Jones County Texas Archives - Joel G Larrison - 1927 *********************************************************** Submitted by: Dorman Holub Date: 19 January 2020 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/tx/jones/jonestoc.htm *********************************************************** The Stamford American Thursday, May 12, 1927 ÒAfter reading the articles about the ÒSouthern Plantations,Ó I will send in for publication, a short sketch of the life of Joel G. Larrison, who was one of the pioneers of Texas. He was born September 3, 1821, in what is now Red River county. When a mere lad of 15 years he joined General Sam HoustonÕs command to aid in the defense of his country, against the hordes of Mexican invaders who, under General Santa Anna, were trying to claim, ÒFair Texas,Ó as their own. He was also active in driving the Indians back and making life safe for the settlers. A short time previous to the Battle of San Jacinto, he and others were sent on detached service to protect the citizens of eastern Texas against a marauding (sic), tribe of Indians. He was engaged in the battle of Goliad and was in the Battle of San Jacinto which resulted in the capture of Santa Anna and ended the war. On June 21, 1847, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Lawrence. In 1848, he settled on Larrison creek, eight miles from Madisonville. At that time, it was Montgomery county, afterwards Walker, and now Madison county. It was here that he built one of those typical Southern homes, a two-story structure with rock chimneys at either end and wide halls and galleries, high ceiled rooms with broad stairways. Back of this was the negro quarter where the slaves lived. This plantation was the scene of much gaiety and Southern hospitality. Mr. Larrison being one of those old time fiddlers, naturally caused others to gather in. In 1858 he became totally blind and remained so until the day of his death, January 31, 1900. Mr. Larrison was one among few who lived under four flags of Texas. he was the father of six children, one of whom is still living, Mrs. Robert Wright of Madisonville. There are several grandchildren living in different parts of the State, one being the writer. - Mrs. Lillie Bruce, Stamford, Texas.