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

Veteran Bio

Texian Location:  Participant

The Kemp Sketch

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HENDERSON, FRANCIS K. -- Born in Henderson, Knox County, Illinois, in 1814, as is shown in an original roll of Captain William W. Hill's company at muster April 11, 1836. He is shown as having been enlisted by Captain Philip Coe March 1, 1836 and was described as follows: 5 feet, 9 inches in height; of dark complexion, with dark eyes and black hair. He was a farmer. It is shown on the roll that John Henderson, his older brother, was also a member of Captain Hill's company, but was on furlough at the time of the battle of San Jacinto. Mr. John Henderson was living in Bell County in 1883.

In Service Record No. 899 it is shown that Mr. Henderson served in the army from March 1 to May 30, 1836, and was allowed eight days' time in which to return home. Donation Certificate No 642 for 640 acres of land was issued to him November 28, 1838 for having participated in the battle of San Jacinto. In the Headright Certificate issued to him January 13, 1838 by the Washington County Board for a league and labor of land it is certified that he arrived in Texas prior to May 2, 1835.

Mr. Henderson was living in Limestone County April 9, 1854, when he sold his Donation Certificate to Iredell Reding for $640.00. He was guardian of the minor heirs of Elizabeth Henderson, deceased, in 1852, in Limestone County. The children were Hugh W., John M., William F., Thomas L., and Sarah A. Henderson.



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: Lieut. Robert Stevenson

Personal Statistics

  • Date of Birth: 1814
  • Birthplace: Illinois, Knox County, Henderson
  • Came to Texas: Prior to May 2, 1835
  • Donation Certificate: 642
  • Profession: Farmer