Kelsey Harris Douglass Explained

Kelsey Harris Douglass (1790 – 4 October 1840^[1]) was a Texian soldier, politician, and merchant who led Texian forces at the Battle of the Neches.^[2] He was born in Knox County, Tennessee in 1790,^[3] and died in 1840. A member of the Congress of the Republic of Texas, he campaigned for veterans of the Texas–Indian wars and introduced the 1838 legislation that would later create the University of Texas. A descendant would describe him as "Texas' unknown soldier".^[4]

He fought against the Cherokee, leading the fight at the Battle of the Neches and burning a number of villages^[5] and forcing them out of East Texas.

Douglass was a charter member of the Grand Lodge of Texas.^[6]

The town of Douglass is named after him, after he set up businesses in the area.

Notes and References

1. KELSEY HARRIS DOUGLASS. 1936. Commemorative plaque. Nacogdoches.
2. Web site: Association . Texas State Historical . Douglass, Kelsey Harris . Texas State Historical Association . 20 July 2023 . en.
3. Book: Simmons . Dessie Little . Simmons . Fred . Robert Young, Sr., Patriot and Pioneer . 1984 . Southern Historical Press . 978-0-89308-524-7 . 21 July 2023 . en.
4. News: RATTKIN IS NAMED HEAD OF EXES BODY . Fort Worth Record-Telegram . 3 March 1928 . 9.
5. News: One of the Mysteries of Texas—The Scene of Many Bloody Battles . The Brookyln Times . 7 August 1897 . en.
6. News: State History Still Lives On East Texas Gravestones . Corpus Christi Times . 58.