Texas Genealogical Records

Texas Birth & Baptism Records

Texas Birth Certificates (1903-1935)

Digital images of almost 2.3 million birth certificates, which include name; date and place of birth; residence; gender; parents' names, race, age, birth place, occupation and other details.

Texas Birth Index (1903-1997)

An index to over 17 million births registered in Texas. The index includes the name of the child, its date of birth, gender, county of birth and parents' names.

Texas, Births and Christenings (1840-1981)

An index to over half a million birth and baptism records, which includes parents' names. The index can be used to locate original records, which may contain further information.

New Mexico and Texas Methodist Records (1870-1970)

An index and images to baptism, marriage, burial, membership and clergy from Methodist churches in New Mexico and West Texas.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Records (1875-1940)

An index to and images of Lutheran registers containing close to 3 million baptism, marriage and death records.

Texas Marriage & Divorce Records

Texas County Marriage Records (1837-1977)

An index to and images of over 185,000 various marriage records.

Texas Divorce Index (1968-2011)

An index to approximately 2.9 million divorces that were filed in Texas. It includes name and age of the husband and wife, number of children under 18, date of marriage and date and county of divorce.

Texas Marriages (1966-2010)

An index to 7.6 million marriages, including the name and age of the bride and groom, date and place of marriage and a reference to order the full marriage entry which will contain further details.

Texas Marriage Collection (1814-2011)

An index to over 8 million marriages, including names, ages and date and place of marriage. There is a gap in the index between 1909 and 1966.

Texas Marriages (1837-1973)

An index to 2.1 million marriages recorded in Texas. The index includes the name of the bride and groom and the date and place of marriage. It can be used to order marriage certificates, which will contain further details.

Texas Death & Burial Records

Texas Death Certificates (1903-1982)

An index to and digital images of over 4.8 million death certificates. They include details such as name, age date and place of birth, date and place of death, gender, race, address, cause of death, occupation, spouse's name, parents' names and birthplaces, place of burial and more.

Texas Deaths (1890-1976)

Images of documents recording deaths, delayed certificates, foreign deaths and probate obituaries. Records may include date and place of death, place of residence, gender, race, marital status, date and place of birth, occupations, parents names and more. Searchable by an index of over 4.5 million names.

Texas Deaths (1977-1986)

An index to and images of around 110,000 death certificates, including date and place of birth, particulars of parents, occupation, cause of death and more.

Texas Deaths and Burials (1903-1973)

Transcripts of over 260,000 death records, which may list name, gender, date and place of death and/or burial, age, date and place of birth, occupation, race, marital status and parents' names and birthplaces. Transcripts can be used to locate original records, which may contain further information.

Texas Death Index (1903-2000)

An index to 7.25 million deaths, including name, date and county of death, gender, marital status and a reference to order a full death certificate which will contain further details.

Texas Census & Population Lists

Texas Census & Substitutes Index (1820-1890)

An index of close to 80,000 names found in tax lists, federal censuses, slaves schedules and veteran schedules.

US WWII Old Man's Draft Registration (1942)

Records registering over 15 million men born between 1877 and 1897, including name, age, birth date and place, residence, employer, and physical description.

1940 United States Census (1940)

A name index and digital images of registers recording almost 135 million people living in the United States. The registers record age, place of birth, relationships, occupations and more.

1930 United States Census (1930)

An index to 125 million people living in the United States, linked to registers recording their age, place of birth, family relationships and more.

1920 United States Census (1920)

A name index and digital images of registers recording over 107 million people living in the United States. The registers record age, place of birth, relationships, occupations and more.

Newspapers Covering Texas

Houston Chronicle Obituaries (1901-1905)

This database is an index to obituaries from 1901 to 1905 found in the Houston Chronicle newspaper in Houston, Texas. Includes name, date of death, age at time of death, obituary date, and section and page number the obituary is found on.

Newspaper Archive: US (1753-Present)

Text-searchable editions of over 7,500 newspaper titles from the United States, containing 2 billion articles and over 100 million obituaries.

Newspapers.com (1728-Present)

A growing collection of text-searchable, digitalised newspapers from the United States of America. Contains thousands of titles and over 100 million pages.

Genealogy Bank Newspapers (1690-Present)

Text-searchable editions of and over 250 million obituaries and death notices extracted from over 7,500 United States newspaper titles.

US Quaker Periodicals (1828-1929)

This database contains digitized volumes of more than 60 Quaker publications, including some foreign-language periodicals. Names have been indexed from a variety of articles including births, marriage notices, obituaries, officers, missionaries, committee members, names of people who have moved, and other references to members of the Society of Friends.

Texas Wills & Probate Records

Texas Wills & Probate Records (1800-2000)

An index to and images of more than 100,000 wills and probate documents. They typically record details of the deceased's relatives; and sometimes describe real and personal property, sentiments, convictions, intended places of burial and more.

British Inheritance Disputes Index (1574-1714)

An index to almost 78,000 wills that were disputed. The index can lead you to documents that may shed a great deal of genealogical information as disputes often arose between siblings and cousins.

Genealogical Gleanings in England Vol. I (1400-1650)

Abstracts of English wills that are connected to early American families. In addition, it contains genealogical notes and pedigrees, maps, tabular charts, illustrations, and an index of 30,000 names as well as a fifty-one page index of places, with details of where many of the early families settled.

Genealogical Gleanings in England Vol. II (1400-1650)

Abstracts of English wills that are connected to early American families. In addition, it contains genealogical notes and pedigrees, maps, tabular charts, illustrations, and an index of 30,000 names as well as a fifty-one page index of places, with details of where many of the early families settled.

Texas Immigration & Travel Records

Eagle Pass, Texas Arrival Manifests (1905-1954)

An index and images to manifests that record people arriving at Eagle Pass. Includes details such as age, place of birth, residence and intended destination.

El Paso Manifests of Arrivals (1905-1927)

This collection contains Nonstatistical Manifests and Statistical Index Cards of Aliens arriving at El Paso, Texas.

Texas Naturalisation Records (1906-1989)

Images of documents recording persons seeking naturalisation in the state of Texas.

Galveston, Texas Jewish Immigration Records (1901-1917)

This collection contains records of Jewish immigrants who were received by the Jewish Immigration Information Bureau (JIIB) in Galveston, Texas.

Texas, Index Card Collections (1800-1900)

An index to biographical records and ship lists.

Texas Military Records

Texas World War I Records (1917-1920)

An index to and images of over 400,000 documents recording the service and decoration of Texas men who served in World War I.

Alabama, Texas and Virginia Confederate Pensions (1884-1958)

An index to and digital images of 220,000 pensions records for southern veterans. They may include length of residence, occupations, date and place of birth, military service particulars and more.

Confederate Citizens File (1861-1865)

An index to and images of hundreds-of-thousands of documents relating to goods furnished or services rendered the Confederate government by private individuals or business firms.

Camp Travis & Its Part in the War (1917-1918)

An index to the serviceman who served in Camp Travis TX during WWI. There over 19,000 individuals recording with the following information included: name, rank, unit staff and company.

Confederate Navy Subject File (1861-1865)

Naval records of the Confederate States relating to ships, personnel, government relationships, and history, during the Civil War era, although some Union records are included as well. Of particular interest are paymasters' vouchers, which list disbursements for supplies, equipment, transportation, and other services.

Texas Convict & Conduct Registers (1875-1945)

This database contains conduct registers and other records recording details about convicts in the Texas prison system.

Texas Court of Criminal Appeal Indexes (1892-1947)

This database contains a list of appellants and appellees involved in criminal court cases in the state of Texas.

US Southern Claims Commission Master Index (1871-1880)

An index and digital images of claims filed by residents of Southern states for reimbursement due to property damaged during The Civil War.

Bayland Orphan Home Records (1867-1948)

Details of around 1,6000 orphans of military servicemen who were cared for by am orphanage in Baytown, Texas.

Texas Memorials & Petitions (1834-1929)

This database contains petitions and similar correspondence made to the State of Texas. They include requests for action on civic matters and for aid.

Texas Taxation Records

Texas County Tax Rolls (1846-1910)

Images of rolls recording property owners, the extent of their land(s), their value and taxable rate. Searchable by a name index.

Texas Census & Substitutes Index (1820-1890)

An index of close to 80,000 names found in tax lists, federal censuses, slaves schedules and veteran schedules.

IRS Tax Assessment Lists (1862-1918)

An index to and digital images of registers recording 8.8 million instances of taxation. The records list the name of the person or business being taxed: their address and details tax assessed and paid.

Texas Land & Property Records

Texas County Tax Rolls (1846-1910)

Images of rolls recording property owners, the extent of their land(s), their value and taxable rate. Searchable by a name index.

Texas Land Title Abstracts (1700-2008)

A database containing over 440,000 abstracts of original land titles. Details may include grantee, patentee, date, volume, description/location, acreage, class and more.

US Southern Claims Commission Master Index (1871-1880)

An index and digital images of claims filed by residents of Southern states for reimbursement due to property damaged during The Civil War.

Disallowed Southern Claims Commission Claims (1871-1880)

An index to the names of over 15,000 people who made unsuccessful claims from reimbursement due to property damaged during The Civil War.

County Land Ownership Maps (1860-1918)

Various maps and documents listing and delineating around 7 million land plots and their owners. Searchable by a name index.

Texas Directories & Gazetteers

Albert Hanford's Texas State Register (1877)

A text index linked to digital images of a book that lists important information about the area and the names of its residents and businesses.

Names & PO Addresses of Farmers in Texas (1878)

A searchable book containing information relating to the area, its residents and businesses.

Thom's Official Directory of Great Britain & Ireland (1914)

A directory of the court, parliament, aristocracy, mayors, civil service, military, militia and banks in the British Empire.

US City Directories (1821-1989)

An index to around 1.5 billion names found in books containing list of citizens & businesses: their addresses and occupation or business. The index is linked to scanned images of the books, which may also contain local history, details of government bodies, officials and more.

The American Gazetteer (1798)

One of the earliest attempt to form a comprehensive dictionary of places in The Americas.

Texas Cemeteries

Texas Gravestones (1800-Present)

A growing database of over 80,000 gravestones, searchable by name and organised by cemetery.

US Veteran's Gravesites (1775-2008)

A database containing details of the burial of 7.6 million US military veterans. Entries may contain details of birth, next of kin and more.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

US Cemetery & Funeral Home Collection (1777-Present)

A growing collection of millions of funeral and cemetery record transcriptions, including obituaries and names of relatives.

US Cemetery Interment Control Forms (1928-1962)

This database contains cards recording details for members of the US Army interred in national cemeteries. May include details of next of kin, military service and other details.

Texas Obituaries

Newspaper Archive: US (1753-Present)

Text-searchable editions of over 7,500 newspaper titles from the United States, containing 2 billion articles and over 100 million obituaries.

US Cemetery & Funeral Home Collection (1777-Present)

A growing collection of millions of funeral and cemetery record transcriptions, including obituaries and names of relatives.

US Obituary Collection (1700-Present)

A growing database containing 10s of millions of abstract obituaries with a reference to the publication it occurred in and a link to the full obituary if available online.

Genealogy Bank Newspapers (1690-Present)

Text-searchable editions of and over 250 million obituaries and death notices extracted from over 7,500 United States newspaper titles.

Daily Obituary Digest (1995-Present)

A growing index to more than 16 million obituaries, citing name, age, residence and source publication.

Texas Histories & Books

Nacogdoches, Texas, Spanish & Mexican Records (1729-1836)

These records include Spanish colonial and Mexican national government correspondence, decrees, and reports; the correspondence and reports of military and political officials stationed in the Provincias Internas and, later, the State of Coahuila y Texas; records of the Department of Nacogdoches, 1830-1836; and municipal records of Nacogdoches and vicinity.

The American Gazetteer (1798)

One of the earliest attempt to form a comprehensive dictionary of places in The Americas.

Mary Evans Picture Library (2000 BC-Present)

A database of over 300,000 photos, etchings, engravings and other mediums depicting places and events in the British Isles and the rest of the world.

Ancestry Member Stories (6000 BC-Present)

Over 7 million remembrances and historic details submitted by Ancestry members. Useful for local historians.

Ancestry Member Photos & Documents (6000 BC-Present)

Over 60 million historic photographs and documents submitted to Ancestry. This rich collection contains many rare sources of interest to local historians and will be relevant to most genealogical research.

Texas School & Education Records

US School Yearbooks (1880-2012)

A growing index to over 300 million entries in middle school, junior high, high school, and college yearbooks linked to digital images of the yearbook pages. Yearbooks usually include name and photo, but may include biographical data, such as family relations, academic achievements and hobbies.

US School Yearbooks (1880-2012)

An index to and digital images of over 20,000 year books, listing details of schools, students and staff. Many contain photographs.

US School Catalogues (1765-1935)

A variety of publications listing names of students, faculty, alumni, and others associated with US universities, seminaries and theological institutes, normal schools, medical schools, academies, military schools, etc. Records include catalogues, obituary records and necrologies, class histories, speeches and addresses, commencement exercises, class reports, registers, prospectus, circulars, proceedings, annual reports, magazines and other documents.

High School Student Lists (1821-1923)

Digital images of a variety of publications listing the names of students, faculty, alumni, and others associated primarily with preparatory and similar schools, including academies, high schools, seminaries, reform schools, institutes, industrial schools, military academies, dance schools, grammar schools, Latin schools and others. Searchable by an index of around 650,000 names.

US College Student Lists (1763-1924)

Digital images of a variety of publications listing the names of college students, faculty, alumni, and others associated with places of learning. They include catalouges of students and officers, histories, biographical sketches, retrospectives, memorials, registers, anniversary books, annual reports, addresses and commencement exercises, alumni lists, lists of lectures and courses, board proceedings, catalogues of fraternity members, and other items.

Texas Occupation & Business Records

Confederate Citizens File (1861-1865)

An index to and images of hundreds-of-thousands of documents relating to goods furnished or services rendered the Confederate government by private individuals or business firms.

US Crew Lists and Manifests (1890-1963)

Digital images of crew lists for ships arriving in Maine, Washington, Massachusetts, Georgia, South Carolina, Illinois, Texas, South Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Wisconsin, Alaska, Louisiana, Florida, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, California, Georgia and Puerto Rico.

Texas Prison Employee Ledgers (1861-1938)

Payrolls for employees who worked in the Texas State Penitentiary System, including guards, physicians, sergeants and others; and guard ledgers, with details on guards' service and discharge records.

Names & PO Addresses of Farmers in Texas (1878)

A searchable book containing information relating to the area, its residents and businesses.

Texas Bonds and Oaths of Office (1846-1920)

An index to and images of various documents recording oaths of office taken by Texas officials.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Texas

Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage Books (1620-1938)

Pedigrees of women who were descendants of one or more servicemen of The American Revolutionary War. Contains 100,000s of names.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Colonial Families in the US (1600-1920)

Genealogical charts, and coats of arms where appropriate, of prominent families in America's early history.

Ancestry Member Family Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A compilation of lineage-linked family trees submitted by Ancestry users. The database contains over 2 billion individuals and is searchable by numerous metrics.

Spanish-American Family History Guide (1514-1990)

Detailed guides for researchers with Spanish-American ancestors. It includes biographies and genealogical charts for over 700 noted Spanish-American families.

Texas Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

History of England Society & Government (56 BC-1867)

A lengthy history of England detailing the country's connection to the U.S.A. Includes much detail on royalty, nobility and other historical figures of note.

Texas Church Records

New Mexico and Texas Methodist Records (1870-1970)

An index and images to baptism, marriage, burial, membership and clergy from Methodist churches in New Mexico and West Texas.

US Quaker Meeting Records (1681-1935)

An index to and digital images of documents recording almost 6 million names. They include registers of births, marriages and deaths; lists of members; movement of members between congregations; records of discipline; disownment; burials and more.

US Quaker Periodicals (1828-1929)

This database contains digitized volumes of more than 60 Quaker publications, including some foreign-language periodicals. Names have been indexed from a variety of articles including births, marriage notices, obituaries, officers, missionaries, committee members, names of people who have moved, and other references to members of the Society of Friends.

Index to Quaker Records (1680-1940)

An index to close to 900,000 names occurring in Quaker meeting records. These cover items such as discipline, admittance, movement between meetings, some vital events and much more.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Records (1875-1940)

An index to and images of Lutheran registers containing close to 3 million baptism, marriage and death records.

Biographical Directories Covering Texas

Texas, Index Card Collections (1800-1900)

An index to biographical records and ship lists.

Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans (1904)

A ten volume work containing close to 20,000 biographies of notable Americans.

American Biographical Library (1774-1949)

Over 75,000 biographies covering congressmen, women, military and other notable individuals.

Biography & Genealogy Master Index (1600-Present)

An index to millions of biographies, listing names, dates of birth and death and the biography's source publication.

Spanish-American Family History Guide (1514-1990)

Detailed guides for researchers with Spanish-American ancestors. It includes biographies and genealogical charts for over 700 noted Spanish-American families.

Texas Maps

US Enumeration District Maps & Descriptions (1940)

Maps recording districts used to allot areas in which census takers would operate. Searchable by street name and more.

County Land Ownership Maps (1860-1918)

Various maps and documents listing and delineating around 7 million land plots and their owners. Searchable by a name index.

Historic Land Ownership and Reference Atlases (1507-2000)

This database is a collection of maps and atlases detailing land areas that comprise the present-day United States and Canada, as well as various other parts of the world.

Old Maps Online (1497-2010)

An interactive index to thousands of maps covering the world, continents, countries and regions. The majority of maps cover Britain and Ireland.

Civil War Maps (1861-1865)

A collection of around 2,000 reconnaissance, sketch, and theater-of-war maps.

Texas Reference Works

Periodical Source Index (1825-Present)

An index to over 2.7 million articles published in various genealogical, historical and ethnographic publications.

US Free Genealogical Data Search Engine (1513-Present)

A search engine that covers over 2.5 million pages of vital records, family trees, biographies and other genealogical resources.

A Guide to the NARA Field Branches (1988)

Details of record collections held by numerous sub-branches of The National Archives.

Spanish-American Family History Guide (1514-1990)

Detailed guides for researchers with Spanish-American ancestors. It includes biographies and genealogical charts for over 700 noted Spanish-American families.

US Family Historian's Address Book (1997)

A directory of bodies that hold important collections of genealogical and historical records, ordered by state. As it was published in 1997, some contact details may be out of date, but the organizations' names can be used to locate updated information.

Historical Description

TEXAS was formerly one of the Mexican possessions, though a distant province; being, as was generally admitted, one of the many conquests of Fernando Cortes, in the sixteenth century. At the period of its subjugation, it was inhabited by savages of the worst description. Prior to the year 1690, a French colony occupied a small district; but they were subsequently driven out by the Spaniards, under whose jurisdiction the country remained, with tew or no intervals of agitation, sunk in the obscurity and lethargy of despotism until the abdication of Charles VI. of Spain, in 1808. At this time, the people of Mexico began to assert their claim to the privilege of self-government; and in 1810. an open rebellion against the European authorities ensued. In 1813, a national Congress issued a declaration of independence; but a civil war raged for several years among various parties, upon the question as to what form of government should be established. At one time, the imperial party prevailed, and Mexico became an empire. This continued but for a brief period; a new system, organized like that of the United States, was adopted, and Mexico became a federal republic, Texas constituting an integral member. A series of revolutions succeeded, during which Texas separated itself from the confederation, achieved its independence by the battle of San Jacinto, in 1836, and erected itself into a distinct republic. A constitution was formed in the same year, and the first elections under the same were held forthwith. In 1845, after a prolonged controversy, Texas was annexed to the United States, and admitted into union therewith, by a joint resolution of both houses of Congress, ratified by the Texan people.

Boundaries and Extent

This state is bounded on the north by portions of New Mexico, Nebraska, and the Indian Territory; on the east by the Indian Territory, and by the State of Louisiana, from the latter of which it is partially separated by the River Sabine; on the southeast and south by the Gulf of Mexico; on the south-west by the River Bravo del Norte, dividing it from the Mexican possessions; and on the west by the same, and by New Mexico. It lies between 26° and 36° 30' north latitude, and extends from 94° to 105° west longitude. It is of very irregular form, and is computed to contain about 237,320 square miles; a portion of the original area claimed by Texas, when a republic, having been set off by Congress, at the time of its admission as a state, in the formation of the Territory of New Mexico.

Government

The existing constitution of the state guaranties the right of suffrage to every free white male, 21 years of age, after a residence of one year in the state, and six months in the district where voting. The executive officers, who can serve but four out of any six years, are elected for terms of two years by a plurality of the popular vote. The secretary of state, treasurer, and comptroller are chosen also for two years, by the legislature in joint ballot. Senators are chosen for four years, one half the number retiring from office every two years; the whole number not to be less than 19, nor more than 33. Representatives, not to exceed 90 nor fall short of 45 in number, are elected biennially; and the sessions of the legislature are held at like intervals. Persons concerned in duels are disqualified from holding office. Grants of money for internal improvements, &c., cannot be made without the sanction of two thirds of both houses. The laws are to be revised once in every ten years. Homesteads are exempted from forced sales for debt. The real and personal property of a wife is protected from seizure for the payment of the husband’s debts. Corporations are not to be created with banking powers. The state cannot subscribe for stock in private corporations, nor borrow money, nor contract debts in time of peace to an amount exceeding $100,000, unless by a two thirds vote of the legislature. No law for the emancipation of slaves can be passed, without consent of owners, and the payment of full compensation. The introduction of slaves as merchandise may be prohibited. Owners of slaves may be compelled by law to treat them with care and kindness; and in cases of refusal or neglect, the slaves may be taken and sold for account of the owners. Slaves may have a trial by jury when charged with crimes greater than petit larceny, and are protected against abuse or loss of life equally with the whites, excepting when engaged in a revolt.

Judiciary

The Supreme Court comprises a chief justice and two associates, appointed for six years, who hold sessions annually, between June and October, in not more than three places within the state. It has appellate jurisdiction, but is under legislative control in criminal cases and appeals from interlocutory judgments. The District Courts are eleven in number, each having its local judge, appointed for six years, and holding sessions semiannually. They have original jurisdiction in criminal cases, and in suits involving $100 and upwards. If punishments in cases of crime be not specifically defined by law, they are to be determined by the jury. In equity causes, each party has a right to demand a jury. Judges are nominated by the executive, and confirmed by a two thirds vote of the Senate.

Education

The nucleus of a school fund has been formed, by a constitutional provision, requiring the reservation of ten per cent of the annual state revenue derived from taxation, as a permanent fund for the maintenance of free public schools. Public lands granted for school purposes cannot be leased for longer terms than 20 years, nor alienated in fee. The important subject of education has, however, as yet, occupied no great share of the public mind. Some schools, of tolerable repute, are supported in the most populous settlements; and a late writer asserts that there are, also, some colleges in the state; but this report is scarcely sanctioned by any collateral authority. It is supposed, nevertheless, that the state contains fewer free persons over 20 years of age, who can neither read nor write, in proportion to the whole population, than any other of the Southern States of the Union.

Finances. Texas is burdened with a heavy public debt, partly entailed upon the state by the late republic. The ostensible amount of its liabilities, in December, 1849, as reported by the auditor and comptroller, was upwards of $11,000,000, the par value of which is rated at about one half that sum. The revenues of the state were estimated at $110,000, consisting of a tax of $92,000 upon real and personal property, valued at $46,000,000, and a poll tax amounting to $18,000. The average annual expenditures of the state may be set down at $ 100,000.

Surface, Soil, &c.-The appearance of the surface of the country is described as that of a vast inclined plane, gradually sloping from the mountainous elevations in the west, towards the sea-coast on the south-east, and intersected by multitudes of streams, flowing in a southeasterly direction. It may be considered as comprehending three several divisions, each differing in some respects from the others. The first, commencing at the sea-coast, and extending inland from 50 to 100 miles, is a level and exceedingly fertile region, with a rich alluvial soil, exempt from those stagnant quagmires and lagoons which usually characterize the shores of the Southern States, beautifully wooded on the river borders, and abounding with extensive pasture lands, covered with an exuberant growth of native grasses and herbage. The next is a region of greater extent, presenting an undulating surface, composed chiefly of grassy prairies, interspersed with compactly timbered forests. The soil here rests upon a substratum of limestone and sandstone, and is of excellent quality. The third and loftiest region, situated among or near the great chain known as the Mexican Alps, consists partly of tracts of productive table land; but the mountain sides are also prolific in almost every variety of trees and shrubbery, while the intervening valleys, enclosing rich bottom lands, are extraordinarily fruitful, capable of repaying the toil of the husbandman a hundred fold. Indeed, the entire area of this immense state may be said to present, naturally, one of the most admirable countries on earth for agricultural purposes. The state is well wooded throughout. Among the trees most common are live oak of superior quality, other descriptions of oak, hickory, elm, walnut, sycamore, many varieties of acacia, cypress, caoutchouc, &c. The uplands also produce ample supplies of cedar, pine, and similar forest-trees. Fruits and garden vegetables, of every desirable sort, are cultivated with great ease and success. Peaches, melons, grapes, and other fruits known in temperate climates, are raised in profusion; and figs, oranges, lemons, dates, pineapples, olives, and other tropical fruits abound in the southern parts of the state. The products of the field consist of cotton, (the great staple,) maize, wheat, rye, barley, and other grains, the sugar-cane, potatoes of each kind, &c. Rice and tobacco are grown to some extent in different quarters; and among the indigenous plants are indigo, vanilla, sarsaparilla, and many medicinal shrubs. As a grazing country, Texas is exceeded by few or none of her sister states. Vast numbers of cattle, horses, mules, sheep, and swine are raised upon the prairie lands, receiving or requiring but little human care. Buffaloes and wild horses range the prairies in immense droves; and the deer, the bear, and other game, are every where abundant.

Rivers

In addition to the rivers which form portions of the state boundary, the chief streams are the Neches, Trinity, Brazos, Colorado, San Antonio, Guadaloupe, and Nueces, with their countless tributaries, all flowing towards, and ultimately emptying into, the Gulf of Mexico, after passing generally through the estuaries so numerous along that coast. These bays, being commonly obstructed by sand bars or narrow strips of land, do not afford convenient harbors, except for vessels of small draught. Steamboats drawing 12 feet of water can enter and ascend the Sabine; and the Rivers Neches, Trinidad, and Brazos are navigable, for similar craft, from 50 to 300 miles. The San Antonio and Nueces afford no navigation of importance; and the Colorado, though a fine stream, is obstructed near its mouth by a large raft, which in course of time will probably be removed, when vessels may pass up to Austin, the state capital, 220 miles from the gulf. The Rio Grande del Norte, on the south-western border, is a noble stream of some 1800 miles in length, and is already becoming a great commercial channel, though occasionally impeded by shoals and rapids.

Internal Improvements

Although admitting of unbounded improvements in facilities for internal intercourse, Texas can as yet boast of very few such advantages in the shape of railroads or canals. A railway, to connect Galveston Bay with the River Brazos, through Houston and Harrisburg, is in progress, and the iron for 30 miles of the route is already provided.

Another is in contemplation, to extend from San Antonio to the Gulf of Mexico. A canal from Galveston Bay to Brazos is also in course of construction.

Minerals

Silver mines formerly existed in the north-west part of the possessions of the late republic, but no deposits of that metal have been discovered within the limits of the present state. Excellent coal, and iron ore, abound in most of the inland districts. There are great quantities of nitre in the eastern quarter; there are multitudes of salt springs and lakes, from which large supplies of salt are procured; and bitumen is found in various localities. In all parts of the state except the low alluvial region, there is plenty of granite, limestone, gypsum, &c.

Manufactures

Nothing of great public importance has yet been effected in this branch of industry. Thus far the labors of the inhabitants have been principally confined to pursuits connected with agriculture, and to the preparation of their products for market as raw material. Few or no articles for exportation have as yet been fabricated in the state.

Indians,-The territory and its neighborhood is still infested by hordes or remnants of tribes of savages, most of whom subsist by predatory incursions, often of the most destructive and sanguinary character. Efforts are in constant progress to reduce these marauders, by various methods, to a state of comparative peace and amity; but until the country shall have become more densely peopled, this desirable result will not probably be effected.

Population

The civilized inhabitants of Texas comprise emigrants from all the other states of the Union, besides the descendants of the original Spanish settlers, and persons in whom Mexican and Indian blood is blended. The former class, in all probability, compose a majority of the present population, which, by the census of 1850, was as follows: Whites, 154,100; free colored, 331; slaves, 58,161;-total, 212,592.

Climate

Texas is represented usually, by those who have travelled or resided in it, as possessing a delightful climate; and as being remarkably healthy in every part, with few exceptions at particular seasons. The wet and dry seasons, as in California, constitute the winter and summer. The former commences in December, and continues until March; the residue of the year, which is the dry season, comprehends spring, summer, and autumn. Severe cold weather never marks the winter season, and snow is very uncommon, except upon the mountain peaks. The heat of summer, although intense, is greatly modified by the regular and brisk breezes which prevail daily from sunrise until about 3 o’clock, P. M.; and throughout the year, the nights are said to be invariably cool. Between April and September, the temperature varies from 63° to 100° Fahrenheit, the average range at noon being about 83°. In summer, intermittent fevers are commonly prevalent in the low lands upon the Gulf coast, though rarely assuming an epidemic character.

Religion

Among the descendants of the earliest settlers, the Roman Catholic is of course the prevailing religion, as in New Mexico. But since the revolution, which resulted in the severance of Texas from Mexican sway, other Christian denominations, of almost every class and name known in the older states of the Union, have multiplied and flourished; and the cathedrals erected by the devotees of the pope are now vastly outnumbered by the churches and other houses of worship occupied by Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, &c.

A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States (1854) by Thomas Baldwin

Most Common Surnames in Texas

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in United States
1Smith240,5991:1218.34%1
2Garcia240,3331:12126.55%10
3Rodriguez210,7651:13824.67%14
4Johnson189,6471:1538.64%2
5Williams186,9361:1559.74%3
6Hernandez182,2331:15925.59%23
7Jones159,6121:1829.60%5
8Brown146,3341:1988.24%4
9Gonzalez145,9701:19923.45%29
10Lopez136,2091:21320.51%24
11Garza121,3171:23973.41%219
12Perez115,4841:25121.66%40
13Ramirez106,7951:27225.88%52
14Jackson91,3331:31810.99%16
15Miller89,8681:3236.60%7
16Moore89,0541:32610.34%13
17Wilson87,5681:3318.99%9
18Taylor87,2241:3339.73%11
19Thomas81,3291:3579.33%12
20Gonzales80,8821:35933.76%118
21Torres78,5431:36921.94%65
22Martin74,5581:3899.10%17
23Anderson73,3591:3957.23%8
24White73,1291:3979.01%18
25Harris72,5671:4009.43%21
26Thompson69,7271:4168.84%20
27Nguyen67,3291:43116.68%53
28Reyes65,0381:44623.63%96
29Lewis63,1871:4599.79%25
30Gomez63,0921:46021.46%82
31Lee62,4121:4657.45%15
32Castillo62,0091:46830.94%155
33Allen60,4761:4809.69%28
34Clark57,1991:5077.94%22
35Gutierrez56,0331:51824.54%126
36Green55,0041:52710.23%37
37Young52,1051:5578.68%31
38Robinson51,5671:5638.20%27
39Moreno51,4251:56429.96%205
40Hall51,3731:5658.29%30
41Scott51,3421:5659.57%38
42Wright51,2071:5669.21%33
43Morales50,8441:57120.48%112
44King50,7911:5719.05%32
45Rivera49,2331:58914.46%68
46Adams48,9901:5928.83%34
47Ortiz48,3041:60119.55%113
48Cruz47,9961:60417.22%93
49Ramos47,5701:61020.81%125
50Trevino45,9961:63171.86%656
51Salazar45,6391:63633.17%266
52Mendoza45,4591:63823.59%164
53Salinas45,3721:63957.17%509
54Baker45,1831:6428.37%36
55Roberts44,9071:6469.49%43
56Pena44,5031:65235.07%285
57Turner43,4791:66710.15%48
58Ruiz43,3501:66920.68%141
59Diaz43,2491:67114.77%85
60Carter43,1171:6738.88%42
61Herrera42,4021:68425.70%220
62Phillips41,7211:6959.49%47
63Chavez40,5631:71519.94%150
64Villarreal40,3201:71965.97%689
65Evans40,2581:7218.87%46
66Cantu40,1751:72274.89%797
67Rogers38,3461:7569.95%57
68Campbell37,6281:7717.64%41
69Stewart37,0581:7839.22%54
70Aguilar36,8041:78825.66%249
71Valdez36,4001:79730.07%300
72Alvarez36,3771:79718.97%167
73Nelson36,1051:8036.73%39
74Guerrero35,3351:82131.39%328
75Bell35,0911:8279.72%62
76Morgan34,9351:8309.59%60
77Cox34,9321:83010.17%67
78Reed33,6011:8639.67%66
79Cook33,5841:8648.49%56
80Medina32,6061:89019.67%218
81Watson32,4661:89310.17%76
82Cooper31,9921:9078.79%61
83Sanders31,9071:90911.39%90
84Munoz31,8781:91024.16%281
85Richardson31,8191:91210.14%77
86Jimenez31,4651:92218.29%204
87Guerra31,3321:92643.26%553
88Bailey31,2721:9288.73%64
89Rios31,1641:93128.66%346
90Alexander30,2641:95811.55%101
91Howard29,9051:9708.98%70
92Brooks29,8921:9709.13%73
93Castro29,5011:98318.24%223
94Gray29,1471:9959.08%75
95Wood28,9961:1,0008.63%69
96Luna28,6861:1,01129.89%408
97Price27,8811:1,0409.56%86
98Ward27,5691:1,0528.35%71
99Foster27,5211:1,0549.36%81
100Deleon27,4591:1,05638.68%573
101Contreras27,2471:1,06526.03%364
102Mendez26,8671:1,08021.46%290
103Hughes26,7521:1,0848.78%78
104James26,6121:1,0908.83%79
105Washington26,3001:1,10312.82%146
106Tran26,2911:1,10314.92%194
107Estrada26,2891:1,10324.41%352
108Delgado26,2841:1,10422.23%305
109Guzman26,2121:1,10719.66%275
110Romero26,1011:1,11114.39%181
111Vargas25,5391:1,13617.58%246
112Cortez25,4871:1,13828.17%438
113Simmons25,3081:1,1469.93%106
114Coleman25,2471:1,1499.04%92
115Hamilton25,1221:1,1559.65%102
116Soto25,1141:1,15520.05%289
117Wallace25,0901:1,1569.89%110
118Ross24,9621:1,1628.46%80
119Griffin24,8891:1,1659.84%111
120Harrison24,6861:1,17510.44%120
121Butler24,6391:1,1778.70%88
122Solis24,5631:1,18136.25%615
123Patterson24,3651:1,1919.56%107
124Russell24,3221:1,1938.79%95
125Murphy24,2741:1,1956.31%58
126Jordan24,2141:1,1989.54%108
127Dominguez24,1491:1,20124.74%399
128West24,1361:1,2029.41%104
129Bennett24,0491:1,2067.40%74
130McDonald23,8881:1,21410.19%122
131Espinoza23,4501:1,23725.65%433
132Barnes23,4381:1,2388.36%89
133Ellis23,3181:1,2449.53%115
134Ford23,2391:1,2489.86%121
135Jenkins22,7301:1,2768.29%100
136Ortega22,2981:1,30120.60%349
137Lozano22,2841:1,30240.29%773
138Lara22,2221:1,30531.40%576
139Perry21,9321:1,3237.98%98
140Bryant21,6571:1,3398.93%116
141Owens21,6511:1,3409.51%127
142Robertson21,5161:1,34811.16%163
143Sandoval21,4931:1,35019.54%338
144Reyna21,4171:1,35459.51%1,222
145Patel21,2291:1,3669.18%123
146Stephens21,2001:1,36811.56%180
147Webb21,1661:1,3709.99%137
148Gibson21,0781:1,3768.79%117
149Reynolds20,9861:1,3828.21%105
150Juarez20,7821:1,39629.77%589
151Cole20,7321:1,3998.17%109
152Henry20,7201:1,4009.85%138
153Campos20,7111:1,40125.29%492
153Freeman20,7111:1,4019.57%133
155Molina20,6611:1,40424.06%469
156Warren20,5861:1,40910.68%165
157Saenz20,5331:1,41353.31%1,144
158Boyd20,5131:1,41410.20%154
159Woods20,4221:1,4209.25%132
160Rangel20,3991:1,42241.35%871
161Wells20,1981:1,4369.08%130
162Marshall20,1941:1,4368.87%128
163Fisher20,1341:1,4417.27%94
164Martinez19,9981:1,4512.48%19
164Shaw19,9981:1,4519.58%143
166Ray19,8261:1,46311.47%202
167Hinojosa19,6591:1,47666.87%1,525
168Aguirre19,6561:1,47628.19%591
169Acosta19,5921:1,48120.59%413
170Tucker19,5681:1,4829.33%140
171Galvan19,3621:1,49842.68%946
172Davis19,3501:1,4991.38%6
173Hicks19,2391:1,5089.78%161
174Hawkins19,2031:1,51110.59%182
175Leal19,1201:1,51749.24%1,132
176Vega19,0691:1,52118.24%365
177Cardenas19,0601:1,52229.16%642
178Myers19,0351:1,5246.49%84
179Fuentes19,0101:1,52627.24%590
180Burns18,8301:1,5418.50%131
181Garrett18,5991:1,56012.98%250
182Black18,5931:1,5609.05%145
183Hunter18,2801:1,5879.23%158
184Ferguson18,1531:1,5989.44%166
185Franklin18,1161:1,60112.04%238
186Armstrong18,0561:1,60710.27%196
187Simpson18,0171:1,6108.85%149
188Stone17,9961:1,6129.05%157
189Mata17,8841:1,62242.08%1,024
190Kennedy17,8611:1,6247.86%129
191Stevens17,8181:1,6287.53%119
192Kelley17,8051:1,6299.87%185
193Nichols17,7361:1,6369.54%177
194Peterson17,7271:1,6364.85%59
195Porter17,7211:1,6378.79%153
196Berry17,5311:1,6559.91%192
197Vela17,5131:1,65661.27%1,582
198Sims17,3901:1,66812.58%264
199Willis17,1761:1,68910.33%216
200Hayes17,1371:1,6936.96%114
RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in United States
1Smith21,6281:743.43%1
2Williams18,0441:885.64%4
3Johnson16,7781:954.38%2
4Jones14,9481:1074.70%5
5Brown12,2861:1303.46%3
6Davis10,7861:1484.25%7
7Jackson8,7381:1825.93%14
8Moore7,7361:2064.84%12
9Taylor7,4971:2134.42%9
10Wilson7,4021:2153.94%8
11Miller6,6201:2412.36%6
12Harris6,5391:2445.09%18
13White6,2681:2543.88%11
14Thompson6,2531:2553.97%13
15Thomas6,0441:2644.13%16
16Walker6,0311:2645.13%23
17Anderson5,5591:2873.81%17
18Allen5,1951:3074.31%21
19Martin5,0471:3163.43%15
20Green4,8951:3264.02%19
21Hill4,8261:3304.57%28
22Clark4,7111:3382.82%10
23Lewis4,6261:3453.90%22
24Scott4,4401:3594.25%29
25King4,3531:3664.11%27
26Wright4,1671:3833.90%26
27Lee4,0141:3974.86%35
28Adams3,9641:4024.07%31
29Turner3,9481:4045.00%40
30Hall3,8691:4123.19%20
31Robinson3,7441:4263.61%30
32Young3,7361:4273.24%24
33Roberts3,6951:4314.62%39
34Carter3,6631:4354.46%36
35Garcia3,4461:46336.17%661
36Baker3,3831:4713.04%25
37Morris3,2631:4884.68%46
38Parker3,2161:4964.00%37
39Bell3,1411:5074.72%51
40Washington3,0651:5208.03%126
41Henderson3,0571:5216.09%77
42Cox3,0501:5235.09%57
43Edwards3,0261:5274.62%52
44Evans3,0251:5274.11%43
45Cook2,9801:5353.40%33
46Rogers2,8781:5544.60%55
47Wood2,8631:5573.58%38
48Campbell2,8491:5593.31%34
49Watson2,8051:5684.75%63
50Alexander2,6851:5946.28%105
51Collins2,6541:6013.49%41
52Richardson2,6041:6124.45%64
53Price2,5921:6154.71%67
54Stewart2,5801:6183.61%45
55Harrison2,5391:6285.78%100
56Reed2,5371:6283.37%42
57Ward2,4911:6403.73%50
58Mitchell2,4771:6433.88%54
59Cooper2,4721:6454.14%60
60Phillips2,4121:6614.03%59
61Sanders2,4091:6625.67%108
62Howard2,3961:6653.87%56
63Brooks2,3871:6684.35%68
64Garza2,3631:67599.92%2,669
64Gonzales2,3631:67541.79%1,137
66Foster2,3201:6873.91%62
67Robertson2,3181:6886.44%142
68Morgan2,2821:6983.55%53
69Ross2,1921:7274.37%76
70James2,1571:7394.35%78
71Gray2,1531:7403.62%61
72Wallace2,1141:7544.72%97
73Gibson2,0491:7784.96%111
74Hamilton2,0461:7794.19%80
75Long2,0041:7953.34%58
76Griffin1,9901:8014.46%98
77Crawford1,9791:8054.95%117
78Simmons1,9321:8254.98%123
79Woods1,8861:8455.11%134
80West1,8851:8464.08%90
81Coleman1,8831:8464.09%93
82Perry1,8591:8574.00%87
83Patterson1,8561:8593.68%75
84Nelson1,8541:8602.68%47
85Ellis1,8321:8704.05%94
86Tucker1,8281:8724.76%124
87Warren1,8151:8785.04%143
88McDonald1,8061:8833.46%72
89Owens1,7921:8895.19%150
90Ford1,7901:8903.97%96
91Black1,7881:8914.58%121
92Murphy1,7801:8951.88%32
93Henry1,7781:8964.18%107
94Cole1,7771:8973.42%73
95Kelly1,7471:9122.40%44
96Webb1,7421:9154.81%141
97Franklin1,7341:9197.26%220
98Bailey1,7191:9273.12%66
99Wells1,7071:9343.71%92
100Hunter1,6901:9434.13%113
101Armstrong1,6751:9524.42%129
102Simpson1,6671:9564.37%127
102Porter1,6671:9563.69%95
104Butler1,6621:9593.16%71
104Shaw1,6621:9593.83%103
106Powell1,6361:9743.83%106
107Fisher1,6251:9812.43%49
108Stephens1,6161:9865.18%165
109Graham1,6111:9893.47%88
110Bryant1,6071:9924.59%147
111Russell1,5821:1,0083.39%86
112Hawkins1,5791:1,0094.66%153
113Boyd1,5461:1,0314.34%144
114Berry1,5451:1,0324.19%135
115Jordan1,5361:1,0384.56%156
116Barnes1,5291:1,0423.24%83
117Bennett1,5171:1,0512.85%70
118Perkins1,5121:1,0544.15%139
119Garrett1,5061:1,0588.15%298
120Sims1,5051:1,0598.33%313
121Lane1,5041:1,0604.25%145
122Hughes1,4871:1,0723.21%89
123Ray1,4811:1,0765.02%170
124Martinez1,4741:1,08129.68%1,308
125Mathews1,4311:1,1144.86%171
126Payne1,4201:1,1224.99%180
127Oliver1,4181:1,1245.81%216
128Hart1,3951:1,1433.40%112
129Stone1,3911:1,1463.47%116
130Daniels1,3531:1,1786.78%271
131Hudson1,3471:1,1834.85%190
131Mills1,3471:1,1833.68%138
133Jenkins1,3421:1,1883.02%99
133Flores1,3421:1,18867.47%3,117
135Williamson1,3411:1,1894.60%172
136Johnston1,3391:1,1903.45%122
137Arnold1,3381:1,1913.69%140
138Burns1,3231:1,2052.57%74
139Hunt1,3101:1,2173.02%102
140Nichols1,3091:1,2183.74%146
141Freeman1,3081:1,2193.76%148
142Andrews1,2911:1,2353.81%154
143Marshall1,2901:1,2363.36%125
144Montgomery1,2731:1,2524.94%199
145Duncan1,2501:1,2754.46%186
146Graves1,2411:1,2845.07%213
147Hicks1,2401:1,2854.13%168
148Reynolds1,2281:1,2982.53%81
149Pierce1,2271:1,2993.32%133
150Mason1,2231:1,3032.81%101
151Fields1,2131:1,3146.02%264
152Willis1,2041:1,3244.31%188
153Chapman1,2031:1,3253.50%151
154Roberson1,1951:1,3347.08%341
155Love1,1781:1,3536.58%317
156Harper1,1691:1,3634.33%192
157Stevens1,1661:1,3672.50%85
157Spencer1,1661:1,3673.45%155
159Grant1,1591:1,3753.64%161
160Terry1,1321:1,4086.70%339
161Holland1,1271:1,4144.42%202
162Burton1,1091:1,4374.60%218
163Weaver1,0991:1,4502.97%131
164Riley1,0921:1,4602.53%104
165Reeves1,0841:1,4706.71%365
166Dunn1,0801:1,4762.57%109
167Davidson1,0781:1,4794.35%211
168Elliott1,0771:1,4803.78%180
169Kennedy1,0751:1,4832.65%114
170McDaniel1,0711:1,4886.40%344
171Shelton1,0671:1,4946.91%385
172Rice1,0661:1,4952.31%91
173Hodges1,0591:1,5057.73%440
174Hernandez1,0521:1,51560.22%3,508
175Fuller1,0511:1,5173.17%157
176Wade1,0451:1,5254.70%239
177Wheeler1,0441:1,5272.66%120
178Rodriguez1,0301:1,54753.48%3,204
179Dean1,0211:1,5613.67%189
179Lopez1,0211:1,56123.82%1,519
181Myers1,0201:1,5631.76%65
182Neal1,0191:1,5645.59%306
183Day1,0131:1,5733.21%163
184Banks1,0101:1,5784.78%248
185Chambers1,0091:1,5804.66%243
186May1,0071:1,5833.86%194
187Houston1,0061:1,5848.95%556
188Saunders1,0051:1,5865.86%333
189Fowler1,0041:1,5883.86%196
189Knight1,0041:1,5883.58%185
191Carr9911:1,6082.90%152
192Hale9781:1,6304.65%251
193Bates9741:1,6363.73%195
194Austin9691:1,6453.41%182
195Barnett9641:1,6535.10%289
196McKinney9581:1,6647.19%457
197Garner9571:1,6666.87%431
198George9541:1,6714.03%222
199Hays9511:1,6763.84%212
200Rodgers9501:1,6784.12%231