Veteran Bio

In the Headright Certificate issued to him January 25, 1838 by the Brazoria County Board for one-third of a league of land it is stated that he came to Texas in 1829. In Service Record No. 529 it is stated that he served in the army from March 1 to May 29, 1836. He was a member of Captain William H. Patton's Company at San Jacinto and on July 11, 1846 was issued Donation Certificate No. 37 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle of San Jacinto.

Mr. Darst, in Fort Bend County, July 20, 1846, was married to Eliza Scott, daughter of Jane Scott. The marriage proved unfortunate and a divorce followed. Mrs. Darst took back her original name, Eliza Scott, and under that name was married to Thomas Kemp at Houston, September 18, 1851. Thomas Kemp was with Fannin and was among the few who were led out to be shot March 27, 1836, but managed to escape. He rejoined the army and was detailed to guard the baggage at Harrisburg April 21, 1836.

Mr. Darst was married to Margaret E. Hodge on December 5, 1851. They moved to Gonzales County and there Mr. Darst died in 1856. His widow was appointed administratrix of his estate.

DARST, RICHARD -- the following letter, a copy of which was furnished the compiler by Mr. Homer Darst of Richmond, was written by D. S. H. Darst, Gonzales in July, 1901 to Mr. L. G. Lum, Richmond:

"Dear Friend.

Yours of the 25th recd&c In reply I know Uncle Abrams from only in 1831 until about Feby 1833. There was Uncle Abram his second wife and ten children. By the first wife 5 children Lorena, afterwards Mrs. Damon, Edmund, Emory, Patric & John. By second wife 5 Richard, Abram, Jesse, Rozetta & Araminta. I saw the family no more till about July 1836 except Edmund & Emory in the army at San Antonio in winter 1835. During 1833 we had Cholera through this country I was told that Abram Jesse & Minta died of Cholera I do not know where uncle abram died nor Patric. When I was with them again: all I remember was Lorena, Edmund, Emory & John of the first family and Rosetta and their mother of the second family. After Uncle Abrams death the land was divided giving each living child its portion giving the mother 600 acres which was sold after her death by Richard & Rosetta her only living children. I doubt the legality of that partition because under out laws the widow was entitled to half unless she chose to take a childs part which she would not have don she having lost her mind. I think Rosetta died leaving no bodily heirs. Richard married some where about Wharton they had one child Albert and separated Richard afterwards married a Miss Hodges they had children, girls. He died near Peach Creek just beyond where Dilworth station now is on Aransas RRI was with him when he died and saw him buried, his family was himself & wife Albert by his first wife and two girls by second wife she married George Blair, Blair died & she moved down on the Chietele there was no other children. There never was a Rufus Darst or and other I suppose that Josephene Doolittle & Mary A Parr are the two little girls.

I should think that cousin Mary would remember a good deal about the family as she was raised only a few miles. I know nothing more that I think would be of any benifit.

If there is any think more let me know and I will be glad to give you any information I can.

Albert Darst, Josephene Doolittle & Mary A. Parr (if they are the children I know) are all the children Richard left. Edmund and Patric were never married John Darst married ad left tow or three girls, no boys. So you see that Rufus & _______ Darst are a mith.

Yours in Truth."

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