05/21/2026
Thomas Applewhite was a Corporal in the Captain Barnett Company, Mississippi Militia, during the War of 1812. On May 9, 2026, he was honored at his resting place in the Concrete Cemetery near La Vernia, Texas, by the General Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Texas, David Crockett Chapter of San Antonio. A Grave Marker Dedication Ceremony commemorated his loyal service. A special guest in attendance was his descendant, Glenda Rast.
Blair Rudy, President of the Chapter, welcomed the attendees, followed by Chapter Chaplain, Ken Williamson, who gave an invocation. The Society of the War of 1812 National Treasury General, Gary R. Neal, and State President, Robert Duckworth, offered greetings to all. The Past President of the Texas Chapter, Drake Peddie, who also served as the Color Guard Commander, provided background information about the War of 1812.
A Biography of Thomas Applewhite was given by Retired Navy Captain Walter Scull III, Director of the La Vernia Historical Association. Scull said, "Applewhite was born in Mississippi in 1790 and died January 14, 1864, in La Vernia. He had 18 children. He purchased land in La Vernia in 1854. In the 1800s, that same property was a stagecoach stop on the Old Chihuahua Road. It is currently the location of the Finch Funeral Home on Highway 87 in La Vernia. A Texas State Historical Marker commemorates the location, but the home is no longer standing."
Glenda Rast provided additional information about her ancestor and accepted a Certificate of Appreciation for Applewhite's service.
The Society's State Vice President, Paul Ridenour, honored Applewhite, saying, "We die three times: at our death, when we are laid to rest, and when our name is spoken for the last time. May we always remember Thomas Applewhite and his service."
The Unveiling of the Marker was conducted by Walter and Nancy Scull, officers with the Concrete Cemetery Association. A memorial wreath was laid by Blair Rudy, followed by the playing of Taps by Bugler Frank Kebelman, a Retired Lt. Col. with the U. S. Marine Corps.
An Honorary Salute with three flint-lock, black-powder rifles was fired by the Color Guard, which included Drake Peddie, Blair Rudy, and Robert Duckworth.
Present at the event were about 35 people, including the Chapter Secretary, Frank Rohrbough; the Chapter Registrar, Larry Luckett; Anthony Delgado, Chairman of the Wilson County Historical Commission; members of the La Vernia Historical Association and the Concrete Cemetery Association; members of the Susanna Dickinson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with many family members and patriots.
More information about the General Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Texas is at Texas1812.org. The Concrete Cemetery is located on FM 775, north of La Vernia near the Guadalupe County line.
www.Texas1812.org
