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Our Genealogy & History

Our family's historical journey through time.

Henry Criswell

Male Abt 1720 - Abt 1776  (56 years)


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Henry Criswell was born about 1720; died about 1776.

    Other Events:

    • Reference Number: 5909

    Family/Spouse: Rebecca R. Rebecca was born about 1734; died about 1822. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 2. John Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1761 in Augusta County, Virginia; died on 27 Aug 1845 in Wayne, Kentucky, USA.


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  John Criswell Descendancy chart to this point (1.Henry1) was born in 1761 in Augusta County, Virginia; died on 27 Aug 1845 in Wayne, Kentucky, USA.

    Other Events:

    • Reference Number: 5908

    Family/Spouse: Elizabeth Yancy. Elizabeth (daughter of John Yancy and Mary Leighton) was born on 1 Mar 1761 in Orange, Essex, Virginia; died on 23 Oct 1837 in Garrard, Kentucky, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 3. John Yancy Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1786 in Knox County, Kentucky; died on 30 Sep 1839 in Knox County, Kentucky.
    2. 4. Susannah G Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 13 Oct 1783 in Sullivan County, Tennessee; died on 27 Jan 1863 in Fayette County, Texas.
    3. 5. Elizabeth Yancy Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1783; died in 1870.


Generation: 3

  1. 3.  John Yancy Criswell Descendancy chart to this point (2.John2, 1.Henry1) was born in 1786 in Knox County, Kentucky; died on 30 Sep 1839 in Knox County, Kentucky.

    Other Events:

    • Reference Number: 4936

    Notes:

    •Event: Fact 12 FEB 1836 collected $5.75 from the government of TX to pay for supplies used.
    •Event: Fact mentioned in a Missouri history book
    •Event: Fact JUL 1835 accompanied John Henry Moore in an expedition against the Tawakoni (or Tehuacana) Indians
    •PROP: 15 JUN 1831 1 League, 4428.4 ac, Texas General Land Office

    The inscription on plaque at The Criswell Family Cemetery in West Point, Texas states as follows:

    Criswell FAMILY CEMETERY 1835

    John Y. and Eleanor V. Criswell emigrated to Texas with their 8 children in 1829-1830 from KY as members of Stephen F. Austin Third Colony. Granted a league of land by Mexican Government in Matagorda Co. on Colorado River. In 1834 the family moved to the West Point-Plum Grove area in Fayette Co..
    John Y. Criswell, Sr. served as a Texas Ranger under Col. John H. Moore to protect the area against Indian raids in 1835. Sons Leroy V. and William V. Criswell fought Mexican regiments in "Come and Take It" Battle at Gonzales and Battle of Bexar at San Antonio against Gen. Cos (Santa Ana's brother-in-law). Leroy was wounded at Bexar but accompanied his family on the "Run Away Scrape" while William joined Gen. Sam Houston's army which defeated Santa Ana at the Battle of San Jacinto. Younger sons John Y. Jr., Andrew, and Joseph E. fought in 1845-46 U. S. Mexican War.
    In 1838 John Y. Criswell, Sr. donated this cemetery site located on his land to the Hopewell Baptist Church, the first Baptist Church west of the Colorado River.
    Eleanor Criswell was one of the first buried in this cemetery. She died in 1835.

    Gene Brownlow
    The turn off to the cemetery is located off highway 71 at 29°56'32.94"N and 97° 1'12.51"W which is the exit for 543. This would be north off 71 and follow 543 to West Point Loop exit at 29°56'38.44"N and 97° 1'28.68"W. Go north on West Point Loop to the first right at 29°56'43.70"N and 97° 1'28.87"W. Go right on the gravel road just over 1/3 of a mile to the cemetery. From the W Point Loop turnoff aproximately 1/4 mile on the left is where i believe John Yancy's house was located some 250 feet on the left at 29°56'54.80"N and 97° 1'23.63"W. from that point to the cemetery gate would be aprox 575 feet.

    The Cemetery is located at 29°57'0.40"N and 97° 1'22.00"W.

    The Criswell Family

    JOHN YANCY Criswell, Sr. b. 1786 (between 1780 and 1790) Pa.; d. 9-30-1839 Plum Grove, Fayette Co., Texas; m. abt. 1811 (no marriage record found in K Co., KY.) a Miss Vannoy (I believe), b. abt. 1791 (between 1790 and 1800) KY. d. in Texas (either in Matagorda Co. or Fayette Co. which was part of Austin's Colony until the county was organized 1838) before 1839, as no wife was mentioned in the settlement of John Y.'s estate. He died without a will. His probate record in Fayette Co. is Case #48. His oldest son, Leroy Vannoy Criswell was Administrator. Leroy V. was appointed Guardian for the minor Joseph E. and Andrew Jackson Criswell. A neighbor, William Madison Scallorn Sr., was appointed Guardian for the minor, John Y. Criswell, Jr. John Wesley Scallorn, San Jacinto hero, son of William's brother Stephen, was Guardian for James H. Criswell. (Wm. Scallorn, my great-great-grandpa, was the first Baptist Deacon of record ordained in Texas--on July 11, 1840 at old Hopewell Baptist Church in Plum Grove. Hopewell was begun in the winter of 1838 with prayer meetings held in Wm. Scallorn's home, with Rev. Z. N. Morrell conducting the first services.

    The maiden name of Mrs. John Y. Criswell, Sr., is not positively known now 1957, but the fact that the middle name of their first two sons, Leroy and William, was "Vannoy" shows it to be a name of importance. For that reason I thought that her maiden name was probably "Vannoy" So when I first had a chance to search the 1830 Knox Co., KY., microfilm census while in Austin, I looked for a Vannoy as well as for a Criswell. In that census I found John Y. Criswell (40-50) with a wife (30-40), their 8 children and an extra male (20-30) whom I can't identify. (He may have been a brother of either of them or a son of John Y.'s by a previous marriage, but only the 8 known children were named in the settlement of his estate.) I also found a WILLIAM Vannoy (50-60) who was the right age to be the father of Mrs. John Y. Criswell, an Alex. Vannoy (20-30) and a Joel Vannoy (30-40). It seems reasonable to assume that the maiden name of John Y.'s wife was "Vannoy", and that she was the daughter William Vannoy, although this is not proof.

    On 7-23-1821 in Knox Co., KY., John Y. Criswell witnessed the will of Lurena Sumner. In December 1830, John Y., a married man, arrived in Texas. They were still in Knox Co. when the 1830 census was taken there. They probably left the fall after the crops were in. Most likely they came by boat rather than covered wagon since they settled near the port of Matagorda.

    John Y. Criswell, Sr., received 2 Land Grants, One was a Spanish Grant dated 6-5-1831 for one League of land in Matagorda Co. situated on the west side of the Colorado River below H League, title being issued in Austin's 3rd Colony. It was signed by Stephen F. Austin. The other was a Republic of Texas Land Grant for one Labor of land issued in Fayette Co. 3-1-1838 which stated he arrived in Texas with his family December 1830. On 3-6-1838 he assigned this Certificate to William Clinton. Title for 1 League of land in Polk Co. on Long King's Creek was issued in Vehlein's Colony 3-25-1835 to Ann D. Criswell a widow, whose husband may have been related to John Y. Criswell.

    Note: At long last, on 2-3-1964, I found William Vannoy's will which mentions "the children of my deceased son-in-law, John Y. Criswell and daughter, Eleanor". The will was made 7-12-1845.

    In July 1835, John Y. Criswell, Sr., was one of the men with Col. John H. Moore who went to the aid of Capt. R. M. Coleman and his company of 25 men who were on a mission to make peace with the Tehuacana Indians near Parker's Fort. The Indians, mistaking their purpose, attacked them instead. When Col. Moore arrived the Indians were gone. The several groups of volunteers joined forces under Col. Moore and pursued them as far as the forks of the Trinity.

    [There is some info missing here, LWPriest]

    William Madison Scallorn who was appointed Guardian for the minor, John Y. Criswell, Jr., when his father died in 1839--(Wm. Scallorn was my g.g.grandpa--SRD). The old Plum Grove Cemetery at West Point is on this land. A church was built after the deed was given, but it burned many years ago.

    This Church began in 1838 with the first meetings being held in the home of Wm. Scollorn, Sr., and was first called "Hopewell Baptist Church". It was organized early in 1839 under the articles of the United Baptists of West Tennessee, with Z. N. Morrell as its first pastor. This was the first Baptist Church west of the Colorado River. Wm. Scallorn, Sr., was ordained Deacon at old Hopewell Church July 11, 1840, his ordination being the first one of record in Texas. In 1842 there were 22 members when a rift occurred in the church over the Missionary question. Stephen Scallorn, brother of William, was also deacon, and was one of the nine members who called themselves "the faithful" and kept the Book (Church Record) and Church House. The other 13 missionary members, including Wm. Scallorn, Sr., then called their group the "Plum Grove Baptist Church". Both groups, without doubt, considered themselves the "original" church. This is all carefully explained in Stephen Scallorn's obituary when he died 12-24-1887. Another church building was erected about 1870, Dr. Eugene C. Routh says. It is still standing--just barely--and is now used as a barn, in the present town of Plum. The Plum Grove Church the John Click deed refers to is not this one. (Torn down abt. 1959)

    If John Y., Sr., were a Baptist, as many of his later family were, then he probably was a member of old Hopewell Church, as he was a friend and close neighbor to Stephen and William Scallorn, Sr., in the Plum Grove area.

    John Y.'s sons, Leroy Vanoy Criswell and William Vanoy Criswell were in the first fight of the Texas Revolution, the "Come and Take It" battle at Gonzales Oct. 2, 1835, as proven by the record in Archives showing they purchased 5# of sugar there @ $1.00 on Oct. 4, 1835.

    John Yancy Criswell, Sr., and his wife had 8 known children.

    In MILITARY RECORDS at ARCHIVES IN AUSTIN, TEXAS, and in PUBLIC DEBT PAPERS. I found some interesting papers. #7486, issued to John Y. Criswell on 5-16-1838 for Supplies was filed by Genl. Burleson, examined and Audited for $18.00. The following seem to be part of this $18 payment:

    "Feb. 11, 1836 This is to certify that we in behalf of a squad of Volunteers travelling to St. Antonio being out of provisions called upon John Y. Criswell who fed us in his own house with his own provisions for the night & next morning breakfast eight of us two meals @ 25 cts say five dollars for which the government will no doubt renumerate him, we being authorized to draw on said gov. for provisions.

    (signed) M. Autry
    (signed) D. W. Cloud
    Agents for squad"

    (Note by SRD: Both Micajah Autry, of N. C., and Daniel Wm. Cloud, of KY., fell at the Alamo 3-6-1836)

    "This is to certify that the Ranging Corps under the command of Col. E. Burleson made use of 3 bushels of corn at one Dollar and fifty cents per bushel and one bushel of potatoes at one dollar, property of J. Y. Criswell. Colorado July 22, 1836 (signed) John G. McGehee Captain M. V. Corps
    (signed) Edw. Burleson Colonel"

    (and on another scrap of paper) "The Government of Texas will pay Jno. Y. Chriswell on order four dollars and fifty cents for provision furnished my Company. (signed) Wm. M. Eastland
    Capt. of Rangers

    Let this be audited 5-15-1838
    (signed)A. S. Thurston"

    (Note by SRD:
    Wm. Mosby Eastland was at San Jacinto, and in 1842 with the Mier Expedition. He captured, and was the only officer to draw a black bean at Haciendo Salado in Mexico where he was shot [executed] 3-25-1843.)

    On 2-12-1836 John Y. collected $51.33 pay for his son Wm. V.'s service in the Volunteer Army from 5-28-1835 to 12-13-1835, including the Siege of Bexar, where Wm. V. conducted himself so gallantly. John Y. wrote on a scrap of paper: "Recd. of J. W. Moody, Auditor, a draft drawn in favour of William Criswell for $51.33 on account of which I promise to keep him harmless.
    (signed) J. Y, Criswell."

    On this same day, 2-12-1836 John Y. also collected $5.75 owed to Leroy and Wm. V. which they had paid for Coffee, Sugar, etc., in the fall of 1835 (see Leroy and Wm. V.).

    Wm. V. also assigned to his father his pay of $24 for Service in the Army of the Republic of Texas from 3-27-1836 to 6-27-1836, including the Battle of San Jacinto. This was Audited 11-1-1838 and draft #9795 was issued on that date in the form of a tiny certificate. This certificate was not cashed before John Y.'s death in 1839, and on 8-24-1851 it was sent to J. M. Swisher, Auditor of public accounts, by Leroy for his father's estate. Another certificate was issued 9-1-1851 for $24 on the Public Debt form of the late Republic of Texas. On 5-25-1857 Leroy V., Wm. V., Jos. E. and John Y., Jr. give F. W. Nowlin their power-of-attorney to collect this $24. It was finally paid in full 7-23-1857--over 21 years after the Battle of San Jacinto was fought! (Records in the Land Office in Austin show that Wm. V. also assigned to his father his Bounty Grant of 120 acres for this same Service in the Army from 3-27-1836 to 6-27-1836.)

    On 11-2-1838 John Y. collected $41.66 for Leroy's Service in the Indian Campaign from 7-23-1835 to 9-13-1835, stating his son owed the Government nothing.

    From The Criswell Family by Sue Ragland Diggle, dated 1957 and added to in 1964, retyped in 1988 by Nada Moon Alexander. page 83
    Leroy V. and Wm. V. Criswell enlisted 9-28-1835. They served in Capt. J. C. Neill's Artillery Company. (J. C. Neill also enlisted 9-28-1835, as Captain, and was made Lt. Colonel during the Siege of Bexar, Dec. 5-9, 1835. General Cos raised a white flag Dec. 9th and signed capitulation papers the next day. On 2-14-1836 Col. Neill, because of illness in his family, left the Alamo in charge of Wm. B. Travis and thereby missed becoming an immortal hero. Later he was wounded at San Jacinto in the skirmish on April 20.)
    Capt. Neill signed Leroy's Honorable Discharge 11-24-1835 at Camp Bexar, just 11 days before the Siege began. William V.'s Honorable Discharge was signed 12-13-1835 by Capt. Almeron Dickinson (who was killed 3-6-1836 at the Alamo. His wife Suzanna was present and later wrote eye-witness accounts of the battle) and Col. Neill. It stated that Wm. V. had discharged his duty "with honor and applause", and that he was "also one who so gallantly distinguished himself in the Siege of Bexar."
    The fact that Leroy was discharged at Camp Bexar so soon before the Siege, coupled with the fact that $2.00 was paid to a Doctor in Gonzales 12-27-1835, seems to indicate that he was somehow physically incapacitated, possibly because of injuries sustained at Gonzales. Certainly every ablebodied man was needed in those perilous times, and Leroy would not have been allowed to leave the Service for any but the strongest of reasons.
    Leroy, Wm. V. and their father all knew personally many of our early Texas heroes. Eight men en route to the Alamo, spent the night in John Y. Criswell, Sr.'s home 2-10-1836. He fed them that night and gave them breakfast the next morning. On 2-ll-l836 H. Autry and D. W. Cloud signed a statement that they were a squad of Volunteers travelling to "St. Antonio", and that they were authorized to draw on the government for provisions. The total signed for was $5.00 which included 2 meals each for 8 of them @ 25 cents. I found this in Military Records at Archives in Austin, had a photostat made of it, and in 1961 presented it to the Alamo. It is now framed and hangs on the wall of the Alamo. This is my personal tribute to the Criswell Family, both living and dead, of whom I am so very fond.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------
    From the Handbook of Texas Online, http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/index.html.

    Criswell CREEK (Fayette Co.). Criswell Creek rises about a mile west of the Southern Pacific tracks and 2½ miles southwest of West Point in northwestern Fayette Co. (at 29°54' N, 97°03' W) and runs northeast for about five miles, crossing the Southern Pacific tracks, State Highway 71, and the Missouri, Kansas and Texas tracks, before reaching its mouth on the Colorado River (at 29°58' N, 97°01' W). South of West Point the creek traverses an area with a fine sandy loam surface soil over a very firm clay subsoil. This land is of marginal value for agriculture and is used primarily as cattle pasture. Between West Point and the Colorado River the stream runs through gently rolling terrain surfaced by firm calcareous clay layers overlying gravel deposits. This land produces good corn and hay crops, but much of the soil has been stripped to allow access to the gravel. The creek is probably named for John Yancy Criswell, an original settler in the area who in July 1835 accompanied John Henry Moore in an expedition against the Tawakoni (or Tehuacana) Indians.

    BIBLIOGRAPHY: Leonie Rummel Weyand and Houston Wade, An Early History of Fayette Co. (La Grange, Texas: La Grange Journal, 1936).

    More from the Handbook of Texas
    PRAHA, TEXAS. Praha, on Farm Road 1295 three miles east of Flatonia in southern Fayette Co., was originally known as Mulberry and Hottentot, the latter apparently referring to a band of outlaws. James C. Duff, William Criswell, and Leroy Criswell first settled the area.

    DARBY, TEXAS. Darby was near an old Indian trail and campground about four miles west of Moscow in central Polk Co.. The area was settled by Europeans before the Civil War;qv among the early settlers was an Irish family named Criswell, who arrived in 1835. The community was eventually named for Augustus Darby, a slaveowner who moved to the area during the 1850s. It is unique among Polk Co. settlements, as many of its early residents were from Ireland and Germany. Darby had a Catholic church and became a leather-tanning center for local hunters. A school was also established there. Residents formed the Darby Farmers Alliance, which met from at least 1886 to 1890. Darby was still a rural community during the 1930s, and in the 1940s it had the only Catholic cemetery in the county. Maps from the 1980s do not show the settlement.

    BIBLIOGRAPHY: Emma Haynes, The History of Polk Co. (MS, Sam Houston Regional Library, Liberty, Texas, 1937; rev. ed. 1968). A Pictorial History of Polk Co., Texas, 1846-1910 (Livingston, Texas: Polk Co. Bicentennial Commission, 1976; rev. ed. 1978).

    by Robert Wooster
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    EVENT: LAND GRANT 15 JUN 1831
    1 Lg. 4428.4 ac Texas Gen Land Office
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
    From: Kristi Braun,
    Hi Larry,
    If you tell me how I will send you my files from FTM. The only thing is that I have all of the in one big file. I would have to seperate them first. Have you been to Plum Grove Cemetery in West Point? R. R. Criswell has put a new monument and an plaque for John Yancy Criswell, Sr. and Eleanor Vannoy Criswell. Also they they found some sandstone monuments for John and Eleanor Criswell when a fence was placed around that section of the cemetery. My other ggg-grandmother from my father's side is buried next to them at Plum Grove, her name is Elizabeth McClure Karnes. This is my line in short version.
    Candace Ann Criswell Fitzgerald
    Amanda Jane Fitzgerald Hale
    Nettie Lee Hale Collins
    Robert Leroy Collins
    Shirley Jean Collins Tuttle
    Kristi Kay Tuttle Braun
    I have been working on getting my mother into the Daughter's of the Republic of Texas. I went to LaGrange last week and now all I have to do is type the papers.
    Nice to hear from you, Kristi Braun
    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    Note from Larry Priest: I found a John Criswell born 1790 to 1800 in the Abbeville, SC census of 1830. pg 15

    I found the following info at http://searches.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/ifetch2?/u1/data/tn+index+18133957271 0+F
    Tennessee PENSION ROLL OF 1835
    Henry Criswell
    Wilson COUNTY
    PRIVATE SOUTH CAROLINA LINE $80.00 ANNUAL ALLOWANCE

    Found at: http://searches.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/ifetch2?/u1/data/ky+index+61308306850 0+F
    KENTUCKY PENSION ROLL OF 1835
    DAVID Criswell Henry COUNTY PRIVATE
    PENNSYLVANIA MILITIA
    $26.66 ANNUAL ALLOWANCE
    $79.98 AMOUNT RECEIVED
    JANUARY 3, 1834 PENSION STARTED AGE 73

    SAMUEL Criswell LEWIS COUNTY PRIVATE
    VIRGINIA LINE $96.00 ANNUAL ALLOWANCE
    $1,525.03 AMOUNT RECEIVED
    APRIL 16, 1819 PENSION STARTED AGE 73
    $240.00 AMOUNT RECEIVED SEPTEMBER 11, 1833 PENSION STARTED AGE 75

    Book Criswell Creswell
    Knox gounty 1320 Census. JOHNY. CHRISWELL,age 26-44; wife 16-.25;
    son 10-15; two sons and two daughters under 10. [The Ky. Genealo­ ist, vol. I, p. 39]
    K... cmmy 1830 Census. JOHNY. CRISWELL,age 40-49; wife 30-39;
    male 20-29; and eight children. [copied by Sue R. Diggle]
    Kentuclgy Land Warrants - see page 82.

    Died:
    Plum Grove or West Point, Fayette County, Texas - Criswell Family Cemetery

    John married Mary Eleanor Vannoy in Oct 1812 in Knox County, Kentucky. Mary (daughter of William Vannoy and Mary Sallee) was born in 1794 in Knox County, Kentucky; died on 30 Sep 1839 in West Point, Fayette County, Texas - Old Plum Grove Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 6. Leroy Vannoy Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1813 in Barboursville, Knox County, Kentucky; died on 6 Jul 1865 in Oso, Fayette County, Texas; was buried in Criswell Cemetery, Praha, Texas.
    2. 7. William Vannoy Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 15 Apr 1815 in , Knox, Kentucky; died on 19 Jan 1858 in Praha, Fayette County Texas - Kubena farm one mile southeast of Praha; was buried on 22 Jan 1858 in Oso, Fayette, Texas - re-interred 1936 State Cemetary, Austin, Texas.
    3. 8. Mary Candice Ann Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 23 Feb 1816 in Knox County, Kentucky; died on 28 Jul 1900 in Muldoon, Fayette County, Texas.
    4. 9. Mary Jane Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 10 Jun 1818 in Knox County, Kentucky; died in Dec 1866 in Alleyton, Colorado County, Texas.
    5. 10. James Henry Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1822 in Knox County, Kentucky; died in 1872 in Blackjack Spring, Fayette County, Texas.
    6. 11. John Yancy Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 27 Nov 1824 in Knox County, Kentucky; died on 7 Oct 1896 in Waco, McLennan, Texas - Buried Oak Hill Cemetery, Flatonia, Fayette County, Texas.
    7. 12. Joseph Eve Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 6 Aug 1827 in Knox County, Kentucky; died on 29 Sep 1897 in Big Springs, Howard County, Texas.
    8. 13. Andrew Jackson Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1829 in Knox County, Kentucky; died in 1862 in Mansfield, Louisiana.

  2. 4.  Susannah G Criswell Descendancy chart to this point (2.John2, 1.Henry1) was born on 13 Oct 1783 in Sullivan County, Tennessee; died on 27 Jan 1863 in Fayette County, Texas.

    Susannah married Samuel Anderson on 17 Feb 1801 in Sullivan, Tennessee, USA. Samuel (son of William Anderson and Jane Bryan) was born on 14 Sep 1781 in Sullivan, Tennessee, USA; died on 28 Sep 1840 in Groesbeck, Limestone, County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 14. Jane H Anderson  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1806; died in 1883.
    2. 15. William Bryant Anderson  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1812; died in 1894.
    3. 16. John Henry Anderson  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1820.

  3. 5.  Elizabeth Yancy Criswell Descendancy chart to this point (2.John2, 1.Henry1) was born in 1783; died in 1870.


Generation: 4

  1. 6.  Leroy Vannoy CriswellLeroy Vannoy Criswell Descendancy chart to this point (3.John3, 2.John2, 1.Henry1) was born in 1813 in Barboursville, Knox County, Kentucky; died on 6 Jul 1865 in Oso, Fayette County, Texas; was buried in Criswell Cemetery, Praha, Texas.

    Other Events:

    • Reference Number: 4920
    • _EMPLOY: 5 Apr 1848, Blackjack Spring, Fayette County, Texas; Post Master
    • Census: 4 Oct 1850, Fayette County, Texas
    • Census: 13 Jul 1860, Fayette County, Texas

    Notes:

    • ID: I02598
    • Name: Leroy Vannoy CRISWELL
    • Sex: M
    • Birth: 1813 in Barboursville, Knox Co., KY
    • Death: 1866 in Praha, Fayette Co., TX
    • Note:
    ------------------------------------------------------
    1850 DeWitt Co., TX Census. #178.
    Criswell, Christian 16 1834 Germany
    In Albert Von Roeder household.
    ------------------------------------------------------
    1870 Fayette Co., TX Census. 831-831, p. 455.
    Criswell, James 48 1822 Farmer KY (250)
    - Millie 40 1830 Wife MS
    - Thomas 14 1856 Son TX
    - Mary 9 1861 Dau TX
    - Emily 7 1863 Dau TX
    --------------------------------------------------------------------

    Decendants Chart of John Yancy Criswell, Sr. Stanley McMicken File.

    DECENDANTS OF JOHN YANCY CRISWELL, SR. & ELEANOR ANNOY, a sketch by Sue Ragland Diggle. Stanley McMicken File.
    ...DOD given as 1868. POD given as Coldwater Creek, Oso, Fayette Co., TX.

    CRISWELL FAMILY AMONG EARLY SETTLERS AND HEROES OF TEXAS HISTORY, documented by R.R. Criswell & Martha Criswell Bailey.
    ...Leroy Vannoy & Elizabeth Criswell were buried at Criswell Cemetery (also known as Duff Cem.) about one half mile southeast of the village of Praha.

    Leroy V Criswell was one of the original Texas Rangers as he joined with Captain Robert M. Williamson as a part of Williamson’s Mounted Riflemen in July 25 - September 13, 1835.

    FTM Marriage Index, CD #227, 1728-1850.
    ...Leroy V. Criswell m. Elizabeth Micken 24 Feb 1842 Fayette Co., TX

    Fayette Co., TX Marriage Records. #32535, Bk A, p. 51
    ...Leroy V. Criswell m. Elizabeth McMicken 24 Feb 1842, license applied for on 19 Feb 1842.

    Early Texas County Marriage Records, Fayette Co., TX.
    ...Leroy V. Criswell m. Elizabeth MCMicken 19 Feb 1842.

    CRONICLES OF FAYETTE COUNTY, p. 58. Leroy V. Criswell - member of first district court jury in Fayette County, 22 Oct 1838.

    Leroy V. and Elizabeth (McMicken) Criswell sold their BJS home in 1853 to Johannes Romberg, first German to settle at BJS, and moved to near Oso a few miles northeast of present Flatonia. William V., Leroy' s younger brother, had moved to near Praha the year before.
    AN EARLY HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, p. 97. John Yancy Criswell and Leroy Vannoy Criswell - among a list of freeholders in Fayette County during the time of the Republic.
    Leroy fought Mexican regiments in "Come and Take It" Battle at Gonzales and Leroy was wounded at Bexar during the Battle of Bexar at San Antonio against General Cos (Santa Ana's brother-in-law).
    FAYETTE COUNTY - PAST AND PRESENT, p. 115. April 1846, eight election precincts established...#7 house of Leroy T. (sic) Criswell.

    CRISWELL FAMILY AMONG EARLY SETTLERS AND HEROES OF TEXAS HISTORY, documented by R.R. Criswell & Martha Criswell Bailey.
    ...Leroy Vannoy & Elizabeth Criswell were buried at Criswell/Duff (also known as Mulberry Cem.) about one half or one mile southeast of the village of Praha.

    Gene Brownlow
    This cemetery is located on S. Knezek Road .6 miles from FM 1295 at 29°40'6.21"N and 97° 3'25.19"W. There is a gate with a sign, Wm V. Criswell Cemetery, on the left side of the road usually covered with undergrowth. If you go at a 25 degree angle to the right upon entering the gate you should find the headstones.

    •Event: Fact witnessed the killing of Ben Milam
    •Will: 29 JAN 1866 probated in Fayette Co., TX

    Packet dated 13 Oct 1997. Rowena Calhoun File.
    WILLIAM JOSEPH BOYKIN, by William B. Bennett. See William Joseph Boykin for content.

    Packet dated 13 Oct 1997. Rowena Calhoun File.
    BOYKIN
    ...William Joseph Boykin, son of Sion Lee Boykin, married Elizabeth Jane Criswell, daughter of Leroy Criswell who recieved an honorable discharge from the Texas Army signed by Stephen F. Austin. He was discharged in order to return to Gonzales County to plant his crops (a copy of the discharge is enclosed).

    L&D 216-2: Packet dated 13 Oct 1977. Rowena Calhoun File.
    GREAT, GREAT GRANDFATHERS OF SONS OF RUTH BOYKIN CALHOUN / SAMUEL DANIEL CALHOUN.
    ...was in McNeill's Artillery Co. which participated in the capture of San Antonio by Texas Army in 1835.

    L&D 216-3: Packet dated 13 Oct 1977. Rowena Calhoun File.
    BOYKIN.

    L&D 216-4: Packet dated 13 Oct 1977. Rowena Calhoun File.
    WILLIAM JOSEPH BOYKIN, by William B. Bennett

    L&D 216-13, p. 5: Packet dated 13 Oct 1997. Rowena Calhoun File.
    CRISWELL

    Packet received 4 Feb 1999. Norman Krischke File.
    Criswell-Boykin Descendant Chart (William J. & Eliza J. CRISWELL Boykin).

    Letter, Notes, Family Group Sheet & Ancestor Chart dated 21 May 1999. Theresa Mitchell File.
    ________________________________________________________________
    Criswell Family, Among Early Settlers and Heroes of Texas History
    LEROY VANNOY CRISWELL
    (1st child of John Yancy Criswell, Sr.)
    Leroy Vannoy Criswell, b. 1813, Barboursville, Knox Co., Kentucky,
    emigrated to Texas 1829-30 at age 16 with parents and brothers and
    sisters. Settled at Matagorda, Matagorda Co., Texas and moved with
    family in 1835 to Woods Prairie (West Point, Tx.). Participated in
    opening battle of the Texas Revolution at Gonzales, Tx., Oct. 2, 1835
    as member of J. C. Neill's Artillery Co., protecting a little cannon
    from being surrendered to a Mexican militia. Fought at the Battle of
    Bexar (San Antonio, Tx.) in J. C. Neill's Artillery Co.; discharged
    Nov. 24, 1835 and joined Col. Ben R. Milam's Battalion and witnessed
    the death of Col. Milam during the hardest fought battle of the
    revolution, Dec. 5-10, 1835. Accompanied his father and younger
    members of the family while "moving out of the way of the advancing
    Mexican Army" in March and April 1836. Served as an "Indian fighter"
    in Col. J. H. Moore's Mounted Rifle for fifty days through Oct. 23,
    1838. Served in Somervell Expedition to repel the invasion of Texas by
    Mexico led by Gen. Aderian Woll, 1842-43. Married Elizabeth A.
    McMicken on Feb. 24, 1842. (His brothers, William V. and Joseph Eve,
    also married daughters of Andrew and Eliza McMicken who had emigrated
    from Tennessee after the Texas War for Independence.) Leroy was 29 at
    the time of marriage, she was 17. Immediately after the marriage, they
    took into the household 15 year old Joseph Eve and 13 year old Andrew
    Jackson (his younger brothers whose parents were dead at this time).
    Also, part of the household was a "Negro" girl owned by the John Y.
    Criswell, Sr. Estate. As administrator of his father's estate, he
    farmed the family land in addition to his own. Leroy and his family
    first settled at Black Jack Springs (near Muldoon) and his children
    attended the Black Jack Springs School taught by Mr. William Gorham,
    whose wife was a close friend to Candace Criswell Cottle. The Cottles
    also lived in the same area. Later, Leroy's family moved and settled
    near "old Flatonia" (Oso) and Praha. In his will, dated August 5,
    1862, Leroy states he owns "land, Negroes, cattle, horses and
    tenements" to be shared equally among his children for their education.
    -13-
    CRISWELL FAMILY
    It is believed that Elizabeth A. Criswell died after giving birth to
    Milam, who was born March 18, 1866 and that Leroy V. Criswell also died
    soon after. "The Honorable Court of Fayette County, having been
    solicited by the Relatives of Leroy V. Criswell to take charge of the
    State. I hereby make application for letters of administration of
    estate of Leroy V. Criswell & wife deceased at the next term of said
    court on this 29th day of June 1866." Wm. Boykin, husband of the
    eldest daughter and oldest child Eliza Jane, was appointed one of the
    administrators of the estate. The younger children were taken into the
    Boykin household. Leroy Vannoy Criswell and Elizabeth A. Criswell were
    buried at Duff Cemetery (also known as Mulberry Cemetery) about
    one-half or one mile southeast of the village of Praha. The property
    adjoining the cemetery was sold to a Chec or Bohemian farmer who, not
    realizing his actions, removed grave markers and planted grain in their
    place. He later replaced some markers, but many locations were lost.
    Leroy and Elizabeth (along with son, Larkin) had no markers on their
    graves.


    Buried:
    1/2 to 1 mile south east from Praha which is south east of Flatonia, Texas

    Died:
    William V Criswell Cemetery, Praha, Texas. Site not located.

    Leroy married Elizabeth Ann McMicken on 24 Feb 1842 in Fayette County, Republic of Texas. Elizabeth (daughter of Andrew John McMicken and Elizabeth A Faires) was born in 1825 in Tennessee; died on 18 Mar 1866 in Oso, Fayette County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 17. Elizabeth Jane Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 2 Feb 1843 in Republic of Texas; died on 21 Feb 1933 in Estelline, Hall County Texas; was buried on 21 Feb 1933 in Estelline, Hall, Texas, United States.
    2. 18. Mary Elander Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1844 in Republic of Texas.
    3. 19. John Finis Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1846 in Republic of Texas; died in 1918 in Canyon County, New Mexico.
    4. 20. Waymond Wesley Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 23 Nov 1847 in Cuero, DeWitt County Texas; died about 1863 in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
    5. 21. William Milton Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1849 in Cuero, DeWitt County Texas.
    6. 22. Leander Vannoy Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1864 in Black Jack Springs, Fayette County, Texas.
    7. 23. Henry Elias Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 22 Mar 1851 in Black Jack Springs, Fayette County, Texas; died in 1922.
    8. 24. James Harvey Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1853 in Black Jack Springs, Fayette County, Texas.
    9. 25. Ruth Ragsdale Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1855 in Black Jack Springs, Fayette County, Texas.
    10. 26. Thomas Menefee Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 5 Nov 1856 in Black Jack Springs, Fayette County, Texas; died on 12 Apr 1886 in Buckholts, Milam County, Texas.
    11. 27. David Robert Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 18 Oct 1858 in Fayette County, Texas; died on 2 Jan 1944 in Buckholt, Milam County, Texas.
    12. 28. Joan Elizabeth Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1860 in Cuero, DeWitt County Texas.
    13. 29. Larkin Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 11 Dec 1862 in Praha, Fayette County, Texas; died before 1883 in Praha, Fayette County, Texas.
    14. 30. Milam Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 18 Mar 1866 in Cuero, DeWitt County Texas.

  2. 7.  William Vannoy CriswellWilliam Vannoy Criswell Descendancy chart to this point (3.John3, 2.John2, 1.Henry1) was born on 15 Apr 1815 in , Knox, Kentucky; died on 19 Jan 1858 in Praha, Fayette County Texas - Kubena farm one mile southeast of Praha; was buried on 22 Jan 1858 in Oso, Fayette, Texas - re-interred 1936 State Cemetary, Austin, Texas.

    Other Events:

    • FSID: 2W3D-LYW
    • Reference Number: 4926

    Notes:

    Born in Kentucky, April 16, 1815. He came to Texas in February, 1830, as is stated in the Headright Certificate issued to him January 5, 1838 for one-third of a league of land by the Fayette County Board. He was a member of Captain Jesse Billingsley's company of "Mina Volunteers" at San Jacinto and on February 7, 1840 was issued Donation Certificate No. 1019 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle. He received Bounty Certificate No. 9818 for 3250 acres of land for having served in the army from September 28 to December 13, 1835, and Bounty Certificate No. 3408 for 320 acres of land for his services from March 27 to June 27, 1836.

    Mr. Criswell was married to Mary E. Michin (McMicken)at La Grange, February 3, 1842. Mr. Criswell died January 19, 1858 and was buried on the Kubena farm one mile southeast of Praha, Fayette County, in a marked grave. In 1936, Mr. Criswell's body was removed and reintered in the State Cemetery at Austin. It was noted at time of exhumation, that his bones were still intact, due to the fact that his wife had his original grave lined with limestone. It's probably well and good that William was moved to Austin, as the rest of the Criswell Cemetery on the Kubena farm, has all but been distroyed.

    Children of Mr. and Mrs. Criswell were: Bettie, who married Calvin Jones; Sallie E., who married Simmie Lee; Mollie, who married James Lyons; John H., who married Josie Jones; James Yancy, who married Aedelie Burks and Lillie Criswell, who married John Waddell.

    Member Lyons (Masonic) Lodge No. 195.

    One of William Vanoy Criswell's descendants, Mrs. Billie Beth Moore was instrumental in helping to create the "San Jacinto Descendants", a heriditary organization set up to perpetuate the memory of all San Jacinto Veterans .

    William Vannoy Criswell, a San Jacinto hero serving in Captain Jesse Billingsley's Company under Colonel Edward Burleson's 1st Regiment know as the Mina Volunteers, later as Company C. His name appears on the bronze plaque inside the San Jacinto Monument at the Battlefield. He was buried in the Criswell Cemetery located on his land 1/2 mile east of his home, on the north side of Mulberry Creek. At one time this was a large cemetery. About 1935, the man who owned the land where the cemetery was located broke down all the stones except two and hauled them away. Houston Wade found out about it and the man was fined a large sum of money.

    The Criswell Cemetery has been plowed under now and William Criswell's remains were moved to the State Cemetery in Austin. Williams tombstone was a double stone with one side inscribed: "An old Texas Veteran. The Cross is my Ancor". The opposite side is inscribed "Sarah E. Lee, nee Criswell, Asleep in Jesus" along with her dates.

    William V.'s body was then removed to Austin and placed in the "Republic of Texas" part of the State Cemetery. A number of relatives and descendants attended this reburial ceremony in 1936, including a ggggrandson, Leon Harlan Ivy, who received special mention. William V. is bried opposite the grave of another Fayette County man, Joel W. Robison, one of the five men who captured Santa Anna. Next to Joel's grave is a marker telling of the capture. The other 4 captors were James A. Sylvester, Joseph D. Vermillion, Alfred H. Miles and David Cole. Captain Jesse Billingsley and Rev. Z.N. Morrell are buried nearby.

    William Vannoy Criswell is buried in the State Cemetery at Austin, Harris County, Texas, in

    Section: Republic Hill Section 1, Row U, Number 7.

    William V. Criswell served on the 2nd Grand Jury of Fayette County, Tx. Fall 1839

    Bounty and Donation Grants

    William Criswell (Battle of San Jacinto, 1836), 640 acres in Uvalde County, Bexar Land District. (C1019, F472)

    Willaim Criswell (Siege of Bexar, 1835), 320 acres in Blanco, Bexar Land District. (C9818, F571)

    William Criswell (Battle of San Jacinto, 1836), 320 acres in Gonzales Land District (C2408, F72).

    "Texas 1840-49 Vol. 1" Census living in Fayette Co. 1850 Census Fayette County, Texas
    #410 Farmer ($1650)
    Wm. V. Chriswell 35 m Ky
    Mary 21 f Tenn
    Elizabeth 4 f Tex
    Sarah 3 f Tex

    LIST -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Billingsley, Jesse Company C
    1st Regt. Texan Volunteers
    San Jacinto List
    Col. Edward Burleson Command
    * (Apr 21, 1836) [A3; T1 p212]
    * Wm. Gorham list
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    COMPANY NAMES [1]

    Anderson, Washington
    Andrews, M. (1 Lt)
    Avery, Willis
    Bain, W.(V.)M.
    Barton (Bartow), Jefferson
    Barton, Wayn
    Berry, Jackson
    Billingsly, Jesse (Capt)
    Blakey, Lemuel
    Boom, Gerrett E.
    Bunton, John W.
    Burleson, Aaron
    Chriswell, Wm.
    Conlee, Preston
    Connell, Sampson
    Craft, James A. (2 Lt)
    Craft, R.B. (1 Sgt)
    Cravens, R.M.
    Cunningham, L.C.
    Curtis, James
    Davey, Thomas
    Dennis, Thomas M.
    Erath, George B.
    Gage, Calvin
    Garwood, Joseph
    Goodwin, Lewis
    Graves, Thomas A.
    Green, George
    Halderman (Holderman), Jessee
    Herron, John H.
    Highsmith, A.M.
    Holder, Prior
    Hood, Robert
    Hopson, John
    Mayes, Thomas H.
    McClelland, Saml.
    McGill, Wm H. (2 Sgt)
    McLean, Dugald
    Motly (Motley), _____ (Dr.)
    Pace, Demcy
    Pace, James R.(K.)
    Self, George
    Simmons, Wm.
    Standerford, Jacob
    Standerford, Wm.
    Taylor, Cambell (3 Sgt)
    Vandervere (Vandevere), Logan
    Walker, Martin
    Williams, Charles
    Willson (Wilson), Walker

    [1] Names on transcribed roll. For dates of enrollment, service, death,
    or other remarks, see transcribed roll in MUSTER ROLLS OF THE TEXAS
    REVOLUTION, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Austin, 1986 [T1].
    "In parentheses will be noted any difference of initials or spell-
    ing of surnames that appeared on the Muster Roll Indexes" (of the
    Texas General Land Office).[T1]

    ***** Index to Military Rolls of the Republic of Texas 1835-1845 *****
    //www page H. David Maxey 12/28/98
    ------------------------------------------------------------billj_7L.htm

    Alternate spelling for index
    Bain, V.M.
    Bartow, Jefferson
    Holderman, Jessee
    Motley, _____ (Dr.)
    Pace, James K.
    Vandevere, Logan
    Wilson, Walker

    William married Mary E Polly McMicken on 12 Aug 1844 in Fayette County, Texas. Mary (daughter of Andrew John McMicken and Elizabeth A Faires) was born on 24 Aug 1829 in Tennessee, United States; died on 23 Jan 1899 in Praham Fayette County, Texas; was buried on 26 Jan 1899 in Praha, Fayette, Texas, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 31. Elizabeth Jane Bettie Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 5 May 1846 in Cuero, DeWitt County Texas; died on 6 Apr 1919 in Pin Oak, Texas, Fayette Co.; was buried on 6 Apr 1919 in Pin Oak Cemetary, Muldoon, Fayette, Texas.
    2. 32. Sarah E Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 12 Nov 1847 in Fayette County, Texas; died on 24 Mar 1868 in Praha, Fayette County Texas.
    3. 33. Mary Ann Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point
    4. 34. Lillie Martin Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point

  3. 8.  Mary Candice Ann CriswellMary Candice Ann Criswell Descendancy chart to this point (3.John3, 2.John2, 1.Henry1) was born on 23 Feb 1816 in Knox County, Kentucky; died on 28 Jul 1900 in Muldoon, Fayette County, Texas.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Dacy
    • Reference Number: 5241

    Notes:

    Candace correct pronunciation is Can-da'-ce. She was called Da'-cy.

    Candace married 3 times. She m.(1) abt. 1835, in Matagorda or Fayette Co. (then the Municipality of Mina) a Mr. Underwood who was dead by late March 1836 when she went on the Runaway Scrape with her father's family and their neighbors, as she was then a young widow named Underwood. Candace and Mr. Underwood had no children.

    Candace married (2) by Contract or Bond abt. 1836, Plum Grove, Leander Frederic Trent Cottle, b. 1786 Vermont; d. 8-8-1845 Black Jack Springs. He is buried in another area of Pin Oak Cemetery.

    Candace married (3) on 5-13-1846, Obadiah Fitzgerald b. 1819 Virginia; d. 01 Feb 1896.

    Candace and Lee Cottle had 4 children:

    Ellender (Ellen) Azubah b.18 May 1837
    Henry b. 27 Sep 1839
    Leander Jr. b. 1841
    Cordelia b. 12 Oct 1844

    Candace and Obadiah had three children:

    William 'Billy' David - 13 Sep 1857
    Nancy Ann - Abt 1847
    Amanda Jane - 13 Oct 1848

    Notes for Candace (Candacy) Ann Criswell:

    Candace correct pronunciation is Can-da'-ce. She was called Da'-cy and Aunt Da'-cy hence the y on the tombstone: Candacy.

    Her name on the tombstone is Candacy Fitzgerald in the Pin Oak Cemetery. Her stone and O.T.'s are on the far east side.

    Candace married 3 times. She m.(1) abt. 1835, in Matagorda or Fayette Co. (then the Municipality of Mina) a Mr. Underwood who was dead by late March 1836 when she went on the Runaway Scrape with her father's family and their neighbors, as she was then a young widow named Underwood. I am inclined to think that Candace and Mr. Underwood were married in Fayette Co. because I know there were at least two Underwood men there, one of whom was the first husband of my great-grandmother, Sarah Ann Ellis, who came to Texas from Wilcox Co., Ala., about 1838 with her husband James S. Underwood. He died l839 in Fayette Co., and in 1841 she married (2) my great-grandfather Wm. Marshall Robinson, formerly of Henry Co., Ky. I think it highly probable that Candace married James Underwood's brother, or other kin. Sarah and Candace lived as neighbors in the Black Jack area from the early 1840s until 1900 when they both died. Candace and Mr. Underwood had no children.

    Fayette County was created from Bastrop (formerly Mina) and Colorado Counties, all a part of Austin's Colony, by the Republic of Texas Dec. 1837, and organized Jan. 1, 1838. While Texas was under Mexican rule, all marriage ceremonies had to be performed by a Catholic priest. If no priest lived nearby, it was customary to be married by Contract or Bond. The boy and the girl signed this legal and binding contract, as well as both of her parents. In May 1836 this procedure, no doubt, was still in effect.

    Candace married (2) by Contract or Bond abt. 1836, Plum Grove, in what is now Fayette Co., Texas, Leander Frederic Trent Cottle, b. 1786 Vermont; d. 8-8-1845 Black Jack Springs. He is thought to be buried on one side of Candace in an unmarked grave in the Black Jack [now Pin Oak] Cemetery.

    0n 5-13-1846 Candace end Obadiah Fitzgerald who had recently married asked to be made joint Administrators of Lee's Estate. Their $1200 Bond was dated 5-25-1846. Sureties were James S. Mayfield (Sec. of State in President Lamar's Cabinet) and James Robinson.

    On 1-31-1848 Candace and Obadiah asked that James Robinson be appointed Guardian of the 4 minor Cottle children. Obadiah and Wm. Primm were Sureties on the $2000 Bond.

    J. S. Black, S. P. Birt and James Moore were early teachers in the Black Jack Springs and Pin Oak community church-house school. My grandma, Susan Prentiss Robinson (b. 1844 Fayette Co;, niece of James), went to school there with all 7 of Candace's children.

    Candace and Lee Cottle had 4 children. One was Ellender (Ellen) Azubah Cottle, born 5-18-1837 near Lyons Station (later Lyonsville, then Schulenburg), Fayette Co., Texas; died 5-8-1923 San Angelo, Texas, and is buried there; married 2-1-1855 Black Jack Springs, Texas, William (Will) Shank, C.S.A., born 9-17-1833 in Germany, as were both of his parents; died about 1910 Abilene, Texas, and is buried there.

    Some of the Black Jack springs were located on her property and some on J. C. C. Smith's land.

    Black Jack Springs Cemetery is located at the end of County Road 373 and is about 0.6 mile southwest of the FM-609 and FM-2237 intersection in SW Fayette Co., TX. According to Joe Cole the first burials were 2 unknown soldiers who were returning from the Battle of Salado which occured 18 Sept 1842. They died of measles at Bledsoe's house.

    "Memories of By-Gone Days" by Rosa Berry Cole pg 22-23

    After San Jacinto, Candace married Lee Cottle. While at Lucinda Berry's house he was playing a fiddle and he was setting on the end of a bench, she noticed he kept inching down toward her. When he got close to her, he said "Candacy, here is my heart and hand. Will you be my wife?" He had never missed a note on his fiddle.

    She said, "No, I am bespoke."

    Mary married Unk Underwood about 1835. Unk died in Mar 1836. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Mary married Leander Frederic Trent Cottle on 29 Jan 1838 in LaGrange, Fayette County, Texas. Leander (son of Joseph Cottle and Azubah Power) was born in 1786 in South Woodstock, Windsor County, Vermont; died on 8 Aug 1845 in Black Jack Springs. Pin Oak Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 35. Ellender Azubah Cottle  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 18 May 1837.
    2. 36. Henry Cottle  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 27 Sep 1839 in Republic of Texas.
    3. 37. Leander Criswell Cottle  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1840 in Republic of Texas; died on 16 Apr 1883 in Fayette County, Texas Pin Oak Cemetery.
    4. 38. Cordelia Cottle  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 12 Oct 1844.

    Mary married Obadiah Thomas Fitzgerald on 13 May 1846 in Lyonsville, Fayetteville County, Texas. Obadiah (son of Samuel Fitzgerald and Nancy Ann Anderson) was born in 1819 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia; died on 1 Feb 1896 in Flatonia, Fayette County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 39. William David Fitzgerald  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 13 Sep 1857.
    2. 40. Nancy Ann Fitzgerald  Descendancy chart to this point was born about 1847.
    3. 41. Amanda Jane Fitzgerald  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 13 Oct 1848.

  4. 9.  Mary Jane Criswell Descendancy chart to this point (3.John3, 2.John2, 1.Henry1) was born on 10 Jun 1818 in Knox County, Kentucky; died in Dec 1866 in Alleyton, Colorado County, Texas.

    Other Events:

    • Reference Number: 6187

    Notes:

    Notes for Mary Jane Criswell:

    On 12-6-1841, Mary Jane wrote a letter to her brothers in Fayette County. The letter, which was written from both of them to the Criswell brothers was clearly signed "William Haddon" and "Mary Haddon."

    The letter reads, "Dear Brothers after my respects to you I wish to inform you that we are well Excep Liza. She Has the Chils and feefor lite ly. I hope my lines will find you all in good Health We are now living out at the prarie plantation again I wish one of you to come and live with us this Season if you are not going to School and if you Cant stay all the Season with us Come and Stay a while for Company as you could make it your Home as longe as you pleas for it Sertainly wold bee a grat satisfaction for one of you to live with us and mak it your Home, any one of you that Comes Down in this County be Shore to Call on us and you will beestow a favour on a frend and Sister and brother

    Yours with as Steem William Haddon to all the Criswells Sones Mary Haddon

    In 1962, the letter was in the possession of Sally Jones Hart (Mrs. C. M.) of Mathis, Texas, a great-granddaughter of William V. Criswell, an older brother of Mary Jane Criswell Haddon.

    There is no probate record in Wharton County of Mary?sestate, although the 553 1/2 acre tract of her father?sland in Matagorda County which she inherited was not sold until 1876.

    On 6-22-1876, Eliza and her sister, Virginia sold their deceased mother?sinterest in John Criswell?sleague to Fletcher Layton of Matagorda County.

    She possibly died due to the Yellow Fever that was in the town of LaGrange and surrounding areas.

    Mary married William E Haddon on 16 Sep 1838 in Woods Prairie, Fayette County, Texas. William (son of John B Haddon and Anna) was born on 7 Nov 1811 in Vriginia; died on 15 Jan 1867 in Wilson Creek, Matagorda County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  5. 10.  James Henry CriswellJames Henry Criswell Descendancy chart to this point (3.John3, 2.John2, 1.Henry1) was born in 1822 in Knox County, Kentucky; died in 1872 in Blackjack Spring, Fayette County, Texas.

    Other Events:

    • Reference Number: 6188

    Notes:


    *1870 U.S. CENSUS*
    Fayette, Texas
    23 November 1870
    James Criswell b:1822 KY - Head
    Millie Criswell b:1830 MS - wife
    Thos Criswell b:1856 TX - son
    Mary Criswell b:1861 TX - dau.
    Emily Criswell b:1863 TX - dau.

    Notes for James Henry Criswell:

    C.S.A. Jim enlisted 6-29-1861 in Capt. Geo. W. Tuttle's Company, Wigfall Mounted Infantry Reserve Company, Fayette County State Troops (Beat No. 7).

    About 1875 Jim went out to cut down a tree in the woods on Criswell Hill. Tom went with him. The tree was half cut through when Jim said he was sick. Tom took him home where he died in a short while, most likely from a heart attack. The old tree is still standing in 1959, and is probably still standing today.

    James married Cary Millie Harkins on 20 Oct 1856 in Fayette County, Texas. Cary was born in 1830 in Tennessee; died in Sep 1902 in Lometa, Lampasas, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 42. Thomas Jefferson Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 30 Sep 1856 in La Grange, Fayette County, Texas; died on 30 Jan 1954 in Lampassas. Lampassas County, Texas.
    2. 43. Mary Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1861.
    3. 44. Emily Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1863.

  6. 11.  John Yancy Criswell Descendancy chart to this point (3.John3, 2.John2, 1.Henry1) was born on 27 Nov 1824 in Knox County, Kentucky; died on 7 Oct 1896 in Waco, McLennan, Texas - Buried Oak Hill Cemetery, Flatonia, Fayette County, Texas.

    Other Events:

    • Reference Number: 6189
    • _MILT: 25 Jan 1862, Bastop, Texas; Private in the Bastrop Lubbock Guards
    • Occupation: 14 Jul 1862, Fayette County, Texas; JKustic of the Peace

    Notes:

    Notes for John Yancy Criswell Jr.:

    At age 18 in late 1842, John Y., Jr., joined an independent company of Texas rangers and engaged in desultory Indian fighting. In 1842-43 he served in the Somervell Expedition led by General Adrian Woll to repel the invasion of Texas by Mexico. In 1845, John, entered the service of the Republic of Texas, along with his brother Joe. At the breaking out of the war between the US and Mexico, he joined the com pany of M.L. Gray of the Texas Rangers, served throughout the war and mustered out 17 Jul 1847. John and his brother Joe served in the Ranger Company under the immediate command of Peter Hansborough Bell.

    Mexican War Reference:

    In 1852, Gov. Bell gave a character reference for Joe by saying, "Among his fellow soldiers he was in the main a good one. He was fond of trading and running horses, or trafficking, etc., and participated in all the little amusements legitimate in camp. He was considered a wild young man, but generally esteemed a fit associate by his fellow soldiers. He was under my immediate command, and subject daily to my inspection of the manner in which he performed his duties as such."

    After the war John was often called, "Captain Criswell".

    John enlisted in the Texas Rangers for the Mexican War on July 21, 1846, Capt Gray's Texas Mounted volunteers. Discharged July 17, 1847.

    In 1852, John was given a character reference by then Governor Peter H. Bell: "Among his fellow soldiers he was in the main a good one. He was fond of trading and running horses, or trafficking, etc., and participated in all the little amusements legitimate in Camp. He was considered a wild young man, but generally esteemed a fit associate by this fellow soldier. He was under my immediate command, and subject daily to my inspection of the manner in whch he performed his duties as such".

    JOHN Y. CRISWELL

    Dallas Morning News
    13 Oct 1896

    Mortuary

    Criswell--Flatonia, Fayette Co., Tex., Oct. 8--

    John Y. Criswell, an old resident of this county, a Texas veteran and ex president of the Texas Veterans' association, died yesterday at Waco, where he had gone for his health. He was said to be 84 years old. The funeral took place today.

    Contributed by Debbie Hanson

    In 1888 Candace's brother, John Y. Criswell, Jr., wrote a most interesting story for the LaGrange Journal about the Runaway Scrape. This was a Flight toward the Sabine River which started around San Patricio, Refugio and San Antonio about the middle of February 1836 when the Mexicans invaded. Sam Houston arrived in Gonzales March 11 and decided to retreat to the Colorado. His retreat, coupled with the news of the fall of the Alamo, set off the Runaway Scrape in a large way. Many Fayette County families joined the Flight the last of March. Some went in wagons, some on horseback. Those who had no ready transportation went on foot. At times they waded in mud up to their knees. Larger children helped carry smaller children. There was much suffering and disease. A number of them died, and there was at least one birth during the trip. A child of Col. John H. Moore and Eliza Cummins (dau. of James) either fell from a horse and died during the Runaway Scrape, or died somehow, and a child of Norman Woods and Jane Boyd died during the Flight. When news of the San Jacinto victory reached them, they returned to their homes. (Also, John and Mary Rabb lost a baby son.)

    John Y., Jr., says in his article that his father's family joined the Flight. He should have stated that all were along except his brother William V. who was in the Army at the time, and who was at San Jacinto. John Y. also says that one of my kinsmen, John Wesley Scallorn, was along--which I seriously doubt. Wesley enlisted 3-4-1836 and was not discharged until 6-12-1836. (Military Records, Archives, #6105). He, too, was at San Jacinto. There is a remote possibility that Wm. V. and Wesley were ordered to assist with the Flight when the Fayette Co. families started out, then were ordered to join the Forces before they reached the San Jacinto battlefields, although it does not seem likely. After all, it was over 52 years before John Y. wrote his recollections of the Flight, and he was only 11 1/2 years old at the time. Wesley certainly could have been one of the soldiers at the start.

    In his story John Y., Jr., referred to Candace as "Mrs. Fitzgerald" although she was the widow Underwood at the time of the Flight, and did not marry Obediah Fitzgerald till 1846, with another marriage and 4 children intervening, He states that Lee F. T. Cottle was on the Flight, and I think this is where they really got to know each other, as they married soon after they returned home. He also mentions Candace's closest friend, Lucinda Kenner Berry, as "Mrs. Gorham" although she was Mrs. T. O. Berry at the time of the Flight. Her 18 month old son, Wm. Thomas Berry, was with her. After T. O. Berry died in 1837, Lucinda married (2) 1839 Josiah O'Daniel, father of Mary Rebecca O'Daniel who married John Y., Jr., in 1847 at Lucinda's home. After Josiah died in 1845 Lucinda married (3) 1848 William Gorham.

    John Y., Jr., also mentions some of my Faires and Karnes kin as being on the Flight. Noah Karnes, husband of my g.g.grandma's sister, Elizabeth McClure, was accidentally killed during the Flight by Wayne Barton near Round Top, Fayette County. In 1848 Lucinda and Wm. Gorham moved to Black Jack Springs from Plum Grove where she had been a close neighbor to John Y., Sr., and his family when they moved there abt. l839. Candace and Lucinda were the closest of friends, as well as neighbors, from then until Candace died in 1900.

    1850 Census Fayette County, Texas

    #412 Farmer ($600)
    John Criswell 26 m Ky

    Mary 19 f Ala
    Leander 2 m Tex
    Frances 1 f Tex
    D. O. Daniels 15 m Ala
    H. White 16 m Ala
    Edwd Hallough 10 m Tex

    Jan 25 1862, Private in the Bastrop Lubbock Guards
    In 1862 John Yancy Criswell was a Justic of the Peace.

    John married Mary Rebecca O'Daniel on 2 Dec 1847. Mary (daughter of Josiah O'Daniel and Druscilia Millie Maxwell) was born on 22 Jul 1831 in Picken County, Alabama; died on 15 Apr 1892 in Waco, Mclennan, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 45. Joel Silas Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 25 Oct 1863 in Fayette County, Texas; died on 11 Jun 1948 in Hamlin, Jones County Texas.
    2. 46. Leander Harvey Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 25 Dec 1848; died on 16 Mar 1926 in King County, Texas.

  7. 12.  Joseph Eve CriswellJoseph Eve Criswell Descendancy chart to this point (3.John3, 2.John2, 1.Henry1) was born on 6 Aug 1827 in Knox County, Kentucky; died on 29 Sep 1897 in Big Springs, Howard County, Texas.

    Other Events:

    • Reference Number: 6190

    Notes:

    Notes for Joseph Eve Criswell:

    The story of the three Criswell boys asking Andrew McMicken for his daughters hand in marriage.

    "When Leroy Vannoy Criswell asked for Elizabeth's hand, Mr. McMicken said, Yes. When William Vannoy Criswell asked for Polly, he hemmed and hawed, but finally said "Yes". When Joe Criswell asked for Sarah Ann, he said, "No, three stalks of corn in one hill will not make anything but nubbins", but they were married anyway."

    Joe was probably named for Joseph Eve who lived on Richland Creek, near Barbourville, KY in 1820. He was the very first person listed in the Know Co., KY, 1820 census. Since JY Criswell was also living there in 1820, on State Rd, and named a son Joseph Eve Criswell 7 years later, the two men both of whom were 26 to 45, must have been at least good friends, if not related by blood or marriage. Mexican War Reference:

    In 1852, Gov. Bell gave a character reference for Joe by saying, "Among his fellow soldiers he was in the main a good one. He was fond of trading and running horses, or trafficking, etc., and participated in all the little amusements legitimate in camp. He was considered a wild young man, but generally esteemed a fit associate by his fellow soldiers. He was under my immediate command, and subject daily to my inspection of the manner in which he performed his duties as such."

    Civil War:

    Private enlisted 7-1-1861, in Capt. Robert J. Carr's Fayette State Rights Guard, Mounted Infantry, Texas State Troops . Rank and file shows 53 men with headquarters at Oso, Fayette Co., Texas.

    1850 Census Fayette County, Texas

    #413
    Joseph Criswell 23 m Ky
    Sarah 19 f Tenn
    Anderson 1 m Tex

    Died:
    Buried in Lampassas, Texas

    Joseph married Sarah Ann McMicken on 31 May 1848. Sarah (daughter of Andrew John McMicken and Elizabeth A Faires) was born on 8 Aug 1831 in Tennessee; died on 14 Oct 1883 in Pine Springs, Fayette County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  8. 13.  Andrew Jackson Criswell Descendancy chart to this point (3.John3, 2.John2, 1.Henry1) was born in 1829 in Knox County, Kentucky; died in 1862 in Mansfield, Louisiana.

    Other Events:

    • Reference Number: 2471

    Andrew married Sarah Trimble on 20 May 1847 in Plum Grove, Fayette County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 47. James Jackson Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 48. Sara Martha Criswell  Descendancy chart to this point

  9. 14.  Jane H Anderson Descendancy chart to this point (4.Susannah3, 2.John2, 1.Henry1) was born in 1806; died in 1883.

  10. 15.  William Bryant Anderson Descendancy chart to this point (4.Susannah3, 2.John2, 1.Henry1) was born in 1812; died in 1894.

  11. 16.  John Henry Anderson Descendancy chart to this point (4.Susannah3, 2.John2, 1.Henry1) was born in 1820.




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If you have questions or problems with this site, please email me. Every effort has been made in order to document all sources. In some areas we have made speculative inclusions based on the best information available.