Handy, Robert Eden (unknown–1838)

Robert Eden Handy, businessman and soldier, was born in Pennsylvania and in 1834 moved to Texas, where he settled in San Augustine. In 1837 he moved to Brazoria and established a real estate partnership with William Lusk. They became joint founders of Richmond, Texas. During the Texas Revolution Handy served briefly on Sam Houston's staff and, with Henry W. Karnes and Erastus "Deaf" Smith, was sent to investigate the condition of the Alamo. This party was the first to meet Susanna Dickinson and receive word of the loss of the fortress and its garrison. As a private in Capt. Robert J. Calder's Company K of Col. Edward Burleson's First Regiment, Texas Volunteers, Handy fought at the battle of San Jacinto. He and Smith had planned a business partnership, but Smith died in November 1837. When Handy died at Richmond on October 1, 1838, Mirabeau B. Lamar "mourned the loss of his best friend."