In the 1820s, most area residents were loyal citizens of Mexico until Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna abrogated the Constitution of 1824. As hostilities between Mexico City and newly arrived Texian settlers escalated, many in east and southeast Texas began to support the idea of a Texas separate from the Mexican Republic. After the conflicts at Anahuac in 1832 and again in 1835, many Texian groups formed military companies in what they viewed as defense of their rights. Lynchburg resident and farmer William Scott offered to arm and equip anyone who would fight for Texas independence, and on September 15, 1835, the Lynchburg Volunteers were organized, with Scott elected captain, Peter J. Duncan first lieutenant, and James S. McGahey second lieutenant. About 30 men joined the company at Scott's home, which served as headquarters while they trained at Scott's Point Pleasant plantation. A few weeks later they reported for service at San Felipe and were sent to join Colonel James Fannin's men at Béxar. As part of the newly formed Texian Army of the people, they took part in the Grass Fight and the Battle of Concepción and were present throughout the siege and battles around Béxar from October through December 1835. Some continued the fight for independence at the Battle of San Jacinto and afterward remained in the area as citizens pursuing work in farming, medicine, law, politics, and education.