Pioneer farmer, politician, and judge (1804-1850) best remembered for his role in the ‘Come and take it’ cannon incident and for rallying local men to defend the Alamo in 1836. ADS, one page, 8 x 2.75, September 13, 1835. A handwritten payment receipt by Andrew Ponton, which reads: “Received of James George Six Dollars 62 ½ cts...for two Deeds for...Lots of the Town of Gonzalez.” Signed at the conclusion by Ponton. In fine condition.
James George (born 1892) was an Alamo defender who, at the time of the Texas Revolution, was a resident of Gonzales and was married to Elizabeth Dearduff, the sister of Alamo defender William Dearduff. In the fall of 1835, a yoke of oxen and a set of gearing owned by George was pressed into service to haul the famous Gonzales ‘Come and Take It’ cannon. George rode to the Alamo with the relief force from Gonzales and arrived on March 1, 1836, dying at the battle five days later on March 6th.
Born in Virginia to William and Isabella (Mooreland) Ponton, Andrew Ponton (1804-1850) came to Texas in December 1829 and settled in Green DeWitt's colony, receiving a land grant near Hallettsville. He became active in area politics, and in 1834 he was named alcalde, or mayor, of the municipality of Gonzales.
In September of the following year, after the community began to experience political unrest as a result of differences with the Mexican government, Gonzales formed a committee of safety and appointed Ponton as a member. As the local leader, he was actively involved in what became known as the Battle of Gonzales, or the ‘Come and take it’ incident. His reluctance to turn over a cannon to Mexican forces, while the community gathered reinforcements, led to the incident, considered an opening event in the Texas Revolution. Ponton was also responsible for gathering Gonzales soldiers to answer the call by Col. William B. Travis for help in defending the Alamo. The men, known as the Immortal 32, went to aid Texan forces in San Antonio and lost their lives in the 1836 battle. After the revolution, Ponton served as the county's chief justice and was later elected to the Republic of Texas Congress.
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