Civil War battle in Brush Country recognized
\ Homero Vera, who coordinated the event in Premont, welcomes Cecelio Valerio's "proud descendant," Elodia Valerio Saenz, to an event recognizing the Civil War battle at Los Patricios west of Premont. Los Patricios are within the San Francisco land grant located primarily in Duval County but protrudes into Jim Wells County. Vera believes that t he skirmish occurred on Jim Wells's side of San Francisco. (Photos by Gary Welch) by Alfredo E. Cardenas Few people are aware that the Civil War actually had a presence in South Texas, including Duval and Jim Wells County. On Saturday, March 16, the Premont Chamber of Commerce hosted a program to commemorate the only Civil War battle that took place in this area. Historian Jerry Thompson spoke about the events at Los Patricios. Noted historian Dr. Jerry Thompson was the keynote speaker and presented an informative talk about the battle and those involved, including father and son Cecilio and Juan Valerio, who