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Bruno with his family first settling in Nacogdoches in 1832 then
making their home in Robertson county then on to Leona. Bruno being
most important of the establishment of all Texas and he outstanding of
personal and public development of the transforming of Texas from its
wilderness state into a productive resourceful land of plenty.
Jet Black had settled in our Leon
County in the early 1850's and he was a popular gentleman. He served
our country in all ways of land, business development to maintain Leon
County and other connecting counties to be populated with God loving moral
citizens and the best of business leaders.
Jet Black served as our Leon County
Sheriff before the war between the sates and after the war. Bruno and
Jet Black as dear friends were first to help organize and form the Leon
Hunters both as captains and lieutenants of the company a 13th
Texas Infantry. They serving together and at different intervals of
the battles, served and fought as the first ones to be on the battlefield.
Bruno was on the hunt for water food
and Jet was trying to get clothing and shoes, and medical needs that were in
desperate need. They were all in rags, cold, wet and most of the time
all so hungry. They were weak with diseases and wounded. They
fought and struggled with harsh conditions and winning vital battles.
A Confederate Texas letter that was
sent from Bruno Durst to get Black when at different battle locations, is a
Leon County Southern Historical Memorable document.
Bruno's letter to his friend and
co-captain Jet Black February 25, 1865 near Shreveport LA: Captain Jet
Black, dear friend your letter written in the earliest part of January has
just been received by me, it has been sometime delayed. I take
pleasure therefore in replying to your letter.
We have no particular news to write,
the peace prospects once so flourishing have expired. Nothing remains
by grim visages of War with all its gloomy forebodings. Floods of rain
pour upon us almost continually while streams are filled to the highest mark
so much it is virtually impossible to travel yet, it is a poor excuse with
our division commander. We were glad to hear that your health was
improving and now you are in a position that would enable you to protect
your boys from exposure. We are in pretty good shape right now yet we
are entirely out of funds. This army division has only received one
months pay and those who were fortunate enough to be in the immediate camp
area were paid, this being twelve months behind in paying the troops and
there is no funds in the department. I have never yet received one
dollar for expenses on our horses and other necessary medicine, clothing, or
food.
There was a barbecue given by the
citizens of Cadelo and Bassier and also Harrison County, TX. We were
received by General Kirby Smith, the barbecue served on 16 tables, 70 yards,
long filled with substantial of grub for instance 140 hogs, light bread,
potatoes, mutton, turkeys, chickens, cake, and pie. Our division so
hungry it was consumed in a very short time. A dance was given.
We quickly realized it was in honor of General Smith, Forney, McGruder,
Fagan, Boggs, and staffs. Our division with no interest of dancing and
partying put on smiles and gladly excused ourselves and went back to our
quarters. After this we lived tolerably well, got some flour, bacon,
pickled beef, molasses, and sometimes sugar, most of these provisions sent
from our home front Leon County. Still no clothes except for home made
sock from our Leon County women. Our division now has sham battles to
keep us ready for the real battles when the river waters goes down to enable
us to go forward.
Our daily prayers are for the rivers
to do down so we can move back into Texas, fight that battle and then move
on to wherever we can to fight for our southern rights.
We claiming the rights of soldiers
doing our best for the union flag of the free. My good friend, Jet my
paper is full. I must therefore draw a close. Remember me to all
old friends. Respects to Mrs. Black. Respect to B. Durst.
Both Bruno Durst and Jet Black
returned to Leon County in their rags of confederate uniforms. Their
shoes in threads, no socks, they found their way back home walking most of
the way in such condition.
No one knew them. They as
gallant confederate heroes who received very little recognition were also
gallant citizens who served our county of patriotic law abiding business,
family accomplishment the rest of their lives.
Bruno and his family were outstanding
in successful means for the Leona Marquez communities to be organized and
developed townships. Bruno was very active of public life for Texas
was vital of Texas prairie, wilderness, to be tamed into fertile farm,
ranch, and business constructed populated towns.
Jet Black with his family were
spirited settlers of the Centerville area furnishing much wealth of
Christian, family development, and opportunity and Jet as a county sheriff
provided safe controlled protection. He a popular loved gentleman and
both Bruno and Jet kept the strong southern patriotic motto. Love,
Live, Pray.
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