DUANE
Duane's take
Here's the story as the official marker tells it — John Pettit Borden, Colorado County, Texas. Now, some people pass through history leaving just a footnote. John Pettit Borden was not that kind of man.
He was born in New York on December 30, 1812. But New York couldn't hold him. By 1829, he had moved to Texas — and back then, moving to Texas was not a casual decision.
By 1832, he had settled in Stephen F. Austin's second colony, planting roots in a place that was still very much being figured out. And then came 1836.
That year alone would be enough to fill most men's entire stories. Borden fought at the Battle of San Jacinto — the battle that shook the ground of Texas history. And when the smoke cleared, he didn't go home and rest on it.
That same year, he helped lay out the town of Houston. A battlefield one season, a brand-new city the next. If that weren't enough, at twenty-four years old — twenty-four — he became the first Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office.
First. Ever. In a republic that had just clawed its way into existence, John Pettit Borden was the man they handed the maps to.
He wasn't finished. He went on to practice law. He served as county judge.
He worked as a surveyor. The man had more careers than most counties have courthouses. In 1866, he moved to Harvey's Creek, four miles to the east of where this marker stands.
He married twice, and with his second wife, Mary Hatch Borden, he had nine children. John Pettit Borden died on November 12, 1890 — born in New York, but Texas through and through by the time it was all said and done.
What the marker says
(December 30, 1812 - November 12, 1890) Born in New York. Moved to Texas 1829. Settled in Stephen F. Austin's second colony in 1832. In Texas Revolution, fought at Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. Helped lay out town of Houston same year. At 24 became first Commissioner of Texas General Land Office. Later practiced law and served as county judge. He was a surveyor before moving, in 1866, to Harvey's Creek (4 mi. E). Married twice. Had 9 children by second wife Mary (Hatch).