Mrs. Charles P. McGuire research material on William B. Travis
Collection
Identifier: W-0029
Scope and Contents
This collection largely consists of compiled by Mrs. C.P. McGuire of Birmingham, Alabama, in her attempts to trace the genealogy of William B. Travis, who died defending the Alamo in 1836. These letters, written between 1921 and 1958, identify potential descendants of Travis and discuss McGuire's research relating to the lives of Alabamians who fought at the Alamo. Some letters include quotations from historical records such as divorce proceedings filed by Travis. The collection also includes a copy of McGuire's writings, including a twenty-eight page biography of Travis and other genealogical and biographical information related to Travis and other Alabama figures. While some biographical information of other individuals is included, the majority of this collection relates solely to Travis and his descendants.
Dates
- 1921-1958
Creator
- Williams, A. S., III (Collector, Person)
Conditions Governing Access
None
Biographical / Historical
Born in South Carolina in August 1809, William B. Travis is best known for his role in defending the Alamo. Travis and his family moved to Conecuh County, Alabama, in 1818, where Travis would begin a brief career as an attorney and the publisher of the Clairborne Herald. In 1828, Travis married Rosanna Cato and started a family. However, a few years later he abandoned his wife and two children, moving alone to Texas in 1831. Travis soon became involved in the fight for Texas independence, clashing with Mexican forces in Anahuac in 1832. Travis was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of Cavalry and oversaw the reinforcement of the Alamo's defenses. After the siege of the Alamo began, Travis penned a letter to Sam Houston asking for additional military support. This support never materialized and Travis and the other Alamo defenders were killed in battle on March 6, 1836.
Source: The Handbook of Texas Online.
Mrs. Charles P. (Fannie) McGuire lived in Birmingham, Alabama, and published several histories of Pickens and St. Clair Counties in Alabama. There was no known publication of the research found in this collection.
Source: The Handbook of Texas Online.
Mrs. Charles P. (Fannie) McGuire lived in Birmingham, Alabama, and published several histories of Pickens and St. Clair Counties in Alabama. There was no known publication of the research found in this collection.
Extent
0.4 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Overview
Correspondence compiled by Mrs. C. P. McGuire in her attempts to trace the genealogy of William B. Travis, who died defending the Alamo in 1836.
Physical Location
The A. S. Williams III Americana Collection, Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, The University of Alabama
Provenance
Gift of A. S. Williams III, 2010
General
Title on phase box spine: McGuire's Manuscript History & Genealogy of William B. Travis.
Processed by
Haley Aaron and Martha Bace, 2013
Source
- Williams, A. S., III (Donor, Person)
Creator
- Williams, A. S., III (Collector, Person)
- McGuire, C. P., Mrs. (Author, Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Mrs. Charles P. McGuire research material on William B. Travis
- Status
- Completed
- Date
- September 2013
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections Repository