Promoting Peace thru Preservation

Historians of Nacogdoches,

I have forwarded primary documents and a synopsis of William Goyens Jr to Dr. Abernethy and Dr. Sosebee to help promote a deeper understanding of the culture William Goyens was born into. I have spent years studying the political structure of Moore County, NC and understand why it was a hostile place for persons of color and why Goyens came to Texas. The first 20 years of his life in North Carolina is as compelling as the last decades of his life in Texas. And now we have the additional benefit of DNA. The Redbone Heritage Foundation encourages members to use the tool. We collect family histories and DNA results to reconstruct historical communities in an attempt to understand the culture the people known as Redbones, a multi-ethnic group of people of unknown origin, lived in. It is hoped the research will foster a deeper understanding of these clannish people and promote respect, understanding and peace for all people.

I'm not seeking grand monuments, parades or anything outrageously expensive in the Goyens Family Cemetery issue. I only hope the Nacogdoches historians will apply to the Texas Historical Commission to have the land where the marker once stood protected.

Dr. Prince included in her Master's Thesis:

Goyens was buried beside his wife near a large cedar tree on the Moral Creek in a Mexican cemetery approximately 3 miles from his home. The following year a fence was placed around the graves of the husband and wife. (Her source: Scrapbook of Newspaper Clippings, Eugene C. Barker Collection, UT, Austin. no date or name of paper was given)

The Centennial Marker book publication which I've already sent verified the marker was placed on the grave of Goyens. The application was prepared by Nacogdoches historians in 1936. Those historians are our best and most recent source on the location of Goyens' family cemetery and the Mexican cemetery that is there as well. I have no idea how many graves are truly there.

I believe the action of protecting the cemetery with public access will celebrate the multi-ethnic heritage in Nacogdoches. It is an act of peace, tolerance, respect and understanding. That is what my ancestral uncle tried to foster during his era. Peace and good will toward ALL, regardless of color, race, ethnicity, culture or creed. It is a noble thing to do.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter,

Cyndie Goins Hoelscher
5th generation great granddaughter of William Goyens, Jr.

Che la pace regni sulla terra.