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

Veteran Bio

Texian Location:  Participant

The Kemp Sketch

(What is this?) | Download the original typescript

CRUZ, ANTONIO -- Born in Mexico, he came to Texas sometime between May 2, 1835, and March 2, 1836. In the Headright Certificate issued to him March 8, 1838, by the Bexar County Board, for a league and labor of land, it is stated that he came to Texas before March 2, 1836. Had he arrived before May 2, 1835 it would have been so stated in the certificate. He was a member of Captain Juan N. Seguin's Company in 1835 and on July 11, 1838, he was issued Donation Certificate No. 443 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the Storming and Capture of Bexar December 5 to 10, 1835. On May 11, 1838 he received Bounty Certificate No. 3312 for 320 acres of land for having served in the army from November 14 to December 15, 1835. He was a member of Captain Seguin's Company at San Jacinto. The period of his enlistment immediately prior to and after the battle is not of record at the Land Office. He received Bounty Certificate No. 3306 for 1280 acres of land May 11, 1838 for having served in the army from November 5, 1836, to February 20, 1838. He enrolled as First Sergeant in Lieutenant Manuel Flores' Company November 5, 1836.

Mr. Cruz was living in San Antonio May 30, 1848, when he sold his Donation Certificate to William Vance for $100.00. He could not sign his name but affixed his mark to the deeds of transfer.

Mrs. Maria Jesus Pena y Arocha Y Cruz, widow of Mr. Cruz, was living in San Antonio on October 1, 1879, when she received a Veteran's Donation Certificate for 1280 acres of land.



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. Juan N. Seguin

Personal Statistics

  • Birthplace: Mexico
  • Came to Texas: 1835?
  • Other Battles: Bexar
  • Wife: Maria Jesus Pena y Arocha