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Post by gwyllim on Jun 13, 2014 17:42:22 GMT -5
It is clear by now that Edward Edwards although Welsh was not at the Alamo, Rees did not die there, and Lewis Johnson was there was not from Wales and neither was his family. Early rolls indicate a M.B. Lewis, or Lewis with the initials W. S, W.T as living in the area, but the only real connection is with William Irving whose family came from Wales, and owned estates in Ireland before moving to America. It is logical to claim Welsh heritage over Irish as the holdings were more of a financial venture than any link to nationality. If anyone has any information I would be very grateful. I would hate to see my nations flag removed unfairly.
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Post by Rich Curilla on Jun 15, 2014 11:08:50 GMT -5
According to Bill Groneman's well-researched book, Alamo Defenders, Eakin Press, Austin, 1990, defender Lewis Johnson was from Wales. His entry states:
JOHNSON, LEWIS (1811-3/6/1836) Age: 25 years Born: Wales Residence: Nacogdoches, Texas Rank: Private (possibly an artilleryman in Captain Carey's artillery company) KIB
Lewis Johnson enlisted in the service of Texas on 9/28/1835 and served in Captain Coleman's company. He took part in the siege and battle of Bexar and enlisted for an additional four months, possibly as a member of Carey's company. Johnson was the only native of Wales to die in the Alamo battle.
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Post by gwyllim on Jun 16, 2014 21:10:10 GMT -5
First of all, I am a rank amatur, and am no where near as qualified as the gentleman you mentioned, or the other leading reseachers, I'm just a boy from the valley trying to find what the connection to the final battle for the Alamo and Wales is. All I am going on is what I have managed to research myself by visiting San Antonio, and what is available through various Texas, Welsh and other websites. The files on Lewis Johnson at the Daughters of the Texas Revolution contain a letter from the Johnson family that state he was born in Virginia, and that his family is not from Wales, plus a history of his family showing it is based in Virginia. The early rolls do indicate a Lewis, either W.S, W.T or M.B. I have managed to eliminate Martin Baty Lewis as he served under Sherman at San Jacinto. The search will continue, I will be heading again on Thursday to the Alamo, and will search some more there. I am still asking for help fom any researcher be they on the same level as me or much more advanced. I will glady share any information I get free of charge to anyone who has a hand in helping me out.
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Post by Rich Curilla on Jun 16, 2014 23:06:11 GMT -5
It does indeed sound like you are onto something that "we" in general didn't know. I think Bill Groneman would be the first to say that his book is due an update, even though his information was well researched and cutting edge when published. As you can see, it was the source I turned to so that somebody would finally try to answer your question. What is so awesome about the defender folders in the Alamo Library is that there are probably many details deeply buried in them that need to be viewed and checked for credibility (and, in some cases, authenticity). Just one minor detail as a case in point. I'm from Pennsylvania, and had to laugh at Walter Lord's highly motivating 1961 book A Time To Stand when he said that one of our Central Pennsylvania three Alamo defenders was from "Lewiston, PA." The town is Lewistown, PA, and always has been. lol. I really think it was just a misprint or typo, because Lord had correspondence in the folders in the Alamo from and to "Lewistown." But it has been "Lewiston" ever since for most later histories and narratives, when a simple look on the map would solve the error. A long way around the barn to say that you are on the right track with challenging and asking after your research tells you a different answer. And your point is a good one. If no Wales birth for Lewis Johnson, then perhaps no Wales flag. I don't know what you read of the family disclaimer, but I wouldn't just except the claim at face value. Families and history are a strange combination. They often don't like the reality and try desperately -- for generations -- to alter it. Now this claim may be absolutely right, but what proof is there. Just my thoughts. Keep digging.
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Post by Herb on Jun 17, 2014 16:05:56 GMT -5
Keep digging! Bill G. would be the first to tell you that new material is constantly found (and mostly by amateurs), that evidence is overlooked, and mistakes are made. Our understanding improves only because people continue to search.
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Post by stuart on Jun 28, 2014 16:23:27 GMT -5
If you haven't already done so, check out the thread on Edward Edwards in the Texas Revolution section.
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