William ("Bill") Goyens
Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Born a slave in South Carolina, 1794; escaped to Texas in 1821. Rendered valuable assistance to the Army of Texas, 1836. Interpreter for the Houston-Forbes Treaty with the Cherokees, 1836. Acquired wealth and was noted for his charity. Died at his home on Goyens' Hill 1856. His skin was black His heart, true blue.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born enslaved in South Carolina in 1794, William "Bill" Goyens escaped to Texas in 1821 and built a life of wealth and standing as a free Black man on the East Texas frontier. He aided the Army of Texas during the 1836 revolution and served as interpreter for the Houston-Forbes Treaty with the Cherokees that same year, earning a reputation for generosity before his death at Goyens' Hill in 1856.
Why it matters
Goyens's remarkable career defied the boundaries of race and slavery in early Texas, and his role as a Cherokee treaty interpreter placed him at the heart of frontier diplomacy.
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Related people
- · William Goyens
- · Sam Houston
Related events
- · Houston-Forbes Treaty
Themes & tags
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