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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CUMBA, JAMES -- Enlisted in Captain Sidney Sherman's Company in Kentucky, December 18, 1835 and arrived in Texas in January, 1836. On page 14 of the army rolls in the General Land Office it is shown that Mr. Cumba swore allegiance to the government of Texas at Nacogdoches, January 14, 1836. He was a member of Captain William Wood's Company of Kentucky Rifles at San Jacinto, was badly wounded in the engagement. On June 19, 1854 Donation Certificate No. 589 for 640 acres of land was issued in Mr. Cumba's name due him for having participated in the battle. The certificate was delivered to his mother, Mrs. Ann Cumba, heir and administratrix of his estate. Mrs. Cumba was living in Hamilton County, Texas, December 15, 1856 when she sold the certificate to Foster and Tanner.

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
  • Wounded in Battle: Yes
  • Rank: Private
  • Company: Capt. William Wood

Personal Statistics

  • Alternate Names: Cumbo
  • Origin: Kentucky
  • Came to Texas: 1836 Jan
  • Donation Certificate: 589