Miss-Delectable
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2004
- Messages
- 17,160
- Reaction score
- 7
Deaf man responsible for Texas independence - Dallas disability | Examiner.com
By proclamation of the governor, October is Disability Awareness month in Texas. It is appropriate that as a state should celebrate disability awareness, because our existance is due in part to the actions of an individual with a disability, Erastus "Deaf" Smith.
Erastus "Deaf" Smith was a scout during the Texas Revolution and considered to be the "Bravest of the Brave" by Colonel William Travis. In 1835, Smith destroyed Vince's Bridge during the Battle of San Jacinto, which prevented the retreat of the Mexican army and helped pave the way for Texas' independence. Deaf Smith County is also named after Erastus Smith.
The news release by the governor's office on Monday of this week, made note of the fact that in the painting "Surrender of Santa Anna," by William Henry Huddle Erastus can be seen with his hand cupped behind his ear. Artist William Henry Huddle painted the scene of the morning of April 22, 1836, the day after Texas' victory over Mexico at the Battle of San Jacinto. Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna, in the uniform of a private soldier, was brought before Texas General Sam Houston as a prisoner of war. Houston, wounded in the battle, rested on a pallet under the oak tree while arranging an armistice with Santa Anna. To the right, seated on a log, was Erastus "Deaf" Smith, famous Texas scout; the captured Mexican battle flags were leaning nearby against the tree. To the left and rear of Houston was his Secretary of War, Thomas Jefferson Rusk, who was standing next to Colonel Mirabeau B. Lamar. Over thirty other historical figures were depicted in this painting. It has been on display in the first floor south wing of the Capitol since February 1891.
For more information on Erastus "Deaf"Smith: SMITH, ERASTUS [DEAF] | The Handbook of Texas Online| Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)
By proclamation of the governor, October is Disability Awareness month in Texas. It is appropriate that as a state should celebrate disability awareness, because our existance is due in part to the actions of an individual with a disability, Erastus "Deaf" Smith.
Erastus "Deaf" Smith was a scout during the Texas Revolution and considered to be the "Bravest of the Brave" by Colonel William Travis. In 1835, Smith destroyed Vince's Bridge during the Battle of San Jacinto, which prevented the retreat of the Mexican army and helped pave the way for Texas' independence. Deaf Smith County is also named after Erastus Smith.
The news release by the governor's office on Monday of this week, made note of the fact that in the painting "Surrender of Santa Anna," by William Henry Huddle Erastus can be seen with his hand cupped behind his ear. Artist William Henry Huddle painted the scene of the morning of April 22, 1836, the day after Texas' victory over Mexico at the Battle of San Jacinto. Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna, in the uniform of a private soldier, was brought before Texas General Sam Houston as a prisoner of war. Houston, wounded in the battle, rested on a pallet under the oak tree while arranging an armistice with Santa Anna. To the right, seated on a log, was Erastus "Deaf" Smith, famous Texas scout; the captured Mexican battle flags were leaning nearby against the tree. To the left and rear of Houston was his Secretary of War, Thomas Jefferson Rusk, who was standing next to Colonel Mirabeau B. Lamar. Over thirty other historical figures were depicted in this painting. It has been on display in the first floor south wing of the Capitol since February 1891.
For more information on Erastus "Deaf"Smith: SMITH, ERASTUS [DEAF] | The Handbook of Texas Online| Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)
