Vashti Gibbs

 Vashti Gibbs

In 1832, Vashti Gibbs traveled by wagon train from Georgia on a broad lane through dense timberland to the eastern area of the Republic of Texas.  She was a brave, 21 year old widow with three young sons.  The widow Vashti applied for a land grant in 1839, and promised to settle and cultivate the land.  Her request for a land grant of 1280 acres was granted in July 1839.  She settled there along with her sons.  She was one of the first Texas pioneer women to be awarded a land grant in Harrison County.  Harrison County was formed out of Shelby County in 1839.

Later that year, she married Tyre Narramore.  They farmed the Texas frontier together, toiling the land and enduring the hardships of pioneer life.  In the 1840′s, lawlessness prevailed on the edge of the Texas frontier.  Historical accounts cite ruffians and Indians as being a part of daily life.

In 1852, Vashti and Tyre established the Eagle Creek Cemetery.  Many of the family relatives are buried there demonstrating family loyalty and care.

Mary Caroline, one of Vashti’s daughters, married Jarrett Ridgeway.  Jarrett fought in the Civil War.  Mary Caroline remained in Texas following the brave example of her mother and managed farmland as a young woman.

I am proud to have such brave Texas women in my family history.  Thank Goodness for Vashti and her heroic spirit to travel to a distant land filled with lawlessness and opportunity.  Her decision in 1832 has made Texans out of many of us.