2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
From the Texas State Historical Association Handbook of Texas.
JOHN S. ROBERTS
(1796-1871)
Signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, East Texas merchant and political figure.
He was born in Virginia on July 13, 1796. At age sixteen, he enlisted in the Tennessee Militia for service in the War of 1812 and was at the Battle of New Orleans as a member of Colonel John Coffee's regiment.
In May 1815, he was discharged
By 1822, he was a resident of Nagodoches, Texas.
--Brock-Perry
From the John S. Roberts Chapter National Society United States Daughters of 1812.
He was a very important person in the early days of Texas, but also fought in the War of 1812 before that.
The Battle of New Orleans had a great impact on the future of Nacogdoches, Texas, because so many future east Texans participated in it. Some of those men were Bean, Bullock, Goyens, Perry and John S. Roberts.
John S. Roberts was 19 years of age when he traveled from Nashville with militiamen under the command of General Carroll, to join Coffee and Jackson with a contingent of Tennesseans.
An account of the battle written in 1840 in France by Cardinal Moyne credits Roberts with being "in the thickest of the historic battle" and conducting himself "in a brave manner" where he fought with "conspicuous bravery."
--Brock-Perry
From the October 9, 2021, Channel 7 ABC, Texas by Briananna Linn.
Members of the John S. Roberts chapter of the Texas State Society of the United States Daughters of 1812 wanted to honor the 32 veterans who fought in the War of 1812 and later made Nacodoches their home.
They chose the site at the old general mercantile and string shop downtown because it was the site of the John S. Roberts home, who is the namesake of their group. The building is one of the towns least altered storefronts.
All of the men on the marker were leaders in the community and served with great patriotism. They also participated in the state of Teas' battle for independence.
It took the group over three years to get the marker.
--Brock-Perry
