Veteran Bio
The Kemp Sketch
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REEL, ROBERT J. W. -- On page 81, Book B, list of applicants for land in Austin's Colonies, it is shown that in Mr. Reel's application October 6, 1835 he stated that he was 26 years of age and had arrived in Texas from Alabama in 1833 with his wife and child. On October 21, 1835 he received title to a league of land in Austin's Fifth Colony situated in Washington and Burleson Counties. In Headright Certificate No. 13 issued to him in 1838 by the Brazoria County Board of Land Commissioners for one labor of land, it is simply stated that he came to Texas before May 2, 1835.
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Mr. Reel was a member of Captain William S. Fisher's Company of Velasco Blues at San Jacinto and on June 17, 1839 he was issued Bounty Certificate No. 914 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle.
Mr. Reel in applying to the Commissioner of Claims for the land due him for having served three months in the army submitted the original discharge given him by Captain Fisher. This is found in the Court of Claims files in the General Land Office. It is printed herein in full to show the compiler's authority for referring to Captain Fisher's Company as the Velasco Blues.
"This is to certify that J. W. Reel faithfully performed three months service in the Company of "Velasco Blues" under my command up to the annexed date. That he was engaged in the battle of San Jacinto on the 21st of April ult. That his conduct while in the service entitles him to my warmest approbation as such. He is honorably discharged from the army of Texas.
William S. Fisher, Velasco June 16, 1836
Compy F_____ Regt."
Mr. Reel was issued Bounty Certificate No. 1806 for 320 acres of land November 29, 1854 for having served in the army for a period of three months.
Mr. Reel was sheriff of Brazoria County in 1852. In the Deed Records of that County he and his wife Elizabeth are shown as living in the town of Brazoria as late as June 18, 1859.
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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.
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Battle Statistics
- Died in Battle: No
- Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Company: Capt. William S. Fisher
Personal Statistics
- Alternate Names: Reel, R. J. L.
- Date of Birth: 1809
- Birthplace: Alabama
- Came to Texas: 1833
- Bounty Certificate: 914
- Wife: Elizabeth
- Children: yes
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