Kelsey Harris Douglass

Kelsey Harris Douglass (1790 – 4 October 1840[1]) was a Texian soldier, politician, and merchant who led Texian forces at the Battle of the Neches.[2] He was born in Knox County, Tennessee in 1790,[3] and died in 1840. A member of the Congress of the Republic of Texas, he campaigned for veterans of the Texas–Indian wars[4] and introduced the 1838 legislation that would later create the University of Texas. A descendant would describe him as "Texas' unknown soldier".[5]

He fought against the Cherokee, leading the fight at the Battle of the Neches and burning a number of villages[6] and forcing them out of East Texas.[5][4]

Douglass was a charter member of the Grand Lodge of Texas.[4]

The town of Douglass is named after him,[2] after he set up businesses in the area.

References

  1. ^ KELSEY HARRIS DOUGLASS (Commemorative plaque). Nacogdoches. 1936.
  2. ^ a b Association, Texas State Historical. "Douglass, Kelsey Harris". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  3. ^ Simmons, Dessie Little; Simmons, Fred (1984). Robert Young, Sr., Patriot and Pioneer. Southern Historical Press. ISBN 978-0-89308-524-7. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  4. ^ a b c "State History Still Lives On East Texas Gravestones". Corpus Christi Times. p. 58.
  5. ^ a b "RATTKIN IS NAMED HEAD OF EXES BODY". Fort Worth Record-Telegram. 3 March 1928. p. 9.
  6. ^ "One of the Mysteries of Texas—The Scene of Many Bloody Battles". The Brookyln Times. 7 August 1897.