Two Rivers "Sandbar Histories"
The following is an excerpt from Benjamin Babbitt's Quarter League Written by BETTY DUNN When E. L. Blair wrote the 1930 Early History of Grimes County book he admitted there was "scant information to be found concerning settler" Benjamin Bobbitt as he wrote biographical sketches of the 64 original land grantees in Grimes County. Babbitt, records now show, was one of Texas first Methodist preachers as verified in A History of Early Methodism in Texas. (Macum Phelan, page 40-42 and Methodist Historical Quarterly, July 1909, pages 81-82), quoted from the book of Early Preachers and Churches in Texas written by Corrie Haskew Pattison and also referred to in the book, From Jamestown to Texas: A History of Some Early Pioneers of Austin County, by Betty Smith Meischen. ___________________________________________________ To read this entire article and more from "Two Rivers Sandbar Histories" you can order the book. Contact Betty Dunn at blhd83@gmail.com or Lynn Hildebrandt at rendezvous120@gmail.com to reserve copies. (Mail orders will be $23.50 each.) Each week we will endeavor to showcase excerpts from each of the writings from the book. So check back often to see portions of the 'treasures' it contains. 
NOTICE: BEST MUSEUM at the Horlock House
1215 Washington, Navasota, Texas 77868. Any organization or individuals who would like to visit the newly organized Best Museum by the Two Rivers Heritage Foundation are welcome. Exhibits, at this time, include the City of Navasota’s historical collection of the Horlocks, Christian Becker, Jesse and Herbert Youens, Schumachers, and Texas Rangers; as well as the Two Rivers’ exhibit of the ”Railroads that built Navasota.” Mance Lipscomb exhibit, Navasota's world known blues singer, guitarist, songster. Those wishing to see the Best Museum please contact E-Mail: tworiversheritagefoundation@gmail.com. Two Rivers Heritage Foundation
Officers & Board of Directors Chairman: Betty Dunn Treasurer: Judy Reynolds Directors John Henry Botkin Lynn Hildebrandt Margaret Van Wagner Eppler Joyce Boatright Baker Goodwin Kathy Wells Cheryl Tardiff Honorary Director: Mildred Edwards MEMBERSHIP Two Rivers Heritage Foundation c/o Judy Reynolds P.O. Box 66, Navasota, TX. 77868 E-Mail: tworiversheritagefoundation@gmail.com |
HISTORY MIXERS
July 22rd
Pamela Mann, who has been mentioned in a couple of the Two Rivers Heritage Foundation’s “Grains from the Sandbar” columns, lived a “life of notoriety and adventure” to become one of early Texas history’s outrageous characters. Pamela loaned General Sam Houston a pair of her oxen to pull the Twin Sisters cannon with his Army from Groce’s Plantation in the spring of 1836. Many who were fleeing in the Runaway Scrape followed the Army. When they reached the ‘Y’ in the road a short way west of present-day Tomball, Houston’s Army turned right and the Runaway Scrape went left. The General refused to release Pamela’s oxen. She pulled her Bowie knife and cut them free to force the Texans to struggle in the mud pulling the cannon to the winning Battle of San Jacinto. Shortly after Santa Anna’s capture at San Jacinto, Pamela was soon at Lynchburg near burned out Harrisburg. As the Allen Brothers launched the town of Houston she quickly established a hotel named the Mansion in the midst of the boomtown’s saloons at the northeast corner of what is now Congress and Milam Streets. The Mansion became a favorite resting spot of President Houston and Republic of Texas congressmen, clerks and Army officers. Pamela’s penchant for being outrageous led her to face numerous legal issues. An 1839 forgery trial led to her conviction with the penalty at that time being death though the jury had recommended clemency. Newly elected Republic of Texas President Mirabeau Lamar pardoned Pamela. Pamela’s life was cut short in early November of 1840 when yellow fever swept over the city. It is claimed she had become a wealthy woman leaving an estate of more than $40,000. ______________________________________________________________ Hope all are staying safe and well as we progress into late spring and early summer. Also hope all are keeping a diary of sorts so that this epic history is family recorded. 🌎 🔔 We are still accepting 2020 dues 💰 to Judy Reynolds...$20/per person. We would like to update our ❤Membership List. We much appreciate member support so that Two Rivers Heritage Foundation can continue with the mission of our local historical preservation. Mail dues to P. O. Box 66, Navasota, Tx. 77868. If you are a new member, please fill out the membership form under the above 'More" tab and mail. Thanks!
🎅 Remember that we are trying to raise money 💲 for our Development Fund by selling our Sandbar books... $20/each... they make great gifts! 🌝 The cover art is by local artist Nikki Sullivan. Contact Betty Dunn at blhd83@gmail.com or Lynn Hildebrandt at rendezvous120@gmail.com to reserve copies. (Mail orders are $23.50 each.)
VIDEOS
Click on the menu tab 'VIDEOS' above or the button below to see some of our previous ‘history mixer’ programs. The Wendy Watriss & Fred Baldwin appearance in Navasota in February is now for all to view or review under the VIDEO tab. 
TWO RIVERS “SANDBAR HISTORIES” BOOKS
Two Rivers Heritage Foundation’s “Sandbar Histories” books are available for purchase. If you are looking for a fascinating gift idea these historical books will make a great gift!! The books contain over two years of the “Grains from the Sandbar” columns that have been complimentarily offered to the Navasota Examiner weekly newspaper since August 2015 through the years 2016 and 2017. The price is $20. This is a fund-raising project for the Two Rivers Heritage Foundation’s Development Fund. The cover art is by local artist Nikki Sullivan. Contact Betty Dunn at blhd83@gmail.com or Lynn Hildebrandt at rendezvous120@gmail.com to reserve copies. (Mail orders are $23.50 each.) Check out our website: www.tworiversheritagefoundation.org E-mail: tworiversheritagefoundation@gmail.com Betty Dunn, Newsletter Coordinator, 281-507-1671 |