Joseph Randolph Yarbrough
Grapeland, Houston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(Jan. 31, 1817 -- Mar. 26, 1867) A native of Louisiana, Joseph Randolph Yarbrough served in the Texas War for Independence from Mexico and was assigned to guard the camp opposite Harrisburg during the Battle of San Jacinto. He and his father, John Swanson Yarbrough, signed the petition requesting the creation of Houston county in 1837. In 1840, he married Phebe Clementine Crawford (1823-1907). They eventually settled in north Houston County near Grapeland and had a family of 11 children.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A native of Louisiana, Joseph Randolph Yarbrough served in the Texas War for Independence, standing guard at the camp opposite Harrisburg during the decisive Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. He and his father signed the 1837 petition that created Houston County, and after marrying Phebe Clementine Crawford in 1840, he settled near Grapeland and raised a family of eleven children. His life traces the arc from revolutionary soldier to founding settler.
Why it matters
Yarbrough represents the ordinary volunteers whose service secured Texas independence and who then stayed to build the counties and communities of the new republic.
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Related people
- · Joseph Randolph Yarbrough
- · John Swanson Yarbrough
- · Phebe Clementine Crawford
Related events
- · Battle of San Jacinto
- · Texas War for Independence
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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