Willis Avery
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A member of Captain Jesse Billingley's Company at San Jacinto Born in North Carolina October 15, 1809 Died in Williamson County, Texas July 17, 1889 His wife Elzina (Weeks) Avery Born in Missouri November 10, 1812 Died in Williamson County, Texas March 1, 1870 Erected by the State of Texas 1936
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Willis Avery, a North Carolina native born in 1809, fought with Captain Jesse Billingsley's company at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, the engagement that secured Texas independence. He settled and died in Williamson County, and his grave, marked by the state in 1936, rests beside that of his wife, Elzina.
Why it matters
Avery was one of the citizen-soldiers whose victory at San Jacinto founded the Republic of Texas and opened the way to its eventual union with the United States.
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Related people
- · Willis Avery
- · Elzina Weeks Avery
- · Jesse Billingsley
Related events
- · Battle of San Jacinto
Themes & tags
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