William E. Summers
Hallettsville, Lavaca County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(March 29 1811 – March 6, 1836) William E. Summers is inextricably tied to Texas history through his involvement with the election to name delegates to the Texas Independence Convention and in the fall of the Alamo as one of the Immortal 32. Summers family history can be traced to 17th century Maryland and subsequent migration to other states. William E. Summers was born in Edgefield County, South Carolina to Jesse Summers (c. 1777-1837) and Sara “Sally” Coate(s) Summers (c. 1779-1841). Around 1820, the family moved to Clarke County, Alabama. It is believed that William came to Texas around 1832. On February 12, 1835 William Summers petitioned the Mexican government for a land grant and, on May 1, 1835, he received title to a quarter league situated on the Lavaca River in the DeWitt Colony. Similarly, Henry C.G. Summers (1804-1853), William’s brother, was granted a full league of land the same day. Both men participated in the revolution for Texas independence. William and Henry voted in the election held on February 1, 1836 to name delegates to the Texas Independence Convention that began on March 1, 1836 at Washington-on-the-Brazos. William mustered into service as a Texas ranger in the Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volunteers on February 23, 1836. The volunteers departed Gonzales on February 25, 1836 to aid the Alamo defenders. They arrived at the Alamo on March 1, 1836. William E. Summers perished at the Alamo on March 6, 1836 along with the other men who died for Texas independence. (2012)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in South Carolina in 1811, William E. Summers received a quarter-league land grant in the DeWitt Colony in 1835 and joined the fight for Texas independence. He mustered into the Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volunteers, which slipped into the besieged Alamo on March 1, 1836, and he died there five days later among the reinforcements remembered as the Immortal 32.
Why it matters
As one of the Gonzales men who rode to reinforce a doomed garrison, he embodies the sacrifice that became the rallying cry of the Texas Revolution.
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Related people
- · William E. Summers
- · Henry C. G. Summers
Related events
- · Battle of the Alamo
- · Texas Revolution
Themes & tags
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