Mayor Becky Haas Continues Henry Cason's Story

I thought it only proper that my last Mayor Message of this month elaborate on an Instagram message that I am so thankful to have received about a website called Access Genealogy which had a biographical sketch of Henry Cason. I learned that Henry Cason was a slave belonging to Captain Randle Jones.

Henry Cason was born in North Carolina but didn’t remember what year that was. He was “owned” by Joseph Thompson who brought him to Texas in 1832.  Shortly thereafter he was “bought” by Captain Randle Jones.

Here are bullet points of what Mr. Cason remembered:

- When the Mexicans came and what they looked like.

- Deaf Smith, when he died at Captain Jones’ home and for a long time he knew where his grave was.

- The steamboat “Yellowstone” when it passed Thompson’s Ferry traveling very fast. The captain had the steamboat at full speed when he discovered the Mexicans were around it. As the boat was making the turn of the bend, it hit the bank several times and turned completely around. The Mexicans were racing across the bend to cut off the steamship and trying to capture it in Richmond and he could hear them shooting rapidly.

- General Houston, after his return from New Orleans, stayed at Captain Jones’ house for several weeks, having suffered from a wounded leg.

This bit of information has only intrigued me further to find out more about Henry Cason’s life. I wonder what he would think about a person living in 2023, who would be so interested in him and his life. I’m here to tell you that I am and will not stop trying to find out more and more.

Well, Richmond, with March and spring just around the corner, I’ll be thinking about what I want to plant in my flowerbeds and garden! And I will be visiting the first Friday events next weekend, Richmond Farmers Market and the Minions- Rise of Gru movie at Wessendorff park. Join me to support local and free family fun at the movies!