Veteran Bio

In applying for land in Austin's Colonies, Mr. Hunt stated that he arrived in Texas from Alabama January 1, 1835. In 1838 he received a Headright Certificate for one-third of a league of land from the Washington County Board. On May 22, 1838, he was issued Donation Certificate No. 181 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the Storming and Capture of Bexar December 5 to 10, 1835. He was First Lieutenant in Captain J. B. Chance's Company in 1836. Captain Chance and most of his men remained at the camp opposite Harrisburg, but Mr. Hunt participated in the battle of San Jacinto as a member of Captain William W. Hill's Company. He was issued Bounty Certificate No. 1927 for 320 acres of land January 18, 1838, for having served in the army from March 21 to August 1, 1836.

Following is a copy of a certificate signed by Captain James G. Swisher at Cole's Settlement. The original is in the Archives of the Texas State Library: "John C. Hunt joined the colonial army of Texas as a volunteer on the 8th day of Octr. 1835 -- and on the same day was elected 3rd Lieutenant of the Washington Company -- he filled the office with honor to himself and to the satisfaction of his brother officers & of every member of the company, and is hereby honorably discharged this 22nd December, 1835."

The following is a copy of an order signed by Edwin Morehouse, Lieutenant Colonel of the First Regiment of Volunteers and countersigned by Thomas J. Rusk, Brigadier General, Commanding:

"Head Quarters 1st Aug 1836

"I do hereby certify that Capt. John C. Hunt has given me creditable reference that he did join the army of Texas as a volunteer on the 21st of March Ult. and in the capacity at a private & in the spy com'd. by Col. J. H. Moore and served to the 7th of April, when he was elected 1st Lieutenant in Captain Chance's Company & Served as such to June 21st when he was elected to the Captaincy of one of the companies of the first Regt. 1st Brig. Vol. -- and has faithfully discharged the duties of an officer and soldier to the present date. Wherefore upon his ergent request, I would recommend that he shall be discharged."

Captain Hunt commanded the Third Precinct Militia, District of Bastrop County, in 1839. An Original roll of this company at muster April 13, 1839, is in the possession of Mr. John Campbell Hubbard, a nephew and namesake of Captain Hunt, Weimar, Texas. Captain Jesse Billingsley was enrolled as a private in the company. Captain Hunt was never married. He died at his home at Mount Pleasant, which was situated near the site of the present town of Smithville, Bastrop County, September 17, 1840. His grave in the family cemetery is marked.

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