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

GAFFORD, JOHN--Born in Laurens County, South Carolina in 1799. This is shown on an original muster roll of Captain William W. Hill's Company. He was described as being five feet, ten inches in height; of dark complexion with black hair and black eyes. He came to Texas in 1835 and on September 10 of that year received title to twenty-four labors of land in Robertson's Colony, situated in what are now Milam and Falls Counties. He did not apply for headright land from the Republic.

Mr. Gafford was enlisted by Captain Joseph P. Lynch at the home of Asa Mitchell in what is now Washington County, March 1, 1836. Captain Hill succeeded Captain Lynch in command of the company March 11th. Later in 1836 Mr. Gafford commanded a company.

Captain Gafford died in Bell County. His heirs on November 30, 1853 were issued Donation Certificate No. 534 for 640 acres of land due Captain Gafford for having participated in the Battle of San Jacinto. On November 20, 1853 they received Bounty Certificate No. 1420 for his services in the army from March 1 to May 30, 1836. These heirs were Martha, John C., and Erwin Gafford, all of Bell County. On February 17, 1854 the heirs, then all living in Milam County, deeded 640 acres of land in Bell Coimty to W.S.G. Wilson.



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: Lieut. Robert Stevenson

Personal Statistics

  • Date of Birth: 1799
  • Birthplace: South Carolina, Laurens County
  • Came to Texas: 1835
  • Bounty Certificate: 1420
  • Donation Certificate: 534
  • Wife: Martha Gafford?
  • Children: Martha Gafford ? ; John C. Gafford; Erwin Gafford