DUANE
Duane's take
Here's what the official marker on Jesse L. McCrocklin has to say, and friend, it is worth every word. Born in Kentucky on November 8, 1800, Jesse L.
McCrocklin came into this world at the turn of a century that would see Texas transform from a distant frontier dream into something nobody quite had words for yet. He moved to Texas in 1833, which means he arrived early — early enough to watch the whole thing unfold from the inside. And unfold it did.
When the Siege of Bexar came in 1835, Jesse was there. When the Battle of San Jacinto roared into history in 1836, Jesse was there too. A man who showed up for both of those moments wasn't just a settler — he was a witness to the very hinge of Texas history, and he was standin' on the right side of it both times.
Then, as if two defining battles weren't enough for one lifetime, in 1842 Jesse took part in the Somervell Expedition against Mexico. The man had a habit of being present when it mattered. Along the way he resided at Washington-on-the-Brazos and in present Kendall County before finally settling on his land grant in Blanco County.
That word finally carries some weight — this was a man who had covered a lot of Texas ground before he put down roots for good. Once settled, he worked as a stock raiser, a farmer, and a blacksmith. Three trades, one man, one land grant.
He was also a member of the Masonic Order. And then there's Isabella. He married Isabella Harris, born in 1812, and together they had four or more children — the marker's careful phrasing suggesting that Jesse's household, like the man himself, may have been larger than the record fully captured.
Isabella Harris McCrocklin lived until 1902. Jesse himself drew his last breath on March 22, 1888, having arrived in this world in 1800 and seen enough of it to fill a dozen lesser lives. From Kentucky to Bexar to San Jacinto to a land grant in Blanco County — Jesse L.
McCrocklin didn't just pass through Texas history. He helped make it.
What the marker says
(November 8, 1800-March 22, 1888) Born in Kentucky. Moved to Texas in 1833. In Texas Revolution he fought in Siege of Bexar (1835) and Battle of San Jacinto (1836). In 1842 took part in Somervell Expedition against Mexico. Resided at Washington-on-the Brazos, present Kendall County; finally settled on his land grant in Blanco County. Worked as stock raiser, farmer, and blacksmith. Was member of the Masonic Order. Married Isabella Harris (1812-1902). They had four or more children. Recorded - 1972