Ben F. Somerville
In memory of
Ben' J. Somerville
Who died
At Corpus Christi
Oct. 23, 1854 of Yell_____________
Aged 21 years __________
And 11 _________
Son of H & N _________________
Photo Credit: Rosa G. Gonzales
- Biography
Tragedy struck Corpus Christi multiple times with the arrival of yellow fever—a serious disease carried by mosquitoes—that ravaged coastal towns periodically in the summer and early autumn. One such epidemic began in the summer of 1854. According to oral tradition, the epidemic began when a fruit vessel docking at the city wharves apparently brought what was popularly called the Mexican "vomito". Within a short time those who had been to the boat to purchase fresh fruit were already feeling the effects of the fever. The deadly disease had an effect both in the town of Corpus Christi and the surrounding regions because of the traveling habits of both the populace and the mosquitoes (see "Corpus Christi: 100 Years" published by C.C. Caller-Times Publishing Co. 1952 page 59 and Eugenia Briscoe's "City by the Sea", published by Vantage Press, Inc. 1985, p. 154). Among the victims of the yellow fever epidemic of 1854 was 21 year old Ben F. Somerville. His gravesite identifies him as the son of H. and M. Somerville and reports that he died on October 23, 1854 at that young age of 21. There are no listings for an H. Somerville in either the 1850 or 1860 census records of Texas so presumably Ben came from out of the state of Texas, but his remains rest peacefully overlooking the bay that brought both prosperity and peril. In a 1940 article from the Caller Times, it is noted that his gravestone was one of those damaged by a cannonball during the Civil War bombardment of Corpus Christi (however his name is listed in that article as Benjamin F. Sotherville).
Research and transcription: Michael A. Howell
- Deeds and Probate
Paper records in the Nueces County Courthouse also reveal more information on young Benjamin F. Somerville. Deeds records report that he was here as early as 1853 as he was in the midst of purchasing a 100 acre Rancho with improvements on the west bank of the Nueces River adjoining the "town of Nueces" (i.e. Nuecestown) from another who share his name—Benjamin F. Neal (Vol. E page 363-4 on December 10, 1853). The administrator of his estate, Henry Hill, also used estate funds for an investment for the Somerville family when he purchased from M. P. Norton lots 6 and 7 of Block 19 from the Beach Addition to the city with 50' fronting on Mesquite Street and extending back 150' to front also 50' on Broadway Street (Vol. F page 228 on December 11, 1855). Mr. Hill was apparently helping the family members of Benjamin who were prevented by distance from personally settling his estate. The Probate records of the county offer further information on Ben's family. Nueces County Probate Records, volume B lists an inventory of the effects of B. F. Somerville which included many notes owed to him by individuals like Hiram Webster and Major P. Crafts. He also held a land warrant patent No. 6372 for 40 acres along with funds kept by Frederick Belden and Company. Among his legatees are John H. Somerville and Jane F. Somerville of Orange County, Virginia, who authorize William M. Somerville to receive monies in their name (Probate Records, Volume B, pages 7, 8, 118). A check of 1850 census of Orange County, Virginia (page 218) finds the listing of "Harrison" Somerville and wife "Nancy" with what appear to be children "John H. Somerville" and "Jane F. Somerville". It would seem most likely that Benjamin's parents are Harrison and Nancy. His tombstone, though broken, seems to indicate he is the son of "H. and N." (Somerville). This would mean that John H. and Jane F. Somerville are his brother and sister (named in the probate records). This would fit his probate records and his tombstone. His father may have already been deceased by the time of Benjamin's death in 1854 because in the 1860 census Harrison is not present. In this census (page 603) John H. Somerville is now in charge of the family farm. His sister appears to have married and moved away, and Harrison's widow (Nancy Somerville) is living next door to John. Benjamin would thus have come from an old county of Virginia. Orange County was formed in 1734 from Spotsylvania and named for the Prince of Orange who in that year (1734) married Princess Anne, daughter of King George II. President James Madison lived in this county, and President Zachary Taylor (whose soldiers encamped in Corpus Christi would be the first interred in Old Bayview Cemetery) was born here.
Research and transcription: Michael A. Howell