Trezevant Calhoun Hawpe
Dallas, Dallas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(September 16, 1820 - August 12, 1863) Georgia native, a widower, moved from Tennessee to Dallas County with his son. He married Electa Underwood Bethurum in 1848. Elected Dallas County sheriff in 1850, he served two terms. He later was justice of the peace and county coroner, and an officer of Tannehill Masonic Lodge. A leader in the secession movement in Dallas County, he organized and was first colonel of the 31st Texas Cavalry in 1862, and was instrumental in the Confederate victory at Newtonia, Missouri. Hawpe was stabbed to death by a friend after a quarrel on the steps of the county courthouse. (1999)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A Georgia-born widower, Trezevant Calhoun Hawpe came to Dallas County with his young son and won election as county sheriff in 1850, later serving as justice of the peace and coroner. A prominent voice in the county's secession movement, he organized the 31st Texas Cavalry in 1862 and led it as its first colonel, helping secure a Confederate victory at Newtonia, Missouri. His life ended violently in 1863 when a friend stabbed him to death after a quarrel on the courthouse steps.
Why it matters
Hawpe's story shows how local officeholders became the organizers and officers of the Confederate war effort — and how the Civil War's passions could turn deadly even far from the battlefield.
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Related people
- · Trezevant Calhoun Hawpe
Related events
- · Battle of Newtonia
Themes & tags
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