John Bate Berry
Mason vicinity, Mason County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1813 - 1891) Forefathers resisting America's foes on many frontiers inspired John Bate Berry, who came to Texas from Kentucky in 1826. He fought (1835-36) in the Texas War for Independence and in the 1842 Mier Expedition to stop Mexican raids on the Republic of Texas. Captured, imprisoned, then freed in 1844, he scouted for the American army in 1846, during the Mexican War. Later he married, lived in this locality, and fought to make frontiers safe for settlement. (1977)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
John Bate Berry came to Texas from Kentucky in 1826 and spent his life on its violent frontier. He fought in the Texas War for Independence in 1835–36 and joined the 1842 Mier Expedition against Mexican raids, was captured and imprisoned, then freed in 1844. Two years later he scouted for the American army during the Mexican War before settling in this Hill Country locality to defend it for incoming settlers.
Why it matters
Berry's life threads together the Texas Revolution, the Mier Expedition, and the Mexican War — the chain of frontier conflicts through which Texas became American soil.
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Related people
- · John Bate Berry
Related events
- · Mier Expedition
- · Texas War for Independence
- · Mexican War
Themes & tags
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