Site of the Home of Col. Robert M.Coleman
Utley, Bastrop County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1799-1837) Signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence Aide-de-camp to Gen. Houston at San Jacinto Commander of a regiment of Rangers 1836-37 Here his widow Mrs. Elizabeth Coleman and son, Albert V. Coleman were killed by Indians and Thomas Coleman, aged five was captured February 18, 1839 Erected by the State of Texas 1936 [supplemental plate added 1968] Robert M. Coleman was the first "President" (title given by Mexican government) of Municipality of Mina, 1834; commandant, Fort Coleman, built 1836 for protection against Indians. A county on frontier was named for him in 1858. His homesite was about 1/2 mile to the south. (1968)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Robert M. Coleman was one of the founding figures of the Texas Republic — a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, an aide to General Sam Houston at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto, and a commander of frontier Rangers. He drowned in 1837, but tragedy followed his family: in 1839 his widow Elizabeth and son Albert were killed and young Thomas captured in an Indian raid near their homesite. The State of Texas honored him with this marker in 1936, and a supplemental plate added in 1968 records his role as an early official and namesake of Coleman County.
Why it matters
His life and his family's fate capture the danger and cost of independence on the raw frontier of the young Republic of Texas.
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Related people
- · Robert M. Coleman
- · Elizabeth Coleman
- · Albert V. Coleman
- · Thomas Coleman
- · Sam Houston
Related events
- · Texas Declaration of Independence
- · Battle of San Jacinto
Themes & tags
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