Belton in Bell County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Norman Austin

(August 2, 1811 – May 12, 1890)

Photographed by Larry D. Moore, June 30, 2020

1. Norman Austin Marker

Inscription. Texas revolutionary veteran and local merchant Norman Austin made important contributions to his adopted state. Born in Skaneateles, New York, he was the fifth son of a large family and traveled widely throughout his life. He farmed in Michigan and clerked in Alabama before arriving in Matagorda County, Texas to ranch in 1835.

At the beginning of Texas’ War for Independence from Mexico, Austin joined Albert C. Horton’s cavalry, assigned to Colonel James Fannin’s command at Goliad. On March 17, 1836, Austin participated in a battle near Goliad between Horton’s cavalry and the advance guard of Mexican general José de Urrea. The following day, Horton’s men went ahead of Fannin’s main army to scout forward positions. The Mexican army surrounded Fannin’s men near Coleto Creek, capturing and later executing more than 300; Austin was among 28 survivors in Horton’s unit.

Austin traveled again after the war, visiting his recently widowed mother in New York and then moving to Mississippi, where he met and married Eliza Ann Houston. They also lived in Indiana before settling in Texas in 1854, first at Onion Creek (Travis Co.), and then at Taylor’s Valley east of Belton where they built a double log cabin. Austin opened a dry goods and hardware store in Belton, bringing supplies from Houston by oxcart. One of Norman and Eliza’s sons served in the Confederate army, and later the family lived in Mexico, Costa Rica and California before returning to Belton a final time in 1872. Austin continued in the dry goods business until his death, and was an active member of the Texas Veterans Association, comprised of military veterans of the Republic of Texas.

Erected 2008 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15622.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Texas Independence. A significant historical date for this entry is March 17, 1836.

Location. 31° 4.298′ N,

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97° 27.643′ W. Marker is in Belton, Texas, in Bell County. It can be reached from North Main Street (State Highway 317) north of East 15th Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Marker is in the North Belton Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1500 N Main St, Belton TX 76513, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jeff Hamilton (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Curtis Mansion (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named The Curtis Mansion (approx. 0.4 miles away); Luther Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Distinguished Texan Robert Emmet Bledsoe Baylor (approx. 0.4 miles away); A Memorial to Civil War Education in Texas (approx. 0.4 miles

Norman Austin Marker Area image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry D. Moore, June 30, 2020

2. Norman Austin Marker Area

away); Scott & White School of Nursing (approx. half a mile away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Belton.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 444 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 3, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas.