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Primus Kelly

from Navasota take SH 6 S approx. 12 mi. to roadside park., Navasota, TX, USA

Texas, USA

MARKER

TICKETED:

NO

​PARKING:

NO

RESTROOMS:

NO

1851

HISTORIC PEOPLE WHO WERE HERE

0

HISTORIC PRESERVATION at Primus Kelly.

The Texas Historical Commission Atlas records this marker as in situ at the listed location. It remains part of the state marker inventory; the placement description and coordinates in this row follow the current official Atlas record and should be field-verified before publication.

About Primus Kelly

Primus Kelly was an enslaved man brought to Grimes County in 1851 by his owner, planter John W. S. West. During the Civil War he accompanied West's three sons into Terry's Texas Rangers, fighting alongside them and twice bringing a wounded son home. Afterward he farmed and raised a family, a path shared by other formerly enslaved Texans.

HISTORY HAPPENED HERE at Primus Kelly

A faithful Negro slave. Came to nearby Courtney, Grimes County in 1851 with his master, John W. S. West from North Carolina. West was a prominent and wealthy pioneer planter and landowner. At the outbreak of the Civil War, West sent Kelly "to take care" of his three sons-- Robert M., Richard and John Haywood-- who joined the famous Terry's Texas Rangers, where they served with distinction. Kelly was not content "to wait on" his charges but joined them in battle, firing his own musket and cap and ball pistol. Twice Kelly brought to Texas the wounded Richard, twice took him to the front again. After war, bought a small farm near "Marse Robert", raised a large family and prospered. Died in 1890s. The courage and loyalty of Kelly was typical of most Texas Negro slaves. Hundreds "went to war" with their masters. Many operated the farms and ranches of soldiers away at war, producing food, livestock, cotton and clothing for the Confederacy. Others, did outside work to support their master's families. They protected homes from Indians, bandits and deserters and did community guard and patrol duty. At war's end, most slaves, like Primus Kelly, became useful and productive citizens of Texas. Source: https://atlas.thc.texas.gov/Details/5185008592

HISTORIC PLACES NEARBY

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MONUMENT

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