Post by Steven Cone on Mar 7, 2007 15:33:33 GMT -6
Remember the Alamo!!!!!
Susannah Wilkerson d*+kinson 1814-1883
Alamo Widow and Survivor
Little is known of the early life of Susannah Wilkerson d*+kinson of Bolivar, Hardeman Co, TN before she married at age 15 DeWitt Colonist, member of the Old Gonzales 18 and Alamo Defender Almeron d*+kinson on 24 May 1829 with Justice of the Peace Joseph W. McKean officiating. According to family legend, Almeron and Susannah were sweethearts, but a spat caused Almeron to court a friend of both. Susannah was to be a bridesmaid at Almeron's wedding to the friend, but somehow her charms persuaded Almeron to marry her instead and after which they migrated to Texas. Present in the Alamo garrison during the siege and Battle of the Alamo in which Almeron was a casualty, Susannah d*+kinson's life was spared by General and President Santa Anna and consequently she became the most extensively quoted eyewitness source to the final and subsequent events surrounding the Alamo defeat of 6 Mar 1836 in San Antonio. She was first found by English-speaking General Juan Almonte who asked for her and said "If you wish to save your life, follow me." Susannah was injured in the leg or ankle by a bullet, either stray or intentional, as she was escorted from her hiding place in the chapel. Almeron and Susannah d*+kinson's 15 month old daughter Angelina Elizabeth (1834-1871) was also present and a survivor of the defeat. According to Susannah, when she was escorted into Santa Anna's quarters, she found Angelina sitting on the lap of the dictator. He offered to adopt her and provide the best education and support for her in Mexico. After refusal of the offer, Susannah was released and sent to Gonzales by Santa Anna escorted by one or more Negro servants with a letter dated 7 Mar 1836:
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The General-in-Chief of the Army of Operations of the Mexican Republic, to the inhabitants of Texas:
Citizens! The causes which have conducted to this frontier a part of the Mexican Army are not unknown to you, a parcel of audacious adventurers, maliciously protected by some inhabitants of a neighboring republic dared to invade our territory, with the intention of dividing amongst themselves the fertile lands that are contained in the spacious Depart ment of Texas; and even had the boldness to entertain the idea of reaching the capital of the republic. It became necessary to check and chastise such enormous daring; and in consequence, some exemplary punishments have already taken place in San Patricio, Lipantitlan and this city. I am pained to find amongst those adventurers the names of some colonists, to whom had been granted repeated benefits, and who had no motive of complaint against the government of their adopted country. These ungrateful men must also necessarily suffer the just punishment that the laws and the public vengeance demand. But if we are bound to punish the criminal, we are not the less compelled to protect the innocent. It is thus that the inhabitants of this country, let their origin be what it may, who should not appear to have been implicated in such iniquitous rebellion, shall be respected in their persons and property, provided they come forward and report themselves to the commander of the troops within eight days after they should have arrived in their respective settlements, in order to justify their conduct and to receive a document guaranteeing to them the right of enjoying that which lawfully belongs to them.
Bexarians! Return to your homes and dedicate yourselves to your domestic duties. Your city and the fortress of the Alamo are already in possession of the Mexican Army, composed of your own fellow citizens; and rest assured that no mass of foreigners will ever interrupt your repose, and much less, attack your lives and plunder your property. The Supreme Government has taken you under its protection and will seek for your good.
Inhabitants of Texas! I have related to you the orders that the army of operation I have the honor to command comes to execute; and therefore, the good will have nothing to fear. Fulfill always your duties as Mexican citizens, and you may expect the protection and benefit of the laws; and rest assured that you will never have reason to repent yourselves of having observed such conduct, for I pledge you in the name of the supreme authorities of the nation, and as your fellow citizen and friend, that what has been promised you will be faithfully performed.
Antonio Lopes de Santa Anna.
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Mrs. d*+kinson, Angelina and the blacks eventually made their way toward Gonzales where they were met by Texian army scouts who took her to the camp of Gen. Houston and army assembling in Gonzales town proper where she reported the news of the disaster and Santa Anna's messages. Susannah is said to have been present at the Braches House where many Alamo widows and orphans had gathered as Gonzales prepared to evauate on the Runaway Scrape. It is said that the widows and orphans insistently pressed her for some last word, maybe a last note or message from their husbands, fathers and brothers. According to members of the Bruno family who had first encountered Ms. d*+kinson and party on the way to Gonzales from the Alamo, Susannah and Angelina accompanied them on the flight by oxcart on the Runaway Scrape to East Texas and the Sabine River where they remained until after San Jacinto and establishment of the Republic of Texas.
In Houston in fall 1836, widow Susannah d*+kinson appeared among the many widows and veterans applying to the Congress of the Republic for aid, backpay and bounty land. Her appeal was denied based on the argument that the young Republic had limited means and payment to her would open up appeals to many families of deceased veterans beyond means of the Republic to pay. Records indicate a troubled marriage with a John Williams (1837) in Houston which ended in divorce granted to Susannah 24 Mar 1838. The divorce was granted on the basis of allegations by Susannah that Williams had failed to provide support for her and Angelina, while exercising physical force sufficient to have caused an abortion and the beating and abuse of Angelina.
Legend says that Susannah was aided by and lived in the rowdy Mansion House at the corner of Congress and Milam streets run by Pamelia/Pamela Mann sometime between 1838 and 1840. The Mansion House was a gaudy, baudy, rowdy, hotel and restaurant and a center of much activity in the new capitol of the Republic. The house was frequented both by those of questionable and high class reputation. Mrs. Mann established her place in history as the matron who confronted Houston over return of her yoke of oxen which was pulling the "Twin Sisters" cannons as the army turned toward San Jacinto away from the road to Nacogdoches. Mann was known for her ability to control brawls, duels and police raids on her establishment. She was periodically charged with counterfeiting, immorality, larceny and assualt. At one time she was even sentenced to death for forgery and other crimes, but received executive clemency from President Lamar. Susannah is thought to have run her own boarding house not far from the Mansion House at Franklin and Crawford during the time when the capital of Texas was moved to Austin. On 20 Dec 1838, Susannah d*+kinson Williams married Francis P. Herring of Georgia, a water carrier working between Beauchamp Spring and Houston. Herring died according to obituary of digestive fever, but some relatives said it was from excessive drinking.
On 15 Dec 1847, Susannah d*+kinson Williams Herring married 37 year old Pennsylvanian and drayman, Peter Bellows (also spelled as Bellis and Bells in some records) who was listed together with Susannah, Angelina and a German boarder, R.E. Goodbaker, in the 1850 census of HarrisCo. Susannah was converted in the massive Baptist revival campaign of Dr. Rufus Burleson in Houston in 1849 where he remarked in his Memoirs "she was nominally a member of the Episcopal Church...I found in her a great bundle of untamed passions, devoted in her love and bitter in her hate...she was joyfully converted. In less than two months her change was so complete as to be observed by all her neighbors....she was a zealous co-laborer of mine in every good work...whenever she did wrong, especially in giving way to passion, she would confess and weep over it." According to family histories, members of the church objected to having Susannah as a colleague and through gossip and possibly more overt harassment, she withdrew from membership of her own accord, although Rev. Burleson supported and defended her continued membership. Family histories contend that Bellows was a poor husband and failed to support her and daughter Angelina based on evidence that she had to run her own boarding house to support herself and the child while married to him. In 1857, husband Peter Bellows delivered a devastating petition for divorce to HarrisCo court accusing her of abandonment, "adulting with several persons," and claimed that Susannah took up residence in a "house of ill fame...as one of its inmates for accommodation of the public..in constant habit of committing adultery with various persons." Susannah who was apparently already living in Lockhart, CaldwellCo at the time of the proceedings failed to appear and the court judged the allegations true and granted the divorce. Whether the allegations were true to the letter or the exaggeration of a punitive spouse is unclear.
In Lockhart east of the original land grant received by her and Almeron d*+kinson as DeWitt Colonists, Susannah d*+kinson Williams Herring Bellows life turned happy again for the first time since loss of her first husband Almeron d*+kinson in the Alamo. Exercising her skills as a hostess and cook, she again set up a boarding house to support herself. How Susannah met her fifth and final spouse, German-born Joseph W. Hannig is unclear. Some say they met in Houston, others New Orleans and others Lockhart. Lockhart merchant and in-law E.A. Masur says "Hannig was a pioneer blacksmith, a man who really appreciated a good meal. When he sampled Susannah's cabbage, bacon, and cornbread, he just up and married her." In 1856 exercising the power of attorney given her by ex-husband Bellows and her daughter's family in 1854, she sold the d*+kinson league near Lockhart to John S. McKean for $2500. Susannah and Angelina were also awarded at one time 640 acres and another 1920 acres in ClayCo, TX as descendants of Almeron d*+kinson in the Texas Republican Army. With the assets from sale of the d*+kinson league to begin on, the marriage to Hannig was a prosperous and happy one. In 1862, Susannah Hannig met again the Rev. Dr. Rufus Burleson who together with Rev. W.W. Harris was holding a revival in Lockhart at the Baptist Church. As the Rev. appealed for the converted, but backslidden "who had grown cold and wandered away, and now wanted to return to the path of duty" to come forward, among them was Susannah Hannig causing Burleson to remark later "...to my astonishment I saw the stalwart form moving up the aisle that I saw moving up the aisle in Houston in 1849." As they shook hands, Susannah remarked to him "erring and wayward, but still struggling to do right and serve my Redeemer."
In Austin of the late 1800's where the family moved, Mr. Hannig was a major business innovator and developer involved in numerous and diverse business ventures. Among these were furniture making, undertaking and milling in which he introduced new levels of quality in his products for the time and period. He owned a shop at 205 Pecan St. Susannah was the center of family life at residences on Pine Street (now 5th St.) between Neches and Red River St. In the 1870's the family lived at Duval and East 32nd St. facing Waller Creek, described as living in comfortable circumstances. Mr. E.A. Masur described his aunt as "a very dignified old lady and all who knew her respected her, and she was always ready to talk about her past experiences...[as a boy] I remember dreading being kissed by an old lady with hair on her upper lip." Mr. Hannig by standards of the day was a wealthy man and good husband providing for Susannah comfortable circumstances the remainder of her life, including numerous servants, mostly young German girls who became her friends. She was known to be the historic excellant cook of her youth and homemaker, she raised and educated her grandchildren in Catholic schools and convents, and was active in the church and social affairs around her.
In Austin circles, Susannah became somewhat a celebrity particularly among the circles in which her husband's activities in the community put her in contact. She was very active in relating her experiences in the Alamo and commemorating its heroes whenever called on. She was called on repeatedly to verify participation by various individuals in the siege in legal proceedings initiated by descendants, although husband Hannig disapproved of such extensive involvement in repeating tales of her past including the Alamo experience. Susannah is suspected by historians of adapting her tales to the audience over the years, as memory of the original event faded and the story was told and reported constantly over the years through secondary sources. She died in Austin on 7 Oct 1883. Mr. Hannig lived in San Antonio until his death in 1890 where he continued his successful businesses and contributions to civic affairs which included a marriage to Louisa Staacke.
Hannig had a marble marker placed on wife Susannah's grave in Austin's Oakwood Cemetery stating: Sacred to the Memory of Susan A. Wife of J.W. Hannig Died Oct. 7, 1883 Aged 68 Years. The Colorado Commandery of Knights Templar met Hannig's remains as they arrived from San Antonio and he was buried next to Susannah with a marker: My Husband Joseph W. Hannig born June 14, 1834; died June 6, 1890. In the Centennial Year of 1936, state historical markers were placed around the state for its heroes, but none for Susannah d*+kinson. In-law E.A. Masur took up the crusade to mark her gravesite. After many denials by the legislature, on 2 Mar 1949, the state placed a marble slab of white marble over the gravesite of Alamo Widow and Survivor Susannah d*+kinson, too late for E.A. Masur to witness it for he died in 1948. A cenotaph to Susannah d*+kinson also stands in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin.
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Angelina Elizabeth d*+kinson 1834-1851
Babe of the Alamo
Angelina Elizabeth d*+kinson (b. 14 Dec 1834), daughter of Almeron and Susannah, who became known as the "Babe of the Alamo" was 15 months old at the time and was said to be the recipient of Col. Travis' ring which he received from sweetheart Rebecca Cummings, daughter of Ms. Rebecca Cummings, one of the Old Three Hundred original Austin colonists. Angelina lived an even less fortunate and more stormy life of failed marriages and drifting which unfortunately never turned around to the happiness experienced by her mother in later life.
She married John Maynard Griffith in MontgomeryCo, TX in 1851, a boarder whom mother Susannah had met and with which she was impressed and according to family legend, chose as a husband for Angelina. Griffith was a farmer that had piloted steamboats in the cotton transport to and from Houston. They first lived on Griffith's farm in MontgomeryCo for five years where according to family, Angelina missed the life of the city and relations between her straight-laced husband were strained. The couple had children Almeron d*+kinson (b. 13 May 1853; d. 13 Jul 1938; m. Jessie Freeman Tedford: Children Susanna Gertrude, m. Charles W. Ramsdell, two children; Maude, m. Ernest Griffith, child Margaret; Alice Lucile, m. Curtis McKallip, one child; Jessie Angeline, m. J.N. Allison; Marian Willard, m. Robert E. Nitschke Jr.), Susanna Arabella (b. 13 Jan 1855; d. 17 Jul 1929 San Antonio; m. Fred Sterling) and Joseph (b. 1857 Houston; d. 17 Jul 1924; m. Theresa Galverira: Children Joseph, Lorraine, Rosalind). After the couple separated, Almeron Griffith went to live with uncle Joshua Griffith and the two younger children moved in with grandmother Susannah after being placed for a time in a convent in New Orleans where Angelina had migrated to live the wild side of life.
In 1864, Angelina married Oscar Holmes in New Orleans and they had a daughter Sallie (b. 6 Sep 1865 New Orleans; m. Ben Barrera 1883; children: Susan, Jodie, Manuel, George). They separated, Angelina left her children and lived an uncertain drifting life. At least at one time she moved to Galveston and was involved in nursing victims of plague in the city. She was associated with a Jim Britton in Galveston who was the means by which the Travis-Cummings ring given to her during the siege of the Alamo was passed on and eventually reached its current home in the Alamo museum.
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Footnote from Susannah d*+kinson by C. Richard King: Now on display in the Alamo, the ring has brought some discussion. T. H. McGregor of Austin wrote Ed Kilman, Houston columnist, the following explanation: Prior to the Civil War she (Angelina d*+kinson) lived in Galveston and was friendly with Jim Britton who at that time was connected with the operation of a train. She gave the ring to Britton. Britton had been raised at Lebanon, Tennessee, and had been an associate and close friend of Paul F. Anderson, a brother of my Mother and the late Mrs. S. S. Ashe of Houston. On the breaking out of the War Anderson and Britton returned to Lebanon where Anderson became a Captain and Britton a Lieutenant of the "Cedar Shakes," a company in Baxter Smith's Fourth Tennessee Regiment which was brigaded with the Texas Rangers [actually the "Cedar Snags" which was Co K of the 4th Tennessee Cavalry--WLM]. Anderson afterwards became a Colonel and Britton a Captain in the Confederate Army. Anderson had a younger brother who was a junior Lieutenant under Britton, DeWitt Anderson. Britton gave the Travis ring to DeWitt Anderson who wore it until his death in 1902 at Marianna, Arkansas, at which time the ring came into my possession. (Letter, T. H. McGregor to Ed Kilman, Jan. 21, 1942, in L. W. Kemp Papers, The University of Texas Archives.) T. H. McGregor gave the ring to his son Douglas McGregor, Houston attorney, who presented it to the Alamo museum. (Letter, E. A. B., Houston, Oct. 11, 1961, in Barker Library, The University of Texas, d*+kinson file).
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The place and circumstances of Angelina's death is uncertain. Family historians say she died in 1870 while visiting New Orleans. Articles in a Galveston newspapers in Jul 1869 refers to her as Em. or Emma Britton, daughter of Mrs. Robertson, who were saved in the Alamo, and states that "she embraced the life of a courtezan" and died at age 37 due to hemorrhage of the uterus.
Despite numerous appeals to the legislature and government of the Republic including the following eloquent appeals by statesmen Guy M. Bryan (nephew of Stephen F. Austin) and Englishman from Brazoria, James Charles Wilson, aid to Angelina d*+kinson based on her father's service were denied based on grounds that "many orphans were left in a more forlorn and dependent state that the one the bill is intended to relieve......If the finances of the state were in a condition to give a pension to all....the heirs of those who were killed, then would your committee treat the bill with more favor.....But as this is not the situation of our treasury, and as the subject of this relief does not appear to be in a distressed situation, but rather the reverse, being a young lady of some fifteen years of age, and entitled to the estate of her father, which consists of more than five thousand acres of land......"
Guy Morrison Bryan, 18 Dec 1849 on the floor of the legislature of the State of Texas speaking for a proposition to award $300 a year to the daughter of Capt. and Mrs. Almeron d*+kinson:
I intended, Mr. Speaker, to be silent on this occasion, but silence would not be a reproach, when to speak is a duty. No one has raised a voice in behalf of this orphan child; several have spoken against her claim. I rise, sir, in behalf of no common cause. Liberty was its foundation, heroism and martyrdom consecrated it. I speak for the orphan child of the Alamo. No orphan children of fallen patriots can send a similar petition to this House---none save her can say, 'I am the Child of the Alamo.' Well do I remember the consternation which spread throughout the land, when the sad tidings reached our ears that the Alamo had fallen. It was here that a gallant few, the bravest of the brave, threw themselves betwixt the enemy and the settlements, determined not to surrender nor retreat. They redeemed their pledge with the forfeit of their lives---they fell, the chosen sacrifice to Texas freedom! Texas, unapprised of the approach of the invader, was sleeping in fancied security, when the guns of the Alamo first announced that the Atilla of the South was near. Infuriated at the resistance of Travis and his noble band, he marshaled his whole army beneath the walls, and rolled wave after wave of his hosts against those battlements of freedom. In vain he strove---the flag of liberty---(Mexico's flag of 1824), still streamed out upon the breeze, and floated proudly from the outer wall. Maddened and persistent, he reared his batteries, and after days of furious bombardment, and repeated assaults, he took a blackened and ruined mass---the blood stained walls of the Alamo. The noble, the martyred spirits of all its gallant defenders, had taken their fight to another fortress not made with hands ... but for this stand at the Alamo, Texas would have been desolated to the Sabine. Sir, I ask this pittance, and for whom? For the only living witness, save the mother, of this awful tragedy---'this bloodiest picture in the book of time,' the bravest act that ever swelled the annals of any country, Grant the boon! She claims it as the Christian child of the Alamo---baptized in the blood of a Travis, a Bowie, a Crockett, and a Bonham. To turn her away would be a shame! Give her what she asks, that she might be educated, and become a worthy child of the State!---that she may take that position in society to which she is entitled by the illustrious name of her martyred father---illustrious because he fell in the Alamo.
James Wilson also spoke in favor of the appeal:
Susannah Wilkerson d*+kinson 1814-1883
Alamo Widow and Survivor
Little is known of the early life of Susannah Wilkerson d*+kinson of Bolivar, Hardeman Co, TN before she married at age 15 DeWitt Colonist, member of the Old Gonzales 18 and Alamo Defender Almeron d*+kinson on 24 May 1829 with Justice of the Peace Joseph W. McKean officiating. According to family legend, Almeron and Susannah were sweethearts, but a spat caused Almeron to court a friend of both. Susannah was to be a bridesmaid at Almeron's wedding to the friend, but somehow her charms persuaded Almeron to marry her instead and after which they migrated to Texas. Present in the Alamo garrison during the siege and Battle of the Alamo in which Almeron was a casualty, Susannah d*+kinson's life was spared by General and President Santa Anna and consequently she became the most extensively quoted eyewitness source to the final and subsequent events surrounding the Alamo defeat of 6 Mar 1836 in San Antonio. She was first found by English-speaking General Juan Almonte who asked for her and said "If you wish to save your life, follow me." Susannah was injured in the leg or ankle by a bullet, either stray or intentional, as she was escorted from her hiding place in the chapel. Almeron and Susannah d*+kinson's 15 month old daughter Angelina Elizabeth (1834-1871) was also present and a survivor of the defeat. According to Susannah, when she was escorted into Santa Anna's quarters, she found Angelina sitting on the lap of the dictator. He offered to adopt her and provide the best education and support for her in Mexico. After refusal of the offer, Susannah was released and sent to Gonzales by Santa Anna escorted by one or more Negro servants with a letter dated 7 Mar 1836:
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The General-in-Chief of the Army of Operations of the Mexican Republic, to the inhabitants of Texas:
Citizens! The causes which have conducted to this frontier a part of the Mexican Army are not unknown to you, a parcel of audacious adventurers, maliciously protected by some inhabitants of a neighboring republic dared to invade our territory, with the intention of dividing amongst themselves the fertile lands that are contained in the spacious Depart ment of Texas; and even had the boldness to entertain the idea of reaching the capital of the republic. It became necessary to check and chastise such enormous daring; and in consequence, some exemplary punishments have already taken place in San Patricio, Lipantitlan and this city. I am pained to find amongst those adventurers the names of some colonists, to whom had been granted repeated benefits, and who had no motive of complaint against the government of their adopted country. These ungrateful men must also necessarily suffer the just punishment that the laws and the public vengeance demand. But if we are bound to punish the criminal, we are not the less compelled to protect the innocent. It is thus that the inhabitants of this country, let their origin be what it may, who should not appear to have been implicated in such iniquitous rebellion, shall be respected in their persons and property, provided they come forward and report themselves to the commander of the troops within eight days after they should have arrived in their respective settlements, in order to justify their conduct and to receive a document guaranteeing to them the right of enjoying that which lawfully belongs to them.
Bexarians! Return to your homes and dedicate yourselves to your domestic duties. Your city and the fortress of the Alamo are already in possession of the Mexican Army, composed of your own fellow citizens; and rest assured that no mass of foreigners will ever interrupt your repose, and much less, attack your lives and plunder your property. The Supreme Government has taken you under its protection and will seek for your good.
Inhabitants of Texas! I have related to you the orders that the army of operation I have the honor to command comes to execute; and therefore, the good will have nothing to fear. Fulfill always your duties as Mexican citizens, and you may expect the protection and benefit of the laws; and rest assured that you will never have reason to repent yourselves of having observed such conduct, for I pledge you in the name of the supreme authorities of the nation, and as your fellow citizen and friend, that what has been promised you will be faithfully performed.
Antonio Lopes de Santa Anna.
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Mrs. d*+kinson, Angelina and the blacks eventually made their way toward Gonzales where they were met by Texian army scouts who took her to the camp of Gen. Houston and army assembling in Gonzales town proper where she reported the news of the disaster and Santa Anna's messages. Susannah is said to have been present at the Braches House where many Alamo widows and orphans had gathered as Gonzales prepared to evauate on the Runaway Scrape. It is said that the widows and orphans insistently pressed her for some last word, maybe a last note or message from their husbands, fathers and brothers. According to members of the Bruno family who had first encountered Ms. d*+kinson and party on the way to Gonzales from the Alamo, Susannah and Angelina accompanied them on the flight by oxcart on the Runaway Scrape to East Texas and the Sabine River where they remained until after San Jacinto and establishment of the Republic of Texas.
In Houston in fall 1836, widow Susannah d*+kinson appeared among the many widows and veterans applying to the Congress of the Republic for aid, backpay and bounty land. Her appeal was denied based on the argument that the young Republic had limited means and payment to her would open up appeals to many families of deceased veterans beyond means of the Republic to pay. Records indicate a troubled marriage with a John Williams (1837) in Houston which ended in divorce granted to Susannah 24 Mar 1838. The divorce was granted on the basis of allegations by Susannah that Williams had failed to provide support for her and Angelina, while exercising physical force sufficient to have caused an abortion and the beating and abuse of Angelina.
Legend says that Susannah was aided by and lived in the rowdy Mansion House at the corner of Congress and Milam streets run by Pamelia/Pamela Mann sometime between 1838 and 1840. The Mansion House was a gaudy, baudy, rowdy, hotel and restaurant and a center of much activity in the new capitol of the Republic. The house was frequented both by those of questionable and high class reputation. Mrs. Mann established her place in history as the matron who confronted Houston over return of her yoke of oxen which was pulling the "Twin Sisters" cannons as the army turned toward San Jacinto away from the road to Nacogdoches. Mann was known for her ability to control brawls, duels and police raids on her establishment. She was periodically charged with counterfeiting, immorality, larceny and assualt. At one time she was even sentenced to death for forgery and other crimes, but received executive clemency from President Lamar. Susannah is thought to have run her own boarding house not far from the Mansion House at Franklin and Crawford during the time when the capital of Texas was moved to Austin. On 20 Dec 1838, Susannah d*+kinson Williams married Francis P. Herring of Georgia, a water carrier working between Beauchamp Spring and Houston. Herring died according to obituary of digestive fever, but some relatives said it was from excessive drinking.
On 15 Dec 1847, Susannah d*+kinson Williams Herring married 37 year old Pennsylvanian and drayman, Peter Bellows (also spelled as Bellis and Bells in some records) who was listed together with Susannah, Angelina and a German boarder, R.E. Goodbaker, in the 1850 census of HarrisCo. Susannah was converted in the massive Baptist revival campaign of Dr. Rufus Burleson in Houston in 1849 where he remarked in his Memoirs "she was nominally a member of the Episcopal Church...I found in her a great bundle of untamed passions, devoted in her love and bitter in her hate...she was joyfully converted. In less than two months her change was so complete as to be observed by all her neighbors....she was a zealous co-laborer of mine in every good work...whenever she did wrong, especially in giving way to passion, she would confess and weep over it." According to family histories, members of the church objected to having Susannah as a colleague and through gossip and possibly more overt harassment, she withdrew from membership of her own accord, although Rev. Burleson supported and defended her continued membership. Family histories contend that Bellows was a poor husband and failed to support her and daughter Angelina based on evidence that she had to run her own boarding house to support herself and the child while married to him. In 1857, husband Peter Bellows delivered a devastating petition for divorce to HarrisCo court accusing her of abandonment, "adulting with several persons," and claimed that Susannah took up residence in a "house of ill fame...as one of its inmates for accommodation of the public..in constant habit of committing adultery with various persons." Susannah who was apparently already living in Lockhart, CaldwellCo at the time of the proceedings failed to appear and the court judged the allegations true and granted the divorce. Whether the allegations were true to the letter or the exaggeration of a punitive spouse is unclear.
In Lockhart east of the original land grant received by her and Almeron d*+kinson as DeWitt Colonists, Susannah d*+kinson Williams Herring Bellows life turned happy again for the first time since loss of her first husband Almeron d*+kinson in the Alamo. Exercising her skills as a hostess and cook, she again set up a boarding house to support herself. How Susannah met her fifth and final spouse, German-born Joseph W. Hannig is unclear. Some say they met in Houston, others New Orleans and others Lockhart. Lockhart merchant and in-law E.A. Masur says "Hannig was a pioneer blacksmith, a man who really appreciated a good meal. When he sampled Susannah's cabbage, bacon, and cornbread, he just up and married her." In 1856 exercising the power of attorney given her by ex-husband Bellows and her daughter's family in 1854, she sold the d*+kinson league near Lockhart to John S. McKean for $2500. Susannah and Angelina were also awarded at one time 640 acres and another 1920 acres in ClayCo, TX as descendants of Almeron d*+kinson in the Texas Republican Army. With the assets from sale of the d*+kinson league to begin on, the marriage to Hannig was a prosperous and happy one. In 1862, Susannah Hannig met again the Rev. Dr. Rufus Burleson who together with Rev. W.W. Harris was holding a revival in Lockhart at the Baptist Church. As the Rev. appealed for the converted, but backslidden "who had grown cold and wandered away, and now wanted to return to the path of duty" to come forward, among them was Susannah Hannig causing Burleson to remark later "...to my astonishment I saw the stalwart form moving up the aisle that I saw moving up the aisle in Houston in 1849." As they shook hands, Susannah remarked to him "erring and wayward, but still struggling to do right and serve my Redeemer."
In Austin of the late 1800's where the family moved, Mr. Hannig was a major business innovator and developer involved in numerous and diverse business ventures. Among these were furniture making, undertaking and milling in which he introduced new levels of quality in his products for the time and period. He owned a shop at 205 Pecan St. Susannah was the center of family life at residences on Pine Street (now 5th St.) between Neches and Red River St. In the 1870's the family lived at Duval and East 32nd St. facing Waller Creek, described as living in comfortable circumstances. Mr. E.A. Masur described his aunt as "a very dignified old lady and all who knew her respected her, and she was always ready to talk about her past experiences...[as a boy] I remember dreading being kissed by an old lady with hair on her upper lip." Mr. Hannig by standards of the day was a wealthy man and good husband providing for Susannah comfortable circumstances the remainder of her life, including numerous servants, mostly young German girls who became her friends. She was known to be the historic excellant cook of her youth and homemaker, she raised and educated her grandchildren in Catholic schools and convents, and was active in the church and social affairs around her.
In Austin circles, Susannah became somewhat a celebrity particularly among the circles in which her husband's activities in the community put her in contact. She was very active in relating her experiences in the Alamo and commemorating its heroes whenever called on. She was called on repeatedly to verify participation by various individuals in the siege in legal proceedings initiated by descendants, although husband Hannig disapproved of such extensive involvement in repeating tales of her past including the Alamo experience. Susannah is suspected by historians of adapting her tales to the audience over the years, as memory of the original event faded and the story was told and reported constantly over the years through secondary sources. She died in Austin on 7 Oct 1883. Mr. Hannig lived in San Antonio until his death in 1890 where he continued his successful businesses and contributions to civic affairs which included a marriage to Louisa Staacke.
Hannig had a marble marker placed on wife Susannah's grave in Austin's Oakwood Cemetery stating: Sacred to the Memory of Susan A. Wife of J.W. Hannig Died Oct. 7, 1883 Aged 68 Years. The Colorado Commandery of Knights Templar met Hannig's remains as they arrived from San Antonio and he was buried next to Susannah with a marker: My Husband Joseph W. Hannig born June 14, 1834; died June 6, 1890. In the Centennial Year of 1936, state historical markers were placed around the state for its heroes, but none for Susannah d*+kinson. In-law E.A. Masur took up the crusade to mark her gravesite. After many denials by the legislature, on 2 Mar 1949, the state placed a marble slab of white marble over the gravesite of Alamo Widow and Survivor Susannah d*+kinson, too late for E.A. Masur to witness it for he died in 1948. A cenotaph to Susannah d*+kinson also stands in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin.
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Angelina Elizabeth d*+kinson 1834-1851
Babe of the Alamo
Angelina Elizabeth d*+kinson (b. 14 Dec 1834), daughter of Almeron and Susannah, who became known as the "Babe of the Alamo" was 15 months old at the time and was said to be the recipient of Col. Travis' ring which he received from sweetheart Rebecca Cummings, daughter of Ms. Rebecca Cummings, one of the Old Three Hundred original Austin colonists. Angelina lived an even less fortunate and more stormy life of failed marriages and drifting which unfortunately never turned around to the happiness experienced by her mother in later life.
She married John Maynard Griffith in MontgomeryCo, TX in 1851, a boarder whom mother Susannah had met and with which she was impressed and according to family legend, chose as a husband for Angelina. Griffith was a farmer that had piloted steamboats in the cotton transport to and from Houston. They first lived on Griffith's farm in MontgomeryCo for five years where according to family, Angelina missed the life of the city and relations between her straight-laced husband were strained. The couple had children Almeron d*+kinson (b. 13 May 1853; d. 13 Jul 1938; m. Jessie Freeman Tedford: Children Susanna Gertrude, m. Charles W. Ramsdell, two children; Maude, m. Ernest Griffith, child Margaret; Alice Lucile, m. Curtis McKallip, one child; Jessie Angeline, m. J.N. Allison; Marian Willard, m. Robert E. Nitschke Jr.), Susanna Arabella (b. 13 Jan 1855; d. 17 Jul 1929 San Antonio; m. Fred Sterling) and Joseph (b. 1857 Houston; d. 17 Jul 1924; m. Theresa Galverira: Children Joseph, Lorraine, Rosalind). After the couple separated, Almeron Griffith went to live with uncle Joshua Griffith and the two younger children moved in with grandmother Susannah after being placed for a time in a convent in New Orleans where Angelina had migrated to live the wild side of life.
In 1864, Angelina married Oscar Holmes in New Orleans and they had a daughter Sallie (b. 6 Sep 1865 New Orleans; m. Ben Barrera 1883; children: Susan, Jodie, Manuel, George). They separated, Angelina left her children and lived an uncertain drifting life. At least at one time she moved to Galveston and was involved in nursing victims of plague in the city. She was associated with a Jim Britton in Galveston who was the means by which the Travis-Cummings ring given to her during the siege of the Alamo was passed on and eventually reached its current home in the Alamo museum.
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Footnote from Susannah d*+kinson by C. Richard King: Now on display in the Alamo, the ring has brought some discussion. T. H. McGregor of Austin wrote Ed Kilman, Houston columnist, the following explanation: Prior to the Civil War she (Angelina d*+kinson) lived in Galveston and was friendly with Jim Britton who at that time was connected with the operation of a train. She gave the ring to Britton. Britton had been raised at Lebanon, Tennessee, and had been an associate and close friend of Paul F. Anderson, a brother of my Mother and the late Mrs. S. S. Ashe of Houston. On the breaking out of the War Anderson and Britton returned to Lebanon where Anderson became a Captain and Britton a Lieutenant of the "Cedar Shakes," a company in Baxter Smith's Fourth Tennessee Regiment which was brigaded with the Texas Rangers [actually the "Cedar Snags" which was Co K of the 4th Tennessee Cavalry--WLM]. Anderson afterwards became a Colonel and Britton a Captain in the Confederate Army. Anderson had a younger brother who was a junior Lieutenant under Britton, DeWitt Anderson. Britton gave the Travis ring to DeWitt Anderson who wore it until his death in 1902 at Marianna, Arkansas, at which time the ring came into my possession. (Letter, T. H. McGregor to Ed Kilman, Jan. 21, 1942, in L. W. Kemp Papers, The University of Texas Archives.) T. H. McGregor gave the ring to his son Douglas McGregor, Houston attorney, who presented it to the Alamo museum. (Letter, E. A. B., Houston, Oct. 11, 1961, in Barker Library, The University of Texas, d*+kinson file).
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The place and circumstances of Angelina's death is uncertain. Family historians say she died in 1870 while visiting New Orleans. Articles in a Galveston newspapers in Jul 1869 refers to her as Em. or Emma Britton, daughter of Mrs. Robertson, who were saved in the Alamo, and states that "she embraced the life of a courtezan" and died at age 37 due to hemorrhage of the uterus.
Despite numerous appeals to the legislature and government of the Republic including the following eloquent appeals by statesmen Guy M. Bryan (nephew of Stephen F. Austin) and Englishman from Brazoria, James Charles Wilson, aid to Angelina d*+kinson based on her father's service were denied based on grounds that "many orphans were left in a more forlorn and dependent state that the one the bill is intended to relieve......If the finances of the state were in a condition to give a pension to all....the heirs of those who were killed, then would your committee treat the bill with more favor.....But as this is not the situation of our treasury, and as the subject of this relief does not appear to be in a distressed situation, but rather the reverse, being a young lady of some fifteen years of age, and entitled to the estate of her father, which consists of more than five thousand acres of land......"
Guy Morrison Bryan, 18 Dec 1849 on the floor of the legislature of the State of Texas speaking for a proposition to award $300 a year to the daughter of Capt. and Mrs. Almeron d*+kinson:
I intended, Mr. Speaker, to be silent on this occasion, but silence would not be a reproach, when to speak is a duty. No one has raised a voice in behalf of this orphan child; several have spoken against her claim. I rise, sir, in behalf of no common cause. Liberty was its foundation, heroism and martyrdom consecrated it. I speak for the orphan child of the Alamo. No orphan children of fallen patriots can send a similar petition to this House---none save her can say, 'I am the Child of the Alamo.' Well do I remember the consternation which spread throughout the land, when the sad tidings reached our ears that the Alamo had fallen. It was here that a gallant few, the bravest of the brave, threw themselves betwixt the enemy and the settlements, determined not to surrender nor retreat. They redeemed their pledge with the forfeit of their lives---they fell, the chosen sacrifice to Texas freedom! Texas, unapprised of the approach of the invader, was sleeping in fancied security, when the guns of the Alamo first announced that the Atilla of the South was near. Infuriated at the resistance of Travis and his noble band, he marshaled his whole army beneath the walls, and rolled wave after wave of his hosts against those battlements of freedom. In vain he strove---the flag of liberty---(Mexico's flag of 1824), still streamed out upon the breeze, and floated proudly from the outer wall. Maddened and persistent, he reared his batteries, and after days of furious bombardment, and repeated assaults, he took a blackened and ruined mass---the blood stained walls of the Alamo. The noble, the martyred spirits of all its gallant defenders, had taken their fight to another fortress not made with hands ... but for this stand at the Alamo, Texas would have been desolated to the Sabine. Sir, I ask this pittance, and for whom? For the only living witness, save the mother, of this awful tragedy---'this bloodiest picture in the book of time,' the bravest act that ever swelled the annals of any country, Grant the boon! She claims it as the Christian child of the Alamo---baptized in the blood of a Travis, a Bowie, a Crockett, and a Bonham. To turn her away would be a shame! Give her what she asks, that she might be educated, and become a worthy child of the State!---that she may take that position in society to which she is entitled by the illustrious name of her martyred father---illustrious because he fell in the Alamo.
James Wilson also spoke in favor of the appeal: