Charles B. De Caussey

DE CAUSSEY, CHARLES B. (1828~1904) Charles B. De Caussey, or Decaussey, Confederate veteran and capitol watchman, was born in Florida on November 26, 1828. He enlisted in Company A of the 3rd Battalion of the Florida Cavalry, which was also known as Meyers Battalion, the 15th Confederate Cavalry, and the Florida 2nd Infantry, Second Organization.

The 3rd Battalion was assembled in Pensacola, in March 1862, and served in Florida in the Department of the Gulf. In the summer of 1863, the 3rd Battalion merged with Murphy's Battalion of the Alabama Cavalry, Captains Arrington's and Barlow's Companies of the Alabama Cavalry, and Captain Smith's Company of the Florida Cavalry to form the 15th Confederate Cavalry Regiment. The men served under the command of Colonel Harry Maury, of Alabama.

The 15th Cavalry remained in the Mobile area, where the regiment was formed, until the men were moved around the Gulf Coast. The unit was engaged in battle at Tunica Bend, Louisiana and Blakeley, Alabama. The 15th disbanded shortly after the Battle of Blakely.

After the War, De Caussey immigrated to Texas and settled in Washington County. He later married Mary J. Grissett, granddaughter of Colonel William B. Travis, hero of the Alamo. After experiencing financial difficulties, De Caussey traveled to Wilbarger County and carried the mail for several years between Vernon and Crowley.

After learning of the De Caussey's financial situation, Mrs. Anson Jones, wife of the last President of the Republic of Texas and President General of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, petitioned Governor Joseph D. Sayers to give De Caussey a job at the Capitol. Sayers made him a watchman in 1899.

De Caussey's wife, Mary Jane, died on November 11, 1903, and two months later, on January 13, 1904, De Caussey fell violently ill in the rotunda of the Capitol. He was taken to his home, where died later that evening. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas had him buried in the Texas State Cemetery.

Information taken from obituary, Thursday, January 14, 1904, Austin Statesman, "The Capitol Watchman Capt. De Caussey Dead;" Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System website at www.itd.nps.gov/cwss; and 3rd Battalion, Florida Cavalry (Meyer's)(15th Confederate Cavalry) website at www.researchonline.net/flcw/unit10.htm.