The term
Filibuster was originally used by the English to describe Sea Pirates. Later the French changed the word to
Filibustier to describe a Land Pirate or one who acquired land illegally from a country. The Spanish used the term to describe illegal immigrants from the U.S. who tried to steal Texas from the Spanish crown. 15 Years after the Mexican Revolution, Santa Anna used
Fillibuster to describe the Texas Revolutionaries - as Land Pirates could legally be put to death by El Presidente.
In the 1880's, a Van Horn rancher, A.S. Goynes suggested the town slogan of:
"Van Horn is so Healthy, We had to Shoot a Man to Start a Cemetery." The slogan was placed on a sign and prominently featured inside the Clark Hotel. A short time after that, Goynes was shot and killed by his brother-in-law in a feud over a watering hole, thus becoming the first man buried in the Van Horn cemetery!
Sam Houston was the only American who held the title, General in two armies, The Tennessee Militia and The Texian Army. He was also a governor of two states, Tennessee and Texas. And
Sam was also the only American to be a President, Senator, and Congressman of another country-The Republic of Texas!
Conrad Hilton came to Texas in 1919 intent on buying a bank in one of the booming oil towns of Breckenridge or Cisco. Turned down in Breckenridge, Hilton cut a deal in Cisco only to see the bank owner renege on their agreement. Tired from his dealings, Hilton tried to rent a room at the only hotel in Cisco but was told, "We're full up." The hotel owner, H.L. Mobley did confide that the rooms were rented three times a day and to come back in 8 hours. Hilton later purchased the hotel, and thus began the
Hilton Hotel chain!
(Photo - Mobley Hotel. Conrad Hilton's First Hotel.)
Mike Kearby's Texas Copyright 2011
