FYI-just a little side story here that might be of interest..Nena From: Shena9881@aol.com To: GENTRY-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [Gentry] Info on Sam Houston and family Date: Fri, 3 May 2002 14:18:09 EDT Hello, everyone! Here is some of the information I found today on Sam Houston while browsing for family. The fall of the fortress of the Alamo, March 6, 1836, [ironic this is my bdate-except for the 1836 date, he he..I was born and raised in Tx] resulted in the destruction of the entire garrison of 145 Texans, who had held at bay 2500 Mexicans until the last defender was killed,[only ONE man escaped the Alamo-he was an Am Mex name JUAN SEGUIN..which Walnut Springs, Tx..later to be called SEGUIN was named for] Seguin was sent by Jim Bowie fr the Alamo to Houston for help. By the time Seguin found Houston, the Alamo had fallen. Seguin met Houston under a Huge Oak Tree on the lawn of my ancestor Sarah Ashby-McClure at Peach Creek Tx, Gonzales Co..today this Tree has a Historical marker on it for the meeting place to decide what Houston would thence commence to do in regards to San Jacinto. I have been there and have pictures taken by this lovely huge Oak tree. Also at the tri pod marker in Seguin in honor of Juan Seguin. and at Geliad 220 prisoners-of-war were murdered. >aroused the people of Texas to desperation and a large army was quickly recruited. General Houston commanded the troops at the battle of San Jacinto,April 21, 1836, where with 743 men with "Remember the Alamo!" a battle-cry he engaged 1400 Mexicans, completely defeating the enemy, and captured their>arms, baggage and camp equipment. Santa Anna escaped to a swamp, where he secured a disguise, but was captured and his life spared through the powerful influence of Houston, who secured from him a [Santa Anna was caught OFF guard while consorting with his concubine.....this is how he got caught, for real! Ever heard the song, Yellow Rose of Tx..next time listen to the words. His concubine was called the Yellow Rose and this song is abt her and Santa Anna] Just dont take to heart all you read...well we know that anyway dont we?? there is always another side to the story..he he. The story that no one wants to tell, bec its so simple and maybe not like those involved would like to be remembered! esp someone like Santa Anna! My gggg aunt lost 2 children, 2 husbands during this period of time. She led the 1000 women and children, along with her younger sis Euphemia Texas Ashby and my ggg grandmother Mary Ashby Smeathers that were fleeing fr Santa Anna on the well known "Runaway Scrape' as its called to try to get to the Sabine River into La. If you really want to read more of this historic adventure, read the book my cuz wrote, Janice Woods Windle, TRUE WOMEN, then rent the video, TRUE WOMEN. It was filmed in Seguin and its really true. The only part in the film not adhering to the story is Sarah Ashby's husband Bart McClure did not die fr a snake bit, it was Sarah's 2nd husband, Charles Braches that died, but he is not in the film, guess they had to cut and combine some parts, so thats why its best to read the book first so you know what to look for in the film. Other than that, Hallmark really did justice to the history of this horrific period of the Rep of Tx times. I have walked thru Sarah's mansion on Peach Creek, depicted in the film, and looked thru the peep holes where Sarah and Euphemia really thrust their rifles to defend themselves fr the Commanches. I have seen the tree where Sarah and her Negro girl were hung and cut down by the Commanche Chief and touched the fence where he really did throw over the necklace around his neck to Euphemia and called her 'Brave Squaw'. I even brought home some acorns as a treasure fr the mighty Oak Tree of Gen Houston, although Oak will not grow in this cold country I live. Yet when I hold them in the palm of my hands, I envision what my ancestors endured for ME to be here so I am grateful in many more ways than one. Thank you for listening and truly proud to even be a Texan living in Washington state. Nena Smothers _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com