Untitled - the Digital Library of Georgia

GEORGIA AND GEORGIANS 595
Independence which had just been brought from Goliad by the valor
ous Captain William Brown. What became of the flag of Independ
ence we do "not know, but the beautiful star of azure was borne by
Fannin's regiment to Goliad, and there gracefully floated from the
staff. On March 8, 1836, an express arrived at Goliad from Washing
ton, on the Brazos, officially announcing that the convention then in
session had formally made solemn declaration that Texas was no longer
a Mexican province but a free and independent republic.
"Amid the roar of artillery, the beautiful 'Banner of the Lone
Stas' was. hoisted to the top of the flag- staff, where it proudly streamed
over the hoary ramparts and the time-shattered battlements of La
Bahiav But just as the sun'set gun, was fired and the, usual attempt
was made to lower the colors, by-some unlucky- mishap, the beautiful
silfc banner became entangled in .the halyards and was torn to pieces.
Only a small fragment remained adjusted to- the flag staff; and when
Colonel Fannin evacuated Goliad to join General, Houston, in accord
ance with received orders, the last remnant of the first 'Flag of the
Lone Star' was still fluttering at the top of the staff from which first
floated the flag of Texan Independence.
"With the capture of Santa Anna, at the battle of San Jacinto, the
silver service of'the wily commander was also captured, and some of
the trophies • of victory,, including his massive forks and spoons, were
forwarded by General Rusk to Miss Troutman, in token of the regard
which-this; Georgia,lady had inspired in the stern, scarred patriots of
the- Revolution.: On the meeting of the first Congress, the Flag of the
•Lone Star'was! adapted as, the flag of the Republic and the seals of
office ordered engraved;.with the star upon them. The public recogni
tion of the maternity of-the first Flag of the Lone.Star as belonging-
to Georgia was made, by General Memmican Hunt, the first minister
from,.the.Republic of Texas, to the-United States."
The State ofT Texas-will: erect a monument in the near future to
the memory of the lamented Georgia woman who designed the "Lone
Star" flag. During the month, of February, 1913, the remains of Mrs.
Vinson, formerly Miss Joanna Troutman, were exhumed from a
neglected little country graveyard near Knoxville, Georgia, and for
warded to Texas, to be reinterred with public honors in the soil of the
great commonwealth whose historic emblem she originated. The re
moval of her body from Georgia to Texas was the result of an extended
correspondence between Mrs. L. L. Brown, of Fort Valley, Georgia,
and Governor 0. B. Colquitt, the present chief executive of Texas, a
native Georgian. Miss Troutman was twice married, first to Solomon
Pope, and second, to Green Vinson. She was a sister of the late John
F. Troutman, Sr., of Fort Valley, Georgia.. The remains of Mrs. Vin
son will repose in the State Cemetery at Austin, Texas.