William B. Dewees

(1799-1878)

Early Texas settler. Came here from Kentucky, 1822, when Texas was part of Mexico. Received a large land grant in 1824 as one of Stephen F. Austins Old 300 Colonist. Worked as blacksmith and trader.

After Columbus was burned in Texas Revolution, 1836, he laid out new (present) town and gave land for courthouse and school.

His correspondence, published 1852 as Letters From an Early Settler of Texas to a Friend, provided valuable eyewitness accounts of the Runaway Scrape of the Revolution., and life in Colonial Texas.

Corner of Washington and Bowie Streets
1971