Brenham, Texas, was originally known as the Hickory Grove community until it changed its name to Brenham in 1843 in honor of Republic of Texas hero Dr. Richard Fox Brenham, who practiced medicine in the area. In 1875, Brenham established the first tax-supported school system in Texas, which included a school for Blacks. In 2012, Brenham Independent School District was the largest public school district in the county with an enrollment of over 4700 students.
The William P. Aylett Letter to W. Winston Fontaine is a 20 page hand-written letter dated in 1853 between cousins; Aylett seeks to dissuade an 18-year-old Fontaine from marrying their older cousin, Pattie Redd, age 20, by providing his own experience and reasons why he should end the “faux pas.” Also included are two typed copies of a transcription.
Arrangement is chronological.
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Howard West, Nov. 1945.
Processed by Lisa M. Lomas, 2012.
[Identification of Item], List of Subscribers, School Committee of Brenham, Texas, MC190, San Jacinto Museum of History, Houston, Texas.