WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
269
2 John White Bower (December 7, 1808-January 13, 1850) son of Isaac and Frances Ann (Cuthbert) Bower, was born in Talbottom, Talbot County, Georgia. He came to Texas sometime between May 2, and July 15, 1835; for on July 15, 1845 he was issued title to one-third league of land in McMullen and McGloin's colony, a survey that now lies in Atascosa County. See Vol. 59, p. 20, Spanish Ar.chives, General Land Office of Texas. This grant shows that Bower was a single man when he came to Texas, but he was nevertheless active in affairs immediately upon his arrival. He represented San Patricio Municipality in the General Consultation, 1835, and the same municipality in the Constitutional Convention at Washington, March 1-17, 1836, and became a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Although no evidence can be found that he participated in the Texas 1·evolution, it is a well-known fact that he was a member of the Refugio County militia, and was an inveterate Indian fighter during the ·years 1837- 1850, and in one engagement with the 1·edskins he was severely wounded. During the Sixth and Seventh Congresses, November 1, 1841, to January 16, 1843, John 'White Bower was a representative from Refugio in the House of Representatives. On October 4, 1843 he was elected Chief Justice of Refugio County, and was reelected to that office in 1847. He was an energetic man, and in addition to his official duties he owned and operated a ferry near his home at San Carlos Crossing on the San Antonio River, a business kept up by his widow after his death in 1850. Mr. Bower is buried near San Carlos Crossing on a tract of land that is now the property of his grandson. In 1936 the Commission of Control for Texas Centennial • Celebrations e1·ected a monument at his grave. John White Bower and his wife had only one child, Frances Elizabeth Bower, who was married at Copano, June 21, 1866, to James Power, Jr., the son of the empresario James Power. Three children were born to this couple: Mary Frances, who married Lewis Henry Woodworth; Agnes Elizabeth, who married John F. Shelly; and James F. Power, who resides in Refugio, Texas, (1940). The data for this sketch were furnished by Mr. Hobart Huson of Refugio.
To WILLIAM C. BRASHEAR 1
Washington, Texas, January 7th, 1843
To William C. Brashear/ Esq. Dear Sir - It has been communicated to me that you con- template leaving our country with a view to seek employment in foreign service. I regret that our navy does not furnish you a theater of action worthy your generous emulation. I take pleasure in assuring you, that during your continuance in the service of the Republic, your conduct was always such as has ensured to you my approval and admiration. When you quit our service, it was to me a subject of regret; but in the adventure which lies before you, you will bear with
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