Alamo History, Visitor Info, Pictures, & Much More
The Alamo Defenders: Micajah Autry
AUTRY, MICAJAH
(1794?-1836)
At the age of 18, Micajah volunteered for service to fight against the British in the War of 1812, and later joined the US Army in SC where he served until 1815. Upon leaving the military, Micajah became a farmer. However, due to health issues, he gave up his farming lifestyle, became a teacher, and then moved to Tennessee in 1823 to study law. He was admitted to the bar and practiced law in Jackson, Tennessee from 1831-1835. He and his law partner - Andrew Miller - started a mercantile business which did not find success.
In 1835, Micajah was traveling in New York and Philadelphia on business and became aware of opportunities in Texas. Leaving his family and slaves in the care of his step-daughter’s husband, Micajah left Nashville by steamboat and, in 1836, ended up in Nacogdoches. It was here that he joined the Volunteer Auxiliary Corps of Texas. He entered the Alamo under the command of Lt. Col. William B. Travis on February 23, 1836, and died in battle on March 6, 1836.
Born in Sampson County, NC, Micajah Autry was the son of Theophilus and Elizabeth (Greer) Autry. He was married to Martha Wyche Putny Wilkinson and together they raised three children – two belonging to Micajah and Martha, and one fathered by Martha’s previous husband who was deceased.
Autry was an amateur poet, writer, artist, and musician. A letter to his wife, dated