Samuel Damon
West Columbia, Brazoria County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1809 - 1883) Born in Massachusetts. Came to Texas in 1831. Served in Texas Revolution at Siege of Bexar as wagonmaster for Stephen F. Austin, "Father of Texas". Stole the bells of Mission Concepcion (property of Mexico, Texas' enemy) to melt into bullets. Also aided Gen. Sam Houston in 1836 campaign Received a land grant from Republic of Texas, 1838. In this county, gave name to mineral-rich Damon Mound and to town where he was brickmaker for 50 years. Recorded - 1970
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Massachusetts-born Samuel Damon came to Texas in 1831 and joined the fight for independence, serving as a wagonmaster for Stephen F. Austin at the Siege of Bexar and famously taking the mission bells to be melted into bullets for the rebel cause. He aided Sam Houston's 1836 campaign and later earned a Republic of Texas land grant. Settling in Brazoria County, he gave his name to the mineral-rich Damon Mound and worked half a century as the town brickmaker.
Why it matters
Damon's life traces the arc of Anglo Texas from revolution to settlement, showing how a single frontier settler could leave his mark on both the war for independence and the towns that followed.
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Related people
- · Samuel Damon
- · Stephen F. Austin
- · Sam Houston
Related events
- · Texas Revolution
- · Siege of Bexar
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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