Uncovered relics may point to 197-year-old battle’s location (Texas)

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The Battle of Medina was a massacre in the early 19th century involving the Spanish Army from the south and the Republican Army from the north. It is known as the bloodiest battle on Texas soil. But one very important detail of the battle is still unknown -- where it happened.

This mysterious battle is missing in action, so to speak. Historians have never been able to agree where exactly it took place. Some say near Poteet, others say it was near Pleasanton.

News 4 WOAI found a man who says they all have it wrong. He says he has found evidence the massacre happened in Somerset. You could say Stephen Ash, a retired teacher who taught public school Texas for 23 years, has discovered a treasure chest right under his feet. It is a vast collection of mysterious artifacts that might rewrite history.

On his four acres in Somerset, just south of San Antonio, Stephen has unearthed old weapons including an old hatchet and large knives, antique silverware, and what he believes are human bones.

“I would think this is just an accident that I'm running into this stuff but when I found this [button] over Thanksgiving, when I clearly saw 1813, that rang a bell, " Stephen said.

Stephen believes he found a silver button inscribed with 1813, that was once worn by an army officer. If it is, that button may pinpoint the location of the infamous Battle of Medina.

"Something went on here. Something definitely went on here," Stephen said. “The knife, the ax, the silverware, were they camping here? Were they eating? Did they have to leave in a hurry and left stuff behind? It's a mystery to me."

According to Bruce Moses, an archeologist at UTSA, little to no artifacts have ever been found linking the Battle of Medina to an exact location. Stephen is convinced his land has a good story to tell. Whether it is the real story of the Battle of Medina remains a 197-year-old secret.

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