GOD & TEXAS: Mary Maverick

Mary found an old cannon on her property, and had it recast into a church bell! Not only was she the mother of 10 children, but Mary was a published author and a leader in the preservation of Texas history.

Born in Alabama in 1818, Mary Ann Adams married Samuel Maverick in 1838 and moved to Texas. Samuel was already a veteran of the Texas Revolution, having fought in the Battle of Bexar. He was also a signer of Texas Declaration of Independence and served in various governmental offices.

When Samuel traveled, Mary kept the home and meticulous diaries about life in Texas. Of her children, six survived to adulthood, and four sons became Civil War veterans. Mary was an eyewitness to the Council House Fight in 1840, and fled San Antonio in 1842 when Mexican General Santa Anna threatened to recapture the Alamo City.

Mary’s diaries reveal a woman who was well connected in the community. The Mavericks' 'home was close to the Alamo so Samuel could be near where so many of his friends died. Mary dedicated much of her life to historical preservation and was a founding member of the San Antonio Historical Society and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Her sons helped rebuild the Alamo chapel.

But more importantly, the Mavericks had a deep faith that radiated throughout their developing city. In 1849, the Mavericks were among the founding members of St. Marks Episcopal Church, which is still in service today. In 1875, a cannon was discovered on the Maverick property. Some reports indicate that it was used in the Battle of the Alamo, while others suggest that it dated back to the 1813 revolt against Spain. Mary had it transported to a bell foundry in New York, where it was recast into a church bell for St. Marks.

Three years before Mary died in 1898, she complied her notes and diaries into one volume titled, “The Memoirs of Mary A. Maverick.” Her son, George, edited the work and published it in 1921. It is treasured because it gives an authentic record of many events in Texas History, and insight into the human suffering and complex experiences the early pioneers endured.

Throughout the book, Mary glorifies God and expresses her faith in Christ. On page 104, Mary recounts the dream her six-year-old daughter Augusta (Gussie) had a few nights before the child’s death by cholera. In the dream, Gussie was dressed in white and was transported by a carriage to a big church service in Heaven that was filled with sweet music. When Gussie awoke, she asked her mother to put her bonnet on so she would be ready for the service.

The simple faith of children and the Godly example of adults served as a foundation for many early Texans. As the scripture says in Titus 2:7 ESV, “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity and dignity.” This Mary did!

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