Micajah Autry

"Micajah Autry was a native of Sampson County, North Carolina. When between the ages of seventeen and eighteen, he volunteered for service against the British in the War of 1812. He remained in Charleston in the Company of Captain Long, until the Treaty of Ghent was signed on February 17th, 1815."

"Afterward, Autry studied law and was admitted to the bar in Jackson, Tennessee, where he practiced until he went to Texas."

"His reason, as he admitted, was that he hoped for possible residence for his family, as well as a suitable means of support. Arriving in Memphis, he wrote his wife on December 7th, 1835, "On the steam-boat 'Pacific' I have met a number of acquaintances bound for Texas... I am determined to provide a home for you -- or perish!"

"From Natchitoches, a week later he wrote, "About twenty men from Tennessee form our squad... The war (in Texas) is going favorably for the Texans, but it is thought that Santa Anna will make a descent with his whole force in the Spring. But there will be soldiers enough of the real grit in Texas by that time, to overrun all Mexico! We have between 400 and 500 to foot it to the seat of government. We cannot get horses, but have sworn allegiance to each other."

"From Nacogdoches, on January 13, 1836, went Autry 's last letter, still cheery and optimistic. "I walked from Natchitoches to this place, 115 miles, through torrents of rain, mud and water... We expect to march to headquarters (Washington-on-the-Brazos) to join Houston, and receive our destination... I expect to help (Texas) gain independence... It is well worth risking many lives, for there is not so fair a portion of the Earth's surface, warmed by the sun... Colonel Crockett has just joined our company."

"This "company" appeared before John Forbes, in Nacogdoches, to take the Oath of Allegiance to Texas on January 14th, 1836, and right nobly did they keep their word of honor."

"Early in the Siege of the Alamo Autry was chosen by his company, being an expert marksman, to eliminate the pompous little bemedalled red and gold figure of the Mexican Commander, who had sauntered across the ground just beyond the wall. Autry raised his long rifle, took careful aim as his breathless companions watched... In that moment the history of Texas might have been changed, for in the nervous tension and great hope of killing the ruthless Santa Anna, in whom all the Texans' trouble was concentrated, Autry 's bullet went wild, and the red and gold figure for once lost its dignity as it scampered to cover..."

" Autry lived through the thirteen days of the siege, the prowess of his marksmanship adding many to the heap of Mexican dead. He fell with his comrades at the "stockade," overwhelmed by numbers, determined and courageous to the end..."

----- From the Alamo Hero Series by Cora Carleton Glassford -----

Micajah Autry listed on the Alamo Wall of Honor.  This photograph was submitted by Marshall Autry on October 2, 2003.

Annually, The Micajah Autry Society presents a play based upon the adventures of this native son of North Carolina. This is usually scheduled in July.