Moses William Hindes

The plaque ends on a store, and the store was large. The Beever and Hindes mercantile block in Pearsall, built up in the early 1890s, became one of the largest general-merchandise houses between San Antonio and Laredo. It served a railroad town platted in 1882 that had about a thousand residents by 1890, with a cotton gin and a corn mill, and ten large mercantile firms by 1914. Moses Hindes did not live to see any of it. He was killed on August 1, 1865, defending his homestead, and the business carried the family name forward.

What the plaque says

Moses William Hindes A pioneer in settling of southwest Texas. Born in South Carolina; married Mary Jane Mason. Moved in 1840's to Alabama, then to Mississippi. With wife and 6 children came in 1855 by ox-wagon and horse-drawn hack to Texas. After a year in Lockhart, moved (1856) to this area of sparse settlements. To have adequate water for cattle raising, tried living on Ash and San Miguel Creeks. Then settled on the Frio, where in drouths "wells" were sunk in the river bed. During the Civil War (1861-1865) Hindes and his son George were Confederate scouts. In that time Indians plundered this area, stealing children and horses. On Aug. 1, 1865, warning came of a new Indian raid. Neighbors went to Hindes' home (9 mi. sw) for safety. 6 men took turns guarding 40 horses held in the corral. At daybreak when the Indians attacked, Moses Hindes was shot to death defending his homestead. Buried at first in this Boothill, he was later reburied in Pleasanton Cemetery, Atascosa County. His heirs remain loyal to this area for which Mr. Hindes died. George, the eldest son, founded the town of Hindes, Atascosa County. The Hindes & Beever Store, Pearsall, sold first pearburner ever marketed. Every generation has had men who rode with Texas Rangers. 1968 Incise in base: Erected by great-grandchildren, carrie Hindes eppright and Leroy Hindes.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Choke Canyon State Park — 12 mi
  A reservoir state park on the Frio River in two units, built after a 1982 dam, with birds, alligators and fishing on land people have crossed for more than 10,000 years.

More markers nearby

• Boot Hill Cemetery — steps away
• McMullen County — steps away
• Tilden — steps away
• Camp Rio Frio, C.S.A. — steps away