Part of an old map of the San Jacinto area from the Texas Revolution

Veteran Bio

Texian Location:  Harrisburg

The Kemp Sketch

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WOOD, WILLIAM RILEY - The records of the Texas Veterans Association show that Mr. Wood was born in Tennessee in 1820. In Headright Certificate No. 138 issued to him February 3, 1838 for one-third of a league of land by the Board of Land Commissioners for Washington County it is stated that he came to Texas in 1830. He was a member of Captain Joseph B. Chance’s Washington Company, altho on page 42 of the army rolls in the General Land Office his name appears as a member of Captain Peyton R. Splane’s Company, and also as a member of Captain Chance’s company.

On February 14, 1846 Mr. Wood was issued Donation Certificate No. 1240 for 640 acres of land for having been detailed to guard the baggage at the camp opposite Harrisburg, April 21, 1836. On October 28, 1879 he was issued a Veterans Donation for 1280 acres of land. He was living in San Saba County in 1879 when he sold the certificate. He was a member of the Texas Veterans Association.

Written by Louis W. Kemp, between 1930 and 1952. Please note that typographical and factual errors have not been corrected from the original sketches. The biographies have been scanned from the original typescripts, a process that sometimes allows for mistakes in the new text. Researchers should verify the accuracy of the texts' contents through other sources before quoting in publications. Additional information on the veteran may be available in the Herzstein Library.


Battle Statistics

  • Died in Battle: No
  • Rank: Private
  • Company: Capt. Joseph Bell Chance

Personal Statistics

  • Alternate Names: Woods
  • Date of Birth: 1820
  • Birthplace: Tennessee
  • Came to Texas: 1830
  • Comments: May have fought in the U.S.-Mexican War.
  • Donation Certificate: 1240