Nicholas Wren
Winona, Smith County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1807-1859) Came to Texas, 1833. Became a soldier in the Texas army, 1836. Was commissioned Lieutenant of Rangers by Sam Houston, President of Texas. Fought for Texas during the Vasquez and Woll invasions. Had horse shot from under him in Battle of the Hondo. Resided in Smith County at its organization, 1846. His wife Mariah was a charter member of Harris Creek Baptist Church. Wren died here in Mount Carmel community August 28, 1859. Incise on back: Erected by grandsons of Nicholas Wren
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Nicholas Wren came to Texas in 1833 and joined its army in 1836, later commissioned a lieutenant of Rangers by President Sam Houston. He fought during the Vasquez and Woll incursions of the Republic era and reportedly had a horse shot from under him at the Battle of the Hondo. Settling in Smith County by its organization in 1846, he died in the Mount Carmel community in 1859, his grave later marked by his grandsons.
Why it matters
Wren's life traces the perilous first decades of Anglo-Texan settlement, when Republic-era Rangers defended a young nation against repeated Mexican invasions.
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Related people
- · Nicholas Wren
- · Sam Houston
Related events
- · Woll invasion
- · Vasquez raid
Themes & tags
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