The Lynchburg Volunteers

The Lynchburg Volunteers. . In the 1820s, most area residents were loyal citizens of Mexico until Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna abrogated the Constitution of 1824. As hostilities between Mexico City and newly-arrived Texian settlers escalated, many in east and southeast Texas began to support the idea of a Texas that was separate from the Mexican Republic., After the conflicts at Anahuac in 1832 and again in 1835, many Texian groups formed military companies for what they viewed as defense of their rights. As Texians began to mobilize, Lynchburg resident and farmer William Scott (1784-1837) offered to arm and equip anyone who would fight for the cause of Texas Independence. On September 15, 1835, the Lynchburg Volunteers were organized, with William Scott elected as captain, Peter J. Duncan (1799-1870) as first lieutenant and James S. McGahey (1805-1885) as second lieutenant. Around 30 men joined the company at Scott's home, which served as headquarters where they trained at Scott's Point Pleasant plantation. The company reported for service at San Felipe a few weeks later and was then sent to join Colonel James Fannin's men at Béxar. As part of the newly-formed Texian Army of the people, they took part in the Grass Fight and the Battle of Concepción and were present throughout the siege and battles around Béxar in October through December 1835., Some of these men continued Texas' fight for independence at the Battle of San Jacinto and afterwards remained in the area as patriot citizens, continuing their endeavors in farming, medicine, law, politics, education and more. The Lynchburg volunteers are remembered as brave and dedicated individuals and among the first volunteer responders to the call for Texan Independence.