Thomas J. Pilgrim

Who was Thomas J. Pilgrim?

Thomas Jefferson Pilgrim started the first school in Texas. The town of Pilgrim, Texas is named for Thomas J. Pilgrim. Thomas was born to Thomas and Dorcas Pilgrim, in East Haddam, Connecticut. Thomas attended the Hamilton Literary and Theological Institute at Colgate University. In 1828, Pilgrim heard about the settlements in Texas and left school in New York to travel to Texas in the company of approximately sixty men. The pilgrimage was led by Elias R. Wightman. Pilgrim arrived at Matagorda, Texas. Soon thereafter, Pilgrim served the Austin Colony as a Spanish interpreter. Pilgrim was also a close friend of Stephen F. Austin.

Started First School in Texas: In the beginning of 1829, Pilgrim founded an all-boys school called the "Austin Academy" which was located in San Felipe de Austin. Pilgrim additionally that year began the first Sunday school in Texas; there the children sat on cut logs inside a log house. Pilgrim's Sunday school was of historical note particularly because the school was in violation of a Mexican law which prohibited Protestant worship.

Military Participation: In 1836, Pilgrim took part in the capture of a Mexican vessel off the coast of Matagorda.