HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

John Cherry

Cleveland, Liberty County, Texas

Marker Inscription

(November 23, 1808 - April 12, 1891) Soldier in Capt. William Logan's company, 2nd Regiment, Volunteers, Texas War for Independence, 1836. Born in Highland County, Ohio, came to Texas with his father, Aaron Cherry, 1818. Settled near a Coushatta Indian village. In 1838 by commission of President Sam Houston, he was interpreter for Indians in a treaty parley. He received 2 Texas land grants. Married (1) Matilda Bridges; (2) Roxy Line White; (3) Frances Holt Smith. Had 14 sons, 7 daughters. Recorded - 1972

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

John Cherry came to Texas from Ohio as a boy in 1818 and settled near a Coushatta village in the southeast of the future state. He fought in the Texas War for Independence in 1836 and, commissioned by President Sam Houston in 1838, served as interpreter during a treaty parley with the Coushatta. A recipient of two Texas land grants, he raised a large family across three marriages before his death in 1891.

Why it matters

Cherry's life bridges Anglo settlement, the Texas Revolution, and diplomacy with Native peoples during the fraught birth of the Republic.

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Related people

  • · John Cherry
  • · Aaron Cherry
  • · Sam Houston

Related events

  • · Texas War for Independence

Themes & tags

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