Nicholas Fagan

Nicholas Fagan (abt 1785–1852) was a prominent figure in the history of Refugio County, Texas, known for his contributions as a blacksmith, rancher, Texas patriot, and pioneer during the early 19th century. He hoisted Texas' first flag of independence, Dimmitt's "bloody arm flag," after the signing of the Goliad Declaration of Independence. Nicholas was spared execution twice, once at Refugio and once at Goliad, His parents were James and Annie Fagan. with his first wife, Kate Connelly, and his daughter, Annie Fagan. Arriving originally in New York, the family moved through Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and St. Louis. which was established with the purpose of settling the sparsely populated Mexican frontier with Irish Catholics.

Fagan soon met Carlos de la Garza, whose ranch was across the river and a few miles to the west. de la Garza provided some animals to Fagan to help him get started and informed him of a wrecked Spanish barkentine 20 miles away with good lumber for building a house.

On August 4, 1834, five years after establishing his homestead, Fagan received his land grant of 9,538 acres, part of the Power and Hewetson Colony. throughout the war. His oldest son, John, also joined the army. Fagan served in Dimmitt's company from October 9, 1835, to January 20, 1836, as well as under Ira Westover and Hugh Frazer in different periods.

Fagan and John fought in the Battle of Lipantitlan on November 4, 1835. Fagan then traveled to Goliad to secure the fort under Dimmitt. While there, the Goliad Declaration of Independence was written and signed. In celebration, Dimmitt had designed a new flag, the Goliad or Bloody Arm flag. Fagan cut a sycamore and raised the flag up from the fort, where it was quickly shot at from outside the walls.

Battle of Refugio Urrea marched his men toward Refugio from San Patricio. James Fannin ordered Amon B. King to head to Refugio to protect the townspeople. Fagan and 28 others volunteered to go with King. de la Garza instructed Fagan to return to his ranch. From there, he headed to Goliad.

Nicholas Fagan went back to the Presidio after the Mexican army had left to look for survivors. He found William Lockhart Hunter alive, but badly wounded. He cared for the man and carried him, eventually to the ranch of Margaret Wright. There he left him in the river bottom where she could tend to his wounds and feed him.

Fagan then left to meet Houston and his army. Along the way he met Deaf Smith, who informed him about the victory at San Jacinto and the end of the war.

After the war ended, a funeral ceremony was held at Goliad for all of Fannin's men. Fagan and John were two of the honorary pallbearers.

Post-Revolution Fagan, Thomas O'Connor, de la Garza, and others formed a local militia called Power and Cameron's Spy Company from 1836 to 1838. After this, they organized in a local San Antonio River militia under John J. Tumlinson and fought in many raids and expeditions with Mexican bandits and Comanches.

In 1838, a large contingent of Native Americans from Mexico invaded the San Antonio River bottom, killing several settlers. The Fagans joined a posse that intercepted the raiders. A large battle was fought, and Fagan, John, and O'Connor were nearly killed.

On September 1, 1841, Refugio was raided by a group of Mexicans led by a man named Ortegon seeking revenge. Every able-bodied man was seized and taken to Mexico. During this forced march, Power was captured and held as a prisoner. The town was pillaged, while all provisions, clothing, and supplies were either destroyed or stolen.

Upon receiving news of the attack, Fagan and his neighbors took supplies to the affected families. They transported the women and children back to their San Antonio River ranches. Many stayed with the Fagans until the captured men were released. Some weren't released until years later. In recognition of this act of kindness, Fagan was again hailed as the savior of Refugio.

In 1852, a band of Karankawas began raiding homesteads and stealing cattle and horses. A posse was formed with Fagan, sons John and William (born 1828), O'Connor, de la Garza, and others. They surprised the band of Karankawas and fought at Hynes Bay. The Karankawas were driven back to Mexico, never to return.

Later life After the war, Nicholas and his family returned to the ranch. His second daughter Mary Fagan married Thomas O'Connor in October 1838 and Nicholas provided them with cattle which served as the nucleus for the future vast O'Connor herds. He had two more children. His final child, Peter Henry Fagan, who took over Nicholas Fagan's estate and continued his ranching operations, was born in 1843. Nicholas Fagan died on his ranch on August 30, 1852. His wife, Catherine, died four years later on June 26, 1856.

Historical marker A state historical marker was placed in the Nicholas Fagan Memorial Cemetery near his original homestead. It reads as follows:"Nicholas Fagan, came to Texas and settled in Power's Colony in 1829.

A private in Fraser's Refugio Company at the Battle of Coleto.

He was saved from the massacre through the intervention of Mexican colonial friends.

Erected by the State of Texas 1956."