Martin Varner

Martin Varner (March 3, 1785 – February 14, 1844) was one of the original American settlers in Mexican Texas, known as the Old Three Hundred, and was a veteran of the Texas Revolution.

Born in German Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, he moved with his family to Warren County, Ohio in 1791.

In 1815, Varner moved to Arkansas Territory and joined with a group of like-minded individuals who moved on to the land south of the Red River. They established the town of Jonesborough in what is now Red River County, Texas. Varner married Elizabeth Inglish (English) at Jonesborough on September 26, 1818.

In 1821, many of the Spanish colonies in the Americas gained independence. Among the new countries created as a result of the revolutions was Mexico.

Varner heard of Stephen F. Austin's colony on the Brazos River, and he went to see him, signing with the Old Three Hundred. Varner settled in Independence temporarily.

In 1824, Varner was given Mexican land grants in Brazoria and Waller counties. His Brazoria County property was located outside of what is now West Columbia, at what is now known as the Varner–Hogg Plantation State Historical Site. Varner raised sugar cane on the property, and built a rum distillery there. In 1834, Varner sold the property to Columbus Patton.

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