Burial Site of David G. Burnet (1788-1870)

One of over 200 historical markers on the island, this marker is located at Lakeview Cemetery the burial site of David G. Burnet. The marker was erected in 1967 by the Texas Historical Commission.

Inscribed

“A man of strong principle who carried a gun in one pocket and a Bible in the other, Burnet acted as a cohesive force in the chaotic days of early Texas independence, though his dour, quick-tempered disposition kept him from ever winning wide popularity.”

“As an idealistic youth, he took part in the Miranda Expeditions (1806 and 1808) to free Venezuela from Spain, almost losing his life to yellow fever.”

“He bought a trading post, 1817, in Louisiana, but had to sell it after developing tuberculosis. Though weak from the disease, he rode to West Texas, where he fell into the hands of unusually friendly Comanches. He lived with them for 18 months, thus becoming an expert on the pre-settlement days of these Indians.”

“Burnet began his statesman’s career in 1833 when Texas was beginning her fight for independence from Mexico. In 1836, he ran as a compromise candidate for the presidency of the Republic of Texas and won by 6 votes. His interim government was mainly concerned with winning military victory and escaping, sometimes only by minutes, Mexican troops.”

“In later years, he held various offices under the Republic and State of Texas. He married Hannah Este in 1830 and they had four children.”