History
West Galveston Island
Earliest known inhabitants of this area were the now extinct Karankawa Indians, alleged to be the only American tribe to practice cannibalism in rituals. Cabeza de Vaca was shipwrecked near here in 1528, and is credited as the first European to visit the island. He, and other explorers including La Salle, are known to have touched land in this area without harm from the Karankawas.
History
Wilbur Cherry
Served in the Texas army, 1836. Purchased the "Galveston News" 1843. Born in New Haven, N. Y. January 4, 1820; died June 19, 1873. His wife Catherine Crosby French Cherry born in Sligo, Ireland, February 22, 1826; died February 15, 1909.
History
William and Lena Juneman Smith
German immigration in the 19th century contributed to Galveston's growing East End Community. Ties to family were important to residents Ferdinand Louis Juneman (1833-1874) and Dorothea (Dreier) Juneman (1836-1905) who bought lots along Ball Avenue, formerly Avenue H, for three of their children.
History
William J. Killeen House
A bookkeeper for the Texas Cooperative Association, William J. Killeen built this residence about 1886. His family continued to live here following his death the same year. In 1899 the house was purchased by Dr. John Thomas Moore (1863-1951). A former educator, he later became a prominent physician, pioneering the medical use of radium in the Houston area.
History
William Jefferson Jones
(September 27, 1810 - May 5, 1897) Virginia native William Jefferson Jones received his license to practice law at age 19. He was an associate of Mirabeau B. Lamar, future president of the Republic of Texas, in a Georgia newspaper enterprise.
History
William Tennant Austin
(January 30, 1809 - February 25, 1874) Born in Connecticut. Moved to Texas in 1829. Took part in Texas Revolution, participating in Siege of Bexar, 1835. Served as aide to Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas" (a distant relative), Gens. Edward Burleson and Sam Houston. Commander at Port of Velasco. Was elected clerk of Brazoria County, 1837. Later collector of customs at Velasco.
History
Williams-Tucker House, 1837-40
Built by Samuel May Williams, a founder of Galveston, secretary to Stephen F. Austin, postmaster and land agent of Austin colony. Organized first Texas bank, was father of Texas navy and shipping industry. As envoy to the U. S., failed to get loan for Texas War for Independence, but gave $150,000 of his own money (a tenth of the cost). House, framed in Maine, was shipped to Texas on a schooner.
History
World War I Physicians from Galveston
When the United States entered World War I in 1917, people across the nation quickly signed up to serve in the military. While the Council of National Defense advised medical students and faculty to continue their education and teaching on the homefront, faculty, staff and students at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) put country before self to provide medical expertise…
Elsewhere in Texas
Hear it from the road
Whistlestop tells you this story automatically when you drive past. No searching, no tapping, nothing to ask.
