To secede or not to secede... the "Immortal Seven"

Over 158 years ago the "Immortal Seven" voted "no" as members of the Texas Secession Convention that met in Austin in 1861. These seven delegates have been enshrined based on their boldness to vote "NO" for secession. The response from the crowd, of the other 167 delegates, was poor with lots of boos and I am sure some unsavory words added. With the courage of their convictions, along with Governor Sam Houston, these men were bonded. Yes, Sam Houston opposed secession. Nonetheless, most of them continued to support Texas. They decided to be photographed that day to record the historic event. There was thought to be an eighth delegate that voted "no" but he was not present for the photo. Photo attached.

Lemuel Hardin Williams, George W. Wright, and William H. Johnson were all from Lamar County and voted "no" at the convention. Lemuel Williams was my husband's 4th great uncle. Lemuel's brother, my husband's 3rd great grandfather, was James Shelby "Sheb" Williams. The Williams' family was from Kentucky but came to Lamar County around 1850. According to family records it looks like Lemuel and Sheb came about the same time. Lemuel Williams, a merchant by trade, continued to be a diligent servant for Texas and Lamar County even after the convention. When he returned from Austin he organized and financed a group of 125 men for service in Indian Territory. After the Civil War he was one of the organizers of the first bank in Lamar County, and a partner in a dry goods business. The citizens of Lamar County supported their delegates, and Lamar County became one of 14 counties to vote against secession. This is a testament to the character of Lemuel Williams and the two other delegates from Lamar County.

by lynsi perry musselman

Sources:

Hand Book of Texas

Picturing Texas Politics: A Photographic History from Sam Houston to Rick Perry by Chuck Bailey and Patrick Co