THE McALISTER FAMILY OF WILSON COUNTY

By Shirley Grammer

"John Murphy McAlister (1807-1885), of North Carolina and Isabella McClain McAlister (1817-1872) of South Carolina married and settled in Mississippi prior to their move to Texas. A total of ten children were born to this union with the first six born in Mississippi."

"John and Isabella settled in the Cibolo valley about 1851/52 . . . They built a nice home and raised their family to become good law abiding citizens of the community. They were devout Christians and early records of the Baptist Church indicate. . ."

"On May 14, 1915, the Commissioners Court of Wilson County approved the construction of an iron bridge over the Cibolo at "McAlister Crossing," commonly known today as "Mueller Bridge."

". . . He is listed on the Muster Roll of Captain Claiborne Rector’s Company of the Cibolo Guards in 1861. The oldest son, Daniel . . . during the Civil War. He was wounded severely in both legs at Gaines Mill, June 27, 1862 and died of his wounds . . .She died and . . .he  was wounded in the hand at Gaines Mill June 27, 1862. . .  he was in Captain Claiborne Rector’s Company of the Cibolo Guards during the Civil War. . . John served in early law enforcement (sheriff) in the county and his sons, Charlie and Pat, became Texas Rangers.  Amanda Jane never married . . . was a boarder in the old Lay Hotel in La Vernia."

". . .   hid a fugitive in their barn and would not report him to the law because he was the son on their old loyal colored couple who worked for them. . ."