Dr. Thomas Kenney was a peaceful man with a dangerous dream. As a field doctor serving in the Black Hawk War in Illinois, Kenney witnessed first-hand the brutal slaying of indigenous men, women, and children. Due to these atrocities, he began to formulate a plan that would take him away from war to a more peaceful life as a settler in the wide-open spaces of the western frontier. However, it would mean leaving behind a promising career as a medical doctor in the civilized community of Rock Island, Illinois. It would mean involving a risky move for his sickly young wife and their small girl. It would mean facing outraged Native Americans, a belligerent Mexican army, deadly diseases, and wild animals.
For thousands of years before Dr. Kenney's appearance, indigenous people freely roamed throughout a large expanse known today as Texas. Millions of buffalo ranged across the entire North American Central Plains. Within a single generation both the Indians and the buffalo were slaughtered almost to extinction by men intent on making a living by hunting for buffalo hides.
In the mid-19th century, Texas was also the scene of Mexico's fight to retain this territory under its rule. "Remember the Alamo," and "Come and take it!" were some of the battle cries of men fighting to secure independence from Mexico. Texas Rangers were created to aid in the fight against the Mexican army and Indian raiders.
Into this dangerous vortex, Dr. Kenney sought to establish a foothold on the edge of the Texas frontier and live at peace with his neighbors, who did not share his peaceful intentions. Just getting to Texas from the Mississippi Valley was a risky and exhausting journey as he, his wife, and their little girl drove their burdened wagon through territory that was swarming with fierce Indians and terrifying animals. It was also an emotional journey. The doctor was leaving behind a safe career for an unknown profession in a strange new land, with Comanches, Apaches, and Tonkawas suspicious of their every move.
Was Dr. Kenney courageous or foolish to build a fort under such brutal conditions? Each reader can render judgment after reading this true story of the first Anglo settlement in Williamson County, Texas.
