Richard ‘Big Dick’ Andrews
(Dr. Gazley's neighbor to the west.)

Richard "Big Dick" Andrews, so called because of his immense stature and strength, was an early Texas settler. Choosing a league of land on the west bank of the Colorado River, across from Alum Creek, he located adjacent to his brother Micah, who had chosen land nearby. Both were experienced indian fighters and typical stalwart types chosen by Stephen F. Austin for the settlement of the new frontier.

On November 7, 1831, at an official meeting held in his house, Richard Andrews was elected Comisario of the Ayuntamiento de San Felipe, a position in the existing 
Mexican government with duties such as census taker, constable, and 
deputy sheriff. Specifically, he was to see to the peace and safety of the new 
frontier, and to promote patriotism, sacrifice, and unity. Additionally, he was
 appointed to the sub-committee on Safety and Vigilance, to serve with 
Dr. Thomas Jefferson Gazley.

As a pioneer settler, Land Grant Number One in Bastrop County, and with his responsibilities of election and appointment, and being newly divorced without children, Richard was predestined to be involved in the upcoming Texas War for Independence. Accordingly, he and his brother, Micah, joined the determined group of men that would become the Texas Army at the start of the revolution, ....  
"to help out that little old two horse republic under the lone star."

Necessity and integrity brought Dr. Gazley and Richard Andrews together again on October 2, 1835.  During the Battle of Gonzales, the first fight of the war for 
Texas’ Independence, ‘Big Dick" was the first Texas soldier to be wounded 
by enemy rifle fire and possibly treated by Physician-Soldier Dr. Gazley; and 
he recovered sufficiently to continue fighting.  He and the other 100 plus 
defenders had successfully repelled the Mexican troops who had come 
to Gonzales to take away their "indian defense" cannon;
 thus, the motto - "Come and Take It" - was born. 

Following the Gonzales battle, Stephen F. Austin’s Texas Army grew as it advanced on San Antonio and Mexican General Cos’ much larger army. On October 28, 1835, the battle of Conceptcion occured as the opening engagement of the Siege of Bexar. General Cos and about 275 dragoons conducted an early morning battle with the Texans. The Texans responded with accurate rifle fire that drove back the Mexicans and killed or wounded many of the Mexican infantry. Mexican losses were reported as fourteen killed and thirty-nine wounded, some mortally. At the same time, Texas’ losses were reported as one wounded and one killed, with Richard "Big Dick" Andrews being killed. Richard had unfortunately become a hero by being the first Texas soldier to lose his life 
in support of the war for independence. His last statement was reputed to be: 
"I’m a dead man, boys, but don’t let the others know it; keep on fighting to the death."

‘Big Dick’s’ wound resulted from grapeshot fired from a Mexican cannon. The grapeshot penetrared his right side, lacerating his bowels, and exiting through his left side. Andrews was aware of the victory as he lingered into the night; yet, he later died after suffering great agony until near sunrise.

Andrews was buried by his troops on the Concepcion Mission battlegrounds under a large pecan tree near the confluence of the San Antonio river and San Pedro creek; no marker or stone was left to make his grave or to honor his life in, his efforts on the behalf of, and his ultimate sacrifice for a free Texas. No marker of any type was placed on the grave site and the 1936 Texas Centennial Historical Commission did not erect a Commerative Grave Marker

Richard Andrews did not have the opportunity to excel in other areas, but, he clearly gave Texas everything possible including his life. Along with many other settlers who volunteered for military service and left their homes to fight for peace and security, they chose a glorious death rather than an ignoble defeat or surrender. In recognition of his heroism, Andrews County, and its county seat, Andrews, were named for Richard Andrews. This recognition from 375 miles away was noteworthy; 
yet, locally he is out of sight, out of mind, and soon to be out of memory.

 “I thank you Mr . Andrews, for all that you have done for 
Smithville, Bastrop County, Texas, and Texans.”

David L. Herrington
  2011