Groce Family

The Groce family was part of Stephen F. Austin’s colonization scheme for Texas. They built and lived on what would become known as the Bernardo Plantation. Jared Ellison Groce (1782-1839) moved to Texas after hearing of Stephen F. Austin’s proposed colonization play in 1821. He constructed what would soon be known as Bernardo Plantation and quickly became the wealthiest settler in the colony. In 1833, he built a new home, Groce’s Retreat, on the east bank of the Brazos River. Initially resistant to the idea of Texas independence, Groce soon became a staunch supporter, outfitting several men for service in the Texas army and allowing a draft of the Texas Declaration of Independence to be written at the Retreat. He died in 1839 and was buried at Bernardo.

Jared Groce’s oldest son, Leonard Waller Groce (1806-1873), joined his father during the move to Texas, but returned to Georgia briefly to finish his education. Leonard Groce served as a delegate to the Convention of 1833 and aided the Texas Army with his initial service and supplies following his father’s death. Groce continued to support Texas throughout his life, acting as a supplier for the Confederate Army. He died at Liendo on August 29, 1873.

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