Veteran Bio

Dr. Peebles was married to Mrs. Ann (Calvit) Groce, widow of Jared E. Groce, III.  Mrs. Peebles was born in Washington County, Mississippi, January 4, 1816 and died December 31, 1877.  Dr. Peebles died August 8, 1893.  The two are buried in marked graves in the cemetery in Hampstead, Waller County.

Mrs. Rebecca Peebles Pointer, daughter of Dr. Peebles died in Houston in 1937.

In the Dr. Ashbel Smith papers in the Archives of the Library of the University of Texas the following affidavit signed by Dr. Peebles March 22, 1874 is found:

“Early, in A. D. 1836: At the Town of Washington on Brazos, I joined a Company, of Volunteers, then being Raised, & organized for the Texan Army, by Capt. J. B. Chance of that place.  Major Robt. M. Williamson, assumed the command of this Company, & led us on, until we overtook, the Main Army, under, Gen. Sam Houston. at or near, “Green-Island”.  With that Army, we continued our Movement, some Ten, or Twelve Miles, to a point on “Buffalo Bayou” near the Town of Harrisburg.  Here, we learned that the Mexican Forces, under Gen. Santa Anna, had proceeded, down the Bayou, to its junction, with the Rio-Sanjacinto.  And was there, being considerably reinforced, by other Bodies, of the Mexican Soldiery, for the resubjugation of Texas.  Gen Houston, in Haste, pushed on.  Overtook, & successfully Fought those Forces.  On the 21st Apl. 1836.  To accomplish this Heroic Purpose, with requisite Expedition, he deam’d it necessary, to leave a detachment, of Troops; with such Munitions of War, Camp- Equipment &c, as could be dispensed with; to save Time, Team & Trouble.  And to leave sick, & those otherwise unequal, to the service contemplated, until they could be further cared for.

Quite a number, had been thus disabled, by rapid & extended Marches during, very inclement, weather, &, upon very scanty subsistence stores.   On the Morning of the Move, towards, “San Jacinto,” this writer, made ready, to move, with the, referred to advance Forces.  But was directed, by General Houston himself, to remain, as Physician &c, with the party left, or thus detailed, until further, orders.  I remember, two other physicians in this reserve.  One of whom, on account, of General-Physical-indisposition, was totally until, for Active duty, in his professional line.  The other, was pseudo-cross, of the M. D. & D. D. Callings, or professions.  But he was active, & ever ready, for Employment, or service, in Either, or both capacities.  And, it sometimes happened, that when, through on the 1st named line, of Duty, or Service; the 2nd was a sequence, thereto.  But, I’m almost, sure, he did not charge for both Rendition, under such circumstances, Indeed, he was not, out any moreny, on account, thereof.  His Whole time belonged, to the Government, or to the Army & the Medicines, which he administered, were taken, chiefly,  from the “Army-Supplies” Store.

Soon after our Squad, had rejoined the Army of “San Jacinto;” It occurred to me that I ought to call, upon “Gen. Houston”, (with whom, I was, a little, acquainted,) as, he was reported, to be suffering, greatly, from the Effects of his Glorious-Battle-Wound.  He seemed pleased, to see me; and desired, that I would Examine into, the condition of his wound, as it was then, causing him, much suffering.  This, I did; but, as it seemed, to have been, properly treated; I did not like, to remove the bandages, nor to disturb, the dressings.  Upon the then, indications.  He was quite nervous & somewhat fretful; though not, uncommonly, so.  He  thought, he saw need, for his immediate, personal attention, to public concerns; and his anxiety to be “In season, as well as out of Season”, filled him with engrossing cares, & wasting solicitudes, extremely deleterious, to his Well-Being.  & Unfavorable, to his speedy recovery.  I fortunately, had at hand, a limited supply of the “Opiate Sedatives”, to which, he had long been accustomed.  These, I handed him; & after expressions, of the Hopes I entertained, of his case.  I returned to my Professional vocation, at Washington.  Satisfied in my own mind, that during this brief occasion of usefulness, I had never, designedly, shired, evaded, nor neglected any of the duties properly falling upon me, as a soldier, or a citizen.

On the Compensation Question, it may be proper to state, that I received from Capt. Chance, some time afterwards, my “pro-rata”, of the Cash-fund.  Captured at “San Jacinto”.  (Some $11. I, think)  And, I received, My “Donation”, or “Bounty-Claim”, for land, as did, all, the others. of that Army; who would have, the same; (as I’ve been informed;)  Being 640 acres, of wildland, But, I never received, nor was I ever offered, any pay whatever, for Medicines services, or attentions, rendered, my Sick Wounded, & Suffering comrades; of that, Revolutionary Army.”

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