You stand in front of the Randolph Foster Plaque. It doesn’t look that impressive, just an aluminum plaque mounted on a pole. But this plaque tells a story of bravery and resilience. This is the story of Randolph Foster, one of the original settlers of Texas. Born in Mississippi in 1790, Foster served in the War of 1812. When he heard about Moses Austin’s plan to settle families in Texas, he joined Stephen F. Austin’s colony in 1821. Foster received a grant of 4,400 acres in present-day Fort Bend and Waller Counties. He served as an Indian scout for the colony. In 1829, he married Lucy Ruffin Hunter, and they raised seven children on their plantation. Foster became a prominent planter and rancher. He was a key figure in the Texas Revolution. During the Runaway Scrape, a time when many Texans fled the advancing Mexican army, Foster helped provide supplies and shelter for those who were forced to leave their homes. He also joined Captain Wyly Martin’s Company and participated in the defense of Harrisburg. Foster’s efforts helped to slow the advance of Santa Anna’s forces, allowing the Texian government to flee to safety. After the revolution, Foster remained in Texas where he continued to build a life for his family. He helped forge the community known as Foster, which was settled on land he owned. Randolph Foster died in 1878 at the home of his daughter. The Randolph Foster Plaque remembers his dedication to Texas and his role in building its future.
Wilbur Cherry Plaque
Was Wilbur Cherry a Texan by birth? No, this New Yorker found himself in Texas by the young age of