Lorenzo de Zavala
After
serving time in a Spanish prison for openly proclaiming democratic views and
then subsequently holding a seat in the Spanish legislature and in Mexico’s
senate, the signature of Lorenzo de Zavala stood in familiar company on the
Texas Declaration of Independence. Fluent in multiple languages, known as a consummate diplomat, a prolific
writer and observer, his rise to the vice presidency of the Republic of Texas
struck Texans none-so-shockingly as his rapid descent into illness. On October 17th, 1836, only five
months after the signing of the Treaty of Velasco, which ended the Texas
Revolution, de Zavala resigned the vice-presidency. A month later he was buried
in a family cemetery on Buffalo Bayou.
Susanna Wilkerson Dickinson
Tennessee
native Susanna
Dickinson gained fame as the “Messenger of the Alamo.” On May 24, 1829, at the age of fifteen,
she married Almaron Dickinson. Two years later, the couple arrived in
Mexican Texas. In 1836, Susanna and her infant daughter, Angelina, remained
inside the Alamo fort during the 13-day siege and final assault—during which
Almaron perished. Santa Anna
insisted that the 22-year-old widow deliver a message to her fellow Texians:
All who opposed him would share the fate of the Alamo garrison. She
subsequently rode to Gonzales where she confirmed the fort’s fall to General
Sam Houston.