I have a book titled, "Mijamin Priest and Family". He was Chief Justice of the Tyler County Court and a well known Unionist and slave holder who moved to Rusk County in 1855. But, my understanding is Tyler County was overwhelmingly pro-seccession. They voted that way; enlisted in the CSA, homeguard and so forth.

Are you referring to the "slackers" that hid out in the Big Thicket? I always thought they were neutral.