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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TAYLOR, JOSIAH – Born __________ in ___________ County, __________ and came to Texas in ______. He was issued a headright certificate for one-third of a league of land in 1838 by the Victoria County Board. He was a member of Captain Gibson Kuykendall’s company and his name appears on the roll in the General Land Office, Austin, of those detailed to guard the baggage at the camp opposite Harrisburg, April 21, 1836. He was issued Donation Certificate No. 180 for 640 acres of land, December 21, 1849 for having participated in the battle of San Jacinto. It was not unusual for a soldier left at camp to receive a San Jacinto donation certificate.

On May 8, 1836 Mr. Taylor enlisted in Captain E. L. R. Wheelock’s ranger Company in Robertson County. In 1842 he served under Captain John C. Hays at the battle of Salado Creek in Bexar County.

Mr. Taylor was living in Milam County, December 21, 1849 when he sold his donation certificate to John Potter and Robert Childers for $150.00. The deed records of Robertson County show him living in Brazos County, October 13, 1854.

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. Gibson Kuykendall

Personal Statistics

    • Donation Certificate: 180