Major Guy M. Bryan, C.S.A.

(1821-1901) Born in Missouri. Rode a mule to Texas in 1831 to join his uncle, Stephen F. Austin, Father of Texas. A private in Texas War for Independence. Legislator, congressman, member of Texas Secession Convention. Enlisted as a private in the Civil War, but his administrative ability, diplomacy and political understanding soon cast him in the role of troubleshooter and liaison man between state and Confederate governments and the military.

Convinced C. S. A. leaders of need to leave enough troops in Texas to guard coastline and prevent Indian attacks. Arranged 1862 Conference of Governors of Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, and delivered their request to President Jefferson Davis for creation of a strong military department west of the Mississippi River.

Helped reorganize armed forces in East Texas. Served as confidential adjutant to both Pres. Davis and Trans-Mississippi commanding general. Settled dispute among military, state of Texas and Confederacy on acquisition and sale of cotton-- lifeblood of the South. Took part in battles in April 1864 to prevent Federal invasion of Texas.

Arranged governors' conferences in 1863 and 1865. Buried in state cemetery in Austin. (1966)