John S. Roberts

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

Texas War of 1812 Veterans-- Part 20: Eleazor Louis Ripley Wheelock

During the Texas Revolution, Wheelock organized and was captain of a company of Texas Rangers.  During the Texas Republic, he served as a regional land commissioner.  From 1836-1845 he was either an adviser or leader of expeditions against Indians.  During one raid, his son-in-law was killed and his daughter taken prisoner by the Indians.

But even then, like his friend Sam Houston, Wheelock was a defender of Indian rights.  Toward the end of the Texas Republic, he was Indian commissioner.

He visited Washington, D.C. on Republic business and on his way home, died unexpectedly at the home of his brother-in-law in Edwardsville, Illinois.

--Brock-Perry