Land! Irish Pioneers in Mexican and Revolutionary Texas

Timothy Meagher of Catholic University of America reviews Land! Irish Pioneers in Mexican and Revolutionary Texas by Graham Davis.  Graham Davis tells an Irish-Texan story of the search for land by recounting the experiences of the original empresarios John McMullen, James McGloin, James Power, and James Hewetson, and finishing the book with a description of the ranching empire of Power’s nephew, Thomas O’Connor. In between, he examines the marriages, commercial contacts, political alliances, and language ties that “Mexicanized” these successful entrepreneurs. Living in the heart of the war zone, some of the Irish settlers fought for independence while others remained loyal to the Mexican government that had made them citizens and given them land.  Davis offers a vivid picture of the hardships of pioneer life and the building of communities, churches, and schools. He describes how Irish ranchers had the opportunity to thrive after the annexation of Texas and emphasizes their willing acceptance of Mexican ranching methods. He makes a convincing case that the Irish came to Texas not as victims but as entrepreneurs and opportunists in search of land.

Read the book review at https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-7379.2004.tb00249.xb.