Historical Marker

Josiah H. Bell

Marker installed: 2016
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

A member of Stephen F. Austins original 300 colonists, Josiah Hughes Bell was

born August 22m 1791, in Chester District, South Carolina. Josiah Bells

father died when he was five years old, so he went to live in Tennessee with

family to learn the trade of hatter. While living in the Missouri District,

Bell became friends with Moses Austin and his son, Stephen F. Austin. Josiah

Bell joined the Missouri Mounted Militia as a second lieutenant during the War

of 1812. Following the war, he traveled to Tennessee to visit his mother and

met his future wife, Mary Eveline McKenzie (1799-1856). She and Bell married

in 1818 in Kentucky. The couple operated a mercantile business in

Natchitoches, Louisiana, for two years before moving to Hemphill, Texas.

PARAGRAPH BREAK

In 1821, Austin wrote bell granting him permission to settle in the new colony

near New Washington. Bell served as Alcalde, constable, and judge in the new

colony, even taking over Austins duties while he was traveling in Mexico.

Bell and his family moved several times along the Brazos River and eventually

settled in the town of Columbia near the present-day cemetery. Bell laid out

two towns, developed a sugar plantation and built the first hotel in the area.

During this time he began work on the Bell family home, completed in 1827. The

home was often used as an office for Stephen F. Austin when he was in town.

Bell and Austin continued their friendship through correspondence, including

letters regarding tax laws, regulations of the Mexican government and education

in the colony. Bell died on May 17, 1838, and was buried in the cemetery that

his wife later gave to the citizens of West Columbia. (2016)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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Texas random facts
Brazoria County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Karankawa and the Atakapan, who thrived along the Gulf Coast. European exploration of the region began in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers venturing into the area. However, it was not until the 1820s that significant permanent settlements were established.

In 1822, Stephen F. Austin brought the first American colonists to the region, leading to the establishment of the Austin Colony. The county was officially organized in 1832 and was named after the Brazos River, which borders the county to the north. The economy of Brazoria County in the early years was predominantly agricultural, with cotton becoming a major cash crop and sugar production gaining prominence. Slavery played a significant role in the county’s economy, with many enslaved people working on the plantations.

During the Texas Revolution in the 1830s, the area witnessed several historical events. Significantly, Velasco, a small community in Brazoria County, served as the site of the Battle of Velasco, where Texan rebels clashed with Mexican troops in June 1832. The county also provided numerous soldiers to the Texas Army, with several residents playing important roles in the fight for Texas independence.

In the following years, Brazoria County experienced growth and development, with several towns and communities emerging. In the late 19th century, railways expanded through the county, further boosting its economic prospects. The discovery of oil and gas reserves in the early 20th century brought even greater prosperity to the area. Today, Brazoria County continues to thrive economically, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, petrochemicals, manufacturing, and tourism.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Brazoria County, Texas.

  • 1822 - Stephen Austin received the first land grant in the area that would become Brazoria County.
  • 1832 - Brazoria County was officially established as a municipality of Mexico.
  • 1836 - Texas gained independence from Mexico, and Brazoria County became part of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1837 - The county seat was moved from Velasco to Brazoria.
  • 1839 - The county seat was once again relocated, this time to Columbia.
  • 1842 - Brazoria County was split, and part of it became Fort Bend County under the Republic of Texas.
  • 1846 - Texas was admitted to the United States, and Brazoria County became a county in the state of Texas.
  • 1892 - The county seat was moved from Columbia to Angleton, where it remains today.
  • 1943 - Construction of the Dow Chemical Company plant began, making it a major employer and industry in the county.
  • 1961 - Brazosport College was established in Brazoria County.
  • 2019 - Brazoria County celebrates its rich history and continues to thrive as an important region in Texas.