.

During the Mexican War volunteers from Huntsville served in Capt. James Gillaspie's company of mounted riflemen. In the Civil War another Gillaspie company from the Huntsville area saw duty in Galveston with the Fifth Regiment, Texas Infantry Volunteers. In addition, the Fourth and Fifth Regiments of Hood's Texas Brigade each had a company raised around Huntsville.

During Reconstruction Walker County was one of three Texas counties put under martial law. Incidents in Huntsville-the murder of a freedman nearby in January 1871; a gun battle at the subsequent trial of the four suspects, during which Leander H. McNelly and another member of the Texas State Police were wounded and two of the prisoners escaped; willingness of only two citizens to join in pursuit; and the attempted assassination of the trial judge-led to the imposition of martial law on February 15. It was lifted sixty days later.

Prominent Black residents of Huntsville during those years included Joshua Houston, Memphis Allen, and Joseph M. Mettawer, all of whom were elected county commissioners, and C. W. Luckie, who served on the school board. Mettawer was a freeman born in Indiana in 1837 who came to Texas before the Civil War. He was a barber and banjo player and in 1868 organized the Negro Brass Band, the first band in Walker County. His real estate holdings in Huntsville included a brick building on the square. A number of Black residents held membership in predominantly White churches, while others established independent congregations. In 1867 Black Methodists and Baptists built a union church. In 1869 the denominations that had maintained this church went their separate ways. The Baptists established the First Baptist Church in a section of town known as Rogersville, and the African Methodists also built a church of their own, later known as Allen Chapel. The Methodist Episcopal congregation remained at the site of the original union church and took the name St. James Methodist Episcopal Church. Friendship Baptist Church, also known as Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, was organized by members of the First Baptist Church in 1890 or 1891. Antioch Baptist Church was established in the late 1890s and held services for several years. The celebration of Juneteenth was initially held at the union church. After the several Black denominations separated, Juneteenth was organized for many years by Jane Ward, who ran a hotel in Huntsville for Black travelers and was renowned for her ministrations to the poor and sick. In 1931 the Band and Park Association was established to purchase Sims Grove, where Juneteenth had been held since about 1914, and to maintain a brass band. In 1933, with the help of Robert A. Josey, the association completed its purchase of the land and dedicated it as Emancipation Park.

Economic development suffered considerably from a yellow fever epidemic in 1867, which reportedly killed 10 percent of the town's population. In 1872 the Houston and Great Northern Railroad bypassed Huntsville to the east. The town acquired a rail connection that same year, however, when the eight-mile Huntsville Branch linked it to the H&GN at Phelps. In 1875 Huntsville was also a stop on four stage routes: Cypress (Harris County) to Cincinnati, Nacogdoches to Brenham, Huntsville to Waxahachie, and Huntsville to Chaneyville, Louisiana. On the whole the Huntsville economy remained fairly stable from the Civil War through the Great Depression. Highway development in the late 1920s and early 1930s enhanced Huntsville's position as a trade center for a significant rural area of East Texas. The population rose from 939 in 1860 to 2,485 in 1904, 5,028 in 1931, 11,999 in 1960, 23,936 in 1980, and 27,925 in 1990. By 2000 the population was 35,078. Lumbering, farming, livestock raising, and tourism have constituted the economic base of the city. In recent years substantial lignite deposits have been found in the county. The growth of the penitentiary system and of Sam Houston State University, the expansion of metropolitan Houston, and the development of Lake Livingston and similar attractive living areas revitalized the local economy in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1991 the city had two newspapers, the Huntsville Item and the Houstonian (the student paper at SHSU), and two radio stations. The Joe G. Davis School of Vocational of Nursing, at Huntsville Memorial Hospital, opened in September 1966 and was still in operation in 1991.

Hauntings:

In 1936 the Texas Centennial Commission erected markers in Huntsville for Austin Hall, the original building of Austin College, and for the Steamboat House, the house in which Sam Houston died. The commission also authorized the construction of the James Gillaspie Monument and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. The homes of Sam Houston and John W. Thomason, Jr., are both on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Houston law office has also been preserved. Other tourist attractions include the nearby Huntsville State Park and Sam Houston National Forest. The Texas Prison Rodeo, formerly held each Sunday in October, was discontinued after the 1986 season.  TSHA

Listing of Early Prominent Persons in Huntsville, Texas

Based on historical records from the early development of Huntsville, Texas, the following is an updated and expanded list of prominent individuals mentioned in connection with the town's founding, settlement, business, education, religion, and governance during its formative years (primarily 1830s–1870s). These figures include founders, merchants, educators, religious leaders, physicians, and military/political notables. Each entry includes a thorough write-up summarizing their background, achievements, roles, family connections (where mentioned), specific ties to Huntsville, and birth/death dates where available from reliable sources. For individuals with limited additional biographical details available, the original information is retained and noted as such.

(Note: Birth/death dates and Memorial IDs provided by Genealogy sites could carry risks if unverified, but no direct falsehoods were detected.)

Pleasant Gray (1805–1849): Founder of Huntsville, Texas, in 1835. Born in Alabama, he descended from English and Scots-Irish ancestry. He first arrived in the area around 1830–1831, camping near a spring and trading with the local Bedai Indians. He returned with his family and brother Ephraim, building a home and trading post. In 1834, he petitioned the Mexican government for land, receiving a grant of 7 square miles in 1835. As a successful trader, he laid out the town and named it after his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. He sold his trading post in 1846 and departed for California in 1848, where he died en route, possibly from cholera or as revenge from Indians. In 1847, he deeded land for the town's first cemetery. His entrepreneurial spirit and land development were foundational to Huntsville's establishment. He was sometimes referred to as "Col. Pleasant Gray" in contemporary accounts.

Hannah Gray (birth and death dates unknown): Wife of Pleasant Gray. She gave birth to David Gray, the first baby born in Huntsville, while residing in the family home near the courthouse square. Her role highlights the domestic and familial aspects of early settlement life in the frontier town. Limited additional biographical details are available beyond her family connections.
David Gray (birth and death dates unknown): The fourth child of Pleasant and Hannah Gray, recognized as the first baby born in Huntsville. His birth symbolizes the beginning of permanent family settlement in the area. No further details on his life are readily available.
Ephraim Gray (birth and death dates unknown): Brother of Pleasant Gray. He accompanied Pleasant and the family during their return to settle in Huntsville, contributing to the initial establishment of the trading post and town. From Alabama, like his brother, he was part of the pioneer settlement efforts. Specific birth and death dates could not be confirmed, with conflicting records suggesting possible matches (e.g., 1805–1887 or circa 1814–1897), but these may refer to different individuals.

Thomas Gibbs (1812–1872): A key early merchant who operated a mercantile company in Huntsville. Born in Union District, South Carolina, he came to Texas around 1837 and settled in Huntsville in 1842. He rented the first store building (aside from Gray's trading post) from Pleasant Gray for $2.50 per month. He also served on the board of stewards for the First Methodist Church, reflecting his involvement in community and religious affairs. He professed religion and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832. He was a founder of Gibbs Brothers and Company, reputedly the oldest continuous business in Texas under original ownership. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery.

Gardner Coffin (birth and death dates unknown): Business partner of Thomas Gibbs in the mercantile company located in Huntsville's first rented store building. His partnership contributed to the early commercial growth of the town. He died in 1844, after which Thomas Gibbs's brother joined the business.

B. S. Wilson (birth and death dates unknown): Owner and operator of the Eutaw House hotel, built in 1850 and named after his Alabama hometown. The hotel provided lodging for 50 years, serving as a vital hub for travelers and residents in early Huntsville. He also served as a trustee of the Huntsville Male Institute.

A. McDonald (birth and death dates unknown): Constructed Huntsville's first brick store between 1846 and 1847, marking a shift toward more permanent and durable commercial structures in the growing town. Limited additional details available.

Robert Smither and Brothers (birth and death dates unknown for all): Built a brick store on Jackson Street in 1850, which burned in 1854 and was rebuilt in 1855. They also sold land for the Texas prison site, playing a role in the establishment of one of Huntsville's major institutions. Limited additional details available.

Robinson, Singletary and Company (birth and death dates unknown): Erected a store on Cedar Street, contributing to the expansion of Huntsville's commercial district in the mid-19th century. Limited additional details available.

J. M. and L. C. Rountree (birth and death dates unknown): Built stores on the corner of Cedar and Jackson streets, further developing the town's business infrastructure. Limited additional details available.

T. and S. Gibbs (birth and death dates: T. Gibbs 1812–1872; S. Gibbs 1819–1886): Constructed a store on Cedar Street; T. Gibbs was also a Walker County agent for the Huntsville Banner newspaper, linking commerce with early media. Sanford (S.) Gibbs, brother of Thomas, returned to Texas after their father's death and joined the mercantile business, which became Gibbs Brothers and Company. Sanford died in 1886 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery with his wife Sallie (1844–1918).

Randolph and Son (birth and death dates unknown): Built a store in early Huntsville, adding to the mercantile landscape. Limited additional details available.

J. C. and S. R. Smith and Company (birth and death dates unknown): Established a store, supporting the economic foundation of the community. Limited additional details available.

Baldwin (former Post Master of Huntsville) (birth and death dates unknown): Described early mail service practices, including the use of folded paper, wax seals, and high postage rates (25 cents per sheet). His accounts provide insight into communication in frontier Texas. Limited additional details available.

L. B. Baldwin (birth and death dates unknown): Reported the story of Pleasant Gray's death to J. Robert King, Sr., preserving oral history about the town's founder. Limited additional details available.

J. Robert King, Sr. (birth and death dates unknown): Received and likely documented the report on Pleasant Gray's death from L. B. Baldwin, contributing to historical records. Limited additional details available.

Viser (birth and death dates unknown): Sawed lumber for the Globe Tavern and the first frame house in Memphis, Tennessee, but his work is noted in Huntsville's early building context. He also served as a trustee for land deeded for the Huntsville Academy. Likely William Viser, but limited additional details available.

Harriet Smith (birth and death dates unknown): Provided historical information on the construction of the Globe Tavern, aiding in the documentation of early architecture. Limited additional details available.

Cox (S.H.N.I.) (birth and death dates unknown): Served as a source for information on the Keenan House and other historical details related to Huntsville. Limited additional details available.

Sam Houston (1793–1863): General and prominent Texas figure who died at Steamboat House in Huntsville. Born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, he was a key leader in the Texas Revolution, serving as the first and third president of the Republic of Texas (1836–1838 and 1841–1844), U.S. Senator from Texas (1846–1859), and Governor of Texas (1859–1861). He previously served as Governor of Tennessee (1827–1829) and was a U.S. Congressman from Tennessee. He led the Texian Army to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. An early member of the First Baptist Church (joined in 1855), he supported establishing a college in Huntsville and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. His presence elevated Huntsville's status in Texas history; the town features his homes, grave, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, Sam Houston State University (founded 1879), and a 70-foot statue on Interstate 45 titled "A Tribute to Courage."

Henderson Yoakum (1810–1856): Colonel and historian who wrote one of the first histories of Texas ("History of Texas" in 1855). Born in Claiborne County, Tennessee, he graduated from West Point in 1832, served in the U.S. Army during Indian campaigns, and later practiced law in Tennessee and Texas. He was a Texas state senator (1845), mayor of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and a Confederate sympathizer. He served as a trustee of Andrew Female College, gave lectures at Austin College, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. He died while on business in Houston.

L. A. Abercrombie (1832–1891): Legislator who helped locate Austin College in Huntsville. Born Leonard Anderson Abercrombie in Macon County, Alabama, he was a lawyer, Confederate Army officer, and Texas state senator. He signed the Ordinance of Secession in 1861. He was involved in establishing the Sam Houston Normal Institute (S.H.N.I.) and served on its local board. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery.

W. G. Grant (birth and death dates unknown): Colonel who assisted in locating Austin College in Huntsville and was on the committee to establish S.H.N.I. He owned enslaved persons, including Aunt Jane Ward. Limited additional details available.

Mrs. Daniel Baker (birth and death dates unknown): Wife of Dr. Daniel Baker; she secured funds for building Austin College and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Limited additional details available.

Dr. Daniel Baker (1791–1857): Secured funding for Austin College, served as moderator for the organization of the First Presbyterian Church, was president pro-tem of Austin College, and died in 1857. Born in Midway, Georgia, he was a Presbyterian minister, evangelist, and educator who graduated from Hampden-Sydney College and Princeton Theological Seminary. He founded Daniel Baker College in Brownwood (named after him) and was known for his revivalist work in the American South, including Texas. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery.

E. E. Thom (birth and death dates unknown): Acting President of Austin College from 1857 to 1858; buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Limited additional details available.

Dr. R. M. Ball (birth and death dates unknown): First President of Andrew Female College; buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Limited additional details available.

Capt. Tom J. Goree (1835–1905): Served on General Longstreet's staff during the Civil War; namesake of the Goree Farm prison unit near Huntsville. Born in Marion, Alabama, he moved to Huntsville at age 15, attended Baylor College, and became an attorney. He was a Confederate captain in the First Corps, Army of Northern Virginia, and later managed the Texas prison system as a reformer. He died of pneumonia in Galveston and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery.

Dr. J. A. Thompson (birth and death dates unknown): Prominent physician and planter in Huntsville; served on the board of stewards for the First Methodist Church; buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Limited additional details available.

William Barrett (birth and death dates unknown): Veteran of the War of 1812, Blackhawk War, and Mexican War. He was the architect of the old Austin College building, deeded land for the Huntsville Academy, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Possible matches include William Martin Barrett Sr. (1812–1867), but confirmation is uncertain.

Rev. Weyman Adair (birth and death dates unknown): First Cumberland Presbyterian minister in the area; editor of the Texas Presbyterian newspaper; buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Limited additional details available.

Erasmus Wynn (birth and death dates unknown): Early planter and slave owner; buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Limited additional details available.

Robert Wynn (birth and death dates unknown): Early planter and slave owner; buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Limited additional details available.

Williamson Wynn (birth and death dates unknown): Early planter and slave owner who served on the board of stewards for the First Methodist Church; buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Limited additional details available.

Dr. Charles Keenan (1813–1870): Appointed by the U.S. Government to remove Indians from Alabama and Florida. Born in Tennessee, he served as a U.S. Army surgeon in Indian campaigns before coming to Texas during the Revolution. He owned the Keenan House, did not contract yellow fever during the 1867 epidemic (due to prior immunity from the 1853 Cincinnati epidemic), and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. He was one of Walker County's first physicians and Sam Houston's doctor at the time of his death.

Dr. Rawlings (birth and death dates unknown): Outstanding physician in early Texas history; buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Limited additional details available.

Dr. Samuel McKinney (1807–1879): President of Austin College (1852–1853 and 1862–1871); early faculty member at Huntsville Academy; buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Born in County Antrim, Ireland, he was a Presbyterian minister and educator who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton Theological Seminary. He served as a pioneer educator in Texas, helping establish Presbyterian institutions.

George Fitzhugh (1806–1881): Noted sociologist and economist from Virginia; buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Born in Prince William County, Virginia, he was a pro-slavery writer and lawyer known for works like "Sociology for the South" (1854) and "Cannibals All!" (1857), advocating for slavery as a positive good. He moved to Texas in 1880 to live with his daughter and died nearly blind in Huntsville.

James A. Baker (1821–1897): Lawyer and judge; buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Born in Madison County, Alabama, near Huntsville, he trained in law and moved to Huntsville, Texas, in 1852. He served as a state legislator and judge, and was the first of four generations of prominent Bakers in Texas law and business (including his son, grandson, and great-grandson, all named James A. Baker). He married Caroline Hightower (briefly) and later Rowena Crawford.

Rufus Heflin (birth and death dates unknown): Well-known educator; buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Limited additional details available.

Aunt Jane Ward (birth and death dates unknown): Enslaved person owned by Col. Grant; buried in the colored section of Oakwood Cemetery, highlighting the history of enslaved individuals in Huntsville. Limited additional details available.

Josh Houston (1822–1902): Enslaved person and bodyguard to Gen. Sam Houston; buried in the colored section of Oakwood Cemetery. Born enslaved on the Lea plantation near Marion, Alabama, he was owned by Sam Houston from around age 7. Freed in 1862, he remained in Huntsville, becoming a blacksmith, businessman, politician (elected county commissioner), and community leader. He helped establish the Bishop Ward Normal and Collegiate Institute (1883, one of the first Black colleges in Texas) and purchased real estate. He was a deacon of the First Baptist Church of Huntsville. He died on January 8, 1902, and is buried beside his wife Sylvester.

Hiram Jones (birth and death dates unknown): Enslaved person who became a prominent politician after the Civil War; buried in the colored section of Oakwood Cemetery. Limited additional biographical details available beyond his post-emancipation political role.

Capt. Stewart (birth and death dates unknown): Union soldier who died as a prisoner in the Huntsville State Penitentiary; buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Limited additional details available.

Mynatt (died 1867): Died during the 1867 yellow fever epidemic in Huntsville. Limited additional details available.

Wanekeey (died 1867): Died during the 1867 yellow fever epidemic. Limited additional details available.

Francher (died 1867): Died during the 1867 yellow fever epidemic. Limited additional details available.

Col. J. C. Rawl (died 1867): Died during the 1867 yellow fever epidemic. Limited additional details available.

Capt. B. F. Wright (died 1867): Died during the 1867 yellow fever epidemic. Limited additional details available.

Dr. Markham (birth and death dates unknown): Huntsville doctor who contracted and recovered from yellow fever in 1867. Limited additional details available.

Dr. Oliphant (birth and death dates unknown): Huntsville doctor who contracted and recovered from yellow fever in 1867. Limited additional details available.

Dr. Prince (birth and death dates unknown): Huntsville doctor who contracted and recovered from yellow fever in 1867. Limited additional details available.

Dr. Haslea (birth and death dates unknown): Doctor from Galveston who contracted and recovered from yellow fever in 1867 while assisting in Huntsville. Limited additional details available.

Dr. Williams (birth and death dates unknown): Doctor from Galveston who contracted and recovered from yellow fever in 1867 while assisting. Limited additional details available.

Dr. Kittrrell (1805–1867): Huntsville doctor who died of yellow fever in 1867. Full name Pleasant W. Kittrell, he was a prominent physician and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery.

Dr. Moore (died 1867): Huntsville doctor who died of yellow fever in 1867. Limited additional details available.

Dr. Baker (died 1867): Huntsville doctor who died of yellow fever in 1867. Limited additional details available.

Dr. Keenan (1813–1870): Physician who did not contract yellow fever in 1867 due to immunity from a prior Cincinnati epidemic (see entry for Dr. Charles Keenan above).

Frank Creagner (birth and death dates unknown): Owned a steam sash factory used during the 1867 yellow fever epidemic for community needs. Limited additional details available.

George Robinson (birth and death dates unknown): Founded the Huntsville Item newspaper in 1850; considered one of the ablest newspapermen in Texas; buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Born in Liverpool, England, he worked at the Galveston News before coming to Huntsville. Limited confirmed birth/death dates, though a possible relative George Cotton Robinson (1858–1945) is noted separately.

C. E. Chambers (birth and death dates unknown): Served as white mayor of Huntsville in 1872 during the carpetbagger era. Limited additional details available.

Grace McGary (birth and death dates unknown): Sold land for the Texas prison site, facilitating the establishment of the penitentiary. Limited additional details available.

William G. Sansom (birth and death dates unknown): First inmate of the Huntsville prison, convicted of cattle theft and pardoned in 1850. Limited additional details available.

Stephen P. Terry (birth and death dates unknown): Second inmate, convicted of murder; died in prison in 1851. Limited additional details available.

Thomas Short (birth and death dates unknown): Third inmate, convicted of horse stealing; served full term and discharged in 1850. Limited additional details available.

James Gillaspie (birth and death dates unknown): Superintendent of the Huntsville prison in 1859; reported on production and operations. Limited additional details available.

Francis L. Hatch (birth and death dates unknown): Founded the Huntsville Banner newspaper in 1846. Limited additional details available.

Isaac Tousey (birth and death dates unknown): Walker County agent for the Huntsville Banner. Limited additional details available.

James W. Moore (birth and death dates unknown): Traveling agent for the Huntsville Banner. Limited additional details available.

A. J. McGowan (birth and death dates unknown): Established the Texas Presbyterian newspaper in Houston and moved it to Huntsville; trustee of Andrew Female College. Limited additional details available.

Z. N. Morrell (1803–1883): Organized the First Baptist Church in 1844 and served as its first pastor. Born in South Carolina (sometimes noted as Tennessee), he was a pioneer Baptist preacher, missionary, journalist, and historian known as "Wildcat" for his frontier evangelism. He traveled extensively in Texas, founding churches and writing "Flowers and Fruits from the Wilderness" (1872). He died in Kyle, Texas, and was reinterred in the Texas State Cemetery in 1945.

Elder Thomas Horsely (birth and death dates unknown): Co-organized the First Baptist Church with Z. N. Morrell. Limited additional details available.

Elder S. N. Morrell (birth and death dates unknown): Assisted in closing the organization of the First Baptist Church. Likely a relative of Z. N. Morrell, but limited details available.

Rufus C. Burleson (1823–1901): Dedicated the second Baptist church building in 1871. Born in Decatur, Alabama, he was a Baptist minister and educator who served as president of Baylor University (1851–1861 and 1886–1897). He founded Waco University (merged into Baylor) and was influential in Texas Baptist institutions. He died in Waco and is buried there.

D. ___ (birth and death dates unknown): Dedicated the first Baptist church building in 1851 (full name not specified in records). Limited additional details available.

Rev. B. Davis (birth and death dates unknown): Pastor of the First Methodist Church during the erection of its first building in 1857. Limited additional details available.

Sanford Gibbs (1819–1886): Served on the board of stewards for the First Methodist Church (see entry under T. and S. Gibbs above).

Robert and Williamson Wynne (birth and death dates unknown): Served on the board of stewards for the First Methodist Church (noted collectively). Limited additional details available.

Dr. S. A. Moore (birth and death dates unknown): Elder involved in the organization of the First Presbyterian Church in 1848. Limited additional details available.
President of Brazos (birth and death dates unknown): Organized the First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Daniel Baker as moderator (specific name not detailed). Limited additional details available.

W. R. Richardson (birth and death dates unknown): Rector who raised funds for and dedicated Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church in 1868. Limited additional details available.

Joseph Addison Clark (birth and death dates unknown): Organized the First Christian Church in 1854. Limited additional details available.

Reverend Benton Sweeny (birth and death dates unknown): First regular pastor of the First Christian Church; also a teacher and minister. Limited additional details available.

John T. Poe (birth and death dates unknown): Later preacher for the First Christian Church. Limited additional details available.

Judge Joab H. Banton (birth and death dates unknown): Later preacher for the First Christian Church; also a judge. Limited additional details available.

Dr. Joseph Baldwin (birth and death dates unknown): President of Sam Houston Normal Institute; prominent member of the First Christian Church. Limited additional details available.

J. Lyle Smith (birth and death dates unknown): Prominent member of the First Christian Church. Limited additional details available.

H. C. Wright (birth and death dates unknown): Prominent member of the First Christian Church. Limited additional details available.

Milton Estill (birth and death dates unknown): Cumberland Presbyterian minister who constructed the earliest known school in Huntsville. He served as Chief Justice of Walker County and presided over the Huntsville Male Academy. Limited additional details available.

William Viser (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee for land deeded for the Huntsville Academy; also sawed lumber for early buildings (see Viser entry above).

Thomas G. Birdwell (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of the Huntsville Male Institute. Limited additional details available.

Benjamin S. Wilson (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of the Huntsville Male Institute (also noted for hotel ownership; see above).

George W. Rogers (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of both the Huntsville Male Institute and Andrew Female College. Limited additional details available.

James T. Sims (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of the Huntsville Male Institute. Limited additional details available.

Thomas King (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of the Huntsville Male Institute. Limited additional details available.

Anson Jones (1798–1858): Trustee of Austin College. Born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, he was a medical doctor, businessman, Congressman, and the fourth and last president of the Republic of Texas (1844–1846). He played a key role in Texas annexation to the U.S. He practiced medicine in Texas after studying in New York and served in the Texas Revolution. He died by suicide in Houston and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery.

Abner Lipscomb (1789–1856): Trustee of Austin College; served on the Alabama and Texas Supreme Courts; gave lectures at Austin College. Born in Abbeville District, South Carolina, he was a lawyer and judge who served on the Alabama Supreme Court before moving to Texas in 1839. He was Secretary of State under Mirabeau B. Lamar and a justice on the Texas Supreme Court. Lipscomb County, Texas, is named for him. He died in Austin and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery.

Joseph W. Hampton (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of Austin College. Limited additional details available.

McCormack (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of Austin College (full name not specified). Limited additional details available.

Adolphus Sterne (birth and death dates unknown): Served as Marshall of the Day for the Austin College cornerstone laying in 1851. Limited additional details available.

Royal T. Wheeler (birth and death dates unknown): Supervised the Law Department at Austin College; from the Supreme Court of Texas. Limited additional details available.

Rev. Samuel McKinney (1807–1879): President of Austin College (1850–1853 and 1862–1870); early faculty at Huntsville Academy (see entry above).

Rev. J. W. Miller (birth and death dates unknown): President of Austin College from 1857 to 1858. Limited additional details available.

Rev. R. W. Bailey (birth and death dates unknown): President of Austin College from 1858 to 1862. Limited additional details available.

Fr. S. M. Luckett (birth and death dates unknown): President of Austin College from 1870 to 1877. Limited additional details available.

Andrew J. Wiley (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of Andrew Female College. Limited additional details available.

Francis A. McShan (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of Andrew Female College. Limited additional details available.

J. Carroll Smith (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of Andrew Female College. Limited additional details available.

C. H. Keenan (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of Andrew Female College. Likely related to Dr. Charles Keenan, but limited details available.

Anthony C. Parmer (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of Andrew Female College. Limited additional details available.

D. J. Ransome (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of Andrew Female College. Limited additional details available.

Andrew J. McGowan (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of Andrew Female College (also noted for newspaper work; see above).

Pleasant W. Kitterell (1805–1867): Trustee of Andrew Female College (see Dr. Kittrrell entry above).

Micajah C. Rogers (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of Andrew Female College; deeded land for the Huntsville Academy. Limited additional details available.

James Osgood Andrew (birth and death dates unknown): Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church; namesake of Andrew Female College. Limited additional details available in this context.

Dr. James Follensbec (birth and death dates unknown): First President of Andrew Female College. Limited additional details available.

Rev. Mitchell (birth and death dates unknown): Made trips to secure funds for Mitchell College. Limited additional details available.

R. O. Rounsaval (birth and death dates unknown): In charge of Mitchell College operations. Limited additional details available.

C. Porter (birth and death dates unknown): Presiding Elder of the Methodist Church; established the Bishop Ward Normal and Collegiate Institute. Limited additional details available.

Memphis Allen (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of the Bishop Ward Normal and Collegiate Institute. Limited additional details available.

Alex Wynne (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of the Bishop Ward Normal and Collegiate Institute. Limited additional details available.

Will Mills (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of the Bishop Ward Normal and Collegiate Institute. Limited additional details available.

Strother Green (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of the Bishop Ward Normal and Collegiate Institute. Limited additional details available.

William Kitterell (birth and death dates unknown): Trustee of the Bishop Ward Normal and Collegiate Institute. Limited additional details available.

C. W. Luckie (birth and death dates unknown): Faculty member at the Bishop Ward Normal and Collegiate Institute; later principal of the Huntsville Negro School and professor at Prairie View College. Limited additional details available.

G. W. Grant (birth and death dates unknown): Member of the committee to establish S.H.N.I.; also on its local board (noted earlier for Austin College). Limited additional details available.

S. R. Smith (birth and death dates unknown): Member of the committee to establish S.H.N.I. Limited additional details available.

Judge Benton Randolph (birth and death dates unknown): Member of the committee to establish S.H.N.I.; served as treasurer of its local board. Limited additional details available.

J. R. Burnett (birth and death dates unknown): Helped with legislation for S.H.N.I. Limited additional details available.

Col. Charles Stewart (birth and death dates unknown): Assisted with legislation for S.H.N.I. Limited additional details available.

Col. L. A. Abercrombie (1832–1891): Texas Senate member involved in establishing S.H.N.I. (see entry above).

Dr. Barnas Sears (birth and death dates unknown): General Agent of the Peabody Education Fund; played a key role in establishing S.H.N.I. Limited additional details available.

H. H. Smith (birth and death dates unknown): Noted in historical records, though specific details are limited; likely involved in educational or community efforts in early Huntsville.

Samuel Walker Houston (1864–1945): Prominent African-American educator; son of Joshua Houston; founded the Galilee Community School (later Houstonian Normal and Industrial Institute) in Walker County. Born in Huntsville, he was a pioneer in Black education in Texas.

Robert Anthony Josey (1870–1954):
Born in Huntsville on March 28, 1870. Attended local public schools, Sam Houston Normal Institute (now SHSU), and Texas A&M University. Became a pioneer in the Texas and Oklahoma oil industry, drilling at Spindletop in 1901 and amassing wealth through companies like R.A. Josey Inc., Gem Oil Co., and Midwest Production Co. Sold holdings to Texaco for $30 million in 1930. Moved to Houston but remained tied to Huntsville. Known for philanthropy; donated to local organizations, including the African American Band and Park Association and First Baptist Church. Emphasized community service as "small investments" for societal benefit. Married twice (Theresa Bettes in 1903, who died shortly after; Maude Germain Sparks around 1916–1918). No children mentioned. Died January 31, 1954; his funeral was honored by local scouts.

Colonel Jackson E. Josey (1865–1945):
Brother of Robert A. Josey. Born September 24, 1865. Served on the Board of Regents for the Texas State University System in 1932. Supported the 1936 restoration and relocation of the Steamboat House (Sam Houston's death site) to museum grounds in Huntsville. Other Family: Included siblings like Will, Julia, and Evander. The family as a whole was generous to Huntsville and Walker County, funding civic projects.

Philanthropy and Legacy:
The Joseys improved the community through donations for parks, scouting facilities, education, and medical aid (e.g., the Robert A. Josey Hospital Fund for needy residents). They paid off church debts and supported youth programs. The family viewed their contributions as investments in society, particularly during the Great Depression.

Josey Boy Scout Lodge and Related Sites
The most prominent landmark tied to the family is the Josey Boy Scout Lodge, a Depression-era structure symbolizing their philanthropy.History: Conceived by Robert A. Josey in 1933; he donated $5,000 (equivalent to over $90,000 today) plus land. Built with federal Civil Works Administration (CWA) aid ($8,418.50 for labor, $2,112 for materials) and community contributions (e.g., logs and rock from Gibbs Brothers and Company). Designed by architect Mike Mebane; constructed by Lewis E. Meekins. Dedicated on June 17, 1934, with speeches by Texas Governor William P. Hobby and Josey. The Keeper's Cabin was added in 1935 for a groundskeeper. Incorporated as The Robert A. Josey Lodge, Inc. in 1935 (non-profit supporting scouting). Josey bequeathed a $30,000 endowment. Hosted scouting since 1934 (Boy Scouts Troops 1–3; later Girl Scouts and Venturing Crews). Period of significance: 1934–1968. Minimal alterations; preserved as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (2010) and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rustic style with native pine logs (saddle-notched, concrete daubing, painted brown), limestone foundations, petrified stone fireplaces, and five rooms. Includes a flagpole (contributing object).

Current Use: Serves as scout headquarters for Huntsville and Walker County. Rented to the City of Huntsville since the 1970s for public events (e.g., by Kiwanis, Rotary, churches, SHSU). Maintained by the city; used by civic groups and for community programs like summer classes and book clubs. Josey Park also includes non-historic additions like a Girls Scouts Building (1970s), annex, baseball field, basketball court, and parking lot.Josey School of Vocational EducationThe "school" tied to the family is the Josey School of Vocational Education at Sam Houston State University, named in honor of Colonel Jackson E. Josey and the family's contributions.History: Named to recognize the Joseys' support for education and civic projects, including funding for university initiatives. SHSU (originally Sam Houston Normal Institute, founded 1879) added vocational programs like manual training and home economics in 1909; graduate courses by the 1930s. The Josey School focused on vocational training, with ties to the family's legacy (e.g., Robert A. Josey was an 1890 graduate of the institute). A collection at SHSU archives includes a typed family biography, a diploma from the Interstate Training Service, and a certificate from the Josey School of Vocational School.

Current Status:
Part of SHSU's College of Education or related programs (vocational education evolved into modern career and technical education). No standalone "Josey School" building is mentioned, but it's associated with SHSU's campus facilities.

Other Related Sites:
Josey-J.R. King House: A historic home at 1425 University Avenue, Huntsville, TX. Tied to the family; photographed in historical records. Josey Hospital Fund: Established by Robert A. Josey to provide medical equipment and aid to needy Walker County residents.

Huntsville and Walker County, Texas:  A Bicentenial History, Compiled and Edited by D'Anne McAdams Crews (Online Book)
https://digital.sfasu.edu/digital/collection/Huntsville/id/618/rec/1