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

Veteran Bio

Texian Location:  Harrisburg

The Kemp Sketch

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GILLETT, SAMUEL S. - A son of J. and Hanna Gillett. He came to Texas from Missouri in 1827 with his three brothers and sisters. The heirs of J. Gillett were issued title to one league of land in Austin’s second colony, March 27, 1831, situated in the present county of Grimes. In the Spanish Archives in the General Land Office, Austin, it is stated that four children constituted the J. Gillett heirs, but the name of only three were given, Samuel S., Roswell and Catherine Gillett. The mother'’ name was Hanna Gillett, who had died prior to 1827, the year the children came to Texas from Missouri.

Samuel S. Gillett was issued a headright certificate January 25, 1838 for one-third of a league of land by the Board of Land Commissioners for Brazoria County. This was lost and a duplicate was issued June 17, 1876 in which it is not shown when Mr. Gillett came to Texas.

On page 41 of the army rolls in the General Land Office Mr. Gillett, Second Lieutenant of Captain Peyton R. Splane’s company, is listed among those who were detailed to guard the baggage at the camp opposite Harrisburg, April 21, 1836. He, however, on June 4, 1838 was issued Donation Certificate No. 269 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle of San Jacinto. On December 27, 1837 he received Bounty Certificate No. 1338 for 320 acres of land for having served in the army from March 13 to June 13, 1836.

On page ________ of the army rolls in the General Land Office Mr. Gillett is shown as having participated in the siege of Bexar in 1835.

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: Second Lieutenant
  • Company: Capt. Peyton R. Splane

Personal Statistics

  • Origin: Missouri
  • Came to Texas: 1827
  • Other Battles: Bexar
  • Bounty Certificate: 338
  • Donation Certificate: 269