William Demetris Lacey
Columbus, Colorado County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Virginia native William Demetris Lacey (1808-1848) grew up in Kentucky and in 1831 settled in what is now Columbus. He established a tanyard and saddle shop on this site and married Sarah Ann "Sally" Bright in 1832. Elected to several public offices while Texas was still a part of Mexico, Lacey was selected to attend the convention of 1836 at Washington-on-the-Brazos, where he signed the Texas declaration of independence. After serving in the Texas army, he returned to Columbus with his family, only to discover their home in ruins. The family settled along the Tres Palacios River in Matagorda County on land Lacey received for his war service. They returned to Kentucky in 1848, where he died and is buried. (2001)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Virginia and raised in Kentucky, William Demetris Lacey settled in what is now Columbus around 1831, opening a tanyard and saddle shop and marrying Sarah Ann Bright. Elected to office while Texas was still part of Mexico, he was chosen as a delegate to the Convention of 1836 at Washington-on-the-Brazos, where he signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. After service in the Texas army he returned to find his home in ruins, resettling on land granted for his service before dying in Kentucky in 1848.
Why it matters
Lacey was one of the ordinary tradesmen-turned-patriots whose signatures on the 1836 declaration launched the Republic of Texas and its road to joining the United States.
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Related people
- · William Demetris Lacey
- · Sarah Ann Bright
Related events
- · Convention of 1836
- · Texas Declaration of Independence
Themes & tags
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