In the spring of 1836, amidst the turmoil and clamor of the Texas Revolution, a young soldier named David Cole played a pivotal role in a historic event that would shape the future of his family. On April 21, the Battle of San Jacinto culminated in the capture of General Santa Anna, the formidable leader of the Mexican army. Among the brave men who captured him was David, whose courage and dedication were duly recognized.

 

For his valiant efforts, the Republic of Texas granted David Cole a substantial parcel of land along the lush banks of the San Jacinto River. The land was a verdant expanse, teeming with wildlife and rich with promise. David, with dreams of a prosperous future, worked tirelessly to cultivate the land, transforming it into a thriving homestead. He built a modest cabin and began a family, laying down roots that would stretch deep into the fertile soil of Texas.

 

In the aftermath of the Civil War, the land, though rich in history and memories, became a burden too heavy for the Cole family to bear alone. In 1866, seeking to preserve the legacy of their father, they decided to sell a portion of their cherished land. Fatefully, it was at this juncture that our family would soon enter the picture.

 

Albert Smith, a man of vision and ambition, saw the potential in the land that lay along the San Jacinto River. He purchased the acres, determined to honor the legacy of those who had come before. With steadfast dedication, he and his family worked the land, building a new chapter upon the foundations laid by David Cole. He settled down in the old homestead with his wife. Albert had a friend named Jerome Newman whose wife had recently passed away after giving birth to a daughter named Carrie. Newman was unable to care for Carrie so Albert and his wife took her in as part of their family and raised her on the land. In 1898 Carrie would marry a Kentucky man named Emery Thomas Morrow. They settled down on the homestead and soon had children of their own. 

 

Over the years, the land became known as Morrow Hill, a testament to the enduring spirit of those who nurtured it. Generations of our family have called it home, each adding their own stories and achievements to the rich tapestry of its history. Morrow Hill stands as a living legacy, a reminder of the courage of a young soldier named David Cole and the enduring strength of our family.

 

Today, Morrow Hill is more than just a piece of land; it is a symbol of heritage and perseverance, a place where the past and present converge. It is a testament to the enduring connection between the land and the people who have cherished it, from the days of the Texas Revolution to the present, where our family continues to honor the legacy of Morrow Hill.