Nicholas Fagan
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Nicholas Fagan (abt 1785 - 1852) was a prominent figure in the history of Refugio County, Texas, known for his contributions as a blacksmith, rancher, Texas patriot, and pioneer during the early 19th century. Nicholas Fagan, hoisted Texas' first flag of independence[1], Dimmitt's "bloody arm flag," after the signing of the Goliad Declaration of Independence. Nicholas was spared execution twice, once at Refugio and once at Goliad, by General Urrea's men due to his close friendship with neighbor, Carlos de la Garza, a Captain in the Mexican army.[1]
Early Life
Nicholas was most likely born in County Westmeath, Ireland, but most sources site County Meath.[2][3] His parents were James and Annie Fagan[3]. He grew up alongside cousin, General Edward Pakenham,[2] from Castlepollard, County Westmeath, who died in the Battle of New Orleans. He immigrated to the United States in 1816[2] or 1817[1][4] with his first wife, Kate Connelly, and his daughter, Annie Fagan. Arriving originally in New York, the family moved through Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and St. Louis.[2] During this time period, Kate and Nicholas had another child, Mary Fagan, future wife of Thomas O'Connor. The family moved to an area north of St. Louis for three years[2], having a third child, John Fagan in 1823.
A devout Catholic, the family decided to move to New Orleans so the children could attend a Catholic church around 1823.[2] The family traveled by flat boat down the Mississippi river with all of their possessions.[3] Soon after arriving, the family contracted yellow fever and Nicholas' wife, Kate, died.[2] A good Samaritan, Madame Duplice, took the children in to her home and cared for them for sometime.[2][3] Meanwhile, Nicholas met a widow, Catherine Hanselman Balsch, originally from Stuttgart. They were married in New Orleans in 1824.
The couple had two daughters and a son, before "Texas fever" struck Nicholas to move to Texas.[3]
Texas Pioneer
Nicholas left New Orleans to Texas on a scouting trip before bringing his family.[1] He landed at Copano. From there, Nicholas spent several days scouting the countryside for water, a good homestead location, and building material.[1] He found a suitable location on the south bank of the San Antonio river in present day Refugio county and headed back to Copano and then New Orleans to retrieve his family.[1]
Nicholas, his family, and two other families arrived in Texas on the ship Panoma.[1][2] Captain Prietta had secured a special permit for the families to land at Copano.[2] The Fagans were among the earliest settlers of Power and Hewetson's colony.[5] The family travelled 20 miles across the prairie with oxen and all of their belongings. After some hardship due to a winter storm, they arrived on the south bank of the San Antonio river. They set up camp and begin to prepare a home.
Nicholas soon met his neighbor, Carlos de la Garza, who's ranch was across the river and a few miles to the west. Carlos provided some animals to Nicholas to help him get started. Carlos also informed Nicholas of a wrecked Spanish barkentine 20 miles away with good lumber for building a house.[1][3] Nicholas built his final Fagan Ranch house out of the wrecked ship.[3]
Nicholas built the first mill in the area and provided flour, corn meal, and masa for the local ranches.[1] The family lived amongst the local Karankawa people and had generally friendly relations before the Texas Revolution. The Karankawas shared beer with his children, harvested crops for Nicholas, and even attended his daughter, Annie Fagan's wedding.[2]
Although living there already for 5 years, Nicholas Fagan received his land grant of 9,538 acres, part of the Power and Hewetson Colony, on August 4,1834.[4]
Texas Revolution
The Fagan Settlement thrived peacefully alongside their native and Mexican neighbors until the Texas Revolution brought an influx of newcomers, including some undesirable individuals, to the region. Nicholas Fagan emerged as a leader in both times of peace and war within the settlement. Like his friend, James Power, Fagan harbored no ill will toward his Mexican neighbors, but strongly opposed Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's efforts to centralize the Mexican government and deny Texas the right to self-government.[1][3]
While many men of Mexican descent joined the Texas Army, one influential figure, Carlos de la Garza, remained loyal to the Mexican government. However, his friendship with his Irish comrades remained steadfast, and he continued to offer kindness and assistance.[1][3]
Nicholas Fagan was already a grandfather at this point, his daughter Annie married Peter Teal in 1833 and had two children. However he did not hesitate to join the fight. He sent his wife and children to Louisiana and volunteered as quartermaster[6] with Captain Philip Dimmitt's company, fighting with distinction throughout the war. His oldest son, John Fagan, joined the fight with his father. Nicholas served in Dimmitt's company from October 9, 1835, to January 20, 1836, and his name can be found on the rolls of Captain Ira Westover's and Captain Hugh Frazer's companies in different periods, representing his active involvement in various military operations.[3]
Nicholas was known as the "Angel of Refugio"[4] due to him providing his whole corn crop and several hundred head of cattle at the Texan army's disposition to feed the starving people of Refugio.[3][7][8]
Nicholas and John fought in the Battle of Lipantitlan on November 4,1835.[5][7] Nicholas then traveled to Goliad to secure the fort under Captain Philip Dimmitt. While there, the Goliad Declaration of Independence was written and signed. In celebration, Philip Dimmitt had designed a new flag, the Goliad or Bloody Arm flag. Nicholas Fagan cut a sycamore and raised the flag up from the fort, where it was quickly shot at from outside the walls.[1][3][6][7][8]
General Jose de Urrea marched his men toward Refugio from San Patricio. Colonel James Fannin ordered Captain Amon B. King to head to Refugio to protect the townspeople. Nicholas Fagan and 28 others volunteered to go with King.[1] King and his men ran into an overwhelming force of the Mexican army along the Aransas river. Captain King fell back and headed towards the refugees to expedite their escape. Nicholas Fagan and others formed a shield for the families, fighting and falling back all while being shot at by Urrea's men.[1] After getting all of the refugees in the old mission at Refugio, King sent Nicholas and some others on a scouting mission.[1] Shortly after leaving, Nicholas Fagan ran into a hundred rancheros and Karankawa's led by his old friend Captain Carlos de la Garza of the Mexican army, where he was forced to surrender.[1] Even though General Urrea had orders from Santa Anna to execute all rebels, Carlos intervened and released all Mexican colonists and Nicholas Fagan[9]. Carlos instructed Nicholas to return to his home, the Fagan Ranch.[10] From there, Nicholas headed to Goliad.[1]
Shortly afterwards, the remaining men and King attempted to escape from the mission. King and his men unable to fight, having wet powder due to a river crossing, ran into the same group led by Carlos de la Garza. They were taken prisoner, forced to bury the Mexican dead, and then taken out and executed.[1]
Colonel Fannin was ordered to retreat by Sam Houston from Presidio la Bahia at Goliad. However he delayed this action. In a hasty retreat, the Texians became surrounded by General Urrea's men near Coleto creek. Nicholas Fagan and his son fought in the battle under Captain Hugh Frazer. After seeing that victory was not possible, Colonel Fannin surrendered. Nicholas Fagan and about 283 other men were taken captive and marched back to Goliad.[1]
Knowing Santa Anna's orders to General Urrea to execute all prisoners, Nicholas Fagan's friend Carlos de la Garza derived a plan to help him escape. Carlos had his men slaughter a cow and give a side of beef to Nicholas to carry for them. They sent him to an orchard and told him to wait. While waiting there alone he heard the execution of the prisoners. Carlos also saved Nicholas' son John and other neighbors.[1][3][6][7][8][9][10]
Nicholas Fagan went back to the Presidio after the Mexican army had left to look for survivors. He found William Lockhart Hunter alive, but very badly wounded. He cared for the man and carried him, eventually to Margaret Wright's ranch. There he left him in the river bottom where she could tend to his wounds and feed him.[1][6]
Nicholas Fagan then headed to meet Sam Houston and his army, but along the way ran into Deaf Smith who informed him about the victory at San Jacinto and the end of the war.[1]
After the war ended, a funeral ceremony was held at Goliad for all of Fannin's men. Nicholas Fagan and his son John were two of the honorary pallbearers.[5][6]
Post Revolution
Nicholas Fagan, Thomas O'Connor, Carlos de la Garza, and others formed a local militia called Power and Cameron's Spy Company from 1836 to 1838. Following this they organized in a local San Antonio River militia under Captain John J. Tumlinson and fought in many raids and expeditions with Mexican bandits and Comanches.[3][5]
In 1838, a large contingent of Native Americans from Mexico invaded the San Antonio River bottom killing several settlers. A posse, organized by Power, including the Fagans and Thomas O'Connor intercepted the raiders. A large battle was fought, and Nicholas and John Fagan as well as Thomas O'Connor all had narrow escapes with death.[5]
On September 1, 1841, the town of Refugio experienced a raid by a group of Mexicans led by an infamous ringleader named Ortegon. Their intention was to exact revenge on the Texans. In a surprising assault on the town, every able-bodied man was seized and taken to Mexico. During this forced march, the brutal killing of Judge Henry Ryals took place, and Colonel Power was also captured and held as a prisoner. The town was subjected to pillaging and plundering, while all provisions, clothing, and supplies were either destroyed or stolen by the marauders. This left the women and children in a deeply distressed and unprotected state.[3]
Upon receiving news of this catastrophe, Nicholas Fagan and neighbors loaded their ox-drawn carts with provisions, clothing, and blankets, and set out to assist the affected families. They transported the women and children back to the San Antonio River ranches.[5] Many stayed with the Fagan family until the captive husbands and fathers were eventually released years later. In recognition of this act of kindness, Fagan was again hailed as the savior of Refugio.[3]
In the vicinity of the Fagan Ranch in 1842, the Gilliland massacre took place. On the evening before the massacre, a young Fannie Fagan, Nicholas' daughter, received an invitation from Rebecca Gilliland to spend the night at their place. However, Catherine Fagan felt that Fannie was too young to be away from home overnight, so she declined the invitation. The following morning, a band of Comanches arrived, and while they didn't harm the Fagan Ranch, they attacked the Gilliland homestead, killing both parents. They captured the young son, William, approximately nine years old, an his sister, Rebecca, about twelve years old.[3]
The Comanches headed toward the river bottoms, progressing through the dense woods, slowly making their way up the river towards La Bahia. Word of the incident spread rapidly, and both Texas soldiers and men from the settlement swiftly initiated pursuit. In the afternoon, they encountered the group of Comanches, leading to a fierce battle. The Comanches who were outnumbered and did not want the burden of the two children, lanced the boy and inflicted a blow to the little girl Rebecca's head and left them behind.[5]
During the night, both children sought refuge amidst the thick foliage and under the shelter of trees. Soldiers had moved on in pursuit of the attackers, unaware that the children had been left behind at the battleground. However, Nicholas Fagan, along with Carlos, Thomas O’Connor, carefully examined the area. Nicholas eventually located the children, as they recognized his voice and responded to his calls.[3][5]
A Karankawa band attacked and killed a settler near the Fagan Ranch in 1844. The same group of men organized and fought against the Karankawas, driving them to Matagorda and St. Joseph's Islands.[3]
On October 1, 1850, another incident involving Comanches occurred within this region. A group of Comanches launched an attack on the ranch owned by Jacob Thomas. While the two young daughters of Jacob, Sarah (aged 11) and Eve (aged 15), were in the pasture tending to their cows, the Comanches suddenly descended upon them and seized the two girls. The girls were placed on horses, each accompanied by a rider, and were swiftly taken away. Throughout the entire night, the Comanches continued their journey. Eve made multiple attempts to escape during this time, which eventually led the captors to grow weary of her defiance. They threw her off the horse and, as they rode past, each one hurled their spears at her, causing several to pierce her body. Although they cut off her hair, they did not scalp her. Meanwhile, they bound young Sarah to her horse and departed.[3]
All of these events transpired in close proximity to the Fagan Ranch. In the early hours of the next morning, Eve regained consciousness. Being near a tree, she managed to climb up into its branches, driven by her fear of wild animals. As she observed two horsemen approaching, her initial belief was that they might be Comanches. Yet, as they drew nearer, she recognized her brother John Thomas and John Fox. They were on a mission to determine the extent of their horse losses from the previous night, having heard the commotion, but they did not realize the two young girls were taken captive. They escorted Eve to the Fagan Ranch, where she remained until her strength was restored. A Dr. Wellington attended to her wounds, while Mrs. Fagan provided care.[3]
Sarah, was held captive by the Comanches near San Saba for over a month. Eventually, she was ransomed by the U.S. Government Indian Agency and reunited with her family.[3]
A final raid in 1852[5] occurred when a band of Karankawas began raiding homesteads and stealing cattle and horses. A posse was formed with Nicholas Fagan, sons John and William (born 1828), Thomas O'Connor, Carlos de la Garza, and others. The posse organized at the Fagan Ranch.[3][5]
The posse surprised the band of Karankawas and a battle ensued at Hynes Bay. Some of the posse members were wounded most likely including Carlos de la Garza.[5] Carlos would later die of complications from this arrow wound some 30 years later. The Karankawas were driven back and headed to Mexico, never to return in force.[3][5]
Later Life
After the war, Nicholas and his family returned to the ranch. He had two more children. His final child, Peter Henry Fagan who took over Nicholas Fagan's estate and continued his ranching operations, was born in 1843. His daughter Mary Fagan married Thomas O'Connor in October 1838 and Nicholas provided them with cattle which served as the nucleus for the future vast O'Connor herds.[7]
Nicholas Fagan died on his ranch on August 30, 1852.[11] His wife Catherine died four years later on the ranch on June 26, 1856.
Historical Marker
A state historical marker was placed in the Nicholas Fagan Memorial Cemetery near his original homestead. It reads as follows:
"Nicholas Fagan, came to Texas and settled in Power's Colony in 1829.
A private in Fraser's Refugio Company at the Battle of Coleto.
He was saved from the massacre through the intervention of Mexican colonial friends.
Erected by the State of Texas 1936."[4]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Allen, William; Taylor, Sue Hastings (1997). Aransas: the life of a Texas coastal county. Austin, Texas: Eakin Press. ISBN 978-1-57168-166-9.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Allan, T. C. (1931). "Reminiscences of Mrs. Annie Fagan Teal". The Southwestern Historical Quarterly. 34 (4): 317–328. ISSN 0038-478X.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x O'Connor, Kathryn Stoner (1958). "Nicholas Fagan, Texas Patriot".
- ^ a b c d Refugio County History Book Committee (1985). The History of Refugio County, Texas, 1836-1986, Volume 1. Dallas, Texas: Curtis Media Corporation. ISBN 0-88107-030-0.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Huson, Hobart. Refugio A Comprehensive History of Refugio County from Aboriginal Times to 1953. Woodsboro, Texas: The Rooke Foundation.
- ^ a b c d e O'Connor, Kathryn Stoner (1966). Presidio la Bahia 1721-1846. Von Boeckmann Jones. ISBN 1-57168-540-5.
- ^ a b c d e Flannery, John Brendan (1980). The Irish Texans. The University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio. ISBN 0-933164-33-5.
- ^ a b c Davis, Graham (2002). Land!: Irish Pioneers in Mexican and Revolutionary Texas. College Station, TX, USA: Texas A&M University Press. ISBN 978-1585441891.
- ^ a b Woodward, Jonathan (2021-07-16). ""As Vigilant as Argus": A Military History of the Irish and Tejano Tories of the Texas Revolution". Theses and Dissertations.
- ^ a b De la Teja, Jesus F. (2010). Tejano Leadership in Mexican and Revolutionary Texas. Texas A&M University Press. ISBN 978-1-60344-152-0.
- ^ "Find a Grave - Nicholas Fagan".