LOVE & RESISTANCE
The Journey of John & Silvia Webber: 1794-1892
I. FOUNDATIONS
1786-1821 · Separation and Service
II. MEXICAN TEXAS
1822-1832 · A Sanctuary and Its Complications
III. FAMILY FORMATION
1833-1837 · The Claim of Freedom
IV. DANGER & EXILE
1839-1860 · Exile to the Borderlands
V. CIVIL WAR
1861-1865 · The Ranch as Sanctuary
VI. LEGACY
1866-1892 · Reconstruction and Remembrance
John Ferdinand Webber Born
Born in Danville, Vermont, into a New England family of British descent. Veteran of the War of 1812.
Silvia Hector Born into Slavery
Born in Spanish West Florida (present-day West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana).
Forced Separation from Mother
Appears in East Baton Rouge probate inventory. Listed with mother Sarah ($600) and herself ($350) with notation: "Mom and girl inventoried separately."
Silvia Sold at Age 12
Sold by Silas McDaniel to Morgan Cryer Sr. for $550 in Clark County, Missouri Territory.
Mexican Independence
Mexico gains independence. Moses Austin secures permission to settle 300 Anglo-American families in Texas.
Meeting on the Colorado
Silvia brought into Mexican Texas by John Cryer. She meets John Ferdinand Webber around this time.
First Child Born & Guerrero Decree
Their daughter Alcy Webber is born. President Vicente Guerrero abolishes slavery in Mexico (Texas exempted).
Freedom Purchased
John reaches an agreement for Silvia's freedom and their children's from John Cryer, pledging 800 acres as collateral. Their marriage becomes legally recognized under Mexican law.
Texas Revolution Nullifies Marriage
Republic of Texas Constitution legalizes slavery, bans free Black immigration, and outlaws interracial marriage. Their Mexican-recognized marriage becomes a crime.
Webber's Prairie Community
Formally recognized as a community anchored by free Black and mixed-race families.
Exile to the Rio Grande
Facing increasing danger, the Webbers flee to the Rio Grande Valley. Establish a ferry and refuge route into Mexico for enslaved people seeking freedom.
Civil War Sanctuary
Webber Ranch operates as a haven for freedom seekers, Unionists, and refugees. Silvia remembered as matriarch and protector.
Juneteenth
General Order No. 3 announces emancipation in Texas. The Webber family returns from Mexico.
Silvia Recognized as "Wife"
In Hidalgo County census, listed for first time in U.S. records as "Wife" - status denied for over 40 years.
John Ferdinand Webber Dies
Dies near the Rio Grande. His War of 1812 pension continues to support Silvia.
Silvia Hector Webber Dies
Dies, likely buried on Webber Ranch. Grave unmarked but legacy endures.