1810 November 4th ~ Happy Birthday Charles Stillman

1862 0802 Letter to Charles Stillman from Nat Mitchell

San Antonio,  Aug.2  1862

My dear friend

Your esteemed favour of ____ date, acknowledging receipt of the $550.00 came duly to hand & was glad to learn the money had gone safely to hand.  You must excuse my laziness for not having noticed at an earlier period the receipt of your very welcomed favour.  The fact is, I was kept pretty busily engaged during the month of July, electionessing, as I was a candidate for the respectable & heretofore lucrative Office of District Clerk for this County – and am happy to state, my efforts, united with those of nearly all the good Secessionists of the County, were crowned with entire success.  Our entire ticket being elected at the late August, electing notwithstanding the secret, though strong opposition arrayed against it, by the old Union party, who dare not openly avow such sentiments, but invariably put forth a ticket in every election in the County.  You will have heard, ere this reaches you of the fight St. McRea of Donahue’s Company, had with a party of 69 renegade Germans and a few Americans, in the vicinity of Fort Clark.  They left 33 dead on the field, asking no quarters and receiving none.  Therefore, no prisoners were taken.

9/35

We captured 33 st___es small arms, 13 Six Shooters, 83 head saddle horses & all their camp equipage & provisions – losing on our side 2 killed on the field & 18 wounded, one of whom has since died of wound.  This party was en route to the Rio Grande for the purpose of crossing into Mexico & there await the advent of old Abe’s hurlings [hirelings?] into Texas.  they were all well armed & fought with the most stubborn desperation. 

I have no local news of interest to communicate & as regards war news, you get the same I do and almost as soon.  The draught still prevails to an alarming degree.  Stock water is failing in many portions of the State & in some given out entirely.  Many Grist Mills have had to stop for the want of water, to the great prejudice of the inhabitants generally.

Crops of all descriptions, especially in the grain growing districts, have yielded about 1/3 of the usual amounts & as a consequence, breadstuffs are very high & steadily advancing.  Every thing to eat & __ __as, has attained the most fabulous prices.  Flour 18 to 20 cents pr lb.  Corn & Meal 2.00 to 3$ pr Bu.  Bro Sugar 25¢ pr. lb. Coffee $1.25 pr. lb.  Molasses $2.00 pr. Gal.  Soap, Saleratus, Candles etc none to be had.  Ten cent calies [?] @ $1.00 pr. Yd.  Bro & Black Dimities -75¢ pr Yd.  Denims $1.50 pr. Yd.  Whiskey $4.00 pr. Bottle, bad at that.  Brandy all gone.  Segars all gone.  Tobacco, chewing, 3 to 4$ pr lb.   Confederate money abundant & Shinplasters, still more abundant,  The Power Mills near this City, have not done much as yet.  They have a large supply of good material expect to be able in a short time to turn off daily at least 1000 pounds, which ought to kill a good many Yanks, expediciously &

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energetically applied.  Nearly all the troops in Texas are on the move for Ark. & Miss.  The reported capture of Baton Rouge by our forces, needs confirmation, although it is believed in official circles in this place.  The War spirit still pervades nearly all classes of our population & are resolved to fight it out with the d d cut-Throat Hessians to the bitter end, even though everything should be sacrificed in the resistance, as the hatred for the North is daily inter_______ , but at the same time, all would hail a proclamation of peace with joy & shouts of gladness, if upon honorable & just bases.  The Country West of us, has of late, been troubled by predatory bands of Indians, killing and stealing.  A suitable number of good men, are now in position to put a check [?] to their wunderous [?] & t___ing operations.  You have never sent me any Yankee papers, at least, if you have, they have never come to hand.  I would esteem it a great favour to receive one semi occasionally as I like to read their mordeful lust [‘mortiful’ or wonderful list?] & see their views in regard to the War.    On the last page of hereof please fine a Memorandum of articles much needed by your humble servant, & which he would like you to purchase for him & send by Genl. Wm. B. Knox of this place, who has a train of Mule Wagons loaded with cotton, no en route to Brownsville.  Genl. Knox will be in your City about the time this reaches you, whol I can recommend to your consideration as a worthy & intelligent gentleman.  If you can purchase the needed articles for Confederate funds, please do so & forward Bill & the amt shall be forthwith remitted

10/35

if not, please advise me as early as practicable, so that I may make arrangements accordingly.  Stamps for answer enclosed.  I would not bother you with this trifling matter, could the articles be had here.  Genl. Knox has promised to bring them in his Wagons.  Present my kind regards to friend Howlett & say to him I have never heard from him in relation to my dem_t from the Brownsville or Rio Grande Lodge & that I would be highly gratified if he would be kind enough to attend to it for me.

With many wishes for your health & happiness

I am as ever, most truly ______  Nat Mitchell

Memoradum

1 Rs. Bleached Domestic For [?] Shirts

5 or 6 Yds. Linen for Bosoms.  Not too fine

1 Doz prs Cotton ½ Hose   No 10 good quality

2 prs Merino Drawers,    Large Sizes

2 pairs Cassimere Pants.  33 In. Legs, 36 _o, Waist

1 ps. French Prints, Purple or Brown, small figures

1 Box Saleratus   [precursor to baking soda]

3 Silk Neck ties.  Black

1 pr Calf Sleeves – No 7

1 Merino Under Shirt –

If the Pants are not the be had, please send 6 Yrds. Cassimere, suitable for winter purpose [?]

Respectfully etc

Nat. Mitchell 

1859 March 4 - letter to Major Chapman from Charles Stillman

Brownsville  March 4, 1859

Dear Major [Charles Stillman to Major William Chapman]

I wrote you a few hasty lines the 23^rd ult. Waiting on you with my Exch. for $15,000 which I trust will be duly rec’d, and am in hopes to be able to remit you the balance in a very short time. Moses has been absent for some time and Shiers [or Shears = name of business partner] being dead. It will, I fear be a long time before our acc’t is settled with them. – Our Pistols are nearly all sold. I have adopted the plan of sending them to our retailers, invoicing them, $5 and allowing them 3% - they to give me the money or pistols when cal’d for – this method I deem preferable than to retail myself, we have quite a quantity of German imitation Colt pistols for sale here they come much less than are Colts and it takes an experienced hand to know the difference – It would be well to order from Colt about ten rifles and it is cheaper for Colt to send them to New Orleans by steamer as the insurance is much less by sailing vessel direct.-

The abandonment of Fort Brown is creating considerable feeling here, it certainly is the most important place on this frontier, and opposite of a garrison City. Ammunition and all guns are to be removed and deposited at the Brazos – are not 

the wise heads of Washington aware that Powder will spoil at that place in a very short time and it would be useless in a year or two [?] -  I also see that Gen’l Houston quotes you as to the character of Preanor. This speech of the old Genl was to gratify his bitter feelings toward Judge Watrous and influences Mussina’s suit in New York. I am fearful that you did not seek an interview with Mr. Clark before you left New York. I have sent Basse there to assist Clark in preparing the case for trial and I deem it important that Hale should also be present at the trial. He is expected to be here in a few days.  Hord has visited us with his lady and and thank God has left,   quarrel’d with every one, and made Stephen Powers his atty. I am now satisfied that he is the most unprincipled man I ever knew  Mussina is a saint in comparison to him[?] and I should not be surprised to see him side with Mussina.

Repecting Morris suit about Palo Alto. I am informed that it could have been arranged on moderate terms at first, but Mr. Morris remembered[?] that his father had $10,000 deposited in the Bank to defray said expenses,   which offended his dutch opponent. I am afraid that this young friend of yours requires a little more experience.

Last week I spent two days at my Rancho [Los Laureles] with my Brother [Cornelius] and would have wished to remain 

longer had business permit’d,  it was a luxury to camp in the open air over more, get a ducking [?] and sleep in the mud-  appears are that we are to have a rainy season again. Stock all over the county has done well, sheep in particular. Your friend McClane has purchased Kenedy drove and taken them to the Pintos, exchanged his cows for them.

We have had a delightful Winter the most I ever have experienced, not a single unpleasant day.

Business with me has been most excellent, have sold upward of 100,000 since my return and it requires all my attention. Belden I could not endure his business habits and careless method annoyed me. He saw it and I frankly said he could do me no good and left. I have a new sell as the Bellows and will endeavor in time to blow them into line

Woodhouse has returned, also his brother in a new vessel. My friends Horace Southmayd & Sons endorsed for him - the fellow has a good start – at least $40,000 and reports that I have treated him shamefully because I would not remain associated with our account of his making use of gross language to a female and he has many sympathies here, as I suppose it is popular to abuse and curse me, they do it all however behind my back.

It is my ugly nature that makes me continue to do business. To retire you would be to yield my place to W[oodhouse] the most ungrateful being I have ever knew, and I am determined to continue for a time until I convinced that he is not as important as he and his friends suppose him to be. Brother Cornelius in a few months will obtain a fair knowledge of my business. He is a good merchant, though ignorant of Spanish. Will be able to allow me to leave for a few months every now and then. So major you see there is but little prospect of our frying any fish y oysters this season at your new station.

With kind regards to your family, I remain Yours Truly, Chas. Stillman.

Your compliments to Mr. & Mrs. Passmore will be attended to. She is the only lady I visit here and she is by herself. All that were fit for her society have left. Chamberlain hostility is so strong against Passmore, that he has turned church members against them. He may be a good Christian but sinner that I am my conscience would not allow me to treat __ _w other as he dose [does]

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1963 sketch of Stillman house

We just received this and will post now and update later.  It is a rare image of the Stillman house probably by a local printer (Springfield-King maybe) made in 1963.  We could not make out the artist's name but it looks like "Howard S_____

Here's the Stillman history nutshell.  This blog should begin to focus more on Charles Stillman and the founding of Brownsville.   Local bloggers have over the years spread lies about history to infect our community with prejudice and hatred.  Racism is another word for it.  I do not mind being the other voice as long as it defends the Stillman legacy with truth.

I do not think we should be looking at history with a judgmental eye unless we are willing to pluck it out.  (Matthew 5:29)

Once again thanks to Rene Torres for sharing this with Bronsbil Estacion readers.

1858 Jan'y 12 ~ Letter to Elizabeth from Charles Stillman

Most documents written to or from Charles Stillman are business letters which tell us much about how he embarked on several money making ventures but those he wrote to his wife Elizabeth reveal more about the kind of man he was. In 1858 his widowed niece found herself alone in Brownsville and bullied by a few older women in town.  Here's li'l bit of Brownsville-made frontier gossip for the busy-body historian.

Brownsville Jany 12. 1858.

Dear Elib,

....I judge you are trying to make the time pass as agreeably as possible, Holedays to Mr Woodhouse and myself have been like all others, hard work, with gloomy feelings, we

however proceed with a determination to conquer our misfortunes, and leave others to make their calls and gifts, and pass their

time as their inclination and judgment dictates it was a sad day, "New years" for Mrs North, she spent the day in tears, to see a person yield to grief is always painful to me. I can and smother my own trials, but to see it in others that I esteem, is more trying than my own feelings.

[Humphrey E. Woodhouse, like Charles Stillman, came from a merchant shipping family from Wethersfield, Connecticut and became a business partner of Stillman when he arrived at Brazos Santiago in 1848.]

Mrs Woodhouse has not calld upon Mrs North since I have been here, all other Ladies in Town have been kind to her, Mrs Smith & Passmore in particular, since my first call on Mrs W she has not mentioned Mrs N. name, Mrs N feels her conduct but never utters a word of complaint, against Mrs W. from want I have been able to see I condem Mrs W. and poor Woodhouse has yoked himself I fear to one who will make this world a hell for him, I trust my apprehension are wrong, and we will let tis matter drop I should not have alluded to it here, had I not been so foolish as to have listened to her on my first visit, and her object was to prejudice me against a Lady that under all and any circumstances I was bound to protect a Nice, and a widow of my partner who lost his life in the attempt to save my property, if she was the foulest person on earth I should feel myself bound to protect, but a person devoted to her Husband as she is deserves the admiration of all in these days of vanity, I believe until I came here she had here contemplated of spending her days and now she will not leave unless his corps proceed her, I do all I can to sooth her, but I am a poor hand at that, and it places a chain around me that I would willingly free myself off.

[Mrs North was widowed when her husband Frank North died after a warehouse belonging to Charles exploded.  Frank was Charles' nephew who he had held high hopes for.]

Say to Jimmy [his son James] that I also reed his letter but have not had time to write him by this mail, will do so next....

[In many letters to Elizabeth Charles expresses a longing to bring Jimmy back to Texas to Laureles Ranch to see livestock and ride on the open plains away from the cold blandness of Connecticut etc.]

I have rec'd a letter from the Major dated at Washington, he has re'd no appointment yet, he will probably visit you, respecting naming the Baby Chapman, do as you please you are one that likes to have their own wish always complyed with. The Major places great confidence in me, he knows he can confide in me, and wishes me to think and believe him to be devoted to me his blarney has never taken root, he has many good qualities, but he is not a Jewitt. It would flatter the Major no doubt, and you can do just as you please but never breath that I was make all the blarney yours consulted on the subject, I would not have him think I was gull'd.  if his luve is spared hime he will become a distinguished man and a very popular one, no one understands the art of studying popularity than he does, or is more desirous of it, and should his wife live, we may some day see him President of the U.S. she has a well balanced mind and directs well his ambition and energy,  I admire and respect the Major.

[James Jewett was a business partner and good friend and Charles named his first son after him.  "Blarney" is talk that aims to charm, persuade or flatter and "gulled" means to be fooled or deceived.  Major William Chapman was Quartermaster at Fort Brown and we know much about Brownsville during its beginnings from a book compiled of his wife Helen's letters titled "The News From Brownsville" edited by Caleb Coker]

...The mail is about closing and I must close, will endeavor to find time between the mails to write you more at leisure and reply more fully to yours, after the mail arrives it gives hardly time to give proper attention to our commercial letters, remember me kindly to our friends and kiss all of the children for me, it is hard to be seperated from them but such is the destiny of your

Faithful Husband

Chas Stillman

[We learn in subsequent letters that:
Mrs Woodhouse had slandered Mrs North and making things worse Mrs North had confided to Mrs Smith who in turn told Mrs Woodhouse all she said which was not kind and there was a Mrs Fry in the middle of all this drama.  Charles expressed again to his wife that he only looked into the "triangle fight" matter for his friend Mr Woodhouse and was glad to be done with the matter and hoped to never revisit it again. 
Charles confides to Elizabeth that he feels all parties involved acted improperly including Mr Woodhouse who behaved "ungentlemanly" and Charles feels he can never have the same respect for him thereafter.]

c1853 ~ A Letter to the Public of Brownsville, Texas

To the Public

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Of The

TITLE TO THE LANDS

Upon Which

THE CITY OF BROWNSVILLE

IS SITUATED.

For several years past numerous articles have appeared in various papers of this state, concerning the title to the land upon which the city Brownsville is established. Many of these articles have been of an abusive character, and put forth to prejudice the public mind against the private claimants of this property. Up to this time we have not even replied to them, relying wholly upon the courts of the country for a settlement of all questions involved.

We learned, however, that these publications have already created a popular impression abroad injurious to our rights; we therefore publish this statement of the character of the Brownsville titles as they actually exist.

In 1781. The crown of Spain granted the lands called “El Espiritu Santo” to Don Salvador de la Garza, including the present site of the city of Brownsville. The grantee, and those claiming under him, held actual possession of this land from the time of the grant up to the present time; and in 1852 the Legislature of Texas confirmed it. In fact, the validity of the title has never been questioned.

In 1826 and 7 the State of Tamaulipas incorporated the city of Matamoros, giving the corporation permission to take ejidos (4 square leagues of land) for the use of the town.  The Ayuntamiento were first instructed to ascertain if the land about the town was public or private property. If it belonged to private owners, it was provided that proper steps should be taken to expropriate it in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the state; and, in the meantime, the city was authorized to use the lands, as in ordinary cases.

The investigation was made by the Ayuntamiento, and their official report states that the land in question was owned by Dona Francisca Cavasos, claimant under the Spanish grant. The 14^th article of the Constitution declared that no private property should be taken for public purposes, without first indemnifying the owner for the same; the price to be assessed by arbitrators chosen for that purpose by the parties. The city, however, proceeded to use the lands against the will of the owner, for labors and other purposes. The public authorities failed to have the property appraised, in accordance with the constitution, and no indemnity was ever made to the acknowledged proprietor for the loss of the same. The whole proceeding therefore was a lawless invasion of private rights.

A suit arose between the city and the owner which continued until the year 1841; and, in fact, no final decision was made of the subject matter in litigation up to the time of the [1848 Mexican War] treaty of peace. During this period the labor-holders alternately paid rents to the corporation and to the proprietor.

When the United States troops evacuated Matamoros in 1848, Charles Stillman, an American merchant then residing in that city, bought out the possessory rights of several labor-holders for the purpose of establishing his business on this side of the Rio Grande. Samuel A. Belden, likewise a merchant of that place, was invited to join him; who did so and took an interest in the property purchased. Shortly thereafter, others were attracted to the spot and Messrs. Stillman and Belden were induced to lay off [out?] the town of Brownsville. The population increased with extraordinary rapidity, and in a few months numbered over two thousand.

About this time, Mr. David Snively, supposing that there were no valid Spanish or Mexican grants in this part of the state, located, in the District Surveyor’s Office at Corpus Christi, a league and a labor of land. Including the town of Brownsville. Mr. Stillman, desirous to avoid litigation, and to protect himself, Mr. Belden and others who had settled under him, purchased these locations from Mr. Snively and had them duly surveyed. These surveys and the head right certificates are now on file in the General Land Office of this state.

In January, 1850, an act was passed by the Legislature incorporating the city of Brownsville; the first section of which contained this clause: That “all the right, title and interest of the State of Texas in and to all the land included within said tract, that was owned by the town of Matamoros, on the 19^th day of December, 1836, shall be and is hereby relinquished to the corporation of Brownsville and their successors in office, in trust for the use and benefit of said city, provided this act shall not impair private rights.” Thus originated the city title, so called.

Sometime in December 1849, we purchased from Messrs. Stillman & Belden their entire interest in the Brownsville property for the sum of thirty-five thousand dollars.

In January, 1849, Rafael Garcia Cavazos, and wife, claiming the land in question under the Spanish grant already mentioned, through Dona Francisca Cavazos, instituted suit against Charles Stillman, S.A. Belden, Jacob Mussina and others, in the United States District Court at Galveston, for its recovery.

After a trial that continued for five weeks, the court decided in favor of the plaintiffs, decreeing the Spanish grant valid; and further that no expropriation of the land had been legally made by the City of Matamoros, or State of Tamaulipas, or that the plaintiffs in the suit were the owners of the land upon which the town of Brownsville is situated.

After the decision of the Cavazos case, in order to secure ourselves from loss, and those who had purchased from us, we bought from them [Rafael Garcia Cavazos and his wife] the land including the settled portion of the town for the sum of thirty-three thousand dollars. We thus hold the land by virtue of three distinct classes of titles, to wit; the Labor Titles, Locations and Surveys, and by the Spanish Grant, confirmed by the Legislature, and by the decree of the Federal Court.

As Jacob Mussina, of New Orleans, has set up some claim of title to this property, and has published and circulated throughout the State a petition which he has filed against us in New Orleans, without annexing it to our answer to the same, it is necessary that we should allude to his pretensions. In making this publication, Mr. Mussina could have had but one object, and that was to forestall public opinion in favor of himself.

In 1848, Simon Mussina, pretending to act as the agent of his brother, Jacob Mussina, agreed with Charles Stillman to purchase one-fourth part of his interest in the Brownsville property, and to pay one-fourth part of the original cost and expenses of the same, which they were to hold jointly and share the profits or losses in like proportions. When Mr. Stillman was about leaving for the North, Simon Mussina presented to him and Mr. Belden a written contract of partnership for signature, which also purported to convey to Mussina one-fourth of the Brownsville property for the consideration of one dollar. Upon being asked to pay over his pro rata share of the costs and expenses of the property, he stated that he had the money ready and he would pay it that day.

The contract of partnership was signed without suspicion, and not one dollar was, or has been, paid by Mussina to Stillman and Belden from that day to this, for the interest he pretends to hold ____ _____. Simon Mussina has stated this fact ____ in New Orleans.

Some time in the month of November, 1849, Mr. Stillman returning home from the North, found that Mussina had not only neglected to pay the money due him, but that he had conveyed his interest in trust to M. Bosiques, to secure to Mrs. Tarnava and others the payment of a debt of $28,000 which he owned for the purchase of the Point Isabel lands. Messrs. Stillman and Belden at once notified Mr. Mussina that their contract of partnership was at an end, and in a few days afterwards their sold their interest to us.

These are naked facts, and the public will determine which of the parties to this transaction acted in bad faith.

The repeal of the act incorporating the City of Brownsville has been the subject of much comment in some portions of the state; and it is proper that we should here refer to this matter also. Up to the time of the passage of this act, Brownsville was comparatively free from local dissensions; but after the election of officers under the charter, the most extraordinary measures were adopted.

An ordinance was passed to seize the ferries as public property, while in the hands of individuals; and Mayor Bigelow, who vetoed the resolution as an invasion of private rights, was forcibly ejected from office, and another was elected in his place. These ferries, at this time, were worth some five thousand dollars a year. Levee dues and other taxes were created without the authority of law; and, finally, the city authorities organized themselves into a court of justice to try land titles!

By virtue of a resolution to that effect, all persons claiming lands within the city limits were required to submit their title papers to the inspection of the city authorities, and to abide their judgment. These and other similar acts of usurpation determined a majority of the citizens holding property to attempt a repeal of the charter.

Judge Bigelow and others were elected members of the Legislature. The petition and remonstrance with the documentary evidence were laid before that body; and after a careful examination it was found that the city had forfeited its charter, and that the Act of Incorporation ought to be repealed. Accordingly, an act to that effect was passed, only six members of the Legislature voting against it.

By an Act approved February 7, 1853, the City of Brownsville was again incorporated by the Legislature, and in accordance with its provisions, officers were elected and a city government organized. But strange as it may appear, the journals of the Senate and House show that the law, as signed by the Governor, never passed the Legislature! How this mistake occurred we are not prepared to state. We trust, however, that the present Legislature will give the matter a thorough investigation, and if they shall find it to have been the result of fraud on the part of any person, that it will be exposed, and the guilty party severely punished.

We have thus briefly explained the character of the titles to the lands upon which the City of Brownsville is established; and we lay this statement before the public as an act of self-defence, and generally to disabuse the public mind in relation to this controversy. The final issue we cheerfully leave to the judicial tribunals of the country to determine.

In Brownsville, the violence of party feeling having in a great measure abated, the general desire of our citizens now is for the speedy settlement of the litigation which has so injuriously affected the increasing business and prosperity of our young but thriving city. And we trust that the time is not far distant when the wishes of all in this respect shall be realized.

                                                                                                E. Basse

                                                                                                Robert H. Hord

1955 ~ Stillman Portraits by Adrian Lamb and First Stillman Museum Photos

On Sunday March 6, 1955 a crowd gathered at the Jacob Brown Civic Center as the City of Brownsville accepted a gift of portraits of Charles and Elizabeth Stillman painted by Adrian Lamb.

Alexander (Sandy) Stillman with his hand held by his father, Dr. James "Bud" Stillman appeared on the front page.

Chauncey D. Stillman presented the portraits to Mayor H.L. Stokely who accepted them on behalf of the City of Brownsville.  City officials and Brownsville Historical Association board officers were there to make it official.  

Adrian Lamb created the portraits by drawing from two daguerreotypes taken around the time the two were engaged in 1849.  Charles would have been about 39 years old and Elizabeth, 21 years old.  This is one of only two photos known to exist of Charles Stillman.

Lamb is well-known for portrait paintings which can also be found in the White House, Smithsonian Institution, Harvard Law School, the Pentagon and United States Naval Academy.

Mrs. Elizabeth Stillman Williams, her husband Langbourne and Chauncey Stillman pose with Mayor H.L. Stokely and his wife in front of Elizabeth Stillman's portrait.  

The Charles and Elizabeth Pamela Stillman paintings are now on display at the Historic Brownsville Museum on E Madison St.

 Great-grandsons of Charles Stillman, Godfrey Rockefeller and Timothy Stillman

 Margaret Garcia and Timothy Stillman behind Jacob Brown Center where dedication took place.

Stillman & Rockefeller family members pose on the steps of the Stillman/Trevino ancestral home. Front row left to right:  Mrs. Godfrey S. Rockefeller; Mr. Abelardo Trevino; Alexander Stillman, Mrs. Calvin Stillman and Mrs Timothy Stillman.  Second row, left to right:  Mrs. Dean Model, Mrs. Lanbourne Meade Williams, Calvin Stillman.  Back row, left to right:  Dr. James Stillman, Godfrey S. Rockefeller, Chauncey Stillman and Langbourne M. Williams.

The Stillman House at 1325 E Washington St. was built by Henry Miller who also owned the Miller Hotel a block away on E Elizabeth and 13th St.  The Stillman's first two of six children, James and Isabella (Elizabeth) were born in Brownsville, Texas.  Their other children were born in New York or Connecticut.

Mrs. Elizabeth Stillman Williams and her brother Chauncey D. Stillman standing in front of the Charles Stillman marker.  Chauncey Stillman purchased the home from the Trevino family and donated the Stillman House house to the Brownsville Historical Association for use as a museum.

Early photos of the house after it was turned into a museum.

Photos courtesy of the Brownsville Historical Association.  Original March 6th, 1955 Brownsville Herald photo of 6 year-old Alexander "Sandy" Stillman colorized by Javier R. Garcia.  

Nov 4 ~ Happy Birthday Chuck!

Charles Stillman  (1810-1875) 

Charles Stillman, born 205 years ago on November 4, 1810, was the son of a Connecticut sea merchant who arrived in Matamoros in the 1820s witnessed and had to tolerate the War with Mexico, several political struggles of Mexico's unstable development and Civil War while trying to do business in a wild setting.  That he partnered with Richard King and Mifflin Kenedy to run a steamboat business on the river and shipped goods to and from New Orleans, New York and far off places like Liverpool, England is well known.  He also invested in silver mines in Mexico, and the sale of sheep, deer and beef hides.  He loved ranching life and wanted to eventually settle down at the King Ranch at Los Laureles.  Smuggling cotton was the only way to avoid paying outrageous costs of doing business and graft was what kept business moving.

He had lived here twenty years before establishing Brownsville.  In those twenty years he had adopted south Texas as his home; never intending to return to Connecticut.  He had brought his wife to live in the Stillman home and they had children but the harsh conditions and risk of disease such as cholera and Yellow Fever outbreaks were too much for his wife Elizabeth to stay so she returned to her home.  Charles would eventually retire and join them but not until 1866.

Stillman had business partners on both sides of the river and they all made money.  Spurious dealings with heirs who owned part of the Espiritu Santos land grant created a long-drawn out court battle which some critics today use to slander the Stillman legacy but the bottom line is that without Stillman and others like him, there may not have been a Brownsville, Texas.

Bronsbil Estacion recognizes Charles Stillman as the founder of this great city with all its interesting and sometimes unpleasant history.  Visit the Brownsville Heritage Museum and other museums to learn more about our local history and heritage.

Stillman House on E Washington St now a museum

2015 Update on Los Laureles Ranch House at Mittie Cultural Park

The Los Laureles Ranch House project is expected to be complete by the end of 2015.  It will serve as a museum to interpret the history of south Texas ranching families and community-use building for special events during the day or evening.  The wraparound porch provides shade and protection from rain all year round.  Because it sits well above the ground, visitor's are given a wider vantage point for views of the park.

You might recall when the house arrived from Los Laureles (King Ranch) and sat for a period of time it sparked controversy from a few well-meaning but very misinformed individuals.  Check this blog for the most accurate information and updates on Los Laureles Ranch House.

 The house did not originally have brick porch steps and air conditioning.  A significant amount of attention is being paid to it's reconstruction, design, purpose and overall functionality.  Original cedar roof shingles have been replaced with modern long-lasting and durable asphalt roofing shingles.

A 1930's aerial photo of Los Laureles shows the original ranch house with added structures surrounding it.  The house was built c1852.  The house is being restored as close to it's original form when it was a stand alone house in the 1850s.  Charles Stillman did not spend as much time as other families that lived there after the 1860s.

Here's a closer look.

 The house and surrounding buildings will be painted in blue with green ceilings and white trim.

Ricardo Carlos and Pedro are installing original shutters found by chance in San Antonio while Larry Lof was visiting that city.  Hinge hardware was purchased online from antique restoration supply stores.

 Overview sketch of ranch house to show landscape pattern which allows for functionality and beauty.  Sketches by Alexander Stillman.

The trees to be planted within the fencing surrounding the ranch house will include Goldenrain trees, jacaranda, royal poinsettia, pecan and laurel (two of each).  When these trees mature they will add lively color to the surroundings.

Miniature storage and stable building (bell housing not included in sketch)

The storage building will hold gardening tools and artificial horses.  Bell installation photos courtesy of Oscar and Ana Duran.

The bell will be an implement that can be rung and heard throughout the park.  The rope will hang low enough for small children to ring it unassisted.

Restrooms will be separate from the ranch just like outhouses would have been and will be ADA compliant.  The rectangular design will allow user to use commode on one end and sink on other.  The sink will be baseless so users with wheelchairs can have easy access to it.

The aim (purpose) is to have easily accessible restrooms at the park.  The only recourse at present is for park visitors to use the Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts restrooms.  Hopefully this will work out as a feasible solution to that problem.  

Thank you for your interest.  Please share this information with anyone who may want to have an update on Los Laureles and please check Bronsbil Estacion blog for more updates on this and other news happening in Brownsville, Texas.  Photo courtesy of Gilbert Velasquez.