HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Mrs. Sarah Ann Hardin-Kelton

Belton, Bell County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Widow of William Hardin before her marriage to Dr. O.P. Kelton. Many of the Mexican officers and men were placed in the care of Judge and Mrs. Hardin after the victory at San Jacinto and were mercifully treated by them.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Sarah Ann Hardin, widow of William Hardin and later wife of Dr. O. P. Kelton, is remembered for the mercy she and Judge Hardin showed to captured Mexican officers and soldiers placed in their care after the Texan victory at San Jacinto in 1836. In an era of bitter conflict, their humane treatment of prisoners stood out. Her marker preserves that act of compassion in the young Republic of Texas.

Why it matters

It honors a woman's role in the humane treatment of prisoners after San Jacinto, a rare note of mercy in the story of Texas independence.

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Related people

  • · Sarah Ann Hardin-Kelton
  • · William Hardin
  • · O. P. Kelton

Related events

  • · Battle of San Jacinto

Themes & tags

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