Handy, Robert Eden (ca. 1807–1838)

Robert Eden Handy, businessman and soldier, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, around 1807, the son of Sewell and Harriet (Hutchings) Handy. In 1834 he 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.

Handy married Nancy Maria Graham in Richmond, Texas and he was killed on October 1, 1838 when he was thrown from a horse and his foot caught in the stirrup. He was only thirty-one years of age, and his only son James Hutchings "Hutch" Handy was born after his death. When Handy died, Mirabeau B. Lamar "mourned the loss of his best friend." At his family’s request, Handy’s body was returned to Pennsylvania for burial in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.