The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 19, July 1915 - April, 1916 Page: 55
452 p. : maps ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Harris Cou/nty, 1892-1845
vention mentioned above, together with the question of annexa-
tion. This vote, which was taken in Harris County on October
13, 1845, stood "For Annexation," 324, of which 241 votes were
cast in Houston; "Against Annexation," 50, of which 44 were
cast in Houston; "For the Constitution," 299; "Against the Con-
stitution," 68. The Telegraph and Texas Register states that very
little interest was manifested, as an impression seemed to prevail
that a large majority would be given for the Constitution and
annexation, and many voters neglected to attend the polls.
In the election of state officials, which took place on Decem-
ber 15, 1845, there was much more interest. The largest vote was
polled for the representatives. The records of the Telegraph and
Texas Register, published a few days later, state that 995 votes
were cast in ,Houston, 117 at Lynchburg, and 77 at Harrisburg
(other voting precincts were not given), making a total of 1189
votes.
No official estimate of the population of the county or city
seems to have been made until the census of the United States
was taken in 1850, four years after Texas had been admitted to
the Union. The county is therein accredited with 4668 popula-
tion, of whom 2396 resided in the city of Houston, and 905 of
the total population were negroes. When we consider that, in
1839, a canvass to determine the number of residents in the city
of Houston had shown that there were 2073, at that time, it is
plain that the actual increase during these eleven years had been
extremely small.
The fluctuating character of much of the population, changing
continually as favorable or unpromising conditions arose, many
men never staying long enough to acquire the privilege of fran-
chise, makes the voting strength of the town or county an unfair
criterion of the real number of people living within their pre-
cincts. It is certain that the proportion of families was small
when compared with the number of single men, so that an estimate
based upon the scholastic population would not be at all applicable
for that time. It is evident, however, that the advocates of annex-
ation were disappointed in their expectation that an immense flow
of immigration would immediately result from the realizaation of
that measure. Families came, but not in large numbers. Many
towns were planned and platted in early days which never had half
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 19, July 1915 - April, 1916, periodical, 1916; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101067/m1/64/: accessed March 29, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.