Veteran Bio

John T. Smith arrived at Velasco, January 28, 1836 on the schooner Pennsylvania, having been recruited for the army of Texas in the United States by Captain Amasa Turner. He was a member of Captain Turner's Company at San Jacinto. In Comptroller's Military Service Record No. 2947 it is stated that Mr. Smith, a member of Company A, 1st Regiment of Infantry, enlisted February 13, 1836 and served to June 30, 1837. He was issued Bounty Certificate No. 3064 April 22, 1838 for 1280 acres of land for having served in the army from February 13, 1836 to October 4, 1837. On June 30, 1837 he was a member of Company A, First Regiment Infantry commanded by Captain John Smith since June 21, 1836.

Mr. Smith probably left Texas shortly after being discharged from the army. This is indicated by the fact that he did not apply for a Donation Certificate for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle of San Jacinto. Donation certificates were non-transferable and many of those who did not intend to settle in Texas did not apply for such certificates.

Mr. Smith assigned his rights to one-third of a league of land to John Belden. W. E. Millen and W. W. Summers appeared before the Board of Land Commissioners of Harrisburg County, February 8, 1838 and both testified that Mr. Smith had enlisted in the army at Velasco in February, 1836. (Page 11, Lost (Headright) Book of Harris County) The Certificate was issued in the name of John Smith.

The Deed Records of Gonzales County show that Mr. Smith was living in Caldwell County, November 2, 1866 when he sold Bounty Certificate No. 2936 to Fredrick C. White.

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