John Adriance
West Columbia, Brazoria County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(November 10, 1816 - December 7, 1903) Faithful soldier, Texas War for Independence. He was in unit of Capt. Jacob Eberly, detailed by Gen. Sam Houston to guard Bell's Landing (East Columbia) until civilians could escape in front of Santa Anna's army. He and 15 others then hurried to rejoin Gen. Houston, only to find Battle of San Jacinto had been won on April 21, 1836. Adriance married Lydia Ann Cook, Watertown, New York, Sept. 24, 1846. Had three children.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
John Adriance came of age with the Texas Revolution, serving in Captain Jacob Eberly's unit as Sam Houston's army retreated before Santa Anna in the spring of 1836. Detailed to guard Bell's Landing so civilians could flee, he and fifteen comrades then raced to rejoin Houston—arriving to learn the decisive Battle of San Jacinto had already been won on April 21. He lived a long life afterward, marrying Lydia Ann Cook of New York in 1846 and dying in 1903.
Why it matters
Adriance's story captures the ordinary soldiers whose rearguard duty made the civilian escape known as the Runaway Scrape possible during Texas's fight for independence.
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Related people
- · John Adriance
- · Capt. Jacob Eberly
- · Gen. Sam Houston
- · Lydia Ann Cook
Related events
- · Battle of San Jacinto (1836)
- · Runaway Scrape
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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