John McClarty, Rusk County

"The Texas Album of the Eighth Legislature, 1860"

Submitted by Sarah Hardy, of Alexandria, VA and used by permission of Carolyn Ericson from her Henderson News column  "Kissin Kousins"

 The  Subject is a native of Breckenridege County (B. 1825)KY. and immigrated to Texas in 1845.  His family traces back to the highlands of Scotland.   An ancestor having been expatriated for participating in the efforts of the Highland Scots to restore the Stuart family to the throne of Great Britain, settled in the colonies of America.  During the unfortunate campaign of Gen. Braddock, the revolution arey war and the war of 1812, the forfather of Capt. McClarty rendered ready and efficient service.  

"Captain McClarty was elected by the first Legistlature of Texas, District Attorney for the sixth judicial district of Judge O.M. Roberts, who was at the same time elevated to the bench...Shortly after this time, the Mexican War was declared.    Captain McClarty resigned his civil commission and succeeded in raising a company of Infantry Rifle man, and repaired to the seat of war. This company performed a march of over two hundred miles, the distance from Henderson to Lynchburg, without tents or camp conveniences of any kind, under the direction of an officer who had hardly attained the age of manhood, and who started upon the campaign without one dollar in cash to defray expenses, but by energy and appeals to the liberality of the citizens residing upon the line of his march, succeeded in reaching the point of rendezvous, Galvestion, and after ward the headquarters of the army of occupation in Mexico.  Those familiar with the history of the Mexican war, will remember that the Texas Infanatry, under command of Col. A. Sidney Johns(t)on was mustered out of the service at the city of Comargo, some weeks before the advance of Taylor's army into the State of Nueva Leon.  ?Captain McClarty, when discharged, enlisted as a private soldier in Capt. Ben McCullock's ranging company and participated afterwards in the three day's siege of Monterrey. "For several years Past, Captain McClarty has bestowed much attention upon politics, and is known to be a democrat of the strictest sect.  For over twelve months, he was editor of the Southern Beacon, a democratic paper published in his place of residence, Henderson, Rusk County, Texas.  As a politican, he is classed by those opposed to him, as what is termed by them a fire eater.  Previous to the last general election yhe was nominated by the Democratic Party of his county, and elected by a handsome majority.     "High esteemed for his social qualities and his correct deportment, Captain McClarty has pleasantly and smoothly made his way during the present, somewhat stormy session, and had added greatly to his already extensive list of friends and admirers."