MARTIN ALLEN, and 8 MILE POINT LAND

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

 

“SAVE A PART OF OUR TEXAS HERITAGE”

 

(8 Mile Point land was the 3589 acre home of Martin Allen,--a part of that land is within the proposed 7000 acre ALLEN’S CREEK RESERVOIR).

1780: November 28,1780 Martin Allen (hereafter MA) was born in Newport, Campbell County, Kentucky of parents Benjamin Allen and mother who may have been a Sarah ________.

The Institute of Texian Cultures in San Antonio, Irish section, tells some of the MA story and exhibits his written signature. They report his birth in Ireland, HOWEVER, MA’s son, Benjamin, in the 1880 Federal Census for Williamson County, Texas stated that his father, MA, was born in Kentucky.

The new Handbook of Texas, (on-line edition), reports that MA was born in Newport, KY on November 28,1780. http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/print/AA/fal23.html

 1795: MA’s father, Benjamin Allen, Was on the property rolls of Newport Campbell County, Kentucky. Benjamin was a surveyor to determine the path of new public roads, a grist mill operator and a ferry operator.

1803: Sarah Maddox was married to Benjamin Allen (MA’s father) on July 5, 1803 when MA was 22 years old in Newport, Campbell County, Kentucky. We do not know the name of MA’s mother. Some believe her given name was also Sarah?

1804: MA married Elizabeth Vice in Newport, Campbell County, Kentucky on September 22, 1804. The marriage bond was signed by MA and his father in law to be, Nathaniel Vice.

 1805: on September 7, 1805 the first child was born to the union of MA and Elizabeth Vice in Newport, Campbell County, Kentucky. The baby boy was named Mile N. Allen. (Did the initial “N” stand for Newton or Norton?). http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/AA/falkk.html

1807: MA was appointed a road surveyor in Campbell County, Kentucky.

February 26, 1807 2^nd child, first daughter, Anna C. Allen born in Newport Campbell County, Kentucky. Died in 1835, probably on 8 Mile Point land.

NOTE: After 1807 and prior to 1810 MA and his extended family permanently left the Newport Campbell, Kentucky area.

1809: September 15, 1809 daughter Mary C. Allen was born in Old Attakapas Parish, Louisiana

 1810: The MA family, including his father Benjamin and his brother Hiram appear in the 1810 Third Federal Census for the Attakapas District of Louisiana, under “householders listed in Attakapas (St Martin) Parish.”

1811: November 22, 1811 MA was appointed Justice of the Peace in Opelousus Parish, Louisiana. See “Civil Appointments made in the territory of Orleans in the 1811.”

April 24,1811, son James Bud Allen was born in Opelousus/Natchitoches Parish Louisiana.

1812: MA, his father Benjamin, his brother Hiram and his nephew__________, son of Hiram Allen joined “The Republican Army of the North”, based in Natchitoches, Louisiana (in “the Neutral Zone”). The group was also known as The Gutierrez/Magee Expedition that was organized and funded “under the table” by the US from a Natchitoches base, to take Texas away from Spain. Gutierrez (Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara), a resident of Mexico and Magee resigned his West Point Commission to join the effort.

NOTE: From 1806 to 1821 The “neutral zone” was an area, essentially between the Sabine River and Arryo Creek subject to a dispute of ownership between the US and Spain. The area was lawless, under no government restraint and as such was home to hunters, trappers, Indians, persons from the US and Spain. Persons generally from the US were anxious to become Texas landowners, but then afraid to venture into the Spanish held Texas. http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/VV/fvi2.html

1812/1813: The Gutierrez/Magee Expedition started from Natchitoches on August 7, successfully took the towns of Nacogdoches, Trinity, Goliad, (where Magee died) and later San Antonio, including the Alamo—some 25 years before The Battle of Alamo. They were picking up recruits all along the route. Effectively they did take Texas away from Spain, (showing their solid green flag) however, for only a short time. Many say that Texas has been under seven not six flags. The expedition, including all the Allen family expedition members walked the entire route from Natchitoches to San Antonio, much of it on the famous LaBahia (Goliad) road. This is the same road that Texas Longhorn cattle were driven from South Texas to Louisiana,

circa 1776:--during the American Revolution—these cattle were used to feed Spanish troops keeping the Mississippi River o-pen for our American colonists to be supplied from the west side-as the British Navy had closed the Atlantic ports. The Spanish commander at New Orleans was Bernardo de Galvez,-Our city of Galveston, Texas was named for him.

http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/print/GG/qyg1.html

SEE: “The Historical Atlas of Texas” by A. Ray Shepherd and William M. Holmes. University of Oklahoma press. Page15 shows a map defining the route taken by The Gutierrez/Magee Expedition.

While a Gutierrez/Magee participant, MA continued his business activities, evidenced by a private transfer of land from MA to David Evans, dated April 20,18113. SEE: Louisiana State Public Records Volume 2, Opelousas and Rapides Parishes.

On August 13,1813 Spain retook Texas at The Battle of Medina, near San Antonio, The Bloodiest battle ever fought on Texas soil.

Martin missed the fight because on the day of the battle he was in Natchitoches to bring in additional volunteers. Killed, however, were his father, Benjamin Allen, his nephew (name unknown), and we think his brother Hiram (Hiram’s wife remarried less than one year after the battle).

SEE: “Forgotten Battlefield of the First Texas Revolution” by Ted Schwarz and edited by Robert H. Thonhoff, published by Eakin Press, Austin, Texas.

SEE: MA’s Petition to the new Government of The Republic of Texas, in his own handwriting from 8 Mile Point, dated November 23, 1836, preserved in The Texas State Archives under LAND PETITION—MARTIN ALLEN, Call Box 100-360 according to one source. File Box 1, letter No.A- a from another source. To see family information set out in the petition: http://members.aol.com/stintx/mallenbio.html

Following the defeat by Spain (led by General Arrendondo, and assisted by a young Lieutenant, named Santa Anna). MA returned “home” to Louisiana. http://ww.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/print/MM/qfm1.html

November 26, 1813 daughter Elizabeth Allen was born. In Natchitoches, Louisiana or in The Arkansas County of The Missouri Territory.

1815: February 26, 1815 son Martin Jackson Allen was born. In Natchitoches, Louisiana or in The Arkansas County of The Missouri Territory.

1817: MA and family listed on the 1817 census of The Missouri Territory (Southwest Arkansas portion). SEE: County Court Records of Campbell county, Kentucky. Deeds Book D-2, Page 96 there is a deed dated 12 August 1817 recorded 26 January 1818 in which MA and his wife Elizabeth sold her interest in her father’s (Nathaniel Vice) estate. The deed included this phrase, “We the said MA and Elizabeth, his wife, BEING RESIDENTS OF THE TERRITORY OF MISSOURI AND COUNTRY OF ARKANSAS”

Arkansas, as we know it, belonged to France. Then to Spain and then back to France. Then it was purchased by the US from France in 1807 (“The Louisiana Purchase”) Arkansas was part of the Louisiana territory until 1812, then Missouri Territory until 1819 and The Arkansas Territory was established in 1836. Fort Smith was built in 1817 for protection from Indian attacks. Arkansas became the 25^th state in the US (See World Book Encyclopedia).

July 28,1817, daughter Nancy Allen born Arkansas District of the Missouri Territory. May have died young? Buried there?

1818: MA and family move to North Louisiana near Flat Lick (Present Claiborne Parish on the boundary with Arkansas-near present town of Homer) Flat Lick neighborhood became “Allen’s Settlement” by the middle of the 1820s. It was the only name place not mentioned in the “North Louisiana’s Uplands” in a history of Louisiana written in 1827 See: “Anglo-American Settlement of North Louisiana” for the following report: “Another unusual or “maverick” pioneer pattern is found in the story of the MA family. MA soon became a leader after moving to Flat Lick-and was the first Justice of the Peace in the upland area of old Natchitoches Parish. When a post office was opened in Flat Lick—it was named “ALLEN’S SETTLEMENT P.O.” in his honor. Despite his prominence on the North Louisiana Frontier, MA moved again, this time in 1821, to Texas with Stephen F. Austin.”

1819: October 3, 1819 Sarah Ann Allen was born in “Allen’s Settlement”

1820: MA and family are listed on the 1820 Natchitoches Parish Louisiana Census.

1821: By December, 1821 MA had been to Texas, to land, known thereafter as “Peach Creek” located within Wharton County. MA and two sons built a cabin, made improvements, and planted a garden. They did this feeling it would enhance his chance of being accepted as a participant in the land acquisition program in the new Stephen F. Austin Colony approved by Mexico (It did). This was the first improved place on the Colorado River. As stated by MA in his petition, I feel that MA had a preliminary approval from S. F. Austin before building the cabin etc.?

See Peach Creek at:

http://www.tsha.utexas.edu.handbook/online/articles/print.PP/hvp.23html

September 24,1821 son Benjamin J. Allen born in “Allen’s Settlement.”

1822: On March 24, 1822 MA wrot4e “Judge Austin” as follows, “I am one of the first men who made a settlement on the Colorado. I have built a cabin, made some improvements, planted a garden, etc. which agreeable to your “termes” I considered would be respected as an actual provided I am on it with my family by first of January next.” SEE several letters written by MA

http://members.aol.com/stintx/mallenltr.html

An undated note from MA to S. F. Austin, in part: “My anxiety is extremely great to git on to that country. I have several brothers that write they will be on from Kentucky-one of them this winter. We have nothing new in this country times is hard and money scarce.”

NOTE: Martin Allen purchased a ferry on The Trinity River from Joel Leakey. This ferry became known later as “Robbins Ferry.”

1824: Letter from MA to S. F. Austin dated November 9, 1824 addressed to “Judge Austin” from Parish of Natchitoches, Allen’s Settlement. He asked for delivery of title to the Peach Creek land in Wharton County. MA wrote this letter when he had returned to Louisiana to move his family to Peach Creek, however, his wife was too ill to travel. Obviously he (and most likely his sons) had made several trips to Peach Creek between 1821 and this 1824 letter.

On July 7, 1824 MA received the deed of land from the Mexican government signed by Estaban de Austin covering Peach Creek land-plus an additional labor (177 acres) by separate deed, near the Brazos River in Austin county. (Note “speed” of The Mexican Bureaucracy—1821 to 1824)

NOTE: The following is from Robert S. Weddle and Robert H. Thornhoff, Drama and Conflict: The Texas Saga of 1776 (Madrona Press, Austin, Texas, 1976 p. 147):

“The Spanish land-measuring system still comes into play in defining Texas land surveys. The league, a common linear unit, is the equivalent of about 2.63 statute miles. The vara, corresponding roughly to a yard, is 33 1/3 inches. Thus a league consists of 5,000 varas.”

“The league was also used as a land measure, a league of land referring to a square league, or 25 million square varas—4,428 acres. Such a land parcel was originally called a sitio.”

“A labor—considered to be the amount of land that could be worked effectively by one family—consisted of a million square varas or 177.1 acres. Such tracts had to be near a stream from which they could be irrigated.”

NOTE: The original MA “Peach Creek” deed is held in The General Land Office of Texas Spanish Collection, Box 2 Folder 12.” Several descendants of MA have funded preservation of this deed by The General Land Office of Texas under their ADOPT-A-DOCUMENT Program. Henceforth the original will not be available to researchers to touch,-instead only a Xerox copy,-however, at some point in the future, the original can be viewed on-line. www.glo.state.tx.us/archives/adopt.html

Questions to this program by E-mail elna.Christopher@glo.state.tx.us The General Land Office advised by e-mail on March 6, 2002: “We are scanning maps and sketches—large items—and will continue on that project through the rest of this year. Then next year, 2003, we plan to begin scanning the smaller items/documents.”

The National Preservation Program for U.S. documents can be viewed at http://www.loc.gov

NOTE: The same MA descendants that funded preservation of the above deed also funded preservation of the MA petition held in the State Library and will also be available online in the future at The Texas State Library WEB page: http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/archmail.html

The archives section can be e-mailed at: archinfo@tsl.state.tx.us

NOTE: From The Texas State Library by e-mail March 6,2002: “Approximately one-half of the microfilm reels have been converted to digital format. We expect the remainder to be completed by the end of April.” (2002)

September 11, 1824, daughter Caroline Elizabeth Mathilda C. Allen was born in “Allen’s Settlement.”


1825: On May 12, 1825 Martin Allen wrote Stephen F. Austin that he and family members were preparing to leave Allen’s Settlement” for Peach Creek within a month. (Apparently his wife’s ill health had been of long duration). However, his sons were already living in the Peach Creek cabin and MA so advised S. F. Austin in this letter- and added that, “I have reportedly told my sons to make any necessary improvements on my land that you would direct.”

1826: The Texas Census of March 26, 1826 lists MA as a farmer and stock raiser between 25-40, wife between 25-40, and 7 children.

MA was a volunteer in a company of men who volunteered to fight the Tonkawa Indians. An affidavit held in “The Austin Papers” Texas State Archives, by C. Dyer, dated April 27, 182 details MA participation in a raid on The Tonkawa Indians. “Martin said that he was friendly toward most of the Indians, as most of them were on “Amigo” basis. Dyer further reported, “The Tonkawa had stolen corn,-a whet stone,-went to one house to try and steal the wife and another’s house-had been broken into.” These incidents were given as justification for an assault on the Peach Creek Indians that resulted in a massacre. MA said he tried to prevent the massacre. That as they approached the camp he heard “Amigo! Amigo”. MA claimed that as the firing commenced he was waving his hat trying to get the fight stopped. From: Crossroads at San Felipe: by Noel Grisham, Eakin Press, page 46: “Andrew and Thomas Rabb, (also early colonists) however, claimed that MA had lost his hat because he was assisting with the track down and massacre. Note: Stephen F. Austin had to rule on all kinds of problems in The Colony such as this conflict on Peace Creek. Austin apparently ruled in favor of MA.

On August 3, 1826 in the town of San Felipe de Austin-to comply with a commission of His Excellency The Governor of the States of Coahuila and Texas, -S. F. Austin selected MA to give a deposition on the marriage and character of the Famous Peter Ellis Bean. Austin described MA in the deposition as “A respectful and honorable inhabitant of this jurisdiction.”

For information on Peter Ellis Bean go to: http://www.tamu.edu/ccbn/dewitt/beancorres/html

And select “Archive Records of Col. Peter Ellis Bean.

1827: MA signed The Resolution of Loyalty to Mexico and—Opposition to the Fredonian Rebellion On January 4, 1827 many citizens of The Austin Colony of the District of Mina (present Bastrop) convened at the house of Bartlett Simms in said District. They agreed to sign the resolution against the Rebellion which was based in Nacogdoches.

http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/Articles/print/FF/jcfl.html

May 21, 1827, MA’s son, Miles N. Allen, received on fourth league of land (1107 acres from Austin’s Second Mexican Colony contract. (First Allen Family land at 8 Mile Point) This land is in The Allen’s Creek (named for Miles Allen) reservoir area then known as 8 Mile Point. MA purchased this land from son Miles because Miles was in ill health and perhaps MA preferred to get away from the Tonkawa Indians at Peach Creek. Martin moved his family here from Peach Creek in _______.

Some MA descendants lived on this land until the year 1974, until HL&P (Now Reliant Energy) took possession of almost 10,000 acres, including this tract, with the hope of constructing a nuclear electric generating plant. The plant was not licensed and thus never built. In 2002 Reliant Energy sold the nearly 10,000 acres to The Brazos River Authority (BRA) to build and operate the Allen’s Creek Reservoir.

The WEB page for BRA is at: http://www.brazos.org

1829: MA was elected Captain of the 2^nd Company of Militia, son Miles was elected Lieutenant

Was made their “White Chief” by the Indian tribes.

On July 5, 1829 MA wrote to S. F. Austin from Harrisburg (was he running a ferry there?) on the status of the muster and the Indian situation. He specifically asked for guidance in the military law dealing with Indians. The original letter is held in “The Austin Papers” in the Texas State Library.

http://www.tsl.state.tx.us

1830: On April 12, 1830 The San Felipe de Austin Ayuntamiento (Council) ordered that a right to keep a ferry across Buffalo Bayou, opposite the town of Harrisburg, be granted to MA with the same rates of ferriage that are allowed for crossing river Brazos at the town of Austin (San Felipe). NOTE: In the MA estate probate proceedings the property list includes 200 acres at Harris burg with the further notation “Disputed Title.”

MA and family cattle brands were recorded in-Austin County,- “Records of Mark and Brand” as early as 1830.

On September 13, 1830 the San Felipe de Austin Ayuntamiento heard a report from MA and two others regarding the plan to lay out a road from San Felipe to San Jacinto. MA was on of the three appointed as superintendent of said road, by ordnance 5.”

On December 6, 1830 the San Felipe de Austin Ayuntamicento heard a petition from MA praying for the donation of town lots. It was judged inadmissible as “the body does not conceive themselves authorized to make donations of public property of The Municipality”.

On December 31, 1830 MA was granted a 12 month extension of time to pay the city $30.00. FROM: Southwest Historical Quarterly, “Minutes of the Ayuntamiento of San Felipe de Austin.

Undated: From the San Felipe de Austin Minutes of The Ayuntamiento: Ordered that a road be laid out upon the most eligible route from the town of Austin to Harrisburg. MA was one of the supervisors appointed to view, layout and report on said road on the first Monday in April next.

Undated: from San Felipe de Austin Minutes of The Ayuntamiento: MA was one of three men appointed to open a road from this town to the prairie on the opposite side of the river.

1830-1832: MA was made 5^th Regidor (Alderman) on the San Felipe de Austin Ayuntamiento He was certified winner on December 18, 1831.

On June 25, 1832 MA signed “THE CALL FOR CALM” at San Felipe. The San Felipe de Austin Ayuntamicento met to consider the alarming situation of the Colony, especially at Anahuac and Brazoria, Several members in attendance, including MA, then 5^th Regidor, were appointed to set the list of deliberations. Signatures on the final report included that of MA.

On June 30, 1832 he signed “CALL FOR THE CONVENTION OF 1832”. This original proclamation, in Spanish, is held in the Nacogdoches Archives Volume 63 Page 2. There is an English translation by Robert B. Blake in The University of Texas American History Center in Austin, Texas in the Robert Bruce Blake Research Collection—Page 188 and a page 389 noted on the Spanish copies may or may not apply to the English translation.

1833: Miles N. Allen agreed to sell his 8 mile point land to his fater MA in December of 1833. The deed was not completed prior to the death of Miles in 1834. The court set up William Barrett Travis as Curator to the estate succession and on January 14, 1835, in that capacity, Travis deeded the land to MA

NOTE: Colonel William B. Travis, of the Alamo fame, offered a law service based in San Felipe. He often served the MA family in legal matters and often stayed at the “Allen’s Public House”, as a paying guest: The following 1833 and 1834 items are taken from Diary of William Barrett Travis edited by Robert E. Davis, published by Texian Press in 1966:

Oct 8:MA petitions court for security discharge

Oct19: Wrote deed from Patrick reels to MA for 2 labors of land.

Recd Allen $5

Oct 24: left San Felipe and staid at MA’s all night.

Oct 25: Paid Allen $1.00

Dec 24: Wrote to MA

Then in 1834:

Jan 24: Left San Felipe and staid all night at Allen’s

Jan 25 paid Mrs. Allen $1.25-18 ¾ due.

Feb 05: Dined at Allen’s—paid 62 ½ cts. Retained by Miles Allen (for legal work)
Feb 15: To being suit Vs MA and S C Harrington

Feb21: Left San Felipe 11 O’Clock on mule. Dined at Allen’s

Mar 05: staid all night at Allen’s

Mar 06: Paid Allen 41—owe 25 cts.

Mar 29: Dined at Allen’s paid 18 ¾ cts.

May 22: Staid all night at Allen’s

May 23: Paid 50 cts.- To Mrs. Allen

1834: On May 6, 1834 Miles N. Allen died and was buried on the Allen farm at 8 Mile Point on a high bank of Allen’s Creek in the family cemetery still visited by Allen descendants.

On September 19, 1834 MA purchased 14 labors of land (2478 acres) from Antonio Mancha. This land purchase joined the ¼^th league of land that MA had purchased from his now deceased son Miles N. Allen

On October 25, 1835 the court appointed MA Curator/Tutor of the estate of Miles N. Allen. (Miles left young children to be cared for. His widow remarried some time later)

1835: 25 Austin Colonists including MA signed to “march next Saturday, fully armed, to demilitarize Anahuac.” 10 of the colonists, including Martin Allen, did not go. Three left the march at Harrisburg and stopped at Vince’s 4 miles from Anahuac.

On July 14, 1835 The Ayuntamiento set up a five man committee, including MA, to draft a resolution for consideration by the Colony.

In October of 1835 MA appeared on the Capt. Randall Jones Muster roll at the beginning of the Siege of Bexar.

On November 13, 1835, MA received an honorable discharge signed by S. F. Austin. This is thought to be a health related discharge as S. F. Austin sent another man to take MA back to 8 Mile Point, and MA died the following year.

November 24,1835 the muster roll of William Austin and Edward Burleson Listing “those who will continue to stay in Bexar—“

Lists Benjamin Allen, a son of MA.

December 6 and 7 1835: Ramon Morquectio certified that on this date a wagon and team belonging to MA was taken from him by The Committee of Safety of Gonzales for public service. Sworn to on February 6, 1836. (Texas State Archives F26-2-2.)

1836: Texas Archives contains a military pay account with James Bud Allen for 52 days October 1835 through November 6, a total of 52 days plus cash expenses of $3.50. Held in Texas State Archives at F 26 2-1.

March 23, 1836, a Muster Roll “Before Bexar” The Jasper Volunteer Company rendezvoused at Jasper—included the name of Benjamin Allen, MA’s son (The statement “at Jasper” may have been “At Jasper’s rather than at present day Jasper, Texas) Copies of this signature roll are in the Texas State Archives, thanks to a contribution from of A.C. Allen of Burnet, Texas.

May 24, 1836: Martin Allen is ordered by James Morgan, the Texas Revolution-port manager of Galveston, to take charge of the articles from the spy Cortinez. The original of this order is the Rosenberg Library in Galveston. The order is printed in “The papers of The Texas Revolution 1835-1836” by John Jenkins, Editor, Volume 6 Page 367.

http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/print/MM/fmo.50.html

In 1836 (date?) MA was appointed a justice of the Peace of the Randall Jones District of The Austin Colony.

November 23, 1836 MA petitioned the new government of The Republic of Texas for more land for himself and his sons. This petition, in MA’s own handwriting, written at home on 8 Mile Point, is a unique, some what rare in identifying the flavor of the word, -spoken, written and spelling of the time. The petition lists much of his family associations in relation to service to the colony, including battles and battle losses. Some “unique” phrases in the petition are:

“I live on the publickest road in Texas”

“Anoyed by hostile Indians” (At Peach Creek)

“Where laws are formed on justice and true merit will git it’s just rights instid of bribery and corruption”

“I was one of the first volunteers in the expedition against Sanantenia, and remained in the service until prevented by loss of health”

He asked for one league of land, which, if granted, “would be the highest boon that could be bestowed on me.”

The original of this petition is held by The Texas State Library. The same MA descendants who funded preservation of the original MA Mexican land deed at Peach Creek (General land Office) have also funded preservation of this petition through the cooperation of The Texas State Library. We assume the original petition will no longer be available for in hand study – but by Xerox copy – while, at some near future date, the original may be viewed online http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/archmail.html

Or E-Mail to: archinfo@tsl.state.tx.us

1837: See “Compiled Index to elected and appointed officials of The Republic of Texas 1835-1846” includes:

MARTIN ALLEN, Justice of the Peace of the Randall Jones District.

MARTIN ALLEN, Associate Board of Land Commissioners (This was in December of 1837 – the month of his death)

JAMES BUD ALLEN (MA’s son) Associate Board of Land Commissioners.

June 1837: General Sam Houston appointed James Bud Allen (MA’s son) to be a 2^nd Lieutenant in The Army of The Republic of Texas.

On September 4, 1837 an election was held in Brookshire to elect a representative to ________. Four candidates were listed on the ballot, including MA. There were 13 votes cast. MA, and one other candidate, did not receive a single vote. Perhaps his negative health – was – well know and/or perhaps he withdrew for that reason?

December 20, (or 30) 1837: Martin Allen died on his beloved 8 Mile Point land. He was buried in the family cemetery, as was his son Miles, on a high bank of Allen’s Creek. Allen, Johnston, and related family members were buried there for many years and the site is still visited by family members. It was my pleasure to recently guide a state of Michigan descendant to the cemetery. Unique: The original MA Highway Historical Marker, on State Highway 36, was damaged by a truck or tractor. A new marker was purchased and installed. A descendant repaired the original to a surprisingly good status, and it has been relocated at the entrance to the cemetery.

A recent land abstract of title of a portion of the Allen 8 Mile point land stated, in an included document: “He, (MA) died here at his home”.

Present day ancestors know, ---from family reports down through the generations --- within a few yard the location of the original home (the “Allen Public House” which is a short distance from the old cemetery. (Was this the first Motel in Texas? The first Bed and Breakfast in Texas?)

1838: The inventory of The Estate of Martin Allen was filed on February 1, 1838 showing a total of 8610 acres including 3589 acres in the 8 Mile Point area. The inventory value was shown as $23,144.50.

The land values were developed as follows:

4090 acres situated on Peach Creek at $3.00 per acre

3589 acres at 8 Mile Point at $2.00 per acres

400 acres on the Brazos at $1.00 per acres

177 acres near San Felipe at $2.00 per acres

354 acres in the San Bernard at $3.00 per acre

200 acres at Harrisburg, (In dispute)

AT THIS POINT WE HAVE REACHED THE END OF THE LIFE OF A TRUE TEXAS PATRIOT. THERE IS A WAY TO “REMEMBER” THE MAN AND THE LAND… TODAY, WITH THE LAKE NAME OPPORTUNITY – WE HAVE A MAJOR OPPORTUNITY TO “SAVE A PORTION OF OUR TEXAS HERITAGE”.

1840: “Debrett’s Texas Peerage” by Hugh Best, published by Coward-McCann. Inc., New York. The following appears on page 293 under the section on “Other Notables and Heroes of The Republic of Texas “Old Three Hundred settler Martin Allen appears to have been wealthy enough to own a race horse” – (see entry under Carriage Trade of The Republic). The horse is recorded in the tax rolls of 1840, although Allen died 2 or 3 years earlier, suggesting that his stable had housed more than one race horse.”

BRAZORIA COUNTY: Martin Allen: 1 racehorse

1844: May 1, 1844 in “William Bollaerts Texas”, edited by W. Eugene Hollas and forwarded by Joe B. Franz, University of Oklahoma Press. Bollaerts gave a daily log of his Texas trip over the state. On page 339 he reported: “Two miles more to Allen’s. He is a tanner and keeps “Public House”. His bark mill is merely a hammer to beat the pieces of bark on a block. Purchased corn and dried beef. A few hundred yards further got butter and milk from a very pretty woman – something like “Temira”. Crossed Allen’s Creek here good water; 1 ½ miles re-cressed the same, having left San Felipe road 1 mile behind. Camped.”

This note was added at the bottom of page 339: “Allen’s Creek (also known as Eight Mile Creek) raises in Southern Austin County and flows Southeast for 15 miles into the Brazos River near Wallis.”

1991: A Highway Historical marker was placed on the east side of State Highway 1301, on the southwest side of the campus of The Wharton County Junior College – across the railroad from a HEB grocery store. The marker plaque identifies MA as the first owner of the Peach Creek land, followed by its use as a WWII POW camp, then as a County Fair Grounds and now the Jr. College Campus.

1993: On October 9, 1993 there was a dedication ceremony for The Martin Allen Highway Historical Marker on 8 Mile Point on the west side of State Highway 36, abut 8 miles south of Sealy and 4 miles north of Wallis at the junction of SH 36 and Johnston Road. In attendance were approximately 150 descendants, friends and history scholars including Mr. Robert H. Thonhoff, a past President of The Texas State Historical Association, who made the main presentation address.

Also in attendance was a very special early Texas descendant. Mr. William T. Kendall, now deceased, a great grandson of Sidney Sherman, who led the left line cavalry charge at San Jacinto. Mr. Kendall served as a Director of The San Jacinto Museum of History and often led the March 2^nd Texas Independence celebration at the San Jacinto Battleground. He was also a past President of The Sons of The Republic of Texas and a Knight of San Jacinto.

2000: On April 12, 2000 The General Land Offices of Texas, under their Adopt-A-Document Program – agreed to preserve the original Martin Allen Peach Creek Wharton County, deed, pursuant to a donation of funds from three present day MA descendants. The original deed will no longer be available for hand examination – only by a Xerox copy – and the original can be viewed online at http://www.glo.state.tx.us

2002: In early January The Texas Natural Resources Commission (TNRCC) authorized construction of Allen’s Creek Reservoir, a 7,000 acre lake to impound 200,000 acre feet of water to serve the annual needs of 150,000 families.

The Brazos River Authority (BRA) will operate and own 30% of the project while the City of Houston will participate as to 70%.