Hampton Steele Speech, 1923

From an article appearing in the August 27, 1923 edition of the Mexia Daily News in Mexia, Texas:

Hampton Steele was the older brother of my great great grandfather, Francis Marion "Frank" Steele.

Hampton Steele Organizes Native Sons of Texas

Portal to Texas History

An excerpt from a speech delivered on Steele Day at Joe Johnston Camp by Hampton Steele as it appeared in the August 27, 1923 edition of the Mexia Daily News in Mexia, Texas:

"Myself, the oldest son of the last survivor of the battle of San Jacinto and his grandson and his great grandson have procured a charter from the State of Texas to organize the Native Sons of Texas in a grand organization in memory of Fannin's men who were slaughtered on the plains of Goliad! and, in memory of Sam Houston and his brave army who gained our independence on the plains of San Jacinto! and in memory of our father whose blood was spilt on San Jacinto's plains for the liberties of Texas! in memory of the old pioneers and the little boys and girls who went to the front and drove the Indians back for civilization to follow."

"That's what we want to organize the Native Sons of Texas for. To perpetuate those memories to hand it down to future generations.  Our plan that we have laid out for the future when we get funds enough is to buy a piece of land somewhere in the State and make a park and we will call it Steele Park and home and we will dedicate it to the Native Sons of Texas for all time to come."

Alfonso Parcutt Steele (1817-1911)

Alfonso Parcutt Steele was born in Hardin County, Kentucky on April 9,1817.  He was born to the marriage of Stephen Parcutt Steele and Susannah "Susan" McCarty.

Alfonso was the first son and second of ten children born to Stephen and Susan Steele.

In 1835, Alfonso Steele joined Captain Ephraim M. Daggett's company of volunteers in Louisiana and traveled with the company to Texas to aid in the Texas revolution.



On September 28, 1838, Alfonso Steele married Mary Ann Powell in Montgomery County, Texas.

The following children were born to the marriage of Alfonso Parcutt Steele and Mary Ann Powell:

Hampton, 1839-1928
Alonzo Leo, 1841-1936
Alvarado "Rado", 1843-1934
Francis Marion "Frank", 1847-1883
Leonard, 1851-1938
Mary Ann "Molly", 1854-1940
Missouri Alice, 1860-1938

Following their marriage in 1838, Alfonso and Mary Ann Steele made their home in Montgomery County where Hampton, Alonzo and Rado were born.

Alfonso, Mary Ann, Hampton, Alonzo and Rado Steele moved from Montgomery County to Robertson County, Texas.  Robertson County later became part of Limestone County.

The 1850 U.S. Census shows the family living in Precinct 1, Limestone County, Texas.  By 1850, their son Frank had been born.  Note also that Alfonso's father, Stephen, was living with the family at the time.

The 1860 U.S. Census shows the family living near the Springfield post office in Limestone County. Hampton has married and is no longer living at home. Leonard and Mary Ann "Molly" were born in 1851 and 1854, respectively.

By 1870, Alfonso and Mary Ann had another child, Missouri Alice, who was born in December of 1860. Leonard is also shown living with his mother, father and sister.

The 1880 U.S. Census shows Alfonso, Mary Ann and a grandson living in Limestone County, Texas.

The 1900 U.S. Census shows Alfonso and Mary Ann Steele living in Limestone County, Texas.

An April 11, 1909 article in the Galveston Daily News shows Alfonso celebrating his 93rd birthday in the home of his daughter, Missouri Alice Steele Eubanks.

Transcription:

Steele Celebrated Birthday

Hero of San Jacinto Was 93 Years of Age--He has had 174 Decendants

Special to The News

Mexia, Tex., April 10--Mr. Alfonso Steele, the sole survivor of the battle of San Jacinto, celebrated his 93rd birthday yesterday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. T. Eubanks, at Forest Glade in this (Limestone) county.

The following interesting history in Col. Steele's family was gathered today:  The first of his original family (himself and wife), 2; children, 11; grandchildren, 66; great-grandchildren, 83; great-great-grandchildren, 12. Total, 174.

By 1910, Mary Ann Powell Steele has passed away (1903) and Alfonso is shown living with his daughter, Missouri Alice Steele Eubanks, and her family.

Alfonso Parcutt Steele died on July 8, 1911 in Kosse, Limestone County, Texas in the home of his grandson, Alvin Steele.  The following obituary appeared in the San Antonio Express on July 9, 1911:

Alfonso is buried alongside his wife, Mary Ann, in the Mexia City Cemetery, Mexia, Limestone County, Texas.  Tombstone photograph was taken by FindAGrave member and descendant, Catherine.

Alfonso Parcutt Steele was my great-great-great grandfather through his son, Francis Marion "Frank" Steele; grandson, Isham Alfonso Steele; great granddaughter, Mary Allye Steele Edmonds; and great-great grandson, Bruce Alfonso Edmonds.