J.G.W. Pierson: Unsung Hero of Early Texas
by Robin Montgomery
Before the Texas Senate in December 1836, Stephen F. Austin explained that the containment of hostile ndians t to the north saved his southern colony, which included later Grimes County, from “anarchy and civil
war.” A major reason those tribes were contained was that J.G.W. Pierson was de facto leader of Sterling
Robertson’s Colony of that northern region. The area over which Pierson exercised authority was the scene
of the fiercest Indian fighting in the history of Texas. Unmatched for valor and impact on our area’s history, Pierson is also one of the founding fathers of Grimes County.
The death of his second wife, Elizabeth Montgomery, in 1833, had prompted Pierson to go to Robertson’s Colony bent initially on directing the establishment of the city of Sarahville de Viesca, at the time
slated to become the capital of Texas. Pierson took with him a wealth of experience gained in Arkansas Territory before he came to Texas. He had served as sheriff, commander of militia and magistrate of the
settlement of Pecan Point. His accomplishments included commanding the unit which removed the troublesome Shawnees from the territory, and in a peaceful manner.
In 1835 Pierson represented the Municipality of Viesca at the Consultation in San Felipe de Austin. Here he served on the “Committee of Five” which gave birth to the Texas Rangers. In the same year Pierson and a few friends founded the town of Independence, which became known for awhile as “The Athens of Texas,” the original home of both Baylor and Mary Hardin Baylor Universities. In 1836, Pierson founded a community which he called High Point near present Stoneham. As Mexican forces continued to threaten Texas, on June 30, 1836, Pierson organized a militia company of 74 men that provided security to settlers. On May 31, 1837, Pierson became “Captain of Volunteers”of Washington County, then encompassing all or parts of nine present counties, including Grimes.
In 1842, Mexican Forces occupied San Antonio, prompting formation of the Alexander Somervell Expedition of Texas militia. After securing the border with Mexico, Somervell ordered the army to disband. Pierson was among those who refused to leave, continuing, under the command of Colonel William Fisher, to pursue the Mexican Army into Mexico. About this “Mier Expedition” Fisher later wrote, “I found two of the smallest
companies under the command of Captain Reese of Brazoria and Captain Pierson . . . united to a man and
prepared to fight to the last extremity. The others were in indescribable confusion.”
Captured by the Mexicans, Pierson escaped, only to be caught later. Fortunately, he drew a white bean at El Rancho Salado on March 25, 1843, an act which saved his life. Those unfortunate enough to draw a black bean suffered death at the hands of Mexican troops.
A man of multiple talents and skills was J.G. W. Pierson. Resting in peace near Plantersville since 1849, Pierson is a largely unsung hero of Grimes County history.
Robin Montgomery may be reached at zippoboo@aol.com
Before the Texas Senate in December 1836, Stephen F. Austin explained that the containment of hostile ndians t to the north saved his southern colony, which included later Grimes County, from “anarchy and civil
war.” A major reason those tribes were contained was that J.G.W. Pierson was de facto leader of Sterling
Robertson’s Colony of that northern region. The area over which Pierson exercised authority was the scene
of the fiercest Indian fighting in the history of Texas. Unmatched for valor and impact on our area’s history, Pierson is also one of the founding fathers of Grimes County.
The death of his second wife, Elizabeth Montgomery, in 1833, had prompted Pierson to go to Robertson’s Colony bent initially on directing the establishment of the city of Sarahville de Viesca, at the time
slated to become the capital of Texas. Pierson took with him a wealth of experience gained in Arkansas Territory before he came to Texas. He had served as sheriff, commander of militia and magistrate of the
settlement of Pecan Point. His accomplishments included commanding the unit which removed the troublesome Shawnees from the territory, and in a peaceful manner.
In 1835 Pierson represented the Municipality of Viesca at the Consultation in San Felipe de Austin. Here he served on the “Committee of Five” which gave birth to the Texas Rangers. In the same year Pierson and a few friends founded the town of Independence, which became known for awhile as “The Athens of Texas,” the original home of both Baylor and Mary Hardin Baylor Universities. In 1836, Pierson founded a community which he called High Point near present Stoneham. As Mexican forces continued to threaten Texas, on June 30, 1836, Pierson organized a militia company of 74 men that provided security to settlers. On May 31, 1837, Pierson became “Captain of Volunteers”of Washington County, then encompassing all or parts of nine present counties, including Grimes.
In 1842, Mexican Forces occupied San Antonio, prompting formation of the Alexander Somervell Expedition of Texas militia. After securing the border with Mexico, Somervell ordered the army to disband. Pierson was among those who refused to leave, continuing, under the command of Colonel William Fisher, to pursue the Mexican Army into Mexico. About this “Mier Expedition” Fisher later wrote, “I found two of the smallest
companies under the command of Captain Reese of Brazoria and Captain Pierson . . . united to a man and
prepared to fight to the last extremity. The others were in indescribable confusion.”
Captured by the Mexicans, Pierson escaped, only to be caught later. Fortunately, he drew a white bean at El Rancho Salado on March 25, 1843, an act which saved his life. Those unfortunate enough to draw a black bean suffered death at the hands of Mexican troops.
A man of multiple talents and skills was J.G. W. Pierson. Resting in peace near Plantersville since 1849, Pierson is a largely unsung hero of Grimes County history.
Robin Montgomery may be reached at zippoboo@aol.com