[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 15 (Monday, January 30, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             ANOTHER POE FROM TEXAS: GEORGE WASHINGTON POE

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 30, 2017

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I honor another Poe from Texas 
and an unsung patriot during our Revolution, George Washington Poe. The 
Legacy of Texas States: ``Born in Ohio, he and his wife, Frances, 
traveled to Texas as quickly as they could. It was in Texas that he 
found success in the military, building up the young Army's artillery 
and seeing to the needs of the men fighting for the Revolution's cause.
  We all know the legendary story of Sam Houston and his role in our 
state's history. It was on this day in 1836 that Houston referred to 
Poe as a major, no doubt a reference to his volunteer rank since he was 
officially a third lieutenant in the fledgling regular army. Records 
show that while the political leaders of Texas wrestled with who should 
lead the Army in early 1836, Poe remained fiercely loyal to Houston. In 
a letter to Houston, Poe declared that he and his company ``do not nor 
will not know any other General than Sam Houston.''
  Poe's strong sense of loyalty proved to be fruitful for his military 
career. He soon was appointed assistant Inspector General of the Army, 
and was in charge of a 120-man garrison at Velasco. When the General 
Council assembled and established an official army for the Republic of 
Texas in March of 1836, Poe was appointed captain of the artillery.
  That appointment seemed like a demotion to Poe. In a letter to Thomas 
J. Rusk, he protested saying he deserved to be a major. In mid-March, 
Poe and his artillery unit departed Velasco to join Sam Houston again, 
where it is documented that he later participated in the Battle of San 
Jacinto, Poe experienced two significant ceremonial milestones in his 
career that speak to the high regard in which he was held. Poe 
commanded the artillery piece that fired a salute over the remains of 
Fannin's men near the mission of La Bahia and later served as marshal 
of the funeral procession for Stephen F. Austin.
  After leaving the military, Poe settled in Houston where he worked in 
land speculation. Houston remained loyal to his faithful supporter, and 
nominated Poe to be stock commissioner of the new Republic. Poe died on 
Texas soil, and although his name has failed to become as legendary as 
Houston, Bowie, or Travis; his contributions to our history and the 
success of Texas are worthy of remembrance.''
  It is always interesting to hear the history of bygone days of the 
Texas Revolution, especially about another Poe from Texas.
  And that's just the way it is.

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