John Swanson Yarbrough
Tilden, McMullen County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(Dec. 25, 1774 - Oct. 20, 1862) A native of North Carolina, John Swanson Yarbrough came to Texas in 1832 and settled in what is now Houston County in east Texas. A veteran of the Texas War for Independence, Yarbrough participated in the 1835 Siege of Bexar and in the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. He moved from Houston County about 1850 and led a group of settlers to the Frio River in 1858 to establish the Yarbrough Bend settlement in what became McMullen County. Yarbrough's grave was relocated to this site from the Yarbrough Bend Cemetery in 1982 as part of the construction of Choke Canyon Reservoir. Recorded - 2001
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in North Carolina in 1774, John Swanson Yarbrough came to Texas in 1832 and joined the fight for independence, taking part in the 1835 Siege of Bexar and the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. In 1858 he led a group of settlers to the Frio River, founding the Yarbrough Bend settlement in what became McMullen County. His grave was moved to this site in 1982 when the Choke Canyon Reservoir was built over the original cemetery.
Why it matters
Yarbrough's life links the birth of the Texas Republic to the later settlement of its brush country, and his relocated grave marks how modern public works reshaped the landscape of Texas history.
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Related people
- · John Swanson Yarbrough
Related events
- · Siege of Bexar
- · Battle of San Jacinto
Themes & tags
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