Bayland Orphanage was established in 1866 by Texas Confederate veterans for children of deceased soldiers and had capacity for 250. Rev. Henry F. Gillette was the first superintendent, and C.S.A. Col. Ashbel Smith, a diplomat, soldier, and statesman, served as staff doctor. Its trustees included leading citizens. Donations from Harris and Galveston counties started the home, and later gifts came from as far away as New Orleans. After the Confederate children grew up, the home and school were opened to others. Bayland was the forerunner of the De Pelchin Faith Home of Houston.