RESEARCH

TTHEI has contributed to many written materials on the history of Brenham/Washington County, The Untold Stories.  Brenham is the county seat of this historic, scenic region of Washington County, which is known as the Birthplace of Texas. Most history books will say the earliest European settlers settled in these areas in Texas, Washington County not long before it was formally organized in 1837. However long before those early settlers, there were others who had quite a history and reason for coming to the area.  What is known of Brenham/Washington County history is heavily connected to the German, Czech, and Polish settlers.  Those histories have been well documented.  What is not so well written is the rich history of others who settled on these lands’ years prior or at the same time and of what they contributed to its development and growth.  A goal of TTHEI is to chronical stories that are scattered throughout documents and have not been put in the context of those early settlers’ impact on Washington County and Brenham.   For example, the Spanish Conquistadors settled in this are back in the 1500s looking for the City of Gold.  They were led by a Black explorer named Estevanico.  In the 1700s, the Native Americans of the area were Tonkawa and has a unique history of being in the area that has not been so well documented.  All TTHEI members are invited to contribute to the completion of this book.  Others who have historical expertise will also be invited to contribute.

 

Prior to his death, Eddie Harrison conducted research on family histories for over 50 years.  Throughout his work the Washington County Agricultural Agent and as Circuit Judge for Washington County, he compiled over 60 families’ histories.  He has also collected hundreds of books about African American history, which is being cataloged for TTHEI use and the public to have access to as they research for their projects to tell more untold stories.

 

Janel Jefferson and Charles Swenson researched Mary Marks of Washington County.  Mary Marks, who died at the age of 119, was at age six stolen from her family and sold into slavery.  She was from the Caribbean.  After her capturer died, she was brought to Texas in 1821 with the first settlers of Texas.

 

Kenneth Moerbe worked with Sharon Bass, author, on reviewing the book about the Burning of Brenham and creating more inclusive story on the historic event.  Some significant accounts were left out, which does not paint a clear presentation of the freed slaves’ involvement in that historical occurrence.

 

Gloria Nix continues to uphold her grandfather’s legacy of being a provider to the community.  Dr. Glissman was one of the few pharmacists in the 1940s, 50,s and 60s who filled prescriptions for African Americans.  He was praised for his generosity, especially at such divisive times.  Ms. Nix serves as a historian of all things Washington County and Brenham, given her long history here.  She currently operates the Glissman’s Gift Gallery, which not only sells unique, one-of-a-kind gifts but also showcases how the pharmacy was laid out to serve as an auto shop as well as a pharmacy in those early years of the century.

 

Wheeler Peavy completed his third book, this one focusing on the Menifee family history.  This family is from Grimes County (Anderson).  These writings of this family history should be finished and sent to the publisher by April 2020.  This is a huge family.  Robert Menifee moved to Grimes County in 1820 from Knox, TN.  His enslaver was William Menifee.  Robert married Sara Bank in 1840 and had 12 children between 1850-1870.  This has produced 2800 descendants to date.  This book is over 760 pages detailing each family branch with a spreadsheet and family tree.  Some of these descendants are noted celebrities.  For example, one descendant is playing football for the Green Bay Packers.

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Charles Swenson, Tina Henderson, PhD, and Rob, Bubb, PhD have contributed to a manuscript on stories and topics ranging from the residents of Camptown Cemetery to events in the history of Brenham.  Their book, Voices of Camptown: Untold Stories from a Freedom Colony Cemetery  will be published by Stoney Creek Publishing in 2025, with presale orders to be announced as available.