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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SMITH, WILLIAM M. -- Being single Mr. Smith was issued a Headright Certificate for one-third of a league of land early in 1838 by the Board of Land Commissioners for Liberty County. He married and on March 15, 1838 he received an augmentation Headright Certificate for two-thirds of one league and one labor from the Liberty County Board. In the certificate it is stated that he came to Texas in 1831. He was a member of Captain William M. Logan's Company at San Jacinto and on November 20, 1841 was issued Donation Certificate No. 1176 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle. He was issued Bounty Certificate No. 220 for 640 acres of land for having served in the army from May 18 to November 18, 1836. On November 11, 1837 he received Bounty Certificate No. 221 for 480 acres of land for his services in the army from February 10 to November 8, 1837.

Mr. Smith was living at Weiss Bluff, Jasper County December 17, 1858 when he applied for 320 acres due him for having served in the army immediately prior to and after the battle of San Jacinto. The following is from a deposition made by David Choate in his behalf:

"He was in the Service in 1836. I think he joined the army six or eight days before the battle of San Jacinto. So well as I recollect he joined somewhere about Spring Creek at that time known as Kentuck on retreat from Colorado. I do not know for what length of time he joined. I suppose though for three months - he served about three or four weeks. He was in Mr. Logan's Company in the Battle of San Jacinto or in the service of the late Republic. He obtained a furlough immediately or in the course of a week or two after the Battle. Owing to his inability to travel, his furlough was granted by Rusk....."

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: Capt. William M. Logan

Personal Statistics

  • Came to Texas: 1831
  • Donation Certificate: 1176