Site of the Home of Reuben Hornsby Plaque

Was it just a dream, or had Sarah Hornsby truly seen a vision? Her husband, Reuben Hornsby, was away, likely tending to their land, their slice of Texas paradise known as Hornsby Bend. But something was wrong. The image in her dream was vivid: Josiah Wilbarger, their neighbor and fellow pioneer, bloodied and pleading for help. Now, standing here at the Site of the Home of Reuben Hornsby Plaque, one can almost feel the fear that gripped Sarah. Imagine the isolation of this place in the 1830s, the vast expanse of Texas wilderness stretching out from their doorstep. Reuben Hornsby, you see, was one of the earliest settlers in Travis County. He arrived with Sarah in 1830, drawn by the promise of land and opportunity under Stephen F. Austin’s land grant system. Reuben, a skilled surveyor, had chosen well, securing a beautiful stretch of land along the Colorado River. But life on this frontier was perilous. Indian raids were a constant threat. Sarah’s dream proved tragically prophetic. Josiah Wilbarger had indeed been attacked, left for dead. Driven by his wife’s premonition, Reuben Hornsby ventured out, finding Wilbarger clinging to life and carrying him back to their home here at Hornsby Bend. Their home, as history tells us, was a beacon of hope in a dangerous land, known for its warmth and hospitality. It was a sanctuary in a time of turmoil. Reuben Hornsby lived a life of courage and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Austin. As you stand here, consider the legacy of Reuben and Sarah Hornsby, their story etched in the heart of Texas.