Taming Texas

About the Book

Taming Texas is based on the life and times of Andrew Jackson Potter, Ed´s Great Great Grandfather. A J was born in 1830, acted as an itinerant preacher in Texas beginning from 1856 to 1895, and died in the pulpit. This book is a chronicle of Texas history from 1800 through 1901. I created The Reverend Paul Bunch who is patterned after A. J. Potter. Texas was pioneered by Stephen F. Austin at the behest of his father. The first colony established by Austin was located at San Felipe, Texas near present day Johnson City. A few hardy individuals came to the Mexican State to prepare the land for development. Along the way many difficulties presented themselves. Mountains, plains, and coastal waters are present in Texas. Natural predators included mountain lions, snakes, and other threatening animals. Several American and Mexican Indians roamed over wide areas of the country. As more Americans came into the area the Mexican people and government became disenchanted with them. Texas declared independence in March, 1836. The first major battle occurred at the Alamo in San Antonio. The Texans lost the battle that day but the seeds were planted. The cry “Remember the Alamo.” echoed through the air and triggered the resolve of the Texans to become and independent nation. General Sam Houston cornered Santa Anna at San Jacinto near current day Houston. Independence would soon follow.

About the Author

I was born in Clayton, New Mexico in 1943 while my father was serving in the United States Army Communications Corp. He laid communications lines from ship to shore at Saipan Island, in the Pacific, and was awarded the Bronze star for his dedication to the cause. I had one sister who lived in California who is now deceased. My parents moved back to Vernon, Texas when I was two years old and I was raised in Texas from that time on. My grandfather owned a furniture store there and my Dad worked in a cotton seed delinting plant. My mother loved to read and passed that desire down to me. As I grew older, I developed a great fondness for Texas. My parents, sister and I moved to Lubbock, Texas, while I was in the sixth grade. I met my wife in the eighth grade and we were married in 1964. I have four grandchildren, ages six months to 16 years old. I served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. We have two daughters, born while we were in the Navy. One of them has three children and lives in Virginia and the other lives in Missouri and she gave birth to her first child this year. Many of my relatives lived in New Mexico and Colorado. I am writing about and have fond memories of my adventures in New Mexico, the land of Enchantment.