Early Matagorda leaders

GERVAIS, SINCLAIR DAVID (1779–1838).  Sinclair David Gervais, early Texas jurist, was born on February 21, 1779, in Charleston, South Carolina, the son of John Lewis and Mary (Sinclair) Gervais.

"Tribute to The Woman’s Club of Collegeport" By G. W. Franzen

   Collegeport Day is a time to remember and celebrate our community’s rich heritage.    Early Collegeport flourished as settlers arrived bring hope for new beginnings and prosperity.      After all, Collegeport’s motto was “The Town of Opportunity.

Collegeport Day 2024

Saturday, May 25Mopac House15274 FM 1095, Collegeport, BBQ dinner served at noonPlease bring side dishes or dessertsPlease direct donations to:Mopac House FoundationP. O. Box 175Collegeport, TX 77428Contributions at the door welcome.Register upon arrival.

Longtime Palacios, Collegeport preacher of the ‘auld sod’

   For 28 years, the Presbyterian churches in Palacios and Collegeport were led by a “true son of the auld sod.”    George Frederic Gillespie, who had a true compassion for the people in his churches, also had a far-reaching influence on all residents of those communities.

Gillespie kept up his ministry until death

   Following the 1946 car wreck (see related story) he had friends from Palacios who drove him to Collegeport each Sunday.   For many years, in the 1940s, Rev. Gillespie wrote the Thanksgiving message in the Palacios Beacon as well as Christmas messages and also one about the needy in the town.

Bay City National Guard left for Mexico 100 years ago

   The days of ’61 were recalled by the old Confederates who looked on the scene. Mr. D. A. Coston and wife were there to see their son Grover off. Capt. J. C. Jones, whose son C.R. is one of the company, and W. H. Pressley and Capt. Frank Rugeley formed a little group waiting for the start.    M.

Bay City caught in fury of 1909 ‘Velasco’ hurricane

 Headlines from Houston Post over its news articles tied to 1909 hurricane impact in Matagorda County.Fifty Per Cent of Business and Residence Section Damaged and Loss Will Total $250,000Under Martial LawArmy of Constables Sworn In to Protect PropertyBut One Loss of LifeInfant of Mr.

Four cemeteries part of Blessing history

Hawley Cemetery  Hawley Cemetery, first known as Deming’s Bridge Cemetery, was established in 1854. It is located on Tres Palacios River, two miles east of Blessing, in the Thomas Jamison League of Matagorda County, Texas.

MCHC thanks Kristi Lee & G.W. Franzen for cleaning historical marker at Hawley

Dallam became Matagorda publisher, lawyer

    James Wilmer Dallam, legal scholar, newspaper publisher, and author, the son of Francis Johnson and Sarah (Wilmer) Dallam, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on Sept. 24, 1818.