Hendrick Arnold Historical Overview

Hendrick Arnold Historical Overview. . , Hendrick Arnold and Samuel McCulloch, Jr. , Hendrick Arnold and Samuel McCulloch, Jr. played important roles in the Texas Revolution and the formation of the Republic of Texas. After Texas became independent, both were considered free Blacks, but they were placed under severe legal restrictions. Samuel McCulloch, Jr., who lived near the Lavaca River with his family, has been called "a genuine Texas hero." McCulloch volunteered to serve in the Texas Army and was wounded at the Battle of Goliad, the only Texan to be injured. After the war in 1837, he petitioned the Republic of Texas for citizenship rights and land. His petition was rejected, but McCulloch performed other military duties for the Republic of Texas, including serving as a spy during the Mexican invasion of San Antonio in 1842. After twenty years of petitioning the Congress of the Republic of Texas and the Texas State Legislature, McCulloch finally received his land in 1858 and settled at Von Ormy in Bexar County, where he farmed and ranched until his death in 1893., Hendrick Arnold's family resided in San Antonio. In 1835, Arnold and his father-in-law, Erastus Smith, went on a hunting trip. When they attempted to go home, Mexican soldiers, who had since occupied San Antonio, refused to let them return. Subsequently, both Arnold and his father-in-law joined the Texas Army under Stephen F. Austin and worked as soldiers, spies and guides. Arnold became known in military circles as an associate of Sam Houston, an efficient and brave spy, and was cited for his service in the Texas Revolution. With his commendation from the Republic of Texas, he acquired land outside of San Antonio where he is buried today. , Hendrick Arnold, a Black military scout, guide, and spy during the Texas Revolution, was born in 1804. He was the earliest known Black Texas Ranger. Arnold emigrated to Texas in the winter of 1826 with his parents, Daniel Arnold and Rachel, who was Black. Although his brother, Holly, was regarded as white, both Hendrick and Holly were considered free. In 1827, Hendrick and a slave named Dolly had a daughter, Harriet. By the fall of 1835, Arnold had settled in San Antonio, married Martina (Maria), and had a daughter, Juanita. When Mexican forces under Gen, Martin Perfecto de Cos occupied San Antonio, Arnold and his hunting partner, Erastus (Deaf) Smith, served as guides to the Texans. Arnold took part in the battle of Concepción and later served as a guide for Milam's division during the siege of Bexar. Arnold's bravery and service were acknowledged by Francis W. Johnson in his, official report of the battle, which cited Arnold for his "important service." , After the revolution, Arnold received compensation in the form of land a few miles northwest of the site of present-day Bandera. He also arranged an indentured servant Headright Property contract between his daughter Harriet and James Newcomb, which was cut short by the cholera epidemic that claimed both Arnold and Newcomb's lives. In 1849, Newcomb's administrator, George M. Martin, petitioned the Texas House of Representatives to permit Harriet to remain in the state as a free woman of color. Arnold's family made several attempts to regain Harriet from Martin, resulting in a lawsuit and an unclear outcome. Hendrick Arnold died in the cholera epidemic in Bexar County in 1849 and was buried on the banks of the Medina River. Today, a portion of the mill he operated stands near Mission San Juan. Arnold's life highlights the complex racial dynamics of the time and the contributions of Black individuals in shaping Texas history., Captions , This historical marker erected 2016 by the Texas African American History Merrial Foundation. Located in Austin, Texas, on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol Location: 36° 16, 399′ N, 97° 44.489' W, Bronze statue depicting Hendrick Arnold by artist Ed Dwight located in the Hall of Heroes at Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas. Photo by Beverly Alford for texianpartisan.com