Poles have participated in the history and growth of the state of Texas since 1836 when Felix Wardzinski, Michael Dembinski, and Frederick Lemsky fought for Texas independence alongside Sam Houston and James Fannin. The history of our ancestors emigrating to the Lone Star State also includes two waves of Polish emigration to Texas: Panna Maria, Karnes County, in 1854 and Waverly, Walker County, in 1867. These emigrants brought their culture and the Catholic faith from Poland to Texas where they built churches and homes.