Gillespie, Robert Addison, 1815-1846

Robert Addison Gillespie (1815-1846) moved to Texas with his brothers, James and Matthew, in 1937. They formed the mercantile and land company Gillespie and Brothers in 1838 at Matagorda, Texas. In 1839, they moved their business to La Grange. A soldier as well as a merchant, Gillespie participated in several engagements and expeditions in the early 1840s, including John Henry Moore’s upper Colorado River expedition in 1840, the battle of Salado in 1842, and the Somervell expedition also in 1842. In 1843, he enlisted with John C. Hays’ Ranger Company, fighting with them until 1845. Upon General Zachary Taylor’s arrival in Texas in 1845, Gillespie helped retake Mexican occupied Laredo and then joined Hays’ First Regiment of Texas Mounted Riflemen as a company commander. Gillespie was wounded during the battle of Monterrey and died from his injuries the following day, September 23, 1846.

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