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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BAILEY, HOWARD W. -- In the Headright Certificate issued to Mr. Bailey February 1, 1838, for one-third of a league of land by the Nacogdoches Board of Land Commissioners it is stated that he had arrived in Texas in March, 1834. He was issued Donation Certificate No. 365 for 320 acres of land, November 16, 1837, for having served in the army from March 8 to May 13, 1836. He was living in Nacogdoches County November 11, 1845, when he sold the certificate to H. H. Edwards for $35.00. He was a member of Captain Hayden Arnold's Company at San Jacinto but did not apply for the 640 acres of land due him for having participated in the battle.

The following information concerning Mr. Bailey is contained in Comptroller's Military Service Record No. 4686. He enlisted at Nacogdoches, March 8, 1836, On April 8, he, with Thomas D. Brooks, Stephen F, Sparks, Henry Chapman, and Henry M. Brewer, while at Harrisburg, were ordered by David Thomas, acting Secretary of War, to report to the main army. He reached the army March 12, 1836, and was assigned to Captain Hayden Arnold's Nacogdoches Company.

In the Deed Records of Nacogdoches County, Book K, page 438, Mr. Bailey is shown as living in Nacogdoches County, August 30, 1851.

There was a Howard Bailey who served in the Mexican War as a private in Captain James Gillaspie's Company, First Regiment of Mounted Texas Riflemen Volunteers, commanded by Colonel John C. Hays. He served from June 9 to October 7, 1846.

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. Hayden S. Arnold

Personal Statistics

  • Came to Texas: 1834 Mar
  • Comments: May have fought in the Mexican War.
  • Donation Certificate: 365